Chris Tomlin 'I Will Rise' - Christian Music

Chris Tomlin ' I Will Rise' - YouTube

Chris Tomlin's 'I Will Rise' is Christian music at its best. It soars with the Holy Spirit!

The following excerpt is from the website of HearItFirst.com:

Chris Tomlin is an interesting enigma. With nine No. 1 songs and over three million album sales to his credit, he’s one of the most successful artists in music. At the same time, he’s one of the least known. Ask anyone about Chris Tomlin and only a few will tell you they know him well.

There’s a reason for the subtle mystery. All the songs---including such anthems as “How Great is Our God,” “Forever,” and “Holy is the Lord,” the sold out concert dates around the world and the millions in CD sales have never been about elevating Chris Tomlin, but about worshiping God.

“I just love that God uses me,” he says, “but my role isn’t to grab as much attention as I possibly can, but to really point people to God. I don’t spend my time thinking how to make myself more popular, so maybe that why I there’s a bit of a mystery there.”

When Tomlin stands in front of a throng of believers, it’s his desire to disappear, to surrender to the Holy Spirit and help others release the concerns of the world and focus on worshipping the God who created them. He’s excelled at that calling for more than a decade and at the very heart of his ministry is an arsenal of songs that have become anthems, sung by believers all over the globe. His last three albums Hello Love, See the Morning and Arriving have been certified gold, signifying sales of more than 500,000 units and Arriving has been certified platinum with sales over a million, truly impressive feats in an ailing music industry. On the CCLI charts, which measure the songs used in churches, Tomlin has five songs in the top ten and 15 in the top 100.

Read more: Chris Tomlin

Bruce Van Natta: Saved by Angels

Bruce Van Natta: Saved by Angels - CBN TV - Video

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

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Monthly Message to Marija Pavlovic

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady's Message of January 25, 2012 to Marija Pavlovic:

 "Dear children! With joy, also today I call you to open your hearts and to listen to my call. Anew, I desire to draw you closer to my Immaculate Heart, where you will find refuge and peace. Open yourselves to prayer, until it becomes a joy for you. Through prayer, the Most High will give you an abundance of grace and you will become my extended hands in this restless world which longs for peace. Little children, with your lives witness faith and pray that faith may grow day by day in your hearts. I am with you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Illuminating Angels: Messenger Angels

Illuminating Angels: Messenger Angels - YouTube

Angels on Earth Videos can be watched on Guideposts.com.

Excerpt from Guideposts: Whether it’s carrying our prayers to heaven or delivering God’s Word to us, these divine beings always have something miraculous to share.

Fr. John Murray sees Miracle as he begins walking after being paralyzed

Fr. John Murray - Catholic Free Press Photo

Formerly paralyzed Maryland priest sees miracle as he begins walking › The Catholic Free Press

The following excerpt is from the CatholicFreePress.org

By George P. Matysek Jr.

EPHRATA, Pa. (CNS) — When Redemptorist Father John Murray bashed his head against a railing after tripping along a New Jersey boardwalk 15 months ago, the consequences were devastating.

The former pastor of St. Mary in Annapolis and St. Wenceslaus in Baltimore suffered a broken neck that left him instantly paralyzed from the chest down. Rushed to a hospital, he underwent emergency spinal cord surgery and later began rehabilitation at a prominent New Jersey institute.

Doctors had little encouragement for the once-active priest who was known across the East Coast for his preaching abilities. The chances he would ever walk again were virtually zero.

“When they said I’d never be able to move again, they took away all hope,” Father Murray told The Catholic Review, Baltimore archdiocesan newspaper.

But on Nov. 28, 2010, Father Murray did something everyone said would be impossible. While living and undergoing rehabilitation at Stella Maris in Timonium, Md., he moved his left leg ever so slightly, gently lifting his foot off the ground.

“I was ecstatic,” Father Murray recalled with a smile. “Here I was about six weeks after they told me in New Jersey I’d never move again and, lo and behold, I could move. Just the foot, but it kept going and going and going.”

Today, Father Murray is completely mobile. Using a walker, he is able to walk on his own at his new residence at St. Clement Mission House in Ephrata.

Father Murray sees only one explanation for his renewed gift of independence: An encounter with the miraculous.

When most people think of miracles, he said, they usually bring to mind instantaneous cures of a debilitating disease or terminal illness.

“We think of it as any exceptions to the laws of nature,” the priest explained. “In biblical times, what was called a miracle was anything that showed the power of God. What happened to me wasn’t instantaneous, but it certainly was miraculous.”

Reaching into his pocket, Father Murray pulled out a small object he carries with him at all times. Encased in a small locket, it houses a relic — a piece of bone — of Blessed Francis X. Seelos, a 19th-century Redemptorist priest under consideration for sainthood, who had been a rector of the same Annapolis parish Father Murray once led. The two also share a good sense of humor and a love for preaching.

“I think with those three common qualities, I had a little in with the guy,” said Father Murray, crediting Blessed Seelos for interceding on his behalf. “Ultimately, all prayers go to God. Seelos can’t give the grace, but he was the conduit for my prayers.”

Dr. Ernestine Wright, medical director of Stella Maris, was shocked by Father Murray’s recovery. She has seen other paraplegics regain limited use of their limbs — but nothing like Father Murray. A born-again Christian, Wright said she believes her patient experienced a touch of the miraculous.

Read more: Fr. John Murray

Arizona Student Feared to Be Brain Dead Wakes Up for Christmas

Ariz. Student Feared to Be Brain Dead Wakes Up for Christmas, Christian News

The following excerpt is from ChristianPost.com:

A 21-year-old student from Ariz., who was in a coma since a car crash over two months ago, woke up hours before doctors were to take him off life support and recovered enough to spend Christmas day with his family, including his mother who prayed.

Two days before he celebrated Christmas with his family at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, University of Arizona student Sam Schmid was the subject of a news conference at the hospital. He was able to walk with support and talk in brief sentences.

“Right now, I’m feeling all right ... except for the rehabilitation, I’m feeling pretty good,” The Associated Press quoted Schmid as saying.

An Oct. 19 car crash in Tucson had left Schmid, a business major and basketball coach at a school’s recreation center, with life-threatening injuries, including a brain aneurysm. He showed no responsive signs after Dr. Robert Spetzler performed surgery. Doctors planned to switch off the life-support machine, believing Schmid was brain dead. He was even being considered, unofficially, for organ donation.
Hospital staff began to prepare Schmid’s mother Susan Regan. But Spetzler decided to wait. At the 11th hour, the patient lifted up two fingers.

“It may not seem like a lot to you,” Spetzler said. “It’s an incredible loop to show brain ability. That was like fireworks going off.” After the sign of recovery, Dr. Christina Kwasnica began to administer his rehabilitation, beginning with making him practice sitting in a chair and gradually moving on to doing rehab three hours a day.

Regan said she knew she had to make some sort of decision regarding life support at some point, but she “kept praying.”

Read more: Christmas Miracle

Billy Rivers: A Hardened Biker Switches Gears

Billy Rivers: A Hardened Biker Switches Gears - CBN TV - Video

Excerpt from CBN.com:

Biker Billy Rivers rode the motorcycle gang lifestyle all the way to prison. It was there that he began to question the love he saw from Christians.

After being released from prison, Billy says, “The Lord used second Corinthians 5:17 to let me know, ‘You’re not the same anymore. I own you. You are Mine. I have you under My wings. I love you. I forgive you of everything you’ve ever done. Old things are passed away and behold, all things are become new.’ And I said, ‘Lord, that’s me.’”

Billy lives a new life today. He still rides motorcycles, but no longer with a gang. He’s the chaplain for the New Orleans chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association.

“I have never experienced anything like this and I would never give it up for anything that I would ever experience. Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life, so being a servant today for Jesus Christ is the most wealthy thing - it’s the most blessed miracle -that I could ever imagine in my life. God’s awesome.”

Read more: Billy Rivers

Please Join in Prayer during Advent for God's Spiritual Blessings



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

 
All are Welcome to Join in Prayer for God's Spiritual Blessings at St. Mary's Church on December 15th in Preparation for Christmas

Please consider visiting St. Mary's Catholic Church for Mass and prayer services.

The church holds a monthly service for prayer with Fr. Richard Tartaglia including special prayer intentions which are submitted through the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com .

Previous services have included prayer for Christian Unity. However, prayers for world peace are always included.

The prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month with a new theme.

December will focus on the joys of Advent as we prepare for Christmas. During this Holy Season, please join us in prayer on December 15th between the hour of 7:30-8:00 PM in preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

If you live in the area or plan on visiting New Jersey, please consider attending and joining in the evening prayer service with Fr. Richard Tartaglia. The service begins with singing of hymns followed with psalm prayers and then reading of the gospels. After the reading, Fr. Tartaglia gives his homily which is followed with a prayer of intercession for Special Prayer Intentions (prayer requests). The Lord's Prayer is recited and after that there is a closing prayer with a blessing given by Fr. Tartaglia. The prayer service is concluded with a closing song.

St. Mary's Catholic Church is located on 15 Myers Avenue in Denville, New Jersey. Father Martin Glynn is the head pastor of the church.

For directions to St. Mary's Church, please visit the following link:
http://www.stmarys-denville.org/directions.htm

Regardless of your religious denomination, please feel free to submit your prayer request at the following link:
http://www.christian-miracles.com/apps/prayers/.  Your email address will remain confidential.

St. Mary's Weekly Mass Schedule:

Sunday: 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 AM

Saturday: 5:00 PM

Weekdays: 8:00 AM and 12:05 PM - (Except June ~ Labor Day - No 12:05 PM)

First Fridays: 8:00 AM, 12:05 PM, 8:00 PM - (Except June ~ Labor Day - No 12:05 PM)

Holy Days: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 7:00 PM

Eve of Holy Days: 5:00 PM

'HEAVEN IS REAL': New York Times bestselling author Don Piper relates near-death experience

Don Piper Speaking at Church Parish - Photo by Linda Andrade Rodrigues

'HEAVEN IS REAL': New York Times bestselling author Don Piper relates near-death experience | SouthCoastToday.com

The photograph and following excerpt is from SouthCoastToday.com:

By LINDA ANDRADE RODRIGUES

MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H. — (12-3-2011) The Rev. Paul O'Neil moved to higher ground when his new pastoral assignment took him from Acushnet-Wesley United Methodist Church to a New Hampshire parish nestled in the Ossipee Mountains, 2,990 feet above sea level. But recently he reached even greater heights when he introduced his congregation to a man who spent 90 minutes in heaven.

Moultonborough United Methodist Church, where O'Neil has served as pastor since July 1, 2010, was filled to capacity as New York Times bestselling author Don Piper, a Baptist minister, approached the lectern. 

Published in 2004, Piper's book "90 Minutes in Heaven" has sold 5 million copies in 41 languages.

"The reason I am in New Hampshire on a morning like this is to say to you, 'Heaven is real,'" said Piper. "God has a plan for us, and Heaven is in it."

In January 1989, Piper climbed into his red 1986 Ford Escort after leaving a pastors' conference, in Livingston, Texas. He was headed to a Bible study at South Park Baptist Church in Alvin, Texas, where he served on staff.

"I was driving across a bridge, and an 18-wheeler hit me head on," he said. "It was a four-car accident. Everyone was okay except me. Four paramedics worked on me at the same time, trying to resuscitate me. I was pronounced dead, and they covered up my body with a tarp, waiting for the coroner."

Piper said that simultaneously with his last recollection of seeing the bridge and the rain, a light enveloped him with a brilliance beyond earthly comprehension.

"In my next moment of awareness, I was standing in heaven," he said. "Joy pulsated through me as I looked around, and at that moment I became aware of a large crowd of people. As they surged toward me, I knew instantly that all of them had died during my lifetime. Their presence seemed absolutely natural. They rushed toward me, and every person was smiling, shouting, and praising God."

Piper said that he gets frustrated describing what heaven was like because he cannot begin to put into words what it looked like, sounded like and felt like.

"Their warm embraces were absolutely real," he said. "Heaven is a sensory explosion. I saw colors I would never have believed existed. I've never, ever felt more alive than I did then. I did not see God, although I knew God was there."

Read more: Heaven is Real

Mr. Lenar is the Founder of www.Christian-Miracles.com

Mr. Lenar

Loci B. Lenar is the founder and administrator of Christian-Miracles.com.  Mr. Lenar also shares his personal testimony on the website regarding his own spiritual journey through the Catholic faith.

Since its inception in 2008, the homepage counter has logged over 510,000 visitors from around the world, including the USA, Canada, The United Kingdom (UK), India, Australia, Philippines, Germany, Brazil, United Arab Emirates and many others.

The website is built on the foundation of Christianity and the gospels, designed as a public ministry of faith and hope with spiritual news for the community.

With an increase number of reports related to the miraculous, the site was constructed and launched by Mr. Lenar to help spread the good news in order to create public awareness of signs and wonders arising from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Copyright 2011 www.christian-miracles.com

Encounter With God

Encounter With God | CBN.com

The video and following excerpt is from CBN.com

By Robert Hull

Jeffrey Thompson had developed diverticulitis, a painful condition causing inflammation in the intestinal wall. Months of natural treatments had failed and his condition was so advanced, he needed surgery to remove part of his intestine. What looked like a textbook operation left him suspended between life and death.

"I woke up to a surgeon pulling a sheet off of my stomach. As I looked down I knew immediately something was terribly wrong. I looked into the surgeon’s eyes and I could see concern on his face."

Madeline says, "He had been hemorrhaging for about 24 hours, and they had continually given him blood, but it was hemorrhaging into his abdomen. It was frightening. I’ve never seen anyone so pale. His lips were just completely white."

Jeffrey continues, "My internal clock told me that I was getting ready to die, that I only had a few seconds of consciousness left. I reached up to grab my wife. I just wanted to tell her how much I loved her and tell her that I was getting ready to leave her."

"I went to him and it was right after that that I lost him," Madeline says. "I could tell he left. He took my hand and then he was gone."

"My life came to my center torso," Jeff says. "I began to rise out of my body into that room. Everything was going haywire down below me. They were grabbing. They were saying, 'I’m going to lose him.'"

"They were doing everything they knew to keep him alive at that point," Madeline says.

"It looked like a disaster going on, but it was the sweetest day of my life," Jeffrey says. "I never had any pain, and I never had any fear."

As Jeffrey’s spirit hovered above his body, a light appeared in the room.

"It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. It started in the center toward the ceiling and began to filter out into that room. I was immediately drawn to it. As it began to hit objects in that room, color came flooding out like I’ve never seen before. I could see everything in that room with perfect clarity. There was an entire dimension that we simply don’t see on earth. I’ve never been more alive than I was at that moment. It was incredible.

"I suddenly had an overwhelming sense of God’s presence, of His love of His peace, of His joy. It was all around me and in me. Literally every bit of this penetrated my soul. The thing that was just so incredible to me was how the maker of this universe, who can make the sun the moon, the stars and this earth and us, can come down and hold me and comfort me and love me as if I’m the only person in the universe. I remember thinking about the prodigal son, that long lost son who had gone out and strayed. He had come back home and his father was coming out to hold him, to love him and to welcome him back. That’s what was happening to me. It’s the sweetest love there is.

"I told Him I wanted to go with Him and then I had a fleeting thought, what about Madeline my wife, and what about Will? Then God told me internally I was going to go back. I remember jolting in my bed, and I remember opening my eyes. When I opened my eyes, I’m looking at the surgeon and he’s saying, ‘I’m losing him. We’ve got to get him back into surgery.’"

He was rushed back into surgery where doctors stopped the bleeding. When he finally regained consciousness, Jeffrey had a new understanding of God’s amazing love and presence in his life.

"God loves you more than you’ve ever known," he says. "He knows your circumstances. He knows what you’re going through. I used to wake up with a knot in my stomach. I wake up with joy in my heart. I know He’s with me. You can’t go through something like that and not be a changed man."

Read more: Encounter with God

Day of Prayer for Financial Blessings on November 11, 2011

Day of Prayer for Financial Blessings - Guideposts

The following news is from Guideposts.com:

By Sabra Ciancanelli, Tivoli, New York

The current economy has affected everyone. Unemployment is at an estimated 14 million and record numbers of people face the devastating experience of home foreclosures. With so many struggling to make ends meet, OurPrayer has scheduled November 11 as a Day of Prayer for Financial Blessings.

"Where do you turn when you’re out of work? When your situation seems hopeless? When you have run out of options? You can draw strength and endure through the power of prayer,” says OurPrayer manager, Reverend Dr. Peola Hicks.

On 11/11/11, OurPrayer staff and prayer volunteers in their homes will be joined by Web visitors to pray for each request by name and need on this special day of prayer.

Prayer Requests

Jeffrey and Rachel Hardcastle: ‘This is What Jesus Does’

Jeffrey and Rachel Hardcastle: ‘This is What Jesus Does’ - CBN TV - Video

From the moment Jeffrey and Rachel wed, the clock was ticking towards marital demise. Find out how Jesus changed the course of their relationship.

A GREAT DAY TO CALL ON ALL THE SAINTS (NOV 1) TO HELP US AND TO PRAY FOR ALL THE HOLY SOULS (NOV 2)

Solemnity of All Saints - Photo by Loci B. Lenar 

The Solemnity of All Saints Day and All Souls Day

The following excerpt is from the St. Michael Center:

The Solemnity of All Saints Day and All Souls Day are celebrated on November 1 and 2, respectively. On All Saints Day, the church celebrates all the saints: canonized or beatified, and the multitude of those who are in heaven enjoying the beatific vision that are only known to God. This day should inspire us with tremendous hope as the saints who have gone before us to the heavenly home call on us to follow them.

For more information on the All Saints and All Souls Day, please visit the following links:
 
Litany of the Saints
 
Litany of the Holy Souls

Go! Sign: Christ in the Deaf Community

Go! Sign Magazine - Issue 77

Go! Sign Magazine: Christ in the Deaf Community

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Recently I was contacted by Esther Maycock, Media Co-ordinator and editor of "Go! Sign," a magazine that she indicates helps meet the individual spiritual and social needs of Deaf people.

Esther requested permission to use two of my photographs in the Summer 2011 issue, which by the way is published in the UK. I am delighted to announce that two stained glass windows which I photographed in St. Jude's Catholic Church and St. Virgil Church, both located in NJ, are published on page 22 in this beautiful and informative magazine. The photographs are used for an article that explains the mystery of the Holy Trinity. 

I believe it's very important to reach out with the gospels by helping everyone in need of God's blessing and grace, especially through such inspiring magazines as Go! Sign.

The Lamb of God - St. Virgil Church, Morris Plains, NJ
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar



The following excerpt is from the website of GoSign.org:



Of the 250,000 people who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first or second language, only 2% are professing Christians mainly due to the lack of BSL or interpreted services. Globally, they are the fourth largest unreached group in the world. Our vision is to see more Deaf people coming to know Christ through our mission “Go! SIGN” Christ in the Deaf Community” focusing on evangelism, Christian network, teaching, equipping and outreach work.



Baptism of Jesus - St. Jude's Catholic Church - Hopatcong, NJ
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar



In fulfilling the “Go! SIGN Christ in the Deaf Community” vision, GO! SIGN (the working name of Christian Deaf Link UK) is dedicated to serving the spiritual and social needs of Deaf people, their families and friends through the G.R.A.C.E. programme:

• Growth in the network of Deaf Christian groups, leaders, churches, fellowship and individuals
• Renewal and spiritual growth through training, support, events and conferences

• Access to information promoting Deaf Christian issues, support and service provisions
• Churches: strengthening members through Deaf Spiritual Awareness, network support and equipping
• Evangelism via drama shows, video resources and training

To achieve this purpose, Go! Sign, as an interdenominational organisation, works towards:

Developing and providing opportunities to Deaf people, their families and friends, recognising and accepting each other to serve in the Christian community;

Developing public awareness and breaking down barriers created by society’s attitude towards deafness and the consequences of being Deaf in the wider Christian community;

Offering Deaf people full responsibility and leadership in all areas of work through role-model examples and training;

Offering opportunities to Deaf people, as fellow-workers with hearing Christians, to demonstrate their abilities and potential, and gain acknowledgement of God’s given gifts;

Offering advice, information and support to enable Deaf people to increase their self-esteem and skills in their own churches and/or fellowship groups;

Reaching out to the Deaf Community through Christian and Outreach programmes.

For more information, visit the following link: Go! Sign

The Greatest Miracle - Movie Trailer

MovieToMovement - Now Playing Movies and Movie Details

The following excerpt regarding the animated film is from MovieToMovement.com:

The Greatest Miracle

Coming to 3D theaters across the country beginning October 14th!

The Greatest Miracle is a contemporary story of hope, inspiration and faith. The film follows three Catholics who have each reached a period of crisis. The first, Monica, is a widowed mother doing everything possible to provide for her son, Diego. The second, Don Chema, is a public bus driver who receives the news that his child is ill and without hope of survival. The third, Doña Cata, is an elderly woman who feels she has little left to live for.

These stories intertwine when Monica, Don Chema and Doña Cata feel a great need to visit their local parish. They have no idea that their lives are about to change forever. With the help of their guardian angels, each will witness the true meaning of the Mass and the supernatural forces behind Christ's sacrifice on the altar - a constant struggle between good and evil ending in a triumphant victory of Faith.

Read more: The Greatest Miracle

The Mighty Macs Opens in Theaters on October 21, 2011



The Mighty Macs Movie Poster


The Mighty Macs - About the Movie

Review By Loci B. Lenar

I am pleased to express my delight in attending The Mighty Macs pre-release, which by the way went beyond by expectations. The screening of this uplifting movie was held on August 9, 2011 at the AMC Clifton Commons 16, Route 3, Clifton, NJ.

The Mighty Macs is a movie that soars with inspiration and is an enjoyable first-rate sports flick, especially for basketball fans! I was pleasantly surprised on its cheery and good-humored approach in connecting with a general audience by integrating faith into the film and showing its effect on the woman's college basketball team.

Interesting Fact and Movie Trivia: Basketball coach, Cathy Rush is a Babtist; and her assistant, Sister Sunday is Catholic. The movie is based on a true story and is indeed a wonderful showcase for communicating on how Christians of various denominations can interact together for a common goal - Winning for God!

The women's basketball team at Immaculata College soars to a national championship for the first time in its 1971-72 season! The team also wins the National Women's College Basketball Championships in 1973 and 1974!

I highy recommend buying tickets and seeing this flick when it opens in theaters on October 21, 2011.

***

The following excerpt is from the website of TheMightyMacs.com:

It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time ... and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

THE MIGHTY MACS is based on the incredible true story of the 1971-72 Immaculata College team that started in obscurity but became the original Cinderella story in women's basketball. This team of pioneers went from barely making that inaugural tournament to the first dynasty in their game. And Cathy Rush, the woman that was ahead of her time, became immortalized when she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

THE MIGHTY MACS stars Carla Gugino as Cathy Rush; David Boreanaz as her husband, NBA referee Ed Rush; Marley Shelton as Sister Sunday; and Academy Award and Tony Award winner Ellen Burstyn as Mother St. John. The film was written, directed, and produced by Tim Chambers. The film's executive producers are Pat Croce, the former president of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, and Vince Curran, a successful businessman and former basketball star at Penn. Curran and Chambers are founders and partners of Quaker Media.

Read more: The Mighty Macs 

Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel, Gabriel, and Raphael

Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The following excerpt is from the Saint Michael Center for the Blessed Virgin Mary:

The feast of the three archangels - Saint Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is venerated by the Catholic Church on September 29. The three archangels serve as messengers of God.

St. Michael whose name means “Who is like God” and he is also known as "the prince of the heavenly host." He was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. St. Gabriel which means “God is my strength” appeared three times as a messenger. He had been sent to Daniel to explain a vision concerning the Messiah. St Raphael meaning “God has healed” is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey.

The Archangel Prayers

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the hour of battle, be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God restrain him we humbly pray, and do thou oh Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits that roam through the world , seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel, please protect us from the evil one and help us to obtain the grace to do the Will of God.

Saint Gabriel the Archangel

Please announce the Holy Word of God to us, write it in our hearts, help us to remember it and to put it into practice.

Saint Raphael the Archangel

Fill me with the Love of God, with the ardent flame of Love of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, with the Love of all the angels and saints.

My Holy Guardian Angel

Protect me and guide me, open the way for me to do the Will of God in every action, remind me to praise God and to reject temptations

Angels and Archangels (in general)

O God, who in Thine ineffable Providence, hast sent Thy Holy Angels to watch over us: grant, we humbly pray, that we may always be defended by their protection and may rejoice in their fellowship forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God our Father, in a wonderful way You guide the work of angels and men. May those who serve You constantly in heaven keep our lives safe from all harm here on earth. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Supported by the intercession of blessed Michael, Thine Archangel, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that the service we pay with our lips, we may lay hold of with our minds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon your Holy Name, and as supplicants we implore your clemency, that by the intercession of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel St Michael, You would deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who roam about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls. Amen.

St. Gabriel the Archangel

O God, who from among all the Angels did choose the Archangel Gabriel to announce the Mystery of Thine Incarnation: mercifully grant that we who keep his feast on earth may feel the effect of his patronage in heaven. Who lives and reigns, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen

O Blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech you, intercede for us at the throne of divine Mercy in our present necessities, that as you did announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through your prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen.

Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel

O glorious Archangel, St Raphael, great Prince of the heavenly court, illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of those who journey by land or sea, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners: I beg you to assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you did help the young Tobias on his travels. And because you are the 'Medicine of God,' I humbly ask you to heal the many infirmities of my soul, and the ills which afflict my body, if it be for my greater good. I especially ask of you an angelic purity, which may fit me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Be pleased, O Lord God, to send to our aid St Raphael the Archangel: and may he, who, we believe, stands forever before the throne of Your Majesty, offer unto You our humble petitions to be blessed by You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

More Prayers: Saint Michael Center

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Stephen B. Whatley



Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
By artist Stephen B. Whatley


Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

"I have never given the good God anything but love; He will return that love. After my death I will let fall a shower of roses," so spoke Marie Francois Thérèse Martin (1873-1897) just before her tragic death.

The discovery of Saint Thérèse (canonised in 1925) has taken my breath away. She experienced an urgent calling to serve God; while suffering great mental as well as physical anguish - openly admitting to experiencing darknesses of the soul that she feared might crush her faith entirely.

As an artist, I have fought depressions all my life; and no less so than when, on the last day of August, I felt 'divinely pushed' to begin this tribute. Fighting through exhaustion and darkness; and therefore ever dependent on prayer, I felt the promise of roses...pink roses...graces...I felt her like 'the little flower' that expressed her tender humility.

There are times when perhaps to those distant from any spiritual belief (even agnostic) can find God and I feel that such relatively contemporary Saints such as St Therese (whose presence in this life is recorded in photographs; that inspired this painting) can make the path to God more accessible.

Turn to her, in the must humble and simple of prayers....St Thérèse is known as a Saint, through whom miracles can occur. I pray that there will be miracles of healing, prosperity and waves of peace for all those who mourn. Remembering all those who lost their lives and their families and friends who grieve in New York City on September 11.

Stephen B. Whatley, September 11, 2011

Saint Thérèse de Lisieux (2011)
Oil on canvas
24 x 18in / 61 x 46cm
Private collection, Georgia, USA

Dr. David Levy: Praying with Patients

Dr. David Levy: Praying with Patients - CBN TV - Video

The following excerpt is from CBN.com:

Neurosurgeon Dr. David Levy wanted to bring his faith into his practice because he believed that he needed to use all the means God can use for healing – even prayer. Since he has addressed his patients’ spirituality and made prayer a part of his regular interactions with his patients, he has seen positive results. He says his patients’ lives have reached levels in their spiritual, physical, and emotional health that they never had before.

Read more: Praying with Patients