Reporting news connected to Christianity and Catholicism with biblical insight.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Patroness of the Americas
The following story is from RomeReports.com:
When it comes to religious celebrations, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe ranks high in Latin America, especially in Mexico. Over the years she's been given many endearing titles like “La Morenita,” the “Patroness of the Americas,” and the “Queen of Mexico.” Her feast day is December 12, a day when millions come together to honor 'Our Lady.'
Fr. Nicola Tovagliari
Assistant Professor, Regina Apostolorum
“We remember the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, in hill of Tepeyac. That's when she introduces herself as the mother of the one true God and the mother of all mankind.”
In Mexico City that very hill now holds the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Every year more than 20 million people visit the Basilica. But the story itself goes back to 1531.
During a recent forum at Regina Apostolorum, Father Tovagliari, recounted how Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared before a humble Indigenous man known as Juan Diego. The Virgin asked him for a shrine. The bishop of the area wasn't sure if Juan Diego was telling the truth. So, he asked him for a sign.
Fr. Nicola Tovagliari
Assistant Professor, Regina Apostolorum
“Our Lady manifests all her love and maternal care with Juan Diego. She tells him 'Don't be afraid. I will protect you. You are in my care, under my cloak.' It's because of this situation, these words that mankind loves Our Lady, especially Latin America.”
Even though it was winter time, when few flowers are in bloom, Our Lady told Juan Diego to go up a hill where he would find colored roses. He picked them and placed them on his cloak. When he met with the bishop once again, the image of “Our Lady” appeared on Juan Diego's cover.
Her image though, was different from the rest. Her skin tone was dark and resembled that of a Mestiza, meaning a mix between Indigenous and Spanish blood. The community saw her as one of 'their own.'
Fr. Nicola Tovagliari
Assistant Professor, Regina Apostolorum
“We must remember and distinguish that Our Lady of Guadalupe isn't just an image, she is a presence. It's the presence of the Mother of God, close to all of us, her children. This is why she is venerated, as a mother who is alive and present.”
In 1990, during John Paul II trip to Mexico, he declared Indian Juan Diego a blessed. In 2002, he became a saint.
This year, on December 12th Benedict XVI will celebrate a Mass in honor our Lady of Guadalupe. It's here that he is expected to announce his future trips to Mexico and Cuba scheduled for 2012.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Vatican's Secret Archives to show documents of the Immaculate Conception and of St. Bernadette
The following news story is from RomeReports.com:
In February 2012, the Vatican's Secret Archives will show a 100 of its prized documents. Among them, is the original parchment that holds the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. It's titled the 'Bolla Ineffabilis Deus.' It dates back to 1854 and it's signed by Pius IX.
Also on display will be a letter St. Marie Bernadette Soubirous sent to pope Pius IX in 1876. It deals with the apparitions of the Virgin of Lourdes, which is one of the few appearances recognized by the Vatican. The letter is hand-written in French, by the very Bernadette Soubirous.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Vatican medical board confirms second miracle attributed to Mother Marianne Cope
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| Mother Marianne Cope - Hawaii State Archives |
The following excerpt is from Syracuse.com:
The former leader of Syracuse’s Franciscan sisters is just one step from being named a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
A group of cardinals and bishops confirmed today a Vatican medical board’s finding that there is no medical explanation for a second miracle attributed to Blessed Mother Marianne Cope, known for her work with patients with leprosy in Hawaii.
With the approval of Pope Benedict XVI, Mother Marianne would become a saint, considered the church’s spiritual role models.
The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes for Saints confirmed the unanimous ruling of the medical board that a medical miracle occurred as the result of prayers seeking the intercession of Mother Marianne on the patient’s behalf.
The case involves the healing of a woman who was ill with a fatal health condition. The diocese has not revealed the woman’s name or other details of her case, but may later, local church officials have said.
In 2004, Vatican officials ruled that a miraculous recovery involving a 14-year-old Syracuse girl in 1993 was the result of Mother Marianne’s intercession. The girl, Kate Mahoney, nearly died from complications after cancer surgery at Crouse Hospital.
Sister Mary Laurence Hanley, a Franciscan nun, visited Mahoney in the hospital and prayed to Mother Marianne to intercede with God on her behalf. Others also prayed for her to Mother Marianne.
The Sisters of St. Francis have a shrine to Mother Marianne at their residence on Court Street in Syracuse.
Read more: Mother Marianne Cope
Our Lady of Medjugorje's Monthly Message to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo
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| Photograph by Loci B. Lenar |
The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje
"Dear children, as a mother I am with you so that with my love, prayer and example I may help you to become a seed of the future, a seed that will grow into a firm tree and spread it's branches throughout the world. For you to become a seed of the future, a seed of love, implore the Father to forgive you your omissions up to now. My children, only a pure heart, unburdened by sin, can open itself and only honest eyes can see the way by which I desire to lead you. When you become aware of this, you will become aware of the love of God - it will be given (as a gift) to you. Then you will give it (as a gift) to others, as a seed of love. Thank you."
For other faith related news, please visit http://www.christian-miracles.com/
Monday, December 05, 2011
Who was St. Nicholas? The true story of Santa Claus
Who was St. Nicholas? The true story of Santa Claus
The following news reports is from RomeReports.com
December 6 is the feast day of St. Nicholas of Bari, otherwise known as Santa Claus. He was bishop of the city of Myra, in present day Turkey, where he died in the fourth century. When the city was conquered by Muslims, his remains were moved to the Italian city of Bari.
When his parents died, he divided his fortune among the poor. Because of his generosity, tradition remembers him as Santa Claus, who every year would deliver gifts to everyone.
He is also the patron saint of Russia, Greece and Turkey.
In Rome, a temple was built in his honor by the year 550. There are currently over 2,000 churches in the world that carry his name.
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Video contest on forgiveness offers $6000 prize to young people
The video and following news item is from RomeReports.com:
December 3, 2011 - This year's Kerygma Awards will give away $6,000 to the best video about forgiveness. The contest has two categories for advertising and short films. It's only open young people between the ages of 17 and 25. Cash prizes will also be given to second and third place of 2,000 and 1,000 dollars each.
It's being held by the NGO “Showing Christianism” and the Villanueva University in Madrid.
Their idea was to encourage young people to come up with new ways of conveying the message of Benedict XVI. Entries can be submitted until March 12.
Last year's winners were the authors of this short Australian film called “The power of confession,” a story about the power of friendship based on real events.
The international contest receives submissions from around the world such as Israel, Chile, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
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