Nancy Carabio Belanger

A Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus 1863-1885

2012-01-26T17:13:00.010-05:00

"The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother."

—St. Therese

Recently I posted that I was under the weather and reading a fascinating book comprised of the letters of our beloved Therese's mother and father from St. Pauls/Alba House. I wrote that I was disappointed that the book was coming to an end, because the stories of the Martin family were so amusing and heartfelt.

Let me be very clear: I rarely gush over books, but if you have a devotion to St. Therese or her holy parents, beatified in 2008, you must read this book. I adore Therese, but I also find her mother quite loveable and inspiring. The more I read her letters to her daughters Marie and Pauline at boarding school, her brother Isidore, and his wife Celine, the more I got to know this wonderful mother of the Little Flower. Her letters made me laugh, made me cry, and made me shake my head in awe at the disciplined, sorrowful, joyful, and holy life she led. I also found, if I may be so bold, that out we have a few things in common, Blessed Zelie and me. We share the always awesome, sometimes challenging, and always holy apostolate of motherhood. We have the excitement of running our own businesses: she the owner of a successful business dedicated to Alencon lace, and me a Catholic publishing company. We both felt divinely inspired to start these businesses, hearing a distinct Voice urging us on our paths. "See to the making of Alencon lace," God told Bl. Zelie. "You could do that," God told me inside a bookstore.

Oh, and then there are the frogs! I laughed so hard when she wrote the following amusing story to Marie and Pauline, which I will share here from page 142:

"And now I must tell you something else, although the end of the story isn't very nice and testifies to a very bad attitude among the people.

So, recently something peculiar happened to a woman whose carriage was parked across from our house in front of the Prefecture. The coachman was dressed in magnificent livery, completely trimmed with fur. A badly dressed man carrying a cloth bag in his hand happened to be passing by. He stopped a moment to look at the coachman, then the woman in the coach. He headed for the open door of the coach, untied his bag and emptied the contents onto the woman's lap.

Immediately, she began to let out terrible screams. The coachman quickly came to help her, and passersby came running. They saw this woman doubled over in a panic and, on top of her, about twenty frogs. She even had them on her head. In other words, she was covered with them!

The malicious man watched her struggle. When the police commissioner came and asked him why he would do such a thing, he said calmly, 'I just caught these frogs to sell, but seeing this aristocrat with her coachman all covered in fur, I preferred to give her a good fright rather than sell my frogs.' They took him to jail, and he certainly deserved it!

I'm sure you're going to say, 'If anyone did such a thing to Mama, she would die!' That very well could be because you know my irrational fear of frogs!"

I had quite a chuckle over that, I must tell you. For I, too, have an irrational fear of frogs! I could have given Bl. Zelie a big hug at that moment.

And that's how I felt the entire time I read this book of her heartfelt letters to her family. For, through her joys and sorrows (and she had many sorrows as she lost her children to death, as well as the ups and downs of her business and finally, her horrible yet brave struggle with breast cancer) she kept her sense of humor and her faith in God, and wrote more than once that she wanted what God wanted for her during these devastating trials.

"Don't worry about me. I'm not worrying at all, and I'm putting everything in God's hands."

In this, Bl. Zelie has a powerful, loving message for all of us.

The graces she showed while suffering, the forgiveness she offered freely, the love she poured out on her husband, children, and neighbors—these things are all shown abundantly in her letters, and they are a true treasure to read.

I also enjoyed the little anecdotes of Little Therese, who she wrote "gets emotional very easily," and says, "This dear little one makes our happiness. She'll be good, and we can already see the seed. She speaks of nothing but God and wouldn't miss saying her prayers for anything. I wish you could see her recite her little stories. I've never seen anything so cute."

But lest we think Little Therese was a perfect angel, her mother is here to assure us that she, too, had her ups and downs. In a letter to Therese's older sister Pauline, she writes on page 245:

"Therese is still the same little imp. She often speaks of Pauline and says she's very annoyed not to see her returning from Le Mans. This evening she thought that we were going to wait for you at the station because your father went out to take Marie to Mademoiselle Pauline's house. She put up a struggle 'to go get Pauline, too.' "

Also, there are the tired sighs of a good mother at the end of a long day with her active children (page 304):

"I think I'm going to have to abandon my letter until this evening, when they've all gone to bed, since one can't have a moment's rest here. I'm sure that all of the boarding school students at the Visitation Monastery combined couldn't make as much noise. It's a good thing I have the ears for it!"

The book also includes fourteen letters from Bl. Louis, the doting, adoring husband and father, who was funny, loving, and holy in his correspondence to his daughters.

"Give, give always and make some people happy," he wrote to them, as well as, ""The thought of your mother follows me constantly."

Everyone with a devotion to St. Therese should read these most intimate thoughts of her parents. We are so blessed to have these letters available to welcome us into the home life of the Martin family. Blessed Zelie and Louis Martin have much wisdom to share. These are people who were entirely devoted to God, the Church, their family, and their community.

Even while dying, the selflessness and thoughts of others were on Bl. Zelie's heart: "The Poor Clares are also going to start a novena," she wrote on page 280, "but I don't like asking for prayers for myself because it would be better for me if it was for the intentions of others."

A Call to a Deeper Love is a call to all of us to accept whatever God brings in our lives with complete trust and confidence in Him. What greater role models than these two extraordinary human beings, the parents of great saint and Doctor of the Church St. Therese? In this intimate book of letters, we see firsthand what Bl. Louis called "the intimate happiness of the family, and it's this beauty that brings us closer to Him."

A Call To A Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus 1863-1885

translated by Ann C. Hess

Guy Gaucher, Auxiliary Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux and the Sisters of Lisieux (preface, notes, and overall presentation of the text)

ISBN-10 0-8189-1321-5 464 pages $29.95

For more information and to order the book, visit http://www.thereseoflisieux.org/

Life Goes On

2012-01-07T14:56:00.008-05:00

I'm told it happens to every author, sometime, somewhere.

I'm told it takes great courage and great faith to be a Catholic writer, and that I'm in good company. Which I am.

I'm told I should shake it off, move on, pray about it, forget about it.

I'm told it gets easier every time.

I wouldn't know. It's my first time.

In over three years, I've been blessed: My books haven't gotten one bad review.

Until now.

It happened on January 3, the day after St. Therese's birthday. I wonder what that means.

A parent, on Amazon Canada, ripped Olivia and the Little Way to shreds. I saw it for the first time this morning.

The book and its sequel, Olivia's Gift, were given to her 11-year-old daughter, probably by some well-meaning friend or relative on Christmas, hoping to give the child a meaningful, religious present. She turned up her nose when she saw the "religious" covers and begged not to read them. The parent said she didn't have to, but out of curiosity she read the first book.

That was tough enough to read. I've read worse on sites like this, however. People can be unbelievably cruel. They say things no writer should ever hear: Your books belong in the trash can, they should be burned, you can't write.

My reviewer said none of those things. She said my book was "simple and loudly preachy, and that its message to proselytize for Therese of Lisieux is without a trace of subtly" (which should have read subtlety).

Of course it's simple, I wanted to say. It's all about the Little Way, loving Jesus simply, like children. And of course I am obvious about introducing St. Therese. That was my intention! But you can't argue with a computer screen. I tried, and it doesn't talk back. Which is probably a good thing.

Then came a kick in the gut: The reviewer wrote that St. Therese didn't follow the Little Way "out of unselfish altruism, but instead to garner points with God, as her goal was sainthood."

Garnering points? Nothing could be more untrue!

Trashing my little book is one thing, but trashing who the Catholic Church calls the greatest saint of modern times? Quite another. Therese never did anything for herself, you see. No one who knows her could ever say that. Everything she did, she did out of pure, unselfish love for God. After all, St. Therese once wrote, "I am a child of the Church. I do not ask for riches or glory, not even for the glory of heaven."

I could go on and on about the blood, sweat, and tears authors (especially authors like me who aren't writing about the latest trends, who aren't feeding trash to children) endure. The prayers we pray, how we can toss and turn at night, wondering if God is happy with our work. The Good Lord knows we certainly don't do what we do for the money.

But you know all of this. That's why you write to me to tell me that your sons and daughters can't put the books down, why you're teaching from them in your classrooms, why your daughter just chose St. Therese as her patron saint and is now following her Little Way, how your son who never took an interest in anything Catholic now wants to learn more about saints and how they loved Jesus. That's why your children send me little pictures in the mail, why they e-mail me with sweet little notes, why they tell me they are praying for me.

Authors have many ways of dealing with bad reviews, whether they be from professionals or from average Joes on Amazon or Goodreads. Some cry, some pretend they don't care, some get angry.

I confess, I wanted to do all of those things. It would have been pretty easy to do, and could have ruined my entire day, if I let it. I'll be honest: It did ruin my morning.

So I took a winter walk around my neighborhood. I passed a nice man walking his dog who said "hello." I waved to a neighbor who was taking down his Christmas lights from the bushes in his front yard. I passed a mom in a car who smiled at me. I heard barking dogs, garage doors opening, kids playing. I was sad. I told St. Therese I don't like people talking badly about her. I asked God to continue to give me strength and courage to keep writing for children. And I felt blessed.

Then I went home and made my family some waffles.

Life goes on.

"Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity."

—St. Therese, the Little Flower

Archbishop Fulton Sheen: Meeting God Face To Face In The Blessed Sacrament

2012-01-03T20:01:00.008-05:00

"All my sermons are prepared in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. As recreation is most pleasant and profitable in the sun, so homiletic creativity is best nourished before the Eucharist. The most brilliant ideas come from meeting God face to face. The Holy Spirit that presided at the Incarnation is the best atmosphere for illumination. Pope John Paul II keeps a small desk or writing pad near him whenever he is in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament; and I have done this all my life — I am sure for the same reason he does, because a lover always works better when the beloved is with him."

— Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Archbishop Sheen is my buddy; there, I've said it! And he loved the Little Flower to boot! I've downloaded every radio talk of his onto my iPod. I had to have them all. His wisdom is still very relevant today.
I pray for the cause of Sheen's canonization and I ask for his prayers and intercession. He was a brilliant, humble soul.
If you haven't heard him in awhile— or ever— I encourage you to start today. This man never missed a holy hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament. He called it his "power hour." He even died while in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament! I thought of him today while at Eucharistic Adoration: the first time my parish has had Adoration in over twenty years. What a wonderful day it was at my parish when the monstrance was brought out and reverently displayed on the altar!

second photo copyright Joseph Karl Publishing, 2011

Great Kids: Sugar Station!

2011-12-27T09:43:00.011-05:00

It's been awhile since I've written about Great Kids on this blog, so I wanted to introduce the kids from the band Sugar Station: 12-year-old twins Ariel and Zoey, and their 10-year-old brother Eli! They are the stars of the hit 'tween musical variety television show, Ariel & Zoey & Eli, Too. Sugar Station writes, records and performs their original songs, and are as patriotic as they come: Ariel, Zoey and Eli spend much of their time supporting U.S. troops and military families through performances and visits, including a 2009 tour of military bases across the country called “Operation: Sweet Company.”

They have performed for the children of wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and in April 2011 they were invited to headline the“Celebration of Our Military Kids’ Star Power” event at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, DC., where children of National Guard and Reserve families received grants to participate in extracurricular and educational activities. They have even sung the national anthem at a Mets game at Shea Stadium and a sold-out Detroit Pistons game and have performed twice with the respected Ann Arbor Symphony. Watch their sweet rendition of "America the Beautiful" here.

On September 18^th, 2011, Ariel, Zoey and Eli hosted a fundraiser for the University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital at Michigan Theater.

I've known their mom Caroline since we were children: close, close buddies playing dolls together in her basement and swimming at her lake in the summertime. We were goofy, silly, and yes, sometimes we did feel "left out," just like Olivia, as Sugar Station sings here:

You can watch Ariel & Zoey & Eli Too on THE COOLTV Monday through Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Merry Christmas To You And Yours!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

"A God who became so small could only be loving and merciful."

—St. Therese

Little Therese Is Lifting My Spirits!

2011-12-20T16:50:00.006-05:00

Dear readers:

I'm disappointed for two reasons.

1. I've been under the weather since Friday. There is a lot to do the week before Christmas, and I can't do many of the things I'd planned.

2. The book I agreed to read and review for St. Paul's/Alba House, A Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of St. Therese of the Child Jesus 1863—1885 (2011, $29.95), is almost over. Yes, it is that good. I read it every night before bed, these engrossing and uplifting letters of Zelie and Louis Martin (most of them are Zelie's) and I am despairing because I don't know what I will do when the book is finished! Have you ever felt like that when you were nearing the end of a good book? When I do finish the book in the very near future (sigh), I intend to write my review here on this blog, so stay tuned for that. Let's just say that I have developed quite a fondness and admiration for Blessed Zelie Martin. I've laughed, cried, and been touched by the letters she wrote to her brother, sister-in-law, and daughters Pauline and Marie away at boarding school. She is an amazing soul, a very holy soul, and had a great sense of humor, much like her daughter, St. Therese!

I get so excited to read the little anecdotes of daily life with Little Therese, who Zelie calls an "imp" but "very cute, high strung, and she remembers everything!" Oh, how Zelie loved that little girl, the very sensitive girl with a heart of gold!

I wanted to give you a little inkling of the amusing stories Bl. Zelie shares of her little Therese in this book. So here's one that made me so sad, but yet made me laugh out loud at the same time (does that make sense?):

"Two weeks ago Therese, finding Celine so happy to be sick and wanting so much to be in her place, came down as she did with a high fever and all the symptoms of measles. Thank God, at the end of four days she was cured...We asked Therese if she was happy to be sick like Celine, but no, her wish had passed. She said, 'I wanted to be sick as big as the head of a pin, but not like this.' And she said this to us while crying."

From the tales of poor Therese whacking her forehead on a table, to crying on the stairs, to curling up in bed with her beloved older sister Celine, to jumping up and down with glee upon receiving a box of chocolates, to the little child's thoughts on going to Heaven, I can't get enough of this book. At least I have something uplifting to read when I'm sick. But I'll be so sad when it ends!

Waiting Gratefully For Christmas

2011-12-14T07:54:00.005-05:00

"What God has given me has always pleased me, even the things which appear to me less good and less beautiful than those which others had."

—St. Therese

Dear readers:

In these waning days of Advent, it is hard to be patient. Children especially can't wait until Christmas comes. The excitement has been building since before Halloween (which distresses me...way too early!) and sometimes it seems like Christmas will never come.

But it will come, and it always does.

In these last days of Advent, while we wait and hope and wonder, let's continue to use this time to think about how we long for the arrival of Baby Jesus on Christmas Day, how we anticipate him entering our hearts then, and how grateful we are for the wait.

It is difficult. There are presents to buy, plans to make, cookies to bake. Grandma's special butter-stained recipe cards from so long ago to go through. Decorations to hang throughout the house. These are all good things, certainly. But they pale in comparison to the true waiting. Think about how blessed we are to have this Advent time to prepare our hearts for His coming. The peaceful longing we have—not for presents in pretty paper under the tree, but for a Savior, the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings—is good for our souls: the waiting, praying, and preparing for such a Holy Gift.

Dear God: We're waiting for you. It is hard to wait, but You know this, because You know everything. We are grateful for the waiting. When Christmas Day comes, and the wait is over, and we open our presents, let us remember what St. Therese said so long ago (above). Let us be pleased with and grateful for what You have given us in Your generosity. There will many who will receive more than us this Christmas, and so, so many more who will receive much less. Let us remember this as we think of the real reason for this day. It is Jesus' birthday, not ours. Please help us to remember that the very best present we could ever receive is You. And the very best present we could give to this Little Baby Boy is peace and love to those around us, and our love and gratitude to You. Amen.

I wish you all a blessed Christmas, dear readers. Let us keep God in our hearts always!

St. Andrew Christmas Novena

2011-11-30T19:07:00.006-05:00

November 30, the feast of St. Andrew, is the day to begin the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena. Try praying it together as a family. This novena is prayed 15 times a day until Christmas. It can be prayed all at once or broken up throughout the day. This novena asks God to grant our request in honor of the birth of Jesus.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

Preparing Children For Advent

2011-11-28T10:18:00.002-05:00

"Preparing Children For Advent," from Creighton University's online ministries website

Preparing Ourselves First

The first, and most important thing we can do to prepare our children for Advent is to prepare ourselves first. After all, if we are impatient and crabby - pressured by all the busyness of this season - we won't be very good at teaching our children anything about quiet, expectant waiting. If they never hear us talk about what we long for from the Lord, how will they learn about this kind of longing? And, if they hear "the coming of Jesus" talked about at church, and perhaps at school, but never hear us talk about the meaning of the coming of Jesus for us, what kind of message will we be giving them?

Of course, our children will be watching us and listening to us - what we say and do, and what we fail to say and do. So, the first thing we can give our children is our own commitment to enter Advent as deeply as we can. We want to clear our own spirits so that we can be present to theirs. The graces we receive can be the graces we share with them.

Talking with Our Children

To talk with our chidren about our own religious experience doesn't mean we have to know all kinds of "theology" to "teach them," nor does it mean we have to "dumb it down" to ridiculously simple terms. We don't have to "burden" children with the burdens we have to bear in our adult relationship with God, and we don't have to make their world more unsettling and scary than it already is. We just have to find the right time and place to talk with them about our faith.

We don't have to criticize everything in our contemporary culture's preparation for and celebration of Christmas. But, what we tell them about Advent, will help temper the materialism and consumerism involved in the marketing of Christmas to children.

The Message
We can tell our children about Isaiah, the prophet. We can tell them that God has wanted to be the one who would lead and take care of his people. But they rebelled against God, and demanded kings, just like all the peoples around them had. So, God let them have kings. As it turned out, there was one bad king after another. And God sent prophets to the people and the kings to remind them of the agreement - the "covenant" - God made with them: I'll be your God and you be my people.

Now the way the people made someone a king was to pour a bit of oil on their head. The one who was "anointed" this way with oil became the king. Well, the prophets began to tell the people that God would send them "an anointed one" (the word they use to say "anointed one" in Hebrew is "Messiah.") In fact, they said that this Messiah would be called "Emmanuel", which in Hebrew means, "God is with us."

So, the message of the prophets was about a promise - that God would save his people from all that they were suffering. The prophets use such wonderful images to tell the people that they could expect and hope for a day when "every tear would be wiped away." It would be a day of great peace - "the lion would lie down with the lamb" and the people will beat their spears into hooks to prune trees with. And, the most unbelievable promise of all: "death will be no more."

We all know now that what God was preparing his people for was the coming of Jesus, the Christ (Christos in Greek means "the anointed one.")

Then, of course, we can tell them about Zachary and Elizabeth and about Joseph and Mary. We can tell them the story from Luke's gospel first. What is so surprising about the story is that he comes, not like a king, but in great simplicity and poverty. Our God is truly with us, as a little baby. He knows what is like to be a child - everything.

We can tell this story to our children in so many ways. We can let them tell us what it means to them. Through all this conversation, the message will come through. During these weeks of Advent, we want to look forward to celebrating his coming to live our life and to set us free - free from our sins and free from death itself.

We want to open up Advent for them, so that they can get ready for - look forward to - Christmas in a different way. We want to introduce them to faith-filled meanings for light/darkness, hunger/thirsts, and all the other images of Isaiah. We want them to really know the meaning of "the Christmas story."

Advent Activities

It would be great to create a Nativity "place" in our home. Before we just put a nativity scene there, we can let it be an empty space for a while. We can prepare for setting it up, by putting things in that place which represent the longing, the desire, the emptiness. Perhaps that place can begin with a basket. Children can place notes in the basket that express what they hope for, for each member in the family, for their friends, for people in the world. They can write special prayers for loved ones who are sick, for children in their school who are difficult. We can keep telling the children that it is into this special place of our longing and faith that Jesus comes. Then, when we set up the Nativity scene in that place, it can become a special place for the children.

We can involve children in preparing food for others. If there is a pre-Christmas party with friends or family, or even a "pot-luck" event we have to go to, we can involve the children in preparing something for the party. And, for Christmas dinner itself, we can tutor the children in making food for others to be happy and full and grateful. We can show them recipes they can make, and let them "in" on the big plans for the whole thing.

We can make plans to visit someone who is homebound or in a nursing home at this time. We can prepare our children for how to go there, how to be there, how to be grateful for the experience.

We can take an Advent or Christmas song, and copy it for our family reading - perhaps a prayer to be read, over and over. We can talk about what the words mean.

With older children, we might find a time to prepare food for a meal program for the homeless or go there to help serve and meet the families there. We may even be able to get them to tell the younger children about the experience, and why it fits so well with preparing for Christmas.

And, as we make these special family traditions during Advent, we will come up with others, that fit our family well.

First Holy Communion

2011-11-21T07:17:00.003-05:00

Another beautiful image from Joseph Karl Publishing's free Pro-Life Image Gallery. Come and see it at http://godisatworkinyou.com/FreePro-Life_Images.html and feel free to share the images with others!

Common Sense In Retail? I Can't Believe It!

2011-11-10T14:37:00.003-05:00

Bravo, Nordstrom!

I found out that Nordstrom is taking a stand against the holiday hoopla that seems to begin before we even carve our jack o'lanterns. Finally, some common sense in retail! Nordstrom, we are thankful for you! Let's hope other stores follow suit! Below is a sign found adorning the department store's door:

Is God Calling You? "God In The Streets Of New York City"

2011-10-28T09:44:00.004-04:00

Be sure to click on "full screen." It's amazing, inspiring, and simply awesome to see Our Lord in the streets of New York City.

You will remember this.

Produced by Grassroots Films.

Please Pray For The Cause of Archbishop Fulton Sheen!

2011-10-27T17:02:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends of Sheen,
We are in true need of your help. We need prayers as the Fulton Sheen Positio is being reviewed by the Theologians in Rome. Please pray for the discernment of the Theologians and for the Cause of our beloved Archbishop Fulton Sheen. You are our foot soldiers. I encourage you to forward this note to all your friends and have them join us in prayer and encourage them to become active participants in this great Cause. Let’s flood heaven with our rosaries, novenas, Masses and holy hours. We specially need prayer from 8am to 8pm tomorrow as the review begins at 5PM Italy time. I encourage you to pray as Sheen prayed. Please visit the Blessed Sacrament and as Sheen loved our lovely lady dressed in blue please pray many, many rosaries. Let us all take example from our Servant of God Archbishop Fulton Sheen and Pray! Pray! Pray!

In prayer with all of you,

Msgr. Stanley Deptula
Executive Director, Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation

“Prayer is helplessness casting itself on Power, Infirmity leaning on Strength, misery reaching to Mercy, and a prisoner clamoring for Relief.”

—Archbishop Fulton Sheen

"...Drive Out The Stranger From The Land..."

2011-10-26T20:10:00.002-04:00

Do you realize that our youths are facing a darkness of epic proportions? Go to any bookstore and what do you see offered on the children’s/YA shelves? Darkness, the occult, evil. The covers are all black, creepy. Either that or the characters are in skimpy clothing. This is what our youths have to choose from today when they are in the mood for a good book. And some parents are so thrilled that their children are actually reading instead of texting or playing video games, that they either look the other way or bury their heads in the sand. It’s reading, after all. It can’t be that bad, right?

Wrong! If we want to teach our children about God, about values, about standing up for the truth and the precious gift of LIFE, then we need to give them the tools they need: Spiritual armor to fight the battle. Knowledge about our faith. The difference between good and evil. Instead, they are being sent out to fight the battle after reading about vampires, witchcraft and the occult, and stories that celebrate immodesty, disobedience, selfishness, pride, and teen sex.

As a publishing industry insider and award-winning children’s author for pre-teens, I see too often how our kids are being led into the darkness. Much of the material publishers are offering is unhealthy for their spiritual, emotional, and physical development. Harvey House Publishing was founded to provide our children with material worthy of their great dignity and also the tools they need to live joyful, happy lives of true Christian witness. Our precious youth need good, solid role models in order to fight the good fight: The Saints!

Children respond strongly to being introduced to St. Therese, a sweet, yet very powerful saint they can identify with and emulate, who can intercede for these youngsters and pray for them as they make their way through adolescence.

Olivia and the Little Way and its pro-life sequel, Olivia's Gift, are being used in Catholic-school curricula across the U.S., as well as homeschools , Catholic clubs and church groups. Pre-teen readers, teachers, and parents are raving about the series, and are eagerly anticipating the third book in the series.

"While Olivia's Gift is a Catholic story by nature, this is a story of the human spirit and the fact that teenagers and young adults are already experiencing their own profound stories of faith and God...It is a refreshing and realistic reprieve from what teenagers today are currently very distracted by—vampires,” says the Catholic Press Association.

A mom of two pre-teens writes, "I've searched so long for truly Catholic fiction for the preteen set: a fun story that teaches values. I have finally found it in these books! My children are now following the Little Way and love St. Therese. Thank you!”

The next time you are at the bookstore or library, take a good, hard look at what our youths have to choose from, and remember a quote from one of the greatest saints of modern times and Doctor of the Church, The Little Flower: "My sword is Love, and with it I must drive out the stranger from the land, and establish Thy kingdom in souls."

Thank you and God bless you,

Nancy Carabio Belanger
Publisher, Harvey House Publishing

Delicious Autumn!

2011-10-18T17:03:00.005-04:00

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

—George Eliot

Welcome To Germany, Olivia!

2011-10-13T08:58:00.008-04:00

Willkommen in Deutschland!

This week, Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia's Gift make their debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Book Fair! Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia's Gift are joined by other exceptional books (such as those from Joseph Karl Publishing) represented by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Come and see the catalog here.

The Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest of its kind in the world, a meeting place for the industry’s experts. Be they publishers, booksellers, agents, film producers or authors - each year in October, they all come together and create something new. The Frankfurt Book Fair is the most important marketplace for books, media, rights and licences worldwide. It welcomes more than 7,300 exhibitors from 100 countries, 299,000 visitors, and over 10,000 journalists.

Saint Luke Productions to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Bringing Sanctity to the Performing Arts

2011-10-06T08:23:00.006-04:00

For three decades, Saint Luke Productions has led a renewal of Catholic culture through theater and the media by bringing professional theatrical and feature film dramas on the life of Christ and His saints to audiences of over one million people throughout the English-speaking world. The apostolate began in 1980, when founder and Shakespearean actor Leonardo Defilippis considered presenting the Gospel of Luke in a new form, as a one-man production that would tour churches in the Northwest United States for one season. He proceeded after being encouraged by Mother Teresa of Calcutta to “Do something beautiful for God.”

No expense was spared in the production. Audiences in more than one hundred churches were captivated by the powerful impact of Defilippis’ performances, and the life-changing effect and dedication to quality continues to this day. Saint Luke Productions has evolved into a professional non-profit company whose ten live productions have toured the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Productions are based on historical, scriptural, and modern-day stories that inspire audiences to a deeper desire for the Truth of Jesus Christ. Its films and live dramas have won numerous national and international awards, and have been aired for decades on cable and network stations. Saint Luke Productions also educates and encourages artists and young people by providing internships, workshops, and employment in their office and production company.

While Saint Luke Productions’ vision is Catholic, testimonials have revealed that people of all faiths have been touched, changed, and strengthened by the love of God manifesting itself through their work. Leonardo and his wife Patti, a screenwriter, director, and speaker, established the production company within the context of family. As parents of seven children, they understand that a renewal of the culture depends upon a renewal of family life.

Saint Luke Productions will formally celebrate its thirtieth anniversary October 18, 2011 (also the Feast of St. Luke), and plans to commemorate its extraordinary milestone throughout the next year. Leonardo Defilippis is grateful and humbled to have spent his life bringing sanctity to the performing arts.

"I could never have imagined," says Defilippis, "that this vision of creating dramas and films on the greatest lives of the human race, who have changed the course of history, would continue and flourish in a world where religious art is not appreciated, or in many cases, simply ignored. “

Leonardo and Patti Defilippis continue their mission of renewing Catholic culture for people longing for spiritual works of art that provide a personal encounter with Christ and His saints.

“When I think back on how we started and where we are today, I clearly see that God blesses those who step out in trust and take risks for His sake. This is the miracle of faith and creation itself," Leonardo Defilippis concluded.

Live Theatrical Performances: VIANNEY

While feature films have tremendous value because they reach a much broader audience, Defilippis is partial to the more personal nature of live theatrical dramas. The current Saint Luke Productions project, VIANNEY (vianneydrama.com), is in its third year on a nationwide tour. Based on the life of St. John Vianney of France (1786 - 1859), who has been recognized by Pope Benedict XVI as a model for all priests and laity, the production is one of the most popular one-person shows in America. Defilippis is passionate about sharing the valuable story of an ideal hero for our era, “A priest who, like Christ, pours himself out with complete unselfishness and who never gives up on a single soul.”

VIANNEY will continue on tour in the United States, Canada, and internationally through 2012.

“The play brings a message of hope during a time of great challenge for the Catholic Church, by emphasizing the importance of the priesthood, and the roles of the priest for the people and the people for the priest,” stressed Defilippis. “It’s a crucial time in society where there are a lot of misunderstandings and a lack of hope for the world,” he said.

Priests and seminarians have reported the experience led to a re-examination of conscience and of their priesthood, and to an awakening of their first love. Defilippis hopes the play also sparks new vocations. He sees signs of hope in the many youth who have approached him following performances with queries about the priesthood and religious life.

“Christianity cannot exist without the priesthood. Not to embrace the priesthood is not to embrace Christ. In the end when you die, you will meet the priest, Jesus Christ,” said Defilippis.

"Leonardo DeFilippis' portrayal of St. Vianney in the St. Luke Production, VIANNEY, inspired me to learn more about the saint's love for Jesus. In turn, my love for our Lord grew as I began to recite the St. John Vianney prayer and now I ask daily for the saint's prayerful intercession as I continue my discernment to the priesthood," said Gregory Piatt, seminarian for the Archdiocese of Detroit at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts.

Tickets for the performance can be ordered through the locations where it will play. For more information, see www.vianneydrama.com or www.stlukeproductions.com.

Films

Saint Luke Productions launched a feature films division, Luke Films, in 2000. Its most notable accomplishment is the feature film THÉRÈSE, the story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, which was shown in mainstream movie theaters for an unprecedented 70 weeks. THÉRÈSE was the first major motion picture distributed solely by an independent Catholic film company, and was funded entirely by donations. Now available on DVD, the film continues to inspire numerous conversions and vocations.

Other DVD productions include Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz, Saint Francis: Troubadour of God’s Peace, John of the Cross, The Gift of Peace – First Six Chapters of St. Luke’s Gospel, The Passion According to Luke, Song of Songs, and Vianney Speaks.

Benedictus Moments

The beautiful new daily series BENEDICTUS MOMENTS, produced specifically for radio and the web, seeks to strengthen the understanding and insight of the Word of God and the rich legacy of sacred tradition through the teachings of the Holy Father, and to share his messages with an even wider audience.

The thought-provoking meditations come from Benedictus: Day by Day with Pope Benedict XVI (published by Magnificat and Ignatius Press) and are presented by Leonardo Defilippis. For more information about distribution, contact Saint Luke Productions (360-687-8029). Daily meditations can be accessed at http://www.stlukeproductions.com/benedictus.

Talks

Saint Luke Productions also hosts one-day acting workshops that build awareness of the powerful spiritual impact of live theater. The importance of the dramatic arts in the Church is also examined. Individualized instruction in voice, movement, and character development is also provided. Acting workshops are open to those 12 and older.

Leonardo Defilippis also presents Acting Like a Saint: Catholic Identity on Stage and Screen. In this entertaining multimedia production, Defilippis tells the story of Saint Luke Productions and includes inspiring and humorous stories from tour life and selections from his many performances through almost four decades as an actor. It runs between 45 minutes to an hour, and makes an ideal keynote address for events. In addition, Leonardo and Patti Defilippis are available to speak to groups on a variety of topics (http://www.stlukeproductions.com/contact-us).

Vianney Speaks Coming to EWTN

Vianney Speaks, a television program that depicts the inspiring sermons and prayers of St. John Marie Baptiste Vianney, was developed as a companion to the live dramatic production VIANNEY. The show promises to deepen viewers’ understanding of the Catholic Faith. By illustrating his human frailty, humility, and fervor, one will appreciate John Vianney’s great love for the souls entrusted to his care, and understand more fully how he converted an entire town and countless pilgrims through his personal holiness.

Vianney Speaks will premiere on ETWN’s Global Catholic Network October 14-15, 2011 and the program is now available on DVD at www.vianneyspeaks.com.

30th Anniversary Celebration

Saint Luke Productions will celebrate three decades of serving the Church through theater and the media with a festive evening of thanksgiving on the Feast of St. Luke October 18, 2011 in Vancouver, Washington. The event is open to all http://www.stlukeproductions.com/30Years. To share your memories in honor of the occasion, please visit: 30Years@stlukeproductions.com

The work of Saint Luke Productions continues to bear much fruit within the New Evangelization and to resonate Jesus' call for all of us to be the very salt and light to the entire world. For information about Saint Luke Productions and their products, including a list of their current, live performance locations for VIANNEY, or to bring VIANNEY to your area, visit stlukeproductions.com or call 1-800-683-2998.

God is at work in Saint Luke Productions!

Contact Information:

Saint Luke Productions

P.O. Box 886

Battle Ground, WA 98604-0886

Office: 1-360-687-8029

Toll Free: 1-800-683-2998

Fax: 1-360-687-8307

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm PST

Website Links:

http://www.stlukeproductions.com

http://www.lukefilms.com

http://www.theresemovie.com

http://www.vianneydrama.com

About the authors

Michele Bondi Bottesi is an award-winning writer, psychologist, pro-life advocate at True Love Leads To Life, and publisher at Joseph Karl Publishing (www.josephkarlpublishing.com).

Nancy Carabio Belanger is an award-winning writer whose books, Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia’s Gift, are used in Catholic-school curricula and have been praised for their fun yet wholesome approach to the trials and tribulations of Catholic pre-teen life. Her website is www.harveyhousepublishing.com.

Paul A. Ray is a writer, public speaker, and creative director at Joseph Karl Publishing. Visit his blog, Tongues as of Fire! at http://www.tonguesasoffire.blogspot.com.

_____________________

Images Copyright Saint Luke Productions. Used with permission.

Our Sister And Our Friend: St. Therese

2011-10-01T14:29:00.004-04:00

October 1, the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux

St. Therese, O loving Saint, sister, and friend: You show us how to show our love for God by your Little Way. You teach us to do little things with great love. We love you and ask you to intercede for us. O Little Flower, ora pro nobis!

Be not a

“You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions,

nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.”

—St. Therese

"I will send a shower of roses..."

2011-09-30T08:34:00.003-04:00

"The only thing I really wish for...is to love until I die of love."

—St. Therese of Lisieux

St. Therese Nine-Day Novena

2011-09-23T07:54:00.002-04:00

In my archives here on this blog, you can see a nine-day novena to St. Therese, leading up to her feast day on October 1.

You can find all of the days of the novena here.

New! The Harvey House Publishing Insider

2011-09-13T09:18:00.005-04:00

Harvey House Publishing has launched a brand-new website: The Harvey House Publishing Insider. I am very excited about this site because it will be an aid to the numerous teachers, parents, and librarians who use Olivia and the Little Way, Olivia's Gift, and all future titles from HHP in their classrooms, libraries, and homeschools. It is designed to be an interactive website, where teachers and students can find information about the books, videos, and activities. On the Fun For Catholic Kids page, be sure to check out the Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia's Gift crossword puzzles that you can download and print out for fun activities. There is also a Saint of the Day widget. I've created a place for discussion questions and FAQs, even a reader's forum where several readers have already added their opinions about the books. Much, much more will be coming and it is still in the beginning stages, so be sure to check back for updates!

Be sure to check it out at: http://hhpinsider.webs.com/!

Book Review: The Rosary Workout

2011-09-01T10:51:00.009-04:00

"The Rosary is the best therapy for these distraught, unhappy, fearful, and frustrated souls, precisely because it involves the simultaneous use of three powers: the physical, the vocal, and the spiritual, and in that order."

—Archbishop Fulton Sheen

We are all busy people. Most of have good intentions, but sometimes it’s hard to do all that we want—and need— to do every day. Take a healthy exercise routine. Many of us talk about starting one, but then what happens? After a week or so, we’re back to our old sedentary habits. I know because I have been there!

And what about saying the Rosary? It is one of the things we as Catholics ought to do every day…but do we take the time? The truth is that saying a daily Rosary will bring you many graces from Heaven. Spending fifteen to twenty minutes a day with Our Lady, contemplating her Son with her, will protect you from evil and keep you holy. Just like physical exercise, this spiritual exercise will keep you healthy.

But what if there were a way to combine the two? I found out there there is, with the acclaimed book, The Rosary Workout, from Bezalel Books.

Truly an ingenious idea from fitness expert and devout Catholic Peggy Bowes, The Rosary Workout is filled with valuable ideas for a healthy and happy spiritual and physical workout by combining saying the Rosary with several workouts, from beginning to intermediate to advanced, depending on physical skill level. Don't worry about falling behind or getting confused: Peggy takes you step by step and will alleviate any frustrations you may have with her gentle advice and tips. She encourages you to journal as well, offering prayers, helpful web links, and ideas.

A little bit of information about this sweet, down-to-earth author: Peggy Bowes graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1988 and served nine years as an Air Force pilot and Health and Wellness consultant. After leaving the military to raise a family, Peggy continued her education in the fitness industry by becoming certified as a personal trainer, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and Spinning® instructor. She established a successful and rewarding business in metabolic and athletic performance (VO2) testing, with an emphasis on weight loss counseling.

Peggy is also very active in parish life. She has been a lector, CCD teacher, and Little Flowers Girls' Club leader. She also enjoys triathlons, hiking, adventure races, and other sports as she incorporates all the benefits and blessings of The Rosary Workout. Peggy and her husband and two children currently reside in North Carolina. She also writes a “Don’t Know Much About The Rosary” blog at http://rosaryinfo.blogspot.com/

“I know that The Rosary Workout works!” says Susan Brinkmann, OCDS, a staff journalist and editor of Women of Grace. “It’s the answer for anyone who feels they are too time-starved to fit both daily prayer and a regular workout into their lives. By combining the two, you not only accomplish both goals, but you give yourself two good reasons to get up and get it done: First, because you need the exercise and second, because if you’re like me, it might be the only time of day you’ll get to pray the Rosary.”

I highly recommend The Rosary Workout to everyone who wants to keep healthy spiritually and physically...to draw closer to Christ.

"If there were one million families praying the Rosary every day, the entire world would be saved."

—Pope St. Pius X

My Many Blogger Friends!

2011-08-30T15:16:00.005-04:00

I just love when I get letters from kids and their parents. Many of those parents are bloggers like me, and they like to review Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia's Gift on their blogs, like Julie Musselman from the blog A Catholic Home Journal.

Julie kindly wrote to me telling me she loved Olivia and the Little Way (thanks, Julie! You're so sweet!) and wrote a blog about the book here.

Julie writes on her blog, "What I loved most about this book is that it gave real life situations a fifth grader would face. But moreover, it gave solutions to peer pressure and teasing and trying to fit in, that we can all learn from...My girls had so many questions about St. Therese that we started reading her autobiography Story of a Soul. I would never have thought to read this to them, even though I have read it before. But as I read the pages of Story of a Soul, written by St Therese who is a Doctor of the Church, it was so interesting to them they we are now slowly reading through a page or two a night."

I spent some time on her blog and really enjoyed it. I know it's a blog I will return to again and again! All of you bloggers out there: If you write about my books, please send me a quick link and I'll be sure to link to it here on my blog!

"Get A Life!"

2011-08-28T11:12:00.012-04:00

It was dusk, the sun starting to set on a beautiful late-summer day. People, young and old, stood before the proposed abortuary in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Many held candles as they sang and prayed. Cars drove by, honking their horns in support of the 300 or so who gathered in front of the building. Then a car full of men came along. A passenger rolled down his window.

"Get a life!" he shouted to the people.

Oh, the irony.

Get a life, indeed.

What does this young man, this former embryo, think the people were trying to do out there, as they prayed their rosaries, pleading for the lives of countless unborn children that could very well be snuffed out if the abortuary is allowed to proceed? Yes, they were trying to save a life, save lives.

If you don't know who Abby Johnson is, you should. A former employee of Planned Parenthood, Abby writes about her conversion in the incredible book, UnPlanned. For a moving and eye-opening account of the ultrasound that shook her to the core and changed her life forever, read the first chapter of her book here. You will never be the same after you've read it.

I am proud to be a board member of True Love Leads To Life, an unprecedented, global, and peaceful mission of love led by Jesus Christ, whose purpose is to sanctify each person on an individual level, combine our good works and save precious lives by ending legalized abortion and euthanasia, and to promote post-abortion healing to those in need.

People of all faiths are invited and encouraged to join us in praying, sacrificing, attending prayer vigils, fasting, offering up suffering, sharing information, attending Holy Mass, praying before the Blessed Sacrament, increasing in sanctity, educating, witnessing, writing...and most importantly by living morally and loving heroically.

Together, let us storm heaven with our collective good works and role-model an end to the colossal humanitarian catastrophe of legalized abortion and euthanasia.

"I don't understand: Why such hatered toward one's own child? A mother is supposed to protect her child at all costs!" wrote a pro-lifer on Facebook.

Get a life, indeed.

Catholic Writers To Enjoy Special Retreat

2011-08-26T15:10:00.007-04:00

Press Release

Contacts: Ann Margaret Lewis, Catholic Writers Guild President

Phone: 317-755-2693

email: annlewis@joesystems.com

Michael Marshall, Faith Catholic

Phone: 517.853.7600

email: mmarshall@faithcatholic.com

For Immediate Release

Catholic Writers to Enjoy Special Spiritual Retreat

Lansing, MI: In collaboration with FAITH Catholic Publishing and Communications, The Catholic Writers Guild, will sponsor Your Word is My Delight, a Catholic writers' retreat, Oct 5-9, 2011. Come and delight in God's word and sacrament, and pray in a beautiful and serene retreat setting.

The retreat's key presenter is Pat Gohn, Catholic columnist, podcaster and catechist http://www.patgohn.com/patgohn/About.html. Other presenters are Father Charles E. Irvin, David Krajewski, Father David Rosenberg and Father Larry Delaney.

Writers will enjoy five spiritually-enriching days of daily Mass, adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation and many hours of writing time. Talks will explore how God speaks to and encourages writers through Scripture, papal writings and other topics in order to promote faith-filled writing.

Opportunities for networking also will be offered through an informal "book bash and social hour" Wednesday evening and Faith Catholic's one-on-one "pitch sessions" that give writers the chance to sell their current writing projects.

Cost for the four-day retreat is $450, which includes meals and accommodations. Deadline for registration is Sept 28. A nonrefundable deposit of $45 is required at registration.

To view a schedule of events, click here http://www.stfrancis.ws/portals/0/11%20CWR%20schedule.pdf)
To download a brochure, click here http://stfrancisevents.artemis-staging.com/EventPdfs/CatholicWritersGuildRetreatAll.pdf
To register for the retreat click here http://tinyurl.com/3e48orj

Bishop Aquila To Youth: Ditch Evil Music

2011-08-25T07:23:00.002-04:00

Bishop Samuel Aquila

Madrid, Spain, Aug 20, 2011 / 07:51 am (EWTN News) -Bishop Samuel Aquila used one of his World Youth Day catecheses to urge young people to scrub “evil” music from their iPods.

"You need to look at the music you listen to and the words. Don't fool yourself. It impacts upon you," said the Bishop of Fargo, ND at his World Youth Day catechisis session on Aug. 19.

“There is good music out there that you can listen to, but there is also a lot of trash. And it is simply evil. It is the evil because it distorts the gift of human sexuality, the gift of sexual intimacy, the gift of human life.”

Bishop Aquila was talking to several hundred English-speaking pilgrims in the parish church of Virgen del Mar in the Madrid suburb of San Blas.

He told the youngsters how he was recently visiting a friend with two teenage sons who wanted to show him the music they had downloaded onto their cell phones. The title of one particular song grabbed the bishop’s attention.

“A few days later I read the lyrics of that song, and very honestly I was horrified,” he said. “The words used objectified women” and the woman the featured in the song “was very simply a toy for men and their sexual pleasure.”

Bishop Aquila said he’d then asked the two boys if they “would want your sisters’ boyfriends to treat them as the woman is being treated in that song?” That question “stopped the conversation completely, as these boys would defend their sisters to the hilt.”

He concluded by explaining to the young pilgrims that while the witness of a bishop can be effective, it was more important for young people to witness to each other when it comes to ditching “evil” music.

“Be not afraid to get rid of that sort of music from your iPods or your iPads or your iPhones or wherever you put that kind of music. And don’t be afraid to shut it off because it can play constantly in your head. Give witness to that.”

This morning’s catechesis session was only one of 220 being given in 27 languages all around Madrid.

The reaction to Bishop Aquila’s talk seemed overwhelmingly positive.

“I think that it’s important for the youth to hear what he said about music, because that sort of music is all over the place, it’s infected many levels, even young kids are listening to this stuff,” said 17-year-old Sean Palmer from Philadelphia.

“So it’s important that Catholics lead the charge and show the world what music is right and what music should be avoided because it affects our subconscious in ways we sometimes don’t realize,” Palmer said.

His friend, 17-year-old Andrew Parrish also from Philadelphia, agreed, saying that “music is really language and it can be used to express beautiful things or things that aren’t so beautiful.” He added, “it was important to hear that message from Bishop Aquila because you don’t hear it that often.”

True Love Leads To Life!

2011-07-27T18:36:00.002-04:00

Thanks To The Catholic Writers' Guild

2011-07-15T10:33:00.004-04:00

Special thanks to the Catholic Writers' Guild, a wonderful group of people who I am privileged to know and work with. The following article about CWG members' wins at the Catholic Press Association book awards last month runs today on the CWG blog. You can read the entire article here.

Are you a Catholic writer loyal to the Magisterium and looking for a group of like-minded writers determined to assist each other in our publishing goals?

Are you an editor, publisher, or illustrator interested in furthering the development of quality faith-filled writings?

If so, the Catholic Writers' Guild may be for you.

The Catholic Writers' Guild is a group of writers, artists, editors, illustrators, and allies whose mission is dedicated to building a vibrant Catholic literary culture. We do this by encouraging each other to create, publish, perform, and share our work, by reflecting upon core Catholic values in art, and by networking among ourselves and with others within the faith and literary communities.

Our organization is loyal to the teaching authority of the Church. Our regular and alumni members are practicing Catholic writers, while institutional members are persons or companies supportive of Catholic writing; institutional members need not to be Catholic, but sympathetic to Catholic practices and morals.

Should I Be Reading This? Questions, Warning Signs For 'Tween and Teen Readers

2011-07-07T08:30:00.012-04:00

With all of the many books available in stores and online, how can young readers decipher what is appropriate reading material for them? What questions can readers ask themselves as they read? It can be difficult to know what is wholesome reading. Books that may seem innocent enough while on the shelves may soon become dark or unsettling once they are begun. Sometimes you just don't know until you have started the book. Recently, Cheryl Dickow of Bezalel Books asked me this very question, and, as a Catholic children's author, I was happy to create some thought-provoking questions readers can ask themselves as they read. My questions are more like warning signs, red flags that may arise as they read, and it's important to keep watch for them.

1. Does the book I am reading seem to say that I don't need God in my life? If so, this is a danger sign leading to atheism. Steer clear of any book that has an anti-God message, or one that mocks God.

2. Does the book I am reading tell me that I have power and energy outside of God? This smacks of the occult, new-age thinking, and the belief that humans are all-powerful. Even if the author tries to put Jesus into the picture, it is false. Of course, the saints had powerful things happen to them, but the difference is that it was always, always to lead souls to Christ, never for their own glory, self-love, or ideas of grandeur.

3. Is Christianity mocked by the author or the characters? As you read, use your intelligence to try to read between the lines to see what the author might be trying to subtly get across to readers. Sometimes it is obvious, sometimes it isn't. If the author makes a particularly religious character look like a bumbling idiot, have unintelligent dialogue, and makes fun of Christianity, you know there is a hidden message inside: that religious people are dumb, ignorant, and old-fashioned. Keep your antenna up for stereotypes such as these.

4. Do the characters' actions make you uncomfortable? Is a character in the book doing something you know is morally wrong, but does not seem to be learning from his or her mistakes and feel remorse, trying to live a better life? It's quite okay (and preferable for a great story!) to have characters make mistakes, but again, read between the lines: Is the author celebrating choices and actions that you know are morally wrong?

5. Does the dialogue of the characters consistently make you uncomfortable? Do the characters (or the author) use words that you would not use in front of your parents, or that make you blush?

6. Deep down, do you know your mom, dad, grandparents, parish priest, and/or teachers would not approve of the book you are reading? Is this a book you can leave on the coffee table in the family room, or is it one that you hide in your bedroom? Why or why not? What do you think God thinks about the book you are reading?

7. Are parents, teachers, priests, sisters, and other adults made to look like fools? Does the author consistently have the adults in the children's or teens' lives do stupid things, make dumb remarks, and in general be out of touch with the kids in the book? This is a technique used to devalue well-meaning parental love and authority. Watch for it.

8. Lastly, use the heart and mind that God gave you as you read. It's called a "gut instinct," and God gave it to each of us so we can decipher what is good and what is bad for us. Is there a general sense of darkness or evil throughout the book? If something just doesn't "feel right" as you read, even if you don't quite know exactly what it is, that is a warning sign that it is time to stop reading and find a new book that will lead your soul to Christ. Ask your guardian angel and/or favorite saint to pray for you to find fun, wholesome books to read.

It Matters How We Treat People

2011-07-03T14:45:00.009-04:00

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

—Plato

As I look at the flickering candles, above, it strikes me that almost every single candle is lit. Each candle represents a person and his or heartfelt prayer and desire. I wonder who lit each one, and if his or her prayer has been answered in the way they long for. Who lit the candle in the second row, third from the left? Was it a prayer of thanksgiving for good health? Or was it a prayer for a mother's child? We'll never know, but what we do know is this: Everyone we meet is, indeed, fighting some kind of battle. We just don't know what it is because it is not written on their foreheads for all of us to see. This is why it is imperative that we be kinder than necessary to those we meet, even if we don't feel they deserve it, even if we just aren't in the mood. St. Therese did this masterfully, and it wasn't always easy. She tells us stories of the times she had to swallow her pride and just do it anyway. She never regretted a single time that she was kind to someone.

Does it matter how we treat people? You bet. Can one rude glance, comment, or action affect someone? Oh yes, tremendously.

In this age of dads who dump their children off on the side of the road, mothers and fathers who abort their children, road rage, and Dr. Death, it is more important than ever to treat people kindly.

Last Sunday, before Mass started, I was glancing at a large scrape of mine that I had incurred by tripping on a pedestrian bridge earlier in the weekend. It was incredibly painful, and taking forever to heal. I was beginning to worry about the pain. I tried to be inconspicuous about it, not wanting to draw attention, but still wanting to check its progress. A woman and her husband proceeded to enter the pew in front of us, and when she saw me looking at it, shot me the most nasty, disgusted glance. She made me feel truly disgusting. I felt horrible. No one had ever looked at me like that before, and I felt extremely hurt. I spent a good part of the beginning of Mass wondering why she would look at me like that, what I had done wrong in her eyes. I replayed the scenario over and over in my head. I could not come up with an answer. How could this happen in church, of all places? I wondered incredulously.

It was really starting to eat me up inside, until finally I came to the realization that it did not matter. She chose to judge me for reasons unknown to me. I admit I had a few irritated thoughts about her as well in return! Time to move on, to concentrate on the Mass, to forgive and forget. She may have had something serious on her mind that had nothing to do with me. In turn, I had things on my mind she could not possibly know about. I decided that it was time to love thy neighbor, and so when it was time to shake for Peace, I waited for her to turn around, intending to shake. She shook others' hands, but would not turn around to face me.

Ah, well. It was her problem, not mine.

I prayed for her, like St. Therese did. I felt better.

I thought of that situation often throughout the week. I think God designed that just for me, so that I would be more mindful of how I treat people as well. The woman's rude behavior made me be more sensitive to how I treat others. I may think I am being kind, but perhaps I could be even kinder? Perhaps all of us could. I decided to conduct a little experiment. From now on, I will be extra kind to people I meet during the day, such as cashiers and waitstaff. Not just the please-and-thank-you-kind that I do anyway, but really try to make nice eye contact, some conversation, be extra polite. You know what I found out? It's actually quite fun!

I was tired, but I engaged the nice gentleman who prepared my fruity iced tea in a conversation about the health benefits of pomengranates. He got so excited talking about that! A cashier made a mistake and apologized, and I told her it was no big deal, not to worry, that it all got straightened out in the end. She looked surprised...and relieved. Another cashier thought I was in a hurry and tried her best to conduct the transaction quickly. I realized how rude I must have seemed, so I slowed down and said, "Oh I'm sorry, no need to hurry!" A young lady came to the door selling educational materials, and I spent extra time with her, telling her which houses did not have children, to save her time and a long walk down our street.

I'm not trying to pat myself on the back here, just describing how I found that going a little further than I normally would did really does make a difference. So be extra kind, kinder than necessary. Not just the routine kind we normally do, but...a little something extra.

I found out that I like my little experiment. I like holding the door for people who are just a tad farther away, or letting someone with only a few items go ahead of me at the grocery store. Asking elderly people if they need help getting something off of a shelf, or picking up items I find that fell of the shelves and putting them back. I came to see that it doesn't take that much more time to be kinder than necessary, and the rewards are amazing.

So when I see that lady at church again, I'll hold my hand out to shake. Because I now realize that she's probably fighting some sort of battle, too. Because it truly does matter how we treat people.

Perhaps she even lit one of these candles.

"You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them." —St. Therese

Catholic Press Awards Olivia's Gift

2011-06-26T09:54:00.010-04:00

Catholic authors from the Archdiocese of Detroit Nancy Carabio Belanger and Michele Elena Bondi celebrate wins for their publishing companies after the awards ceremony.

Catholic Press Association Awards Olivia's Gift, Harvey House Publishing, Joseph Karl Publishing

Catholic authors Paul A. Ray, Nancy Carabio Belanger, and Michele Elena Bondi enjoy working together to bring quality reading to Catholics.

The Press Award banquet was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Harvey House Publishing

Tel: 248/217-7495

Email: media@harveyhousepublishing.com

Pittsburgh, PA (June 25, 2011)-Calling it a "story of the human spirit," the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada awarded Olivia's Gift (Nancy Carabio Belanger; Harvey House Publishing, 2010) at its centennial celebration and annual convention last night in Pittsburgh. The Catholic Press judges chose Olivia's Gift to be one of the winners in the category of Best Book By A Small Publisher. The 2011 Catholic Press Awards were held at a banquet at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Hotel, honoring newspapers, magazines, books, and publishers for their contributions to the Catholic press in 2010.

The sequel to Olivia and the Little Way, which won a Catholic Press Award in 2009, Olivia's Gift continues the faith journey of pre-teen Olivia, who has a devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux and tries her hardest to imitate the Little Way of serving God. The two multiple-award-winning books are now part of Catholic school and religious education curricula in schools and parishes in the United States and abroad.

"While it is a Catholic story by nature, this is a story of the human spirit and the fact that teenagers and young adults are already experiencing their own profound stories of faith and God...It is a refreshing and realistic reprieve from what teenagers today are currently very distracted by—vampires," the judges wrote.

Teachers agree that the Olivia books have made positive impacts on their students. "They have made a great transformation in my classroom," says a fifth-grade teacher from Virginia. "Many of my students have been bickering and after reading a few chapters from the book, they are trying to do small things with great love. One of the great things is that the boys in my class love them too!"

The author of Olivia's Gift, Nancy Carabio Belanger, says that was what she was striving for when she authored the book.

"There is so much darkness out there in the book section for kids," she laments. "I wrote Olivia's Gift so that kids can have something positive to read about their struggles and joys with faith, family, and friends. I want them to have good, wholesome role models from our Church who can lead them to God."

With beautiful illustrations by Sandra Casali LewAllen, Olivia's Gift celebrates the value of life and the true gift of the Catholic faith. "Children need to know what is virtuous, how powerful it is to live as a real Catholic. Olivia's Gift gives a new meaning and a new light as to how to live that kind of a life. I'm giving it to all of my students," says Marian Catechist and CCD instructor Susan Schoenstein.

Together, Harvey House Publishing and Catholic publisher Joseph Karl Publishing shared congratulations for their achievements in 2010. Joseph Karl Publishing was awarded two awards last night for its work in leading souls to Christ.

"First and foremost, I am grateful to God, because without Him, I could not do any of this," says Carabio Belanger. "I am honored and humbled to accept this award from my peers at the Catholic Press Association." She says her prayer is to continue to write books for children and teens that explore and celebrate what it means to be a true Catholic.

"Olivia's story is the gift itself to young readers who may be in dire need of turning in a different direction other than popular fiction," the judges wrote.

A Catholic Word For Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia's Gift

2011-06-04T16:33:00.008-04:00

1. Bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation.

2. Nobility or elevation of character; worthiness: dignity of sentiments.

3. Elevated rank, station, office, etc.

Dignity.

If there is one word I would like kids to know, it is this one. You see, if you look around at our society today, there is a lack of it.

Yesterday at the grocery store, I saw a nice-looking young woman who couldn't have been more than sixteen or seventeen with a pink t-shirt on. There was a single word written across the front in large letters: SLUT.

I couldn't believe it. But now that I think about it, maybe I can. If you read my Sadly Seen In Stores posts, you understand. As I grabbed my grocery cart, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened in this girl's life that she would go around proclaiming to the world that very word. Did she really think she was one? Or was it her way of making a statement, trying to be funny? I so badly wanted to say something—anything—to her. Maybe I should have. But I wheeled my way into the store, trying to erase the image from my mind so I could concentrate on my grocery list. I found it difficult to do so.

You see, there was this loss of human dignity—hers—at that moment. And once a society erases that, it can let all sorts of things happen: abortion, euthanasia, bullying, you name it. And it has. Because once you have a loss of human dignity, there is no sacredness, no worthiness for the human person. God gave us this great dignity as human beings, and it is not something to throw away, back in His face. What this poor girl does not know is that she is a child of God, His own creation. We've all heard the saying, "God don't make no junk." This girl obviously thinks she IS junk, and that saddens me.

Dignity: Yes, it's a very Catholic word. As Catholics, we should all try our very best to honor that dignity in the way we act, dress, and speak. That is why it is so important to get this point across to young people, why I make it my business to teach about the meaning of this word to kids in my books Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia's Gift. I do it so kids don't grow up thinking that they have no self-respect or elevation of character: I do it so young ladies don't feel the need or the desire to wear a shirt that says: "I am worth nothing."

Because in God eyes, you are worth everything.

*from Dictionary.com

Excerpt from Olivia's Gift— Olivia's Clothing Temptation

2011-06-01T20:01:00.004-04:00

I think you've seen enough of my Sadly Seen In Stores blog posts to know what young girls—and their parents— are up against when they go shopping. Some of the clothing styles are downright disgusting, and designers know exactly what they are doing when they target them to young girls. But how can we teach our youth that dressing in this way is harmful, that God wants so much more than for them to be wearing clothes that take away the great dignity they have as young ladies? In Olivia's Gift, Olivia is tempted the same way many other girls are, deciding between right and wrong, and modest and immodest clothing choices:

Brooke handed her a pair of short-shorts. "Try these on. Super cute. They have the name of the yacht club on the back."

One look at the shorts Brooke was holding up and Olivia knew they were way too short. The writing was right on the seat of the shorts. Her parents would never approve. But she didn't want to admit this to Brooke.

"Come on, I have the same ones. Try them on," Brooke urged.

Olivia couldn't say no. Reluctantly, she took the shorts from Brooke.

"Don't you care what my opinion is?" Hayley wanted to know.

Olivia didn't want to know because she already knew what Hayley's opinion was. It was obvious form the frown on her face.

Olivia tried to close the door to the fitting room so she could change, but Hayley nudged her aside and moved inside, closing the door in Brooke's face.

"Are you crazy?" she whispered. "Your parents will kill you!"

Olivia waved her off. "They're not going to know," she said, exasperated.

Truthfully, Olivia did have a pit in her stomach at the thought of disobeying her parents. But the shorts were trendy and fashionable. It would be fun to have something cool like the other girls wore. How she would actually find a way to wear them was another story...one'd she'd just figure out later.

She glanced at the shorts. She'd heard enough of the Thomas family "modesty speeches" to know that her parents and grandma would disapprove instantly.

"Hayley," Olivia whined, "you just don't get it."

"Oh, I get it all right. And you're going to get it from your parents if they see you wearing those.

Olivia picked up the short-shorts and admired them. They were just like all the cool girls were wearing, with sayings on the bottom. This pair said, "BYC Diva" in pink, glittery writing. It would be fun to be a diva, right? But what did it mean?

Then she felt that voice that she was beginning to know so well.

Your dignity is a gift from God.

Catholic Summer Reading For Kids

2011-05-29T10:30:00.004-04:00

I'm delighted to find out that more and more parents, teachers, principals, and book clubs are choosing Olivia and the Little Way and its sequel, Olivia's Gift, for their summer reading choices. Catholic pre-teens and teens will be enjoying fun, wholesome, faith-filled reading over the summer break with these books. The events in Olivia's Gift even take place over summer vacation, while Olivia, Hayley, and the Thomas family take a trip to the Atlantic Ocean. While at the beach, Olivia and Hayley meet new friends and new challenges. Grandma Rosemary is back, even fiestier than ever, with a brand-new recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your family's next barbecue or potluck! Hint: It goes great with grilled chicken!

There is also no time like the present to introduce the pro-life theme to kids. It is woven throughout Olivia's Gift in a gentle and nonthreatening way for kids of all ages to understand. It is also a wonderful time to encourage Catholic kids to celebrate the holy sacraments of our church, especially Reconciliation, as illustrated when Olivia receives the sacrament while on vacation. She also goes to Eucharistic Adoration, and receives many special graces because of it.

So find a shady spot under a tree, or grab a beach bag and a towel, and enjoy Olivia's adventures as she discovers that God is never far away—even on vacation!

Both books can be autographed by author Nancy Carabio Belanger to your children if ordered at the Harvey House Publishing website: www.littleflowerbook.com.

Olivia's Gift Featured In Fiction Friday

2011-05-27T17:13:00.001-04:00

http://ellengable.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/fiction-friday-olivias-gift/

For Librarians and Educators: BookExpo America

2011-05-24T16:54:00.004-04:00

Olivia's Gift is on display all week at BookExpo America in New York City! BookExpo America (BEA) welcomes librarians and educators to this year's event. Here are just some of the things you will enjoy and benefit from this year at BEA:

The largest show floor in North America with 1,300+ exhibitors displaying their upcoming titles—in all formats and every genre, from across the country and around the world. Be sure to stop by theseLibrarian Friendly Exhibitors and Educator Friendly Exhibitors.
Discovering the latest books, advanced read copies and galleys that will be buzzing for the summer and fall seasons.
Meeting, listening to, and getting autographs from 500+ authors. There's no better place to find the next big author.
Learning at dedicated librarian sessions during the Big Ideas at BEA Conference.
Association of American Publishers events especially for librarians.

School librarians may also see Olivia's Gift displayed and distributed by Quality Books Inc. For more than four decades, Quality Books Inc. has been dedicated to being the premier supplier of small press titles and special interest non-print resources to the library community.

Catholic Fiction For Kids

2011-05-13T16:21:00.008-04:00

I love writing Catholic fiction for kids. They're underfed, as far as I am concerned, in the Catholic book world. Last weekend I was honored to have been invited as a guest speaker for the American Heritage Girls group out of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Troy, MI. They were hosting a mother-daughter tea and it was just lovely. Red rose petals were strewn about the tables. As I approached the pretty table, I had to smile. It was such a nice "hello" from The Little Flower to see those rose petals!

We started the afternoon by saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The young girls reverently prayed the chaplet with their mothers. I was impressed by how patient they were, considering the tables were full of yummy treats like cookies and brownies! Dressed in their Sunday best, the girls and their moms listened as afterward I spoke about St. Therese and her Little Way. My favorite part was answering their questions during Q and A time. I asked them a question of my own: Why do you think there is such a lack of Catholic fiction books for kids? No one knew the answer. I myself don't even know the answer, but I sure wish I did. We see plenty of offerings for Protestant children at Christian bookstores. In the Catholic Christian bookstores, the pickings are slim.

I was happy to talk to the girls' mothers as I signed books later that afternoon. "Thank you for doing this," they all said to me. "We need more Catholic books for our children."

A sweet little girl came up to me, holding one of the rose petals from her table. She had a big grin on her face.

"I made my First Communion today," she gushed. "And I'm taking this home and putting it on my dresser. So I can think of St. Therese."

She told me her name was Olivia.

I felt tears forming when she said that. Good thing I wear waterproof mascara for these events!

It is indescribable, the feeling I get when these girls come to me to tell me that ever since they read Olivia and the Little Way and/or Olivia's Gift, they have become fast friends with St. Therese. That was my prayer all along when I started writing Catholic fiction for kids.

"Will you write more?" the moms always ask me.

The Good Lord willing, that is my plan!

Father Don Calloway On True Heroes For Kids

2011-05-10T09:59:00.004-04:00

"A lot of people think, Well, this has increased my child's desire to read. Better your child be illiterate than read garbage...and this is why the Catholic Church has such a treasure of the lives of the saints...that's what's going to make your children heroes in the spiritual life: saints."

—Father Donald Calloway MIC

St. Therese's First Holy Communion

2011-05-08T15:29:00.003-04:00

On this day in 1884, The Little Flower made her First Holy Communion. You can read a blog I wrote about it here. For those who are making their First Holy Communion this weekend, such as my goddaughter Anna, this is something special they can share with St. Therese!

Great Kids: A Young Reader Follows The Little Way

2011-05-04T08:35:00.006-04:00

You all know that I have a series on this blog called Great Teens. Well, it is quite obvious to me that I have to start another series: Great Kids!

I'd like to tell you about an 11-year-old girl named Grace. When her mother Jennifer wrote to me to tell me how much she and Grace have enjoyed Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia's Gift, I was impressed and touched by her story.

"I wanted to e-mail you to thank you for your books," her mother wrote, "but also to tell you what they have done in my child's heart. Grace made 116 spirit hair ribbons with the CYO colors on them to sell at Baseball/Softball Opening Day Ceremony, which was last Saturday. She worked many days after school and many nights to make these cute custom hair ribbons. She wanted to tithe 10% to give to the CYO ball program. The rest would be her hard-earned money to spend and save. Days before her sale she said that she had changed her mind, and that all profits would go to the three Sisters of the Incarnate Word at our school/parish."

At first, Grace's mom told her that it is okay to work hard and earn money, that she didn't have to give it all away. "But I sensed a conviction in her," she wrote, "so I said, 'Great, give it to the Sisters.' "

Grace's mom did not know where the idea had come from until she saw the letter that her daughter had written. Once she saw the $200 Grace had earned walking around ball fields all day long accompanied by the letter in an envelope, she was brought to tears at what her sweet, giving child had done. "The money could have bought her an Ipod, camera, etc. She just gave it away. You gave my daughter a saint to love and listen to and pray to. I am humbled and deeply grateful."

With Jennifer's permission, I have reprinted Grace's letter here, in hopes that it inspires others to give as Grace has done, by sacrificing and loving others, in the Little Way of St. Therese:

Dear Sr. Rosemary, Sr. Stephena, and Sr. Clementine,

First, I would like to thank you for all that you do for our parish. I am reading a book called Olivia's Gift. It is about a girl named Olivia who discovers her sister in heaven, St. Theresa of Lisieux. She tries to follow St. Theresa's Little Way. She is trying to do ordinary things with extra ordinary love. I am also trying to follow St. Theresa's Little Way. One of St. Theresa's famous quotes is to "give silently." This is what I would like to do for you. I know other organizations, such as Girl Scouts, give much more than me, but I would still like to give to you and your community a total of $200 (enclosed). I made CYO hair ribbons and sold them at Opening Day Ceremony, and this is how I obtained the money. At first, I was not sure what to do with the money—save it, spend it, etc. I prayed to St. Theresa, and it came to me that I should give it to you, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word.

I thank you again for your devotion and time that you give to this parish and school!

Love,

St. Theresa's friend

When I read this letter Grace's mom shared with me, I felt a lump in my throat. It was so beautiful. Don't you just love how she didn't even sign her name, so the Sisters wouldn't even know who she was? This is the true spirit of giving: Giving until it feels like a sacrifice, giving in secret so no one knows who you are so you can't take the credit. Notice how young Grace gave the glory to God, through St. Therese's intercession. This is a young girl who understands the message of the Little Way, the sacrifice of the gift, doing all you do because you love God so much, and He loves you so much.

Jennifer's e-mail continues, "My mother called me yesterday. She asked how a pink rose was placed on her pillow Sunday. I told her I don't exactly know. Of course, it was Grace. As I sat down to write this e-mail, I found a tissue paper rose with a piece of chocolate attached. The note reads, 'I love you and so does St. Theresa. Please accept this rose as a gift from her to me and me to you. I know you know who it is, but please don't thank me. I love you. Thank you for all you do.'

"As I reflect on the last couple of weeks," Jennifer concludes, "I am amazed at how many times she helped her six-year-old brother with his piano lesson. How many times she helped make dinner, brought the dirty clothes to the laundry room, checked her sister's homework, etc. Clearly the lives of the saints have great impact on us. You have given her St. Theresa. I am profoundly grateful...So now I am going to the middle school teachers and asking to make your books a part of the curriculum at our school."

I am so blown away by the maturity and love of this young reader of mine, and I am filled with such joy that, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, my little books would inspire this in her.

I know it may not seem like it, but there are Catholic, wholesome, inspirational books out there for our kids today, parents. We don't have to feed them what society dictates. Smaller, indie Catholic publishers like Harvey House Publishing, Joseph Karl Publishing, and Bezalel Books aim higher, because that's what God wants for our children: books that teach character, morals, and religious development. We publishers are all parents ourselves, so we understand what a challenge it can be to provide our children books of integrity and faith in a sea of darkness, sexualization of our youths, and the occult.. "I want her to have great books like yours," Jennifer wrote, "so she doesn't feel left out because I don't let her read the romance novels, vampire/zombie books, etc."

I share Grace's story not to give myself any pats on the back, but to illustrate what quality, morally healthy books can do for your children. Writes Jennifer, "If Grace's story inspires a parent to get your books, what a great testament to St. Therese and her missionaries on earth."

Like Jennifer has done, please encourage and support these kinds of publishers when you can. Are we small? Yes. But, as Joseph Karl Publishing's Michele Bondi Bottesi likes to say, "It's a war for eternal souls. But our Boss is the Creator of the universe!" Suggest these small publisher's books to teachers and educators you know, so that other children can benefit, not from darkness, but from the light of God.

And may God bless you always, little Grace. I know the Little Flower is smiling down on you.

A.M.D.G.

Vito Bonafacci: In Search of the Truth

2011-04-26T19:43:00.002-04:00

I just saw the trailer to the movie Vito Bonafacci: In Search of the Truth, and I know it's one I must see! I love the fact that it features Italian-Americans, of course, since I am a proud Italian-American myself. Mostly, though, I think this movie asks questions many of us ask, especially in this money-driven world where acquiring as much as you can seems to be the norm. What is our life's purpose? What does God want for us? Here is the synopsis from the official website. And while you're there, take a look at the trailer; the images are stunning. Bravo!

Vito Bonafacci is a successful businessman who enjoys his lifestyle and the riches he has accumulated.

But all that changes when one night he dreams he is having a heart attack. In that dream his mother appears from her grave and pleads with him to abandon his pursuit of greed and materialism. “Beware of the false gods of money, power, status and pleasure” she implores him, and then instructs him to “return to the true path of life”.

When Vito wakes, he is deeply affected by this vision and this leads him on a soul-searching journey to understand his life’s purpose. In a series of encounters with family and friends, he questions and explores the meaning of faith and the role religion plays in tempering one’s soul.

As the echo of his mother’s words fills his thoughts he reaches out to his local priest to begin the renewal of his Catholic faith.

A Reader's Review of Olivia and the Little Way

2011-04-26T07:00:00.006-04:00

The very best part of being a writer for children is getting notes from them. They talk about St. Therese, my books, their friends and families, and ideas for future mischief for Olivia. I love my job! But I receive many notes from adults, too. Hilda is a reader of my books, and she is an aspriring author. She is in love with Our Lord, the Blessed Mother, and Saint Therese. I am delighted that she agreed to let me share a review of hers about Olivia and the Little Way.

A Masterpiece!

Nancy Carabio Belanger has created a great artistic work called Olivia and The Little Way. It is a very special and wholesome book that shows a Catholic’s faith and way of living. A good example for children and adults, no matter how old they are.

In a clear, thorough, and easy-to-understand book from beginning to end, Nancy Carabio Belanger, through her narration and characters’ dialogues, shows readers the struggles some Catholics have of maintaining faith and patience, praying and trusting God in these modern, difficult times when faced with certain challenging situations. It is written in a light, positive, and loving way that makes readers love and enjoy reading it as well as learning about faith, simplicity, patience, and about the childlike saint, St. Therese of Lisieux. A great example and encouragement for people who want to be good and love God.

Hilda Leticia Dominguez , Freelance Writer, Poet, and Reviewer

http://reviewer11.bravediary.com/entry/66175

Alleluia!

2011-04-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

A blessed Easter to all of my readers!

Good Friday

2011-04-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

This is what true love looks like.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Savannah, GA

Just Right

2011-04-21T07:00:00.004-04:00

The following was written by Barb, a friend of mine who I've known since high school. When I read it on her blog, I was shocked and saddened that someone (no matter how "well-meaning") would make a remark like this in front of a young girl, knowing the dangers of making such an insensitive comment. With it being common knowledge that eating disorders are starting at younger and younger ages as children try to emulate who they see in the movies and TV, it would seem obvious that making observations about the weight of young girls (especially in front of them!) is not appropriate, and can even be damaging to a young child's psyche. Some people might think I am overreacting to a little comment, but the truth is that the photographer's wife gave sweet little Sara something to think about that this smart, healthy, and pretty girl had never even considered before. This proves that it truly does matter what we say and how we treat people. Because she knows that I care about my young readers, Barb gave me permission to post it on my blog. I hope it makes us all think twice about what we say to young girls (and boys) about their weight. Sara is a great kid, and she is just right!

I took Sara to get her First Communion pictures taken last weekend. We were both very excited. Paul straightened her hair. She was wearing her baptismal necklace from Uncle Luis, new sparkly shoes and a big smile. When she changed into her dress and veil, the photographer's wife said "Wow, she is too skinny. Does she eat?"

Yes, my daughter eats, as most people can attest. She eats anything and everything from clam chowder to zucchini. She is 'blessed' with a high metabolism and boundless energy. Her record was 4 helpings of meatloaf in one sitting. In preschool she would eat lunch at school and then again at home. She has no qualms eating her food then zeroing in on the food of those around her. I don't think my father has eaten his entire meal in the last 7 years. Our friends are accustomed to her begging for food at their homes.

Her pediatrician is fine with her weight. She eats very well and takes vitamins. She is a normal healthy little girl who eats like a horse but burns through her energy. We are very careful not to make weight an issue in our house. She knows I enjoy excercising because I like to be healthy. I don't discuss dieting around her.

My daughter is 7 years old. We monitor what she watches and reads. I don't want her developing a complex about her body. We all know how women are portrayed in the media. We hear about girls developing eating disorders earlier and earlier. Later, Sara asked me if she is too skinny. (ironically, this conversation took place at Moe's, where she devoured her lunch) I explained that her body is just fine and the lady didn't mean anything by it. I'm sure she meant no harm but it planted a little seed of doubt in my daughter's head. Kids should be focused on school, friends and family. At 7 years old, they should not be worried about 'being too skinny'. I want my daughter to focus on being a good and happy child, not worry about being skinny or fat.

Sara is a bright, beautiful, caring, funny girl. She loves to read, swim, dance, cook, write and play. I want her to care about who she is on the inside. I want people to notice her for who she is, not what she looks like. To us, she is beautiful inside and out.

Barb's blog is http://barbvelasco.blogspot.com/

Sadly Seen In Stores: Nasty Notes

2011-04-18T11:33:00.005-04:00

It's one of those things that you can't believe you're actually seeing until you see it. A company actually creates and produces these things? And who is the person who is sitting at his or her office desk coming up with these ideas? Is he or she sitting there on a Tuesday morning with a cup of coffee and tapping a pencil against the side of the temple, deep in thought? Then, it comes like a lightbulb: "I know! I'll design notepads in the shape of a murdered body! And how about rubber stamps that tell someone 'screw you! I hate you!' Yeah, that will be GREAT!"

And the sad thing is, it sells. I think we have completely stripped away the great human dignity that God has given us with these items, sadly seen in a bookstore last week:

Is this how low we have sunk? This is humorous? A murdered chalk outline with a bloody pen? Truly?

With stamps like these, don't expect any social invitations. Ah, notice the delightful 'WTF' sticky notes in the background. Charming. Who is going to be the lucky recipient of a "You Suck" stamp on his or her next letter?

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T08:38:00.002-04:00

The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years book review

2011-04-14T08:27:00.006-04:00

It doesn't happen very often, but from time to time I find a book for young people that is so engaging and so powerful that I feel like I have to tell the world! The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years from fine Catholic publisher Bezalel Books is one of those books. It tells the story of a family who is forced to make some tough choices due to the devastating drought in the Dust Bowl when twelve-year-old Tressa and her older brother must leave their parents and are sent to live temporarily as domestic servants with another family until their parents can send for them again.

Author Rosemary McDunn's main character, twelve-year-old Tressa, is real and engaging; a true role model for young girls as she learns to lean on God during hard times. The descriptions of the treacherous weather conditions in 1930s North Dakota were so real that I felt I was right there with Tressa, battling the heat and drought, as well being inisde the cozy kitchen in the middle of a raging blizzard.

The bravery of this young heroine who was forced to leave her childhood abruptly behind during the Dust Bowl years is remarkable. McDunn's writing talent shines on every page with true-to-life dialogue and exquisite details of the pain and hardship people had to endure during this difficult time in American history.

"I was beginning to understand with tremendous clarity that success in life comes from the ability to accept change," says young Tressa. A poignant sentiment, and one for all ages.

I highly recommend this novel for classrooms and libraries, and encourage educators to consider this fine work of historical fiction for their students. There are even lessons in the back of the book for teachers and parents.

Well done!

What Prayer Can Do

2011-04-13T18:48:00.001-04:00

Olivia's Gift—A Review From A Young Reader

2011-03-30T20:05:00.001-04:00

“Olivia’s Gift is the story of a girl who spends the summer with her family and friend Hayley at her aunt’s summer house on the beach. I became closer to St. Therese by reading Olivia’s Gift and felt that I am like Olivia in similar ways. I really recommend this book because the story is so interesting, and deals with real-world stuff. I asked myself, “Would I do the right thing or would I do the wrong thing, if it was me?” The book is worth reading because it keeps you thinking. It was so good, I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read the next book, and hope the story is made into a movie.”

Alyssa, age 11, 6th grader

He is everything.

2011-03-25T14:03:00.001-04:00

Olivia's Gift Wins Royal Dragonfly Book Award

2011-03-18T13:13:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Linda Radke, Five Star Publications

Phone: 480-940-8182

E-mail: info@FiveStarPublications.com

Olivia's Gift WINS COVETED ROYAL DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD

CHANDLER, AZ (March 18, 2011) – The judges of the first annual Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in literature, have spoken, and Olivia's Gift by Nancy Carabio Belanger of Harvey House Publishing, won second place in the Children's Chapter Book category. Olivia's Gift also earned honorable mentions in the categories of Cover Design and Illustrations.

“Winning any place in the Royal Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the Dragonfly Book Awards, a minimum score is required before a 1st or 2nd place or Honorable Mention will be awarded to the entrant – even if it is the sole entry in a category,” explains Linda Radke, president of Five Star Publications, the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. “Competition is steep, too, because there is no publication date limit as long as the book is still in print.”

Olivia's Gift is the sequel to the popular Catholic children's novel, Olivia and the Little Way, which is used in Catholic school curricula. It retails for $12.95 and can be purchased at www.harveyhousepublishing.com, bookstores nationwide, and Amazon.com.

For a complete list of winners including all first and second place and honorable mention recipients, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on “Winners.”

The second annual Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked December 1, 2011 or earlier are eligible for the Early Bird reward: a free e-copy of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing or Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show. Final deadline for submissions is February 1, 2012. The Chocolate Dragonfly Book Awards Contest, which is open to any and all books about or relating in some way to food, has also launched. Submissions postmarked June 1, 2011 or earlier are eligible for the Early Bird reward, with the final deadline for submissions on August 1, 2011. For complete rules and submission forms, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com.

The Royal and Chocolate Dragonfly Book Awards are part of the family of Five Star Dragonfly Book contests, which include the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, honoring children's books; the Green Dragonfly Book Awards, saluting books that create awareness of the environment and eco-friendly living; and the Dragonfly eBook Awards, which celebrate eBooks. For more details on all Five Star Dragonfly contests, access www.FiveStarBookAwards.com. Five Star Publications can be reached at info@FiveStarPublications.com or by calling 480-940-8182.

###

Great Teens: True Love Leads To Life!

2011-03-10T09:05:00.008-05:00

Readers, I've found another Great Teen! He's a sophomore in high school who is doing his part to protect the rights of the unborn. The following is a blog he wrote on the new pro-life blog Trueloveleadstolife.blogspot.com. I encourage you to visit this life-changing blog and see what you can do to encourage others to choose life as God intended.

Andre J. Bottesi, age 16, is the co-author and illustrator of the Catholic teen book, Your Teen Apostolate: Accepting and Sharing the Love of God (Rochester, MI; Joseph Karl Publishing, 2009), which was named 2010 Best Children's Book and 2010 Best Family Life Book by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada.

Stepping out of the car I felt the cold surround me, which made me wish I had brought better gloves. The pain from the cold was nothing compared to the pain in my heart. I grieved for the children that have died in the abortion clinic that I was standing in front of, and because of the pain the mothers, fathers, and family felt after the death of their young child. Some people say that it isn’t a baby before it is born, but how can you say that?

The baby’s heart beats inside its mother and it can dream before it is born. That baby is a human and has been one since it was conceived. When you want to plant an apple tree you put the seed in the ground and once it starts to grow and is springing up from the ground you don’t just rip it apart and destroy it. Abortion does just that to a baby before it is born. It is wrong to kill and it always will be. There is no justification for killing such an innocent life.

As I thought about that, we joined the others who came to pray and show others what evil abortion is. The people who came were so nice and caring. They know the truth and so do I; awakening others to the truth and stopping this evil is of extreme importance to this world.

My mom talked to the others about what we were going to do while we were there. One of them handed me a sign and I walked to the corner of the easement by the road and held it up with great sorrow and also with great pride. I know the truth and the truth must be told.

I saw someone pull into the parking lot of the plaza. I saw a woman in the car with a man and I feared the worst. They did not go into the clinic but into the sub shop next door. I am relieved, but then sickened because the thought came to me that there were people eating subs right next to the slaughterhouse of children.

Cars passed by and I returned to facing the street and showing the oncoming traffic my sign. Some people honked and waved in approval of what we were doing. Others, particularly teens and young adults, give us a thumbs down or cupped their hands over their mouths and booed at us. A few said horrible words as they passed by. They used their words to do damage to others while we used our words to try and save lives.

I feel bad for those young people who passed by and discouraged us. They don’t know the truth, and they could be the next victims of abortion. Some are not as fortunate as I am to have learned the truth at an early age, that abortion is evil. We need to teach the youth of today about such things to protect them and everyone they could impact with their actions. We need to reach out and teach the truth, because if we don’t, who will?

We, along with the others who were outside of the clinic with us, began to pray the Rosary. I was given the honor of leading one of the decades. I felt foolish when I forgot a part of one of the prayers, but the others helped me remember and then I didn’t feel so bad.

If you don’t know a certain prayer or don’t know how something is done, you have nothing to worry about. The people around you will help you and guide you in the right direction. When I first went to the clinic I didn’t know what to expect and I didn’t know what to do. The others who were there showed me what to do and after beginning, I felt like I really knew what I was doing.

My trip to the abortion clinic was thought provoking and special to me. I sometimes feel that I am powerless to stop abortion. I feel that alone I will not make a difference. I remind myself that this is not true. When people don’t vote in an election they most likely feel that their one vote will not make a difference. If everyone had this mindset then who would be left to vote?

The same is true about being against abortion. Every person makes a difference in ending this tragedy that is devastating our country. Every prayer is important and every prayer matters. Every protester standing outside the abortion clinic has a great impact on ending abortion. You matter and so do every one of your prayers and contributions.

I may be just 16, and in the eyes of the government I am not an adult, but I can still make a difference in ending abortion. I will not sit down and watch television all day while my brothers and sisters are dying before they even get to live. From before you are born to before you die you have a right to life. Whether you are one or one hundred it makes no difference. Everyone has an equal right to life and everyone is equal. Life begins at conception and once God creates that life, it must be defended to its dying breath.

Model of an unborn child in an adult's hand.

An unborn baby is not a blob of tissue but is a real human person.

Shrove Tuesday, Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus

2011-03-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Jesus, Your ineffable image is the star which guides my steps. Ah, You know, Your sweet Face is for me Heaven on earth. My love discovers the charms of Your Face adorned with tears. I smile through my own tears when I contemplate Your sorrows."
—St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face
August 1895, in her "Canticle to the Holy Face"

Perfect First Communion Gifts For Girls and Boys

2011-03-01T13:34:00.022-05:00

First Holy Communion time is quickly approaching. Boys are trying on suits and ties, and girls are shopping for dresses and veils. It's a special time of year for parents and their children, to be sure. Parents, grandparents, and other family members strive to find meaningful gifts for the children on such an important day, gifts that are appropriate for the occasion (nix the Legos, iPods and Nintendo DS games this time, please!). They are searching for gifts that will help their children grow spiritually and celebrate our Catholic Faith. Books can be educational and fun gifts for First Holy Communion, and I have selected several that would be perfect for children during this most holy time in their lives:

Our Treasure, by Michele Elena Bondi

This award-winning hardcover picture book from Catholic publisher Joseph Karl Publishing asks First Communicants where our true Treasure can be found. It's a fun way for kids to learn about the search for what truly matters in our lives, with delightful illustrations by Kristina Pope. It is a great keepsake book and would be perfect for classrooms. Those who are preparing children for their First Eucharist will find this book a joy to share with their students. Available at Amazon.com and www.Godisatworkinyou.com.

Olivia and the Little Way, by Nancy Carabio Belanger

I just had to include my first book, because introducing boys and girls to the Little Way of St. Therese of Lisieux is my passion. Young Olivia learns how to deal with bullies and being the new kid in town with the help of a friendly saint, the Little Flower, who guides her on a spiritual journey of sacrifice, love, and forgiveness. www.littleflowerbook.com. Also be sure to check out the pro-life, pro-family sequel, Olivia's Gift, where Olivia continues her faith journey with St. Therese.

Where Do Priests Come From?, by Elizabeth Ficocelli

and

Where Do Sisters Come From?, by Elizabeth Ficocelli

I can't say enough about these two gems from Catholic Bezalel Books, above! With captivating illustrations by Shannon Wirrenga, both books explain religious vocations in simple, easy-to-understand, and down-to-earth language, with a bit of humor as well ("And yes, when a priest goes to bed, he even wears pajamas!"). It shows the process of people who are called by God to enter the seminary or the convent. You never know who might be called to the religious life after reading these fine books. Both books are a truly charming, and perfect for the classroom! Visit http://www.bezalelbooks.com/bookstore.html.

Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks to Children on their First Holy Communion, by Amy Welborn

Author Amy Welborn describes children on a trip to the Vatican who have recently made their First Holy Communion. They ask Pope Benedict XVI many questions about his First Holy Communion, the Eucharist, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration. In this sweet book, he answers them all. The illustrations by Ann Kissane Engelhart are simply lovely. You will be enchanted. To order, visit the Catholic Truth Society: http://www.cts-online.org.uk/acatalog/info_CH26.html.

Be sure to visit the above websites to learn more about these and other encouraging, delightful books from Catholic publishers. I just know your children, grandchildren, godchildren, and students will be pleased to receive them.

Writer's Digest Gives Olivia and the Little Way Top Ranking

2011-02-26T07:00:00.004-05:00

Author: Nancy Carabio Belanger

Title: Olivia and the Little Way

Category: Middle-Grade/Young Adult Books

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “poor” and 5 meaning “excellent":

Plot: 5

Grammar: 5

Character development: 5

Production quality and cover design: 5

Commentary:

“The author paints beautiful pictures with her words. Olivia and Grandma sit out on the screened porch, surrounded by roses. One can almost hear the crickets!

The author does a lovely job explaining the facets of the Catholic faith. Explaining what a chaplet is, speaking of saints, all were interesting to the reader. Perhaps the most vivid memory the reader will carry with him is the lesson St. Therese has to teach. “Anyone can do something wonderful for God, no matter how little.” The reader understand that is the way in which one does those acts of kindness, that they do them with love in their heart. The reader was also entranced to learn that St. Therese had a special affection for flowers. She had written that she wanted to be a flower for God so He would look down on her and be pleased. Her favorite flower was a rose, because that is the flower she smelled from her bed. So, when one prays to St. Therese, it is not surprising that she will answer the prayer, somehow, using the rose as her “calling card.” The reader was surprised and delighted when she discovered the reason Olivia did not leave Sabrina and Hayley “behind” as she makes new friends. Olivia did not want to give up on two girls who really needed a good role model. This was because of St. Therese. The saint modeled behavior by finding good, even in the unkindest sisters.

Hayley soon appears in Olivia’s life, not as a new friend, but as an uncaring, self-centered tormentor. Olivia, like most children, falls prey to her need to be accepted by the kids she thinks are powerful. Along the way, though, she realizes her mistake and decides to be the kind girl she really is. The reader found the push/pull Hayley and Sabrina hold over Olivia and the other kids interesting and real…”

From Writer's Digest, 2010

Pro-life Theme In Catholic Fiction: Olivia's Gift Excerpt

2011-02-25T14:59:00.002-05:00

Excerpt from Chapter 20 of Olivia’s Gift:

Olivia’s heart started to beat wildly. This wasn’t right. They weren’t supposed to be doing this. She thought back to Danny’s book. The Loggerhead turtle eggs were supposed to stay covered until they were ready to hatch, right? They shouldn’t be disturbing them in this way.

“Okay, you found the eggs!” she pleaded, desperate. “Now cover them back up and let’s go!”

The boys said nothing as Brandon picked up one of the eggs and held it in his hand. “Looks like a ping-pong ball,” he said with a grin. “It’s squishy. Wanna hold one?”

Olivia stared at him in the moonlight. “No way. Put it back.”

Brandon stood up. “Come on; it won’t bite. Here.” He gently placed it in Olivia’s palm. She stared down at it in shock, her eyes wide. She breathed heavily. This felt totally wrong, yet, after reading Danny’s book, she was curious. Was there really a baby turtle in there? She lifted her hand and peered at the tiny egg for a closer look. It was leathery and soft.

Okay. I looked at it. Time to put it back. She started to lower her hand and give it back to Brandon, but something stopped her.

It moved.

Olivia’s heart skipped a beat as she watched the tiny egg tremble back and forth in her hand. It rolled around a couple of times, then stopped.

The baby turtle was inside and it was moving!

Oh Lord, she cried inwardly. What have I just done?

Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, Oh God…her mind raced. She suddenly thought of Mrs. Duggan and her baby moving and kicking inside her belly.

Doing somersaults. Alive.

“I don’t want this! Put it back. It moved! Put it back and cover them back up!” she demanded frantically. She gave it back to Brandon, trusting that he would do the right thing once he knew the truth: that there was a live baby turtle inside.

Next to her, Hayley gasped. “She told you it moved! Brandon, they’re alive! Put them back NOW!” cried Hayley.

Brandon held up the egg with a sinister look on his face. This was not about to happen. This was not…Olivia’s face grew white with horror.

Indiana Teen Takes A Stand For Purity

2011-02-16T10:40:00.003-05:00

I'm starting a new series here on my blog, entitled "Great Teens." And Caleb Beaverson, the Fishers, Indiana teen who wrote a rebuttal to his high school newspaper's article on "safe" teenage sex, is the perfect Great Teen to begin this series. Way to go, Caleb! It is a comfort to know there are brave teens like you who aren't afraid to take a stand! If you know of a Great Teen (or pre-teen) who is doing great things for God, e-mail me at Nancy@littleflowerbook.com.

Re: Approaches to Sex Fail

Caleb Beaverson

After reading Hannah’s article in the January 21^st N the Red, many of my fellow students and I would like to point out that her opinions on sexual education (and sex itself) are not equally shared across our student body. Therefore, I would like to provide some equilibrium to Hannah’s article, trusting you will be willing to print this point of view shared by many of my fellow students.

According to Hannah, we should “…get information to the masses so that our generation can improve and move past this time of excessive discretion.” What I understand her to be saying is that by more broadly and formally presenting the knowledge to teens of how to lose their virginity “safely” before they get married, we are somehow improving society. How is this an improvement to society? Since when is taking the path of least resistance in this aspect of our lives an improvement to society? Furthermore, it is irrational to state, as Hannah’s article does, that “more education” is the solution. What she’s saying is that there are teens in our midst, having pre-marital sex, who are unaware of the concept that condoms, diaphragms, and pills exist as a method of decreasing their odds of becoming pregnant. (Let’s not be so ignorant.) These methods can help reduce teen pregnancies; however it has, in fact, been proven that teens not having sex have a zero percent pregnancy rate, and no STDs. Imagine that!

According to the article, simply because we encourage young men and women to abstain from sex until they are married, we are now, as a society, in a time of excessive discretion. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, discretion is “the quality of having or showing discernment or good judgment.” The question to be answered then is this: How is it possible to have too much good judgment?

Hannah says, “With 22 percent of births in our country occurring in teens between the ages of 13 and 18, there seems to be some sort of lack of education as to how these teens could have prevented unplanned pregnancies.” What should be stated here is that, “With 22 percent of births in our country occurring in teens between the ages of 13 and 18, there seems to be some sort of lack of self control.” As has been the case for many children in our generation, we have been denied very little of whatever it is we wanted since a young age. Even if the decision to have ill advised sexual relationships may hurt others, or even ourselves, our desire is to run straight ahead anyway; for that is what we most desire at the time. Even if our physical intimacy doesn’t result in an unplanned pregnancy or other health-related, physically detrimental repercussion, many of the psychological outcomes of these decisions do not manifest themselves until some number of years down the road by way of destructive thoughts and emotions with our future spouse as we attempt to assemble a successful marriage. By giving in to the cultural assumption that “headstrong teens” are given to have uncontrollable sex as the default assumption, we are literally embracing the statistically proven fact that by doing so, we are putting a damper on the odds of having a successful, long lasting marriage – because of our inability to possess appropriate discretion.

According to livestrong.com, teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of high school, be and remain single parents, and score lower in math and reading into adolescence. The most certain way of keeping this entire scenario from happening is to abide by the one surefire solution to this dilemma - stay away from sex until marriage. But the best part is that it’s doable! I’ll be a virgin when I’m married. It’s a gift I’ll give away to one very special woman – no regrets. My mom and dad managed to accomplish this “unavoidable”, natural act until they were married. My three uncles and their wives all made it to their marriage vows with their virginity intact. And, it’s not like they were social misfits without opportunity for their own lack of discretion. Rather, they were all teens who were active and popular students participating in and leading their way through high school and college as cheerleaders, drum majors for state championship marching bands, cross country & track team members, starting varsity baseball players, high school basketball players, collegiate baseball Team Captains, highly achieving academic students, and the list goes on. And from the evidence of what I’ve seen around me all my life, it is evident that abstinence also provides for more trusting relationships and provides for true intimacy between spouses.

Again, what we need is less societal endorsement on promiscuous, detrimental behavior and more self control. Let’s become the generation that bucks the trends, uses our minds before our hormones, and is known for honoring rather than using one another.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to have premarital sex is one that is up to each individual, regardless of what is taught in school. The root of the problem with teenage pregnancy stems not from a lack of education about alternative methods of preventing teen pregnancies given the “unavoidable” sexual escapades of teens, but rather from a lack of education in the time tested concept of thoughtful analysis of what is in our own best interest.

To see the website where I found this, visit: http://www.klove.com/blog/post/2011/02/16/Teen-Takes-Stand-for-Purity.aspx

Olivia's Gift book trailer

2011-02-12T14:52:00.001-05:00

Even when you feel far away from Him, He is so very close.

Sadly Seen In Stores: On Innocent Babies

2011-02-09T12:14:00.007-05:00

I saw it as soon as I entered the bib aisle of a big baby store. I suddenly forgot about the baby shower present I was shopping for when I came across this little gem:

"Oh no," I moaned aloud as I automatically began to fish around in my purse for my camera, (which unfortunately I must keep handy for occasions such as these). "Another Sadly Seen In Stores."

Believe it or not, I don't like when these moments occur while I'm shopping. It's not that I mind creating these excerpts on my blog, you understand. It's just that, along with writing (which is my passion) comes the bad and the ugly. And this baby bib is bad and ugly.

Even though it's pink.

It's not just sleazy t-shirts or undignified writing on the rumps of pre-teens that is available to our children. Now babies can get in on the act! Doesn't this just boggle your mind? Even babies aren't immune to the junk we adults expose them to. Innocent babies are now walking (okay, crawling...or just sitting) billboards for our ignorant and unintelligent whims. Would you EVER put any of these baby bibs on your child? Well, they're out there. Somebody must be purchasing them...and, sadly, wearing them.

Somewhere, somehow, humans lost their dignity. Planned Parenthood would know all about that. If our society can kill innocent children in their mothers' wombs, it should come as no surprise that babies can wear bibs that say:

Why do we always have to be saying something to the world? In Olivia's Gift, Brandon remarks with a roll of his eyes about his sister Brooke's obnoxious t-shirts, "She always has to be saying something to the world."

It's unreal that parents are actually buying these bibs for their babies to wear. What would Olivia's Grandma Rosemary say?

Ohhhh....you don't wanna know!!

Wise Words During A Blizzard Warning!

2011-02-01T09:26:00.002-05:00

‎"Older generations who never had a suntan in January were more satisfied with each day's weather as it came. As the Irish say when it is raining, 'It is a good day to save your soul.' " — Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Confused? Stressed Out? Unhappy With Life?

2011-01-10T08:08:00.006-05:00

"It is God for Whom we are looking. Your unhappiness is not due to your want of a fortune, or high position, or fame, or sufficient vitamins; it is due not to a want of something OUTSIDE you, but to a want of something INSIDE you." —Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

"Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Servant Of All" film

2011-01-04T11:48:00.005-05:00

Our Church needs a hero of the faith like Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and maybe now more than ever. We can't let his voice go silent; there's too much at stake."

—Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R.

I'd seen snippets of this great man in a cape on TV, with that powerful voice and those eyes that bare straight into your very soul, at that blackboard with his piece of chalk, writing +JMJ+ at the top, but for some reason I never picked up one of his 66 books, newspaper columns, or periodicals. It wasn't until I saw a book about his love and devotion to St. Therese (Archbishop Fulton Sheen's St. Therese—A Treasured Love Story) that I began to develop a great admiration for this Servant of God. Now I can't get enough of his books and videos! Ah, God works in mysterious ways. Sheen sure loved the Little Flower.

So when Joseph Karl Publishing loaned me a DVD of the new film, "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Servant of All," I was thrilled. Let's just say that I needed a good box of tissues handy when I watched the life of this great archbishop unfold on the screen. I was amazed to find out how many souls he converted to Catholicism, and as I watched those who knew him describe what a humble and Christlike person he was, there was no turning back for me! The film, produced by the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, shows clips and footage of him on his NBC broadcasts, and shows the life of a man destined for greatness. Who could watch him speak and not be thoroughly entranced? What a gift God gave this man.

The film music was beautiful and the commentary enlightening. One particular comment moved me to the point of tears. It was a cold, winter day and Sheen came inside from the brisk city streets without his coat on.

"Where is your coat?" the people inside asked him. "It's so cold outside."

Quietly and humbly, Sheen mentioned that he had given it to someone on the street who needed it more than he. How many of us would do such a thing? Christlike behavior, seeing our Lord in everyone we meet. Acting in the imitation of Christ, which is how Sheen lived his life.

The cause for his canonization is underway, and I pray for it to come to fruition. You can, too.

Prayer For Canonization

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.

If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

For more information about Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, his cause for canonization, and the film, visit www.archbishopsheencause.org.

"Wherever The Lord Leads!"

2011-01-02T18:00:00.010-05:00

Bonne Anniversaire, Sainte-Therese! Today, January 2, is the birthday of Therese Martin. What a great day to have a birthday; a fresh, new year ahead of you.

There are so many things I am looking forward to accomplish and experience in this new year at Harvey House Publishing. Olivia's Gift will be in contention for several book awards, including the Benjamin Franklin Award from the the Independent Book Publishers Association, of which Harvey House Publishing is a proud new member. Also, the Catholic Press Association Book Awards are coming up this spring. Olivia and the Little Way won an award from the CPA in the category of best children's books in 2009.

Partnering with Joseph Karl Publishing, there is more to come from two small—yet mighty!—Catholic indie publishers. Never underestimate what small publishers with big hearts and a love of God and our Church can do— indie Catholic publishers like Harvey House Publishing, JKP, and Bezalel Books. JKP publisher Michele Bondi Bottesi likes to say with a grin that "indie publishers rock!" and I couldn't agree more. It seems like God sends us new ideas all of the time: ideas for books, films, new, evolving apostolates.

We always shake our heads at the fast pace the Good Lord sends us these ideas, but as one of the editors at JKP likes to say, "Wherever the Lord leads!" In fact, in looking back at the incredible year that was 2010, I don't even know how we were able to fit all of the work in that we did, but God made it happen, in His own time.

It was a year of presentations to school children, conferences, radio, blog, and newspaper interviews, networking, breakfast and lunch meetings, trips, and book signings. All of this while being a wife and mom to two kids! Whew! How does God make it all happen? I sometimes wonder.

But He does.

I was delighted when, a year ago, the multiple-award-winning Joseph Karl Publishing recruited me as a proofreader for the epic memoir One Man's Journey To Freedom: Escape From Behind The Iron Curtain by Gene X. Kortsha. As I held this man's heart-wrenching, true story in my hands, I remembered reading it for the very first time as I edited it. I was so honored to have been a part of this Pulitzer Prize-nominated story of a man's journey to live life as a free man, as God intends.

As I edited Gene's book, I had to take a little break from writing Olivia's Gift, the sequel to Olivia and the Little Way, so I could concentrate on the task before me and give it my all. Only when I finished editing did I feel free to continue writing my own book. I spent most of the summer writing: an excerpt for JKP's moving book, God Moments, writing my own book, and taking a brief break to attend the Catholic Writers Guild Writer's Conference near Philadelphia, where I was happy to attend writing seminars, meet authors, colleagues and friends with the Catholic Marketing Network at its trade show, and learn about honing my craft as a writer.

Fall came, and with it came more editing projects, including a special children's book from Joseph Karl Publishing entitled Our Treasure. The illustrations are beautiful, the message even more so. The Eucharist truly is our greatest Treasure. This is a book not to be missed, especially for those who are preparing to make their First Holy Communion.

Illustrator Sandra Casali LewAllen, graphic artist Roseann Nieman, editor Erin Sims Howarth, and I wrapped up design and finishing touches on Olivia's Gift, and it was released on November 5. I was thrilled to see the reader response to the new book, and smiled all day on Christmas Day, just thinking of my readers finding the books under their Christmas trees. I was so happy to hear from some of them that very day! Ignatius Press immediately picked up Olivia's Gift for distribution, and now it is placed in the Ignatius Press catalog alongside Olivia and the Little Way.

At a recent meeting over Christmas, JKP publisher Michele Bondi Bottesi and I discussed future projects in store for 2011. The most exciting yet is a documentary film about Father John Hardon SJ, Servant of God, in planning mode from Apostolate Films. It would be an honor to work with the Apostolate Films team on such a worthy project about this future saint.

Just when I started telling everyone that I was done writing for a little while, God sent me another writing project, and before I knew it, I was writing my third book for Harvey House Publishing. I am hoping to have it released in the fall. Keep an eye on this blog for future updates!

How did it all happen in 2010? By the grace of God. How will it all happen in 2011? I will let the Good Lord figure all of that out. He does a pretty good job of it!

"Wherever the Lord leads!"

Venite Adoremus!

2010-12-24T15:54:00.002-05:00

A blessed Christmas to you and yours from Harvey House Publishing!

Nancy Carabio Belanger

A Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus 1863-1885

Life Goes On

Archbishop Fulton Sheen: Meeting God Face To Face In The Blessed Sacrament

Great Kids: Sugar Station!

Merry Christmas To You And Yours!

Little Therese Is Lifting My Spirits!

Waiting Gratefully For Christmas

St. Andrew Christmas Novena

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Preparing Children For Advent

First Holy Communion

Common Sense In Retail? I Can't Believe It!

Is God Calling You? "God In The Streets Of New York City"

Please Pray For The Cause of Archbishop Fulton Sheen!

"...Drive Out The Stranger From The Land..."

Delicious Autumn!

Welcome To Germany, Olivia!

Saint Luke Productions to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Bringing Sanctity to the Performing Arts

Our Sister And Our Friend: St. Therese

"I will send a shower of roses..."

St. Therese Nine-Day Novena

New! The Harvey House Publishing Insider

Book Review: The Rosary Workout

My Many Blogger Friends!

"Get A Life!"

Catholic Writers To Enjoy Special Retreat

Bishop Aquila To Youth: Ditch Evil Music

True Love Leads To Life!

Thanks To The Catholic Writers' Guild

Should I Be Reading This? Questions, Warning Signs For 'Tween and Teen Readers

It Matters How We Treat People

Catholic Press Awards Olivia's Gift

A Catholic Word For Olivia and the Little Way and Olivia's Gift

dig·ni·ty*

Excerpt from Olivia's Gift— Olivia's Clothing Temptation

Catholic Summer Reading For Kids

Olivia's Gift Featured In Fiction Friday

For Librarians and Educators: BookExpo America

Catholic Fiction For Kids

Father Don Calloway On True Heroes For Kids

St. Therese's First Holy Communion

Great Kids: A Young Reader Follows The Little Way

Vito Bonafacci: In Search of the Truth

A Reader's Review of Olivia and the Little Way

Alleluia!

Good Friday

Just Right

Sadly Seen In Stores: Nasty Notes

Palm Sunday

The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years book review

What Prayer Can Do

Olivia's Gift—A Review From A Young Reader

He is everything.

Olivia's Gift Wins Royal Dragonfly Book Award

Olivia's Gift WINS COVETED ROYAL DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD

Great Teens: True Love Leads To Life!

Shrove Tuesday, Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus

Perfect First Communion Gifts For Girls and Boys

Writer's Digest Gives Olivia and the Little Way Top Ranking

Pro-life Theme In Catholic Fiction: Olivia's Gift Excerpt

Indiana Teen Takes A Stand For Purity

Olivia's Gift book trailer

Sadly Seen In Stores: On Innocent Babies

Wise Words During A Blizzard Warning!

Confused? Stressed Out? Unhappy With Life?

"It is God for Whom we are looking. Your unhappiness is not due to your want of a fortune, or high position, or fame, or sufficient vitamins; it is due not to a want of something OUTSIDE you, but to a want of something INSIDE you." —Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

"Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Servant Of All" film

"Wherever The Lord Leads!"

Venite Adoremus!