Friday, April 09, 2010

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 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

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Thursday, April 08, 2010

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."


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Monday, April 05, 2010

Father Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Catholic 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.

                                                                             



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 





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Sunday, April 04, 2010

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.”


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The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

Scripture - Matthew 28:1-14

The Resurrection

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

The Guards' Report

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.

***
The stained glass window detail was photographed inside Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. The Catholic church is located in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, USA.

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

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Friday, April 02, 2010

God's Call for the World to Pray for Peace as We Celebrate Easter

Cross of 2010 - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

Lent prepares us through sacrifice and prayer for a spiritual renewal of the soul. However, Easter rejuvenates our lives as God the Father calls us to live by the gospels of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by transforming us into the resurrected image of His divine son.

Through prayerful contemplation and preparation for Easter, I made an appointment with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of Saint Mary’s Church. My visit on Wednesday, March 31, to Saint Mary’s, included the sacrament of reconciliation and a conversation with Fr. Richard about the spiritual presence of God as our Lord manifests His love through signs and wonders throughout the world.

For anyone that's interested in visiting Saint Mary's Church, it is located on the corner of Myers Avenue and Route 46 in Denville, New Jersey.

Since 2005 and each year following, God the Father has blessed me through His divine son, Jesus Christ, with a miraculous sign of a cross which appears annually on my residence in Mine Hill, NJ. Once again, on Saturday morning, March 27, 2010, a cross surrounded by a shield appeared on my backyard fence. The spiritual presence of God and His angels coincided with the start of Holy Week.

2010 Cross - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The cross started appearing at the top of the fence as a result of sunlight and then slowly moved downward until it came in contact with the ground. At that point it turned into a round circle of light and then afterward it disappeared. The most recent cross was seen by my wife, Teresa, including my son, Ryan and his friend Nicole.

In Psalm 84:11, we read that “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Through discernment and prayer, it’s the Shield of Archangel Michael, protector of God’s church and people.

In my previous testimony which is posted on this blog from March 23, 2007, I stated that nothing is visible in the house windows that might create a reflection of a cross. As before, I stand by that statement.

In my heart, I know it’s a reflection of God’s light coming from the gates of Heaven. As Jesus said in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

The photographs and testimony were shared with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia during my recent visit.


As you walk into the front door of Father Richard Tartaglia's office, the first object you notice is a poster hanging on the rear door with a caption of ‘Men in Black’ with two priests.  The poster has Fr. Jones holding a bible, while Fr. Smith holds a cross, both protecting the church from malevolent forces of evil. Ironically, the poster is based on the sci-fi movie staring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith who are both protecting earth from galactic destruction.

With that in mind, we are indeed living in a world which is following the road to perdition if we do not embrace positive change and follow the gospels of Jesus Christ. In scripture we are reminded to love one another and to strive for world peace.

God the Father is calling for everyone to pray for Divine Mercy and to make use of church sacraments by attending and celebrating Mass.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is calling for us to pray that violence be mitigated and extinguished throughout the world.

Our Lord is calling for us to cherish and respect human life especially the unborn and elderly.

Our Lord is calling for us to live in peace with our brothers and sisters of other religious denominations.

Our Lord is calling for us to help evangelize the world and to pray for Christian unity.

Our Lord is calling for us to pray for peace in our families and for the world.

Our Lord is calling for us to pray for divine protection and to pray for assistance in our lives through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima and Archangel Michael.

Cross Appears on My Fence in 2005


As I stated before, the cross first began to appear on my property in 2005.  For additional information on my testimony pertaining to the 2005 cross, please visit the following link: Miraculous Signs: Angels from Heaven.



Incidentally, in 2008, by coincidence or perhaps I should say by providence, the Gloucester County Times reported a similar story of a cross photographed on Easter Sunday in Pitman, New Jersey. To read the story, please visit the following links: NJ.com or Cross Appears on House During Easter.

Please join in prayer for God’s divine intervention in order to change our world and usher in an era of peace as foretold by Our Lady of Fatima and prophesied in Revelation 20: A Thousand Year Reign of God’s Peace.

As Jesus said in Luke 18:27, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

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