THE EXTRAORDINARY WITNESS OF ORDINARY PEOPLE:

Tribulation Times

June 5, 2012  

(Mat 5:10-12) Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you. 

THE EXTRAORDINARY WITNESS OF ORDINARY PEOPLE: VIVA CRISTO REY! Weekly Column by Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M., Cap.  

Earlier this week we celebrated Memorial Day. For most of us, the holiday informally marks the start of summer. Over the next three months families will take their vacations, the pace of life will slow a bit, and people will have a little more precious time to relax and restore their spirits. 

The purpose of recreation is to renew us in body and soul; to give us time to think; to reconnect us with family and the gift of being alive. For me, that usually means a week of fishing with friends, catching up on a pile of good books and enjoying a few good movies. 

And since all good things are meant to be shared, I can already recommend – in fact, enthusiastically recommend -- a film that no Catholic should miss this summer. 

For Greater Glory opens in select theaters this Friday, June 1. Written, directed and acted with outstanding skill, it’s the story of Mexico’s Cristero War (also known as La Cristiada, 1926-29). Largely ignored until recently – even in Mexico – the war resulted from Mexico’s atheist constitution of 1917, subsequent anti-religious legislation and fierce anti-clerical persecution by the government of President Plutarco Elias Calles, who came to power in 1924. 

The Catholic response to the Calles regime first took the form of non-violent petitions, suspended religious services and economic boycotts. But bloody popular resistance broke out in 1926. By 1929, 50,000 Cristero rebels were fighting the federal government. A small number of priests took up arms with their people. More than 90,000 persons died in the fighting. In the process, the authorities murdered thousands of Catholic laypeople and dozens of priests. 

Blessed Miguel Pro, a Jesuit priest, was executed without trial in 1927. Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio, age 14, was shot to death for refusing to deny his faith in 1928. In both cases, the martyrs’ last words were Viva Cristo Rey! (Long live Christ the King!) The Church has since honored dozens of other Mexican martyrs for their heroism during the Calles persecution. By 1929, pressured by Cristero success and U.S. diplomacy, federal authorities agreed to ease some restrictions on the Church and end violent persecution. 

By 1929, pressured by Cristero success and U.S. diplomacy, federal authorities agreed to ease some restrictions on the Church and end violent persecution. Mexico’s bishops accepted the brokered peace. The Cristero rebellion slowly died out. But the government soon betrayed its promises. Brutal anti-religious policies renewed and continued. 

Federal authorities murdered hundreds of former Cristero leaders and thousands of former Cristero fighters in reprisals. And the government continued its belligerence against the Church throughout the 1930s – a campaign of atheist violence and antireligious hatred that provided the backdrop for two of Graham Greene’s finest books: his travelogue, The Lawless Roads (1939), and arguably his greatest novel, The Power and the Glory (1940). Of course, gripping history does not automatically translate into good drama. Too many films for the family and religious markets suffer from lots of good intentions, but a lack of resources, inadequate talent and weak professional skills. For Greater Glory succeeds where so many similar films have failed. Led by Academy Award nominees Andy Garcia and Catalina Sandino Moreno, along with Oscar Isaac, Eva Longoria, Ruben Blades, Eduardo Verastegui and others, the cast is superb. And the writing gives them the kind of robust material they need to work with: strong dialogue, fully developed characters, vivid moral conflicts in a time of revolutionary violence, and a compelling story that never lags, thanks to the skilled directing of Dean Wright. 

To describe this film as stirring or powerful would do it a disservice. For Greater Glory is much more than an exercise in piety; it’s an extraordinary portrait of ordinary people struggling to defend their convictions. It’s among the most absorbing films by any director or movie studio that I’ve seen in the past few years. 

One of the hymns Cristeros sang as they went into battle had these words:
 
The Virgin Mary is our protector and defender when there is something to fear, 
She will defeat the demons, crying "Long live Christ the King!" 
She will defeat the demons, crying "Long live Christ the King!" 
Soldiers of Christ let us follow the flag that the Cross shows the army of God! 
Let us follow the flag, crying "Long live Christ the King!" 

We Americans in 2012 live in a different land in a different time. We’re blessed with freedoms the Cristeros could only imagine. But those freedoms depend on our willingness to defend them. Religious liberty is never guaranteed by anything but our own vigilance. Even in this country, contempt for religious faith, and especially the Catholic faith, is alive and well. For Greater Glory captures with memorable power and grace where that bigotry can lead -- and the cost of resisting it. 

RELATED

"FOR GREATER GLORY" THOUGHTS PART 1
Catholic Bishops Offer High Praise About 'For Greater Glory'
Catholics see a rallying cry for ‘religious freedom’ in ‘For Greater Glory’ film

CATHOLIC WORLD REPORT: The Story, Martyrs, and Lessons of the Cristero War

Thoughts and Sayings of Saint Margaret Mary: Peace- Trust- Abandonment

2. The Spirit of God does all things in peace. Let us have recourse to God with love and confidence, and He will receive us into the arms of His mercy.

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Prayer request?  Send an email to: PrayerRequest3@aol.com

This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.

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AS VATICAN HITS (VERY) ROUGH WATER, VISION OF POPE WITH ROCKS THROWN AT HIM IS REMEMBERED

via spiritdaily.com

The "moles" of Vatileaks attack the Secretary of the Pope

At Fatima was a quiet, largely unknown vision reported a while after the formal apparitions by the young girl, Blessed Jacinta Marto, who in her vision one day "saw" the Holy Father praying alone in a room while people outside "shouted ugly things and threw rocks through the window." Another time, Jacinta saw a Pope who had gathered a huge number of people together to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Again, it seemed like some kind of crisis moment.

We think of it at a time when the Pope seems under siege, with people (particularly the media) tossing all kinds of things at him. If not a crisis, many seem to want it to become one (possibly even some in the halls of the Holy See, and if not there, proximate offices).

Is Benedict the "Pope" Jacinta saw?

In her biography of Jacinta, seer Lúcia dos Santos had already established that Jacinta had told her of having had many personal visions outside of the Marian visitations; there was that one involving a Pope .

Sister Lúcia, when questioned about the Third Secret, recalled that the three seers were very sad about the suffering of the Pope, and that Jacinta kept saying: Coitadinho do Santo Padre, tenho muita pena dos pecadores! ("Poor Holy Father, I feel a lot of pity for the sinners!" which may also have referred to the 1981 shooting of John Paul II).

Read the whole article here: http://spiritdaily.com/vaticanfall.htm

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How is Mary the “Spiritual Mother of Humanity”?

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From the cross, the dying Christ gave his mother to John, his “beloved disciple and, ultimately, to all humanity: When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said this mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother” (Jn. 19:26-27). Blessed John Paul II explains how the gift of Mary as the world’s Spiritual Mother is a gift which Jesus makes personally to each individual and to all humanity:
The Mother of Christ, who stands at the very center of this mystery – a mystery which embraces each individual and all humanity – is given as mother to every single individual and all humanity. The man at the foot of the cross is John, “the disciple whom he loved. But it is not he alone. Following Tradition, the Council does not hesitate to call Mary the “Mother of Christ and the Mother of mankind” …Indeed, she is Mother of the members of Christ …since she cooperated out of love so that there might be born in the Church the faithful... (Redemptoris Mater, M 23) …Mary’s motherhood which became man’s inheritance is a gift: a gift which Christ himself makes personally to each individual” (Redemptoris Mater, 45).

In his prayer consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, 1984, Bl. John Paul calls Mary the “Mother of individuals and peoples” who knows our sufferings and embraces our human world:
O Mother of individuals and peoples, you who know all their sufferings and their hopes, you who have a mother’s awareness of all the struggles between good and evil, between light and darkness, which afflict the modern world, accept the cry which we, moved by the Holy Spirit, address directly to your Heart. Embrace, with the love of the Mother and the Handmaid of the Lord, this human world of ours, which we entrust and consecrate to you, for we are full of concern for the earthly and eternal destiny of individuals and peoples…(March 25, 2004, L’O R, p.8).

The Catholic Church’s Second Vatican Council refers to the Mother of Jesus as a “mother to us in the order of grace,” (Lumen Gentium, 61) meaning that Mary is not a mother to humanity in any physical sense, but rather a mother in the spiritual and mystical order, precisely as a result of her unique role with Jesus (and completely dependent upon Jesus) in fulfilling the mission of human redemption:
She conceived, brought forth, and nourished Christ, she presented him to the Father in the temple, shared her Son’s sufferings as he died on the cross. Thus in a wholly singular way, shed cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the work of the Savior in restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason, she is a mother to us in the order of grace (LG, 61).…Taken up into heaven, she did not lay aside this saving office, but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal life (LG 62).

In essence, Mary is our spiritual mother because she participated with Jesus in obtaining the graces of redemption, and as a result, was given the privileged role of distributing the graces of redemption to her earthly children. Thus the Mother of Jesus participates in the mothering actions of interceding, of birthing, of nourishing, and of protecting humanity in the supernatural order through sanctifying grace.

How specifically does Mary act as a spiritual mother to us? She does so in the spiritual order in the same three basic ways that a good earthly mother does so in the natural order.

First, a good mother suffers for her child. This oftentimes happens shortly after conception, but certainly continues through gestation, at the labor of birth, and throughout the lifelong sacrificial vocation of motherhood for her child.

Secondly, a good mother nourishes her child. It is not enough to bring her child into existence through conception and birth, but she must also feed her child and nurture her child in love and formation.

Thirdly, a good mother intercedes for her child. A good mother pleads for the best for her child, whether it be in the areas of education, moral direction, social activity, recreation, in most all aspects of the child’s life. A mother’s intercession is especially powerful whenever her child is in risk of any danger or difficulty.

These are precisely the three foundational ways, that of 1)suffering; 2) nourishing; and 3) interceding, by which the Mother of Jesus exercises her spiritual and maternal functions on behalf of the entire human family.

Mary uniquely suffered with Jesus throughout her earthly life, but climatically at Calvary, in order to obtain of the graces of redemption for us all, like a New Eve alongside of the New Adam (cf. St. Irenaeus, Adv. Haer. II, 2nd Century). For this first role of spiritual motherhood, she has been referred to in the Church since the 14th century as the “Co-redemptrix.” Bl. John Paul II had specifically called Mary the “Co-redemptrix on at least six separate occasions for her role of historic suffering with Jesus.

Mary then distributes the graces of Jesus to humanity which were obtained by the Divine Redeemer and the immaculate human Co-redemptrix at Calvary. For this role of motherly “nourishing” in the spiritual order, she is referred to by the popes of the last two centuries as the “Mediatrix of all graces.”

Mary also intercedes for all humanity in the spiritual order, especially at historic times of great danger and difficulty, bringing the needs of humanity to the throne of Christ he Son. She also intercedes for and announces the coming of the Holy Spirit, which she did so effectively in the Upper Room gathered with the first disciples before the First Pentecost (cf. Acts 1:14). For this role of maternal intercession, Mary has been referred to as the “Advocate” for the human family since the second century of the Church.

Ultimately then, how is Mary the world’s Spiritual Mother? She is Spiritual Mother of humanity precisely through the exercise of her three principal spiritual roles of service to the human family as the Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix of all graces and Advocate. Her general role as Spiritual Mother of humanity is realized through these specific motherly functions as Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate. Mary’s overall role as Spiritual Mother is inseparable and put into practice only through these three specific maternal roles and actions in the order of grace.

Mary perpetually shared in the ongoing sufferings of Jesus throughout his life mission of salvation, and at Calvary she was “spiritually crucified with her crucified Son, as Bl. John Paul II taught (Jan. 31, 1985 Address, Quayaquil, Ecuador). In all his teachings, Bl. John Paul II made clear, once again, that as Spiritual Mother of all Humanity and as Mediatrix, Mary may dispense the graces of Redemption, only because as Co-redemptrix with Christ she cooperated in the obtaining of the graces of Redemption. The titles Mediatrix and Co-redemptrix presuppose each other and are absolutely inseparable.

Only these three titles and roles of Mary as Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate combined accurately express her entire mission as Spiritual Mother of humanity: to suffer and redeem with Christ, to dispense all graces of salvation from Christ, to intercede for us and to invoke the coming of the Holy Spirit of Christ, on behalf of all humanity.

Note here that we speak not of “three mothers”, but of one mother with three aspects of maternal service for her children. We therefore are not speaking of three separate truths about Mary, but one central truth, her spiritual motherhood, which is manifested in three profound and inseparable expressions of her spiritual maternity as Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate. In the messages of the Lady of All Nations, the Church approved messages from Amsterdam (local Church approval, May 31, 2002), the Mother of Jesus calls for the proclamation of the Dogma of Mary Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate as the heavenly pre-condition for Our Lady to intercede for a new descent of the Holy Spirit, and thus to usher in a time of global peace, true peace, for the world:
The Lady of All Nations desires unity in the Spirit of Truth. The world is encompassed by a false spirit—Satan. When the dogma, the last dogma in Marian history, has been proclaimed, the Lady of All Nations will give peace, true peace to the world” (May 31, 1954 Message).

On Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2012, a new worldwide online petition to Pope Benedict XVI for a “New Coming of the Holy Spirit” through the papal declaration of Mary as “Spiritual Mother of humanity” was initiated and has immediately “caught on fire”, with petitions coming in from over 70 countries in just the first week of this global online petition. This petition to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, is spearheaded by an extraordinary list of international Catholic celebrities, including Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Susie McEveety, Hollywood Producer of “The Passion of the Christ”, “Braveheart”, “Bella”; Mother Angelica, Foundress of EWTN Worldwide Television Network; Immaculee Llibagiza, world renowned Rwandan speaker and author of “Left Behind”; the most honorable, Mercedes Tuason, Vatican Ambassador from the Philippines, and several others.

To examine this extraordinary phenomena of worldwide petitions from all parts of the world, or to add your own name to these international Catholic celebrities in favor of a “New Pentecost” initiated by the papal proclamation of Mary’s Spiritual Motherhood by Pope Benedict XVI, go to www.amsterdamapparitions.com. The world right now could use some help from heaven, like a new, historic, dynamic outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the Spiritual Mother of All Peoples. Join the petition and forward it on to the friends and family members whom you know will understand. The time is now for a New Pentecost through Mary, the world’s Spiritual Mother.

Dr. Mark Miravalle
Professor of Theology and Mariology
Franciscan University of Steubenville
May 31, 2012 Feast of the Visitation of Mary

http://www.fifthmariandogma.com/

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[video] Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Lose Myself Reflection for 6/4/12 www.apostleshipofprayer.org More

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Mary TV Daily Reflection 6/4/2012

(c)Mary TV 2011 Show me the door to Heaven!

June 4, 2012   Dear Family of Mary! "Dear children, I am continuously among you because, with my endless love, I desire to show you the door of Heaven. I desire to tell you how it is opened: through goodness, mercy, love and peace - through my Son. Therefore, my children, do not waste time on vanities. Only knowledge of the love of my Son can save you. Through that salvific love and the Holy Spirit He chose me and I, together with Him, am choosing you to be apostles of His love and will. My children, great is the responsibility upon you. I desire that by your example you help sinners regain their sight, enrich their poor souls and bring them back into my embrace. Therefore, pray, pray, fast and confess regularly. If receiving my Son in the Eucharist is the center of your life then do not be afraid, you can do everything. I am with you. Every day I pray for the shepherds and I expect the same of you. Because, my children, without their guidance and strengthening through their blessing, you cannot do it. Thank you." (June 2, 2012)   This is a big, long message! I think we will have to take it a little bit at a time. The more time we can give to the message, the more food we will receive from it.   Today I want to share a beautiful story that our friend, Christine, received during our Rosary yesterday, when she heard the first line of message: "Dear children, I am continuously among you because, with my endless love, I desire to show you the door of Heaven." She wrote:   As I was praying with you the Rosary, I was given (in my mind) this story :   We are like a child lost in a huge supermarket (the world). A Lady (our Mother Mary) comes to tell us:  "Little child, I know where your Father is; He is waiting for you at the exit and if you trust in me and give me your hand, I will lead you to Him."   The first child says: "No I don't know you so I don't trust you, leave me alone." And he sits there crying and suffering on his own and never sees his father until the store closes."   The second child says: "No I don't know you so I don't trust you, leave me alone and I will try to find Him by myself." He makes lots of mistakes, has great troubles and anxieties, and finds his Father only at the last minute before the shop closes.   The third child says: "Tell me what my Father looks like and if it is the Truth, then I will follow you." The Lady answers him: "Your Father is Goodness, Mercy, Love and Peace." Then the child shows Her his most beautiful smile, gives Her his hand and happily follows Her through the supermarket towards the exit, with trust and faith until he sees his Father, arms wide opened....   What a beautiful parable of Our Lady's message! Isn't it true? We are very much like a child, lost and alone in a big supermarket. We are surrounded by things and people, but none of it is ours and none of it satisfies us. We know we need our Father, we need to go home. But we don't know how to get there. And yet, Our Lady has come to help us and we don't want to listen, to follow her. She wants to show us the door, the exit sign. She wants to lead us out of this maze of temporal things and bring us into the eternal reality of heaven. But we must follow her. We must trust her. And we must surrender to her. (I like how the third child tests Our Lady, making sure she knows the right Father before he will follow her. Good discernment is always necessary!)   This is a good way to start thinking and praying about this message. We need to grow in our trust of Our Lady. That is our job today. We must put our hands in her hand, and let her lead us. This prayer may be helpful:   Totus Tuus  (Totally Yours)   Immaculate Conception, Mary my Mother, Live in me, Act in me, Speak in me and through me, Think your thoughts in my mind, Love through my heart, Give me your dispositions and feelings, Teach, lead me and guide me to Jesus, Correct, enlighten and expand my thoughts and behavior, Possess my soul, Take over my entire personality and life, replace it with Yourself, Incline me to constant adoration, Pray in me and through me, Let me live in you and keep me in this union always. (Mother Immaculata, OCD - 1956)   In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan ©Mary TV 2012

 

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Croatian newspaper reports that Vatican commission may recommend change of jurisdiction for Medjugorje

Rome may give Medjugorje new bishop

By Jakob Marschner on Jun 3, 2012

While only very little has leaked from the Vatican Commission on Medjugorje, four possible outcomes are in play, a major Croatian newspaper has unofficially learned. Two of them will remove the influence of the Bishop of Mostar who does not believe in the apparitions.

The old bridge Stari Most is the landmark of Mostar. Two possible Vatican scenarios of the future of Medjugorje will place the parish outside of the diocese of Mostar, a major Croatian daily has learned from un-named sources

Recognition or condemnation of the claims of apparitions is not the main focus of the Vatican Commission appointed to investigate the events of Medjugorje. The more pressing issue is the future administration of the place.

Among four possible recommendations of the Commission, two will lead to Medjugorje no longer being under the jurisdiction of Bishop Ratko Peric of Mostar. In one of these options, the Vatican will assume control of Medjugorje itself. In the other, the diocese of Mostar will be split in two, the Croatian newspaper Vecernji List writes without naming sources.

Bishop Ratko Peric of Mostar

“Unofficially we have been informed that the game has four options. First, status quo remains, and Medjugorje will still be under the jurisdiction of Bishop Peric of Mostar who usually argues that there has never been any apparitions in the parish” the paper sums up the first option.

“But considering that millions of pilgrims are coming to Medjugorje, this option would also acknowledge the reality: It would acquire the status of at least a place of prayer and would be required to adopt ‘rules of the game’” journalist Zarko Ivkovic further reports in Vecernji List.

One year ago, Ivkovic was the main author of the book “Misterij Medjugorja” in which unclassified documents from the Yugoslavian secret police shed new light on the early days and years of Medjugorje.

Two scenarios of new governance

Though two of the four possible recommendations involve a new ecclesiastical governance of Medjugorje, the Croatian newspaper only uses the term “very radical” about one of them:

The Commission headed by Cardinal Camillo Ruini (right) will submit its findings and recommendations to Pope Benedict XVI through the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith before the end of 2012, Commission member Cardinal Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo informed in February

“In the second option, the Pope would appoint his own delegates to Medjugorje, who would be responsible for the parish, and the Vatican’s decisions would be implemented on the ground through its Franciscan Commissioner. In this case, an official statute to determine the rules of action in this area would be given. The Bishop of Mostar would no longer have jurisdiction over Medjugorje.”

Today, the Diocese of Mostar-Duvno-Trebinje-Mrkan is the official name of the diocese usually referred to as Mostar. The third option changes this, to place Medjugorje in a new-established diocese, splitting in effect the diocese of Mostar in two:

The Bishop's Palace in Mostar. Two of the four Vatican scenarios for Medjugorje cited by Vecernji List place the parish outside of its reach

“The third option is a very radical. It envisages the establishment of the Diocese of Trebinje-Mrkan with the parish of Medjugorje as a part of it. This means that the Diocese of Mostar-Duvno will be territorially reduced, and the Pope would then appoint new bishops to Mostar, and assume jurisdiction over Medjugorje” writes Vecernji List.

“According to the fourth option, the Medjugorje phenomenon would be declared a fraud  which would then imply a ban on pilgrimages. This option is still the least likely.”

Other informations given to Vecernji List confirm previous reports that the Vatican Commission gives priority to studying the early days of the apparitions, and that Vatican officials have visited Medjugorje incognito, the latter most likely a fact since long before the Commission was formed in March 2010. Other aspects are new:

“The Commission extensively examines various documents, especially considering the events in the early days of the apparitions, and we unofficially learned that teams of experts are investigating miraculous healings. It is also interesting that the parish of Medjugorje has had incognito visits of people from the Vatican in order to determine the authenticity of the pastoral work of the Franciscans” the major Croatian newspaper writes.

Headed by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Vatican Commission will submit its report and recommendations to The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which will take the report to Pope Benedict XVI who makes the final decision. The report is expected later this year.

 

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via medjugorjetoday.tv

From http://www.medjugorjetoday.tv/5777/rome-may-give-medjugorje-new-bishop/

Hat-tip to http://www.spiritdaily.com/

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"God is Love!" [video] Trinity Sunday

Three and One Reflection for 6/3/12 www.apostleshipofprayer.org More

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TRINITY SUNDAY: What Better Way To Contemplate The Trinity Than With Mary’s Help?

Check out this website I found at courageouspriest.com

The mystery of the most Holy Trinity is beyond our understanding. We need to ask Our Lord for the grace to embrace this sacred mystery. St. Maxilmillian Kolbe describes the whole life of Our Blessed Mother as existing totally within the Divine Fire of the Holy Trinity. This same “Fire” came to rest on each of the Apostles on Pentecost, the birthday of our Church.

What better way to contemplate the sacredness of the Trinity than with Mary’s help. She was conceived there. She developed there. She remains there to this very day. It is no wonder that the Catechism teaches us that we come to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of His Mother. O Blessed Virgin, reach out to us, poor banished children of Eve. Teach us to love the Holy Trinity. Fill us with their Divine Fire. Lead us on the path that brings us into our Heavenly Home. Keep us free form all harm and evil. And deliver us into the Heart of your Son Jesus Christ.

Entrusting you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark Bozada

May we always long for the Holy Spirit, for only in Him shall we find true PEACE.

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Spiritual Gems - Infinite Love Begs for Love...But So Few Respond...Why?

via us2.campaign-archive2.com

"I dwell in the Tabernacle as King of Mercy. I DESIRE to bestow graces upon you but you do not want to accept them...Oh, how indifferent are souls to so much Goodness...to so many proofs of My Love. My Heart drinks only of ingratitude and forgetfulness."

Our Lord to St. Faustina

You can receive complimentary materials to make your Consecration to God through Mary’s Immaculate Heart ( important spiritual protection at this time in salvation history) at myconsecration.org/total-consecration/make-your-consecration.html... where you can also learn about Our Lady of Las Lajas.

You can learn more about our Lady of Fatima at www.wafusa.org.

God Bless you and your work,

Deacon Bob Tony

Deacon Bob Ellis Anthony Mullen
National Coordinator MyConsecration.org
World Apostolate of Fatima, USA visit us at: www.myconsecration.org
A Pontifical Association of the Faithful
visit us at: www.wafusa.org

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From Mark Mallett: Finding Time

via markmallett.com

I think we’re all in the same boat when it comes to time: there doesn’t ever seem to be enough. Such has been the case the past few months. In between traveling and recording my next album, it has been difficult and at times impossible to write you. That said, there are some important things I’ve been working on related to The Last Hour, and I can only seem to find a minute here and there to work on them. And it’s been six months since my last webcast, I know! This apostolate now reaches tens of thousands each month, and so I thank all of you for your patience. Of course, there are many writings here that I hope you will take the time to read as the Spirit leads you, especially the ones that I make footnotes too. They are as relevant as the “newest word” here.

I am absolutely ecstatic about my new album, which we are now putting the final touches on. From world class artists in North America, to the Nashville String Machine, to some remarkable hidden talent near home, I think this will be one of the prettiest albums I have ever done. It should be available late summer.

I am traveling to Surrey, B.C., writing you from the airport. I will be speaking with Michael Coren and Fr. Mitch Pacwa. Next week I will be in Illinois and later in the month, back in California. You can see my schedule on my main website under Events.

Lastly, we can all see the world unraveling before our eyes. It is unsettling. But the antidote is very simple. To live in the present moment,1 loving God and your neighbour with all your heart, keeping His commandments. I have been struck lately at the massive, complicated web of evil that underlies what is going on our world today. God, on the other hand—what He asks of us—is very simple: to love and trust Him like a child. When you do that with your whole being, then you will know His peace and joy, even though the world around you may be falling apart. Yes, more than anything, we must find time for prayer. That is where grace and transformation begins, continues, and flows from: an intimate relationship with God. As soon as I let this relationship slide, so too does peace and joy. So as you carve out time for supper, carve out time for prayer! In this way, the difficult words that I have written, and have yet to write, can be received in the proper spirit: one of trust and calm, as you rest in the Lord’s arms.

Lastly, I ask if you would prayerfully consider supporting our ministry. Summer is a lean time for us—even more so in this weary economy. Add to that the inevitable mounting costs of the new album, and our needs are being acutely felt, to say the least. To donate online, simply click the Support button below. And thank you so much to all of you who have supported my work in the past through your prayers and financial assistance.

My flight is leaving! May God bless each of you, who remain in my daily prayers. May you know the love of Christ in all its heighth, depth, and tender beauty.

Have you heard my other music yet? Go to:

www.markmallett.com

From http://www.markmallett.com/blog/2012/05/finding-time/

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Who Will Enter the Door of Heaven?

Mirjana in ecstasy, this morning, June 2, 2012, surrounded by faith-filled pilgrims from around the world. And just what do these eyes see each month? Some may think, “Oh, it would be so nice to see Our Lady each month like Mirjana.” And yes, to see Our Lady would be a great grace, but with it comes with a great price. To have Heaven each month for just a few minutes, only to lose it and be without for 30 long days is a true penance that must be like purgatory here on earth. The suffering of a soul who knows deeply the reality of Heaven but cannot yet go there is suffocating, and the visionaries bear this cross each day.

via medjugorje.com

Great crowds of pilgrims began coming into Medjugorje several days ago for Our Lady’s second of the month apparition to Mirjana. These have been “sweet” weather days in Medjugorje, with cool mornings and evenings, and a few rain showers that have helped to cool down afternoons that have already begun to display the coming heat of summer. Yesterday morning, on June 1, even before 5:00 a.m., Cross Mountain was packed with pilgrims making their way up through the Stations of the Cross. Large groups of Italians continue to outnumber all other language groups, but still the presence of German, Spanish, French, and English pilgrims as well as many other languages and cultures can be seen and heard throughout Our Lady’s village—in prayer, in song and in joy.

There were many on the mountain through the night, and by 7:00 a.m., the street below the Blue Cross was already packed with pilgrims not able to ascend higher because of every space before them already taken. Those who wanted to get closer climbed up Apparition Mountainl and came down the other side to try to at least get in view of the Blue Cross, only to find another wall of people preventing them access on that side as well. All up and down the mountain, groups of people found a spot to settle into prayer, away from the Blue Cross but more private and peaceful. Despite the sea of people on the street, pilgrims left an isle way open for Mirjana to pass through, although as soon as she came into view at around half past 8:00 a.m., all space disappeared as everyone around wanted to see her, reach out their hand to touch and greet her. It was only with difficulty that she proceeded, through the help of her husband and a group of men who kept pilgrims at bay.

After arriving at the Blue Cross and settling into silence and prayer, Mirjana’s face lifted up and a smile spread across her face just after 8:30, in greeting Our Lady. The apparition lasted approximately 7 minutes.

Our Lady Queen of Peace of Medjugorje’s June 2, 2012
Apparition and Message Given to Mirjana on the Day for Nonbelievers

“Dear children, I am continuously among you because, with my endless love, I desire to show you the door of Heaven. I desire to tell you how it is opened: Through goodness, mercy, love and peace – through my Son. Therefore, my children, do not waste time on vanities. Only knowledge of the love of my Son can save you. Through that salvific love and the Holy Spirit He chose me and I, together with Him, am choosing you to be apostles of His love and will. My children, great is the responsibility upon you. I desire that by your example you help sinners regain their sight, enrich their poor souls and bring them back into my embrace. Therefore, pray, pray, fast and confess regularly. If receiving my Son in the Eucharist is the center of your life, then do not be afraid, you can do everything. I am with you. Everyday I pray for the shepherds and I expect the same of you. Because, my children, without their guidance and strengthening through their blessing, you can not do it. Thank you.”

Who Will Enter the Door of Heaven?
A Friend of Medjugorje

D

o not waste time on vanities. If you contemplate, you realize the world is one big vanity. Look at the billboards, magazine covers, the myriad of clothes, styles, plastic surgery, from facelifts to what one desires, the self-importance of electronics you are constantly being in need of, at least in one’s thinking, all the while produces almost nothing. The cars, both of those who buy them and those who dream of them, and where does this contemplation end – the world of vanities of vanities. The world never has had vanity as now. It overflows with vanity without blush, perfumes and other products advertized for your vanity, even naming a perfume with the word “Vanity.” Hollywood, the stars, the programs, artists, and entertainment, all are vanities of vanities. What is vanity? Death. And when it is prevalent, as now, death of society. For it leads to all sins. The world's glorification of the flesh, in ways unimaginable 100 years ago, is lethal for the soul. Therefore, contemplate your flesh, your body, will host maggots one day and what will it be then? Where will it be then? Only a body where vanity is dispelled will be beautifully transfigured in Heaven, a body which cannot be contemplated. The vainless will enter through the door of Heaven.

And what is the greatest vanity of today? Knowledge, the god of education, which qualifies you in front of God for nothing. Vanity of vanities is the degrees in knowledge we are told that we must gain. Most cannot understand such a statement, yet it is stated again. The education system, the college degrees, the whole system is filled with fallenness, vanity. How are we to be schooled? Apprenticeship. Nothing cannot be taught through apprenticeship. It is the best teacher. It is how Joseph taught Jesus carpentry. It is how priests can apprenticeship others who are to be priests, instead of 8-10 years of education, following patterns of the world of their priests. If one scoffs at this, one suffers being educated beyond one’s intelligence. For common sense can reason out why apprenticeship is the way of the future. Our Lady said on December 2, 2007:

"God's word which is... the light of Common Sense..."

It will be the holy way for all trades, not just carpentry or master craftsmen, but trades from doctors to scientists can flourish through apprenticeship. The world is unable to comprehend how this can be, for vanity banishes wisdom.

There is a judgment against vanity, and it will result in bringing down the ivory towers of the vain universities across the world. Our Lady is here, “I am with you.” Do not waste time thinking these fragile institutions, filled with promotion of sin and vain knowledge, will continue to stand. There is a building of judgment against them, and they will be wasted. The only knowledge that can save you is the knowledge of the love of Jesus. It is the only knowledge that matters. When professions, trades, are taught minus Jesus, it is taught to naught. From driving a nail, to holding a scalpel, to seminaries whose patterns teach as the world’s, overemphasizing education instead of holiness and prayer, there is no future “for knowledge” without Jesus.

Read more and view more pictures here: http://www.medjugorje.com/medjugorje-today/medjugorje-headlines/1336-who-will...

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June 2, 2012 Medjugorje Message

Our Lady, Queen of Peace June 2, 2012   Dear Family of Mary!   Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje through Mirjana Soldo for June 2, 2012: "Dear children, I am continuously among you because, with my endless love, I desire to show you the door of Heaven. I desire to tell you how it is opened: through goodness, mercy, love and peace - through my Son. Therefore, my children, do not waste time on vanities. Only knowledge of the love of my Son can save you. Through that salvific love and the Holy Spirit He chose me and I, together with Him, am choosing you to be apostles of His love and will. My children, great is the responsibility upon you. I desire that by your example you help sinners regain their sight, enrich their poor souls and bring them back into my embrace. Therefore, pray, pray, fast and confess regularly. If receiving my Son in the Eucharist is the center of your life then do not be afraid, you can do everything. I am with you. Every day I pray for the shepherds and I expect the same of you. Because, my children, without their guidance and strengthening through their blessing, you cannot do it. Thank you."   In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan Mary TV

 

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[video] Church Militant

Dear Friend in Christ,

The Church Militant! It's an idea whose time has come .. again! Please take a few minutes to watch this episode of the Vortex and pass it to your family and friends.

GOD Bless you and your loved ones,

Michael Voris
~senior executive producer at RealCatholicTV.com

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From Kim, a video: Mother Mary before I sleep....

Deacon John
I thought you may like this prayer it is lovely, and brings us to the very arms of Mary! 

 
"Jesus love's You...
 

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[MaryVitamin] Sacred Heart

 

Mary Vitamin for June 1st   Topic: The Month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus   Quote: Our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque "Behold this Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming itself, in order to testify its love."   Meditation: What offering can a person dedicated to the Immaculate make to the Sacred Heart of Jesus? St. John Eudes has a suggestion:   O Jesus, only Son of God, only Son of Mary, I offer Thee the most loving Heart of Thy divine Mother which is more precious and pleasing to Thee than all hearts.   O Mary, Mother of Jesus, I offer Thee the most adorable Heart of Thy well-beloved Son, who is the life and love and joy of Thy Heart.   Blessed be the Most Loving Heart and Sweet Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the most glorious Virgin Mary, His Mother, in eternity and forever. Amen.   St. John Eudes   Resolution: In honor of the Month of the Sacred Heart, I will say the prayer composed by St. John Eudes. If during the day I can't remember the words, I will simply offer the Immaculate Heart of Mary to the Lord and offer the Sacred Heart to my Mother Mary.   Marian Vow: [The Franciscan Tertiaries of the Immaculate] should also cultivate the practice of the first nine Fridays of the month to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the first five Saturdays to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Marian Seraphic Pathways, Constitutions, #31   I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.   Thanks be to God for graces received.   Related sites: Castle of the Immaculate & AirMaria

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"The More People Are With Her (Our Lady) the More Her Plan is Fulfilled" Medjugorje Visionary Marija

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June 1, 2012 A.D.

 

Marija, Visionary:

 

“Every blessing from Our Lady that we receive in the apparition is not only a grace for us, but also…our families will receive blessings…”

 

The following is an interview that a Friend of Medjugorje did with Marija on February 24, 2004. Marija was going to be with us May 1-5, 2004 and she shared with us the following to encourage as many people as possible to come and be in the presence of Our Lady. We shared this interview with you preceding the July 2009 apparitions at Caritas, and now, in the hopes that it will touch many hearts and encourage many to come and be with Our Lady this year for July 1-5, 2012 (click here) we are offering this wisdom again to you in its entirety. 

Please pause and pray before reading, as the words have the ability to penetrate your heart and place a fire in it to be with Our Lady, July 1-5, 2012.

A Friend of Medjugorje: Marija, why did Our Lady say that She is happy to see us in such large numbers when She is referring to those gathered?

Marija: Every time I receive Our Lady, when there are many numbers present in the apparitions, Our Lady blesses us and She asks, really from everyone of us, to be more near to Her and to be Her instruments. The more people are with Her, the more Her plan is fulfilled.

A Friend of Medjugorje: So you would say it is important to be in the presence of Our Lady?

Marija: Yes. Also the blessing of Our Lady is important.

A Friend of Medjugorje: How does the apparition affect our soul when we are in Her presence?

Marija: Always we should be open for the graces Our Lady wishes to give us. Our Lady has said, “Pray for my intentions. The moment you pray for my intentions, it is then possible I can help you.” Then our hearts, our minds are open for the blessing of Our Lady, of the presence of Our Lady, and so in this way you become more open to receive grace from Our Lady and your soul is affected.

A Friend of Medjugorje: So, being in the presence of Our Lady, even if loved ones are not with us, does it affect our loved ones and our family back home?

Marija: Yes. Our Lady always says, “You are instruments. I invite you, dear children,” and so Our Lady said that you will become more of an example for others, when you’re back with them. You bring blessings to them of the apparitions. To us, Our Lady gives graces in the apparitions, when we are present with Her. For our family, our loved ones, the people who are near to us in our family, who thought it may not be possible for them to come and be blessed by Our Lady in an apparition, they, too will receive blessings from those who pray for them in preparation for and during the apparition. And so, every blessing from Our Lady that we receive in the apparition is not only a grace for us, but also…our families will receive blessings and we are able to give these graces to other people.

A Friend of Medjugorje: Our Lady said in 1984 that there are particular graces available during the moment of the apparition. Can you explain what some of these graces are?

Marija: I always say, the presence of Our Lady is a “big” grace for every one of us. Many times it is possible that we are tired, we don’t understand, we have unimportant problems, sicknesses, and we always are asking Our Lady only for help with these situations. But Our Lady desires to give us more, much more larger number of graces. Not only does Our Lady give the grace of blessing you, but also She grants many other gifts for those present, to be more open for God’s Word and more open for graces that She desire to give to us, not only these days, but also throughout all our life. Also, She desires to give the grace for us to give thanksgiving to God for Her presence in the apparitions. This is a great grace. Our Lady said pray. The moment when you pray, you become more open and your heart is more open, and it is then that She can intercede before God and help you with many other graces She wishes to give you.

A Friend of Medjugorje: Marija, when everything in your day goes wrong and your crosses bear down real hard on you, what happens to those life burdens at the moment you see Our Lady?

Marija: Every time at the moment of the apparition, we, the visionaries, forget everything and we then become aware only of Our Lady and Her presence and more beautiful things are in our hearts. But in our mind, ‘we remember’ also those people who are present and in a special way, those who are physically sick, and those who are spiritually sick.

A Friend of Medjugorje: So, if we are in the presence of Our Lady with you can we experience the same grace of our life’s burden being lifted as you, and how do we so this?

Marija: Yes. Our Lady said pray. And I have seen, from the beginning, that Our Lady asks from us to be more open for prayer every day, more open for sacrifice, for fasting and after, we will see the fruit of prayer in our personal conversion, and with our conversion, we help also other people to convert and to be near to God.

A Friend of Medjugorje: So, we can experience, in a sense, the same thing you experience in the apparition in regards to our life burdens being lifted?

Marija: Yes. We have this experience in the beginning – Our Lady appeared and She became more important for us, and life’s problems, less important. Then, little by little Our Lady said, “I am not important. God needs to be in the center of your life.” In this way, Our Lady helped us to give our problems to God and instead of having problems, we had God.

A Friend of Medjugorje: Why does Our Lady bless everyday in Her apparitions?

Marija: Our Lady blesses us and I think the most beautiful thing is this blessing of Our Lady that is for everyone.

A Friend of Medjugorje: In the early days, one priest said, we do not clearly understand the full significance of this daily blessing, but that it has some profound effect upon the whole world. Do you understand what he means by that?

Marija: I think Our Lady’s presence is the same for us. We do not understand it at the moment, but one day, God will give us the possibility to understand more.

A Friend of Medjugorje: Marija, several of the visionaries on various occasions said that these are the last apparitions on earth. What did Our Lady say to you about this?

Marija: Our Lady said from the beginning that these are the last apparitions on earth in which we can hear Our Lady, touch Our Lady, speak with Our Lady, where we can pray with Our Lady, apparitions where it is possible that we ‘have’ Our Lady. In other apparitions – people have spiritual experiences – but not like us, the six visionaries; where Our Lady speaks to us. This is really the last and special grace. Normally one person may see Our Lady (like Bernadette or St. Catherine of the Miraculous Medal who also touched Our Lady). But here, six visionaries are a number which is very credible. But this is the last where we can touch Our Lady, speak to Her, etc., in this way.

 A Friend of Medjugorje: So why are these the last apparitions on earth? 

Marija: Our Lady wants to help teach us and to help us understand everyday more and more that Her presence and God’s presence are to be always in our daily lives.

 A Friend of Medjugorje: Also, is it after the secrets are revealed, will there not be any need for the apparitions? 

Marija: Our Lady is with us so She can give us knowledge of the secrets and to help us through the secrets. After the secrets are realized, Our Lady will not need to come anymore. Also, I always say that the secrets are a secret at this moment. It is not possible for me to speak of the secrets.

A Friend of Medjugorje: So, is it also because so much is being given through these apparitions of the Blessed Mother that these manifestations of the real, physical presence of the Virgin Mary is sufficient to the end of the world, whether it be 100 years or 2000 years away?

Marija: Also because Our Lady gives every day so many graces that we, everyday, are able to live more and more this presence of Our Lady.

A Friend of Medjugorje: Vicka has also said very clearly that these are the last apparitions on earth. What would you say to those who try to re-qualify that Our Lady didn’t really mean this, that this is not really what Our Lady said?

Marija: I say always, for us, who accept Our Lady’s words, this is a big grace…for other, we must pray. Here, we receive many graces and so for other people to be close with Our Lady, to live Our Lady’s messages, we must pray more and more everyday for them that they become more and more closer to God. And through Our Lady, as with us, God will become the center of their life. Not only is holiness for priests, but also for mothers and fathers and others. In this way, holiness spreads as Our Lady invites us all here in Medjugorje.

A Friend of Medjugorje: So, what do you say in regards to the importance of those who can come be in the presence of Our Lady in Alabama – for your visit and for Our Lady’s apparitions?

Marija: What I always say. To be ready to pray. Come and be ready to open your heart to Our Lady’s messages, and that Our Lady will help us all the more every day.

A Friend of Medjugorje: So, what would you tell people in preparation for the pilgrimage to Alabama?

Marija: To prepare through prayer and sacrifice. Make sure you give Our Lady many prayers each day before you come.

 

For more information about Our Lady's apparitoins July 1-5, 2012, click to visit here

 

    

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Benedict XVI: Joy is the true mark of a Christian

FAITH INVITES US TO LOOK BEYOND APPEARANCES

Vatican City, 1 June 2012 (VIS) - "We must always learn from our heavenly Mother; her faith invites us to look beyond appearances and firmly to believe that our daily difficulties are, in fact, part of a springtime which has already begun with the risen Christ". Benedict XVI yesterday addressed these words to faithful gathered at the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens for the conclusion of the month of May, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

At 8 p.m. the traditional procession wound its way from the Church of St. Stephen of the Abyssinians to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, presided by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of the papal basilica of St. Peter's in the Vatican and vicar general of His Holiness for Vatican City. The Pope arrived at the Grotto at 9 p.m. where, before imparting his apostolic blessing, he made a brief address.

"This evening we wish to draw from Mary's Immaculate Heart with renewed trust, allowing ourselves to be imbued with her joy which had its most profound source in the Lord. Joy, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, is a fundamental distinguishing characteristic of Christians. It is founded on hope in God, it draws strength from incessant prayer and it enables us to face trials and suffering with serenity. As St. Paul reminds us: 'Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer'. These words of the Apostle are like an echo of Mary's 'Magnificat' and exhort us to reproduce, in our own selves and in our everyday lives, the sentiments of joy in the faith expressed in that Marian canticle".

In conclusion the Pope expressed his hope that, "at the end of this month of May, the spiritual joy which overflows from the grateful heart of Christ's Mother and ours, may become consolidated in our hearts, in our personal and family lives, in all places and especially in the life the family which, here in the Vatican, serves the universal Church".

 

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Christian Persecution in Indonesia

ASIA/INDONESIA - Churches closed, bans and threats to Christians: religious freedom denied in Sumatra

Medan (Agenzia Fides) - Threats to Christians, they are not allowed to gather to pray , churches are closed, appeasement of the civil authorities: is a disturbing picture on freedom of religion for Christians in Sumatra that emerges from the story of Fr. Markus Manurung, OFMCap, priest from Medan and head of the Commission "Justice and Peace" of the Province of the Capuchin monks on the island. "On the island of Sumatra - explains Fr. Manurung to Fides - there are six dioceses: the Archdioceses of Medan and Palembang; the dioceses of Sibolga, Padang, Pangkal Pinang and Tanjung Karang. Problems are occurring for Christians in Padang, Medan and Sibolga. In Padang, in rural and isolated areas, there are churches that despite lengthy bureaucratic procedures, have never had the permission to be built or to be restored. The community of Tirtanadi is not granted the permission to found a church and the faithful are forbidden to pray together. The church in west Pasuruan Ijin has not obtained the permission for the necessary repairs, as well as the church in Tembilahan, damaged by fire, where the faithful gather within the walls which are still blackened. In the church in Sawalunto , the faithful are not allowed to meet. In Bukit Tinggi the permission to build a new church, as happens in Kerinci-Kayu Aru has been denied. The license for the church in Pasir Pangarean was revoked, which had already been granted in the past."
In the Archdiocese of Medan, the major obstacles are encountered in the province of Aceh in northern Sumatra, where the Islamic law (Sharia) is in force, although it applies only to Muslim communities. However the influence of radical groups is very strong, said Fr. Teguh Bernard O Carm, the local Catholic priest to Fides. Fr. Teguh, pastor in the church in Sidikalang, in the district of Singkil, in the province of Aceh, told Fides the latest misfortunes suffered by the Christian community (see Fides 21/5/2012): "The Islamic Defender Forum, composed of radical organizations, puts pressure on the government to close the churches that are considered illegal, unauthorized churches or prayer halls. The local Government, fearing these violent organizations, is giving in." In the past, explains the pastor, a local regulation, approved in 1979 and updated in 2001, stated that to maintain religious harmony, the number of churches had to be limited." But - notes Fr. Bernard - there is no distinction between Catholic and Protestant churches. By applying a restrictive regulation, in May, government officials, police officers and members of radical Islamic groups made 23 churches of different denominations close down: 11 GKPPD churches (Protestant Christian Church of Pakpak Dairi); 6 Evangelical Church of Indonesia"; 3 Catholic churches, 2 GMI Methodist Church (Gereja Methodist Indonesia); one of the HKI (Huria Kristen Indonesia) churches.". The three Catholic churches are those in the districts of Balno Lae and Suka Makmur (dioceses of Sibolga), and the District Madumpang, in the Archdiocese of Medan.
Fr. Bernard reports that "some Protestant communities want to fight Islamic radicals to prevent such abuses, and this could lead to violence and conflict. We are trying to have a meeting with local tribal leaders and civil authorities, to discuss and raise issues of human rights and religious freedom. " (PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/5/2012)

Fr. Kubicki reflects on Pope Benedict's mission intention for June 2012. [video]

European Christians Fr. Kubicki reflects on Pope Benedict's mission intention for June 2012. More

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Mary TV Daily Reflection 6/1/2012

(c)Mary TV 2010 Pray, pray, pray!

June 1, 2012   Dear Family of Mary!   "Dear children! Today I wish to call you to pray, pray, pray! In prayer you shall perceive the greatest joy and the way out of every situation that has no exit. Thank you for starting up prayer. Each individual is dear to my heart. And I thank all who have urged prayer in their families. Thank you for having responded to my call." (March 28, 1985)   I pulled this message out of my message box today, for our online prayer group. We try to pray for a message from Our Lady, pulling a random one from our message box, every day at the end of our Rosary. Our Lady seems to speak through them to us. She certainly spoke to me through this message today.   "Pray, pray, pray!" Such persistence! Mother Mary will not let up. She wants us to pray, pray, pray! It seems we cannot pray "too much". No such thing! This has been her consistent desire for us from the beginning of the apparitions. Our lives need to be saturated with prayer. We might ask ourselves if our lives are saturated with prayer. Do we pray morning, noon, and night? Do we move into prayer before every task, during our work, when we finish our daily duties? Is prayer scheduled into our day so that we cannot forget it? Do we think with prayer? Is God the first person we talk to about everything? Pray, pray, pray!!   And why all this prayer? "In prayer you shall perceive the greatest joy and the way out of every situation that has no exit." This is a promise from Our Lady. She never overstates or lies. In prayer we will perceive the GREATEST JOY! She demonstrated this in her Magnificat. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!!!" She wouldn't say this if it wasn't completely true. God is our joy! And he is available to us through prayer.   And in prayer we perceive the WAY OUT OF EVERY SITUATION THAT HAS NO EXIT!! Again, Our Lady would not exaggerate. She is telling the truth. There is no situation that cannot be solved through the Rosary! Sister Lucia of Fatima said this in 1957 to Father Fuentes:   Look, Father, the Most Holy Virgin, in these last times in which we live, has given a new efficacy to the recitation of the Holy Rosary.  She has given this efficacy to such an extent that there is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, whether temporal or above all, spiritual, in the private life of each one of us, of our families, of the families of the world, of the religious communities or even of the life of peoples and nations, that cannot be resolved through the prayer of the Rosary.  There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve through the recitation of the Holy Rosary. (The Fourth Secret of Fatima, Antonio Socci, Loreto Publications, 2009, pp. 99 - 102).   Through prayer, every situation, no matter how hopeless it seems, can be solved. This is our confidence and hope. God is with us in prayer to save us. He cares about us and will act, if we ask him into the situation. In prayer we ask!   "Thank you for starting up prayer." We learn something from this simple "thank you". Our Lady wants us to know that she understands how hard it is to change. She understands how much it takes for us to choose to live differently, to make a move. And she wants us to know how indispensable it is that we make the move. Without our cooperation, without our choice to change, she can do nothing for us. We have to make the first move. Starting to pray will begin the process of transformation that she so desperately wants for us. We must choose!!   "Each individual is dear to my heart." We must take this statement to heart. Our Lady is talking to each one of us, individually. We are not a statistic to her. We are not nameless, unknown, part of a crowd. She knows each one of us, and loves each one of us with all her heart. We are known. And that should bring us great peace. We are not forgotten. She loves me, she loves you.   But finally, she tells us, "And I thank all who have urged prayer in their families."Though she loves each of us separately and uniquely, she understands that we humans live and breathe and die as members of families. We are totally connected to our families, even if we never speak to each other. Why? Because God made us that way. He designed family as the unit of survival for us. We need family. And so every time we bring prayer to our family, we are helping that unit of survival to become stronger, more healthy, more full of grace, more filled with joy and light. We can't escape being families. We can only embrace and love our families. Even if we don't live near each other, we can bring prayer into the family, by our own prayer. We only need to think as a family, and love our family for God's sake.   So, this message blows me away! It is full of such good news and good advice. Pray, receive joy! Pray, find the solution to every difficulty. Pray, begin to change. Pray, experience the unique love of Our Lady for you. Pray, change your family. Pray!!!   In Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Cathy Nolan ©Mary TV 2012

 

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