Geneva resident publishes book on being saint-like

Geneva resident Mary K. Doyle has just published her third religious book.

"Seven Principles of Sainthood," released by Acta Publications just weeks ago, examines the life of Mother Theodore Guerin, a missionary who became only the eighth saint to minister primarily in the U.S. Guerin came to the U.S. in 1840 from France to establish a religious community and Christian schools in America's frontier.

"Saint Mother Theodore founded Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, which I attended," Doyle said. "I used her as a role model and I used her principles in writing this book. You can definitely feel her presence when you walk on the grounds of the college.

"The Sisters of Providence, who run the college, have an identity with her," Doyle added. "They are strong, happy and independent women. The sisters are very concerned about social justice, and their students care about ecology and the environment."

Doyle's book can be used as a guide for those who want to live a deeply religious life, emulating those who achieved sainthood.

"Saints, such as Mother Theodore Guerin, were real people with real problems," Doyle writes in the introduction to her book. "By examining how they lived and worked through their challenges, we can learn critical life lessons for sanctity."

Doyle is also the author of "The Rosary Prayer by Prayer," and "Mentoring Heroes."

"My book on the rosary contains reflections and prayers for all 20 mysteries of the rosary, which contain fundamental Christian beliefs," Doyle said. "I have brought home hundreds of rosaries from pilgrimages and I was surprised to find out that so many young people find praying the rosary to be complicated. They have no problem with today's technology."

Her book on the rosary is illustrated by her son, Joseph Cannella.

"His work is different from the conventional paintings that we're familiar with," Doyle said. "His illustrations make the book more relevant."

"Mentoring Heroes" highlights the work of 52 women.

Doyle is a full-time writer. She has written a book on grief, which will be released next year. She has a master of arts in pastoral theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana.

A member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva, she has lived in Geneva since 1990.

Her books are available from Acta Publications, telephone (800) 397-2282 or www.actapublications.com.

They can also be ordered on Amazon or in bookstores.

Avoid marrying a jerk

St. John Neumann Church, 2900 E. Main St. in St. Charles, is hosting "How To Avoid Marrying a Jerk."

The five-part series on choosing a life partner will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Thursday.

For the first session, participants are asked to meet at 6 p.m. in the youth lounge for hospitality provided by the host committee.

The course is offered by the University of Illinois Extension, Kane County.

Cost is $25, with $10 refunded to those who complete all five sessions.

Register by Tuesday by calling (630) 584-6166.