The Catholic Book Blogger
Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is recognized by millions of people as the friendly face and soothing voice of ideal Catholic womanhood. Yet her frequent appearances on radio and television, many books, and dynamic speaking engagements have established her as a mainstay in the lives of anyone devoted to seeking to live according to strong Christian values, to improving their family relationships, and making a powerful impact on their communities. Her universal, compassionate and relatable approach has catapulted her into the mainstream media and the lives of all denominations of Christians, as well as those seeking a deeper relationship with God and a more fulfilling life. A best-selling and award-winning author, she was named one of the “Top Ten Most Fascinating Catholics” in 2009. Publishers Weeklyrecognized Donna-Marie’s first book Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers as a breakout top ten best-seller within the first week of its release.
Donna-Marie Cooper O’ Boyle is a frequent guest on EWTN television and radio. She is also the TV host of EWTN’s “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms” and “Catholic Mom’s Café” as well as a regular contributor to a wide range of newspapers, magazines, TV and online media outlets worldwide, interviewing everyone from Cardinals and fashion moguls to movie stars.
Perhaps most importantly I am honored to consider her a friend. Here is our recent interview on her new book The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross
PETE: Your memoir The Kiss of Jesus is a deeply personal volume. Was it difficult to write such personal details?
DONNA-MARIE COOPER O’BOYLE: Some parts of it were difficult to write because I needed to revisit some very dark and painful episodes in my life.
PETE: Your life has been filled with many highs and many lows. By telling readers about these what do you hope they take away from this book?
DONNA-MARIE COOPER O’BOYLE: I hope and pray that my readers will feel a sense of hope for their own lives after reading my book. I believe that so many people suffer from deep wounds for all kinds of reasons. As well, they struggle and suffer due to strenuous life circumstances. They can sometimes feel all alone in their suffering and many times don’t know where to turn for help. I am praying that my book will help them and even heal their wounds, by God’s grace. I pray it will inspire them to want to grow in holiness as we are all called by God to do.
PETE: What inspired you to write this very personal memoir?
DONNA-MARIE COOPER O’BOYLE: I feel it is God’s timing for my memoir. It is my twentieth book. I believe that my readership, listenership, and viewership would like to know more about my life. I think that sharing the really dark parts might possibly even shock some of them. But, even so, it is in the sharing that people can be helped to see that they can get through their own trials and sufferings.
As I pointed out in my Preface, a single mother expressed her woes about raising her son alone and was suddenly transformed with hope when I shared with her that I had been a single mother of five children for many years and that God gave me much grace to navigate the difficulties and to relish in the joy of the vocation of motherhood. It is my deep prayer that this book will inspire and encourage countless people.
PETE: Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us?
DONNA-MARIE COOPER O’BOYLE: Right now, I’m focusing on The Kiss of Jesus and all that it entails from my correspondence with folks all around the globe to the many radio shows, television appearances, speaking, and book signing I’ll be doing.
One fun part of the launch of The Kiss of Jesus will be a book club. I’ll be able to offer more information on that soon. I hope that your readers will subscribe to my email newsletter to learn more about the book club, contests, and more. It’s easy to do through my website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com (upper right column).
On another note, I plan to do at least one regular radio segment for the Year of Mercy and I hope to be filming some more segments of my EWTN Catholic Mom’s Cafe television series in the future.
PETE: Time for my signature ending question. This is a blog about books. What books are currently on your bookshelf to read?
DONNA-MARIE COOPER O’BOYLE: I have too many books on my bookshelf to mention, Pete! Thank you very much for this interview.
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Other books by this author:
The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions
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