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The Rosary and Signal Graces

I've written about the Rosary Prayer many times already but I still can't emphasize enough the amazing things that can sometimes result from praying it daily ... especially when an "amazing thing" does happen!

"One day, through the Rosary and the

Scapular, the world will be saved."

‐ Our Lady to St. Dominic

First off, through the consistent and heartfelt recitation of this special prayer, one is drawn into a profound communion with the mysteries of Christ's life and the maternal love and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This is the Rosary's greatest power.  Then, each bead offered becomes a spiritual lifeline of grace and, with every decade prayed devoutly, Heaven begins responding with signal graces; sometimes even close encounters with the Divine that illuminate the path of conversion, healing, and spiritual growth ... and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary and sacred.

For example, yesterday (Saturday) morning, while praying the Rosary at the outdoor Marian Shrine at St. John Vianney Church, a very deep PEACE came over me, which was a much-needed respite in the midst of what had been a busy week.  It was truly a blessing ... and what's more was that, at a certain point, I glanced up and saw what appeared to be Our Lady - like a distinct image of the Virgin of Fatima - in the sky behind the shrine!  Again, peace ... accompanied by the comforting feeling of being LOVED.

Fortunately, despite my cellphone being at low battery and me blindly snapping pics, I managed to capture the mysterious figure although the photos were hazy.  Still, I'll take what I got because I'm convinced what I saw was another blessing.

... and going back to that garden shrine, I also believe it's an anointed, holy place.  I've personally had several unusual experiences there, and just recently, two friends of mine, on different occasions, witnessed the same cloudform above the garden while praying there - a large heart!

If one finds all of this hard to believe, I completely get it.  Discernment is always needed in such matters, but just read the "15 Rosary Promises" given by Our Lady to St. Dominic de Guzman and Bl. Alan de la Roche - the very first promise on the list is this:

Whoever shall faithfully serve me

by the recitation of the Rosary, shall

receive signal graces.

And one other thing I've learned from years of praying the Rosary every day is this: our Blessed Mother always keeps her promises.

Relic Pilgrim Visitation: The Holy Martin Family at a Kailua Bible Study

Relics of St. Therese of Lisieux and her parents - Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin were invited to be a part of the Walking with Purpose women's Bible study group that meets at my parish of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Kailua.

   

The group meets every Monday morning, between 9:00am - 10:30am, for Scripture study and discussion; fellowship; and coffee and refreshments.  Several women even attend with their babies in tow!

   

A member of the group with a devotion to St. Therese arranged for yesterday's pilgrim visit, which providentially, this ministry was able to accommodate.  It goes without saying that the Martin family of Saints was a source of special inspiration for these women who are walking with purpose.