{A series of posts about The Little Oratory, a book I have written with David Clayton, illustrated with icons by him and with drawings by Deirdre. Read about the Introduction and how to use the book here.}
Today I am giving away a copy of the book, and I will sign it if you like! Just leave a comment between now and Monday to enter!
A terrible thing was going to happen at Harvard yesterday.
By now you have probably heard about it; you can read all about the Eucharistic procession and the events leading up to it in the Chief's excellent article. Knowing Harvard as we do (he is class of '72, his dad was '35, Rosie is '04), we are stunned that the sacrilege that was to occur really in the heart of the campus dissipated like a wisp of smoke in the face of an overwhelming display of faith and worship (on the spot and all over the country as others joined in prayer, adoration, and reparation). As Rosie says, never in her wildest imagination could she have anticipated this outcome. At Harvard.
To me, in a way, the most stunning, unforeseen development of the whole story was the attendance of certain leading lights of aggressive secularism (the president of the university and other VIPs) front and center, at the Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction service at St. Paul's.
This means, among other things, that persons who, until the other day, most likely did not quite exactly precisely know what a “black mass” was or why they should get upset about it, and for that matter are probably not actually all that familiar with Christianity itself, were suddenly held virtually captive and being read intense passages of Scripture about suffering, dragons called Satan, and the institution of the Eucharist — and then being blessed by the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, present in the Host in a large gold monstrance, and in general being told — in the company of a thousand ore more loudly assenting or, alternately, deafeningly silent worshippers — that this is what Catholics do and we weren't going to tolerate (yes, not tolerate) desecration.
That to me is the miracle.
The fact is that if Drew Faust (the president) had received a gold-edged, embossed, hand-delivered invitation to such an event, she probably would not have gone. I'm quite certain that she didn't exactly want to go to this one, but was maneuvered by circumstances to do so. I am positive she had no idea what was in store for her. But it happened!
And so it came to be that at least one prominent citizen of the seemingly impenetrable bastion of Tolerance and Political Correctness was brought into contact with the Light of the World. May it do her good! I'm sure we were all praying for her!
And what about us? I also saw this event strengthen the faith of those who have faith. You suddenly realize you have to choose. For or against God.
For this is the key question of happiness: What is union with goodness — with God? How to achieve it? Who will pick us up by the shoulders, perhaps in the face of a great responsibility that we must fulfill or a duty we must perform, and steer us to where we have to go? Sometimes I'm sure I wish this was how God dealt with me, but of course, usually He is much more gentle than that.
Chapter One of The Little Oratory — “The Christian Life” — attempts to show the Church's answer, lived out in her every act — and it's the same one that Drew Faust had explained carefully to her last night: He came to us. It's simply a matter of grasping this. We can't get to Him, no matter what our efforts. (Of course, even dear Dr. Faust had to experience some inner assent — even with her front-row seat in an impressive church.)
The Little Oratory is about how to access the grace He offers us in the Liturgy, the celebration of the Eucharist, His body, blood, soul, and divinity. The secret for us hinges on this one fact: every person is born into a family. Jesus Christ was born into a family.
The book is about a simple thing, that turns out to provide the means: the revival of “the little oratory, as the Catechism calls it (CCC 2691) — prayer table, home altar, or icon corner — in the home. It's an almost lost tradition that can be a simple and beautiful bridge between these two places — home and church –for the sake of the family's life of faith — and consequently for this whole project which is the life of the Christian.”
Thanks to those kind readers who have left reviews on Amazon!
If you’ve read it and haven’t done so, would you consider leaving a rating and review there?
Thanks so much!
Please Like and share our book page on Facebook — that way you will keep current with our appearances on the radio, at talks, and at book signings.
And don't forget to comment to enter to win the giveaway! I will choose a winner by Monday!
Tracy says
I want a copy!!! Thanks!! 🙂
Miranda says
thank you for the opportunity! this would be a wonderful addition to my family’s prayer life… 🙂
Emily says
I just saw a copy at a friends house. Diedre’s illustrations are so lovely! I would enjoy having a copy of my own to read. Thanks for the Giveaway opportunity.
Susan says
What can I say – God is good and the power of prayer is astonishing!
renee says
Would love a copy, and I am impressed with the showing at the procession and benediction.
Kari says
I would love a copy, definitely signed! And I really appreciate this post- what a testament to the power of prayer.
Amy says
Thank you for the generous giveaway opportunity. And thank you for the photographs: very encouraging scenes.
Beth F says
Thank you for the generous giveaway opportunity. And thank you for the photographs: very encouraging scenes.
Evelyn says
Thanks for the update on Black Mass, and the photos. This is also an entry! I’d love to own a copy and leave a comment on Amazon!!
Sarah K says
Something special did indeed happen in Cambridge last night!
Cate says
Beautiful post! I would love a copy of your book.
Sarah D says
I’d love a copy! (And it’s on my Amazon wish list in case I don’t win 🙂
I love your blog, thank you so much for all your wonderful, motherly advice and encouragement!
Katie says
I would love to read the book! I love your blog!!!
Brigid says
I love all your advice and would love a copy!
Michele Zagorski says
There are few books I feel I NEED to own, but this is one of them. If I don’t win, I will buy one! Thank you for the opportunity!
Lynelle says
Our parish priests encouraged all families to have a prayer corner in our homes a few months ago, and I’ll admit that I was a bit hesitant to do so… (where to put it!) but I’m really interested in your book. I’ve had it on my Amazon list but would gladly win a copy instead!
Layla says
Ooh, Ooh, pick me, please!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful reflection on last night’s event. Beautiful.
Kathy says
This post made me like your family all the more. I’ve been reading a couple of years now and had no idea that The Chief and Rosie went to Harvard! I could not be so humble if I were in there shoes.
God’s continued blessings!
Lorelei says
I can’t say I was too astonished at the fact that Harvard was hosting a black mass; since being a midwesterner, I just kinda expect crazy out of yankees. I am still pleasantly floored at what did happen!
Also, please enter me for the giveaway. Thanks! 🙂
Kate says
I’d love a copy of your book!
And the whole Harvard mess did have an amazing ending…I don’t even like reading about black masses or anything like that but was so glad to hear the headlines that it turned out alright.
Carmen says
I am in the process of reading it and enjoying it SO much. I would love another copy so I could “gift” it.
beth p. says
Thank you for giving away a copy of your lovely book. I am not Catholic, but I would love to read it. Thank you for your always beautiful, always helpful blog.
Mrs. Pickles says
Oh, praise God! It’s unavoidable to feel almost helpless in the face of so much scary evil in the world — what can one person do against it all?? Quiet miracles like this really bolster my faith and remind me that God has all the real power, and the only authority. I feel like I’ve never needed your book more than I do now.
I grew up with a prayer table in our house, complete with lovely statue of Our Lady, picture of the Sacred Heart, icons and relics — the irony was that it was on top of the liquor cabinet which was the perfect height! 🙂 So I have a “good place” in my own home now (on the mantel though), but never really considered just how important it was to fighting the culture of death. I need to make sure it doesn’t become just another catch-all horizontal space. Can’t wait to read your book for inspiration on how to make it more of the heart of my home!
Ann-Marie says
How amazing it must have been to be there, standing together. Thank you for sharing it with us; and for the giveaway. It’s on my wish list.
Maureen says
I am a Boston native and the events of the past few days have been amazing.
Thanks for offering this give away.
Mary says
I appreciate the chance to win a copy of your book!
Calee says
Thank you so much for sharing this story! My husband is adamantly opposed to kids going away to college- stories like this give me hope. Any chance we’ll get a post on the topic??
And of course, I’d love to win a copy.
Anne says
The chorus of a favourite song came to mind:
“Our God is greater,
Our God is stronger,
God, You are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer,
Awesome in power,
Our God…
Our God.”
Meredith says
I, too, am stunned by the reaction to the response to the proposed black mass, which included a phone call this morning from my cousin, a Harvard alum and convert to Islam. He was deeply disturbed by the event, as he had every right to be.
Thanks for the opportunity of the giveaway!
Angie says
I would love to have a copy! This is top on my birthday and Christmas wish lists!
Michelle says
Won or not, I will have this book!
Robin says
Lovely reflection, Auntie Leila! And thanks for the opportunity to try to win your book!
Amy F says
I’d love a copy!
Salome Ellen says
An autographed copy would be amazing! (But not as amazing as what happened Monday night… )
Rae says
We just bought a house and I would love to win this to help really make it our home!! It was refreshing to see such support last night…sometimes all that is noticeable is the evil overwhelming the world. The support helped to remind me that there are still lots of good people willing to stand up for the Way, the Truth, and the Light.
Kim says
I’d love to win! The book is on my Amazon wish list, regardless!
Thank you for your post, too! I was wondering how everything unfolded. The pictures are incredible.
Angela in MT says
I would really love to win a copy! Thanks!
Deb says
I’ve had your book waiting in my Amazon cart until I find something else I need to order to get me above the free shipping threshold, but I’m anxiously awaiting reading it! Meanwhile I’ve been pondering where might be a good place in our home for a prayer corner, and I think I’ve found just the spot – unfortunately it is currently occupied by our fish tank. So now I have to figure out where it’s new home should be, since I long ago gave up hope that the goldfish my son won at a school carnival 4 years ago (and its 19 cent tank mates we bought for his sister and brother) will ever die. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Anne says
I’ve had this in my Amazon cart hoping to buy it soon, but I’d love a signed copy! I can’t wait to read it.
Tamara says
The Chief’s article was really excellent. Thanks for sharing and for this post. You are so right. It all really *does* come down to the choice – are we for God or against Him? I pray that the graces of the Eucharistic Procession and Mass bring many many more to Him and to His Church.
And, of course, I would love a signed copy! Do you even have to ask? 😉
Joy says
What a wonderful testimony to the power of prayer and the might of our God. Wonderful!
A concerned mother says
This is interesting – and encouraging. I hadn’t heard about this story and two weeks ago I would have been surprised that a group would even attempt to hold a black sabbath but not now. The culture wars are sadly becoming more evident to me now. I’m not sure if you have heard, but La Leche League International has recently changed the requirements for leadership and now allows men to apply. They are doing this because, in their words ” the cultural understanding of gender has expanded.” An organization that has for such a long time stood for the concept of mothering through breastfeeding and the unique roles that mothers and fathers have, no longer sees the two genders and parental roles as different. I know that it seems slightly off topics but it has been quite disheartening for me and this was a nice reminder that sometimes the truth does win out (at least hear on earth – I know it will in the end for sure!)
Ruth says
I spoke to my mother and mother in law about this miracle today – how God took a horrific thing and made it the place/time for an outpouring of grace in so many ways. It is hard to stop talking about all the good that came of it! My eleven year old daughter said to me after mass yesterday around noon with big eyes, “How do you pray for this? What can I say?” “I don’t know,” I said. “I told Jesus I love Him and that I am sorry this is happening…” I couldn’t speak, it was so beautiful and so sad; I hugged her as a sister in Christ!
Mary Anne says
I would love to win a copy! I already have a prayer corner set up, but I would love more ideas for family prayer time- and I especially want to find out what you do with spent matches!
Amy says
I’ve ordered one for me, and I’d love a chance to win one for a friend. Christ is risen!
Katie says
I would love to win a copy of this book!!
Michele says
The budget is so tight but I would love to have this book!!!!
Amelia says
The book has been in my wish list on amazon since you first told us about it. I can’t wait to read it.
Nancy says
Dear Leila,
your blog is a favorite of mine. Thank you for the constant encouragement, great advice and gorgeous bits of beauty scattered throughout!
N
Theresa says
I would love a copy! We actually have dedicated a room to this sort of thing. With 4 kids (and one on the way) it’s pretty tight in our 3-bedroom house, but my husband and I can’t imagine living without it. I would love to read your book and see how we think alike and also how we can improve what we already have.
Also, I’m just so gratefully impressed by the response of Catholics to this situation in Harvard. It reminds me of the Battle of Lepanto. We conquered with prayer.
Natalie says
I’d love a signed book! I just ordered a copy last night, but have a feeling I am going to be passing this one around.
Cassie B says
I would love to win this book! Thank you 🙂
Karen says
Would love to win a copy!
Will definitely be buying for gifts.
Thanks so much!!
Kate says
Even though I’m almost done raising my children, I would love a copy so I can be an armed grandmother.
Christine C says
I would love a chance to win. Thank you.
Jen says
wow, great pics! can’t wait to read your book…some day!
von says
Would love and use a copy! Thanks so much!
Emily says
I never win giveaways but I would so like a copy of your book. I missed the news about Harvard but what a moving and deeply powerful testimony. Thank you.
Marie says
A signed copy would be wonderful, thank you! I’ve heard and read in the past that as Catholics we should have a home altar or prayer table. I don’t even want to tell you about the one I set up accidentally on my stove! Yep, I didn’t even realize that that was what I was doing, it wasn’t my intention, but darned if it wasn’t an oratory, the place where I was praying the morning office while waiting for the tea kettle to boil on one of the other burners! It all started with this lovely picture for All Saints Day on the cover of a Sophia Institute catalog that I had put down on the stove…..hmm, they say there aren’t really any coincidences. Again, thanks for the Giveaway! And am so glad things turned out the way they did at Harvard!
Ashley says
I too was stunned by the turn of events last night…I gave my husband the play-by-play from Facebook and Twitter.
I’ve been pining for your book since you first wrote about it. I’d love to have a copy. I’m particularly interested about tips for incorporating this into your home when your spouse isn’t Catholic.
Thank you so much for writing. You’ve given me so much confidence and hope these last few years and I’m very grateful.
Amelia W. says
This book is on my wishlist. I would love to win it!
Elle says
I would be so happy if I could win a signed copy of your book!
Kathy says
I would love to win a signed copy! 😀
Ajda says
I would love to win a signed copy! Do you ship to Austria? (Otherwise, I’d be glad to pay the difference myself!)
Crystal Arcand (3Stairs) says
I’d be thrilled to add a copy of The Little Oratory to my home library. Thank you for the giveaway.
Lisa Rose says
People who truly don’t believe in any part of Catholicism are apathetic, not hateful. The people behind things such as a “Black Mass” are really on the other side in the most serious way possible. Praise God, He is stronger yet!
I would love to bring some of that strength to my family by the use of your book. A little home oratory is not something I’ve ever seen before (is it more a part of certain cultures?) but it sounds like a splendid idea.
NY Mom says
Last week there was a stunning display of evil activity in the news – three days in a row. On Monday, May 5, a Satanic group petitioned the OK State Capitol to display a statue of Satan on the grounds, complete with pentagram and two adoring children at his side. Later that day, rare earthquake warnings were issued for the state. Interesting. The next day, May 6, Emily Letts, a Planned Parenthood counselor from northern NJ, posted a video of her apparant abortion, in an effort to convince women (and perhaps herself) that it was painless and do-able. On Wednesday, May 7, the headlines were all over the planned Black Mass at Harvard. I kept wondering why the sudden, arrogant, ridiculous, bold assertions of the Evil One? Perhaps he needs special attention after the glorious events of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday this year, which included the canonizations of 2 popes. It may be that God allows such demonic displays precisely to set in high relief the contrast between good and evil, between God and not-God, becasue certainly the waters are muddied by relativism and tolerance. The photos from the Eucharistic procession and St Paul’s Church brought tears of joy to my eyes. I am SO happy to be Catholic. What a tremendous witness for God this has been.
Jane says
I appreciate your warm gracious encouragement to love The Lord our God, and to
teach our children to do so likewise.
Lillian Bielinski says
We’ve been swept up by the gentle Shepherd this year, I think, just little things have been changing for me, my husband, and our 1 yr old son. Your book may be the next step! We have a big picture of Divine Mercy in our bedroom (that we won in a raffle!), and I’d like to find more ways to honor it or set up a prayer table. Thanks for writing!
Alaina says
I would love to win a copy of your book. Building up a Catholic home is always something I could use a little inspiration for!
Lisa says
We are just starting to say the rosary as a family, and I would love this book to encourage me!
Natalie Hunt says
All of the pictures I have seen of the Harvard procession brought tears to my eyes. So amazing, you are lucky to have been part of it!
Nicole Alvarez says
The more I hear about your book, the more I want to read it!
Colette says
Would love a copy of your book. You put into words so many things I would like to espouse or believe, and that’s comforting despite the fact I can’t make up my mind about any of it.
Christina P says
A free copy?! That’d be wonderful! I’m really so excited to read it!
Katie says
I would love to win a copy of your book. I am looking forward to reading it!
Jena says
I’d love to win!
Taryn B says
I would love your book. Thank you for this opportunity, and for sharing about what happened at Harvard. It’s so exciting.
Rachelle says
Until this morning, I had never heard of a black mass. Now that I’m more familiar with the term, I am so thankful for the outpouring of faith that occured in response. Light and love always conquer evil.
Thank you very much for this opportunity to win a copy of your book. I’d love to read it!
Kati says
I would love a copy. Thanks for the chance.
Katie says
I would love to own a copy of your book! My husband and I married last fall and are expecting our first this fall. We are so excited about our little family – but thoughts of running a household and cultivating a home prayer life are overwhelming too. Your book sounds like it would provide a nice basis as we enter this new stage of life. Thank you!
Mary says
I was hoping your book would be my Mother’s Day gift but….no. I would love a copy! And since we’re on the topic, I would love to hear your wisdom re: large homeschooling families affording (or not) college educations. Ecstatic about the Harvard turnout am I!
BridgetAnn says
Thank you for your beautiful & beneficial blog. I am at home with my first, who is almost six months old, and I really appreciate the content of LMLD. I just pulled out my Liturgy of the Hours yesterday for the first time in quite awhile and would love a chance to win your book to learn more about incorporating that and other devotions into family life. God bless you all!
Kim F. says
I just receive my copy of the book for Mother’s Day and am loving it! I would like to win for a friend though. Dear friends of ours are moving soon and I thought this would make a wonderful housewarming gift.
Margaret Mumford says
Thank you for the Harvard update. There will be more battles, Satan never sleeps…but
prayer does work! Wonderful book idea!
Emily says
Thank you for the opportunity to receive this book!
Jocelyn K says
Thank-you for your help, understanding, and inspiration!
katydid says
I’ve been wanting to buy this since I first saw it coming out. Would love to read it and reap any advice for a calm Rosary each evening. 🙂
Julia M says
My husband and I are in RCIA and just had our first child. I’ve been thinking a lot about how to incorporate prayer into our family life so I’d love a copy!
Shelley says
I would love a copy!!
Kristi says
Ooooh, goosebumping 🙂 This is incredible. I’d heard about the outrage over the proposed Black Mass but not about this response. Amazing!
And of course I’d love a copy of your book!
Ona says
Oh Leila, praise God for the witness you and so many others were at Harvard! What a powerful post you’ve written here, I was in tears reading it. Today’s devotional in The Word Among Us, is about being a witness! And what an example at Harvard.
Thank you also for the opportunity to win an autographed copy of your wonderful book. But win or lose, I will be buying copies for myself and friends.
Joanne B. says
Thanks for the chance to win!
Mona says
Hi Leila, I’d love to win this book. I’ve already ordered one for me, but plan to give several away to friends, so if I win this I’ll be giving it to one of my homeschooling friends. Thanks for your great blog. I check it every day.
Clara says
I would really like to win a signed copy of the book. 🙂
And thank you for being a part of those praying to stop and for reparation for the Black Mass. Praise God for the positive witness and prayer of Catholics and Christians.
Gwen says
Your encouragement has been a huge consolation to me. Thankyou a thousand times.I would love to win a copy of your book.
Anne in NC says
Our family needs this book. Thank you for your generous giveaways — this book and in all your works.
Donna L. says
I would love a *signed* copy of your book—then I will share the one I ordered with someone else who wants one!
I hadn’t heard about this story and Harvard–what a perfect miracle!
Kelly says
Oh my, I’d love a signed copy!
Rebecca says
I’d LOVE a signed copy! I asked for The Little Oratory for Mother’s Day, but at the time Amazon was all sold out.
jill says
I’d LOVE a signed copy! I asked for The Little Oratory for Mother’s Day, but at the time Amazon was all sold out.
Adele says
I would love a copy.
Sarah says
I can’t wait to read your book! We are an Anglican family but cultivating a home prayer life in accordance with the liturgy and the Church calendar definitely is a part of our heritage as well!
Betsy M says
I actually own the book already but would LOVE a signed copy to gift to my sister!
Mimi says
I would love to win a copy of your book as we work on our own little domestic church.
Cassidy says
We were praying that the horrible black mass mess would not happen.
I would love a copy of the book! It’s on my lengthy “to buy” list. You know – the list of things you would buy if you had money, haha!
Joy in Alabama says
I would LOVE a copy signed by you!!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Alina McIntyre says
I would love to have a signed copy of your beautiful book!
Thank you for your blog. I’ve learned so much about how to celebrate our Roman Catholic faith within the home. I look forward to every new entry.
Adrie | ALittleWifesHappyLife says
I would like a chance to win your lovely book!
This post is so great- thanks for the reminder (once again, because I seem to need it repeated to me over and over) that God came, and comes, to us.
Erin says
This would be a wonderful book not only to read, but to also give to my niece’s preschool teacher. I would love a signed copy!
Jodi says
I enjoyed the Chief’s article. Thanks for the link.
It’s always worth my time when I visit here- I’m sure your book is equally amazing. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. God bless you and your family!
Julie says
I have been enjoying your blog for the past year or so but have not commented before. Thank you for the time you take to write!
Julie says
I have been enjoying your blog for the past year or so but have not commented before. Thank you for taking the time to write!
Julie says
Sorry about the double comment, I accidently hit the back button and didn’t think it posted!
Kathia says
I would LOVE a signed copy!!
Valerie says
I would love a copy of your book, supposing you were so kind as to send it “across the miles” to New Zealand!
But I’m sure the lucky recipient will be very blessed by it.
Thank you for the opportunity, and as always, I appreciate your thoughtful and wise posts.
Mary says
I have to admit, I wasn’t following the story from Harvard but I am in awe after reading what you wrote about the events that transpired. Praise God! It gives me so much hope for our Church and world. I am halfway into the book and the first chapter hooked me in. What a beautiful synthesis of the Gospel! Many people will be blessed by this work. I’d love to win an extra copy to gift to a friend. thank you, Leila!
Sarah r says
Would love a copy!
Rachel~ At the Butterfly Ball says
Dear Auntie Leila,
I think I would very much like to receive a copy of your book. I spend my days surrounded by my children, and have very little contact with the “outside world” so had heard nothing of the whole “black mass” incidence. I just jumped onto the internet to read other accounts as well, Wow! What a miracle! Good for the praying people of Massachusetts! (And everywhere else!)
I am not Catholic, and I am not sure if your giveaway is for everyone or only members of the Church. But I have been feeling more and more drawn to the teachings of the church. I have been a Christian since I was a small girl and was raised in a protestant household. I would very much like to read your book, as I have so many questions. Anyway, thank you for having such a lovely blog. I find your advice very helpful and often refer back here when I need some encouragement.
Cheerfully~Rachel
mary says
Ah! Would love another copy to give to my sister who is expecting her 1st baby in July. I can’t put my book down! 🙂 LOVELY! Mary (fisher) Kroupa
Pearl says
Thank you for this post. And I would love to win a copy of your book. =)
Susan says
I would love to have a copy of your new book — it seems like a real Spirit endeavor — beautiful and inspiring!
Kate says
I would love a copy of your book! As a soon-to-convert Protestant, I need all the help I can get figuring out how to create and live a daily Catholic life.
Esther says
As the mother of 3 daughters (and a son), I’m always interested in a tool/book that will help foster our domestic church and teach my children (especially daughters: since the women almost always make the home atmosphere that the domestic church rests on) how to do so in their own homes someday.
Janet says
Our God reigns. Sometimes I forget this when Evil makes its presence known so forcefully. The events in Boston have reminded me that the battle has already been won.
I enjoy your blog very much. Thank you for a chance to win a signed copy of “The Little Oratory”.
Ranee @ Arabian Knits says
I, too, was thrilled and relieved that not only was this black mass cancelled, but that so many people came to pray, adore, and stand against this desecration. As one of our church’s priests said, “Rite on!”
As for the giveaway, thank you for offering your book. It’s been on my wishlist, and winning it would put it in my hands much sooner than I otherwise would be able to get it.
Trish says
Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Reading your posts provide me with such comfort. My mom is deceased… and there are so many things I didn’t ask her. Your reflections help fill in the ‘how to’ of Catholic family living. God reward you for following His inspiration to nurture others with the gifts you have received.
Peace.
anothermom says
I had your book in and out of my amazon cart ever since it was available to pre-order; everyday necessities like vitamins and supplements kept knocking it back out. I finally ordered for myself for Mother’s Day and am savoring every page! I would love to win a copy for my married daughter! We need to foster our Little Oratories to combat the evils in this world. God bless those who stood up for our Lord and our beloved Faith at Harvard.
Julie says
What a solid addition to any library. Thank you for your work!
Branwen says
With 4 little ones 7 and under I would love to have this book to help build up our family prayer life! Thank for the chance to win.
Mary Keane says
God is always taking evil and transforming it into an avenue of grace. What was more evil than the Crucifixion in the first place? Yet when a much smaller reflection of this great mystery occurs, like at Harvard, it never ceases to amaze us. God is so good.
And a copy of The Little Oratory would be great! Our parish is becoming an Oratory of St. Philip Neri, and the prayer group there is called the Little Oratory. I think of you every time.
Kate says
I’d love to win this!
Emily Barnes says
I’ve been eyeing this book for awhile. I would love to win a copy for my very own 🙂
Anabelle Hazard says
I would love a signed copy of your book, Auntie Leila! And thank you for the pictures. I got all goosebumpy at the unity of our Church who love our Lord in the Eucharist.
Amy Glover says
Thank you for the gifting your beautiful book to one blessed family. I hope it is ours! 🙂
Mary says
I’d love a chance for the book, thank you!
Karen says
Thank you for your lovely, lovely blog. I would love a copy of your book and desperately wanting to see Deirdre’s drawings.
M. says
This book would most certainly be a blessing here. Thank you for this opportunity and all of the loveliness on your blog. God bless.
Gina says
I would LOVE to have a copy of your lovely book!
margie says
I am amazed at the Catholic response to that event – just when I felt like there were so few who would defend our Church! Like others have said, I have had “The Little Oratory” saved in my Amazon cart to buy just as soon as the budget allows…Thank you for giving such hope to our little family!
mandamum says
“Yes – exactly” on the Harvard bit. God is amazing – it seems as though Satan had reserved the stage and invited the audience, and then God stepped on, scared the evil one off with a glance, and then turned to the mic, “Well, since the stage is reserved, let’s have a show!” And then the day became truly educational 🙂 As another alum (albeit graduate student – slightly different flavor) I also am especially joyous but surprised that it played out this way. I never expected to see Jesus in the Eucharist taken down Mass Ave, or Harvard’s President at a Eucharistic Holy Hour. I do have one friend who converted to the Catholic Church at Harvard, so I know God is working there – I bet that friend would not be as surprised by this as I am. But in any case, Joy Joy Joy from across the country.
And I would love to win a copy of your book! I have been remiss in my blog reading (!) and had no idea you had one out until today. If I don’t win one, I’ll have to head to Amazon, as it sounds like something I have been thinking on for a while, and will fit well with our bulletin board entitled, “Becoming Saints”.
(and now I’m wondering if perhaps I might have taught Rosie Freshman Calc, but I don’t remember having any Rosies in any of my classes and I suspect she would have cleared any core-required math classes just before I started teaching)
Kristin says
I just stumbled upon your blog and book today – I would love to win a copy!
A.R. Danziger says
I would love a copy of your book! It’s sitting on my wishlist, but my birthday is still a couple months away and my life will be upside down with the arrival of baby #3 around then anyway. 🙂
Susan says
Beautiful, beautiful post — the photos themselves tell so much more than can be gleaned from most news sources. Thank you for sharing those photos… they are consoling, encouraging, and awe-inspiring, as I believe your book must be. I love that you entitled your book for “Beginners” — it draws me already. Thank you, and God bless you!
Nina says
I need your book! I appreciate your blog. Nina in Wisconsin, where Spring has finally arrived.
anothermom says
I posted earlier for the giveaway, but just had to come back to offer a small suggestion. For quite sometime I’ve been searching online for images of Catholic homes, in the hope of finding ideas for building up our own Little Oratory. I appreciate the beautiful artwork in your book so much, but find myself yearning for more. Perhaps someone can develop a means for readers of the book and your blog to share images of how they implement your ideas in their own homes. Kind of an online Catholic Victoria magazine or Catholic version of pinterest. I don’t have a working camera, but would seriously consider getting one in order to share! I’m already contemplating ways to utilize the beautiful icon images in the back of the book! Wish there was a way to clip Deirdre’s charming sketches, so I could scatter them about the house. Thank you for enriching our lives with your thoughtful book and lovely blog! Praying for grace-filled days for your entire family with Finnabee and company! (The times our daughter and granddaughter shared our home were some of my happiest! Cherish the moments!)
KelLee says
I am looking forward to studying and conversing on this book. It looks excellent and so needed in my family now.
Annie B says
I am looking forward to studying and conversing on this book. It looks excellent and so needed in my family now.
Diana N says
I would love to win a copy and I’m excited about the book club with Elizabeth Foss this summer.
Lori says
I would love to have a copy of your book…especially signed. 🙂
Laura says
This book looks terrific! I would love to win a copy! Thanks so much for the opportunity 🙂
Peggy says
Hoping to win a copy! Thanks!
Amanda says
I would love a copy of your beautiful book-hoping to participate in the summer reading! Thank you!
Claire says
I would love to win a copy – I purchased one myself already but would love to give one as a wedding gift. Thanks for all that you do, especially your work on this absolutely beautiful new book. I feel like your book and blog are written for people just like me – couldn’t be more encouraging and helpful and suited to my personality!
Christi says
I would LOVE a copy! I think it would be a wonderful wedding gift… Thank you
Jennifer Gregory Miller says
As I plan on giving this book as gifts for Christmas, I’d love a copy!
Kate says
Pick me! Pick me! I hope I win the copy!
Sarah says
I would love a copy of the book. I promise to review it on Amazon if given a chance to read it!
Jacki says
Thanks for offering a copy of your book!
Lori says
I would love to win a copy of your book!
I bought one for myself already (and gave just gotten started reading it), but will buy 6 more, one for each of my children, plus plan to give copies as wedding gifts to Catholic newlyweds!
sibyl says
I already have a copy. I’d love one to give to my sister.
And praise God for the beautiful way He aided all those who prayed against the black mass.
Rosie says
What an awesome turnout in Boston! Praise God 🙂
Juanita says
I need this book! My husband and I came into the Church 5 years ago. We were conservative Mennonites. We now have 5 children and #6 is on the way. Thanks!
Kateri says
I would love a signed copy!