Children of Medjugorje, March Newsletter

March 20, 2011

 

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Dear children of Medjugorje, praised be Jesus and Mary!

 

1 – On March 2^nd, Mirjana had her monthly apparition at the Blue Cross in the presence of a small crowd due to winter season. After the apparition, she gave us the following message: 

"Dear children! My Motherly Heart suffers tremendously as I look at my children who persistently put what is human before what is of God, at my children who, despite everything that surrounds them and despite all the signs that are sent to them, think that they can walk without my Son. They cannot! They are walking to eternal perdition. That is why I am gathering you, who are ready to open your heart to me, you who are ready to be apostles of my love, to help me; so that by living God’s love you may be an example to those who do not know it. May fasting and prayer give you strength in that, and I bless you with the Motherly blessing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Thank you."

On March 18, Mirjana had her yearly apparition at the Blue Cross. After the apparition, she gave us the following message:

"Dear children! I am with you in the name of the greatest Love, in the name of dear God, who has come close to you through my Son and has shown you real love. I desire to lead you on the way of God. I desire to teach you real love so that others may see it in you, that you may see it in others, that you may be a brother to them and that others may see a merciful brother in you. My children, do not be afraid to open your hearts to me. With motherly love, I will show you what I expect of each of you, what I expect of my apostles. Set out with me. Thank you."

According to Mirjana, Our Lady blessed everyone present at the end of the apparition and also asked us to pray for priests. Then our Heavenly Mother said: “Again I emphasize that together with them, I will triumph.”

 Isn't this something very important for the future of the world?!

 

2 – For a better Lent.  During my stay in Italy, we experienced something new in the sacrifices of Lent, and I wish to share it with you.  It may inspire many families and communities:

Starting with the first meal in Sassuolo, surrounded by a dozen friends, I suggested that we don’t talk about food at all but rather to work at bringing up topics that could enlighten our souls and thus help us grow.  Of course, we had in our hearts a desire to talk about Jesus, about what He had helped us understand recently through Scripture or through an event in our lives.  The result was unexpected!  At the end of the meal, it was difficult for us to leave, because everyone wanted to go deeper into these topics, our hearts were on fire.  As it was for the pilgrims at Emmaus (up to a point!), the presence of Jesus in our midst was tangible, and we wanted to say to Him: "More!  Stay longer with us!"

Because we have gotten into such a habit of coming to the table without reflecting, it's enough simply to decide before the meal to remain attentive to the greatness of that moment given by God.  So we talk about everything that runs through our minds, and it becomes easy, then, for us to talk about petty things, or even, unfortunately, to speak ill of someone else.  However, this time together could become a wonderful moment to share, where each person takes to heart the expansion of the Kingdom of God in the hearts of the others at the table.  If we decide to do this during the blessing which precedes the meal, we will observe right away that God comes to the gathering (all too happy to be invited for once!), and the meal takes a whole new turn.

A Croatian grandmother was in the habit of going to Mass every day.  When she returned home, she shared with her family what the priest had said in the homily.  One day, at the beginning of the apparitions, she wasn't able to go to church for health reasons, but her family went.  Upon their return, she asked them what Father Jozo (the pastor of the parish at the time) had said.  Now, that particular night, Father had asked all the parishioners to promise something before God: to spend the entire evening without saying a single word against another person.  On hearing this news, the grandmother cried out spontaneously:  "But what are we going to talk about, then?"

On Earth, Jesus Himself cherished the privileged moment that is a meal taken together. What a beautiful opportunity is given to us also to make it a time of blessing, and not a place to waste our time with vain words, even less to commit sin and offend God.  I notice often that Jesus honors the desire of the one who asks Him: "Lord, make use of me during this meal, so that it be all for Your Glory!"

 

3 –  The Tragedy of Japan. We are all shocked by the images and the reports coming from Japan. Far from adding to the commentaries already published, I would rather recall the ways that the Gospa has given us, which are the most efficient ways to avoid natural disasters. The Mother of God and Mother of the Creator tells us: “Only by prayer and fasting could you stop wars, prevent wars... “ But we frequently forget the end of this message: “…and suspend natural laws.”

It seems indeed that the earth cries out in front of the darkness that covers our humanity, which wants to walk without God. But recently, didn’t Our Lady tell us that she is not losing hope? Didn’t She speak to us about a “new time”, of a “time of peace that Her Heart impatiently awaits?” We can soften and shorten the time of trials.

I met many people who have begun to fast according to Her directives, but have stopped on the way, seized by weariness before the battle or for any other reason. No, we need to persevere! The stakes are too high! Too many brothers and sister who do not know God are in need of our consecration and faithfulness! Our Lady has more messages to give us, and she tells us today “ I will show you what I expect of each one of you, what I expect of my apostles”.  Let's cling to Her, because she is able to show each one us his specific role during this time of trials. She counts on us so much!

Concretely, we can do a lot in order to help the victims of this catastrophe.For those who have died, we can have at least one mass celebrated for the eternal rest of their soul. This is a great act of charity towards our neighbor.*For those who have died, we can have at least one mass celebrated for the eternal rest of their soul. This is a great act of charity towards our neighbor.

*For those who have died, we can have at least one mass celebrated for the eternal rest of their soul. This is a great act of charity towards our neighbor.

*For the survivors, those who have lost everything, those who are woundedand those who are afraid of being hit by its consequences, we can pray and fast with all our heart. (See PS 2 for a Fasting Bread Recipe.) We can also send them our Guardian Angels to help them and comfort them through their way of the cross. This will be for them a great support, coming directly from Heaven, for human help has its own limitations.

 

4 – The Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19. No one has ever repented of having chosen St. Joseph as patron and guide of his family, and also as his best friend.  He is the foster father of the Son of God, who also provides best for our spiritual and temporal needs. Don’t leave him jobless! Here in Medjugorje, his help is made tangible each time we invoke him. Families in distress will receive great benefits by calling on him. Below is his litany (See PS 3). It is never too late to pray it, as he is working wonders even after his feast day! 

 

Dearest Gospa, today more than ever, we call on you!  No not tire with us!  We want to finally put your Son Jesus at the first place in our lives!

 

                                                                                                                    Sister Emmanuel + 

(Translated from French)

 

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PS 1-  Need Help Fasting This Lent?  It’s not too late!  Order Sister Emmanuel’s CD on Fasting today and get inspired to try or even persevere in your Lenten fast.  Include this CD in your shopping cart and receive free shipping on your entire order.  Use coupon code “www.childrenofmedjugorje.com/cart/product.php--Q-productid--E-16142--A-cat--E..." target="_blank">LENT2011” now until Good Friday.  Click www.childrenofmedjugorje.com/cart/product.php--Q-productid--E-16142--A-cat--E..." target="_blank">HERE to order today!

 

PS 2- Fasting Bread Recipe 

Ingredients:

3 cups white flour
4 cups wheat flour
1 pkg. dry yeast or three tablespoons of active yeast
½ cup of lukewarm water
2 cups of very hot water
1 beaten egg
1 tablespoon of Salt
2 tablespoons of Sugar
2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
1 teaspoon of butter

 

 

Depending upon your taste, you may add any of the following to the dough: raisins, fresh apple pieces, almonds, walnuts, plain oats.

Dissolve yeast in ½ cup lukewarm water with a little sugar and let sit in warm place for 5-10 minutes. Mix flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle of the flour. When yeast is ready, add to flour. Mix flour over yeast mixture making soft balls. In 2 cups of hot water, mix butter, oil, salt, sugar, raisins (or apple), nuts, and

½ beaten egg. Pour over yeast. Knead the dough until it comes clean from the bowl (continually add flour and water as needed). Let it rise 10 minutes, covered. Knead again until it is has spring to it.  Place in well- greased bowl in a warm oven (70-80°F) until it is double in bulk. Form into desired shapes. Brush the top with remaining egg and sesame seeds, oats, or poppy seeds, if desired. Bake at 375°F

for 35 minutes, until golden brown and done (to test, insert knife in center - when it comes out clean bread is done). Makes 2 large or 3 medium loaves.

 

PS 3 –  Litany of St Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us. 
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Renowned offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us. 
Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph most just, pray for us.
Joseph most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph most strong, pray for us.
Joseph most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of artisans, pray for us.
Glory of home life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of families, pray for us.
Solace of the wretched, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of demons, pray for us.
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. .
V. He made him the lord of his household.
R. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray. O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever .
R. Amen.

 

PS 4 – Children of Medjugorje Inc needs your help!  Please consider supporting our ministry in prayer and, if possible, through financial contributions so that we may be able to continue spreading the messages of Our Lady to the English-speaking world.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to help support and sustain our work, please donate through this link on our secure online store or send an email to pray@childrenofmedjugorje.com. Your generosity is deeply appreciated!  Thank you!

PS 5  Sister Emmanuel’s latest teachings – are AVAILABLE on both CD and DVD format!  Choose a single title or purchase all six *:  Take the Hand of Your Heavenly Mother; Make Your Peace With God (about Confession); Embrace Suffering As Your Way to Joy; Pray With Your Family: A Remedy for our World Today; Responding to Our Lady's Call to Holiness; Prayer Groups: Our Lady's School for Holiness.

*Buy the DVD set and go on a virtual retreat with Sister Emmanuel, as experienced last fall at the Children of Medjugorje Summit Retreat in St Malo, Colorado!

PS 6- Watch Sister Emmanuel ON DEMAND, on your computer!  Go to: www.napavalleyTV.org.  Click on "Video on Demand" on the red banner at the top.  Screen goes light blue- wait, then scroll way down until you see channel 27 channel 28 side by side.  Click on Channel 28 and scroll down the list until "Medjugorje- Our Mother's Last Call", then click on the date you want to watch.

PS 7- Take Medjugorje home! View the evening celebration live at: www.medjugorje.hr/fr/multimedia/tv-web/" target="_blank"> http://www.medjugorje.hr/fr/multimedia/tv-web/

PS 8 – Sister’s upcoming mission in Asia :  In April, in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia. Your prayer and support will be greatly appreciated; thank you from the heart!

 

© 2011 Children of Medjugorje, Inc.
www.childrenofmedjugorje.com
PO Box 18430, Denver CO 80218, USA

© Children of Medjugorje 2011

Permission is given to spread the text of these reports under two conditions:
1) no words are changed 2) “Children of Medjugorje” is cited along with our website www.childrenofmedjugorje.com

 

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