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The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home
When dirty dishes and laundry pile up, it’s easy to believe that the call to sanctity is for someone else. But this inspiring book written by a Catholic mother of five and based on the teachings of Mother Teresa shows us how faith can support mother's in their most holy task—raising children.
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 13, 2008
I read this book in one day while visiting family; the book belongs to my sister-in-law and I couldn't take it with me. It was interesting. The author relies heavily on quotes from scripture, Blessed Theresa of Calcutta, John Paul II and Benedict XVI but the writings of other saints appear as well. The author uses Mary, Mother of Jesus, as THE example for Motherhood but incorporates the lives of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Rita of Cascia in as well.
The book is about the dignity of motherhood as a vocation and its importance in the christian life. She also stresses that mothers, especially those with young children, rarely have time to dedicate to prayer, but service and sacrifice to our families is our prayer and leads to holiness. I was reminded of the story of buddhist monks in a monastary. While most of the monks meditate, there are those who must cook and clean for the others. But it is the monk who scrubs the kitchen floor who attains enlightenment before his brothers meditating.
Her main message is one of Love for the family and how a mother who is devoted to her vocation impacts the whole world.
i think this book paired with A Mother's Rule of Life would be a good gift for (Catholic) Mothers.
**I am adding another star (to 4) 2 weeks later because since i read this book i feel renewed and more energetic about being a mother.
The book is about the dignity of motherhood as a vocation and its importance in the christian life. She also stresses that mothers, especially those with young children, rarely have time to dedicate to prayer, but service and sacrifice to our families is our prayer and leads to holiness. I was reminded of the story of buddhist monks in a monastary. While most of the monks meditate, there are those who must cook and clean for the others. But it is the monk who scrubs the kitchen floor who attains enlightenment before his brothers meditating.
Her main message is one of Love for the family and how a mother who is devoted to her vocation impacts the whole world.
i think this book paired with A Mother's Rule of Life would be a good gift for (Catholic) Mothers.
**I am adding another star (to 4) 2 weeks later because since i read this book i feel renewed and more energetic about being a mother.
July 24, 2012
This book is about the vocation of motherhood and ways to grow in holiness through what seems to be the unnoticed daily tasks that come with being a mother. You discover the beauty of everyday small acts of service and how those little acts can help pave your road towards heaven. I also love how there are beautiful prayers after every chapter of the book.
November 19, 2007
This is a great book for making you feel good about being a mother and staying home with your children. Supportive of mothers it emphasizes your vocation in serving Jesus through serving your family.
April 10, 2008
I try and read a chapter a day of this book. I am not quite done but really like and will keep it next to my bed when I need a prayer or a little pick-me-up! This book makes me thankful that I get to stay at home with my kids. IT really puts staying home in perspective.
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August 18, 2009I learned that no Mom is perfect, and we should forgive ourselves. A great book for a new mom.
March 3, 2022
There wasn’t anything wrong per se, just left a lot to be desired. Has great potential but felt kind of amateurish.
July 16, 2016
I really enjoyed the message of this book: God knows moms are living lives of prayer even when they can't find time or energy to utter a single Hail Mary or Our Father. Mothers' whole lives are one big prayer, and we must do our best to live each moment in a way that honors both God and our vocation.
O'Boyle writes like that very logical and calm friend we all have. She clearly loves her family and faith, and it shines through in the writing. I found her chapters to be inspiring and thoughtful. She wastes no words pontificating about her ideas and instead focuses on the words of the religious and saints.
I highly recommend this for my fellow Catholic moms. I read this with a group of friends from Church, and our discussions (during playdates for our kids) helped me understand the book in a practical way as well, even when those discussions got off track quickly (almost always) there was so much to learn from other Catholic moms. In my opinion, the best way to read this book is with friends.
O'Boyle writes like that very logical and calm friend we all have. She clearly loves her family and faith, and it shines through in the writing. I found her chapters to be inspiring and thoughtful. She wastes no words pontificating about her ideas and instead focuses on the words of the religious and saints.
I highly recommend this for my fellow Catholic moms. I read this with a group of friends from Church, and our discussions (during playdates for our kids) helped me understand the book in a practical way as well, even when those discussions got off track quickly (almost always) there was so much to learn from other Catholic moms. In my opinion, the best way to read this book is with friends.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews