Miracle of the Sun Witnessed on October 13, 2008 at Fatima Shrine in New Jersey

Signs, Wonders, and Miracles 

During 2017 the Catholic Church is celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. 

Our Lady appeared in Fatima, Portugal to three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos, and her two her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto on numerous occasions in 1917.

Our Lady communicated messages to the children of great importance. However, one message from Our Lady included a great sign that would be seen on October 13, 1917 in Fatima, Portugal for people to believe. On this Holy day countless witnessed the Miracle of the Sun.

What makes this historic event even more interesting and factual is that the Miracle of the Sun was witnessed again on October 13, 2008 at The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, (Asbury), Washington, NJ, USA.

This is the first time since 1917 that the Miracle of the Sun was witnessed the same day on October 13th. This is a documented story and the evidence is published on Christian-Miracles.com. Read the full story on this link: Miracle of the Sun Witnessed by Visitors at New Jersey Shrine

If you're in need of God's help and mercy, please stay connected with Catholic Devotions, Prayers, and Novenas anytime of the day by visiting www.Christian-Miracles.com and its mobile friendly site with your iPhone or smartphone: http/www.christian-miracles.com/devotionalprayers.htm

Finding Fatima: A Documentary for Our Times

Photo courtesy of Dynomite Productions Ltd

Finding Fatima DVD: The following photographs and commentary is courtesy of Joel Fletcher, Director of Dynomite Productions Ltd:

The film opens on Hiroshima 1945, where 8 Jesuit priests miraculously survived the atomic bomb without any trace of radiation poisoning and minor injury, when asked why they survived, Fr. Hubert Schiffer’s only answer was ‘we survived because we were living the message of Fatima.’



Finding Fatima Official Trailer - YouTube

In 1917, while a generation of men were being sacrificed on the killing fields of World War 1 and the seeds of a bloody revolution were being sowed in Russia, just outside a small town called Fatima in Portugal, three young Shepherd children made an extraordinary claim that they had been visited by a lady from heaven, a lady "brighter than the sun."

The series of events that followed, would resonate around the world, culminated in what has been described by many, as the greatest miracle of the 20th century, an event witnessed by over 70,000 people.

Photo courtesy of Dynomite Productions Ltd

Directed by Ian and Dominic Higgins and filmed over two years, the documentary presents the complete story of Fatima with innovative and dramatic reconstructions of the events, interviews with many leading experts on Fatima and rarely seen archival material.

Photo courtesy of Dynomite Productions Ltd

Filmed on location in both Portugal and the UK, utilizing state of the art CGI and a cast of 100’s ‘Finding Fatima’  is an epic production that spans from 1910 to the present day.

With worldwide and mainstream appeal for both Catholic and non Catholic audiences ‘Finding Fatima’ is a beautiful depiction of an event that is as relevant today as it was almost a hundred years ago.

‘Finding Fatima’, is a documentary that will both move and inspire you.

Run time: 90 mins

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The Day the Sun Danced - The True Story of Fatima

Gloria.tv: The Day the Sun Danced - The True Story of Fatima

(Children will enjoy this video)

From the website of Vimeo.com:

The True Story of Fatima

In 1917, three children named Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta experienced a great miracle.

While herding a flock of sheep outside the tiny village of Fatima, Portugal, the Blessed Mother visited them, not once, but many times, telling the children great and wondrous secrets that would affect all of creation.

It soon became clear that they had been chosen by the Blessed Mother to share her message.

THE DAY THE SUN DANCED is the inspiring true story of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, whose great faith and courage brought the message of Our Lady of Fatima for the entire world.

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.

EWTN: Our Lady of Fatima - Fr. Andrew Apostoli with Michael La Corte

YouTube - Sunday Night Live - Our Lady of Fatima - Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR with Michael La Corte - 08-22-2010

The following information is from the World Apostolate Fatima:

For those faithful followers, that cannot get EWTN, or who missed the Special on Fatima with Reverend Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. and Michael La Corte, Executive Director of the World Apostolate of Fatima; it is now available for viewing on YouTube.

1.) Why is Fatima Important Today?

2.) An update on the Russian Prophecy

3.) Does Our Church Believe Russia was Consecrated? What are the Facts?

4.) Details about the Miracle of the Sun...And much much more!

For more information about Our Lady of Fatima and her message, view the video or visit the following link: World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

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

New Fatima Movie Being Released

The following information is provided by the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, invites you to a sneak peek of the New Fatima Movie: Fatima Movie Trailer

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.

The Fatima Movie is available for purchase online at: Fatima Gift Shop or call the Gift Shop at 908-689-3590.

New Fatima Film to be Discussed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

YouTube - The 13th Day official trailer

Fatima Film With ‘Stunning Images’ To Be Discussed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show - Catholic PRWire

The following excerpt is from Catholic PRWire:

WATERTOWN, MA - On June 18, 2010, “The 13th Day”, a film about the miraculous events of Fatima, will be discussed on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

The 13th Day uses state-of-the-art digital effects to create stunning images of the visions and the final miracle.

Shot on location in Portugal and in the United Kingdom, the film has a cast of hundreds to re-create the scenes of the 70,000 strong crowds, with three young Portuguese actors playing the iconic roles of the Seers.

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

Tony Ryan will be interviewed on “This is the Day” on June 18th. Tony once worked for 13 years as a Director of Religious Education, and now works for Ignatius Press, who has partnered with 13th Day Films to distribute DVD’s of the film.

Based on the memoirs of Sister Lucia de Jesus, and thousands of independent eyewitness accounts, The 13th Day is a dramatic retelling of the experiences of three shepherd children between May and October 1917.

More information about The 13th Day can be found at Ignatius Press.

“This is the Day” can also be seen on demand at CatholicTV.com or downloaded via iTunes.com and SQPN.com. The hosts, Director of CatholicTV, Father Robert Reed, and General Manager, Jay Fadden discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@CatholicTV.com)

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

Christian-Miracles.com

PRLog Press Release

Catholic Online Press Release

http://www.catholicprwire.com

Miracle of the Sun Witnessed at Knock Shrine in Ireland

Thousands wait for Knock apparition - The Irish Times - Mon, Oct 12, 2009

The following excerpt is from an article published on IrishTimes.com:

THOUSANDS GATHERED at Knock Shrine, County Mayo, yesterday hoping to see an apparition of Our Lady.

There were ripples of applause from a crowd estimated at more than 5,000 as some people believed they could see the sun shimmering, changing colour and dancing in the sky.

John Tunney, from Islandeady, Castlebar, said: “I’m 53 years old and I never seen the sun go like that before. I witnessed the sun go all different colours, yellow, red and green. Then it completely darkened and began shimmering. Sometimes the sun emitted a clean, bright light, then it would darken again.”

Mr Tunney’s wife, Nina, said: “The sun was spinning in the sky. I experienced a feeling of total happiness. It is a feeling I would love to experience again. It was amazing. I felt marvellous.”

Yvonne Rabbitte, from Dunmore, Co Galway, showed other pilgrims a photograph she had taken on her digital camera which showed vivid rays radiating downwards from the sun at the time the image was taken.

Maggie Ahern, from Castlebar, had no doubt that the happenings in Knock were due to “heavenly intervention”.

Earlier in the week Dublin-based clairvoyant Joe Coleman predicted Our Lady would appear at the old parish church – scene of the 1879 apparition – at 3pm. Quite a number of those present were members of the Travelling community.

The crowds waited in the open air despite an invitation on loudspeaker at about 2.30pm from Knock parish priest Msgr Joseph Quinn that those in the grounds enter the adjacent Basilica to participate in ceremonies to mark the annual Dominican pilgrimage.

Msgr Quinn was not available for comment last night.

(For additional information, read Joe Coleman's Profile.

(For additional information about the story, please visit Spirit Daily.com)

Miracle of the Sun Witnessed in Medjugorje During Apparition of Blessed Mother

A Great Cry Bursts Forth From The Thousands During Mirjana’s Apparition Today, August 2, 2009 - Medjugorje.com

Medjugorje.com reported that on August 2, 2009, a crowd of over 50,000 people at Apparition Mountain in Medjugorje, witnessed the Miracle of the Sun while the Blessed Mother appeared privatley to visionary Mirjana Soldo and gave her a message. The apparition took place at a nearby location known as Blue Cross.

The following excerpt is from Medjugorje.com:

Mirjana came early today, around 8:35 a.m. The apparition of Our Lady began at 8:45 a.m. and lasted approximately 4 ½ minutes. Shortly after the apparition began, cries of surprise, shock, deep emotion and awe were heard rippling through the crowd from different directions, growing in magnitude. While Mirjana was enraptured in her own vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, something had happened. A commotion in the crowd was paralleled by something that the pilgrims could not have known, by what Mirjana had seen, and Mirjana, on the other hand, while in ecstasy could not have known what the pilgrims were seeing during the apparition. During the apparition, Mirjana herself saw the sun behind Our Lady. When she came out of ecstasy, Mirjana had to be surprised at what was taking place.

As for the pilgrims themselves, they had also seen a miracle. The sun became a miraculous sign for them. More and more people began looking where the first ones were pointing—at the sun. Many were seeing the sun “dancing” or “spinning,” others saw a cross illuminated in the sun, still others saw different colors within or streaming out of the sun. Tears were streaming down many faces, others stared in wonder, others in joy. And there were those who did not look up at all, so intense in their prayer as the apparition was still taking place. It swept through the crowd what the early days of Medjugorje were like when physical miracles abounded. It was very moving as the people knew what a chance of a lifetime it was to see the actions of God take place right before their eyes. To know after the apparition that Mirjana also had the sun in her apparition behind Our Lady confirmed the pilgrims’ “vision,” and the pilgrims confirmed Mirjana’s vision that the miracle was wed to each other.

The following message was conveyed to Mirjana by the Blessed Mother, Our Lady Queen of Peace:

“Dear children, I am coming, with my Motherly love, to point out the way by which you are to set out, in order that you may be all the more like my Son (Jesus); and by that, closer to and more pleasing to God. Do not refuse my love. Do not renounce salvation and eternal life for the sake of transience and frivolity of this life. I am coming to lead you and, as a mother, to caution you. Come with me.”

To read complete story, please visit Medjugorje.com.

For news story regarding the Miracle of the Sun being witnessed on October 13, 2008 at the National Blue Army Shrine in Washington, NJ, please visit the following links:

Christian Miracles.com

Angels, Wonders, and Miracles of Faith

Catholic Online

Healing Mass Celebration Continues throughout 2009 at World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

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

The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, will celebrate a Healing Mass every month throughout 2009 with Father Paul Ruge. The next scheduled Mass will begin with Divine Mercy Prayer at 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 26, in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Healing Mass will also include the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The National Blue Army Shrine is located in Warren County on 674 Mountain View Road, Washington, New Jersey.

In 2007 and 2008, the Catholic Shrine generated attention as a result of visitors witnessing the Miracle of the Sun on two occasions. For further details on the story, please visit Christian-Miracles.com.

Please join Father Paul as he celebrates a Healing Mass at 3:00 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on the following dates:

Sunday, April 26th
Sunday, May 3rd
Sunday, June 7th
Sunday, July 12th
Sunday, August 9th

Sunday, September 6th

Sunday, October 4th

Sunday, November 1st

Sunday, December 6th

I would recommend calling the shrine at (908) 689-1700 for any changes or updates on the healing mass schedule.

Photograph © 2009 Loci B. Lenar

Miracle of the Sun Witnessed by Visitors at New Jersey Shrine

On October 13, 2008, some visitors at the National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary were blessed to witness the Miracle of the Sun. I would estimate over a thousand faithful came to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. The Catholic shrine is located in scenic Warren County on Mountain View Road, Washington, NJ. The shrine has the distinction of being known as the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

In 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared in Fatima, Portugal to three shepherd children and conveyed God’s message for salvation and conversion. Remarkably, the three children, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, were told by the Blessed Mother that God would provide a miracle in order to validate the apparitions and message of Fatima. On October 13, 1917, over 70,000 people witnessed the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima, Portugal. Our Lady also disclosed that an era of peace would eventually be granted to the world through prayer. For additional information about the Fatima message, please visit the website of the National Blue Army Shrine at the following link: http://www.wafusa.org/fatima_message/fatima_message.html

The anniversary celebration included a rosary procession with display of the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. A speech was given by Reverend Lawrence Joseph Schroedel while Father Andrew Apostoli spoke on the sanctity of life for the unborn. Other events included Holy Mass with Father Anthony M. Sirianni as well as Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with farewell prayers and brown scapular enrollment.

A short time after the celebration, I walked into the parking area and observed numerous people appearing in awe as they looked directly at the sun. Margie Penkala of Hopatcong, NJ, said she was “watching the sun dance and change colors.” The time was between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. Margie also took an interesting photograph of the Cross of Reconciliation.

Although not seeing the solar phenomena; however, I did walk over and introduced myself to two priests standing nearby, and recognized Father Frederick Otieno Nyanguf, AJ of the Blue Army Shrine. I brought the matter to their attention and gave them some details on what people were observing. Both did not see any sun phenomena but agreed to look into it.

I am reminded of John 20: 29, when Jesus said, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing.” On a personal level, I witnessed the Miracle of the Sun on September 8, 1991 in northern New Jersey. Recalling my own experience, faith does not necessitate seeing the same sign over again. However, for many people a sign from Jesus and the Blessed Mother is an affirmation of God’s continued love for humanity. Moreover, I have seen other signs and wonders from our Lord Jesus Christ. For information regarding my personal testimony on the matter, please visit the following link: http://lenarpoetry.blogspot.com/2007/11/miracle-of-sun-testimony-of-spiritual_13.html

In order to corroborate the recent sun phenomena, I called Fran Zucchetto of the Immaculate Conception Rosary Society. She helped organize a pilgrimage to the shrine from the parishes of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption Church, both located in Tuckahoe, NY. Unavailable at the time; however, her Husband Vincent allowed me to speak to Tina, their 20 year old daughter. Tina Zucchetto confirmed that she attended the shrine with her sister and mother, part of a group of 30 from both churches. She said the group all observed the "sun dancing and changing colors.” She described the colors as “changing from pink to yellow and blue to green.” Without question, the Lord provides a special grace in order to allow people to observe the solar event without creating eye injury. However, eye contact with the sun should be avoided otherwise.

I also contacted Betty DeFusco; she coordinated a trip to the shrine through Saint Anne Church, Fairlawn, NJ. She indicated that no one in her group noticed any solar phenomena.

However, my telephone conversation with Lina Sumanga of Our Lady of Fatima Holy Rosary Crusade confirmed that she saw a visual phenomenon. She conveyed that a group of 40 came to the shrine on October 13, 2008 from the Sacred Heart Church, Mount Holly, NJ. Lina said her entire group saw the “sun dancing or spinning while changing colors.” She also gave details about her daughter Roxanne using a cell phone camera to photograph the sun and described the subsequent image appearing as the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I followed up with a phone call to Judi Ritchie, a supervisor at the National Blue Army Shrine; she confirmed "sporadic" reports of some visitors observing a phenomena.

The following scripture is conveyed in Luke 8: 16-17, “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lamp stand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.”

We are witnessing signs, wonders, and miracles in order for God to create a reaction in society for constructive change and hence prepare the world for an era of peace.

The story with an additional photograph is posted on the following link:
http://www.christian-miracles.com/njvisitorswitnessmiracle.htm

(A press release circulated through Catholic Online has been beneficial in spreading the news of the miracle to the public).

Copyright 2008 Loci B. Lenar

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