"A spiritual masterpiece." "A poignant, spiritual journey." "An intriguing parable."

Blessing My Mother's Rosary: Lourdes. Loss. Love. (ACTA Publications, 2025), authored by Carla Knorowski, is the true story of a promise twice-fulfilled. The book, which Vanity Fair correspondent Maureen Orth calls, "touching…and brimming with love," and Peabody and Emmy award-winning journalist Bill Kurtis describes as "deeply felt—a journey you'll want to take yourself," details Carla's decades-long sojourn to get her mother's rosary blessed at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.

Blessing My Mother's Rosary takes readers on an inspirational journey as the author descends to the depths of grief over the death of her mother and ascends to the heights of acceptance and gratitude, all through the blessing of a rosary. It is an exquisitely touching memoir for those who have lost a parent or loved one, for those who have ever visited Lourdes or other sacred places, for those who have never taken such a pilgrimage or wish to, and for all of us who believe in miracles large and small. 

Excerpt from Blessing My Mother's Rosary

"As Mom and I held hands, a flurry of medical personnel rushed in and out of the room. They adjusted cords and PICC lines, took vitals, filled out paperwork. The same questions were asked over and over again by different people. My brother and I knew the drill and patiently answered each. Finally, our mother was formally admitted to the hospital and her condition stabilized…Within weeks, Mom took her final breath and, with it, my one link to goodness was gone forever. Or so I thought."

Biography of Carla Knorowski

Carla Knorowski, PhD, is senior advancement advisor at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI. She is the former president and chief development officer of the U.S. Naval War College Foundation, and the former chief executive officer of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. She serves on the board of directors of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris. The Republic of France named Knorowski an Officer in its National Order of Merit for her work raising funds and awareness for the restoration and rebuilding of Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral. A member and former director of The Society of Midland Authors, her books include Gettysburg Replies: The World Responds to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (Lyons  Press, 2015) and Under Lincoln's Hat: 100 Objects That Tell the Story of His Life and Legacy (Lyons Press, 2016, co-authored with James M. Cornelius). Her writing also is featured in Lincoln: An Intimate Portrait (Life Books, 2014).Knorowski is a life-long resident of Chicago. See: https://www.carlaknorowski.com/

Praise for Blessing My Mother's Rosary

"A profoundly moving journey into the depths of faith, grief, and devotion. With remarkable honesty, Carla shares tender experiences of the love and loss of her mother, leading readers through moments of heartache and healing that feel universal and deeply personal. This book is a gift for anyone seeking comfort, connection, and a renewed sense of hope." --J. Kim Penberthy, clinical psychologist, Chester F. Carlson Professor of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and author, Living Mindfully Across the Lifespan: An Intergenerational Guide, co-authored with her daughter, Morgan Penberthy.

"For every one of us who has ever lost a loved one and tried to make sense of the ensuing void and grief…The author allows us to vicariously travel along on a spiritual journey that is both healing and revelatory." —Judith Valente, author, The Art of Pausing: Meditations for the Overworked and Overwhelmed and The Italian Soul: How to Savor the Full Joys of Life.

"This book tells the story of Carla and her mother, Mary, and how, over time, Lourdes was woven into their intertwined lives, bringing them even closer together in the most beautiful of ways. It is a miraculous journey of reflection, hope, and love; one I know you will enjoy."—Michele L. Sullivan, retired director of Corporate Social Innovation and president of the Caterpillar Foundation, author of Looking Up: How a Different Perspective Turns Obstacles into Advantages.

"A story of love, faith, and memory. In other words, it's our story as much as it belongs to Carla Knorowski. Readers will be grateful that Carla set down this beautiful remembrance of her mother as gently and vividly as she did." —Alice Camille, author, The Rosary: Mysteries of Joy, Light, Sorrow, and Glory and co-author, The Forgiveness Book.

Blessing My Mother's Rosary is available in both paperback and hard cover through ACTA Publications at https://actapublications.com/blessing-my-mothers-rosary-hc/ .

Contact Greg Pierce, publisher, ACTA Publications, (800) 397-2282, https://www.actapublications.com, 7135 W. Keeney St., Niles, IL 60714-3039.