Wednesday, December 31, 2014

A New Year Prayer for 2015

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar
A New Year Prayer

Dear Lord,
We pray that this New Year will bring us closer to You.
May we take the time to get to know You.
Help us to truly celebrate the gifts You have graciously given us
and use them to serve You and spread Your word,

May we also see and love you in all the people we meet,
so that in turn, they can see You in us.

We know that all human relations take time
if they are to grow and deepen.
This is also true of our relations with You,
the Father and the Holy Spirit,
which must grow over the course of our lives.
In this new year,
let us realise that every action of ours
no matter how great or small
enables us to be in touch with You.
Let us accept You in our lives,
in the way it pleases You,
as Truth, to be spoken,
as Life, to be lived,
as Light, to be lighted,
as Love, to be followed,
as Joy, to be given,
as Peace, to be spread about,
as Sacrifice, to be offered among our relatives,
friends, neighbours and all people.

Amen.

(Prayer from www.Catholicdoors.com)



Thursday, December 25, 2014

The Virgin Mary's Christmas Messages of December 25, 2014


Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Our Lady of Medjugorje's message given during apparition to Medjugorje visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti: 

 “Dear children! Also today, in my arms I am carrying my Son Jesus to you and I am asking from Him peace for you and peace among you. Pray to and adore my Son for His peace and joy to enter into your hearts. I am praying for you to be all the more open to prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call.”


The Virgin Mary's message given during apparition to Medjugorje visionary Jakov Colo:

"Dear children! Today, on this day of grace, I desire for each of your hearts to become a little stable of Bethlehem in which the Savior of the world was born. I am your mother who loves you immeasurably and is concerned for each of you. Therefore, my children, abandon yourselves to the mother, so that she may place each of your hearts and lives before little Jesus; because only in this way, my children, your hearts will be witnesses of God’s daily birth in you. Permit God to illuminate your lives with light and your hearts with joy, so that you may daily illuminate the way and be an example of true joy to others who live in darkness and are not open to God and His graces. Thank you for having responded to my call."
 

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Power of Prayer? 'Miracle' Priest Rises from Wheelchair and Walks



News Excerpt and photo from NBC News.com

A Catholic priest who was paralyzed from the chest down in a fall four years ago says he has proof that prayer can heal.

Doctors had told Father John Murray of Brooklyn, New York that he would never walk again after bone chips from his neck sliced into his spinal cord.

"'You should expect no voluntary movement,'" said Murray. "That's a quote. 'No voluntary movement for the rest of your life.'"

Watch Part Two of Cynthia McFadden's Two-Part Report on the Power of Prayer Tuesday on "Nightly News"

But within a year and a half after he tripped on a Jersey Shore boardwalk, the priest was able to rise from his wheelchair and walk.

"I think it's a result of prayer," said Murray. "Other people's prayers and my prayers, without a doubt."

Father Murray has a lot of company. Half of all Americans believe that prayer can heal. But medical studies increasingly show the same thing, says the medical professor who runs Duke University's Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health.

"People who are more religious just live longer; that's kind of the bottom line," said Dr. Harold Koenig.


Read More: Fr. John Murray

Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


May your Christmas be filled with peace and joy as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. May 2015 bring peace and prosperity to all people of good will.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Celebrate the Birth of Jesus by attending Church Services on Christmas Day




We invite you to attend Mass this Christmas. Contact your local church for Mass times and join our big Catholic family in celebrating the birth of Jesus, the reason for the Christmas season.

St. Mary's Church
15 Myers Avenue
Denville, New Jersey, 07834

Rectory: 973-627-0269

CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24th

8:00 am, 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 10:00 pm

CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25th

7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am

Saint 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

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Advent 2014: Prepare and Celebrate the Birth of Jesus on Christmas Day!



Advent Prayer

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to heart the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Prayer from Catholic Online)

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

 

Sunday, December 07, 2014

Vatican Museums in 3D: Documentary will hit international big screens starting December 10th




News from RomeReports.com

About six million people visit the Vatican museums every year. For those who can't make the trip, now there's a 3D experience where viewers can see it all up close and personal. 

COSETTA LAGANI
Vatican Museums 3D, Producer 
"With this 3D footage you feel like you're actually visiting the museum. It's as if you're reaching out and touching the works or art. It seems like you're part of the frescoes, in  all their dimensions.” 

Making this happen wasn't easy. It was the first time Ultra HD/3D cameras were allowed to film inside the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Day in and day out, a team of 40 Italian crew members, were given unlimited access to priceless pieces of art. In essence, it's an attempt to make a masterpiece out of a masterpiece. 

COSETTA LAGANI
Vatican Museums 3D, Producer
"Our team covered the Vatican's Raphael rooms. We also include works by Giotto and Caravaggio. There's also some pieces from the Museum of Modern Art, done by Dali and Van Gogh.” 

After four months of post-production, a one hour documentary will hit international big screens starting December 10, 2014. More than 500 theaters will show the film, through the SpectiCast Network and the Fathom Event's Digital Broadcast Network. 

COSETTA LAGANI
Vatican Museums 3D, Producer
"The audience will never forget what it sees, because the images include so much detail. The narration that accompanies the film is also very original. It describes the history of Laocoonte, the Torso of Belvedere and of course the Sistine Chapel. You can't forget it.” 

A documentary that triggers intrigue and inspiration, based on some of the most powerful works of art, ever produced by mankind.  
 
 

Saturday, December 06, 2014

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal by Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady Of The Miraculous Medal 2014 by Stephen B Whatley


Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The Most Recent Catholic Tribute Painting by Expressionist Artist Stephen B. Whatley

(Reprinted from the website of the artist.)

The origins of this devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal) date back to 1830, in the Chapel of The Sisters of Charity (now known as The Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal) in Paris, France, where Sister ( now Saint ) Catherine Laboure received three miraculous visitations from Our Lady informing her that She was giving her a mission.

On November 27, 1830 Sister Catherine saw a vision of Our Lady standing on a globe that the Mother of God explained represented the whole world; especially France that was experiencing great poverty during the aftermath the many wars of the time. Her foot is placed on a serpent, below her representing Satan.

Streaming from rings on Mary's fingers were many rays of light that symbolised the graces she obtains for those who ask. Framing the vision was an inscription,

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

Mother Mary instructed Sister Catherine to have a medal - now known as the Miraculous Medal - created of this image. She then showed her what should be detailed on the reverse of the medal: 12 stars encircling a large "M" from which arose a Cross, below which are two hearts, representing The Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Blessed Virgin Mary told Sister Catherine that "…Those who wear the medal will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their neck"

Painting in prayer, the artist embroidered all the elements of the Blessed Virgin Mary's instructions into his painting - with a special intention that the painting should bring light, peace, hope and blessings of healing to those who view it.

'Miraculous Medals' cut to this divine design can be bought from cathedrals, churches & Catholic shops.

A Novena (9 day prayer) to the Miraculous Medal can be see read via this link to the official website of The Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal in Paris , 140 rue du Bac, Paris, France:
www.chapellenotredamedelamedaillemiraculeuse.com/EN/h5.asp

The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been published in TIME magazine and in numerous periodicals including the Catholic press. His work can be found in collections worldwide and in public collections including the BBC Heritage, London Transport Museum, The Royal Collection, The Tower of London (where there is a permanent walkway of the artist's work at Tower Hill) and London's Westminster Cathedral which staged an exhibition of his Catholic tributes, "Paintings From Prayer" - which included a portrait of Pope Francis - in August 2013.

The Feast Day of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal is celebrated the same day as that of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception: December 8th.

Prayers for peace and miracles of strength & healing during Advent, Christmas, and in the New Year.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Oil on canvas,
38 x 24in

Visit the following link for more artwork by the artist: www.stephenbwhatley.com

Visit the following link to read the Catholic Life article:  Stephen B. Whatley The Praying Artist

Friday, December 05, 2014

'Women of the Bible' Premieres Sunday, December 7th on Lifetime

https://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries

Mark your calendars! 'Women of the Bible' premieres Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 7/6c on Lifetime!  From Executive producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey (Son of God and The Bible Series).

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

The Virgin Mary's Message to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

Virgin Mary

Our Lady of Medjugorje - Message of December 2, 2014

“Dear children, remember – for I am telling you that love will win. I know that many of you are losing hope because around you, you see suffering, pain, jealousy, envy… But, I am your mother. I am in the Kingdom but am also here with you. My Son is sending me anew to help you. Therefore, do not lose hope, instead, follow me – because the victory of my heart is in the name of God. My beloved Son is thinking of you as He has always thought of you. Believe Him and live Him. He is the Life of the world. My children, to live my Son means to live the Gospel. This is not easy. This means love, forgiveness and sacrifice. This purifies and it opens the Kingdom. Sincere prayer, which is not only words but is a prayer which the heart speaks, will help you. Likewise fasting (will help you), because it is still more of love, forgiveness and sacrifice. Therefore, do not lose hope but follow me. I am imploring you anew to pray for your shepherds so that they may always look to my Son who was the first Shepherd of the world and whose family was the entire world. Thank you.”


Saturday, November 29, 2014

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

 

Lawrence OP - Flickr Photo Sharing 

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O My God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen

It is piously believed that whoever recites the prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30th) until Christmas (December 25th) will obtain what is asked.

 The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honor of the birth of His Son at Christmas. 

(Imprimatur: +MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York, New York, February 6, 1897)

More Devotional Prayers

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/jesus/images/27062498/title/jesus-thanksgiving-photo


Thanksgiving Prayer

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

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

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

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

Visit the following link for More Devotional Prayers.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Virgin Mary's Message of November 25, 2014

Our Lady of Medjugorje

Medjugorje WebSite - Our Lady of Medjugorje Messages and Apparitions

Our Lady's message conveyed to Medjugorje visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti:

“Dear children! In a special way, today I am calling you to prayer. Pray, little children, so that you may comprehend who you are and where you need to go. Be carriers of the good news and be people of hope. Be love for all those who are without love. Little children, you will be everything and will achieve everything only if you pray and are open to God’s will – to God who desires to lead you towards eternal life. I am with you and intercede for you from day to day before my Son Jesus. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Mary of Nazareth - Two Part Mini-Series on EWTN



Beginning November 22, 2014, EWTN presents “Mary of Nazareth”, a two-part mini-series that depicts the Virgin Mary from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus, capturing the essence of her profound faith and trust in God.

Don’t miss “Mary of Nazareth”! Part 1 airs 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 22 and Part 2 airs 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 27 -- exclusively on EWTN!

Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Exodus: Gods and Kings




Official Final Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX - YouTube

From director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Prometheus) comes the epic adventure "Exodus: Gods and Kings," in Theaters - December 12, 2014. 

Moses (Christian Bale) rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its cycle of deadly plagues.

Cast includes: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Mary, Did You Know? New Christmas Video by Pentatonix




Official Video - Pentatonix - YouTube

Mary, Did you Know? Beautifully sung by the five member band, Pentatonix. Just in time for Christmas!

The song is published in the new Holiday album, "That's Christmas To Me," and is available from iTunes.


Review from iTunes: 

Pentatonix's fourth studio album and second holiday-themed release, 2014's That's Christmas to Me, showcases more of the innovative a cappella group's electronic dance music-influenced vocal sound.

The album comes on the heels of the group's other 2014 release, PTX, Vol. 3, and two years after the Yuletide EP PTXmas. Here, the former NBC Sing-Off season three champions perform a bevy of Christmas classics including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," "Silent Night," and others, as well as the newly minted title track original.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Image of Virgin Mary grows on tree in Iowa

Excerpt from CodeWit World News

What you believe about the mysterious image on the tree in Polk City, Iowa likely depends on your personal belief system. Whether it is a case of divine intervention or simply the mind playing tricks on you doesn’t seem to matter. Each will see what he wants to see.

Read More: Image of Virgin Mary grows on tree in Iowa

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Miraculous Prayer to St. Joseph in Any Urgent Need



Pauline Books and Media Digital - YouTube

This Miraculous Prayer from the 16th century has brought help to many in their hours of greatest need. Jesus listened to St. Joseph while on earth and still listens to him now when he intercedes for our needs.

Thursday, November 06, 2014

Guardian Angels Watch Over Us

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar - St. Michael's Church

Catholic Weekly Newspaper of the Fall River Diocese - AnchorNews.org

By Linda Andrade Rodrigues, Anchor Correspondent

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Guardian angels are the servants and messengers of God.

“How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it,” St. Jerome said.

The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” teaches that as purely Spiritual creatures, angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.

“The Holy Spirit advises me,” and “there’s the angel who advises me,” said Pope Francis. “Nobody walks alone, and none of us can believe we are alone.”

Nine years ago I interviewed a devout Catholic who believes she had an encounter with an angel. She works in marketing and lives in Rhode Island. She shared her story on the condition of anonymity.

Sitting in the front passenger seat of her boyfriend’s car, the woman, along with her two girlfriends, was riding around town late one night.

Out of the blue, a car cut them off running them off the road. Spinning out of control, they crashed into a telephone pole.

“I remember the point of impact,” she said. “I was holding onto the door with a death grip to brace myself as we hit the pole.”

Her boyfriend and friends managed to crawl out of the crushed car, but she was trapped inside.
“I remember not being able to feel my legs,” she said. “I panicked because I couldn’t catch my breath.”

The telephone pole was inside the car; her feet were in the engine compartment.

“I actually saw my life flash before my eyes at the moment of impact,” she said. “I remember seeing family members who had passed on.”

She heard their voices calling to her.

Then she saw a hand coming through the twisted metal. She reached for it.

“I’m a nurse,” the person said.

She told the nurse about the voices.

“Don’t listen to them,” the nurse said. “You’re going to be fine. It’s not your time yet.”

It would take more than an hour for emergency personnel to cut her out of the car with the Jaws of Life. All the while, she kept asking for the nurse who had promised not to leave her.

But the paramedics told her, “There’s nobody here. We’re going to take care of you.”

Her injuries were grave. Her legs and pelvis were shattered, she had massive internal injuries and bleeding, as well as a blood clot. She received Last Rites.

She spent three months in the hospital’s trauma unit, and it would take a year of intensive physical therapy for her to walk again.

A short time after her discharge from the hospital, she arranged to meet the paramedics who had saved her life.

“They couldn’t believe I was there,” she said. “They assumed I wasn’t going to make it.”
Once again, she asked them about the nurse. They told her there was a witness walking his dog in the woods, but there was no nurse.

“It may have been your mind playing games with you,” the paramedic said. “Your body was in shock.”

Today she bears few scars from the accident that nearly took her life. She is married to her boyfriend, the driver of the car, and is convinced a guardian angel came to her on the night of the accident.
“I still feel she’s watching over me,” she said. “I always feel protected.”

A resident of Mine Hill, N.J., Loci Lenar reports 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.

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

Sharing his 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).

Lenar often visits churches to photograph stained glass windows and statues to use on his website and blog.

Five years ago 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 told me. “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. “The message is now more important than ever before to invoke the powerful name of Jesus and to pray for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel to protect our families and nation, especially in light of the violence surrounding our world and the Middle East.”

Two years ago thieves broke into the basement of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Assonet, causing massive damage to the property, pilfering church offerings and leaving behind a feeling of unease that this sacred ground had been violated.

Consequently, Father Michael Racine inserted the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel in the front cover of church missals.

Just before the closing rites at every Mass, the congregation invokes the saint’s protection:
“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

Sunday, November 02, 2014

The Virgin Mary's Monthly Message from Medjugorje



Our Lady of Medjugorje's Message of November 2, 2014 Conveyed to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

“Dear children, I am with you with the blessing of my Son, with you who love me and who strive to follow me. I also desire to be with you who do not accept me. To all of you I am opening my heart full of love and I am blessing you with my motherly hands. I am a mother who understands you. I lived your life and lived through your sufferings and joys. You who are living the pain understand my pain and suffering because of those of my children who do not permit the light of my Son to illuminate them; those of my children who are living in darkness. This is why I need you – you who have been illuminated by the light and have comprehended the truth. I am calling you to adore my Son so that your soul may grow and reach true spirituality. My apostles, it is then that you will be able to help me. To help me means to pray for those who have not come to know the love of my Son. In praying for them you are showing to my Son that you love Him and follow Him. My Son promised me that evil will never win, because you, the souls of the just, are here; you who strive to say your prayers with the heart; you who offer your pain and suffering to my Son; you who comprehend that life is only a blink; you who yearn for the Kingdom of Heaven. All of this makes you my apostles and leads you towards the victory of my heart. Therefore, my children, purify your hearts and adore my Son. Thank you.”

Daily Prayer for the Holy Souls

Photo by Loci B. Lenar
 
Prayer of the Day for Sunday, November 2, 2014 - (All Souls Day)
 
Daily Prayer for the Holy Souls

Immortal God, holy Lord, ...
Father and Protector of all You have created,
we raise our hearts to You today for those
who have passed out of this mortal life.

In Your loving mercy, Father of all,
be pleased to receive them in Your heavenly company,
and forgive the failings and faults
they may have done from human frailty.

Your only Son, Christ, our Saviour,
suffered so cruelly that
He might deliver them from the second death.
By his merits may they share in the glory
of His victory over sin and death.

For all the faithful who have died we pray,
but in particular for those dear to us,
parents, relatives and friends.
nor do we forget all who did good to us while on earth,
who helped us by their prayers, sacrifice and example.
We pray also for any who may have done us harm,
and stand in special need of Your forgiveness.

May the merits and prayers of our Virgin Mother,
Mary, and those of all the Angels and Saints,
speak for us and assist them now.
This we ask in Christ's name.
Amen

(Prayer from Catholic Online)

Photographs Copyright Loci B. Lenar
www.Christian-miracles.com

Saturday, November 01, 2014

Prayers for All Saints Day and All Souls Day

 
Hall of Saints
 
On November 1 the Catholic church celebrates All Saints Day followed by All Souls Day on November 2. All Saints Day commemorates every saint, known and unknown by the Catholic church. All Souls Day is a  day of remembrance for loved ones and friends who have passed away.


Prayer in Praise of the Saints

How shining and splendid are your gifts, O Lord
which you give us for our eternal well-being
Your glory shines radiantly in your saints, O God
In the honour and noble victory of the martyrs.
The white-robed company follow you,
bright with their abundant faith;
They scorned the wicked words of those with this world's power.
For you they sustained fierce beatings, chains, and torments,
they were drained by cruel punishments.
They bore their holy witness to you
who were grounded deep within their hearts;
they were sustained by patience and constancy.
Endowed with your everlasting grace,
may we rejoice forever
with the martyrs in our bright fatherland.
O Christ, in your goodness,
grant to us the gracious heavenly realms of eternal life.

(Unknown author, 10th century)

Prayer for All Souls Day
 
Lord God,
you are the glory of believers
and the life of the just.
Your son redeemed us
by dying and rising to life again.
Since our departed brothers and sisters
believed in the mystery of our resurrection,
let them share the joys and blessings
of the life to come.

Photograph of the Hall of Candles at the Shrine of Saint Joseph, Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar
www.christian-miracles.com

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Prayer of the Day: Psalm 111




Psalm 111

Praise the Lord.
I will extol the Lord with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.

He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established for ever and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise. (NIV)



More Prayers - Psalm 91: A Prayer for God's Divine Protection

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Pray for God's Light to Shine on the World

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The following scripture is a reflection on those who start false rumors and make false accusations because of evil intentions.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." (Ephesians 4:31)

With that in mind, let us petition our Heavenly Father in prayer to bring an end to disrespectful behavior, and to remove the darkness that can surround a soul that has turned away from God. May peace reign down from heaven and bless all with the Light of Jesus Christ.


Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Sunlight is creating a reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Statue photographed in front of St. Vincent Martyr Parish, 26 Green Village Road, Madison, New Jersey, USA.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, October 28, 2014



Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

More Prayers: Prayer of Confidence to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Novena to Saint Therese of Lisieux

"Each small task of everyday life is part of the harmony of the universe." - Saint Therese of Lisieux



The Twenty-four “Glory be to the Father’s” Novena

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.”

Intercessory Prayers to St. Therese

A Prayer to Jesus for Healing

Prayer of the Day for Sunday, October 26, 2014


A Prayer to Jesus for Healing

Dear Lord, You are the Just judge, Holy and True. You are the Most High God. You give us life. You hold all power in your hands.

You are the Mighty one from God who carries the world, and is ruler over all the earth. You Oh Most Blessed One are the giver of life. In you are only good things. In you is mercy and love. In you is healing of the nations. In you is freedom of worry and freedom of pain.

Lord Almighty, You loved us so much. You were sent from your Father, sent to save us from destruction. We truly can never make it to Heaven without the help of Jesus the Son, who was sent to earth to help us.

You, Lord are full of mercy and grace, please forgive us for our faults. Lord Jesus, in you all healing is performed. You Lord are the miracle worker. In your Spirit, your gift of healing is alive. In you Lord we can put our trust that you can heal us, and protect us from the enemy, and death of our soul.

You, Lord are miracle worker for the sick, and for the lost souls. You, Lord forgive us and save us from condemnation. You cleanse us and make us born again new. You give us a clean heart full of peace. You Lord are the Light.

In You is all truth. Your way Lord is the way to Heavenly Hope. Your hands Lord created the universe. You Lord are the True giver of Life. Every child is a miracle of Life. Life rests in Your Hands.

Wrap us as a close knit family, draw us near to you Lord, and bind us with your Loving Hands. Let us be drawn closer to You. You are the Vine, dear Lord and we are the branches. You carry all knowledge and all power. You Lord are our medicine. Your Words Lord are Truth and Life.

Help us put our trust in You. You Lord are the greatest physician. You heal, You protect, You care, You love, You are kind, You are patient, You are thoughtful, You are strength. You Lord are our Creator.

You know our thoughts, our sighings and our cryings and every hair on our head. You are Wonderful and make all good things for us. Heal us Lord, if it be Your will. Amen

***

Prayerful Healing for Children: http://www.christian-miracles.com/prayerfulhealing.htm

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Message of October 25, 2014

The Virgin Mary's message to Medjugorje visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti:

“Dear children! Pray in this time of grace and seek the intercession of all the saints who are already in the light. From day to day may they be an example and encouragement to you on the way of your conversion. Little children, be aware that your life is short and passing. Therefore, yearn for eternity and keep preparing your hearts in prayer. I am with you and intercede before my Son for each of you, especially for those who have consecrated themselves to me and to my Son. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

All the Virgin Mary's messages from Medjugorje in 2014: http://www.medjugorjetoday.tv/messages2014/

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

THE VIRGIN MARY FORMED IN WAX FROM MEDJUGORJE CANDLE


Sunday, October 05, 2014

New Jersey Nun Beatified


East meets West in America’s new Blessed - News excerpt and photo from Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) “It’s interesting that God has chosen to honour a contemplative instead of an activist for the next American to be beatified,” said Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Byzantine Ruthenian Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. He was speaking to Vatican Radio about Sister Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, who was beatified on Saturday in New Jersey.

Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, Sr. Miriam Teresa is the fourth American-born woman to be beatified. However, this is the first time that the Rite of Beatification will take place on U.S. soil. Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, presided the ceremony, which took place in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

The process of investigation was opened in 1945 to investigate the sanctity of Sr. Miriam Teresa’s life. She was raised in the Byzantine Ruthenian Church and taught for a brief period in Jersey City, before entering the convent of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth in 1925.

Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to Sr. Miriam Therese when a young boy who lost his eyesight due to macular degeneration was cured after prayers through her intercession. For Bishop Burnette, this miracle along with her profound humility, spirituality and insight are clear signs of God’s confirmation of her sanctity. “I don’t believe we really choose who is going to be canonized, God does,” he concluded.


Read more: Vatican Radio

Monday, September 29, 2014

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Christian-Miracles.com - Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

(A Prayer for God's Protection)
 
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our protection against the malice and snares
of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits
who wander through the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
 
Saint Michael the Archangel is recognized in Christianity for being the guardian and protector of God's church and people. 

Through a spiritual locution Loci B. Lenar received on September 14, 2009, Jesus called for all to join together and "pray for divine protection" in order to mitigate and extinguish violence throughout the world.

Mr. Lenar says, "The message is now more important than ever before to invoke the powerful name of Jesus and to pray for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel to protect our families and nation, especially in light of the viloence surrounding our world and the middle east."


"Pray for Our Lady to intercede before the throne of God for divine intervention in order to usher in an era of peace," says Mr. Lenar. 


Read More: Signs of St. Michael the Archangel

The following biblical prophecy is noted in Daniel 12:1, 3-4: "At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever. As for you Daniel, keep secret the message and seal the book until the end time; many shall fall away and evil shall increase."

In Revelation 12:7-8 the following is stated:  Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.


Visit the following link for Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Buddhist composes symphony to mark Pope's Sri Lanka visit

 Credit: Fr. Sunil De Silva

Excerpt and photo from Catholic News Agency (CNA)

In an effort for religious reconciliation, the Sri Lankan government has commissioned  a symphony from a Buddhist composer to commemorate Pope Francis' voyage to the nation which will take place in January.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo presided over a Sept. 17 performance of the Soul of Christ Symphony, composed and directed by the nation's renowed composer Vajira Indika Karunasena, who is a Buddhist.

“The visit of the Holy Father is a landmark occasion for Sri Lanka,” Cardinal Ranjith said. “We warmly welcome Pope Francis to our country, which is rich in religious and cultural values.”

“We must use this occasion to demonstrate to the world our values.”

The symphony was commissioned by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, the nation's public radio network. The idea for the symphony was that of the SLBC's chairman, Hudson Samarasinghe.

The symphony has also been released as a CD in Sri Lanka in preparation for Pope Francis' Jan. 13-14 visit, which will be the third time a Roman Pontiff has made an apostolic voyage to the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”

Cardinal Ranjith cited the importance of religious reconciliation in his address, and emphasized that the Pope's visit “is an honor for Sri Lanka.”

“Pope Francis is rich with inner, spiritual strength, and that is visible daily in the way he desires to visit and meet the people, the way he talks, and how he treats everyone alike,” he said.

“He shows a great vocation in discipleship, that is, to show God's love to all, to embrace everyone in that love, and show respect and dignity to everyone equally," Cardinal Ranjith added.

The cardinal thanked the SLBC, as well as Samarasinghe and Karunasena for helping to make the Pope's visit a fruitful one.

Read more: Pope Francis to visit Sri Lanka

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Are you or someone in need of prayer? If so, please feel free to submit your Prayer Request to Christian-Miracles.com. Our prayer ministry will pray for your needs.

All prayer requests are prayed for daily on Christian-Miracles.com. Requests are also prayed for at St. Mary's Church, Denville, New Jersey, especially on Monday mornings at Holy Hour Adoration, and during the monthly prayer service held with Fr. Richard Tartaglia.

Email for prayer support: PrayerRequest@Christian-Miracles.com

Visit Christian-Miracles.com for a selection of daily Devotional Prayers.


Post by "Christian-Miracles.com".


 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Fr. Peter M. Rookey Passes Away



News from The International Compassionate Ministry 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fr. Peter M. Rookey, OSM. Fr. Peter died peacefully in his sleep in the overnight hours of September 9-10, 2014, at Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery, Chicago, IL. The friars of the community had gathered around his bed to offer prayers. Born in Superior, WI, October 12, 1916, he was ninety-seven years of age. He entered the Order at Hillside, IL, in 1930 and was a priest for seventy-three years. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him

The International Compassion Ministry (ICM) was founded by Fr. Peter Mary Rookey, O.S.M.

Father Peter's gift of healing first became apparent during his assignment as Our Lady of Benburb College, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland which began in 1948. His ensuing part-time ministry of healing was interrupted, starting in 1953, due to a lengthy series of reassignments. It was not until many years later that circumstances allowed him to resume a healing ministry with the 1987 founding of ICM at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows in Chicago, Illinois.

Read more: International Compassion Ministry

Monday, August 11, 2014

Virgin Mary 's message to Medjugorje visionary Ivan Dragicevic

 "PRAY FOR PEACE. PRAY FOR MY PEACE PLANS"

Message of the Virgin Mary, given at 10 pm on August 11, 2014 during apparition to Medjugorje visionary Ivan Dragicevic on Apparition Hill:

"Dear children, today in a special way I invite you to pray for peace. Pray, dear children, for my peace plans. Decide for peace and fight against evil and sin. Dear children, I pray with you and I intercede for you all before my Son. Thank you for also today having responded to my call."


Saturday, August 02, 2014

Our Lady's Message of August 2, 2014 to Visionary Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo



Latest Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje - Medjugorje Website

Dear children, the reason that I am with you, my mission, is to help you for ‘good’ to win, even though this does not seem possible to you now. I know that you do not understand many things as I also did not understand everything, everything that my Son explained to me while he was growing up alongside me – but I believed him and followed him. I ask this of you also, to believe me and to follow me. However, my children, to follow me means to love my Son above everything, to love him in every person without making differences. For you to be able to do this, I call you anew to renunciation, prayer and fasting. I am calling you for the Eucharist to be the life of your soul. I am calling you to be my apostles of light who will spread love and mercy through the world. My children, your life is only a blink in contrast to eternal life. And when you come before my Son, in your hearts he will see how much love you had. In order to spread love in the right way, I am asking my Son, through love, to grant you unity through him, unity among you, unity between you and your shepherds. Through them my Son always gives himself to you anew and renews your soul. Do not forget this. Thank you.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Are we heading toward some sort of worldwide moment of truth or chastisement?

Joan Wester Anderson

By Joan Wester Anderson

Sometimes hard times occur through no fault of our own but are just a result of living in an imperfect world. God does not send suffering to his children, but as C. S. Lewis once noted, 'pain is God's megaphone.' It gets our attention. When these periods come, our job is simply to endure, getting through them the best we can.

People who are attempting to move closer to God will often find obstacles in their paths. There is a saying that if you're not doing anything for the kingdom, Satan leaves you alone. But if you're becoming an effective soldier, you find yourself under attack.  A members of my Wednesday night prayer group often jokes that if the weather is bad, the car breaks down, or a headache develops, it will happen on a Wednesday, giving us an excuse to stay away from our two-hour prayer time and the graces and spiritual insights that might have resulted. But the Bible confirms our observation: "When you come to serve the Lord," says the book of Sirach (2:1), "prepare yourself for trials." The solution here is to persevere. Relief will come.

Suffering happens, too, as a result of sin, freely chosen. Should we be surprised when children brought up on a steady diet of immoral movies and television programs act out what they see?  Should we be surprised when people dabble in the occult, settle problems through violence, abandon their responsibilities? One emergency room physician told me his personal theory: "if people simply lived by the Ten Commandments, we would have no health-care crisis in our country, because hospitals would not need to treat those suffering from gunshot wounds, victims of spouse or child abuse, those suffering from sexually transmitted diseases or drug overdoses, and so on." Instead, hospitals could use their resources primarily for those ill with diseases.

As God continues to try to get our attention, what lies ahead? Few people believe that the current era heralds the end of the world or the Second Coming; Jesus told us no one would know the day or the hour this would occur. But will there be a repeat of what happened when the Fatima prophecies in 1917 went unheeded? Or are we heading toward some sort of worldwide moment of truth or chastisement, when God's people may have to summon the courage to take a stand and get involved in society as never before?

Perhaps. But it's possible that there are more wondrous events ahead too. One pastor had a vision in which he saw himself in a crowded football stadium. Suddenly the Holy Spirit was beside each person in the stadium. Instantly everything stopped, because God was showing every person just where he or she stood on the pathway of life and eternity.

"They will be my witnesses...to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

***

Author and lecturer Joan Wester Anderson was born in Evanston, Illinois. She began her writing career in 1973 with a series of family humor articles for local newspapers and Catholic publications, and was a monthly columnist for two national magazines during the 1980s. She has published more than one thousand articles and short stories in a variety of publications, including Woman’s Day, Modern Bride, Virtue, Reader’s Digest, and the New York Times Syndicate.

Her 15 books include WHERE ANGELS WALK, TRUE STORIES OF HEAVENLY VISITORS, which was on the New York Times best-seller list for over a year, has sold almost two million copies and been translated into fourteen languages. Published in fall, 1994, were the sequel to ANGELS, titled WHERE MIRACLES HAPPEN, and for children, AN ANGEL TO WATCH OVER ME. Both books were written in response to suggestions from readers, and were followed in rapid succession by three more in this series. FOREVER YOUNG (Thomas More Publishers), the life story of actress Loretta Young, was published in November, 2000. The actress had read the angel series, and requested Anderson as her biographer. The two became close friends. Anderson’s book, IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS (Loyola Press) covers angelic activity primarily during the past decade, including stories of hope from the 9/11 and Columbine School tragedies. Her most recent books, GUARDIAN ANGELS (Loyola Press),  ANGELS AND WONDERS (Loyola Press) and ANGELIC TAILS, focus on amazing and tender stories of God’s answers to prayers.

Anderson has appeared on national television programs including “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” “20/20,” “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw” and “Mother Angelica Live,” and was featured in such documentaries as “Angels–Beyond the Light” (NBC), “Angel Stories” and “Stories of Miracles” (The Learning Channel), and many videos. She was a story consultant for the television series, IT’S A MIRACLE, lectures in cities across the country, and has been interviewed on hundreds of radio talk shows.

Anderson is a Catholic and member of St. Edna’s Parish in Arlington Heights IL., a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and a former adjunct professor at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois. She and her husband live in suburban Chicago, and have five grown children and five grandchildren.

Website: http://joanwanderson.com/believe/

Copyright 2014 Joan Wester Anderson

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Vatican theologians approve Fulton Sheen miracle



News excerpt and photograph from CatholicHerald.co.uk

The possible miracle needed for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen took another step toward papal recognition on June 17 when a panel of theologians met at the Vatican, the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation has announced.

As a normal part of the sainthood process, the theologians met to consider whether or not the promoters of Archbishop Sheen’s cause demonstrated that the proposed miracle — the survival of a child delivered stillborn – occurred after prayers for the intercession of Archbishop Sheen alone.

In March, a seven-member board of physicians convoked by the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints agreed that there was no natural explanation for why the child’s heart started beating over an hour after his birth.

The child, James Fulton Engstrom, is now three years old and developing normally. His mother, Bonnie Engstrom, said she had no precomposed prayer asking for help from Archbishop Sheen. “I just kept repeating his name over and over in my head: Fulton Sheen, Fulton Sheen, Fulton Sheen,” said Ms Engstrom.

Archbishop Sheen was a priest in the Diocese of Peoria, which covers central Illinois. He gained fame for his 1950s television show “Life Is Worth Living” and for his 16 years at the helm of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. He died on December 9, 1979, in New York.

In a statement released on June 17 by the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria said: “With the recommendations of the medical experts and now the theologians, the case will next be reviewed by the cardinals and bishops,” who are members of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.

Read More:  Fulton Sheen Miracle

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with friends and family of Reverend Monsignor James H. Murray



News and photograph from Saint Mary's Parish

The Reverend Monsignor James H. Murray, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Mary Church in Denville, NJ, died in the Lord on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Monsignor Murray, ordained a priest in 1956, faithfully served in priestly ministry for fifty-eight years.

The Reception of the Body will be on Thursday, June 19, at 2:00 pm in
Saint Mary Church
15 Myers Avenue
Denville, New Jersey 07834
973-627-0269

The Viewing will continue on:
Thursday, June 19, 2014, until 8:00 pm in
Saint Mary Church, Denville, NJ.

The Evening Prayer Service will be held at 7:30pm

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on:
Friday, June 20, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in:
Saint Mary Church, Denville, NJ

Interment will be private.


***

As a parishioner of Saint Mary's Church, my heartfelt condolences and prayers are with friends and family of Monsignor Murray. May God comfort you during this difficult time. -Loci B. Lenar