8/27/11

Dog Morns at Casket of fallen Navy Seal


http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44271018



Labrador retriever Hawkeye lies down with a sigh at funeral of his owner.

Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson lay in a coffin, draped in an American flag, in front of a tearful audience mourning his death in Afghanistan. Soon an old friend appeared, and like a fellow soldier on a battlefield, his loyal dog refused to leave him behind.


STEWARDSHIP


TOTAL STEWARDSHIP

" 'Well done! You are an industrious and reliable servant.' " -Matthew 25:21

On Judgment Day, we will be held accountable for how we managed what God has given us. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48). God will hold us accountable for our management of money, possessions, time, talents, education, opportunities, skills, sexuality, abilities, etc.

The Lord holds us strictly accountable for everything we are and have (see Heb 4:13). "On judgment day people will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak" (Mt 12:36). We are accountable for a right and full use of our hands, eyes, ears, feet, etc. If we have a car that seats five, we should use all the seats as often as we can. If we have the opportunity to attend Mass daily, we have one of the greatest opportunities possible. Consequently, we will be held strictly accountable for celebrating Mass as often as possible, even daily.

In a starving world, we have an even greater responsibility not to accumulate money, but use it for the poor. With few workers in God's harvest, we must be even more careful not to waste God's time. Stewardship is an overwhelming responsibility, but the Lord is merciful. He will forgive us for not being good stewards. He will also give us the grace to do whatever we do for His glory (1 Cor 10:31).

 Father, may I be dependable in small matters, and then entrusted with larger affairs (Mt 25:21).
 "He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity." -Ps 98:9

8/26/11

The Ten Virgins

The Ten Virgins

YOU'RE FIRED

*The foolish ones said to the sensible, 'Give us some of your oil. Our torches are going out.' But the sensible ones replied, 'No.' " -Matthew 25:8-9

Some things cannot be shared, no matter how much we might wish to share them. If a man has worked for years to reach peak physical condition, he cannot bestow his strength and endurance on someone else who asks for it. He can share his exercise regimen and dietary plan with another, but he cannot pass on his discipline and commitment to get in shape. That prime physical condition can only be attained through time and effort.

Jesus refers to this situation in the parable of the ten virgins. The wise virgins used their time to grow in faith and develop their spiritual gifts. They were "set aflame and burning bright" (Jn 5:35). The foolish ones squandered their time and did not mature sufficiently to keep their flame of faith burning brightly.

You must develop your own relationship with Jesus. You must cultivate it through an investment in prayer, Bible study, frequent Mass attendance, etc. If you haven't developed your relationship with Jesus, start today. "Now is the acceptable time" (2 Cor 6:2). Jesus never rejects anyone who comes to Him (Jn 6:37). He can bring you a long way spiritually in a short time if you're sincere in seeking Him (see Jn 6:21; Lk 19:1-10; 23:40-43). Nonetheless, God loves to work with you on a daily basis (see Acts 17:11; Mt 6:11; Ex 16:4). Seek Jesus daily in sincerity of heart. He will give you a solid faith that won't burn out.

Prayer: --Father, You are the God Who answers by fire (1 Kgs 18:24). Send Your Holy Spirit to keep me aflame for You daily.
Promise: --"It is God's will that you grow in holiness." -1 Thes 4:3

Prayers for protection from storms, to prevent storms and to avert storms.


Prayers for protection from storms, to prevent storms and to avert storms.

Prayer for Hurricane Season

O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season, we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a storm-less eternity awaits us. Amen. Originally dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Audrey in 1957. - Fr. Al Volpe, Cameron Parish, LA

Prayer for Protection against Storms and Hurricanes

Our Father in Heaven through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us during this Hurricane season from all harm. Protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer to Avert Storms and Hurricanes

Father, all the elements of nature obey your command. Calm the storms and hurricanes that threaten us and turn our fear of your power into praise of your goodness. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

8/25/11

Our Lady's Medjugorje Message of August 25, 2011 given to Marija


“Dear children! Today I call you to pray and fast for my intentions, because satan wants to destroy my plan. Here I began with this parish and invited the entire world. Many have responded, but there is an enormous number of those who do not want to hear or accept my call. Therefore, you who have said ‘yes’, be strong and resolute. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

*Discuss this important message with other believers at the Medjugorje Forum.
http://www.medjugorjelive.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25192

A Little Reflection (by Sr. Isabel) 
In the Scriptures, we are told that some things can only be obtained with prayer and fasting. Many of us stop at the "prayer" and never go to the "fasting." Our Lady has made a request which includes both. This is an opportunity for us to respond whole heartedly and do as she asks. The fasting need not be on bread and water to begin with. Fasting from food according to the teachings of the Church involves two small meals and one larger meal with nothing in between. But there are many other ways to fast which can be more effective than food fasting. Guarding what you say, refraining from gossip and so on can be very powerful means of fasting. Hopefully, our hearts are open to hearing Our Lady's requests and responding. It takes courage and strength, but the grace is there if we want it. We can be creative in determining the kind of fasting we should be doing. Our Lady will guide us, if we ask her to do so.

Daily Grace: These Days of Grace


Daily Grace: These Days of Grace: It was early 1982 or 1983 when I first hear a bout Our Blessed Mother appearing in Medjugorge. Having been brought up in a devout Catho...

8/24/11

Grandparents as Guardians of Faith


WITHOUT A DOUBT


Grandparents as Guardians of Faith
BY BISHOP THOMAS J. TOBIN
8/4/11

It is into us that the lives of grandparents have gone. It is in us that their history becomes a future. (Charles and Ann Morse)

What is it about grandparents that is so lovely? I’d like to say that grandparents are God’s gifts to children. And if they can but see, hear and feel what these people have to give, they can mature at a fast rate. (Bill Cosby)

I have to confess, I’ve always felt a little cheated that I didn’t know either of my grandfathers. My grandfather on my dad’s side, Michael Tobin, died on June 10, 1918 when my dad was just about eight years old. My mom’s dad, Ralph Emerson Bradley, died on September 4, 1949 when I was still a little tyke. I think grandfathers are cool. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know mine.

On the other hand, I do have clear memories of my grandmothers, Matilda Tobin, who lived to be ninety-eight and died when I was in college, and Gertrude Bradley who passed on when I was about ten. I could tell you some funny stories about both of them and maybe someday I will.

On the seventh day, God rested. His grandchildren must have been out of town. (Gene Perret)

I’ve been thinking a lot about grandparents recently, perhaps because I just finished Confirmation season. And one of the neat things to see as I move around the diocese is the respect and genuine affection Confirmation students have for their grandparents. It comes across, for example, when students choose grandparents to be their sponsors and they approach me for a post-liturgy photo, their mutual pride spilling over. And when students write to me about their choice of sponsors, they often say something like, “I’ve chosen my grandfather to be my sponsor because he’s the best Catholic I know. He prays everyday, goes to Mass every Sunday and is really active in the Church. When I get older I hope to be like him.”

Wow, what a great and lasting tribute for a grandparent! And it strikes me that in the Church and society in which we live today, the role of grandparents as Guardians of the Faith is terribly important.

One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather. (Joy Hargrove)

One explanation of this role is found in a Church document that says that, “Older people are irreplaceable apostles.” “Irreplaceable apostles” – it’s a concise way of saying that older folks in the Church, and in our context today, grandparents, have an important and unique role to play in preserving the faith, practicing the faith, and handing it on to future generations, sometimes even skipping over the “in-between generation” that’s so often unchurched today.

When I speak of the “in-between generation” I’m thinking of those who are the parents of the children growing up today, children of catechetical age, children who are going to school and receiving the sacraments. Let’s say the “in-between generation” is roughly twenty-five to fifty years old.

Let’s face it – in all too many cases we’ve lost this generation. They were poorly catechized when they were kids, they don’t go to Mass on Sundays, they never go to Confession, they don’t support the Church, personally or financially, and they easily disregard Catholic teachings and practices. They often see the Church as a social convenience rather than a community of faith that has legitimate expectations and norms. It’s this generation that baptizes their kids and disappears for years, and doesn’t bother to have a Funeral Mass for their own Mom and Dad when the time comes.

No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet. (Author unknown)

A grandmother pretends she doesn’t know who you are on Halloween. (Erma Bombeck)

It’s here that grandparents assume their roles as “irreplaceable apostles.” I know that it’s sometimes awkward for grandparents to talk to their own children about how the kids are being raised, especially when it comes to something sensitive like religion. The “in between generation” becomes defensive and even angry if an elder approaches the question. Sometimes grandparents are afraid of losing access to their grandchildren if they push too hard. That’s sort of sad, isn’t it?

Even while respecting boundaries, though, there are gentle things grandparents can do to be beacons of faith. They can practice the faith themselves, attending Mass and receiving the sacraments; they can say meal prayers when the family is gathered in their homes; they can have religious images and pictures around the house, images that might prompt questions from inquisitive, young minds; they can point to the religious meaning of holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, often lost in our secular society; they can buy their grandkids religious gifts that might become treasured keepsakes; they can tell their own stories of growing up, of attending Church and how their faith has helped them during difficult moments. Oh yes, there are many ways in which grandparents can be Guardians of the Faith.
Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children. (Alex Haley)

Dear grandparents, now as much as ever we need you to be guardians and transmitters of the faith. The stardust that you sprinkle over the lives of your grandchildren is the gift of faith, and through it, the gift of eternal life. Don’t underestimate the importance of your example. And for doing it so well, for being “irreplaceable apostles,” and for planting the seeds of faith in a new generation, thank you very much.

This column was previously published in The Rhode Island Catholic on June 10, 2010

8/23/11

August in Medjugorje


August in Medjugorje

At the end of August Medjugorje is packed with pilgrims from all over the world. The Information Office registered numerous groups from: Holy Land, Korea, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, France, Italy, England, Ireland, the United States, Germany, Austria and of course, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fr. Pat O’Hagan came from California after having heard of Medjugorje many years ago. “I am deeply impressed with enthusiasm and religion of all of the people who are coming here and I really like this place. I have seen that faith is really strong, that is what I had expected.”

Our journalists met Fr. Anselmo Umoren, member of community of missionaries of Nigeria. He expressed his joy for being here and added: „This place is enabling us to pray, to hope and do penance.“

Lisa came from South Africa, and this is her third time in Medjugorje. She was 15 when she heard about the apparitions for the first time. "Medjugorje enriched my faith and trust in God, here, one can really feel higher power that moves this all. There is not much to say, you simply need to be here to feel and experience all of this. Young people are converting, the ones who are no longer on the right way are returning.“

Fr. Mihovel is a missionary. He has been in Poland ever since the last year and he has been coming to Medjugorje since 1986. "I confessed for seven hours the other day. I came to confess, but I spent all day confessing. I think that each experience is special and unique in Medjugorje, especially in people and their testimonies.“

Each of these testimonies is a new outpoor of grace that has been given to the whole world through Medjugorje for the last thirty years. (photos)     http://medjugorje.s3.novenaweb.info/en/multimedia/photos/photos/
Medjugorje Official

8/22/11

Major general: bishop of Mostar disbelieved Lourdes, Fatima. - Sworn Statement Regarding an October 9, 1998 Meeting with Bishop Peric.

Bishop Ratko Peric

http://marytv.tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=360:sworn-statement-regarding-an-october-9-1998-meeting-with-bishop-peric&catid=8:denis-blog&Itemid=21

THE POPE'S CONFESSOR BELIEVES IN MEDJUGORJE


THE POPE'S CONFESSOR BELIEVES IN MEDJUGORJE
by chere-gospa » Mon Aug 22, 2011 12:48 pm

Msgr Eduard Pericic is the Pope's confessor.

Here is what he has written in the preface of Kresimir Sego's book "A conversation with the visionaries" :

I, myself, on the other hand, cannot but believe in the reality of Medjugorje.

My thoughts are there night and day.

I read and gather everything about the events and translate beautiful testimonies from all languages : God is acting through the Gospa in Medjugorje.

I abide only by the criteria of Jesus : "The tree is known by its fruits".

And those fruits are : encounters with God, with the Eucharistic Jesus and with the Gospa.

All pilgrims return home with the same wish to return again and with the same decision : if we live the messages of the Gospa, we build a better world on the basis of the gospel.

Latest news from Medj, free pilgrimage to Medj... on my website :
http://chere-gospa.over-blog.com/

Mary in the heart of my life,
Jesus in the heart of Mary.
Source-Medjugorje Forum

QUEENSHIP OF MARY


QUEENSHIP OF MARY
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2011

In this feast, particularly cherished by the Popes of modern times, we celebrate Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Pope Pius XII in the Papal Encyclical Ad Coeli Reginam proposed the traditional doctrine on the Queenship of Mary and established this feast for the Universal Church.

Pope Pius IX said of Mary's queenship: "Turning her maternal Heart toward us and dealing with the affair of our salvation, she is concerned with the whole human race. Constituted by the Lord Queen of Heaven and earth, and exalted above all choirs of Angels and the ranks of Saints in Heaven, standing at the right hand of Her only-begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, she petitions most powerfully with Her maternal prayers, and she obtains what she seeks."

And Pope Pius XII added the following: "We commend that on the festival there be renewed the consecration of the human race to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Upon this there is founded a great hope that there will rejoice in the triumph of religion and in Christian peace...

...Therefore, let all approach with greater confidence now than before, to the throne of mercy and grace of our Queen and Mother to beg help in difficultly, light in darkness and solace in trouble and sorrow...

. . Whoever, therefore, honours the lady ruler of the Angels and of men - and let no one think themselves exempt from the payment of that tribute of a grateful and loving soul - let them call upon her as most truly Queen and as the Queen who brings the blessings of peace, that She may show us all, after this exile, Jesus, who will be our enduring peace and joy.

Two Million Attend World Youth Day in Madrid

8/20/11

World Youth Day Madrid, Spain

Cibeles Square

Youth describe 'stronger' faith and excitement following Pope's address
By Lorna Cruz

World Youth Day pilgrims in Cibeles square

Madrid, Spain, Aug 19, 2011 / 12:31 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The immense crowd of young people in Plaza de Cibeles was filled with excitement after Pope Benedict XVI’s address to the youth in Madrid, Spain on Aug. 18.

“It brought tears to my eyes,” beamed Hannah Davidson, an 18 year old from Kansas. “(My faith) is definitely stronger and I am going to promote it a lot more.”

Language was no barrier for Pope Benedict’s message to be heard and understood by non-Spanish speakers. Pilgrims were able to listen to the Pope’s message in their native languages through various radio stations with live translations.

In his message, the Pope urged the youth to build “your lives upon the firm foundation which is Christ.” He added, “(t)hen you will be blessed and happy and your happiness will influence others.”

“They will wonder what the secret of your life is and they will discover that the rock which underpins the entire building and upon which rests your whole existence is the very person of Christ, your friend, brother and Lord, the Son of God incarnate, who gives meaning to all the universe.”

Several young people spoke with CNA after the address, including Chris Desousa, a 27 year old from Australia. He said that so far, his favorite part of the experience was “building up to World Youth Day and actually seeing (the Pope) here. Now he is going to spend the next few days with us!”

“It was beautiful to hear him speak and address all the youth,” he said, with an Australian flag tied around his neck.

For 19-year-old Michael McCormick from Massachusetts, it was powerful to see “people from all over the world who practice the same faith.”

He explained that at home, “it can seem like you are the only one, but (to) see all of these people alive for God is really fantastic,” especially “after a long couple of days in the sun and sitting here for a few hours.”
Even those who were not able to see the Pope directly on stage had meaningful experiences, thanks to the many screens and speakers set up throughout the streets around Plaza de Cibeles.

“His presence here in Spain (is) so exciting,” Kris Gomez, a 16 year old from the Philippines, said. Even though she did not get to see him drive by, “him being here was just… wooh!” she exclaimed, jumping with joy.
The area surrounding Plaza de Cibeles was filled with excited conversations, impromptu dances and cheers following the Pope's appearance.

Volunteers and city workers who picked up trash and directed traffic were encouraged by groups of pilgrims who cheered them on and expressed their thanks, with an authentic sense of fellowship that exemplified the event's energy.

8/19/11

John Barrys Blog: Medjugorje Miracle Healing:Testimony of Nicola Pac...


John Barrys Blog: Medjugorje Miracle Healing:Testimony of Nicola Pac...: Thirteen year old Nicola Pacini, who lived with his family near Florence, Italy, had been confined to a wheelchair for five years with muscular dystrophy...

8/17/11

Revelation from Saint Maria Faustina


Today I was in heaven, in spirit, and I saw its inconceivable beauties and the happiness that awaits us after death. I saw how all creatures give ceaseless praise and glory to God. I saw how great is happiness in God, which spreads to all creatures, making them happy; and then all the glory and praise which springs from this happiness returns to its source; and they enter into the depths of God, contemplating the inner life of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Whom they will never comprehend or fathom.

This source of happiness is unchanging in its essence, but it is always new, gushing forth happiness for all creatures.
 *Now I understand Saint Paul, who said, "Eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him."

Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, 777

8/15/11

Ave Maria Graziy Plena


Uploaded by medjugorjeyouthfest on Jun 6, 2011
Medjugorje Youthfest Orchestra and Choir performing "Ave Maria Graziy Plena" at the International Youth Festival in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
( “Medjugorje is the spiritual center of the world!” Blessed Pope John Paul II  )

The Assumption of Our Blessed Mother


On this Feast day of The Assumption of Our Blessed Mother, let us say this pray to help us along the way:

O holy Mary, my Mistress, into thy blessed trust and special blessing, into the bosom of thy tender mercy, this day, every day of my life and at the hour of my death, I commend my soul and body; to thee I entrust all my hopes and consolations, all my trials and miseries, my life and the end of my life, that through thy most holy intercession and thy merits, all my actions may be ordered and disposed according to thy will and that of thy divine Son.  Amen.

Luke 1:39-56

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Daily Grace: The Sacrifice of Love.....


Daily Grace: The Sacrifice of Love.....: "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. ~Mignon McLaughlin Life is never exactly the way..."

8/14/11

Medjugorje: The Holy Hour - Sing Alleluia to the Lord


Uploaded by PeJoseAfonso on June 16, 2011
Medjugorie - canto "Sing Alleluia" Maio 2011
Adoração ao Santíssimo Sancramento

Pope Benedict will consecrate the youth of the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus


Pontiff to consecrate world’s youth to Sacred Heart


July 18, 2011

Pope Benedict will consecrate the youth of the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during World Youth Day in Madrid in August.

“The Pope will consecrate every young person in the world, not only the ones present at the vigil,” according to the catechesis prepared by World Youth Day organizers. Calling St. Margaret Mary Alacoque “an instrument elected to propagate the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, accompanying Him in the Eucharist by means of the Eucharistic Adoration and the practice of the Holy Hour,” the catechesis offers an overview of consecration to the Sacred Heart.

Preparation for Consecration of Youth to Sacred Heart   http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=9672

8/13/11


WITNESS STAND 

"This stone shall be our witness." -Joshua 24:27

One of the most important words in the Bible is "witness." Joshua said to the people: "You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the Lord" (Jos 24:22). Joshua even set up a large stone as a witness. We have the custom of attaching little stones to rings, putting these rings and stones on our fingers, and using them as witnesses to our marriage vows.

Isaiah prophesied that we are called to be God's witnesses (Is 43:10). Shortly before His ascension, Jesus commanded: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you; then you are to be My witnesses" (Acts 1:8). We are to be witnesses for Jesus right where we are and then even to the ends of the earth.

Are you a witness for Jesus? When was the last time you took the witness stand at home, work, school, or church? Don't be ashamed of the gospel (Rm 1:16). Acknowledge Jesus publicly (Mt 10:32). Don't give Jesus the "silent treatment," but openly, boldly, freely, and courageously speak of your love for Him. Try to never let a day pass without witnessing to someone about Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, stir into flame the grace of my Confirmation so I will witness for You (2 Tm 1:6).

8/12/11

Prayers for the Dying


HEART OF JESUS, ONCE IN AGONY, HAVE MERCY ON THE DYING

8/11/11

Mary TV Daily Reflection, Dear Family of Mary!


Mary TV Daily Reflection
August 11, 2011
Saint Clare

Dear Family of Mary!

"Dear children!
 I beseech you to take up the way of holiness beginning today. I love you and, therefore, I want you to be holy. I do not want Satan to block you on that way. Dear children, pray and accept all that God is offering you on a way which is bitter. But at the same time, God will reveal every sweetness to whomever begins to go on that way, and He will gladly answer every call of God. Do not attribute importance to petty things. Long for Heaven. Thank you for having responded to my call."
(July 25, 1987)

Our Lady has given us her messages in order to show us the way of holiness. She has been teaching us how to follow Jesus, how to pray, how to listen to God, how to choose the good, and how to love the Father. Her messages are the essence of Medjugorje. She has often asked us to live her messages, put them into practice, and witness to them by our lives. Recently a member of the IIPG prayer group, Raffaella, wrote a beautiful letter to the prayer group about her experiences in Medjugorje. She has allowed me to share her letter! I am very grateful!  Here it is:
Dear Ana, 
I went to Medjugorje maybe 20 times over the last 10 years (For 5 of them I lived in Rome so it was so easy to get there.) I know what 'longing for God means' and I have suffered tremendously because I have so badly wanted that peace Our Lady always talks to us about. There have been days when the only thing that would get me through life was knowing that in a little remote part of the world, Heaven comes down to earth. I remember during my first pilgrimage [to Medjugorje] that the guide would repeat to us over and over 'Medjugorje is in your heart; you can climb Krizevac at home...' Still every time I went back home I was crushed by an insane routine in which there was not enough room for Jesus.

Mt, Krizevac
But the last time I went to Medjugorje everything changed. I felt nothing. I was dry for the whole pilgrimage except for an amazing energy I had while climbing up Krizevac. I was so sad and disappointed ... but then back at home I found the answer. I found Peace WHEN my husband and I together decided to seriously change our life and live Our Lady's messages. If we LIVE the messages (all of them) Medjugorje lives in our hearts. During this past year, in which we have re-organized our lives to put God at the center and live all Our Lady's messages, our life has BLOSSOMED. Our fights have stopped. Our depression has stopped. We consecrated our lives to Her and we have never been happier. Since then we have had many trials (a job loss, the short sale of our house, etc...) but we have remained in PEACE. Everything seems to be a gift, part of God's plan. I am constantly AMAZED how close Our Lady is to us every time we pray with our hearts and persevere ... So as much as we would love to go to Medjugorje again, we also know that it is not necessary because now Our Mother and Jesus are here within us.

The Medjugorje path [living Our Lady's messages] is initially one of the toughest possible (no kidding!)... but once you start it, it becomes the most joyful journey. '...whoever loses his life for My sake will find it' (Matthew 10:39).

God bless you always,
Raffaella"

Thank you for sharing your wonderful discovery, Raffaella! You give us all such encouragement and light. Yes, it is true! Living Our Lady's messages brings the peace of Medjugorje into our lives. Accepting the way which is bitter (i.e. fasting, penance, putting aside our own desires and putting God first!) brings into our lives every sweetness! We begin to live in peace, to actually swim in it! God is everything to us, He is everywhere in our lives, He is always with us, and we are at peace. It reminds me of Our Lady's August 2nd message in which she said, "Today I call you to be born anew in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, to become a new people with my Son; a people who knows that if they have lost God, they have lost themselves; a people who knows that, with God, despite all sufferings and trials, they are secure and saved."

We can climb Krisevac here at home! Our Lady's messages provide us with the way to God's peace. May we all re-organize our lives to live Our Lady's messages and put God in the first place!! We will begin to live peace!

In Jesus and Mary!
Cathy Nolan
Mary tv

Posted by RomanCatholic Deacon at 8:02 AM August 11, 2011

Child Actor Lucy Hussey-Bergonzi, 13, Saved from Death through Baptismal Water


Child Actor Lucy Hussey-Bergonzi, 13, Saved from Death through Baptismal Water

The teenager was in a coma and on life support when doctors performed emergency operations. Five days later the family was informed that their child would not live. At this point they called for a priest to baptize their daughter.

Full Story>>  http://www.catholic.org/hf/faith/story.php?id=42351    

Texas Governor, Rick Perry, Prayer for our Nation


Last Saturday, Texas governor, Rick Perry, led our nation in prayer at The Response in Houston, Texas, where an estimated 32,000 Christians were gathered. In his opening remarks, Gov. Perry openly proclaimed his faith in Jesus Christ. Gov. Perry said:
We know that there is hope for those who trust in him who fills our hearts with joy and gives us life. This God who knows our imperfections, he didn't leave us to live a life in our sins, but paid the price for them. He who knew no sin, he gave his life in ransom for me. This loving, this loving and perfect God is also a personal God.
Please take a moment to watch the video of Gov. Perry's prayer. Then, join me in continued prayer for our nation and ask God to raise up more leaders who are not ashamed to publicly pray and seek God's wisdom and blessing for our country.

8/9/11

A Last Letter to Fr. John Randall

Fr. John Randall

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A last letter to Father Randall
   
8/4/11
:
 On Feb. 18, 2001 I wrote the following words while in St. Patrick adoration chapel:

I come here today with a heavy heart. I have just left Father Randall and he is not doing well at all. It scares me when I see him like this. I have asked everyone that I know who believes in God to pray for him because I fully recognize that his life is in the hands of God. But I will keep praying that the Lord will give him a few more years with the ones whose lives have been changed through him. He is my teacher and always will be. I love Father Randall for the teachings and faith that God has given me through him. (And that is the way he would want me to say it, “through him.”) He is truly a man of God.

I know that I am not alone with my feeling of thankfulness to God for having known this charismatic priest. The multitude of people at his funeral Mass testifies to this fact. Father had known of his bone cancer almost a year before he passed, but that didn’t stop him from teaching all who would listen the meaning of the Holy Spirit. He was a true charismatic. It has been 36 days since his passing, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. It’s been said that time dims all memories, but for me the memory of Father Randall will never grow dim. I loved him too much to let that happen. My consolation is my firm belief that he is now in the presence of our Lord where I hope to see him again someday.

Jim Cain
Providence

22nd Youth Festival finished in Medjugorje


22nd Youth Festival finished in Medjugorje

22nd International Youth Festival that started on Monday, August 1, 2011 with the theme: “Here is the humble servant of the Lord, may it be to me according to Thy Word!” was completed on Saturday, August 6 at 5 a.m. with Holy Mass of Thanksgiving on the top of Cross Mountain. Fr. Danko Perutina, leader of the Festival, was the main celebrant. During the Farewell in song and prayer, that took place evening before, parish priest Fr. Petar Vlasic, invited all of the youth for the next Festival that will take place in August 2012. Dozens of thousands of young people from more than 60 countries and from all of the five continents gathered in Medjugorje during the first evening. Their number was getting bigger in the following days as well as the number of the countries they were coming from. The programme of the Youth Festival would start every single morning at 9 a.m. with lectures, testimonies and prayer until 12 p.m. The afternoon programme would start at 4 p.m. until Rosary at 6 p.m. Holy Mass at 7 p.m. gathered every evening more than 500 priests who concelebrated or were available for confessions at all times during the Festival. Total number of registered priests in those days was more than 600 from all of the continents. Traditional procession with Our Lady’s statue and candles was held on Wednesday evening and it was all around roads of Medjugorje. Thousands of people participated in this event as well. The entire programme was simultaneously translated in eighteen languages. The programme was accompanied with music and songs performed by International Choir and Orchestra that consist of more than 100 members from 20 countries. Their leader and conductor is Prof. Damir Bunoza. We need to say that the entire programme was broadcasted live on various Internet portals and many accredited press members from various countries were registered to monitor these events. (photos)     http://medjugorje.s3.novenaweb.info/en/multimedia/photos/photos/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TVv9eOWGrsA    Video

Statistics for July, 2011.
01.08.2011
Number of Holy Communions: 204.500
Number of priests that concelebrated at Holy Masses: 5783 (185 per day) Medjugorje Official

8/8/11

Mary TV - Dear Family of Mary


August 8, 2011
St. Dominic

Dear Family of Mary!

"Dear children! Today I call you to be born anew in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, to become a new people with my Son; a people who knows that if they have lost God, they have lost themselves; a people who knows that, with God, despite all sufferings and trials, they are secure and saved. I call you to gather into God's family and to be strengthened with the Father's strength. As individuals, my children, you cannot stop the evil that wants to begin to rule in this world and to destroy it. But, according to God's will, all together, with my Son, you can change everything and heal the world. I call you to pray with all your heart for your shepherds, because my Son chose them. Thank you." (August 2, 2011)

We have heard this idea of being "born anew" before. Jesus made it abundantly clear that we needed to be "born anew" in his midnight meeting with Nicodemus.

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God'" (John 3: 1-5).

This conversation must have been confusing for Nicodemus. He didn't know yet of Jesus' incredible act of redemption on the Cross. He didn't understand the transformative power of Jesus' death and resurrection, and how the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon the Apostles and through them upon the whole Church at Pentecost. What could Jesus be getting at? How can a man be reborn?

And yet even without this information, Nicodemus understood that there was something extraordinary about Jesus. He admitted that Jesus must have come from God because of the signs he was doing. And he wanted to be let in on the secret. What was God doing in sending Jesus? What did all these miracles mean?

Jesus went right to the point with Nicodemus. He said that unless a man is born again, born of water and the Spirit, he will not see or enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In other words, what God was doing in sending Jesus was offering the Kingdom of God to men. But that Kingdom was inaccessible to them unless they were completely changed, so changed that they were remade, rebuilt from the beginning, reborn. The water, the holy water of Baptism, and the Spirit, the Holy Spirit poured out at Baptism, would be the new birthing place for each person. This new birth would wash away all the sins of the past and plant within the person a new reality, the reality of holiness, of virtue, of spiritual gifts. This rebirth would change everything, taking away original sin and bestowing graces that would make it possible to see the Kingdom and enter it. These graces and gifts are imparted by the Holy Spirit through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross and they make it possible for us to live holy lives. Everyone needs to receive and be led by the Holy Spirit on this journey towards the Kingdom of God.

Our Lady wants us to enter into our rebirth, to receive our new reality, the Holy Spirit, on a daily basis. Through prayer we can receive the Holy Spirit every day, and that Spirit will make us new people, re-born people, united to her Son. I don't think this is supposed to be just a theological reality, that once we are baptized, we are new people. I think it has to be a tangible thing as well. We have to be new people because of what Jesus did for us and the grace we are given through His love. So today as we pray we may truly experience the love of God in our hearts (through the Holy Spirit) and that love will make us smile. Or maybe today we will choose to speak hopeful words to our family (through the Holy Spirit's inspiration) instead of being discouraging or fearful, so that they will grow in hope. Or maybe today we will choose to pray an extra rosary for peace (as the Spirit leads us), or call a friend who is alone (under the guidance of the Spirit). You see what I mean, the new life is really the Kingdom made tangible on earth through us. We are reborn through the power of the Holy Spirit and we give birth to life and love!

We need the Holy Spirit. We need to live our rebirth. Come Holy Spirit!

In Jesus and Mary!
Cathy Nolan
(c)Mary TV 2011

8/7/11

Medjugorje Youthfest Orchestra and Choir--August 2011


Medjugorje Youthfest Orchestra and Choir performing "Sanctus" at the International Youth Festival in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Medjugorje Youthfest Orchestra and Choir--August 2011


Medjugorje Youthfest Orchestra and Choir performing "Ave Maria Graziy Plena" at the International Youth Festival in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Grandparents as Guardians of Faith


WITHOUT A DOUBT

Grandparents as Guardians of Faith

BY BISHOP THOMAS J. TOBIN

8/4/11

It is into us that the lives of grandparents have gone. It is in us that their history becomes a future. (Charles and Ann Morse)

What is it about grandparents that is so lovely? I’d like to say that grandparents are God’s gifts to children. And if they can but see, hear and feel what these people have to give, they can mature at a fast rate. (Bill Cosby)

I have to confess, I’ve always felt a little cheated that I didn’t know either of my grandfathers. My grandfather on my dad’s side, Michael Tobin, died on June 10, 1918 when my dad was just about eight years old. My mom’s dad, Ralph Emerson Bradley, died on September 4, 1949 when I was still a little tyke. I think grandfathers are cool. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know mine.

On the other hand, I do have clear memories of my grandmothers, Matilda Tobin, who lived to be ninety-eight and died when I was in college, and Gertrude Bradley who passed on when I was about ten. I could tell you some funny stories about both of them and maybe someday I will.

On the seventh day, God rested. His grandchildren must have been out of town. (Gene Perret)

I’ve been thinking a lot about grandparents recently, perhaps because I just finished Confirmation season. And one of the neat things to see as I move around the diocese is the respect and genuine affection Confirmation students have for their grandparents. It comes across, for example, when students choose grandparents to be their sponsors and they approach me for a post-liturgy photo, their mutual pride spilling over. And when students write to me about their choice of sponsors, they often say something like, “I’ve chosen my grandfather to be my sponsor because he’s the best Catholic I know. He prays everyday, goes to Mass every Sunday and is really active in the Church. When I get older I hope to be like him.”

Wow, what a great and lasting tribute for a grandparent! And it strikes me that in the Church and society in which we live today, the role of grandparents as Guardians of the Faith is terribly important.

One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather. (Joy Hargrove)

One explanation of this role is found in a Church document that says that, “Older people are irreplaceable apostles.” “Irreplaceable apostles” – it’s a concise way of saying that older folks in the Church, and in our context today, grandparents, have an important and unique role to play in preserving the faith, practicing the faith, and handing it on to future generations, sometimes even skipping over the “in-between generation” that’s so often unchurched today.

When I speak of the “in-between generation” I’m thinking of those who are the parents of the children growing up today, children of catechetical age, children who are going to school and receiving the sacraments. Let’s say the “in-between generation” is roughly twenty-five to fifty years old.

*Let’s face it – in all too many cases we’ve lost this generation. They were poorly catechized when they were kids, they don’t go to Mass on Sundays, they never go to Confession, they don’t support the Church, personally or financially, and they easily disregard Catholic teachings and practices. They often see the Church as a social convenience rather than a community of faith that has legitimate expectations and norms. It’s this generation that baptizes their kids and disappears for years, and doesn’t bother to have a Funeral Mass for their own mom and dad when the time comes.

No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet. (Author unknown)

A grandmother pretends she doesn’t know who you are on Halloween. (Erma Bombeck)

It’s here that grandparents assume their roles as “irreplaceable apostles.” I know that it’s sometimes awkward for grandparents to talk to their own children about how the kids are being raised, especially when it comes to something sensitive like religion. The “in between generation” becomes defensive and even angry if an elder approaches the question. Sometimes grandparents are afraid of losing access to their grandchildren if they push too hard. That’s sort of sad, isn’t it?

Even while respecting boundaries, though, there are gentle things grandparents can do to be beacons of faith. They can practice the faith themselves, attending Mass and receiving the sacraments; they can say meal prayers when the family is gathered in their homes; they can have religious images and pictures around the house, images that might prompt questions from inquisitive, young minds; they can point to the religious meaning of holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, often lost in our secular society; they can buy their grandkids religious gifts that might become treasured keepsakes; they can tell their own stories of growing up, of attending Church and how their faith has helped them during difficult moments. Oh yes, there are many ways in which grandparents can be Guardians of the Faith.

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children. (Alex Haley)

Dear grandparents, now as much as ever we need you to be guardians and transmitters of the faith. The stardust that you sprinkle over the lives of your grandchildren is the gift of faith, and through it, the gift of eternal life. Don’t underestimate the importance of your example. And for doing it so well, for being “irreplaceable apostles,” and for planting the seeds of faith in a new generation, thank you very much.

This column was previously published in The Rhode Island Catholic on June 10, 2010

8/5/11

In Spanish: Testimony of Spanish author Maria Vallejo Nagera conversion in Medjugorje.


María Vallejo Nagera: Tus palabras salen del alma; una escritora con un corazón tan grande que irradia amor por donde quiera que vaya. Es un ejemplo a seguir y que nadie dude que su trabajo ha servido para que muchas personas vean la vida de diferente manera. Un fuerte abrazo "Pluma de Plata", sigue así. Enhorabuena a "jacasotemar" por subir este vídeo.
Jpalenciaml 2 months ago
Maria's Testimony in English>>>   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DUxYo8OCU8

Photos from the 22nd International Medjugorje Youth Festival


http://medjugorje.s3.novenaweb.info/en/multimedia/photos/photos/

AND AMAZING GRACE: BLESSED MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY IS AUGUST 5TH


AND AMAZING GRACE: BLESSED MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY IS AUGUST 5TH: "Our Lady revealed to the Medjugorje visionaries, in 1984, that Her true birthday is August 5 and that this particular birthday, August 5, 19..."

8/4/11

22nd International Youth Festival in Medjugorje



22nd International Youth Festival in Medjugorje, titled “Here is the humble servant of the Lord, may it be to me according to Thy word!”, started in Medjugorje on Monday, August 1st, with the evening prayer programme at the White Dome at the back of the church of St. James. After prayer of Rosary at 6 p.m., young people from 60 various countries that have arrived up to that evening have introduced themselves. Hosts from parish of Medjugorje, members of Franciscan Youth greeted couple of dozens of thousands of young people, and then Fr. Petar Vlasic, parish priest in Medjugorje parish greeted all present faithful. Fr. Ivan Sesar, Provincial of Herzegovina Franciscan Province was the main celebrant of that opening Holy Mass, as well as in the previous years.

The Festival that is conducted by Fr. Danko Perutina is full of prayer, music, lectures and testimonies that are accompanied by the International Choir and Orchestra with more than one hundred players and singers. This Festival is monitored by numerous press members from all of the continents, and whole programme is simultaneously translated in eighteen languages. This programme is also live broadcasted by radio “Mir” from Medjugorje and many other radio stations, Internet portals and TV stations.

Late Fr. Slavko Barbaric initiated this Festival back in 1990, by gathering around hundred young people in that year with two guitar players and couple of singers. Every year, number of participants was increasing and at the moment, those numbers are far above all of the other events that are taking place in Medjugorje. (Photos)   http://medjugorje.s3.novenaweb.info/en/multimedia/photos/photos/

Medjugorje Youthfest Orchestra and choir    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcIfoNABNwE
Medjugorje Offical

8/3/11

Daily Grace: Together We Can Change the World....


Daily Grace: Together We Can Change the World....: "“Dear children; Today I call you to be born anew in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, to become a new people with my Son; a people who kn..."

8/2/11

Pope John Paul Called Medjugorje – The Spiritual Heart of the World


Pope John Paul II “Medjugorje – The Spiritual Heart of the World”

It is no secret within Rome that John Paul II absolutely loved Medjugorje, once even acquiring the nickname “Protector of Medjugorje” within the Vatican. Even eminent American intellectuals were no strangers to this reality. The great Franciscan intellectual, Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, himself an investigator of supernatural phenomena, once admitted about John Paul II in a revealing interview: “I can tell you for a fact that the pope loves Medjugorje from afar and would go there in a minute if the theologians would let him.”

http://www.medjugorje.org/wordpress/archives/33

Medjugorje: Our Lady's Message of August 2, 2011 given to Mirjana

Mirjana Dragicevic Soldo

“Dear children; Today I call you to be born anew in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, to become a new people with my Son; a people who knows that if they have lost God, they have lost themselves; a people who knows that, with God, despite all sufferings and trials, they are secure and saved. I call you to gather into God’s family and to be strengthened with the Father’s strength. As individuals, my children, you cannot stop the evil that wants to begin to rule in this world and to destroy it. But, according to God’s will, all together, with my Son, you can change everything and heal the world. I call you to pray with all your heart for your shepherds, because my Son chose them. Thank you.”

8/1/11

Song to Padre Pio by Jane Rice

The 22nd Medjugorje Youth Festival begins today Monday August 1.


The 22nd Medjugorje Youth Festival begins today August 1. You can follow all the events live via several internet tv and audio links listed on the parish website.

http://medjugorje.s3.novenaweb.info/en/