View from the Domestic Church: St. Catherine of Siena

In addition to my books

I have written for the English edition of L'Osservatore Romano (Vatican newspaper)

The National Catholic Register, Catholic World Report, Our Sunday Visitor (national) newsweekly, Columbia Magazine, The Catholic Transcript, The News Times, The New Milford Times, Hearth magazine, Canticle magazine, Lay Witness magazine, Faith & Family magazine, CarbLite magazine, On the Web - many areas, including Catholic Exchange, Catholic Online, Catholic Lane, Catholic Mom, and a parenting column for Irish Family Press (print edition), a Catholic weekly newspaper published in Ireland as well as the online format. My work appears in many foreign publications as well (Nigeria, Singapore, Africa, Russia, and more).

A Catholic Woman's Book of Prayers

With all the mixed messages that women receive from society today, women can be distracted from--and even unreceptive to--the deep and abiding love that Christ has for them. Whether single or married, religious or consecrated, parenting children, or spiritually mentoring others, women need to know that the Lord understands the many challenges they face, their desire for inspiration, and, above all, their need to be affirmed as women.Through this book of original and traditional prayers from one of the top ten most fascinating Catholics of 2009 as rated by Faith & Family Live, women can realize God's divine Love, thrive in inspiration from Saints and the Church and rest in the affirmation of the "feminine genius." (order above by clicking book image at top of page)

First and foremost educator

"Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it. For it devolves on parents to create a family atmosphere so animated with love and reverence for God and others that a well-rounded personal and social development will be fostered among children. Hence, the family is the first school of those social virtues which every society needs."--Gravissimum Educationis (one of the documents of the Second Vatican Council)

Love for Laundry: Folding Hail Mary’s
Laundry: a never-ending task,
Looming over me, growing beside me,
Requiring my time and lots of energy.
How can a mother embrace this job?
Quietly, I pray.
Folding my family’s clothes,
I think of them and of you, Lord.
Thankful for this blessing;
The awesome privilege
Of caring for them!
Dear Lord, please grant me all of the graces I need to see the hidden treasure in housework and in caring for my family!
(excerpted from my book: Grace Cafe: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering, Circle Press)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

St. Catherine of Siena

Saint Catherine of Siena is one of my favorite saints for sure. Take a look at my latest post on my saints' blog at the Goodness Reigns website for youth and young adults...

"Catherine was born on March 25, 1347, in Italy. One afternoon when she was six years old, she went for a walk with her brother. On the way home she saw the Blessed Mother seated upon a throne holding the Christ Child in her arms. The Child looked at Catherine and raised His hand to bless her as He smiled at her. Catherine’s heart melted and she lived her whole life afterward wanting to please Jesus so He would smile at her again.

Despite all her prayers, Catherine felt deserted by God until one day she questioned Him. He tenderly reassured her in her heart the whole time. She was then overwhelmed with peace..." Continued here at the GR blog.

2 comments:

AnonymousApril 30, 2010 at 11:34 AM
I've actually never heard that story about St. Catherine seeing the Christ Child in the arms of the Blessed Virgin. How beautiful!
A somewhat irrelevant question: I was looking at the picture on your blog of the Blessed Virgin nursing baby Jesus and was wondering if you know where I could find a print of that image?
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Donna-Marie Cooper O'BoyleMay 4, 2010 at 6:32 PM
Dear "Sprout,"

Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I agree it's very beautiful. Regarding your question, I am not sure. I bet you can GOOGLE it and find some answers.

God bless!
Donna-Marie
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I welcome your comments, thanks for stopping by! :)

Be at peace

"Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; Rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations."
~Saint Francis De Sales