Miracles in Medjugorje

Miracles in Medjugorje

The following excerpt is from Kypost.com:

By Suzanne Murray

They go to church, they walk the steps and they pray the rosary. For centuries the faithful throughout the world have been praying to Mary, asking her to intercede. All hoping that Mary will answer their petition.

Over the years thousands have gathered to see the blessed mother. Many say she has been revealing herself, more this century than ever before.

But why?

People travel the globe in hope of a spiritual experience, but here, we have been lucky. Believers say the blessed mother has revealed herself to the Tri-State's faithful many times. They say she has appeared in Falmouth, a church in Norwood, and Cold Spring was infused with followers in 1992.

Some say these visions are the most important thing going on right now in the world and they are bringing hope to those who believe.

It happened to Wayne Weibel, a journalist in South Carolina, and now he travels the world telling about it.

"If somebody had told me the story I wouldn't have believed it. But it was happening to me so I couldn't deny it. I've been doing it ever since. She just spoke to me. I said she spoke to me, she spoke to my heart," explained Wayne Weibel.

Tucked in the mountains in Bosnia-Herzegovina there's a little village called Medjugorje. And for millions around the world the most important event of our time is happening there.

Believers say the blessed mother revealed herself to six children on a hillside in 1981. She told them that she will appear every day until she shares ten secrets with each of them. They say the secrets are events that will happen on earth in the near future and when she has revealed all the secrets she will stop appearing daily.

Jackie Janson has 14 children, 40 grandchildren and lives in Burlington. She's traveled to Medjugorje three times.

"When the blessed mother appeared to the kids in the church the whole outside lit up too," said Jackie.

Jackie was one of hundreds of people from the Tri-State that came to listen to Wayne, a convert, with a message of hope.

"These are the children and they need guidance and her role is to bring the children back to the son, and this is why there is a Medjugorge, Lourdes and Guatelope's," said Wayne.

Mary's main message- prayer, and it is for everyone, not just Catholics.

Read more: Miracles in Medjugorje

Muslim Student Group Invites Pope to Speak at Conference in Bali

CNS NEWS BRIEFS Sep-12-2011

The following excerpt is from Catholic News Service:

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Leaders of Indonesia's largest Muslim student group came to the Vatican to extend an invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to speak at a conference in Bali in 2012. The leaders of the Indonesian Islamic Student Association, or Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam, met Sept. 10 with Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, reported Fides, the Vatican's missionary news agency. The student association, which counts about 1 million members, was founded in 1947 and is "the oldest, largest and most influential" student group in Indonesia, Fides said. In addition to inviting the pope to address their conference on dialogue and peace, Fides said, the students spoke to Cardinal Tauran about ways to promote dialogue and religious pluralism and to begin forms of collaboration with Catholics.


Read more: Muslim Student Group Invites Pope to Bali

In Remembrance of 9/11: Pray for Healing and World Peace

9/11 Memorial - Parsippany, NJ
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

In remembrance of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, please join in prayer for healing and world peace.

The Millennium Prayer is written to pray daily to Our Heavenly Father for world peace. 

Jesus said in Mark 11:23-24, "Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will recieve it and it shall be yours."


Millennium Prayer for World Peace

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 Christ.
Amen

Prayer Copyright 2005 Loci B. Lenar

Michael Hingson Survives 9/11 because of Canine Hero

Michael Hingson: Thunder Dog - CBN TV - Video

Michael Hingson is blind and shares the incredible story of how his guide-dog Roselle got him down from the 78th floor of the North Tower in New York City on 9/11. 

Michael Hingson's new book, "Thunder Dog" describes the events of September 11, 2001 and is available in book stores.

Family credits Virgin Mary statue for saving their house from wildfire

Family credits Virgin Mary statue for saving their house from wildfire – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

From CNN.com:

Wildfires are raging in Texas. At the Garcia's home in Montgomery County, Texas the fire line comes right up to a statue of the Virgin Mary.  The family tells CNN affiliate KTRK they believe the statue helped saved their home.

Prayer Support for Families Affected by Hurricane Irene and Flooding

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

Your Prayer Support is Requested

With so many families affected by Hurricane Irene on the east coast and from devastating flooding, including New Jersey, I am requesting your prayer support.  Please pray to Our Lord to help all the families to recovery and also to mitigate storms and natural disasters.

I wrote the following prayer in 2010 as a result of the earthquake in Haiti. While praying for the victims and their families, the Lord inspired my heart to compose a prayer in order to petition God to mitigate earthquakes and natural disasters.

Prayer to Mitigate Natural Disasters

God the Father,

we join together in prayer and

petition heaven for divine intervention

to mitigate earthquakes and natural disasters.

We invoke the powerful name of Jesus

to calm the storms of time

and to bring forth a millennium

of peace and tranquility.

We pray to the Virgin Mary

to intercede on behalf of humanity

for God's hand of mercy to bless us

with divine protection.

We ask this and thank thee

in the name of Jesus.

Amen

A copy of the prayer is available at the following link: 
http://www.christian-miracles.com/prayertoenddisasters.htm

Thank you very much for your thoughtful prayer support!


A Reminder Regarding Monthly Prayer Service at St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Catholic Church holds a monthly service for prayer including special prayer intentions which are submitted through the website of Christian-Miracles.com.

Previous services have included prayer for Christian Unity. However, prayers for world peace are always included.

The next prayer service is scheduled for Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 7:30 PM (EST) with Fr. Richard Tartaglia. The prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month with a new theme.  September will focus on the birth of Mary, Our Blessed Mother.

St. Mary's Church is located on 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey.

There is great power through the Holy Spirit when people join together in agreement while praying for God’s help and intervention. However, if you cannot attend, you can still join in by praying with St. Mary's Church between the hours of 7:30-8:00 PM on September 15th for all special prayer intentions.

Prayer request can posted directly on Christian-Miracles.com at the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/apps/prayers/

May Our Lord have mercy and bless your prayer requests with divine favor.

David Garibaldi: Jesus Painting

David Garibaldi: Jesus Painting from Thriving Churches on Vimeo.


David Garibaldi: Jesus Painting on Vimeo

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

David Garibaldi is one extraordinary artist that will captivate you as he paints the face of Jesus on canvas.  He surprises the viewer with bold strokes of paint which at first appear abstract and then suddenly flips the painting over (bottom reversed to top) to reveal the face of Jesus.  Stunning work of art!

Paintings Inspired by Dreams of Mother Mary

Painter Mona Buencamino - Photo by ABS-CBN

A Filipina's Marian Paintings - ABS-CBN News - Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

The following excerpt is from ABS-CBNnews.com:

By Mika Barrios

MANILA, Philippines – In 1989, Mona Buencamino dreamt of the Lady of Guadalupe urging her to paint despite not having any painting background at all.

As her dreams of Mother Mary recurred, which she routinely ignored, she finally gave in through her husband's advice.

She started with a small canvas but didn't find her work satisfying. After three hours of practice, she made her first masterpiece of Mother Mary, one of the paintings on display in the San Beda Alabang Museum today.

By June this year, she had finished 27 paintings, enough for the required 30 pieces for the San Beda Museum exhibit in commemoration of Mother Mary's birthday this September 8.

Entitled "Ave Maria", the Marian paintings of Buencamino will be at the Gallery II of the San Beda Museum and open to the viewing public until October 31.

Buencamino's works have found their places around the world, ranging from various provinces in the Philippines, Colombia and Italy. To date, she has made a total of 150 Marian paintings.

Read more: Mona Buencamino

Catholic Life: Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist

The Praying Artist: New Feature on the Art of Stephen B Whatley. September 2011

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Stephen B. Whatley is a gifted and talented artist that paints with spiritual inspiration, which flows from his heart and soul on to the canvas in a contemporary flair of abstract colors. 

Stephen's Christian art is featured in the September 2011 issue of Catholic Life magazine.

I am very grateful to Stephen for allowing me to post his beautiful work on this blog.

His artwork is also on the homepage of Christian-Miracles.com and can be seen throughout our site with corresponding devotional prayers, including The Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes.

***

By Stephen B. Whatley

Blessed with my biggest interview and feature to date about my work and faith in Catholic Life magazine (September 2011) which has honoured me with the cover and a 6-page feature that includes 10 pictures.

Tony Glacius who interviewed me in July has written a powerful and hard hitting feature that covers my life experiences and career - all aspects including my expressions of my faith. From early tragedy, to the solace and trials of working with my art. The feature includes details on one of the spiritual experiences during one of my portrait sittings with a TV personality; my Royal commissions; and the profound reactions of American nuns, who discovered my work.

Catholic Life is available in the UK, USA and Canada. Deep gratitude to Tony Galcius and editor Brendan Gilligan who presented this feature so beautifully.

Prayers to St. Raphael the Archangel



Saint Raphael the Archangel by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Prayer for Healing to St. Raphael the Archangel

Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (mention your petition) and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint Raphael of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease, and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways. Amen


Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel

Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel, We beseech you to help us in all our needs and trials of this life, as you, through the power of God, didst restore sight and gave guidance to young Tobit. We humbly seek your aid and intercession, that our souls may be healed, our bodies protected from all ills, and that through divine grace we may become fit to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen.


St Raphael Prayer: Patron of Travelers and Bearers of Good News

St. Raphael, archangel, you protected young Tobiah as he journeyed to a distant land. Protect all travelers and most especially those who go about near and far preaching the Gospel. Guide and inspire modern apostles who use the communications media to bring the Good News of Christ to many souls. You also brought healing and joy to all you met. Help those who bring the Word of God to souls, that they may be as instruments in God's Hands to draw many to lives of Christian holiness. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

 
Prayer to Saint Raphael Before a Trip

Dear St. Raphael, your lovely name means "God heals." The Lord sent you to young Tobias to guide him throughout a long journey. Upon his return you taught him how to cure his father's blindness. How natural, therefore, for Christians to pray for your powerful help for safe travel and a happy return. This is what we ask for ourselves as well as for all who are far from home. Amen.


Prayer to St. Raphael: For the Choice of a Good Spouse

St. Raphael, you were sent by God to guide young Tobiah in choosing a good and virtuous spouse. Please help me in this important choice which will affect my whole future. You not only directed Tobiah in finding a wife, but you also gave him guidelines which should be foremost in every Christian marriage: "Pray together before making important decisions." If through prayer we keep God as the "third Partner" in our marriage, we will have the strength and grace we need to always accept and do His will. Amen.

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory be


Prayer to Saint Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings

O Raphael, lead us towards those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand towards those we are looking for! May all our movements, all their
movements, be guided by your Light and transfigured by your joy.

Angel guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on whose unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, we feel the need of calling to you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our country.

Remember the weak, you who are strong--you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, and bright with the resplendent glory of God.

Amen.


The following excerpt about St. Rapheal the Archangel can be read on CatholicOnline.com:

St. Raphael is one of seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord.

He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. At the time, Tobit was blind and Tobiah's betrothed, Sarah, had had seven bridegrooms perish on the night of their weddings. Raphael accompanied Tobiah into Media disguised as a man named Azariah. Raphael helped him through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter marriage with Sarah.

Tobiah said that Raphael caused him to have his wife and that he gave joy to Sarah's parents for driving out the evil spirit in her. He also gave Raphael credit for his father's seeing the light of heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession.

Raphael, Michael and Gabriel are the only Archangels mentioned by name in the bible. Raphael's name means "God heals." This identity came about because of the biblical story which claims that he "healed" the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels in the apocryphal book of Enoch. Raphael is also identified as the angel who moved the waters of the healing sheep pool. He is also the patron of the blind, of happy meetings, of nurses, of physicians and of travelers.

His feast day is celebrated on September 29th.

More Devotional Prayers

Our Lady of Medjugorje: September 2, 2011 Message to Visionary Mirjana Soldo

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady of Medjugorje's message of September 2, 2011 to visionary Mirjana Soldo:

"Dear children; With all my heart and soul full of faith and love in the Heavenly Father, I gave my Son to you and am giving Him to you anew. My Son has brought you, the people of the entire world, to know the only true God and His love. He has led you on the way of truth and made you brothers and sisters. Therefore, my children, do not wander, do not close your heart before that truth, hope and love. Everything around you is passing and everything is falling apart, only the glory of God remains. Therefore, renounce everything that distances you from the Lord. Adore Him alone, because He is the only true God. I am with you and I will remain with you. I am especially praying for the shepherds that they may be worthy representatives of my Son and may lead you with love on the way of truth. Thank you."

Common Faith: Arab, Jewish Believers Bridge Divide

Common Faith: Arab, Jewish Believers Bridge Divide - CBN TV - Video

Excerpt from CBN.com:

Even in the Christian community in the Middle East, there is division between Messianic and Arab believers. A small group of Christians is bridging that gap.

Robert Valderzak Regains Hearing After Earthquake (VIDEO)

Man Regains Hearing After Earthquake: MyFoxDC.com

The video and following excerpt is from Huffingtonpost.com:

While Washington, D.C. reeled from a 5.8 earthquake, Robert Valderzak, 75, reveled in a miracle. He got his hearing back.

Valderzak had lost his hearing after falling on Father's Day, according to My Fox DC, and had been recovering at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Northwest D.C. While seated in his hospital bed on Aug. 23, surrounded by his kids, the family felt the rumblings and then heard Valderzak speak for the first time in months.

"I said, you know, my hearing is back," Valderzak told his family. "I can hear everything,"

"To me, it was a miracle, a blessing from God up above," Valderzak said. "Couldn’t ask for a better day."

Pope says God can be seen through art

Pope says God can be seen through art

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

August 31, 2011- During the general audience, Benedict XVI explained that through artwork mankind seeks to find a relationship with God. “Today we reflect on the need to draw near to God through the experience and appreciation of artistic beauty. Art is capable of making visible our need to go beyond what we see and it reveals our thirst for infinite beauty, for God,” said Benedict XVI.

The pope also made note that artwork not only adds to the culture of society but also serves as a means of communication with the heavens.

Read more: Art

Cradle Catholics haven't done enough to evangelize, pope says

CNS NEWS BRIEFS Aug-29-2011

The following excerpt is from Catholic News Service:

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Cradle Catholics haven't done enough to show people that God exists and can bring true fulfillment to everyone, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of his former students. "We, who have been able to know (Christ) since our youth, may we ask forgiveness because we bring so little of the light of his face to people; so little certainty comes from us that he exists, he's present and he is the greatness that everyone is waiting for," the pope said. The pope presided at a Mass Aug. 28 in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, during his annual meeting with students who did their doctorates with him when he was a professor in Germany. Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna, a regular participant in the Ratzinger Schulerkreis (Ratzinger student circle), gave the homily at the Mass, but the pope made remarks at the beginning of the liturgy. The Vatican released the text of the pope's remarks August 29.

Read more: CNS

Prayer for the Immaculate Queen of Peace

Queen of Peace - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer for the Immaculate Queen of Peace - Prayers - Catholic Online

Most holy and immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus and our loving Mother, being his Mother, you shared in his universal kingship. The prophets and angels proclaimed him King of peace. With loving fervor in our hearts we salute and honor you as Queen of peace.

We pray that your intercession may protect us and all people from hated and discord, and direct our hearts into the ways of peace and justice which your Son taught and exemplified. We ask your maternal care for our Holy Father who works to reconcile the nations in peace. We seek your guidance for our President and other leaders as they strive for world peace.

Glorious Queen of peace, grant us peace in our hearts, harmony in our families and concord throughout the world. Immaculate Mother, as patroness of our beloved country, watch over us and protect us with your motherly love. Amen.

Miracles of the Saints

Padre Pio  

Miracles of the Saints

Excerpt from MiraclesoftheSaints.com:

This website MiraclesoftheSaints.com is devoted to the extraordinary miracles of God in the lives of the Saints including examples of Stigmata, Prophecy, Remarkable Cures, Bilocation, Heavenly voices from the afterlife, Prolonged Fasts, Mystical Knowledge, Crown of Thorns, Speaking in Tongues, Incorrupt Bodies, and Miracles over nature along with many others.

Martin Luther King Jr. Niece to Tout Pro-Life View at Memorial

King Memorial - Photo LifeNews.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Niece to Tout Pro-Life View at Memorial - LifeNews.com

The photograph and following excerpt is from LifeNews.com:

In conjunction with Sunday’s dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, his niece, Alveda King, will present the pro-life message at an event at the offices of the Family Research Council.

King, who is the full-time director of African-American Outreach for Priests for Life, a Catholic pro-life group, will host a panel discussion and video presentation on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. “Redeem the Dream: The State of the Quality of Life in the 21st Century,” will present a frank assessment of how far African-Americans have come since Martin Luther King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963, and how the dream has been imperiled by the abortion industry.

“He was unequivocally pro-life, and it would break his heart to know that so many African-American leaders endorse freedom of choice over the right to life.”  King said in a statement to LifeNews.

“As people gather in the nation’s capital to remember and celebrate the life of my Uncle Martin, it is an opportune moment to declare that were he here today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would be standing with those working to stop the violence of abortion against children in the womb and restore them to equal protection under the law,” King said.

The memorial to King is a four acre site that includes a towering granite sculpture of the civil rights leader and visitors to the King memorial filter through two pieces of granite carved to resemble the sides of a mountain. The 30-foot tall statute was sculpted by Chinese artist Lei Yixin and it shows King appearing to emerge from a mountain. The statute is placed facing southeaster towards the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial.

(The memorial to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is between the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials on the National Mall in Washington.)
Read more: King Memorial

Pope to Pilgrims as World Youth Fest Ends: Spread the faith!

Pope to pilgrims as youth fest ends: Spread the faith - USATODAY.com

The following excerpt is from USATODAY.com:

MADRID (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI urged more than a million young people to become missionaries for the faith Sunday, giving them words of encouragement as he concluded the church's youth festival and announced that the next edition will be in Rio de Janeiro in 2013.

Benedict told the crowd at a Madrid airfield hosting World Youth Day that they should not keep their faith private but participate fully in the life of their parishes and remain in communion with the church.

"So do not keep Christ to yourselves! Share with others the joy of your faith," he said.

This is Benedict's third World Youth Day, the gathering of young Catholics from around the world once every three years that was launched a quarter-century ago by Pope John Paul II in a bid to reinvigorate and spread the faith among the young. It has the feel of a weeklong rock concert and camping trip, with bands of flag-toting pilgrims roaming through Madrid's otherwise empty streets to take part in prayer and education sessions, Masses, cultural outings and papal events.

Read more: World Youth Day

World Youth Day Madrid: Pope arrives to “Cuatro Vientos” aerodrome to start vigil

WYD Madrid: Pope arrives to “Cuatro Vientos” aerodrome to start vigil

From RomeReports.com (Video Only):

August 20, 2011 - With almost 2 million people expecting his arrival, the pope made it to Madrid's Cuatro Vientos aerodrome to take part in Saturday's World Youth Day vigil. Young adults from more than 190 countries will take part in the celebration.

Prayer Leads to Healing through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

Fr. Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Catholic Church, originally uploaded by Loci Lenar.

By Loci B. Lenar

More than fifteen years ago, one of the most important health issues in my life was a request to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for a heart disorder. I contacted Fr. Richard Tartaglia and requested the sacrament of healing from St. Mary's Catholic Church, Denville, NJ.

I had an on-going heart ailment known as Atrial Fibrillation and also suffered with daily headaches. God's spiritual remedy for treating my medical condition was the Anointing of the Sick. Through daily prayer and recitation of the rosary, the Blessed Mother guided me to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for God's perfect timing in blessing me with His healing grace.

After requesting church assistance, I was anointed with oil by Father Richard Tartaglia with the healing sacrament.  However, Our Lord encouraged me to receive the sacrament of healing more than once before I was finally healed. With that in mind, I thank the Lord for working his healing power through Fr. Richard and Saint Mary's 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 any of the medication for over fifteen years. During that time frame, I was treated for the medical disorder by my family physician, Dr. Gilbert Mandel from Denville Associates of Internal Medicine. The medical group is located on Pocono Road, Denville, NJ. Additionally, as a consolation, 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.

I was guided to this wonderful scripture by Our Lady before receiving the Anointing of the Sick from Fr. Tartaglia: "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."  (James 5:14-15)

God calls us to share our faith and blessings in order to provide encouragement and hope for others. In doing so, we spread the gospels to those in need of our Lord's love and mercy which in turn helps to build the Kingdom of God here on earth.

So what does scripture convey regarding answered prayer and events that change our lives for the better as a result of God's blessings?

Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonderful acts. (1Chronicles 16:8-9)

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. (Psalm 118:21)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

It is my hope that by reading my testimony, God the Father will bless you with His grace to use the sacraments of the church and encourge everyone to return to weekly celebration of the Mass.

May Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless you on the pathway to salvation and healing!

Read more: Fr. Richard Tartaglia: Spiritual Advisor at St. Mary's Parish

Copyright 2011 Loci B. Lenar
www.christian-miracles.com

Lenar's Website and Blog Nominated for 2011 Catholic New Media Awards

Lenar's Website and Blog Nominated for 2011 Catholic New Media Awards

Reaching out for evangelization with Fr. Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Loci B. Lenar designed and released in 2008 the Signs, Wonders and Miracles website, where Catholics and Christians including other religious denominations can connect with the gospels and find miracles of faith by visiting the site at www.Christian-Miracles.com.

Fr. Richard Tartaglia is one of several pastors at St. Mary's and Mr. Lenar is a parishioner of the church which is located on 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey.

Mr. Lenar is very grateful that his website has the distinction of being nominated for 2011 Catholic New Media Awards in several categories, including Best Overall Catholic Website, Best Catholic News Website, Most Spiritual Podcast, and Most Informative Podcast. 

Christian-Miracles.com is built on the foundation of Christianity and the gospels, designed as a public ministry of faith and hope with spiritual news for the community.

For additional information including a large selection of devotional prayers, please visit www.Christian-Miracles.com.

In addition, Lenar's blog: Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith is nominated in catergories of Best Blog by a Man, Most Informative Blog, Most Spiritual Blog, People's Choice Blog, Best Podcast by a Man, and Most Spiritual Podcast.

The blog is designed for the free exchange of information and news, especially for anyone wishing to renew their faith by reading life changing stories.

Lenar's website and blog had the honor of being nominated in several categories in 2009 as well.

Please register in order to view the nominees, and cast your votes for the 2011 Catholic New Media Awards at the following link: http://www.catholicnewmediaawards.com/

Voting ends August 26, 2011.  Winners will be announced on August 28 at CatholiCon in Houston, Texas.

Thank you very much for your kind support in all the nominations and taking the time to vote.  Your vote indeed counts!

Hephzibah Agai: Jesus Fills the Empty Space

Hephzibah Agai: Jesus Fills the Empty Space - CBN TV - Video

Growing up with Islam, Hephzibah Agai shares her conversion to Christianity.

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Monthly Message to Mirjana Soldo

Stained Glass Window
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Message of August 2, 2011 to Visionary Mirjana Soldo

"Dear children; Today I call you to be born anew in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, to become a new people with my Son; a people who knows that if they have lost God, they have lost themselves; a people who knows that, with God, despite all sufferings and trials, they are secure and saved. I call you to gather into God's family and to be strengthened with the Father's strength. As individuals, my children, you cannot stop the evil that wants to begin to rule in this world and to destroy it. But, according to God's will, all together, with my Son, you can change everything and heal the world. I call you to pray with all your heart for your shepherds, because my Son chose them. Thank you."

Our Lady of Divine Providence

Our Lady of Divine Providence
By artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Divine Providence by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Catholic Calendar.  I felt compelled with an urgency as I often feel when expressing my faith through art - to pay tribute to another devotion to the Mother of God, Our Lady of Divine Providence. Everyone is aware from the current international news of the financial plight of so many in the world; and I personally know several people under this pressure, particularly in the USA.

I pray that my drawing will give peace, hope and bring relief through prayer to whoever views the drawing. I was overtaken as I drew- indeed 'charged' with prayerful energy, reciting Hail Mary repeatedly - particularly as the tender face of the Mother of God emerged through my drawing.

The history of this particular devotion to Our Lady dates back 400 years to 1611 in Rome; when Barnabites (clerics of St Paul) were unable to complete construction of their church due to financial problems. The pastor made a pilgrimage to Loreto to beg Our Lady for help and on his return was rewarded with the financial means to finish the church.

He ensured that Our Lady receive credit for the miracle by placing a factual account in the parish archives. In 1663, after an image of Our Lady was moved to the altar in the church and fell, breaking into pieces, the architect offered the Barnabites a painting of the Blessed Mother with the Child Jesus in her lap, by the artist Gaetan.

One of the Fathers found the Pastor's original writings about the miracle; resulting from devotion and trust in Our Lady, Mother of Providence.

Devotion passed to Spain where a shrine was built in Tarragona, Catalonia. A Catalan priest, named bishop of Puerto Rico, was assigned a diocese in ruin, plagued with financial problems. Putting everything in the hands of Our Lady - through prayer - the Cathedral was restored and the diocese re-established.

The way the hand of Jesus is wrapped around His Mother's hand is symbolic of Our Lady of Divine Providence..."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".

I am particularly grateful to a dear American friend, James, who kindly sent me the Illustrated Book of Mary (published: William J. Hirton Co. 2010) in which I learned of this devotion; and the illustration became my starting point for this tribute.

Prayer to Our Lady of Divine Providence

God, Our Father, we give you thanks as we honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother Of Divine providence.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, She became the mother of The Saviour. As queen sitting at the right hand of her Son, she aids the church with her needs and with maternal care provides the personal needs of her children who were entrusted to her at the Cross by Jesus, Our Lord

We implore Thee Father, through the prayers of our Lady, Mother Of Divine Providence, to remove from us whatever is harmful, and to bestow on us only that which will be helpful.

We ask Thee this through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

"May there be great blessings of peace, relief, new empowerment and prosperity through the Grace of Our Lady of Divine Providence, throughout August and beyond." ~ Stephen B Whatley, August 1, 2011

Charcoal on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

To view Stephen's painting of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, click on the following link:  www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/4711812117/

Copyright 2011 Stephen B. whatley

“Courageous” a film that delves into fatherhood

“Courageous” a film that delves into fatherhood

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

I was invited to see a screening of Courageous by Tim Lilley, Director of Communications, Maximus Group, GA.

I gladly accepted the invitation and saw the pre-release of Courageous which was held on April 14 at Clifton Commons 16, Route 3, Clifton, NJ.

The movie theater was nearly filled to capacity for the viewing of the film and met my expectations for promoting family values based on biblical principals. From my observation, the enthusiasm of those that attended the viewing of the film is a wonderful sign that the movie should find interest with a general audience.

The central focus of the film is on fatherhood and explores the relationships between some law enforcement officers and their families.

Other issues explored in the film are about integrity, and the consequences of actions when failing to live up to those standards.

I recommend seeing Courageous which opens in theaters on September 30th.

***

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com :

From the creators of the movie “Fireproof,” comes a new film on the virtues of fatherhood. The film “Courageous” is the story of four men and the choices they make in their lives to become better fathers.

By becoming more involved in the lives of their children and being better husbands, the men learn more about themselves.

It teaches about morals and humanity with some humor mixed in.

Many of the actors also starred in “Fireproof” and belong to the Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia.

“Courageous” has something for all ages and can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Signs of the Times Social Studies Guide

Signs of the Times
(Signes Des Temps)

Signs of the Times - (Signes Des Temps) - Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Loci B. Lenar

Signes Des Temps (Signs of the Times) is a new book compiled by Chantale Samuel and Charles Vendette and published in the French language. The learning guide was released in July 2011 by Les Editions CEC, a school book publisher in Anjou (Quebec) Canada.

I am happy to announce that Monique Rosevear of Les Editions CEC, contacted me to reproduce my photograph of a stained glass window of Saint Isaac Jogues. The colorful church window is published in the new social studies book on page 133. Credits for photographs are listed on page 139.



Saint Isaac Jogues - Stained Glass Window - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

 
I photographed the minature stained glass window inside of Saint Jude's Catholic Church, 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, New Jersey, USA.

The book is a social studies learning guide for grade 3 students entitled: Signes des Temps and is used as a student's book, teacher's guide and digital key. (ISBN # 978-2-7617-3358-8)

For more information about the book, please visit the publisher's website at the following link: Les Editions CEC

The following biographical information about St. Isaac Jogues is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Saint Isaac Jogues (January 10, 1607 – October 18, 1646) was a Jesuit priest, missionary, and martyr who traveled and worked among the native populations in North America. He gave the original European name to Lake George, calling it Lac du Saint Sacrement, Lake of the Blessed Sacrament. In 1646, Jogues was martyred by the Mohawks near the present day Auriesville, New York. Jogues, St. Jean de Brébeuf and six other martyred missionaries, all Jesuits or laymen associated with them, were canonized in 1930 as "The North American Martyrs," or "St. Isaac Jogues and Companions." Their feast day is October 19, except in Canada, where the feast is celebrated on September 26.

Read more: St. Isaac Jogues

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Monthly Message to Marija Pavlovic

Holy Spirit

Our Lady of Medjugorje - Message of July 25, 2011 to Visionary Marija Pavlovic 

"Dear children! May this time be for you a time of prayer and silence. Rest your body and spirit, may they be in God’s love. Permit me, little children, to lead you, open your hearts to the Holy Spirit so that all the good that is in you may blossom and bear fruit one hundred fold. Begin and end the day with prayer with the heart. Thank you for having responded to my call."

John Paul the Great Catholic University Students Win National Video Contest

‪Get Clean‬‏ - YouTube

After a near 25,000 hits on YouTube, JP Catholic student Melinda Collins wins the nation-wide i-Confess video contest with her video "Get Clean."

Press Release from John Paul the Great Catholic University:

SAN DIEGO, CA - July 25, 2011 - The Diocese of Brooklyn partnered with the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Rockville Centre to use social and digital media to shine light on the sacrament of Confession and promote a Lenten Day of Reconciliation on April 18. The contest, which ended on May 7, had simple criteria: each 60-second video needed orthodoxy and artistic quality, and would be judged on YouTube ratings and number of views. "Get Clean" was quickly noted for its high quality, stunning artistry, and compelling story of a girl suffering from the effects of sin who finds healing in the sacrament of Confession. Noticed by countless Catholic bloggers and shared enthusiastically on Facebook, "Get Clean" quickly reached close to 25,000 YouTube hits, surpassing every competitor.

Melinda Collins is a student at John Paul the Great Catholic University, an institution dedicated to Impacting Culture for Christ at the intersection of entrepreneurship, entertainment media, and theology in San Diego, California. Melinda Collins, a sophomore, had simple wishes for her entry. "My highest hope was that the idea would get me an 'A' in one of my media classes; I discovered God exceeds expectations," she stated. A devout Catholic and active participant in the sacraments, Collins hopes "Get Clean" will fuel thought about the authentic forgiveness offered through Confession, as well as encourage the appreciation and utilization of modern artistic mediums to spread the Gospel.

A $25,000 scholarship will go to Melinda Collins and her school of choice as a reward for her efforts.

Contact:
Martin Harold, Director of Admissions
John Paul the Great Catholic University
858-653-6740 ext. 1101
http://www.jpcatholic.com/

'Angelic Tails' is a must read for all canine lovers!

Angelic Tails: True Stories of Heavenly Canine Companions

By Loci B. Lenar

Angelic Tails is a wonderful collection of new stories that will touch a chord with all canine owners. I purchased an autographed copy of the book directly from the author, Joan Wester Anderson.

Joan takes a leap forward from her other books about angelic visitations (Where Miracles Happen) into an impressive theme revolving around man's best friend, canines. The accounts are uplifting and show how God can work through mysterious ways even with pets.

'Snow Angel' is one such heartwarming story. Joan writes in her new book that during a snowstorm, Linda Baxter and her daughter, Lesley, are saved by the neighborhood dog during a blinding blizzard. Praying for assistance, Punkie appears out of nowhere and guides them back on the appropriate path to their home.

Even more amazing is the story about St. John Bosco. Traveling at times in dangerous areas to help homeless children/teenagers, he was either robbed or assaulted. Praying for God's assistance, a large dog would appear and walk with John during his journeys. Joan writes that on one occasion, Grigo saved John from a shooter by running after the assailant. Later on, twelve men confront John with sticks. Before they could strike, Grigo suddenly appears and drives them away. Grigo would appear at St. John Bosco's side for thirty years as a heaven sent companion! Remarkable indeed!

This book is not only a great read for pet owners, but also for anyone interested in knowing how God can manifest his assistance and protection through canines.

I highly recommend purchasing Angelic Tails and reading all the inspirational stories; you will not be disappointed in this delightful book!

To order books, please visit the following link: Joan Wester Anderson

Tito Yupanqui could become the first Bolivian saint

Tito Yupanqui could become the first Bolivian saint

The video and following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

The bishops of Bolivia have opened the beatification process of Francisco Tito Yupanqui. If approved, he would become the first blessed Bolivian. He was born in 1550 and was one of the first indigenous people to convert to Catholicism.

He carved the image of the Virgin of Copacabana, which is an extremely important figure in Bolivia. The miracles attributed to the image have prompted the possible holiness.

Carlos Federico de la Riva
Bolivia's ambassador to the Vatican
"The attribution of the miracle is not directly related to the sculptor, Tito Yupanqui. Rather the miracles are linked to the image of the Virgin. That's simply a fact."

The sculptor is so popular in his native country, there's actually a village in the western part of Bolivia, named after Tito Yupanqui. Now, Catholics in Bolivia are hoping his beatification will come soon.

Carlos Federico de la Riva
Bolivia's ambassador to the Vatican
"In a way Bolivians see it as justice. People say, 'gee, all the saints are from other countries,' as if there was no room for holiness in Bolivia.”

If he does in fact become a blessed, the ambassador says it will promote a Christian way of living in his home country.

Catholics Line Up To See Cross And Veil Relics

 

 Catholics Line Up To See Cross And Veil Relics - KTVI

The video and following excerpt is from Fox2now.com:

ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com)

Catholics are lining up to see one of the largest alleged pieces of Jesus Christ's cross and a piece of the Virgin Mary's veil. The Catholic relics are on display at St. Francis De Sales Oratory in south St. Louis.

Hundreds of St. Louisans gathered to see and touch more than 150 relics linked to saints.

They waited in long lines for the chance to say a prayer and touch a personal item to the relics specifically linked to the crucifixion and to St. Mary.

A relic is a term for a personal item linked to a saint. Friday night's exposition featured more than 150 relics, but two of them really stood out over the rest.

"The more significant relics that are here is a fragment of the veil of Our Lady of the Cloth, worn by the mother of God on her head, and wood from the cross on which Jesus died," explained Father Carlos Martins, who travels all over the country with these relics.

He says every exposition is a special experience for the people that come to see and touch them, "People have that experience, that encounter. And it's great to be a part of that. It's great to be able to be an instrument God uses to provide this for his people."

Rosaries, prayer cards, and necklaces were just a few of the many objects people waited in line to touch up against the relics on display Friday night.

Read more: Catholics Line Up To See Relics

Our Lady of Medjugorje - Queen of Peace

Our Lady Queen of Peace
By Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady, Queen of Peace - 2011 Oil Painting by Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

June marks the 30th anniversary of regular apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to six young people in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Hercegovina; through whom the Mother of God came to plead the message of Peace. 'Our Lady of Medjugorje' gave herself the title of Queen of Peace.

Our Lady first appeared on June 24, 1981 (also the birthday of John the Baptist) and on June 25, 2011, the unofficial Feast Day. I felt compelled to paint in deep prayer this tribute to the Holy Mother of God; accompanied by the knowledge of descriptions given by the witnesses and a devoted pilgrim whom I have been privileged to know.

I pray there may be peace, healing, and relief for anyone who views this new painting. Blessings of Peace in the name of Mary Mother of God and Her Son, Jesus Christ.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace
Oil on canvas - 27 x 24in

See more Christian paintings by the artist at the following link: Stephen B. Whatley
 
Copyright 2011 by Stephen B. Whatley

Hawaiian nun's cause for sainthood jumps forward with second miracle

Hawaiian nun's cause for sainthood jumps forward with second miracle

The following information is from RomeReports.com:

(Romereports.com) The cause for sainthood of Blessed Hawaiian nun Marianne Cope has received Vatican approval of a second miracle. A group of doctors from the Vatican's Congregation for Causes of Saints declared there is no medical explanation for the cure of a woman who was on her deathbed and made a miraculous recovery.

No other details on the case have been released.

Before moving to Hawaii in 1883 to help care for those suffering with leprosy, Marianne Cope worked as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York. Her cause for beatification has been taken up there.

Join in Prayer for God's Spiritual Blessings with Fr. Richard Tartaglia at St. Mary's Church

Fr. Richard Tartaglia
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

A Monthy Reminder

St. Mary's Catholic Church holds a monthly service for prayer including special prayer intentions which are submitted through the website of Christian-Miracles.com

Previous services have included prayer for Christian Unity.

The next prayer service is scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. (EST) with Fr. Richard Tartaglia. The prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month with a new theme. July will focus on St. Anne and St. Joachim. However, prayers for world peace are always included.

St. Mary's Church is located on 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey. Father Martin Glynn is the head pastor of the church.

There is great power when people join together in agreement while praying for God’s help and intervention. However, if you cannot attend, you can still join in by praying with St. Mary’s Church between the hours of 7:30-8:00 PM on July 21.

Our Lord calls us to connect with his divine grace in order to receive blessings in our lives. Trust and believe in God's word and wait for his timing to receive an answer to your prayers.

Regarding prayer, Jesus said, "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." (Matthew 18:19-20)

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

With the support of Father Richard Tartaglia, prayer requests that are submitted through Christian-Miracles.com are also prayed for every Monday morning after the 8:00 A.M. Mass, during Holy Hour Adoration, which is between the hours of 8:30 to 9:30 AM. If you're unable to attend, please consider joining in prayer with others on Monday mornings during Holy Adoration. God will still hear your prayer!

If you live in the area or plan on visiting New Jersey, please consider attending and joining in the evening prayer service with Fr. Richard Tartaglia. The service begins with singing of hymns followed with psalm prayers and then reading of the gospels. After the reading, Fr. Tartaglia gives his homily which is followed with a prayer of intercession for Special Prayer Intentions (prayer requests). The Lord's Prayer is recited and after that there is a closing prayer with a blessing given by Fr. Tartaglia. The prayer service is concluded with a closing song.

For directions to St. Mary's Church, please visit the following link: http://www.stmarys-denville.org/directions.htm

Regardless of your religious denomination, please feel free to submit your prayer request at the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/apps/prayers/. Your email address will remain confidential.

Fr. Richard Tartaglia's office
with posters of Men in Black and Priest
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Loci Lenar visits Father Richard Tartaglia on a regular bases for spiritual guidance and shares with him the prayer requests. As a result, Mr. Lenar will hand deliver all emails requesting prayers to Fr. Tartaglia.

Monthly Prayer Service including Topics for 2011:

St. Joachim and St. Anne - Thursday, July 21, 7:30 P.M.

Assumption of Our Lady - Thursday, August 18, 7:30 P.M.

Mary's Birth - Thursday, September 15, 7:30 P.M.

All Saints and Souls - Thursday, October 20, 7:30 P.M.

Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 17, 7:30 P.M.

Advent and Christmas - Thursday, December 15, 7:30 P.M.


St. Mary's Weekly Mass Schedule:

Sunday: 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 AM

Saturday: 5:00 PM

Weekdays: 8:00 AM and 12:05 PM - (Except June ~ Labor Day - No 12:05 PM)

First Fridays: 8:00 AM, 12:05 PM, 8:00 PM - (Except June ~ Labor Day - No 12:05 PM)

Holy Days: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 7:00 PM

Eve of Holy Days: 5:00 PM

Reconnecting with God by Using the Web

Breaking religious ground by using the web

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

(Romereports.com) - The internet is used for pretty much everything nowadays. Now these nuns are getting ready to use the web for something they're not all accustomed to.

For years now, Sister de Witt has used the internet to connect with a younger crowd. The idea came, when she realized that less and less youths were going to Church. She decided to go online to chat with them, so they could re-connect with religion.

Sister Elvira Maria de Witt
Divine Heart of Jesus (Netherlands)

“You're not going to convent to ring the bell and say 'can I speak with a sister?' It's so easy to chat with a sister in your own room and ask questions and then think bye, and out it is.”

She's been so successful, she flew down to Rome to teach other nuns from different parts of Europe, about ways to use the internet to promote their work, help people and also to connect with those who may have a religious vocation.

Sister Elvira Maria de Witt
Divine Heart of Jesus (Netherlands)

“Do you know where to find them? On the internet. They said, on the internet? I got all my candidates on the internet. So now they have this theme and I think, oh that's great. I want to be there for every young one who is coming. I want to help them where they fit. They can be with us, they can be with other sisters and also with marriage.”

On the web, she connects with people from the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany and the U.S. It's a way for her to spread the Gospel, but it's also a way to stay in touch with the digital age. The possibilities are endless she says and it's something that simply can't be ignored.

For some, welcoming the digital age is a challenge, but the potential benefits, she says, by far outweigh the obstacles.

Read More: Reconnecting with God

Mysterious Visions of Man in White Draw Muslims to Christ

Mysterious Visions of Man in White Draw Muslims to Christ

The book cover and following excerpt is from EarnedMedia.org:

A new eye-opening book that chronicles a supernatural move of God among Muslims.

Out of Darkness Into Light, tells the first-person accounts of Muslims coming to Christ through visions, dreams and miracles. This book is a gripping collection of true stories. Easy-to-read and inspiring, it offers a rare view into the life and culture of men and women growing up in Islam, and the supernatural encounters they had with Jesus. It is a must-read for Christians who desire to minister to Muslims and for those who recognize their own heart does not reflect God's love toward Muslims.

Author Ali Abdel-Masih (a pseudonym meaning "believer in the Messiah") was a strong Muslim himself. He even wanted to evangelize Christians. One day, Abdel-Masih was alone in the house and a presence filled the room.

"The Holy Spirit fell on me," he recounts. "I knew Jesus was standing in the room with me and that He was the Son of God." To believe that meant that Abdel-Masih was not a Muslim - and he realized he no longer was. Jesus had changed him. Nothing less could have broken his fierce loyalty to Islam, he says.

Abdel-Masih later worked as a missionary to Muslims in the Middle East. He heard many stories similar to his own of supernatural visions or dreams. At great risk to his life, for more than 15 years he helped others there come to know the Man in white. Now, he is a frequent guest on television and radio talk shows, sharing God's heart for work among Muslims.

Out of Darkness Into Light is a book for both Muslims and Christians. Muslims will relate to the nuances - and questions - of life within Islam that each testimony describes. Many will have already heard of the visions without understanding what they mean. This book will help bridge those stories to the truth of the gospel. Christians will see powerful examples of God's heart for Muslims and their openness to the gospel. This book may be the most effective tool your ministry can use in outreach to Muslims.

For bulk copies, review copies, or interviews, contact Ali Abdel-Masih (714) 334-9117

Email: outofdarknessintolight@yahoo.com

Virgin Mary Aids In Miraculous Conceptions

Virgin Mary Aids In Miraculous Conceptions, Priest Says - Albuquerque News Story - KOAT Albuquerque

The following excerpt is from KOAT.com:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- One local priest said that an iconic image of the Virgin Mary in his parish has helped dozens of families conceive in Albuquerque.

Inside Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church, Father Christopher Zugger said dozens of couples who were told they couldn’t conceive children did because of the Virgin Mary.

“I better believe in miracles. We see them every day,” Zugger said.

Zugger bought the 200-year-old iconic image of the Virgin Mary back in 1998.

“Since them, we’ve had all kinds of miracles with all kinds of couples,” Zugger said.

According to Zugger, it started with one woman in the church who’d had five miscarriages.

“She said, ‘Holy Mother of God, save this baby. I can’t lose another baby,’” Zugger said. “(She) put the icon on her stomach and she says, ‘I’m not leaving until the baby kicks me six times.’”

That baby is now a teenager.

“Every single couple that has come, there’s been at least one child,” Zugger said.

Read more: Virgin Mary Miracles