O Mary bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life: Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of life with honesty and love to the people of our time. Obtain for them the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of good will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life.
The beautiful miniature stained glass window can be seen inside of Saint Jude's Catholic Church, located on 40 Maxim Drive in Hopatcong, NJ, USA.
The photographs and video, including the following excerpt is from Morgan Hill Times which reported a story about a cross that continues to appear in a window of home in Watsonville, CA.
Sylvia Torres recalls being skeptical when she traveled to a home in Watsonville a couple of weeks ago to see a cross in the house's window that was purported to be a miracle.
Then crosses of refracted light began appearing in the front window of her family's own house on Swaner Drive last week.
Now, she is a believer.
"I've been here eight years, and this has never happened," she said.
At least 200 people have stopped by the home at 1288 Swaner Drive since Friday, when a young boy first spotted the image.
Neighbor Jesus Gonzalez, 10, was the first person to see the image while hanging out with the Torres children last week.
"I was right here waiting for my friend, and I said hey, 'Doesn't that look like a cross?'" Jesus recalled.
Sylvia said she did not know what to think when she first heard about it. The Torreses have used various light sources since that time, including light bulbs, candles and flashlights. The result is always the same: a luminous cross of refracted light with a diamond-like aura behind it. The usual light bulb the Torreses use inside the house creates an image that's nearly three feet tall, while the candles create smaller crosses of light that are only several inches.
The Torreses said they are Christians, but they are not "practicing," and they do not attend church anywhere in town.
"We're gonna start," Torres said with a laugh.
Photo by Lora Schraft
People gradually have been finding out about the cross through word of mouth, she said. They come from all walks of life - different ethnicities, different faith backgrounds, even different towns, Torres said. Some people have traveled from Morgan Hill and Watsonville to see the apparition.
People generally come en masse about 5 or 6 p.m., after they finish work, said Horacio Torres, Sylvia Torres' husband. In addition, about 10 people show up per hour throughout the day.
"It's like their coming like ants," Horacio said with a laugh.
It's even gotten to the point that the family is planning to set up visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
A priest from the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Jose stopped by this week to see the cross, and told the family that it was a blessing, Sylvia said.
One man, who was passing out Christian literature in front of Arteaga's Super Save market on First Street, stopped by and also told the family it was a sign from God.
"He said, 'You have a great responsibility'," Sylvia said. "'It's to tell people to repent of their sins.'"
Practicing Roman Catholics tend to believe the cross' veracity right away, but some people who are logically minded are more skeptical, Sylvia said.
Yet, even some of the skeptics said they have been convinced.
Kern Avenue resident Jackie Velazquez was among the throngs of people who were amazed at the image.
"It's incredible!" Velazquez said. "We went inside the house, and it's not a trick. I'm not even a believer, and it made me cry."
Family members say it has become a bit wearisome to contend with all the onlookers.
"It takes privacy away from my home," Sylvia said.
Still, she and Horacio said they have felt a sense of peace come over their house since crosses began appearing in the window.
Their young daughter, Lucila, said she is not sure what to think of it all.
"I'm kind of scared," she said.
The family plans to have a recital of a rosary at the house at 5 p.m. Monday.
They said they are not trying to attract attention from outsiders, but they are also not refusing those who want to take a look.
"It's a blessing," Sylvia Torres said. "God said, 'If you don't come to visit me, we're going to visit you.'"
I was recently contacted by FPR Editions, a Christian book publisher located in Quebec, Canada. The publisher requested permission to use my photograph of the stained glass window showing the Transfiguration of Jesus. The photograph appears inside The Major Characters of the Bible on page eighty.
Transfiguration of Jesus
Photo by Loci B. Lenar
I photographed the colorful glass window inside of St. Peter the Apostle Church, which is located on 179 Baldwin Road in Parsippany, New Jersey, USA.
To view a larger photograph of the image, please visit the following link: Transfiguration of Jesus
The book is published in the French language and has beautiful illustrations and artwork to complement the stories of the bible. Published in 2010, the book (ISBN: 978-2-89499-108-4) is now available through the publisher by visiting this link: FPR Editions
The following excerpt regarding The Major Characters of the Bible appears on the website of FPR:
Joseph and Mary through John the Baptist and the disciples; Zacchaeus, the rich young man to Nicodemus, the New Testament is full of witnesses to the faith which have marked the history of the Christian culture. Rediscover these witnesses who knew Jesus of Nazareth with the first Christian communities. They are now grouped into a single volume: The Major Characters of the Bible - The New Testament.
The book is written by Lise Lachance. She studied literature at the University of Laval in Quebec and Bible studies at the Catholic Institute of Paris. She also writes for publications such as Prions en Église. Her training as a teacher allows her to share the love of the Bible, both with children and with adults.
The cover Illustration is by Stephane Jorisch who has received on four occasions the Governor General's Award for his work as an illustrator. He is considered one of the most talented illustrators of his generation. Born in Brussels, he is now based in Montreal.
The following article appeared on Manila Bulletin.com regarding miracles associated with the Blessed Mother with her title of Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario:
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.
A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
and Jesse the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife,
Solomon the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asa,
Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,
Jehoram the father of Uzziah,
Uzziah the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon,
Amon the father of Josiah,
and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
After the exile to Babylon:
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel the father of Abiud,
Abiud the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
Azor the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
Akim the father of Eliud,
Eliud the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary,
of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.
The beautiful minature stained glass window can be seen inside of Saint Jude's Church, located on 40 Maxim Drive in Hopatcong, NJ, USA.
The following story of Kent Bryant is from CBN.com. In the video interview, Kent Bryant says that his life was transformed from "a divine encounter with God."
CBN.com - “With all the success, women and money, it still wasn’t enough. The void was there.”
Kent Bryant worked as a scout for one of the hottest record labels in New York City. But this wasn’t his first career choice. At age 12, he was already 6'3" tall. His dream was to become a superstar in the NBA.
“It was the thrill of a lifetime to play basketball and to have that great competition.”
By his senior year, he became high school All-American, which guaranteed a full ride at a number of division one universities. He decided on San Diego State.
“Having the ability to shoot the basketball and to drive to the basket were my specialties. They used to call me ‘K-Swish.’ I used to drop it in that net at all times.”
But instead of focusing on basketball and his grades, Kent turned his attention to other pursuits. By the time he graduated from college, he’d become a drug dealer.
“My friends called me ‘the pharmacist’. I really knew how to dice it up and serve it up well.”
Kent lost his shot at the NBA and with it his dream of super stardom. The thousands of dollars a week he was making as a dealer did little to fill a growing emptiness inside. So he started using the drugs he sold.
“Drugs kept me numb. Drinking and smoking and sniffing cocaine. Living a crazy lifestyle and blacking out. Meeting a girl at a club or at a bar and going home with her...”
One day, Kent was introduced to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs who was in the beginning stages of starting Bad Boy Records. Kent joined the company as a scout to develop and promote new music artists. Working with Diddy brought a new kind of high.
“Music industry, Bad Boy Entertainment was fast paced. A lot was coming at you all the time. A lot of success. A lot of fame. Working with artists such as the Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Craig Mack. The list goes on and on. You can throw a party, have your artists come, charge at the door and make up to $30,000 $40,000 on a given night.”
Kent’s tenacity and ability to develop new talent earned him the name “Topp Dwagg”. He loved the lavish lifestyle that came with the title, but one morning after an all night party, he came face to face with how bankrupt his life had become.
“This suicidal thought came to me. Here you are everything that you felt that you desired with drugs, money, women, notoriety, but yet there was still this emptiness. I grab this rail. I’m looking over, and I’m ready to jump. Then I heard a voice say, ‘I have a plan for you. I have work for you. No, you don’t want to do that,’ and it was as if hands were pushing me back from the rail.”
Less than a month later, Kent became seriously ill. In two days, he lost 22 pounds.
“The destructive lifestyle that I led, sleeping with so many different women and having unprotected sex... I thought I had the AIDS virus. I thought I was dying.”
At the hospital, Kent discovered that he didn’t have AIDS, but a bad case of food poisoning. While recovering at home, his friend Steve paid him a visit.
Steve recalls, “I told him that I got saved. He really didn’t understand what saved meant. He thought maybe I had some beef on the street. Then I explained to him that Jesus saved me from my sins. I gave my heart to the Lord, and I’m going to church now.”
Kent says, “He had a Bible in his hand. He opened the Bible up, and he read John 3:16 to me. He started reading other scriptures. Steve, the same guy I used to do drugs with and run with in the music industry, is talking to me about Jesus.”
Steve says, “I was like, ‘Kent, God is real and He loves us. He wants you to know Him.’ I told him that God had me praying for him and he started to listen.”
Kent quit his job at Bad Boy Records and began to read the Bible. He says, “Here is a thug, a dude from the music industry and a drug addict, and I left all of that behind. I’m reading the Bible now, staying up all night reading book after book, studying and looking up words.”
Then one Sunday, Kent went to church and surrendered his life to God.
“I went straight to the altar, and I remember getting ready. These two brothers approached me, and they laid their hands on me. They started to pray, but I started to pray for myself. I lifted my hands. I said, ‘God, if You can take away this lust within me, I will give You my life.’ I had a divine encounter with God right there. The Holy Spirit filled me, took away my sin, my shame, my guilt, everything that I was struggling with, forgave me of everything that I did. It was as if God Himself embraced me. I was different, and I was changed right there in a moment.
“Nine and a half years later, [I am] happily married and God has so kept me. I can tell you this. The Lord is so awesome. I’ve never cheated on my wife. Never. From the lifestyle that I led, that is the most powerful part of my testimony to me.”
Today, Kent is in full-time ministry. He travels around the country with Urban Impact sharing his testimony and holding basketball clinics for at risk youth.
“Jesus has a plan for our lives no matter what rock you crawled out from up under, no matter what lifestyle that you were in, how much sin you committed. God is big enough and strong enough to forgive you and to show you His plan for your life.”
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen
O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for us. (Mention your intention)
The following information regarding the St. Joseph Prayer is published in The Pieta Prayer Book by the Miraculous Lady of the Roses, Hickory Corners, Michigan:
The prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the 1500's it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. It is said that whoever shall read this prayer or take it with them, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle.
Make this prayer known everywhere.
Imprimatur Most Rev. George W. Ahr Bishop of Trenton
The above intercessory prayer to St. Joseph can be found on Catholic Websites. For additional prayers, please visit the following link: Devotional Prayers
The statue of St. Joseph holding the infant Jesus can be seen outside of St. Mary's Church, located on Myers Avenue in Denville, NJ, USA.
The following excerpt and photograph is from The Washington Post regarding Tomás José Fernández, an artist who said he had a vision from Our Lord about creating a cross which now stands in Purcellville, VA.
The Washington Post - The Piedmont's most visible celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, "Crux Gloria," stands aside Route 7, the Harry Byrd Highway in Purcellville. Tomás José Fernández sculpted the 33-foot-high steel "Glorious Cross" in 1990. Within the cross is the shape of Jesus; it almost appears to have been cut out by scissors. The ethereal body frames trees, the Blue Ridge and the sky.
By dusk, the outline of Jesus is delicately lighted. At dawn, the glow is extinguished.
Recently, I asked Fernández, 55, about the history of "Crux Gloria." In a letter, he wrote: "In 1988, I was awakened from a sound sleep when an overwhelming presence of light came into my room. Immediately, I was aware that it was the Lord. I acknowledged His presence by saying, 'Oh Lord, it's you. . . .'
"He began to show me something within this ray of light that had entered my room. Then He asked me to make a special cross, for he explained, 'My Cross is a Cross of Light. Get up and draw it down.' I complied instantly, and, as I did, I felt God withdraw."
Fernández awoke at first light and translated the vision, first to a drawing and then to a three-foot-high steel model. A few months later, at his church, the small 1921 brick St. Francis de Sales Church on Main Street in Purcellville, he showed the model to parishioners and said, "Let's put the cross up before we put the building up," referring to a new church being planned.
Fernández said any resistance to the project ended when, while he was still talking and looking at the model, he noticed his audience looking the other way. Late afternoon sunlight, streaming through a window, had projected a shadow of the cut-out Jesus on the wall.
Ted Welti, a Leesburg structural engineer, computed engineering specifications, and Fernández bought the steel at the old Union Iron shop in Herndon. With assists from cranes, sandblasters and heavy equipment, welders at the shop attached two steel sections into one 17,000-pound cross. Fernández recalls the total cost, including his labor, as $12,000.
On Nov. 21, 1990, on the Feast Day of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the liturgical year, a derrick raised the cross, anchored by welds and seven feet of steel encased in a massive block of concrete. The new St. Francis de Sales Church opened nearby in June 1992.
Fernández has since sculpted other crosses and spiritual statuary for several Virginia, North Carolina and D.C. churches and Christian retreats, including St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Ashburn, Peace Lutheran in Annandale and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown.
Fernández, a full-time professional sculptor in metal, said he is always seeking a "spontaneous spiritual expression of the Holy Spirit" before starting a project.
The photograph and following news story regarding the exposition of the Holy Shroud of Turin is posted on Catholic Online:
Vatican Information Service
The Shroud of Turin is believed by millions of Christians to be the burial cloth which wrapped the body of Jesus Christ following His death. The pure linen cloth in a fishbone weave measures 4.37 metres by 1.11 metres. It contains the full frontal and dorsal imprints of a supine man and has carmine-colour stains corresponding to blood.
VATICAN CITY (VIS) - On 10 April, the exposition of the Holy Shroud of Turin will open in the cathedral of that Italian city. One of the highlights of the exposition, which is due to end on 23 May, will be the visit of Benedict XVI, who will celebrate Mass in the city's Piazza San Carlo on 2 May.
The Shroud of Turin is believed by millions of Christians to be the burial cloth which wrapped the body of Jesus Christ following His death. The pure linen cloth in a fishbone weave measures 4.37 metres by 1.11 metres. It contains the full frontal and dorsal imprints of a supine man and has carmine-colour stains corresponding to blood.
It is marked with a double series of dark spots caused by burns it suffered in a fire in the sixteenth century, while the water use to douse the flames has left broad symmetrical rings, clearly visible. Less visible are transverse marks corresponding to creases in the linen which, before its final voyage to Turin in 1578, had been preserved in a reliquary in forty-eight folds.
The man in the image is 180 centimetres tall and has long hair, a beard and moustache. The eyes are closed, the hands and forearms crossed, and the body bears signs of torture.
During the period of the exposition, daily Mass will be celebrated in the cathedral in front of the Shroud at 7 a.m., followed by Lauds. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the penitentiary of Palazzo Chiablese throughout the day. The chapel will be reserved for silent prayer and Eucharistic worship.
Priests will be available in the penitentiary to hear confessions and administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The exposition route to view the Shroud will be open from the end of Mass up to 8 p.m. (reservations are required). It will also be possible to enter the cathedral by the main door, but then the Shroud will only be visible from a distance.
The nave will be reserved for prayers and silent reflection. In the evening, depending on the calendar, the cathedral may be open for special ceremonies or religious cultural events.
The website provides texts and information concerning all aspects of the organization of the exposition.
O Queen of heaven and earth, Most Holy Virgin, we venerate you. You are the beloved Daughter of the Most High God, the chosen Mother of the Incarnate Word, the Immaculate Spouse of the Holy Spirit, the sacred vessel of the Most Holy Trinity.
Mother of the Divine Redeemer, who, under the title of Our Lady of Good Remedy, comes to the aid of all who call upon you, extend your maternal protection to us. We depend on you, dear Mother, as helpless and needy children depend on a tender and caring Mother.
Lady of Good Remedy, source of unfailing help, grant that we may draw from your treasury of graces in our time of need.
Touch the hearts of sinners, that they may seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Bring comfort to the afflicted and the lonely; help the poor and the hopeless; aid the sick and the suffering. May they be healed in body and strengthened in spirit to endure their sufferings with patient resignation and Christian fortitude.
Dear Lady of Good Remedy, source of unfailing help, your compassionate heart knows a remedy for every affliction and misery we encounter in life. Help me, with your prayers and intercession, to find a remedy for my problems and needs, especially for...(indicate your special intentions).
On my part, loving Mother, I pledge myself to a more intensely Christian lifestyle, to a more careful observance of the laws of God, to be more conscientious in fulfilling the obligations of my state in life, and to strive to be a source of healing in this broken world of ours.
Dear Lady of Good Remedy, be ever present to me and, through your intercession, may I enjoy health of body and peace of mind, and grow stronger in the faith, and in the love of your Son, Jesus.
Eight hundred years ago Christians were being captured and sold into slavery by the thousands, and nobody knew what to do about it; Then,in the year 1198 a man had an idea. John de Matha founded the Trinitarians to go to the slave markets, buy the Christian slaves, and set them free. To carry out this plan, the Trinitarians needed large amounts of money. So, they placed their fund-raising efforts under the patronage of Mary. They were so successful that, over the centuries, the Trinitarians were able to free thousands and thousands of people, and to return them safely home. In gratitude for her miraculous assistance, St. John de Matha honored Mary with the tide of Our Lady of Good Remedy. This ancient devotion is widely known in Europe and Latin America, and the Church celebrates her feast day on October 8. Our Lady of Good Remedy is depicted as the Virgin Mary handing a bag of money to St. John de Matha. When in need, invoke the aid of Our Lady of Good Remedy, and you will surely experience the power of her intercession.
Still white-robed and wearing the red and blue cross, as designed by their founder, the Trinitarians are involved in many and varied apostolates, expressing their love for the Triune God as missionaries, parish priests, chaplains in prisons and hospitals, educators, friends of the left-out, the less fortunate, and all whose faith is in danger.
The interview of Akiane Kramarik is from CNN. The inspiration for her art and literature comes from her visions of heaven and God. For additional information about her paintings, visit the website of Akiane Kramarik.
The Twenty-four “Glory be to the Father’s” novena can be said at any time. However, the ninth to the seventeenth of the month is particularly recommended, for on those days the petitioner joins in prayer with all those making the novena.
The “Glory be to the Father” praising the Holy Trinity is said twenty-four times each of the nine days, in thanksgiving for all the blessings and favors given to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus during the twenty-four years of her life. In addition, this, or a similar prayer may be used:
“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, I thank Thee for all the blessings and favors Thou hast showered upon the soul of Thy servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the twenty-four years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this Thy most beloved Saint, I beseech Thee to grant me this favor, if it is in accordance with Thy most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”
After this Prayer, follow the twenty-four “Glory be to the Father’s,” between each of which may be included this short prayer:
“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”
The Glory Be Prayer
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
ORIGIN OF THE NOVENA
Father Putigan, a Jesuit, began the Novena to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus on December 3, 1925, asking the glorious Saint for one great favor. For nine days he recited the “Glory be to the Father” twenty-four times thanking the Holy Trinity for the favors and Graces showered on Saint Therese during the twenty-four years of her life on earth. The priest asked Saint Therese, that as a sign that his novena was heard he would receive from someone a freshly plucked rose. On the third day of the novena, an unknown person sought out Father Putigan and presented him with a beautiful rose.
Father Putigan began the second novena on December 24 of the same year, and as a sign, asked for a white rose. On the fourth day of this novena one of the Sister-nurses brought him a white rose saying:
“Saint Therese sent you this.”
Amazed, the priest asked:
“Where did you get this?”
“I was in the chapel,” said the Sister, “and as I was leaving I passed the altar above which hangs the beautiful picture of Saint Therese. This rose fell at my feet. I wanted to put it back into the bouquet, but a thought came to me that I should bring it to you.”
Father Putigan received the favors he had petitioned of the Little Flower of Jesus, and promised to spread the novena to increase devotion to, and bring her more honor.
In this fashion, from the ninth to the seventeenth of each month, those who want to participate in the Twenty-four “Glory be to the Father’s” novena, should add to those of their own, the intentions of all who are at that time making the novena, thus forming one great prayer in common.
The above prayer and history of the novena is found on the following link: EWTN
For additional prayers, please visit the following link: Devotional Prayers
The stained glass window of Saint Therese can be seen inside of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. The church is located on 1360 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, New Jersey, USA.
I recommend viewing Ron Zaucha's life-changing story after he had a vision of Jesus Christ. The following testimony by Ron Zaucha is published on CBN.com:
“I had a vision there in jail of Jesus Christ. He appeared to me as real as you are and finally spoke. I said, ‘What do You want?' And He said, ‘You.' I said, 'You can’t want someone like me. I’ve done all these things. Hurt all these people. Done all this stuff in my life.' And He said, 'I came for people like you.' When that happened, I knew I needed to change my life."
Almost twenty years have passed since I began my initial search for a spiritual director/confessor. I expected the process to be straightforward and simple; however, it became rather challenging. The most important element in my mind at the time was to find someone that could understand and relate to my spiritual circumstances as connected to my Catholic faith.
Since 1991, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has revealed his spiritual presence in my life through signs and wonders. I believe it's extremely important for anyone experiencing the presence of God to have an advisor in order to anaylize the spiritual events as well as to discuss the meaning of God's plan and purpose in your life.
Have you ever tried looking for the appropriate medical specialist before making a final decision? Perhaps you found someone and then later decided to switch because you were not satisfied with the outcome? The comparison can be made with someone who serves the Lord and provides guidance for dealing with everyday journeys of life here on earth.
More than fifteen years have passed since making that faithful decision in choosing Father Richard Tartaglia as my spiritual director/confessor. However, before making that decisive choice, it was a hit and miss process with a few other priests. In hindsight, it was the appropriate choice. Father Richard is not only a skillful spiritual counselor, but I also consider him as a friend.
Fr. Richard is one of several pastors at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, located on Myers Avenue and Route 46 in Denville, NJ. Saint Mary's Prep is also part of the parish and provides Catholic education from kindergarten through 8th grade. Father Martin Glynn is the head pastor at Saint Mary's Parish.
Fr. Richard Tartaglia's Office - Photo by Loci B. Lenar
Frankly, I admit, it's a delight to sit down and engage in dialogue with Fr. Richard about our Catholic faith, and then suddenly without warning, switch topics to baseball!
If you examine the photograph of Father Richard's desk, he has more New York Yankees memorabilia than the Cooperstown Museum in NY. I am in awe of his widespread collection of baseball souvenirs. And candidly, I must say, why not enjoy the game of baseball through collectibles? It's fun entertainment for all ages and families. In my opinion, he's the NY Yankees number one fan in the tri-state area. I am quite sure he is happy about the major league baseball season finally getting started, especially with the game played between the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. What an exciting rivalry for Yankee and Boston fans!
Almost everyone at St. Mary's parish is aware of his love for God and baseball.
His work in helping parishioners at St. Mary's and celebrating Holy Mass is appreciated by many and by no means forgotten. As a gesture of thanks, baseball collectibles are common gifts given by parishioners for his thoughtful support and kindness.
He has numerous baseballs with some signed by Yogi Berra and Reggie Jackson. He has a plaque of Derek Jeter breaking Lou Gehrig's team record in 2009 for hits by a Yankee. A photo of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig hangs on the wall with a plaque of newcomer pitchers, C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.
If time would allow, you could spend hours discussing baseball with Fr. Richard, but because of his busy schedule, God's work prevails. When it comes to faith, he's a walking encyclopedia of church doctrine and a model priest for all. God the Father has gifted Fr. Richard with an open mind and open heart to address matters of spiritual importance.
Going back more than fifteen years, the most important matter I needed addressed was my request to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Because of an on-going heart condition known as Atrial Fibrillation and continued bouts with headaches, it was God's spiritual remedy for treating my medical condition. Through prayer, the Blessed Mother guided me to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his perfect timing in blessing me with this healing sacrament of the Catholic Church.
After requesting church assistance, I was anointed with oil by Fr. Richard Tartaglia with the healing sacrament. I thank the Lord for working his healing grace through this Holy Sacrament at Saint Mary's Catholic Church.
Through the blessings and grace of God, I was healed of my heart arrhythmia. The medical condition is treated with Lanoxin, a cardiac medicine. However, I've not used the medication for over fifteen years. I was treated by Dr. Gilbert Mandel of Denville, NJ, for the disorder. Additionally, I was healed from years of suffering painful headaches after countless visits to medical specialists with treatments that went to no avail. With the power of prayer and the Anointing of the Sick, God's healing grace cured me. The sacrament is administered through the church.
In James 5:14-15 the following is noted: "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon 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."
I hope that through reading my testimony, God will bless you with His grace to use the sacraments of the church and to return to weekly celebration of the Mass.
May God bless you on the pathway to salvation and healing!
Hundreds of people have been flocking to a small house in downtown Watsonville, CA, to get a glimpse of what the owners say is a miracle.
Since the phenomenon was discovered two weeks ago, residents say visitors hoping to see the cross — which changes color and shape depending on the type of light behind it — have been coming around the clock.
On Thursday afternoon, about two dozen people were gathered in the garage, sitting on benches and chairs, silently praying and placing flowers on a table just under the window.
Parents carried their young children, while men stood near the back of the garage, their hats clenched in their hands.
“I live next door so I had to come and see for myself,” Jaime Saavedora said. “I’ve been seeing all these people come here. I’m a believer, so this is really important to me. I’m glad to see so many people come out for this. It’s really incredible; it’s a miracle.”
Sophia Marr of Aptos came to the apparition after she heard about the phenomenon at a church rosary group.
“The amazing thing is that this is happening during Holy Week,” she said. “I’m Roman Catholic, and to me this is beautiful.”
“I think it strengthens peoples’ faith when they see something that’s out of the ordinary,” she added.
At one point, a woman walked up to the window, leaned close and began to cry.
“I see Jesus’ face on the cross,” she said, before collapsing to the ground, where she was caught by her companions.
Esmerelda Segura, 13, said she took the three-hour drive from Sonoma with her family after hearing about the window from her aunt.
“I think it’s amazing,” she said. “At first I thought it was just a reflection from the light, but not anymore.”
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook 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 was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
The Guards' Report
While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.
***
The stained glass window detail was photographed inside Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. The Catholic church is located in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, USA.
Lent prepares us through sacrifice and prayer for a spiritual renewal of the soul. However, Easter rejuvenates our lives as God the Father calls us to live by the gospels of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by transforming us into the resurrected image of His divine son.
Through prayerful contemplation and preparation for Easter, I made an appointment with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of Saint Mary’s Church. My visit on Wednesday, March 31, to Saint Mary’s, included the sacrament of reconciliation and a conversation with Fr. Richard about the spiritual presence of God as our Lord manifests His love through signs and wonders throughout the world.
For anyone that's interested in visiting Saint Mary's Church, it is located on the corner of Myers Avenue and Route 46 in Denville, New Jersey.
Since 2005 and each year following, God the Father has blessed me through His divine son, Jesus Christ, with a miraculous sign of a cross which appears annually on my residence in Mine Hill, NJ. Once again, on Saturday morning, March 27, 2010, a cross surrounded by a shield appeared on my backyard fence. The spiritual presence of God and His angels coincided with the start of Holy Week.
2010 Cross - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar
The cross started appearing at the top of the fence as a result of sunlight and then slowly moved downward until it came in contact with the ground. At that point it turned into a round circle of light and then afterward it disappeared. The most recent cross was seen by my wife, Teresa, including my son, Ryan and his friend Nicole.
In Psalm 84:11, we read that “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Through discernment and prayer, it’s the Shield of Archangel Michael, protector of God’s church and people.
In my previous testimony which is posted on this blog from March 23, 2007, I stated that nothing is visible in the house windows that might create a reflection of a cross. As before, I stand by that statement.
In my heart, I know it’s a reflection of God’s light coming from the gates of Heaven. As Jesus said in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
The photographs and testimony were shared with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia during my recent visit.
As you walk into the front door of Father Richard Tartaglia's office, the first object you notice is a poster hanging on the rear door with a caption of ‘Men in Black’ with two priests. The poster has Fr. Jones holding a bible, while Fr. Smith holds a cross, both protecting the church from malevolent forces of evil. Ironically, the poster is based on the sci-fi movie staring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith who are both protecting earth from galactic destruction.
With that in mind, we are indeed living in a world which is following the road to perdition if we do not embrace positive change and follow the gospels of Jesus Christ. In scripture we are reminded to love one another and to strive for world peace.
God the Father is calling for everyone to pray for Divine Mercy and to make use of church sacraments by attending and celebrating Mass.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is calling for us to pray that violence be mitigated and extinguished throughout the world.
Our Lord is calling for us to cherish and respect human life especially the unborn and elderly.
Our Lord is calling for us to live in peace with our brothers and sisters of other religious denominations.
Our Lord is calling for us to help evangelize the world and to pray for Christian unity.
Our Lord is calling for us to pray for peace in our families and for the world.
Our Lord is calling for us to pray for divine protection and to pray for assistance in our lives through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima and Archangel Michael.
As I stated before, the cross first began to appear on my property in 2005. For additional information on my testimony pertaining to the 2005 cross, please visit the following link: Miraculous Signs: Angels from Heaven.
Incidentally, in 2008, by coincidence or perhaps I should say by providence, the Gloucester County Times reported a similar story of a cross photographed on Easter Sunday in Pitman, New Jersey. To read the story, please visit the following links: NJ.com or Cross Appears on House During Easter.
Please join in prayer for God’s divine intervention in order to change our world and usher in an era of peace as foretold by Our Lady of Fatima and prophesied in Revelation 20: A Thousand Year Reign of God’s Peace.
As Jesus said in Luke 18:27, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
