Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith

Corpus Christi Church - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar


Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith - Guideposts

The following excerpt is from renown author Joan Wester Anderson and can be read on the website of Guideposts:

By Joan Wester Anderson

One of my favorite fellow bloggers is Loci Lenar, who posts Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith. This blog documents current spiritual signs and wonders, happenings that make people sit up and take notice.

It’s a beautiful and colorful site—Loci is extremely tech-talented—but the content is even better because we are able to see it. For example, a lighted cross occasionally appears on Loci’s property, and he has posted photos of it on his site. No one has been able to trace the source of this light, but when we see it as an actual photo, it is far more impressive than just words. Loci also features a statue of Michael the Archangel, with stained glass glowing behind it. Again, there is no apparent source of light.

People contact Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith to ask for prayers, and Loci brings those requests to his spiritual adviser, Father Richard Tartaglia, of St. Mary’s parish in Denville, New Jersey.

Read More: Guideposts

***

The following excerpt is from the website of Joan Wester Anderson:

Joan Wester Anderson's 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), and ANGELS AND WONDERS (Loyola Press), 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 four grandchildren.

Intercessory Prayers to St. Michael the Archangel



St. Michael the Archangel
Photo by Loci B. Lenar


Prayers to St. Michael the Archangel


Novena Prayer to St Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His people, I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who made you so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer. You know the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirits that tempt me. I desire to imitate your loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and your great love for God and people. And since you are God's messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to you this special request: (mention your request)

St. Michael, since you are, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in your prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God's holy will, my petition will be granted.

Pray for me St. Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through your powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach heaven where we may praise and love God with you forever. Amen

In thanksgiving to God for the graces bestowed on St. Michael: 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be


Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen

***

Devotional Prayers

(The statue of St. Michael can be seen inside the Church of St. Ann in Hoboken, NJ.)

St. Gertrude's Guardian Angel Prayer



Stained Glass Window Art
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar


St. Gertrude's Guardian Angel Prayer

O most holy angel of God, appointed by God to be my guardian, I give you thanks for all the benefits which you have ever bestowed on me in body and in soul. I praise and glorify you that you condescended to assist me with such patient fidelity, and to defend me against all the assaults of my enemies. Blessed be the hour in which you were assigned me for my guardian, my defender and my patron. In acknowledgement and return for all your loving ministries to me, I offer you the infinitely precious and noble heart of Jesus, and firmly purpose to obey you henceforward, and most faithfully to serve my God. Amen.

***

The stained glass window art portrays an angel which can be seen inside of St. Vincent Martyr Church. The Catholic church is located on 26 Green Village Road, Madison, New Jersey.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Bruce Van Natta: Saved by Angels

Bruce Van Natta: Saved by Angels - Amazing Stories - CBN.com

The following excerpt is from CBN.com:

He was pinned under a massive logging truck. Bruce was certain he would die until the miraculous happened.

"I tried to pull my self out from under the truck. It was the most incredible pain you can think of. I got myself just to the point where my head is sticking out from underneath the front bumper of the truck. The very next thing, I just called out, 'Lord, help me.' I called it out twice."

Instantly, all of the pain left Bruce’s body.

"At that point, I became unconscious. My spirit left my body and floated into the ceiling, and now my spirit is looking at the accident scene from above.

"The man I had been working with was on his knees above my body. I can hear him saying things like, 'I’m sorry. I’m sorry.' But on each side of him, also on their knees were huge angels. They would have been about eight feet tall. They didn’t have wings, just very, very broad shoulders. Between the two angels and him, it took up the whole truck.

"There was a bright light shining around each one of them. They were matching bookends. They didn’t budge; I never heard them say anything. They just had their arms underneath the truck, not holding the truck up…but they had their arms angled in toward my body.

"There was no pain, just peace. I can’t even describe the peace I felt in the ceiling up in the garage."

Bruce knew he had a serious choice to make.

"I was definitely on the very edge of life and death. There were two thoughts in my head. One was, 'Shut your eyes and give up and die. You are just going to go to heaven anyway.' It was very loud. There was another voice in my head, much quieter. Much more of a whisper, 'If you want to live, you’re going to have to fight and you are going to have to fight hard.' The next thing I knew, my spirit went back down into my body just like a shot."

Bruce was conscious as he was flown on a life flight to the hospital. Doctors there doubted he would even survive the next few hours. His ribs were broken, his pancreas and spleen crushed, and several major arteries had been severed.

"We found out from doctors later that I had five places that major arteries were completely severed. I found out from doctors that were was a medical study done in 2001. According to that study, by the University of South California, they’ve used my case and compared it against that study. According to that, they can’t find anyone else in the world that has ever lived with five major arteries being severed.

"I should have bled to death in a few minutes. So, my thought is the angels were there to somehow hold me together."

Read More: Saved by Angels

A Miracle at St. Mary's Church and Parish

Donna Ott - St. Mary's Parish, Denville, NJ
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar



Faith Leads to Miracles at St. Mary's Parish - Christian-Miracles.com

By Loci B. Lenar

God is remarkable, especially when He surprises us with miracles. “It was unexpected,” says Donna Ott, sharing her testimony about being healed of a painful arthritic condition.

Donna related her amazing story during my visit to see Father Richard Tartaglia on November 17th.

I came to see Fr. Richard to drop off a large number of prayer requests from Christian-Miracles.com. With Fr. Richard’s help and support, he has arranged for requests to be prayed for on Monday morning during Holy Hour adoration, including every third Thursday of each month at the evening prayer service held at St. Mary’s Parish.

While in the office, Donna showed me her hand – one can visually see that several fingers are affected by arthritis. Two fingers on her right hand have given her a great deal of difficulty, especially when she tries to write. “I’ve had daily arthritic pain in my fingers for nearly five years,” says Donna, a parishioner and administrative assistant at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

St. Mary's Catholic Church - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The church is on the corner of Myers Avenue and Route 46, Denville, New Jersey. Father Martin Glynn is the head pastor at St. Mary’s.

However, Donna relates that on September 27, 2010, “the pain unexpectedly disappeared.” She was in the church office at her desk, listening to Radio Maria while doing paperwork; answering the telephones; and greeting visitors. The computer was connected to the website of Radio Maria and through internet streaming, she tuned into the Catholic radio program, Sacred Treasures. The show is broadcasted live every Monday at 3:00 PM (EST).

What makes Donna’s story even more interesting is that she was listening to my testimony on the radio regarding God’s spiritual blessings!

Radio host Kathie Duggan and I were discussing God’s signs that are related to our Catholic and Christian faith, including Archangel Michael and a cross which has appeared annually on my property in Mine Hill, NJ, since 2005. We also discussed Christian-Miracles.com, a website I launched in 2008. Documentation regarding my testimony is posted on the site.

While on the radio, I shared news of my healing from several medical conditions which resulted from receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Both a heart ailment and years of suffering painful headaches were healed after being anointed with the sacrament by my spiritual director, Fr. Richard Tartaglia.

Christian-Miracles.com

Donna continued and explained to me that at the end of the radio broadcast, she felt inspired to visit Christian-Miracles.com. While on the website, she was examining photographs of a cross which appeared on my property including other pictures of interest. She says that a sensation of peace came over her while looking at the web pages. “The whole website touched me in its beauty,” says Donna.

While surfing the site Donna recalled and said, “I was holding my fingers and thinking about wanting them to feel better.” She didn’t notice until maybe ten or fifteen minutes later that all the pain in her arthritic fingers disappeared. She described having a feeling of inner peace that came over her.

Truly touched by God’s healing grace, she shared her story immediately with Fr. Richard. Donna said that Fr. Richard responded by saying “That’s faith!"

Without question, faith leads us to God’s gift of answered prayer. Fr. Richard agreed with me that Donna was blessed with a small miracle.

After leaving work at St. Mary's, Donna went home and shared the events with her husband Bob, and son Brian, including her other children. She said they were in awe of her story.

Donna has received a spiritual gift of God's divine love which she can treasure and share with others.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has blessed St. Mary’s Church and Parish as a place Where Miracles Happen!

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

St. Teresa of Avila Church: Inspirational Window Art

Jesus Christ (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

While driving through Summit, New Jersey, I came across and stopped at the St. Teresa of Avila Church. The beautiful Catholic Church is located on 306 Morris Avenue.

Since I had my camera in hand, it was a perfect opportunity to take some photographs of the stained glass windows. The photos are posted here for your enjoyment. I've added scripture to some photos to illustrate the image.



St. Joseph (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar



Angel of the Lord (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."   -Matthew 28:5-7

Sacred Heart of Jesus (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Assumption of Mary into Heaven
Photo by Loci B. Lenar



Baptism of Jesus (window detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."  
-Matthew 3:13-17

More of Lenar's Photos: Stained Glass Window Gallery

Photographs Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar

Christian-Miracles.com

A Peek Inside St. Virgil's: Photographer Captures the Beauty of Stained Glass

St. Virgil Catholic Church - Photo by Loci B. Lenar



A Peek Inside St. Virgil's: Photographer Captures the Beauty of Stained Glass - Morris Township - Morris Plains, NJ Patch

Thousand-year-old art form continues to provide spiritual inspiration

By Kathy Shaskan

When Loci Lenar is on the move, he usually packs his camera. That's how he captures so many inspiring photos of religious art, a longtime hobby that he says expresses his strong spiritual beliefs. A series of photographs Lenar shot of the stained glass windows in St. Virgil Roman Catholic Church in Morris Plains (NJ), displays both his creative eye and the unique play of light and color that has made stained glass a popular art form for over a thousand years.

St. Virgil Church - Photo by Loci B. Lenar


"I'm in a family business," the Mine Hill resident said.  "In my travels, I'll often stop at a church and say a prayer." If he is inspired by the religious art he encounters, "I'll photograph it."

St. Virgil Church - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Shooting stained glass windows is a challenge. "It's difficult. You have to take the lighting into account. You can't use a flash because you would lose a lot of the color."  Lenar said. The wonder of shooting these colorful panes, though, is that they glow as if lit from within. "The exterior light enhances the colors."

Asked to explain his attraction to stained glass windows, Lenar replied, "They make reference to the gospels and they're helpful during prayer. You can reflect on an image and it gives you inspiration."

To see more photographs by Loci Lenar, visit his Stained Glass Window Gallery.

Saint Michael the Archangel by Stephen B. Whatley

St. Michael the Archangel
By Artist Stephen B. Whatley

St. Michael the Archangel - Painted in 2010 by Artist Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

The bright colors in the new painting by Stephen B. Whatley represent the mighty power of God and His authority working through Archangel Michael. The novena to St. Michael is a reminder of God's faithfulness in helping people during times of adversity.

The painting of Archangel Michael and the following information is from Stephen's website:

Saint Michael the Archangel - a new tribute painted by Stephen B Whatley on St Michael's Feast Day (September 29) and completed on the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi. (October 4).

Saint Michael is seen as the Warrior Angel, fighting off Satan in heaven and protecting God's chosen people on earth from evil and enemies. St Michael occupies a special place in the church, appointed its protector; and his Intercession is encouraged to defeat the evil in the world - and for the protection from danger for anyone in their every day life.

"...as ever I prayed deeply for the strength and insight to express the power of St Michael; and while I looked at a variety of historic interpretations, this painting had its beginnings in my memory of the flickering flame that rose above a candle embossed with the image of St Michael, the evening before as my nervous and creative energy was building in praparation and determination to create this new tribute. Brushstrokes of warm yellows were felt from my heart; from where the defiant but graceful face of St Michael the Archangel would emerge.

I truly felt guided to paint a humble cross within his hand as his 'shield' - which maybe symbolises the power of faith, however big or small."

Singular prayers can be asked of St Michael; or 9 day prayers (Novenas) as below.


Novena Prayer to St Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His people, I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who made you so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer. You know the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate your loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and your great love for God and people. And since you are God's messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to you this special request: (Mention your request).

Saint Michael, since you are, by the Will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in your prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God's holy will my petition will be greated.

Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through your powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach heaven where we may praise and love God with you forever.

Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel.
Oil on canvas, 36 x 24in/ 89 x 61cm
Copyright 2010 Stephen B. Whatley

For more about the artist, please visit the following link: Stephen B. Whatley

Vatican Publishes Guide about Angels

A “Guide” About Angels Published by the Vatican

The Video and following excerpt is from the website of Rome Reports:

The angels have had cities and shrines named after them, and have been the inspiration for many hymns. However, they are a great unknown and have always been surrounded by a halo of mystery.

The Italian priest Marcello Stanzione has been studying them for years, and has written over 40 books on them. The Vatican Publishing House published the last one: An essential guide to the angels.


Msgr. Marcello Stanzione

"The Angels: An Essential Guide”

“The angels have elements from God and elements from the human being in this sense. Like us, the angels were also created, so they are creatures. But they do not die, and this is part of God's eternity.”


Msgr. Adriano Paccanelli

Vatican Secretariat of State

“They are invisible ministers of God, they are our custodians. They are spiritual beings”.

The most famous Angels are the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. The Catholic Church celebrates their feast on September 29. The tradition divides the angels into three groups. The first, seraphim, cherubim and thrones, the second, dominations, virtues and powers. And third, principalities, archangels and angels.

Throughout history, the Orders of the Benedictines, Franciscans and Jesuits have studied them most.

In addition, all the great saints have had a close relationship with the angels.


Msgr. Marcello Stanzione

"The Angels: An Essential Guide”

"Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer was a devotee of the angels and when he entered in any church, he stood a moment. His associates knew the reason: he said he first let his angel pass and he would pass him."

Popes have also conveyed the importance of interacting with angels. The most famous prayer to Archangel Michael was written by Leo XIII.

John Paul II said on several occasions that every day he asked for help to his guardian angel and spoke about the angels in various general audiences. His successor, Benedict XVI, has carried on this devotion to the angels.

Read More: A Guide about Angels

Illuminating Angels: Guardian Angels

Illuminating Angels: Guardian Angels - Guideposts

Who do guardian angels guard? Children? Everyone? Find out more about our winged protectors.

Lenar Shares God's Spiritual Blessings on Radio Maria

Window detail of Our Lady - St. Mary's Church, Denville, NJ
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Lenar's Testimony Recorded Live on Radio Maria

By Loci B. Lenar



I wish to convey my thanks to everyone for tuning into Sacred Treasures on Monday, September 27, 2010 and listening to my testimony regarding God's spiritual gifts and blessings. I also want to thank Radio host, Kathie Duggan for inviting me as a guest on her program. 

Some of the topics we discussed included the spiritual presence of St. Michael the Archangel and the cross which has appeared on my property since 2005.  I also discussed my healing of several medical conditions by receiving the sacrament  of the anointing of the sick.

As a witness to God's blessings and signs, my hope is that everyone that hears my account will open their heart to receive the Lord's graces. By doing so, may Jesus guide you on the pathway to salvation, healing, and peace.

Kathie has invited me back to her show to continue my testimony regarding God's signs and wonders in the coming months. An update will be posted when the schedule becomes available.

For anyone that was unable to tune into Radio Maria, don't be disappointed, the broadcast of the radio program is now available to visitors on my blog and on Christian-Miracles.com.

New testimony which I never released before to the public, can now be heard for the first time by listening to the recorded radio broadcast of Sacred Treasures.

Sacred Treasures is a Catholic radio show, which is broadcasted on radio stations located in Pennsylvania and south into Texas. However, listeners can also visit the website of Radio Maria at http://radiomaria.us/ to hear the broadcast live between the hours of 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time).

While visiting the website of Radio Maria, please do consider listening to some of their other wonderful programs.

Press Releases: PRWire - Catholic Online and PRLog.org

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel



St. Michael the Archangel
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Today's Feast Day: The Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Messengers of God

St. Michael the Archangel - Saints and Angels - Catholic Online

From Catholic Online:

St. Michael the Archangel - Feast day - September 29th  

The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the war cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles.

Although he is always called "the Archangel," the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the angels - as Prince of the Seraphim.

***

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

With violence and adversity being prevalant throughout the world, the intercessory Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is important today than ever before.  The following biblical scripture from Daniel 12:1, 3-4 appears to be relevant for our times.

"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.  But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.  Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.  But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the time of the end; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase."
 

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

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

***

The stained glass window detail of Archangel Michael can be seen inside the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Catholic church is located on High Street in Hackettstown, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

A Light in Her Life by Joan Wester Anderson

The following story by Joan Wester Anderson is published in the new updated edition of Where Miracles Happen.

A Light in Her Life by Joan Wester Anderson

One cold, overcast Saturday morning, freelance writer Sue Markgraf sat staring blankly at the TV. The children were occupied, and there were notes on her computer for her next writing project. She really should get on with it.

But a combination of fatigue and discouragement kept her from moving. Were her efforts really leading anywhere? Would she ever make a difference through her work?

Suddenly, an intense ray of light streamed through the window in front of her. It was brilliant, almost white, as if the very air itself were glowing from within. But how? The other windows still looked out on gray and gloom. Where was this light’s source? “I wanted to shield my eyes and look away, but I couldn’t,” she says. “I shifted on the sofa, but the light seemed to follow me.” This was no ordinary sunbeam.

Then in the center of this radiance, Sue saw a shadowy figure. She was drawn to its warmth, compelled to watch it. Although she didn’t hear actual words, she felt the figure speaking to her. “Go back to your story,” it said. “Peace is coming.”  

Awed, Sue drank in the light. She felt unworthy of its presence, yet exalted at the same time. “I forced myself to continue looking, to continue feeling,” she says, until the figure and the light shimmered, then faded away.

Since that time, Sue has continued to struggle with the meaning of the blissful vision. But she does feel more confident about her work and about God’s plan for her. “I know there is a greater force that has an incredible investment in me,” she says. “It pushes me constantly, yet it comforts me. I pray that it stays by my side always.”

***

The following biographical information is from Joan Wester Anderson's website:

Joan Wester Anderson has published 15 books which 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), and ANGELS AND WONDERS (Loyola Press), 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 four grandchildren.

(Clipart supplied by Loci B. Lenar)

Copyright 2010 Joan Wester Anderson

Where Miracles Happen by Joan Wester Anderson

Where Miracles Happen - Joan Wester Anderson
Author of Books on Angelic Visitations

By Loci B. Lenar

Joan's updated book, Where Miracles Happen, is inspiring and touched my soul with God's spiritual presence. While reading Part One: Miracles through Prayer, I was captivated in Sue Markgraf's interesting testimony.

Joan writes that Sue had wondered if her hard work as a writer would lead to anywhere. After having the thought, Joan says, Sue saw an intense ray of light coming through the window in front of her.

Joan describes Sue seeing a figure in the radiance. Sue says, she felt the figure speaking to her, "Go back to your story." And then said to her, "Peace is coming."

Joan writes that since that time, Sue has continued to wonder about the meaning of the blissful vision.  However, she is now confident about her work and God's plan for her.

After reading the remarkable story, it was "perfect timing" for me to write a letter to my friend, Joan, and share my thoughts about Sue's vision.

Through providence and prayerful discernment, I believe that my testimony about the Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael, which can be read on Christian-Miracles.com, sheds some light on God's plan.

In a spiritual locution I received on September 14, 2009, Jesus called all to join together and "pray for divine protection" in order to mitigate and extinguish violence throughout the world and to usher in an "era of peace."   The locution was also shared with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Church.

Our Lady of Fatima also spoke of an era of peace in her 1917 apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. For further information on Our Lady's message, please visit the following link: World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

God indeed works in mysterious ways in connecting people at the appropriate time.

Joan Wester Anderson's book is certainly inspirational and Where Miracles Happen!

Book about Angels a Bestseller

Lorna Byrne

The following excerpt from FoxNews.com is about Lorna Byrne's new book, Angels in My Hair:

Author Sees Angels, and Her Book's a Bestseller

By Lauren Green

They are messengers from God, heavenly beings without material bodies, spiritual envoys carrying out God's will.

They are angels. And according to Lorna Byrne, everyone has one -- a guardian angel who’s always with you and will never leave you. She says they are “the gatekeepers of your soul.”

She knows this, she says, because all her life she's been surrounded by them and has talked to them. Her book, Angels in My Hair, recounts her lifelong experiences with angels directing her and teaching her.

Byrne's story begins with the telling of her toddler years, when the angels told her that her tiny playmate was the brother who had died before she was born.

"We actually touched while playing blocks," says the Irish-born Byrne, who is a practicing Catholic. "When I touched his, arm it sparkled, my hands went through his into mine. I was two and a half."

Whether the public believes Byrne's angel accounts is up to them. But the popularity of her book illustrates the fascination people have with these mystical beings. Her tome is an international bestseller, translated into 20 languages. Doubleday reportedly paid a six-figure advance for the U.S. publishing rights.

But this diminutive, mild-mannered 57-year old, who grew up dyslexic, says it's a miracle that she has even written a book. She says it was a directive from an angel she calls Michael, who she says is the archangel talked about in the Bible.

“When I was a child, the angels said I would write a book and tell people about God. After I had my first child, the angel Michael came up behind me and said, ‘It’s now time to write that book.'”

She believes she was told to write in order to give people hope that there is life beyond this material world. That we don’t just die and rot, but have an eternal soul.

To read the complete story, visit the following link: FoxNews.com

Spreading News of Angels

The Church of St. Michael, Netcong, NJ

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

ZENIT - Spreading News of Angels

The following excerpt regarding angels is by Alfonso Sarno:

Father Marcello Stanzione, the founder of Militia of St. Michael the Archangel, promotes an annual theological-pastoral conference on angelology. Bit by bit, Father Stanzione has obtained a seriousness and credibility recognized internationally.

Father Stanzione is hoping the Holy Father will convoke a year in honor of St. Michael the Archangel, and that the tradition of praying to the angel after Mass will be re-established.

"He can do everything," Father Stanzione affirmed, referring to the archangel.

Ethan Payne: Angels Catched Me

Ethan Payne: Angels Catched Me - CBN.com

The following excerpt and news video is about the amazing medical recovery of Ethan Payne after falling out of his house window and landing on a concrete pavement:

Two-year-old Ethan Payne fell out of a second-story window. Doctors worried he would have brain damage or never walk again. But through the power of prayer, Ethan was better within six hours.

He does have a simple explanation of what happened to him after he fell from the window.

"The angels catched me," Ethan said.

God's Call for the World to Pray for Peace as We Celebrate Easter

Cross of 2010 - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

Lent prepares us through sacrifice and prayer for a spiritual renewal of the soul. However, Easter rejuvenates our lives as God the Father calls us to live by the gospels of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by transforming us into the resurrected image of His divine son.

Through prayerful contemplation and preparation for Easter, I made an appointment with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of Saint Mary’s Church. My visit on Wednesday, March 31, to Saint Mary’s, included the sacrament of reconciliation and a conversation with Fr. Richard about the spiritual presence of God as our Lord manifests His love through signs and wonders throughout the world.

For anyone that's interested in visiting Saint Mary's Church, it is located on the corner of Myers Avenue and Route 46 in Denville, New Jersey.

Since 2005 and each year following, God the Father has blessed me through His divine son, Jesus Christ, with a miraculous sign of a cross which appears annually on my residence in Mine Hill, NJ. Once again, on Saturday morning, March 27, 2010, a cross surrounded by a shield appeared on my backyard fence. The spiritual presence of God and His angels coincided with the start of Holy Week.

2010 Cross - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The cross started appearing at the top of the fence as a result of sunlight and then slowly moved downward until it came in contact with the ground. At that point it turned into a round circle of light and then afterward it disappeared. The most recent cross was seen by my wife, Teresa, including my son, Ryan and his friend Nicole.

In Psalm 84:11, we read that “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.” Through discernment and prayer, it’s the Shield of Archangel Michael, protector of God’s church and people.

In my previous testimony which is posted on this blog from March 23, 2007, I stated that nothing is visible in the house windows that might create a reflection of a cross. As before, I stand by that statement.

In my heart, I know it’s a reflection of God’s light coming from the gates of Heaven. As Jesus said in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

The photographs and testimony were shared with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia during my recent visit.

Father Richard Tartaglia - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

As you walk into the front door of Father Richard Tartaglia's office, the first object you notice is a poster hanging on the rear door with a caption of ‘Men in Black’ with two priests.  The poster has Fr. Jones holding a bible, while Fr. Smith holds a cross, both protecting the church from malevolent forces of evil. Ironically, the poster is based on the sci-fi movie staring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith who are both protecting earth from galactic destruction.

With that in mind, we are indeed living in a world which is following the road to perdition if we do not embrace positive change and follow the gospels of Jesus Christ. In scripture we are reminded to love one another and to strive for world peace.

God the Father is calling for everyone to pray for Divine Mercy and to make use of church sacraments by attending and celebrating Mass.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is calling for us to pray that violence be mitigated and extinguished throughout the world.

Our Lord is calling for us to cherish and respect human life especially the unborn and elderly.

Our Lord is calling for us to live in peace with our brothers and sisters of other religious denominations.

Our Lord is calling for us to help evangelize the world and to pray for Christian unity.

Our Lord is calling for us to pray for peace in our families and for the world.

Our Lord is calling for us to pray for divine protection and to pray for assistance in our lives through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima and Archangel Michael.

Cross Appears on My Fence in 2005

Cross of 2005 - Photo by Loci B. Lenar 

As I stated before, the cross first began to appear on my property in 2005.  For additional information on my testimony pertaining to the 2005 cross, please visit the following link: Miraculous Signs: Angels from Heaven.

March 25, 2008 front page clipping of Gloucester County Times 

Incidentally, in 2008, by coincidence or perhaps I should say by providence, the Gloucester County Times reported a similar story of a cross photographed on Easter Sunday in Pitman, New Jersey. To read the story, please visit the following links: NJ.com or Cross Appears on House During Easter.

Please join in prayer for God’s divine intervention in order to change our world and usher in an era of peace as foretold by Our Lady of Fatima and prophesied in Revelation 20: A Thousand Year Reign of God’s Peace.

As Jesus said in Luke 18:27, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Hearts Aflame: Reaching for Eternity with God's Love

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

 

By Loci B. Lenar

Reaching for Eternity with God's Love

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

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

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

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

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

The Holy Family by Benny Andersson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Prayer of Divine Protection: Psalm 91

An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. - Luke 22:43

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

They say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

 Surely he will save you

from the fowler's snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

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.

 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

"Because they love me," says the LORD, "I will rescue them;

I will protect them, for they acknowledge my name.

They will call on me, and I will answer them;

I will be with them in trouble,

I will deliver them and honor them.

With long life I will satisfy them

and show them my salvation."

Visit the following link for a selection of Devotional Prayers.

If you examine the photograph closely, sunlight is creating a beautiful and interesting reflection of Jesus on the right side of the window.

The stained glass window was photographed inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The Catholic church is located in Boonton, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com