Saturday, June 28, 2014

Are we heading toward some sort of worldwide moment of truth or chastisement?

Joan Wester Anderson

By Joan Wester Anderson

Sometimes hard times occur through no fault of our own but are just a result of living in an imperfect world. God does not send suffering to his children, but as C. S. Lewis once noted, 'pain is God's megaphone.' It gets our attention. When these periods come, our job is simply to endure, getting through them the best we can.

People who are attempting to move closer to God will often find obstacles in their paths. There is a saying that if you're not doing anything for the kingdom, Satan leaves you alone. But if you're becoming an effective soldier, you find yourself under attack.  A members of my Wednesday night prayer group often jokes that if the weather is bad, the car breaks down, or a headache develops, it will happen on a Wednesday, giving us an excuse to stay away from our two-hour prayer time and the graces and spiritual insights that might have resulted. But the Bible confirms our observation: "When you come to serve the Lord," says the book of Sirach (2:1), "prepare yourself for trials." The solution here is to persevere. Relief will come.

Suffering happens, too, as a result of sin, freely chosen. Should we be surprised when children brought up on a steady diet of immoral movies and television programs act out what they see?  Should we be surprised when people dabble in the occult, settle problems through violence, abandon their responsibilities? One emergency room physician told me his personal theory: "if people simply lived by the Ten Commandments, we would have no health-care crisis in our country, because hospitals would not need to treat those suffering from gunshot wounds, victims of spouse or child abuse, those suffering from sexually transmitted diseases or drug overdoses, and so on." Instead, hospitals could use their resources primarily for those ill with diseases.

As God continues to try to get our attention, what lies ahead? Few people believe that the current era heralds the end of the world or the Second Coming; Jesus told us no one would know the day or the hour this would occur. But will there be a repeat of what happened when the Fatima prophecies in 1917 went unheeded? Or are we heading toward some sort of worldwide moment of truth or chastisement, when God's people may have to summon the courage to take a stand and get involved in society as never before?

Perhaps. But it's possible that there are more wondrous events ahead too. One pastor had a vision in which he saw himself in a crowded football stadium. Suddenly the Holy Spirit was beside each person in the stadium. Instantly everything stopped, because God was showing every person just where he or she stood on the pathway of life and eternity.

"They will be my witnesses...to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

***

Author and lecturer Joan Wester Anderson was born in Evanston, Illinois. She began her writing career in 1973 with a series of family humor articles for local newspapers and Catholic publications, and was a monthly columnist for two national magazines during the 1980s. She has published more than one thousand articles and short stories in a variety of publications, including Woman’s Day, Modern Bride, Virtue, Reader’s Digest, and the New York Times Syndicate.

Her 15 books include WHERE ANGELS WALK, TRUE STORIES OF HEAVENLY VISITORS, which was on the New York Times best-seller list for over a year, has sold almost two million copies and been translated into fourteen languages. Published in fall, 1994, were the sequel to ANGELS, titled WHERE MIRACLES HAPPEN, and for children, AN ANGEL TO WATCH OVER ME. Both books were written in response to suggestions from readers, and were followed in rapid succession by three more in this series. FOREVER YOUNG (Thomas More Publishers), the life story of actress Loretta Young, was published in November, 2000. The actress had read the angel series, and requested Anderson as her biographer. The two became close friends. Anderson’s book, IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS (Loyola Press) covers angelic activity primarily during the past decade, including stories of hope from the 9/11 and Columbine School tragedies. Her most recent books, GUARDIAN ANGELS (Loyola Press),  ANGELS AND WONDERS (Loyola Press) and ANGELIC TAILS, focus on amazing and tender stories of God’s answers to prayers.

Anderson has appeared on national television programs including “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” “20/20,” “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw” and “Mother Angelica Live,” and was featured in such documentaries as “Angels–Beyond the Light” (NBC), “Angel Stories” and “Stories of Miracles” (The Learning Channel), and many videos. She was a story consultant for the television series, IT’S A MIRACLE, lectures in cities across the country, and has been interviewed on hundreds of radio talk shows.

Anderson is a Catholic and member of St. Edna’s Parish in Arlington Heights IL., a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and a former adjunct professor at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois. She and her husband live in suburban Chicago, and have five grown children and five grandchildren.

Website: http://joanwanderson.com/believe/

Copyright 2014 Joan Wester Anderson

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Vatican theologians approve Fulton Sheen miracle



News excerpt and photograph from CatholicHerald.co.uk

The possible miracle needed for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen took another step toward papal recognition on June 17 when a panel of theologians met at the Vatican, the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation has announced.

As a normal part of the sainthood process, the theologians met to consider whether or not the promoters of Archbishop Sheen’s cause demonstrated that the proposed miracle — the survival of a child delivered stillborn – occurred after prayers for the intercession of Archbishop Sheen alone.

In March, a seven-member board of physicians convoked by the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints agreed that there was no natural explanation for why the child’s heart started beating over an hour after his birth.

The child, James Fulton Engstrom, is now three years old and developing normally. His mother, Bonnie Engstrom, said she had no precomposed prayer asking for help from Archbishop Sheen. “I just kept repeating his name over and over in my head: Fulton Sheen, Fulton Sheen, Fulton Sheen,” said Ms Engstrom.

Archbishop Sheen was a priest in the Diocese of Peoria, which covers central Illinois. He gained fame for his 1950s television show “Life Is Worth Living” and for his 16 years at the helm of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. He died on December 9, 1979, in New York.

In a statement released on June 17 by the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria said: “With the recommendations of the medical experts and now the theologians, the case will next be reviewed by the cardinals and bishops,” who are members of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.

Read More:  Fulton Sheen Miracle

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with friends and family of Reverend Monsignor James H. Murray



News and photograph from Saint Mary's Parish

The Reverend Monsignor James H. Murray, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Mary Church in Denville, NJ, died in the Lord on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Monsignor Murray, ordained a priest in 1956, faithfully served in priestly ministry for fifty-eight years.

The Reception of the Body will be on Thursday, June 19, at 2:00 pm in
Saint Mary Church
15 Myers Avenue
Denville, New Jersey 07834
973-627-0269

The Viewing will continue on:
Thursday, June 19, 2014, until 8:00 pm in
Saint Mary Church, Denville, NJ.

The Evening Prayer Service will be held at 7:30pm

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on:
Friday, June 20, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in:
Saint Mary Church, Denville, NJ

Interment will be private.


***

As a parishioner of Saint Mary's Church, my heartfelt condolences and prayers are with friends and family of Monsignor Murray. May God comfort you during this difficult time. -Loci B. Lenar

Saturday, June 07, 2014

Join in Prayer on June 8th for Peace in the Middle East

Photo Credit: Elise Harris/CNA

Vatican: prayer with Abbas, Peres opening 'road to peace' : (CNA)

News excerpt and photo from CNA:

The Vatican has released the details for Sunday’s prayer between Pope Francis and the Israeli and Palestinian presidents, stating that although peace will not be immediate, it’s a starting point.

“The intent of this encounter is to open the road to peace,” Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa O.F.M., Guardian of the Holy Land, revealed to journalists in a June 6 press conference, telling CNA that “My hope is that this event will help to bring a new atmosphere in the Middle East.”

The prayer, the spokesman noted, will be divided into three parts following the chronological order of the three faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Beginning around 7 p.m., the first part of the prayer will be recited in Hebrew, honoring the Jewish faith. It will include an initial prayer, a brief musical interlude, a prayer of forgiveness, a second musical interlude, a prayer invoking peace, and finally a Jewish musical meditation.

The second part of the prayer, dedicated to Christianity, will follow the same structure, and will be recited in English, Italian and Arabic. The third part, honoring the Muslim community, will only be said in Arabic.

Following the three parts of the prayer, Pope Francis will give a discourse invoking peace, and then invite the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to give their own, beginning with Shimon Peres, who will be followed by Mahmoud Abbas.

After giving the speeches, the Pope and the presidents, along with Patriarch Bartolomeo I, will exchange a sign of peace in shaking hands. Pope Francis and the two presidents will then plant an olive tree together as a symbol of peace.

Read more: Pray for Peace

Monday, June 02, 2014

Delivered from Danger by the Power of Prayer



News story from CBN TV

A heart malfunction caused Steve DeMoss to go into a coma from which he miraculously awakened after being anointed with oil by his pastor.

Doctors told Sharon DeMoss that Steve needed to wake up from the coma within 5 days, or he would suffer major brain damage. On the fourth day, he was showing no signs of recovery. She called a local church for prayer. “They came over immediately and they spent a long time,” Sharon said. “We worshipped. We prayed together. We held hands. We prayed over him. They anointed him with oil.”

By the next morning, Steve was awake and had no signs of brain damage. “When I woke up, my wife says, ‘Do you realize what just happened?’ I had all these tubes in me and everything. Then my kids came to me, my daughter and one of my sons, we huddled and we realized that the worst had passed.”

“I remember just being able to breathe after that,” Sharon said. “Like, it was going to be okay.”

“That was a pretty joyful realization that God’s restored what we had almost lost,” Steve said.

That same afternoon, Steve was walking around the hospital, and he was released just days later. “When I woke up, I heard that people were praying all over the world,” Steve said. “I had friends in Senegal, Uganda. I really believe that the prayers of the people is what brought me back. It was extremely touching for me. It just made me feel like, ‘I am so glad I am a part of the body of Christ.’”

***

"Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven."  (James 5:14-15)

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Miracle Boy Meets Pope Francis

Photo by Andreas Solaro/AFP

News excerpt from Aleteia.org

Born in May 2002 in Milan, little Pietro is the fifth child of Walter and Adele. At his birth, the doctors found that he was suffering from a lung malformation. The infant was doomed. The parents then asked Father Antonio Sangalli, a Carmelite, to baptize him right away. At this critical moment, the priest slid over a picture of ThĂ©rèse de Lisieux's parents, the Martins, who had lost four of their own children.

Walter and Adele decided to trust in the Lord and confide in Louis and ZĂ©lie Martin. And the incredible happened. (Full story here.) Although the doctors predicted he had only a few hours to live, a month later the small Pietro began to show signs of improvement. After a few weeks, he was officially cured.

The Alençon Shrine is dedicated to the Martins. Every year on July 12, it organizes a pilgrimage around this exemplary couple. The family of St. ThĂ©rèse of the Child Jesus lived in Orne until ZĂ©lie's death in 1877. It was then that Louis Martin decided to move to Lisieux with his daughters, near his beautiful family. In Alençon, for obvious reasons, people are interested in news related to the Martins and ThĂ©rèse.

And, after the healing of little Pietro SchilirĂ² which made it possible to beatify the couple on October 19, 2008, this is another story that brought joy in recent weeks: Pietro's meeting with Pope Francis on March 29 at the Vatican, at the audience with the deaf and blind. (Pietro has been deaf since age 3.) And the meeting was not trivial. While we know about Francis' attachment to the saint of Lisieux, the meeting also overwhelmed the little boy who had received the miracle from ThĂ©rèse's parents.

Read more: Miracle Boy

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Prayer Service Scheduled at Saint Mary's Church


St. Mary's Parish

St. Mary's prayer service is scheduled for 7:30 PM on Thursday, May 15, 2014.

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


Submit your prayer requests to http://www.christian-miracles.com/prayerrequest.htm

St. Mary's Catholic Church is located on the corner of Myers Avenue and Route 46, Denville, New Jersey.

Directions: http://www.stmarys-denville.org/directions.htm

If you cannot attend the prayer service, you can still join in by praying in unity for all special prayer intentions.

There is great power through the Holy Spirit when people join together in agreement while praying for God’s help and intervention.

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)

(The statue of Jesus is on display inside of St. Mary's Church.)


Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Prayer for Strength to Forgive


Faultless Lord, enduring death for me,
You have consummated the debt of my sins:
Your sacrifice of forgiveness was absolute!
Grant me the strength to also forgive others,
To excuse their transgressions against me.
So I may truly reflect this spiritual fruit,
Obliterate any persistent feelings of malice.
Let each trespass end as a closing chapter,
My continuing on the road of righteousness.
Forgive my sins as I aspire to forgive others.
You are truly archetypical of forgiveness.
You are a most forgiving Lord!

(Prayer from Catholic Online) 


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

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Prayer to the Mother of the Lord for all Mothers



Happy Mothers Day!

Mary, on this day when we honor all mothers, we turn to you. We thank the Lord whom you serve for the great gift of motherhood. Never has it been known that anyone who sought your intercession was left unaided by grace. Dear Mother, thank you for your “Yes” to the invitation of the angel which brought heaven to earth and changed human history. You opened yourself to God’s word and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Dear mother, intercede for all of our mothers. Ask your Divine Son to give them the grace of surrendered love so that they could join with you in giving their own “Fiat.” May they find daily strength to say yes to the call to the sacrificial love - the very heart of the vocation of motherhood. May their love and witness be a source of great inspiration for all of us called to follow your Son.
On this Mothers day, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us who have recourse to you…
In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

(Prayer from Catholic Online)

***
The photograph is a close-up of Mary and Infant Jesus. The beautiful wood icon is part of a display of votive candles used for prayers. The votive display is on the left side of the church as you enter into the Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Catholic church is located on 543 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ, USA.

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

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Pope could approve a miracle attributed to Paul VI



News story from RomeReports.com

Cardinals and Bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints have approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Pope Paul VI

But that doesn't make it official, just yet. The Prefect of the Congregation, Cardinal Angelo Amato will present the cause to the Pope and wait for its approval or denial. 

The case involves a five month old baby who was inexplicably cured in the womb. The mother's amniotic sac burst open and doctors told her, her baby would have serious birth defects, perhaps even die. The woman refused and abortion and prayed to Pope Montini

The baby was born at eight months, completely healthy. The healing took place in 2001 in the U.S.

As Pope, Benedict XVI recognized the heroic virtues of Pope Paul VI back in 2012. 

If approved by Pope Francis, his beatification could take place in October, when the synod on the family takes place in the Vatican. Ironically, it was Paul VI himself who first introduced the Synod of Bishops. 

Saturday, May 03, 2014

Virgin Mary image seen while restoring church



News story and video from krqe.com

They fought to save it and won.

Now, the work to restore the church has revealed something that has parishioners saying, “We told you so.”

“It is something special, something special for this community,” said Esther Garcia, former mayor of Questa.

Like Garcia, dozens of people are visiting St. Anthony Catholic Church in Questa  this week to take a look.

“It kind of just like, it just hit me,” Garcia said. “To come here to see it, I have to tell you, I had to cry. They’re happy tears, yes, very much so.”

Mark Sideris, the coordinator of the church restoration project, helped make the discovery that is attracting all the attention.

“I felt very distinctly seeing a lamb being cradled in the arms of Mary,” he said. “In my mind that is the Lamb of God and his Mother Mary.”

Sideris said he was working with a handful of others on Monday when he first noticed it.

“Our main saw man made a mistake and, as a result of making that mistake, we had to turn the timber sideways and re-cut it,” Sideris said.

But he said when he noticed the image of Virgin Mary in the beam, he realized it wasn’t a mistake after all.

“This bolsters the energy to see, ‘Wow, we’re on the right path here,’ and we’ve been given this as a reminder,” Sideris said.

Read more: Virgin Mary Image

Monday, April 28, 2014

Horrific Car Accident Leads to Angelic Encounter



News story from CBN TV

When Dann and Tracey Stadler's car was hit head-on by a drunk driver it burst into flames. With their lives in the balance, a series of miracles were set in motion to save the couple.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Pope declares John XXIII and John Paul II as saints of the Universal Church



News story from RomeReports.com

It's official. Pope Francis has declared John XXIII and John Paul II as saints of the Catholic Church.

Before a crowded square, Card. Angelo Amato presented the decree to elevate the two Popes to the altars. Pope Francis gave his approval through a brief proclamation. 

Afterwards, family members of John XXIII and the woman cured by John Paul II presented the relics of each Pope respectively. 

FULL TEXT OF PROCLAMATION

For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the increase of the Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after due deliberation and frequent prayer for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brother bishops, we declare and define Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II be saints and we enroll them among the saints, decreeing that they are to be venerated as such by the whole church. In the name of the Holy Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Our Lady's message of April 25, 2014 to Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti



The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady's Message of April 25, 2014 Message to Marija

"Dear children! Open your hearts to the grace which God is giving you through me, as a flower that opens to the warm rays of the sun. Be prayer and love for all those who are far from God and His love. I am with you and I intercede for all of you before my Son Jesus, and I love you with immeasurable love. Thank you for having responded to my call." 

Divine Mercy Sunday at Saint Mary's Church

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Saint Mary's Catholic Church

St. Mary's Council of Catholic Women invites all parishioners and visitors to join them on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2014, at 3:00 PM.

Pope John Paul II said that the Divine Mercy portrays the Risen Jesus Christ bringing Mercy to the whole world. Our Lord said to Saint Faustina, "I want the image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know." St. Mary's will say the Divine Mercy prayers and there will be exposition of the most Blessed Sacrament and close with Benediction.

St. Mary's Catholic Church is located on the corner of Myers Avenue and Route 46, Denville, New Jersey.

Directions: http://www.stmarys-denville.org/directions.htm

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Natalie's Easter Miracle



News from CBN TV

A bad car accident put Natalie Elders in a coma for ten days until she experienced a personal Easter Sunday resurrection.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Faithful Gather in Christianity's Sacred Site


Sunday, April 13, 2014

Prayer Heals Man from Sinus Cancer




News story and video from CBN.com

By Tim Smith

Jacob Boger had severe headaches, watery eyes, and felt fatigued all the time. MRI tests showed a tumor in his nasal cavity, behind his eyes. A subsequent biopsy revealed even more… cancer. “I had ignored the symptoms for so long that the cancer had progressed through the 1st stage, the 2nd stage, and the 3rd stage. And by the time we did the biopsy, I was in the 4th stage, and given a less than 10% chance to live. The cancer was eating a hole in my skull and was heading toward my brain.”

Jacob needed immediate chemo and radiation. His doctor told him about the possible side effects. “’It’s going to make you sterile. Your saliva glands are going to be destroyed. Your taste buds are going to be destroyed. The radiation that’s going to go with this treatment is going to destroy your hair follicles. You’ll never have hair on the sides of your head again.’”

The tumor was 4 inches in diameter. Jacob started his treatments immediately. His doctor said he would live only 5 more years. “He said that for the 5 years I’d be battling the cancer. (He told me) even if it went into remission, that at the level that it’s at, stage 4 that it’s at, and the aggressiveness that it’s at, it’s going to come back. One of the warning signs that he gave me was that if I ever wake up, or through the day, have cerebral fluid coming out of my nose, which was a clear, salty kind of fluid, he said, ‘Just rush to the hospital. You’re done at that point.’”

Jacob was a Christian, and believed God would heal him. “I was constantly listening to teachings on healing. I was constantly in my Bible, and I was in prayer. And I would tell God, ‘Your Word says, ‘By Your stripes, I am healed.’ And I believe Your Word. You tell me to stop taking these treatments; I’ll stop taking the treatments, because my faith is in Your Word.’”

Jacob says that’s exactly what happened. “I woke up in the middle of the night one night, and just as clearly as I’m speaking to you right now, I heard God tell me, ‘It’s over. It’s finished. It’s done. Stop taking the treatments.’ The peace of God was on me, and I said, ‘God, You told me to do it, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.’”

“That day, I walked in and told him, ‘Doctor, I’m done.’ And he treated me with respect and I appreciated that. I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ He said, ‘Will you get one more MRI?’”
“I said, ‘I will.’ I got the MRI that day. He scheduled it that day. He wasn’t kidding around. Three days later, I go back into his office and he put the films up on the board and he says, ‘This is where the tumor was. This is the aggression. This is how big it was, and this is the new film. There’s no tumor. Your tumor vanished.’”

“Medically speaking, these cannot be the same person. Not ‘unlikely’ or not ‘It’s not very probable.’ They absolutely cannot be the same person. There was no scar tissue. The bone had been replaced. (It was) All fresh bone. No scar tissue there. There was absolutely no evidence that cancer had ever been in my body.”

“He said, ‘Nothing we did could have caused this. We don’t make tumors vanish. The bone that had eroded away has been replaced. It looks like you got your miracle.’”

“I said, ‘Yes, sir, I got my miracle.’”

Read more: Healing Miracle

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Statue of Mary at Indiana Church Appears to shed a Tear


News excerpt and photo from Mail Online

A sign from God or just a water stain - that is what people in Griffith, Indiana, have been wondering ever since a group of school children noticed what appeared to be a tear-stained cheek on a statue of Mary at St. Mary Catholic Church.

The sight of the 'weeping' sculpture is moving some people to tears as others caution against a rush to judgment.

The white statue, about 4 feet tall, depicts Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Surrounded by tulips waiting to bloom, it stands in what parishioners call the 'sunken garden' along Broad Street and is the site of the annual May crowning.

Majdolin Haddad, religious education secretary at St. Mary, said her daughter Reta, an aide in the fourth-grade Monday night class, told her about the tear.

Students in the class had left the church after confession, paused at the statue to pray and noticed a droplet of water clinging to the chin of Mary's face, appearing to originate from the right eye.

A photo taken Tuesday morning shows the droplet intact. It was gone by early afternoon.
 

Read more: Hundreds flock to see statue of Mary

Saturday, April 05, 2014

Healing through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick


Signs, Wonders, and Miracles - Christian-Miracles.com

Loci B. Lenar, the founder of www.Christian-Miracles.com, spoke at Saint Mary's Catholic Church about being healed of several medical conditions after receiving the Anointing of the Sick, a healing Sacrament of the Catholic Church. Mr. Lenar shared his personal testimony during St. Mary's monthly prayer service, held Thursday evening on November 15, 2012.

Mr. Lenar believes that by sharing his testimony with the general public, it will help encourage people to return to God and the church sacraments.

St. Mary’s prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month with Fr. Richard Tartaglia. St. Mary’s head pastor is Fr. Martin Glynn. The Catholic Church is located on 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey, USA.

Reflecting on his spiritual journey of faith, Mr. Lenar, a resident of Mine Hill Township, says that through daily prayer and recitation of a 54 day rosary novena, his prayers were answered for healing and for other special intentions which remain private.

The 54 day rosary novena involves praying 27 days in petition for your request and then followed by 27 days in thanksgiving for prayers answered. The prayer is known as the Irresistible Novena to Our Lady.

Mr. Lenar says that nearly two decades have passed since being miraculously healed of a medical condition known as Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) and from severe bouts of headaches.

"I was sitting outside in my backyard on a patio chair and praying the rosary for Our Lady's intercession. It was a warm summer evening, sometime between 9:00 and 10:00 P.M. near the end of June. Then suddenly, on the twenty-seventh day of the novena, the Blessed Mother appeared as sign in the sky for about 30 seconds." says Mr. Lenar.

"Our Lady was standing over a full moon, appearing in a tunic that was white as snow, and her arms spread out, similar to the image on the miraculous medal. It reminded me of Revelation 12:1, which states, 'A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head,' " says Mr. Lenar.

At the completion of the life-changing 54 day rosary novena, Our Lady guided Mr. Lenar to receive the Anointing of the Sick from the Catholic church. 

Scripture says the following about receiving God's healing grace: Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:14-15

God's spiritual remedy for treating Mr. Lenar's medical ailments was to visit St. Mary’s Church (Denville, NJ) and then anointed with oil by Fr. Richard Tartaglia with the healing Sacrament. He received the Anointing of the Sick on several occasions from Fr. Tartaglia before being completely healed.

“Through God’s divine gift, I was healed of the heart arrhythmia and from years of suffering daily headaches. As a result of the healing, I was able to stop taking medication for the ailments," says Mr. Lenar .

Mr. Lenar was initially treated for the Atrial Fibrillation with the medication Lanoxin by his family physician, Dr. Gilbert Mandel of Denville Associates of Internal Medicine, Pocono Road, Denville, NJ.  Mr. Lenar visited Dr. Mandel on February 7, 2014 and requested documentation that he is no longer treated for Atrial Fibrillation. A copy of the medical note is posted on this page.


Mr. Lenar was inspired to write a prayer as a result of his healing. The prayer is written for anyone in need of God's healing grace especially families with children. The prayer is posted on this website and can be read at the following link: Prayerful Healing 

Loci B. Lenar has also shared his spiritual journey of faith with The Standard-Times, and was interviewed by Linda Andrade Rodrigues for the newspaper. The article was first published on December 29, 2012 in the Religion section (Page B7) of The Standard-Times newspaper from New Bedford, MA. The article also appears on the internet and can be read on SouthCoastToday.com. The news story is also reprinted on www.Christian-Miracles.com with additional photographs on the following link: The Seeker of Spiritual Phenomena

In Addition, Mr. Lenar has shared his personal testimony several times as a guest speaker on the Catholic program, Sacred Treasures, hosted by Kathie Duggan of Radio Maria.

On May 7, 2012, Fr. Richard Tartaglia and Mr. Lenar were both interviewed on Radio Maria regarding a Cross of Light that appeared on Mr. Lenar’s residence in Mine Hill, NJ, during Lent and Good Friday.

Fr. Tartaglia validated the sign by photographing the cross of light that was visible on Mr. Lenar’s backyard fence. A video with documentation regarding the Cross of Light can be viewed on
Gloria.tv at the following link: Cross of Light Appears in New Jersey

Mr. Lenar believes that Our Lord is calling the church to share our faith with others in order to open their hearts to the teachings of Christianity through God's love and healing grace: "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)
  

***

Contact Information: St. Mary's Catholic Church: Parish Directory

Contact:  Mr. Loci B. Lenar
                P.O. Box 312
                Denville, NJ 07834

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Pray on March 25, 2014 for Religious Liberty!

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

News story from CatholicVote.org

On Tuesday, March 25, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases (Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood) that could dramatically alter the future of religious liberty in America.

The court is set to hear arguments in these critical cases on March 25th – the Feast of the Annunciation. The day when the Blessed Virgin was told by the Angel Gabriel that she would give birth in 9 months to the Savior of the World.

A coincidence? No way.

Religious liberty is at the heart of these court cases. And while the Supreme Court has incredible power, the power of prayer is unmatched.

That’s why we are asking everyone to commit to praying to Our Lady of the Annunciation. We printed out tens of thousands of prayer cards and sent them to parishes and schools and to CV members nationwide.

This prayer reflection is based on a Marian consecration by Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle, former Archbishop of Washington — and it was prayed in parishes throughout the United States in November of 1959.

Prayer for Our Nation

God our Father in Heaven, you chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, you overshadowed Mary at the Annunciation; God the Son, you became incarnate in the womb of Mary, your Mother. In union with Mary, we adore you, the Most Holy Trinity and acknowledge that you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, hold eternal dominion and authority over all nations.

Most Holy Trinity, we place the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present our country to you. Through her we wish to praise and thank you for the great resources of our land and for the freedom, which has been our heritage. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in the United States. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our president and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice and charity. Raise up and protect all of our families. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the tempted, sinners—on all who are in need. Above all, we ask Mary to intercede on our behalf that you would protect our conscience rights and religious freedom, upon which our country was founded.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Our Mother, Patroness of our land, we honor you and give ourselves to you. Wrap your mantel of protection around each of us and all our fellow citizens. Protect us from all evil and harm. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the Will of your Divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

"Brain Dead" Teenager Awakens From Coma After Her Family Sings Hymns



News story from LifeNews.com

LifeNews has repeatedly chronicled cases of people who were prematurely declared dead or said to be in supposedly persistent vegetative states who ultimately recovered.

Now comes the story of Levi Hansen, a BYU student who suffered critical head injuries last week after being hit by a car. Hansen, 18, was alert and breathing on her own Tuesday, though she was still listed in critical but stable condition. She even tried to get out of her hospital bed. While she has a long road to recovery ahead, her family believes they have witnessed a miracle.

“When they brought her in, the doctors gave her less than a 5 percent chance of survival,” said Doug Hansen, Lexi’s father. “They told us to call our family and get them here quickly because she wasn’t going to last too long.”

In a Thursday evening interview with ABC News, Marcia Hansen, the teen’s mother, said tests indicated her daughter had essentially been brain-dead when she was brought to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo.

The Deseret News has more:

Just before 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 26, Lexi was riding her longboard while crossing the street in a crosswalk at the intersection of University Avenue and Canyon Road when the accident occurred. No alcohol, drugs or texting were believed to have played a role in the crash, police said.

Lexi suffered head injuries and was in a coma for several days. But Sunday, she came out of the coma as her family sang hymns around her.

“We had the most amazing experience today at the end of everyone’s fast,” the family wrote on the Pray for Lexi Facebook Page. “Lexi opened her eyes and kept them open for nearly an hour while we sang hymns to her as a family. While we were singing, she hand signed, ‘I love you,’ moving her arm around so that everyone could see. She then reached for each person’s hands individually so she could squeeze them. We could hardly sing due to the tears streaming down our face. We knew we were witnessing a miracle.”

Read more: Lexi Hansen

Monday, March 10, 2014

‘It’s a miracle:’ Baby starts breathing again after being declared legally dead


News excerpt and photo from MetroNews.ca

Robin Cyr’s fourth child has already packed a lifetime’s worth of emotional turmoil into her first 28 minutes in the world.

Cyr, 34, was told her baby girl had died just after being born in the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Canada around 3 a.m. Saturday, March 8th.

But shortly after getting the devastating news, a stuttering, breathless nurse rushed back into the room to say the baby had started breathing again. 

“My aunt was there, and it’s a blessing because her prayers are very deep and strong,” said Cyr on Sunday, speaking in a whisper through tears at the hospital. “When she started praying, my baby came back.”

The big baby girl – who weighed nine pounds 14 ounces – got wedged in the birth canal during the delivery. Once she was born, Cyr lay on the bed waiting, for 25 minutes, for any sign of life.

A flummoxed surgeon told Cyr’s family that he had no explanation for the seemingly impossible recovery.

“He said it’s a miracle,” said Cyr. “He said, ‘I’m very sorry I gave up on your baby when I did, because I turned around and she’s breathing on her own.’”

Cyr’s family and friends say they’re still processing the miracle that trumped the miracle of birth.

Read more: It's a Miracle

Thursday, March 06, 2014

Vatican panel approves Archbishop Fulton Sheen miracle


News excerpt and photo from Catholic News Agency (CNA)

The Bishop of Peoria has rejoiced at a Vatican medical panel’s unanimous approval of a reported miracle attributed to the famous television personality and evangelist, Servant of God Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

“There are many more steps ahead and more prayers are needed. But today is a good reason to rejoice,” Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria, Ill. said March 6.

“Today is a significant step in the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of our beloved Fulton Sheen, a priest of Peoria and a Son of the Heartland who went on to change the world.”

The approval came from a seven-member board of medical experts advising the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Diocese of Peoria reports.

The reputed miracle involves the unexplained recovery of James Fulton Engstrom, a boy born apparently stillborn in September 2010 to Bonnie and Travis Engstrom of the Peoria-area town of Goodfield. He showed no signs of life as medical professionals tried to revive him. The child’s mother and father prayed to Archbishop Sheen to heal their son.

Although the baby showed no pulse for an hour after his birth, his heart started beating again and he escaped serious medical problems.

The Vatican’s medical advisory panel ruled that there is no medical explanation for the healing of the baby. The ruling means that a board of theologians will now review the case. If they approve the case, its consideration could pass to the cardinals and bishops who advise Pope Francis on beatifications.

If the case reaches Pope Francis, his approval would recognize Archbishop Sheen as “blessed,” the final stage before possible canonization as a saint.

Read more: Fulton Sheen Miracle

Monday, March 03, 2014

Oscars 2014: Matthew McConaughey one of few to thank God in Oscar acceptance speech


News Excerpt and photo from Fox News

Rather than thanking an assortment of managers, agents, publicists, assistants and lawyers when he won his Best Actor Oscar for his role in "Dallas Buyers Club" on Sunday night, Matthew McConaughey thanked his fellow nominees, cast mates and ... God.

And he was the one of the first of the night to do so.

"First off I want to thank God, because that's who I look up to. He's graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or any other human hand," the 44-year-old Texas native said. "He has shown me that it's a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates. In the words of the late (British actor) Charlie Laughton, who said, 'When you got God you got a friend and that friend is you.'"

McConaughey then went on to show his appreciation for his wife, children, mother and late father.

Read More: Oscars 2014

Saturday, March 01, 2014

Son of God is Now Playing in Theaters



Commentary by Mr. Loci B. Lenar

Son of God is a Cinematic and Visual Masterpiece which brings the gospels to life! Released on Friday, February 28, 2014, I went to see this inspiring movie on Saturday with my wife and her mother, including my nephew, Marc Anthony. We all loved it!

I highly recommend seeing this great film which encompasses the public ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, and touches the heart and soul with the Holy Spirit.  A must see during Lent!

***

Excerpt from SonofGodMovie.com:

Now, the larger-than-life story of The New Testament gets a larger-than life treatment in the stand-alone feature SON OF GOD. Told with the scope and scale of an action epic, the film features powerful performances, exotic locales, dazzling visual effects and a rich orchestral score from Oscar winner Hans Zimmer. Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado portrays Jesus as the film spans from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. It marks the first motion picture about Jesus’ life since Passion of the Christ, released ten years ago.

Read more: Son of God


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Dr. Michael Moran Evaluates Lourdes Miracles Reports



News Excerpt and Photo from the BBC

When Belfast doctor Michael Moran began volunteering in Lourdes 17 years ago, he had no idea that he would end up becoming part of a small, select team that evaluates miracles at the Catholic religious shrine in France.

The small market town lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and is famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes that are reported to have occurred in 1858 to Bernadette Soubirous.

The trainee ENT surgeon is the first doctor from Ireland to take a place on the panel.

Dr Moran said his appointment came "very much by surprise".

"I'd been volunteering in Lourdes for years and had the normal contact that any doctor would have with the medical bureau there," he said.

Since 1858, there have been 69 verified miracles or cures in Lourdes.

"The most recent one was a lady with extremely high blood pressure who had a benign tumour on her adrenal gland that was secreting adrenaline and keeping her blood pressure very high and she felt suddenly well.

"That's a characteristic, that you suddenly feel something different has happened, she felt it when she was in the bath in Lourdes and that was in the 1980s and that was only just confirmed in 2011."

He said the first cure was of a paralysed arm that regained function suddenly.

"Another classic example of that is a gentleman from Italy who had a tumour of the pelvis and although you can see the destruction of the pelvic bone on x-rays which are available for the public to view in Lourdes, the bone actually re-grew, both in the pelvis and the femur in an anatomically correct way that would be very hard to explain," he said.

Michael said miracles were just the "tip of the iceberg" at Lourdes.

Read More: Dr. Michael Moran

Prayerful Healing for Children


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Son of God comes to theaters February 28, 2014




'Son of God' movie brings Gospels to life, Catholic leaders say - Catholic News Agency (CNA)

News excerpt from CNA

A new movie about Jesus Christ – to be released by the makers of the popular History Channel television miniseries “The Bible” – has drawn praise from several Catholic bishops and leaders.

“It is the biggest, greatest story ever told,” said Roma Downey, a co-producer of “Son of God” who stars as Mary.

“The Story of the Son of God is one of the most-known stories in the history of the world,” added her husband and co-producer Mark Burnett. “And yet it never gets old. And the way we have told it is very connective, very young, very gritty and real. You really feel connected and can see yourself as these characters.”

The movie is based on the Bible and covers the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. A 20-minute preview of the video is already being distributed by 20th Century Fox.

The full movie will be released Feb. 28 in English, Spanish and Korean. Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado will play the role of Jesus. Morgado said the role is “overwhelming.”

Burnett said that teenagers and young people who see the movie are “absolutely connecting with the disciples” and realizing “they were just ordinary people.”

“They did not know they were in the Bible, they were just leading ordinary lives,” he said.

The movie was made in consultation with academics and faith leaders.

It has drawn praise from several Catholic leaders.

“It is a joy to watch this film bring alive the pages of the Gospel and help us see what those who lived at the time of Jesus experienced,” said Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C.

He said the movie helps individuals and families “be inspired all over again with the story of God’s love for us.”

Read more: Son of God

The movie’s website is www.SonofGodMovie.com

Sunday, February 09, 2014

The 'miracle' recovery of last rites patient

Mary Young


Barnsley News from the Barnsley Chronicle

(News Excerpt)

A woman who was given the last rites stunned her family when she started to talk hours later.

Mary Young had received end of life care following a heart attack and was visited by Barnsley Hospital chaplain Fr. Peter Needham.

Mary, 87, of Taylor Crescent, Grimethorpe, was taken to hospital on January 11.

Daughter Marie Gledhill, of Bank End Road, Worsbrough Dale, was contacted the next day by staff to say her mother was deteriorating and that she and her brother Tommy should come.

"My mum was out of it, the nurse said she could have hours or days.

"She didn't even know Fr Peter was there but he came and gave her the last rites.

"I stayed with her after and was talking to her and all of a sudden she started answering me.

"It's a miracle, there's no other explanation. You take it as gospel what the doctors say, but they couldn't believe it."

Mary was allowed home on January 24.

Read More: The Miracle Recovery

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Satan is Real – Read these Amazing Stories

News story from www.patheos.com

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Pope Francis on the Cover of Rolling Stone Magazine!

Pope Francis' Gentle Revolution: Inside Rolling Stone's New Issue


Who’s ‘godless’ now? Russia says it’s U.S.


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Miracles of Thomas Aquinas - Catholic Exchange


Monday, January 27, 2014

PRAY IN THE PRESENCE OF ANGELS


Saturday, January 25, 2014

Our Lady's Messages of January 2014



Medjugorje Today - Apparitions of Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary's message of January 25, 2014 given during apparition to Medjugorje visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti

“Dear children! Pray, pray, pray for the radiance of your prayer to have an influence on those whom you meet. Put the Sacred Scripture in a visible place in your families and read it, so that the words of peace may begin to flow in your hearts. I am praying with you and for you, little children, that from day to day you may become still more open to God’s will. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

The Virgin Mary's Message of January 2, 2014 to Medjugorje visionary Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo

“Dear children! For you to be able to be my apostles and to be able to help all those who are in darkness, to come to know the light of the love of my Son, you must have pure and humble hearts. You can not help for my Son to be born in, and to reign in, the hearts of those who do not know Him, if He does not reign – if He is not the King – in your heart. I am with you. I am walking with you as a mother. I am knocking on your hearts. They can not open because they are not humble. I am praying, and you my beloved children also pray, that you may be able to open pure and humble hearts to my Son and to receive the gifts which He has promised you. Then you will be led by the love and strength of my Son. Then, you will be my apostles who everywhere around them spread the fruits of God’s love. My Son will act from within you and through you, because you will be “one”. My motherly heart yearns for this – for unity of all of my children – through my Son. With great love I bless, and pray for those who are chosen by my Son – for your shepherds. Thank you!”

Monday, January 20, 2014

Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr





Quoting the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: "So I say to you, seek God and discover Him and make Him a power in your life. Without Him all of our efforts turn to ashes and our sunrises into darkest nights. Without Him, life is a meaningless drama with the decisive scenes missing. But with Him we are able to rise from the fatigue of despair to the buoyancy of hope. With Him we are able to rise from the midnight of desperation to the daybreak of joy. St. Augustine was right - we were made for God and will be restless until we find rest in Him."

Dr. king also said, "Love is the most durable power in the world. This creative force, so beautifully exemplified in the life of our Christ, is the most potent instrument available in mankind's quest for peace and security."

Read more: Tribute to King: Signs from God's Heavenly Kingdom

Friday, January 17, 2014

Pope's Mass: To seek path of worldliness is to reject the Lord




News from RomeReports.com

In his Friday morning Mass, Pope Francis said that Catholics who try to be blend into a "worldly uniformity,” are in fact rejecting their role as children of God.

Citing a reading from the Old Testament, he described how the Jewish people asked an elderly Samuel to choose a king for them, so they could be like other nations. The Pope said they chose the path of worldliness, effectively rejecting God.
 
POPE FRANCIS
"A normal life for Christians demands loyalty to their choices, and to not exchange it for the path of worldly uniformity. That is the temptation of the people, and also ours. Many times, we forget about the Word of God, what the Lord tells us, and we take up fashionable words, right? Even those from soap operas are fashionable, and we use them, they're more enjoyable.”

The Pope added that worldliness makes the heart soft, but opening their heart to God makes it stronger.
 
SUMMARY FROM THE POPE'S HOMILY
Source: Vatican Radio

We must not sell out the gift of being God’s children for a distorted sense of normality. These were the words of Pope Francis at Mass on Friday morning in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. As Christians, Pope Francis said, we must actively strive against the normality of our everyday lives to remain faithful to God’s choosing. We must not sell out to the temptation of worldliness, of living as if God didn’t exist.

We often forget the Word of God, Pope Francis continued, we forget what the Lord says, and we listen instead to whatever word is more fashionable, more fun. This temptation, the Pope said, is more dangerous than an outright renouncing of faith, because it is more subtle, and less clear. It is true, he recognised, that Christians must be normal people, but they must also bear in mind the Word of God which says to them ‘you are my people, I have chosen you, I am by your side’.

We must resist the temptation of feeling inferior to normality, Pope Francis explained, because this temptation hardens the heart, and when the heart is hardened, the Word of God cannot enter. This was the temptation of the Jewish people in the Old Testament, he added, referring to the daily reading taken from the First Book of Samuel. Neither must we allow our hearts to be softened by worldliness, the Pope said: our hearts must simply be open to the Word of God, open to receiving it, in order not to move away from being chosen by God.

Let us ask, Pope Francis concluded, for the grace to overcome our own selfishness, our own desire to do as we please: let us listen instead to the Word of God, which will lead us on the path of truth.

Verse of the Day for January 17, 2014


Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”  
(Philippians 2:14-16)

From BibleGateway.com

Monday, January 13, 2014

Join us at St. Mary's Church for an evening of prayer for the Dignity of Human Life

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

On Thursday, January 16, 2014, St. Mary's Catholic Church will come together for an evening of prayer for the Dignity of Human Life.  Please join us with Fr. Richard Tartaglia as we remember all the victims of crime.

Join in prayer for God's grace as we pray for an end to human trafficking, genocide, abortion, violence, poverty and injustice committed against the gift of life.

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

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

St. Mary's Catholic Church is located on 15 Myers Avenue in Denville, New Jersey.  Fr Martin Glynn is the head pastor of the church. For directions to St. Mary's Church, please visit the following link: http://www.stmarys-denville.org/directions.htm
 
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)

Prayer requests can be submitted with the online form at the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/prayerrequest.htm
 

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Tribute to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton


By Stephen B. Whatley

By Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

A new tribute drawing of the first native-born citizen of the USA to be made a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church: Elizabeth Ann Seton (New York, 1774 –1821).

She established the first Catholic school in the nation, at Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she founded the first American congregation of Religious Sisters, the Sisters of Charity; which would go on to open orphanages in Philadelphia & New York City.

Elizabeth Ann Seton suffered many trials in her life including the early loss of her mother; and her tenderness and love for All God's Creatures is symbolized in this work, one of several baby birds she was said to have saved in childhood.

Her sainthood was ensured by three miracles of healing she performed: two of cancer and one of encephalitis. She is the Patron Saint of Catholic Schools.

Elizabeth Ann Seton was beatified on March 17, 1963, by Pope John XXIII who said on the occasion, “In a house that was very small, but with ample space for charity, she sowed a seed in America which by Divine Grace grew into a large tree.”

When she was canonized on September 14, 1975 in a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, Pope Paul VI said, “Elizabeth Ann Seton is a saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American. All of us say this with special joy, and with the intention of honoring the land and the nation from which she sprang forth as the first flower in the calendar of the saints. Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage.”
 
This drawing, inspired by prayer & various historical images, was created on the Feast Day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: January 4, 2014.

Peace.
 
Charcoal on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 41cm

Stephen B. Whatley Gallery

Saturday, January 04, 2014

Daily Devotional Prayers

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer Before Surgery

Loving Father, I entrust myself to your care this day; guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of the medical people who minister in your Name, and grant that every cause of illness be removed, I may be restored to soundness of health and learn to live in more perfect harmony with you and with those around me. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Into your hands, I commend my body and my soul. Amen.

Read More Prayers

Are you in need of prayer: Prayer Requests

Signs, Wonders, and Miracles: www.Christian-Miracles.com