Virgin Mary 'crosses the finish line' with Olympic gold runner

The following excerpt is from the Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Ethiopian athlete Meseret Defar provided one of the most emotional moments of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games when she crossed the finish line in the 5000 meter race to win the gold.

She then pulled a picture of the Virgin Mary out from under her jersey, showed it to the cameras and held it up to her face in deep prayer.

An Orthodox Christian, Defar entrusted her race to God with the sign of the cross and reached the finish line in 15:04:24, beating her fellow Ethiopian rival Tirunesh Dibaba, who was the favorite to win.

A teary-eyed Defar proudly showed the picture of the Virgin Mary with the Baby Jesus that she carried with her for the entire race.

Throughout the event, Defar kept pace with three other Ethiopian runners and three from Kenya, until speeding past them on the homestretch to win gold.

The silver medal went to Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya and the bronze to Dibaba.

Read more: Meseret Defar

Kerrville cross a site of miracles?

Kerrville Cross - Kens5.com News

'You can feel the presence of God': Kerrville cross site of miracles? | kens5.com San Antonio

The photo and following excerpt is from Kens5.com/news:

By Joe Conger

SAN ANTONIO – Visitors to a Kerrville monument claim spiritual phenomena are manifesting at the prayer site.

“You can feel the presence of God here. And that’s just an added bonus,” said Pat Jordan, a long-time contributor to the Coming King Prayer Garden.

The bonuses are the images visitors are capturing on film and in snapshots: orbs surrounding the monument like soap bubbles.

In another photo taken by Ron Hicks, there is an image of a blurry figure many believe is an angel appearing at the foot of the cross. Hicks said there was no one near the cross on the April evening when he took the photo.

Like many believers, Hicks said the manifestations show that God is at work here.

“Is there things manifesting? Yeah. But a lot of it is physical healing. A lot of it is emotional healing. Peace itself,” said Bobby Dendy.

Read more: Kerrville Cross

St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

The following excerpt regarding the stained glass window of St. Francis is written by Fr. Daniel Grigassy, O.F.M. and can be found in the booklet, Franciscan Saints Surround Us, published by St. Bonaventure Church, 174 Ramsey Street, Paterson, NJ:

The image of St. Francis shows him receiving the Stigmata, the five brand marks of Christ on his hands, feet, and side.  From the beginning of his conversion, he had a great devotion to Christ crucified.  He spent most of his life preaching the glories of the cross and the joyful hope of the Resurrection. 

St. Bonaventure tells us that Francis had begun a fast of forty days in honor of the Archangel Michael whose feast is on September 29.  One morning near September 14, the feast of the exaltation of the Cross, as he was in deep contemplation of the mysteries of the cross, he saw what appeared as a seraph with six bright wings brilliant as fire coming down from heaven.  The figure was not only winged but also crucified.  Francis was thrilled at the sight, his heart filled with joy and pain, both at the same time.  This was truly Christ graciously and intimately appearing before him. St. Bonaventure writes: "...the awe-inspiring vision of Christ nailed to the cross aroused in his soul a joy of compassionate love."

After the vision vanished and his encounter with Christ ended, Francis was internally "Aglow with seraphic love in his soul."  Yet externally, marks like those of the Crucified were left onn his body: "The figures of the nails appeared immediately on his hand and feet.  His right side too showed a blood-red wound as if it had been pierced by a lance, and blood flowed frequently from it."

Bonaventure concludes: "Francis came down from the mountain a new man...bearing in his body the image of the Crucified...fashioned in his members by the hand of the living God."

The Stigmata represents the visible conformity to Christ and remains the deepest witness of Francis's intense love for the Passion of Christ.

(The stained glass window of St. Francis can be seen inside St. Bonaventure Church, Paterson, NJ. The window was photographed on August 4, 2012 while attending Mass.   -Loci B. Lenar)

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50 artists from Progetto Arte Poli give facelift to new churches

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

For 60 years the Italian artist Albano Poli has been working to renew the aesthetics of Catholic churches as well as promoting meditation through art.

From his art gallery in Rome, he creates stained glass windows, mosaics and statues with a group of artists known as Progetto Arte Poli. It's a team of around 50 people located in Verona, Italy.

ANDREA MEZZETTI
Assistant, Progetto Arte Poli“Around 80 to 90 percent of our work is related to the Church. From sunrise to sunset, we are thinking about how to give a greater sense to the liturgy. We're also helping priests to deepen their celebration of the Eucharist at Sunday Mass, in every religious rite.”

Among the art pieces in the gallery, there is a giant mosaic of John Paul II that highlights his facial features. There's also this mosaic of the risen Christ made of marble in different planes.

This team of artists now has an international reputation for their work that has traveled to places like Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, France and most recently in Chile.

ANDREA MEZZETTI
Assistant, Progetto Arte Poli
“We are doing important work in Coquimbo, Chile, which is the location of the tallest Cross in Latin America. It's the Cross of the Third Millennium, it's close to 300 feet tall and was created by Ramón Bravo. We were asked to make the bronze door to this great temple and bronze figure of the Blessed John Paul II.”

The Progetto Arte Poli was also responsible for the design of the vestments worn by priests at Mass.
Their work of precision art goes to show that many forms of artwork have a deeper meaning behind the beauty.

Our Lady of Medjugorje's Monthly Message to Marija Pavlovic

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Our Lady of Medjugorje Messages - Medjugorje WebSite

Our Lady's Message of July 25, 2012

“Dear children! Today I call you to the 'good'. Be carriers of peace and goodness in this world. Pray that God may give you the strength so that hope and pride may always reign in your heart and life because you are God's children and carriers of His hope to this world that is without joy in the heart, and is without a future, because it does not have its heart open to God who is your salvation. Thank you for having responded to my call. ”

Josiah Lamb: Hearing God's Voice

The following story is from CBN TV - Video

12-year-old Josiah Lamb survived a tragic jet ski accident and was miraculously saved by doing what the Lord told him to do. During the accident he also saw angels.

Archdiocese of Denver Reaches out to the Victims of the Aurora Shooting Tragedy

Please join in prayer for the victims and families of this horrific trajedy. May Our Lord intervene and bless this nation with divine protection.

The following excerpt is from Catholic Online

The Archdiocese of Denver stands ready to assist the victims of this tragedy.

In Aurora, which means "the dawn," the sun rose this morning. In a city whose name evokes the light, people of hope know that the darkness may be overcome. For those who were killed, our hope is the tender mercy of our God. "Neither death nor life," reflected St. Paul, "can separate us from the love of God." We commend their souls, and their families and friends, to God's enduring love.

Read more: Archdiocese of Denver

Healing of Colombian man could pave way for John Paul II canonization

The following excerpt is from the Catholic News Agency (CNA):

Bogotá, Colombia  - The testimony of a Colombian man who says he was “miraculously cured” of Parkinson's Disease through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II could allow for the canonization of the Polish pope.

According to the newspaper El Tiempo, the case involves Marco Fidel Rojas, the former mayor of the town of Huila, whose testimony has now been sent to the Vatican office heading the sainthood cause for the late pontiff.

Recounting his story to the Colombian paper, Fidel remembers experiencing the first symptoms of the disease in December of 2005. After a series of examinations, doctors determined he had suffered a stroke, which led to the development of Parkinson's.

Little by little the disease began to get worse. “I felt like I could collapse at any moment. Various times I fell down outside on the street,” he recalled, adding that once he was almost run over by a taxi.

As the years went by and his health continued to deteriorate, Fidel suddenly remembered on the evening of Dec. 27, 2010, that during a trip to Rome he had met Pope John Paul II after Mass and spoke with him for a few moments.

“I have a friend up there,” Fidel thought that night, amid his pain. “And he had Parkinson's. Why didn’t I pray to him before? Venerable Father John Paul II: come and heal me, put your hands on my head.”

After praying, Fidel said he slept perfectly that night, and that the next morning he woke up with no symptoms of the illness.

“Yes, John Paul II gave me the miracle of curing me,” he said. “My great promise to my healer is to spread devotion to him wherever I can.”

El Tiempo reported that Dr. Antonio Schlesinger Piedrahita, a renowned neurologist in Colombia, has certified Fidel’s healing and says he is in good health.

The miraculous healing of a French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre – who also suffered from Parkinson's Disease – paved the way for the beatification of Pope John Paul II, which took place in Rome in May 2011.

Read more: CNA

Shailesh Ghimire: Finding Jesus in America

Shailesh Ghimire: Finding Jesus in America - CBN TV - Video

Raised in Hindu and Buddhist cultures, Shailesh was curious about Christ when he moved to America. View his life changing story.

Image of Virgin Mary Seen on Tree

Hundreds descend on West New York to pray after image of virgin saint spotted in tree

The photograph and following excerpt is from the HudsonReporter.com:

An image that resembles la Virgen de Guadalupe (Mexico's version of the Virgin Mary) was spotted by West New York (NJ) resident Eva Copantitla Tuesday as she was passing by a tree in front of the McDonald's on Bergenline Avenue and 60th Street. Copantitla then ran into Mayor Felix Roque's office around the corner in Town Hall to tell him the news.

Skeptical, Roque followed her to the tree and found a knot in the trunk that bore a remarkable resemblance to the iconic imagery of the Virgen de Guadalupe. Slowly, word spread, and crowds upwards of 100 people began to gather and pray around the tree.

Read more: Hudson Reporter - Hundreds descend on West New York to pray after image of virgin saint spotted in tree

What's a Scapular and what does it Represent?

Promises Associated with the Scapular

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

Over the years, scapulars have become more and more popular. For some it's a way to show devotion. For others, it's merely a fashion statement. But, not everyone knows the history of scapulars. They actually date back to the 12th century to the Order of Carmelites.
 
FR. MICEAL O'NEILL
Carmelite

“The Prior General at the time, a man named Simon Stock, an English man had this vision of the Blessed Virgin appearing to him and giving him this garment, a scapular, and promising him that she would look after this new Carmelite religious family.”

According to that promise, whoever wore the scapular would be protected in life and after death. The devotion quickly gained popularity as the message spread to other religious orders.

This small piece of fabric is a reminder of the long vestments Carmelites commonly wear. They're known for engaging in a life of deep prayer, for their committed devotion to the Virgin Mary and to the Church.

FR. MICEAL O'NEILL
Carmelite

“It had this added meaning of protection. Protection in life and protection at the hour of death. And that, over the centuries became a very important element in people's lives. And so the Carmelite scapular and the devotion to the Carmelite scapular grew quite rapidly.”

Now wearing this scapular also includes the popular notion that guarantees one will go to heaven on the first Saturday after one's death.

This devotion has also been quite popular among Popes. John Paul II wore one for most of his life.

FR. MICEAL O'NEILL
Carmelite

“He made no secret of the fact that he had worn the scapular all his life and he talked about that as an expression of his particular love for the Blessed Virgin.”

After the Second Vatican Council, the popularity of the scapular of Our Lady, grew even more.

Many people still ask Carmelites to bless the scapular and say a short prayer before placing it over devotees. The design of the Sacred Heart, is often made of fabric or metal. Really, whoever wears it, in some way shares that historic link with the greater Carmelite family.

St. María Goretti, a child martyred for defending her virginity

St. María Goretti, a child martyred for defending her virginity

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

At only eleven years old, María Goretti became a martyr for defending her virginity. She was murdered by her neighbor Alessandro Serenelli.

She died on July 6, 1902 after being stabbed fourteen times. On her deathbed she received the sacraments and forgave her murderer while comforting her mother who was at her bedside.

Alessandro Serenelli was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He once saw María Goretti in a dream. He then decided to write a letter apologizing for his actions. He also asked for forgiveness from God and Maria's family.

After his release from prison he converted to Catholicism, he worked as a gardener in a monastery and joined the Franciscan Third Order.

María Goretti was canonized by Pope Pius XII on June 24, 1950.

She had a short life, it was one of a normal girl with a great faith and love for others. She became an extraordinary girl who accepted martyrdom in order to preserve herself.

Our Lady of Medjugorje - Message of July 2, 2012

Savior of the World - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady's Message of July 2, 2012 to Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo:

"My children; Again, in a motherly way, I implore you to stop for a moment and to reflect on yourselves and on the transience of this your earthly life. Then reflect on eternity and the eternal beatitude. What do you want? Which way do you want to set out on? The Father`s love sends me to be a mediatrix for you, to show you with motherly love the way which leads to the purity of soul; a soul unburdened by sin; a soul that will come to know eternity. I am praying that the light of the love of my Son may illuminate you, so that you may triumph over weaknesses and come out of misery. You are my children and I desire for all of you to be on the way of salvation. Therefore, my children, gather around me that I may have you come to know the love of my Son and thus open the door of eternal beatitude. Pray as I do for your shepherds. Again I caution you: do not judge them, because my Son chose them. Thank you."

Ex-FBI Employee Claims She Saw Angels at Flight 93

9/11 Memorial in Morris County, NJ - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Ex-FBI Employee Claims She Saw Angels at Flight 93 - ABC News

The following excerpt is by JOE MANDAK the Associated Press:

A former police officer who retired from the FBI due to post-traumatic stress disorder linked to her role in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terror attacks has written a book about seeing legions of angels guarding the Pennsylvania site where a hijacked airliner crashed.

Lillie Leonardi served as a liaison between law enforcement and the families of the passengers and crew members killed in the United Airlines Flight 93 crash. She arrived on the scene about three hours after the crash.

Although Leonardi's book, "In the Shadow of a Badge: A Spiritual Memoir," centers on her vision of angels, she argues her life has been changed more by what she didn't see that day.

"The biggest thing for me is that that there were no bodies," she said.

Leonardi, 56, remembers the burning pine and jet fuel stinging her nostrils. She said she also remembers a smoldering crater littered with debris too small to associate with the jetliner or 40 passengers and crew on board.

"I'm used to crime scenes but this one blew me out of the water. It just looked like the ground had swallowed up" the plane, Leonardi said.

"That's when I started seeing like shimmery lights ... and it was kind of misty and that's when I first saw, like, the angels there," Leonardi said. "And I didn't say anything to the guys because you can imagine if I would have said, 'I just saw angels on the crash site,' they'd have called the office and they'd have said, 'She lost her mind and tell her to go home.'"

Instead, Leonardi kept it to herself for the better part of two years. As emotional and physical ailments surfaced that she would later learn were post-traumatic stress disorder-related, she began telling a close circle of friends and colleagues what she saw, including Kenneth McCabe, her former supervisor.

Read More: Ex-FBI Employee Claims She Saw Angels at Flight 93

Father and son become Catholic priests... as their wives watch

Father and son become Catholic priests... as their wives watch | wfaa.com Dallas - Fort Worth

The following excerpt is from WFFA.com:

By DEBBIE DENMON

KELLER, TEXAS — "Charles Albert Hough the III."

Bishop Kevin Vann's historic words rang out at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller as he called first the father... and then the son.

"Charles Albert Hough the IV."

Both answered the call before a big congregation during a one-of-its-kind ordination.
"Oh, this is a great moment in the life of our family — a great moment in the history of our faith," said the elder Hough.

The father-and-son duo — who both go by "Chuck" — are among six Episcopal priests who became Catholic priests at the Saturday morning ceremony.

The Vatican started to let married Episcopal priests be ordained in the Catholic church 20 years ago.
The wives of both Chuck Hough III and IV both proudly looked on during the service.

"It's been a blessing... a miraculous blessing to be ordained with my son," said the elder Father Chuck. "The first time in the history of the United States a father and son has ever been ordained at the same Mass."
It was a special ceremony for more reasons than one. The political rift between Anglicans and Catholics is on the mend.

"It's a day in great history, because really — in some ways — it's sort of mending the break that occurred in the reformation years ago," Bishop Vann said. "It's very historical."

Read More: Father and Son become Priests

Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty

Liberty - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th in the United States, let us remember that as citizens of this nation we have a right to defend our religious liberty.  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has composed the following prayer:

Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty

O God our Creator,
from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,
you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,
bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel
to every corner of society.

We ask you to bless us
in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.
Give us the strength of mind and heart
to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;
give us courage in making our voices heard
on behalf of the rights of your Church
and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,
a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters
gathered in your Church
in this decisive hour in the history of our nation,
so that, with every trial withstood
and every danger overcome—
for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,
and all who come after us—
this great land will always be "one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Pope Recognizes 'heroic virtues' of late American Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Fulton Sheen declared venerable. Cause for beatification moves forward

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

The Pope has formally recognized the 'heroic virtues' of late American Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He's mostly known for his work as a 'televangelist' during his 20 year career in radio and television. In fact, he was recognized with two EMMY awards for his work on the show. He also served as the Archbishop of New York and Rochester in the 50's and 60's.

The decree signed by the Pope, recognizes that Sheen exemplified Christian values in his life. It also furthers his cause for beatification. In the next step, the Vatican must acknowledge that a documented miracle happened through the intercession of Sheen. If it's approved by experts, theologians and the Pope, it could further his cause for beatification and eventually sainthood.

Sheen's cause for beatification was opened in 2002. He died at the age of 84 in 1979 after a lifetime of work in the Church.

Restless Heart, a New Motion Picture on the life of St. Augustine

Restless Heart – Maximus Newsroom Press Release

Ignatius Press brings exclusive film on beloved Saint to America

SAN FRANCISCO, June 20, 2012 – St. Augustine of Hippo is one of the Christian world’s most beloved and well-known saints. However, his amazing conversion and heroic life have not been told on the big screen … until now.

Ignatius Press announces the forthcoming release of RESTLESS HEART: The Confessions of Augustine. This major motion picture is available now for sponsored theatrical screenings across the country. Individuals, parishes, church groups or other organizations can bring this epic film to their towns beginning immediately.

“We are thrilled to bring RESTLESS HEART to the big screen,” said Ignatius Press President Mark Brumley. “St. Augustine is one of the first Doctors of the Church, along with St. Ambrose, St. Jerome and St. Gregory the Great – named in 1268 by Pope Boniface VIII. His story is inspiring and compelling, and his writings are among the most respected in the world even today.

“RESTLESS HEART is amazing,” he added. “It is the most moving story of conversion and reconciliation ever brought to the big screen, and Ignatius Press is honored to offer this film to America.”

“RESTLESS HEART offers a soul-stirring portrait of a great sinner who became one of the Church’s greatest saints,” said National Catholic Register writer Tim Drake. “It’s a timeless conversion story for our age – a testament to the power of Truth.”

Unlike many faith-based films that open in limited release around the country and often don’t make it to cities and towns with significant interest, RESTLESS HEART is available for showing anywhere. Interested groups and individuals work with local theaters and other venues to rent a screen, and Ignatius provides a copy of the film with a complete promotional kit for an affordable fee.

“RESTLESS HEART tells St. Augustine’s story with superb production values, and it features an outstanding cast,” Brumley added. “We look forward to working with parishes, other organizations, and individuals across the country to bring St. Augustine’s life to as many people as possible. This is a tremendous opportunity to launch the Year of Faith and engage in the New Evangelization.”

An exclusive, extended trailer of the film is available online now at www.RestlessHeartFilm.com. For more information or interviews, please contact Tim Lilley (678-990-9032 or email TLilley@MaximusMG.com) or Kevin Wandra (678-990-9032 or email TLilley@MaximusMG.com) of The Maximus Group.

To bring RESTLESS HEART to a theater in your area, please contact Victor Pap (678-990-9032 or email VPap@MaximusMG.com) or Brandon Duncan (678-990-9032 or email BDuncan@MaximusMG.com) of The Maximus Group.

About the Film

RESTLESS HEART provides a historic backdrop and one of the Church’s most beloved and well-known saints – Augustine of Hippo – as its central character to tell a familiar story – as timely today as it was only a few generations after Jesus walked on Earth. It is the story of one who pursues fame and fortune without a moral compass – and the changes that occur when events lead him to see the light. It also chronicles the collapse of the Roman world and how Augustine laid the intellectual foundations of what became Europe.

Filmed in Europe, this major new epic film on the life of St. Augustine is the first full-length feature movie on the story of this incredible man.

RESTLESS HEART is directed by Christian Duguay (“Joan of Arc,” “Pius XII”). The $20-million project runs 127 minutes. The cast includes Allesandro Presiosi, Monica Guerritore, Johannes Brandrup, Serena Rossi and Franco Nero.

About Ignatius Press

Ignatius Press is among the largest U.S. publishers and distributors of Catholic books, magazines, videos, DVDs, and music. It is the primary English-language publisher of Pope Benedict XVI’s books.

Pray for Christian Unity and Healing of Divisions

Prince of Peace - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

Through prayerful discernment, Our Lord Jesus is calling everyone to pray for Christian unity and healing between religious denominations by reconciling differences. This goal will be accomplished with the power of prayer and through the Holy Spirit.

"Thus the word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, listen to the house of Israel saying, 'The vision he sees is a long way off; he prophesies of the distant future!' Say to them therefore: Thus says the Lord God; None of my words shall be delayed any longer; whatever I speak is final, and it shall be done, says the Lord God."  Ezekiel 12:26-28

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart of Jesus - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

Visit with Jesus

I will pay a visit to Jesus at least once each day. In my own words I will tell Jesus that I believe that He is truly present in the tabernacle and that I adore Him, as He is my God. I will talk to Him about any joy or trouble I have had since my last visit. I will say a short prayer, for instance: "Jesus, my God, I adore Thee here truly present in the Sacrament of Thy love." Amen.

Devotional Prayers

Monks Are Anxious as Icon Begins to Shed Holy Ointment in Maniavskyi Monastery

Icon

Icon Begins to Shed Holy Ointment in Maniavskyi Monastery

The photo and following excerpt is from RISU.org

In the Maniavskyi Monastery in western Ukraine, which is called the "Ukrainian Athos," an Icon of the Mother of God began to shed the holy ointment, reported TSN.

It is as if the icon is crying, as the ointment trickles down the right eye. According to the monks, the “trickle” is getting longer with each day. They have no doubt that it is a wonder. “There is no humidity, but cold and frost, everything is frozen and it sheds the holy ointment,” said Metropolitan Ioasaf of Ivano-Frankivsk and Halych of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate.

Read more: Icon Sheds Holy Ointment

St. Mary's Church Holding Monthly Prayer Service on June 21

John the Babtist - Photo By Loci B. Lenar

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 Christian-Miracles.com.

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

The prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM with a new theme. The next monthly service will be held on June 21, 2012 and focus on John the Babtist.

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.

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

However, if you cannot attend St. Mary's prayer service, you can still join in by praying in unity with St. Mary’s Church for all special prayer intentions.

Regarding prayer, Jesus said, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Email your prayer requests to PrayerRequest@Christian-Miracles.com

Monthly Prayer Schedule with Related Topics for 2012

John the Babtist - Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 P.M.

St. Joachim and St. Ann - Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 P.M.

Assumption - Thursday, August 16 at 7:30 P.M.

Michaelmas (Feast of St. Michael) - Thursday, September 20 at 7:30 P.M.

Halloween (Story on its Origin) - This service actually focuses on All Saints Day and All Souls Day - Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 P.M.

Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 15 at 7:30 P.M.

Advent and Christmas - Thursday, December 20 at 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

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Fr. Richard Tartaglia Celebrates Pentecost Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Church,
Denville, New Jersey - Photo by Loci B. Lenar 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wisdom: We see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the ups and downs of life take on deeper meaning. We see God as our Father, appreciate the dignity of others, and find God in all things.

Understanding: In understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as followers of Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live. The gift of understanding perfects a person's speculative reason in the apprehension of truth. It is the gift whereby self-evident principles are known, Aquinas writes.

Counsel (Right Judgment): With the gift of counsel/right judgment, we know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values taught by Jesus.

Fortitude (Courage): With the gift of fortitude/courage, we overcome our fear and are willing to take risks as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or physical harm. The gift of courage allows people the firmness of mind that is required both in doing good and in enduring evil.

Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Knowledge: With the gift of knowledge, we understand the meaning of God. The gift of knowledge is more than an accumulation of facts.

Piety (Reverence): With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church. A person with reverence recognizes our total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love. Piety is the gift whereby, at the Holy Spirit's instigation, we pay worship and duty to God as our Father, Aquinas writes.

Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe): With the gift of fear of the Lord we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love. This gift is described by Aquinas as a fear of separating oneself from God. He describes the gift as a "filial fear," like a child's fear of offending his father, rather than a "servile fear," that is, a fear of punishment. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7) because it puts our mindset in correct location with respect to God: we are the finite, dependent creatures, and He is the infinite, all-powerful Creator.

Bryan Clay's Path to Olympic Gold through Faith

Bryan Clay's Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold - CBN TV - Video

An anger problem almost derailed the career of this Olympic athlete, but a mother's prayers helped to turn things around.

Supporters Claim Miracle Led to Child's Survival

Faith helps Mexican girl battle life-threatening condition

The following excerpt is from The Compass News:

By Steve Wideman

APPLETON — As surgeons prepared to connect Alejandra Anacieto Gregorio to a maze of life-sustaining tubes and wires, one pair of gloved hands gently removed a child's rosary from around her neck, carefully avoiding a life-threatening lesion the size of a softball covering half the 14-year-old girl's face.

The rosary, its pink leather cord holding a brightly painted medallion of the Blessed Virgin, was then wrapped several times around Alejandra's wrist.

Over the next eight hours, as a medical team at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee successfully removed the lesion from her face.

Alejandra, unaware the rosary was now on her wrist, would dream twice of meeting Jesus.

Leticia Santiago Geniesse of Appleton purchased the rosary for Alejandra months earlier during a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe near Mexico City. The shrine marks the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to peasant Juan Diego in 1531.

"Mexicans are very devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe. And Alejandra is a girl of huge faith," Leticia said.
Leticia believes the visit to the basilica, and a Feb. 18, 2012, visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wisconsin, produced a medical miracle for Alejandra.

"There is no doubt in my mind God intervened when all the doors seemed closed to getting help for Alejandra. There is no doubt it was a miracle," Leticia said.

Alejandra, the lesion now all but invisible, expects to reunite in two weeks with her parents and nine siblings in their remote home in the Mexican village of Citlaltepec.

"Our Lady of Guadalupe helps everyone during the most difficult moments," Alejandra said six weeks after the surgery. Without the procedure, physicians had given her a year to live.

During her eight-plus hours on the operating table, Alejandra told Leticia she dreamed twice of seeing Jesus.

"In her first dream, Jesus was standing in front of her home under a tree. She heard birds singing and said everything looked so beautiful. She saw his image but didn't know who he was right away. He said 'Don't worry. Don't be afraid. I will take care of you,'" Leticia said. "As she told me of her dream her face was so beautiful. She was looking up like she wasn't really there. I don't know how to explain it."

In her second dream, Alejandra was joined by her siblings and parents inside her Citlaltepec home.

"She said everyone was very happy," Leticia said. "Alejandra was hiding behind her mom when her mom took her hand and said 'Alejandra. Come see this. This is the Almighty.' There was so much light behind the image, then he opened his arms and she wasn't afraid anymore."

Read more: Alejandra Anacieto Gregorio

Miracle Cross a Topic of Conversation on Radio Maria

Cross Appears on Easter Sunday 2012
Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Gloria.tv: Fr. Richard Tartaglia and Loci B. Lenar Discuss Miracle Cross on Radio Maria

Reaching out with evangelization, Fr. Richard Tartaglia and parishioner Loci B. Lenar of St. Mary's Church, Denville, NJ, were guest speakers on Sacred Treasures, a Catholic radio show hosted by Kathie Duggan.

If you missed hearing Fr. Tartaglia and Mr. Lenar on Radio Maria, we are happy to report that you can listen to the May 7, 2012 broadcast right here on our blog.



The topic of conversation focused on signs related to scripture and a Cross of Light which has appeared on the residence of Mr. Lenar in Mine Hill, New Jersey.  In the interview, Mr. Lenar shares his testimony and gives an explanation for the cross appearing during Lent through Holy Week and ending around Easter.  Mr. Lenar's spiritual advisor, Fr. Richard Tartaglia photographed the image on Good Friday, April 6, 2012 and validated the sign.

The first half of the show starts with Margarita Rodriguez, who was healed during a Rosary that she was leading when a seer, Ivan Dragicevic of Medjugorje, came to St. Brendan Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.




Documentation of similar signs of a cross appearing elsewhere is published in a video with Fr. Richard Tartaglia's homily about the miracle. The video is posted on Gloria.tv and on www.Christian-Miracles.com at the following link: Cross of Light Appears in New Jersey

Artwork of Stephen B. Whatley displayed at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in England

Archbishop Vincent Nichols and Stephen B. Whatley

The following excerpt from the website of Stephen B. Whatley:

On Sunday May 6, 2012, artist Stephen B. Whatley was invited by Fr. John Deehan of St. Thomas More RC Church, Eastcote, to a concelebrated Mass with Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales; followed by the blessing by the Archbishop of the new church hall.

The Glory of Christ by Stephen B. Whatley

The church hall was adorned with new prints of Stephen's paintings purchased by St. Thomas More Church; at which the artist gave a lecture about his art and faith in July 2009.

On loan at the church is Stephen B Whatley's original painting, "The Glory of Christ" - pictured here with the Archbishop and the artist, after the blessing ceremony - in a photograph kindly taken by Parish secretary, Helen Howley.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols is a kind man who showed much interest in Stephen's work; humbly asking to take his own personal photograph of the painting on his mobile phone camera - which impressed the artist who is not so adept at using his own cell phone!

View more of Stephen B. Whatley's work at the following link: Christian Tributes

What the Arab Spring can learn from the history of the Catholic Church and democracy

What the Arab Spring can learn from the history of the Catholic Church and democracy

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

In the long history of the Church, its embrace of democracy is still relatively new. David Forte is a historian and a professor of law, he says the Church's support of democracy helped to create many of Europe's modern political parties.

David Forte
Professor of Law, Cleveland State University (USA)

“One of the things that I've been researching is how Catholicism moved from an initial position against liberal democracy in the 19th century because of persecutions by Napoleon and the French Revolution to as not only embracing it but becoming one of it's great sponsors in Christian Democracy.”

Professor Forte met with members of Rome's Acton Institute, a conservative think tank that promotes individual freedoms with religious principles.

They say the Church's support of democracy can serve as an example to countries that are transitioning from autocratic regimes to a representative government. In Egypt, where elections have boosted the Muslim Brotherhood, observers say this could tension relations with neighboring Israel.

David Forte
Professor of Law, Cleveland State University (USA)

“So far as I know, all the presidential candidates have been supporters of Hamas, against Israel in the past. So the continuation of peace with Israel looks very iffy with the development of the Muslim Brotherhood's strength.”

Egypt is also home to a large population of Coptic Christians, that make up around 9% of Egypt's 80 million people. The protection of religious freedom and maintaining good relations with neighbors are two prescriptions that Professor Forte and other observers hope to see carried out in these emerging democracies.

Rock and Roll Priests get ready to perform in Latin America

Rock and Roll Priests

From RomeReports.com: After taking part in several World Youth Day concerts in Madrid, now a group of priests is getting ready to perform in Latin America. The group is called “La Voz del Desierto” which translates to “The Voice of the Desert.”

This coming August the group will perform in the Rock' n Rieles Festival in Costa Rica and Guatemala. The group was formed in Madrid, Spain. It consists of three priests and four lay people whose main purpose is to evangelize through music.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day from ROME REPORTS

From RomeReports.com:

Every year, during the month of May, millions of people celebrate Mother's Day. In some countries the celebration takes place on the first weekend of May, in others the second. Regardless of the specific day, ROME REPORTS wants to congratulate all mothers on their special day!

Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima started 95 years ago

Apparitions of Fatima started 95 years ago

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared at the Cova da Iria in Fatima to the three shepherds Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia. It was an apparition that was repeated on the 13th of every month, for six consecutive months.

The Virgin asked them to pray the rosary for the conversion of sinners and revealed three messages.
In the first message she showed hell to them. In the second, the Virgin Mary said that Russia would be converted to Christianity which would bring peace.

The third message was the secret of Fatima, which was revealed by the pope in 2000. There they saw a bishop dressed in white that at the top of a mountain knelt at the foot of a cross where soldiers shot him. They also saw the death of bishops, priests, religious and laity.

Many say that the vision led toward the persecution of Christians, throughout the twentieth century, causing an estimated 45 million victims because due to their faith.

John Paul II was also the victim of an assassination attempt that took place in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981. He said he survived the shooting thanks to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. One year later, he even traveled to Fatima and placed in the crown the bullet that had struck him.

Today, Fatima is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. The shepherd seers Francisco and Jacinta were declared blessed on May 13th in 2000. Lucia died in 2005 and a study on her life is under way that could lead to a possible beatification.

Benedict XVI officially declares Hildegard of Bingen a Saint

Benedict XVI officially declares Hildegard of Bingen a Saint

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

In 2011 a DVD about the life of Hildegard von Bingen was released in the USA. Produced in Germany by Zeitgeist Films, Vision was originally released in 2009, but is available to purchase in a DVD format with English subtitles for the U.S. market.

My review of the film can be read at the the following link, Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen

***

The following excerpt is from Rome Reports.com:

Even though Hildegard of Bingen was already on the list of Catholic saints, she had not been officially canonized. So to remove all doubt, Benedict XVI extended the liturgical cult of St. Hildegard of Bingen, to the Universal Church, which automatically inscribes her in the catalogue of saints.

Hildegard of Bingen was from Germany. She's mostly known for her religious visions and prophecies. She lived in the XI and XII century, but even so, her message is still quite alive. The Pope has talked about her and her message in two general audiences.

Also, in coming months, the Pope is considering declaring her a Doctor of the Church for her high intelligence and feminine sensibility.

St. Hildegard was one of the most active women of her time. She wrote about theology and morals, but also about medicine and science. She even found the time to compose 78 musical pieces.

Fr. Richard Tartaglia and Loci B. Lenar to Speak Live on Radio Maria!

Fr. Richard Tartaglia - St. Mary's Catholic Church

Sacred Treasures with Kathie Duggan

Fr. Richard Tartaglia and Loci B. Lenar of St. Mary's Parish (Denville, NJ) are scheduled to speak live on the Catholic radio show, Sacred Treasures, on Monday, May 7, 2012.  The topic of conversation will focus on signs as connected to scripture and a Cross of Light which has appeared on the residence of Mr. Lenar in Mine Hill, NJ, during Lent and Holy Week of this year.

Other guests include Margarita Rodriguez who was healed during a Rosary that she was leading when a seer, Ivan Dragicevic of Medjugorje, came to St. Brendan Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.

Sacred Treasures is hosted by Kathie Duggan and is broadcasted live on Monday's by Radio Maria, US, between the hours of 2:00-3:00 PM (Central Time), and 3:00-4:00 PM (Eastern Time).  Fr. Tartaglia and Mr. Lenar are slated to speak during the second half of the show on Monday, May 7.

If the radio station is not available in your area, listeners can still tune into the Sacred Treasures broadcast through internet streaming by visiting the website of Radio Maria at the following link: http://radiomaria.us/

Radio Maria is a tool of evangelization which serves the Catholic Church in the United States and is a radio network committed to calling for conversion through programming which offers plenty of space for prayer, catechism and human development.

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Miracle Performed by God Through the Intercession of Sister Lucia

Sister Lucia - Photo Courtesy of the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

Miracle Will be Investigated by Church Authorities

The following news report is supplied by the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

The Blue Army Shrine is part of the World Apostolate of Fatima and is located on 674 Mountain View Road East, Asbury, NJ 08802.

By Prof. Americo Pablo López-Ortiz
International President of the World Apostolate of Fatima

Sister Lucia, the third of the Little Shepherds of Fatima, who lived until the 13^th of February of 2005 as a Carmelite Nun in Coimbra, Portugal, and who wrote the famous MEMOIRS containing the Message of Fatima brought by Our Blessed Mother to the world, may have performed a sensational cure of a child four years old at the moment of the miracle at Salta, Argentina.

Rosario André was hospitalized for ten days with hemolytic-uremic syndrome, having a very serious infection with hemolytic-uremic syndrome, having a very serious infection that needed desperately antibiotics but at the same time could not receive them due to renal failure caused by her rare sickness, that affects blood, the central nervous system and the kidneys. She was close to death when her mother, Alexandra Maria took the book by Sister Lucia, MEMOIRS, and placed it in her child's breast, and embracing her, both prayed to Sister Lucia to cure little Rosario.

Immediately, the symptoms of fever, diarrhea and vomiting disappeared. Next day, the lab exams showed no infection as the bacteria was killed without antibiotics. The miraculous cure happened on the same day of Sister Lucia's death! Rosario was healthy again! And she has remained healthy afterwards. Medical evidence was forwarded to Church authorities.

THE NEXT ISSUE OF SOUL MAGAZINE WILL FEATURE A COMPREHENSIVE ARTICLE ON THIS TOPIC BY PROF. AMERICO PABLO LOPEZ-ORTIZ, WHO MET PERSONALLY THE ANDRE FAMILY AND ROSARIO AT THEIR HOME AT SALTA, ARGENTINA.

Military chaplain being considered for medal of honor and sainthood

Military chaplain being considered for medal of honor and sainthood

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

From the wheat fields of Kansas to a prisoner of war during the Korean Conflict in 1951, this is the story of military chaplain Father Emil Kapaun.

He is currently being considered to receive the Medal of Honor as well as a being candidate for sainthood by the Catholic Church.

He is the subject of a documentary called “The Miracle of Father Kapaun”. It follows the life of this Catholic martyr, with interviews from many of the men who served alongside the chaplain in the war. They tell how he refused to leave injured soldiers which led to his capture and eventual death in a prison camp.

Through many personal letters written to his family, one is given an idea of what it was like to serve as a clergyman on the battlefield. In the last letter he is believed to ever have written he notes that “we do have a few laughs in spite of the evils of war”.

The Vatican is now looking at possibly beatifying Kapaun, while the Pentagon may award him the country's highest military honor: the medal of honor.

Miracles of Faith: Fr. Richard Tartaglia Validates Sign of Cross Appearing in Mine Hill, NJ

Miracles of Faith: Sign of Cross Appears in Mine Hill, NJ - YouTube

With respect to miracles, Jesus said, "Unless you people see signs and wonders you will never believe." John 4:48

By Loci B. Lenar

Since 2005 a cross with an outline of a shield has appeared annually on my property in Mine Hill, New Jersey.

Similar phenomena with cross of lights have appeared elsewhere and are noted in the video.

I contacted my spiritual advisor and parish priest, Fr. Richard Tartaglia on Holy Thursday, April 5, 2012, regarding the cross appearing on the backyard fence.

Fr. Richard Tartaglia Validates Cross of Light
Appearing in Mine Hill, New Jersey

In order to provide an assessment of the matter, Fr. Tartaglia came to my residence and examined the cross of light and photographed the image on Good Friday, April 6, 2012.

I left for work at 7:00 AM, so I didn't see or speak to Fr. Richard until Tuesday, April 17th after dropping off two large stacks of prayer requests for Thursday's prayer service held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on April 19th.  With prudence Fr. Tartaglia validated the image as a visible sign.

This image first appeared in 2005 while my family was encountering some adversity. I must emphasize that with prayer the issues were resolved.

Through prayerful discernment, the image of the cross is a reminder from Our Lord Jesus of his spiritual presence in my family. The image appeared while praying for God's assistance as well as for help from St. Michael the Archangel. This sign is also meant to encourage others to return to their faith and to pray for God's help and mercy during times of need. Please do share this video with others.

To read my testimony on the matter, please visit the following links: Signs of Angels  and A Miracle Cross  

During the Thursday prayer service held on April 19th, Fr. Tartaglia discussed these signs as related to scripture in his Homily at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey, USA.

For more information and news updates, please visit the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com

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Peace of Divine Mercy

Peace of Divine Mercy by Stephen B Whatley

Peace of Divine Mercy 2012 by Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

By Stephen B. Whatley

Today, Sunday April 15, 2012, is the Feast Day of The Divine Mercy. After attending a beautiful Mass celebrating this special Sunday and Catholic devotion at the Roman Catholic Church of St Ignatius in North London, I felt what I call a 'divine push' to pay tribute to the Divine Mercy; with this drawing created today in prayer. I have felt compelled to paint several expressions of this devotion since 2002 ( all to be viewed in my "Christian Set" with a detailed history beneath the images) - which originates from miraculous instructions in the 1930s from Christ to a Polish nun, Sister Faustina (1905-1938); canonised in 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

Peace to all Christians and agnostics alike.

Pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in x 59 x 42cm

Buddhist attributes cancer healing to Jesus

Allan Huang with husband

Buddhist attributes cancer healing to Jesus | UCAN India

No trace of cancer was found in Allan Huang after her visit to Marian shrine at Vellankanni in Tamil Nadu.

The photograph and following excerpt can be read on UCNA India:

Kolkata: A Chinese Buddhist woman has attributed miraculous healing from cancer to her devotion to Divine Mercy.

Giving witness, Allan Huang said this at the feast of the Divine Mercy at Auxilium Church in Kolkata yesterday.

“In December 2007, I was diagnosed for Lymphoma and after prolonged treatment I was well again. But in October last year when I had a relapse my daughter Juliana gave me a picture of the Divine Mercy to pray,” said Huang standing before a large picture of Jesus the Divine Mercy venerated in the church.

Revealing the secret of her courage, Huang said that she did not loose hope during the four cycles of chemotherapy in Apollo Hospital, Kolkata.

“It was the love, care and prayers of my family, priests and so many good people that brought the healing,” she said after placing a bouquet of 50 red roses in thanksgiving.

She was accompanied by her husband Patrick, three sisters, children, five grand children.

Seven priests and some 500 faithful participated at the solemn afternoon Eucharist marking the Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations and also thanksgiving for the miraculous cure.

Narrating the incident of her miraculous cure during the prayer, parish priest Fr. K.K. Sebastian said, “when doctors refused Allan permission to travel with her son Dominic to Seoul (South Korea) to meet his in-laws, she went with her another son Stephen to the historic Marian shrine at Vellankanni in Tamilnadu last month.”

During a routine test after her pilgrimage to Vellankanni, the doctors who treated her at Apollo were amazed to see the test results which showed no trace of cancer, he said.

The Divine Mercy image is a depiction of Jesus based on the devotion initiated by Polish saint Sister Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938) of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.

Read more: Divine Mercy

Did prayer to wartime priest lead to East Bay man’s cancer recovery?

Father Franz Stock, center, is pictured with Archbishop Angelo Roncalli
the future Pope John XXIII – at a German prisoner of war camp, Sept. 18, 1945.

Report on case sent to Rome in sainthood investigation of German Father Franz Stock

The photograph and following excerpt is from the website of Catholic San Francisco:

By Valerie Schmalz

If the Vatican authenticates the 1997 healing of an East Bay man diagnosed with incurable gastric cancer days before his wedding, then the Catholic Church will beatify Father Franz Stock, a German Army chaplain to Paris prisoners of the Nazis.

Father Stock was “the last human face” hundreds, perhaps thousands, saw before their execution.

He is a symbol of reconciliation in France and Germany, where streets and schools are named for him and national leaders have honored him. A French postage stamp commemorating Father Stock was issued in 1998 for the 50th anniversary of his death from pulmonary edema on Feb. 24, 1948, at age 43.

The Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of San Francisco investigated the 1997 medical case and sent its report to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints on March 16. If the Vatican authenticates the miracle, Father Stock would be declared blessed. He would be canonized if a second miracle is verified.

Three months after doctors said a 33-year-old East Bay resident had at most three months to live, he was declared cancer-free in October 1997. Medical tests continue to show no traces of cancer.

“The doctors were flabbergasted because he was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and they sent him home to get his affairs in order and die,” said Robert Graffio, canon lawyer for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and notary for the investigation.

The man married his fiance a couple of weeks later than they had planned. The couple has two children, 7 and 9.

“This is yet another assurance that the Lord is with us still, to this day, working miracles in our midst,” said Msgr. Michael Padazinski, chancellor and judicial vicar in the Archdiocese of San Francisco who oversaw the investigation as episcopal delegate.

The man who recovered unexpectedly became the object of prayers to Father Stock through family members who knew of the priest’s story.

A Franciscan priest who wrote the only English-language biography of Father Stock was pastor of a New Jersey parish where the stricken bridegroom’s older brother, his wife and children attended Mass. When Mary G. – her full name is withheld by request – called to place her brother-in-law on the parish prayer list in 1997, Franciscan Father Boniface Hanley said, “Pray, pray to Father Franz Stock,” she said, and made up a holy card for them to use.

“We kept praying the whole time. He had his whole stomach removed. He had lymph nodes that were positive,” said Mary G., who as a nurse cared for her brother-in-law as he recovered instead of dying. “It’s 15 years later and he is still cancer free.”

Read more: Father Franz Stock