Our Lady of Medjugorje's Monthy Message to Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

September 25, 2011 Monthy Message to Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti

Our Lady of Medjugorje: "Dear children! I call you, for this time to be for all of you, a time of witnessing. You, who live in the love of God and have experienced His gifts, witness them with your words and life that they may be for the joy and encouragement to others in faith. I am with you and incessantly intercede before God for all of you that your faith may always be alive and joyful, and in the love of God. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Boy who nearly drowned makes miracle recovery

Boy who nearly drowned makes miracle recovery - KAYU

The following excerpt is from myfoxspokane.com:

By Amy Moreno

SPANAWAY, WA - About six weeks after 12-year-old Dale Ostrander nearly drowned, he returned to his Spanaway, home, Tuesday.

In August, he was caught in a riptide off the Long Beach peninsula and pulled out into deep water. He spent nearly 20 minutes submerged. When rescuers pulled his lifeless body out of the water, his chances of survival were small.

Ostrander surprised everyone when he opened his eyes and spoke a few days after he had no pulse. From that point his recovery has been nothing short of a miracle.

The Ostrander family is grateful for the support and prayers that poured in from around the world. Pictures snapped at the scene showed church friends on their knees. The family believes prayer is the reason he beat the odds.

“It’s a story not only of hope, but a story that God still works miracles,” said Chad Ostrander, Dale’s father.

Read more: Miracle Recovery

Sheen Intercession Cited in Boy's Alleged Miraculous Healing

Photograph from The Catholic Post

The Catholic Post : Featured Article - Sheen intercession cited in area boy's alleged miraculous healing

The following excerpt is from the Catholic Post:

By Jennifer Willems

That James Fulton Engstrom is celebrating his first birthday on Friday is amazing. In fact, some would call his life a miracle.

Considered stillborn on Sept. 16, 2010 after a healthy pregnancy and “a beautiful, short labor,” James was without a pulse for the first 61 minutes of his life. It was only when doctors at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria were ready to call the time of death that his little heart started beating.

His parents, Travis and Bonnie Engstrom, believe James is alive due to the intercession of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Servant of God.

On Sept. 7, a tribunal of inquiry was sworn in to investigate the Goodfield tot’s alleged miraculous healing. Joining James and his family at the ceremony in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel in the Spalding Renewal Center in Peoria were Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC; Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, postulator for Archbishop Sheen’s cause for beatification and canonization; and members of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation board, some of whom are relatives of the late archbishop.

Read more: Miraculous Healing

Michael Hingson Survives 9/11 because of Canine Hero

Michael Hingson: Thunder Dog - CBN TV - Video

Michael Hingson is blind and shares the incredible story of how his guide-dog Roselle got him down from the 78th floor of the North Tower in New York City on 9/11. 

Michael Hingson's new book, "Thunder Dog" describes the events of September 11, 2001 and is available in book stores.

Robert Valderzak Regains Hearing After Earthquake (VIDEO)

Man Regains Hearing After Earthquake: MyFoxDC.com

The video and following excerpt is from Huffingtonpost.com:

While Washington, D.C. reeled from a 5.8 earthquake, Robert Valderzak, 75, reveled in a miracle. He got his hearing back.

Valderzak had lost his hearing after falling on Father's Day, according to My Fox DC, and had been recovering at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Northwest D.C. While seated in his hospital bed on Aug. 23, surrounded by his kids, the family felt the rumblings and then heard Valderzak speak for the first time in months.

"I said, you know, my hearing is back," Valderzak told his family. "I can hear everything,"

"To me, it was a miracle, a blessing from God up above," Valderzak said. "Couldn’t ask for a better day."

Pope to Pilgrims as World Youth Fest Ends: Spread the faith!

Pope to pilgrims as youth fest ends: Spread the faith - USATODAY.com

The following excerpt is from USATODAY.com:

MADRID (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI urged more than a million young people to become missionaries for the faith Sunday, giving them words of encouragement as he concluded the church's youth festival and announced that the next edition will be in Rio de Janeiro in 2013.

Benedict told the crowd at a Madrid airfield hosting World Youth Day that they should not keep their faith private but participate fully in the life of their parishes and remain in communion with the church.

"So do not keep Christ to yourselves! Share with others the joy of your faith," he said.

This is Benedict's third World Youth Day, the gathering of young Catholics from around the world once every three years that was launched a quarter-century ago by Pope John Paul II in a bid to reinvigorate and spread the faith among the young. It has the feel of a weeklong rock concert and camping trip, with bands of flag-toting pilgrims roaming through Madrid's otherwise empty streets to take part in prayer and education sessions, Masses, cultural outings and papal events.

Read more: World Youth Day

World Youth Day Madrid: Pope arrives to “Cuatro Vientos” aerodrome to start vigil

WYD Madrid: Pope arrives to “Cuatro Vientos” aerodrome to start vigil

From RomeReports.com (Video Only):

August 20, 2011 - With almost 2 million people expecting his arrival, the pope made it to Madrid's Cuatro Vientos aerodrome to take part in Saturday's World Youth Day vigil. Young adults from more than 190 countries will take part in the celebration.

Prayer Leads to Healing through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

Fr. Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Catholic Church, originally uploaded by Loci Lenar.

By Loci B. Lenar

More than fifteen years ago, one of the most important health issues in my life was a request to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for a heart disorder. I contacted Fr. Richard Tartaglia and requested the sacrament of healing from St. Mary's Catholic Church, Denville, NJ.

I had an on-going heart ailment known as Atrial Fibrillation and also suffered with daily headaches. God's spiritual remedy for treating my medical condition was the Anointing of the Sick. Through daily prayer and recitation of the rosary, the Blessed Mother guided me to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for God's perfect timing in blessing me with His healing grace.

After requesting church assistance, I was anointed with oil by Father Richard Tartaglia with the healing sacrament.  However, Our Lord encouraged me to receive the sacrament of healing more than once before I was finally healed. With that in mind, I thank the Lord for working his healing power through Fr. Richard and Saint Mary's Church.

Through the blessings and grace of God, I was healed of my heart arrhythmia. The medical condition is treated with Lanoxin, a cardiac medicine. However, I've not used any of the medication for over fifteen years. During that time frame, I was treated for the medical disorder by my family physician, Dr. Gilbert Mandel from Denville Associates of Internal Medicine. The medical group is located on Pocono Road, Denville, NJ. Additionally, as a consolation, I was healed from years of suffering painful headaches after countless visits to medical specialists with treatments that went to no avail. With the power of prayer and the Anointing of the Sick, God's healing grace cured me. The sacrament is administered through the church.

I was guided to this wonderful scripture by Our Lady before receiving the Anointing of the Sick from Fr. Tartaglia: "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven."  (James 5:14-15)

God calls us to share our faith and blessings in order to provide encouragement and hope for others. In doing so, we spread the gospels to those in need of our Lord's love and mercy which in turn helps to build the Kingdom of God here on earth.

So what does scripture convey regarding answered prayer and events that change our lives for the better as a result of God's blessings?

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)

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. (Psalm 118:21)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

It is my hope that by reading my testimony, God the Father will bless you with His grace to use the sacraments of the church and encourge everyone to return to weekly celebration of the Mass.

May Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless you on the pathway to salvation and healing!

Read more: Fr. Richard Tartaglia: Spiritual Advisor at St. Mary's Parish

Copyright 2011 Loci B. Lenar
www.christian-miracles.com

Hephzibah Agai: Jesus Fills the Empty Space

Hephzibah Agai: Jesus Fills the Empty Space - CBN TV - Video

Growing up with Islam, Hephzibah Agai shares her conversion to Christianity.

Our Lady of Divine Providence

Our Lady of Divine Providence
By artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Divine Providence by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Catholic Calendar.  I felt compelled with an urgency as I often feel when expressing my faith through art - to pay tribute to another devotion to the Mother of God, Our Lady of Divine Providence. Everyone is aware from the current international news of the financial plight of so many in the world; and I personally know several people under this pressure, particularly in the USA.

I pray that my drawing will give peace, hope and bring relief through prayer to whoever views the drawing. I was overtaken as I drew- indeed 'charged' with prayerful energy, reciting Hail Mary repeatedly - particularly as the tender face of the Mother of God emerged through my drawing.

The history of this particular devotion to Our Lady dates back 400 years to 1611 in Rome; when Barnabites (clerics of St Paul) were unable to complete construction of their church due to financial problems. The pastor made a pilgrimage to Loreto to beg Our Lady for help and on his return was rewarded with the financial means to finish the church.

He ensured that Our Lady receive credit for the miracle by placing a factual account in the parish archives. In 1663, after an image of Our Lady was moved to the altar in the church and fell, breaking into pieces, the architect offered the Barnabites a painting of the Blessed Mother with the Child Jesus in her lap, by the artist Gaetan.

One of the Fathers found the Pastor's original writings about the miracle; resulting from devotion and trust in Our Lady, Mother of Providence.

Devotion passed to Spain where a shrine was built in Tarragona, Catalonia. A Catalan priest, named bishop of Puerto Rico, was assigned a diocese in ruin, plagued with financial problems. Putting everything in the hands of Our Lady - through prayer - the Cathedral was restored and the diocese re-established.

The way the hand of Jesus is wrapped around His Mother's hand is symbolic of Our Lady of Divine Providence..."Mother, I place in your hands the authority to act in my name. From my infinite treasure, you are to provide good things to all those who implore your aid".

I am particularly grateful to a dear American friend, James, who kindly sent me the Illustrated Book of Mary (published: William J. Hirton Co. 2010) in which I learned of this devotion; and the illustration became my starting point for this tribute.

Prayer to Our Lady of Divine Providence

God, Our Father, we give you thanks as we honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother Of Divine providence.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, She became the mother of The Saviour. As queen sitting at the right hand of her Son, she aids the church with her needs and with maternal care provides the personal needs of her children who were entrusted to her at the Cross by Jesus, Our Lord

We implore Thee Father, through the prayers of our Lady, Mother Of Divine Providence, to remove from us whatever is harmful, and to bestow on us only that which will be helpful.

We ask Thee this through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

"May there be great blessings of peace, relief, new empowerment and prosperity through the Grace of Our Lady of Divine Providence, throughout August and beyond." ~ Stephen B Whatley, August 1, 2011

Charcoal on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

To view Stephen's painting of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, click on the following link:  www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/4711812117/

Copyright 2011 Stephen B. whatley

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Monthly Message to Marija Pavlovic

Holy Spirit

Our Lady of Medjugorje - Message of July 25, 2011 to Visionary Marija Pavlovic 

"Dear children! May this time be for you a time of prayer and silence. Rest your body and spirit, may they be in God’s love. Permit me, little children, to lead you, open your hearts to the Holy Spirit so that all the good that is in you may blossom and bear fruit one hundred fold. Begin and end the day with prayer with the heart. Thank you for having responded to my call."

John Paul the Great Catholic University Students Win National Video Contest

‪Get Clean‬‏ - YouTube

After a near 25,000 hits on YouTube, JP Catholic student Melinda Collins wins the nation-wide i-Confess video contest with her video "Get Clean."

Press Release from John Paul the Great Catholic University:

SAN DIEGO, CA - July 25, 2011 - The Diocese of Brooklyn partnered with the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Rockville Centre to use social and digital media to shine light on the sacrament of Confession and promote a Lenten Day of Reconciliation on April 18. The contest, which ended on May 7, had simple criteria: each 60-second video needed orthodoxy and artistic quality, and would be judged on YouTube ratings and number of views. "Get Clean" was quickly noted for its high quality, stunning artistry, and compelling story of a girl suffering from the effects of sin who finds healing in the sacrament of Confession. Noticed by countless Catholic bloggers and shared enthusiastically on Facebook, "Get Clean" quickly reached close to 25,000 YouTube hits, surpassing every competitor.

Melinda Collins is a student at John Paul the Great Catholic University, an institution dedicated to Impacting Culture for Christ at the intersection of entrepreneurship, entertainment media, and theology in San Diego, California. Melinda Collins, a sophomore, had simple wishes for her entry. "My highest hope was that the idea would get me an 'A' in one of my media classes; I discovered God exceeds expectations," she stated. A devout Catholic and active participant in the sacraments, Collins hopes "Get Clean" will fuel thought about the authentic forgiveness offered through Confession, as well as encourage the appreciation and utilization of modern artistic mediums to spread the Gospel.

A $25,000 scholarship will go to Melinda Collins and her school of choice as a reward for her efforts.

Contact:
Martin Harold, Director of Admissions
John Paul the Great Catholic University
858-653-6740 ext. 1101
http://www.jpcatholic.com/

'Angelic Tails' is a must read for all canine lovers!

Angelic Tails: True Stories of Heavenly Canine Companions

By Loci B. Lenar

Angelic Tails is a wonderful collection of new stories that will touch a chord with all canine owners. I purchased an autographed copy of the book directly from the author, Joan Wester Anderson.

Joan takes a leap forward from her other books about angelic visitations (Where Miracles Happen) into an impressive theme revolving around man's best friend, canines. The accounts are uplifting and show how God can work through mysterious ways even with pets.

'Snow Angel' is one such heartwarming story. Joan writes in her new book that during a snowstorm, Linda Baxter and her daughter, Lesley, are saved by the neighborhood dog during a blinding blizzard. Praying for assistance, Punkie appears out of nowhere and guides them back on the appropriate path to their home.

Even more amazing is the story about St. John Bosco. Traveling at times in dangerous areas to help homeless children/teenagers, he was either robbed or assaulted. Praying for God's assistance, a large dog would appear and walk with John during his journeys. Joan writes that on one occasion, Grigo saved John from a shooter by running after the assailant. Later on, twelve men confront John with sticks. Before they could strike, Grigo suddenly appears and drives them away. Grigo would appear at St. John Bosco's side for thirty years as a heaven sent companion! Remarkable indeed!

This book is not only a great read for pet owners, but also for anyone interested in knowing how God can manifest his assistance and protection through canines.

I highly recommend purchasing Angelic Tails and reading all the inspirational stories; you will not be disappointed in this delightful book!

To order books, please visit the following link: Joan Wester Anderson

Reconnecting with God by Using the Web

Breaking religious ground by using the web

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

(Romereports.com) - The internet is used for pretty much everything nowadays. Now these nuns are getting ready to use the web for something they're not all accustomed to.

For years now, Sister de Witt has used the internet to connect with a younger crowd. The idea came, when she realized that less and less youths were going to Church. She decided to go online to chat with them, so they could re-connect with religion.

Sister Elvira Maria de Witt
Divine Heart of Jesus (Netherlands)

“You're not going to convent to ring the bell and say 'can I speak with a sister?' It's so easy to chat with a sister in your own room and ask questions and then think bye, and out it is.”

She's been so successful, she flew down to Rome to teach other nuns from different parts of Europe, about ways to use the internet to promote their work, help people and also to connect with those who may have a religious vocation.

Sister Elvira Maria de Witt
Divine Heart of Jesus (Netherlands)

“Do you know where to find them? On the internet. They said, on the internet? I got all my candidates on the internet. So now they have this theme and I think, oh that's great. I want to be there for every young one who is coming. I want to help them where they fit. They can be with us, they can be with other sisters and also with marriage.”

On the web, she connects with people from the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany and the U.S. It's a way for her to spread the Gospel, but it's also a way to stay in touch with the digital age. The possibilities are endless she says and it's something that simply can't be ignored.

For some, welcoming the digital age is a challenge, but the potential benefits, she says, by far outweigh the obstacles.

Read More: Reconnecting with God

Testimonies of Faith

Miracle at Cana
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Testimonies of Faith regarding God's blessings are shared on Christian-Miracles.com

By Loci B. Lenar

God calls us to share our faith and blessings in order to provide encouragement and hope for others. In doing so, we spread the gospels to those in need of our Lord's love and mercy which in turn helps to build the Kingdom of God here on earth.

So what does scripture convey regarding answered prayer and events that change our lives for the better as a result of God's blessings?

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)

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. (Psalm 118:21)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

With those words in mind, I wish to thank all subscribers and members of Christian-miracles.com for their kind support of our website. I also wish to express my gratitude to Fr. Richard Tartaglia and parishioners of St. Mary's Church, Denville, NJ, for praying on behalf of all who have submitted prayer requests through our site.

I give thanks to God for blessing our website as a public ministry of faith and hope. May the Blessed Mother and Holy Saints intercede on behalf of all that request prayer and obtain God's blessing and favor. May Almighty God the Father answer all your prayers through his divine son Jesus Christ.

Alfredo Briones writes: "Before finding this website (Christian-Miracles.com), my life was is disarray. My faith was diminishing, health was poor and my overall view of life was pessimistic. Through not only my prayers but through the prayers of those that prayed for me, Our Lord and Savior Jesus has answered my prayers. I am healthier; I am looking at life in a different perspective and my faith has risen to a new level. I truly believe that I was led to this wonderful website that has changed my life. I pray for everyone on this site and I will always be grateful for what this website has done for me. Praise God for he is the answer and the love; the power and the glory forever."

Annie Thomas writes: "I got internal peace and faith while browsing through this website (Christian-Miracles.com). May God make all things possible."

Fred writes: "I thank the Lord for guiding me to this website (Christian-Miracles.com); the strength of prayer is truly awesome and faith is powerful. May God watch over everyone on this site and answer all their prayer requests. Let us never give up hope and faith."

Maria Antonia writes: "I fell in love with this fantastic website (Christian-Miracles.com), and can't miss visiting even for one single day!"

Patricia Louis writes: " Loci, I'm so happy to have found you on the Internet!!! While searching the Internet for pictures of the Wedding Feast at Cana, I came across your Web Site (Flickr.com) and then on to Christian-Miracles.com (Signs, Wonders and Miracles). WOW! How awesome! It's a definite "bookmark" page. And I totally agree with you that "peace is coming!" Our Lady's January 25, 2011, Medjugorje message confirms it!"

Edna writes: "I believe it is by God’s grace that I came to this website (Christian-Miracles.com). I am a 31 year old woman living in Uganda and I am truly humbled by this site. As a young child, I heard my mum always say that Saint Jude Thaddeus is a true miracle worker. I chose him as my intercessor to Almighty God. I have no regrets whatsoever and I strongly say this with all confidence that he has seen me through my entire school life; helped me pass all my exams; got a good Job; great family, the list is endless."

Michael La Corte, Executive Director at The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, writes: "Loci, congratulations on your beautiful site (Christian-Miracles.com) and informative blog (Angels, Wonders, and Miracles of Faith), I am sure you touch many hearts and souls."

Please share your faith, blessings, testimony or story with our community. When sending email, please include your full name. Send to: Testimonial@Christian-Miracles.com

A Trip to the Gates of Heaven

Topekan recounts near-death experience CJOnline.com

The following excerpt is from CJonline.com:

By Phil Anderson - THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Nearly five years after the fact, 80-year-old Gladys Hargis, of Topeka, still has a difficult time believing what she experienced the night she nearly died.

Her soul left her body, she said, followed by a visit from angels and a trip to the gates of heaven.

Others have shared similar out-of-body stories through the years, and Hargis said she has no doubt her story is real.

The accounts of that night, and the days that followed, are recounted in her book "You Live Forever" (West Bow Press, softcover, 94 pages, $11.95).

Read more: You Live Forever

Prayers to Father Emil Kapaun are Answered with a Miracle

As girl lay near death, family prayed to Kapaun - Wichita Eagle

The following excerpt is from Wichita Eagle - Kansas.com:

In October 2006, 12-year-old Avery Gerleman scored a goal in a soccer game.

She did not celebrate. She walked to the sidelines and threw up a gob of bright red blood into the grass.

She told her coach, "I need to get back in there."

The coach sat her down. After that, bad went to worse.

Doctors in Wichita put Avery in a drug-induced coma and pushed a breathing tube down her throat. Avery's lungs filled with blood. Her kidneys shut down.

There was so much air and fluid leaking into her chest that her heart nearly stopped beating from the pressure.

Doctors told Melissa and Shawn Gerleman that their daughter was going to die. Melissa cried.

She and Shawn began to pray; to Jesus and to a priest from Kansas who had been dead for 55 years.

Doctors say what happened next is the most mysterious medical recovery they have ever seen.

Avery's two primary physicians are scientists, with intellectual allegiances rooted firmly in facts and skeptical reasoning. And they are Protestants, with none of the Gerleman family's training in the Catholic traditions of sainthood, guardian angels and miracles.

But the doctors have told the Vatican that Avery's recovery is so unusual that there is no other explanation for what happened: They say it's a miracle.

Avery's parents say Father Emil Kapaun heard the prayers, and tipped the scales in heaven.

Read more: As girl lay near death, family prayed to Kapaun

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Message of June 25, 2011

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar


The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady of Medjugorje's message communicated to visionary Marija Pavlovic on June 25, 2011:

"Dear children! Give thanks with me to the Most High for my presence with you. My heart is joyful watching the love and joy in the living of my messages. Many of you have responded, but I wait for, and seek, all the hearts that have fallen asleep to awaken from the sleep of unbelief. Little children, draw even closer to my Immaculate Heart so that I can lead all of you toward eternity. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Candace and Dennis Gaines: Miracle Baby

Candace and Dennis Gaines: Miracle Baby - CBN TV - Video

The following excerpt is from CBN.com:

Candace and Dennis Gaines will tell of Candace's 2008 pregnancy when no heartbeat was found for three weeks. They prayed for a miracle and got it. Their daughter Grace is now three- years-old.

Miracles of Medjugorje

Gloria.TV: Medjugorje Miracles

Signs, Wonders, and Miracles of Medjugorje