Join the 54-Day Rosary Novena in Support of Pope Francis!

Our Lady of Fatima

News release from the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

Pope Francis is consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on October 13, 2013.

Accompanying the Holy Father as he leads Marian devotions leading up to the consecration is the statue of Our Lady that stands on the site of the apparitions in the Capelinha in Fatima shipped to Rome to mark the occasion.

In support of the Holy Father, all members and friends of the World Apostolate of Fatima USA and people throughout the world are invited to participate in a 54-day Rosary Novena, beginning on September 16th and ending on November 8th.

The first 27 days of the novena will serve as a time to petition Our Lady leading up to the consecration. The following 27 days will be days of thanksgiving for all the blessings given to us through Her intercession.

The apostolate’s intention for the novena is:

That Pope Francis’ consecration will bring mercy from God the Father for the salvation of souls; grace from God the Son for the conversion of sinners; enlightenment from God the Holy Spirit as we pray for world peace; an increase in practice of the First Saturday Communions of Reparation; and an increase in devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as we approach the 2017 Centennial of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima.

If you already have a novena booklet you’re ready to go.

Novena booklets are available from our gift shop: 866-513-1917

If you don’t have a novena booklet, complete prayers and instructions can be found at:
Prayerflowers.com

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

Prayer Copyright © 2005 Loci B. Lenar
Registration number TXU1-224-853

The prayer is posted at the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/millenniumprayerforpeace.htm

Prayer for World Peace is written with inspirational words to pray daily to Our Heavenly Father for peace and unity.  I was spiritually inspired by Our Lord Jesus Christ to write a prayer as a result of witnessing several spiritual signs and wonders.  ~Loci B. Lenar

***

The stained glass window detail of Jesus can be seen inside St. Teresa of Avila Church, 306 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ, USA.

www.Christian-Miracles.com

Pope Benedict XVI saved boy from cancer, says family

News excerpt from ksdk.com 

By Dave Delozier  

DENVER (KUSA) - The world viewed Pope Benedict XVI as the leader of more than a billion Catholics world-wide. He was regularly seen speaking to thousands in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

But Peter Srsich saw a different side of the pope.

When Peter was just 17-years-old he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

"He had a chest x-ray and it revealed a softball sized tumor in his chest," Laura Srsich, Peter's mother said. "It was determined that it was stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma."

While doctors at Children's Hospital Colorado worked to save Peter's life, the Make-a-Wish Foundation granted him his wish.

"First thing Peter said, 'I'd love to go meet the Pope in Rome,'" Laura said.

On a sunny day in May Peter got his chance to meet Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square.

 "When I got up to actually talk to him I was struck by how human he was," Peter said. "It was a humbling experience for me to see how humble he was."

Pope Benedict XVI listened as Peter told him about his journey with cancer. Peter presented the pope with a lime green wristband that had printed on it, "Praying for Peter." In return the pope offered a blessing for Peter.

 "Then he blessed me. He put his hand right on my chest where the tumor had been. He didn't know where the tumor was, but he put his hand right there," Peter said.

Nearly a year later, Peter is now cancer free and a sophomore at Regis University.

He is hoping one day to become an ordained priest.

Read More: Peter Srsich

Secretary Kerry asks Iran to release American pastor

News Excerpt from Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Washington D.C., - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has renewed calls for the Iranian government to release American citizen Saeed Abedini, a Christian pastor serving an eight-year sentence on religion-related charges.

“The United States respectfully asks the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to work cooperatively with us in our efforts to help U.S. citizens,” Secretary Kerry asked in an Aug. 29 press release, to “return to their families after lengthy detentions.”

“These men belong at home with those who love them and miss them.”

In his statement, Kerry also asked for the release and location of Amir Hekmati and Robert Levinson, who are detained and missing in the country as well.

The secretary of state explained that as of September 26, “Mr. Abedini will have spent a year in detention in Iran. He was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges related to his religious beliefs.”
Born in Iran, Abedini converted to Christianity in 2000 and obtained U.S. citizenship after marrying a U.S. citizen. The pastor lived with his wife and their two children in Idaho. He was arrested in 2012 during a visit to Iran to work with non-religious orphanages in the country.

Following his arrest, Abedini was charged with posing a threat to national security for his earlier work with the churches. He is now serving an eight-year sentence in Iran’s Evin Prison, and has reportedly been faced with brutal beatings, attempts to make him renounce his faith, and insufficient medical attention.

On Aug. 26, it was announced that Abedini’s appeal for a reduction in his sentence’s length was denied.

Kerry noted that Hassan Rouhani, the newly-elected Iranian president who took office Aug. 3, “has shared in his speeches and interviews over the past few months his hope and vision to improve the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s relationship with the world.”

Kerry asked that in light of this wish, Rouhani urge the government to release the prisoners “so that they may be reunited with their families as safely and as soon as possible.”

Naghmeh Abedini, Saeed’s wife, said in a statement that she is “very thankful for the statement that Secretary of State John Kerry made to Iran regarding Saeed's immediate return to our family.”

Read More: Release American Pastor

Are You Ready to Receive God's Blessing and Grace? If so, Take a Leap of Faith

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

 

Christian-Miracles.com is growing and helping to lead the way in evangelization by reaching a global community with visitors coming from the USA, Canada, United Kingdom (UK), India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Germany, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, and many other countries.

Please consider answering the call by taking a leap of faith and opening the door for God to enter your life, and witness His divine love and mercy through news of life-changing miracles.

In a world which appears to be out of synchronization with gospel teachings, let Jesus change your life and make it better by attending Holy Mass or weekly church services. Make a personal effort and return to the sacraments of the church.

Regardless of your religious denomination, start reading the gospels and let Our Lord bless you, and set you free with His divine favor and peace!

If you're ready to step forward -- than allow Our Lord to guide you with words of wisdom:  "Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

 

For timely updates, please follow "Christian-Miracles.com" on Facebook. 

 

With over 1.5 million visitors on Christian-Miracles.com, we are happy to announce that the website is approaching 20,000 likes on Facebook. 

▶ Modern Art by Stephen B. Whatley at Westminster Cathedral

August 2013 - YouTube

Exhibition of 'Paintings From Prayer' - including a new portrait tribute of Pope Francis by British expressionist painter Stephen B. Whatley, uniquely on show in the Chapels of St. Andrew and St. Patrick in Westminster Cathedral, London, UK, ( August 8- 22, 2013)

Whatley's work is in collections worldwide and public collections including BBC Heritage, the London Transport Museum and the Royal Collection. There is a permanent walkway of his 30 paintings for the Tower of London just outside Tower Hill Station, leading to The Tower.

▶Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - I Have a Dream

August 28, 1963 [FULL SPEECH] - YouTube

Fifty years later, and still the most famous speech (I Have a Dream) of the 20th century by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

PRAYER FOR HEALING YOUR FAMILY TREE

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

PRAYERS - Claretian Ministry

By Fr. John H. Hampsch, C.M.F 
 
Heavenly Father, I come before you as your child, in great need of your help; I have physical health needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, and interpersonal needs. Many of my problems have been caused by my own failures, neglects, and sinfulness, for which I humbly beg your forgiveness, Lord. But I also ask you to forgive the... sins of my ancestors whose failures have left their effects on me in the form of unwanted tendencies, behavior patterns and defects in body, mind and spirit. Heal me, Lord, of all these disorders.

With your help I sincerely forgive everyone, especially livings or dead members of my family tree, who have directly offended me or my loved ones in any way, or those whose sins have resulted in our present sufferings and disorders. In the name of your divine Son, Jesus, and in the power of his Holy Spirit, I ask you, Father, to deliver me and my entire family tree from the influence of the evil one. Free all living or dead members of my family tree, including those in adoptive relationships, and those in extended family relationships, from every contaminating form of bondage. By your loving concern for us, heavenly Father, and by the shed blood of your precious Son, Jesus, I beg you to extend your blessings to me and to all my living and deceased relatives. Heal every negative effect transmitted through all past generations, and prevent such negative effects in future generations of my family tree.

I symbolically place the cross of Jesus over the head of each person in my family tree, and between each generation; I ask you to let the cleansing blood of Jesus purify the bloodlines in my family lineage. Set your protective angels to encamp around us, and permit Archangel Raphael, the patron of healing, to administer your divine healing power to all of us, even in the area of genetic disability. Give special power to our family members’ guardian angels to heal, protect, guide and encourage each of us in all our needs. Let your healing power be released at this very moment, and let it continue as long as your sovereignty permits.

In our family tree, Lord, replace all bondage with a holy bonding in family love. And let there be an ever-deeper bonding with you, Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to your Son, Jesus. Let the family of the Holy Trinity pervade our family with its tender, warm, loving presence, so that our family may recognize and manifest that love in all our relationships. All of our unknown needs we include with this petition that we pray in Jesus’ precious name.

Amen

St. Joseph, Patron of family life, pray for us.

The above prayer is posted on the website of Claretian Teaching Ministry: http://catholicbooks.net/

Our Lady's Monthly Message to Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Message of August 25, 2013 from Our Lady to Visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti

"Dear children! Also today, the Most High is giving me the grace to be with you and to lead you towards conversion. Every day I am sowing and am calling you to conversion, that you may be prayer, peace, love - the grain that by dying will give birth a hundredfold. I do not desire for you, dear children, to have to repent for everything that you could have done but did not want to. Therefore, little children, again, with enthusiasm say: 'I want to be a sign to others.' Thank you for having responded to my call."

The image of Our Lady is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Doctor Declares Miracle After Father, Dead for 45 Minutes, Wakes Up When Son Prays and Screams: 'You're Not Going to Die Today'

Lawrence Yahle

Excerpt from Christianpost.com

By Leonardo Blair , CP Reporter

A doctor at the Kettering Medical Center in Ohio pronounced a miracle this month after a man he had declared dead for 45 minutes came back to life after the man's 17-year-old son prayed over his lifeless body and screamed: "You're not going to die today."

"Well, they (doctors) were working on him for 45 minutes and all the doctors and nurses came into the room. They sent us into a counselling room. They didn't have to say anything, you just knew they were gonna pronounce him dead," the teenager told CNN about his father, Tony Yahle, 37, a diesel mechanic.

But something wasn't right with the way the doctors were reacting said Lawrence.

"They almost just looked at us and no emotion almost. Everyone in tears. For some reason, I just thought 'he's 37 years old, he's never had a heart problem. He's not dead in that room," he said in defiance while sporting a crucifix around his neck, surrounded by his father, mother and two sisters.

"I go back there, my pastor, he was there. We were praying next to the room. I was in the doorway and something came in me and got me to point at him and I said 'dad, you're not going to die today.'"

"When I said that, I stood there for a few more moments and then started walking back to the counseling room to comfort my sisters and my mom and anyone else. I took about three steps when my pastor called," he continued.

"He looked at me and said, 'Lawrence, Lawrence,' got my attention then he said 'your dad, he has a heartbeat. So I got the rest of the counselling room and cheered everyone with that news. So it was awesome!" he said.

Tony's cardiologist at Kettering Medical Center, Dr. Raja Nazir, told ABCNews.com that it was a "miracle."

"I'm calling it a miracle because I've never seen anything like it," said Nazir.

"When I looked at the electrical activity, I was surprised," Nazir said after Lawrence had prayed and screamed at his father. "I thought we'd better make another effort to revive him."

And when he did, said Nazir: "Very slowly, the heart rate was picking up."

The incident took place on Aug. 5 and doctors thought that Tony Yahle would need a heart transplant or would be in a vegetative state for the rest of the life, but everything he has done since he came back from the dead has defied all medical logic.

Read more: Doctor Declares Miracle

Prayer to Our Lady, Assumed into Heaven

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer of the Day - Catholic Online

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

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

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

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

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

News story from RomeReports.com

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

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

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

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

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

Mystery priest at Missouri crash scene steps forward

News excerpt from wbir.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Rev. Patrick Dowling

'Angel' priest visits Missouri accident scene

News excerpt from USA.com

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Angel Priest

A Tribute to Pope Francis

Pope Francis by Stephen B. Whatley

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

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

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

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

Moving Song played during World Youth Day Eucharistic Adoration

News from RomeReports.com

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

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

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje, Queen of Peace

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

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

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

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

Prayer for the Gift of Knowledge

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

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

Prayer for the Gift of Knowledge

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

***

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

Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

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

News story reprinted from RomeReports.com

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

POPE FRANCIS

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

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

POPE FRANCIS 

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

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

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

Monthly Medjugorje Messages from Our Lady to Visionaries Mirjana and Marija

Medjugorje Messages | MEDJUGORJE TODAY

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

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


July 2, 2013 Message to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

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

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer of the Day - Catholic Online

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

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

***

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

Prayer to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Flickr - Photo Sharing!

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

Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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

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

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

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

www.Christian-Miracles.com

St. Michael, For Personal Protection

Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

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

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

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

***

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

What Religion are Spiderman, Hulk and Batman?

News from RomeReports.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lincoln Graca Hospital Chapel - DailyMail Photo 

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

By Matt Roper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Yasmin Gomes
 

Our Lady, Mother of Providence

Painting By Stephen B. Whatley

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

By Stephen B. Whatley

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

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

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

" Mother I place in your hands the authority to act in my name. From my infinite treasure, you are to provide good things to all those who implore your aid" ~ from : The Illustrated Book of Mary (2010 William J Hirten Co.)

Blessings.

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

Álvaro del Portillo: Couple talks about the miracle that will pave the way towards his beatification

News excerpt from RomeReports.com

July 11, 2013 - Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Alvaro del Portillo. This means Del Portillo will be recognized as a blessed in the coming months.

The story of this miracle is striking. It all started in Chile, where young José Ignacio Ureta Wilson, a young boy from Santiago, was declared clinically dead. 

The events took place back in 2003. Just two days after José Ignacio was born, he underwent surgery for a serious malformation in both his abdomen and his heart. But  suddenly his health worsened.

SUSANA WILSON
Mother“We were at my in-laws' house. At about 2pm they called us from the clinic and told us to go there immediately because José Ignatio wasn't well.”

The young boy's heart stopped beating and he went into cardiac arrest. The doctors tried to resuscitate him. But no matter how hard they tried, the boy was declared dead shortly after.

JOSÉ IGNACIO RODRÍGUEZ
Pediatrician“We kept on resuscitating him, we kept on and on. After 30 minutes we simply saw nothing was happening, so we started reducing our efforts.”

But the child's mother, never lost hope. In her desperation, she turned to Alvaro del Portillo in prayer.

FRANCISCO JAVIER URETA
Father“I saw her praying in an incredible way. She was praying with extreme fervor and faith.”

That's when she says, something really incredible happened. Young José Ignacio's pulse rhythm began to grew faster and steadier, until the boy's heart regained its normal function. That's something the doctors still can't explain.

JOSÉ IGNACIO RODRÍGUEZ
Pediatrician“Without an any... without any explanation José Ignatio's heart regained its rhythm, progressively and with a quick pace. And now he is here with us.”

Today he is alive and well. He loves soccer, tennis and is a big fan of dancing. His parents say they have no doubt, it all happened through the intercession of Alvaro del Portillo. 

Costa Rican woman claims that the late Pope John Paul II cured her of a fatal brain aneurysm

Associated Press


News excerpt from DailyMail Online

Pope John Paul II has finally approved for Sainthood thanks to a Costa Rican woman who claims the late Pope cured her fatal brain aneurysm.

Floribeth Mora, now 50, made a miraculous recovery from a potentially deadly aneurysm in her cerebral artery two years ago, after John Paul II spoke to her, she claims.

Mora's recovery, which her doctor attests there is no scientific basis for, was finally recognized by the Vatican as a valid second miracle for the late Pope's sainthood.

Mora was diagnosed with a swelling in her brain in April 2011, she told reporters at Roman Catholic Church's headquarters in San Jose.

Though originally thought to be a severe migraine, after three days of pain, Mora returned to the hospital, where a series of tests revealed an aneurysm on the right side of her brain that had begun to hemorrhage.

Read More: Pope John Paul II Miracle

It's Official. Pope Francis to canonize John Paul II and John XXIII

News excerpt from Rome Reports.com

Pope Francis has cleared John Paul II for sainthood. On Friday morning, he signed a decree that attributes a miracle to the intercession of the late Polish Pope. This gives the green light for the Polish Pope to be declared a saint of the Catholic Church.

The Pope also approved the canonization of Blessed John XXIII, who is remembered for calling the Second Vatican Council. A special consistory has been called by the Pope, to set a date for his canonization, even without the required miracle.

FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican Spokesperson

“The road is open for the canonization of John XXIII, but a decree on a miracle has not yet been approved by the Pope. The Vatican's Causes for Saints has presented the situation to the Pope, so that a canonization can take place even without the second miracle.”
A decree approving a miracle by Alvaro del Portillo, former prelate of Opus Dei, has also been approved, paving the way towards his future beatification.

The Pope also approved additional beatifications and over 40 martyrs who will be recognized for their heroic virtues.

SEE FULL LIST OF DECREES: 

MIRACLES, attributable to the intercession of:

-Blessed John Paul II, Polish (ne Karol Josef Wojtyla), Supreme Pontiff, (1920-2005);

-Venerable Servant of God Alvaro del Portillo y Diez de Sollano, Spanish, bishop and prelate of the personal prelature of Santa Cruz and Opus Dei, (1914-1994);

-Venerable Servant of God Esperanza de Jesus (nee Maria Josefa Alhama Valera), Spanish, foundress of the Congregations of the Handmaids of Merciful Love and the Sons of Merciful Love, (1893-1983).

MARTYRDOM

-Servant of God Jose Guardiet y Pujol, Spanish, diocesan priest; born in 1879 and killed in hatred of the faith in Spain on 3 August 1936;

-Servant of God Mauricio Iniguez de Heredia, Spanish, and 23 companions from the Order of Hospitallers of St John of God, killed in hatred of the faith in Spain between 1936 and 1937;

-Servant of God Fortunato Velasco Tobar, Spanish, and 13 companions from the Congregation of the Mission, killed in hatred of the faith in Spain between 1934 and 1936;

-Servant of God Maria Asuncion (nee Juliana Gonzalez Trujillano) and 2 companions, Spanish, professed nuns of the Congregation of Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood, killed in hatred of the faith in Spain in 1936.

HEROIC VIRTUES

-Servant of God Nicola D'Onofrio, Italian, professed priest of the Order of the Clerks Regular Ministers to the Sick (Camillians), (1943-1964);

-Servant of God Bernard Philippe, French (ne Jean Fromental Cayroche), professed monk of the Institute of Christian Schools, founder of the Hermanas Guadalupanas de La Salle, (1895-1978);

-Servant of God Maria Isabel da Santissima Trinidade, Portuguese, (nee Maria Isabel Picao Caldeira viuda de Carneiro), foundress of the Congregation of Conceptionist Nuns, (1889-1962).

-Servant of God Maria del Carmen Rendiles Martinez, Venezuelan, foundress of the Servants of Jesus, Venezuala, (1903-1977);

-Servant of God Giuseppe Lazzati, Italian, consecrated layperson, (1909-1986).

Finally, the Holy Father approved the votes in favour the canonisation of Blessed John XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli) from the Ordinary Session of the Cardinal Fathers and bishops, and decided that a consistory would be convoked, to consider also the canonisation of Blessed John Paul II (Karol Jozef Wojtyla).

Defend Us in Battle: Benedict XVI and Pope Francis Consecrate the Vatican to Michael the Archangel

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The following news excerpt is from Catholic Online

Friday morning Pope Francis was joined by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in the gardens for a ceremony during which the Holy Father blessed a statue of St. Michael  at the same time consecrating the Vatican to the Archangel's protection. Following a brief ceremony, Pope Francis addressed those present noting how St. Michael defends the People of God from its enemy, the adversary, the devil. He said even if the devil attempts to disfigure the face of the Archangel and thus the face of humanity, St Michael wins, because God acts in him and is stronger.

Read More: Michael the Archangel

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Consecration of America

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

Prayer of the Day for Thursday, July 04, 2013 - Catholic Online

Immaculate Mary, most Holy Mother of God and of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we the people of the United States of America at this historic moment stand before you in a humbled condition of love, loyalty, affection, and thankfulness. To your Immaculate Heart we recommit and dedicate ourselves throughout the entire American nation. To your Son Jesus Christ we pledge to serve His teaching, His church, and to work for His kingdom on earth. O Mary, to you do we flee for protection.

Surround the American family with your maternal care; enfold us in your arms. Give to this American land, built on the blood and tears of so many faithful forebears, a peaceful and praiseworthy existence in truth, love, justice, and freedom.

O Mary, we submit to you as the Patroness of our beloved country. O Mary, Help of Christians, enfold the Holy Father and the Catholic Church within your protective cloak; be our shield in the days ahead. Give to the Church true holiness and freedom. Obtain for our leaders holy zeal, the ability to face the truth, and the courage to correct all abuses. Stop the flood of atheism, greed, heresy, impurity, lukewarmness, materialism, and selfishness that threaten our nation. Show to those who have strayed from the Church the way to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mother of God, accept our personal consecration to you and, through you, bind us forever to the Holy Trinity. Gather us all into your Immaculate Heart and unite us forever with Jesus. O Mary, we love you.  Amen.

Nine Minutes in Heaven

News Video from CBN.com

During a minor surgery Crystal  McVea took a nine minute journey into heaven which restored her faith in God.

Jesus: Sacred Heart of Love

By Stephen B. Whatley

New work of art painted by artist Stephen B. Whatley in 2013 | Flickr.com

The following excerpt regarding the new painting is from website of artist Stephen B. Whatley:

Spontaneously created on the Feast Day of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 7th, a new tribute drawing, by expressionist painter Stephen B. Whatley, to the bountiful love that can be received from the Sacred Heart of Jesus in faith...especially through the following prayer, published in the prayer book, The Illustrated book of Jesus (William J. Hirten Co. 2011):

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in thee,
Whatever may befall me, Lord, though dark the hour may be;
In all my woes, in all my joys, though nought but grief I see,
O sacred heart of Jesus, I place my trust in thee.
When those I loved have passed away, and I am sore distressed,
O sacred heart of Jesus, I fly to thee for rest.
In all my trials, great or small, my confidence shall be
Unshaken as I cry, dear Lord, I place my trust in thee.
This is my one sweet prayer, dear Lord, my faith, my trust, my love,
But most of all in that last hour, when death points up above,
O sweet savior, may thy face smile on my soul all free.
Oh may I cry with rapturous love, I've placed my trust in thee.

Pastel on paper.
16.5 x 11.5in

St. John the Baptist: Saint of the Day for June 24

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Excerpt from Catholic Online

John the Baptist was the son of Zachary, a priest of the Temple in Jerusalem, and Elizabeth, a kinswoman of Mary who visited her. He was probably born at Ain-Karim southwest of Jerusalem after the Angel Gabriel had told Zachary that his wife would bear a child even though she was an old woman. He lived as a hermit in the desert of Judea until about A.D. 27.

When he was thirty, he began to preach on the banks of the Jordan against the evils of the times and called men to penance and baptism "for the Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand". He attracted large crowds, and when Christ came to him, John recognized Him as the Messiah and baptized Him, saying, "It is I who need baptism from You".

When Christ left to preach in Galilee, John continued preaching in the Jordan valley. Fearful of his great power with the people, Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Perea and Galilee, had him arrested and imprisoned at Machaerus Fortress on the Dead Sea when John denounced his adultrous and incestuous marriage with Herodias, wife of his half brother Philip. John was beheaded at the request of Salome, daughter of Herodias, who asked for his head at the instigation of her mother.

John inspired many of his followers to follow Christ when he designated Him "the Lamb of God," among them Andrew and John, who came to know Christ through John's preaching. John is presented in the New Testament as the last of the Old Testament prophets and the precursor of the Messiah. His feast day is June 24th and the feast for his beheading is August 29th.

Pope Francis: Christians cannot be anti-Semitic, we share common roots!

News story from RomeReports.com

June 24, 2013 - While speaking to a delegation of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations, Pope Francis underlined the importance of the strong bond that unites Christian and Jews. After addressing the audience as 'elder brothers and sisters', the Pope reminded that the Second Vatican Council and its declaration 'Nostra Aetate' were in the forefront of promoting cooperation between the two religions.  

POPE FRANCIS

“In that Council text, the Church recognizes that “the beginnings of its faith and election are to be found in the patriarchs, Moses and prophets”. And, with regard to the Jews, the Council recalls the teaching of Saint Paul, who wrote “the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.”

Pope Francis also told the assembly that he was personally acquainted with many Jewish leading figures. The Pope said that he has enjoyed talking and exchanging views with Jewish people since his days as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Back then he even hosted a TV show and wrote a book with Argentinian rabbi Abraham Skorka.  Finally, Pope Francis ended his speech with the Hebrew word for peace: 'shalom'.

Pilgrim Virgin Statue spreads Fatima message

The National Pilgrim Virgin statue at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (John Heuertz photo)

Excerpt and photograph from The Catholic Key

By John Heuertz

The story of Our Lady of Fatima is known to some extent by millions upon millions of Catholics and non-Catholics worldwide, including a Muslim in Kazan who recently built a Catholic church there in her honor.

What isn’t as well known is that statues of Our Lady of Fatima are constantly traveled worldwide to promote devotion to her, and ultimately to lead the whole world to love Jesus more.

And now, the Fatima statue known as the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of the USA is here for stops at 23 different Kansas City - St. Joseph diocesan parish churches and institutions in the month of June.

The Kansas City - St. Joseph diocesan division of the World Apostolate of Fatima asked that the WAF’s national office bring the statue here, and coordinated its appearances locally.

Her message is the Gospel message of prayer, sorrow for sin and reparation for it, said Harkins and E. William Sockey III, the statue’s curator.

“Our Lady asked four things of us at Fatima,” Sockey said. “To cultivate personal devotion to Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. Not to leave the practice of our Faith to Sundays only. To go to Confession at least once a month. And to never be satisfied to live with even the smallest sins.”

Our Lady of Fatima’s message is for all of humanity, not just Catholics and Muslims.

Read More: Our Lady of Fatima

A Marriage Blessing Prayer

Marriage at Cana - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer of the Day for Sunday, June 23, 2013 - Catholic Online

A Marriage Blessing Prayer

We thank you, O God, for the Love You have implanted in our hearts. May it always inspire us to be kind in our words, considerate of feeling, and concerned for each other's needs and wishes. Help us to be understanding and forgiving of human weaknesses and failings. Increase our faith and trust in You and may Your Prudence guide our life and love. Bless our Marriage O God, with Peace and Happiness, and make our love fruitful for Your glory and our Joy both here and in eternity. 

***

Stained glass window photographed inside St. Mary's Catholic Church, Denville, New Jersey.

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

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Saints and Angels - Excerpt from Catholic Online

Feastday: June 22,

St. Thomas More, Martyr (Patron of Lawyers)

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

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

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

Read More: St. Thomas More

 

Pope Francis calls for Christian Unity during general audience

By Loci B. Lenar

On June 19, 2012, I posted the following commentary on Christian-Miracles.com regarding Christian Unity:

Through prayerful discernment, Our Lord Jesus is calling everyone to pray for Christian unity and healing between religious denominations by reconciling differences. This goal will be accomplished with the power of prayer and through the Holy Spirit.

"Thus the word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, listen to the house of Israel saying, 'The vision he sees is a long way off; he prophesies of the distant future!' Say to them therefore: Thus says the Lord God; None of my words shall be delayed any longer; whatever I speak is final, and it shall be done, says the Lord God."  Ezekiel 12:26-28
 
Additional news regarding this matter was first posted on  Christian-Miracles.com in 2008.  Visit the website to read further details regarding this issue.

News Story from RomeReports.com

June 19, 2013 - With Rome's intense summer heat, Pope Francis made his way to St. Peter's Square, blessing children along the way. He even gave a baseball cap to a child to protect him from the high temperatures.

During his catechesis, Pope Francis described the Church as the Body of Christ.

POPE FRANCIS
“If the head is separated from the body, a person cannot survive. It's the same for the Church. We must always stay intensely connected to Jesus.”

The Pope added that the Church is not an NGO, or a cultural or political institution. He explained that the Church is a living Body, Jesus is the head who nurtures and guides it along the way. He also called for Christian unity.

POPE FRANCIS
“We Catholics should pray together, but we should also pray with other Christians. We must pray so that God may grant us all unity. Unity!

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he said,  that unity is possible. But to start of, one must first look for unity at home, in one's family and parish.

POPE FRANCIS
“We shouldn't follow the path of division, nor the path of conflicts among us. No! We should all be united. All united despite our differences. Always united. That is the true path of Jesus.”

In light of his call for Christian unity, the Pope said that  very morning, he met with an Evangelical pastor. They both prayed together precisely for Christian unity.