Spiritdaily: - The Sun Still Spins in Medjugorje

http://www.spiritdaily.com/prophecyfoloaug09.htm

Youth Festival-Medjugorje

From Spain,Spanish Author Maria Vallejo Nagera giving her testimony of her conversion in Medjugorje. .
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=maria+vallejo+nagera&qs=n&docid=986916061735&mid=A342C56FC2D88A884A63A342C56FC2D88A884A63&FORM=VIVR13
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsxNnHbR28Q
Maria's interview on Abortion in Spanish. Go to minute 29 or 30.
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http://www.mladifest.com/medjugorje/audiovideo/festival2009/
Testimonies



Patrick and Nancy Latta of Medjugorje at the 2009 Medjugorje Youth Festival. Photo posted by Pilgrim at
http://www.crownofstars.blogspot.com/

Stay in the Light of Jesus

NOW OR NEVER" Keep careful watch over your conduct. Do not act like fools." —Ephesians 5:15

Pope John Paul II and prophets from other Christian denominations have proclaimed the prophetic word that we must take advantage of the opportunities we have now because these doors will soon be closed. Jesus said: "The light is among you only a little longer. Walk while you still have it" (Jn 12:35). "We must do the deeds of Him Who sent Me while it is day. The night comes on when no one can work" (Jn 9:4). Jeremiah prophesied: "Give ear, listen humbly, for the Lord speaks. Give glory to the Lord, your God, before it grows dark; before your feet stumble on darkening mountains; before the light you look for turns to darkness, changes into black clouds. If you do not listen to this in your pride, I will weep in secret many tears; My eyes will run with tears for the Lord's flock" (Jer 13:15-17)."Make the most of the present opportunity, for these are evil days. Do not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord" (Eph 5:16-17). "You have no idea what kind of life will be yours tomorrow. Therefore, witness and work for the Lord now.

Sojourners of the Burning Heart

http://histube.tv/video/Sojourners-of-the-Burning-Heart

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http://histube.tv/video/Sojourners-of-the-burning-Hear-2

Send Your Angel to Mass

*This very special prayer was written by a devout woman named Ruth Merz from Cincinnati, Ohio. Ruth was the mother of eight children who was diagnosed with cancer, which eventually and sadly claimed her life. Unable to attend mass because of her illness, she wrote this wonderful prayer. We hope that her words will convey special meaning to those who are ill and to their friends and families who care for them. Please feel free to share it with anyone that you feel might benefit from it.

SEND YOUR ANGEL TO MASS:

O’ Holy angel at my side Go to church for me Kneel in my place at Holy Mass Where I desire to be. At offertory in my stead Take all I am and own And place it as a sacrifice Upon the Altar throne. At Holy Consecration bell, Adore with Seraph’s love My Jesus hidden in the Host Come down from Heaven above. There pray for those I dearly love And those that cause me grief That Jesus’ blood may cleanse all hearts Give suffering souls relief. That when the priest Communion takes Then bring my Lord to me That His sweet heart may rest in mine And I His temple be. Pray that the sacrifice divine May all man’s sin efface Then bring me Jesus’ blessing home The pledge of every grace. Amen

Thought for Today

We set out in the pursuit of pricey possessions, profitable portfolios, impressive careers, and busy social calendars because we have been led to believe that these things will bring us joy. However, when we secure our pursuits, we quickly learn that lasting joy doesn't come from getting what we want.
When we reach our goals, we only experience temporary happiness — a happiness that will end as soon as we lose the object of our pursuit. Happiness fades as our retirement portfolios decline. Happiness disintegrates as our business deals go south. Happiness eludes us when we place unrealistic hopes in the people and things of this world.
Joy, on the other hand, has only one source and His name is Jesus. The Apostle Paul tells us about this genuine joy in his epistle to the Philippians. In fact, he shares about the kind of joy that people can experience when they face the toughest times. Have you ever met someone who is experiencing inexplicable joy? They may be walking through the deepest, darkest valley, and yet they are content, peaceful, and joyful. You may have also met their polar opposites — people who have everything in this world but are absolutely miserable. The best of circumstances cannot provide lasting joy, nor can the worst squelch it.
Today there are more Christians who are fearful, anxious, worried, discouraged — and yes, joyless — than I have seen in a long time. They need to learn how to reclaim their joy. As Christians we all received joy in connection with our salvation. When we live in obedience to the Lord, we are going to fully experience that joy. Yet disobedience to the Word of God will diminish our joy; it will cover up our joy. Anything that comes between us and Jesus will rob us of our only lasting joy.
Whenever we are obedient to the Word of God, our joy is going to deepen, even in the tough times, even in the difficult times, even in the dark days. And that is why James said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2).
No matter what difficulties we face today, whatever financial hardships or internal struggles, we can still rejoice because everything in this world is only temporary. When our hope is in Jesus Christ and in our eternal home with Him in heaven, we will remain joyful in the midst of the most turbulent storm. But when we become so focused on this world, on our strategies, on our styles, on what we like and dislike, we forget about our eternal home.
What is the secret of Paul's joy? We find the answer in his own words: "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:4-6).
Paul was confident that the God who brought us salvation will keep us in His hands. What can touch us when we have the assurance of everlasting life? In light of our daily struggles, our hurting relationships, our dwindling bank accounts, none of these things can possibly compare to the joy of knowing that our salvation is secure.
No matter what losses we face in this world, we can find joy in our eternal relationship with our Creator. Our houses may foreclose, but we can never lose our heavenly home. Friends and loved ones may disappoint us, but our Savior will never leave us. Government and society may become godless, but God will prevail in Truth for eternity. Our lives may crumble around us, but our eternity in heaven will always be secure. And that is reason for great joy!
Greg S.

Fr. Jozo speaks on Prayer

Message of July 25, 2009
“Dear children! Let this time be a time of prayer for you.
Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Here we have a very short message of Our Lady, and maybe we are more intrigued by its shortness than by the call itself. But, if we get into it a bit more deeply, we will come to realise that this message contains all the messages that the Queen of Peace has given in these last 28 years.

It is obvious that even after so much time we have failed to understand the importance and purposefulness of prayer. So, for some people prayer has become a pattern recited by heart, which they rattle off without being aware of the importance and beauty of the words. For some people prayer has become an obligation, which they fulfil at a precisely set time, with a routine ritual. There are even those for whom prayer has become a burden, and they themselves have become a burden to others, because they do not live what they pray.

Our Lady speaks about the “time of prayer”. She calls us to make a time of prayer out of every hour, day, and moment of ours.

We cannot ponder over this call without first defining what prayer is?!

– Prayer is seeking of God.
– Prayer is a dialogue with God.
– Prayer is surrender to God.
– Prayer is consecration to God (of oneself and others)
– Prayer is friendship with God.
– Prayer is living together with God.
– Prayer is singing praises to God.
– Prayer is exaltation of God
– Prayer is “filling the empty water-pots” like at Cana, and Jesus does the miracle.
– Prayer is the “place and time” of transfiguration – Tabor

The call to let “this time be a time of prayer” is a call for us to live our time with God, immersed into Him, that by living the experience of the meeting with Him we become a blessing for others. A Christian is a happy man because he has got something to give away! We are called to refresh the tired, to comfort the sorrowful, to nurse the sick, to feed the hungry… In order to be able to respond to this call, we should pray, fill our time with God and with the blessings He bestows on us abundantly.
By imbuing our time with God, we bring God into the time and space of our generation, and in this way people are being blessed. By imbuing our time with God, we are being enlightened, becoming so the beacons showing the right Way.

Our intentions for this month:

Let us pray for the gift of a pure and open heart so that God could make His abode in it.
Let us pray for the necessary gifts of the Spirit so that we could live the Glad Tidings and imbue with joy the time we live.
Let us pray for the young gathered at the Festival in Međugorje. Let us pray that they may be Mary’s army of praying people and joyful Christ’s worshipers, and to bear out that in our time, too, one can be Jesus’ disciple and witness. August 10, 2009

Family of Mary

August 10, 2009 St. Lawrence Dear Family of Mary!"Dear children! May this time be a time of prayer for you. Thank you for having responded to my call." (July 25, 2009)

Our Lady wants this to be a time of prayer for us. And prayer is supposed to be a two way conversation between us and God! So Our Lady's desire is that this would be a time when we speak to God and He speaks to us. Her prayer is that this would a time of communication with the Lord in which we can pour out our hearts to Him, and He can respond with His healing and His love which will lead us onto new paths.

*Our Lady once said, "Pray with me to the Holy Spirit for Him to lead you in the search of God's will on the way of your holiness." (May 25, 2007) Our Lady knows that the Holy Spirit is the key to our communion with God. It is the Holy Spirit that we need if we are going to be able to communicate with the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the medium of love through which the Father and the Son love each other, and through which we can join in that communion of love. We need the Holy Spirit to really hear from God. During this time of prayer, let's ask for the Holy Spirit to anoint us every day, to come upon us with His love and His power so that we can truly enter into prayer and hear from the Lord. Come Holy SpiritCome Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle 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. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through ChristOur Lord, Amen.
In Jesus and Mary,Cathy Nolan

Photo from the Medjugorje Youth Festival August 2009

Thank You Mary F. for the Photos.

Interview with Medjugorje visionary Vicka

The Period of Conversion and the Ten Secrets
The following is an excerpt from an interview with Vicka. This was broadcast live by Radio Maria Italia from Medjugorje on January 2, 2008:

PADRE LIVIO – One of the reasons these apparitions are so important has to do with something the Madonna said after the first year the apparitions began. The Madonna made certain pronouncements which I would like for you to comment on, giving your interpretation of them. The Madonna said: “My apparitions at Medjugorje are the last ones for humanity. Hurry to convert” (April 17, 1982) and, “I came to call the world to conversion for the last time. In the future I will come no more upon the Earth. These are my last apparitions” (May 2nd, 1982). Do you think this means that Medjugorje are the last apparitions of the Madonna here on Earth?
VICKA – For me the message that the Madonna has given is very clear: this is the last time that She will be present here on Earth in the way She has been present at Medjugorje for such a long period of time. I heard Her speak those words because I was the one who received them personally; the words of the other message I did not receive personally and maybe the other seers could add something more. Still today the Madonna is inviting us to conversion, because it is today that we are living this time of grace. We must not wait for tomorrow in order to convert, we must do so today because tomorrow could be too late. The Madonna says, everything that you can do today, do today. And also, our conversion isn't something that happens on just one day, but it continues over our entire life. Mary calls us in order to bring us closer to Her Son. She has never said that She should have the first place. I have never heard this from Her mouth. Always when the Madonna speaks She says, "Put my Son first; I come second." She says, "When you pray, always pray to my Son first, and then afterwards to me, and then the many graces God gives to me, I can give to you." The Madonna is only a go-between between God and men. God gives these graces to the Madonna and then She gives them to us.
PADRE LIVIO – I was really struck by what the Madonna said about the third secret, which concerns the sign on the mountain. You seers said that it will be a visible sign, an indestructible sign that comes from God. However, She also added, “Hurry and convert yourselves. When the promised sign on the hill will be given, it will be too late” (Sept. 2, 1982). Another time She also said, “And even after I've left this sign on the hill which I have promised to you, many will not believe. They will come to the hill, they will kneel, but they won't believe” (July 19, 1981). Why is it, in your opinion, that people will see the sign but they won't convert?
VICKA – The third secret is about a sign that She will leave here [Medjugorje] on the mountain of the apparitions. This sign will remain forever. It is given above all for those people who are still far away from God. The Madonna wishes to give these people who will see the sign a chance to believe in God. I was able to see this sign...
PADRE LIVIO – You have already seen the sign?
VICKA – Yes, I saw it in a vision.
PADRE LIVIO – Jakov once said in an interview with Radio Maria that in order to see the sign it will be necessary to come here to Medjugorje, is that true?
VICKA – Yes, it's true. The sign will remain on Podbrdo and one will have to come here to see it. This sign will be indestructible and will remain in that place forever. I want to say about those people who will see it and not believe, the Madonna leaves everyone free to believe or not, but those are ones whose hearts are too closed. It's the same thing as the Madonna said to us, "If one wants to go to Heaven, he will go to Heaven, if one wants to go to hell he will go to hell". Those people who are far away from God and do not want to believe, these will not believe in the sign. For those who [do not know God] but have good intentions and a desire to love, these will be benefitted by the sign. But I think that those who do everything against God, they will run away from the sign, they will not believe.
PADRE LIVIO – [...] So, this is a time of grace, this is the time of conversion, "Don't wait for the sign in order to convert yourselves," the Madonna said. Well, so why leave a sign like some last extreme help: is it in order to move the Church to recognize the apparitions as authentic?
VICKA – Yes, certainly it will be for the Church, so that they will have no doubt that the Madonna had been among us and it is also for those who are still far away from God. So the Madonna is thinking about both groups of people, and then it is up to us how to be ready to respond to the sign. To respond to Her call through the sign. Everyone who comes, who will see, you know, you can say, "I don't believe it" and that is your personal idea, that's what you believe, but that the Madonna is here, that She is present, that She leaves this sign, a sign that no man can make; it is something only God can make and so nobody will be able to say that it is a small thing or something else. This arrives in such a way that they won't have words to say what it is.
PADRE LIVIO – This means that when the time of the secrets comes, the fourth through the tenth secrets, secrets which are evidently rather arduous, it means that in any event, in the time of the secrets, we will always have the sign of the Madonna which will comfort us. But you also said the last time, last year, that during the time of the ten secrets one of the seers will still have the daily apparitions [of the Madonna].
VICKA – Yes, it is certain, it is something I repeat now. We will see who it is, there is still me, Marija and Ivan. Afterwards we will see who the Madonna has chosen, who [of us three] remains with the apparitions. Or maybe it will be someone else that the Madonna has chosen.
PADRE LIVIO – Well, you know me, I have no scruple about asking certain questions... Someone said something to Mirjana like "Vicka said that during the time of the ten secrets there will be one seer who will continue to have the daily apparitions" but Mirjana said that she didn't know anything about this. What does that mean? That this was told to you personally by the Madonna?
VICKA – Yes, the Madonna told me personally. Afterwards we shall see, the Madonna didn't say, "Vicka, it will be you" [...]. Now we just wait to see who it will be. She said that when the time comes, to the person who will continue to have the apparitions, She will explain every 'how and what' to that person.
www.radiomaria.it

Youth Festival in Medjugorje

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbsheBwT7YY

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COME SWEET HOLY SPIRIT

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK8NGMo5pSIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=357SpYz4zSE

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Our Lady's message of July 25, 2009-Dear children! May this time be a time of prayer for you. Thank you for having responded to my call. July 25, 2009

Medjugorje Youth Festival-Cumbaya my Lord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvrgGwVGSmc

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpeZWOG_PTg&feature=related

Medjugorje Youth Festival-August 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbQ-IcPqWOc

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aCe5B0PEkM

Medjugorje Headline

A Great Cry Burst Forth From Thousands of Pilgrims During Mirjana's Apparition Today, August 2, 2009.

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Many were seeing the sun dancing or spinning, others saw a cross illuminated in the sun, still others saw different colors within or streaming out of the sun.

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http://www.medjugorje.com/medjugorje-today/headlines/670-august-2-2009-message.html

Medjugorje: Our Lady's Message to Miriana

Our Lady Queen of Peace of Medjugorje’s August 2, 2009 MessageTo Mirjana Soldo Given on the Day for Non-Believers“

*Dear children, I am coming, with my Motherly love, to point out the way by which you are to set out, in order that you may be all the more like my Son; and by that, closer to and more pleasing to God. Do not refuse my love. Do not renounce salvation and eternal life for the sake of transience and frivolity of this life. I am coming to lead you and, as a mother, to caution you.- Come with me.”

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Mirjana reported that Our Lady appeared with the sun shining behind her during the entire apparition. At the same time, thousands of onlookers also reported seeing what is commonly called the miracle of the sun, where a person can look directly at the sun without any discomfort.

Medjugorje: Youth Festival

20th International Prayer Meeting of Youth – Medjugorje Youth Festival
20th International Prayer Meeting of Youth – Medjugorje Youth Festival will be held in Medjugorje from August 1st to 6th. Theme of Meeting is “Do whatever He tells you!”(Jh 2,5). Youth Festival will be directly broadcasted through Internet both in picture and sound.

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http://mysite.verizon.net/bernieheath/medjugorje/Medjugorje.html

Why is Roman Catholicism attacked so much?

Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said: If I were not a Catholic and were looking for the True Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hates. My reason for doing this would be that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, he must still be hated as he was when he was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world.

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Look for the Church that is hated by the world as Christ was hated by the world. Look for the Church which is accused of being behind the times as our Lord was accused of being ignorant and never having learned. Look for the Church which men sneer at as socially inferior as they sneered at our Lord because he came from Nazareth. Look for the Church which is accused of having a devil as our Lord was accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. Look for the Church which, in seasons of bigotry, men say must be destroyed in the name of God as men crucified Christ and thought they had done a service to God.

Look for the Church which the world rejects because it claims it is infallible as Pilate rejected Christ because he called himself the Truth. Look for the Church which is rejected by the world as our Lord was rejected by men.

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Look for the Church which amid the confusion of conflicting opinions its members love as they love Christ and respect its voice as the very voice of its founder, and the suspicion will grow that if the Church is unpopular with the spirit of the world then it is unworldly, and if it is unworldly it is other-worldly. Since it is other-worldly it is infinitely loved and infinitely hated as was Christ himself. But only that which is divine can be infinitely hated and infinitely loved. Therefore the Church is divine. (slightly edited for readability)

Medjugorje: Our Lady's Message to Marija

July 25 2009 Medjugorje message of Our Lady to Marija

Dear children! May this time be a time of prayer for you. Thank you for having responded to my call. July 25, 2009

Fr. Joe Whalen at the Tomb of Ven. Solanus Casey

Father Joe Whalen of Saint Raphael Oil ministry praying over the Tomb of Ven. Solanus Casey.

Detroit, 9-28-08

http://www.straphaeloil.com/

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You can contact Fr. Whalen by mail at Saint James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson Ct. 06239 or call 860-774-6553 or 802-343-0573

The Third Commandment

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT" Remember to keep holy the sabbath day." —Exodus 20:8 The Lord commanded us to remember to keep holy the new covenant's sabbath, that is, Sunday. Do you remember? Is the whole day set apart as special? Or do you just go to church on Sunday? If Jesus isn't "Lord of the sabbath" (see Mk 2:28), then He's not Lord of your life. If He's not Lord of all, He's not Lord at all. The Lord's word about the Lord's day for many people has fallen on the footpath. We don't understand what God has sown in our minds, so the devil comes to steal it away (Mt 13:19). Some of us used to observe the Lord's day. In fact, it was the most joyous day of the week. However, we gave all that up as our society changed. We had no roots. Some still believe in keeping Sunday holy; nonetheless, the pressures of work, the lure of shopping centers, and the spell of television (especially pro football) have choked it off. However, there are a few, a remnant, who obey the third commandment, and they will bear fruit "a hundred — or sixty — or thirtyfold" (Mt 13:23). Let those who have ears, hear (Mt 13:9).

God Has An Answer

God has a Positive Answer:
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me”
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34)
You say: "I can't go on
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able”
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself“
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always Worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "Ifeel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Medjugorje Net

Father Solanus Casey and Miracles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VH1qmPWzSY

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Fr. Solanus Casey and Miracles

Body of Christ Prayer Meeting

Father Randall's Body of Christ Prayer Group Meeting
Prophecies
7-8-2009

My Children raise up you hands in praise for I am near and the sound of your praise tells Me you trust me. When you praise and worship it opens My heart and My love pours out into your souls. When you receive My love they cleansed and refreshed and when they are refreshed, they are open to receive the many blessing I have for you.
What hurts, what worries you, whatever troubles you will soon be no more--for victory is coming. My victory that I share with you. My resurrection power shall raise those who have died and I shall bring home those who praise me now.
So praise and rejoice my little ones-for your time of suffering is short.

Moses Had, Nothing But Jesus

NOTHING BUT JESUS" I will be with you; and this shall be your proof that it is I Who have sent you." —Exodus 3:12 The proof to show Moses that he was sent by God was that, after Moses brought the people out of Egypt, they would worship on Mount Horeb. A proof after the fact is not a very good proof by human standards. Moses realized this and asked for another assurance, for God to reveal His name. With this, Moses could name for the people the One Who had sent him. "God replied, 'I Am Who Am.' Then He added, 'This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you' " (Ex 3:14). This also was less than ideal. If you go up to people and say, "I AM sent me to you," do you think they'll understand what you're saying?In effect, the Lord sent Moses to Egypt with nothing but faith. Even Moses' miraculous staff wasn't that much help because the Egyptian magicians could perform the same signs. *The key to power in ministry is not having a few things to fall back on but having nothing to fall back on. When Jesus sent the apostles out for ministry, He set them up by giving them nothing and taking away the little they had. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking staff nor traveling bag; no bread, no money" (Lk 9:3). Jesus is still trying to leave His workers with nothing but faith in Him.-- Will You Accept This?

Prayer: Jesus, "give me only Your love and Your grace. That's enough for me" (A Prayer of St. Ignatius Loyola).

Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Brown Scapular

Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Feast of the Brown Scapular
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel! Let's pray today for all the Carmelites throughout the world and especially for those who are cloistered and praying for the world!
Also, the Church celebrates on this day the feast of the Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel. The scapular, which derives its name from the Latin word scapulæ, meaning shoulders, is a dress which covers the shoulders. It is mentioned in the rule of Saint Benedict as worn by monks over their other dress when they were at work, and it now forms a regular part of the religious dress in the old Orders. But it is best known among Catholics as the name of two little pieces of cloth worn out of devotion to the Blessed Virgin over the shoulders, under the ordinary garb, and connected by strings. The devotion of the scapular, now almost universal in the Catholic Church, began with the Carmelites. The history of its origin is as follows: During the thirteenth century the Carmelite Order suffered great persecution, and on 16 July 1251, while Saint Simon Stock, then general of the Order, was at prayer, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, holding in her hand a scapular. Giving it to the saint, she said,"Receive, my dear son, this scapular of thy Order, as the distinctive sign of my confraternity, and the mark of the privilege which I have obtained for thee and the children of Carmel. *It is a sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger, and a special pledge of peace and protection till the end of time. "Whosoever dies wearing this shall be preserved from eternal flames." It is much to be wished that people should everywhere join this confraternity, for the honor of Mary and for the salvation of souls, by a life fitted to that end. In order to have a share in the merits of the sodality every member must:1. Shun sin, and, according to his state of life, live chastely.2. Say every day, if possible, seven times, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father.3. Strive to serve God by venerating Mary, and imitating her virtues. Also, this feast is well celebrated in New York City in a most unusual and interesting way!

Posted by Padre Steve at 8:31 AM

Burning Love

THE BURNING LOVE OF GOD "The bush, though on fire, was not consumed." —Exodus 3:2

Consider a burning candle. The flame on the candle eventually burns out when the wax is all consumed. In Jesus, however, we are not like candles which burn out, but rather like the burning bush, which is neither burned out nor consumed (Ex 3:2). Some people are afraid to receive God's love. They fear that the fire of God's love will consume them and they will never be the same. Immersed in God's love, they know they'll have to repent and be dedicated to holiness (Ex 3:5). Yet just as Moses was drawn to the burning bush by the awesomeness of the sight, God's love attracts people despite their fears.God's burning love is a Trinity-love, the fire of love which perpetually arcs between the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit. God pours this burning Trinity-love, consuming but not destructive, into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Nothing can separate us from this love. Be like Moses. Walk toward God, not away from Him. Remove not only your sandals, but any love for the things of the world. Don't be afraid of the overpowering love of God. Many have been hurt by failed human love, but the love of God never fails. Abandon yourself to God's love. Your entire life has been a search for His love. Be true to yourself and true to God. Live in His love. The Lord secures justice, and the rights of all the oppressed." —St. Bonaventure advised: "Look not to the light but rather to the raging fire that carries the soul to God with intense fervor and glowing love."

The Vision Sister Briege McKenna Recieved in 1981

The vision that Sr. Briege McKenna got for Fr. Tomislav Vlasic during a conference in Rome one month before the apparitions in Medjugorje began. Sr. Briege saw a white church with two towers -- and inside the church she saw Fr. Tomislav sitting in the chair of the main celebrant. Living water was flowing from the chair, thousands of people came and drank from the water, and then hurried outside to bring their friends, too.
Neither Sr. Briege nor Fr. Tomislav could identify the church, but only four months later Fr. Tomislav was assistant pastor of Medjugorje, immediately recognizing the church of Sr. Briege's vision when he first saw St. James Church.

Aborting the Future- The mother of Moses disobeyed the unjust law.

ABORTING THE FUTURE"Pharaoh then commanded all his subjects, 'Throw into the river every boy that is born to the Hebrews, but you may let all the girls live.' " —Exodus 1:22 Today many babies are aborted just because they're girls, or black, or handicapped, or whatever might be the abiding prejudice of the moment. In the days when the Israelites were in Egypt, the government decreed that baby boys were to be thrown into the river. Moses' mother disobeyed this unjust law, and through a series of miracles her son became the leader that would set the nation free from slavery. Could it be that babies saved from abortion today will grow up to be among the greatest leaders in human history? When we save a baby's life by praying in front of an abortion chamber, we may be saving the life of a new Moses and thereby saving the lives of millions. We may be saving the lives of a whole nation. The Lord promised a reward to those who give a cup of cold water to a lowly one (Mt 10:42). How much greater is the reward for those who save the lives of the lowly ones in the womb? Moses' mother, Jochebed (Nm 26:59), is one of the most important people in history because she resisted an unjust law that condemned her baby to death. Go and do likewise (Lk 10:37). Prayer: Father, may I be willing to give my life to save the lives of children in the womb. Promise: "He who seeks only himself brings himself to ruin, whereas he who brings himself to nought for Me discovers who he is." —Mt 10:39- St. Henry wrote: "Present glory is fleeting and meaningless, while it is possessed, unless in it we can glimpse something of heaven's eternity."

Body of Christ Prayer Meeting

Body of Christ Prayer Meeting, Saint Charles Church, Providence, Rhode Island.

WORD OF KNOWLEDGE RECIEVED

My Little Children,
I am placing my arms around all of you. I am lifting you and placing you into my heart. I want to fill you with a new anointing. I want to fan the flames. I want to bring you to a place of worship. My commend to you is to rejoice. Rejoice for near is the day when your tears will be wiped away and your souls shall dance, and your hearts shall be at peace.
That day is coming and when it does may it find you living your lives in praise and worship.
For that will be the key that unlocks the gates to my Kingdom.

Darleen

Servants to the World

http://www.servantstotheworld.com/recent-releases.html

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Recent video releases from Medjugorje

Da Mihi Animas: Get prayed up!#links#links

Da Mihi Animas: Get prayed up!#links#links
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Matthew Ch. 10 I'm sending you like sheep in the mist of wolves.

You will be like sheep among wolves

MARTYR"

You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to give witness before them and before the Gentiles on My account." —Matthew 10:18 Jesus is the Truth the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth. He does not conceal from us the more difficult realities of following Him. He bluntly states we are sent out "like sheep among wolves" (Mt 10:16).

The government will bring us to trial; the religious leaders will flog us; even our families will turn us over to the police because of our Christian witness. We "will be hated by all" on account of Jesus. We are followers of Jesus, not because we don't know any better, but because we love Him. Naturally, we don't want to suffer or be rejected. Nonetheless, our love for Jesus is stronger than our love of self or our fear of pain. We want to be with our Lord, even at the foot of the cross. We prefer to die with Jesus rather than live without Him. We love Him "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health."Even death will never separate us from Him, for love is stronger than death. Jesus, the Bridegroom, I love You; I live for You.

Jesus, if it be Your will, may I die a martyr's death for love of You.

Father Manlio speaks on Medjugorje

FROM THE ECHO OF MEDJUGORJE: MARY, OUR 'SHEPHERDESS' FOR THE LAST 28 YEARS
[The Echo of Medjugorje in Italy]

Every year thousands of priests fill the presbytery of the Parish of Medjugorje to directly draw from the grace that is abundantly flowing forth from that blessed site. Many bear witness to how their priesthood is constantly renewed by their meeting with Gospa, the Mother of the Church and the mediatrix of grace. With the approach of the twenty-eighth anniversary of the apparitions, we interviewed a priest from Italy’s Marche region, Father Manlio, who is an assiduous visitor to the Shrine.
1. What is Medjugorje for you?
Beginning from what I have read and from the readings and reflections made, Medjugorje is the final point and the completion of the message of Fatima. John Paul II even went so far as to say that today Medjugorje is the spiritual center of the world, although he did not officially speak about this, in order to avoid compromising himself and to avoid compromising a phenomenon that is still ongoing.
Our Lady appeared a total of three times in Fatima; in Medjugorje Our Lady has been coming down from Heaven every day for 28 years!
2. Why such prolonged apparitions?
Because the situation of Christianity is very critical and Our Lady is working to change it.People still do not want to accept conversion of the heart. Mary prays for this and she urges people to pray; she wants to save the Church, the family, couples, young people, she wants to save the whole world! She has been appearing for such a long time because she wants to create a model of a Christian community that might know how to welcome her messages and transform them into life!
*3. Why does Medjugorje continue to encounter opposition?
Because so many bishops and priests are not informed, they have failed to take an interest in this phenomenon from the beginning and therefore they are indifferent and apathetic, as though it were a fact of devotionism.
4. What is most surprising about Medjugorje?
The rediscovery of faith, conversion. Those who confess, personally touch this reawakening. There people touch the miracle in various moments, under various forms. Many people who pray and convert, countless prayer groups and charitable associations that were founded there, the expansion of the message everywhere. It is a continuous miracle! The Church will have to deal with this miracle. Medjugorje is the last step in the work that Mary is doing in order to prepare the coming of Jesus; because the triumph of Mary will be the conclusion and it will come about through the preparation of the Kingdom of Christ.
5. Is it right to return often to that place?
Yes, it is right, because we need to recharge ourselves and enrich ourselves spiritually. Nowadays life is rife with problems and if we do not refuel with graces that come to us from Mar, it will be difficult for us to face up to the burdens of everyday life. It is known that the Church is currently undergoing a serious crisis from the point of view of vocations, while many vocations come about in Medjugorje from a living meeting with the Lord.
6. Do you think that this is meaningful?
Certainly! After the conversion of hearts, vocations vocations represent one of the best fruits. One of the criticisms that these apparitions often come up against is that Our Lady speaks too much.
7. In the Gospel Mary limited herself to contemplation, saying very few words, how can weexplain so many messages today?
I have my own opinion on this point. I had also prepared an article in reference to the synod of bishops which took place last October on the Word of God. I compared the theme of the Word of God with the word of Mary.
8. Why does Our Lady speak so much?
In all the latest apparitions,Our Lady has done nothing other than represent the Gospel to us. This insistence has a precise significance: Mary’s intention is to bring us back to the essential, she wants to re-evangelize the Church of today and I believe that She is the personbest suited for the job! This is why the Word of God is not understood and accepted today; it is as though people have become accustomed to it: people think they already know everything! I am convinced that Our Lady, as our Mother, wanted to say to us that the Word as it is communicated to us, is monotonous, cold, stale, a Word that no longer touches our hearts. We need a warmer Word, a Word that comes from our Mother’s heart. Our Lady wants to be today’s catechist. First of all, she listened, she assimilated, as saint Luke wrote. Mary listened, observed and kept…This is because the moment was to come when she would unveil the casket in which she concealed God’s Word. Within the family the father has one role and the mother has another: she is more affectionate, she is more capable of being understood and of sensing the needs of her children. Our Lady wants to give this help to the Church of today.
There is a title that Our Lady attributes to herself during these times: she defines herself as the Divine Shepherdess. If Christ is the Shepherd, Mary is She who continues Christ’s work. Our Lady has many titles!
9. How do Mary’s monthly messages enrich your life as a priest?
I believe that we need to read them, meditate on them, screen them better and make them an exegesis to come to an understanding of the logic that connects them. They would appear to be the same, almost monotonous. But there is something deeper that cannot always be understood, like for example the concept that it is only though prayer that we can come to know God and His Will as regards us. I refuse to say that they are simply repetitive; they are as repetitive as the extent to which we are unable to welcome them and experience them!
I hope that the day will come when all these messages that Our Lady gave in Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje are welcomed and become the object of a more in-depth study; I hope that an international committee might be established on these messages, because Our Lady cannot speak heedlessly, and up to now she has not been given the attention she deserves.
10. Jesus was "a sign of contradiction so that the secrets of many hearts might be unveiled." Is this the case for Mary today?
This goes without saying, there is no need to be surprised about this! It is good that nowadays there are some generous souls who diffuse her messages and who have welcomed the invitation to be Mary’s witnesses.
11. What is the future of Medjugorje?
The time will come in which the Church will have to make a stance…

Tongue Tied

TONGUE-TIED"

Some people brought Him a mute who was possessed by a demon." —Matthew 9:32

In Matthew's Gospel, we go with Jesus on a miracle and healing tour (Mt 8 and 9). Matthew saves the best till last when Jesus looses the tongue of a mute by expelling a demon (Mt 9:33). Three chapters later, Matthew recounts the healing and deliverance of another mute.

The deliverance of the mute is very important to Matthew because he knows that all of us are tongue-tied by the devil in some way. We may not be able to spontaneously pray, enthusiastically praise, or boldly evangelize. We are like Zechariah during the nine months John was in the womb. The devil's got our tongues. If he controls our tongues, he controls our entire bodies.

The Holy Spirit is poured out to free our tongues so we can pray and praise both in our native language and in foreign tongues (Acts 2:4). Either the Spirit looses our tongues and the devil is tied, or our tongues are tied and the devil set free. Our sword against the evil one is the Holy Spirit using our tongues to wield the prophetic word of God. Let's unsheath our tongues and attack the gates of hell.

Holy Spirit, use my tongue for warfare against Satan.

Holy Cards For Your Inspiration: Independence Day..........July 4#links

Holy Cards For Your Inspiration: Independence Day..........July 4#links

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"If My people,
which are called by My name,
shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek My face,
and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin,
and will heal their land."

Medjugorje: Our Lady's Message to Mirjana of July 2, 2009

Here is the message given to the Medjugorje visionary Mirjana when Our Lady appeared to her at the Blue Cross at the base of Apparition Hill this morning.

Dear children! I am calling you because I need you. I need hearts ready for immeasurable love; hearts that are not burdened by vanity; hearts that are ready to love as my Son loved; that are ready to sacrifice themselves as my Son sacrificed himself. I need you. In order to come with me, forgive yourselves, forgive others and adore my Son. Adore him also for those who have not come to know him, those who do not love him. Therefore, I need you; therefore, I call you. Thank you. July 2, 2009

Medjugorje: Mirjana speaks of Pope John Paul's Shoes

Question and Answer with Mirjana

*Question: We went on a pilgrimage and we were blessed to stay at your house once and we noticed the Pope’s shoes are in a little display at your house. Can you tell us how Pope John Paul II’s shoes arrived there?
*Answer: I am the only one of 6 visionaries who was lucky enough, had the honor, to encounter Pope John Paul II. You can imagine how the other 5 are jealous of me. [laughter] Jakov always says, “Oh, yea, you have been with Pope.”
I was in the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, with an Italian priest. Holy Father was walking by and he was blessing us. When he approached me, he blessed me and he just continued to walk. However, this Italian priest loudly said to him, “Holy Father, this is Mirjana from Medjugorje.” He came back and blessed me again and he set out. And I said to the priest, “ He just thinks I need a double blessing.” But then after, he received a note, an invitation to Castle Gandolfo, close to Rome, in order to encounter the Pope. I couldn’t sleep all night because I really loved him and I respected him and I could really feel his love for Our Lady.
So the next day when he and I met alone, I was just crying. I couldn’t say a word out of excitement. He noticed that I was excited. I think he tried to talk to me in Polish because he thought in the Slavic languages there are things in common. I didn’t understand a word! But I finally had enough strength and courage, I asked him, “What are you trying to tell me?” Then we talked. Among other things he said to me, “I know everything about Medjugorje. I’ve been following Medjugorje. Ask pilgrims to pray for my intentions, to keep, to take good care of Medjugorje, because Medjugorje is hope for the entire world. And if I were not Pope, I would have been in Medjugorje a long time ago.”
So recently on the Mount of Apparitions, I saw a pair of shoes of the Pope in front of me, and after the apparition, this gentleman who brought these shoes ( he didn’t introduce himself), he said, “It was the Pope’s desire for a long time to come to Medjugorje. I said, ‘If you do not go, I will take your shoes.’ And that is how I brought his shoes, so they may be present during the apparition.”
Now I have a pair of his shoes in my home. But what is funniest in this, a man who made the shoes for the Pope, an Italian from Rome, he heard that I have a pair of the Pope’s shoes, and imagine, he wouldn’t believe it. He made two pairs of Pope’s shoes for me. My number’s 38 [in the US, size 7].

Medjugorje: The Holy Mass must be in the first place in your lives.

Excerpt from visionary Marija Lunetti’s talk in Medjugorje on June 23, 2009

All you who have been invited to come here to Medjugorje are invited to go to Confession. Through Holy Confession Our Lady invited us to attend Holy Mass. And without Confession, we are not ready to attend Holy Mass. There are many people who think that instead of attending Holy Mass they can instead visit somebody who is lonely or sick, or maybe do good deeds, but Our Lady says you cannot exchange with anything the Holy Mass.

Holy Mass must be in the first place in your lives and, if it is possible, Our Lady wants us to attend Holy Mass everyday. I recall what the first Christians said: “Without Holy Mass it is impossible to live.” So Our Lady wants us to attend Holy Mass and to let the Holy Spirit guide us so that afterwards we are able to do good deeds.

Eucharistic Adoration in Medjugorje, So Beautiful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU6jRR2SNUM

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Adoration in Medjugorje Part# 6

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I can think of anything more beautiful than The Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in Medjugorje. E.S.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Z8XbWmhfc&feature=related

Medjugorje: Our Lady's Anniversary Message of June 25, 2009

Message of June 25, 2009-Be My Extended Hands.

"Dear children! Rejoice with me, convert in joy and give thanks to God for the gift of my presence among you. Pray that, in your hearts, God may be in the center of your life and with your life witness, little children, so that every creature may feel God’s love. BE MY EXTENDED HANDS for every creature, so that it may draw closer to the God of love. I bless you with my motherly blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call."

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Our Lady speaks about the 10th Secret on 28th Anniversary June 25th, 2009, began as a cool, sunny day in Medjugorje. As the village swelled with jubilant pilgrims celebrating the 28th anniversary of the apparitions, however, dark storm clouds began to form on the horizon. Soon, Medjugorje was being pelted with heavy rain, strong winds and lightning. Our Lady graced Medjugorje with several messages for the anniversary, first appearing to Ivanka Ivankovic-Elez for her regular annual apparition. Ivanka had the apparition at home in the presence of her family. Ivanka said the following about her apparition today:“Our Lady remained with me for 10 minutes and spoke to me of the tenth secret. Our Lady said: ‘Dear children, I call you to be apostles of peace. Peace, peace, peace.'"Today's apparition was certainly interesting in that Our Lady spoke about the tenth secret. In fact, she has spoken to Ivanka about the secrets in many of her recent annual apparitions. A striking sequence stands out when one looks at the accounts of her most recent apparitions.

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Reflection by (Sr. Isabel) Twenty-eight years ago, Our Lady reportedly appeared to six young children in the parish of Medjugorje. Today, 28 years later, she is still appearing to three of them and she is still asking for our conversion. Her love for her children is beyond explanation, but it is very real. I trust you will pray through the message and take it to heart. Our Mother is calling us to be witnesses of love. She wants us to be her extended hands. What an awesome request!Our Lady rejoices in coming to visit her children and wants us to give thank to God, our heavenly Father, for the gift of her presence among us. If you have ever gone to Medjugorje, you know the blessings of peace and joy that are experienced there. With God as the center of our lives and with hearts open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can be the witnesses Our Lady is requesting. Of ourselves we are not able to do so, but with God's grace, the Holy Spirit and Mary's intercession, it is possible. In these days, we need faithful witnesses of God's love and His presence among us. Happy Anniversary! Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!

Interview with Little Audrey Santo's Mother

http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72&videoID=639

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*Interview with Audrey's Mother begins at 7 minutes and 25 seconds into the program.

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Little Audrey Santo of Worcester, Massachusetts passed away on April 14, 2007. According to Little Audrey’s official website (http://www.littleaudreysanto.org/), she has been declared a Servant of God and the cause for her canonization has begun. Father John Foley, a priest of the Diocese of Worcester, served as Little Audrey’s pastor, and is the President of the Foundation. Numerous miracles have been associated with Little Audrey. It has also been claimed that Audrey sometimes bore the stigmata. The observed experiences in Audrey’s home included icons weeping blood or oil, a bleeding statue of Jesus, consecrated hosts bleeding, blood appearing spontaneously in a tabernacle, and others miracles as well. Many miraculous healings were attributed to Audrey as well. Many people with various diseases or injuries claim to have been cured either by visiting Audrey’s house or by intercessory prayer offered by others at Audrey’s house.

Pray for Priests: A Priest is not born of an Angel

Priest not born of an Angel
says Fr Jozo Zovko ofm

“A priest is not born of an angel but of
a mother. He is chosen from amongst the
people, is anointed with the Sacrament of
Priesthood and returned back to the people,
to the Church – into their care, their prayer
and their love. The priest is a sign of the
omnipotence of our God. Pray for priests.
Love them. Support them. Help them to be
holy. We are weak and fragile. If your knees
are not bent in prayer for us, we stumble and
fall. We need your prayer.” - Fr. Jozo Zovko ofm
Pictured in the photo's "left to right" are Fr. Edward Sousa Jr, Fr. John Randall, and Fr. Jozo Zovko of Medjugorje.

Thoughts for this Father's Day Weekend,- Unless the Lord builds the House'

During this week I have been reading from Psalm 127. I want to share
some thoughts with you for this Father's Day weekend.

The message is this, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its
builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the
watchman stand guard in vain" (Psalm 127:1).






We can give our children the best education, the best material
things, and the best opportunities, but if the Lord does not build
and watch over their homes, they will be unable to withstand the
horrendous pressure and the temptations that life brings.






The psalmist continues in verse two to say that all of the frantic
work, financial planning, and social positioning mean nothing if the
Lord is not at the center. Our country shows signs that it is
crumbling from within -- our children are not suffering attack from
invading armies but from godless legislation and curriculum. Do we
trust the political system or schools to save our children? No. We
trust God. We must go to God. We must call on Him. We may be called
to take a political stand at some point, but the political system is
not our hope or our salvation. Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth
and the only Life. We must cry out to Him on behalf of the next
generation. The enemy will do everything he can to destroy the moral
and biblical convictions of our children because he knows that is the
fastest way to destroy a nation. He has experience doing it. We need
to call upon the Lord for our homes, our cities, our nation, and the
world.






As parents we have incredible power through prayer to impact future
generations. If you look down through history, every great man or
woman of God -- like Saint Augustine or the Wesley brothers -- had
someone praying for them. If we cry to God on behalf of the next
generation, I believe with all my heart that we can reverse the
trends we see in our culture. However, it will take a commitment from
us to live for God, to walk with God, and to spend time in intimacy
with God.






This Father's Day, cry out to God for the next generation. You may
not see the answer to those prayers firsthand but they will be heard
and answered because our God is faithful.

Greg Sousa
Chief Photographer
Goldsboro News-Argus
Goldsboro, N.C. 27534