Novena Prayer to Our Lady of Good Remedy

Our Lady at St. Mary's Church, Denville, NJ

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Novena Prayer to Our Lady of Good Remedy

O Queen of heaven and earth, Most Holy Virgin, we venerate you. You are the beloved Daughter of the Most High God, the chosen Mother of the Incarnate Word, the Immaculate Spouse of the Holy Spirit, the sacred vessel of the Most Holy Trinity.

Mother of the Divine Redeemer, who, under the title of Our Lady of Good Remedy, comes to the aid of all who call upon you, extend your maternal protection to us. We depend on you, dear Mother, as helpless and needy children depend on a tender and caring Mother.

Hail, Mary...

Lady of Good Remedy, source of unfailing help, grant that we may draw from your treasury of graces in our time of need.

Touch the hearts of sinners, that they may seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Bring comfort to the afflicted and the lonely; help the poor and the hopeless; aid the sick and the suffering. May they be healed in body and strengthened in spirit to endure their sufferings with patient resignation and Christian fortitude.

Hail, Mary...

Dear Lady of Good Remedy, source of unfailing help, your compassionate heart knows a remedy for every affliction and misery we encounter in life. Help me, with your prayers and intercession, to find a remedy for my problems and needs, especially for...(indicate your special intentions).

On my part, loving Mother, I pledge myself to a more intensely Christian lifestyle, to a more careful observance of the laws of God, to be more conscientious in fulfilling the obligations of my state in life, and to strive to be a source of healing in this broken world of ours.

Dear Lady of Good Remedy, be ever present to me and, through your intercession, may I enjoy health of body and peace of mind, and grow stronger in the faith, and in the love of your Son, Jesus.

Hail, Mary...

Pray for us, Holy Mother of Good Remedy that we may deepen our dedication to your Son, and make the world alive with His Spirit.

Amen

Our Lady - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

History of Novena

Eight hundred years ago Christians were being captured and sold into slavery by the thousands, and nobody knew what to do about it; Then,in the year 1198 a man had an idea. John de Matha founded the Trinitarians to go to the slave markets, buy the Christian slaves, and set them free. To carry out this plan, the Trinitarians needed large amounts of money. So, they placed their fund-raising efforts under the patronage of Mary. They were so successful that, over the centuries, the Trinitarians were able to free thousands and thousands of people, and to return them safely home. In gratitude for her miraculous assistance, St. John de Matha honored Mary with the tide of Our Lady of Good Remedy. This ancient devotion is widely known in Europe and Latin America, and the Church celebrates her feast day on October 8. Our Lady of Good Remedy is depicted as the Virgin Mary handing a bag of money to St. John de Matha. When in need, invoke the aid of Our Lady of Good Remedy, and you will surely experience the power of her intercession.

Still white-robed and wearing the red and blue cross, as designed by their founder, the Trinitarians are involved in many and varied apostolates, expressing their love for the Triune God as missionaries, parish priests, chaplains in prisons and hospitals, educators, friends of the left-out, the less fortunate, and all whose faith is in danger.

The above prayer and its history can be found on Catholic websites.

For additional prayers, please visit the following link: Devotional Prayers

The statue of Our Lady can be seen in front of the convent at Saint Mary's Church, located on Myers Avenue in Denville, New Jersey, USA.

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

Akiane Kramarik - Paintings Inspired by Visions of Heaven

YouTube - Girl with godly visions !!

The interview of Akiane Kramarik is from CNN. The inspiration for her art and literature comes from her visions of heaven and God.  For additional information about her paintings, visit the website of Akiane Kramarik.

Novena Prayer to St. Therese of the Child Jesus

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Novena Prayer to Saint Therese

The Twenty-four “Glory be to the Father’s” Novena

The Twenty-four “Glory be to the Father’s” novena can be said at any time. However, the ninth to the seventeenth of the month is particularly recommended, for on those days the petitioner joins in prayer with all those making the novena.

The “Glory be to the Father” praising the Holy Trinity is said twenty-four times each of the nine days, in thanksgiving for all the blessings and favors given to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus during the twenty-four years of her life. In addition, this, or a similar prayer may be used:

“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, I thank Thee for all the blessings and favors Thou hast showered upon the soul of Thy servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the twenty-four years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this Thy most beloved Saint, I beseech Thee to grant me this favor, if it is in accordance with Thy most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”

After this Prayer, follow the twenty-four “Glory be to the Father’s,” between each of which may be included this short prayer:

“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”

The Glory Be Prayer

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.


ORIGIN OF THE NOVENA

Father Putigan, a Jesuit, began the Novena to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus on December 3, 1925, asking the glorious Saint for one great favor. For nine days he recited the “Glory be to the Father” twenty-four times thanking the Holy Trinity for the favors and Graces showered on Saint Therese during the twenty-four years of her life on earth. The priest asked Saint Therese, that as a sign that his novena was heard he would receive from someone a freshly plucked rose. On the third day of the novena, an unknown person sought out Father Putigan and presented him with a beautiful rose.

Father Putigan began the second novena on December 24 of the same year, and as a sign, asked for a white rose. On the fourth day of this novena one of the Sister-nurses brought him a white rose saying:

“Saint Therese sent you this.”

Amazed, the priest asked:

“Where did you get this?”

“I was in the chapel,” said the Sister, “and as I was leaving I passed the altar above which hangs the beautiful picture of Saint Therese. This rose fell at my feet. I wanted to put it back into the bouquet, but a thought came to me that I should bring it to you.”

Father Putigan received the favors he had petitioned of the Little Flower of Jesus, and promised to spread the novena to increase devotion to, and bring her more honor.

In this fashion, from the ninth to the seventeenth of each month, those who want to participate in the Twenty-four “Glory be to the Father’s” novena, should add to those of their own, the intentions of all who are at that time making the novena, thus forming one great prayer in common.

The above prayer and history of the novena is found on the following link: EWTN

For additional prayers, please visit the following link: Devotional Prayers

The stained glass window of Saint Therese can be seen inside of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. The church is located on 1360 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, New Jersey, USA.

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

Ron Zaucha: A Vision of Jesus

YouTube - Ron Zaucha: A Vision of Jesus - CBN.com

I recommend viewing Ron Zaucha's life-changing story after he had a vision of Jesus Christ.  The following testimony by Ron Zaucha is published on CBN.com:

“I had a vision there in jail of Jesus Christ. He appeared to me as real as you are and finally spoke. I said, ‘What do You want?' And He said, ‘You.' I said, 'You can’t want someone like me. I’ve done all these things. Hurt all these people. Done all this stuff in my life.' And He said, 'I came for people like you.' When that happened, I knew I needed to change my life."

Father Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Catholic Church

Fr. Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Church

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

Almost twenty years have passed since I began my initial search for a spiritual director/confessor.  I expected the process to be straightforward and simple; however, it became rather challenging.  The most important element in my mind at the time was to find someone that could understand and relate to my spiritual circumstances as connected to my Catholic faith. 

Since 1991, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has revealed his spiritual presence in my life through signs and wonders. I believe it's extremely important for anyone experiencing the presence of God to have an advisor in order to anaylize the spiritual events as well as to discuss the meaning of God's plan and purpose in your life.

Have you ever tried looking for the appropriate medical specialist before making a final decision?  Perhaps you found someone and then later decided to switch because you were not satisfied with the outcome?  The comparison can be made with someone who serves the Lord and provides guidance for dealing with everyday journeys of life here on earth.

More than fifteen years have passed since making that faithful decision in choosing Father Richard Tartaglia as my spiritual director/confessor.  However, before making that decisive choice, it was a hit and miss process with a few other priests.  In hindsight, it was the appropriate choice. Father Richard is not only a skillful spiritual counselor, but I also consider him as a friend.

                                                                             

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

Fr. Richard is one of several pastors at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, located on Myers Avenue and Route 46 in Denville, NJ.  Saint Mary's Prep is also part of the parish and provides Catholic education from kindergarten through 8th grade. Father Martin Glynn is the head pastor at Saint Mary's Parish.

Fr. Richard Tartaglia's Office - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

                                     

Frankly, I admit, it's a delight to sit down and engage in dialogue with Fr. Richard about our Catholic faith, and then suddenly without warning, switch topics to baseball!  

If you examine the photograph of Father Richard's desk, he has more New York Yankees memorabilia than the Cooperstown Museum in NY.  I am in awe of his widespread collection of baseball souvenirs. And candidly, I must say, why not enjoy the game of baseball through collectibles?  It's fun entertainment for all ages and families.  In my opinion, he's the NY Yankees number one fan in the tri-state area.  I am quite sure he is happy about the major league baseball season finally getting started, especially with the game played between the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.  What an exciting rivalry for Yankee and Boston fans! 

Almost everyone at St. Mary's parish is aware of his love for God and baseball. 

His work in helping parishioners at St. Mary's and celebrating Holy Mass is appreciated by many and by no means forgotten.  As a gesture of thanks, baseball collectibles are common gifts given by parishioners for his thoughtful support and kindness.

He has numerous baseballs with some signed by Yogi Berra and Reggie Jackson.  He has a plaque of Derek Jeter breaking Lou Gehrig's team record in 2009 for hits by a Yankee.  A photo of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig hangs on the wall with a plaque of newcomer pitchers, C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.

If time would allow, you could spend hours discussing baseball with Fr. Richard, but because of his busy schedule, God's work prevails.  When it comes to faith, he's a walking encyclopedia of church doctrine and a model priest for all.  God the Father has gifted Fr. Richard with an open mind and open heart to address matters of spiritual importance.

Going back more than fifteen years, the most important matter I needed addressed was my request to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  Because of an on-going heart condition known as Atrial Fibrillation and continued bouts with headaches, it was God's spiritual remedy for treating my medical condition.  Through prayer, the Blessed Mother guided me to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his perfect timing in blessing me with this healing sacrament of the Catholic Church.

After requesting church assistance, I was anointed with oil by Fr. Richard Tartaglia with the healing sacrament. I thank the Lord for working his healing grace through this Holy Sacrament at Saint Mary's Catholic Church.

Through the blessings and grace of God, I was healed of my heart arrhythmia. The medical condition is treated with Lanoxin, a cardiac medicine. However, I've not used the medication for over fifteen years. I was treated by Dr. Gilbert Mandel of Denville, NJ, for the disorder. Additionally, I was healed from years of suffering painful headaches after countless visits to medical specialists with treatments that went to no avail. With the power of prayer and the Anointing of the Sick, God's healing grace cured me. The sacrament is administered through the church.



In James 5:14-15 the following is noted: "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon 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."



I hope that through reading my testimony, God will bless you with His grace to use the sacraments of the church and to return to weekly celebration of the Mass.



May God bless you on the pathway to salvation and healing!



Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com 

Apparition of Cross Appears in Window

Photograph by Tarmo Hannula

The following excerpt and photo is from Pajaronian.com

By Todd Guild

Hundreds of people have been flocking to a small house in downtown Watsonville, CA, to get a glimpse of what the owners say is a miracle.

Since the phenomenon was discovered two weeks ago, residents say visitors hoping to see the cross — which changes color and shape depending on the type of light behind it — have been coming around the clock.

On Thursday afternoon, about two dozen people were gathered in the garage, sitting on benches and chairs, silently praying and placing flowers on a table just under the window.

Parents carried their young children, while men stood near the back of the garage, their hats clenched in their hands.

“I live next door so I had to come and see for myself,” Jaime Saavedora said. “I’ve been seeing all these people come here. I’m a believer, so this is really important to me. I’m glad to see so many people come out for this. It’s really incredible; it’s a miracle.”

Sophia Marr of Aptos came to the apparition after she heard about the phenomenon at a church rosary group.

“The amazing thing is that this is happening during Holy Week,” she said. “I’m Roman Catholic, and to me this is beautiful.”

“I think it strengthens peoples’ faith when they see something that’s out of the ordinary,” she added.

At one point, a woman walked up to the window, leaned close and began to cry.

“I see Jesus’ face on the cross,” she said, before collapsing to the ground, where she was caught by her companions.

Esmerelda Segura, 13, said she took the three-hour drive from Sonoma with her family after hearing about the window from her aunt.

“I think it’s amazing,” she said. “At first I thought it was just a reflection from the light, but not anymore.”