It's the same Woman ...

The cloud-figure below was photographed yesterday morning - Friday, 7/18/2025.  It appeared as I drove to work just when I started praying the Rosary; the Luminous Mysteries, to be exact, which I always offer for the conversion of sinners, beginning with myself.

In person, the figure clearly resembled a familiar depiction of the Virgin Mary and, given its opportune timing, I was convinced it represented her maternal presence.  I sensed she gave this latest sign to encourage ... to intercede ... to pray and to receive prayer on behalf of her Son.

This author admits - it seems like I'm sometimes blogging the same, exact story over and over when it comes to signal graces I've unexpectedly received from Our Lady while engaged in the Rosary ... but it's generally how these unusual events occur: 90% of my personal encounters with seemingly holy images involve the Rosary Prayer before, during, or after.  If one lumps all of these similar stories together, they actually amount to a coherent testimonial as to the extraordinary blessings that are possible if one just commits to a filial relationship with our Heavenly Mother, and recite her favorite prayer frequently.

... and it just dawned on me how the figures look remarkably the same from one sighting to the next (note the above examples), but it makes sense, though - it is, after all, the same Woman.

"And there appeared a great wonder in

heaven; a woman clothed with the sun ..."

- Revelation 12:12

... and how she loves us very, very much!  So, if you aren't already practicing it, LOVE OUR HOLY MOTHER MARY ... FOLLOW WHAT SHE SAYS (see here and here) ... and PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY.  Her motherly presence and love will come alive in your own life, too!

Our Lady of the Rosary,

pray for us!

Breaking News: Another Marian Apparition approved by the Vatican!

  

Just a few days ago, on July 9, 2025, the Vatican issued a "nihil obstat" related to the reported Marian apparitions of Litmanová.  It's basically a green light - an official Church approval - for public devotions to be held at the site of the appearances and also for its associated messages.

These notable events occurred between August 1990 and August 1995 on Mount Zvir in northern Slovakia, where two young girls, Ivetka Korčáková and Katka Češelková, reported seeing the Virgin Mary, who identified herself as the “Immaculate Purity”.  The visionaries were 11 (Ivetka) and 12 when the visitations first began in a humble woodcutter's shack in the forest where they were resting from playing before Our Lady appeared in the midst of a bright light.  The shack has since been transformed into a rustic chapel atop the holy mountain.

"My dear children!  My Son invites

you.  Go to Him, and you will experience

true happiness and true peace.  My

dear children, I desire to lead you!  Open

your hearts to me, and you will

experience true peace and true joy.

Give thanks to the Cross!"

- Message of April 5, 1992

The apparitions commenced during a time of political upheaval and drew thousands of pilgrims, many of whom witnessed phenomena such as solar miracles and sought healing from a nearby spring reportedly blessed by the Holy Virgin.  Her messages emphasized conversion, simplicity, and spiritual renewal, similar to other approved Marian apparitions.

"My dear children!  Please take

more time to reflect on my messages.

I pray to God for one thing - to leave

His peace within you.  The current time

is a thief of peace.  Please say to God:

I love, therefore, I repent.

I love, therefore, I forgive.

I love, and that is my peace."

-  Message of March 5, 1995

Initially, Our Lady appeared on Sundays and Feast Days to the child seers, but later she came to the mountain on the First Sunday of each month and delivered public messages, just a few of which are posted here.

"My dear children, this revelation is

my last.  I love you ... and I thank you all

for what you have done for me here.

My beloved children!  I wanted

this to happen, to wake you up

from the dream of emptiness, so you

may understand the need for

conversion.  In this time, conversion

is essential!  Please, I beg you.

I will remain on this mountain.

Reflect on my messages!  Stay in

my heart during this time!

Stay, for you must become more

vigilant and simple.

The time that is coming has already

begun.  Remain like children - completely

free for God.  Please, take my words

to heart!  I love you and wait for

you in heaven."

- Final message of August 6, 1995

The seers, Ivetka (left) and Katka.

For more information about the apparitions

and messages of Litmanova, click here.

O Mary, Immaculate Purity,

pray for us!

Prayer & Discernment

This First Saturday I had another unusual experience.  I'm sharing about it here without any expectation of being believed and prepared for any ridicule it may entail.  Each reader should prayerfully discern this story on his/her own.  In fact, the subject of this blog is essentially about Prayer and Discernment, and I want people to seriously think about both.

Earlier this morning, as I was praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary before the 8:00 AM Mass at St. John Vianney Church (Kailua), I sensed the gentle presence of our Blessed Mother with me.  So I asked her, "My Lady, what is it that you want?" which was followed by a verbal response.  To my best recollection, the words I heard were: 

"I desire prayer ... and be vigilant,

my children, for the forces of evil are

preparing an assault like never before.

Pray for the gift of discernment."

That was it.  I actually didn't give it much credence at the time, but I also didn't outright dismiss it, either.  I went on with my Rosary but kept the words in the back of my mind.

One of my favorites places to pray at -

the Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

at St. John Vianney Church in Kailua.

After the Mass and some Eucharistic Adoration (this parish holds monthly Adoration after every First Saturday morning Mass), I did my customary visit to the parish's Immaculate Heart of Mary garden shrine to also spend some prayer time with Our Lady.  Before leaving, I knelt to receive her blessing and, remembering the words I heard earlier, I asked her to pray for me to the Holy Spirit for the gift of Discernment.  I then prayed the 3 Hail Marys that I usually conclude with.

As I stood up to leave, I glanced at my cellphone to check the time and was surprised to discover an oily stain on the surface of the screen ... but rather than appearing like a random smudge, it had a distinct and familiar form - see below:

I'm not claiming it's a bonafide miracle, but come on!  What are the odds of these circumstances occurring one after the other on a First Saturday (when the Blessed Virgin's influence is particularly strong)?  First, the mysterious voice; second, at the parish's exceptionally graced Marian Shrine (this is not the only strange experience I've had there); third, me asking for prayers from Our Lady, followed by an immediate appearance of a striking silhouette of a torso of a woman draped in a veil with hands together in prayer!  (I can't make this up.)

Again, not trying to convince anyone that all of this is divine intervention ... but taken as a whole, it all goes beyond mere coincidences for me; beyond my own imagination and it's now resonating with on so many levels, including those words.

The simple fact is - our society has spiraled down to a level where many evils are no longer viewed as evil, and truths have been twisted in a diabolic manner.  So it makes sense that we're being asked to Pray and Discern.  These are practices every serious Christian should routinely be engaging in to navigate our way through the jumble of good and bad in our present times.  However, ideally, we shouldn't need "messages" from Heaven prompting us ... but for those out there who do need some sort of encouragement, I hope and pray this story will be that gentle nudge.

Even if one thinks this is all just nonsense, one solid truth stands - Our Lady loves us dearly and she's been trying for centuries to guide us to a peaceful existence and then Heaven, via many apparitions, locutions, and signs.  Anyone needing her help can get it - starting right now - by simply opening one's heart to our Holy Mother then by saying a prayer.

"I am your servant; give me discernment

that I may understand your statutes."

- Psalm 119:125

Saint of the Month - July 2025: Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez

Bl. Carlos Manuel Rodríguez

A Life of Faith & Liturgical Renewal

Memorial: July 13th

This month I share a holy role-model who most of the Laity can sink their teeth into.  His life perfectly represents the concept of holiness in daily ordinary circumstances that we can all aspire to.

+ Early Life and Spiritual Formation +

Born Carlos Manuel Cecilio Rodríguez Santiago on November 22, 1918, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, he was the second of five children in a deeply pious family who simply called him Charlie.  His parents, Manuel and Herminia Rodríguez, instilled in him a strong faith from an early age.  He was baptized in the Sweet Name of Jesus Church on May 4, 1919, a parish that would remain prominent to his spiritual life.

Charlie’s childhood was marked by both joy and hardship.  In 1925, a devastating fire destroyed his family’s home and business, forcing them to live with his maternal grandparents.  In addition, he had a traumatic encounter with a vicious dog that resulted in him developing a serious digestive disorder.  Despite these challenges, he remained deeply committed to his faith, which steadily evolved into a profound love for the Eucharist and the Liturgy.  His grandmother, Alejandrina Esterás, played a significant role in shaping his spiritual outlook, teaching him the importance of prayer and devotion.

+ Education and Early Challenges +

Young Charlie attended Colegio Católico Notre Dame, where he excelled academically, particularly in religious studies.  However, his aspirations to become a priest were hindered by ulcerative colitis, which caused him great suffering throughout his life.  Despite his illness, he remained dedicated to his studies and faith, eventually transferring to Gautier Benítez High School and later the Academy of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in San Juan.

His health struggles forced him to leave formal education before completing his degree, but he continued his intellectual pursuits independently.  He worked as an office clerk while dedicating his free time to Catholic catechesis and liturgical education.  His passion for the liturgical movement led him to translate and publish articles on the subject, promoting a deeper understanding of the Church’s traditions among Puerto Rican Catholics.

Bl. Carlos Manuel as a young student

(front row-center).

+ Apostolate and Liturgical Renewal +

Charlie became a key figure in the liturgical renewal movement, advocating for greater participation in the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery.  He founded Liturgy and Christian Culture, a publication dedicated to educating Catholics about the richness of the liturgy.  His work extended beyond writing - he organized discussion groups, retreats, youth faith events, and catechetical programs, inspiring many to deepen their personal relationship with God.

Enrolling at the University of Puerto Rico in 1946, Charlie continued his personal mission of liturgical education.  He established the Círculo de Cultura Cristiana, a group dedicated to studying and promoting Catholic teachings.  His influence grew, and he became a respected mentor to students and clergy alike.

Despite his illness, the Blessed remained joyful and dedicated to his mission.  He was known for his humility, kindness, and unwavering faith, qualities that endeared him to those around him.  His motto, “We live for that night,” referred to the Easter Vigil, emphasizing the centrality of Christ’s resurrection in Christian life.

Charlie in evangelical action.

+ Final Years and Glorification +

Later diagnosed with colon cancer, Charlie’s health deteriorated in the early 1960s, but he continued his work until his passing on July 13, 1963; he was only 44-years-old.  His legacy of liturgical renewal and catechetical education left a lasting impact on in the Puerto Rico Catholic community and beyond.

Recognizing his sanctity, Pope John Paul II Beatified Carlos Manuel Rodriguez in April 2001, making him the first Puerto Rican and first Caribbean-born layperson to be beatified.  His feast day is celebrated on July 13, and he is commemorated as a patron of liturgical renewal and catechists.

Bl. Carlos Manuel’s life stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and dedication to the Church’s liturgical traditions.  His work continues to inspire those seeking a deeper understanding of the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery.  Let us pray for his speed Canonization.

Bl. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez,

pray for us.