Catholic Transcript Online

Cardinal Stanuslaw Rylko, author Teresa Tomeo, author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle,

NEW MILFORD – When Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle published her Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers in 2005, she never imagined the extent to which her personal mission would be recognized and embraced by the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

She wrote, for the most part, from her experiences as a Catholic mother of five who has always had a strong belief in the importance of motherhood.

Offering encouragement to women, and to mothers in particular, is central to the author’s work, which includes two books published since then.

As a result of her efforts to promote the dignity of women and the sanctity of motherhood, Ms. O’Boyle was invited to participate in a recent international congress organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Held last month in Rome, "Woman and Man, the Humanum in Its Entirety," included 260 delegates from around the world to mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter, Mulieris Dignitate (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women).

The primary purpose of the congress was to review the progress made over the past 20 years in the advancement of women and recognition of their dignity.

"The whole experience was incredible, and I felt honored to be chosen as the delegate from North America," said Ms. O’Boyle, a longtime member of and catechist at St. Francis Xavier Parish.

"I was overwhelmed with gratefulness to be present at the history making event arranged by the Holy See," she said.

Participants initially were addressed by Cardinal Stanuslaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, who said that the apostolic letter has "lost nothing of its relevance, and it continues as a great source of inspiration to meditate upon, study and bring out its richness."

The three-day congress included a reflection on the letter through conferences, workshops and panel discussions featuring topics such as Christianity and the advancement of women, the role and mission of women, and contemporary cultural trends.

Ms. O’Boyle, who traveled with her daughters Chaldea and Mary-Catherine, was delighted to compare notes with other delegates about her mission in the Church and with women and families.

All of the delegates were asked to consider what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done to promote the dignity of women in society.

Ms. O’Boyle said it was a wonderful occasion to share the experience with people from all parts of the world who are faced with similar issues regarding the marginalization of women.

The author, who was one of six women from the United States, interviewed other delegates to understand their perspectives about what women are facing in different parts of the world.

She believes that although women have advanced in some ways, there has been some fallout from radical feminism, and that in many ways, women have sold themselves short.

Ms. O’Boyle said women need to understand they are equal to men and have their own unique gifts.

"There’s a lot of work to be done, but if we can reflect upon this document and feel affirmed that women have a high dignity and have never been without it, we don’t need to succumb to the messages aimed at women that cause the family to crumble and fall apart," explained Ms. O’Boyle, who uses wording from the Apostolic Letter in her ministry to illustrate how the Church has always upheld the dignity of women.

In addition to having the enriching experience of participating in the conference, Ms. O’Boyle was especially moved by an audience with Pope Benedict XVI, who thanked the delegates for their work. She recalled the Pope’s words: "God entrusts to women and to men, according to the characteristics that are proper to each, a specific vocation in the mission of the Church and in the world," which validated all that the author continues to do in her talks to women and through her writing of books and blogs.

"I felt a deep joy in my heart that this is what God keeps affirming in my heart each day," said Ms. O’Boyle, who is busy preparing for the upcoming release of her new book, the Catholic Saints Prayer Book.

She will talk about her new book and about her recent trip to the Vatican at 2 p.m. March 29 at Borders Books in Danbury and at 11:30 a.m. April 5 at Bank Street Book Nook in New Milford.

Ms. O’Boyle also is the author of The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home and Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena for Mothers to Be.