Jesus the Light of the World

Jesus the Light of the World
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

While traveling through the town of Madison on October 9, 2010, I had an opportunity to stop at and photograph a bronze statue of Jesus which is located in front of St. Vincent Martyr Parish. Interestingly, on top of the statue, the sunlight is creating a noteworthy reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Bronze Statue of Jesus
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

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

St. Vincent Martyr Church
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

If you're driving through Morris County, the Catholic Church is located on 26 Green Village Road, Madison, New Jersey.

Mass Schedule

Saturday: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 7:15, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., 12:00 Noon, 5:00 p.m. in Spanish

(July & August: 7:15, 9:15, 11:15 a.m.)

Monday through Saturday: 8:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. (No 12:10 mass during July and August)

Holy Days of Obligation: 6:30, 8:30 a.m., 12:10, 7:00 p.m. (No 12:10 p.m. mass in August)

Directions to St. Vincent Martyr Church 

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Message of February 2, 2011

Our Lady - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Our Lady Queen of Peace of Medjugorje - Message given through visionary Mirjana Soldo on February 2, 2011

(For Non-Believers)

“Dear children, you are gathering around me, you are seeking your way, you are seeking, you are seeking the truth but are forgetting what is the most important, you are forgetting to pray properly. Your lips pronounce countless words, but your spirit does not feel anything. Wandering in darkness, you even imagine God Himself according to yourselves, and not such as He really is in His love. Dear children, proper prayer comes from the depth of your heart, from your suffering, from your joy, from your seeking the forgiveness of sins. This is the way to come to know the right God, and by that also yourselves, because you are created according to Him. Prayer will bring you to the fulfillment of my desire, of my mission here with you, to the unity of God’s family. Thank you.”

Pro Football Players talk about their Faith before Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl XLV Media Day - CBN TV - Video

Shawn Brown from CBN TV talks to various players on the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers about their faith and what's most important to them before they take the field Sunday in Dallas for Super Bowl XLV.

Book Describes how Angels have Helped Popes throughout History

YouTube - RomeReports's Channel

The followining information is from the website of RomeReports.com:

This italian priest is dedicating his life to promote the proper devotion to angels. That's why Father Marcello Stanzione has written several books on these heavenly beings.

His most recent work describes how angels have helped popes throughout history. His book, The Pope and the Angels, begins by saying how guardian angels are a special help to anyone.

Visitors to religious library say Virgin Mary statue is crying

Visitors to Reading shop say Virgin Mary statue is crying - WCPO.TV

The following excerpt is from WCPO.com

By Jennel Walton

READING, Ohio - Some are calling it a miracle.

There is a statue of the Virgin Mary that appears to be crying tears inside a Reading shop.

In the back of the small shop is a statue of Mother Mary. It looks like she is weeping and there are two teardrops on her face.

The statue of Mother Mary crying inside Our Lady Queen of Reading religious lending library is bringing tears to some visitors' eyes.

"I believe it's true. They were there. I saw them. It's true. I would imagine it's a miracle," said one visitor from Amberley Village.

There are two tear drops on her face, one rests on her chin, the other on her cheek.

There is another statue of Jesus sitting at the top of the stairs with tears falling from its eyes.

"I heard about it on the radio and I didn't think much of it. Being here at work and we saw the lineup of people. Out of curiosity I went over and looked and its unbelievable. It's forming. The tear is there. It does not look like it's water or anything. It's real weird, very weird," said Gayle Walker from Reading.

Most want to believe what they see.

"Well I have faith that it is. We can't always be sure, but I prayed to her and I feel better about it and I'm glad I came," said one visitor from Reading.

There are more visitors arriving every day as word spreads about the crying statues.

They believe it should be shared with the community.

"You hear about it in other countries and then it's here in Reading of all places. It is a miracle. I think something will come of it, hopefully, something good," Walker said.

While at the shop, several stories about the tears were shared with 9 News.

Some say they started to form about a week ago when a visionary visited the library.

Someone else said they started after a rosary, which belonged to Reverend James Willig, who died nearly 10 years ago, was placed in her hands.

Read More: Virgin Mary Statue

Gospel is a Gift to be Shared, Pope says



Pope Benedict - CNA Photo


Gospel must not be an elite message, Pope says : Catholic News Agency (CNA)

The photograph and following excerpt is from the Catholic News Agency:

Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) Pope Benedict said in a message on missionary efforts that the Gospel is not an “exclusive” message to an elite few but rather a gift to be shared and “a piece of good news to be passed on.”

On Jan. 25, the Vatican released the Pope's official statement for the 85th annual World Mission Sunday which will be held on Oct. 23. The event is organized by the Propagation of the Faith and is set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church's missionary activity through prayer.

The theme of this year's celebration is, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

Pope Benedict opened his remarks by emphasizing that the “announcement of the Gospel is destined for everyone.”

“The Church exists to evangelize,” he said. “Her activity, in conformity with the word of Christ and under the influence of His grace and charity, becomes fully and truly present in all individuals and all peoples in order to lead them to faith in Christ.”

The task of spreading the Gospel, then, “has lost none of its urgency,” the Pope said. The Church cannot “rest easy” at the thought that “there are people who still do not know Christ, who have not yet heard His message of salvation.”

Pope Benedict also addressed the growing number of individuals who've heard the Gospel but have forgotten it, abandoned it, or no longer identify themselves with the Church. He said that in modern times, even traditionally Christian societies are “reluctant to open themselves to the word of faith.”

He cited a cultural shift – influenced by globalization and increasing relativism – as leading to mentalities and lifestyles “that ignore the Evangelical message as if God did not exist, and which exalt the search for well-being, easy earnings, career and success as the goals of life, even at the expense of moral values.”

To those who hear and believe, the Pope said, the Gospel “is not the exclusive prerogative of those who received it, but a gift to be shared, a piece of good news to be passed on.”

“This gift-commitment is entrusted not just to the few, but to all baptized people,” he underscored.

Read more: Gospel must not be an elite message