Fans of the much beloved series Touched by an Angel are in for a special treat this holiday season. CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment are releasing an inspirational collection featuring two DVD editions, "Hope" and "Holiday." I spoke with former series star Roma Downey about her role as Monica, the real-life effect of the series, and the everlasting messages that these DVDs remind us of.

I asked Ms. Downey what initially drew her to the role of Monica, and why she felt the series went on to such success. With her signature sparkle, she admitted that originally she was an actress looking for work: motivation enough to interest her. But also immediately appealing about the proposed series was the contrast of two leading females who are friends, as opposed to female roles that often tended to be the supporting role to a male lead, or that pit women against one another in catty struggles. The idea of genuine friendship as the basis for a show became much more than just an idea when Ms. Downey was cast opposite esteemed singer and actress Della Reese. Recalling the actual friendship that grew as the women worked together, Ms. Downey told of a conversation shortly after the death of Ms. Reese's daughter.

"My own mother died when I was young and Della once said to me, 'I thought God sent me to you because He knew you needed a momma. What I didn't know was that He also sent you to me because He knew I was gonna need a baby girl.' To this day whenever Della calls she says 'It's your momma calling!'"

The two women remain the closest of friends. Ms. Reese, also an ordained minister, officiated at Ms. Downey's wedding to famed reality-TV producer Mark Burnett.

Its easy to understand why millions of viewers found the creative work these two put forth each week so touching. Every episode was an exploration of hope and love meeting individuals in their time of need. Messages born by the wingless angels whose authenticity radiated both on and off the screen. "What's Christmas without angels?" grinned Ms. Downey when I asked about the newly released DVD collections. The very season when we celebrate the meeting of humanity and divinity is perfect timing for this especially entertaining reminder of God's love appearing in our individual journeys.

"Its also perfect timing to introduce a new generation of viewers to the quality programming that Touched by an Angel contributes to." Ms. Downey expressed some of the parental pleasure of seeing her now young teenage daughter TIVO episodes of the show that were produced when she was an infant.

Fans old and new will be excited to get their hands on both editions of the new Inspiration Collection. Both DVDs contain episodes that have not been previously available for purchase and feature guest stars such as Randy Travis and Rosa Parks. "Holiday" and "Hope" will be available Tuesday, November 10 at all retail outlets nationwide.