In honor of my dear mother, whose birthday is today (she would have been 102 today), and our dear Mother in Heaven, I designed this Novena Prayer Cord to pray for Ukraine today. Do you like it?
For each “Novena Prayer Cord” sold, I am donating $5.00 to help Ukraine. The money goes directly to help those most in need.
Once again, I have used 9 beads to symbolize a novena of prayer (as I have in my 2 previous “Pray for Ukraine” Novena Prayer Cords). This special cord bears an Immaculate Heart of Mary medal as well as a St. Benedict Crucifix. The colors are reminiscent of the Ukrainian flag. One can pray any prayer 9 times (for a novena). I recommend praying to Mary by praying 9 Memorares in a row each time the Novena Prayer Cord is used.
Memorare Prayer
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
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NEW COLOR! As I mentioned the other day, I have designed a “Pray for Ukraine Novena Prayer Cord.” I have used beads in the colors of the Ukraine flag, a St. Benedict Crucifix, a St. Michael medal, and pretty silver plated components to be used to pray a novena of prayer for Ukriane. The nine beads represent a Novena of prayer. The novena can be continual. You can use whatever prayer you would like to pray on the 9 beads. I recommend praying the St. Michael prayer.
This Novena Prayer Cord will come to you with a St. Michael prayer card and a velvet gift bag. Saint Michael is the Patron Saint for Kyiv, which is the capital of Ukraine. Get the Novena Prayer Cord blessed by a priest or deacon and it will become a powerful sacramental.
The Novena Prayer Cord will also be a prayerful reminder to pray for those in need. Five dollars from every Ukraine Novena Prayer Cord sold will be donated directly to efforts to help those most in need in Ukraine and to those who have fled.
Saint Michael Prayer
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
To receive 1 “Pray for Ukraine Novena Prayer Cord” by First Class Mail (in the U.S.), please use the payment button below:
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I have designed a “Pray for Ukraine Novena Prayer Cord,” using beads in the colors of the Ukraine flag, a St. Benedict Crucifix, a St. Michael medal, and pretty silver plated components to be used to pray a novena of prayer for Ukriane. The nine beads represent a Novena of prayer. The novena can be continual. You can use whatever prayer you would like to pray on the 9 beads. I recommend praying the St. Michael prayer.
This Novena Prayer Cord will come to you with a St. Michael prayer card and a velvet gift bag. Saint Michael is the Patron Saint for Kyiv, which is the capital of Ukraine. Get the Novena Prayer Cord blessed by a priest or deacon and it will become a powerful sacramental.
The Novena Prayer Cord will also be a prayerful reminder to pray for those in need. Five dollars from every Ukraine Novena Prayer Cord sold will be donated directly to efforts to help those most in need in Ukraine and to those who have fled.
Saint Michael Prayer
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
To receive 1 “Pray for Ukraine Novena Prayer Cord” by First Class Mail (in the U.S.), please use the payment button below:
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I recently presented a talk at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Jackson, Michigan. It is such a lovely church dedicated to the Queen of the Miraculous Medal. I felt very blessed to be there.
The presentation was live-streamed, so you can see it now even if you missed it the night of March 13. Unfortunately, due to a slight technical glitch, the first 5 or 6 minutes did not stream and was not video-taped. However, I do have an audio of the talk and you can listen to the first part of the audio and then you can watch the video (in the link below the audio). How’s that for “jerry-rigging”?
(just a screen shot of the video)
I suggest listening to this very short beginning of the presentation which includes some important information. You can listen by clicking below.
Click above to listen to the short audio which leads into the video in the link below.
You can see the video-taped presentation by clicking here. I hope that you enjoy the teachings about the Miraculous Medal and St. Catherine Laboure.
Coming up on Saturday, March 19, St. Joseph’s feast day is the Dynamic Women of Faith Women’s Conference. It is being held virtually. You can see additional information here to learn more and to register. I have spoken in-person at one of the Women’s Conferences and also spoke virtually during the pandemic.
Standing with some of the beautiful moms and babies (born and unborn!) at the Dynamic Women of Faith Conference.
The founder of “Dynamic Women of Faith,” Dorothy Pilarski of Toronto, Canada took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions from me.
Donna-Marie: You have been doing this for sometime now, Dorothy. Why are you passionate about putting on these types of events?
Dorothy Pilarski: Donna-Marie, the reason I am so passionate about putting on these types of events is quite simply, because it changes lives. I remember the year my now husband proposed to me after a talk by Kimberly Hahn, at a Defending the Faith conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. It was a life changing and riveting experience. At that same conference I heard Dr. Alice von Hildebrand speak. Although I was raised a Catholic, (born in Poland on the same day May 18 as St. John Paul 11), I had never met women that were so rooted in their faith and spoke about it so articulately.
After attending that conference, I thought, Surely there have to be women like that in my own community! I set out to find them. Over the years, that process involved hosting Catholic events, starting http://www.DynamicWomenFaith.com and www.CatholicMomsGroup.com. Catholic women need to hear testimonies and learn about their Catholic faith. Our ministry is faith partners with the Archdiocese of Toronto under the pastoral care of His Eminence Cardinal Collins.
After years of hosting events for women, moms started approaching us saying that their daughters needed to hear these speakers, and so we introduced Calling ALL Girls. It’s been a very popular mother-daughter event. These events have also helped our ministry find Catholic Moms Group Leaders. It’s all been very exciting.
Donna-Marie: How long have you been doing this?
Dorothy: I have been hosting Catholic Moms Groups for over 25 years! Our partnership with the Archdiocese of Toronto is in our seventh year. The Dynamic Women of Faith conference is in it’s 13th year! We have ministered to thousands of women. At each of our live conferences we have given each participant a Miraculous Medal. We now have a membership community and training available for moms who want to start a Catholic Moms Group at their parish.
Donna-Marie: What have you observed in the people who attend and what have they said to you or to others?
Dorothy: Donna-Marie, you have spoken at our Dynamic Women of Faith conference. I just can’t wait to hear your talk this year!
We are thrilled to have you back a second time. You’ve also been on Midday Moms, our outreach to Catholic Moms during the pandemic. I have been a big fan of yours reading at least a dozen of your books. You see how these events and books change lives, as do the Miraculous Medals. Working in hosting these events is like planting seeds. Exposing women, like in my own case, who might have been cultural Catholics and showing them that there is more!
Donna-Marie: Yes, for sure these events are life-transforming as are the blessed sacramentals. Thank you very much for your kind words about my books and speaking, Dorothy. I am very much looking forward to speaking at this event. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your family and all those who will attend the events and all whom are touched by the ministry. God bless you!
Dorothy has graciously provided this link below to view our video chat “Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart” during her “Midday Moms” program during the pandemic. I hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to see it.
Dorothy Pilarski hopes you will register and be blessed by this amazing conference! I hope you’ll check it out. It’s reasonably priced and conveniently virtual.
Have you prayed the Saint Andrew Christmas novena? I have designed this prayer cord which contains 15 white “Pearl” beads capped with decorative silver plated components and on one end — a lovely silver Saint Benedict crucifix (measuring approximately 1 1/2 inches long) and on the other end — a Holy Family (Nativity scene) Medal. It measures approximately 11 1/2 inches long. Using a prayer cord such as this will help us keep count of our Novena prayers.
This prayer cord or chaplet comes in a red velvet gift bag along with with a beautiful Holy Family prayer card with the novena prayer on the reverse side. I will post it today for purchase on my website. What do you think? Would you use one yourself? Would you get one and tuck it away for next Advent season? Would you pray this novena prayer at any other time of the year?
According to the EWTN website:
“Beginning on St. Andrew the Apostle’s feast day, November 30, the following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming.”
The prayer: Hail and blessed be the hour and moment In which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request]through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.
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I presented a Divine Mercy Women’s Retreat Day at St. John the Evangelist parish in Agawam, Mass. last October. I gave two talks on Divine Mercy in a woman’s life with St. Faustina as our guide and conducted a workshop in which the women could share of their hearts — their struggles and joys, and how they have navigated various issues, to whom they looked to and for whom they spiritually mother — and just so much more.
It was so wonderful to spend precious time with the women gathered there. Springfield Diocese’s “Real to Reel” television show interviewed me and some of the beautiful women who attended the event. You can see the interview below.
Click on the video below to watch
Watch the entire show or scroll to the timer at the 11:52 point and it will end at about 19:30.
Brand NEW creation! I designed this with Benedictine Monks in mind — two Monks in particular. The two Benedictine friends have prayed for me and for the ministry. I wanted to make something special for them for Christmas. I thought they could keep the chaplet of beads, or “prayer cord” in their pockets as a protection and a reminder of prayer. After it is blessed, it becomes a sacramental.
I decided to make more of them and make them available for you for purchase. Though I made them for my Benedictine friends, this prayer cord is appropriate for anyone (male, female, Religious or layperson). Saint Benedict is beloved among many and he is known for his powerful protection.
When a St. Benedict medal or crucifix is blessed with the FULL exorcism blessing, it becomes a powerful “weapon” against evil. While my supplies last, I’ll include a leaflet with the full description of the St. Benedict medal and background on St. Benedict.
In addition, I will include a copy of the exorcism blessing for the medals, which can be carried out by a Catholic priest or deacon.
The St. Benedict Crucifix and the lovely and sturdy St. Benedict Cross, both measure about one and a half inches long. The cord measures approximately 10 and a half inches long and is made out of brown and white swirled glass beads and silver plated components and end caps on the beads. A decade of prayer can be prayed on the cord, or the entire Rosary, praying one decade at a time. In addition, one can pray a novena of prayer and an extra prayer on the 10th bead in thanksgiving (like Mother Teresa has done).
What do you think? You can comment below if you’d like.
It comes in a velvet gift bag and sells for $35.99 plus shipping. Or, two for $66.99! I will include a leaflet about the St. Benedict medal. I will also include the blessing formula for a priest or deacon to use to bless your prayer cord.
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Have you ever seen my “Birds of the Air” creation? It’s a special Novena prayer bracelet to remind us of God‘s loving providence (Matthew 6:26).
“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
By the way, the little picture of the bird on the clothesline with the patchwork quilt (on the card) is actually my painting ☺️. This photo shows the front and back of the prayer card that comes with the bracelet which comes in a gift box. The little “faith“ charm on the bracelet is actually a silver color. In this picture, due to the lighting, it looks a bit different.
It comes in a gift box with the prayer card and sells for $42.99 plus shipping. Or, two for $79.99!
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To learn more about Mary’s life and to emulate her virtues, we can reflect on her life through meditating upon her 7 sorrows. Have you heard of the Seven Sorrows of Mary? In the 14th century, the Blessed Mother revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden seven promises and graces to those who prayed seven Hail Marys while meditating on the seven sorrowful events of her life.
I like to pray the seven Hail Mary’s each morning while meditating upon Mary’s Seven Sorrows. I wholeheartedly believe it’s a wonderful devotion and can help us to come closer to Mary and Jesus.
I have created this prayer cord which comes in a red velvet gift bag with a card that lists the sorrows and graces on the back. When I get the chance, I’ll come back here and list them in this blog post too.
The cord is made with love and prayer using my very strong bracelet wire, 7 red glass beads and silver plated components. The medal is a bit larger than standard medals and is carved with a lovely image of Sorrowful Mary. On the back side is the Crucifixion scene. Made in Italy. The St. Benedict Crucifix already bears a full exorcism blessing that I had put on it.
I have made a 7 Sorrows of Mary cord with knotted leather, with the men in mind. But it is suitable for women too. I make it with red leather cord (even though it might be shown in the picture as another color). You can see it here.
This meaningful cord sells for $35.99 plus shipping. Or, two for $66.99!
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Brand new! New inspiration! A Saint Joseph the Worker prayer cord specifically created with men in mind. However, it’s also suitable for women as well. For yourself or for gift giving. It has 10 knots on a leather cord. You can keep it in your pocket or purse. It could be a comfort in times of stress by simply holding it. After it is blessed, it will become a sacramental. The Saint Benedict Crucifix has been blessed already with the full exorcism blessing. It is created as a prayer cord on which one can pray on the 10 knots. One can pray a Novena using this prayer cord. The tenth knot can be used to pray a prayer of thanksgiving. It measures approximately 12 and a half inches long and comes with a red velvet bag and prayer card.
It sells for $18.95 plus shipping. Or, two for $34.95!
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Brand new! New inspiration! A Divine Mercy prayer cord specifically created with men in mind. However, it’s also suitable for women as well. For yourself or for gift giving. It consists of 10 knots on a leather cord with lovely intricately designed medals. You can keep it in your pocket or purse. It can be a comfort to you in times of stress by simply holding it. After it is blessed, it will become a sacramental. The Saint Benedict Crucifix has been blessed already with the full exorcism blessing. It is created as a prayer cord on which you can pray the Divine Mercy chaplet on the 10 knots. One can pray the five decades on the Divine Mercy chaplet using this prayer cord. It comes with a red velvet bag and prayer cards.
It sells for $18.95 plus shipping. Or, two for $34.95!
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I just designed this prayer cord with men in mind. Certainly, woman can use it too.
Brand new! New inspiration! A Seven Sorrows of Mary prayer cord specifically created with men in mind. However, it’s also suitable for women as well. For yourself or for gift giving. It consists of 7 knots on a leather cord. You can keep it in your pocket or purse. It could be a comfort in times of stress by simply holding it. After it is blessed, it is a sacramental. Note the gorgeous intricate detail on the Seven Sorrows/Ecce Homo medal and Crucifix.The Saint Benedict Crucifix has been blessed already with the full exorcism blessing. It is created as a prayer cord on which you can pray the Seven Sorrows of Mary Devotion on the 7 knots. Available in the color red as well. The reverse side of the medal shows the Holy Face of Jesus (Ecce Homo). It comes with a red velvet bag and prayer cards.
It sells for $18.95 plus shipping. Or, two for $34.95!
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I was inspired to create this prayer cord because a very dear friend of mine, who is dying asked me to make a cord of prayer beads for her. She loves the Mother Teresa Emergency Novena Prayer Bracelet that I had sent to her. However, she just recently desired a cord of beads, as well.
As I was making it for my special friend, I decided that I should make more of them so that it will be available for others who would like to purchase it for themselves or for loved ones. It’s a tangible item that becomes a sacramental after it is blessed. It can bring comfort to those who desire to pray earnestly for urgent matters in their own lives, their family’s life, or for some other reason. It has a very nice feel to it and you can keep it in your pocket, purse, back pack, or on your night table.
The crucifix I have used has a St. Benedict medal as part of it. So, I have had the crucifixes blessed with a full exorcism blessing. This Mother Teresa “Emergency” Novena Prayer Cord is suitable for anyone, but I think especially for women because of the feminine design. I have another design in mind that will be less flowery and I hope to make it soon.
Don’t worry with regard to the men! I just designed two other kinds of Novena Prayer Cords for men, but with St. Joseph the Worker as the theme. I’ll post it very soon!
This special Novena Prayer Cord measures approximately 10 1/4 inches in length. I recommend getting it blessed by a priest or a deacon after receiving it. It will still retain the special exorcism blessing already on the crucifix (which is my gift to you).
Comes with lovely velvet bag and prayer card
Memorare prayer on back of card.
It sells for $35.99 plus shipping. Or, two for $66.99!
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For Catholics, November is a special month set aside to pray for souls. There are souls waiting in Purgatory to be purified so that they can enter Heaven.
I am proposing that every Catholic family adopt a soul.Especially, a forgotten soul. In addition to praying for all souls, they can pray and ask God to use their prayers for a particular soul who is forgotten. They can make efforts to pray extra for that forgotten soul. They might even have a Mass said for that special person. Imagine the graces abounding!
Catholic families can visit cemeteries throughout the month of November and hopefully, at other times too. It’s a wonderful example for the children when parents and grandparents teach them to give of themselves by making efforts to pray for those in need. And indeed, the souls in Purgatory are in need of our prayers. Try to pray an extra Divine Mercy Chaplet each day for the forgotten souls. We can also offer up little aspirations throughout the day for the holy souls in Purgatory.
If you would like to take a picture of yourself (selfie) or of your family in a cemetery, or praying at church or in your own domestic church, please do and post it on my Facebook page along with the hash tag: #adoptaforgottensoul Possibly, we will raise awareness of the plight of the holy souls in Purgatory.
I recently wrote a blog post about the holy souls which you can see here.
Please consider adopting a Forgotten Soul. That soul will surely remember you and pray for you! God bless you!
The month of November for Catholics is supposed to be a time to prayerfully remember the holy souls in Purgatory. These souls in Purgatory are being purified to be able to get to Heaven. Their sins were forgiven before they had died, but they had not yet done penance for their sins. After we die, we can no longer pray for ourselves. The souls in Purgatory rely on, and earnestly hope for our prayers.
On the feast of All Souls, the other day, I visited a local cemetery to pray for the holy souls. It was a grey chilly day. I parked my car and got out and made my way around the cemetery, praying and observing the many grave sites. I saw some graves of little babes, just one or a few days old and laid to rest by their loving families. I saw many very simple graves and countless ornate ones too. Each person has a story. Every person is loved by God. These souls have finished their pilgrimage on earth and many are awaiting the everlasting happiness of Heaven. We need to pray for them.
Saint Faustina’s mission to save souls
In addition to her great mission to propagate the message of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina Kowalska, a great mystic of the twentieth century had a mission to save souls. In her Diary, the young Sister Faustina recounted a profound experience she had very soon after entering Religious life which touched her to the core of her being. She had asked Jesus for whom she should pray. Our Lord told her that He would tell her on the following night. Below, you’ll see this explained in the excerpt from my book and also from the Diary.
Our friend Saint Faustina earnestly prayed for souls. Souls even visited her to ask for her fervent prayers. Often, the humble mystic knew when someone was dying and she prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet for them. All throughout her Diary, we can learn about her many encounters with the souls in need of prayer.
Purgatory: a place of suffering and transformation
Helen was very familiar with interior suffering, but now in the convent, she would also taste the cup of physical suffering. At times, she felt deeply tormented mentally and spiritually over the humiliations and pain that she experienced at the hands of some of the sisters and her superiors. The pain from these interior torments sometimes caused her to suffer physically. As Helen matured in the spiritual life, she realized the great power in redemptive suffering — in offering her suffering to God and asking Him to use it for His glory. She would later write, “Suffering is a great grace; through suffering the soul becomes like the Savior; in suffering love becomes crystalized; the greater the suffering, the purer the love” (Diary, 57). She also learned she could suffer her Purgatory while on earth, and that she should work hard to help free souls from Purgatory.
A few weeks after Helen went through the interior trial of feeling tempted to leave the congregation, she became physically rundown due to a variety of things, including spiritual conflicts that weighed upon her. When Helen was at the point of exhaustion, her superior decided to send her to Skolimow, near Warsaw, to the congregation’s rented summer country home. The home was used for the sisters living in Warsaw and the girls in their charge. There, Helen would get a much-needed rest, doing only the light work of cooking for the other sisters and looking after one convalescing nun.
In Skolimow, this young postulant experienced an incredibly profound mystical vision that involved her guardian angel. Helen had asked Jesus for whom she should pray. Jesus said He would reveal it on the following night. Helen was shown the souls in Purgatory. Her guardian angel appeared and instructed her to follow him. “In a moment I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls” (Diary, 20). Later, she explained her visit to Purgatory. Though she observed the souls praying fervently, Helen was made to know that their prayers could not be of any use for themselves. They needed prayers from others to aid them. Helen asked the souls what was their greatest torment. It was their longing for God. The souls were assured that they would indeed be with God in Heaven in eternal happiness, but first, they needed to be purified.
Helen also observed that the Blessed Mother, called the “Star of the Sea” by the Holy Souls, visited them and brought them “refreshment.” No doubt Mother Mary brought great hope and comfort to the souls. Her guardian angel escorted her out of Purgatory, and she heard an interior voice, “My Mercy does not want this but justice demands it” (Diary, 20). Helen was deeply impacted by this visit, and afterwards prayed earnestly for souls. Some souls would actually visit her, seeking prayers. We will discuss this more later on …
Here’s how St. Faustina penned the experience in her Diary:
“I saw my Guardian Angel, who ordered me to follow him. In a moment I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls. They were praying fervently, but to no avail, for themselves; only we can come to their aid. The flames which were burning them did not touch me at all. My Guardian Angel did not leave me for an instant. I asked these souls what their greatest suffering was. They answered me in one voice that their greatest torment was longing for God. I saw Our Lady visiting the souls in Purgatory. The souls call her ‘The Star of the Sea.’ She brings them refreshment. I wanted to talk with them some more, but my Guardian Angel beckoned me to leave. We went out of that prison of suffering. [I heard an interior voice] which said, ‘My mercy does not want this, but justice demands it.’ Since that time, I am in closer communion with the suffering souls (Diary, 20).”
Praying for the holy souls
With regard to praying for the souls in Purgatory in this month of November, Marian Father, Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC suggested, to “pay attention to what’s going on in nature, and let that consideration move your thoughts to the suffering of the souls in purgatory.”
“In other words,” he added, “as November progresses and the days become shorter and colder, as the landscape becomes barren and desolate, we can allow the somber atmosphere to gather our minds and hearts to focus on the suffering of the souls in purgatory. They also experience a kind of dark-cold barrenness and desolation that far surpasses what we endure on earth, and we should try to be mindful of their plight.”
Saint Faustina loved the holy souls so much that she asked the Lord for three special requests on the very profound day of her perpetual vows. She said, “Jesus, I know that today You will refuse me nothing.” She made her first two requests and then for her third request she said: “Jesus, I plead with You for the souls that are most in need of prayer. I plead for the dying; be merciful to them. I also beg You, Jesus, to free all souls from PURGATORY.”
I paused right there
A few days ago on the feast of All Souls, as I was meandering through the cemetery, praying for the holy souls, I came across this blank headstone. I couldn’t find a name on it anywhere. I paused and prayed right there for that person. Though, I do not know their name or anything about them, I will continue to pray for that special soul and all of the souls in Purgatory.
Please remember the holy souls in Purgatory. Try to get into a prayerful habit of praying for them in the morning and in the evening. Visit cemeteries, especially in the month of November to pray for the holy souls.
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, please help them and help us. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
[Since writing this blog post, I have since written another. It’s about adopting a Forgotten Soul and you can see it here.]
I was blessed to sit down with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers through the airwaves on his show “Walk by Faith Wednesday Webinars with Deacon Harold” to discuss the very holy season of Advent. Since Advent is just 3 weeks away, it’s wise to begin to think about our plans and put them into place to make a holy Advent journey. I hope you like our discussion and I encourage you to share this blog post with your friends and family members who might be interested.
I was blessed to chat with my good friend Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers (https://www.deaconharold.com/) on his show: “Walk by Faith Wednesday Webinars with Deacon Harold.” We discussed Our Lady of Fatima and Her important messages and my book, Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions. Providentially, we discussed this on the anniversary of the “Great Miracle of the Sun” at Fatima. I hope you enjoy our visit! Please pass it along to your family and friends and please click “thumbs up” on the Youtube channel if you like it.
Domestic Church House Warming, Wedding, Shower, or Baptism Gift
Additional versions coming soon!
Whether this gift is for yourself and your own family or for gifting to a family at a marriage, at the Baptism of their child, a wedding or baby shower, when moving into a new home, or at any other time — it is a beautiful blessing to have special holy items in the Catholic home.
This gift includes blessed sacramentals (“visible forms of invisible grace,” shared Augustine of Hippo in the fourth century) for spiritual protection of the family and home, as well as books (and possibly a DVD) to thoroughly nourish the family and teach the Catholic Faith.
The 100% beeswax candle should be blessed and used in the home during special occasions and even in times of storm or unrest. Bring the candle to a Catholic priest or Deacon and ask for a blessing upon it.
The Holy Water bottles should be filled with blessed Holy Water from church and kept on hand at all times in the Catholic home for purposes of blessing people and things. It’s a very good prayerful habit to bless one another with Holy Water in the form of a cross on the forehead in the morning and evening, and before leaving the home. Blessed Holy Water is a sacramental and a form of spiritual protection and reminds us of our Baptism.
The Holy Water font can be hung by the front door and should contain blessed Holy Water to be used upon entering and leaving the home, or at any other time. Its can also be hung in a bedroom or any other place in the home.
FREE: gift to you from Donna-Marie —The blessed St. Benedict medals (already have been blessed with a full exorcism blessing) and can be placed at the 4 corners of the home for spiritual protection.
FREE: gift to you from Donna-Marie —The jar of Blessed Salt (already blessed with the full exorcism blessing) should be used (sprinkled) any time and anywhere spiritual protection is desired. The formula for the blessing of salt (on page 3 and 4) can be taken to a Catholic priest or Deacon, along with a supply of clean fresh salt. You can request that your new salt be blessed. You can then use that clean salt in recipes, in salt shakers at the table, (even put a couple granules on your tongue) and also to sprinkle (in homes, cars, hotels, etc.), anywhere you’d like spiritual protection. It is not a superstition to used blessed salt and it should not be used in a superstitious way. Blessed salt is a sacramentals of our Catholic Church. Salt is mentioned in the Bible and Jesus mentions salt. Using sacramentals requires faith in God.
The books: Feeding Your Family’s Soul: Dinner Table Spirituality and Reclaiming Sundays, both written by noted author, speaker, and television host Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, will help equip parents, grandparents, and caregivers with the Catholic tools to teach the Faith and to reclaim their family Sundays. Donna-Marie knows that families are very busy and gives them sure ways to slow-down to make time for family togetherness, learning the Faith, to pray and carry out works of mercy.
Donna-Marie has it all mapped out in the books and encourages parents, grandparent, and caregivers to seize opportunities to give 10 to 15 minute faith lessons right at the dinner table, or wherever and whenever it works for the family. The author also gives ways in which to carry out the lesson’s theme throughout the weeks.
The DVD: Feeding Your Family’s Soul: Simple Lessons for a Faith-Filled Home(if included in this gift set) offers 7 inspiring lessons in practical and meaningful ways. With compassion, humor, and encouragement, along with striking imagery, Donna-Marie empowers parents to reclaim their role as the primary catechists to their children.
You can learn more about Donna-Marie’s books, work, and ministry by visiting her website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
(Ephesians 6: 10-11)
Order here for a version without the DVD
The version without the DVD but everything else (not shown above) is $49.00 (plus shipping)
Order here for version WITH the DVD
More than a $100.00 value, but on sale for $87.95 plus shipping (within the USA) Use the “Add to Cart” button below.
More versions of the Domestic Church Gift Set will be coming soon.
They will include various other books and a choice of other DVD’s.
“Sweetie, I’m proud of you, but you’re going to have to start drinking coffee again.” These were the endearing words of a devoted husband and father one Saturday morning as he came to a realistic conclusion. His dear wife had given up coffee that week as a form of penance. Despite her best efforts, by the end of the week, the whole family was thoroughly convinced that this loving mom absolutely needed her coffee!
She admits that she got just a bit cranky. Can we blame her? Her young toddler was cutting 4 molars at once and this exhausted mom was trying her very best to cope without sleep and without coffee!
“Moms and mortifications,” as our title points out. Yet, can we actually say both in one sentence? Can busy Moms who are striving for holiness actually carry out mortifications or offer penances? It’s important to ponder.
Let’s take a quick look at the vocation of motherhood in order to accurately answer that initial question. Then, I will get into some ways in which mothers can offer and grow in holiness while heeding some amazing advice from Heaven!
Let’s dive in!
Saying, “Yes” to the miracle of human life begins a wondrous, yet mysterious journey for a woman. We simply cannot see into the future and therefore, we absolutely need to wholeheartedly trust God for His holy will. He knows what is best for our lives. And so, with a faithful heart, we move forward, amid a bit of trepidation and mystery — but always wrapped in holy prayers of hopeful surrender.
Every pregnancy is unique. Every single beautiful human life is unrepeatable.
Some of these precious babies are never placed in their loving mother’s arms. That is, because they were suddenly whisked away to Heaven through miscarriage. Countless mothers have empty and aching arms. Still, these babies’ lives were so important and are now in Heaven praying for their families.
Plenty of women experience great pain within the loss of life in another way. That is, through the often devastating cross of infertility. However, hopefully, through God’s loving grace and Mercy, at some point, they might embrace their child through the generosity of adoption.
Every mother is a hero. Whether biological or adoptive, she will sacrifice her life for her child. After all, women are gifted by God Almighty — to be receptive, to be nurturing — to love and care deeply. Once a woman becomes a mother, she no longer simply cares for herself and her husband. There is a new special little someone to love and nurture. Sleepless nights, exhausted days, and joys overflowing are a few guarantees in her new life. A mother will do anything required to protect, care for, and nurture her child.
She suddenly begins to lead a sacrificial life.
At times, she might be convinced that she can’t go on for even one more minute because of sleep lost when her baby is teething or is up at night going through a growth spurt or illness. A mother might lose her patience over the rowdy misbehavior of older children. Add to that, household routines are forever disrupted, as naps become a thing of the past, and all hands are needed on deck, and maybe even an extra pair of eyes on the back of our heads too, to protect our precious monkeys!
Some mothers endlessly daydream about taking a nap. I sure did!
Older children keep mothers on their toes and ultra attentive to the dangers of the culture. These moms are forever protecting their children from evil influences and making sure these ideologies which are contrary to their Faith do not steal into their domestic churches. In addition, moms with careful eagle eyes, watch over everything being taught, as well as who and what might be influencing her children by peddling clever lies and temptations presented in the form of “sparkly gifts,” which can yank the children from their Faith.
We can honestly say that a faithful mother can never let her guard down. No wonder mothers are so tired.
Heroic mothers are also called by God to raise His very special children. Those who require extra care. Those sweet children who are chronically ill or handicapped in some way.
I have only briefly highlighted just some of the facets and gifts in a devoted Christian mother’s life to set an important backdrop and to give encouraging affirmation to moms. I’m sure you are well aware of many more. I don’t think we will have any arguing over the fact that faithful mothers have their hands and hearts full. Theirs is a very sacrificial role.
Let’s now take a look at some comforting messages from Heaven that can speak to everyone, and especially to busy moms.
Help from Heaven
Allow me to ask the question. How can engaged (and exhausted!) mothers offer penance? Truth be told, I am ALL for offering penances and doing mortifications. I know it’s what Heaven asks for and truly needs for the conversion of sinners. In addition, the benefits in offering sacrifices are undoubtably fruitful for our own spiritual health and growth in holiness.
However, I believe that a mother in the trenches is already doing a lot of penance in simply showing up! Her love and devotion shown to her family in a myriad of ways is, as I have described earlier, most times, very sacrificial. She gives of herself, her time, her energy, and even her feminine figure to house a little bambino for nine months in the womb. Need I say more?
Because moms might be in survival mode and stretched to the limit with regard to demanding schedules and responsibilities, I want to offer a bit of help from Heaven for those mothers who are contemplating doing extra penances and offering mortifications. I want to remind them of a very important way to offer — one they might not have realized or considered.
Do you remember what the Fatima visionaries: Lucia, Francesco, and Jacinta learned from Our Lady of Fatima? Let’s begin with that. Our Blessed Mother instructed them to pray the Rosary every day for peace in the world and to offer prayers and penances for the conversion of sinners.
At the first apparition on May 13, 1917, our Holy Mother asked the children if they were willing to offer their suffering to God, as the Angel of Peace had taught them, “As an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended and of supplication for the conversion of sinners.” They immediately told her they were willing.
Later on, Lucia would say that this was the most important request of Our Lady of Fatima. That is, that we are all called to offer all of our unavoidable daily suffering as an act of reparation and conversion of sinners.
I will get back to this “unavoidable daily suffering” and how it might help the moms.
Lucia would later recount that the Angel of Peace really helped her understand the intrinsic value of sacrifice and how it is very pleasing to God. I think it’s wonderful to know that because of our offered penances and sufferings, God grants the grace of conversion of sinners.
Sinners Need Prayers
Allow me to bring up, ever so briefly, the subject of Hell for a moment. In addition to the incredible teachings from Our Lady and the Angel of Peace, Mother Mary also showed the 3 young shepherd children a most frightening vision of Hell so that they would be sure of the reality of Hell and the consequence for sin. This was so they could teach it to the world through their fervent prayers for the conversion of sinners.
You might also know that St. Faustina was shown a very gory vision of hell and testified to it in her Diary. It shook her to the core. She noticed that most of the suffering souls in Hell were ones that had not believed in its existence!
Remember, Our Lady of Fatima told the children, “Many souls go to Hell because there are none to sacrifice themselves and pray for them.” Therefore, we know without a doubt that it is a charitable and important task to do all we can to save souls. The little innocent children stepped right up to the plate to pray the prayers that Our Lady of Fatima and the Angel of Peace had taught them and they offered penances for the conversion of sinners.
The Angel of Peace gave very clear instructions to the children with regard to offering penance. I think it’s so important to ponder his words. He said:
Offer prayers and sacrifices constantly to the Most High. Make of everything you can a sacrifice, and offer it to God as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and in supplication for the conversion of sinners. You will thus draw down peace upon your country. I am its Angel Guardian, the Angel of Portugal. Above all, accept and bear with submission, the suffering which the Lord will send you.
Make of everything you can a sacrifice, and offer it to God as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and in supplication for the conversion of sinners.
Angel of Peace
How does this all speak to the moms in the trenches of motherhood? I will emphasize what I believe to be a couple of indispensable things he said. “Make of everything you can a sacrifice, and offer it to God as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and in supplication for the conversion of sinners,” he said.
That means, just what he said: EVERYTHING! Our daily duty, our sleepless nights, the little pin pricks, the challenges, the criticisms, the doubts, discouragement, contradictions, sickness, sufferings, and any little thing offered lovingly to God! It all becomes important prayers in the form of sacrifices. Yes, it is all transformed into prayer!
The Angel said, “Above all, accept and bear with submission, the suffering which the Lord will send you.” This is so important. Let us ponder it deeply in our hearts. Can we “bear with submission” all of the stuff we endure? I’m not suggesting that we should become a door mat or that we should not right a wrong. I’m talking about “the suffering the Lord will send…” That is precisely what we need to bear with submission and offer to God.
If we can keep these words from Heaven in mind and put them into practice each day, we will be on the right track. I have no doubt. Every loving offering can be powerful. The negative becomes positive! God takes our suffering and redeems it for His glory and the conversion of sinners. God is our Divine Physician and knows exactly what we need and when we need it.
Each Morning
Mothers can begin each day afresh (exhausted or not!) with an earnest Morning Offering in their own words or a formal version. We can add the beautiful “Pardon Prayer” taught by the Angel of Peace at Fatima: “O my God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee; and I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee.” This is very powerful and takes just a few brief minutes.
However, I believe that in that short time, we are beginning our day on a holy note — stepping out on the right foot — even if we’ve hit the ground running that morning. We are handing the reins over to Jesus! Our heart and soul can be earnestly and lovingly raised to God in that short morning prayer. In essence, we are telling God that we give EVERYTHING to Him in advance of our day.
A mother can offer to our Lord all of her prayers, works, sufferings and trials that might unfold that day, together with all of the amazing moments of joy, for love of God, for the conversion of sinners and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as Our Lady specifically requested.
Throughout the day, any time a challenge unfolds, a mother can pray that beautiful prayer: “O Jesus, it is for love of Thee, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”After awhile, the loving prayer swiftly ascends from our hearts and rolls off our lips. If you can’t remember the exact words, it’s okay!
Meaningful Mortifications
If you’re still hoping for a few extra ways in which to offer penance to God and don’t know quite how to carry it out, consider doing simple yet meaningful mortifications. For instance, getting up a bit earlier, taking a shorter shower or bath, not offering your opinion (when it’s not necessary), praying an extra Divine Mercy Chaplet or Rosary for sinners, giving up a dessert, a glass of wine, a beer, a cup of tea, or coffee (but maybe not ALL coffee, as we learned above!). And perhaps, not everything all at once! I think you get the idea. Little things carried out with great love and prayer are very pleasing to God.
“Little things” were also very special to the “Little Flower,” a.k.a. St. Thérèse, whose feast day is October 1. Thérèse deeply endeavored to do many small things with great love. She felt she wasn’t capable of doing great things and realized that our Lord was pleased with her little things.
Thérèse felt she wasn’t capable of doing great things and realized that our Lord was pleased with her little things.
My friend and spiritual mother, dear Mother Teresa followed in St. Thérèse’s footsteps and also preached about the little things — about doing ordinary things with extraordinary love.
As I mentioned earlier, when answering, “Yes” to the miracle of human life as a mother, we begin a wondrous and mysterious holy journey. We do not know what tomorrow will bring (or even 5 minutes from now!). We absolutely need to wholeheartedly trust God for His holy will. He knows what is best for our lives. And so, we move forward, amid a bit of trepidation — but always wrapped in holy prayers of hopeful surrender.
Sacrifices and mortifications are already woven all throughout a mother’s sacrificial life. We accept and we also surrender; according to God’s holy will. We must not forget that God sees every single bead of sweat on our brows and is fully aware of our sleepless nights, as well as any worry troubling our hearts. He is a God of great Love and Mercy.
We shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves if we are not able to offer ginormous things to God. Rather, we should strive to do everything we can with great love and we can be sure that God will be pleased. He surely knows our hearts.
My mother and me
As time rolls on, children grow up, seasons change, and many other opportunities to offer penance are presented to us. Let us offer every single little and big thing to God throughout our lives. By God’s amazing grace, He will help us lead our children and grandchildren to Heaven!
