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!
Have a look…EWTN Religious Catalogue has featured a couple of my items on their recent show. I designed the Grandmother Novena Bracelet exclusively for them. In addition, one of my newest books for Grandmothers is featured…
Click “play arrow” above to watch.
EWTN Religious Catalogue recently featured my Grandmother Novena Bracelet, as well as my book “Prayerfully Waiting” for Grandmothers. Take a look at their video above and contact them to purchase. You can call them: 1-800-854-6316 and give them the item number(s) for purchasing. I believe that the “bundled” items are for a short time. Take advantage of their great sale!
An undated file picture shows Blessed Teresa of Kolkata holding a child during a visit to Warsaw, Poland. Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis Sept. 4 at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Tomasz Gzell, EPA)
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be staying at Mother Teresa’s homeless shelters. And not just once, but twice. Truth be told, I have endured times of poverty, but my days spent in the shelters were not during those times, and they were in two different parts of the world.
The first time was in Harlem, New York about 30 years ago, when it was very dangerous to be on the streets of that barbed-wire jungle. The second time was just a few years ago in Rome, Italy.
Allow me to back up a bit in order to tell the story about meeting my spiritual mother, whom others knew as the Saint of the Gutters, or simply as Mother Teresa. Almost 30 years ago, I first laid eyes on the little saint of the poor, dressed in a simple white cotton sari trimmed in Blessed Mother blue. I caught my first glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye, when she walked right past me quietly in her bare feet just before Mass was about to begin at the Missionaries of Charity convent in Washington, DC.
I was visiting the nation’s capital because my spiritual director, Father John A. Hardon, SJ, had asked me to bring my family to see him for a face-to-face meeting. After our time with him, at Father’s encouragement, we set out to visit the sick and dying in the “Gift of Peace” home at the convent. We had a very meaningful visit, observing the great love and tenderness shown to the poor and suffering living in the home, at which there was a clear and beautiful aura of holiness. The MC sisters invited us to return the following day for a private Mass in their chapel. I was honored to be invited, but imagine my excitement when one sister informed me that Mother Teresa would be at one of their two Masses the next day; she didn’t know which one. My heart secretly soared hearing that Mother Teresa was there at the convent. Still, as much as I had always admired her for her selfless work with the poor and had considered her to be a living saint, I didn’t want to take up her time if we happened to see her the following day.
Early the next morning, we arrived at the convent’s chapel and I spotted several pairs of sandals lined up outside the door, which prompted us to take off our shoes before entering. Once inside, one of the first things I noticed was actually a lack of things. The chapel was very stark, yet so very meaningful. The few items there—an altar, a tabernacle, a crucifix, a statue of the Blessed Mother, and the words, “I Thirst” painted on the wall beside the tabernacle—drew my heart to what was most important. Those two words—“I thirst”—would echo in my heart for years after, and still do. I settled my children and we all knelt down to say our prayers before Mass.
Meeting the Saint of the Gutters
We had picked the right Mass, for Mother Teresa unexpectedly walked in. She seemed to float right past me. I needed to quickly direct my mind back to the Mass that was about to begin. Never mind the fact that a living saint was in our midst! I was kneeling down on the chapel’s bare floor with my husband and children, trying my best to prepare my heart for Mass, while still keeping an eye on my children: Justin, Chaldea, and Jessica. Mother Teresa’s presence certainly seemed to send a holy jolt up and down my spine!
Another surprise unfolded right after the Mass. As we were leaving the modest chapel, my children genuflected to Jesus in the tabernacle when unexpectedly a Missionaries of Charity nun came running up behind my six-year-old daughter Chaldea and gave her a hug. I surmised that the sweet sister must have been touched to see a little girl saying good bye to Jesus. Before I could finish my thought, I realized that it was none other than Mother Teresa! But, as quickly as she came into the picture, she was heading out of the room in another direction. The door closed behind her. I was so overcome with gratefulness after witnessing a living saint hug my child—but there was more to come.
As we were standing in a huddle in the convent’s foyer, the door opened across the way and this time Mother Teresa didn’t walk past me—she began to walk straight towards me. I was holding my little precocious one-and-a-half-year-old Jessica in my arms so that she couldn’t get into trouble or run around the convent. Then Mother Teresa was standing directly in front of us. She asked me a question.
“Is this the baby who was singing at Mass?”
My heart was rejoicing. Mother Teresa was referring to Jessica’s little babbling which had caused me to tip-toe in and out of Mass several times so we wouldn’t disturb the others. My little daughter was a bit restless in the hot little room. You see, Mother Teresa made sure that the sisters lived just as the poor live, without creature comforts.
Mother Teresa’s question opened up a beautiful conversation about the family. She told me my children were very fortunate to have a family. The Saint of the Gutters was accustomed to picking babies up out of dustbins. Those little ones discarded by leper parents, perhaps, who could no longer care for them. I told her I was so blessed to have my children. At the time, I had three children on earth and three in heaven. We chatted for a long while and I felt as if I had known that tiny woman all my life. Mother Teresa radiated Jesus’s love and joy. It was transforming. Before she left to go back to her duties, my children and I gave her warm hugs. As Mother Teresa walked away, she turned to us and asked again for our prayers for the poor she served, as well as for herself.
Bunking with the homeless women at Mother Teresa’s shelter
In the moments after that amazing encounter with holiness I couldn’t fathom that anything else could ever top that experience. Yet, in God’s Divine providence, my life and ministry would unfold in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
It turns out that Mother Teresa and Father Hardon would keep my life interesting. I got a call from Father Hardon inviting me to spend a weekend in Harlem at the Missionaries of Charity convent. He would be giving a retreat to Mother Teresa and her sisters. How could I refuse? Though I was married and had three children (and one on the way that I was not yet aware of), I agreed to take a few days away from the family and partake in the activities of the sisters, to benefit from a holy retreat, as well as to serve hundreds of hungry guests in their soup kitchen. In order to make this happen, I was to sleep on a bunk bed in the women’s shelter among the many guests from all sorts of backgrounds.
I jumped at the chance. I’ll never forget being dropped off at the convent’s door and clutching my Rosary beads tightly in one hand as I pounded on the huge door with the other. I wanted to get off the Harlem streets as quickly as possible. The Missionaries of Charity sisters greeted me warmly. I was escorted to a little room and served a modest meal. Next, Father Hardon came to greet me.
“Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves,” was his gentle prodding for me to jump into action and help the sisters. I was eager to do just that. The long weekend was filled with grace and beauty. I observed the sisters in action and in prayer. I was involved in preparing food in their soup kitchen—making meals from food that had previously been discarded, a bit past expiration date or slightly bruised. I learned a great lesson from the sister who retrieved the pear I had tossed into the garbage, telling me that there was still one good part left on it. Ever since, I have become more cognizant about not wasting any food. Every good little bit can help to feed someone.
I’ll never forget looking into the eyes of the hungry guests we served, while heaping food upon their plates, knowing it might be their only meal that day. Some of them were sworn enemies coming together to break bread, enveloped in the prayer of the sisters. And those nights sleeping (or rather trying to sleep) on a bunk bed in the women’s shelter while others around me snored the nights away are etched in my memory.
Books born out of a precarious pregnancy
Upon returning home I learned I was pregnant with my son Joseph, who was blessed to be within me while holy sisters, Mother Teresa, and Father Hardon were around us. Later on, I’d see Mother Teresa again and she placed her hand on my stomach, blessing my unborn child. Still later, she would hold Joseph, rejoicing in his birth. She had prayed for Joseph in utero because I had a heart condition. A couple years later, I would be just about flat on my back on complete bed rest with another pregnancy. The doctor said my baby wouldn’t make it; I had hemorrhaged profusely. I had to stay still, wait, and pray. I got word to Mother Teresa, who prayed for me and sent a blessed Miraculous Medal, promising me that Mother Mary would take care of me. She taught me a simple yet powerful prayer, “Mary, Mother of Jesus, be mother to me now.” We sure do need Mary “now.” I prayed that prayer often.
Those were precarious times, not only because of the pregnancy, but also because of my marriage. I recount this in my memoir, The Kiss of Jesus.
Mother Teresa was my hero and spiritual mother—always offering loving prayers and advice, imparting her holy wisdom. Miraculously, my daughter Mary-Catherine not only survived that pregnancy of bed rest and was born safely, but books were born too! I had never planned on writing, but I became so inspired to write for expectant mothers and mothers during that pregnancy. I suddenly saw a pregnancy as a nine-month novena of prayer. God knew what he was doing when he put me still. Mother Teresa would end up writing the foreword for my book Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena for Mothers to Be, and she encouraged me to write for mothers, saying she would pray that my book would “do much good.”
Years later I found myself in another women’s shelter—this second time in Rome, Italy. Things were pretty chaotic after landing in Italy on Mother Teresa’s feast day, and the doorman was not available with a key to let me into the apartment. It’s a long story that I tell in The Kiss of Jesus, but suffice it to say that because of God’s mysterious ways, I felt more than a bit displaced and caught in a perplexing situation. I got a ride down the street to the Missionaries of Charity convent and was welcomed warmly by the MC sisters, who were actually expecting me. What they and I did not expect was that I arrived there much earlier than planned. While waiting to figure out where I was staying that night, I ended up mingling with the shelter’s guests. One young woman in particular seemed very fascinated with talking with me. She sat across from me at the shelter’s picnic table. As I spoke with her I looked up and I saw Jesus in her eyes. It was a special moment and reminded me of Mother Teresa serving Jesus in each person she met. I then rested a short while on a bed in the shelter after taking a quick shower and using a borrowed towel.
After the fascinating, yet perplexing adventure, the Mother Superior found me and said to me, “Oh, Donna-Marie! Our Lord brought you here to us on Mother Teresa’s feast day so you could feel homeless!” I had not told her about the interior trial that I had experienced. She went on to describe the beauty of knowing and understanding how Jesus often felt and how his poor often feel. She warmed my heart when she told me that Mother Teresa was watching over me. It certainly was a profound and moving experience.
Feeding dishes of rice
Mother Teresa taught the world about love. She would say that authentic love often “costs us,” that love often “hurts.” We can ponder her teachings and consider those we care for or those with whom we live. We can ask ourselves if we are willing to push beyond our comfort zones and really love that other person to heaven. Mother Teresa passionately taught that the United States suffers from a worse poverty than those in Calcutta who are starving for a piece of bread. She said the Western world is starving for love.
Mother Teresa never had her head up in some spiritual cloud of heavenly bliss, she was wholeheartedly aware of the needs of the day. She was a saint right in our midst.
My dear spiritual mother, the humble unassuming saint, taught the world that it is a lot easier to serve a dish of rice to someone on the other side of the world to meet the need of hunger (where we might feel some sort of satisfaction in doing it) than it is to serve that dish of rice (dish of love) to someone in our own home or neighborhood. Who is that someone? Our spouse, our teenager who is acting up, our neighbor who belittles our Christianity, the person cutting us off in traffic? Are we showing them love with our actions and with our prayers? Do we push beyond our comfort zone and love until it hurts? Mother Teresa taught me that I should strive to see everyone, even those who are hurting me, as “Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor.”
It almost seems like light years ago when I met that tiny woman—beautiful Mother Teresa, a bit hunched over and looking frail, but in actuality, a powerhouse of faith, hope, and love. Yet I feel so very close to my spiritual mother in my prayers. As the dear Saint of the Gutters is formally canonized Saint Teresa of Calcutta by our Church, her words, “Love begins at home,” ring in my heart. To be in Rome, Italy right now is tempting, but I know in my heart that I belong right here, sharing the lessons of love that I have learned from my dear Mother Teresa in interviews through the news media and in my talks, presentations, and face-to-face encounters; all the while striving to see and to serve Jesus in everyone I meet.
Let’s pick our eyes up off of our devices and strive to live in the present moments of our life and become more attentive to “Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor” all around us. Mother Teresa will help us. God is counting on us.
(This article originally appeared on the CWR site on September 2, 2016.)
You can click here to see the article at Catholic World Report.
Just click and play the radio visit (above) to be informed about my book Reclaiming Sundays and ways in which to equip today’s Catholic families with the tools to RECLAIM their family Sundays! Learn more about my book here along with purchasing options.
You know, at times, for me, writing books is like taking “truth serum.” You might laugh. However, when I earnestly pray and deeply desire to help others get to Heaven by sharing Church teachings and amazing stories of the Saints, I often end up disclosing something very personal. It just comes out as I am steeped in prayer and writing for the greater glory of God. I thought I’d tell you that.
You see, just today, I happened to come across something I wrote a few years back. You might know that I have written many books. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to remember everything I have said. Then, if I get the occasion to read part of my own writing, sometimes I am surprised that I shared certain things. Again, it is always done in an attempt to inspire others to strive for holiness and an encouragement for them to help others get to Heaven.
I’ll share the Preface of my book Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions with you now. The words that popped out at me today are about my experiences with Mother Teresa a.k.a. St. Teresa of Calcutta”
Above is a beautiful picture that Mother Teresa gave to me with a long note on the back. You might notice that there’s a reflection of a cross on Mary’s veil. It just “happened” to show up as I was holding the image Mother Teresa had given to me. A cross on the wall of my office reflected upon the glass frame. No coincidence here!
Preface
Ninety-nine years ago, Our Blessed Mother’s great love for her children was manifested in her appearance to three young peasant children on the rocky hillside in Fatima, Portugal. During this, her first appearance, the Blessed Virgin Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for the conversion of sinners. Mary specifically instructed, “Pray the rosary every day, in order to obtain peace for the world, and the end of the war.”
As I type these words, my heart is bursting to share this important and most essential message given us from heaven. I have always loved the Blessed Mother and feel very fortunate to have been raised in the Catholic faith, knowing about our Mother in Heaven. My dear friend and spiritual mother, St. Teresa of Calcutta, whom I was privileged to know for ten years and who was very close to the Blessed Mother, encouraged me to turn to Mary often with this simple prayer.
“Mary, Mother of Jesus, be Mother to me now.”
Mother Teresa often prodded me to “bring others to Jesus through Mary.” In the almost two dozen letters she wrote to me, she frequently mentioned Mother Mary. In one she said, “Pray to Our Lady—pray the rosary very fervently, cling to Our Lady. She will surely lead you to Jesus to know His will for you.” A couple of years ago, I had the most amazing and beautiful dream on the night of the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in which St. Teresa of Calcutta appeared to me and very clearly asked me if I was offering my sufferings and sacrifices. I exuberantly told her, “Yes!” But immediately after I uttered that word of affirmation to her, I was made to know that there is so much more to offer.
Recently, I took out my notebook filled with Mother Teresa’s letters, which had been lovingly typed to me on an old typewriter. Some letters of the alphabet were typed so gloriously askew, a sign of the age of the typewriter and of the faithful and frail woman whose holy passion inspired her to sit and type away, long after her duties of the day were completed. Every one of Mother Teresa’s letters to me pierced my heart with a tender love that cannot be articulated. In seeing them again, some took on new meaning and implication as I read them slowly, meditating upon the words.
In October 1987, she wrote, “Please continue praying and offering your sufferings for our Mother—she needs it most now.” All these years later, I understand more clearly what Mother Teresa was asking of me.
As my spiritual mother’s heart overflowed with passion to encourage me to know the Mother, so my heart longs to encourage you through the story of Our Lady of Fatima. I pray that as you read through the history and heavenly messages of one of the most popular and prophetic of all Marian apparitions in Church history, you will grow closer to the Blessed Mother who always leads souls closer to her Son Jesus. I am praying to the Blessed Mother and asking the intercession of Blessed Francisco, Blessed Jacinta, and Lucia to pray for me as I write this book and for each person who will read this book so that they will be deeply transformed and moved by grace!
I hope and pray that you, dear reader, will become more prayerful and interested in doing your part to bring about the conversions of sinners through your prayers and offerings of sufferings and mortifications for the glory of God. This what Our Lady of Fatima has asked of us.
Jesus and his Mother Mary await generous souls who are willing to make reparation for all those who are in danger of losing their souls to hell. Will you be a generous soul?
Let us pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for all of the graces that we need to be a brilliant light and a holy comfort to others each and every day in this darkened and sometimes frightening world. Don’t forget to offer your sufferings to God and to make sacrifices to save souls.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Fatima, our dear Mother in Heaven, please pray for us. Please help our world! We are comforted knowing that your Immaculate Heart will triumph.
Yours in prayer and in Christ’s love,
Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle
May 13, 2016 Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
***
I’ll repeat the part that popped out at me today:
“A couple of years ago, I had the most amazing and beautiful dream on the night of the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in which St. Teresa of Calcutta appeared to me and very clearly asked me if I was offering my sufferings and sacrifices. I exuberantly told her, ‘Yes!’ But immediately after I uttered that word of affirmation to her, I was made to know that there is so much more to offer.”
Yes, dear Reader, there is SO much more to offer … Heaven waits for our prayers and offerings to help save souls.
God bless you!
Donna-Marie
ORDER Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions NOW for $15.99 plus shipping.
My newest book “Prayerfully Waiting” is for the “expectant” Grandmother. It can be paired with my “Prayerfully Expecting” book which is for the expectant Mom! You can learn more about these books here.
Add a gorgeous “Prayerfully Hoping and Expecting Novena Bracelet” for the expectant Mom to the mix and you will have some pretty happy people prayerfully awaiting the birth of a precious little someone.
All three (2 books and 1 bracelet) together would normally be $75.97. Now, on sale in a BUNDLE for only $69.97.
If you’d prefer another bracelet design (or different color beads or kind of medal), simply email me at: dmcoboyle@aol.com to request a different bracelet as part of this “Bundle of Love.”
Some other choices of medals are: St. Anne (as shown), St. Gerard Majella, Holy Family, Guardian Angel, St. Michael, Mother Teresa, St. Therese, Blessed Mother (Guadalupe, Fatima, or Lourdes).
I recently designed a new NOVENA bracelet for EWTN Religious Catalogue and here is a short video highlighting my newest exclusive design. I hope you like it. Please share this post with those whom might be interested and also on your social media. Thanks in advance and God bless you!
By the way, if you are interested in purchasing this Novena bracelet, you can click here to be taken to the “Patriotic Novena Bracelet” (item 742) on the EWTNRC website.
I am very excited to share that my newest book — a labor of love for girls and women (written during the pandemic) will release soon!
Pre-order your AUTOGRAPHED copy NOW!
Four words effectively describe just how it is that the beauty and mystery of the feminine genius can stand up heroically to a broken and wounded world, resultant of the fall of our first parents: the Mercy of God. Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s book Divine Mercy in a Woman’s Life: Milestones Along the Way this important truth.
— Fr. Wade Menezes, CPM, Fathers of Mercy assistant general and EWTN series and radio host
This is a book for women of every age and in every season. The message of mercy can find a home in every season of our lives and this book guides the way.
— Leah Darrow, founder of Lux Catholic and author of The Other Side of Beauty
Here is a book that is original, profound, practical and potentially life-changing for readers. Divine Mercy in a Woman’s Life is a work that will enrich, engage and expand the feminine heart. The author provides rich content full of beauty and truth that leads readers on a spiritual journey of inner healing that culmi- nates in divine intimacy. I pray that women of all faiths will take up and read this amazing gift of grace. Highly recommended!
— Kathleen Beckman, author, A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare and Praying for Priests
I will give you a SNEAK PEEK of the Introduction of the book to offer you a sense of what to expect.
“Jesus, I trust in you.” The message of Divine Mercy, given to us by Jesus through the writings of St. Faustina, are indeed words to live by, especially in these challenging times. Whether it’s the continued fallout from the coronavirus, political unrest, or problems striking closer to home with struggles in our per- sonal lives and families, women need to cling to this message of hope more than ever and learn more about the Divine Mercy message itself. Donna-Marie’s book helps us do both and then some, and is a greatly needed and timely resource for women of all ages.
— Teresa Tomeo, author and syndicated Catholic talk show host of “Catholic Connection” and “The Catholic View For Women”
Divine Mercy in a Woman’s Life is a wonderful book of spiritual and theological reflections and prayers, looking at a woman’s relationship with God through the lens of one of the greatest religious figures of the 20th century. Cooper O’Boyle’s soul-stirring meditations, heartfelt stories, and beautiful insights on a woman’s experience with Christ’s Divine Mercy provides spiritual food that will nourish and strengthen the reader’s prayer life in a deeply intimate and personal way. Divine Mercy in a Woman’s Life plants the seeds of wisdom in the rich soil of human experience that, when watered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit in an open heart, will undoubtedly bring forth fruit of sacred joy in the lives of women everywhere. An absolute must-read!
— Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, author, Father Augustus Tolton: The Slave Who Became the First African-American Priest
Women inspire other women. In Divine Mercy in a Woman’s Life, Donna-Marie offers many spiritual lessons from Jesus, the Divine Mercy, and His Apostle of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina. The author also shares her own life and experiences, along with other compelling true stories, inviting the reader to pause, act, and pray for God’s mercy. This book will enrich the faith of the women who read and pray with it.
— Fr. Edward Looney, host of the podcast “How They Love Mary” and author of A Lenten Journey with Mother Mary
Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has taken the frequent messiness of women’s lives and turned it into something astonishingly beautiful. Every woman will find herself in this book and at the same time will discover the astonishing beauty within. Well done!
— Marge Steinhage Fenelon, award-winning author, retreat leader, internationally-known speaker, and Catholic media personality
Donna-Marie is truly anointed by God in many ways, especially her gift of writing! This beautiful book is so powerful and such a great resource to serve to equip Catholic women to be more like the woman described in Proverbs 31:26-31. Divine Mercy in a Woman’s Life is like a training manual for girls and a guide- book for women that uses St. Faustina’s writings as a guide and leads us through the many milestones a female encounters from birth to death, giving us expert advice along the way to help us become more holy and pleasing to our Lord. Every Christian woman should own this book. And for men, it’s a great book to give to your daughter, your wife, or your girlfriend.
— Gail Buckley Barringer, founder, Catholic Scripture Study International
Women need a lavish experience of Christ’s Divine Mercy as a balm of grace. Divine Mercy in a Woman’s Life fuses the Divine Mercy message with real life in every stage of womanhood. Because we women are so poured out, it’s only necessary that we have His Mercy pour in. This beautiful book is a little spring of Divine Mercy for His ladies.
You can pre-order your copy below by using the button. You will then receive one of the first autographed copies. Lord willing, my book will release very soon. I hope that you will share the news of my upcoming book so that today’s girls and women will learn valuable life lessons from our sister St. Faustina and our Lord Jesus, our Blessed Mother, and the saints!
I’ll be speaking at a conference this week end. It’s all about “Listening Fr God” and orchestrated by Teresa Tomeo to follow up her book title Listening For God.
I’ll also participate in a LIVE panel discussion. You can click here to learn more and to register for FREE. There are some paid features available as well.
There are more than 50 speakers who will present, including: Al Kresta Alyssa Bormes Amy Smith Anne DeSantis Annie Karto Anthony Coniglio Bug Hall Chris Martin Crystalina Evert Damon Owens Deacon Dominick Pastore Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle Dr. Edward Sri Dr. Mario Enzler Dr. Matthew Bunson Dr. Ray Guarendi Ellen Salter Fr. Andrew Dawson Fr. Chris Alar, MIC Fr. Edward Looney Fr. Frank Pavone Fr. John Trigilio, Ph.D. Fr. Leo Patalinghug Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. Gail Buckley-Barringer Gail Coniglio Gary Zimak Greg & Julie Alexander Hope Ponsart Janet Morana Jason Evert Jeff Cann Jeff Cavins Joan Lewis Joe Matthiesen John Hale John Wisely Joseph Warren Julie Perolio Kaitlyn Curtin Kathy Crombie Kelly Wahlquist Kevin Wells Kristine Hass Linda Schaefer Marge Steinhage Fenelon Michelle Johnson Mike Aquilina Orlando Javien Jr. Patti Maguire Armstrong Peter Herbeck Steve Ray Teresa Tomeo Tony Frasco Vanessa Denha-Garmo Marcus Grodi.
My friend Lisa shared a very sweet video of her granddaughter Lucy, who in less than a short minute tells us how to do Lent right! I hope that you will enjoy this short, lively, and absolutely precious tutorial!
Click on the video below and let me know in the comments below how much you enjoyed her video and if it might help you on the remainder of your Lenten journey. 🙂
I recently gave a presentation to the women of Faith & Wine in Lee County, Florida (as well as all of the others tuning in virtually from many parts of the world. The title of my presentation is “Small Things with Great Love: How to Love Like Mother Teresa.” You can see it in below by clicking on it. The woman in the first frame is the lovely Host who introduced me to the Zoom conference.
I suggest that you get yourself a beverage and get comfy. The presentation lasts a bit over an hour. Or, you can watch some, pause and pick up again as time allows. I hope that this presentation will stir your heart.
Thank you for your letter. I hope that you are well. I’m glad that you wrote I’ll try to answer your questions and I hope it will be helpful to you …
You stated in your letter that I have a “ridiculously long name.” Let’s start with that. My first name is “Donna-Marie.” My mother placed a hyphen in my name when she named me and when baptized because she liked the name that she gave to me and was hoping that the hyphen would prevent people from shortening my name. I don’t mind if people call me “Donna” or “Donna-Marie.” I am perfectly fine with either.
Many years ago, when my first book was going to be released for Catholic mothers titled, “Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers,” I decided to use my full first name for the book, rather than just simply “Donna” as others had shortened it to. I did it to honor my dear deceased Mother.
I decided to keep my maiden name of “Cooper” in order to show honor to my dear deceased father. And my last name, “O’Boyle” is to honor my dear husband.
You asked me what makes me “feel important.” I don’t feel important. I do feel deeply blessed to be a daughter of the Most high God.
You asked, “Who” am I “to give spiritual advice? What qualifies you? Nothing!”
I am a Catholic woman, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an author, a catechist, and an evangelist. I am no better than anyone else. However, I have been asked to share my insights, advice, and teachings. I do so because I love our Lord and want to serve His people.
You stated, “All you do is prattle on to people to pray. Isn’t that brilliant?!”
I don’t think it’s brilliant. Rather, it is out of love that I encourage others to pray. I know by faith and our Church’s teaching that it is the only way to Heaven. I want to share that with as many as possible.
Yes, you are correct. St. Jacinta and St. Francisco were sick. They were very sick. I have never said that they had a “mysterious illness.” However, I do share with people that through their sincere and earnest prayers; following requests from Our Lady of Fatima, they suffered with much love and courage for the conversion of souls. They had been shown a vision of hell by the Blessed Mother and did not want anyone to suffer the terrible fate of burning in hell. Yes, hell exists and there is a consequence for sin. And prayer (as was mentioned above), is essential for everyone. It helps our own souls and the souls of others.
You stated that I am “making money on religion and spouting holiness.” It seems that you might have come up with your questions and comments after seeing me or hearing me in interviews. I suspect you have seen me on EWTN television sharing about Fatima and the shepherd children. You did send your letter to EWTN, after all.
I do not get paid anything for my appearances on the media to share about the Gospel and God’s love, the spiritual life, etc. I don’t get paid for any of the television series that I have created and that I host on EWTN television. It is out of love for God and His people that I share.
You stated that Catholics are not required to believe in Fatima or Lourdes, etc. You are correct in that we are not required. However, the Church in Her goodness and wisdom points us to the authentic powerful apparitions that will aid our souls.
You asked, “Why do we need another book on St. Faustina? Well, to try to put it succinctly, God’s Divine Mercy is so very important to every single person. We need God’s Mercy! Saint Faustina is a wonderful and perfect spiritual guide to help us to understand it more.
You stated, “You drop names all the time — Mother Teresa, Fr. Apostoli, John Hardon. Whoop-de-do!”
When someone is sharing about another’s example and holiness, it would be wise to state their name, wouldn’t it? I share about the Saints quite often. They are our sure intercessors. They help us to get to Heaven!
I hope that my letter to you will be helpful. I wish you well and I am praying for you to feel better. You seem to be upset and hurting. May God profoundly touch your heart and soul in a special way. God bless you!
I am still in recovery for Covid but I am happy to announce that I will be giving a presentation on Mother Teresa TONIGHT titled, “Small Things with Great Love: How to Love Like Mother Teresa.” It’s at 7:00 PM Eastern (tonight, Thursday, Feb. 25th) and there is still a bit of time to register for this free program. Feel free to share this post with others who might be interested.
I have lost tract of the days. I guess I was not successful in writing a bit each day of quarantine. I haven’t been well enough to do so. I’ll force myself to write this post now.
Our view for all of this time…a dried up old Christmas tree…
I think today is “Day 8.” However, as I explained on “Day 1,” it is really further along in the quarantine, but I started posting blog posts after the fact. Now, if that is not totally confusing! 😉 I write this post today with a very bad head ache. I’ve already taken a lot of pain medication and I am praying for some relief from the unrelenting head aches.
I’ll try to catch you up a bit. C*v*d is a terrible illness. I hope you don’t get it. It varies with each person. Some folks get mild versions, while others suffer terribly and end up in the hospital, or even succumb to death. Each and every day and night I pray for those who are going to die (by whatever reason) that they will turn to God before taking their last breath so that they can make it to Heaven and not Hell. We must pray for the dying.
My husband and I are very fortunate thus far, that we are dealing with this awful illness at home alone back in the woods of rural Connecticut. So far, we have stayed out of the hospital and we are not “spring chickens!” We have each had a couple of virtual doctor’s appointments so far. That is after our in person visits to do the 3 tests–2 for C*v*d and 1 for the flu. Our C*v*d was positive.
Much effort to peel this little orange, but we are working hard at nourishing ourselves…
It’s a mystery with regard to how we contracted this debilitating illness. I stay home and work here and my husband works alone at his little shop. I have a feeling that my husband picked it up at the grocery store, possibly from a grocery cart handle or from someone there who was sick. We will never know.
It is a very real illness, despite what some choose to believe, perhaps due to what some consider “hype” or political agenda. It is real and it is debilitating. I hope and pray that you don’t get it. Or, that if you do, that it will be mild, please God. Our cases are not mild. However, we are extremely thankful that our severe chills and high fevers seem to be gone now, as well as the horrible sore throats. We hope that they don’t come back. This illness is unpredictable. We are still dealing with many other symptoms; including the awful cough, congestion, severe head ache, random sharp pains, deep bone and muscle pain, exhaustion and weakness.
Each and every day, several times a day, I earnestly cry out to God as Our Lady of Fatima has taught us to pray while we offer our suffering:
“It is for the love of You, the conversion of sinners, and for the reparation of the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
We will get through this with God’s merciful grace. I want to thank you with all my heart for your prayers for us and for all those who are suffering. I am praying for you too!
I am still in recovery for Covid but I am happy to announce that I will be giving a presentation on Mother Teresa TONIGHT titled, “Small Things with Great Love: How to Love Like Mother Teresa.” It’s at 7:00 PM Eastern (tonight, Thursday, Feb. 25th) and there is still a bit of time to register for this free program. Feel free to share this post with others who might be interested.
