Prayer to Our Lady, Assumed into Heaven

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer of the Day - Catholic Online

On August 15 the Catholic church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, we believe in your triumphant assumption into heaven where the angels and saints acclaim you as Queen. We join them in praising you and bless the Lord who raised you above all creatures. With them we offer you our devotion and love. We are confident that you watch over our daily efforts and needs, and we take comfort from the faith in the coming resurrection. We look to you, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. After this earthly life, show us Jesus, the blest fruit of your womb, O kind, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.

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The miniature stained glass window of the Assumption of Mary can be seen inside Saint Jude's Catholic Church, 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

Fatima statue headed to Rome, as Pope plans to consecrate the world to Our Lady

News story from RomeReports.com

The statue of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima will travel all the way from Portugal to the Vatican, where Pope Francis is planning on consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The 'Marian Day' ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at the Vatican on Sunday, October 13th, will be attended by hundreds of religious movements and institutions that have a special Marian devotion. This Mass is one of the last main events scheduled for the 'Year of Faith.'

Even before that Mass, things will be busy at the Vatican. On Saturday October 12th, different prayer events are scheduled along with a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Peter. Then on the 13th, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Square before thousands of faithful. 

The Statue of Our Lady will make its way to Rome, at the request of Pope Francis, who has shown a great devotion to Mary, since the very first day of his pontificate. 

The Statue will depart from the Shrine of Fatima on the morning of October 12th. It will make its way back in the afternoon of October 13th. 

Mystery priest at Missouri crash scene steps forward

News excerpt from wbir.com

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KSDK) - The mystery priest who appeared at an accident scene in eastern Missouri last week came forward in the comments section of a story about the incident in the National Catholic Register Friday.

The Diocese of Jefferson City has confirmed his identity as Rev. Patrick Dowling, a priest of the Jefferson City Diocese. He was traveling on Highway 19 between Mass assignments on Aug. 4 in northern and central Missouri.

"I had Mass in Ewing, Mo as the regular priest was sick," Dowling wrote. "As I was returning, I arrived at the scene. The authorities were redirecting traffic. I waited till it was possible to drive up closer.

"...I absolved and anointed Katie and, at her request, prayed that her leg would not be hurt. Then I stepped aside to where some rescue personnel and the pilot were waiting, and prayed the rosary silently. I left when the helicopter was about to take off, and before I got to my car it was on its way to Quincy."

On Aug. 4, Katie Lentz, a student at Tulane University, was driving from her parents' home in Quincy, Ill. to Jefferson City, Mo., when her car collided with another vehicle. Lentz had life-threatening injuries, and was trapped in the vehicle.

She asked someone to pray with her, and says a voice said "I will." She claimed that a silver-haired priest came forward to pray with her, and stayed until Lentz was airlifted away from the scene. Rescue workers and Lentz never learned the priest's identity.

Read More: Rev. Patrick Dowling

'Angel' priest visits Missouri accident scene

News excerpt from USA.com

A mystery priest who suddenly appeared at a Mo. accident scene is being called an angel.

Emergency workers and community members in eastern Missouri are not sure what to make of a mystery priest who showed up at a critical accident scene Sunday morning and whose prayer seemed to change life-threatening events for the positive.

Even odder, the black-garbed priest does not appear in any of the nearly 70 photos of the scene of the accident in which a 19-year-old girl almost died. No one knows the priest and he vanished without a word, said Raymond Reed, fire chief of New London, Mo.

"I think it's a miracle," Reed said. "I would say whether it was an angel that was sent to us in the form of a priest or a priest that became our angel, I don't know. Either way, I'm good with it."

Carla Churchill Lentz, mother of the teen (Katie Lentz) who was critically injured, said emergency workers have told her there is no way her daughter should have lived inside such a mangled car. Of the priest, she said, "I do believe he certainly could have been an angel dressed in priest's attire because the Bible tells us there are angels among us."

Read More: Angel Priest

A Tribute to Pope Francis

Pope Francis by Stephen B. Whatley

A Christian Tribute by International artist Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A new tribute to the humility of His Holiness Pope Francis, painted in prayer by expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley.

The portrait tribute will be on public display in the artist's exhibition of 25 Catholic tribute paintings 'Paintings From Prayer' which will be uniquely on show in the Chapels of St. Andrew and St. Patrick, within Westminster Cathedral, Victoria Street, London SW1, from August 8 to August 22, 2013.

Pope Francis - 2013
Oil on canvas,
27.5 x 19.5in/70 x 50cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Moving Song played during World Youth Day Eucharistic Adoration

News from RomeReports.com

Musically speaking, one of the most moving moments of World Youth Day was marked by a Vigil in Rio's Copacabana beach. Grammy-nominated singer Matt Maher, sang on his knees during a Eucharistic Adoration ceremony, as millions of youths and the Pope prayed before the Blessed Sacrament.

Our Lady's Message of July 2, 2013 to Visionary Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje, Queen of Peace

"Dear children, with a motherly love I am imploring you to give me the gift of your hearts, so I can present them to my Son and free you – free you from all the evil enslaving and distancing you all the more from the only Good – my Son – from everything which is leading you on the wrong way and is taking peace away from you. I desire to lead you to the freedom of the promise of my Son, because I desire for God's will to be fulfilled completely here; and that through reconciliation with the Heavenly Father, through fasting and prayer, apostles of God's love may be born – apostles who will freely, and with love, spread the love of God to all my children – apostles who will spread the love of the trust in the Heavenly Father and who will keep opening the gates of Heaven. Dear children, extend the joy of love and support to your shepherds, just as my Son has asked them to extend it to you. Thank you."

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The inscription on the church window says "You must go out and make disciples of all nations..."  (Matthew 28:19)

The stained glass window can be seen inside St. Peter the Apostle Church, 179 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, NJ, USA

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

Prayer for the Gift of Knowledge

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer of the Day for Friday, August 02, 2013 - Catholic Online

Prayer for the Gift of Knowledge

Absolute and all knowing God,
Nothing is hidden from Your sight.
In the prescience since the beginning,
All knowledge existed within You.
Kindly share Your knowledge with me,
Making me aware of what is meant to be,
Permitting my soul to understand it,
And wisdom to agree with its outcome.
Provide me with the gift of discretion,
To prudently apply received knowledge,
To ensure the fulfillment of Your Will.
Your knowledge shines forth forever! 

***

The stained glass window is a depiction of the Sermon on the Mount. The window can be seen inside St. Virgil Church, Morris Plains, NJ, USA

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

Pope to politicians: You have a responsibility with society, but above all else, with God

News story reprinted from RomeReports.com

As an orchestra played the official World Youth Day Hymn, Pope Francis walked onto the stage at Rio's city theater, to address Brazilian political and cultural leaders. There, he reminded them that they should embrace dialogue with one another, despite their political differences.

POPE FRANCIS

“Between selfish indifference and violent protest there is always another possible option: that of dialogue. Dialogue between generations, dialogue with the people, the capacity to give and receive, while remaining open to the truth."

When it comes to making laws, the Pope said they should not forget that they have moral responsibility with society and with future generations. This too, said the Pope, has a religious dimension. 

POPE FRANCIS 

“To act responsibly is to see one’s own actions in the light of other people’s rights and God’s judgment. To preserve this ethical sense appears today as an unprecedented historic challenge. Beyond scientific and technical competence, the present situation also demands a sense of moral obligation expressed in a social and deeply fraternal exercise of responsibility.”

Towards the end of his speech, there were some endearing moments. A group of girls, who take dancing classes, surrounded the Pope. Moments later, a young girl, walked up to him, and gave him a bouquet of flowers, as the crowd cheered. 

Twenty political and cultural leaders got to greet the Pope personally afterward. Among the group, he blessed a pregnant mother and her unborn child. Then, he greeted a group of indigenous people, who seemed very moved. One of them, even gave him his decorative hat, which the Pope briefly wore. 

Monthly Medjugorje Messages from Our Lady to Visionaries Mirjana and Marija

Medjugorje Messages | MEDJUGORJE TODAY

July 25, 2013 Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje to Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti

“Dear children! With joy in my heart I call all of you to live your faith and to witness it with your heart and by your example in every way. Decide, little children, to be far from sin and temptation and may there be joy and love for holiness in your hearts. I love you, little children, and accompany you with my intercession before the Most High. Thank you for having responded to my call.”


July 2, 2013 Message to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

“Dear children, with a motherly love I am imploring you to give me the gift of your hearts, so I can present them to my Son and free you – free you from all the evil enslaving and distancing you all the more from the only Good – my Son – from everything which is leading you on the wrong way and is taking peace away from you. I desire to lead you to the freedom of the promise of my Son, because I desire for God’s will to be fullfilled completely here; and that through reconcilliation with the Heavenly Father, through fasting and prayer, apostles of God’s love may be born – apostles who will freely, and with love, spread the love of God to all my children – apostles who will spread the love of the trust in the Heavenly Father and who will keep opening the gates of Heaven. Dear children, extend the joy of love and support to your shepherds, just as my Son has asked them to extend it to you. Thank you.”

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer of the Day - Catholic Online

Breathe into me Holy Spirit, That all my thoughts may be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology. Spirit of God, spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence which penetrates all creation. Amen.

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The stained glass window can be seen above the entranceway to St. Mary's Church, Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ, USA.

Prayer to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Flickr - Photo Sharing!

On July 16 the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein that you are my Mother.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us that have recourse to thee. (Repeat 3 times)
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (Repeat 3 times)

***
The statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is displayed inside the Church of Saint Ann in Hoboken, NJ.

www.Christian-Miracles.com

St. Michael, For Personal Protection

Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer of the Day for Sunday, July 14, 2013 - Catholic Online

St. Michael, the Archangel! Glorious Prince, chief and champion of the heavenly hosts; guardian of the souls of men; conqueror of the rebel angels! How beautiful art thou, in thy heaven-made armor. We love thee, dear Prince of Heaven!

We, thy happy clients, yearn to enjoy thy special protection. Obtain for us from God a share of thy sturdy courage; pray that we may have a strong and tender love for our Redeemer and, in every danger or temptation, be invincible against the enemy of our souls. O standard-bearer of our salvation! Be with us in our last moments and when our souls quit this earthly exile, carry them safely to the judgement seat of Christ, and may Our Lord and Master bid thee bear us speedily to the kingdom of eternal bliss. Teach us ever to repeat the sublime cry: "Who is like unto God?" Amen.

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The statue of Archangel Michael is displayed inside St. Michael's Church, Netcong, New Jersey. For additional information about this remarkable statue and the rainbow that appeared around Archangel Michael, please visit the following link: Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael

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.

Baby girl pronounced dead at birth 'comes back to life' three hours later after being left on hospital chapel's altar

Lincoln Graca Hospital Chapel - DailyMail Photo 

News excerpt and photo from DailyMail.co.uk / Online

By Matt Roper

A baby girl pronounced dead at birth 'came back to life' three hours later on the altar of a hospital chapel, it was reported today (July 11, 2013).

The body of Yasmin Gomes had been placed in a box and left in the chapel at the hospital in Londrina, south Brazil, by a nurse who 'couldn't face sending her to the morgue', according to reports.

But when the newborn's grieving grandmother arrived with a mortician to pick up her body for burial they were stunned when the baby suddenly kicked one of her legs, then opened her eyes.

The baby's grandmother Elza Silva told Brazil's Globo G1 website: 'At first I couldn't believe it, we couldn't accept that it could happen.

Mum Jennifer said she was still being comforted by family members when a nurse burst into the room and shouted: 'Your daughter's alive'.

She remembered: 'At first I had no reaction, I didn't know what to think. Then I started to be sick. But after that I couldn't contain my happiness.'

The baby was rushed to an intensive care unit at the nearby Sagrada Familia children's hospital, where her condition is described as stable.

Doctor Aurelio Filipak, who battled to save Yasmin and signed her death certificate, said: 'People can make their own conclusions, but only those who were there know what really happened.

'In 20 years of medicine, I have never witnessed anything like this.'

He said a team of medics tried to resussitate the baby for nearly an hour. 'All the equipment, like the cardiac monitor and oximeter, all showed that she was not breathing and had no heart beat,' he added.

Today Yasmin's family said they plan to change her name to include Victoria - 'victory' in Portuguese - and said they believed her 'ressurection' was a miracle.

Jennifer said: 'There is no explaining miracles. They happen as God wants. If it was his will that our daughter had died, we would have accepted it, but he brought her back, so there must be a higher purpose in all this.'

Read More: Yasmin Gomes
 

Our Lady, Mother of Providence

Painting By Stephen B. Whatley

New Christian tribute by artist Stephen B Whatley | Flickr.com

By Stephen B. Whatley

The devotion to Our Lady of Providence originates in Italy in the 1660s through a miracle of help in completing a church that was acquired through prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The devotion was passed to Spain where a shrine was built.

She is the Patron Saint of Puerto Rico, after a Cathedral and diocese and its financial plight there was restored by 'putting everything in the hands of Our Lady'.

Symbolically in traditional images of Our Lady of Providence, the Child Jesus on His Mother's lap is depicted with his hand in Hers.

" 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" ~ from : The Illustrated Book of Mary (2010 William J Hirten Co.)

Blessings.

Pastel on paper. (2013)
16.5 x 11.5in /42 x 30cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com