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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“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!
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.
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 in quarantine at home with my husband. We are both very sick with C*v*d. I am not even going to spell out the name of the illness because I have noticed that when that word is mentioned on social media, the “powers that be” automatically insert links to various information (propaganda??) about it. They do the same for political posts.
That aside, as I lay feverish in bed last night, I thought I would attempt to write a short blog post each day of my quarantine during this awful illness. I have no idea what I will write about, or if I’ll have the strength to do so. However, I shall try. Perhaps, just a few words or brief reflection each day.
We shall see how it goes.
Well, first off, today is not technically “day one” of my quarantine. But, I guess it’s “official” now. My husband and I have been quarantined since the afternoon of New Year’s Day/Solemnity of the Great Mother of God. That is when the terrible onset of my husband’s illness came on with great gusto.
Chills, high fever, cough and congestion descended upon him without mercy. I took care of him and we hoped and prayed for the best. We didn’t know if it was a virus, flu, or the dreaded C*v*d. The illness progressed with great vigor while we tried to steady the ship in that stormy sea of fever and pain.
I think I should insert a link here to my latest newsletter that explains what led up to now. You can read the brief newsletter here and then continue with this blog post.
Two nights after my husband’s onset of illness, I succumbed to the same illness. The terrible unnerving chills, high fever and deep bone pain assaulted me. After getting my husband settled for the night and getting into bed with a raging fever (even with 3 Advil under my belt,) I hung tightly to my rosary beads and pleaded with Our Lord and Our Lady to get me through the night, and if it is God’s holy will, to enter the new day with a renewed strength in which to to take care of my husband.
Thanks be to God, my fever was down in the morning. The symptoms progressed, but I was able to care for my husband who was pretty bad off with coughing and congestion. I put another call in to the doctor’s office to get set up tests for the dreaded C*v*d.
We had a virtual appointments with the doctor and my husband and I were scheduled for the testing the following day.
I’ll stop there for now, because I want to share a wee bit from last night before my weakness and pain causes me to log off my computer…plus, I do need to muster my strength to make my way to the kitchen to figure out something for us to eat…
I’m back to this blog post now. Turns out that I had to take time away from this writing due to exhaustion and various C*v*d symptoms.
So…back to last night…
When fever and pain awakened me around 3:00 AM, I took my temperature and learned that the fever was back and after taking some more Advil, I opened my night stand drawer to bring out my mother’s Bible that I had kept in there for safe keeping. I hadn’t cracked it open in quite some time. It was the perfect time to do so. I propped up my pillows and began reading from the Psalms which I had flipped opened to.
I read a few pages and ended on:
Take courage and be stouthearted, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:25).
I placed my mother’s Bible back into the drawer of my nightstand. I blessed myself with Holy Water and laid back down and prayed that I could get some more sleep.
Happy Feast of St. Michael and the ArchAngels! I have designed some Patriotic Novena Bracelets to aid in praying for the USA, which certainly needs prayers, especially at this time. Take a look at the variety of designs below, which will hopefully suit a variety of tastes, and please feel free to share this post with those you know and who love the USA.
I sincerely hope that that my bracelets will be an aid to folks who would like a tangible (and pretty!) item to help remind them to pray for the USA. After it is blessed it becomes a sacramental.
Wear the colors of the USA with pride and pray for our country!
*******
PATRIOTIC St. Michael and Bling NOVENA BRACELET
This PATRIOTIC NOVENA Bracelet with a Saint Michael Medal (with Guardian Angel on the reverse side), a crucifix, a Miraculous Medal, and a petite St. Benedict Medal. This bracelet has extra “BLING” (lots of sparkly components)!
Pray for the USA!
Pray to St. Michael for protection and help for the USA! This “Patriotic St. Michael” Bracelet features a combination of nine red and sapphire blue faceted and shaped beads, small round white pearl-like beads, many Czech crystal rhinestone beads, silver-plated components, a Miraculous Medal, a crucifix, a St. Michael medal with the Guardian Angel image on the reverse side, and a petite St. Benedict medal. It is finished with a decorative silver-colored toggle clasp.
Pray for the USA!
One “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelet with “BLING” for $44.99 (plus shipping):
Our first meeting with Mother Teresa. She grabbed my daughter’s little face. We had a very blessed conversation which I have shared in my books…
Joy is the sign of union with God, of God’s presence. Joy is love, the normal result of a heart burning with love.”
Mother Teresa
My son Joseph in my arms years later one time when we visited Mother Teresa in a private meeting. What a gaze!
Today…
Today is a special day. It’s the anniversary of when St. Teresa of Calcutta (whom I still refer to as Mother Teresa), received what she referred to as her “Call within a call” to start her religious order the Missionaries of Charity. I thought I’d tell you about it by using a couple of excerpts from my books.
From my book Advent with Our Lady of Fatima, I’ll share first about Mother Mary and Mother Teresa and then tell you how Mother Teresa’s journey to found the Missionaries of Charity began:
Mother Teresa Stands with Mary at the Foot of the Cross
Mother Teresa was madly in love with Jesus and His holy Mother. She chose the Immaculate Heart of Mary as her special patroness and established that special feast day as the titular feast for her congregation. We know that the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a big part of Our Lady of Fatima’s message. Mary’s Im- maculate Heart is full of love for all her children. But it is even more than that.
I will share something rather contradictory. I just said that Mary’s heart was full, and it is full of love and grace, but some- one else — a credible source — says it is empty. In his book Mother Teresa: In the Shadow of Our Lady, Father Joseph Lang- ford, MC, cofounder with Mother Teresa of her community of priests, the Missionaries of Charity Fathers, writes, “The Im-maculate Heart of Mary refers not only to Our Lady’s love and virtues, but also to her interior emptiness of self in imitation of Christ who ‘emptied himself’ to save the human race.” He continues, “Our Lady’s heart is the emptiest of all human hearts, the emptiest of self and the emptiest of pride, and therefore the most ready to give a heart’s welcome and shelter to those who are shelterless.” Fr. Langford knows that Mother Teresa understood the mystery of Mary’s Immaculate Heart: “Mother Teresa saw this as the condition both for receiving and giving God to the full.”
Those dusty train tracks…
Let’s step back to those dusty, often unreliable train tracks, and that rickety steam train running slowly down them in 1946. It was nearing autumn, and the thirty-six-year-old Sister Teresa left Calcutta to head to West Bengal, where she departed in Siliguri to board the small train to Darjeeling on the last leg of her journey. As I mentioned earlier, she had received her “call within a call” on September 10, 1946, while sitting on that hot, crowded train en route to her annual retreat. As the train made its way on the tracks, amid the sometimes-deafening noise, the humble nun distinctively heard Jesus speaking to her heart. She became profoundly aware of her great and holy work ahead: taking care of the poor and the salvation of souls. After that very eventful train ride, Mother Teresa received countless extraordinary revelations from Jesus, informing her of the mission entrusted to her and reiterating what He wanted. This went on for over a year. Then, at the end of 1947, Jesus revealed a series of three visions to Mother Teresa. She was shown a crowd of the poor in each of the visions. In the first vision, she saw the reality and painful poverty of the poor, and their inner poverty. She saw herself in the scene and the poor were reaching out to her. In the second scene, the Blessed Mother was amid the poor with Mother Teresa kneeling at her side. Our Lady spoke to her:
Take care of them—they are mine. Bring them to Jesus — carry Jesus to them. Fear not. Teach them to say the Rosary, the family Rosary, and all will be well. Fear not — Jesus and I will be with you and your children.
The Blessed Mother is intimately linked to God’s call to Mother Teresa. In the third vision, the distressed crowd is in darkness, seemingly unaware of the presence of Jesus in their midst, hanging from the Cross. Our Lady and Mother Teresa are there, too. But, this time Mother Teresa saw herself as a little child. The Blessed Mother was supporting Mother Teresa, one hand on her shoulder and the other on Mother’s outstretched arm. Our Lady was providing the strength that Mother Teresa needed in that moment. Mother Teresa’s right arm was out- stretched toward Jesus on the Cross. Jesus spoke to Mother Teresa.
“I have asked you. They have asked you. And she, my Mother, has asked you. Will you refuse to do this for me — to take care of them, to bring them to me?”
With God’s grace, and Mother Mary’s incredible help, Mother Teresa was able courageously to give her fiat of accep- tance for such an arduous and beautiful mission. Mother Mary was always nearby to support her as Mother Teresa carried out the work of striving to satiate the thirst of Jesus for the salvation of souls and to bring the poor to Jesus and Jesus to the poor. As well, the petite nun had the huge responsibility of managing her newly founded religious congregation and forming all her Sisters, and later, the brothers, priests, coworkers, and lay Missionaries of Charity who would follow. Again, Our Lady assisted Mother Teresa every step of the way.
Father Langford, who wrote about Mother Teresa and the Blessed Mother, spoke about the two in an interview. “As it was Our Lady who brought St. John, alone among the Twelve, to stand faithfully at Calvary,” Fr. Langford explained, “so it was Our Lady who brought Mother Teresa through the sea of suffer- ing opened before her, that she might shine the light of God’s love on the poor.”
Although the “two-way communication” that I mentioned earlier ceased when Mother Teresa endured the Dark Night, she continued to trust God and moved forward with love to accomplish God’s holy mission entrusted to her. Mother Mary never left Mother Teresa’s side.
Visiting Mother with 4 of my children at the time.
Reflect
Has God redirected your life in some radical way? Do you think He can? Will you allow it? We cannot all be Mother Teresas, but we are all, without a doubt, called to a life of holiness. Mother Teresa often said that holiness is not a luxury of the few but a simple duty for all. Take time to ponder how Mother Teresa was devoted to Mother Mary and relied upon her for powerful help. As we read in the passage beginning today’s reflection, Mother Teresa reminds us, “With great love and trust stand with Our Lady near the Cross.”
Pray
Dear Jesus and Our Lady of Fatima, please help me to remember to turn to you often during this Advent, especially when I am suffering in some way. St. Teresa of Calcutta, please pray for me. Immaculate Heart of Mary, please pray for me. Help me to become a saint to bring glory to God!
From my book “Small Things with Great Love”
In one of her letters to me, Mother Teresa asked me to “Be the one.” She was referring to the verse above, beginning this day of our novena: “I looked for compassion, but there was none, for comforters, but found none” (Psalm 69). She told me that Jesus said he looked for one to comfort him but found none. She reminded me that he experienced deep loneliness in the Garden and on the Cross.
Mother Teresa encourages us all to “be the one.” More likely than not, we won’t be pulling maggots out of anyone anytime soon. But, what about the love we can show in our gentle smile at someone who is mean to us, or in the time we give to someone who needs to vent, or in being present to our family members, our neighbors, our co-workers when we are exhausted, and in showing love to a complete stranger when it is difficult to do so. Opportunities unfold for us to love sacrificially every day. Take time to ponder your own life and how God might be calling you to love more sacrificially. Strive to “be the one” to comfort Jesus through your prayers and good works.
You are a faithful and devoted servant of our Lord and of his poor—those you called, “The poorest of the poor,” those in the greatest need, and those for whom our Lord instructs us to serve, saying, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers you do to me.” Through your life of holy service, you demonstrated the joy of loving and taught us the greatness and dignity of every human being, from conception to natural death. Your continual walk in faith to serve those in need even as you were stricken with hardship and darkness floods my soul with great hope. Please, dear Saint of the Gutters, help me in my present need by presenting my prayer petition before the throne of God. [Here, mention your request.]
Please also intercede for me so that I may have the strength and courage to give my own personal “yes” each day and so that I will come closer to our divine Lord Jesus Christ, ultimately joining you one day in praising him forever in heaven.
Amen.
Be the One
I mentioned this earlier in my excerpt, however, I’ll mention it again–Take time to ponder your own life and how God might be calling you to love more sacrificially. Strive to “be the one” to comfort Jesus through your prayers and good works.
I felt inspired to create a lovely bracelet design (which becomes a sacramental after it is blessed) for parents and grandparents of kids away from home. I designed the first two to be a bit fun and uplifting by using the lively colors of glass art beads.
One is a bit more colorful than the next which has darker beads (using blacks and white and some other colors). I made them with my signature nine-beads to represent a novena of prayer and also the nine-month pregnancy of human-life!
I believe having something tangible like these bracelet can bring a needed dose of hope and inspiration to the hearts of parents and grandparents who are missing their beloved kids and grandkids.
It is also a reminder to pray for them continuously.
We give them Roots and Wings!
I have added a touch of “empty nest” as well as giving them “wings” idea to the design by adding a sweet bird with nest charm. The featured medal is of the Holy Family of Nazareth and on the back of the medal is an image of a Guardian Angel. Each bracelet also has a crucifix and a Miraculous Medal.
No two bracelets will be exactly alike because I will place the colors in various different places on the bracelet and might add slightly different silver spacer components.
As well, I’ll be designing a couple of more “Roots and Wings” bracelets very soon so that there will other options for those who do not prefer such a “dazzle dazzle” colorful design with these larger beads.
Delivered to you…
Each bracelet will come to you in a gift box with a prayer card. I have composed the novena prayer that is on the back of the card that you see here in the photo above.
Here is just one more “Roots and Wings” design, a smaller beads.
I have added a touch of “empty nest” as well as giving them “wings” idea to this design as well, by adding a sweet bird with nest charm and two sweet silver bird components near to the slightly hammered style silver toggle clasp. The beads are sapphire blue glass combined with ceramic blue and white flower pattern.
The featured medal is of the Holy Family of Nazareth and on the back of the medal is an image of a Guardian Angel. Each bracelet also has a crucifix and a Miraculous Medal.
What think ye?
They are available at my “Bracelet Shop” for your purchasing options.
I recently visited with Ralph Martin President of Renewal Ministries on 2 of his television shows: “The Choices We Face.” It was a blessing to share the faith with Ralph. The shows were aired recently on EWTN TV. You can see the first one “A Hard Life Redeemed” here below. I hope that you enjoy it. God bless you!
I recently spoke at a Webinar hosted by Paraclete Press. I gave some tips on family life during the sheltering of this pandemic. I also offered spiritual tips for the family and in general too. If you weren’t able to attend, you can now watch the video at your leisure. I hope that you enjoy it and that it helps. Hang in there! God bless you!
For your family or for a family you know, I would like to suggest two of my books that will aid the family during this time of pandemic isolation. You can save by buying the two books in a bundle. Plus, maybe a special gift (which you’ll read about below).
Each book is filled with Catholic guidance, teaching, inspiration from the Saints, recipes, family activities, fun games, and much more. Surely, these books will benefit Catholic families at such a time as this worldwide pandemic.
Take advantage of the sale prices and order an autographed set for your own family and a set as a gift for a family you know.
As I am writing this blog post, I feel inspired to gift an 8 ounce Holy Water bottle to the first 5 orders!
Here are a couple of endorsements for Reclaiming Sundays:
Wow! Just, wow! Reclaiming Sundays is a must-have for any family that wants to take what they receive in word and sacrament at Mass on Sunday, and integrate a Eucharistic faith into their homes every day. Through the use of simple, practical yet powerful signs of faith and culture, Donna-Marie reminds us that God designed Sundays as sacred family time. She shows how works of mercy, arts and crafts, recipes, and celebrations can be catalysts for developing strong families that form the domestic church. This book will help parents build lasting memories in their children’s hearts, memories that they will bring into their own families one day.
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Author, Father Augustus Tolton: The Slave Who Became the First African-American Priest
If there were an antidote to reclaiming peace in our families and the world, Donna-Marie just wrote the book on it. Reclaiming Sundays is truly the answer to build and rebuild the domestic church.
Leah Darrow, author of The Other Side of Beauty and founder of Lux University
Here are a couple of endorsements for Feeding Your Family’s Soul:
Donna-Marie’s book is a real treasure. The family has been called the “domestic church” and it is there that we first learn about God, our prayers, and how to live our Christian life. Donna-Marie certainly offers a valuable tool, because when the family gets together for a meal, it is an appropriate time to share and teach the faith. We are reminded at a meal that we not only feed our body, but we need to feed our soul with God’s word and message.
Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R., Founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Host of EWTN’s Sunday Night Prime
There is no shortage of studies showing the importance of family meal time. Add in the spiritual component of prayer and teaching the faith and you have, as Donna Marie so eloquently illustrates, a recipe for success. Follow Donna Marie’s plan and you’ll be fortifying your loved ones in their faith now and in the future.
Teresa Tomeo, Syndicated Catholic talk show Host and best selling Catholic author
You can learn more about these books here on the BOOK page of my website. You’ll also be able to purchase them at the SALE price which you’ll see right at the top of the page.
Pray for the USA! You might already know that I was inspired years ago to design a NOVENA bracelet which contains 9 beads to represent a novena of prayer (not 10 beads as in a decade). You can read about here on this page of my website. It will give you the background.
Today, I’d like to share with you two new designs inspired by a request I received the other day from a woman who prays for our country and our President and his family every day. We sure do need to pray for our country. Perhaps this patriotic bracelet will inspire more prayers for our country. Any novena can be prayed with the inspiration of this bracelet. Get it blessed as soon as you can (since we are in a worldwide pandemic now). As long as my supply lasts, I will add as my gift to you, a small St. Benedict medal to each bracelet. The medal contains a full exorcism blessing.
This is a BRAND NEW design. It is a PATRIOTIC NOVENA Bracelet with a Saint Michael Medal (with Guardian Angel on the reverse side), a Crucifix, Miraculous Medal, and a St. Benedict Medal. This bracelet has extra “BLING” (lots of sparkly components)! Pray for the USA!
Pray for the USA! One “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelet with “BLING” for $44.99 (plus shipping):
Pray for the USA!TWO “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelets with “BLING” for $84.99 (plus shipping):
This is also a BRAND NEW design. It is a PATRIOTIC NOVENA Bracelet with a Holy Family medal (with Guardian Angel on the reverse side), a Crucifix, Miraculous Medal, and a St. Benedict Medal (I will add a blessed St. Benedict medal with the full exorcism blessing as long as my supply lasts). Pray for the USA!
Pray for the USA! One “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelet for $39.99 (plus shipping):
Pray for the USA!TWO “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelets for $75.00 (plus shipping):
My 4 year old grandson on FaceTime the other day said, “Grandma, we can’t get together because of coronavirus.” That gave me a jolt. Wow. Not only did he say the “c” word, but he knew that this is what what’s going on. His Mom was even a bit surprised. It turned out that his Dad had explained it to him when they were washing their hands. That simple teaching helped my grandson to understand why they were washing their hands extra now, why the nursery school is closed, why he couldn’t see his friends or his Grandma.
I recently chatted on the airwaves about families and how they are coping in this pandemic. The radio host wanted me to give some tips and also to chat about my book Reclaiming Sundays. I decided to put together a list in a blog post too, to hopefully benefit families.
Reclaiming Sundays!
Anxiety…
This time of uncertainty during the pandemic can cause much anxiety. Explaining things to children in the best way that they can understand can certainly help to alleviate anxiety.
A SCHEDULE is so important
Families always need a schedule to feel grounded – to feel stability—to have a rhythm to their day—With any change in the family, I believe that it is even more important to have some sort of schedule in place. Schedules help so we don’t feel loss of control or to be OUT OF CONTROL. This is for children and adults alike.
Write your hopeful schedule on a dry erase board, or your tablet, or a piece of paper as a reminder. Hang it up and refer to it often. You don’t have to be regimented in keeping it, but you can certainly try to stick to it.
No doubt with little ones (and older ones!!) schedules need to bend a bit – people need to be flexible. We should do our best to work together, especially during this trying time.
SCHEDULE TIMES FOR:
Prayer: (we need it to survive!)
Exercise: Relieves stress, makes you feel good – keeps you healthy.
Rest: Reading (together or alone), resting, being quiet, telling stories.
Work: Yes! Chores – its a good time to start with the kids if you haven’t already. Teaches them responsibility.
Play!: Enjoy board games and your precious time together!
Cook together: Don’t worry about the mess – make memories – reach out to relatives on the phone and Face Time and get family recipes – hand them down–carry on traditions.
Check on your elderly neighbors. Do Works of Mercy! Offer a meal. The kids can make cheery cards.
Reach out: In addition to elderly neighbors, reach out to others who are anxious or alone. It’s a very difficult time and remembering others with phone calls, texts, and emails will make a huge difference for those in need of encouragement and will help your own soul too!
Limit and Schedule Screen Time: It’s important to limit screen time – and especially important to always be sure you know what they are looking at. Set a schedule for screen time so kids don’t go wild with the screen! It’s important for the adults to also refrain from too much screen time. Yes, we want to be informed, but there is such as thing as TOO MUCH news!
Eat healthy: “The Mom in me” needs to add this. This is not a time to sit around and eat Doritos. Eat healthy foods and take your supplements. I know it’s difficult to shop and get certain items but we must try our best. Healthier people have better immune systems to fight off what comes at them.
Feed their souls too!
Despite our fears…
Despite the fears that we might experience, this is a time for great HOPE! Even if we cannot get out to the structure of the church, be prayerful and holy in your domestic church at home. Set vibrant examples for the children, carve out the necessary prayer times, set parameters to ensure that life doesn’t become a free-for-all situation. Show your love and smile often! It’s contagious (in a good way!).
FAMILY PRAYER LIFE:
Prayer before and after each meal.
Family Rosary: (or at least a decade with the kids and parents can do the whole thing).
Chaplet of Divine Mercy: However you can do it with the kids – try to do at 3:00 PM (again, being mindful of the schedule helps us to have a holy rhythm to our day). Pray the Chaplet for the dying.
As well, how about starting a new prayer habit? Might I suggest the Angelus at noon? This will certainly please Our Lord and His holy Mother.
Perhaps, you’ll start a new devotion during this time stuck in the house – perhaps DEVOTION to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Cardinal Burke, the other night on EWTN Nightly News was talking about the Sacred Heart of Jesus and how it is Eucharistic – in this time of no Holy Communion for most os us – let us turn to the Heart of Jesus and His Mother’s Immaculate Heart as a REFUGE and for STRENGTH and protection. Learn about these devotions yourself as a parent or grandparent and impart it to the family.
Perhaps you’ll take up learning more about the Saints. There is a plethora of information on the Internet if you don’t have books at home. Invite the Saints to intercede for your family and every family.
Adding and Sustaining…
If you add a new prayer time, devotion, or habit, you are establishing a wonderful foundation in the children’s lives that they can turn to later on in life too.
If you keep up with your regular prayer schedule – you are reinforcing the foundation – the strength for the battle – both spiritual and in every way. You are helping to keep everyone more focused, safe, and calm during uncertain times.
Easter banners draped over the pews in our empty church
Holy Week and Easter…
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER ARE FAST APPROACHING: Even if churches are closed, along with your family, dig into this time like never before! Pray for many graces! I heard Cardinal Burke say that this is a time of GRACE!
Ask for the graces!
These are just a few tips to hopefully help your family to stay the course, to alleviate unnecessary anxiety, and to grow closer as a family and closer to God.
God bless you! I’ll try to post more soon – perhaps some recipes, crafts, and other ideas.
I hope and pray that you are well and hanging in there as best as you can during this terrible deadly pandemic. Let us keep up our many prayers, stay safe in isolation, and trust God. I have a busy writing day today, but I feel a need to pause from it for a bit so that I can write this blog post. I want to share a good dose of HOPE with you.
Yesterday was the 15th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s entrance into Eternal Life. I prayed for his intercession and went about my busy book writing day. My heart felt a bit heavy because with each passing hour, things got terribly worse in New York City where one of my children lives.
I am not an alarmist.
Trust me…
I don’t watch every single news report or get caught up in hysteria. I only get the news from what I hope to be credible sources. I consider myself a realist. On top of that, I believe that my Faith is strong and I do believe in miracles. As well, I know that we have to be smart. We can’t fool around and be stupid at a time like this. We have to stay safe and isolated and do the best that we can.
That said, the news reports were getting more and more grim as reporters told of the thousands of body bags bought and shipped to New York City for the Covid-19 deaths that were being predicted. And, it sure doesn’t make a mother’s heart feel very good hearing about the make-shift morgues consisting of the many tractor trailer trucks pulling up outside of the New York City hospitals. As you must well know, there’s so much more to this, and my point is not to dwell on the negative aspects of our current situation. We can’t live in crippling fear.
A tidbit more…
My husband’s friend showed him a video filmed by his friend who, supposedly (I take most everything with a grain of salt) filmed in the basement of a New York City hospital. The video showed many rooms overflowing with filled body bags. My husband told me about it and I questioned it. Was it “fake news”? Who knows? It could be true. So, all of the above was weighing on my mind as I went about my morning–working and praying.
A bright splash of color…
Though it was a rainy day, I decided to step outside for a moment to cut some daffodils since the vase in my foyer contained just a few lonely daffodils –waiting for some company. At that particular moment, I might not have bothered to go out in the rain to pick them. However, because I had accidentally broken a few daffodils when I raked out my flower gardens on the previous sunny day, I needed to fix that silly looking bouquet.
By the way, my arms are sore as I write this. 🙂 I haven’t raked since last year. And, I’m getting old!
Well, I’m glad that I took a moment to step outside. After picking a few more, I popped the bright yellow happy flowers into the vase and set it on my foyer table. I noticed quickly how the yellow paint on my foyer walls perfectly matched the flowers. I also recalled that I was not particularly fond of that paint color twenty years ago when I moved into this new home. I even declared at that time that I would paint it another color as soon as I had the chance. Funny thing, the yellow grew on me–I began to appreciate the bright splash of the color in the entryway and in the stairway.
The picture of the daffodils on the table of my foyer didn’t get posted on Instagram as I had planned. I had wanted to post a hopeful image at a time when the world is so worried. I never did get a chance, though. I was beckoned by my work and I got caught up in the busyness of the morning. The picture would need to wait for later…
Yellow has grown on me! If you look closely you will see something else that is special. I’ll remind you about it later…
Instead of posting the daffodils, I ended up posting this photo…
J.P. 2, we love you!
I’m holding up a special relic card of dear St. John Paul II.
So, on with the day I went, working and praying, asking God for protection and help for everyone and to please especially watch over my son in NYC. I had asked Joseph the other night if he could come home to Connecticut. I knew things would get worse and there would be a time when he couldn’t get out and would have to wait it out there–for better or worse.
But, Joseph felt he had to stay there. He didn’t want to chance infecting anyone by leaving. He wasn’t sick, but knew that there are carriers of the virus and that is one of the reasons we are all to stay home. He believed he would be okay. He said he would be careful and stay in and only go out once a week for groceries, but several times a day to take the dog out for a short walk.
Though he was staying there for now, I asked him to consider coming home and to bring his girlfriend (and her dog) and that he and his girlfriend could be quarantined for 2 weeks here before we get close to them. I’m sure you can imagine my concern that I can’t simply put him under my wing to protect him like a mother hen would. I knew that he didn’t have surgical face masks. They are impossible to buy at the moment.
So, I needed to continue to trust God and continue to pray.
A cry for help from the other side of the world…
Before everything got so bad here in the United States, a man in Hong Kong who had read one of my books and had gotten in touch with me a year or so ago, recently got back in touch again. The first time that he wrote to me was about his reading and enjoying my book, The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions. Another time to ask for blessed Miraculous Medals though he was not yet a Catholic (but hoping to be one day).
This time around he was in touch to ask me an unexpected question. Could I possibly find surgical masks and mail them to him? He said they couldn’t purchase any and people were panicking as the Covid-19 Virus aggressively attacked. Well, it’s kind of a long story and I told about it at length in my newsletters, but I’ll TRY to keep it short right now, and give you a nutshell version.
By the grace of God, it turned out that I was able to order a large quantity of the best masks available to protect from virus and flu. Still, I wasn’t sure if my order would actually make it to my house or if I would get a notice that they were out of stock. I had heard this was happening all over. Thankfully, the masks arrived!
I had not known…
I was surprised to find out that my new friend was a doctor of a small clinic and was rapidly running out of supplies as he was treating people and exposed to illness. That was the first I heard from him that he was a doctor. He told me that he was wearing the blessed Miraculous Medal that I sent to him and praying for protection as his wife and son stayed isolated at home
He also said the government was not helping them at all to get the necessary supplies. I was so happy to help. I shipped off the package to him after saying a prayer. My new friend was so very appreciative when I told him that it was on its way to him. Yet, we didn’t know if my package would get to him– would ever make it to Hong Kong. It seemed to take forever. As well, we felt that there was the chance that it could be stolen or confiscated. Our prayers were answered–it arrived safely. Praise God.
At the time I sent the masks to my new friend, I didn’t save any for ourselves. I didn’t think that shortly thereafter, it wouldn’t be possible to purchase masks. After my purchase, the mask prices immediately skyrocketed (companies were taking advantage of the pandemic) and then it soon became completely impossible to purchase the masks because factories could not keep up with the manufacturing. We are still in that situation.
Uncertainties loomed…
I asked Joseph about the possibility of making masks out of fabric as many people are doing now. Did he have any handkerchiefs or fabric? The fabric masks won’t fully protect from the Covid-19 virus, but at least it is somewhat of a barrier. Joseph assured me that he and his girlfriend (who also lives nearby in New York) would do so. They’ll probably do this sewing by hand. I planned to pull out my sewing machine very soon…but, I wanted Joseph to have something sooner than I could make and send them. It seemed that every hour counted…
Last night as my husband and I prayed a Rosary together, we prayed for all who needed help and I asked for special protection for Joseph and his dear girlfriend. Towards the end of our Rosary, I felt as if I was struck with a lightening bolt (not literally!). I suddenly remembered that once upon a time we had a few masks in the house. It was about 3 or 4 years ago when needed for a home construction project.
I was thinking that I might have thrown the package away at some point. Or, maybe there were some left and the package was someplace tucked away SOMEWHERE! Bringing my focus back, I kept my mind and heart on finishing up the Rosary.
Well, I knew exactly what I had to do as SOON as we finished!
I didn’t say anything to my husband because I wanted to surprise him. I got right up from the Rosary and as I quickly walked to our garage, I prayed.
“Please God, show me where they are…please lead me RIGHT to them!”
I opened the door from the house to the garage and walked straight over to a box, carried it to the kitchen and opened it up.
Imagine my surprise…
Guess what was right at the top, under the flaps of the box???
TWO (not one!), but two N-95 masks! They were in a protective plastic package. I praised God and thanked Him on my knees. Then, I brought the masks to show my husband and immediately texted my son. I told him that miraculously, I found 2 N-95 masks and would send them to him the following day!
Thank you, dear St. John Paul II!
I added some “survival” food items to the package, sealed it up promptly, and my husband took the package to the Post Office this morning. But, before that package left here, I blessed it with Holy Water so that it would arrive safely to my son. We had heard reports that some New Yorkers aren’t getting their mail deliveries.
The package is in God’s hands. Please Lord…get it there safely…
God is forever showing us that He loves us very much and that He is in the very details of our lives. As well, I thank dear St. John Paul II for his intercession.
Please be assured of my prayers for you and yours.
God bless you!
Donna-Marie
PS I almost forgot to tell you! Take a look again at the photo of the daffodils. Notice the Divine Mercy image reflected in the mirror of my foyer from my front door window? The Image of Divine Mercy has been added to our front door at the encouragements of Fr. Chris Alar, MIC. He said we should “seal our doorposts”! Exodus 12!
One more thing…I posted this on Instagram today. Remember, Our Lady of Fatima requested that we pray for souls in danger of dying. Please, let us remember them continuously in our prayers.
There’s more to share, but must go for now. I am going over to an empty church with my husband to meet up with two friends to pray the Stations of the Cross. We will be on opposite sides of the aisle, keeping a social distance. I haven’t been out of the house since last Sunday when I went to the same empty church to pray.
I will be praying for you tonight. Please pray for me too. Please check on your elderly neighbors and reach out by phone, text, or email to those you know who need encouragement. These simple acts of love indeed make a huge difference in someone’s life–especially if they are anxious.
I just got word from my publisher that my book Reclaiming Sundays has been printed and is all ready to ship next week! That means I might see copies by the end of next week and I’ll be able to ship out pre-orders, as well as any new orders that come in!
That said, if you’d like to purchase a copy or more for Christmas gift giving, now is the time. You can order here. As well, here is a blog post that gives many pertinent details about the book.
I’m excited! Can you tell? That’s because I believe that this book will immensely help Catholic and Christian families far and wide to RECLAIM their family Sundays!
You know what? I just decided–right now–to offer a special deal (for a limited time) when buying more than one copy! If you’d like to order in bulk (10 or more copies), just let me know. You can email me: DMCOBoyle@aol.com with “Bulk order inquiry” in the subject line. I’ll be happy to help if I can.
If you have already taken advantage of pre-ordering, you have received more than a dollar off per book. Your order will be shipped as soon as those books arrive to my home!
Brief Description: Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle encourages Catholic families to reclaim a significant tradition: setting apart Sundays as a day of worship, true rest, teaching, and simply spending precious time together. In fifty-two creative chapters Donna-Marie presents fun and meaningful ideas inspired by the seasons (both natural and liturgical), holidays, saints days, and holy scripture, to help keep Sundays special, just as God said we should.
On another note, I hope that your Advent season is going well. This morning on the radio, I discussed the Advent season and my book Advent with Our Lady of Fatima (The Son Rise Morning Show).
Stay the course! Don’t let the advertising frenzy get to you! Carve out those times for very necessary prayer. Prepare your heart for the Christ Child!
Here is a wonderful endorsement sent to me today by Ralph Martin:
“I’m not usually keen about reading one of the 30 days or 52 weeks kind of books as I don’t usually find them going into depth enough to decently treat the saint they are focusing on. But it was different with Donna-Marie’s book. As I began to skim through it in preparation for doing a Television interview with her I realized that this book was different and I wanted to read it from cover to cover. This is the best integration of the main events of St. Faustina’s life and the best presentation in a clear, orderly way, of her spiritual teaching that I know of. I am very grateful for this book and highly recommend it.”
Ralph Martin, S.T.D.
Director of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization
Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Archdiocese of Detroit
Click on the image to learn more and/or to purchase.
Today, on this feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross, I’d like to invite you to check out this page to learn about how you can “be the one” to make prayerful reparation to Jesus and Mary.
Feeling joyful after an amazing Day of Prayer!
Learn more here! Or, simply click on the tab “BE THE ONE!” at the top of this page.
I did a short radio show this morning on Catholic Connection on Ave Maria Radio which you can listen to below…
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Our Lady appeared to 3 simple shepherd children 102 years ago today. I tell about the visit and all of the others in my books about Fatima: Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions, Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World, and Advent with Our Lady of Fatima.
I would like to provide the special prayers taught to the children by the Angel of Peace in 1916 and by our Blessed Mother in 1917 here in this post.
You can pray these prayers today on this special feast day and any other day. Ask Mother Mary to grant many graces to you for your own soul and so that you can help others.
The Pardon Prayer
“My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I beg pardon for all those that do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee.”
—This prayer was given to the children by the angel of Peace in Spring 1916.
Angel’s Prayer
“O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore Thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences by which He is offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary I beg the conversion of poor sinners.”
—Given to the children Fall 1916. A Eucharistic host and chalice were suspended in the air, and the Angel of Peace led the children to kneel before it in Adoration and pray this prayer.
The Eucharistic Prayer
“Most Holy Trinity, I adore Thee! My God, my God, I love Thee in the Most Blessed Sacrament.”
—The Blessed Mother taught this prayer to the children on the first visit on May 13, 1917.
The Sacrifice Prayer
“O Jesus, it is for the love of Thee, in reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and for the conversion of poor sinners [that I do this].”
—The Blessed Mother taught the children this prayer, as well as the Decade Prayer, on June 13th, 1917. It is meant to be prayed when offering up suffering or penance to God.
The Decade Prayer
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.”
—On July 13, 1917, the Blessed Mother told the children that people should add this prayer to the end of each decade of the Rosary.
It’s been awhile. I know. I have been so busy with my book writing and writing work, major traveling for speaking, and I have been sick too. Plus, of course, we just celebrated Thanksgiving.
It really is true. There are only so many hours in a day! 🙂 Where do I begin to catch up with you? You might be following me on social media too, so you know I haven’t fallen off the edge of the Earth!
Here I am with my precious helpers in the kitchen for Thanksgiving. My grandson in the first photo exclaimed, “I am wearing an apron–just like GRANDMA!” There’s nothing like the love of a grandchild. They are blessings to be sure!
We also celebrated four birthdays at Thanksgiving time. Three of my children’s birthdays as well as mine! Lots of festivity! After that, I got sick! I was run down and illness finally got to me. I’m getting better as we speak!
I’ll give you a few updates. My Advent with Our Lady of Fatima book has released. I have copies available here.
“Lived well, the season of Advent can help us meditate upon our eternal life as well as the need to help others get to heaven. Our Lady emphasizes that heaven is real and that we need to live holy lives to get there one day, but it’s important to recognize that hell is very real, too, and is a sure consequence for unrepented sin…” [From my book]
Catholic Exchange recently posted an excerpt from my book. You can see that here.
Here is a link to listen to a radio conversation I had with Jon Leonetti chatting about my Advent book. Just click on the link and then click on the Novemeber 21st date. You can scroll to the 18:53 time marker and listen there. It goes to about the 30:10 mark. Or, just listen to his whole show if you’d like.
As well, I made a couple of very short videos for yesterday’s and today’s reflections. You can see them on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. I tried to upload them here but the files are too large. I’ll try to do these types of teaching videos as open as I can. I pray that they stir your heart during this marvelous season of Advent and beyond!
In case you’d like additional information on my book:
From the Inside Flap:
Spend this Advent with Our Lady of Fatima
and with six saintly souls who were particularly devoted to her:
St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Paul II, Fr. Andrew Apostoli, and the Three Shepherd Children to whom Mary appeared in 1917!
In these spiritually-rich pages, award-winning Catholic author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle brings you powerful prayers and readings guaranteed to shield you from the annual holiday sales frenzy that, during the holy season of Advent, distracts even sincere believers from preparation for the coming of the Christ Child.
These wise pages are sure to draw you closer to Our Lady of Fatima and her gracious messages of peace and hope. For these Advent prayers and readings are all rooted in Mary’s 1917 messages to Jacinta, Francisco, and Lucia (the three young Fatima visionaries); and in the personal Fatima devotions of three of our holy contemporaries, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Paul II, and the late Fr. Andrew Apostoli.
Reflecting on Advent through their lives and words, you will also learn:
The prayers of adoration the Angel taught Jacinta, Francisco, and Lucia
What Fr. Andrew considered the most important of Our LadyFatima requests
How St. John Paul II fulfilled the Third Secret of Fatima — and why he credits Our Lady with saving his life!
How, in his final months, Fr. Andrew radically fulfilled Our Lady’s Fatima requests
The role Mother Teresa secretly played in the consecration of Russia
Why, particularly in Advent, you must pray for Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart to triumph
And much more to help you grow closer to Our Lady and keep your Advent frenzy-free.
There’s still time to get an autographed copy. Just click here or on the book cover image above. I hope that if you get a chance to read it that it will deeply inspire you. I hope and pray that Our Lady of Fatima will guide you through each day, along with some special Saintly friends I have woven through the chapters.
