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

By Loci B. Lenar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More News: www.Christian-Miracles.com

Post by "Christian-Miracles.com"

What Religion are Spiderman, Hulk and Batman?

News from RomeReports.com

A new American website has categorized comic characters and superheroes according to their religion. This is based on the attitude and beliefs they express in their stories.

According to www.comicbookreligion.com, the incredible Hulk, aka Bruce Banner, for example, is a Christian. In fact, his marriage with Betty Ross, is celebrated by a Catholic priest. But within the Marvel universe, the green giant is not the only Christian.

Hulk's fellow hero against evil, the Night Crawler, is another devout Christian. He may be one of the least attractive X-Men characters, but he has a heart of gold.

Among Protestants, the list includes the likes of Spiderman and Captain America. Superman, on the other hand, is listed as a Methodist. His latest movie, 'Man of Steel', seems to underline his religious beliefs with striking analogies. In it, he is a 33 year old man who sacrifices himself for the good of humanity.

Comic-based movies will never run out of style. Despite telling entertaining stories of an extravagant and surreal world, where good overcomes evil, their true goal is to give mankind hope for a better future.

St. Thomas More - Saint of the Day for June 22

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Saints and Angels - Excerpt from Catholic Online

Feastday: June 22,

St. Thomas More, Martyr (Patron of Lawyers)

St. Thomas More was born at London in 1478. After a thorough grounding in religion and the classics, he entered Oxford to study law. Upon leaving the university he embarked on a legal career which took him to Parliament. In 1505, he married his beloved Jane Colt who bore him four children, and when she died at a young age, he married a widow, Alice Middleton, to be a mother for his young children. A wit and a reformer, this learned man numbered Bishops and scholars among his friends, and by 1516 wrote his world-famous book "Utopia".

He attracted the attention of Henry VIII who appointed him to a succession of high posts and missions, and finally made him Lord Chancellor in 1529. However, he resigned in 1532, at the height of his career and reputation, when Henry persisted in holding his own opinions regarding marriage and the supremacy of the Pope. The rest of his life was spent in writing mostly in defense of the Church.

In 1534, with his close friend, St. John Fisher, he refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England and was confined to the Tower. Fifteen months later, and nine days after St. John Fisher's execution, he was tried and convicted of treason. He told the court that he could not go against his conscience and wished his judges that "we may yet hereafter in heaven merrily all meet together to everlasting salvation." And on the scaffold, he told the crowd of spectators that he was dying as "the King's good servant-but God's first." He was beheaded on July 6, 1535. His feast day is June 22nd. 

Read More: St. Thomas More

 

Our Lady of Lourdes: A New Painting by Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Lourdes
Painting by Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Lourdes by Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Stephen B. Whatley is recognized as an accomplished artist and is remarkably talented when it comes to painting pictures.   His images of religious figures are painted with colorful abstract strokes of the brush and immediately grab your attention.  Stephen has created a masterful work of art which captivates the viewer with his new painting of Our Lady of Lourdes.  This beautiful picture is posted on the website of Christian-Miracles.com.  The painting is combined with Prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes and can be read at the following link: Devotional Prayers.       ~Loci B. Lenar


By Stephen B. Whatley

February 11 was the anniversary of the beginning of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a young girl, Bernadette Soubirous - now St Bernadette - in 1858, Lourdes, France. Since then , the Mother of God has been known in that region as Our Lady of Lourdes.

It was in a grotto that she first miraculously appeared; and where on February 25, she told Bernadette to dig around in the soil and drink the water. The following day, water flowed from that spot; and on March 1st, a woman was cured of paralysis by dipping her hand into the spring.

A priest requested from Bernadette to ask the beautiful lady her name, and was convinced and confirmed that it was indeed the Blessed Virgin Mary, because the young girl had answered "Immaculate Conception," words she would not have known then.

Since then, thousands have made pilgrimages to this holy spot in France; and 67 known cures have been recognised by the church- though it is possible that many have gone unrecorded. It remains a great haven of hope; as do the prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes.

"It was cloudy and gray in London this February 11, 2011 as I prayed in preparation to paint this tribute from my heart and soul - but just as I began, the sun broke through the clouds - my prayers were for healing for all those I know who are sick and suffering.

I hope viewers will be blessed with peace, hope and healing, through faith, by seeing this painting.

Our Lady of Lourdes
Oil on canvas
36 x 24in/82 x 61cm

***

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

For additional information about the apparitions, please visit the following link: Our Lady of Lourdes

Prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes

All are Welcome to Attend Prayer Services at St. Mary's Church in Denville, NJ

St. Mary's Catholic Church - (Front Windows)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar


All are Welcome to Attend Prayer Services held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Denville, NJ

St. Mary's Church holds a monthly service for prayer including special prayer intentions (requests) which are submitted through the website of Christian-Miracles.com.  This months prayer theme is for the Foundation of Church and Country. The next evening prayer service is scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 7:30 PM (EST). 

Mark your calenders as well for March 17th, the prayer theme will focus on St. Patrick and St. Joseph.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Feb 08, 2011 – All are welcome to visit St. Mary's Catholic Church for daily Mass and prayer services.

With the support of Father Richard Tartaglia, prayer requests that are submitted through the website of Christian-Miracles.com are prayed for every Monday morning after the 8:00 A.M. mass - during Holy Hour Adoration, which is between the hours of 8:30 to 9:30 AM.

In 2008, Loci B. Lenar launched Christian-Miracles.com as gathering place for all who are seeking Jesus, especially for Catholics and Christians to renew their faith through news of miracles. Additional information can be read on the subject matter by visiting the website.

Fr. Richard Tartaglia and Loci B. Lenar were recently interviewed on Radio Maria regarding their Catholic faith as connected to Christianity. Both were guests on the radio program Sacred Treasures which is hosted by Kathie Duggan.

Furthermore, prayer requests are prayed for every third Thursday of each month during the 7:30 PM evening prayer service held at St. Mary's Church. This months prayer theme is for the Foundation of Church and Country. Other themes have included prayer for peace and Christian unity. The new prayer service is scheduled for February 17, 2011.

Mark your calenders for Thursday, March 17th, the prayer theme will focus on St. Patrick and St. Joseph including special prayer intentions.

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 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 by visiting the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/apps/prayers/. Your email address will remain confidential.

Loci Lenar visits Father Richard Tartaglia on a regular bases for spiritual guidance and shares with him the prayer requests. As a result, Mr. Lenar will hand deliver all emails requesting prayers to his spiritual advisor, Father Tartaglia.

St. Mary's Church Window (detail)
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

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

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

***

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

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Message of February 2, 2011

Our Lady - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Our Lady Queen of Peace of Medjugorje - Message given through visionary Mirjana Soldo on February 2, 2011

(For Non-Believers)

“Dear children, you are gathering around me, you are seeking your way, you are seeking, you are seeking the truth but are forgetting what is the most important, you are forgetting to pray properly. Your lips pronounce countless words, but your spirit does not feel anything. Wandering in darkness, you even imagine God Himself according to yourselves, and not such as He really is in His love. Dear children, proper prayer comes from the depth of your heart, from your suffering, from your joy, from your seeking the forgiveness of sins. This is the way to come to know the right God, and by that also yourselves, because you are created according to Him. Prayer will bring you to the fulfillment of my desire, of my mission here with you, to the unity of God’s family. Thank you.”

Pope Calls for Peace Summit to Halt Violence between Religions

Egyptian Muslims and Christians raise a copy of the Quran and a Cross
 in Shubra district, Cairo to protest against the terrorist attack on a
Coptic Christian church in the northern Egyptian city of Alexandria.

 

Pope calls for peace summit to halt violence between religions - International - Catholic Online

The photograph and following excerpt is from Catholic Online:

Pope Benedict has called for a summit among religious leaders to discuss how they can promote peace. Benedict told visitors in St. Peter's Square the aim of the summit, scheduled for October in Assisi would be to "solemnly renew the commitment of believers of every religion to live their own religious faith in the service of the cause for peace."

Read More: Peace Summit

U.S. Catholic universities seeing influx of Muslim students

U.S. Catholic universities seeing influx of Muslim students

The following excerpt is from The Washington Post:

By William Wan -Washington Post Staff Writer

On a quick break between classes last week, Reef Al-Shabnan slipped into an empty room at Catholic University to start her daily prayers to Allah.

In one corner was a life-size painting of Jesus carrying the cross. In another, the portrait of a late priest and theologian looked on. And high above the room hung a small wooden crucifix.

After her more than two years on campus, though, it has become routine and sacred in its own way. You can find Allah anywhere, the 19-year-old from Saudi Arabia said, even at the flagship university of the U.S. Catholic world.

In the past few years, enrollment of Muslim students such as Shabnan has spiked at Catholic campuses across the country. Last year, Catholic colleges had an even higher percentage of Muslim students than the average four-year institution in the United States, according to the Higher Education Research Institute. The influx has astonished and sometimes befuddled administrators. Some Catholic campuses are creating prayer rooms for new Muslim students and hiring Islamic chaplains to minister to them. Others are unsure how to adapt.

Muslim students say they enroll at Catholic schools for many of the same reasons as their classmates: attractive campuses, appealing professors and academic programs that fit their interests. But there is also a spiritual attraction to the values that overlap the two faiths.

"Because it is an overtly religious place, it's not strange or weird to care about your religion here, to pray and make God a priority," said Shabnan, a political science major who often covers her head with a pale beige scarf. "They have the same values we do."

Muslim students find themselves immersed in what can seem at times alien iconography. Almost every classroom is adorned with a crucifix. Statues of the Virgin Mary and Holy Child dot the campus. Professors often open their classes with an appeal to Jesus. Courses in theology are an undergraduate requirement.

That's how Shabnan found herself buying her first Bible, for a required Old Testament class. It's also the reason, she said with a smile, that she registered for an introductory course on Islam.

"I was looking for an easy course," she said. "I learned a lot that was new to me . . . and just seeing how someone completely outside our religion views it was fascinating."

During his more than four years as a graduate student at Catholic, Ali Basiri has become one of the regulars at the small chapel in Caldwell Hall, the oldest building on campus. Basiri, 27, has spent so much time in the chapel's pews that he has befriended the organist who practices there.

In Iran, Basiri said, all schools run by the Islamic government are religious. The Iranian university where he studied for his bachelor's degree was named after a Muslim cleric, and his engineering department had detailed rules for praying and a dedicated room separated for men and women by blankets.

But at Catholic, he has forged new ways to connect spiritually. Several times a week, the electrical engineering student makes his way past the marble statue of the Virgin Mary at the Caldwell chapel entrance and listens in the pews to Islamic prayers on his MP3 player.

"I feel there is something powerful here because people are thinking about God all the time and not just about their own life or studies," Basiri said.

He has struck up friendships with equally fervent Catholic believers.

"We do this thing where he teaches me his prayers in Arabic, and I share with him the prayers I say as a Catholic," said one of his friends, Kenny White, 20, a sophomore from Annapolis. "I've learned about God by learning about him and his own faith. It's been a really important and beautiful part of being here."

"I think there's a lot of benefits to having students of other faiths here," he said. "They bring the grace of many of their own religious traditions."

Muslim students there say they have benefited as well. In his years at Catholic, Basiri said, he has experienced a long list of firsts: meeting a nun and priest, celebrating Mass, witnessing Easter and Thanksgiving.

Read More: U.S. Catholic Universities See Influx of Muslim Students

Blessed John Henry Newman by Stephen B Whatley

Blessed John Henry Newman by Stephen B Whatley

The Blessed John Henry Newman - Painted in 2010 by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

The noteworthy painting and following description is from the website of Stephen B. Whatley:

On Sunday, September 19, 2010 the British Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890) - who converted from Church of England to Catholicism in his youth - was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI at the end of his visit to Scotland and England that moved the nation.

Stephen B. Whatley was deeply inspired to paint a tribute to the now, Blessed John Henry Newman on that special day. Beginning painting after watching the live television broadcast of the beatification, the expressionist artist says his painting “was inspired by a montage of pictures of Newman throughout his life; with a focus on him as a young man, the spirit of eternal youth in heaven. The suggestion of his crucifix was inspired by that which he was photographed wearing as Cardinal, in old age. I noticed how often he fell into this contemplative pose, his hand raised to his face. The painting, made with many prayers, was complete by 4.55pm; whilst the Pope was still on British soil”.

Beatification is the penultimate stage before canonization as Saint; though by all accounts of the peaceful and holy life of deep faith and goodwill that John Henry Newman lead was that of a 'living Saint'.

Another beacon of contemporay hope present at the beatification Mass in Birmingham UK was Deacon John Sullivan from Massachusetts USA - who in 2001 experienced a miraculous cure of a spinal condition- that had threatened paralysis- and his training before ordination.

After seeing a television programme about Cardinal Newman , Mr Sullivan prayed simply: " Please Cardinal Newman intercede with God to help me go back to classes and be ordained".

For the next 8 months he was relieved of pain and able to walk upright. Then when his classes were complete, the pain returned in fury; and in hospital Mr Sullivan again prayed to Cardinal Newman's interecession. A warm sensation overwhelmed his body and in his words, ".. a tingling all over lasting about 10 minutes; and a tremendous sense of joy, exhuberance and confidence.." - and pain free ever since he was proclaimed cured at the astonishment of his doctors.

The simplest of prayers said with faith can be answered............miracles can happen.

The Blessed John Henry Newman. September 19, 2010
Oil on canvas
24 x 18in/61 x 46cm

To see other paintings by the artist, please visit the following link: Stephen B Whatley: Christian Tributes

About the artist Stephen B. Whatley: http://www.stephenbwhatley.com/about.htm

Orthodox Archbishop Predicts Healing of Christian Divisions

Orthodox Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev

Orthodox Archbishop Hilarion Predicts Christian Springtime, Healing of Divisions - Living Faith - Home and Family - Catholic Online

The photograph and following excerpt is posted on Catholic Online:

Dynamic Leader Urges Return to the Church Fathers

Orthodox Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev of Volokolamsk is quoted as saying: "A Christian spring is just about to arrive. The 21st century will see the divisions between Christians healed and a rebirth of the faith, gift of God, just as it was preached by the Apostles and preserved by the Fathers." 

The prelate described as "erroneous" the consideration of the present time as a "post-Christian" era, and those claims that Christianity will disappear from the religious map in the third millennium and be absorbed by Islam.

Read More: Healing of Christian Divisions

New Fatima Film a Documentary of Our Lady's Message

New Fatima Film - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

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

See the Movie Trailer: Fatima

From the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima:

The newly released "Fatima" is the quintessential movie on Our Heavenly Mother's appearance in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. Leading experts in theology, history and science thoroughly examine all aspects of the Fatima Message in this compelling documentary.

Relatives and close friends tell us the story of how the seers received the Message from Heaven that Pope John Paul II declared, "More Important Now than Ever." Confidant to Sister Lucia, and world renowned Fatima authors and speakers join together to illustrate Heaven's plan for the Salvation of Souls and World Peace.

Recently discovered film of an eyewitness to the Miracle of the Sun provides an authentic description of what took place as 70,000 people watched in awe. You will gain further insight into God's Miracle as it is scientifically explained through the prism of Quantum Physics. A distinguished Medical Doctor applies science to the Power of Prayer. Additionally, the truth behind Fatima's Prophesies and Three Secrets are revealed through a close examination of historical events.

This groundbreaking film will help you understand the cause of the current state of the world and more importantly, how our freewill will determine our future. The World Apostolate of Fatima, a Pontifical Association, is the consultant for Fatima.

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

Pray for Peace of Jerusalem

Millions to Pray for Peace of Jerusalem

The following excerpt is from Charisma News Online:

By Adrienne S. Gaines - Featured News

Roughly 100 million people worldwide are expected to pray Sunday for the peace of Jerusalem.

Organizers say 300,000 churches in 175 nations—including underground congregations in China and the Middle East—will participate in the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, which is considered the world's largest Israel-focused prayer event.

Eagles' Wings founder Robert Stearns, who is hosting the prayer day with Foursquare Church leader Jack Hayford, will lead a prayer event from the Tayelet Haas Promenade in Jerusalem. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Christian Broadcasting Network President Michael Little and Rabbi Shlomo Riskin of Efrat are scheduled to participate in the gathering, which will be broadcast on God TV.

"We are living in challenging days, when Jerusalem is under tremendous pressure on all sides," Stearns said. "The prayers of faithful people on her behalf will make a difference, especially as Christians and Jews from the nations, along with Arab Christians and Jews from Israel, stand together in Jerusalem on Oct. 3."

The eight-year-old effort is rooted in Psalm 122:6, which calls on believers to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. But Stearns said Jerusalem is growing increasing central in world events, which should further motivate Christians to intercede.

"The centrality of Jerusalem to global affairs has never been more obvious and more at the forefront," he said. "... The city of Jerusalem is [having] and will have in the future massive global geopolitical ramifications. So Christians must become educated on the complex issues surrounding the city of Jerusalem."

Stearns said Christians will intercede for all Israel's inhabitants, both Arabs and Jews, and the prayer day won't center on politics.

"We do not pray from nor towards a specific political agenda," he added. "But we pray from a scriptural basis, which we believe transcends momentary political understanding and ultimately works toward God's intended blessing for all people."

Read More: Pray for Peace

Entire Maryland Episcopal Parish Becoming Catholic - Signs of Christian Unity

Reverend Jason Cantania,
rector of Mount Calvary Episcopal Church,
Baltimore, Maryland,

Heading to Rome: Entire Maryland Episcopal Parish Becoming Catholic - U.S. - Catholic Online

The photograph and following excerpt is from Catholic Online:

By Randy Sly

Mount Calvary Episcopal Church will vote in October on full-communion with the Catholic Church.

The Process which brought the whole parish to this historic moment began with a Vestry retreat in October 2007 where it was decided unanimously that Mount Calvary should explore the possibility of becoming part of the Roman Catholic Church. Since then the All Saints Sisters of the Poor were received into the Catholic Church and the Apostolic Constitution for Anglicans coming into full communion was promulgated.

Read More: Mount Calvary Episcopal Church

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

Lenar to share Personal Testimony regarding God's Spiritual Gifts on Radio Maria



Signs and Wonders - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar


Lenar to share Personal Testimony regarding God's spiritual gifts on Radio Maria - Prwire - Catholic Online

Logo Courtesy of Radio Maria

Denville, NJ (September 17, 2010) - Kathie Duggan, host of Radio Maria has invited Loci B. Lenar as a guest to share his personal testimony on the topic of signs and wonders on her Catholic radio show, Sacred Treasures.

Lenar's conversion began in1990 and was followed by several spiritual events. As a result of the occurrences, Lenar searched for a spiritual advisor and later connected with Father Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Church. Fr. Tartaglia is Lenar's spiritual advisor for more than fifteen years. Lenar is also a parishioner of Saint Mary's. Father Martin Glynn is head pastor at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, which is located on the corner of Route 46 and Myers Avenue in Denville, New Jersey.

Lenar will discuss the spiritual presence of angels including the events leading up to a sign of a cross which appears annually on his property in Mine Hill, New Jersey. Lenar will share his story of being healed of several medical conditions with prayer and through the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Hear Lenar's remarkable account of witnessing the Miracle of the Sun and his life changing spiritual encounter with Jesus.

Listen in and take note of Lenar's interesting discernment of God's calling for the church to move forward with Christian unity.

Learn more about Lenar's perspective on God's plan for evangelizing the world by tuning into Radio Maria on Monday, September 27, 2010. Radio Maria is an instrument for spreading faith related news pertaining to Catholicism and is a tool for evangelization and conversion.

Regardless of your geographical location, listeners can connect and hear Sacred Treasures by visiting Radio Maria's website at http://radiomaria.us/. The show is broadcasted weekly on Monday's between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm (EST).

Some of Lenar's testimony can be read by visiting his site at http://www.christian-miracles.com/. The website was created and launched in 2008 as a gathering place for all Christians and Catholics to renew their religious faith by reading inspirational news and using daily devotional prayers. With increased reports of the miraculous, Lenar embarked on broadcasting events in order to bring public awareness to signs and wonders arising from Jesus Christ.

Visitors to the website can also post prayer requests at the following link:
http://www.christian-miracles.com/apps/prayers/

Lenar's blog: Angels, Wonders, and Miracles of Faith, also provides updated news connected to Christianity and Catholicism with biblical insight. Keep informed by visiting the site at http://lenarpoetry.blogspot.com/.

Radio Maria Stations

Louisiana
580 AM - Alexandria
1360 AM - New Iberia
89.7 FM - Natchitoches
91.1 FM - Lake Charles

Mississippi
88.1 FM - D'Iberville

Ohio
1600 AM - Springfield
88.7 FM - Anna

Pennsylvania
88.1 FM - Hollidaysburg

Texas
1250 AM - Port Arthur

Wisconsin
91.3 FM - Peshtigo

***

Contact Loci B. Lenar: Christian-Miracles.com

Contact Radio Maria: http://radiomaria.us/contact/

In Good Faith: Store Manager Invokes Jesus, Dissuades Robber

In Good Faith: Store manager invokes Jesus, dissuades robber - Religion: News and debate about Christianity, Islam and values - baltimoresun.com

The following excerpt is from YouTube:

A remorseful robber left a Broward County, Florida cellphone store empty-handed after hearing what the redemptive power of Jesus Christ can do from the cool-headed manager.

The incident happened on July 23, 2010. To read the story about God's protection, please visit the following link: In Good Faith

Novena Prayer to Saint Philomena

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Novena Prayer to Saint Philomena

We beseech Thee, O Lord, to grant us the pardon of our sins by the intercession of Saint, virgin and martyr, who was always pleasing in Thy sight by her eminent chastity and by the profession of every virtue. Amen.

Illustrious virgin and martyr, Saint Philomena, behold me prostrate before the throne whereupon it has pleased the Most Holy Trinity to place thee. Full of confidence in thy protection, I entreat thee to intercede for me with God, from the heights of Heaven deign to cast a glance upon thy humble client! Spouse of Christ, sustain me in suffering, fortify me in temptation, protect me in the dangers surrounding me, obtain for me the graces necessary to me, and in particular

(Here specify your petition).

Above all, assist me at the hour of my death. Saint Philomena, powerful with God, pray for us.  Amen.

O God, Most Holy Trinity, we thank Thee for the graces Thou didst bestow upon the Blessed Virgin Mary, and upon Thy handmaid Philomena, through whose intercession we implore Thy Mercy. Amen.

***

The prayer to St. Philomena can be found on Catholic websites.

For biographical information about Saint Philomena, please visit Catholic Online.

For other prayers of interest, please visit the following link: Devotional Prayers

The stained glass window of Saint Philomena can be seen inside of St. Anthony of Padua Church. The Catholic church is located on 1360 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, New Jersey, USA.

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

Dominican Nuns Appear on Oprah Winfrey Show

In my opinion, it's wonderful news to be willing to share the Catholic faith on television with the general public. 

With the Dominican Sisters appearing on Oprah Winfrey, perhaps the doors will open for other inspirational stories to be televised that are connected to the Christian faith, especially about caring individuals who have devoted their lives to God's work in supporting world peace and charitable causes.   -Loci B. Lenar

The photograph and following story is from Catholic Online:

INSPIRE: Called to Freedom: Dominican Nuns Image the Church on Oprah Winfrey - Catholic Online

The sisters were everything beautiful and truthful that the Church has to offer: they were Christ to Oprah and to a world in need of its meaning in Him.

By Sonja Corbitt

BETHPAGE, TN (Catholic Online) - It was a luminous report, burgeoning with respect, ripe with joy. It was a shot of glory between baking salmon fillets, disciplining a wayward 3 year old, and folding a load of colors.

Having previously abandoned Oprah for her politics and new-ageism after years of following, I was a little anxious at the treatment our Dominican convent in Ann Arbor, MI might receive at the hands of reporter Lisa Ling and Harpo producers.

But when, straight out of the chute, the convent was described as “thriving,” the young women “flocking” to it as they never had before, and the laughing, bright, fresh faced sisters proceeded to preach a full Catholic sermon simply by sharing their home and way of life, my apprehension turned to laugh-out-loud delight.

A Golden Opportunity Seized Through the Virtue of Hospitality

A golden opportunity rejected by other convents in the nation, the Ann Arbor Dominicans’ hospitality challenged conventional worldly wisdom in a forum that can only be characterized as miraculous and that represented Catholic women in the most refreshing way I have ever seen on TV. Because the convent is home to 100 sisters whose average age is 26, the feature communicated the vitality of a relationship with a living Christ in the most captivating way.

What constitutes restriction and freedom, happiness and joy, contentment and emptiness? How can I find fulfillment when the fabulous job, the designer duds, the handsome, fascinating boyfriend, and all the comforts and ideologies of modern life are not enough? Where can I “give who I am”? Where does consumerism and “being skinny” cease to matter for women?

These were the questions raised by the sisters’ testimonies of being called by God to religious life. “Did you hear an audible voice?” Oprah asked.

“God wanted me here and made it very clear,” 22 year old sister Francis Mary answered.

Those unexposed to Catholicism or religious life who might have expected inanity or “girliness” from a community of young women, were handed what amounted to a Catholic treatise wrapped in pithy packaging by one of the professed sisters: “Everyone is on a journey in life. But we are on a more intimate journey.”

Another went on to add that in the religious life [people] are “free to pursue God fully,” while admitting that such a life is not “for every woman,” only those in whom “noise gnaws at the human soul” and pleads for silence there.

Those who imagined religious life requires rulers hidden in the recesses of religious habits or faces clouded by somber melancholy were shocked at the brightness, the transparency and the unrehearsed sincerity of the nuns’ answers and a look at their daily routine and experiences.

What About Sex?

When asked about sex, and leaving it behind along with physical motherhood, one sister pointed out how the pervasive sexualization of our society “undermines the dignity of the human person,” while another took up the same thread by expressing that religious men and women “use the same desires [that “regular” people experience] for a greater calling.”

One postulant expressed her recent willingness to abandon sex and physical motherhood for the greater intimacy of spiritual motherhood, in part, because she did not “want to be an object.” Speaking of most nuns and their “spiritual marriage” to Jesus, Sr. Francis Mary admitted, to raucous laughter, that He is a “hard husband, because if something goes wrong in the relationship, I know it’s me.”

By far though, one of the best accounts was given by one of the sisters whose very loving, pre-convent relationship ended in separation, only to ultimately be rediscovered again later in God; she had entered the convent, and he the priesthood! What a breathtaking image of the Christian life, and it was on the world stage.

Spiritual Motherhood and Freedom

The sisters were everything beautiful and truthful that the Church has to offer: they were Christ to Oprah and to a world in need of its meaning in Him. I felt as though, finally!, someone was speaking with my voice and my faith, and not by rejecting men, sex, society, or even necessarily material things, but by their acceptance of something inexplicably more holy and beautiful. It was real feminism at its best, and true spiritual motherhood, for who knows how many vocations will be born from the womb of this broadcast?

Lisa Ling’s investigative report for Oprah inspired me to deeper love: to a greater, more total, more radical obedience, a brotherly love on which I place no limits, shocking generosity and simplicity, and an attractive, positive modesty and its accompanying spiritual allure.

In a world where religious brothers and sisters probably hold the seams of a morally teetering earth together with their invisible, fervent, ceaseless prayers for us all, the broadcast revealed the Church in all her glory through our religious brothers and sisters. Surely those sisters inspired Lisa Ling to investigate true freedom, for the last words about them before the end of the show were hers, “Their lives are much more liberating.”
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Sonja Corbitt is a Catholic Scripture teacher, study author and speaker. She is a contributing writer for Catholic Online. Visit her at http://www.pursuingthesummit.com/ and http://www.pursuingthesummit.blogspot.com/.

What Does Scripture Say about Angelic Protection?

What does the bible say about angels?

Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels."

Throughout scripture we read about God sending his angelic servants to rescue people in time of need.

One of the most interesting stories of God's angelic protection is found in Acts 12:6-11, which says, On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him saying, "Get up quickly." The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, "Put on your belt and your sandels" He did so. Then he said to him, "Put on your cloak and follow me." So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter recovered his senses and said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting."

God is awesome and will provide assistance in time of difficulty through his angels. Prayer is of course essential in order to receive God's divine help.

Please read my own personal testimony (Loci B. Lenar) about the matter in which my family has received aid from Michael the Archangel by visiting the Signs, Wonders, and Miracles website at the following link:
http://www.christian-miracles.com/signsofangels.htm

(Photograph taken at the National Blue Army Shrine, located on the grounds of the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA. The Catholic Shrine is in beautiful Warren County, NJ.)

Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com