Showing posts with label Catholic News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic News. Show all posts

Monday, June 19, 2017

Prayers of Protection to Saint Michael the Archangel


Oh most Noble Prince of the Angelic Hierarchies
valorous warrior of Almighty God,
and zealous lover of His glory,
terror of the rebellious angels,
and love and delight of all the just ones,
my beloved Archangel Saint Michael,
desiring to be numbered among your devoted servants,
I, today offer and consecrate myself to you,
and place myself, my family,
and all I possess under your most powerful protection.

I entreat you not to look at how little, I,
as your servant have to offer,
being only a wretched sinner,
but to gaze, rather,
with favorable eve at the heartfelt affection
with which this offering is made,
and remember that if from this day onward
I am under your patronage,
you must during all my life assist me,
and procure for me the pardon of my many grievous offenses, and sins, the grace to love with all my heart my God,
my dear Saviour Jesus and my Sweet Mother Mary,
and obtain for me all the help necessary to arrive to my crown of glory.

Defend me always from my spiritual enemies,
particularly in the last moments of my life.

Come then oh Glorious Prince and succour me in my last struggle,
and with your powerful weapon cast far from me into the infernal abysses that prevaricator and proud angel that one day you prostrated in the celestial battle.

Saint Michael, defend us in our daily battle
so that we may not perish in the last Judgement.

***


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.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Read more: A Timely Message Regarding Archangel Michael and God's Reign of Peace

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Muslims rename mosque in honor of Mary, Mother of Jesus

News excerpt and photo from Aleteia.org: "A mosque in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital, has been renamed “Mary, Mother of Jesus.”

Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabi crown prince and deputy supreme commander of the UAE armed forces, ordered that the mosque be renamed to “consolidate bonds of humanity between followers of different religions.”"

***

Perhaps renaming the mosque to Mary, Mother of Jesus is a sign to pray for the conversion of Muslims that oppose Christianity.  -Loci B. Lenar

Read more: Mosque Renamed in Honor Of Mary, Mother of Jesus



Friday, June 02, 2017

Our Lady's Monthly Message to Mirjana Soldo



MedjugorjeMiracles.com - Our Lady's Message of June 2, 2017

Message to Mirjana Soldo:

As in the other places where I have come to you, also here I am calling you to prayer. Pray for those who do not know my Son, for those who have not come to know the love of God, against sin, for the consecrated – for those whom my Son called to have love and the spirit of strength for you, for the Church.

Pray to my Son, and the love which you experience from His nearness will give you the strength to make you ready for the works of love which you will do in His name. My children, be ready. This time is a turning point. That is why I am calling you anew to faith and hope. I am showing you the way by which you need to go, and those are the words of the Gospel. Apostles of my love, the world is in such need of your arms raised towards Heaven, towards my Son, towards the Heavenly Father. Much humility and purity of heart are needed. Have trust in my Son and know that you can always be better.

My motherly heart desires for you, apostles of my love, to be little lights of the world, to illuminate there where darkness wants to begin to reign, to show the true way by your prayer and love, to save souls. I am with you. Thank you.


Monday, May 29, 2017

Memorial Day 2017



Today we remember and honor all those whom have served our nation and sacrificed their lives for freedom.

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13


Photograph by Loci B. Lenar



Thursday, May 25, 2017

The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven


The Ascension of Jesus

(Feast of the Ascension is forty days after Easter)

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:6-11

Stained glass window photographed inside Our Lady of Victories Church, Paterson, NJ, USA.

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


Our Lady's Message of May 25, 2017


The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

May 25, 2017 Message to Marija Pavlovic

"Dear children! The Most High has permitted me to call you anew to conversion. Little children, open your hearts to the grace to which you are all called. Be witnesses of peace and love in this peaceless world. Your life here on earth is passing. Pray that through prayer you may yearn for Heaven and the things of Heaven and your hearts will see everything differently. You are not alone; I am with you and intercede before my Son Jesus for you. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Saturday, May 13, 2017

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, LĂºcia 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


Our Lady of The Holy Rosary of FĂ¡tima

Our Lady of The Holy Rosary of FĂ¡tima. 2017 by Stephen B Whatley

Centennial Painting on the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of FĂ¡tima's Apparitions by artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

News from artist Stephen B. Whatley:

A new tribute painting celebrating Our Lady of FĂ¡tima; painted with prayers in the days just before the centennial of the first miraculous apparition of The Blessed Virgin Mary on May 13, 1917, in FĂ¡tima, Portugal to three children, Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

On May 13, 2017 Pope Francis will travel to the Sacred Shrine in FĂ¡tima and pronounce Jacinta and Francisco - who both passed away as children - Saints.

British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley is a devout Catholic and often feels what he calls a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes to Jesus, Our Lady and The Saints on significant landmark years or Feast Days - and to share them.

Dependent on prayer, especially to the Holy Spirit - his 2013 exhibition at London's Westminster Cathedral was called "Paintings From Prayer" - the inspiration for this tribute painting included descriptions of Our Lady as experienced by the children and the statue above the The Sanctuary of Our Lady of FĂ¡tima - which Lucia Santos - who became Sister Lucia in 1928; and lived until the age of 97 in 2005 - pronounced the likeness to the vision of Our Lady that she and her cousins saw in 1917.

Our Lady's message was one of warning about subsequent world wars and the need for peace, through devotion to the Holy Trinity and praying The Rosary every day.

Blessings of peace, healing, light, love and hope to all who view this painting ~ in faith.

Nossa Senhora do Santo RosĂ¡rio de FĂ¡tima:

Our Lady Of The Holy Rosary of FĂ¡tima  - Centenary Tribute - May 2017

Oil on canvas, 40 x 30in/102 x 76cm

www.stephenbwhatley.com



Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Heart of Divine Mercy

Heart of Divine Mercy. 2017 by Stephen B. Whatley

Heart of Divine Mercy by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

A new tribute drawing by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, created 2017 on Divine Mercy Sunday after the Divine Mercy commemoration and Mass at Saint James's RC Church, Spanish Place, London, UK.

Pastel on paper - 16.5 x 11.5in / 42 x 30cm

Stephen B Whatley is an expressionist painter, published in TIME magazine, whose major commissions include architectural paintings for public institutions including The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II, London Underground and the BBC; and 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London permanently showcased throughout Tower Hill Underpass at Tower Hill. He has been presented to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

The artist’s vibrant oil paintings are in private collections worldwide and public collections
including BBC Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, the London Transport Museum, the Royal Collection, Westminster Cathedral and The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA.

See more of Mr. Whatley's religious artwork: Christian Tributes

www.stephenbwhatley.com



Sunday, May 07, 2017

Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Miracle Prayer



The Miracle Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Saviour. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen.

Mary, My Mother, Queen of Peace, St. Peregrine, the cancer saint, all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen.

Say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel. When you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word with all your heart, Jesus will change your whole life in a very special way. You will see.

Prayer © 1993 Peter M. Rookey and Servite Fathers, O.S.M.


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


Monday, May 01, 2017

Prayer for Saint Joseph's Intercession



PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF WORKERS

(May 1 is the Feast of St. Joseph, the Worker)

Glorious Saint Joseph, you are the pattern of all who work. Obtain for me, please, the grace to work conscientiously and to put devotion to duty before my selfish inclinations. Help me to labor in thankfulness and joy, for it is an honour to employ and to develop by my labour the gifts I have received from almighty God. Grant that I may work in orderliness, peace, moderation and patience without shrinking from weariness and difficulties. I offer my fatigue and perplexities as reparation for sin. I shall work, above all, with a pure intention and with detachment from self,having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill-spent, of talents unemployed, of good undone, and of empty pride in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. For Jesus through Mary, all in imitation of you, good Saint Joseph. This shall be my motto in life and in death. Amen.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Francisco and Jacinta to be canonized during Pope Francis’ visit to Fatima on May 13, 2017


WAF USA – World Apostolate of Fatima U.S.A.

Pope Francis will canonize Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto at Mass during his visit to Fatima May 13, 2017, making them the youngest non-martyrs to ever be declared saints. The decision was made April 20 by a consistory of cardinals.

Pope St. John Paul II beatified Francisco, 11, and Jacinta, 10, on May 13, 2000, 83 years after the first apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima in 1917. It was during the May 13 apparition that Our Lady told the children she would take Francisco and Jacinta to heaven soon, but Lucia would remain on earth for “some time longer.”

The beatification of her two cousins was something Sister Lucia had asked for during her first meeting with Pope St. John Paul II on May 13, 1982 at Fatima. The Pope expressed his desire also to see the little shepherds soon beatified. Before the end of their meeting that day, they completed their visit in the Basilica at the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta.

Read more: WAF USA



Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Our Lady's Message of April 25, 2017

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady's Message of April 25 to to Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti:

"Dear children! Love, pray and witness my presence to all those who are far away. By your witness and example, you can draw closer the hearts that are far from God and His grace. I am with you and intercede for each of you so that, with love and resoluteness, you may witness and encourage all those who are far from my Immaculate Heart. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Sunday, April 16, 2017

Have a Blessed and Happy Easter



The Resurrection of Jesus

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 

(Matthew 28:1-10)

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Celebrating Fatima's 100 Years


CATECHIST Magazine: Five Lessons from Fatima 

In the April/May 2017 issue of Catechist Magazine there's a feature story on the Five Lessons of Fatima by Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur.

Patrice writes in her article that it provides "tips for guiding children into the heart of the message" of Our Lady of Fatima.  

In addition, a colorful stained glass window - photographed by Loci B. Lenar provides a graphical depiction of Our Lady of Fatima in this article.



Here is an excerpt from the article: One of the most fantastic aspects of Our Lady of Fatima’s message is that she entrusted it to children. Here are five lesson ideas to share and discuss with the children you know.

The importance of praying the Rosary for peace.

One of Our Lady of Fatima’s central messages was to pray the Rosary every day for peace. While the particulars of world conflict have changed since 1917, we continue to live in a world full of anger, violence, and war. Children are aware of this. Depending on their ages, they may be more or less aware of the global stage, but they are certainly aware of fighting in their own families, schools, or neighborhoods. They may feel powerless to help or make a difference.

Praying the Rosary is one thing that they can do to help change lives and hearts, starting with their own. While prayer is not a magic wand and God certainly does not always answer prayer on our timetable or in the way we think best, following the instructions of Mary to pray the Rosary can only help.


Read more: Five Lessons from Fatima


Friday, April 14, 2017

Good Friday Novena Prayer

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar


Jesus Christ, 
Son of God made Man,
crowned with thorns,
bearing a scepter of a reed,
wearing a royal cloak purpled
with Your Precious Blood,
I venerate You as the Man of Sorrows
and acknowledge You as my Lord and King!

Jesus crucified,
I firmly renounce the devil
and detest all sin
that has torn me from Your loving friendship.
I pledge my loyalty to You,
my Saviour,
and beg You to make me Your own in sincerest love.
I promise to be faithful in service to You,
and to strive to become more pleasing to you
by avoiding every sin and its occasions,
by carrying out my duties
perfectly as a good Catholic,
and by practicing virtue.

Jesus crucified,
accept the homage I wish to render You
during this novena,
as a token of my sincerest appreciation
for the sorrows and sufferings
You have willingly borne to atone for my many sins
and to prove how much You love me.

I adore You as my very God,
Who willed to become Man
in order to save me from eternal death.

I thank You as my best Friend,
Who laid down Your life
as proof of the greatest love possible.

I ask pardon for having so little thought of You,
Jesus crucified,
and for having caused Your sorrows
and sufferings by the many sins I have committed.

I pray to You,
dearest Jesus,
for all the graces I need to know You,
to love You and serve You faithfully unto death,
and to save my soul.
Give me a tender and fervent devotion
to Your Sacred Passion by which I was redeemed,
venerating You especially in Holy Mass.
Teach me how to unite sorrows and sufferings
of my life with Your own.
Finally, through all Your sorrows and pains,
through Your Sacred Heart
glowing with love for me,
broken because of my want of love for You,
through the sorrows of Mary,
your Sorrowful Mother,
I ask for this special favour:

[Mention your request here...]

With childlike trust
I abandon myself to Your holy Will
concerning my request.


***

The statue of Jesus and and cross are on the grounds of The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Washington Township, New Jersey. The shrine is part of the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.


Thursday, April 13, 2017

Prayer for Holy Week in preparation of Good Friday

Jesus Carries His Cross - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer for Holy Week

Jesus my Lord, let me strengthen my courage by taking on the courage of all those people who have been "centurions" for me. Many have faced disasters and hard times with great constancy. The upper hand of evil never turned them against you. They kept going. Let me be like them, Lord. No matter what the cross, let me never stop declaring you to be "truly the Son of God," the source of my hope, the reason why I will never quit on life.

(Prayer from Catholic Online)

***

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

On Good Friday, the cross is a reminder of Jesus sacrificing His life for the salvation of sinners.

With those words in mind, sunlight creates the appearance of a cross on the above statue of Jesus. It's more than coincidence that this photo shows Jesus carrying his cross. Interestingly enough, this statue is part of the Stations of the Cross next the Holy House at The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Washington, NJ. The shrine is part of the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar
In two separate areas, two photos show sunlight creating similar rays of light around two statues of Jesus. Photographs were both taken in 2015 with my iPhone 6.

Visit www.Christian-Miracles.com for more faith related news.


A bleeding host in Argentina? Bishop investigates alleged Eucharistic miracle

Credit: AICA photo agency
Catholic News Agency (CNA): 'via Blog this'

Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 13, 2017 / 12:43 am (CNA/EWTN News)

A bishop in the Argentine province in Santa Fe is investigating a Eucharistic host that appeared to bleed during adoration at a drug rehabilitation home.

Bishop Luis Fernandez of the Rafaela diocese announced that an investigation will be carried out to examine what took place earlier this week, when a group of young people were in Eucharistic adoration and saw a substance in the consecrated host that appeared to be blood.

On April 11, Tuesday of Holy Week, a group of young people were praying before the Blessed Sacrament at the San Miguel drug rehabilitation home in the Guemes neighborhood, when they noticed a change in the Eucharist.

Read more: Catholic News Agency



Monday, April 10, 2017

Cross of Light Appears on Palm Sunday

Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

Palm Sunday 2017
By Loci B. Lenar

On Palm Sunday, a Cross of Light outlined with a shield appeared in the morning on my backyard fence in Mine Hill, NJ. 

Scripture says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11

Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week, and it's a time to reflect on the passion of Christ in preparation for Good Friday and the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.

The first time this Cross of Light appeared in 2017 was on the fifth Sunday of Lent, April 2. 

For many centuries the fifth Sunday of Lent was known as Passion Sunday and the beginning of Passiontide by the Catholic Church.


Furthermore, this sun phenomena has occurred every year on my residence since 2005 during different occasions, including Lent, Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It also appeared in September 2015 while Pope Francis was visiting the USA.

I spoke to my Spiritual director, Fr. Richard Tartaglia on Monday, April 10, and shared the news about the Cross of Light appearing at my residence. 

Fr. Richard Tartaglia - 2012
In addition, this sun phenomena has been verified by my spiritual director, Fr. Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Denville, New Jersey. 

Fr. Richard photographed the Cross of Light on Good Friday, April 6, 2012. Moreover, Fr. Richard spoke about the Cross of Light during his homily at St. Mary's Evening Prayer Service held on April 19, 2012. 

Here's a link to view the video of Fr. Richard's homily which also includes information regarding other people that have witnessed a Cross of Light in other areas: Cross of Light Appears in New Jersey

Jesus said,"I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness." John 12:46

I attributes this sign sent from Our Heavenly Father as result of prayers to Jesus, Our Blessed Mother, and Saint Michael the Archangel for assistance, and with times of spiritual renewal of my Christian faith, such as Lent, as well as praying for God's protection. 


Cross of Light - 2017
Additional facts can be read on these links: Cross of Light Appears During Lent and Holy Week  and Signs from Heaven

In 2008, the Gloucester County Times reported a similar story of a cross photographed by 9 year old Gwynna Crawford on Easter Sunday in Pitman, New Jersey. The cross appeared on a neighbor's house. The article indicated that Gwyanna's mother and the neighbor were unable to find the source of the sun reflection.


More information about the Gloucester County Times story with a photograph can be seen on this link: Cross Appears on Easter Sunday in Pitman, NJ

I believe the Cross of Light is a sign from God to those that have left the church: Return to the sacraments, especially reconciliation during Holy Week and to celebrate Easter.




Thursday, March 23, 2017

Pope recognizes Fatima children miracle ahead of May visit to Portugal

News from Vatican Radio

Pope Francis has officially recognized the miracle attributed to the intercession of two Fatima children - Blesseds Francisco and Jacinta Marto. He also approved the canonizations of 30 Brazilian and 3 Mexican martyrs.

The Pope will visit Fatima in Portugal on 12-13 May.

During an audience on Thursday with Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B., Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Holy Father authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the following decrees:

The miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Francisco Marto, born on 11 June 1908 and died on 4 April 1919, and Blessed Jacinta Marto, born 11 March 1910 and died 20 February 1920, children of FĂ¡tima.

Read more: Fatima Miracle