Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

St. Pio of Pietrelcina by Stephen B. Whatley

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

A tribute to Padre Pio (Italy 1887-1968), proclaimed Saint Pio by John Paul II in 1982; spontaneously created in the evening of his feast Day, September 23, 2011.

Deeply holy from early life, the Italian priest's deep faith was distinguished by the miraculous marking of the stigmata, his claim that he could hear the hearts of those in Confession and the miracles of healing that have been experienced through prayers to him and his intercession before Christ.

"Pray, hope, don't worry" - Padre Pio

Charcoal and pastel on paper,
16.5 x 11.5in/42 x 30cm

Our Lady of Refuge

Our Lady of Refuge by Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Refuge by Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

On December 8th, 2011, the Catholic Church celebrated The Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Divinely chosen to bear the Son of God, Mary is the first, the Queen of Saints and prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary are carried, through Her intercession to her Son Jesus Christ.

Increasingly I have felt a deepening attachment to Mother Mary; praying the Rosary every day. The Hail Mary is the simplest but so powerful of prayers. There are many devotions to Mary and many miraculous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary - as mother of all, calling for peace - that have been witnessed through the ages, worldwide.

Recently as I climbed the hill home, praying to Mary for the strength to carry out a portrait commission the following day ( my buildup before any painting is one of deep prayer; during my accumulation of nervous and emotional energy). I felt my heart ask how Mary would like me to interpret her - my Christian tributes are a visual extension of my prayer - and I 'heard' "Our Lady of Refuge".

I was aware of this American devotion to Mary and I knew I had to make this drawing; partly inspired by a painting by Mexican artist Joseph de Paez; from 1750.

Our Lady of Refuge is Patroness of California and parts of Mexico,. The bishop of Baja, California proclaimed Her as Patron in 1843, exclaiming, "...with so great a patroness and protectress what can we not promise ourselves? What can be wanting and whom need we fear?"

In 1981 the California Catholic Conference of Bishops petitioned the Vatican to officially observe the Feast Day of Our Lady of Refuge on July 5th; which was approved in 1982.

May there be miraculous healings, new strength and prosperity through prayers to the Mother of God, on this special day; and thereafter.

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you"

Charcoal on paper
16.5 x 11.5in/42 x 30cm

More on 'Our Lady of Refuge' www.catholictradition.org/Mary/hope-popup1.htm

Holy Baby Jesus

Holy Baby Jesus by Stephen B. Whatley

Holy Baby Jesus by Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

Painted on Christmas Day, 2011, a new tribute to the humble birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, in Bethlehem, over 2000 years ago. 

Jesus' humility - and my love of birds - is symbolised by both the dove (the Holy Spirit) and the small garden bird resting on the hand of Jesus. I chose a Chickadee from North America; reflecting my affection for that land - for while Jesus was born in the Middle East; he came to bring peace to all creatures worldwide. Birds are often called 'Messengers of God'.

Jesus' love can be born in hearts, old and new; His love is eternal.

Peace at Christmas.

On December 26th, marks the Feast Day of St. Stephen, first martyr. He was stoned to death and prayed for forgiveness for his murderers. Forgiveness brings healing.

Oil on canvas
27 x 19.5in/70 x 50cm

Mary, Help of Christians

Mary, Help of Christians by Stephen B. Whatley

 

 

Mary, Help of Christians by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

Christmas Blessings .....a drawing spontaneously made earlier this month, on December 4, 2011, taking its inspiration from one of my prayer cards, Mary, Help of Christians - a Catholic devotion that dates back to the 16th century; there is even mention of this title in 345 AD. 

The drawing in charcoal and pastel evolved with deep prayer; and in praying for peace, happiness, healing & relief of those in sorrow at this time, I include the prayer that is on my prayer card.

Mary, Help of Christians

"Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians,
how sweet it is to come to your feet
imploring your perpetual help.
If earthly mothers cease not to remember their children,
how can you, the most loving of all mothers forget me?
Grant then to me, I implore you,
your perpetual help in all my necessities,
in every sorrow, and especially in all my temptations.
I ask for your unceasing help for all who are now suffering.
Help the weak, cure the sick, convert sinners.
Grant through your intercessions many vocations to the religious life.
Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians,
that having invoked you on earth we may love and eternally thank you in heaven."

By St. John Bosco

Just as Christ was born 2000 years ago, I pray that His love and peace will be born in more and more hearts.

Happy Christmas!

Charcoal and pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

Arizona Student Feared to Be Brain Dead Wakes Up for Christmas

Ariz. Student Feared to Be Brain Dead Wakes Up for Christmas, Christian News

The following excerpt is from ChristianPost.com:

A 21-year-old student from Ariz., who was in a coma since a car crash over two months ago, woke up hours before doctors were to take him off life support and recovered enough to spend Christmas day with his family, including his mother who prayed.

Two days before he celebrated Christmas with his family at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, University of Arizona student Sam Schmid was the subject of a news conference at the hospital. He was able to walk with support and talk in brief sentences.

“Right now, I’m feeling all right ... except for the rehabilitation, I’m feeling pretty good,” The Associated Press quoted Schmid as saying.

An Oct. 19 car crash in Tucson had left Schmid, a business major and basketball coach at a school’s recreation center, with life-threatening injuries, including a brain aneurysm. He showed no responsive signs after Dr. Robert Spetzler performed surgery. Doctors planned to switch off the life-support machine, believing Schmid was brain dead. He was even being considered, unofficially, for organ donation.
Hospital staff began to prepare Schmid’s mother Susan Regan. But Spetzler decided to wait. At the 11th hour, the patient lifted up two fingers.

“It may not seem like a lot to you,” Spetzler said. “It’s an incredible loop to show brain ability. That was like fireworks going off.” After the sign of recovery, Dr. Christina Kwasnica began to administer his rehabilitation, beginning with making him practice sitting in a chair and gradually moving on to doing rehab three hours a day.

Regan said she knew she had to make some sort of decision regarding life support at some point, but she “kept praying.”

Read more: Christmas Miracle

Billy Rivers: A Hardened Biker Switches Gears

Billy Rivers: A Hardened Biker Switches Gears - CBN TV - Video

Excerpt from CBN.com:

Biker Billy Rivers rode the motorcycle gang lifestyle all the way to prison. It was there that he began to question the love he saw from Christians.

After being released from prison, Billy says, “The Lord used second Corinthians 5:17 to let me know, ‘You’re not the same anymore. I own you. You are Mine. I have you under My wings. I love you. I forgive you of everything you’ve ever done. Old things are passed away and behold, all things are become new.’ And I said, ‘Lord, that’s me.’”

Billy lives a new life today. He still rides motorcycles, but no longer with a gang. He’s the chaplain for the New Orleans chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association.

“I have never experienced anything like this and I would never give it up for anything that I would ever experience. Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life, so being a servant today for Jesus Christ is the most wealthy thing - it’s the most blessed miracle -that I could ever imagine in my life. God’s awesome.”

Read more: Billy Rivers

Our Lady's Christmas Message to Marija Pavlovic

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

December 25, 2011 Monthly Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje to Marija Pavlovic

"Dear children! Also today, in my arms I am carrying my Son Jesus to you, for Him to give you His peace. Pray, little children, and witness so that in every heart, not human but God's peace may prevail, which no one can destroy. It is that peace in the heart which God gives to those whom He loves. By your baptism you are all, in a special way called and loved, therefore witness and pray that you may be my extended hands to this world which yearns for God and peace. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government

will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Wishing all Visitors a Blessed Christmas!

May your Christmas Holiday be shared with friends and family as we gather together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. May your homes be filled with God's peace and love as we move into a new year. And, may peace reign upon our world through Our Lord's blessing.

Wishing all people of good will a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The greeting card has a stained glass window which was photographed inside Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Verona, NJ.

Photo Copyright 2011 Loci B. Lenar

www.christian-miracles.com

A Christmas Wonderland

A Christmas Wonderland - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

A Christmas Wonderland Video

A Christmas Wonderland | NowPublic.com Photos

By Loci B. Lenar

If you enjoy Christmas lights, you will not be disappointed if you take a detour and drive to 4 Debbie Place in Rockaway, NJ. The beautiful display of lights has become an annual event for the Rockaway Township homeowner. Visitors from all over northern New Jersey have come to see this colorful house which is decorated as a Christmas tree. 

Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Immaculate Heart of Mary - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Heavenly beauty and splendor of the Father, You are the most valued Heavenly treasure.

New Eve, immaculate in soul, spirit and body, Created of the godly seed by the Spirit of God, You are the spiritual Mother of mankind.

Pure Virgin, full of grace then and now, Your whole being was raised Heavenly in full glory, To be elevated above all the hosts within the Kingdom of God.

O Heavenly Mother, Queen of Heaven and earth, I recognize the glory of your highest title, The Immaculate Heart of Mary!

Loving Mother, dispenser of endless blessings, You who continuously intercedes on our behalf, Please present my need before your loving Son Jesus.

(In your own words, make your special request here. Do not just mention a word. Speak to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as you would speak to another person, begging your Heavenly Mother to plea to Jesus on your behalf, that you be granted this special request.)

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, I know that you are now presenting my need before Jesus, For you have never turned away those in dire need.

Mother dearest, I await your favorable answer, Submitting myself to the Divine will of the Lord, For all glories are His forever and ever. Amen

The above prayer can be found on Catholic websites.

The photograph of the stained glass window (detail) of the Immaculate Heart of Mary can be seen inside Our Lady of the Mount Chapel. The Catholic chapel is located on Mt. Bethel Road, Warren, New Jersey, USA.

More Devotional Prayers

Pope Advances Sainthood Causes of Marianne Cope and Kateri Tekakwitha

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Sparta, NJ - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Pope advances sainthood causes of Marianne Cope, Kateri Tekakwitha

The following excerpt is from the Catholic News Service:

By Carol Glatz

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI advanced the sainthood causes of Blessed Marianne Cope of Molokai and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.

He also formally recognized the martyrdom of 64 victims of the Spanish Civil War and advanced the causes of 18 other men and women.

During a meeting Dec. 19 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, the pope signed the decrees recognizing the miracles needed for the canonizations of Blesseds Marianne and Kateri.

Before a date is set for the canonization ceremonies, there must be an "ordinary public consistory," a formal ceremony opened and closed with prayer, during which cardinals present in Rome express their support for the pope's decision to create new saints.

Blessed Marianne, who worked as a teacher and hospital administrator in New York, spent the last 30 years of her life ministering on the Hawaiian island of Molokai to those with leprosy. She died on the island in 1918 at age 80 and was beatified in St. Peter's Basilica in 2005.

Blessed Kateri, known as the Lily of the Mohawks, was born to a Christian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father in 1656 in upstate New York along the Hudson River. She was baptized by a Jesuit missionary in 1676 when she was 20, and she died in Canada four years later. In June 1980, she became the first Native American to be beatified.

Read more: Pope Advances Sainthood

Pope to canonize and name Hildegard von Bingen as Doctor of the Church

Pope to canonize and name Hildegard of Bingen as Doctor of the Church

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Director Margarethe von Trotta has captured the spiritual journey of Hildegard von Bingen in an upfront and poignant film about the 12th-century Benedictine nun and mystic, portrayed with a powerful performance by actress Barbara Sukowa. Read my review of the film at the following link:  Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

Benedict XVI is set to appoint Hildegard of Bingen as a Doctor of the Church in October of 2012. She was a German Benedictine nun and was known for her visions and prophecies.

Hildegard of Bingen lived in the twelfth century. In addition to being a nun, she was a composer, philosopher, physicist and ecologist. A multi-talented woman, and a pioneer for many of these fields during the Middle Ages.

She came from a wealthy family and when she was only eight years old was sent to study in a monastery. She eventually decided to become a nun and later became an abbess.

Her visions and prophecies were recognized by the pope during that time, allowing her to speak about them publicly.

Since she has not been officially canonized, the ceremony is likely to take place before the pope names her as a Doctor of the Church in October.

Benedict XVI dedicated several of his general audiences to this German nun, saying that she “served the Church in an age in which it was wounded by the sins of priests and laity”.

Benedict XVI
September 8, 2010 
 
“She brought a woman’s insight to the mysteries of the faith. In her many works she contemplated the mystic marriage between God and humanity accomplished in the Incarnation, as well as the spousal union of Christ and the Church. She also explored the vital relationship between God and creation, and our human calling to give glory to God by a life of holiness and virtue.”

So far there are 33 doctors of the Church, only 3 of whom are women. During World Youth Day, Benedict XVI also announced that the Spanish San Juan de Avila would also be appointed as a Doctor of the Church.

With this appointment, the Church recognizes a person's contribution to Catholic theology, which is still felt despite the passage of time.

A Prayer before Communion

Holy Communion - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Gloria.tv: A Prayer before Communion

Your Sacred Table

Divine Saviour,
we come to Your sacred table
to nourish ourselves,
not with bread but with Yourself,
true Bread of eternal life.
Help us daily to make a good and perfect meal
of this divine food.
Let us be continually refreshed
by the perfume of Your kindness and goodness.
May the Holy Spirit fill us with His Love.
Meanwhile, let us prepare a place
for this holy food by emptying our hearts.
Amen.

By Saint Francis de Sales

***

The stained glass window can be seen inside Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Verona, New Jersey, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2011 Loci B. Lenar
www.Christian-Miracles.com

The Christmas video that's conquering YouTube

The Christmas video that's conquering YouTube

From RomeReports.com:

This Christmas story was made with children actors less than eight years old, has managed to receive hundreds of thousands of hits on YouTube in just a few hours. The creators say it reflects the spirit of Christmas by reflecting what took place on 'the first December 25,' as well as showing beautiful landscapes of New Zealand.

It has been produced by an Anglican parish of Auckland in New Zealand.

Blessed Marianne Cope from state of New York is one step away from being declared a Saint

Blessed Marianne Cope from state of New York is one step away from being declared a Saint

From RomeReports.com:

The Diocese of Syracuse in New York announced that Marianne Cope is just one step away from being declared a saint.

In the 1860's, the Franciscan sister served in Syracuse, New York, before moving to Hawaii. On the Island, she ministered and cared for patients who suffered from leprosy.

The miracle that now paves the way for her canonization, involves a woman who was on her death bed, yet was miraculously cured through the intercession of Cope. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints approved the miracle after it was re-examined by a group of theologians and cardinals.

Now Benedict XVI himself, must approve the recommendation before setting a date for the canonization ceremony.

In addition to being a teacher and principal in upstate New York, Cope also helped establish St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Both were among the first hospitals to open in central New York. During her time in Hawaii she opened a center that cared for the children of leprosy patients.

Please Join in Prayer during Advent for God's Spiritual Blessings



St. Mary's Church Window - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

 
All are Welcome to Join in Prayer for God's Spiritual Blessings at St. Mary's Church on December 15th in Preparation for Christmas

Please consider visiting St. Mary's Catholic Church for Mass and prayer services.

The church holds a monthly service for prayer with Fr. Richard Tartaglia including special prayer intentions which are submitted through the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com .

Previous services have included prayer for Christian Unity. However, prayers for world peace are always included.

The prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month with a new theme.

December will focus on the joys of Advent as we prepare for Christmas. During this Holy Season, please join us in prayer on December 15th between the hour of 7:30-8:00 PM in preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

If you live in the area or plan on visiting New Jersey, please consider attending and joining in the evening prayer service with Fr. Richard Tartaglia. The service begins with singing of hymns followed with psalm prayers and then reading of the gospels. After the reading, Fr. Tartaglia gives his homily which is followed with a prayer of intercession for Special Prayer Intentions (prayer requests). The Lord's Prayer is recited and after that there is a closing prayer with a blessing given by Fr. Tartaglia. The prayer service is concluded with a closing song.

St. Mary's Catholic Church is located on 15 Myers Avenue in Denville, New Jersey. Father Martin Glynn is the head pastor of the church.

For directions to St. Mary's Church, please visit the following link:
http://www.stmarys-denville.org/directions.htm

Regardless of your religious denomination, please feel free to submit your prayer request at the following link:
http://www.christian-miracles.com/apps/prayers/.  Your email address will remain confidential.

St. Mary's Weekly Mass Schedule:

Sunday: 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 AM

Saturday: 5:00 PM

Weekdays: 8:00 AM and 12:05 PM - (Except June ~ Labor Day - No 12:05 PM)

First Fridays: 8:00 AM, 12:05 PM, 8:00 PM - (Except June ~ Labor Day - No 12:05 PM)

Holy Days: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 7:00 PM

Eve of Holy Days: 5:00 PM

Memorare to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The following prayer can found on the website of the St. Michael Center for the Virgin Mary:

Memorare to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feast Day - December 12th

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, that in thy celestial apparitions on the mount of Tepeyac, thou didst promise to show thy compassion and pity towards all who, loving and trusting thee, seek thy help and call upon thee in their necessities and afflictions. 

Thou didst promise to hearken to our supplications, to dry our tears and to give us consolation and relief. Never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, either for the common welfare, or in personal anxieties, was left unaided. 

Inspired with this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Mary, ever Virgin Mother of the True God! Though grieving under the weight of our sins, we come to prostrate ourselves in thy august presence, certain that thou wilt deign to fulfill thy merciful promises. We are full of hope that, standing beneath thy shadow and protection, nothing will trouble or afflict us, nor need we fear illness, or misfortune, or any other sorrow. 

Thou hast decided to remain with us through thy admirable image, thou who art our Mother, our health and our life. Placing ourselves beneath thy maternal gaze and having recourse to thee in all our necessities we need do nothing more. O Holy Mother of God, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us. (Here mention your petition.)

Five Hail Mary's...in gratitude for the four apparitions to Juan Diego and the one to Juan Bernardino.

The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Patroness of the Americas

The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Patroness of the Americas

The following story is from RomeReports.com:

When it comes to religious celebrations, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe ranks high in Latin America, especially in Mexico. Over the years she's been given many endearing titles like “La Morenita,” the “Patroness of the Americas,” and the “Queen of Mexico.” Her feast day is December 12, a day when millions come together to honor  'Our Lady.'
 
Fr. Nicola Tovagliari
Assistant Professor, Regina Apostolorum
 
“We remember the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, in hill of Tepeyac. That's when she introduces herself as the mother of the one true God and the mother of all mankind.”

In Mexico City that very hill now holds the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Every year more than 20 million people visit the Basilica. But the story itself goes back to 1531.

During a recent forum at Regina Apostolorum, Father Tovagliari, recounted how Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared before a humble Indigenous man known as Juan Diego. The Virgin asked him for a shrine. The bishop of the area wasn't sure if Juan Diego was telling the truth. So, he asked him for a sign.

Fr. Nicola Tovagliari
Assistant Professor, Regina Apostolorum
 
“Our Lady manifests all her love and maternal care with Juan Diego. She tells him 'Don't be afraid. I will protect you. You are in my care, under my cloak.' It's because of this situation, these words that mankind loves Our Lady, especially Latin America.”
 
Even though it was winter time, when few flowers are in bloom, Our Lady told Juan Diego to go up a hill where he would find colored roses. He picked them and  placed them on his cloak. When he met with the bishop once again,  the image of “Our Lady” appeared on Juan Diego's cover.

Her image though,  was different from the rest. Her skin tone was dark and resembled that of a Mestiza, meaning a mix between Indigenous and Spanish blood. The community saw her as one of 'their own.'

Fr. Nicola Tovagliari
Assistant Professor, Regina Apostolorum
 
“We must remember and distinguish that Our Lady of Guadalupe isn't just an image, she is a presence. It's the presence of the Mother of God, close to all of us, her children. This is why she is venerated, as a mother who is alive and present.”

In 1990, during John Paul II trip to Mexico, he declared  Indian Juan Diego a blessed. In 2002, he became a saint.

This year, on December 12th  Benedict XVI will celebrate a Mass in honor our Lady of Guadalupe. It's here that he is expected to announce his future trips to Mexico and Cuba scheduled for 2012.

Vatican's Secret Archives to show documents of the Immaculate Conception and of St. Bernadette

Vatican's Secret Archives to show documents of the Immaculate Conception and of St. Bernadette

The following news story is from RomeReports.com:

In February 2012, the Vatican's Secret Archives will show a 100 of its prized documents. Among them, is the original parchment that holds the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. It's titled the 'Bolla Ineffabilis Deus.' It dates back to 1854 and it's signed by Pius IX.
 
Also on display will be a letter St. Marie Bernadette Soubirous sent to pope Pius IX in 1876. It deals with the apparitions of the Virgin of Lourdes, which is one of the few appearances recognized by the Vatican. The letter is hand-written in French, by the very Bernadette Soubirous.

Vatican medical board confirms second miracle attributed to Mother Marianne Cope

Mother Marianne Cope - Hawaii State Archives

Vatican group confirms second miracle attributed to Marianne Cope

The following excerpt is from Syracuse.com:

By Renée K. Gadoua / The Post-Standard

The former leader of Syracuse’s Franciscan sisters is just one step from being named a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

A group of cardinals and bishops confirmed today a Vatican medical board’s finding that there is no medical explanation for a second miracle attributed to Blessed Mother Marianne Cope, known for her work with patients with leprosy in Hawaii.

With the approval of Pope Benedict XVI, Mother Marianne would become a saint, considered the church’s spiritual role models.

The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes for Saints confirmed the unanimous ruling of the medical board that a medical miracle occurred as the result of prayers seeking the intercession of Mother Marianne on the patient’s behalf.

The case involves the healing of a woman who was ill with a fatal health condition. The diocese has not revealed the woman’s name or other details of her case, but may later, local church officials have said.

In 2004, Vatican officials ruled that a miraculous recovery involving a 14-year-old Syracuse girl in 1993 was the result of Mother Marianne’s intercession. The girl, Kate Mahoney, nearly died from complications after cancer surgery at Crouse Hospital.

Sister Mary Laurence Hanley, a Franciscan nun, visited Mahoney in the hospital and prayed to Mother Marianne to intercede with God on her behalf. Others also prayed for her to Mother Marianne.

The Sisters of St. Francis have a shrine to Mother Marianne at their residence on Court Street in Syracuse.

Read more: Mother Marianne Cope

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Monthly Message to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

December 2, 2011 Message from Our Lady to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo
  
"Dear children, as a mother I am with you so that with my love, prayer and example I may help you to become a seed of the future, a seed that will grow into a firm tree and spread it's branches throughout the world. For you to become a seed of the future, a seed of love, implore the Father to forgive you your omissions up to now. My children, only a pure heart, unburdened by sin, can open itself and only honest eyes can see the way by which I desire to lead you. When you become aware of this, you will become aware of the love of God - it will be given (as a gift) to you. Then you will give it (as a gift) to others, as a seed of love. Thank you."

For other faith related news, please visit http://www.christian-miracles.com/

Who was St. Nicholas? The true story of Santa Claus

Who was St. Nicholas? The true story of Santa Claus

The following news reports is from RomeReports.com

December 6 is the feast day of St. Nicholas of Bari, otherwise known as Santa Claus. He was bishop of the city of Myra, in present day Turkey, where he died in the fourth century. When the city was conquered by Muslims, his remains were moved to the Italian city of Bari.
 
When his parents died, he divided his fortune among the poor. Because of his generosity, tradition remembers him as Santa Claus, who every year would deliver gifts to everyone.

He is also the patron saint of Russia, Greece and Turkey.

In Rome, a temple was built in his honor by the year 550. There are currently over 2,000 churches in the world that carry his name.

Video contest on forgiveness offers $6000 prize to young people

Video contest on forgiveness offers $6000 prize to young people

The video and following news item is from RomeReports.com:

December 3, 2011 - This year's Kerygma Awards will give away $6,000 to the best video about forgiveness. The contest has two categories for advertising and short films. It's only open young people between the ages of 17 and 25. Cash prizes will also be given to second and third place of 2,000 and 1,000 dollars each.

It's being held by the NGO “Showing Christianism” and the Villanueva University in Madrid. 

Their idea was to encourage young people to come up with new ways of conveying the message of Benedict XVI. Entries can be submitted until March 12.

Last year's winners were the authors of this short Australian film called “The power of confession,” a story about the power of friendship based on real events.

The international contest receives submissions from around the world such as Israel, Chile, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.

'HEAVEN IS REAL': New York Times bestselling author Don Piper relates near-death experience

Don Piper Speaking at Church Parish - Photo by Linda Andrade Rodrigues

'HEAVEN IS REAL': New York Times bestselling author Don Piper relates near-death experience | SouthCoastToday.com

The photograph and following excerpt is from SouthCoastToday.com:

By LINDA ANDRADE RODRIGUES

MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H. — (12-3-2011) The Rev. Paul O'Neil moved to higher ground when his new pastoral assignment took him from Acushnet-Wesley United Methodist Church to a New Hampshire parish nestled in the Ossipee Mountains, 2,990 feet above sea level. But recently he reached even greater heights when he introduced his congregation to a man who spent 90 minutes in heaven.

Moultonborough United Methodist Church, where O'Neil has served as pastor since July 1, 2010, was filled to capacity as New York Times bestselling author Don Piper, a Baptist minister, approached the lectern. 

Published in 2004, Piper's book "90 Minutes in Heaven" has sold 5 million copies in 41 languages.

"The reason I am in New Hampshire on a morning like this is to say to you, 'Heaven is real,'" said Piper. "God has a plan for us, and Heaven is in it."

In January 1989, Piper climbed into his red 1986 Ford Escort after leaving a pastors' conference, in Livingston, Texas. He was headed to a Bible study at South Park Baptist Church in Alvin, Texas, where he served on staff.

"I was driving across a bridge, and an 18-wheeler hit me head on," he said. "It was a four-car accident. Everyone was okay except me. Four paramedics worked on me at the same time, trying to resuscitate me. I was pronounced dead, and they covered up my body with a tarp, waiting for the coroner."

Piper said that simultaneously with his last recollection of seeing the bridge and the rain, a light enveloped him with a brilliance beyond earthly comprehension.

"In my next moment of awareness, I was standing in heaven," he said. "Joy pulsated through me as I looked around, and at that moment I became aware of a large crowd of people. As they surged toward me, I knew instantly that all of them had died during my lifetime. Their presence seemed absolutely natural. They rushed toward me, and every person was smiling, shouting, and praising God."

Piper said that he gets frustrated describing what heaven was like because he cannot begin to put into words what it looked like, sounded like and felt like.

"Their warm embraces were absolutely real," he said. "Heaven is a sensory explosion. I saw colors I would never have believed existed. I've never, ever felt more alive than I did then. I did not see God, although I knew God was there."

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