100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima

On May 13, 2017, thousands attended the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady's apparitions. The shrine is located in Washington, NJ, on the grounds of the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

Fr. Andrew Apostoli spoke about the Fatima message and Mass was celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio from the Diocese of Metuchen.

In 1917, Our Lady of Fatima appeared to 3 shepherd children, Lúcia Santos, Jacinta de Jesus Marto and Francisco Marto in Portugal. Our Lady gave the three children messages known as the Three Secrets of Fatima.

Today on the anniversary of the miraculous apparitions, Pope Francis canonized Jacinta and Francisco in Portugal.

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

Rainbows of light appear around statues of Jesus at World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

By Loci B. Lenar

On Saturday, September 19, 2015, I attended 12:00 Mass at the Blue Army Shrine and photographed the Stations of the Cross next to the Holy House Chapel with my iPhone 6. In two separate  areas, both photos show sunlight creating similar colorful rays of light around the statues of Jesus.

The lower photo has a band of light that creates the appearance of a cross. Interestingly, it's more than coincidence that the photo shows Jesus carrying the cross.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14-16

If you're interested in visiting or attending Mass, Our Lady's Blue Army Shrine is located on 674 Mountain View Road East, Washington, NJ, USA.

Photographs Copyright 2015 Loci B. Lenar

Healing Mass Celebration Scheduled for 2012 at World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

Fr. Paul Ruge - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, will celebrate a Healing Mass every third Sunday from May to December 2012 with Fr. Paul Ruge. The Mass will begin with Divine Mercy Prayer at 3:00 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will follow after the Homily.

The National Blue Army Shrine is located in Warren County on the grounds of the World Apostolate of Fatima at 674 Mountain View Road, (Asbury) Washington, New Jersey.

I would suggest calling the Catholic shrine at (908) 689-1700 for any changes or updates for the Healing Mass schedule.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

If you have a medical condition, I would suggest attending the Healing Mass. If you cannot attend, consider calling or visiting your local church and request a copy of their annual mass schedule. Most Catholic churches will have at least one Healing Mass during the calender year which includes the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Other Christian denominations hold various healing services as well. Check with the local church pastor.

Holy scripture encourages those who are ill to receive the Anointing of the Sick.  So what does scripture say about God's healing grace?

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. -James 5:14-15

Please consider joining Fr. Paul Ruge as he celebrates the Healing Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. 

Healing Mass Schedule

May 20, 2012

June 17, 2012

July 15, 2012

August 19, 2012

September 16, 2012

October 21, 2012

November 18, 2012

December 16, 2012

Additionally, the shrine holds daily Mass at 12:00 Noon in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

Please consider visiting http://www.christian-miracles.com/ and reading Father Paul Ruge's interview with Fr. Hubert Schiffer. Father Schiffer miraculously survived the atomic explosion on August 6, 1945 at Hiroshima, Japan. To read the story and to view a documentary trailer, please visit the following link: Rosary Miracle at Hiroshima

St. Maria Goretti

St. Maria Goretti, originally uploaded by Loci Lenar.

The following biography is from Catholic Online:

Maria Goretti was Born in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy, on October 16 1890; her farmworker father moved his family to Ferrier di Conca, near Anzio. Her father died of malaria and her mother had to struggle to feed her children.

In 1902 an eighteen-year-old neighbor, Alexander, grabbed her from her steps and tried to rape her. When Maria said that she would rather died than submit, Alexander began stabbing her with a knife.

As she lay in the hospital, she forgave Alexander before she died. Her death didn't end her forgivness, however.

Alexander was captured and sentenced to thirty years. He was unrepentant until he had a dream that he was in a garden. Maria was there and gave him flowers. When he woke, he was a changed man, repenting of his crime and living a reformed life. When he was released after 27 years he went directly to Maria's mother to beg her forgiveness, which she gave. "If my daughter can forgive him, who am I to withold forgiveness," she said.

When Maria was declared a saint in 1950, Alexander was there in the St. Peter's crowd to celebrate her canonization. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 for her purity as model for youth.

She is called a martyr because she fought against Alexander's attempts at sexual assault. However, the most important aspect of her story is her forgiveness of her attacker -- her concern for her enemy extending even beyond death. Her feast day is July 6. St. Maria Goretti is the patroness of youth and for the victims of rape.

***

The statue of St. Maria Goretti is displayed inside the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, (Blue Army Shrine) which is located on the grounds of The World Apostolate of Fatima, Washington, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2011 Loci B. Lenar

A Sun Phenomenon at the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

As a follow-up to the One World Praying for Life and Peace that was televised live by EWTN on Sunday, October 18, 2009, I am releasing previously unpublished photographs of the event. The prayer service was organized by The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.  I attended this beautiful event at The Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima which is part of the apostolate at 674 Mountain View Road in Washington, New Jersey.

It was estimated that millions of viewers had tuned into the program and joined in prayer for the sanctity of life and peace.

Visitors Photographing the Sun
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

I believe Our Lady of Fatima acknowledged the prayers of the faithful by giving a sign to humanity through her divine son, Jesus Christ.

Sun Phenomenon at Shrine
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Numerous visitors were blessed to witness a sun phenomenon and took photographs. I believe the sign was given as an affirmation of God's love for humanity and to acknowledge the prayers of everyone on this special day.

The sign I believe is intended to help evangelize the world through the gospels of Jesus Christ with Our Lady of Fatima's message. To read the message of Fatima, please visit the following link: http://www.wafusa.org/fatima_message/full_message/fatima_message_fullarticle.html

Visitors taking photos of Sun
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

In John 12:46-47, Jesus said, "I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world."

Celebration of Mass at Prayer Service
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Additional information about the event with more interesting photographs can be seen by visiting the website of Christian-Mircales.com at the following link:
http://www.christian-miracles.com/miracleatfatimashrine.htm

Please pray for the Lord's blessing and grace of mercy to enfold humanity and the unborn in order for all to respect life and for an era of peace to unfold.

Thank you very much for the kind prayer support.

New Fatima Film a Documentary of Our Lady's Message

New Fatima Film - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

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

See the Movie Trailer: Fatima

From the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima:

The newly released "Fatima" is the quintessential movie on Our Heavenly Mother's appearance in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. Leading experts in theology, history and science thoroughly examine all aspects of the Fatima Message in this compelling documentary.

Relatives and close friends tell us the story of how the seers received the Message from Heaven that Pope John Paul II declared, "More Important Now than Ever." Confidant to Sister Lucia, and world renowned Fatima authors and speakers join together to illustrate Heaven's plan for the Salvation of Souls and World Peace.

Recently discovered film of an eyewitness to the Miracle of the Sun provides an authentic description of what took place as 70,000 people watched in awe. You will gain further insight into God's Miracle as it is scientifically explained through the prism of Quantum Physics. A distinguished Medical Doctor applies science to the Power of Prayer. Additionally, the truth behind Fatima's Prophesies and Three Secrets are revealed through a close examination of historical events.

This groundbreaking film will help you understand the cause of the current state of the world and more importantly, how our freewill will determine our future. The World Apostolate of Fatima, a Pontifical Association, is the consultant for Fatima.

Remarkable Sunlight at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

My visit to the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima on Saturday, July 31, 2010, included attending Mass at noon time. The Mass was celebrated by Father Paul Ruge with a few other visiting priest in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. While at the shrine, I had Father Paul bless some scapulars. I also took some interesting photographs of the sun, right above the amphitheatre. On top of the amphitheatre is a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which is also located right above the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Please consider visiting Christian-Miracles.com and reading Father Paul Ruge's interview with Fr. Hubert Schiffer. Father Schiffer miraculously survived the atomic explosion on August 6,1945 in Hiroshima, Japan. To read the story and to view a documentary trailer, please visit the following link: Rosary Miracle at Hiroshima

The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, will hold Healing Masses throughout 2010 with Father Paul Ruge. Father Paul is the chaplain and spiritual advisor at the National Blue Army Shrine.

The Mass will begin with Divine Mercy Prayer at 3:00 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Healing Masses will also include the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick right after the Homily. For any changes or updates on the Healing Mass schedule, please call the shrine at the following number (908) 689-1700.

The Healing Mass Schedule for 2010:

Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010

The Catholic shrine is in scenic Warren County on 674 Mountain View Road, Washington, New Jersey, USA.

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Blue Army Shrine Featured on EWTN's New Series - The Faithful Traveler

Photographed on October 18, 2009 at the Blue Army Shrine

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

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

EWTN's new television series, The Faithful Traveler will feature on Sunday, March 21st, The Blue Army Shrine of The Immaculate Heart of Mary.  The show airs at 5:00 pm EST.  The Catholic shrine is located on 674 Mountain View Road in scenic Washington, New Jersey.

The following excerpt is from the website of The Faithful Traveler:

The show's host, Diana von Glahn takes viewers on a tour of New Jersey’s National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, telling the story of the Marian apparitions to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal in the early 20th century.

Rev. Paul Ruge, the shrine’s rector, discusses how Lucia dos Santos, and Francisco and Jacinta Marto offered up sacrifices for the reparation and conversion of sinners.

Fatima Miracle at Hiroshima

Photograph from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The following remarkable story of a rosary miracle at Hiroshima is posted on HolySouls.com.  In my recent visit to the Blue Army Shrine in Washington, NJ, I had an opportunity to speak with Father Paul Ruge, the spiritual advisor at the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.  He confirmed the subsequent story of his interview with Fr. Schiffer, a survivor of the atomic explosion at Hiroshima.    -Loci B. Lenar

Rosary Miracle - Safe in the Midst of Hiroshima Nuclear Blast !!
     
Rosary Miracle at Hiroshima - August 6th, 1945

There was a home eight blocks (about 1 kilometer) from where the A-Bomb went off in Hiroshima Japan. This home had a church attached to it which was completely destroyed, but the home survived, and so did the eight German Jesuit missionaries who prayed the rosary in that house faithfully every day. These men were missionaries to the Japanese people, they were non-military, but because Germany and Japan were allies during WWII they were permitted to live and minister within Japan during the war. Not only did they all survive with (at most) relatively minor injuries, but they all lived well past that awful day with no radiation sickness, no loss of hearing, or any other visible long term defects or maladies. Naturally, they were interviewed numerous times (Fr. Schiffer, a survivor, said over 200 times) by scientists and health care people about their remarkable experience and they say "we believe that we survived because we were living the message of Fatima. We lived and prayed the rosary daily in that home." Of course the secular scientists are speechless and incredulous at this explanation - and they are sure there is some "real" explanation - but at the same time over 55 years later the scientists are still absolutely bamboozled when it comes to finding a plausible scenario to explain the missionary's unique escape from the hellish power of that bomb.

FR. SCHIFFER OF HIROSHIMA
by Fr. Paul Ruge, O.F.M.I.

At 2:45 a.m. on August 6, 1945, a B-29 bomber took off from the island of Tinian to drop the first atomic bomb on Japan. At 8:15 a.m. the bomb exploded eight city blocks from the Jesuit Church of Our Lady's Assumption in Hiroshima. Half a million people were annihilated. However, the church and four Jesuit fathers stationed there survived: Fathers Hugo Lassalle, Kleinsorge, Cieslik and Schiffer. (RH note - all other accounts state clearly that there were eight Jesuits stationed in this home not four - and it is well known that all eight survived - the author of this present article apparently only had the names of four of them, for instance Fr. Arrupe is left out of the list - and at this writing, I have not been able to find the names of the other three Jesuits. end of note.) According to the experts they "ought to be dead," being within a one-mile radius of the explosion. Nine days later on August 15, Feast of Our Lady's Assumption, U.S. forces were ordered to cease fire.

(This is the incredible story of the late Fr. Hubert Schiffer, as retold by Fr. Paul Ruge.)  I met Fr. Schiffer in the late 70s at the Tri-City Airport in Saginaw, Michigan, as he was going to give a talk for the Blue Army Novena/Triduum. As I chauffeured him around he told me stories of his life, especially of the atomic explosion at Hiroshima. On the morning of August 6, 1945, he had just finished Mass, went into the rectory and sat down at the breakfast table, and had just sliced a grapefruit, and had just put his spoon into the grapefruit when there was a bright flash of light. His first thought was that it was an explosion in the harbor (this was a major port where the Japanese refueled their submarines.)

Then, in the words of Fr. Schiffer: "Suddenly, a terrific explosion filled the air with one bursting thunderstroke. An invisible force lifted me from the chair, hurled me through the air, shook me, battered me, whirled me 'round and 'round like a leaf in a gust of autumn wind."  The next thing he remembered, he opened his eyes and he was laying on the ground. He looked around and there was NOTHING in any direction: the railroad station and buildings in all directions were leveled to the ground.

The only physical harm to himself was that he could feel a few pieces of glass in the back of his neck. As far as he could tell, there was nothing else physically wrong with himself. Many thousands were killed or maimed by the explosion. After the conquest of the Americans, their army doctors and scientists explained to him that his body would begin to deteriorate because of the radiation. Many of the Japanese people had blisters and sores from the radiation. To the doctors amazement, Fr. Schiffer's body contained no radiation or ill-effects from the bomb. Fr. Schiffer attributes this to devotion to the Blessed Mother, and his daily Fatima Rosary. He feels that he received a protective shield from the Blessed Mother which protected him from all radiation and ill-effects. (This coincides with the bombing of Nagasaki where St. Maximilian Kolbe had established a Franciscan Friary which was also unharmed because of special protection from the Blessed Mother, as the Brothers too prayed the daily Rosary and also had no effects from the bomb.)

***

For further details about the story, please read Dr. Stephen A. Rinehart's commentary and correspondence with Dr. Richard F. Hubbell regarding the after effects of the atomic explosion in Hiroshima.  Dr. Rhineart is considered an expert in nuclear physics.  Please visit the following link for the whole story: HolySouls.com 

Hearts Aflame: Reaching for Eternity with God's Love

Hearts Aflame: The Light of Eternity on Flickr - Photo Sharing

 

By Loci B. Lenar

Reaching for Eternity with God's Love

Hearts Aflame is a Catholic youth magazine published during the 1990's by the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA. The apostolate is located in Warren County on Mountain View Road, Washington, New Jersey. The focus of the magazine included the message of Our Lady of Fatima as well as Christian and Catholic themes related to teenagers.

In the early 1990's while visiting the National Blue Army Shrine, which is located on the grounds of the World Apostolate of Fatima, I had the opportunity to meet Sr. Mary Celeste, A.M.I., editor of the publication. In our conversations regarding Christianity and the Catholic faith, she became aware of my experience in promoting art and agreed to have my article regarding artist Benny Andersson published in Hearts Aflame. The article focuses on Andersson's source of inspiration in creating contemporary Chistian paintings. The magazine cover, The Light of Eternity is painted by artist Benny Andersson.

Benny's artwork is timeless and is relevant today as it was in the 1990's. 

The following excerpt is from my article published in the Summer 1992 issue of Hearts Aflame:

Aspiration is a repeated theme in Benny Andersson's paintings.  In The Holy Family, which presents the modern Christian family suspended in the center of the universe protected by God's Guardian Angels, God's light shedding its love, a constant in the vastness of the universe.

The Holy Family by Benny Andersson

  
As he begins each work, Benny says, "God is very much in my mind, and somewhere just beyond is the idea of glorifying the Creator." As he paints, he says, "There are moments when an enlightenment comes, when the ideas are presented to me begin to take shape."

These are not in any way predictable, and sometimes, he adds, "I can leave a painting unfinished because the idea is incomplete, or I have not the present perspective to see it through to fulfillment. In this kind of instance, I put aside the work and go on to another."

"And the really surprising thing is that at a later time, when I have thought or believed my way to the conclusion, I will return to the unfinished painting and know exactly what it needs."

"I do know that with the moments of enlightenment my perspective brings, there is a deep, uplifting feeling that is just about impossible to put into words. Perhaps it is the Holy Spirit energizing me."

He says, "The act of painting gives me a feeling of wonder and love. This is God's greatest gift to me, and I see my career as an artist as a unique opportunity to share these Christian ideas with others."

Benny believes that is true not only of himself, but of other artists whose inspiration comes from religious belief. His paintings he sees as being "like visual prayers. Paint and brushes are sacred tools."

"They serve me in order that I might share the dreams that pour into my soul. There must be an eternal source of beauty that dwells within the sphere of God, waiting to be unveiled."

"I feel artists have a sacred quest to reach toward the source of life with their art."

Copyright 1992 and 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Lenten Prayers for Spiritual Renewal

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Jesus called out with a loud voice,

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

When he had said this, he breathed his last.

-Luke 23:46

Lenten Prayer for Spiritual Renewal - Prayers - Catholic Online

Lenten Prayer for Spiritual Renewal

God, heavenly Father,
look upon me and hear my prayer
during this holy Season of Lent.
By the good works You inspire,
help me to discipline my body
and to be renewed in spirit.

Without You I can do nothing.
By Your Spirit help me to know what is right
and to be eager in doing Your will.
Teach me to find new life through penance.
Keep me from sin, and help me live
by Your commandment of love.
God of love, bring me back to You.
Send Your Spirit to make me strong
in faith and active in good works.

May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness,
open my heart to Your love,
and prepare me for the coming feast
of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, during this Lenten Season,
nourish me with Your Word of life
and make me one
with You in love and prayer.

Fill my heart with Your love
and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ.
Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness.
Give me new life by Your Sacraments, especially the Mass.

Father, our source of life,
I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand;
let me walk more readily in Your ways.
Guide me in Your gentle mercy,
for left to myself I cannot do Your Will.

Father of love, source of all blessings,
help me to pass from my old life of sin
to the new life of grace.

Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.

Amen.

Lenten Prayer

Almighty and Everlasting God,
You have given the human race
Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility.
He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man
And giving His life on the Cross.
Help us to bear witness to You
By following His example of suffering
And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Amen.

Our Father...

MARY, Mother of Jesus,
you were Jesus’ gift for us from the Cross.
He gave you to us as our mother.
Intercede for all our needs.

Hail Mary...

Glory Be...


Visit the following link for other Daily Devotional Prayers.

***

The statue of Jesus and the cross are on the grounds of the Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The shrine is located at 674 Mountain View Road in Washington, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar

The Faithful Traveler at the Blue Army Shrine

Diana von Glahn - The Faithful Traveler

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

 

The Faithful Traveler at the Blue Army Shrine 2 from The Faithful Traveler on Vimeo.

Can't afford a pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal? Let Diana von Glahn of EWTN's new show, The Faithful Traveler, show you another option....

The new show premiers on March 4, 2010!

The Faithful Traveler—hosted by Diana von Glahn—is a fun travel series with a Catholic focus. The show will explore some of the most amazing churches, shrines, and places of pilgrimage throughout the United States!

Miracle of the Sun Witnessed at Fatima Shrine in New Jersey

Prayers for Life and World Peace Acknowleged by Heaven

News Story by Loci B. Lenar

The World Apostolate of Fatima (USA) in cooperation with  EWTN,  televised a worldwide prayer service on Sunday, October 18, 2009 for the sanctity of life and peace.  It was estimated that millions of viewers  would tune in and join with prayer on this special occasion. 

Well over a thousand visitors came to celebrate by joining together in prayer at The Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.  The shrine is located on the grounds of the World Apostolate of Fatima in Washington, New Jersey.

What began as a cold and breezy day at the Catholic shrine, ended with peace, as some visitors saw the sun emit or change colors.  I was fortunate to have my camera on hand and photographed the solar phenomena.

Without reservation, I believe on this special day, Our Lady of Fatima  acknowledged the prayers of the faithful by giving a sign to humanity through her divine son, Jesus Christ. Numerous visitors were blessed by Our Lord in order to witness the Miracle of the Sun.  I believe the sign is a confirmation of God's love for humanity.  I also believe the sign is intended to help evangelize the world through the gospels of Jesus Christ with the message of Our Lady of Fatima.

In John 12:46-47, Jesus said, "I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world."

Michael La Corte, Executive Director of the World Apostlate of Fatima (USA), spoke about the Fatima Message, and how the Miracle of the Sun was witnessed by over 70,000 people on October 13, 1917 in Fatima, Portugal.  For additional information about Our Lady of Fatima and the heaven sent message of 1917, which was communicated to Sister Maria Lucia, I would suggest everyone to visit the World Apostolate of Fatima. 

Michael La Corte also highlighted the noteworthy changes taking place in Russia since the collapse of the former Soviet Union.  Remarkably, in Kazan, Russia, all Muslims, Christians, and Catholics respect one another by living together in peace.  For additional information about their societal way of life, please visit the following link: Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims live peacefully together in Tatarstan

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

 

Guests included Diana von Glahn, she is the host for the new show The Faithful Traveler, airing on EWTN. The show will focus on churches and shrines throughout the USA.

Tony Melendez and his band were performing with inspirational songs of faith.  Tony was born without arms, but is gifted in playing a guitar with his feet.  He is a truly inspiring artist, especially when you listen to his outstanding vocals.  I recorded some video with my Canon G7 digital camera. The video is of course not on the same scale as someone using professional equipment. However, it's presented for the purpose of exhibiting the artistic talent of Tony Melendez.  Please visit the following link to view and hear the music: The Remarkable Music of Tony Melendez 

Visitors at the Blue Army Shrine during Holy Mass.

Holy Mass was celerbrated with Father Clement Machado (front), and Father Andrew Apostoli (right).  The mass was a true blessing for anyone that attended ... very spiritual and uplifting. 

Father Apostoli later spoke about the Message of Fatima and reminded everyone that God sent the Blessed Mother to three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos, and Jacinta and Francisco Marto to help eatablish devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in order to save souls from being lost.

Regarding secularism and the unborn, Father Apostoli said, "It's not a political battle, it's not a military battle, but a spiritual battle."   He said it's important to change the hearts of people by going to Our Lady in prayer for her intercessory help.  He also reminded everyone that through the power of prayer the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph in victory.  And, as Our Lady promised in Fatima, an era of peace will be granted to the world by God.

Regarding the sanctity of life, I must emphasize individual responsiblity before considering the termination of a pregnancy by reflecting first on Psalm 139:13-16, which says, "You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be."

Please do not underestimate the power of prayer in changing circumstances into a favorable outcome. 

In Mark 12:24-25, Jesus said, "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions."

Father Apostoli also said that when God is ready to move forward, great things will happen. 

1Samuel 12:16 states, Now then, stand ready to witness the great marvel the Lord is about to accomplish before your eyes. 

I believe we are already at the stage where God is performing signs and wonders throughout the world in order to move forward with an era of peace.

Artist Joe DeVito spoke about his work in creating the beautiful sculpture of Mary, Mother of the Life Within.  His artwork is refreshing and resonates with God's love.

At the end of the service, the Holy Rosary was recited outdoors by Father Paul Ruge in the amphitheater, and cries of joy could be heard in the rear as visitors were blessed in seeing a solar phenomena.  Numerous people were using cell phones or cameras to take pictures of the sun as it was emitting or changing colors (Miracle of the Sun).  I also overhead someone saying that they saw an image of a heart appear in the sun (sky).  Perhaps the Sacred Heart of Jesus?  However, one woman was on her knees with hands folded in prayer and looking at the sun.  The Lord indeed provides a special grace in order to observe the phenomena without injuring the eyes.  The images shown here were photographed with my Canon G7 camera.

As a follow-up to Sunday's beautiful prayer service, I contacted the World Apostolate of Fatima (USA) by email, requesting some updated information on the reported solar phenomena.  Michael La Corte responded by saying, "Some people claimed to have seen something but as you can guess I was not a witness as I was live on the air at the time."

(The above images photographed by Loci B. Lenar)

Photograph courtesy of Maureen Therese Pinho

Photograph Courtesy of Maureen Therese Pinho

Photograph Courtesy of Maureen Therese Pinho

Photograph courtesy of Maureen Therese Pinho

Maureen Therese Pinho, a visitor to the shrine, also attended the prayer service with her children and a friend on Sunday.  She was kind enough to contact me through my website and supplied me with some images that were photographed by her at the shrine on October 18th.  ( Please Note: Her digital camera was not formatted and set with the present date and time.) 

Maureen said afterward, "My children and friend and I all saw the same thing with the sun spinning, changing colors, and pulsating as soon as the Hail Holy Queen was finished being recited" (Holy Rosary Prayer). 

Maureen is a parishioner of The Church of St. Michael, located in Netcong, New Jersey.

The photos of the solar phenomena are posted here for your discernment.

In John 8:12, the following is noted: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

May God the Father through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Our Blessed Mother, usher in an era of peace by unifying all nations, religion, and people with the Lord's divine love.

(The information posted in the article has been shared with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of Saint Mary's Church, Denville, NJ, USA).

Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar

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