5/30/12

A pilgrims walked from Spain to Medjugorje


 


Diego Garcia Nunez arrived to Medjugorje after five months of walking from his native Cordoba in Spain, through Santiago de Compostela, Rome and Padua. This sixty- four years old pilgrim walked more than 3000 kilometres to fulfil his vow.

 Five years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer and he decided to walk to Medjugorje to Our Lady if he ever got better. He heard about Medjugorje when he was listening to Radio Maria, fifteen years ago. Exactly a year ago, his doctors told him that his cancer was gone and he decided to walk in thanksgiving to Our Lady, the Queen of Peace.

Throughout May, the month of Our Lady, there were many smaller or larger groups that arrived to Medjugorje from Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, England, Ireland, France, Romania, Korea, Belgium, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Brazil, the United States, Lebanon, Poland, Portugal and Canada.   Medjugorje Official

Jo Ann Nardelli cites her Catholic Faith


Democrat Commiteewoman Resigns from Party, Cites Her Catholic Faith

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Monday, May 28, 2012 8:49 PM Comments (127)

Jo Ann Nardelli has been a Catholic Democrat her entire life. Her father was one before her. And she couldn't imagine a day where that wouldn't be true.
But that day was Wednesday of last week.
I read a story about Jo Ann leaving the Democratic Party and was interested because she cited her Catholic faith as the reason.
So I gave her a call. I got her machine and as I was leaving a message she picked up. She said she'd been screening her calls because so many people have been calling to say nasty things to her or just pleading with her to change her mind. But when I called, saying I was with The National Catholic Register she picked up.
She said she figured I wouldn't be too mean to her.

Nardelli has been the focus of quite the firestorm in Pennsylvania because the thing is that Jo Ann Nardelli isn't just another Democratic committeewoman. She's the president and founder of the Blair County Federation of Democratic Women, she was Vice President of the PA State Women’s Caucus, and was 1st Vice President of the PA State Federation of Democratic Women (she had been in line for the presidency of that organization in 2014). She met with Hillary Clinton, gave a rosary to Joe Biden, and appeared on the cover of US News and World Report going to Church with then Senate candidate Bob Casey Jr.

Nardelli has always been a pro-life Democrat and felt that there was always room for that position in the party. But she said that for the past few years she's felt that the party was drifting further and further away from her. She said she never shied away from speaking about her Catholic faith or her pro-life views as a Democrat.
She said that for years she hoped that she could change the party from within, make it more in line with traditional values. "I thought I could make a difference to change our party. It didn’t work," she said. "I noticed it that it’s been going more and more to the left. This is not my father’s party. I did not leave the party, the party left me."

In a letter of resignation to the Democratic party, Nardelli cited her Catholic faith.
“I respect all of you and all that I have achieved in the past. Due to personal matters and faith beliefs at this time, it is only fair to resign,” she wrote. “I will miss you all very much as you are all a part of my family; however, it is time to move forward with my life in a direction that is more in line with my faith.”
She announced her decision at a press conference at the courthouse in Hollidaysburg and standing next to her was Monsignor Anthony Little of the local parish of Saint Patrick's in Newry.

She said it started a few weeks ago, ironically as she and her husband were getting ready for Mass and watching Meet the Press when Joe Biden, a Catholic, cited his support for gay marriage.

This shocked her. She said she'd always related to Biden. She said he reminded her of her father. But this announcement shocked her. And then, shortly after, President Obama announced that he'd "evolved" into supporting gay "marriage."
And then as a Democratic committeewoman she received her agenda from the party espousing the same position. "To stand up and agree and sign off on this I couldn’t do it," she said. "So I talked to our priest."
While she didn't say what they talked about, she said Monsignor Little warned her that she would be the focus of much criticism.

His words have proved prophetic. Nardelli said she's heard from people saying she hates gays or that she's a bigot. It got so bad that she started screening her calls. And she didn't know who was calling to say something terrible or something nice to her. She said that even when Republicans call her, she's afraid to pick up simply because she doesn't know them.
"I’ve been a Democrat for over 40 years," she laughed. "I don't know any of the Republicans."

She's been shocked at how the story about her announcement has taken off with reporters calling and her phone ringing off the hook. She said that's not why she did it but she hopes some good can come out of it.
But as unsure of her future as she is, Nardelli says she simply had no other choice. When it came to choosing between her faith and her party, she chose her faith. "God is the reason for all being," she said. "We have to follow our faith."
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/matthew-archbold/democrat-commiteewoman-resigns-from-party-cites-her-catholic-faith#ixzz1wNN8pr1v

5/29/12

Margarita Rodrigues tells her story of a healing she recieved on Radio Maria


May 7, 2012 – Margarita Rodriguez, Loci Lenar, and Fr. Richard Tartaglia


  May 7th, 2012

Margarita Rodrigues tells the story of how a life threatening lung condition created by a tumor disappeared with the symptoms of breathlessness after Maggie led the Rosary in Church where the Queen of Peace was appearing to Ivan of Medjugorje that day.

Also

Loci Lenar talks about how a cross has been appearing on his fence for the past five years during Lent and other special times. One can see this on his website, www.christian-miracles.com.  Fr. Richard Tartaglia, a friend of Loci’s discusses his experience witnessing these miracles.


The Virgin Mary-The Spouse of the Holy Spirit

5/26/12

Father, by the Spirit, may I walk by faith, not by sight


Pray:

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.
 Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,
 And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
John 21:20-25

Be Silent

Pray:
* Father, renew my Baptism and Confirmation. Stir into flame the gifts of the Spirit in my life (see 2 Timothy 1:6-7).

*On or near Pentecost, ask your priest or another Christian to lay hands on you (see Acts 19:6) and pray for you to receive the Holy Spirit. After receiving these prayers, thank the Holy Spirit for coming to you, go to Mass as often as possible, and share your faith in Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit!
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DOWN TIME?
"Upon our entry into Rome Paul was allowed to take a lodging of his own, although a soldier was assigned to keep guard over him." -Acts 28:16

Paul was a traveling man. To take the Gospel to the nations, he had traveled almost constantly for years (2 Cor 11:26). He had plans to go to Spain to extend the outreach of the Gospel even farther (Rm 15:24). However, Paul never made it to Spain, and his traveling was abruptly stopped as he sat in jail at Caesarea for two years (Acts 24:27). Then he spent two more years under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30).

Paul must have felt frustrated by his confinement, but he continued to proclaim the Word to those who visited him in his imprisonment. Although some believed, many didn't (Acts 28:24). Paul probably felt that he was accomplishing nothing in Rome. However, he was faithful to his mission of proclaiming the Gospel in good times and in bad (2 Tm 4:2).

Eventually, Paul was martyred in Rome. Then others preached and pastored in Rome, cultivating the seeds of faith which Paul had planted. Many others were then martyred in Rome. The Roman church became the leading church in the world. Paul's frustrating work under house arrest bore great fruit for God's kingdom.
.
On this last day of the Pentecost novena, pray for faith to persevere in the most frustrating ministries, marriages, families, and churches. Come, Holy Spirit!

 Father, by the Spirit, may I walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).

 "With full assurance, and without any hindrance whatever, he preached the reign of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." -Acts 28:31

5/25/12

Pope John Paul II: Do not let your hearts be troubled


Dear Brothers and Sisters the Holy Spirit is with you.
Pope John Paul

The spirit is alive at St. Charles Borromeo Church


The spirit is alive at St. Charles Borromeo
BY RICK SNIZEK, Editor



PROVIDENCE —The late Father John Randall, the longtime pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, envisioned a day when pilgrims from all over the world would flock to the South Side church to experience the energy of the Holy Spirit as it manifests itself in the people of this charismatic parish.
Click here to view more photos
At Pentecost, the liturgical feast which marks the conclusion of the Easter season, parishioners here go forth with a special zeal as they invoke the Holy Spirit to touch them and those they hold sacred, imbuing all with the gifts of wisdom and knowledge.
Jose Rodriguez says he is grateful for the spiritual support he receives through the prayers he offers regularly at his church.
“We’ve been through a lot of difficulty in a number of different ways and have faced a lot of challenges,” says Rodriguez, who attended a novena to the Holy Spirit Sunday night at St. Charles with his wife Narcisa as a way of giving thanks for the divine help they have been given.
“I feel like our lives have changed. The Holy Spirit is keeping me above water.”
Rodriguez says that in the last two months, coinciding with the time that he volunteered to help with preparations for Mass and services at the parish when the person who ordinarily takes care of those areas was out, he experienced “something special,” and believes the Holy Spirit is working to protect his family.
He said they were about to lose their home to foreclosure.
“Suddenly, they needed help at church, and I was not used to helping at the altar,” he said.
He worried that he could not maintain a required kneeling posture for an extended period of time during a service.
“I prayed that I would be able to make it, and I felt great support after that.”
That day, he said he felt his heart tremble and since then, circumstances in their lives have changed from bad to good.
“I feel a stronger love for God and a new life,” his wife Narcisa said.
The couple joined about 150 fellow parishioners and others, some of whom traveled from the far reaches of the diocese to attend the novena.
For the nine days leading up to Pentecost, which will be celebrated on Sunday, the parish hosts a nightly novena, filled with vibrant music and spontaneous dances of joy as the faithful call upon the Holy Spirit to enlighten their minds and fill them with strength.
“When we pray, we try to imitate the primitive church,” said Father Jaime Garcia, pastor of St. Charles.
“The novena was inspired by Father John Randall. He was very open to charismatic renewal for many years.”
Last year’s novena was to be Father Randall’s last. Ailing, but determined, he prayed through the entire night with the flock, but went into the hospital a few days later and died.
“He died happy,” said Father Garcia, who noted it was Father Randall who had prayed for his vocation to the priesthood.
Father Garcia had volunteered at the parish since 1986 as he worked as a manager in the jewelry industry. He was ordained to the priesthood four years ago.
Over the course of the nine days, those who gather ask the Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit and pray for different aspects of the church and its followers.
On Sunday, they prayed for those who govern the church — the bishops and pastors — as well as for additional laborers to enter the vineyard in service.
Lizaldo Vargas, 36, is currently discerning a vocation to the priesthood, and enjoys access to the prayerful observance of Jesus offered at his parish day or night.
“It’s a blessing having 24/7 adoration,” he said. “You can grow here,” he said.
Vargas said he is very much looking forward to the annual all night vigil that will be held at St. Charles this Saturday, beginning at 10 p.m. and lasting until 6 a.m. on the feast of Pentecost.
The vigil will feature testimonials from those who say the Holy Spirit has worked through them to achieve goodness, and all will pray the rosary.
Father Garcia and Deacon Jose Rico will lead the congregation in prayer through the night, including the parish’s active Legion of Mary, as they do for the entire nine nights of the novena.
“The world needs revival, these are tough times we are living in,” says Father Garcia.   http://www.thericatholic.com/

Medjugorje – More than a Private Revelation

 
imBy Stephen K. Ryan

Medjugorje – More than a Private Revelation

Doubters and critics persistently refer to Medjugorje as a “Private revelation” which is meant to demean and diminish the events taking place there, but after thirty years of alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and millions of pilgrims flocking to the town, there is very little  about Medjugorje that is “private”    .  

The Bishop of Mostar, Bishop Peric - a man who has spoken out strongly in the past against the apparitions of Medjugorje -  now, it seems, has moved away from the idea that Medjugorje is nothing more than a collection of unapproved “Private Revelations”.  This past weekend the Bishop talked of Medjugorje as perhaps the next Jerusalem if things work out well or the next Babylon if Medjugorje is devoured by commercialism.  Either way Bishop Peric understands that Medjugorje is much more than a case of six people experiencing interior locutions. Medjugorje has taken on a life of its own.

Skeptics say “Private revelations” can be ignored by the faithful because they do not add to the body of the Catholic faith. Technically, even the “Seers” would not argue with that narrow definition. But in practice and in reality, Medjugorje is no longer simply a “private revelation" but rather Medjugorje is a major spiritual “movement” – an enormous spiritual happening unrivaled in modern times.  The Bishop of Mostar has accepted this reality.  The word Medjugorje no longer only refers to  a town in Bosnia/Herzegovania  but rather the word represents a style of Catholicism that is deeply  rooted in peace and above all the  Medjugorje "movement" means putting God in the first place in our lives.

To many fanatical fans of football, like Notre Dame, or politically active Catholics, putting God in the first place is often easier said than done. I am a product of the Catholic school system, both as a student, and as a parent, I can say from experience Catholic school communities are often dominated by pride -pride in our school, pride in our football team, pride in our children. My Catholic school in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., is also dominated by political views.  Catholic faith is often measured by ones voting record. To some folks I have encountered, Medjugorje and the message of peace, is  viewed as dramatically radical and foreign and because of this I rarely bring up the subject in "polite" company.   

Medjugorje is a movement - it is an ideal. Medjugorje represents an unprecedented spiritual path and as the Vatican investigation committee moves towards a final decision it appears now have two decisions to make. First the Vatican must determine is the supernatural is at work, and second if a negative ruling is reached they must decide what to do with the enormous spiritual fruits that have occured because of Medjugorje.
http://www.ministryvalues.com/

May 25, 2012 Message to Marija



Today, May 25, 2012, Our Lady appeared to the visionary Marija and delivered the following message:

"Dear children! Also today I call you to conversion and to holiness. God desires to give you joy and peace through prayer but you, little children, are still far away - attached to the earth and to earthly things. Therefore, I call you anew: open your heart and your sight towards God and the things of God - and joy and peace will come to reign in your hearts. Thank you for having responded to my call."

5/24/12

I am offering to you the light of the Truth and the Holy Spirit

 


Medjugorje: Photo taken by  Barbara Goodier on October 2nd, 2010 at the time of Mirjana's apparition. A few of us were praying the Rosary at the Crucifix on Sr. Immanuel's property. We were looking towards the Blue Cross on Apparition Hill and saw the sun spinning. That's when I took the picture. May you receive a special blessing from the Lord today! Barbara G.





Dear children! As I call you to prayer for those who have not come to know the love of God, if you were to look into your hearts you would comprehend that I am speaking about many of you. With an open heart, sincerely ask yourselves if you want the Living God or do you want to eliminate Him and live as you want. Look around you, my children, and see where the world is going, the world that thinks of doing everything without the Father, and which wanders in the darkness of temptation. I am offering to you the light of the Truth and the Holy Spirit. According to God's plan I am with you to help you to have my Son, His Cross and Resurrection, triumph in your hearts. As a mother, I desire and pray for your unity with my Son and His works. I am with you; you decide. Thank you. (June 2, 2011)

"I am offering to you the light of the Truth and the Holy Spirit." Mother Mary wants to give us the divine flashlight, the light of the Holy Spirit, the light of Truth. Without this light we cannot see things as they really are. We live in a world of darkness, of sin. We may be too used to the dark. We have to shake ourselves free of the darkness. We cannot see the loving actions of God unless they are illuminated by the Holy Spirit, because we are so blinded by darkness, even darkness within. We need light. And so Mother Mary offers us the divine flashlight, the gift of the Holy Spirit. We have only to receive it. And what better time than penecost?

St. Basil the Great, Bishop, wrote about the Holy Spirit in terms of light in the Office of Readings for Tuesday, the 7th week of Easter:

"The Spirit is the source of holiness, a spiritual light, and he offers his own light to every mind to help it in its search for truth...Like the sunshine, which permeates all the atmosphere, spreading over land and sea, and yet is enjoyed by each person as though it were for him alone, so the Spirit pours forth his grace in full measure, sufficient for all, and yet is present as though exclusively to everyone who can receive him. To all creatures that share in him he gives a delight limited only by their own nature, not by his ability to give."

*How beautifully put! The Spirit offers his light to us, to each mind, according to our ability to receive him. He wants to show us so many things. He wants to show us how much we are loved by the Father and the Son. He wants to show us how beautiful we are, how much the Father wanted to create us, how the Father designed us perfectly to answer the call He has for us, and how possible it is to become holy and happy. The Spirit wants to light up our hearts with party lights, full of joy and excitement and hope. He wants us to see the Father and the Son in all their glory, loving us! And this is just the beginning!

The Spirit truly does shine on each one of us as if He is meant for each one alone. Each individual is uttermost in the mind of the Spirit. He loves each one of us as if we were the only person alive! And it is this love that actually is the Light. Love lights up our minds like fireworks. Love makes sense out of everything. God is love and he loves us, infinitely. That is true light!

So, as we approach Pentecost, let's take up Our Lady's offer and ask for the light of Truth and of the Holy Spirit. I hope we can endure the joy!

In Jesus and Mary and the Holy Spirit and the Father!!!!

Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2011
Source of Article:  http://www.marytv.tv/

Local Bishop Softens Up To Medjugorje

By Jakob Marschner

Though opposed to the claims of apparitions in Medjugorje, local Bishop Ratko Peric says the town can be a Jerusalem and a site of the action of The Holy Spirit. Yet in the midst of a major building boom, the Bishop also warns the locals against turning Medjugorje into a modern Babylon.

medjugorje bishop ratko peric mostar confirmation 2012
Bishop Peric during Confirmations in Medjugorje on May 20. Photo: Mile Pavlovic, Brotnjo Online

Medjugorje can go in two different directions, and one of them will turn the village into a new Jerusalem and a place of the obvious action of God, local Bishop Ratko Peric of Mostar told Confirmation candidates in St. James Church on May 20.

“You have the opportunity to make a Jerusalem of this parish, a site of action of the Spirit of God, where there is the unity among a multitude of peoples, where everyone understands everyone in God, not in the fake wealth, where the word of Peter is being heard: “Repent … and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit ” (Acts 2.39) Bishop Peric said in his sermon.

bishop ratko peric medjugorje confirmation may maggio 20 2012
Bishop Ratko Peric with Medjugorje's parish priest Fr. Petar Vlasic on their way to the Confirmation on Sunday, May 20. Photo: Mile Pavlovic, Brotnjo Online

Since becoming the Bishop of Mostar in 1993, Ratko Peric has upheld the critical attitude towards Medjugorje and the claims of apparitions first taken by his predecessor Pavao Zanic, and before he mentioned the Jerusalem potential, Bishop Peric spoke at more length about Babylon whose inhabitants aimed at building a tower to Heaven (Genesis 11.4), only to have their languages confused so they could not understand each other any longer (Genesis 11.5.7).

“In Babylon, the fruit of the human spirit: misperception of speech, breaking the unity, the loss of the name, city decay, demolition of the tower. Misunderstanding and fuss! In Jerusalem, the fruit of the Spirit of God: the unification of diverse human spirits, respect of every language, people and talent. Agreement and harmony!” Bishop Peric lined up the two cities.

medjugorje visionary seer vicka ivankovic mijatovic may maggio 20 2012 confirmation
Visionary Vicka Ivankovic-Mijatovic attended the Confirmation Mass. Photo: Mile Pavlovic, Brotnjo Online

“Dear faithful, candidates! You have the opportunity to turn Medjugorje into Babylon, confusion and turmoil, to show pride, to blame Heaven, to give in to foreigners and their foreign ways and tourism, open the flood of many languages ​​and compete over Babylon floors and enlargement of villas, profitable businesses are more open and rich” the Bishop said, before he outlined his positive Medjugorje scenario.

While Bishop Peric has full authority over pastoral and liturgical matters at Medjugorje, his predecessor had a Bishop’s usual authority over an acclaimed apparition in his diocese removed in 1986 by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, today Pope Benedict XVI.

Upon refusing Bishop Pavao Zanic’s negative report of the Medjugorje apparitions, Cardinal Ratzinger, as Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, removed the Medjugorje case dossier from Bishop Zanic, to hand it over to the group of Yugoslavian Bishops.

Spirit Daily is circulating this article
http://is.gd/5h5Ky2

5/23/12

Fr. Jozo's Prayer to the Holy Spirit

 




Excerpt from Fr. Jozo's Prayer to the Holy Spirit in Siroki Brijeg October 3, 2000

Come, O Most Holy Spirit, come to us today. We need your love, because we desire to go on the new way to return to the Father, to take the step to the Father. O Come, Holy Spirit, You who makes all things new. Today grant a miracle in us and through us. Change our hearts. Take from us our hearts of stone and give us a new heart, a heart that knows how to love, how to pray, how to forgive. A heart that knows how to embrace the cross and recognize the will of God and carry it to the end. Come, O Most Holy Spirit, You who are our peace, come fill us with peace. You who are love, fill us with love and blessing and salvation. We are not here accidentally. We have been called, that we may be able to recognize our call and our mission. We ask You to come O Most Holy Spirit, that our masks may melt away, that our true face may be revealed before You. Come, O Most Holy Spirit, may a miracle happen today: the beginning of our conversion, the beginning of our true devotion. Come, O Most Holy Spirit pour out Your grace and Your strength on Your Church and convert us. Sanctify us. Change us. Come, O Most Holy Spirit, we are the Church united together in prayer with the Mother. As the disciples at the very beginning, united together with Her in prayer for the gift of Your Spirit, for the gift of love, that we may be freed from selfishness and hatred, that we may be freed from every evil, and that we may start to love, that we may start to forgive and to pray, that we may start to fast. Come, O Most Holy Spirit. Come bless us. Come, change us. You who are prayer, come and anoint us with prayer that we may become the Church that believes in the power of prayer. Come, Most Holy Spirit, renew prayer in us, that we may become the renewers of family prayer.Come, O Most Holy Spirit, come heal us, come bless us, come convert us. O You who anoints with Your Peace, with Your Joy, with Your Love. Come anoint us. Come, O Most Holy Spirit. Come, pour Yourself out upon us.

Our Lady's Medjugorje message of  May 25, 2000

"Dear children! I rejoice with you and in this time of grace I call you to spiritual renewal. Pray, little children, that the Holy Spirit may come to dwell in you in fullness, so that you may be able to witness in joy to all those who are far from faith. Especially, little children, pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that in the spirit of love, every day and in each situation, you may be closer to your fellow-man; and that in wisdom and love you may overcome every difficulty. I am with you and I intercede for each of you before Jesus. Thank you for having responded to my call." (May 25, 2000)

5/22/12

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN SPIRITUAL LIFE IS TO ASK FOR GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT




"Come Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit."

We can never repeat that enough. It's the most fundamental of prayers. You can even ask the Holy Spirit to tell you what you need and how to pray for it!
It is the Holy Spirit Who grants guidance, heals sickness, strengthens our bodies, and protects us against all untoward events. It's the Holy Spirit Who imbues Mass with Christ's Presence. When there are miracles or revelations, these are accomplished through the Holy Spirit. During Mass He is especially strong. He is especially willing to pervade our spirits.
And we should invite that. We should beg for His arrival. We should beg Him to pray through our minds and lips. Again, we should ask Him to reveal to us what it is we should be praying about.
He is the Spirit of Truth. He is the Spirit of prayerfulness.
When the priest gives us the opportunity to reflect upon our sins, we should ask the Holy Spirit to tell us what sins we most need to purge. We should ask Him to reach deep into our pasts and expunge any evil. We should ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us as to what we need for spiritual development.
And we should cover ourselves with the whiteness of His protection.
Such is crucial in our time, when evil spirits (which we'll be discussing more this week) are more numerous than ever-- when they continue to climb in a horde from the pit, when they antagonize and anger and divide us. We need special protection, and that protection is given by the Holy Spirit. He draws us to the Father. He draws us to Jesus. As part of the Holy Trinity, He has the power to grant us health (if such is the Will of God) and shield us from demonism.
At Mass we should ask the Holy Spirit to protect us and our loved ones from accidents and disease. We should ask for protection from any unfortunate events. We should ask the Spirit to send special angels and further empower those angels we have. We should ask Him to guide our every thought and action. We should ask for a long, healthy life, a holy death, and the sure route to heaven.
Nothing brings the Holy Spirit like the Eucharist, and with God, anything is possible. Anything can change. Anything can be accomplished. As the Virgin of Medjugorje said, "The most important thing in the spiritual life is to ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes, then peace will be established. When that occurs, everything around you changes. Pray for the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your souls, to renew the entire world. Raise your hands, yearn for Jesus because in His Resurrection He wants to fill you with graces."
When that happens, when we have the Holy Spirit, then, according to Our Blessed Mother, we have everything.
[adapted from Secrets of the Eucharist]    Source-Spiritdaily

30,000 pilgrims prayed with Marija this weekend.

By Jakob Marschner

5,000 people in central Italy on Saturday were followed by 24,000 near Milan on Sunday when visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti had public apparitions at prayer meetings on May 19-20. Two other Medjugorje main persons also helped to draw people from all over and beyond Italy.


marija pavlovic lunetti medjugorje visionary seer veggente apparition apparizione rho italy may 20 2012
Marija's apparition during the 13th National Meeting of Prayer in Rho's exhibition hall near Milan, Italy, on May 20

Medjugorje visionaries Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti and Jakov Colo joined 24,000 pilgrims from all over Italy and neighboring countries for the thirteenth National Meeting of Prayer in Rho near Milan on May 20, local news portal MI-Lorenteggio reports.

The many people gathered in Rho’s exhibition centre where the theme was the family,

medjugorje visionary seer marija pavlovic lunetti apparition fiuggi italy may maggio 19 2012
Marija's apparition in Fiuggi on May 19

“Priests and laymen prayed along, young and old, sick and weak in body and spirit, and of course families” the Milan news service tells.

The day was led by Franciscan priest Fr. Ljubo Kurtovic who became very popular during his stay in Medjugorje around the turn of the new century.

On May 19, about 5,000 people from all parts of Italy joined Marija who had another Medjugorje main person by her side at the all-day arrangement in Fiuggi, local online media Ecco la Notizia Quotidiana reports.

Complete with Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, the programme lasted ten hours from 9 in the morning.

medjugorje visionary seer veggente marija pavlovic lunetti apparition apparizione fiuggi may maggio 19 2012
Part of the crowd in Fiuggi on May 19

Marija gave her testimony in the morning and led the Rosary before her apparition in the evening. Jelena Vasilj-Valente was scheduled to offer a catechesis on prayer with the heart, but had to cancel her appearance. Jelena heard the Virgin Mary’s voice in so-called interior locutions during her youth in Medjugorje in the 1980s.

The afternoon Mass was presided over by Monsignor Domenico Sigalini, the Bishop of Palestrina. His presence marks a growing trend among Italian bishops to attend Medjugorje arrangements in their local diocese.


Silvia Busi

The attendees also heard the testimony of Silvia Busi from Padua who was spontaneously healed from paralysis in June 2005 when she attended an apparition to visionary Ivan Dragicevic on top of Apparition Hill in Medjugorje.

While she prayed, she felt her legs hardening, and then left the carriage on which volunteers had taken her to the top of the hill.
Updated on May 21:
Coverage added of the meeting near Milan on May 20
http://is.gd/NTN3Ua

Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we get in touch with the reality of death and life.


DEATH'S DOOR

"I know as I speak these words that none of you among whom I went about preaching the kingdom will ever see my face again." -Acts 20:25

The Lord tells us to think of the day of our death (see Sir 7:36; 28:6). This should not be a morbid thought but rather a way we can get a true perspective on the present. For example, when we think of our deathday, some things clamoring for our attention today seem almost meaningless, while other things that we daily take for granted are recognized as ultimately very significant. The thought of death often clears our vision enough for us to realize that we have wasted much of our lives.
However, Jesus did not have this experience. When He thought of His imminent death, He had no regrets. He prayed to His Father: "I have given You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do" (Jn 17:4). Paul likewise looked back on his life as fulfilled rather than empty as he finished the race and completed the service the Lord had assigned to him (Acts 20:24).
How can we keep from wasting our lives? How can we see the truth before it's too late? Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we get in touch with the reality of death and life. Only the Spirit can conquer the illusory, deadly desires of the flesh (see Gal 5:17; Eph 4:22). Only the Spirit of truth is greater than the spirit of death and deception (see 1 Jn 4:4, 6). We either receive the Holy Spirit or live the regrettable stupor of a living death (1 Jn 3:14). Come, Holy Spirit!

 Father, do in me what You must in order to do through me what You will.

 "Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ." -Jn 17:3

5/20/12

Daily Grace: There is Much Work to Be Done


Daily Grace: There is Much Work to Be Done: He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the king...

5/19/12

Medjugorje Orchestra and Choir - Receive the power


Recieve the power from the Holy Spirit...Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

5/18/12

Our Lady in her messages at Medjugorje tells us,- Pray for the Holy Spirit to descend upon you. When you have the Holy Spirit, You have everything.


~Holy Spirit Come~

 
Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the time will come when people will not worship the Father either on this mountain or in Jerusalem. (...) God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship Him as He really is." John 4:21,24


The most important thing in the spiritual life is to ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes, the peace will be established. When that occurs, everything changes around you. Our Lady of Medjugorie, October, 1984. Words from Heaven, P.66.

Pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. Our Lady of Medjugorie, November 8, 1984. Words from Heaven, P.66.

 Have them pray also for the gift of the Holy Spirit so that all those who come here will feel the presence of God. Our Lady of Medjugorie, June 3, 1983. Words from Heaven, P.145.

The important thing is to pray to the Holy Spirit so that He may descend on you. When one has Him, one has everything. People make a mistake when they turn only to the saints to request something. Our Lady of Medjugorie, October 21, 1983. Words from Heaven, P. 150.
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Begin by calling on the Holy Spirit each day. The most important thing is to pray to the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit descends on earth, then everything becomes clear and everything is transformed. Our Lady of Medjugorie, Advent, 1983. Words from Heaven, P.150.
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A message to you and to all those who love me: Dear children, pray unceasingly and ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you always. In everything you ask, in everything that you do, look for the will of God. Live according to your convictions and respect others. Our Lady of Medjugorie, October 13, 1984. Words from Heaven, P.158.
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 The most important thing in the spiritual life is to ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes, then peace will be established. When that occurs, everything changes around you. Things will change. Our Lady of Medjugorie, October 1984, Words from Heaven, P.159.

 I invite you to open yourselves to God by means of prayer so the Holy Spirit may begin to work miracles in you and through you. (…) pray, pray, pray and do that which the Holy Spirit inspires you. (…). Our Lady of Medjugorie, May 25, 1993. Words from Heaven, P.271.

 Abandon yourselves to the Spirit for Him to renew you. May prayer renew your bodies, your souls, your hearts. Don't let your bodies be weak. (…). Our Lady of Medjugorie, May 5, 1989. Words from Heaven, P.296.

 The family has to pray together. The Holy Spirit wants to be present in the families. (…) The Holy Spirit comes through prayer. That is why, pray and allow the Holy Spirit to renew you, to renew today's family. (…) Our Lady of Medjugorie, July 3, 1989. Words from Heaven, P.297.

 Fast on bread and water before every feast, and prepare yourselves through prayer. (…) Fast once a week on bread and water in honor of the Holy Spirit outside of Friday. (…). Our Lady of Medjugorie, before December 15, 1982. Words from Heaven, P.340.

 Be preoccupied with only the essentials. Let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit in depth, then your work will go well. Do not hurry. Let yourself be guided and you will see that everything will be accomplished well. Our Lady of Medjugorie, July 4, 1983. Words from Heaven, P.345.
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The one whom God has sent speaks God's words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit. John 3:34
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As the scripture says, "Whoever believes in me, streams of life-giving water will pour out of his heart." Jesus said this about the Spirit (...) John 7:38
The Helper will come - the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God and who comes from the Father.  He will lead you into all the truth.

GUILTY AS CHARGED?




" 'This fellow,' they charged, 'is influencing people to worship God...' " -Acts 18:13

Paul was dragged into court and charged with "influencing people to worship God" (Acts 18:13). That's fantastic! What a marvelous "blemish" to have on your criminal record, personnel file, or reputation!
Undoubtedly the Corinthian Jews were ready to produce any number of witnesses who could testify before the court about Paul's influence in their worship of God (see Acts 18:4, 5, 8). Paul left behind a solid trail of evidence, available for all to see (see 2 Cor 3:2). He was guilty as charged.
 
If you were charged with such a "crime," could your accusers produce any evidence against you? Would there be people now worshipping God, receiving the Holy Spirit, going to Mass, repenting of sin, or working for justice because of your influence? Hopefully, your accusers would find plenty of these people who could provide the evidence to convict you.

Today is the first day of the Pentecost novena, nine days of prayer preparing to receive the Holy Spirit in new ways on Pentecost Sunday. May our reception of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost have life-changing and world-shaking ramifications.  Come, Holy Spirit!


 Father, use me to bring many people to worship You in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24). May they in turn lead many others to likewise worship You.

"The Lord said to Paul: 'Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you.' " -Acts 18:9-10

~MESSAGES FROM OUR LADY~

"Dear children! You are not conscious of the messages which God is sending you through me. He is giving you great graces and you do not comprehend them. Pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. If you only knew how great are the graces God is granting you, you would be praying without ceasing. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje (November 8, 1984)
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"Dear children! You are absorbed with material things, but in the material you lose everything that God wishes to give you. I call you, dear children, to pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit which are necessary for you now in order to be able to give witness to my presence here and to all that I am giving you. Dear children, let go to me so I can lead you completely. Don't be absorbed with material things. Thank you for having responded to my call." (April 17, 1986)
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We pray for the Light of the Holy Spirit to shine into our hearts. Our Lady asks in this message of 1984 that we pray for enlightenment from the Holy Spirit, so that we can comprehend the great graces we are being given in these days. Light! O, Lord, be our Light!

5/17/12

The Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of the Lord
The Ascension of the Lord
May 17, 2012
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Dear Family of Mary!
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"Dear children! Tonight I wish to tell you during the days of this novena to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on your families and on your parish. Pray, and you shall not regret it. God will give you gifts by which you will glorify Him till the end of your life on this earth. Thank you for having responded to my call." (June 2, 1984)
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Today is the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. Imagine the joy in heaven when He came, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity! Imagine the wonder, that God could be incarnate, and take His seat at the right hand of the Father! This is what satan could not abide, the very thing he hated and rebelled against. Oh Jesus, we are so proud of You! So grateful to You! So amazed at You!
And imagine the apostles and disciples gazing up into the sky as Jesus rises. Imagine their grief, their feelings of loss, their emptiness. At that time, the presence of Our Lady must have been their only consolation. She remained with them. She was with them. She went back to the Upper Room with them, to pray and to wait for the Holy Spirit, as Jesus told them to do. Her presence was vital for the infant Church at that moment. She was their physical touch with their Lord.
We are no different than the apostles and disciples. Our Lady is with us in our need, just as she was with them. She is with us. And so we can pray and wait with her, just as they did. In this novena time before Pentecost, we can pray and wait with Mary. She will help us to prepare for His coming, the Holy Spirit, our Paraclete.
Together, let's pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit. It begins tomorrow, Friday, May 18, and will end on Saturday, May 27. I have found novena prayers on the EWTN website that we can use. And we will meditate on Our Lady's messages as well. Here is the foreword to the Novena published by EWTN:
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The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. (http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/pentecost/seven_tx.htm )

As Our Lady says in the message above, "Pray, and you shall not regret it. God will give you gifts by which you will glorify Him till the end of your life on this earth." The Holy Spirit is really important. He is not just a side note in the Christian life. He is the power of the Christian life. He is necessary. We cannot glorify God without Him. The Spirit moves us, fills us, trains us, teaches us, anoints us, empowers us, forms us, delights us, fills us with joy, makes us fruitful, just as He did Mary! We need Him. Our Lady knows that. And that is why she will pray with us as she did the apostles and disciples in the Upper Room. She will be very near as we pray. This is for her a delight!

So, as we await Pentecost, let us pray....
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
© Mary TV 2012

Pope Benedict--The Spirit, Light of Prayer


"Saint Paul's letters show us the rich variety of his own prayer, which embraces thanksgiving, praise, petition and intercession", said Pope Benedict XVI this Wednesday as he continued his catechesis dedicated to prayer in the early Church, this week focusing on the Letters of the Apostle to the Gentiles. "For Paul, prayer is above all the work of the Holy Spirit within our hearts, the fruit of God's presence within us. The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness, teaching us to pray to the Father through the Son. In the eighth chapter of the Letter to the Romans, Paul tells us that the Spirit intercedes for us, unites us to Christ and enables us to call God our Father. In our prayer, the Holy Spirit ...

Mary seen in Sun at time of Apparition

By Jakob Marschner

A former Italian bank manager says he saw the Virgin Mary in a sun spectacle in Medjugorje on April 27. Wearing a blue cloak, the Virgin stood forth in the sun just about the time the daily apparition begins, Luciano Giglioni testifies. Group of other Italian pilgrims also saw the sun wonder.


luciano giglioni sun miracle wonder medjugorje virgin mary
Luciano Giglioni

Along with a group of Italian pilgrims, Luciano Giglioni from Castel del Piano witnessed a 30 minutes sun wonder in Medjugorje on April 27.

Giglioni says he saw the Virgin Mary in the sun minutes before 5.40 pm when three Medjugorje visionaries have their daily apparition.

“When we went down Apparition Hill, the sun had become so bright that its light took much of the sky. Then suddenly it started to throb and turn on itself, and then split into two. And you could see the image of the Virgin Mary dressed in a blue cloak, and a purple Cross” Luciano Giglioni tells regional newspaper Il Tirreno Grosseto.

luciano giglioni sun miracle wonder medjugorje april 27 2012 virgin mary
Luciano Giglioni on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje where he saw the Virgin Mary in the sun on April 27. His account of the event has many similarities with accounts of the earliest sun spectacles in Medjugorje, when the apparitions began in 1981

“Some began to cry, some to pray, some were still walking as if nothing had happened. I realized I was crying. And I took off my glasses, and I left myself to watch the sun changing color continuously for at least half an hour. Just as it started, then everything went back to normal, with only the ‘normal’ heaven, and apparently ‘normal’ people” the retired bank manager says.

Saying he will always have emotions tied to the event, Giglioni has spent a while since April 27 trying to make sense of what happened:

“Imagine my surprise when I tried to rationalize the event. What had I seen? What did we see? How did I look at the sun without sunglasses all the time, and not take any damage to my eyesight?” Luciano Giglioni recounts.

“I am only giving a witness, and this means that I must stick to the facts of what I experienced on April 27 at about 17.30″ the former bank manager says.

http://is.gd/ovspd8

5/16/12

Go into the upper room with Mary and all the saints. Wait there for the fulfillment of our Father's promise, for "within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5).

 

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LIFT OFF

"Wait, rather, for the fulfillment of My Father's promise." -Acts 1:4

We have been in intense prayer for eighty days - forty days of Lent and forty days of Easter. Today we reach the feast of the Ascension, the beginning of the grand finale of the Easter season.

Soon we will began a Holy Spirit novena, nine days of prayer for a new Pentecost in our day. Our prayer will be answered as the Spirit will be lavished on us (Ti 3:6) without ration (Jn 3:34). Then we will have the power to be Jesus' witnesses right where we are and even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). In the power of the Holy Spirit, we will make disciples of all nations by baptizing them and teaching them to obey all Jesus commanded (Mt 28:19-20).

On this feast of the Ascension, we begin the countdown to a new Pentecost. Celebrate this feast with your whole heart. Don't just sandwich a quick Mass into the midst of a busy day. Make this a holy day - a day especially set apart for God. Plan for the Holy Spirit novena. Cancel or postpone whatever you can in this week before Pentecost. Give yourself more time to give God prime time.
Go into the upper room with Mary and all the saints. Wait there for the fulfillment of our Father's promise, for "within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5).

Father, may I thirst for the Spirit more than for anything else (see Jn 7:37).

~Messages from Our Lady~

 Dear children! Today I call you, through prayer and sacrifice, to prepare yourselves for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Little children, this is a time of grace and so, again, I call you to decide for God the Creator. Allow him to transform and change you. May your heart be prepared to listen to, and live, everything which the Holy Spirit has in his plan for each of you. Little children, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you on the way of truth and salvation towards eternal life. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, May 25, 1998

Dear children, Today I call you to open your heart to the Holy Spirit and to permit him to transform you. My children, God is the immeasurable good and therefore, as a mother, I implore you to pray, pray, pray, fast and hope that it is possible to attain that good, because love is born of that good. The Holy Spirit will reinforce that good in you and you will be able to call God your Father. Through this exalted love, you will sincerely come to love all people and, through God, consider them brothers and sisters. Thank you. Medjugorje message, November 2, 2007

5/15/12

The Start of something Good, Israel in Medjugorje

May 14, 2012 A.D.

A scene at the Appariton time Rosary in Medjugorje is a cause for reflection of the call of Our Lady.

An Israeli flag at Apparition Time Rosary, Medjugorje
A lone Israeli flag flaps in the wind at Apparition time Rosary and before Croatian Mass on Saturday, May 12, 2012. A group of 34 Eastern Orthodox Catholics from Israel are on their first pilgrimage to Medjugorje. When asked whether many Israelis are coming to Medjugorje, the man waving the flag stated enthusiastically, “We are starting it up!” It is beautiful watching this flag wave, contemplating how God first chose Israel as His people and His nation to be a light to the world. The group loves their country and is proud to represent Israel in Medjugorje.
Our Lady told the village of Medjugorje on November 15, 1984:
"Dear children, you are a chosen people…”

5/13/12

Message from Our Mother Mary, Today I Invite You...



Dear children!
Today I invite you to become missionaries of my messages, which I am giving here through this place that is dear to me. God has allowed me to stay this long with you and therefore, little children, I invite you to live with love the messages I give and to transmit them to the whole world, so that a river of love flows to people who are full of hatred and without peace. I invite you, little children, to become peace where there is no peace and light where there is darkness, so that each heart accepts the light and the way of salvation. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, February 25, 1995
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* Our Lady invites us, she calls us, she invokes us, she pleads with us, but she never forces us. It is our choice to say Yes or No to her requests. But what loving child can say No to such a loving mother as Mary?

Thank You for Our Mothers

5/11/12

Before he became Pope, Karol Cardinal Wojtyla said....

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Before he became Pope, Karol Cardinal Wojtyla said, we must be prepared to undergo great trials in the not too distant future, trials that will require us to be ready to give up our lives..."1 Pope John Paul II, as Karol Cardinal Wojtyla, elaborated this theme during a visit to the United States in 1976:

    "We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has gone through. I do not think that wide circles of the American society or wide circles of the Christian community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel. It is a trial which the Church must take up.

—Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (JOHN PAUL II), reprinted November 9, 1978, issue of The Wall Street Journal from a 1976 speech to the American Bishops

Bishop Thomas Tobin, the Defender of Marriage and Family

 

Pray for Courageous Bishop Thomas Tobin, the Defender of Marriage and Family


  • by Deacon Keith Fournier

  • 5/11/2012 Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)


  • The decision of President Barack Obama to endorse same-sex marriage is extremely disappointing, but not at all surprising. This is a very divisive and devious president who, from the beginning of his administration has actively pursued a liberal, secular agenda that discards fundamental moral values including respect for human life, and religious freedom. This is a sad day in American history.  Even the President of the United States does not have the authority to redefine the sacred institution of marriage that has been given to us by God.

    PROVIDENCE, RI (Catholic Online) - Thomas J. Tobin is the Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island. He has stood strong in his defense of the dignity of every human person from conception to natural death as well as his defense of true marriage and the family and society founded upon it. He has tried to help erring Catholics, including Catholic politicians in his own Diocese, to turn from error and turn toward the truth. He is solid as a rock in his orthodoxy, but always defends the faith with a pastor's heart.

    In June of 2011, Rhode Island passed "civil union" legislation. The Bishop knew that such legislation was dangerous to the common good. He recognized that the continuing moral erosion of our culture which has as one of its bad fruits, the movement to eliminate marriage and the family and society founded upon it by giving a moral and legal equivalency to homosexual relationships.

    The legislation contained what are called "religious exemptions". However, a group of homosexual equivalency activists who called themselves "Marriage Equality Rhode Island", who represent the "LGBTI"  (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Intersex) community  issued this statement upon the passage of the legislation:

    "We are extremely disappointed that the Senate brazenly ignored the commonsense objections raised by equality and civil rights leaders here and across the country. This civil union bill contains dangerous and discriminatory language that, without question, will cause significant harm to countless gay and lesbian couples in loving, committed relationships, and we will continue to fight it through whatever means are necessary."

    "Furthermore, we renew our request that the governor veto this hurtful and ill conceived bill. To not do so would be a slap in the face to the gay and lesbian community, and every Rhode Islander who cares about equal rights and protections for all our state's citizens."

    As a constitutional lawyer who has practiced public interest law to defend life, marriage and religious freedom, I know the way that Public Interest Lawyers utilize litigation. The mix of "homosexual marriage" and "civil union" legislation throughout the Nation is part of a deliberate strategy. It will be used by lawyers for the homosexual equivalency movement in their ultimate goal. They want to set up a 14th Amendment "Equal Protection" constitutional argument with which they will seek to use the US Supreme Court to try and compel the entire Nation to recognize homosexual unions as the legal equivalent of marriage.

    The cases are being set up in much the same way the opponents of the Right to Life used the Courts, beginning with Griswold V Connecticut in 1965, to lay the groundwork for legalized abortion on demand. Griswold was a 'contraception" case involving a married couple which went to the Supreme Court and led to the precedent establishing a "zone of privacy". That set up the infamous Roe and Doe opinions which removed all legal protection for our youngest neighbors and unleashed the horrible bloodshed on abortion on demand by finding a penumbra in that "right to privacy" which somehow allowed the taking of unborn life. Griswold was filed by the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood of Connecticut. 

    Bishop Tobin issued a statement upon the passage of that Civil Union legislation in which he wrote: "I am deeply disappointed that Rhode Island will establish civil unions in our state. The concept of civil unions is a social experiment that promotes an immoral lifestyle, is a mockery of the institution of marriage as designed by God, undermines the well-being of our families, and poses a threat to religious liberty.

    "In this context it is my obligation to remind Catholics of the teachings of the Church on this matter. First, the Church continues to have respect and love for persons with same-sex attraction; they are indeed children of God and our brothers and sisters in the human family. We pray for their well-being and offer them spiritual guidance and pastoral care. We also extend our love and support to families of homosexual persons who sometimes struggle with this difficult emotional issue."

    "At the same time, the Church reminds its members that homosexual activity is contrary to the natural law and the will of God and, therefore, is objectively sinful. Persons with same-sex attraction are required to live the Christian virtues of chastity and modesty, as all persons are. The importance of these virtues is clearly established in the Holy Scriptures and in the constant tradition of the Church."

    "Because civil unions promote an unacceptable lifestyle, undermine the faith of the Church on holy matrimony, and cause scandal and confusion, Catholics may not participate in civil unions. To do so is a very grave violation of the moral law and, thus, seriously sinful. A civil union can never be accepted as a legitimate alternative to matrimony."

    The Bishop was correct, courageous and prophetic. He was also pilloried by the media. Horrid efforts were made to ridicule and marginalize him. I covered the incident in a series of articles. He was simply being a faithful bishop. On June 3, 2003 the then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger issued a directive entitled "Considerations regarding Proposals to Give Legal recognition To Unions Between Homosexual persons." It clearly rejected any effort to give equivalent legal status to homosexual unions. It restated the unbroken tradition of the Catholic Christian Church for two thousand years. It sought to help all Bishops to direct Catholics in Public Life:

    "The present Considerations do not contain new doctrinal elements; they seek rather to reiterate the essential points on this question and provide arguments drawn from reason which could be used by Bishops in preparing more specific interventions, appropriate to the different situations throughout the world, aimed at protecting and promoting the dignity of marriage, the foundation of the family, and the stability of society, of which this institution is a constitutive element. The present considerations are also intended to give direction to Catholic politicians by indicating the approaches to proposed legislation in this area which would be consistent with Christian conscience"

    The recent events leading to President Obama announcing his intention to undermine marriage and become the de facto head of the Homosexual Equivalency Movement, reveal the serious risk we face as a Nation. There is a cultural revolution underway led by those on the fringes of the homosexual activist community who will stop at nothing less than legal "equivalency" between homosexual unions and true marriage.

    Having learned from the verbal engineering of the movement to make the taking of innocent life in the womb through abortion "a right", they are master manipulators of the language. They have reframed their  anti-marriage movement as a movement for "marriage equality" much like the proponents of abortion succeeded in calling killing the unborn a "choice."

    Catholics must be honest about some in our own house. Some Catholic Politicians undermine the Church, do violence to the truth, cause scandal, and put their own souls in jeopardy. They hide behind a self erected "public/private" dichotomy in rejecting their duty to defend the right to life and protect marriage and the family and society founded upon it. They engage in sophistry to explain away their flagrant error. They are not only being unfaithful to the truths proclaimed by their own Church, they are undermining the common good. The 2003 directive spoke forcefully to these folks:

    "If it is true that all Catholics are obliged to oppose the legal recognition of homosexual unions, Catholic politicians are obliged to do so in a particular way, in keeping with their responsibility as politicians. Faced with legislative proposals in favor of homosexual unions, Catholic politicians are to take account of the following ethical indications."

    "When legislation in favor of the recognition of homosexual unions is proposed for the first time in a legislative assembly, the Catholic law-maker has a moral duty to express his opposition clearly and publicly and to vote against it. To vote in favor of a law so harmful to the common good is gravely immoral."

    The directive addressed the whole of civil society: "Since this question relates to the natural moral law, the arguments that follow are addressed not only to those who believe in Christ, but to all persons committed to promoting and defending the common good of society."

    The document presents a lucid, solid, powerful defense of the truth about marriage and family. Yes, it presents this truth from within biblical revelation and the Christian Tradition. However, like all of the Church's Social Doctrine, it also does so from the order of right reason, the natural law, the biological and anthropological order, the social order and the legal order. That is because truth is truth. Every serious Catholic should read it and learn from it how to defend the truth about marriage.

    The Prefect for the Congregation, who issued the directive, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, is now Pope Benedict XVI. He continues to insist that Catholics in political life defend marriage and family. Just as Catholic politicians must support the right to life for unborn persons they must also support true marriage.

    On May 10, 2012, the day after the President of the United States announced his "evolution" to a position which undermines marriage and the family and society founded upon it, Bishop Tobin issued the following statement. It can be found on the Diocesan website here.

    "The decision of President Barack Obama to endorse same-sex marriage is extremely disappointing, but not at all surprising. This is a very divisive and devious president who, from the beginning of his administration has actively pursued a liberal, secular agenda that discards fundamental moral values including respect for human life, and religious freedom. This is a sad day in American history.  Even the President of the United States does not have the authority to redefine the sacred institution of marriage that has been given to us by God."

    Once again we see the mettle of this good man and witness the heroic example of one more Bishop. I ask every reader of Catholic Online throughout the whole world, to pray for courageous Bishop Thomas Tobin, the Defender of Marriage and Family. We need to learn from him to be strong in the struggle ahead.