Showing posts with label Blessed Mother. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessed Mother. Show all posts

Friday, July 12, 2013

Our Lady, Mother of Providence

Painting By Stephen B. Whatley


New Christian tribute by artist Stephen B Whatley | Flickr.com

By Stephen B. Whatley

The devotion to Our Lady of Providence originates in Italy in the 1660s through a miracle of help in completing a church that was acquired through prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The devotion was passed to Spain where a shrine was built.

She is the Patron Saint of Puerto Rico, after a Cathedral and diocese and its financial plight there was restored by 'putting everything in the hands of Our Lady'.

Symbolically in traditional images of Our Lady of Providence, the Child Jesus on His Mother's lap is depicted with his hand in Hers.

" Mother I place in your hands the authority to act in my name. From my infinite treasure, you are to provide good things to all those who implore your aid" ~ from : The Illustrated Book of Mary (2010 William J Hirten Co.)

Blessings.

Pastel on paper. (2013)
16.5 x 11.5in /42 x 30cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Monday, July 11, 2011

Testimonies of Faith

Miracle at Cana
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Testimonies of Faith regarding God's blessings are shared on Christian-Miracles.com

By Loci B. Lenar

God calls us to share our faith and blessings in order to provide encouragement and hope for others. In doing so, we spread the gospels to those in need of our Lord's love and mercy which in turn helps to build the Kingdom of God here on earth.

So what does scripture convey regarding answered prayer and events that change our lives for the better as a result of God's blessings?

Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonderful acts. (1Chronicles 16:8-9)

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. (Psalm 118:21)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

With those words in mind, I wish to thank all subscribers and members of Christian-miracles.com for their kind support of our website. I also wish to express my gratitude to Fr. Richard Tartaglia and parishioners of St. Mary's Church, Denville, NJ, for praying on behalf of all who have submitted prayer requests through our site.

I give thanks to God for blessing our website as a public ministry of faith and hope. May the Blessed Mother and Holy Saints intercede on behalf of all that request prayer and obtain God's blessing and favor. May Almighty God the Father answer all your prayers through his divine son Jesus Christ.

Alfredo Briones writes: "Before finding this website (Christian-Miracles.com), my life was is disarray. My faith was diminishing, health was poor and my overall view of life was pessimistic. Through not only my prayers but through the prayers of those that prayed for me, Our Lord and Savior Jesus has answered my prayers. I am healthier; I am looking at life in a different perspective and my faith has risen to a new level. I truly believe that I was led to this wonderful website that has changed my life. I pray for everyone on this site and I will always be grateful for what this website has done for me. Praise God for he is the answer and the love; the power and the glory forever."

Annie Thomas writes: "I got internal peace and faith while browsing through this website (Christian-Miracles.com). May God make all things possible."

Fred writes: "I thank the Lord for guiding me to this website (Christian-Miracles.com); the strength of prayer is truly awesome and faith is powerful. May God watch over everyone on this site and answer all their prayer requests. Let us never give up hope and faith."

Maria Antonia writes: "I fell in love with this fantastic website (Christian-Miracles.com), and can't miss visiting even for one single day!"

Patricia Louis writes: " Loci, I'm so happy to have found you on the Internet!!! While searching the Internet for pictures of the Wedding Feast at Cana, I came across your Web Site (Flickr.com) and then on to Christian-Miracles.com (Signs, Wonders and Miracles). WOW! How awesome! It's a definite "bookmark" page. And I totally agree with you that "peace is coming!" Our Lady's January 25, 2011, Medjugorje message confirms it!"

Edna writes: "I believe it is by God’s grace that I came to this website (Christian-Miracles.com). I am a 31 year old woman living in Uganda and I am truly humbled by this site. As a young child, I heard my mum always say that Saint Jude Thaddeus is a true miracle worker. I chose him as my intercessor to Almighty God. I have no regrets whatsoever and I strongly say this with all confidence that he has seen me through my entire school life; helped me pass all my exams; got a good Job; great family, the list is endless."

Michael La Corte, Executive Director at The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, writes: "Loci, congratulations on your beautiful site (Christian-Miracles.com) and informative blog (Angels, Wonders, and Miracles of Faith), I am sure you touch many hearts and souls."

Please share your faith, blessings, testimony or story with our community. When sending email, please include your full name. Send to: Testimonial@Christian-Miracles.com

Sunday, May 08, 2011

A Prayer on Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!
Photo by Loci B. Lenar


Prayer to the Mother of the Lord for all Mothers

Mary, on this day when we honor all mothers, we turn to you. We thank the Lord whom you serve for the great gift of motherhood. Never has it been known that anyone who sought your intercession was left unaided by grace. Dear Mother, thank you for your “Yes” to the invitation of the angel which brought heaven to earth and changed human history. You opened yourself to God’s word and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Dear mother, intercede for all of our mothers. Ask your Divine Son to give them the grace of surrendered love so that they could join with you in giving their own “Fiat.” May they find daily strength to say yes to the call to the sacrificial love- the very heart of the vocation of motherhood. May their love and witness be a source of great inspiration for all of us called to follow your Son.

On this Mothers day, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us who have recourse to you…

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

***

The statue of the Blessed Mother can be seen outside the convent of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Denville, NJ.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Day the Sun Danced - The True Story of Fatima



Gloria.tv: The Day the Sun Danced - The True Story of Fatima

(Children will enjoy this video)

From the website of Vimeo.com:

The True Story of Fatima

In 1917, three children named Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta experienced a great miracle.

While herding a flock of sheep outside the tiny village of Fatima, Portugal, the Blessed Mother visited them, not once, but many times, telling the children great and wondrous secrets that would affect all of creation.

It soon became clear that they had been chosen by the Blessed Mother to share her message.

THE DAY THE SUN DANCED is the inspiring true story of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, whose great faith and courage brought the message of Our Lady of Fatima for the entire world.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

How to Request God's Help and Blessings through Prayer


Stained Glass Window of Jesus - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer is the Key to God's Blessings and Gifts - Christian-Miracles.com

By Loci B. Lenar

In order for prayer to be effective, it's very important to pray from the heart and to pray daily. It's also equally important to ask God to forgive you of all sins. Reconcile with God; ask him to cleanse your heart and soul by washing away all the sins through the precious blood of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Forgiving others is also necessary in order to remove barriers that may impede our prayers from being answered. Ask our Lord to heal the emotional wounds caused by others which might still linger in your heart and memory. Forgiveness is important - free yourself of anger and bitterness by releasing it to God's care. Our Lord will heal the emotional scars and set you free to move forward.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you will experience God's peace as a consolation.

Trust God and wait for his timing to answer your prayers.

Attending weekly worship services at church or Holy Mass will open the windows of heaven for God to pour out His graces and blessings. Consider receiving communion or the Holy Eucharist. When we take a leap of faith, God will embrace us with His merciful love and also bless us with His divine gifts.

Please consider using daily devotional prayers to obtain God's help.  Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will also intervene by intercessory prayers made through the Blessed Mother and Holy Saints.

For a selection of prayers, please visit the following link: Devotional Prayers

If you or someone else has a health issue, the bible speaks of God working through physicians. Although God can heal us with a miracle, he indeed works through modern medicine as well.

The following scripture is noted from Sirach 38:1-15:

Honor physicians for their services, for the Lord created them; for their gift of healing comes from the Most High, and they are rewarded by the king. The skill of physicians makes them distinguished, and in the presence of the great they are admired. The Lord created medicines out of the earth, and the sensible will not despise them. Was not water made sweet with a tree in order that its power might be known? And he gave skill to human beings that he might be glorified in his marvelous works. By them the physician heals and takes away pain; the pharmacist makes a mixture from them. God's works will never be finished; and from him health spreads over all the earth. My child, when you are ill, do not delay, but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you. Give up your faults and direct your hands rightly, and cleanse your heart from all sin. Offer a sweet-smelling sacrifice, and a memorial portion of choice flour, and pour oil on your offering, as much as you can afford. Then give the physician his place, for the Lord created him; do not let him leave you, for you need him. There may come a time when recovery lies in the hands of physicians, for they too pray to the Lord that he grant them success in diagnosis and in healing, for the sake of preserving life. He who sins against his Maker, will be defiant toward the physician.

If you're struggling with finances, put your faith and trust into God's hand.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Whatever difficulty you may be encountering, let God take it over. Let him take control in order to help resolve the problem.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

Be patient when praying and wait for God to answer because His timing can be different from ours. Let him prepare and make a way!

Regarding prayer, Jesus said in Matthew 18:19-20, "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

You may submit your prayer requests to Christian-Miracles.com by visiting the following link: Pray for Me

May God the Father answer your prayers through his divine son, Jesus Christ and by the intercession of the Blessed Mother and Holy Saints.

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Sunday, May 09, 2010

A Prayer on Mother's Day

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer to the Mother of the Lord for all Mothers - Catholic Online

Mary, on this day when we honor all mothers, we turn to you. We thank the Lord whom you serve for the great gift of motherhood. Never has it been known that anyone who sought your intercession was left unaided by grace. Dear Mother, thank you for your “Yes” to the invitation of the angel which brought heaven to earth and changed human history. You opened yourself to God’s word and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Dear mother, intercede for all of our mothers. Ask your Divine Son to give them the grace of surrendered love so that they could join with you in giving their own “Fiat.” May they find daily strength to say yes to the call to the sacrificial love- the very heart of the vocation of motherhood. May their love and witness be a source of great inspiration for all of us called to follow your Son.

On this Mothers day, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us who have recourse to you…

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

***

The statue of the Blessed Mother can be seen inside of Saint Jude's Catholic Church, which is located on 40 Maxim Drive in Hopatcong, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com


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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Faithful Pray for Miracles in Manaoag


The following article appeared on Manila Bulletin.com regarding miracles associated with the Blessed Mother with her title of Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario:

Faithful, tourists pray for miracles in Manaoag - Manila Bulletin

By ANGIE CHUI

Centuries after the Virgin Mary appeared before a farmer with an infant in her left arm and a rosary in her right hand in the town of Manaoag, local and foreign tourists continued to flock to the Shrine of Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary in Pangasinan, one of the most visited shrines in the country and in Asia.

Every second week of April, during the celebration of the feast of Manaoag, devotees arrive in droves to the area to venerate the Blessed Mother under the title of Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario, whose image was brought to the Philippines from Spain by the Acapulco. The image was canonically crowned in 1926.

This year’s pilgrimage started last April 15 and will last until May, and continues the tradition of faith, miracles and healing since the 1500s.

The tradition of the Manaoag originated from the story of a man who heard a mysterious voice of a lady calling him. When he turned around, he saw a lady dressed in white standing atop a cloud covering the treetop. The man in the story fell on his knees at the vision. The name of Manaoag stemmed from the word “Taoag” is the local term which means “call.” Thus, Manaoag means “She calls.”

Many devotees have claimed to be witnesses to the Manaoag’s miracles. It is said that the jewels attached to the image of the Blessed Virgin of Manaoag were donated by people whose sicknesses were healed. Some of the stories also pointed to the Virgin Mother as their savior from calamities and invasion by other tribes.

Modern day devotees believe that the water from the well near the church possesses healing powers, most of them bringing water containers during their visits to drink or use it for bathing.

Others believe that simply touching the Virgin’s image’s mantle can cure them of their illnesses and uplift them from their troubles. Lining up for hours, they light candles to pray, recite the Holy Rosary, and thank the Holy Mother for blessings.

During the pilgrimage period, masses and novenas are held daily from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. in honor of the Blessed Mother. Roughly half a million pilgrims arrive annually.

In 2008, the late Pope John Paul II who is known as the “Marian Pope” and the “Pope of the Rosary” for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary said that the practice of the Rosary is that it represents a most effective means of fostering among the faithful that commitment to the contemplation of the Christian mystery.”

“As we pray the Rosary, we contemplate on the mysteries of our redemption. We recall Christ’s life here on earth and reflect on His love for human beings,” he said.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Miracle of the Sun Witnessed at Knock Shrine in Ireland



The following excerpt is from an article published on IrishTimes.com:

THOUSANDS GATHERED at Knock Shrine, County Mayo, yesterday hoping to see an apparition of Our Lady.

There were ripples of applause from a crowd estimated at more than 5,000 as some people believed they could see the sun shimmering, changing colour and dancing in the sky.

John Tunney, from Islandeady, Castlebar, said: “I’m 53 years old and I never seen the sun go like that before. I witnessed the sun go all different colours, yellow, red and green. Then it completely darkened and began shimmering. Sometimes the sun emitted a clean, bright light, then it would darken again.”

Mr Tunney’s wife, Nina, said: “The sun was spinning in the sky. I experienced a feeling of total happiness. It is a feeling I would love to experience again. It was amazing. I felt marvellous.”

Yvonne Rabbitte, from Dunmore, Co Galway, showed other pilgrims a photograph she had taken on her digital camera which showed vivid rays radiating downwards from the sun at the time the image was taken.

Maggie Ahern, from Castlebar, had no doubt that the happenings in Knock were due to “heavenly intervention”.

Earlier in the week Dublin-based clairvoyant Joe Coleman predicted Our Lady would appear at the old parish church – scene of the 1879 apparition – at 3pm. Quite a number of those present were members of the Travelling community.

The crowds waited in the open air despite an invitation on loudspeaker at about 2.30pm from Knock parish priest Msgr Joseph Quinn that those in the grounds enter the adjacent Basilica to participate in ceremonies to mark the annual Dominican pilgrimage.

Msgr Quinn was not available for comment last night.

(For additional information, read Joe Coleman's Profile.

(For additional information about the story, please visit Spirit Daily.com)


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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje




On September 2, 2009, the following message from Our Lady of Medjugorje was conveyed to visionary Mirjana Soldo: 

 “Dear children! Today, with a motherly heart, I call you to learn to forgive, completely and unconditionally. You suffer injustice, betrayals and persecutions, but by that you are closer to and dearer to God. My children, pray for the gift of love. Only love forgives all, as my Son forgives—follow Him. I am among you and am praying that when you come before your Father you can say: ‘Here I am Father, I followed your Son, I had love and forgave with the heart, because I believed in your judgment and trusted in you.’ Thank you.”

For additional information on the story, please visit Medjugorje.com

Friday, August 21, 2009

Infant Jesus of Prague



The following prayers to the Infant Jesus are found on Catholic websites and are used for petitioning for help in financial matters, health, family, schools, children, liberty and peace, and for safety while traveling. Please visit The League of the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague for history regarding devotion to the Divine Child.


Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague in Urgent Need
(To be said for nine days or nine consecutive hours)

O Jesus, Who said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knockand 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


Prayer to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague

PRAYER REVELATED BY OUR LADY
To the Venerable Father F. Cyril OCD

O Infant Jesus, I have recourse to You and ask You through the intercession of Your Holy Mother to help me in my need, ( mention it here) for I firmly believe that Your Divinity can help me.

I hope, in complete trust, to obtain Your holy grace. I love You with all my heart and with all the strength of my soul. I am truly sorry for all my sins, and beg You, O good Jesus, to give me strength to conquer them. I shall never offend You and I am ready to suffer rather than to cause You pain.

From now on I want to serve with complete faithfulness and for love of You, O Divine Child, I will love my neighbour as well as myself. Omnipotent Child, Lord Jesus, again I implore You, help me in this need of mine (mention it).

Grant me the grace of possessing You eternally, with Mary and Joseph and of adoring You with the holy angels in Your heavenly court. Amen


The stained glass window of the Infant Jesus of Prague is found inside Saint Mary's Church, Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey, USA

Photograph Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Healing and the Holy Face of Jesus


By Margot Kyd

I had been suffering from serious pain in my seat and legs since February 2009 to the point that I had been unable to sit. After four months of taking pain medicine, doing physical therapy, and going to an acupuncturist and chiropractor with no relief, I finally had an MRI done in late June that revealed lesions on three vertebrae in my spine that were suspicious of “sclerotic metastasis” or cancer metastasizing from somewhere else in my body. I was given this news by my doctor on Monday, July 6. She immediately ordered a series of tests including cat scans, nuclear bone scans, chest and neck x-rays, mammogram, etc. to identify the source of the cancer. She also authorized me to have the lesions biopsied as soon as possible to confirm their malignancy.

On the evening of July 6, I shared this news with my brother, Randy Weber, of St. Charles, Missouri. Very early the morning of July 7, Randy called me saying that he had been awakened from his sleep thinking about an incident that occurred several weeks prior and felt so compelled to call me that he could not get back to sleep.

Randy shared with me that four weeks earlier his parish priest, Fr. Noah, stopped him coming out of his pew after Sunday Mass and handed him a book he thought Randy would enjoy reading, The Holy Man of Tours , on the life of Leo DuPont. Randy was taken by surprise as he did not know Fr. Noah very well and had never heard of the Holy Face Devotion (image left on Veronica’s veil) of which Leo DuPont was such a great Apostle. Even stranger, Fr. Noah told Randy that if he didn’t have time to read the entire book to just read the few pages he marked on the holy card enclosed – pp. 158-60 & 186-87.

Randy read with interest about the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus given in Tours, France in the 1840’s to a Carmelite nun, Sister Mary of St. Peter. Its purpose is to make reparation to Our Lord for blasphemies against His Holy Face, profanation of Holy Days and Sundays and to combat atheistic communism which was just beginning to spread at the time. It was also given as a means of asking God for anything we wish. After reading the book, Randy put it away in the closet.

In the early hours of Tuesday, July 7, Randy was awaken from his sleep with thoughts of this book, and after being unable to go back to sleep, arose to read the pages Fr. Noah marked. The first two pages told the story of a young woman with 3 cancer wounds who came to pray for a cure before the image of the Holy Face of Christ which hung in Leo DuPont’s home with a lamp burning perpetually before it! The image had become well known the world over for its miraculous healing powers. After returning nine times to present her petition before the Holy Face and after nine anointings with oil from the lamp, the woman was completely cured. Tears welled in Randy’s eyes as he thought of me with the 3 potential cancer lesions on my spine.

The second two pages marked by Fr. Noah told the story of a young woman with a severely crushed foot who came to pray before the Holy Face for a cure, and cried out “Lord, if it be Thy will you can grant me a cure”. Leo DuPont retorted “That is not the way to pray. You should pray with confidence and make your desire known to God in a positive manner.” You should say “Lord, cure me.” After gaining her confidence, the girl was completed cured.

Randy told me he now understood that this book and these marked pages were meant for me and that God was assuring me through him that I would be fine. He instructed me to get a picture of the Holy Face, light a lamp before it and pray a nine day Novena asking God with complete confidence to cure me. He said I should keep the lamp burning the entire nine days and have my husband, Tom, anoint my back with oil from the lamp each night after we recited the Novena, just as Leo DuPont had done for the thousands of pilgrims who were cured at his home.

Randy also encouraged me to pray for the intercession of the Blessed Mother since I have a devotion to her and suggested I anoint my back with Holy Water from Lourdes as well. He had a vile of holy water from the spring at Lourdes which he FedEx’ed to me the next day. I complied with all his suggestions and was so grateful to God for His clear assurances to me that I would be healed!

Meanwhile, I scheduled some of the many tests the Doctor requested that week, but was having great difficulty scheduling the biopsy and the bone scan needed by the radiologist doing the biopsy.

On Saturday, July 11, after morning Mass, my husband said he thought I should have the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. I was taken by surprise but said I would consider it. The next morning Randy called me after Sunday Mass and said he thought I should receive the Anointing of the Sick. I was so surprised to hear the suggestion twice in 24 hours that Tom and I immediately drove to our Church and happened to catch our priest walking out of the Church after the last Mass of the day. He anointed me immediately.

On Monday, July 13, Randy called to say that he had joined the Arch-confraternity of the Holy Face of Jesus and had just received a package in the mail. He mentioned that his name would be registered in the Arch- confraternity that coming Thursday, July 16, the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. I was taken by surprise, as July 16 was the last day of my Novena! I took this as a sign from the Blessed Mother that she had heard my prayers and would obtain the favor for me from her Divine Son on her feast day.

On Tuesday, July 14, after still no luck with scheduling the biopsy and being told I’d have to wait until July 28 for a bone scan, I finally decided to go out of my health care network to a specialist that had been referred to me by a good friend who is the CEO of one of our San Diego health care systems. Remarkably, by the end of the day on Tuesday I was able to get a bone scan scheduled at another location the very next day, July 15, and a biopsy scheduled for Thursday, July 16, the last day of my novena!

On Thursday morning, July 16, Tom and I woke up and finished our novena and then went to Mass. From Mass we went directly to the hospital for the biopsy and, as I lay on the operating table ready for the anesthesia to be injected, the doctor walked in and said “I’ve been looking at all the tests you’ve had this past week, including yesterday’s bone scan, and I do not see any evidence of cancer. I think these lesions are benign. In fact I don’t think you need this biopsy unless you just want to be 100% sure there’s no cancer.”

I lay their stunned and asked for his recommendation. He said “let’s do one more “cone” cat scan that is focused directly on these 3 lesions to see if there is anything suspicious and then decide.” After the cat scan he returned saying “I see nothing suspicious in any of these. There is no reason to do this biopsy.”

I then asked him about the pain I continue to have in my seat and legs, and after some discussion, he said “it must be providential that you came to me today because I believe you have piriformis syndrome and I happen to be a specialist in this area. I can give you cortisone shots that should take care of it!”

As my husband and I returned home from the hospital I was incredulous that all of these events had fallen into place by the ninth day of my novena and all the test results had come back negative… all but one. The only test result that I had not yet gotten back was my mammogram from the day before, and breast cancer was the one area the doctors felt was my greatest risk. I called that afternoon to see if the lab results were in, but could not get a return call.

After dinner Thursday my husband brought in the day’s mail and incredibly there laid a postcard from the lab saying that my mammogram results were fine! How they were mailed and delivered within 24 hours of the test is beyond me.

The picture of the Holy Face of Christ is now hanging in a place of honor in our family room as a constant reminder to us of God’s tender love for his children.

Go here for more information about Devotion the to Holy Face of Jesus .

(Margot Kyd, Chairman of the Board of Catholic Exchange, and her husband, Tom Kyd, co-founder and Vice President of Catholic Exchange reside in San Diego CA where Margot serves as Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer for Sempra Energy Utilities. Both Margot and Tom are members of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and are very active in their community and parish. They have one adult son who resides in San Diego as well.)

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Miracle of the Sun Witnessed in Medjugorje During Apparition of Blessed Mother

A Great Cry Bursts Forth From The Thousands During Mirjana’s Apparition Today, August 2, 2009 - Medjugorje.com

Medjugorje.com reported that on August 2, 2009, a crowd of over 50,000 people at Apparition Mountain in Medjugorje, witnessed the Miracle of the Sun while the Blessed Mother appeared privatley to visionary Mirjana Soldo and gave her a message. The apparition took place at a nearby location known as Blue Cross.

The following excerpt is from Medjugorje.com:

Mirjana came early today, around 8:35 a.m. The apparition of Our Lady began at 8:45 a.m. and lasted approximately 4 ½ minutes. Shortly after the apparition began, cries of surprise, shock, deep emotion and awe were heard rippling through the crowd from different directions, growing in magnitude. While Mirjana was enraptured in her own vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, something had happened. A commotion in the crowd was paralleled by something that the pilgrims could not have known, by what Mirjana had seen, and Mirjana, on the other hand, while in ecstasy could not have known what the pilgrims were seeing during the apparition. During the apparition, Mirjana herself saw the sun behind Our Lady. When she came out of ecstasy, Mirjana had to be surprised at what was taking place.

As for the pilgrims themselves, they had also seen a miracle. The sun became a miraculous sign for them. More and more people began looking where the first ones were pointing—at the sun. 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. Tears were streaming down many faces, others stared in wonder, others in joy. And there were those who did not look up at all, so intense in their prayer as the apparition was still taking place. It swept through the crowd what the early days of Medjugorje were like when physical miracles abounded. It was very moving as the people knew what a chance of a lifetime it was to see the actions of God take place right before their eyes. To know after the apparition that Mirjana also had the sun in her apparition behind Our Lady confirmed the pilgrims’ “vision,” and the pilgrims confirmed Mirjana’s vision that the miracle was wed to each other.

The following message was conveyed to Mirjana by the Blessed Mother, Our Lady Queen of Peace:

“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 (Jesus); 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.”

To read complete story, please visit Medjugorje.com.

For news story regarding the Miracle of the Sun being witnessed on October 13, 2008 at the National Blue Army Shrine in Washington, NJ, please visit the following links:

Thursday, July 09, 2009

My Peace I Give to You

My Peace I Give to You

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 14:27

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and become my disciples." -John 15:5 and 8

"As the Father loves me, so I love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love." -John 15:9 and 10

"I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. You are my friends if you do what I command you. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the father in my name (Jesus) he may give you. This I command you, love one another." -John:11, 12, 14, 16, and 17

The collage of images are photographs taken of stained glass window art inside of Saint Peter the Apostle Church, and Saint Christopher Church, both located in Parsippany, NJ, USA.

Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Signs, Wonders, and Miracles - The Memorare



The Memorare
Intercessory Prayer to the Blessed Mother

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me.

Amen


Photographed at St. Theodore Roman Catholic Church, located on 855 Route 57, Port Murray, New Jersey.

Photo Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar

Thursday, April 02, 2009

'Miracle' Recovery of Man from Gunshot Wound Reported by ABC News


A Rosary blessed by Pope John Paul II is being attributed to the miraculous recovery of Jory Aebly from a gunshot wound to the head.

Shortly after the shooting of February 21, 2009, hospital chaplain, Father Art Snedeker, gave Jory Aebly the rosary. In a press conference, Father Snedeker said "The first night that Jory arrived and I performed the sacrament of the sick, I also asked asked Pope John Paul to pray for Jory and to protect him." Through intercessory prayer, it is believed that Pope John Paul II was helpful in Jory's recovery. Jory also gives credit to family members and everyone that prayed for him.

The Vatican is said to be investigating cases of miracles that are connected to Pope John Paul II since his passing. The Vatican is also considering possible Sainthood for Pope John Paul by examining various stories of reported miracles according to ABC News.

Hebrews 13:7 states, "Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."

With respect to Pope John Paul II, I am reminded of Wisdom 3: 7 and 9, which states, "In time of their visitation, they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love; Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect."

For additional details regarding the recovery of Jory Aebly, please visit the following link: Vatican Investigates 'Miracle' Recovery of Man

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Healing Mass at World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

Our Lady of Fatima - World Apostolate of Fatima, USA - Blue Army Shrine

The National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is celebrating a Healing Mass on February 1, and on Sunday, March 8, 2009 in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 3:00 PM. The Healing Mass will be celebrated with Father Paul and include the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The Catholic shrine is located in scenic Warren County on 674 Mountain View Road, Washington, New Jersey.

Matthew 4:23-24 reminds us of the healing power of Jesus. The scripture states that "He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed ... and paralytics, and he cured them."

In time of sickness, it’s prudent to visit a physician for medical treatment. However, scripture tells us in James 5, Verse 14-15 that during times of illness, we should focus on the Word of God and also seek help from our minister or priest by "summoning the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven."

© 2009 Loci B. Lenar

Friday, October 31, 2008

Miracle of the Sun Witnessed by Visitors at New Jersey Shrine

On October 13, 2008, some visitors at the National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary were blessed to witness the Miracle of the Sun. I would estimate over a thousand faithful came to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. The Catholic shrine is located in scenic Warren County on Mountain View Road, Washington, NJ. The shrine has the distinction of being known as the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

In 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared in Fatima, Portugal to three shepherd children and conveyed God’s message for salvation and conversion. Remarkably, the three children, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, were told by the Blessed Mother that God would provide a miracle in order to validate the apparitions and message of Fatima. On October 13, 1917, over 70,000 people witnessed the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima, Portugal. Our Lady also disclosed that an era of peace would eventually be granted to the world through prayer. For additional information about the Fatima message, please visit the website of the National Blue Army Shrine at the following link: http://www.wafusa.org/fatima_message/fatima_message.html

The anniversary celebration included a rosary procession with display of the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. A speech was given by Reverend Lawrence Joseph Schroedel while Father Andrew Apostoli spoke on the sanctity of life for the unborn. Other events included Holy Mass with Father Anthony M. Sirianni as well as Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with farewell prayers and brown scapular enrollment.

A short time after the celebration, I walked into the parking area and observed numerous people appearing in awe as they looked directly at the sun. Margie Penkala of Hopatcong, NJ, said she was “watching the sun dance and change colors.” The time was between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. Margie also took an interesting photograph of the Cross of Reconciliation.

Although not seeing the solar phenomena; however, I did walk over and introduced myself to two priests standing nearby, and recognized Father Frederick Otieno Nyanguf, AJ of the Blue Army Shrine. I brought the matter to their attention and gave them some details on what people were observing. Both did not see any sun phenomena but agreed to look into it.

I am reminded of John 20: 29, when Jesus said, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing.” On a personal level, I witnessed the Miracle of the Sun on September 8, 1991 in northern New Jersey. Recalling my own experience, faith does not necessitate seeing the same sign over again. However, for many people a sign from Jesus and the Blessed Mother is an affirmation of God’s continued love for humanity. Moreover, I have seen other signs and wonders from our Lord Jesus Christ. For information regarding my personal testimony on the matter, please visit the following link: http://lenarpoetry.blogspot.com/2007/11/miracle-of-sun-testimony-of-spiritual_13.html

In order to corroborate the recent sun phenomena, I called Fran Zucchetto of the Immaculate Conception Rosary Society. She helped organize a pilgrimage to the shrine from the parishes of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption Church, both located in Tuckahoe, NY. Unavailable at the time; however, her Husband Vincent allowed me to speak to Tina, their 20 year old daughter. Tina Zucchetto confirmed that she attended the shrine with her sister and mother, part of a group of 30 from both churches. She said the group all observed the "sun dancing and changing colors.” She described the colors as “changing from pink to yellow and blue to green.” Without question, the Lord provides a special grace in order to allow people to observe the solar event without creating eye injury. However, eye contact with the sun should be avoided otherwise.

I also contacted Betty DeFusco; she coordinated a trip to the shrine through Saint Anne Church, Fairlawn, NJ. She indicated that no one in her group noticed any solar phenomena.

However, my telephone conversation with Lina Sumanga of Our Lady of Fatima Holy Rosary Crusade confirmed that she saw a visual phenomenon. She conveyed that a group of 40 came to the shrine on October 13, 2008 from the Sacred Heart Church, Mount Holly, NJ. Lina said her entire group saw the “sun dancing or spinning while changing colors.” She also gave details about her daughter Roxanne using a cell phone camera to photograph the sun and described the subsequent image appearing as the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I followed up with a phone call to Judi Ritchie, a supervisor at the National Blue Army Shrine; she confirmed "sporadic" reports of some visitors observing a phenomena.

The following scripture is conveyed in Luke 8: 16-17, “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lamp stand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.”

We are witnessing signs, wonders, and miracles in order for God to create a reaction in society for constructive change and hence prepare the world for an era of peace.

The story with an additional photograph is posted on the following link:
http://www.christian-miracles.com/njvisitorswitnessmiracle.htm

Friday, July 11, 2008

Fatima: Rays of God's Light



On July 11, 2008 at 3:45 PM, I photographed rays of God's Light in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, located at the World Apostolate of Fatima, Washington, (Warren County), New Jersey, USA. The Catholic chapel had subdued lighting, so I used the flash to take indoor photographs. However, sunlight appears to be shining through the stained glass window, creating beautiful rainbow colors! The rays of light appear to be flowing towards the ceiling. I cannot explain the phenomenon; however, God seems to work in mysterious ways. Our Lord Jesus sends signs and wonders when we least expect it.

Remarkably, the stained glass window is a representation of the Miracle of the Sun which was witnessed by 70,000 people on October 13, 1917 at Fatima, Portugal. In addition, NJ.com reported that on September 8, 2007, visitors to the National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Washington, (Warren County), New Jersey, USA, witnessed the Miracle of the Sun and saw Jesus and Mary in the sky during the solar phenomenon. For information regarding the story, please visit the following link: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/10/thousands_are_expected_to_gath.html

In John, Chapter 1, Verse 5, the following is noted: "Now this is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all."

In Psalm 150:1-2, the following is proclaimed: "Praise God in his Holy sanctuary; give praise in the mighty dome of heaven. Give praise for his mighty deeds, praise him for his great majesty."

The image is posted in the photo gallery of NJ.com at the following link: http://photos.nj.com/photogallery/2008/07/fatima_rays_of_gods_light.html

The story is also posted on the following link: http://www.prlog.org/10111112-fatima-rays-of-gods-light.html

For additional information regarding the National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Washington, NJ, please visit the following link: http://www.wafusa.org/shrine/about_shrine.html

For information regarding signs and wonders connected to the World Apostolate of Fatima U.S.A., please visit the following Links:

http://www.catholicreport.org/comments.php?cID=4314

http://flickr.com/photos/lenarpoetry/2222323682/

http://lenarpoetry.com/MiracleoftheSun.html

Please note that after the photograph was taken, I shared the image directly as captured on the camera's digital memory card with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of Saint Mary's Church, Denville, NJ. The original digital image was transfered onto a CD for church archives.

Copyright 2008 Loci B. Lenar