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.

Divine image appears in mom-to-be’s ultrasound picture

Bill Alecia Fülkerson/via Facebook

Excerpt of story from NY Daily News

An Indiana woman’s prenatal checkup turned out to be a divine experience.

Aley Meyer’s ultrasound photo showed not only her baby boy, but also an image of what appears to be Jesus on the cross.

"We took a picture of it and blew it up on my phone to get a closer look and it is so much detail,” she told WFIE-TV. “You can see the hair and his legs crossed and everything.”

The Evansville mom-to-be did not even notice the cross-like figure at first, but once her mother shared the ultrasound photo on Facebook, the comments went crazy.

Baby Easton is due in June and Meyer finds it to be a sign that all will be right with the birth.

Read more: Divine Image 

Loci B. Lenar to share his journey of faith on Catholic radio

"Cause of Our Joy!" Radio Rosary Program, Broadcasting Each Sunday Morning at 7:00 am, on WACE 730 AM, Chicopee, MA – Hosted by Joe Ott

Denville, NJ - Dec. 16, 2015 - Prlog.org -- Loci B. Lenar, the founder of www.christian-miracles.com is scheduled to be interviewed on Sunday, December 20, 2015 on the Catholic radio show, "Cause of Our Joy," hosted by Joe Ott on WACE 730 AM, Chicopee, MA.

The radio program will focus on locutions/messages that Mr. Lenar has received from Jesus and Our Lady regarding lawlessness and violence seen around our world, including availability of prayer support for those who visit the website, as well as Mr. Lenar's testimony on his healing from the Anointing of the Sick, a sacrament of the Catholic Church. More information about Mr. Lenar is available by visiting http://www.christian-miracles.com/

Mr. Lenar is a parishioner of Saint Mary's Catholic Church and his spiritual director for over twenty years is Fr. Richard Tartaglia. The parish is located on Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey, USA.

With over 3.8 million visitors since its inception - www.Christian-Miracles.com is growing and helping to lead the way in the New Evangelization by reaching a global community with visitors coming from the USA, Canada, United Kingdom (UK), India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Germany, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, and many other countries.

If you're unable to listen to the program in your area, a recording of the radio show will be available after December 20th on www.Christian-Miracles.com

Ted Cruz Responds to the Arrest of Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis

BRILLIANT! Read Ted Cruz’s IMPASSIONED response to the arrest of KY Clerk Kim Davis!

Excerpt and photo from The Right Scoop:  This should be the response of every conservative who cares about liberty! Ted Cruz has released an impassioned response to the arrest of Kim Davis.

“Today, judicial lawlessness crossed into judicial tyranny. Today, for the first time ever, the government arrested a Christian woman for living according to her faith. This is wrong. This is not America.

“Those who are persecuting Kim Davis believe that Christians should not serve in public office. That is the consequence of their position. Or, if Christians do serve in pubic office, they must disregard their religious faith–or be sent to jail.

“Kim Davis should not be in jail. We are a country founded on Judeo-Christian values, founded by those fleeing religious oppression and seeking a land where we could worship God and live according to our faith, without being imprisoned for doing so.

“I call upon every Believer, every Constitutionalist, every lover of liberty to stand with Kim Davis. Stop the persecution now.”  -Ted Cruz

Read more: http://therightscoop.com/brilliant-read-ted-cruzs-impassioned-response-to-the-arrest-of-ky-clerk-kim-davis/#ixzz3l0w1MBZc

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

Message from Jesus: “My Father’s timing to fulfill Revelation 20:1-3 has arrived”

By Loci B. Lenar

On Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday of 2015, I received the following message from Jesus through a locution.  Our Lord communicated: “My Father’s Will is to mitigate apocalyptic events, suddenly it will happen.”  Jesus made reference to Our Heavenly Father’s timing in fulfilling Revelation 20:1-3 with a thousand year reign of peace. 

Jesus connected His communication to Our Lady’s message that I had received in a spiritual locution on February 26, 2015. Our Lady’s communication said: "Consecrate the world to Saint Michael the Archangel's protection," and made reference to the violence in our world including the chaos in the Middle East. 

In my locution, Jesus went on with His announcement and said, “Therefore, consecrate the world to Michael the Archangel’s protection in accordance with Revelation 20:1-3 to accelerate and move forward with a millennium of peace.”

Our Lord made reference to scripture and Revelation 20:1-3, “I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.”  This scripture is connected to St. Michael the Archangel and his work in successfully completing God’s plan for world peace.  In fulfilling this scripture, Our Lady of Fatima’s promise for world peace is accomplished. 

In addition, Jesus indicated the process of consecration: The Holy Father  (Our Pope) with church parishes and clergy are to join in prayer concurrently to consecrate the world to Michael the Archangel’s protection in accordance with Revelation 20:1-3; Hence, fulfilling scripture and the Word of God.  Jesus communicated, “I Will mitigate apocalyptic events, lawlessness, violence, and persecution of the faithful - suddenly it will happen.”  

Jesus than made a direct comparison to Pope John Paul II and his action in consecrating Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, 1984, in St. Peter’s Square, Rome. This was done in accordance with Our Lady of Fatima's request.  Shortly after, the Berlin Wall came down and the Soviet Union/Russia broke up with the fall of communism.  Suddenly it happened!

There’s an additional scripture which also holds true to our current time: "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people - everyone whose name is found in the book - will be delivered." (Daniel 12:1)

This message is of great importance and must not be disregarded!

May the Holy Spirit be a guiding light for God's church and His people. 

Please pray for the fulfillment of Revelation 20:1-3 in our time. Thank you very much for your prayer support.

This locution was shared with Fr. Richard Tartaglia, my spiritual director/confessor from Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Denville, New Jeresy, USA. 

Read More: Locutions and Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael

Miracle: Blood of Saint Januarius liquifies during Francis’s visit to Naples

News excerpt and photo from CatholicHerald.co.uk

The blood of St Januarius liquified in the presence of a pope for the first time since 1848 on Saturday.

The blood of the patron saint of Naples, which is normally solid, partially liquified after Pope Francis kissed the relic during his day trip to the southern Italian city.

According to AFP, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe of Naples showed the vial to the congregation in the city’s cathedral, saying: “The blood has half liquified, which shows that St Januarius loves our Pope and Naples.”

Pope Francis responded: “The bishop just announced that the blood half-liquified. We can see the saint only half loves us. We must all spread the word, so that he loves us more!”

The blood last liquified for a pope in the presence of Pius IX. The phenomenon did not occur when St John Paul II visited Naples in 1979 and Benedict XVI visited the city in 2007.

Read more: Saint Januarius Miracle

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel for Protection

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel - Christian-Miracles.com

Saint Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle,

be our protection against the malice and snares

of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray;

and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host,  
by the power of God,  
thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel is recognized in Christianity for being the guardian and protector of God's church and people. 

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

***

Regarding St. Michael the Archangel, the following excerpt is from Wikipedia Encyclopedia:

The Prayer to Saint Michael is a prayer, used mainly by Catholics, which is addressed to Michael the Archangel.  (However, anyone can recite the prayer).

Pope Leo XIII added it in 1886 to the Leonine Prayers, which he had directed to be said after Low Mass two years earlier. The practice of reciting these prayers after Mass was suppressed in 1964.

However, Pope John Paul II referred to the St Michael prayer in his Regina Coeli address of 24 April 1994 as follows: "May prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle that the Letter to the Ephesians speaks of: 'Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might' (Ephesians 6:10). The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle, recalling before our eyes the image of St Michael the Archangel (cf. Revelation 12:7). Pope Leo XIII certainly had this picture in mind when, at the end of the last century, he brought in, throughout the Church, a special prayer to St Michael: 'Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil...' Although this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and against the spirit of this world."

Regarding intercessory prayers to angels and saints, scripture says the following: And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.  Revelation 8:3-4 (KJV)

Therefore, angels and saints both intercede before the throne of God on behalf of all who pray for the Lord's assistance.

Please visit the following link to view a miraculous Cross of Light photographed by Loci B. Lenar which he believes is connected to Saint Michael the Archangel's protection.

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

The stained glass window of Archangel Michael can be seen inside the entrance way of Saint Michael's Catholic Church, Netcong, New Jersey, USA.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar - Flickr Photo Sharing!

Our Lady's Request: "Consecrate the World to Saint Michael the Archangel's Protection"

By Loci B. Lenar

On February 26, 2015, I received a locution/message from Our Blessed Mother regarding the violence being seen and reported by news services throughout the world, especially in the Middle East.

Through prayerful discernment, Our Lady is requesting that the Holy Father, (Pope Francis), Consecrate the World to Saint Michael the Archangel's Protection. Through prayer and the intercession of Our Lady and St. Michael the Archangel - Our Lord Jesus will mitigate lawlessness and violence in nations.

On July 5, 2013, Pope Francis consecrated Vatican City to St. Michael the Archangel's protection and to St. Joseph. Pope Francis said, "In consecrating Vatican City State to St. Michael the Archangel, I ask him to defend us from the evil one and banish him." 

Added note: On March 25, 1984, in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope John Paul II consecrated the world and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in accord with Our Lady of Fatima's request for world peace.

However, through prayerful discernment, I believe consecrating the world to Saint Michael's protection will help to move forward and hasten the era of peace as promised by Our Lady of Fatima.

Furthermore, the "period of peace" is clearly connected to Revelation 20:1-3. Moreover, I believe this is correct and should not be misconstrued.

Scripture says the following regarding God's reign of peace: Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and locked and sealed it over him, so that he would deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be let out for a little while. Revelation 20:1-3

In addition, I believe it's important for all church parishes to begin reciting the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel either before or after mass. Recite the prayer with your families and for our world.  God will answer our prayers with his perfect timing.

For more information regarding this matter, please read my testimony: Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael

I've shared this locution with my spiritual director, Fr. Richard Tartaglia of Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Denville, NJ, USA.

More News: www.Christian-Miracles.com

Post by "Christian-Miracles.com"

Reflection of Cross Appears on House in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Photograph by Carla Chavez-Archuleta

By Loci B. Lenar

God works in mysterious ways through signs and wonders, especially during times of difficulty and while praying for assistance. He will affirm his word through divine providence and miracles.

With that in mind, Carla Chavez-Archuleta of Albuquerque, New Mexico has shared several images of a cross of light that she photographed in December of 2014 using her Samsung Galaxy Note 3.  

Carla says, "A few months back, I read the article of the Shield of Archangel Michael on http://www.christian-miracles.com/signsofangels.htm and have been in awe of this event ever since."

Same photo as above but cropped for better viewing

Carla said, "I was surprised when my husband and I were driving home Christmas Day (December, 2014) and I saw this same reflection on a home near ours.  I asked my husband to turn around to get another look.  We tried to take photos but it seemed to start to fade like it did not want to be photographed.  I saw the reflection again on the way home yesterday (December 30, 2014) and was able to get a photo. I even went to the other side of the house to see if there might be something causing the reflection, but I don't see anything that would cause that reflection."

Photograph courtesy of Carla Chavez-Archuleta

"I have been praying to Archangel Michael for months for assistance.  I still pray today as I greatly need his intercession for a miracle.  I take this as a sign that he is with me and letting me know he has everything under control."

Same photo as above but cropped for better viewing

"I just wanted to share the photo with you as you reported on the reflection in your link." Carla said.

The fact that Carla has seen a similar cross is indeed a confirmation that God continues to give us hope with signs during our time of need. He will never abandon us.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

In 2005, a Cross of Light with a surrounding shield appeared on my backyard fence in Mine Hill, NJ, while my family was experiencing a time of adversity.  I was praying for God's intervention and to Saint Michael the Archangel for protection when the image began to appear. Awaiting for God's Timing, my prayers were answered and the issues were mitigated. More information regarding my (Lenar) testimony on this matter with photographs can be read on www.Christian-Miracles.com.

Without hesitation, we should not underestimated the power of prayer. God will answer our prayers at the appropriate time. 

Jesus said, "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."  (Matthew 18:19-20)

Whatever circumstances that we may face today, God is there to give us the strength to move forward and will protect us from the storms of time.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,  no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  (Psalm 91:9-12)

Read more news on angels on the following link: Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael

Join us in prayer for Christian Unity and World Peace

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Please join us in prayer at Saint Mary's Church on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 pm. This months prayer service will focus on Christian Unity and World Peace. Saint Mary's is located on the corner of Myers Avenue and Route 46, Denville, NJ, USA.

Are you or someone in need of prayer?  If so, let our prayer ministry pray for your needs.

Prayer requests submitted through email are prayed for daily on www.Christian-miracles.com and at Saint Mary's Church during Holy Hour Adoration on Monday mornings, as well as the monthly prayer service held with Fr. Richard Tartaglia.

If you cannot attend, you can still join in prayer by praying with us for all special prayer intentions.

Many people are struggling with their finances, some are unemployed. We all have family and friends that might need prayer as well. Some may be suffering from an illness or dealing with a troubled marriage or relationship.  We are all in need of hope, especially when dealing with burdens that affect our daily lives. The world is in need of peace, especially in light of all the violence that is seen daily on the news. With ongoing persecution of Christians in the middle east and other countries as well, please us join in prayer for all of these issues to be resolved with God's mercy.

Regardless of the circumstances that you might be facing today, God cares and loves you.  Let us pray for your needs today and ask for God's divine assistance and intervention. Submit your prayer requests to PrayerRequest@Christian-Miracles.com

Visit our site and read helpful information on How to Pray.

Regarding prayer, Jesus said, "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." (Matthew 18:19-20)

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  (Hebrews 4:16)

May Our Lord bless you and answer your prayer request with favor.

For a selection of devotional prayers, please visit our website on the following link: www.christian-miracles.com/devotionalprayers.htm

Please feel free to share your testimony on how God has blessed your life or answered your prayer requests.  Please include your full name when sending your testimony.

Email to Testimonial@Christian-Miracles.com

What does scripture say about sharing your faith and testimony with others? Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonderful acts. (1Chronicles 16:8-9)

For updates, please visit us on Facebook.

Image of Virgin Mary grows on tree in Iowa

Excerpt from CodeWit World News

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

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

Post by "Christian-Miracles.com".

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

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

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

(A Prayer for God's Protection)

 

Saint Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle,

be our protection against the malice and snares

of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray;

and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits
who wander through the world

seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

 

Saint Michael the Archangel is recognized in Christianity for being the guardian and protector of God's church and people. 

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

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

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

Read More: Signs of St. Michael the Archangel

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

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

Visit the following link for Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael.

Buddhist composes symphony to mark Pope's Sri Lanka visit

 Credit: Fr. Sunil De Silva

Excerpt and photo from Catholic News Agency (CNA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Pope Francis to visit Sri Lanka

"Christian-Miracles.com" is a gathering place for all who are seeking Jesus

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

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

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

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


Post by "Christian-Miracles.com".

 

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

Joan Wester Anderson

By Joan Wester Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright 2014 Joan Wester Anderson

Pope declares John XXIII and John Paul II as saints of the Universal Church

News story from RomeReports.com

It's official. Pope Francis has declared John XXIII and John Paul II as saints of the Catholic Church.

Before a crowded square, Card. Angelo Amato presented the decree to elevate the two Popes to the altars. Pope Francis gave his approval through a brief proclamation. 

Afterwards, family members of John XXIII and the woman cured by John Paul II presented the relics of each Pope respectively. 

FULL TEXT OF PROCLAMATION

For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the increase of the Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after due deliberation and frequent prayer for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brother bishops, we declare and define Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II be saints and we enroll them among the saints, decreeing that they are to be venerated as such by the whole church. In the name of the Holy Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Healing through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

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

Loci B. Lenar, the founder of www.Christian-Miracles.com, spoke at Saint Mary's Catholic Church about being healed of several medical conditions after receiving the Anointing of the Sick, a healing Sacrament of the Catholic Church. Mr. Lenar shared his personal testimony during St. Mary's monthly prayer service, held Thursday evening on November 15, 2012.

Mr. Lenar believes that by sharing his testimony with the general public, it will help encourage people to return to God and the church sacraments.

St. Mary’s prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month with Fr. Richard Tartaglia. St. Mary’s head pastor is Fr. Martin Glynn. The Catholic Church is located on 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey, USA.

Reflecting on his spiritual journey of faith, Mr. Lenar, a resident of Mine Hill Township, says that through daily prayer and recitation of a 54 day rosary novena, his prayers were answered for healing and for other special intentions which remain private.

The 54 day rosary novena involves praying 27 days in petition for your request and then followed by 27 days in thanksgiving for prayers answered. The prayer is known as the Irresistible Novena to Our Lady.

Mr. Lenar says that nearly two decades have passed since being miraculously healed of a medical condition known as Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) and from severe bouts of headaches.

"I was sitting outside in my backyard on a patio chair and praying the rosary for Our Lady's intercession. It was a warm summer evening, sometime between 9:00 and 10:00 P.M. near the end of June. Then suddenly, on the twenty-seventh day of the novena, the Blessed Mother appeared as sign in the sky for about 30 seconds." says Mr. Lenar.

"Our Lady was standing over a full moon, appearing in a tunic that was white as snow, and her arms spread out, similar to the image on the miraculous medal. It reminded me of Revelation 12:1, which states, 'A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head,' " says Mr. Lenar.

At the completion of the life-changing 54 day rosary novena, Our Lady guided Mr. Lenar to receive the Anointing of the Sick from the Catholic church. 

Scripture says the following about receiving 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

God's spiritual remedy for treating Mr. Lenar's medical ailments was to visit St. Mary’s Church (Denville, NJ) and then anointed with oil by Fr. Richard Tartaglia with the healing Sacrament. He received the Anointing of the Sick on several occasions from Fr. Tartaglia before being completely healed.

“Through God’s divine gift, I was healed of the heart arrhythmia and from years of suffering daily headaches. As a result of the healing, I was able to stop taking medication for the ailments," says Mr. Lenar .

Mr. Lenar was initially treated for the Atrial Fibrillation with the medication Lanoxin by his family physician, Dr. Gilbert Mandel of Denville Associates of Internal Medicine, Pocono Road, Denville, NJ.  Mr. Lenar visited Dr. Mandel on February 7, 2014 and requested documentation that he is no longer treated for Atrial Fibrillation. A copy of the medical note is posted on this page.

Mr. Lenar was inspired to write a prayer as a result of his healing. The prayer is written for anyone in need of God's healing grace especially families with children. The prayer is posted on this website and can be read at the following link: Prayerful Healing 

Loci B. Lenar has also shared his spiritual journey of faith with The Standard-Times, and was interviewed by Linda Andrade Rodrigues for the newspaper. The article was first published on December 29, 2012 in the Religion section (Page B7) of The Standard-Times newspaper from New Bedford, MA. The article also appears on the internet and can be read on SouthCoastToday.com. The news story is also reprinted on www.Christian-Miracles.com with additional photographs on the following link: The Seeker of Spiritual Phenomena

In Addition, Mr. Lenar has shared his personal testimony several times as a guest speaker on the Catholic program, Sacred Treasures, hosted by Kathie Duggan of Radio Maria.

On May 7, 2012, Fr. Richard Tartaglia and Mr. Lenar were both interviewed on Radio Maria regarding a Cross of Light that appeared on Mr. Lenar’s residence in Mine Hill, NJ, during Lent and Good Friday.

Fr. Tartaglia validated the sign by photographing the cross of light that was visible on Mr. Lenar’s backyard fence. A video with documentation regarding the Cross of Light can be viewed on Gloria.tv at the following link: Cross of Light Appears in New Jersey

Mr. Lenar believes that Our Lord is calling the church to share our faith with others in order to open their hearts to the teachings of Christianity through God's love and healing grace: "Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonderful acts."  (1Chronicles 16:8-9)
  

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Contact Information: St. Mary's Catholic Church: Parish Directory

Contact:  Mr. Loci B. Lenar
                P.O. Box 312
                Denville, NJ 07834

"Brain Dead" Teenager Awakens From Coma After Her Family Sings Hymns

News story from LifeNews.com

LifeNews has repeatedly chronicled cases of people who were prematurely declared dead or said to be in supposedly persistent vegetative states who ultimately recovered.

Now comes the story of Levi Hansen, a BYU student who suffered critical head injuries last week after being hit by a car. Hansen, 18, was alert and breathing on her own Tuesday, though she was still listed in critical but stable condition. She even tried to get out of her hospital bed. While she has a long road to recovery ahead, her family believes they have witnessed a miracle.

“When they brought her in, the doctors gave her less than a 5 percent chance of survival,” said Doug Hansen, Lexi’s father. “They told us to call our family and get them here quickly because she wasn’t going to last too long.”

In a Thursday evening interview with ABC News, Marcia Hansen, the teen’s mother, said tests indicated her daughter had essentially been brain-dead when she was brought to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo.

The Deseret News has more:

Just before 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 26, Lexi was riding her longboard while crossing the street in a crosswalk at the intersection of University Avenue and Canyon Road when the accident occurred. No alcohol, drugs or texting were believed to have played a role in the crash, police said.

Lexi suffered head injuries and was in a coma for several days. But Sunday, she came out of the coma as her family sang hymns around her.

“We had the most amazing experience today at the end of everyone’s fast,” the family wrote on the Pray for Lexi Facebook Page. “Lexi opened her eyes and kept them open for nearly an hour while we sang hymns to her as a family. While we were singing, she hand signed, ‘I love you,’ moving her arm around so that everyone could see. She then reached for each person’s hands individually so she could squeeze them. We could hardly sing due to the tears streaming down our face. We knew we were witnessing a miracle.”

Read more: Lexi Hansen

‘It’s a miracle:’ Baby starts breathing again after being declared legally dead

News excerpt and photo from MetroNews.ca

Robin Cyr’s fourth child has already packed a lifetime’s worth of emotional turmoil into her first 28 minutes in the world.

Cyr, 34, was told her baby girl had died just after being born in the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Canada around 3 a.m. Saturday, March 8th.

But shortly after getting the devastating news, a stuttering, breathless nurse rushed back into the room to say the baby had started breathing again. 

“My aunt was there, and it’s a blessing because her prayers are very deep and strong,” said Cyr on Sunday, speaking in a whisper through tears at the hospital. “When she started praying, my baby came back.”

The big baby girl – who weighed nine pounds 14 ounces – got wedged in the birth canal during the delivery. Once she was born, Cyr lay on the bed waiting, for 25 minutes, for any sign of life.

A flummoxed surgeon told Cyr’s family that he had no explanation for the seemingly impossible recovery.

“He said it’s a miracle,” said Cyr. “He said, ‘I’m very sorry I gave up on your baby when I did, because I turned around and she’s breathing on her own.’”

Cyr’s family and friends say they’re still processing the miracle that trumped the miracle of birth.

Read more: It's a Miracle

Son of God comes to theaters February 28, 2014

'Son of God' movie brings Gospels to life, Catholic leaders say - Catholic News Agency (CNA)

News excerpt from CNA

A new movie about Jesus Christ – to be released by the makers of the popular History Channel television miniseries “The Bible” – has drawn praise from several Catholic bishops and leaders.

“It is the biggest, greatest story ever told,” said Roma Downey, a co-producer of “Son of God” who stars as Mary.

“The Story of the Son of God is one of the most-known stories in the history of the world,” added her husband and co-producer Mark Burnett. “And yet it never gets old. And the way we have told it is very connective, very young, very gritty and real. You really feel connected and can see yourself as these characters.”

The movie is based on the Bible and covers the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. A 20-minute preview of the video is already being distributed by 20th Century Fox.

The full movie will be released Feb. 28 in English, Spanish and Korean. Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado will play the role of Jesus. Morgado said the role is “overwhelming.”

Burnett said that teenagers and young people who see the movie are “absolutely connecting with the disciples” and realizing “they were just ordinary people.”

“They did not know they were in the Bible, they were just leading ordinary lives,” he said.

The movie was made in consultation with academics and faith leaders.

It has drawn praise from several Catholic leaders.

“It is a joy to watch this film bring alive the pages of the Gospel and help us see what those who lived at the time of Jesus experienced,” said Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C.

He said the movie helps individuals and families “be inspired all over again with the story of God’s love for us.”

Read more: Son of God

The movie’s website is www.SonofGodMovie.com