Actress Roma Downey shared a touching story about her late “Touched by an Angel” co-star Della Reese that inspired her latest book, “Be an Angel,” explaining how she still treasures her time starring in the hit television series. Downey starred as the angel Monica on “Touched by an Angel” for nine seasons from 1994 to 2003.

Downey has also produced several Christian series and films since her time on the show, including the famous “The Bible” miniseries. In her new book, “Be an Angel: Devotions to Inspire and Encourage Love and Light Along the Way,” she shares personal stories that show how she’s been “encouraged to live like an angel on earth.” Downey referred to her third book as an “exciting new chapter in her career.”

She dedicated her 52-week devotional to Della Reese, her late “Touched by an Angel” co-star. Downey told Fox News Digital why she dedicated the devotional to Reese: “Because she encouraged me to trust my wings and learn how to fly. And I wanted to take these personal anecdotes, things that have happened to me. Almost like lessons along the way, and to share in a way that hopefully will inspire others and encourage others to be kinder to each other.”

Downey shared a story featuring Reese that she called a “kickoff place” for “Be an Angel.” While volunteering at a children’s hospital when she and her castmates were filming in Salt Lake City, Utah, Downey recalled when a family came out of a ward, where it was “obvious they had lost their child.” She remembered not knowing how to give them the necessary space and tried to make herself small, but the mother recognized Downey from the show.

According to Downey, the mother said, “Oh Monica, there you are. I prayed that an angel would come for my baby. And here you are.” At that moment, Downey said she took the mother in her arms, and they prayed together, though Downey said she didn’t know what to say to her. Downey called Reese when she got home that evening, saying she was wise and would know the right thing to say in this situation.

Downey told Reese about how the mother thought she was an angel, but Downey said she was only an actress. Reese said, “Well, baby, she didn’t need an actress. She needed an angel.” Downey said, “I understand that. But she thought that God sent me there.” Then Reese offered a reply that Downey said she’ll never forget, saying, “And who said He didn’t?” Downey continued, “And she said if we’re going to be used by this show to be encouragers, to be representatives, of heavenly messengers, then we need to learn to get out of the way and allow acts of encouragement and kindness to flow through us.”

Downey’s 52-week devotional is full of quotes and reflections of wisdom, affirmation, and encouragement from various writers and thinkers, along with Scripture quotes and writings on the importance of gratitude, kindness, friendship, faith, courage and other virtues. It’s set to release on February 21, 2023.