Friday, September 25, 2015

Pope Francis Celebrates Mass in Madison Square Garden



Pope's Mass in Madison Square Garden: Go out and evangelize without fear or hesitation

News from RomeReports.com: 
 
This was the warm welcome Pope Francis received as he arrived to a packed Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

Before celebrating Mass,  he made his way through the crowds, blessing some of them along the way. In an emotional moment, a couple shed tears as Pope Francis blessed their ill child, as thousands looked on. 

Referencing the hustle and bustle of New York City, the Pope reminded Christians that God and the Church are also present and alive amid the chaos of big cities.  He asked that foreigners, the sick, poor, vulnerable, homeless and the elderly not be overlooked. 



Tuesday, September 22, 2015

News Coverage of Pope Francis in the United States

Courtesy of CNA
Special Coverage of Pope Francis trip to the United States: Catholic News Agency - CNA

Stay up-to-date on all the latest news, photos and video from Catholic News Agency about Pope Francis' visit to the United States of America, September 22-27, 2015.


Saturday, September 19, 2015

Rainbows of light appear around statues of Jesus at World Apostolate of Fatima, USA



World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

By Loci B. Lenar

On Saturday, September 19, 2015, I attended 12:00 Mass at the Blue Army Shrine and photographed the Stations of the Cross next to the Holy House Chapel with my iPhone 6. In two separate  areas, both photos show sunlight creating similar colorful rays of light around the statues of Jesus.



The lower photo has a band of light that creates the appearance of a cross. Interestingly, it's more than coincidence that the photo shows Jesus carrying the cross.

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

If you're interested in visiting or attending Mass, Our Lady's Blue Army Shrine is located on 674 Mountain View Road East, Washington, NJ, USA.

Photographs Copyright 2015 Loci B. Lenar

Friday, September 11, 2015

PRAYER TO OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Mary, powerful Virgin,
You are the mighty
and glorious protector of the Church.
You are the marvelous help of Christians.
You are awe inspiring as an army in battle array.
In the midst of our anguish,
struggle, and distress,
defend us from the power of the enemy,
and at the hour of hour death,
receive our soul in Heaven.

More Catholic Prayers: http://www.christian-miracles.com/devotionalprayers.htm

A miracle that could canonize Mother Teresa

Mutter Teresa von Kalkutta
Photo by Manfredo Ferrari

Is this the miracle that could canonize Mother Teresa? - Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Excerpt from CNA/EWTN

The Vatican is studying the case of a Brazilian man inexplicably cured of brain abscesses – which could be the miracle that leads to the canonization of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Pope Francis voiced his desire to canonize Mother Teresa during the Jubilee Year of Mercy which will begin on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, as a ¨sign of mercy for the world¨ in service to the poor.

Father Caetano Rizzi, who works in the Vatican's congregation for saints, told CNA that the Pope “wants to beatify and canonize men and women that were a sign of mercy for the world in this Jubilee (Year), and Mother Teresa is a model, because of that there's a certain urgency in her process.”

The possible miracle that would bring about Mother Teresa's canonization occurred in 2008. A man from Santos, Brazil, whose identity has not been divulged in order to maintain the discretion needed to conclude the investigation, was unexpectedly cured from eight abscesses in his brain that required an operation.

In Presença Diocesana, a Brazilian newspaper, Father Elmiram Ferreira explained that he ministered to the family during this time.

The priest gave the family a prayer to ask for the intercession of Blessed Teresa and told them to pray without ceasing. “Mother Teresa turned into their comfort and strength during that long time. So when his complete recovery was verified and the doctors could not explain it, I understood that there was the hand of the Blessed.”

Read more: A miracle that could canonize Mother Teresa



Monday, September 07, 2015

90 Minutes in Heaven - Don Piper



Based on a true story and New York Times bestseller, 90 Minutes in Heaven opens in theaters on September 11, 2015.

Press release from http://90minutesinheaventhemovie.com

The story behind the movie: Pastor Don Piper died January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car. Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene, Don’s body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes. Don’s soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy, and life like he’d never known before. Don was in Heaven.

When another pastor’s prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a living miracle! Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened. Heaven’s bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. With the support and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids, and friends near and far, Don clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous life. The Piper family’s incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life—and death—will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it.

Starring Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth, 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN is based on the inspiring New York Times best-selling book that has sold 7 million copies.

Hope Lives in theaters beginning September 11!