The Spirit of St James's Church: 125th Anniversary Tribute

A new painting created in 2015 by international artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A new painting focusing on the Sanctuary and interior of St. James's RC Church, Spanish Place, London; which opened on September 29, 1890. Its rich history and association with Spain stretches back to the 16th century and is contained in the link from the Parish website: www.sjrcc.org.uk/page7/parishhistory.html

Expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley - whose Catholic tribute paintings have been exhibited at London's Westminster Cathedral - created the oil painting inspired by a series of drawings made on location inside the beautiful church, a jewel in Marylebone in central London. The painting was completed over several days - including the actual anniversary.

Oil on canvas
36 x 48in/91 x 122cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Several of Mr. Whatley's paintings are published on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com including a feature article about the artist from Catholic Life Magazine. The article is reprinted with permission on the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/artofstephenbwhatley.htm

Saint Mary's Monthly Prayer Service Scheduled on October 15, 2015

Join us at Saint Mary's Catholic Church for its monthly prayer service at 7:30 pm with Fr. Richard Tartaglia on Thursday, October 15, 2015.

Saint Mary's Parish is located on 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey.

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

If you cannot attend St. Mary's prayer service, you can still join us by praying in unity with St. Mary’s Church for all special prayer intentions. Prayer requests submitted through www.Christian-Miracles.com are also prayed for during the service.

There is great power through the Holy Spirit when people join together in agreement while praying for God’s help and intervention.

Regarding prayer, Jesus said, "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." (Matthew 18:19-20)

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)

Submit your prayer requests to our website and our prayer ministry will pray for your needs: http://www.christian-miracles.com/prayerrequest.htm

Statue of Virgin Mary photographed at Saint Mary's Parish.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar
www.Christian-Miracles.com

Our Lady of Hope by Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Hope | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Reprinted by permission of the artist.

A new 2015 tribute to the Holy Mother of God, Our Lady of Hope by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley - inspired by the recorded description as witnessed by those who saw her miraculous appearance in the French village of Pontmain in 1871.

She was said to be dressed in a blue dress amassed with golden stars, wearing a black veil and carrying a red cross; her message was " Hope Through Prayer and The Cross".

The artist has a great affection for the USA so was happy to learn that the Oblate Fathers introduced the devotion to the USA in 1952.

Peace blessings of peace, healing, joy - and Hope!

Pastel on Paper, 2015
24 x 17in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

For the Novena to Our Lady of Hope:
www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/hope.htm


About the artist Stephen B. Whatley

Stephen B. Whatley is an expressionist painter, published in TIME magazine, whose major commissions include architectural paintings for public institutions including The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II, London Underground and the BBC; and 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London permanently showcased throughout Tower Hill Underpass at Tower Hill. He has been presented to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

The artist’s vibrant oil paintings are in private collections worldwide and public collections
including BBC Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, the London Transport Museum, the Royal Collection, Westminster Cathedral & The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA.

 Born in London in 1965 he studied at The Ipswich and Norwich Schools of Art and The University of London in solo & group exhibitions, including London’s National Theatre, the ICA, the Lloyd’s Building, Olympia International Fine Art & Antiques Fair & Westminster Cathedral.

Stephen B Whatley’s work has also been published in The Guardian, Guardian Weekend magazine, HELLO!, MAJESTY, Metro London, The New York Times, The Sunday Express, The Daily Telegraph, The Times & USA TODAY; and is listed in David Buckman’s dictionary, Artists in Britain Since 1945.

Several of Mr. Whatley's Catholic Tributes are published on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

Our Lady's Message and Apparition to Mirjana

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady's Message of October 2, 2015

"Dear children, I am here among you to encourage you, to fill you with my love and to call you anew to be witnesses of the love of my Son. Many of my children do not have hope, they do not have peace, they do not have love. They are seeking my Son, but do not know how and where to find Him. My Son is opening wide His arms to them, and you are to help them to come to His embrace. My children, that is why you must ...pray for love. You must pray very, very much to have all the more love, because love conquers death and makes life last. Apostles of my love, my children, with an honest and simple heart unite in prayer regardless of how far you are from each other. Encourage each other in spiritual growth as I am encouraging you. I am watching over you and am with you whenever you think of me. Pray also for your shepherds, for those who renounced everything for the sake of my Son and for your sake. Love them and pray for them. The Heavenly Father is listening to your prayers. Thank you." 

Pope Francis to Release Pop Rock Album in November

News excerpt from ChurchPOP.com

Pope Francis is releasing a pop rock album featuring snippets of his preaching mixed with music. It’s called “Pope Francis: Wake Up!” and will be released on November 27, 2015.

If you have doubts, this is being reported by the Associated Press and Rolling Stone, among others, and you can already pre-order it on iTunes.

You can even listen to the first single from the album, “Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!”

Apparently with full approval of the Vatican, the album is being released by the label Believe Digital, which has a website for the album. Some of the proceeds of the album will be donated to efforts to help refugees.

Read more: Pope Francis Album

Pope Francis Celebrates Mass in Madison Square Garden

Pope's Mass in Madison Square Garden: Go out and evangelize without fear or hesitation

News from RomeReports.com: 

 

This was the warm welcome Pope Francis received as he arrived to a packed Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

Before celebrating Mass,  he made his way through the crowds, blessing some of them along the way. In an emotional moment, a couple shed tears as Pope Francis blessed their ill child, as thousands looked on. 

Referencing the hustle and bustle of New York City, the Pope reminded Christians that God and the Church are also present and alive amid the chaos of big cities.  He asked that foreigners, the sick, poor, vulnerable, homeless and the elderly not be overlooked. 

News Coverage of Pope Francis in the United States

Courtesy of CNA

Special Coverage of Pope Francis trip to the United States: Catholic News Agency - CNA

Stay up-to-date on all the latest news, photos and video from Catholic News Agency about Pope Francis' visit to the United States of America, September 22-27, 2015.

Rainbows of light appear around statues of Jesus at World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

By Loci B. Lenar

On Saturday, September 19, 2015, I attended 12:00 Mass at the Blue Army Shrine and photographed the Stations of the Cross next to the Holy House Chapel with my iPhone 6. In two separate  areas, both photos show sunlight creating similar colorful rays of light around the statues of Jesus.

The lower photo has a band of light that creates the appearance of a cross. Interestingly, it's more than coincidence that the photo shows Jesus carrying the cross.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14-16

If you're interested in visiting or attending Mass, Our Lady's Blue Army Shrine is located on 674 Mountain View Road East, Washington, NJ, USA.

Photographs Copyright 2015 Loci B. Lenar

PRAYER TO OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Mary, powerful Virgin,
You are the mighty
and glorious protector of the Church.
You are the marvelous help of Christians.
You are awe inspiring as an army in battle array.
In the midst of our anguish,
struggle, and distress,
defend us from the power of the enemy,
and at the hour of hour death,
receive our soul in Heaven.

More Catholic Prayers: http://www.christian-miracles.com/devotionalprayers.htm

A miracle that could canonize Mother Teresa

Photo by Manfredo Ferrari

Is this the miracle that could canonize Mother Teresa? - Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Excerpt from CNA/EWTN

Vatican City - The Vatican is studying the case of a Brazilian man inexplicably cured of brain abscesses – which could be the miracle that leads to the canonization of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Pope Francis voiced his desire to canonize Mother Teresa during the Jubilee Year of Mercy which will begin on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, as a ¨sign of mercy for the world¨ in service to the poor.

Father Caetano Rizzi, who works in the Vatican's congregation for saints, told CNA that the Pope “wants to beatify and canonize men and women that were a sign of mercy for the world in this Jubilee (Year), and Mother Teresa is a model, because of that there's a certain urgency in her process.”

The possible miracle that would bring about Mother Teresa's canonization occurred in 2008. A man from Santos, Brazil, whose identity has not been divulged in order to maintain the discretion needed to conclude the investigation, was unexpectedly cured from eight abscesses in his brain that required an operation.

In Presença Diocesana, a Brazilian newspaper, Father Elmiram Ferreira explained that he ministered to the family during this time.

The priest gave the family a prayer to ask for the intercession of Blessed Teresa and told them to pray without ceasing. “Mother Teresa turned into their comfort and strength during that long time. So when his complete recovery was verified and the doctors could not explain it, I understood that there was the hand of the Blessed.”

Read more: A miracle that could canonize Mother Teresa

90 Minutes in Heaven - Don Piper

Based on a true story and New York Times bestseller, 90 Minutes in Heaven opens in theaters on September 11, 2015.

Press release from http://90minutesinheaventhemovie.com

The story behind the movie: Pastor Don Piper died January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car. Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene, Don’s body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes. Don’s soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy, and life like he’d never known before. Don was in Heaven.

When another pastor’s prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a living miracle! Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened. Heaven’s bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. With the support and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids, and friends near and far, Don clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous life. The Piper family’s incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life—and death—will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it.

Starring Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth, 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN is based on the inspiring New York Times best-selling book that has sold 7 million copies.

Hope Lives in theaters beginning September 11!

Ted Cruz Responds to the Arrest of Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis

BRILLIANT! Read Ted Cruz’s IMPASSIONED response to the arrest of KY Clerk Kim Davis!

Excerpt and photo from The Right Scoop:  This should be the response of every conservative who cares about liberty! Ted Cruz has released an impassioned response to the arrest of Kim Davis.

“Today, judicial lawlessness crossed into judicial tyranny. Today, for the first time ever, the government arrested a Christian woman for living according to her faith. This is wrong. This is not America.

“Those who are persecuting Kim Davis believe that Christians should not serve in public office. That is the consequence of their position. Or, if Christians do serve in pubic office, they must disregard their religious faith–or be sent to jail.

“Kim Davis should not be in jail. We are a country founded on Judeo-Christian values, founded by those fleeing religious oppression and seeking a land where we could worship God and live according to our faith, without being imprisoned for doing so.

“I call upon every Believer, every Constitutionalist, every lover of liberty to stand with Kim Davis. Stop the persecution now.”  -Ted Cruz

Read more: http://therightscoop.com/brilliant-read-ted-cruzs-impassioned-response-to-the-arrest-of-ky-clerk-kim-davis/#ixzz3l0w1MBZc

Our Lady's Message of September 2, 2015

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Message to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

"Dear children, My dear apostles of love, my carriers of truth, again I am calling you and gathering you around me to help me, to help all of my children who thirst for love and truth who thirst for my Son. I am a grace from the Heavenly Father, sent to help you to live the word of my Son. Love one another. I lived your earthly life. I know that it is not always easy, but if you will love each other, you will pray with the heart, you will reach spiritual heights and the way to heaven will be opened for you. I, your mother, am waiting for you there because I am there. Be faithful to my Son and teach others faithfulness. I am with you. I will help you. I will teach you faith that you may know how to transmit it to others in the right way. I will teach you truth that you may know how to discern. I will teach you love that you may come to know what real love is. My children, my Son will make it so as to speak through your words and your actions. Thank you."

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Message of August 25, 2015

 

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady's Message of August 25, 2015 to Marija

“Dear children! Also today I am calling you to be prayer. May prayer be for you the wings for an encounter with God. The world is in a moment of trial, because it forgot and abandoned God. Therefore you, little children, be those who seek and love God above all. I am with you and I am leading you to my Son, but you must say your ‘yes’ in the freedom of children of God. I intercede for you and I love you, little children, with an endless love. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Statue of Mary is Miraculously Intact After Fire

 Virgin Mary Statue is Left Miraculously Intact After Fire

Photograph and excerpt from  http://iamproudtobecatholic.com/

A violent fire at a military base near Madrid spared nothing except a small statue and surrounding vegetation.

The events took place at the El Goloso military base, located near the Spanish capital, seat of the nation’s armored infantry brigade “Guadarrama.” According to several Spanish news sites, including Infovaticana and Religión en Libertad, a fire broke out that was impossible to control, burning most of the surrounding vegetation.

Once the flames were extinguished, to the soldiers’ surprise, in the middle of the charred area, stood a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes—totally undamaged! What’s more, the soldiers were shocked to see that the grass near the statue had not been touched by the flames and that it was even still surrounded by vases filled with flowers, also intact, as if the flames had respected the space around the statue.

The fire took place on July 30, in the middle of the heat wave which had descended upon Spain. The soldiers could not explain why the statue had suffered no damage nor why the flowers had not even been blackened or withered by the heat. The story quickly spread though social networks, some suspecting a fraud, but further investigations have dispelled all possible doubts. In the photographs, one can easily see that the ground is completely burnt, except near the statue.

Indeed, for the most part, the soldiers on the base did not know that there was a statue of the Virgin in their garden. However, some of them who had a special devotion to Mother Mary had recommended themselves to this representation of Our Lady of Lourdes. And, the statue had already participated in official ceremonies at the military base.

Read more: Statue of Mary is Miraculously Intact After Fire

Rare 'Fire Rainbow' in South Carolina Sky

Beachgoers Snap Stunning Photos of Rare 'Fire Rainbow' in South Carolina Sky - ABC News

Photograph and excerpt from ABCnews.go.com: A dazzling "fire rainbow" lit up the sky in South Carolina Sunday afternoon, stunning onlookers who scrambled for their cameras to snap the rare phenomenon.

Fire rainbows are "one of many optical phenomena that exists when the sunlight interacts with various types of clouds -- especially those in the highest level of the atmosphere, which are largely made of ice crystals," said a rep for the National Weather Service. "This really represent nature's more beautiful color shows.

"Anyone is very fortunate to be able to capture them."

The rainbow, Carole Rich-Williams said, appeared overhead around 2:40 p.m. in Isle of Palms South Carolina -- an island just outside of Charleston.

"After about 30 minutes it seemed to dissipate," she said. "I do not know how long it was there, but it was truly magnificent. It looked angelic."