The Shrine of Saint Jude

Ascension of Jesus Christ

News Story by Loci B. Lenar

The Shrine of Saint Jude has a beautiful array of statues on display with lovely stained glass window art. The shrine is located on the premises of Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church.  The church is also a short distance from Route 80 and can be found on 100 Fair Street in Paterson, New Jersey.  The church pastor is Msgr. Thomas Coletta.

The Virgin Mary

My visit to the shrine on Thursday, February 11, began inside with photographing some eye-catching works of art including a sculpture of the Virgin Mary and a large window which shows the Ascension of Jesus Christ. The same window has a depiction of St Jude on the lower half.  In order to appreciate the artwork, I photographed the top and bottom of the window separately. 

  

Saint Jude

The stained glass shown below combines the Ascension of Jesus Christ and Saint Jude into an exquisite window of art.  Anyone visiting the church will be delighted with the lovely interior.

St. Jude Heals King Abgar of Edessa

After taking some photographs, I knelt down in the church pew and prayed to Our Lord Jesus Christ for the needs of all who were visiting the church. Mass began at 12:00 noon and was followed by novena prayers.

Everyone in attendance joined together in prayer for the nine week Winter Solemn Novena in Honor of Saint Jude and Our Lady of Fatima.  The novena is prayed every week on Thursday.  The novena began on January 21st and will conclude on March 18th.

I mailed my petitions to the shrine in advance of the nine week novena and also requested a devotional candle to be lit for the nine week period. My novena included a request for an era of peace and for violence to be mitigated and extinguished throughout the world. 

   

Our Lady

After the church service, I walked outside and photographed an interesting statue of Our Lady.  On the prior day, New Jersey was covered with snow from a storm that had passed through the tri-state era.  A small amount of snow from Wednesday's inclement weather covers part of the statue. 

However, what I found to be remarkable is the beautiful blue eyes of Our Lady, which I payed no attention to while photographing the icon.  It wasn't until I arrived at home and examined the photos that I truly recognized the beauty of the artwork.  The statue is also showing some signs of aging with paint beginning to peel off in areas. 

Our Lady of Victories Church - Side Entranceway

In any event, the shrine's website indicates that Our Lady of Victories Church had been completed in 1892.  With that in mind, perhaps the church is now in need of some exterior restoration, specifically with the statues of Our Lady, and Saint Jude.

If you do decide to visit the shrine, please check the church schedule by calling the rectory at 973-279-0487, since doors are closed immediately on completion of Mass and right after the recitation of novena prayers.

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar

Christian-Miracles.com

Lenar@Christian-Miracles.com

67 Miraculous Healings Confirmed in Lourdes

ROME REPORTS TV News Agency - The 67 miracles of Lourdes

The following excerpt is from Rome Reports TV News Agency:

Catherine Latapie was the first person to be miraculously cured at Lourdes. She was healed of paralysis in 1858. And on the same day she was cured, she gave birth to a boy who later became a priest.

Her spectacular cure was a test case that started an era of reported miracles that’s lasted ever since. These claims have increased over the years, and led to the setting up of a “Medical Bureau” at the Marian shrine in 1905. The office studies cases of those who claim to have been miraculously cured.

Doctor Says Many Are Cured in Lourdes

The following excerpt from Zenit is about the miracles in Lourdes:

ZENIT - Doctor Says Many Are Cured in Lourdes

Invites Physicians to Attend Congress for Their Own Healing

LOURDES, France, FEB. 8, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The former head of the Lourdes Medical Bureau is affirming that all people can receive a cure at Our Lady's shrine if they pray and hope for it with perseverance.

Doctor Patrick Theillier, who retired from leadership of the bureau last year, stated this in an interview with France Catholique.

The cure, he explained, "might not be as spectacular as to be considered a miracle."

However, the physician added, it can affect "in a profound and lasting way the person who experiences it, in all his being, body, soul and spirit."

Doctor Theillier affirmed that "these cures are truly innumerable."

The bureau is a medical organization run by doctors that operates within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which, among other things, is responsible for the medical investigation of cures associated with the shrine.

The doctor noted that there are, of course, miraculous cures as well in Lourdes, and 67 have been officially recognized as such.

He affirmed that these miracles are sometimes "necessary," such as at the beginning of the Church. "For faith to increase, it must be supported by miracles," Doctor Theillier said.

Moral sufferings

Yet today, he continued, perhaps more than a century ago, we have a need "to be relieved from moral sufferings and the wounds of life, of a psychological-spiritual order, which goes beyond medicine."

"Here is where Lourdes responds to a very present need, which undoubtedly corresponds more to its original message," the physician stated.

He asserted that these types of "miracles" are "much greater" than the bodily cures, as souls are "regenerated." These miracles, he said, can take place if you desire them, hope with faith, and pray to God.

"Extraordinary physical cures have become rare," Doctor Theillier observed, given that "God acts in the first place through human mediation, through medicine and doctors."

This year, Lourdes will be the site of the international congress for the World Federation for the Catholic Medical Associations. The theme for this May 6-7 event will be "Medicine and Faith."

To read the complete article, please visit the following link: Doctor Says Many are Cured in Lourdes

For More Information: World Congress FIAMC Lourdes 2010

***

Here is some additional backgound information regarding the miracles in Lourdes: 

Saint Bernadette (born Maria-Bernada Sobirós) had reported 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary during Febrauary to July of 1858 in Lourdes, France.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

As Bernadette later reported to her family and to church and civil investigators, at the ninth visitation the lady told Bernadette to drink from the spring that flowed under the rock, and eat the plants that grew freely there. Although there was no known spring, and the ground was muddy, Bernadette saw the lady pointing with her finger to the spot, and said later she assumed the lady meant that the spring was underground. She did as she was told by first digging a muddy patch with her bare hands and then attempting to drink the brackish drops.She tried three times, failing each time. On the fourth try, the droplets were clearer and she drank them. She then ate some of the plants. When finally she turned to the crowd, her face was smeared with mud and no spring had been revealed. Understandably, this caused skepticism among onlookers. In the next few days, however, a spring began to flow from the muddy patch first dug by Bernadette. Some devout people followed her example by drinking and washing in the water, which was soon reported to have healing properties.

***

I believe a gospel connection can be made to Our Lady's message given to Saint Bernadette regarding the spring water at Lourdes and its subsequent healing properties. 

In John 9:1-11 it states, As he (Jesus) went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" Some claimed that he was.

Others said, "No, he only looks like him."

But he himself insisted, "I am the man."

"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.

He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."

The scripture clearly defines the role of God working through signs and wonders.  The Virgin Mary was sent to Bernadette to help continue the Lord's work on earth through graces of salvation and healing.  People from all over the world travel to the shrine and visit the Grotto of Lourdes to wash in the water while praying for God's healing. 

Regarding miraculous cures, Dr. Theillier clearly stated that "67 have been officially recognized" in Lourdes. 

Praise the Lord: Psalm 148

Psalm 148

Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD from the heavens,

praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,

praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens

and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;

he gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle,

small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all nations,

you princes and all rulers on earth,

young men and maidens,

old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for his name alone is exalted;

his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up for his people a horn,

the praise of all his saints,

of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the LORD.

The stained glass window detail was photographed inside
St. Virgil Catholic Church, Morris Plains, New Jersey, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar

Christian-Miracles.com

                                                     

The Faithful Traveler at the Blue Army Shrine

Diana von Glahn - The Faithful Traveler

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

 

The Faithful Traveler at the Blue Army Shrine 2 from The Faithful Traveler on Vimeo.

Can't afford a pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal? Let Diana von Glahn of EWTN's new show, The Faithful Traveler, show you another option....

The new show premiers on March 4, 2010!

The Faithful Traveler—hosted by Diana von Glahn—is a fun travel series with a Catholic focus. The show will explore some of the most amazing churches, shrines, and places of pilgrimage throughout the United States!

The Anointing of the Sick

Scripture - James 5:13-16

Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the presbyters of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

For inspirational news of God's healing grace touching people's lives including a variety of devotional prayers for daily use, please visit the following link: Christian-Miracles.com

The stained glass windows were photographed in various Catholic churches throughout the state of New Jersey.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar

George Abbott Miraculously Healed of Liver Cancer

The amazing story of George Abbott being miraculously healed of liver cancer can be found on CBN.com.

After being diagnosed with gall bladder cancer, the tumor was removed by surgery.  However, during the operation the surgeon found the cancer had spread to George's liver bed.  The prognosis was poor. 

Then later a miracle happened, through the power of prayer, he was healed by God of liver cancer.


The following excerpt is by Rod Thomas of the Christian Broadcasting Network:

“Well, they found gallbladder cancer,” George said. “This is a very rare form of cancer.”

Doctors performed emergency surgery to remove the cancerous gall bladder; but there was more bad news.

“When they did the surgery, the cancer had gone down into the liver bed,” George said. “And that, as you well know, basically the prognosis is that you’re not going to live very long.”

Their family doctor, Dr. McQueen, who is also their friend, feared the worst.

“His prognosis was poor,” Dr. McQueen said. “With the stage of the cancer being advanced, once it had metastasized to another organ, he is classified as advanced stage carcinoma. For George, his treatment options were limited. Not only were those options limited, the ones that were available to him, in many cases, will take your life.”

Facing almost certain death, George got a second opinion.

“Same diagnosis, same prognosis,” George said. “The only difference was that this doctor was a little more positive and he said to me, ‘we’re going to operate.’”

“He also said, ‘okay, this is in the upper part of the liver; but if I open him up and I find any cancer anywhere else in the liver, I’m just going to close him back up because then there’ll be nothing we can do,’” Cheryl said. “I just thought, ‘I cannot lose my husband.’”

At the surgeon’s recommendation, George did not undergo chemotherapy or take any medication before surgery. Ultimately, he knew his fate was in God’s hands.

“I know that God heals,” George said. “But I’m also a realist and I know that the Bible says, ‘it’s appointed once to die, and then the judgment.’ So, I was ready to accept this - that if this is the time that God wanted to take me home, I was ready for that.”

As the surgery date approached, Cheryl prayed for God’s help.

“Our church got together and had a prayer meeting and one of the ladies in the church or maybe more than one, called The 700 Club and asked for prayer for George,” Cheryl said.

As surgeons performed the procedure, Cheryl got a phone call.

“I got off the phone and I just started crying. ‘The doctor said that his liver is perfectly normal; that there was no sign of cancer whatsoever.’ So we were just hugging each other and crying,” she said.

“The doctor said it looked like a normal, healthy liver. God had taken [the cancer], and I don’t know how He did it. I don’t know whether He just made the cancer go away. I don’t know if He gave me a new liver. It doesn’t matter to me. All I know is God is a God of miracles and he healed me,” George said.

“They believe in prayer and they trust in the sovereignty of God,” Dr. McQueen said. “There is no medical treatment or explanation for that type of result - absolutely miraculous!”

For the past two years, routine tests have shown the same result – no cancer!

“God really did heal,” Cheryl said. “I mean, when God does something, He does it right.”

“Some people today say, ‘well, miracles went out with the apostles.’ Well, I’m here to tell you that miracles did not go out with the apostles, that God is a God of miracles and He is a healer today,” George said. “He gave me a miracle - the miracle of life.”

A Sign of God's Protection: Robber Flees in the Name of Jesus

The YouTube video is from Inside Edition

Frisco store owner uses name of Jesus to stop robber - News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News

The following excerpt is from an article By JESSICA MEYERS/The Dallas Morning News:

Marian Chadwick used the heftiest weapons she could find when a man tried to rob her Frisco shop Monday night (January 13, 2010), her finger and the power of God. And they worked.

Chadwick owns Extravagant Necessities, a crafts boutique near Stonebriar Country Club. She was finishing a sale with her last customer of the day when a hooded man walked in, pointed a gun at her and demanded money.

Chadwick told him she had none. He pounded the gun twice on the counter.

"I got mad," said the 57-year old, pursing her lips. "The Texas part of me was challenged. So I pointed my finger and said, 'In the name of Jesus, you get out of my store. I bind you by the power of the Holy Spirit."

The gunman took a step back and told customer Kathy Vereen to drop to the floor. After she refused, Chadwick pointed her finger at the man and continued to chastise him. He walked out of the store cursing. He took nothing.

Chadwick ran out to look for license plates while Vereen called 911. The whole thing was caught on tape.

"We experienced the power of God; that's why we weren't scared," Vereen told Chadwick as they processed the incident two days later.

Chadwick said her faith stems from a Christian upbringing in Dallas. Her life continues as a series of missions, said her husband. Chadwick finds local female artists and helps sell their goods in her store.
 
To read the complete story, visit the following link: Frisco store owner uses name of Jesus to stop robber

Is there intolerance to Judeo-Christian beliefs?

Moses and the Burning Bush

By Loci B. Lenar

Several blogs use my photography from Flickr.com to illustrate a story or news item with good intentions. I do appreciate their support and they have my approval to continue to do so.

However, it's been brought to my attention that some blogs with an intolerance to Judeo-Christian beliefs are posting my photographs on their sites to discredit religion in general. Furthermore, inappropriate conduct that targets a person’s religious belief is nothing less then disrespectful. Therefore, permission is denied to guilty parties and their websites for inappropriate exploitation of photographs and all the images should be removed as soon as possible.

*** 

However, in Luke 6:27-28, I am reminded of the following, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

Psalm 27:1 states, The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?

In order for people to change their wrongful ways, Our Lord Jesus calls us to pray for them daily.  May Almighty God pour out the Holy Spirit and bring forth conversion and peace to everyone that has lost their way to the road of salvation.

The above photograph of the stained glass detail of Moses and the Burning Bush is one of the images in question.  The photograph is the right side of the double doors leading into the entranceway of the Church of St. Joseph. The Catholic church is located on New Street in Mendham, NJ, USA.

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
All Rights Reserved

Prayer to Mitigate Natural Disasters

 Prayer to Mitigate Natural Disasters

God the Father,

we join together in prayer and

petition heaven for divine intervention

to mitigate earthquakes and natural disasters.

We invoke the powerful name of Jesus

to calm the storms of time

and to bring forth a millennium

of peace and tranquility.

We pray to the Virgin Mary

to intercede on behalf of humanity

for God's hand of mercy to bless us

with divine protection.

We ask this and thank thee
 in the name of Jesus.

Amen

Devotional Prayers

I wrote the prayer as a result of the recent earthquake in Haiti. While praying for the victims and their families, the Lord inspired my heart to write a prayer to mitigate earthquakes and disasters.

The stained glass window detail was photographed inside the Sacred
Heart Church. The Catholic church is located in Dover, NJ, USA.

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

Pro-Life Champions Dr. Alveda King and Representative Chris Smith Speak on Abortion and Healthcare

The following excerpt is from a press release received from the Pro-Life Ministry, St. Cecilia's, Rockaway, N.J. 07866

Rockaway, N.J. - A new video on You Tube, produced by the St. Cecilia's Pro-Life Ministry, takes aim at Washington's present health care proposals and longstanding policies on abortion. The video also offers a disturbing perspective on euthanasia, eugenics and racial genocide and the link to abortion. Featuring national Pro-Life leaders Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.-4) and Dr. Alveda King, the ten-minute video recalls highlights from their powerful presentations at an inaugural Pro-Life Community Evening at St. Cecilia Church in September (2009).

Congressman Smith co-chairs the bi-partisan congressional pro-life caucus in Washington. Dr. King is a niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a pastoral associate at Priests for Life. The video also features special guest, Kristen Day, executive director at Democrats for Life, and the author of "Democrats For Life: Pro-Life Politics and the Silenced Majority."

St. Cecilia's Pro-Life Ministry Members
Media Contacts:
John Byrne, Email: jaidanbyrne@optonline.net
Tom Haltigan, Email: bubbie31@aol.com

Prayer for the Immaculate Queen of Peace

Prayer for the Immaculate Queen of Peace - Prayers - Catholic Online

Most holy and immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus and our loving Mother, being his Mother, you shared in his universal kingship. The prophets and angels proclaimed him King of peace. With loving fervor in our hearts we salute and honor you as Queen of peace.

We pray that your intercession may protect us and all people from hated and discord, and direct our hearts into the ways of peace and justice which your Son taught and exemplified. We ask your maternal care for our Holy Father who works to reconcile the nations in peace. We seek your guidance for our President and other leaders as they strive for world peace.

Glorious Queen of peace, grant us peace in our hearts, harmony in our families and concord throughout the world. Immaculate Mother, as patroness of our beloved country, watch over us and protect us with your motherly love. Amen.

Our Lady, Queen of Angels

August Queen of Heaven!
Sovereign Mistress of the angels!
Thou who from the beginning
hast received from God
the power and mission to crush the head of Satan,
we humbly beseech thee
to send thy holy Legions,
that, under thy command
and by thy power,
they may pursue the evil spirits,
encounter them on every side,
resist their bold attacks
and drive them hence into the abyss of eternal woe.
Amen

Perpetual Help Hymn

Come let us follow
Where God himself led.
Unto the image of her
Who has said:
I am your own Perpetual Help.
Come, sick and troubled
With stories untold,
This is your mother,
Look up and behold,
She is your own Perpetual Help.

***

Devotional Prayers

The photograph of the stained glass window was taken inside the
Church of Saint Michael, Netcong, New Jersey, USA.

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

Prayers of Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa's Nazareth Prayer for the Family

Heavenly Father,
you have given us the model of life
in the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Help us, O Loving Father,
to make our family another Nazareth
where love, peace and joy reign.
May it be deeply contemplative,
intensely eucharistic,
revived with joy.

Help us to stay together in joy
and sorrow in family prayer.
Teach us to see Jesus in the members of our families,
especially in their distressing disguise.
May the eucharistic heart of Jesus
make our hearts humble like his
and help us to carry out our family duties
in a holy way.
May we love one another
as God loves each one of us,
more and more each day,
and forgive each other's faults
as you forgive our sins.
Help us, O Loving Father,
to take whatever you give
and give whatever you take with a big smile.

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
cause of our joy, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Holy Guardian Angels,
be always with us,
guide and protect us.

Amen.


Prayer of Mother Teresa

Dear Jesus, help us to spread your fragrance
everywhere we go.
Flood our souls with your spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly
that our lives may only be a radiance of yours.
Shine through us and be so in us
that every soul we come in contact with
may feel your presence in our soul.
Let them look up and see no longer us, but only Jesus.
Stay with us and then we shall begin to shine as you shine,
so to shine as to be light to others.
The light, O Jesus, will be all from you.
None of it will be ours.
It will be you shining on others through us.
Let us thus praise you in the way you love best
by shining on those around us.
Let us preach you without preaching,
not by words, but by our example;
by the catching force -
the sympathetic influence of what we do,
the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to you.

Amen.

Prayers composed by Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Quotes by Mother Teresa - EWTN

"There is a terrible hunger for love. We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness. We must have the courage to recognize it. The poor you may have right in your own family.
Find them.
Love them."

"Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart."

"Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness."

The Holy Family statue was photographed inside the Church of St. Joseph, Mendham, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Lenar@christian-miracles.com
Christian-Miracles.com

Possible Pope Pius XII Miracle Emerges

Details of possible Pius XII miracle emerge : Catholic News Agency (CNA)

(Photo of Pope John Paul II and Pope Pius XII)

The following story is from the Catholic News Agency:

Rome, Italy, Jan 19, 2010 (CNA) - Some details of the case under investigation regarding a possible miracle attributed to Venerable Pope Pius XII have been made public. The story features not just one former Pontiff, but two.

On Tuesday morning, Vatican journalist Andrea Tornielli published an article in Il Giornale describing at length the situation which "mysteriously involves" John Paul II.

Tornielli reported that this case was brought to the attention of Benedict XVI shortly before he approved a measure on Dec. 19, 2009 venerating Pope Pius XII's life of "heroic virtue," whose cause had been on-hold for the previous two years.

In 2005, a teacher of 31 years of age was expecting her third child in the city of Castellammare di Stabia. She began to have strong pains, which after many tests and a biopsy, signaled the presence of Burkitt's lymphoma. The condition is typified by swollen lymph nodes, often starting in the abdominal region, and the cancer can spread to bone marrow and spinal fluid. Not only was her health in danger, but that of her unborn child was also threatened.

The woman's husband first prayed for the intercession Pope John Paul II, who was then only recently buried in the crypt of St. Peter's. It wasn't long before the Holy Father appeared to the woman's husband in a dream. The spouse described to Tornielli what he saw that night, "He had a serious face. He said to me, 'I can't do anything, you must pray to this other priest...' He showed me the image of a thin, tall, lean priest. I didn't recognize him; I didn't know who he might be."

Several days passed before he, "by chance," came across a picture of Pope Pius XII in a magazine and recognized him as the man John Paul II had shown him in the dream.

The man wasted no time in bombarding Pius XII with prayers for his wife's healing and following her very first treatments she was declared free of the cancer, the tumor had disappeared. In fact, she was cured so quickly that her doctors pondered the notion that they may have originally misdiagnosed the pathology.

The tests and charts were reconsulted and the initial diagnosis was confirmed.

In the absence of the tumor, she had her baby and returned to work. After some time had gone by, she decided to contact the Vatican regarding her experience.

A local news source, the Sorrento and Dintorni, ran an article on Sunday offering a basic story of the possible miracle and the diocesan response to it. According to their report, a Tribunal has been organized by Archbishop Felice Cece of Sorrento-Castellammare to determine the nature of the occurrence and whether it will move on to the Vatican.

According to Tornielli, if they decide positively, the case will be sent on to Congregation for the Causes of Saints for investigation by a team of doctors to declare whether the event was explicable by natural means. If there is no explanation found for the healing, theologians from the Congregation will debate the issue. Only with their "go-ahead" can a dossier subsequently reach the hands of Pope Benedict XVI for official recognition.

Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, told CNA on Monday that there is no telling how much time the entire process might take.

He also mentioned that if a case arrives to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints it is examined in chronological order based on the date of arrival and there are thousands of cases pending review.

However, he added, "exceptions might be made for Popes, etc."

There was no mention in Tornielli's report of where the lymphoma had manifested itself in the woman's body. According to the National Institute of Health, Burkitt's lymphoma is treatable and more than half of those diagnosed with the cancer are cured with intensive chemotherapy.

Our Prayers are with Haiti

To people of Haiti - Our Prayers are with you. (uploaded from Flickr.com)
Originally uploaded by The Gift of Gifts

Our heart goes out to the people of Haiti. Please join in prayer for God's hand of mercy to help the people to recover from the earthquake. Thank you very much for your prayer support.

Kathleen Evans Healed by Prayers to Mother Mary MacKillop

Photograph from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mother Mary's miracle survivor opens up

The following article is written by ADAM BENNETT from The Sydney Morning Herald:

Miracle cancer survivor Kathleen Evans says she has no idea why she was touched by Mother Mary MacKillop, and probably won't know until she finally gets "upstairs".

The NSW woman, whose dramatic recovery from lung cancer was confirmed as Mother Mary's second miracle, has described herself as an ordinary churchgoer.

Surrounded by a throng of reporters at Sydney's Mary MacKillop Chapel, the 66-year-old said she was just an average mother-of-five and grandmother to 20, who just happened to be touched by the rebel nun.

Mrs Evans' identity had remained a secret until Monday, when she spoke publicly for the first time about her miracle cure.

In 1993, then aged 49, Mrs Evans was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, which was soon found to have spread and caused a secondary cancer on her brain.

The former smoker refused radiotherapy treatment and was given just months to live by doctors.

But with constant prayers to Mother Mary from family and the local parish, and wearing a relic containing a piece of the soon-to-be saint's clothing, she recovered from the disease.

"Wow" was down-to-earth Mrs Evans' reaction when doctors first told her the cancer had disappeared.

"When he (the doctor) was so excited the first question I asked him was, 'had it shrunk', and he said 'no, it's gone'," said Mrs Evans, who was flanked by husband Barry, daughter Annette and son Luke at Monday's press conference.

"Once he told me it was gone that was it. I've never looked back and thought I might have cancer again, or it might come back."

"I won't get cancer. I'll die of a heart attack," she joked.

In December last year, Pope Benedict XVI confirmed her recovery as Mother Mary's second miracle, paving the way for the canonisation to make her Australia's first saint.

Her first miracle, the curing of a woman who had leukaemia in 1961, was accepted by the Vatican in 1993.

Mrs Evans, who hails from the Hunter region, said that after years of anonymity she was overwhelmed by all the attention she was now getting.

"I'm not one to be on my knees all the time. I'm just an ordinary person," Mrs Evans said of her faith.

"If I miss a Mass, I don't think I'm going to go to hell or anything like that."

Mrs Evans said she didn't know why she had been saved.

"When I finally do get upstairs, it will be the first question I ask," she said.

Mrs Evans said she had felt a presence in her Windale home during her fight with cancer.

She still wears the relic - "it's on my bra" - and still felt the presence of Mother Mary in her life.

"I have many, many times felt Mary MacKillop's presence," she said.

"I do feel her presence. I do feel that she is with me. I feel she is praying for me.

"I talk to her as if she is a person. It's like when you lose someone in your family and you still talk to that person."

Mrs Evans said she felt privileged to be part of Mary MacKillop's canonisation.

She hopes to travel to Rome for the ceremony, expected later in the year.

"It makes me very humble," she said.

"Australia's first saint - it's pretty big."

Mary MacKillop died in 1909 at the age of 67, and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 after her first miracle was decreed.

She fought many battles with the Catholic Church when establishing the Sisters of St Joseph, and the dozens of schools they created for less fortunate children - earning her a reputation as a rebel nun.

Julie Papievis: To Heaven and Back

Julie Papievis: To Heaven and Back - CBN

The inspiring story of Julie Papievis and her miraculous recovery from a car accident that caused a serious brain stem injury is a wonderful reflection of God working through the power of prayer.  The initial brain scan showed no brain activity while she was hospitalized.  Her family and church joined together and prayed for a miracle.

The treating neurosurgen, Dr. John Shea, did not expect her to wake up and gave her only a 4% chance of surviving the injuries.

Julie was in a coma for 6 weeks; however, before awakening, she was given a glimpse of heaven.  Dr. Shea said it was a miraculous event that she survived and recovered from the brain stem injury.

To hear Julie's story, please view the inspirational video produced by the Christian Broadcasting Network.

What does scripture say about prayer?  Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Please don't underestimate the power of prayer, especially when circumstances appear to be hopeless.   Jesus said in Matthew 18:19-20, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

God is a performer of miracles, "So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."
-Hebrews 4:16

Christian-Miracles.com

Visitors Come to Tucson Home to Pray for Miracles

Believers come to her home for a miracle - Los Angeles Times

The following excerpt is from an article written by Nicole Santa Cruz from the Los Angeles Times:

Reporting from Tucson - For decades, the faithful say, a 1-foot-tall crucifix has been granting the wishes of people in need.

By the thousands, people have come to pray at El Señor de los Milagros -- Lord of the Miracles -- a shrine on the side of a one-story stucco home in a working-class Mexican American neighborhood in Tucson. People have come from as far away as Germany to worship at the shrine, but most visitors come from Arizona and Mexico.

The carved wood sculpture, encased in glass, has been in the Romo family for five generations, said owner Pauline Romo.

The crucifix, which made its way to Tucson from Spain, is sacred in Tucson's Catholic community. In appreciation, people have built and maintained the shrine for Romo. From the beige tile on the floor, to the decorative ironwork painted black and gold, to the black leather benches for people to sit and pray, each component of the patio-like chapel was built by people who said God answered their prayers.

Southern Arizona is dotted with shrines. Often found in front yards or on the side of the road, many consist of just a cross or statue, sometimes decorated elaborately with flowers and candles. Such shrines are part of standard Mexican Catholic practice and are usually statements of thanks, said Jim Griffith, a retired folklorist who lives in Tucson.

Romo's more elaborate shrine is the site of weekly Masses and draws thousands of yearly visitors, many of whom park in the unpaved lot next to Romo's house. The shrine, Griffith said, is a "focus point for people to come and ask for help."

Romo, 84, is something of a Tucson legend. Her family has lived in the area since 1806. The spunky auburn-haired woman served as a rodeo queen in 1947, and designed jewelry at an elegant downtown shop.

Her shrine began as a result of what she calls a personal miracle.

In the 1970s, Romo was on her lunch break downtown eating a piece of pineapple pie when she started throwing up blood. The pie was laden with ground glass -- later traced to a factory accident -- and Romo's insides were torn up. Five doctors told her she wouldn't survive.

In the hospital, Romo pleaded with her mother to give her the statue. "Give him to me," she recalled saying. "And I will show him to the world."

About 200 stitches and a plastic esophagus later, Romo opened the shrine on the side of her home.

Word of the shrine spread, and people began to visit Romo's side yard to kneel before the crucifix and pray.

Mass is said there each Thursday evening. Quinceañeras and weddings have occurred there, and Romo said she sometimes doesn't even notice.

But what she does notice are the stories of miracles people have shared with her over the years.

There was the 3-year-old girl from Mexico who was shot in the mouth and had a bullet lodged in the back of her head. Now that child is 30, with a baby of her own. Her father bricked the floor of the shine in thanks.

"Listen, who lives that gets shot in the mouth?" Romo said. "Tell me. Come on, that's a miracle."

Gesturing around the shrine in the crisp desert wind, Romo said she welcomes everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.

"I don't care how you worship him," she said.

On the left side of the shrine is a blue notebook with a black spine where people write their wishes and prayers.

In Spanish and English, people write for relief from physical ailments or anxiety, or for happiness for their family. Some wishes span multiple pages; others are simply a sentence long.

On Dec. 23, someone wrote, "Please, please, please, heal my knees."

"I don't have to prove what the Lord does," Romo said. Minutes earlier, she had visited with a woman, congratulating her in Spanish. The woman had come to the shrine in the past to ask for help as she pursued a career in nursing. On this day she told Romo that, although she had struggled with the training, she had achieved her dream.

"I see that all the time," Romo said. "Cancer cured, you name it."

One recent afternoon, the gravel crunched as Rosario Lopez's green truck approached the chapel at the end of Melwood Avenue. In dusty blue jeans, tan work boots and a light brown embroidered work shirt, Lopez, 51, went through a chain-link fence to reach the shrine.

The carpenter knelt on a black-padded bench and lowered his head in prayer. In front of him, red and white candles decorated the tile floor, along with vivid red poinsettias. For about 10 minutes, while Lopez prayed, the only sound was the chirping of birds.

Every day for about eight months, Lopez has visited the shrine after work. He's prayed for his own faith and also for his mother's health.

Coming to the chapel has inspired Lopez to become a better Catholic, he says: He now regularly attends Sunday Mass. He's also receiving religious instruction as he prepares to marry his girlfriend of 33 years.

"It really changed me," Lopez said, tears welling in his eyes after his daily prayer.

A Prayer of Divine Protection: Psalm 91

An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. - Luke 22:43

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

They say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

 Surely he will save you

from the fowler's snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, "The LORD is my refuge,"

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

 no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

"Because they love me," says the LORD, "I will rescue them;

I will protect them, for they acknowledge my name.

They will call on me, and I will answer them;

I will be with them in trouble,

I will deliver them and honor them.

With long life I will satisfy them

and show them my salvation."

Visit the following link for a selection of Devotional Prayers.

If you examine the photograph closely, sunlight is creating a beautiful and interesting reflection of Jesus on the right side of the window.

The stained glass window was photographed inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The Catholic church is located in Boonton, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayer of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

(Pray for nine days)

O my Jesus, you have said:

"Truly I say to you,

ask and you will receive,

seek and you will find,

knock and it will be opened to you."

Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...

(State your intention here.)

Recite the following prayers...

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I place all my trust in you.

--

O my Jesus, you have said:

"Truly I say to you,

if you ask anything of the Father in my name,

he will give it to you."

Behold, in your name,

I ask the Father for the grace of...

(State your intention here.)

Recite the following prayers...

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I place all my trust in you.

--

O my Jesus, you have said:

"Truly I say to you,

heaven and earth will pass away

but my words will not pass away."

Encouraged by your infallible words

I now ask for the grace of...

(State your intention here.)

Recite the following prayers...

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I place all my trust in you.

--

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,

for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted,

have pity on us miserable sinners

and grant us the grace which we ask of you,

through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,

your tender Mother and ours.

Recite the following prayers...

Hail, Holy Queen...

St. Joseph,

foster father of Jesus,

pray for us.

--

Visit the following link for other Devotional Prayers

The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was photographed inside St. Cecilia's Church. The Catholic church is located in Rockaway, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Virgin Mary Appearing in Egypt

Numerous reports in various articles throughout the internet have claimed that the Virgin Mary is appearing at the Coptic Orthodox Church in El-Warraq, Cairo, Egypt. Is it a sign from God that Christians and Muslims should work together for a common cause? Is the claims of an apparition of the Virgin Mary a call for Christians and Muslims to live together in peace?

The Daily Star - Arts & Culture - Late nights in Egypt with the 'Virgin Mary'

The following excerpt is written by Agence France Presse from The Daily Star:

CAIRO: Every night in the run-up to Christmas, thousands of Egypt’s Coptic Christians have been gathering in a Cairo suburb eager for a glimpse of a vision that has given hope to their marginalized community.

It is three hours past midnight in Al-Warraq, a poor working class neighborhood, and a 10,000-strong crowd is silently staring at the sky. Then the appearance of a mysterious light over the church’s bell tower jolts the gathering into a frenzy of cries and ululations. They imagine it is an apparition of the Virgin Mary.

Thousands have been coming nightly since the first sighting of the Virgin Mary on December 10, in the hope of being blessed by her light. The prospect of benediction is being depicted as a much-needed morale boost for the Christian minority, which complains of systematic discrimination and marginalization.

Tea vendors and sweet sellers snake through the crowd where thousands of families have gathered with young children and babies.

“The first person to spot … the Virgin Mary was a Muslim neighbor,” said Father Fishay, a priest at the Warraq church. “He took a video and pictures and distributed them to everyone.”

Hassan, the Muslim neighbor in question, was sitting at his coffee shop at around 8:30 p.m. when he saw a strong light coming from the church. Others began to notice the light and saw a bird circling overhead. At around 2 a.m., Fishay said, a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared.

News of the apparition prompted hundreds to rush out with mobile phones to capture the momentous event. “It’s her, with her blue-and-white clothes,” enthused Rami, 36. “There is no doubt about it. It cannot be an illusion.”

“The church closes its doors in the evening,” said Fishay in his measured manner. “We were not there when the image appeared the first time, so we decided to come back the second night.”

Nabil, 32, his wife Mariam, 28, and their three children came from Shubra al-Kheima, some 20 kilometers away, to receive the Virgin’s blessings. “Her appearance means she approves of us and if she blesses us,” Mariam opined. “We will stay ’til morning.”

Her husband said the sighting proves that Christianity is still alive. He is angry over the recent publication of an article in a periodical of Cairo’s Al-Azhar University, Sunni Islam’s highest seat of learning, questioning the foundations of Christianity. “The apparition of the Virgin Mary,” he said, “means that Christianity is real and the Bible is real.”

Around 10 percent of the 80 million population, Egypt’s Christians complain they are kept out of jobs in the army, judiciary and universities.

“It is not possible to know the reason for the Virgin’s appearance,” Fishay said.

“Maybe it will end the state of tension between Muslims and Christians and an end to extremism. Maybe it’ll bring back forgiveness like there once used to be in Egypt.”

The Birth of Jesus

Merry Christmas!

The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The upper stained glass window detail was photographed inside St. Rose of Lima Church. The Catholic Church is located in East Hanover, NJ.  The lower stained glass window was photographed inside St. Virgil Church, Morris Plains, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Weeping Icon of St. Nicholas, Hempstead, New York

Courtesy of John Sanidopoulos

The following report regarding the St. Nicholas Icon and video is found on the website of the Saint Nicholas Center:

The video was taken by Bishop Savas while he was chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in June 2008.

He wrote:

Long story short: I took this video in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of St Paul in Hempstead, New York, around 3:15 p.m. on June 22, 2008, Sunday of All Saints. This icon of St Nicholas the Wonderworker began to stream a clear, sweet-smelling liquid during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the morning. I don't know what to make of it. It smells of myrrh. I don't know if I would have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, handled it with my own hands, inhaled the aroma for myself. Take a look and see for yourselves. +S

Apparently it began gushing myrrh on Pentecost Sunday and it was examined by the Greek Archdiocese a week later on the Sunday of All Saints when this video was taken. The weeping stopped within about a month of when it began.

MacKillop to become Australia's First Saint

MacKillop to become Australia's first saint - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

The following excerpt is from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

Australia will have its first Roman Catholic saint after Pope Benedict approved a decree recognising a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Mother Mary MacKillop.

The approval means Blessed Mary is likely to be formally declared a saint at a canonisation ceremony next year.

Blessed Mary (1842-1909), who founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph, is revered by Catholics for her work, especially with needy children, former female prisoners and prostitutes.

She was beatified by pope John Paul II in 1995.

The miracle approved on Saturday involved the healing of a person who had cancer and was cured after praying to Blessed Mary.

Sister Anne Derwin from the Sisters of Saint Joseph says many have been inspired by Blessed Mary's work in education and with the poor.

"It's not only the sisters, but many other people, men and women, who love the way Mary MacKillop lived her life," she said.

"They try and live in that spirit too, and do great things for people."

Sister Derwin says the Pope's decision is a significant event for the church in Australia.

"Mary herself wouldn't have expected this sort of limelight, but it makes us feel excited that the gift she was given for the church, for the world, is being recognised as valuable," Sister Derwin said.

"And that was a gift to focus on those most in need in our society."

Mary MacKillop was born in Melbourne, worked throughout South Australia and died in North Sydney.

She co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866 but was excommunicated from the Church at one stage for allegedly disobeying authorities.

However she continued to spend her life caring for those less fortunate.

Healing Mass Celebration at World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

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

The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, will continue in 2010 to celebrate Healing Masses with Father Paul Ruge. Father Paul is the chaplain and spiritual advisor at the Catholic shrine.

The National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is located in Warren County on 674 Mountain View Road, Washington, New Jersey 07882. The shrine is part of the World Apostolate of Fatima and is devoted to spreading the message of Our Lady of Fatima.

The first scheduled Mass will begin with Divine Mercy Prayer at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 3, in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Healing Masses will also include the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick right after the Homily.  For any changes or updates on the Healing Mass schedule, please call the shrine at the following number (908) 689-1700.

The Healing Mass Schedule for 2010:

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunday May 2, 2010 

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sunday, December 5, 2010

In time of sickness, it's always prudent to seek the appropriate medical treatment from a doctor.

However, James 5:14-15 states that during times of illness, we should focus on the Word of God and also seek help from our minister or priest by "summoning the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven."

News of Interest Regarding the Shrine:

On October 18, 2009, the World Apostolate of Fatima (USA), and EWTN held a televised event of One World Praying for Life and Peace.  Some visitors that attended were blessed to witness the Miracle of the Sun during the prayer service.  For additional details about the story, please visit the following links:  Miracle of the Sun Witnessed at Fatima Shrine in New Jersey or Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

Photograph By Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com