Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague in Urgent Need - Art Print




(To be said for nine days or nine consecutive hours)

O Jesus, Who said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you," through the intercession of Mary, Your most holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be answered. (Mention your request)

O Jesus, Who said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name He will grant you," through the intercession of Mary, Your most holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Your Father in Your Name that my prayer be granted. (Mention your request.)

O Jesus, Who said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word shall not pass," through the intercession of Mary, Your most holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Mention your request)

Amen

This colorful art print combines a well known Catholic novena with a stained glass window of the Infant Jesus of Prague which I photographed inside Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ, USA.

Visit the following link to print a PDF copy of the art print: Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague in Urgent Need 

Art print by Loci B. Lenar



Sunday, December 25, 2016

Our Lady's Christmas Message of December 25, 2016




December 25, 2016 Message to Marija Pavlovic

"Dear children! With great joy, today I am carrying my Son Jesus to you, for Him to give you His peace. Open your hearts, little children, and be joyful that you can receive it. Heaven is with you and is fighting for peace in your hearts, in the families and in the world; and you, little children, help with your prayers for it to be so. I bless you with my Son Jesus and call you not to lose hope; and for your gaze and heart to always be directed towards Heaven and eternity. In this way, you will be open to God and to His plans. Thank you for having responded to my call."


December 25, 2016 Message to Jakov Colo

At the last daily apparition to Jakov Colo on September 12th, 1998, Our Lady told him that henceforth he would have one apparition a year, every December 25th, on Christmas Day. This is also how it was this year. The apparition began at 2:20 pm and lasted 10 minutes. 

Afterwards Jakov transmitted this message: "Dear children! Today, on this day of grace, in a special way, I am calling you to pray for peace. Children, I came here as the Queen of Peace and how many times have I called you to pray for peace. But, children, your hearts are restless. Sin is preventing you from opening yourselves completely to grace and peace which God desires to give you. To live peace, my children, is to first have peace in your hearts and to be surrendered completely to God and to His will. Do not seek peace and joy in the things of this world, because this is all passing. Long for true mercy and peace which come only from God; and only in this way will your hearts be filled with true joy; and only in this way will you be able to become witnesses of peace in this peaceless world. I am your mother and intercede before my Son for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Wishing Everyone a Blessed and Merry Christmas!



Christmas Prayer

Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining star and angel's song, for infant's cry in lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child. We behold his glory, and are bathed in its radiance.

Be with us as we sing the ironies of Christmas, the incomprehensible comprehended, the poetry made hard fact, the helpless Babe who cracks the world asunder. We kneel before you shepherds, innkeepers, wisemen. Help us to rise bigger than we are. Amen.



Saturday, December 24, 2016

Our Lady of Las Vegas

Our Lady of Las Vegas. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley

By Stephen B. Whatley

"Our Lady of Las Vegas," a new (Catholic) tribute drawing in pastel, created with prayers for hope and light for the USA and the world, on December 20, 2016.

I was touched by a children's book that I bought in America last month, entitled Mary and The 50 States; which includes reference to the Church of the Guardian Angels on the Strip in Las Vegas; where an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary shines out from a stained glass window...has anyone seen it?

I have tried researching.

I liked the idea of bright spiritual light amongst the city of neon lights and shallow deals; not forgetting that Las Vegas is also a beautiful sunny desert region.
May all who view this image of the Holy Mother and Child receive gifts of light, hope and healing, wherever needed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

About the artist: Stephen B. Whatley is an expressionist painter, published in TIME magazine, whose major commissions include architectural paintings for public institutions including the BBC, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London – where his work is permanently reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass at Tower Hill. He has been presented to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

www.stephenbwhatley.com


***

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Stephen B. Whatley is recognized internationally for his Catholic and Christian tributes. Mr. Whatley is a resident of England (UK). However, his paintings and prints are collected all over the world including the USA. I wish to thank Mr. Whatley for sharing his beautiful artwork on our blog and website, www.Christian-Miracles.com.



Sunday, November 27, 2016

Advent is a Time to Prepare and Celebrate the Birth of Jesus on Christmas Day!




Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God's own work for justice.

Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself.

Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father's joy. I seek His will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love.

Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me the joy and love and peace it is right to bring to the manger of my Lord. Raise in me, too, sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty gratitude for the life begun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son.

I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail.

Amen.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Our Lady's Message of November 25, 2016

Our Lady of Medjugorje: Message of November 25, 2016 to Marija Pavlovic Lunetti

“Dear children! Also today, I am calling you to return to prayer. In this time of grace, God has permitted me to lead you towards holiness and a simple life – that in little things you discover God the Creator; that you fall in love with Him; and that your life be a thanksgiving to the Most High for everything He is giving you. Little children, in love, may your life be a gift for others and God will bless you; but you, witness without interest - out of love for God. I am with you and intercede before my Son for all of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”



Thursday, November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all family, friends and visitors!



Thanksgiving Prayer

Father in Heaven, 
Creator of all 
and source of all goodness and love, 
please look kindly upon us 
and receive our heartfelt gratitude 
in this time of giving thanks.

Thank you for all the graces and blessings
You have bestowed upon us, 
spiritual and temporal:
our faith and religious heritage,
our food and shelter, 
our health, 
the loves we have for one another, 
our family and friends.

Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, 
please grant us continued graces 
and blessing throughout the coming year.

This we ask in the Name of Jesus, 
Your Son and our Brother.

Amen.


Friday, November 18, 2016

Catholic Devotional Prayers

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Do you have a busy routine and find it difficult to pray? Everyone seems to need God's help at some point in time.

With today's technology, it's very easy to stay connected with popular Catholic prayers anytime of the day by visiting www.christian-miracles.com on your iPhone or Smartphone!


PRAYER OF CONFIDENCE TO SAINT ANTHONY

Most holy St. Anthony, Beloved Friend of Jesus,
I place myself in your heavenly care.
Be with me, especially in life’s troubles and difficulties.
Intercede before the Lord for me,
so that I may confidently know I do not face my problems alone.

I join my prayers to yours, O Great Saint,
as I ask God to give me consolation in times of sorrow,
courage when I am afraid,
and healing from all the ills that afflict me.

Obtain for me from God, Most High,
the grace to accept whatever is God’s holy will
for me and my loved ones.
Strengthen my faith so that I will never despair,
but always have hope in God’s healing presence and power in my life.

Amen.


Catholic Devotional Prayers



To read prayers, please click on the above links. Many other prayers are available by visiting www.Christian-Miracles.com at the following link: Catholic Devotional Prayers

Do you believe in modern day miracles? If so, visit www.Christian-Miracles.com and read about Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael!


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Caring for Creation by Pope Francis



Since his inaugural Mass in March 2013, Pope Francis has frequently reminded a global audience that care for creation is among his highest priorities. As a world leader with a background in science who heads a two-thousand-year-old Church, the pope is uniquely qualified to articulate a compelling vision and mission for the future. This book gathers the pope’s most important and inspiring words about our shared responsibility to protect, nurture, and care for “our common home.”

The planet is in peril, the pope is telling us, along with the well-being of the poor who depend on the earth’s natural resources. He chastises world leaders and challenges ordinary people, reminding us that our foolish actions and careless decisions are placing lives at risk. He decries our current assaults on the natural environment and warns of the consequences of climate change. Still, his message is always ultimately one of hope.

In Caring for Creation, Pope Francis’s words reveal that he believes we can move toward a new kind of conversion—a higher level of consciousness, action, and advocacy that will spark “a bold cultural revolution.”

Protect This Fragile World

"Small yet strong in the love of God, like St. Francis of Assisi, all of us, as Christians, are called to watch over and protect the fragile world in which we live, and all its people."  -Pope Francis

Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, 216
Sunday, November 24, 2013

***

About the Author

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, is the 266th and current pope of the Catholic Church, having been elected Bishop of Rome and absolute Sovereign of Vatican City.



Alicia von Stamwitz is an award-winning freelance author and longtime editor. Her essays and articles have appeared in The New York Times, St. Anthony Messenger, and other media. She is also the compiler of The Blessing of Family: Inspiring Words of Pope Francis.

***

Commentary

Caring for Creation is a bold collection of powerful words by Pope Francis that leads to contemplation of humanity's purpose in protecting our world's ecology.

Pope Francis reminds us that nations and people have a calling to preserve our world from environmental ruin.

In the eye of God, Our Creator, there is no excuse to ignore preservation of lakes, rivers, oceans, land and the air we breathe. The consequence of mismanagement affects all the inhabitants of our world.

The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. Psalm 24:1-2, (NRSVCE)

As caretakers of planet earth, Our Heavenly Father entrusts us to preserve this world for future generations and to honor all His creation.

-Loci B. Lenar

Sunday, October 02, 2016

Feast of the Guardian Angels


The Catholic church celebrates the Feast of the Guardian Angels on October 2nd.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:11-12)
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God's love
commits me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide.
Amen.
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar
www.Christian-Miracles.com

Saturday, September 10, 2016

The Miracle of Our Lady of Knock

The Miracle of Our Lady of Knock. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley

A new Christian Tribute by international artist Stephen B. Whatley

Excerpt from the website of the artist: Our Lady of Knock - a tribute to the miraculous vision of The Blessed Virgin Mary, St Joseph, St John The Evangelist and The Lamb of God that appeared to villagers in Knock, Ireland on this day, 21 August, in 1879. The painting was created by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, with prayers, on 17 August, the date now assigned Feast Day by The Catholic Church.

Blessings of miraculous healing and strength wherever necessary - & prayers for world peace at this poignant time of the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City, which killed 2,977 victims, and caused worldwide grief.

More about Our Lady of Knock:
http://www.marypages.com/Knock.htm

Oil on Canvas, 2016
20" x 30" / 61 x 76 cm
http://www.stephenbwhatley.com/

Monday, August 29, 2016

Did you know Mother Teresa experienced visions of Jesus?

Mother Teresa - Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5

Vatican City, Aug 27, 2016 (Excerpt from CNA/EWTN News)
Even her friend of more than 30 years, Father Sebastian Vazhakala, did not know Mother Teresa had conversations with and visions of Jesus before forming the Missionaries of Charity. It wasn't until after her death, for the vast majority of people, that this part of Mother Teresa's spiritual life was uncovered.
“It was a big discovery,” Missionary of Charity priest, Fr. Vazhakala told CNA.   When Mother Teresa's cause for canonization was opened, just two years after her death in 1997, documents were found in the archives of the Jesuits in Calcutta, with the spiritual director and another of Mother Teresa's close priest friends, and in the office of the bishop, containing her accounts of the communications.
Fr. Vazhakala, who co-founded the contemplative branch of the Missionaries of Charity alongside Mother Teresa, said he has a document handwritten by Mother Teresa where she discusses what Jesus spoke to her directly during the time of the locutions and visions.
Read more: Mother Teresa

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Our Lady's Message of August 25th to Marija

Our Lady of Medjugorje: Message of August 25, 2016 to Marija

“Dear children! Today I desire to share Heavenly joy with you. You, little children, open the door of your heart so that hope, peace and love, which only God gives, may grow in your heart. Little children, you are too bound to the earth and earthly things, that is why, Satan is rolling you like the wind rolls the waves of the sea. Therefore, may the chain of your life be prayer with the heart and Adoration of my Son Jesus. Give over your future to Him so that, in Him, you may be joy and an example with your lives to others. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Friday, July 15, 2016

Our Lady of France

Our Lady of France. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley
A painting of sympathy, peace and compassion by international artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

The Holy Mother and Infant Christ, a new tribute by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley who felt compelled to create on this day, in prayers of sympathy and for peace and compassion for the nation of France, in the aftermath of yesterday's tragic loss of life, through the insanity of terrorism during Bastille Day celebrations in Nice.

 Choosing to restrict his colours in this memorial tribute drawing in pastel, to France's national colours of blue, white and red, the artist also observed a photograph of the 1860s statue of Our Lady of France - Notre Dame de France - by Jean-Marie BienaimĂ© Bonnassieux (1810-1892), that stands on a hill in Le Puy-en-Velayin.

A visual prayer in solidarity with France and with hope for world peace. Vive La France! Peace.
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Mr. Whatley's Catholic tributes are displayed on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com

 

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Our Lady of Orlando

Our Lady of Orlando. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley
Our Lady of Orlando by artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Excerpt from the website of international artist Stephen B. Whatley:

A tribute in pastel created with compassion and prayers by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, for all those murdered in Orlando, Florida in the early hours of June 12 and their loved ones - to represent the eternal and all encompassing love, mercy, compassion, hope  and peace that Christ and His Holy Mother have and offer for all communities in the world.

The artist often feels a 'Divine push' - even urgency - to make such works of prayer; and aside from this tragedy perpetrated by hate, ignorance and insanity, an inspiration in making this work was a postcard of a photograph of a statue of Mary, Queen of The Universe Shrine in Orlando, Florida, touchingly sent to him by his beloved young God-daughter Marianna.

This work of art was also created on the Feast day of St Anthony - Saint of A Thousand Miracles - which the world sorely needs.

Peace: Love will overcome hate - Light out of Darkness.

www.stephenbwhatley.com

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Our Lady's Message of May 25, 2016 to Marija




The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady's Monthly Message of May 25, 2016

“Dear children! My presence is a gift from God for all of you and an encouragement for conversion. Satan is strong and wants to put disorder and unrest in your hearts and thoughts. Therefore, you, little children, pray so that the Holy Spirit may lead you on the real way of joy and peace. I am with you and intercede before my Son for you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”


Saturday, May 21, 2016

That time Jesus appeared in the sky of Mexico



Excerpt from Catholic News Agency (CNA)

It's a major miracle that you've probably never heard of.

On Sunday, Oct. 3, 1847, more than 2,000 people in OcotlĂ¡n, Mexico saw a perfect image of Jesus Christ crucified that appeared in the sky for more than 30 minutes.

Approved by the Archdiocese of Guadalajara in 1911, the phenomenon is known as the “Miracle of OcotlĂ¡n” and took place one day before an earthquake that killed 40 and left the town in Jalisco State in ruins.

Before the start of Mass at the cemetery of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception – presided over by the parochial vicar, Father JuliĂ¡n Navarro – two white clouds joined together in the northwest sky, where there appeared the image of Christ.

Those present and in nearby towns were deeply moved, made acts of contrition, and cried out begging, “Lord, have mercy!” This apparition of Christ was called “the Lord of Mercy” and in his honor, in September 1875, a new parish church was blessed, consecrated and dedicated to him.

Also among the faithful who witnessed the miracle were Father JuliĂ¡n MartĂ­n del Campo, pastor of the community, and  Antonio JimĂ©nez, the town's mayor. Both of them sent letters to their respective superiors telling what had happened.

Read more: CNA

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Our Lady's Message of May 2, 2016 to Mirjana



  
The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje to Mirjana

"Dear children, my motherly heart desires your true conversion and a firm faith so that you may be able to spread love and peace to all those who surround you. But, my children, do not forget: each of you is a unique world before the Heavenly Father. Therefore, permit the continuous working of the Holy Spirit to work on you. Be my spiritually pure children. In spirituality is beauty. Everything that is spiritual is alive and very beautiful. Do not forget that in the Eucharist, which is the heart of faith, my Son is always with you. He comes to you and breaks bread with you; because, my children, for your sake He died, He resurrected and is coming anew. These words of mine are familiar to you because they are the truth, and the truth does not change. It is only that many of my children have forgotten it. My children, my words are neither old nor new, they are eternal. Therefore, I invite you, my children, to observe well the signs of the times, to 'gather the shattered crosses' and to be apostles of the revelation. Thank you."

Jesus, Lord of Miracles

Jesus, Lord of Miracles. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley

New Catholic Tribute by International Artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artists' website: A new 2016 tribute to the miracles of Jesus, possible through complete Trust in the Lord and faith, created by artist Stephen B. Whatley on 30 April. This was a profound date in the artist's life in 1998 when he experienced a miracle that saved the lives of himself and a friend when in potentially mortal danger. His prayer was simply "Please help us God".

Since 2000, Whatley - a convert to Catholicism - has felt what he describes as a "divine push" to create Christian tributes of faith, love and hope - through prayer. His exhibition "Paintings of Prayer" was on show in Westminster Cathedral, London in 2013.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been published in TIME, is in collections worldwide and public collections including The Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and BBC Heritage - while his series of 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London are permanently reproduced throughout the walkway outside Tower Hill Station, leading to the Tower.

Today is The Ascension of Our Lord: May there be miracles of healing, reconciliation, peace and prosperity.

Charcoal and pastel on paper.
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

More beautiful artwork by Stephen B. Whatley can be seen on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.


Friday, April 22, 2016

Divine image appears in mom-to-be’s ultrasound picture

Bill Alecia FĂ¼lkerson/via Facebook
Excerpt of story from NY Daily News

An Indiana woman’s prenatal checkup turned out to be a divine experience.

Aley Meyer’s ultrasound photo showed not only her baby boy, but also an image of what appears to be Jesus on the cross.

"We took a picture of it and blew it up on my phone to get a closer look and it is so much detail,” she told WFIE-TV. “You can see the hair and his legs crossed and everything.”

The Evansville mom-to-be did not even notice the cross-like figure at first, but once her mother shared the ultrasound photo on Facebook, the comments went crazy.

Baby Easton is due in June and Meyer finds it to be a sign that all will be right with the birth.

Read more: Divine Image 

Monday, April 18, 2016

Eucharistic Miracle in Poland approved by Bishop proven by DNA testing


Catholic News World - SHARE

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BISHOP OF LEGNICA 

On the Eucharistic Miracle in St. Jack Parish in Legnica

(translated from Polish)

Sisters and Brothers in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

As The Bishop of Legnica I hereby announce to the public and inform about an event that took place in the parish of St. Jack in Legnica which has the signs of the Eucharistic miracle. On 25th December, 2013 during the distribution of the Holy Communion, a consecrated Host fell to the floor and then was picked up and placed in a water-filled container (vasculum). Soon after, stains of the red colour appeared.  The former Bishop of Legnica, Stefan Cichy, set up a commission to observe the phenomenon. In February 2014, a tiny red fragment of the Host was separated and put on a corporal. The Commission ordered to take samples in order to conduct the thorough tests by the relevant research institutes.

In the final announcement of the Department of Forensic Medicine we read as follows:  In the histopathological image, the fragments of tissue have been found containing the fragmented parts of the cross striated muscle. (...) The whole (...)  is most similar to the heart muscle with alterations that often appear during the agony. The genetic researches indicate the human origin of the tissue.

In January this year I presented the whole matter to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the Vatican. Today, according to the recommendations of the Holy See, I ordered the parish vicar Andrzej Ziombro to prepare a suitable place for a display of the Relic so that the faithful could give it the proper adoration. Hereby, I also ask for providing the visitors with information and conducting the regular teaching that could help the faithful to have the proper attitude to the Eucharist. I also command to form a book to register all received benefits and other miraculous events.    

We see the mysterious Sign as an extraordinary act of love and goodness of God, who comes to humans in ultimate humiliation.

I cordially ask for your prayer and I bless you

+ Zbigniew Kiernikowski

The Bishop of Legnica 



Tuesday, April 05, 2016

Arizona Woman Claims Full Healing After Venerating Relics of St. Charbel


 Top Stories - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.org

News Excerpt and photo from Aleteia: When Dafne Gutierrez, a 30-year-old blind mother of three, stood in front of a priest for a blessing, she felt there was someone standing on her right. Her family told her later that the priest was standing on her left side.

“There was somebody [on the right] touching me,” she told her sister-in-law, who responded, “But there was nobody close to you.”

“And ever since then I was feeling my body differently,” Gutierrez said in an interview Monday.

She was at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church in Phoenix on a Saturday in mid-January for the visit of the relics of the St. Charbel Makhlouf, which were being brought around to many of the 36 Maronite parishes in the United States. Over the next couple of days her husband noticed something unusual about her. He asked her what the matter was. “You seem different,” he said.

Before dawn on Monday morning, she complained to him that it felt like her eyes were burning.

She tried opening her eyes. “I couldn’t see clearly, but I could see like shadows. I told him, ‘I can see you,’” she recalled.

Gutierrez had lived with Arnold Chiari malformation since she was 13. Two years ago she lost vision in her left eye, and then in her right eye last year. Doctors inserted a shunt to try to relieve the pressure, but that failed. Her headaches were “vise-like,” and she was afflicted with tinnitus, vomiting, dizziness and seizures. She was approved to go to a rehab/nursing facility because she couldn’t care for her children.

Her sister-in-law heard that the relics were coming and that St. Charbel had healed a blind boy in Mexico. Gutierrez is neither Maronite nor Lebanese, but as a woman of faith she prayed for the saint’s intercession. He’s had a great track record of healing, even after his death in 1898.

Not only was her vision restored, it was restored to 20/20, said Dr. Anne Borik, one of several physicians to examine Gutierrez. “The pressure in her brain got to the point where it caused damage to the optic nerve. After this happened, the optic nerve looked completely normal, with no signs of damage or atrophy,” she said in an interview “There’s nothing in the medical literature that anything like this had ever happened.”

Read more: St. Charbel Miracle 

Monday, March 28, 2016

Mother Angelica of EWTN passed away on Easter Sunday at age 92


Mother Angelica Enters Eternal Life - Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word

Our condolences and prayers are with Mother Angelica and all family members including EWTN during this time of mourning.

Eternal rest give unto Mother Angelica, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Read more: Franciscan Missionares of the Eternal Word

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Wishing You a Happy and Holy Easter!


Easter is a feast celebrated by many Christians around the world. On this sacred day, Christians acknowledge the gift of salvation through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Our Lord's Resurrection on Easter Sunday is a reminder of the gift of eternal life for all who believe in Jesus. Let us pray that we may all be worthy of everlasting life when we're called home to meet Our Savior Jesus Christ. May God bless you and your family with peace on this Holy day!

The Resurrection of Jesus

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.

And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.

And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified."

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying."

"Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."

And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.  (Matthew 28:1-8)

The stained glass window of the resurrection can be seen inside the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The Catholic church is located on High Street in Hackettstown, NJ, USA.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar


Friday, March 25, 2016

Holy Sacrifice - Jesus Christ, Good Friday

Holy Sacrifice - Jesus Christ, Good Friday. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley
New 2016 Painting by International artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artist: A new tribute to the Crucifixion of Christ created on this poignant day in the Christian calendar, Good Friday 2016.

Darkness before the Light of Easter. Peace.

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

www.stephenbwhatley.com




A New Tribute to Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley
A New Painting of Saint Patrick by International Artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artists website: A new painting of Saint Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland, painted on St Patrick's Day in 2016 by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

The 5th century missionary introduced Christianity to Ireland and the artist was moved to learn that he often used the Shamrock to represent and explain the Holy Trinity: God The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

St. Patrick is also Patron Saint of Nigeria, Puerto Rico and several states in the USA including New York, Boston & Missouri.

"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger." ~ from The Breastplate, St Patrick's poem of faith & trust in God.

Oil on canvas, 30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com


Monday, March 21, 2016

Falling tree misses Virgin Mary statue



News Story from abc13.com


The statue was left standing upright next to the tree trunk.

The homeowner is calling it a miracle that the tree didn't hit the statue or her house. She's now working to get the tree removed and her fence repaired.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Prayer for Holy Week




Prayer for Holy Week

Jesus my Lord, let me strengthen my courage by taking on the courage of all those people who have been "centurions" for me. Many have faced disasters and hard times with great constancy. The upper hand of evil never turned them against you. They kept going. Let me be like them, Lord. No matter what the cross, let me never stop declaring you to be "truly the Son of God, the source of my hope, the reason why I will never quit on life.

(Prayer from Catholic Online)

More Catholic Prayers: http://www.christian-miracles.com/devotionalprayers.htm



Saturday, March 19, 2016

Prayer for Saint Joseph's Intercession




Novena to Saint Joseph - Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

(Feast Day March 19th)

O glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to thee do we raise our hearts and hands to implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favor we now implore (state your petition).

O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that thy prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.

(Then say the following seven times in honor of the seven sorrows and joys of St. Joseph.)

V. O Glorious St. Joseph! Through thy love for Jesus Christ and for the glory of His Name,

R. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.

V. Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

R. Assist us!

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar
www.Christian-Miracles.com

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

 


Saint Patrick Prayer

May the Strength of God pilot us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Host of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil ones.
Against temptations of the world

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Salvation, Lord,
Always be ours,This day, O Lord, and evermore.
Amen.

More Catholic Prayers: http://www.christian-miracles.com/devotionalprayers.htm

Photograph of stained glass window by Loci B. Lenar

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Saint Peregrine the Patron Saint of Cancer Sufferers

Saint Peregrine. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley

Saint Peregrine - 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

From the website of artist Stephen B. Whatley: A new tribute painting of the Patron Saint of Cancer Sufferers, Saint Peregrine by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

Saint Peregrine is also the Patron Saint of AIDS and other illnesses as well as Cancer - so may all those who meditate upon the image, created and infused with prayers, receive light, hope, protection and ultimate healing relief. Peace.

The artist - a Catholic convert since 2011 - often gets, through prayer, what he feels a 'Divine Push' to paint such Christian tributes and felt directed to paint Saint Peregrine, with prayers for healing, light and hope for those suffering cancer in his life - and worldwide.

He had a deep feeling the day of painting - 21 February - was a significant date; and later, after painting, realised it was the day in 1935 that Jesus had appeared to the Polish nun, Sister (since 2000, Saint) Faustina, requesting she seek an artist and have a painting made depicting His Divine Mercy.

Stephen B. Whatley has painted several Divine Mercy images over the years; some of which were exhibited in his 2013 exhibition 'Paintings From Prayer' at London's Westminster Cathedral. There is a permanent walkway of his series of 30 paintings for the Tower of London, outside Tower Hill Station, London. 

Peregrine Laziosi (Italy, c.1260-1345) experienced a miracle of healing in his own life, at 60, when a cancerous growth in his leg threatened amputation. The night before the amputation he spent praying before a fresco of The Crucifixion and later in a sleep state felt Jesus descend from The Cross to touch his leg. The next day the doctors found no trace of the cancer and he was pronounced cured; word spreading quickly of the power of Trust in the Lord. 

The National Shrine of Saint Peregrine is at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago, Illinois, USA. This new painting took, alongside prayers, inspiration from a classic prayer card, acquired in New York in 2015.

More Information: stperegrine.org 

Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com   

Prayers to Saint Peregrine 

Thursday, February 25, 2016

NOVENA TO OUR LADY FOR IMPOSSIBLE REQUESTS

 
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar


NOVENA FOR IMPOSSIBLE REQUESTS

(This Novena honors the nine months during which Our Lady carried Our Blessed Lord in her womb.)

"Hail, Holy Queen,...
Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope!
To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy towards us;
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen."


V - Pray for us, most holy mother of God.
R - That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

"Virgin of the Incarnation,
a thousand times we greet thee,
a thousand times we praise thee
for thy joy when God was incarnated in thee.
Because thou art so powerful
a Virgin and Mother of God,
grant what we ask of thee for the love of God."

Here state your first intention.
Repeat all of above and then state your second intention.
Repeat all of above and then state your third intention.

CONCLUSION:

After the above prayers and intentions, say the Memorare.

Remember, O most Gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help
or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of Virgins,
my mother.
To thee do I cry,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.

Hail Mary...

Blessed and praised be
the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar,
in Heaven, on earth and everywhere.
AMEN.

(Pray for 9 days)

More Catholic Prayers

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Prayer to Saint Dymphna For Any Special Need

St. Dymphna Patron Medal


In Nervous or Emotional Distress 

Lord, our God, you graciously chose St. Dymphna as patroness of those afflicted with mental and nervous disorders. She is thus an inspiration and a symbol of charity to the thousands who ask her intercession. 

Please grant, Lord, through the prayers of this pure youthful martyr, relief and consolation to all suffering such trials, and especially those for whom we pray. (Here mention those for whom you wish to pray)

We beg you, Lord, to hear the prayers of St. Dymphna on our behalf. Grant all those for whom we pray patience in their sufferings and resignation to your divine will. Please fill them with hope, and grant them the relief and cure they so much desire. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord who suffered agony in the garden. Amen.

In Physical Illness 

I appeal to you in my illness, dear St. Dymphna. I would be so grateful for a total and happy recovery, for the blessed gift of health in every fiber of my being. May the Lord Jesus, who mercifully healed the sick during His earthly days, have pity on me and make me well again. Ask Him to command sickness to depart and grant me a full measure of health, that I may rejoice in giving Him glory and praise. Amen.

For Any Special Need

Glorious St. Dymphna, you are the patron of the nervous and emotionally disturbed. I am certain, however, that your charity embraces everyone. I am certain that you lend a listening ear to any prayer offered for any special need. You will, I am sure,take my problem to heart and pray for me that it may be happily settled. (Here mention your special problem or difficulty) You will plead for me and obtain the help I need. Already I offer you my sincere and grateful thanks, so great is my confidence that God will hear and answer your prayers. 


Amen. 


St. Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, patron of nervous and emotional illnesses, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, crowned for the glory in heaven, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, faithful to your covenant with Christ, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, precious in the eyes of the Lord, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, our helper in every need, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, our friend at heaven's court, pray for us.


More Catholic Devotional Prayers 

Monday, February 22, 2016

Catholic Radio Seeks to Promote Station and Year of Mercy with New Billboards



The Anchor - Serving the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts.

By Kenneth J. Souza
Anchor Staff


NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — As a Franciscan, Friar John Mary, F.I., has witnessed signs of faith throughout his life.

Now he’s hoping others will notice one of the signs that recently went up in the Greater New Bedford area promoting WPMW Radio CorMariae and its mission to spread the Good News.

The “micro FM” Catholic radio station that broadcasts at 88.5 on the dial and originates from studios above Our Lady’s Chapel in downtown New Bedford recently contracted with Boston-based Clear Channel Entertainment to advertise its mission via large billboards in three key locations.

“The station has been doing OK financially, and we found we could afford to do another campaign, which is always good because we’re always trying to look for ways to increase our listenership,” Friar John recently told The Anchor. “I think this is one of the most effective ways, other than a bumper sticker campaign.”

The billboards prominently feature a beautiful stained-glass image of Our Lady next to a Scripture passage — “Mercy and Truth have met” (Ps 85:10) — and are located near the intersection of Cove Road and Rockdale Avenue in New Bedford; near St. Mary’s Cemetery on Route 6 across from Shaw’s Supermarket on the New Bedford-Dartmouth line; and on Route 6 (State Road) in Dartmouth, about halfway between Reed and Cross roads.

“The first two went up in mid-January and the third is (going up this week),” Friar John said. “I’m happy with the locations. The one (at Cove Road and Rockdale Avenue) is very conspicuous, near a pretty busy intersection. You can see it as you slow down for the stoplight — it’s very viewable.”

Friar John explained how the billboard on Route 6 in Dartmouth, which can be spotted driving from Westport heading towards New Bedford, was actually a replacement for one that had originally been planned for Coggeshall Street in New Bedford.

“There’s been ongoing construction there,” he said. “It did get put up, but when I went to see it, there was (construction) equipment parked in front of it — it wasn’t a good location. I talked to Clear Channel and told them about it and they found out from the construction crew that the area isn’t going to be cleaned up anytime soon, so they very graciously did the right thing and moved us to the Dartmouth location.”

Friar John said he likes the relocated site better.

“The station is heard pretty well between New Bedford and Westport, and that’s where our signal originates,” he said. “Those coming from Westport heading to the (Dartmouth) Mall will see it.”

Unbeknownst to Friar John, there is also a notorious strip club not far from where the new billboard is located.

“One of our volunteers said that was a good location because the area needs it,” he said. “So I guess they need the prayers and they need to see Our Lady up there.”

The story behind the eye-catching image of the Blessed Mother that dominates the new billboards is perhaps proof positive of Divine intervention in the radio station’s latest advertising campaign.

Friar John first noticed the depiction of Our Lady on the Facebook page of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary — a group that did a recent recording session at Radio CorMariae.

“I contacted them to see if they had a high-resolution image of it and they said they found it on the Internet and they didn’t know much more about it,” he said. “They didn’t have the source to give me.”

  Stained Glass Window Photographed by Loci B. Lenar  

Thankfully, a graphic design artist named Mary Flannery who does work for the Franciscan Friars was able to do a little digital digging online and discovered that the image, entitled “Immaculate Heart of Mary,” was a photograph taken by Loci B. Lenar and was prominently featured on his Flickr page, blog and website (www.christian-miracles.com). She contacted him and he graciously gave WPMW permission to use it in the billboard campaign.

Ironically enough, Lenar has also been featured several times on the syndicated radio program “Sacred Treasures,” which currently airs on WPMW Radio CorMariae.

“He has all these websites and blogs about miracles and conversion stories,” Friar John said. “The thing that got me is this image could have been from anywhere in the world, but the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart found it, used it, which got me to see it, and then it all led back to someone with a connection to our radio station. I really believe it was Divine providence that it’s now being used on our billboard.”

Since we are in the midst of the Year of Mercy as proclaimed by Pope Francis, Friar John said he also wanted to connect that with what the radio station was doing.

“In our last (advertising) campaign, we used the phrase: ‘Behold your mother,’” he said. “I know Our Lady can work with her own image — she doesn’t need words — but I just didn’t want us to have a blank billboard on one side, so I was looking for a good Scripture quote.”

Friar John did a quick Bible search for quotes relating to mercy and came across the line “Mercy and Truth have met” from the Book of Psalms.

For him, it was the perfect quote to include alongside the woman praised in “Hail Holy Queen” as the “Mother of Mercy.”

“I believe that in Pope Francis calling for the Year of Mercy to start on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, he had Our Lady in mind,” Friar John said. “Of course, we always talk about mercy, but we have to accompany it with truth — the truth being our faith, the Church, the Sacraments, and Our Lord Himself.

“So we have a merciful, motherly figure in Our Lady and then the Church being the truth — so God knew what He was doing when He put the two together. They go hand-in-hand.”

Friar John said the plan is to keep the billboards up at least throughout the month, but hopefully with additional funding they might be able to extend the campaign even further.

“We want to have the billboards up as long as possible while the funds are coming in,” he said. “On our website we have a page specifically for making donations to support the billboard campaign. People can either use a credit/debit card on the website, or send us a check.”

Since Radio CorMariae doesn’t subscribe to the costly Arbitron ratings system to gauge how many listeners they have, Friar John said it’s important to get feedback via advertising campaigns like this and through word-of-mouth.

“For a station like ours we wouldn’t be involved in the techniques they use and we wouldn’t be able to pay for those services,” he said. “They say if you receive one call during a show, that means there are probably another 99 listeners out there. It’s always pleasant to hear when someone does give you feedback, because then you know someone is getting something out of it. This is why we meet on a regular basis with our volunteers to help publicize the station.”

Tax-deductible donations to support the billboard campaign may be sent to: Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, P.O. Box 3003, New Bedford, Mass. 02741-3003. Please write “Billboard Campaign” on the memo line of the check or money order.

For more information about the campaign or to make a donation online, visit www.radiocormariae.com.

First published on February 17, 2016 by The Anchor.
(Reprinted with Permission)