Feast of the Visitation

Visitation

Two women meet,

cousins yet more than kin--

bound now to one another

by pregnant surprise.

Their unpredictable God has laughed at nature

and made the childless and the virgin bear.

She of the leaping womb, thought barren,

bears the restlessness of her God.

And the virgin unknown

becomes the magnifying glass

that makes great her God for all to see.

The women embrace;

forgotten hope surprised by life

embraces surpassing love.

Meeting they touch

the old and the new

the forgotten and the unknown

now revealed in mystery

as ancient desire and time's fulness.

The simple majesty 

of their common meeting

is remembered as the uncommon visitation

of God come among us.

Shall our own forgotten hope

protect us from surprise?

Perhaps!

Shall our fear of being known

cause us to turn and hide

from this--God's embrace?

It is possible.

Shall we trade

the restlessness of God

for oblivion?

Also possible.

But these women

Elizabeth and Mary,

desire and fulness,

call us to laugh with our unpredictable God

who comes to visit

such a warm and generous embrace

upon our quaking hearts.

Fr. Harry Hagan, OSB,  in Thirsting for God

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Happy feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgi...

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Happy feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgi...: Shortly afterward, her generous heart sent her on a journey into the hill country, pregnant and  "in haste," to help her cousin Elizabe...

Inspirational Mother Teresa books for individuals, families

Inspirational Mother Teresa books for individuals, families

"Rooted in Love" coming this fall!

I'm happy to report that my book Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women will be released this fall by Ave Maria Press.


Don't you just LOVE the cover?

Here's a book description from the publisher:

With warmth and candor, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle demonstrates why she is so beloved by her readers, viewers, and listeners. Through sometimes-unexpected stories from her own journey, she shows how that being a faith-filled Catholic woman does not mean being perfect. Rather, in the midst of parenting difficulties, marital problems, economic hardships, and sickness--among other challenges--one finds strength in Christ and in the wisdom and community of the Church. She highlights how the sacraments, the virtues, prayer, Mary and the saints, the works of mercy, and various devotions and practices all offer women grace and guidance for their lives.

Here are some of the endorsements:

Rooted in Love brings common sense back to the table! Donna-Marie's practical wisdom helps women to see their lofty vocation, but in a down-to-earth way.~ Rev. Leo Patalinghug, Author of Grace Before Meals

Rooted in Love offers Donna-Marie's unique brand of encouragement and spiritual guidance, amazing anecdotes of a life well lived, plus reflection questions, prayers, and more to help you know, love, and serve God more fully every day.~Lisa M. Hendey, Author of A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle has the great ability to speak to and spiritually connect with the hearts of her readers.~Doug Keck, Host of EWTN's Bookmark

Whether you are single or married, managing a busy household buzzing with children or adjusting to the quiet of an empty nest, Rooted in Love will give you the spiritual inspiration and practical tools you need to embrace your calling as a Catholic woman.~Mary De Turris Poust, Author of Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image, and God

Available for pre-order at Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Love-Calling-Catholic-Women/dp/1594713065/ref=la_B001JS5YFS_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1338336562&sr=1-11

Will soon be available for pre-order at my website:  www.donnacooperoboyle.com 

Also, at the publisher, Ave Maria Press: www.avemariapress.com 

Get Serious!

Get Serious!

Father's day is approaching - Take a look (in the link above) at a book perhaps very fitting for a special father in your life.

Mothers, mother's love, and a little controversy

A recent radio show in which I chat with Bob Dunning (The Bishop's Radio Hour) in our segment "Food for the Family's Soul" about mothers, Mother's day, and warm and fuzzy mother things! We also talk about something controversial. You can listen here: http://www.donnacooperoboyle.com/audio/sbh-20120511.mp3

[the first part of the segment was lost somewhere in cyberspace, but most of our segment is here]

A brand new day!

A brand new day! What will we do with it? Will you make time to lift your heart often to God? Can you be on the look out today for someone in your midst who may be suffering silently? See if you can extend your help in some way - even a kind word or a smile will go a long way!

RADIO: Mothers and Mother's day!

RADIO in a few minutes: 12 noon Eastern time
"Food for the Family’s Soul"
Chatting with Bob Dunning about mothers and Mother's day
on the Bishop’s Radio Hour
Immaculate Heart Radio, 1620am (Sacramento area) and 1250am (Stockton area).
Tune in: www.ihradio.com

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Mary re-echoes God

Lean your head on Mary's heart: Mary re-echoes God: From, God Alone, The Collected Writings of St. Louis Marie de Montfort : "Mary was created only for God, and it is unthinkable that she sho...

Recent radio show about the role of mothers and "Embracing Motherhood."

In case you didn't get a chance to tune in to my recent radio show with Terry and John on Pope John Paul the Great's Leafeater's Club when we talked about the role of mothers and my book "Embracing Motherhood," you can hear it right here: http://fhcradio.com/files/LEAFEATERS_AIR_04MAY201.mp3

Enjoy!

Motherly wisdom from Blessed Teresa

Motherly wisdom from Blessed Teresa

Radio Chat Friday morning!

RADIO - FRIDAY: 10:00 a.m. Eastern
Blessed John Paul the Great’s Leafeaters Club Radio Show
hosted by Terry Moran and John Lillis
We will discuss: “Embracing Motherhood”
FHC Radio Network
712.202.3691
www.fhcradio.com
I hope you join us. 
God bless you!
Donna-Marie

Rooted in Love!

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women

For ALL Catholic women! Coming this fall! 

Book description from the publisher: In this heartfelt and sincere volume, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle shows why she is so beloved by her readers, viewers, and listeners. Using stories and experiences from her own life she shows that being a faith-filled Catholic woman does not mean one is perfect. It means that in the midst of parenting difficulties, marital problems, economic hardships, sickness—or whatever challenge life may bring—one finds strength in Christ and in the wisdom and community of the Church. Beginning with a woman’s sense of identity and vocation, Cooper O’Boyle reflects on the presence of Christ in every aspect of a woman’s life—as the source of her dignity, her strength, and her joy. Drawing from scripture, the treasury of Catholic spirituality, and her own favorite prayers and devotions, Cooper O’Boyle guides her readers to become women of prayer, women of compassion and strength in relationships, and women of heart for those in need.

 In a warm and conversational tone she highlights how the sacraments, the virtues, prayer, Mary and the saints, the works of mercy, and various devotions and practices all offer women grace and guidance for their lives. Original prayers and discussion points for groups likewise contribute to making this an invaluable resource.

******
I'll keep you posted as more information becomes available. You can check my website too: www.donnacooperoboyle.com

Mary soothes our soul!

Do you love Mary? Do you enjoy the Salve Regina? I recently was blessed to listen to and review the brand new "The Chants of Mary" CD by Paraclete Press. Listen to the Salve Regina free here on You Tube. What a way to start the morning--and the month of Mary!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2tza4nRYv4
(You can order on Paraclete's website listed under the You Tube)
In addition, Paraclete Press made it possible for you to gift 4 mp3's from the CD to your friends for the month of May--Mary's month. Check it out in the link below:
http://www.paracletepress.com/four-marian-antiphons-for-compline-from-chants-of-mary.html

Nitty Gritty Stuff of Mothers!

Are you brave enough to watch?

 Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless

Sarah Reinhard wrote a new book! It's published by Pauline Books and Media. I think you're going to love it. Do you have kids or know someone who does? This IS THE book for today's parent!

This is what I said in my endorsement: 

“Embrace spontaneous and organized 

Catholic family fun moments. In Catholic 

Family Fun, Sarah Reinhard offers 

endless imaginative ideas to keep your 

growing family happy, entertained, 

engaged, and even educated as you 

create splendid memories together.”

Here's the book description:

Discover how game night/day meets Catholicism in Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative or Clueless, an inspirational guidebook offering activities with strategies and suggestions for fun family engagement - with one another and with faith! A great resource for parents, grandparents, caretakers, and family friends, this book conceptualizes a wide range of fun, practical activities that strengthen faith formation in young to grade-school age children.

Here are some useful links:

 The Catholic Family Fun "hub" on Sarah's site: http://snoringscholar.com/my-books/catholic-family-fun/

The Catholic Family Fun book website, which includes new activities and reflections each month, as well as a handful of activities from the book: http://pauline.org/CatholicFamilyFun/tabid/741/Default.aspx

The Catholic Family Fun Facebook page, where Sarah is inviting everyone to interact and share: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicFamilyFun

Want to purchase a copy? Sarah suggests, "First and foremost, please support your local Catholic retailer. If you don’t have one or aren’t able to, here are some other places to purchase Catholic Family Fun."

• Pauline Books & Media
• Catholic Company 
• Aquinas & More 
• Barnes & Noble
• Amazon 

Have fun with your family and enjoy this book!

The Pain of Miscarriage

Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration: Interview with Author Kevin Lowry

Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration: Interview with Author Kevin Lowry: DONNA-MARIE: Kevin, it is my pleasure to interview you about your new book: Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck  published ...

Interview with author, Karen Edmisten

Interview with author, Karen Edmisten

Graces abound!

Graces abound today and everyday in the myriad of situations you are involved it. Each and every encounter is an opportunity for grace and love. Yes, even through the challenges--especially through them! Take time to pause and lift your heart to God often throughout the day. Ask Him to use you to bring others to Him. He will!