View from the Domestic Church: Review: "The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions"

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)

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Review: "The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions"

"I converted to Catholicism many years ago but I have always felt a bit like an outsider when it comes to understanding how Mary cares for us and intercedes for us - so this book caught my eye because I was curious about the miraculous medal and I knew very little about it. I like how the book was divided into two main parts - essentially the story of how the MM came about and the second half included encouraging stories. The author related a lot of her own experiences handing out the medals and that was one of the more interesting things about the book I thought - how her efforts have touched the lives of others and I found that very inspiring. The book concludes with some prayers and devotions in case you aren't familiar with them (which I was not). Someone else commented that it does a good job of explaining the difference between superstition and faith and I agree - it really helped me to "get it" when it comes to why many (especially Catholics) feel a special connection to Mary.

I found this book so interesting that I read it in two days and it is one I would go back and read again. She writes with a clarity and sincerity that isn't overly sentimental but refreshing and inspiring and makes you think. If you are on the fence about this book - I'd say buy it. It would be great if she did a follow-up book with more stories - I'd buy that one too!" [as seen on Amazon]

Available here: www.donnacooperoboyle.com

God bless you and keep you!