Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Florida women frighten off intruder by chanting ‘Jesus’

Jesus - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Excerpt from The Sideshow - Yahoo! News

By Eric Pfeiffer

If you ask the 15 women inside Jacquie Hagler’s house what happened, they’ll tell you it’s simple: Jesus scared a would-be thief out of the Florida woman’s home.
 
At first, those gathered at Hagler’s house for a jewelry party thought the intruder was part of an elaborate gag, using a “water gun” to tease the Florida women.

"It's only a water gun," one attendee reportedly said, while brushing away the firearm allegedly brandished by Derick Lee, who allegedly entered the home wearing a ski cap and bandana across his face.

Witnesses say Lee then held the gun to the woman’s head and announced, "I'm not joking, I'm going to shoot someone, give me your money." He even showed the women some of the bullets loaded into his gun before they could be convinced the robbery attempt was real.

What Lee didn’t know was that, spiritually speaking, he was outgunned by the jewelry party attendees.
 
"When I realized what was going on, I stood up and said, 'In the name of Jesus, get out of my house now,'” Hagler told WJXT-TV. "And he said, 'I'm going to shoot someone.' And I said it again, real boldly," Hagler continued. "Everybody started chanting, 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,' and he did a quick scan of the room and ran out the door as fast as he could go."

Read More: "I believe he saw angels”

Friday, January 25, 2013

Fight against caste system in India unites Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox




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

There is one week a year where Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox pray together for the same cause. It's known as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Over the course of the week, Christians from several denominations highlight their similarities, rather than their differences.

This year, organizers included a group of university students from India. They integrated their concern for the “dalit,” or the untouchables, the lowest caste in society which often suffers discrimination, and who make up a large portion of Christians in India.

MSGR. BRIAN FARELL
Secretary, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity

“India is one of those places that division and injustice is very visible. Every year we have a reason to go for ecumenical dialog to India, and it takes a long time to understand of the separation between social classes, religious groups, and the consequences suffering that this division in society brings.”

For Brian Farell, the Year of Faith is an opportunity to promote ecumenism because it emphasizes going back to the roots of Christianity. He says the New Evangelization will only be possible if all Christians are united.

MSGR. BRIAN FARELL
Secretary, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity

“This prayer must be one that the World believes. Well, of course, if we are not one, it can be much more difficult, if not impossible, for the World to believe the Christian message.”

This year's theme, “What does God require of us?” looked to initiate dialogue between the Christian denominations to overcome divisions. The goal is for a self-assessment of whether they discriminate each other, the way other castes discriminate against dalits in India.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Pope on social networking: the virtual is real

News from The Associated Press

The following excerpt is from the Associated Press:



VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI put church leaders on notice Thursday, saying social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter aren't a virtual world they can ignore, but rather a very real world they must engage if they want to spread the faith to the next generation.

Read more: Social Networking

Margaret of Castello Intercedes for Many

NCRegister | An Unwanted ‘Blessed’ Inspires Pro-Lifers

The photograph and following excerpt is from the National Catholic Register:

By Jim Graves, Register Correspondent

2011 was a hard year for Marilyn Pinkerton of San Marino, Calif. The 57-year-old’s baby grandson, Nicholas, was diagnosed with nail-patella syndrome (NPS), a rare genetic disorder that adversely affects the nails and kneecaps and sometimes other parts of the body.
 
Prominent among Nicholas’ symptoms was that he had no kneecaps. Therefore, doctors wondered if he would ever be able to walk.
 
Near Pinkerton’s home was the Motherhouse of the Carmelite Sisters of Alhambra, a traditional community whose apostolates in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles include health care and retreats. The sisters suggested she pray for the boy’s healing to Blessed Margaret of Castello, an Italian virgin born in 1287 who herself suffered from severe disabilities.
 
Although she was not Catholic, Pinkerton followed the sisters’ suggestion. Every day she attended Mass with the sisters in their beautiful retreat chapel, pleading with God, the Blessed Mother and Blessed Margaret: "Please, help him to grow. Please help him."
 
Nicholas was undergoing constant therapy for other NPS-related symptoms (e.g., his arms were bent at the elbows so that his hands were flat against his shoulders). Marilyn was delighted to discover that, "while I kept praying and praying, he got better and better."
 
But the most impressive change occurred a year after Marilyn began her devotion to Blessed Margaret. Last March, the doctors were again examining Nicholas, and, for the first time, they discovered he had kneecaps. He is now able to walk and run like other typically developing children his age.
 
As Pinkerton said, "Nicholas is our miracle baby. He has defied the odds of everything they thought he’d be able to do."
 
Nicholas’ grandma is grateful not only to God, but to Blessed Margaret, and she continues her devotion to her: "She had so many handicaps, but through it all had great faith. I pray I can have that great faith, too."
 
At Easter 2012, Pinkerton, her husband and daughter (Nicholas’ mother) all entered the Catholic Church. The family has found great joy in their new faith. As the thankful grandmother said, "It’s given me so much strength."

Read more: Margaret of Castello Intercedes for Many

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Something new to local Catholics: a married priest

John Cornelius
City and Region - The Buffalo News

The photo and following excerpt is from BuffaloNews.com:

BY:

A husband and father of three daughters will become the area’s first married Roman Catholic priest when he is ordained Saturday in Allegany County.

Bishop Richard J. Malone of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo will preside over the ordination of John Cornelius, a former Episcopal priest who is being allowed into the ranks of the Catholic priesthood under a 2012 papal exception to the church’s celibacy rule.

Cornelius, 64, converted to Catholicism about two years ago with his wife, Sharyl.

He spent 20 years as a priest in the Episcopal Church until retiring in 2010.

“I look forward to celebrating Mass again. It’s been two years, and I missed it greatly,” Cornelius said Tuesday. “That closeness to God is an amazing thing.”

A directive by Pope Benedict XVI aimed at welcoming disaffected Episcopalians and Anglicans into the church allows for Cornelius’ ordination.

Last year, the pope established a new “ordinariate” – an entity similar to a diocese – serving former Episcopalians and Anglicans who have converted to Catholicism.

More than 100 former Anglican priests, including Cornelius, applied to become priests for the ordinariate, and Cornelius will be among the first 30 applicants to be ordained.

His wife of 33 years and their three daughters – Virginia, Rebecca Maier and Sarah – will be on hand for the 5 p.m. ceremony in Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville.

Afterward, Cornelius will lead a small community of former Anglicans who meet in a Catholic church in Henrietta, in the Catholic Diocese of Rochester.

The community, known as the Fellowship of Saint Alban, is considered fully Catholic but may use a traditional Anglican liturgy, including the Book of Divine Worship, which features prayers in Elizabethan-style English.

Cornelius will be a priest of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, which is based in Houston, and overseen by Monsignor Jeffrey N. Steenson, a former Episcopal bishop turned Catholic.

But much of Cornelius’ spiritual work will be focused in the Diocese of Buffalo – in Allegany County, where he will celebrate standard Catholic Masses and participate in other ministries at rural Catholic parishes.

Read More: A Married Priest

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Pope calls for peace, asking leaders to show the courage to negotiate




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

In light of the ongoing conflict in Mali, Syria and Algeria, during Sunday's Angelus, Benedict XVI made a new call for peace. More specifically he asked for a new round of negotiations, that can pave the way to a peaceful accord.

BENEDICT XVI
“Once again, I ask that you pray for peace, so that all the open conflicts, may cease, including the violence and death of inocent civilans. May leaders find the courage to speak and negotiate peace.”

With the week of Prayer for Christian Unity taking place from the 18th to the 25th of January, the Pope talked about the need to pray for this very intention. He also talked about the Community of Taizé, an ecumenical youth group, which recently came to Rome.

BENEDICT XVI

“It was very significant for me, to have celebrated this vigil nearly a month ago in this very square with thousands of youths from all over Europe, including the ecumencial youth group of TaizĂ©. It was a moment of grace in which we experienced the beauty of building one force, under Christ.

Reflecting on Sunday's Gospel, in which the Virgin Mary asks Jesus to do something when the wine begins to run out at a wedding, the Pope asked pilgrims to pray to Mary for Christian Unity.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Heartbroken Dog Attends Mass Daily



The photo and following excerpt is from LifeWithDogs.com

Every day when the bells ring out to mark the start of services at a church in Italy, Tommy is there. The German Shepherd used to attend mass with his owner Maria Margherita Lochi. Two months ago Lochi passed away and Tommy continues to attend mass without her, heartbroken and missing his companion.

When 57-year-old Lochi passed away, Tommy was there with the mourners at her funeral service. He continues to mourn and attends services every day. “He’s there every time I celebrate Mass and is very well behaved,” said Father Donato Panna. “He’s still coming to Mass even after Maria’s funeral, he waits patiently by the side of the altar and just sits there quietly.” Panna, who recently lost his own dog, can’t bear to turn Tommy away.

Read More: Tommy

Saturday, January 19, 2013

The Remarkable Artwork of Stephen B. Whatley


Our Lady of Lourdes by Stephen B. Whatley

The Art of Stephen B. Whatley - Flickr.com 

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Stephen B. Whatley is a remarkable and a multi-talented artist.  His colorful artwork spans an array of topics from Christian Tributes, still-life, portraits to landscapes and cityscapes. 

Stephen resides in the UK while his art is in many private collections throughout the world including the USA.  His artwork has been featured in Time magazine, USA Today, The London Times newspaper, and his tribute to Elizabeth Taylor was featured on CNN.

Stephen's commissions include Buckingham Palace and a series of 30 paintings for Her Majesty's Tower of London to name just a few.  

I recently ordered two collectible prints from the artist which arrived from the UK on Friday. The two signed prints include Our Lady of Lourdes and The Virgin Mary of Breezy Point, New York. The vibrant and multihued prints of Our Lady will add a colorful and uplifting presence to my home.  The prints of Our Lady are quite stunning!

Stephen's new painting of Saint Andrew is one of many brilliant portraits of saints that he has painted in recent years.

However, his beautiful cityscape of the Avenue of the Americas, NYC, painted in January of 2013 is refreshing and puts a colorful perspective on one of my favorite cities!  My wife, Teresa and I often visit New York City to see Broadway shows and enjoy lunch or dinner at Carmine's on West 44th Street. The new pastel painting is reflective of the ambiance that Manhattan has to offer while visiting the city.
   
If your interested in original art or prints of Stephen B. Whatley, please visit his website and view his Online Gallery.

The following new paintings and description is reprinted by permission from the artist:

Saint Andrew by Stephen B. Whatley


The artist felt compelled to pay tribute to this apostle (see image on top) - sometimes called the first friend of Jesus - with prayers and great compassion for a dear friend, Andrew - a devout Catholic from Ireland - who has been fighting throat cancer.

Painted on the Feast Day of St Andrew - November 30, 2012 ( also the National Day of Scotland) - the artist viewed various historic images of Saint Andrew that reveal him usually depicted in late middle age often carrying the cross, upon which he was crucified. He was also inspired by the statue of Saint Andrew in St Patrick's Cathedral, New York City - which features strongly in the romantic Hollywood feature film, Miracle In The Rain (US 1956).

St Andrew was known for his self-effacement and generosity and is Patron Saint of fishermen, and rope makers.

Oil on canvas,
27 x 19.5in/ 68.6 x 50cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com


***

Avenue of the Americas, NYC by Stephen B. Whatley

 
The most recent work in a series of paintings and drawings of New York City by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

This drawing - made on the first day of 2013 - was inspired by 3 drawings made on location in October 2010 from the edge of Central Park, looking up the Avenue of The Americas, more commonly known as 6th Avenue. Captured here, below the eclectic mix of architecture, is one of the horses and carriages that passed by as Stephen drew - a romantic feature of this area of Manhattan.

Avenue of the Americas, NYC.  January 1, 2013
Pastel on paper, 23.4 x 16.5in/ 59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Friday, January 18, 2013

Priest publishes book on apparition of angels to 'mystic' women



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

The book Angeli e Mistiche, or Angels and Mystics, profiles 61 women that claim to have clearly seen the intervention of Angels in their lives.

FR. MARCELLO STANZIONE
Author, Angeli e Mistiche

“They are 61 profiles of exceptional women, very different among them. There are noble women, common women, educated women and ignorant, laywomen, nuns. But they have something in common in their lives, they choose Jesus Christ and had experiences with angels.”

The women Marcello Stazione writes about in his book are saints, blessed women, and even martyrs, such as Saint Cecilia, whom according to tradition would pray along with her guardian angel.

FR. MARCELLO STANZIONE
Author, Angeli e Mistiche

“We see how in the martyr's acts, the angels would come to console these women. I'm thinking of Cecilia and Agnes. The beautiful thing is that these women have changed the history of humanity within the Church. These are women that have founded religious orders, hospitals, schools. They were extremely pragmatic and realistic people. They were not lucid women, and their work has made it possible for angels to take action here on Earth.”

In the book, Stazione explains the importance that angels had in the lives of these women, and how they in turn influenced the history of the Church and humanity.

FR. MARCELLO STANZIONE
Author, Angeli e Mistiche

“There are also women from the modern era, such as Mother Theresa of Calcutta, whom had a great devotion to angels. Or Natuzza Evolo, the famous Calabrian mystic, whom would make accurate medical analysis to those that would go see her, despite being extremely ignorant. She would see the guardian angel of the person that would go to her.”

The new book by Father Marcello Stanzione shows how spiritual beings can have an even bigger impact in people's lives.

Week of prayer for Christian unity traced to American priest



Origins, meaning of week of prayer for Christian unity traced to American priest

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

For many, Father Paul Wattson was a visionary. He was born 150 years ago, at the midst of division and war raging in his native Maryland during the American Civil War. Growing up such a difficult period of social unrest and reconciliation, he was exposed to the social issues of the time. They helped shape his life, which would lead him to the establishment of groups and movements which today carry on his legacy.

FR. JAMES PUGLISI
Minister General, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
“He is an extremely human person, A person who was very related to what was going on in his time, but at the same time had a vision looking forward. Seeing beyond the concrete facts of today and seeing how God was moving the course of history.” Born to an Anglican preacher, his desire to care for others led him to establish the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. The society worked, among other things, to bridge the divide between the Anglican and Catholic churches. The unity he strove for inspired him to come up with the idea of an octave of prayer for unity. It takes place each year from January 18-25. FR.

JAMES PUGLISI
Minister General, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
“They were two bookends; and the bookends were the Chair of St. Peter on the 18, so he saw this as the center of unity gathered around St. Peters Chair, and the 25 was the conversion of Paul who was the apostle preaching to all the nations.” The origins and purpose of week of prayer is ever present in the book Fire in the Night, an autobiography of Father Wattson. The book, soon to be published by the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, explains how Father Wattson realized the need to pray for unity, especially to evangelize the world.

FR. JAMES PUGLISI
Minister General, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
“They believe there's an Anglican God, a Catholic God, a Baptist God. But how can they accept us when we say that God is one. So you see this scandal of the division of Christians is fundamental. This is what pushed Father Paul to say that this prayer is necessary.” This year's theme centers on the topics of justice and solidarity within unity, inspired by the demeaning treatment of the 'untouchable' class in Indian society. During the week of prayer, people are asked to pray not just for ecumenical unity, as in the union between the Christian churches, but also for closer unity of each individual to God.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Prayer for World Peace

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

God the Father
Creator of the Heavenly Kingdom
We petition the Court of Heaven
And humbly pray for mercy and divine intervention.


Send forth blessings of spiritual deliverance—
Free nations from the strife of war—
Release cultures from the shackles of poverty—
Instill stability and prosperity—
Healing earth of suffering—
With saving grace for humanity—

We implore Heaven for miraculous signs
By altering the destiny of humankind
Into a glorious era of peace and harmony
Through divine love and prayerful unanimity—
 

Almighty Father we graciously thank thee
In granting our prayers through the name and power
Of your divine Son, Jesus.
Amen

Copyright © 2005 Loci B. Lenar

Millennium Prayer for World Peace is written with inspirational words to pray daily to Our Heavenly Father for divine intervention. Loci B. Lenar was spiritually inspired in 2005 by Our Lord Jesus Christ to write a prayer for peace.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Joe Melendrez, Texan dedicated to spreading the Gospel through rap




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

At the tender age of 11, Joe Melendrez wrote his first poem. His Puff Daddy album inspired him to put the words to a beat. At school, he would “break it down,” like Michael Jackson or Usher.

Then in 2001, at 15-years-old, he was invited to a spiritual retreat, where he decided his verses would praise God.

Since then, he has published two rap albums, and has toured throughout the United States. He's also breaking ground abroad, participating in World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, and in Uganda, where he volunteered at several orphanages.

JOSE MELENDREZ
Rapper

“Notorious BIG, a big time rapper said you always gotta rap about what's real to you. And God is real to me, and that's all I wanna rap about it. I wanna rap about what's real to me. I'm gonna rap about things or topics that can encourage people to live better lives, to know Christ. Because I know it's so necessary, and God it's everything to me.”

Above all things, Joe Melendrez enjoys his concerts. It allows him to get closer to his fans and explain to them his verses.

He goes on to say that much of today's music is dominated by superficial messages. He aspires to something greater. Melendrez explains that some of the greatest rappers also talk about their faith in their verses because God is still a relevant topic. However, he recognizes there's a lot of work.

JOSE MELENDREZ
Rapper

“A lot of time people have negative ideas of rap, and they're like 'oh you can't do that.' And rap is a literally a style, it's poetry with rhythm. I call mine spiritual poetry. And so once you get past it, once you see the fruits of the rap, once they see people going deeper into prayer... Moms come up to me and say 'Hey my kids wanna rap the rosary every morning when it's time to go to school.'”

Music, performing and helping those in need define the life of Joe Melendrez, since that retreat in 2001. Nearly 12 years later, he now helps organize similar retreats in California to help young people there find their way to God.

Friday, January 11, 2013

St. Mary's Monthly Prayer Service Scheduled for January 17, 2013

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

From the Homepage of www.Christian-Miracles.com:

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

With help from Loci B. Lenar and support of Father Richard Tartaglia, including Barbara Jones from the National Conference of Catholic Women (NCCW), prayer requests which are submitted through "Christian-Miracles.com" are prayed for every Monday morning after Mass during Holy Hour Adoration, held between the hours of 8:30 to 9:30 am.  If you're unable to attend St. Mary's Church, please remember to join in prayerful unity on Monday mornings every week as we petition God to answer all of our prayers. 

Are you in need of prayer?  Submit your prayer requests to PrayerRequest@Christian-Miracles.com 

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

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

St. Mary's prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM with a new theme. January will focus on Christian Unity.  The prayer service is scheduled for January 17, 2013. 
 
There is great power through the Holy Spirit when people join together in agreement while praying for God’s help and intervention.

However, if you cannot attend St. Mary's prayer service, you can still join in by praying in unity with St. Mary’s Church for all special prayer intentions.

God wants us to approach him with the desires of our heart. Our Lord calls us to connect with his divine grace in order to receive blessings in our lives. 

Trust and believe in God's word and wait for his timing to receive an answer to your prayers. Miracles happen when least expected!

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)

Regarding prayer, Jesus said, "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."  (Matthew 18:19-20)

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)

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

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

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

Regardless of your religious denomination, please feel free to submit your prayer request by email to PrayerRequest@Christian-Miracles.com. Your email will remain confidential.

Prayer request can also be submitted at the following link:  http://www.christian-miracles.com/prayerrequest.htm

Mr. Lenar visits Father Richard Tartaglia on a regular bases for spiritual guidance and shares with him the prayer requests.

Saint Mary's Monthly Prayer Schedule and Related Themes for 2013 

Christian Unity - Thursday, January 17 at 7:30 PM
  
Lent - Thursday, February 21 at 7:30 PM
  
Easter - Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 PM
  
St. Mark - Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 PM
  
Pentecost - Thursday, May 16 at 7:30 PM
  
John the Baptist - Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 PM
  
Mary Magdalene - Thursday, July 18 at 7:30 PM
  
Michaelmas Day - Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 PM
  
Church Memorial Day - Thursday, October 17 at 7:30 PM

Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 PM

Advent - Tentatively set for Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 PM 

St. Mary's Weekly Mass Schedule

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

Saturday: 5:00 PM

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

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

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

Eve of Holy Days: 5:00 PM

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Dorothy Day: former atheist and social advocate journalist, on the way to sainthood



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

The story of Dorothy Day depicts a passionate woman, always in search of truth. As a journalist, her journey could have her become Church's first journalist saint.

LUCETTA SCARAFFIA
Osservatore Romano

“She was a great writer and American journalist, who was not Catholic. She was an atheist and a socialist, who was very involved in the worker movement. At a certain point she converted to Catholicism and created a large movement working closely with workers, and with the poor, through a magazine called the Catholic Worker.”

She had a tough life, and even underwent an abortion. But after her conversion, she changed her life. In addition to the magazine, she also established soup kitchens and shelters where victims of the Great Depression could eat and sleep. She also advocated actively during the Second Vatican Council to condemn war.

LUCETTA SCARAFFIA
Osservatore Romano

“She worked with a group of women from all around the world and from different religions to pressure or lobby the Second Vatican Council, and to make a statement for peace and to condemn war, which until then the Church had never done. They achieved it.”

A woman with a strong will, she never stopped fighting her entire life for causes she deemed as just. Her stance is supported by “Women, the Church and the World,” a supplement to the Osservatore Romano, the official Vatican newspaper.


LUCETTA SCARAFFIA
Osservatore Romano

“We published a page from her diary where she talks about how they were invited to an audience with the Pope, and he addressed them. That was, in fact, the last audience of John XXIII, and it took place precisely with those women who asked for peace. They were very happy.”

Dorothy Day died in New York City in 1980, at 83 year old. Precisely there, in her hometown, the canonization process has started. And her supporters are expecting good news soon.

Sunday, January 06, 2013

'Miracle' in the Marsh


View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

NBC 10 Philadelphia

The following excerpt and video is from NBCPhiladelphia.com:

A 3-foot tall statue standing in the marsh along the shoreline in Brick Township, New Jersey is being called a miracle.

Since Hurricane Sandy hit, residents had been focused on the clean-up and recovery.

It wasn't until days after the flood waters receeded those who live along Sheldon Avenue, spotted Saint Francis of Assisi. The small concrete statue, faces away from the waters that flooded their homes.

While no one knows for sure how the statue is still standing in a spot where so much has been torn down, Saint Francis has become a welcome sight at the shore and a sign that things will get better.

Read More: Miracle in the Marsh

Saturday, January 05, 2013

Columbus Catholic Women's Conference Scheduled for February 2013

Photograph Courtesy of Loci B. Lenar

Celebrating the Year of Faith -| Register

The 6th Annual Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference will be held on February 23, 2013 at the Ohio State Expo Center, Lausche Building.

Speakers include Fr. Leo Patalinghug, author of "Grace Before Meals," and cooking show host, Savoring our Faith on EWTN. 

Suzanne Fowler, mother of seven and author of "Light Weigh and Building the Family Cookbook," and founder of Light Weigh One King Bible Study Weight-Loss Programs. Suzanne teaches to use our connection to God to maintain spiritual and physical well-being.

Sr. Mary Michael, Sr. Joseph Maria, Sr. Catherine Marie and Sr. Mary Jacinta OP, Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, speaking On The Dignity of Women, On Marriage, On Motherhood and On Mary.


Schedule of Events

***

The photograph of the stain glass window of The Immaculate Heart of Mary can be seen inside Our Lady of the Mount Chapel. The Catholic church is located on Mount Bethel Rd, Warren, NJ.  Loci Lenar's photograph was chosen for promoting the 2013 Columbus Catholic Women's Conference in Ohio.

Friday, January 04, 2013

THE SEEKER OF SPIRITUAL PHENOMENA


Miracle of the Sun - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Reprinted with permission from The Standard-Times and SouthCoastToday.com

First published on December 29, 2012 - The Standard-Times - New Bedford, MA

By LINDA ANDRADE RODRIGUES

In John 4:48, Jesus said, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe."

Miracles are happening all around us, according to Loci Lenar, whose mission is to report the news of Christian signs and wonders on his blog and website — "Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith" (http://lenarpoetry.blogspot.com) and "Signs, Wonders and Miracles" (www.Christian-Miracles.com) — which have recorded over a million page views.

Searching daily on the Internet, Lenar has published excerpts and links of Standard-Times' religion stories, including the conversion experiences attributed to Eucharistic Adoration at St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet, and the interview with Baptist minister and New York Times bestselling author, the Rev. Don Piper, who wrote about spending "90 Minutes in Heaven."

Lenar also documents his own spiritual encounters, following instructions from his spiritual advisor, the Rev. Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Church in Denville, N.J.

Sharing his own experiences, he has been interviewed several times for the program "Sacred Treasures" on the international Catholic station Radio Maria, which is broadcast locally by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate of Our Lady's Chapel in New Bedford at 88.5 FM (WPMW).

Ironically, Lenar grew up in a family of lapsed Catholics. His parents left Hungary in 1956 because of the revolution uprising against the government and its Soviet-imposed policies. They settled in Brussels, Belgium, where Lenar was born in 1957. Shortly after, the family immigrated to America. He became a U.S. citizen with his parents in1967.

"They weren't really practicing Catholics," he said. "We went to church on holidays."

A resident of Mine Hill, N.J., Lenar married in 1977; and the couple has a son and daughter.

"My kids were going to Catholic school, and my wife would take them to Sunday Mass," he said. "But I wouldn't go."

Then Lenar underwent a conversion experience.

"When I was about 30, I had a very profound dream," he said. "An angel came to me in my sleep and said that Our Lord Jesus wanted to speak to me. I started going to church."

Six months later, he had a second dream.

"I came face to face with Jesus," he said, who told him: "Come follow me for I have much work to accomplish."

At that time Lenar was suffering from cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and severe headaches.

He started to pray for a healing.

"I was guided to St. Mary's in Denville, N.J., which wasn't my parish at the time; and I received the Anointing of the Sick," he said. "I started to feel better."

Then through prayer, he said he felt guided to receive the Anointing of the Sick again.

"I will never forget that day," he said. "I heard Jesus say, 'You are healed.' The symptoms disappeared, and I stopped taking medications. I haven't had any problems with the heart and the headaches for 20 years."

Lenar said that he believes God called him to guide people back to the teachings of the gospels, the church and the sacraments.

"It is important for people to recognize that God is real," he said. "When medicine can't help and even before, it is important to turn to God for healing and blessings. It's my testimony."

In addition to his gift as a spiritual locutionist, Lenar personally observes spiritual phenomena that he captures on film.

Cross of Light - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

"There are lots of things I have documented," he said. "A cross of light has been appearing on my property since 2005."

Tartaglia visited Lenar's home last April on Good Friday and saw the cross. The priest photographed the image and spoke about it in his homily, calling it a sign.

As part of his daily routine, Lenar visits churches to photograph stained glass windows and statues to use on his website and blog. During a visit to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Washington, N.J. in 2008, Lenar photographed rays of sunlight through a stained glass window, which appear to be flowing towards the ceiling. (See photo on top of page)

"I cannot explain the phenomena," said Lenar. "Remarkably, the stained glass window is a representation of the Miracle of the Sun which was witnessed by 70,000 people on Oct. 13, 1917 at Fatima, Portugal."

Signs of Archangel Michael - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

In 2009, he stopped to pray at The Church of St. Michael in Netcong, N.J. and photographed a statue of St. Michael the Archangel.

"Without the flash, you see the striking rainbow beyond the statue and around the arms," he said. "I gave the small memory card to Father Richard."

Catholics invoke St. Michael the Archangel in prayer for physical protection.

Lenar said that Jesus is calling people to pray for divine protection, not just for their families but for the world.

"We are living in difficult times, but through prayer we could change things," he said. "Through prayer violence could be mitigated."

Lenar added that Christmas time is all about signs and wonders, as Christians celebrate the miracle of Christ's birth.

"The prophecy is fulfilled," he said. "It is good to know that God's presence is still here. It didn't end 2,000 years ago. It still continues to our time."

***

Additional Note: Linda Andrade Rodrigues interviewed Loci B. Lenar on November 29, 2012 for this article.  There are two extra photographs added to the original Standard-Times' story. The two images are the Cross of Light and Signs of Archangel Michael. However, both images are mentioned in the original story.

Furthermore, all photographs by Loci B. Lenar were shared with Fr. Richard Tartaglia exactly as captured on the camera's memory card.  All images were transferred to a CD for church archives. 

Thursday, January 03, 2013

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus by Stephen B. Whatley

Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The following news item is from the website of artist Stephen B. Whatley:

A new 2012 tribute to the tender love of the Blessed Virgin Mary for her divine baby son, Jesus by expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley. Created the day after Christmas, St. Stephen's Day, the artist selected at random a prayer card icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as a starting point of inspiration.

May the spirit of love and peace - as best represented by the Holy Mother and Child - fill lives in 2013.

Happy New Year!

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus. (St. Stephen's Day 2012)
Pastel on paper, 16.5 x 11.5in/42 x 30cm

www.stephenbwhatley.com

Our Lady's Monthly Message to Mirjana Soldo

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady of Medjugorje: January 02, 2013 Message to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

"Dear children, with much love and patience I strive to make your hearts like unto mine. I strive, by my example, to teach you humility, wisdom and love because I need you; I cannot do without you my children. According to God's will I am choosing you, by His strength I am strengthening you. Therefore, my children, do not be afraid to open your hearts to me. I will give them to my Son and in return, He will give you the gift of Divine peace. You will carry it to all those whom you meet, you will witness God's love with your life and you will give the gift of my Son through yourselves. Through reconciliation, fasting and prayer, I will lead you. Immeasurable is my love. Do not be afraid. My children, pray for the shepherds. May your lips be shut to every judgment, because do not forget that my Son has chosen them and only He has the right to judge. Thank you."

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Wishing all Friends and Visitors a Happy New Year!

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

New Year Prayer

As we enter into 2013, may Our Heavenly Father bless our nation and world with divine love and spiritual renewal. May the Holy Spirit open the hearts of people to receive God's grace for conversion. Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, may peace reign upon our earth with signs, wonders, and miracles.

I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen

The stained glass window detail of Jesus can be seen inside St. Teresa of Avila Church. The beautiful Catholic Church is located on 306 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ.


Copyright 2013 Loci B. Lenar
www.Christian-Miracles.com