Angels, Wonders, and Miracles of Faith

Friday, January 18, 2013

Week of prayer for Christian unity traced to American priest

Origins, meaning of week of prayer for Christian unity traced to American priest

The video and following news story is from RomeReports.com:

For many, Father Paul Wattson was a visionary. He was born 150 years ago, at the midst of division and war raging in his native Maryland during the American Civil War. Growing up such a difficult period of social unrest and reconciliation, he was exposed to the social issues of the time. They helped shape his life, which would lead him to the establishment of groups and movements which today carry on his legacy.

FR. JAMES PUGLISI
Minister General, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
“He is an extremely human person, A person who was very related to what was going on in his time, but at the same time had a vision looking forward. Seeing beyond the concrete facts of today and seeing how God was moving the course of history.” Born to an Anglican preacher, his desire to care for others led him to establish the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. The society worked, among other things, to bridge the divide between the Anglican and Catholic churches. The unity he strove for inspired him to come up with the idea of an octave of prayer for unity. It takes place each year from January 18-25. FR.

JAMES PUGLISI
Minister General, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
“They were two bookends; and the bookends were the Chair of St. Peter on the 18, so he saw this as the center of unity gathered around St. Peters Chair, and the 25 was the conversion of Paul who was the apostle preaching to all the nations.” The origins and purpose of week of prayer is ever present in the book Fire in the Night, an autobiography of Father Wattson. The book, soon to be published by the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, explains how Father Wattson realized the need to pray for unity, especially to evangelize the world.

FR. JAMES PUGLISI
Minister General, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
“They believe there's an Anglican God, a Catholic God, a Baptist God. But how can they accept us when we say that God is one. So you see this scandal of the division of Christians is fundamental. This is what pushed Father Paul to say that this prayer is necessary.” This year's theme centers on the topics of justice and solidarity within unity, inspired by the demeaning treatment of the 'untouchable' class in Indian society. During the week of prayer, people are asked to pray not just for ecumenical unity, as in the union between the Christian churches, but also for closer unity of each individual to God.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Prayer for World Peace

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

God the Father

Creator of the Heavenly Kingdom

We petition the Court of Heaven
And humbly pray for mercy and divine intervention.

Send forth blessings of spiritual deliverance—

Free nations from the strife of war—

Release cultures from the shackles of poverty—
Instill stability and prosperity—
Healing earth of suffering—

With saving grace for humanity—

We implore Heaven for miraculous signs

By altering the destiny of humankind

Into a glorious era of peace and harmony

Through divine love and prayerful unanimity—

Almighty Father we graciously thank thee

In granting our prayers through the name and power

Of your divine Son, Jesus.
Amen

Millennium Prayer for World Peace is written with inspirational words to pray daily to Our Heavenly Father for divine intervention. Loci B. Lenar was spiritually inspired in 2005 by Our Lord Jesus Christ to write a prayer for peace.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Joe Melendrez, Texan dedicated to spreading the Gospel through rap

The following news story and video is from RomeReports.com:

At the tender age of 11, Joe Melendrez wrote his first poem. His Puff Daddy album inspired him to put the words to a beat. At school, he would “break it down,” like Michael Jackson or Usher.

Then in 2001, at 15-years-old, he was invited to a spiritual retreat, where he decided his verses would praise God.

Since then, he has published two rap albums, and has toured throughout the United States. He's also breaking ground abroad, participating in World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, and in Uganda, where he volunteered at several orphanages.

JOSE MELENDREZ
Rapper
“Notorious BIG, a big time rapper said you always gotta rap about what's real to you. And God is real to me, and that's all I wanna rap about it. I wanna rap about what's real to me. I'm gonna rap about things or topics that can encourage people to live better lives, to know Christ. Because I know it's so necessary, and God it's everything to me.”

Above all things, Joe Melendrez enjoys his concerts. It allows him to get closer to his fans and explain to them his verses.

He goes on to say that much of today's music is dominated by superficial messages. He aspires to something greater. Melendrez explains that some of the greatest rappers also talk about their faith in their verses because God is still a relevant topic. However, he recognizes there's a lot of work.

JOSE MELENDREZ
Rapper
“A lot of time people have negative ideas of rap, and they're like 'oh you can't do that.' And rap is a literally a style, it's poetry with rhythm. I call mine spiritual poetry. And so once you get past it, once you see the fruits of the rap, once they see people going deeper into prayer... Moms come up to me and say 'Hey my kids wanna rap the rosary every morning when it's time to go to school.'”

Music, performing and helping those in need define the life of Joe Melendrez, since that retreat in 2001. Nearly 12 years later, he now helps organize similar retreats in California to help young people there find their way to God.

Friday, January 11, 2013

St. Mary's Monthly Prayer Service Scheduled for January 17, 2013

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

From the Homepage of www.Christian-Miracles.com:

Please consider visiting S t. Mary's Catholic Church for Mass and prayer services.

With help from Loci B. Lenar and support of Father Richard Tartaglia, including Barbara Jones from the National Conference of Catholic Women (NCCW), prayer requests which are submitted through "Christian-Miracles.com" are prayed for every Monday morning after Mass during Holy Hour Adoration, held between the hours of 8:30 to 9:30 am. If you're unable to attend St. Mary's Church, please remember to join in prayerful unity on Monday mornings every week as we petition God to answer all of our prayers.

Are you in need of prayer? Submit your prayer requests to PrayerRequest@Christian-Miracles.com

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

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

St. Mary's prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM with a new theme. January will focus on Christian Unity. The prayer service is scheduled for January 17, 2013.

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

However, if you cannot attend St. Mary's prayer service, you can still join in by praying in unity with St. Mary’s Church for all special prayer intentions.

God wants us to approach him with the desires of our heart. Our Lord calls us to connect with his divine grace in order to receive blessings in our lives.

Trust and believe in God's word and wait for his timing to receive an answer to your prayers. Miracles happen when least expected!

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)

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)

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

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

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

Regardless of your religious denomination, please feel free to submit your prayer request by email to PrayerRequest@Christian-Miracles.com. Your email will remain confidential.

Prayer request can also be submitted at the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/prayerrequest.htm

Mr. Lenar visits Father Richard Tartaglia on a regular bases for spiritual guidance and shares with him the prayer requests.

Saint Mary's Monthly Prayer Schedule and Related Themes for 2013

Christian Unity - Thursday, January 17 at 7:30 PM

Lent - Thursday, February 21 at 7:30 PM

Easter - Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 PM

St. Mark - Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 PM

Pentecost - Thursday, May 16 at 7:30 PM

John the Baptist - Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 PM

Mary Magdalene - Thursday, July 18 at 7:30 PM

Michaelmas Day - Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 PM

Church Memorial Day - Thursday, October 17 at 7:30 PM

Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 PM

Advent - Tentatively set for Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 PM

St. Mary's Weekly Mass Schedule

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

Saturday: 5:00 PM

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

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

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

Eve of Holy Days: 5:00 PM

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Creed's Scott Stapp Returns to his Faith

CBN TV - Video

Lead singer Scott Stapp of the rock group Creed shares about his journey to find a real relationship with God.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Dorothy Day: former atheist and social advocate journalist, on the way to sainthood

The video and following news story is from RomeReports.com:

The story of Dorothy Day depicts a passionate woman, always in search of truth. As a journalist, her journey could have her become Church's first journalist saint.

LUCETTA SCARAFFIA

Osservatore Romano

“She was a great writer and American journalist, who was not Catholic. She was an atheist and a socialist, who was very involved in the worker movement. At a certain point she converted to Catholicism and created a large movement working closely with workers, and with the poor, through a magazine called the Catholic Worker.”

She had a tough life, and even underwent an abortion. But after her conversion, she changed her life. In addition to the magazine, she also established soup kitchens and shelters where victims of the Great Depression could eat and sleep. She also advocated actively during the Second Vatican Council to condemn war.

LUCETTA SCARAFFIA

Osservatore Romano

“She worked with a group of women from all around the world and from different religions to pressure or lobby the Second Vatican Council, and to make a statement for peace and to condemn war, which until then the Church had never done. They achieved it.”

A woman with a strong will, she never stopped fighting her entire life for causes she deemed as just. Her stance is supported by “Women, the Church and the World,” a supplement to the Osservatore Romano, the official Vatican newspaper.

LUCETTA SCARAFFIA

Osservatore Romano

“We published a page from her diary where she talks about how they were invited to an audience with the Pope, and he addressed them. That was, in fact, the last audience of John XXIII, and it took place precisely with those women who asked for peace. They were very happy.”

Dorothy Day died in New York City in 1980, at 83 year old. Precisely there, in her hometown, the canonization process has started. And her supporters are expecting good news soon.

Sunday, January 06, 2013

'Miracle' in the Marsh

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

NBC 10 Philadelphia

The following excerpt and video is from NBCPhiladelphia.com:

A 3-foot tall statue standing in the marsh along the shoreline in Brick Township, New Jersey is being called a miracle.

Since Hurricane Sandy hit, residents had been focused on the clean-up and recovery.

It wasn't until days after the flood waters receeded those who live along Sheldon Avenue, spotted Saint Francis of Assisi. The small concrete statue, faces away from the waters that flooded their homes.

While no one knows for sure how the statue is still standing in a spot where so much has been torn down, Saint Francis has become a welcome sight at the shore and a sign that things will get better.

Saturday, January 05, 2013

Columbus Catholic Women's Conference Scheduled for February 2013

Photograph Courtesy of Loci B. Lenar

Celebrating the Year of Faith -| Register

The 6th Annual Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference will be held on February 23, 2013 at the Ohio State Expo Center, Lausche Building.

Speakers include Fr. Leo Patalinghug, author of "Grace Before Meals," and cooking show host, Savoring our Faith on EWTN.

Suzanne Fowler, mother of seven and author of "Light Weigh and Building the Family Cookbook," and founder of Light Weigh One King Bible Study Weight-Loss Programs. Suzanne teaches to use our connection to God to maintain spiritual and physical well-being.

Sr. Mary Michael, Sr. Joseph Maria, Sr. Catherine Marie and Sr. Mary Jacinta OP, Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, speaking On The Dignity of Women, On Marriage, On Motherhood and On Mary.

Schedule of Events

***

The photograph of the stain glass window of The Immaculate Heart of Mary can be seen inside Our Lady of the Mount Chapel. The Catholic church is located on Mount Bethel Rd, Warren, NJ. Loci Lenar's photograph was chosen for promoting the 2013 Columbus Catholic Women's Conference in Ohio.

Friday, January 04, 2013

THE SEEKER OF SPIRITUAL PHENOMENA

Miracle of the Sun - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Reprinted with permission from The Standard-Times and SouthCoastToday.com

First published on December 29, 2012 - The Standard-Times - New Bedford, MA

By LINDA ANDRADE RODRIGUES

In John 4:48, Jesus said, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe."

Miracles are happening all around us, according to Loci Lenar, whose mission is to report the news of Christian signs and wonders on his blog and website — "Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith" (http://lenarpoetry.blogspot.com) and "Signs, Wonders and Miracles" (www.Christian-Miracles.com) — which have recorded over a million page views.

Searching daily on the Internet, Lenar has published excerpts and links of Standard-Times' religion stories, including the conversion experiences attributed to Eucharistic Adoration at St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet, and the interview with Baptist minister and New York Times bestselling author, the Rev. Don Piper, who wrote about spending "90 Minutes in Heaven."

Lenar also documents his own spiritual encounters, following instructions from his spiritual advisor, the Rev. Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Church in Denville, N.J.

Sharing his own experiences, he has been interviewed several times for the program "Sacred Treasures" on the international Catholic station Radio Maria, which is broadcast locally by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate of Our Lady's Chapel in New Bedford at 88.5 FM (WPMW).

Ironically, Lenar grew up in a family of lapsed Catholics. His parents left Hungary in 1956 because of the revolution uprising against the government and its Soviet-imposed policies. They settled in Brussels, Belgium, where Lenar was born in 1957. Shortly after, the family immigrated to America. He became a U.S. citizen with his parents in1967.

"They weren't really practicing Catholics," he said. "We went to church on holidays."

A resident of Mine Hill, N.J., Lenar married in 1977; and the couple has a son and daughter.

"My kids were going to Catholic school, and my wife would take them to Sunday Mass," he said. "But I wouldn't go."

Then Lenar underwent a conversion experience.

"When I was about 30, I had a very profound dream," he said. "An angel came to me in my sleep and said that Our Lord Jesus wanted to speak to me. I started going to church."

Six months later, he had a second dream.

"I came face to face with Jesus," he said, who told him: "Come follow me for I have much work to accomplish."

At that time Lenar was suffering from cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and severe headaches.

He started to pray for a healing.

"I was guided to St. Mary's in Denville, N.J., which wasn't my parish at the time; and I received the Anointing of the Sick," he said. "I started to feel better."

Then through prayer, he said he felt guided to receive the Anointing of the Sick again.

"I will never forget that day," he said. "I heard Jesus say, 'You are healed.' The symptoms disappeared, and I stopped taking medications. I haven't had any problems with the heart and the headaches for 20 years."

Lenar said that he believes God called him to guide people back to the teachings of the gospels, the church and the sacraments.

"It is important for people to recognize that God is real," he said. "When medicine can't help and even before, it is important to turn to God for healing and blessings. It's my testimony."

In addition to his gift as a spiritual locutionist, Lenar personally observes spiritual phenomena that he captures on film.

Cross of Light - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

"There are lots of things I have documented," he said. "A cross of light has been appearing on my property since 2005."

Tartaglia visited Lenar's home last April on Good Friday and saw the cross. The priest photographed the image and spoke about it in his homily, calling it a sign.

As part of his daily routine, Lenar visits churches to photograph stained glass windows and statues to use on his website and blog. During a visit to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Washington, N.J. in 2008, Lenar photographed rays of sunlight through a stained glass window, which appear to be flowing towards the ceiling. (See photo on top of page)

"I cannot explain the phenomena," said Lenar. "Remarkably, the stained glass window is a representation of the Miracle of the Sun which was witnessed by 70,000 people on Oct. 13, 1917 at Fatima, Portugal."

Signs of Archangel Michael - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

In 2009, he stopped to pray at The Church of St. Michael in Netcong, N.J. and photographed a statue of St. Michael the Archangel.

"Without the flash, you see the striking rainbow beyond the statue and around the arms," he said. "I gave the small memory card to Father Richard."

Catholics invoke St. Michael the Archangel in prayer for physical protection.

Lenar said that Jesus is calling people to pray for divine protection, not just for their families but for the world.

"We are living in difficult times, but through prayer we could change things," he said. "Through prayer violence could be mitigated."

Lenar added that Christmas time is all about signs and wonders, as Christians celebrate the miracle of Christ's birth.

"The prophecy is fulfilled," he said. "It is good to know that God's presence is still here. It didn't end 2,000 years ago. It still continues to our time."

***

Additional Note: Linda Andrade Rodrigues interviewed Loci B. Lenar on November 29, 2012 for this article. There are two extra photographs added to the original Standard-Times' story. The two images are the Cross of Light and Signs of Archangel Michael. However, both images are mentioned in the original story.

Furthermore, all photographs by Loci B. Lenar were shared with Fr. Richard Tartaglia exactly as captured on the camera's memory card. All images were transferred to a CD for church archives.

Thursday, January 03, 2013

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus by Stephen B. Whatley

Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The following news item is from the website of artist Stephen B. Whatley:

A new 2012 tribute to the tender love of the Blessed Virgin Mary for her divine baby son, Jesus by expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley. Created the day after Christmas, St. Stephen's Day, the artist selected at random a prayer card icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as a starting point of inspiration.

May the spirit of love and peace - as best represented by the Holy Mother and Child - fill lives in 2013.

Happy New Year!

Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus. (St. Stephen's Day 2012)
Pastel on paper, 16.5 x 11.5in/42 x 30cm

www.stephenbwhatley.com

Our Lady's Monthly Message to Mirjana Soldo

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady of Medjugorje: January 02, 2013 Message to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

"Dear children, with much love and patience I strive to make your hearts like unto mine. I strive, by my example, to teach you humility, wisdom and love because I need you; I cannot do without you my children. According to God's will I am choosing you, by His strength I am strengthening you. Therefore, my children, do not be afraid to open your hearts to me. I will give them to my Son and in return, He will give you the gift of Divine peace. You will carry it to all those whom you meet, you will witness God's love with your life and you will give the gift of my Son through yourselves. Through reconciliation, fasting and prayer, I will lead you. Immeasurable is my love. Do not be afraid. My children, pray for the shepherds. May your lips be shut to every judgment, because do not forget that my Son has chosen them and only He has the right to judge. Thank you."

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Wishing all Friends and Visitors a Happy New Year!

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

New Year Prayer

As we enter into 2013, may Our Heavenly Father bless our nation and world with divine love and spiritual renewal. May the Holy Spirit open the hearts of people to receive God's grace for conversion. Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, may peace reign upon our earth with signs, wonders, and miracles.

I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen

The stained glass window detail of Jesus can be seen inside St. Teresa of Avila Church. The beautiful Catholic Church is located on 306 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ.

Copyright 2013 Loci B. Lenar
www.Christian-Miracles.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Illuminating Angels: Comforting Angels

From the site of Guideposts.com:

Doug Snyder brings you another episode of Illuminating Angels. This time we take a look at Comforting Angels. This is a Guideposts production.

Our Lady Of Medjugorje's Christmas Message of 2012

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

December 25, 2012 Message to Marija Pavlovic

"Our Lady came with little Jesus in her arms and She did not give a message, but little Jesus began to speak and said : 'I am your peace, live my commandments.' With a sign of the cross, Our Lady and little Jesus blessed us together."

December 25, 2012 Annual Apparition Message to Jakov Colo

"Dear children, give the gift of your life to me and completely surrender to me so that I may help you to comprehend my motherly love and the love of my Son for you. My children, I love you immeasurably and today, in a special way, on the day of the birth of my Son, I desire to receive each of you into my heart and to give a gift of your lives to my Son. My children, Jesus loves you and gives you the grace to live in His mercy, but sin has overtaken many of your hearts and you live in darkness. Therefore, my children, do not wait, say ‘no’ to sin and surrender your hearts to my Son, because only in this way will you be able to live God’s mercy and, with Jesus in your hearts, set out on the way of salvation."

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem 3D

Church of the Nativity - Photo Jerusalem.com

The following news release is from Jerusalem.com:

The birthplace of Jesus Christ

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, so why not visit this holy site online for free?

See, hear and feel the birthplace of Jesus Christ in a stunning 3D educational tour of Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

The Church of the Nativity is built over the cave which is traditionally believed to be the Manger in which the Virgin Mother Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ on that fateful night over 2000 years ago.

Explore and learn about the birth of Christ, the visit of the 3 Kings who came bearing gifts, the star of the Magi and more. Read about different scared items in the Nativity Church, take a guided tour through the Church of the Nativity and listen to explanations about the Church of the Nativity and the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

We hope you enjoy our Nativity Church 3D tour and wish you and peace and health. In the words of the angel who appeared at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem:

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!" (Luke 2:14)

"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes in a Manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Music: ''O Holy Night''

Celtic Woman / Chloe Agnew - ''O Holy Night''

Celtic Woman, starring Chloe Agnew, performs ''O Holy Night,'' from the Celtic Woman concert at Slane Castle, in Ireland.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Virgin Mary of Breezy Point, New York

Virgin Mary of Breezy Point by Stephen B. Whatley

Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

For anyone unfamiliar with the artwork of Stephen B. Whatley, his paintings are recognized internationally. A feature story about this talented artist and his Christian tributes appears in the September 2011 issue of Catholic Life magazine, published in the UK. The article, Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist is reprinted on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

More recently, Stephen's painting of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha - the first Native American canonized by Rome on October 21, 2012, is featured in The Vatican Past and Present (Issue 11: November 2012 - January 2013; published by The Universe Media Group Ltd).

The painting of the Virgin Mary of Breezy Point and following article is reprinted by permission from the artist.

From the website of Stephen B. Whatley:

A new tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary, inspired by the statue 'miraculously' left standing as the only remains of The Catholic Church of St. Genevieve in Breezy Point, NY, destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. She stands as a memorial to all those who tragically lost their lives and homes during that storm that assaulted New Jersey and the East Coast of America.

The beautiful statue, standing amongst the ruins of the church was first highlighted by journalist Natalie Keyssar in the Wall Street Journal; and quickly became known as the Virgin Mary, Our Lady or The Madonna of Breezy Point.

This pastel drawing was partly inspired by the beautiful photograph, taken by Bobby Plasencia, showing here on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/op204/8156903668/in/photostream

Created through December 13 and 14, 2012, expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley shows this new tribute in memory of both all those felled by the storm; and most recently in sympathy for all those lives devastated on December 14 at the school in Newtown, Connecticut. May faith go some way to consoling those in the most devastating state of grief. Peace.

Pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

To view more of Stephen's work or to order prints, please visit www.stephenbwhatley.com.

Wishing all Visitors a Blessed and Merry Christmas

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Christmas Prayer

Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining star and angel's song, for infant's cry in lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child. We behold his glory, and are bathed in its radiance.

Be with us as we sing the ironies of Christmas, the incomprehensible comprehended, the poetry made hard fact, the helpless Babe who cracks the world asunder. We kneel before you shepherds, innkeepers, wisemen. Help us to rise bigger than we are. Amen.

Christmas Prayer

God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christmas Prayer

DEAR INFANT JESUS
IN A SHORT TIME
YOU WILL COME
TO VISIT US
AND YOUR HOLY, DIVINE COMING
IS FULL OF PEACE, JOY AND LOVE
FOR ME AND EVERYONE.
OUR HEARTS ARE FULL OF YOUR LOVE
IN OUR DAILY LIFE.
DEAR JESUS PLEASE HELP
ALL YOUR DEVOTEES
AROUND THE WORLD.
THANKS MY DEAR LORD.

Ezio and Aurora Ippoliti
Via Stella, 1
84060 ORRIA (SA) ITALY

More Prayers: Catholic Online

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Rome is home to one of the most picturesque, Christmas markets in the world

The video and following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

December 22, 2012. (Romereports.com) Bundled in the heart of Rome, in Piazza Navona, you will find one of the most visited Christmas markets in all of Europe. The smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and you are sure to find chocolate nuggets and Italian pastries.

They sell everything from sweets, to warm beverages, cotton candy, and of course, Nativity sets, Advent wreaths and Christmas tree ornaments. But the lifeline of these markets are the artisans. They spend half a year toiling in their shops and the other half, in the market selling their work. They fear that one day, they will be out of job.

Read More: Christmas Markets

Friday, December 21, 2012

A Muslim's Search for Meaning Leads to Christ

CBN TV - Video

The following excerpt is from CBN.com:

Antonio Santana found meaning in Islam, but he didn't find salvation until he met Jesus.

He started having dreams. “I dreamt that I was swimming in a big ocean all by myself and there was a figure in the background sitting on a rock. He was fishing for me. I didn’t know who that figure was because I couldn’t categorize Him at that moment as Jesus Christ, but I had an impression that was Jesus. I was trying to make sense of it. At the same time I couldn’t explain it.”

Read More: Antonio Santana

Monday, December 17, 2012

Pope 'deeply saddened' by Connecticut school shooting, asks for prayers and consolation

The video and following news story is from RomeReports.com:

December 17, 2012. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI expressed his sorrow for the victims and survivors of Friday's mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school that left 27 dead, including 20 children and the alleged gunman.

The Pope addressed the tragedy publicly for the first time, during the Angelus on Sunday.

BENEDICT XVI
“I was deeply saddened by Friday’s senseless violence in Newtown, Connecticut. I assure the families of the victims, especially those who lost a child, of my closeness in prayer. May the God of consolation touch their hearts and ease their pain.”

The Pope first offered his condolences on Friday, soon after shooting took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

On Saturday, the Vatican Secretary of State issued a press release on behalf of Benedict XVI saying he was praying for God to console all those affected by the shooting.

That message was reinforced during Sunday's Angelus.

BENEDICT XVI
“During this Advent Season, let us dedicate ourselves more fervently to prayer and to acts of peace. Upon those affected by this tragedy, and upon each of you, I invoke God’s abundant blessings!”.

The community of Newtown has a population of about 2500, and is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Its Catholic Church, St. Rose of Lima, has become a gathering point in the aftermath of the shooting, for mourners to honor the victims and survivors of the shooting.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Pray for God's Protection on Your Family, Our Nation and World

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael

Loci B. Lenar spoke publicly at St. Mary's prayer service on September 20, 2012, regarding a miraculous photograph that he took of a statue of Archangel Michael in the Church of St. Michael, Netcong, New Jersey.

The prayer service held at St. Mary's Church focused on Michaelmas (Feast of St. Michael and the Archangels). The Catholic church is located on Myers Avenue in Denville, NJ.

Please make note: Mr. Lenar added and said, "In order to capture the rainbow that appeared around the statue and display window, I photographed the image without using a flash even though indoor lighting was dim (left photo with darker exposure). There is also a distinct shadow appearing around the arms of the statue from the rainbow as well. However, the photograph on the right is taken with the flash on (lighter exposure). With added light the colorful rainbow is diffused. (There is still a visible rainbow around the statue, but it's diffused from the camera flash). Furthermore, after the photographs were taken, I shared the images directly as captured on the camera's digital memory card (before downloading photos into my computer) with my spiritual advisor, Fr. Richard Tartaglia of Saint Mary's Church, Denville, NJ. The original digital images were transferred onto a CD for church archives."

Mr. Lenar said, "God is both the director and divine light - He sets the timing and place for us to act in response to His instructions. In the motion picture industry, the film director says, 'lights, camera, action.' Therefore, when called by God, we need to respond to His commands. With that in mind, there is significance to the photograph of St. Michael the Archangel and its meaning in the global community. One cannot avoid noticing while watching television programs the ongoing stories of acts of violence reported on network news shows. From the tragic shootings in July of 2012 at Aurora, Colorado, during the midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises to the violence in the Middle East - the question must be raised: Is our world losing control?”

Mr. Lenar said the following scripture appears to answer the question: "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people - everyone whose name is found in the book - will be delivered." (Daniel 12:1)

“St. Michael the Archangel is the protector of God’s people and church,” said Mr. Lenar.

With prayerful discernment, Mr. Lenar believes and said, "Our Lord Jesus is calling for all to join together and 'pray for divine protection' in order to mitigate (end) violence throughout the world. It’s now more important than ever before to pray for our nation and families, especially for people who are subjected to adversity and disrespectful behavior on a daily bases. Our world is in dire need of healing and peace - with prayer everything is possible.”

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle,

be our protection against the malice and snares

of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray;

and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through
the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

To read more about this story and to view additional photographs, please visit the following link: Signs of Archangel Michael

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The Johnsons: God's Amazing Grace

CBN TV - Video

A couple adopts a baby from Africa and witnesses a miracle in her life and theirs. Born with Hepatitis B, Gracie Johnson is healed of her illness.

Sunday, December 09, 2012

History of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Ultimate symbol of the New Evangelization

The video and following news report is from RomeReports.com:

December 9, 2012. (Romereports.com) The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe is centuries old, but its appeal, evergreen.

As the anniversary of the apparitions approach, Catholics around the world, but especially those from Mexico, prepare to honor her through prayer and song.

Yet, for many, it has taken special significance amidst a push towards the New Evangelization.

FR. JOSE MANUEL SUAZO