Rosa Mystica Pilgrim Statue Visitation: Dela Cruz Residence, 12/8/2024

My "Auntie Z" has a strong and tender devotion to the Virgin Mary.  She recently contacted me to ask for help in planning a special celebration to honor Our Lady for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception ... and since the Rosa Mystica is closely connected to this premier Marian Feast, through the "Hour of Grace", it was agreed upon that this ministry's Rosa Mystica pilgrim statue had to be included.

Praying the Rosary, the Litany of Loreto,

and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

The end result was a most memorable afternoon, well-attended by family and several of my Auntie Z's co-members from the Sodality of Mary.

The gathering, itself, turned out to be a seamless blend of meaningful PRAYER, joyful FELLOWSHIP, and delicious FOOD as seen in the posted photos.

... and, at the end of the event, we were unexpectedly treated to an extraordinary grace - the appearance of escarchas! (I haven't seen them for a while).

The escarchas - in the form of fine, golden flakes - were manifested on my aunt's forehead and no where else ... and there was no mistaking it for ordinary craft glitter, either.  We watched in amazement as the first sparkles spotted began multiplying out of nowhere before our very eyes; spreading across our host's brow then onto her hair and even into her scalp! We interpreted the manifestation as a sign of Our Lady's spiritual presence with us, as well as, her gratitude to Auntie Z for having opened her home for the prayer meeting.

   

Some of the gold escarchas that appeared

on our host's forehead.

The escarchas immediately prompted questions from those who weren't familiar with them, which I then explained; attributing the grace to the intercession of our Heavenly Mother and as a spiritual grace often associated with the Church-approved Rosa Mystica apparitions, represented by the statue.  After all, the Virgin Mary did say to the seeress - Pierina Gilli - that wherever her Rosa Mystica statues are venerated she will be present with angels ... and today she kept her word, and affirmed our devotion to her.

Judging by how the people excitedly crowded around the statue, after, with reverence and affection, I do believe most went home very impressed by all that transpired.  In fact, another prayer gathering was asked for - for March 2025 - to honor Our Lady's Feast of the Annunciation ... and, of course, the Rosa Mystica statue is again invited.

O Mary, the Mystical Rose,

Immaculate Mother of the Church,

pray for us!

Saturday, July 13th - Celebrating the Feast of Maria Rosa Mystica!

Maria Rosa Mystica,

Ora Pro Nobis!

At the heels of the Vatican's recent approval of the Rosa Mystica Marian Apparitions of Montichiari-Fontanelle ... our Holy Mother was celebrated this morning at St. John Vianney Church in Kailua.

The event was organized by members of the FIAT Prayer Group (with approval from the priest) to comply with Our Lady's request to the late visionary - Pierina Gilli - that July 13th be observed in honor of the "Mystical Rose".

    

Attendees venerating the statue &

a relic of the Blessed Virgin's veil.

In keeping with the theme, this ministry's 3-foot-tall Rosa Mystica pilgrim statue was displayed for public veneration, along with a genuine relic from Our Lady's veil.  After the Mass, the Rosary was prayed followed by the Litany of Loreto and the official Rosa Mystica Prayer.

A large golden flake of escarcha that I

saw appear above this woman's eye.

I have no doubt many graces were showered upon all who participated and these appear to be confirmed by tangible signs reported to this author: escarchas and the fragrance of roses, which I personally smelled in intermittent waves during the Rosary.  Most definitely, the Rosa Mystica was fulfilling her words to Pierina:

"I have an abundance of graces ready

for all those children who hear my voice

and take my wishes to heart."

~ Words of the Rosa Mystica,

December 8, 1947

More information about the Rosa Mystica apparitions can be found here.

BREAKING NEWS: Vatican APPROVAL granted to the Rosa Mystica Marian Apparitions!

Maria Rosa Mystica, Mother of the Church,

pray for us!

It is with great joy and excitement this ministry shares this good news:

Per a letter dated July 5th, 2024, from the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith (DDF), the Church has given its official green light - essentially, a declaration of "Nihil Obstat" (Latin for "no opposition") - to Brescia's Bishop Pierantonio Tremolada's positive discernment of the "Maria Rosa Mystica" apparitions to the late seer, Pierina Gilli (d. 1991);  in short, these apparitions are now effectively approved by the Vatican (read the letter here)*** ... and it's the first such ruling since the DDF implemented new guidelines in May 2024 for evaluating alleged apparitions and supernatural events.  This is BIG.

The declaration, broadcasted today - July 8th - basically outlines the DDF's concurrence with a "Dossier" submitted to the Vatican for review by Bishop Pierantonio.  It apparently documented his favorable assessment of the Rosa Mystica phenomena that occurred in his northern Italian diocese in 1947 and 1966.  Among the main points cited by the DDF for its approval are the following:

+ The humility of the visionary, Pierina Gilli (pictured above)

+ The orthodoxy of Pierina's recorded messages from Our Lady, and her other spiritual experiences.  Except for a few titles the seer attributed to Our Lady, and which the DDF deemed as needing further clarification, the DDF concluded that there were "no elements in the messages disseminated by Pierina Gilli that contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church on faith and morals".

+ The "diverse and rich spiritual and pastoral fruit of this devotion".

Having personally visited the Fontanelle Shrine back in September 1989, this author celebrates this development with other Marian devotees.  After decades of countless graces and visible signs around the world directly connected to these apparitions - e.g. conversions; prayer groups; healing through devotional use of the spring water from the shrine's "Fountain of Grace"; signs in the sun; weeping statues depicting the apparition; the appearance of escarchas, etc. - what us believers have been praying and hoping for has finally come to pass!  

Without a doubt, graces and signs will continue ... perhaps, with more abundance since any restrictions to exercising the Rosa Mystica Devotion are now lifted.  So thanks be to God and bravo to Bishop Pierantonio for being instrumental in the discernment/approval process!

The open-air Rosa Mystica Diocesan Sanctuary in

Fontanelle where apparitions occurred.

To read more about the remarkable story of the Rosa Mystica apparitions of Montichiari-Fontanelle, and my own personal testimonial of signs witnessed in connection with the Rosa Mystica Pilgrim Virgin statue used by this ministry, click/tap here.

“I came to Montichiari to speak of love for

the Lord, to call souls to love, to charity; this

 is a message of a supplicating cry from the

Mother of the Lord.”

‐ Our Lady to Pierina,

March 4, 1972

*** NOTE:  In the wake of the apparitions in Montichiari-Fontanelle, there have been a few individuals in recent times who claim apparitions and messages from the "Rosa Mystica"; even using similar images of the Virgin Mary with three roses on its chest.  This approval of Pierina Gilli's private revelations in no way endorse these later purported visionaries so please exercise caution and discernment.

Today is the Feast of Mary, the Mystical Rose!

"I am the Mother of Jesus and the

Mother of all of you.  Our Lord sends

me to bring you a new Marian devotion

for all male and female institutes,

religious orders, and secular priests.

I promise those religious institutes, orders,

and secular priests who venerate me in

this special way my special protection,

an increase of spiritual vocations, fewer

betrayed vocations, and greater

sanctity among the servants of God."

~ Words of the Rosa Mystica to

Pierina Gilli, June 13, 1947

Please join this ministry today in praying with our Holy Mother - Mary, the Mystical Rose - especially for the sanctification of our priests and other consecrated men and women in the Church.  In addition, let us pray for an increase in holy vocations, which are urgently needed in these troubled times.

O Mary, the Mystical Rose,

Mother of the Church, pray for us!

** To learn more about the important

and highly prophetic Marian apparitions of

Montichiari-Fontanelle, click/tap here.

There's Grace and Power through the Rosary (if only more people knew)

"Dear children! Today I call you to

begin to pray the Rosary with a living faith.

That way I will be able to help you."

- Words of Our Lady

of Medjugorje, 6/12/1986

Last Saturday, 7/6, I had another unusual experience during our parish's monthly First Saturday Rosary.  During our prayer, I saw my Rosa Mystica statue "transfigure" (the word I use to describe when it takes on a lifelike, dewy complexion); something I've seen happen many times before with my statue... but when it appeared to blink its eyes then move its mouth, I started paying closer attention.

I watched as the statue seemed to intermittently move its lips during parts of our prayer. I was so impressed, I picked up my cellphone and started filming discretely, hoping I'd capture the phenomena on video - below is what I managed to record.

Viewing the footage over and over, I am awed and thankful.  At the time it was happening I had the conviction Our Lady wasn't praying the Rosary with us... but, rather, she was praying her own words alongside us - perhaps in another language - as well as, praying a blessing over all of us present; a benediction, mysterious and powerful.

Incidentally, among the "15 Rosary Promises" of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she promised "signal graces" to those devoted to her favorite prayer - it's the very first promise on the list... so our Holy Mother coming to visibly bless us through a treasured and much-venerated image is not a farfetched notion at all; it's simply another instance of Mary keeping her word (read all the promises here).

"Dear children! You are not aware of

the graces that you are living at this time

in which the Most High is giving you signs

for you to open and convert."

- Words of Our Lady
of Medjugorje, 7/25/2014

What I do find more astonishing, and somewhat frustrating, is that so few people take advantage of Our Lady's promises.  For example, only about 15 parishioners regularly attend our First Saturday Rosary despite the size of my parish and the publicity in our weekly bulletin... and only a handful come to pray the daily, morning Rosary.  This tells me there are many parishioners missing-out on the tremendous outpouring of goodness this particular prayer has to offer; I'm convinced Mary is spiritually present to listen... to pray... to console... to strengthen... and to bring healing.  If people only knew, perhaps more would come to our monthly gathering or anywhere else where the Rosary is publicly offered.

So for those reading this who are devoted to Mary - who pray the Rosary regularly, whether alone, or as part of a group - KEEP IT UP!  Share the devotion and its associated promises with others, especially with those who don't know about the Rosary.  Start a Rosary Prayer Group!

From one Marian/Rosary Devotee to another: trust me - Our Lady sees our every effort and blesses us in return.  Signs, or no signs, have confidence that our Heavenly Mother always keeps her promises.

"The rosary, little children, is especially

dear to me.  Through the rosary open your

heart to me and I am able to help you."

- Words of Our Lady

of Medjugorje, 8/25/1997

Holy Relic Visitation: Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group, 10/29/2016

Our prayer group's mysterious
Rosa Mystica statue.

Yesterday was another extraordinary meeting for Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group (and I literally mean extraordinary).

It was rainy and cold, but most of our regular members made it to the Gruber home, anyway, and the meeting was on. Now the rosary and other prayers offered are always the central focus to our monthly meetings and are accompanied by a sense of the Holy Spirit... but when out-of-the-ordinary things also happen, the Holy Spirit "vibe" during the meeting always gets turned up way high. That's what happened last night... and again, it involved our group's Rosa Mystica statue.

When we pray the rosary together, different members of our group randomly lead a decade of the five Rosary Mysteries. Everything was progressing normally until the 5th Luminous Mystery - Christ institutes the Eucharist - at which point, one of our female members ("BM") was leading the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers. I happened to look up at the statue when I immediately noticed that its face had again "transfigured", taking on the life-like, dewy appearance that our members have sometimes noticed during our prayer... but this time around, I thought I saw both eyes on the image actually blink a few times before the pupils shifted to the right to gaze directly at BM. At the same time, the statue's expression appeared sweet and serene, and like a mother who seemed very pleased about something (how fortunate for BM!).

While intently observing the statue's face, I was startled when felt a few taps on my left forearm and I turned to see our prayer-leader, Dre, motioning to me to look at the statue's face. I knew then that she was also seeing an unusual transformation in the Rosa Mystica. We both kept quiet about the matter, but I did take out my cellphone and snapped a couple of photos of the statue before resuming to pray. The statue soon returned to its usual appearance, at least from my perspective. 

After the last prayer ended and most of the members had gone into the kitchen for our potluck dinner, Dre and I pulled BM aside to inquire if anything significant - good or bad - had happened to her recently. BM replied that she had actually gone to confession that morning after having been away from the confessional for a long period of time, and she was feeling great about her experience. BM then asked about our concern after which we both shared with her the unusual movements we saw in the statue. Another group member who was sitting close by overheard our conversation and let out a loud gasp before disclosing that she had seen the statue turn its head slightly towards BM while she was leading the decade... but she opted to not say anything because she wasn't sure if she was just imagining things. We were all blown away by how the three of us were able to corroborate each other's experiences, and how it all made sense that Our Lady would gaze at BM with a look of approval after she taken the initiative to cleanse her soul in the confessional.

The left photo shows a picture of our Rosa Mystica statue, taken over two years

ago, as it normally appears... while the other photo was taken last night when the pupils

were witnessed to have shifted to the far right.  Not only do the eyes appear different, but

its face and chin also look rounder than the statue's normal appearance.

And what about the shape of the hairline?

So what happened with the photos I took of the statue? Well, when I finally had a chance to review them today, both appear to show the pupils of the statue shifted to the far right of both eyes - towards the direction where BM was sitting at the table. Not only did the eyes look to be different, but the shape of the statue's face appeared fuller and rounder than usual; its eye brows were slightly thicker and a different shape; and the hairline was higher and missing the drooping scallop-shape on both sides of the forehead. Everyone involved agreed that there were noticeable differences in the two photos and the statue appeared life-like in the picture taken last night, which testified to our entire group's occasional experiences of seeing the statue come to life during our meetings. 

Needless to say, we are all in awe over this latest development with the Rosa Mystica statue. Just when we thought we'd seen it all, Our Lady surprises us with a new manifestation; another tangible sign that just leads us to respect and appreciate, even more, her maternal role and special guidance in our prayer group's faith-life. Thank you, Blessed Mother!

Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group Meeting, 8/27/2016: Did Our Lady's statue move?

This month's Rosary Prayer Meeting at the Gruber Residence was extra-special for me for a couple of grand reasons. First off, we had two of my cousins - mother and daughter - participate in our meeting for the very first time.  They drove quite a long distance from Waimanalo Town to Mililani to pray and fellowship with me and the rest of our group ... and I was touched and happy that I got to spend rare, quality prayer time with them.  Furthermore, they were clearly moved by the entire experience, for which I was very grateful to God.

The truth is ... I pray daily for all of my family members, especially those who don't practice their Catholic Faith, to either find their way back to God and His Church, or to deepen faith already present within their hearts.  I have a sense that my cousins being with us tonight was a positive indication that my prayer was starting to bear fruit and I was encouraged for my relatives.  Now I'm hoping my cousins will return regularly for future prayer meetings, but even if they don't, I'm certain that the Lord planted faith-seeds in their hearts, which in due time, will grow and bear positive fruits in their lives.

Our prayer group participants enjoying a

potluck dinner after our prayers ended.

Secondly, I had a special personal experience in regards to the Marian statue that serves as a visible focal point during our monthly gatherings ... and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, even as I write this blog.

Just some background about this particular statue - it's a beautiful, 27" tall Rosa Mystica (a.k.a. Mystical Rose) statue that I bought over 20 years ago, which I then donated to our host/prayer-leader, Dre, in June 2012, after she started monthly Rosary Meetings in her family home.  Since then, the image has become a much-loved channel of signal graces with many of us group members occasionally experiencing signs in connection with it.  These signs include visible and dramatic changes to the statue's complexion and facial expressions (its face becomes life-like with soft, dewy skin); strong, but pleasing floral fragrances; and manifestations of escarchas ... but this time around, a new manifestation occurred, which I have never experienced before.

Our prayer group's much-loved pilgrim
statue of Mary, Mystical Rose

Sometime during the course of this evening's Rosary, I happened to raise my eyes to look at the statue, when I saw its facial complexion suddenly lighten and take on the life-like appearance that I described above.  As already mentioned, many of us have witnessed this phenomenon several times before so I made no attempt to draw the others' attention to the statue's transfigured appearance.  Besides, many were engrossed in the Rosary and I didn't feel right about disrupting peoples' deep contemplation ... so I continued to focus on our prayers, while occasionally looking up to view the statue's face.  It was during one of these glances that I saw something strange - the statue's mouth appeared to move!

I couldn't believe it - it looked like the statue had moved its lips, as though Our Lady was saying prayers with us.  I looked away then looked back, but the mouth was motionless, so I thought my eyes had played tricks on me.  However, a bit later, I glanced up again and, for a second time, the statue's lips seemed to open and close repeatedly for a few moments.  Again, it looked like Our Lady was silently praying.  I was dumbfounded, to say the least, and discretely picked up my cellphone, activated the camera app, and started quietly filming the statue. I zoomed in on the face and filmed for several moments while looking at my cellphone screen.  There was no further movement from the statue and it had returned to its normal appearance.

Anyhow, when I later checked the video on my cellphone, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had actually captured what I believe to be the statue's movements on film.  The video, itself, is a little grainy due to the dim atmosphere in the garage where we pray, and the effects of my camera's zooming ... but it sufficiently shows the mouth movements that I saw in person.

I showed the clip to our leader, Dre, and other prayer group members, and everyone agreed that it looks as though the statue's lips are opening and closing.  In particular, the motion of the mouth is most obvious in the video when our group was praying the Glory Be; the statue's lip movements appear to be in sync with the words of the prayer (one can see the dark, oval gap between the lips when Our Lady mouths the words, "Holy Spirit").  How significant that Our Lady was praising and glorifying the Holy Trinity along with us - it's simply AMAZING!

ABOVE:  A short video clip, which I

believe captures the movements I saw from

the Rosa Mystica statue.  In particular, the

movements corresponded with the Glory Be prayers during the Rosary.

BELOW:  A sequence of stills from the

above video.  Note how the statue's closed

mouth opens and takes on a roundish

shape in the 2nd and 3rd photos when

"Holy Spirit" is said, before closing again

in the 4th photo.

I am still overwhelmed with the wonderful events that transpired at this night's prayer meeting.  God is good and so is our Blessed Mother, the Mystical Rose of the Trinity!  It all just goes to affirm that Mary really does pray WITH us ... and FOR us when we turn to her intercession with sincerity and confidence.  It's a truth that applies not just to our Mililani group but also for all Our Lady's children who are especially devoted to her through the praying of the Holy Rosary.  Thank you, Blessed Mother!

Rosa Mystica Speaking Presentation: Cobb-Adams Residence, 7/13/2015

 

Photos in the Cobb-Adam's Home with my host

and my Rosa Mystica statue on display.

Today, July 13th, is the unofficial Feast of Mary, the "Mystical Rose" (a.k.a. the "Rosa Mystica").  So I was very happy to have been able to share about the Rosa Mystica apparitions/devotion on this particular day that she - our dear Blessed Mother - had requested through the visionary, Pierina Gilli (d. 1991), to be the special day designated to honor this most beautiful of her many titles; the location of the presentation was in the Cobb-Adams Home in Kailua, windward Oahu.

The Cobb-Adams and their close relatives hold monthly Rosary Prayer Meetings between May thru October of each year, on the 13th day of each month (patterned after the Fatima apparitions)... and my presentation was worked into the July meeting schedule.  We started with the speaking presentation; followed it with the Holy Rosary, which we especially dedicated to the Rosa Mystica; then closed with a fellowship dinner.

From the start of the program, I had a strong sense there was a genuine interest and sincere devotion to Our Lady in my audience members; that the divine message delivered by the Blessed Mother in Montichiari (Italy) would find receptive, fertile soil tonight in the hearts of the people.  This was confirmed during the Rosary Prayer when fine silver flakes of escarchas began manifesting on the wooden floor boards, and then on some of the prayer participants.  It was apparent that we were being granted a special sign of Our Lady's presence, as there was nothing around us that had any type of man-made glitter on it.

At first only a few sparkles were seen, here and there, in a certain area on the floor... but then at one point, the escarchas appeared to multiply all over the floor and some people even used scotch tape to collect them!  It was simply amazing... and I knew it was the Blessed Virgin's way of putting emphasis on the Rosa Mystica message that was just relayed to the people... and to also let us all know that she was highly pleased that we had prayed and honored her tonight under her Mystical Rose title.

Escarchas on my finger tip that I picked-up off

the floor where I saw them suddenly appear.

And so the night ended with lots of joy and excitement amongst us because of the wonderful sign we were privileged to witness, via the appearance of the escarchas; Our Lady, I'm sure, gained several new advocates for her Montichiari-Fontanelle messages... and I left the Cobb-Adams Home content and with deep gratitude towards the family (and the Lord) for the delicious meal, and for the warm Christian Fellowship we shared.  Again, God is good!

* *  Testimonial from Monica C.  * *

"Thank you again, Peter.  A lot of comments saying they loved your presentation and it inspires them to want to pray more for priests and religious, and know more about our Blessed Mother.  God bless you, Peter!"

Rosa Mystica Speaking Presentation: Finan Residence, 2/22/2015

Early yesterday afternoon, I conducted my fifth speaking presentation on the Rosa Mystica (Mystical Rose) devotion.  The talk was, again, for a Basic Christian Community (BCC) cell group; a group of about a dozen people who meet every Sunday in the Finan Residence, in the town of Hawaii Kai.

Like previous Rosa Mystica Presentations, this one was well-received.  My audience showed genuine interest and openness, in regards to what I shared about the messages Our Lady delivered, via a series of apparitions in the picturesque Italian city of Montichiari-Fontanelle (read a little about it here).

Cell group members gathered around

my large Rosa Mystica pilgrim statue in

preparation for the Rosary Prayer.

After the presentation ended, a few people shared their feedback on the message and about their own personal devotion to the Blessed Virgin.  One gentleman, in particular - a Mr. Sia, who is a convert to Catholicism from Protestantism - touched me deeply with a story he shared.  He admitted that after coming into the Church, he put devotion to Mary on the "back burner" due to the strong influence of his prior beliefs... and it stayed that way for a long while until he went on a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Lourdes, France.  There, while praying in adoration before our Eucharistic Lord, he had a very special experience - Jesus spoke to him audibly and said, "... your love for me is not complete if you do not love my mother."  Wow - powerful words!  It was a moment that changed the man's life forever... and I couldn't agree more with the message he received.  We all then prayed the Rosary together and spent some time in fellowship over some refreshments before I packed up and headed out.

All through the presentation, I didn't sense anything out-of-the-ordinary, as I sometimes do... but later in the evening, after I got home, I learned that something usual did happen after all; it had to do with a photo I took earlier in the day.  I snapped two photos while in the Finan home to use for this blog - the first was of my Rosa Mystica statue on display in the living room... and the second photo was of some of the BCC group members right before the Rosary Prayer started (included above). When I reviewed the photos on my camera, the second photo turned out just fine, but the first photo did not turn out as expected.  Instead of seeing my pilgrim statue, the photo showed numerous globes of white light - very large "orbs" - as one can see to the right.  I was puzzled and I still don't know what to make of it (although the balls of light do kind of remind me of glowing rosary beads).

Anyhow, despite my nagging curiosity over the mystery photo... still, it was a beautiful and productive Hawaiian day for me.  The presentation was a success and I met new friends, and for these blessings I give thanks and praises to our Lord and our dear Blessed Mother.

* * *  UPDATE: 3/8/2015  * * *

I returned to the Finan Residence on the afternoon of March 8th to conduct one of my Saints and Holy Relics speaking presentations.  While setting up for the talk, and before everyone else arrived, me and a married couple present, were pulled aside by our host, Ines, who told us that she had something wonderful to share with us.

She took me to her living room and pointed to a low table that was in the vicinity of a large, framed print of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  On the table were small shimmering flakes scattered around a few picture frames and doilies; I recognized escarchas.  Lots of them!

My host then proceeded to tell us about how they had appeared the same night I conducted the presentation on the Rosa Mystica Devotion described above, but only later in the evening after I had already left.  I was deeply impressed and moved by this latest testimonial on the spiritual power of Our Lady.

Below is a short video I filmed of the escarchas in the Finan Home.  The flakes were a mix of silver, green, and red.

Look for the small round sparkles on

the table, which are the escarchas that

manifested in the Finan Home.

Rosa Mystica Speaking Presentation: St. Anthony Retreat Center, 1/25/2014

Today I conducted my first speaking presentation for 2015.  I had the privilege of sharing about the Rosa Mystica Devotion with a group of military housewives at a women's retreat in the heart of beautiful Kalihi Valley, Honolulu. These were the women I had been praying for, which occasioned a remarkable appearance of the Holy Face this past Thursday, 1/22.

  

The beautiful, lush grounds of the St. Anthony Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley, Honolulu.

The on-site Lourdes-style grotto is a great place to connect with God and Our Lady.

[click on each photo to view larger images]

The site of the retreat - the St. Anthony Retreat Center - is owned and operated by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and the grounds are simply spectacular!  Isolated, lush, and green - the place is conducive to connecting deeply with God and his creation.  There's even a beautiful Lourdes-style grotto at the site and I've heard rumors that Our Lady had made impromptu, private appearances there to a handful of people during past retreats... so the place is truly holy ground; it has that "vibe" and it was with excitement that I drove to the retreat center to speak to the women.

My Rosa Mystica pilgrim statue is displayed prominently, while the women-participants 

begin to gather and wait for the start of the Rosa Mystica presentation.

In the small conference room, right from the start I sensed I was in the midst of people who were open to the Lord's call; daughters of Mary.  And judging by the intelligent questions and comments I received throughout the talk, I was right - the ladies listened with genuine interest and seemed to take the message of the Rosa Mystica to heart.  In fact, after the presentation, we prayed the Holy Rosary together in the chapel and the group offered the prayer for the sanctification of all priests; other religious men and women; and for an increase in vocations.  The request I shared with the ladies, on behalf of our Blessed Mother, was already being put into practice.

I have no doubt that Mary, the Rosa Mystica, has found new helpers and messengers in the women I spoke to, and good spiritual fruit is in store for them.  All thanks and praises be to God!