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.

Saints & Relics Presentation: Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Honolulu

Yesterday, on the Feast of the great Apostles, St. Peter & Paul, I was invited by the adult coordinators of a Youth Group to speak at their parish of Sts. Peter & Paul!  Their teens had inquired about Saints recently and the coordinators were familiar with this ministry through past presentations ... so there I was again this afternoon with 9 different relics in tow.

Today's line up of holy people/relics included St. Bernadette of Lourdes; Ven. Alexia Gonzales-Barros; the Blessed Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro; St. Damien of Molokai; Bl. Pierina Morosini; Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassatti; St. Margaret of Castello; St. Maximilian Kolbe; and St. Anthony of Padua.

Judging by the reaction and feedback from the teens and adults, the Saints again made a deep, positive impression on many of them.  I can always see it by how the audience members behave after each talk, when they're invited to approach the relic displayed to have a personal encounter with each Saint/Blessed I talked about.

Usually, their subtle facial expressions while standing in front of a relic almost seem as though they've come upon a wondrous treasure!  People pause for a bit in awe and reflection before reaching out to carefully touch the relics with their hands or with religious articles; mouths sometimes move silently, which I know is prayer ... and some are even teary-eyed during these moments of connection.  Then the cellphones come out for picture taking and to scan the QR codes I make available that link to biographies of each holy person.  It goes beyond mere curiosity.

Seeing the above reaction never gets old for me ... and it's especially encouraging to see our youth displaying such piety because I then have certainty that something that I shared about each holy person had managed to "stick" in their young hearts ... and better the Saints to have as role models than most of the superficial celebrities they tend to admire these days.

So may God bless my new Ohana in Christ at Sts. Peter & Paul Parish.  I Am looking forward to seeing them again this August for another scheduled presentation!

“... Let your face shine, that we may be saved!" - Psalm 80:7

As pictured above, we have a unique crucifix in our parish of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Kailua.  It's a carved wooden image that once hung in the prior church building that was completely burnt down back in July 1982.  The fact that this crucifix managed to remain intact and not be incinerated in that devastating fire is regarded as somewhat of a miracle by our old-timers ... and many revere it as a visible message of survival and hope from God.

This blogger personally regards the crucifix as especially holy and something remarkable happened today that confirmed it for me.  While leading our congregation in the Rosary, prior to the Saturday evening Vigil Mass, I looked up at the image and was surprised to see the suffering Holy Face of Jesus manifested on the torso of the charred corpus.  It resembled the face from the Shroud of Turin and it was so distinct I could even make out a crown of thorns!

I later snapped a few photos, which were mostly disappointing as they don't show the level of clarity I witnessed in person.  Below is the best photo out of the bunch - the face on the crucifix is still discernible.

If I recall correctly, it appeared after the third decade was completed - the Birth of Jesus - and as I was reciting the Fatima (decade) Prayer:

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins

and save us from the fires of hell.

Lead all souls to Heaven, especially

those most in need of Your mercy.

How relevant ... plus I am a long-time believer in the Holy Face Devotion and the Shroud of Turin!

ABOVE: The crucifix in St. Anthony

of Padua Church in Kailua, Oahu (the

apparition of the Holy Face is circled).

BELOW: The image (L) compared with

the Holy Face of our Lord from the

sacred Shroud of Turin (R).

"You have said, “Seek my face.”  My heart

says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”."

- Psalm 27-8

It all goes to remind us as that God is truly with us in the sanctity of our Catholic Sanctuaries - the "Holy of Holies" - and how responsive the Lord is to our prayers.  Plus, what a great affirmation of the Holy Face Devotion and the power of the Rosary Prayer.  Thanks and Praises be to God!

"And I will not hide my face anymore

from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon

the house of Israel, declares the Lord God."

- Ezekiel 39:29

Monthly Message from the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje: June 2025

Today marks the 44th Anniversary of

Our Lady's apparitions in Medjugorje!

  "Dear children, also today I thank the Almighty that I am with you and that I can lead you towards the God of Love and Peace.  The ideologies which destroy you and your spiritual life are transitory.  I am calling you, little children: return to God, because with God you have a future and eternal life.  Thank you for having responded to my call."

Celebrating St. Anthony of Padua!

I have to say - I think this year's Feast Day Observances for our parish's Patron Saint was the BEST one yet!  It was a great combination of devotion, meaningful prayer, fellowship, and feasting ... which I personally feel is the right way to do these events.

Our new priest - Fr. Tony - conceived the great idea of preceding the feast with three consecutive evenings of preparatory prayers - a Triduum honoring St. Anthony of Padua between June 10th - 12th - comprised of Rosaries, special prayers to our Saint, and Masses.  Each day of the Triduum concluded with refreshments and time for light-hearted socializing; the last Mass was a powerful Healing Mass.

A few photos from the last day of

the Triduum to St. Anthony

On the night of June 13, 2025 - the actual Feast Day of St. Anthony - we prayed the Rosary; held a Mass; and had a big parish celebration dinner with live entertainment (including former pop star/local celebrity Glenn Medeiros), a wine bar, and lots of lucky drawing prizes!  It couldn't have been any better.

A few photos from our Feast Day

Celebration for St. Anthony

Lastly, throughout the entire series of observances, our parish's relic of St. Anthony of Padua - a small piece of bone from his bodily remains - was prominently displayed for public veneration, which was also very meaningful for our community.  We may have even been blessed with a little "sign" at the end of the Feast Day Mass - see the candle pictured below that was lit beside the relic during the entire Mass ...

Note the curious shape of the candle -

was it just a coincidence?

Rather than melting into a random clump of wax, the candle unexpectedly took the form of a familiar and relevant figure (what are the odds?!).  Fellow parishioners who've seen the pic all agree there's two discernable figures resembling a grown-up carrying a child ... but are divided as to whether it represents St. Anthony with Baby Jesus or Our Lady with the Holy Infant.

Personally, I'm inclined to interpret the figures in the candle as a representation of the Madonna and Christ Child because St. Anthony was already present through his relic.  Plus, June 13th also commemorates Our Lady's second apparition in Fatima so the wax images may just be a reminder that she's celebrating with us, too!

So what a great past four evenings it has been; so abounding in graces - Our Lady and St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us!

Saint of the Month - June 2025: Blessed Marie-Therese Soubiran

Bl. Marie-Therese Soubiran

A Life of Hidden Holiness

Memorial: June 7th

This month, this ministry features the life of a founder of a religious institution who lived her life in exile and obscurity ... yet, it was apparently God's will that her hidden life be brought to light as evidenced by the Church's official recognition of heroic virtue.  This is her story.

+ Early Life and Calling

Blessed Marie-Thérèse Soubiran was born on May 16, 1834, in Castelnaudary, a small town in southern France.  Her baptismal name was Marie-Thérèse-Henriette Soubiran.  Raised in a devout Catholic family, she was instilled early with a deep love for God and a desire to serve others.  As a child, she showed signs of exceptional spiritual sensitivity and piety.  Despite living during a time of political and social unrest in France, her faith remained strong and unwavering.

Marie-Thérèse was particularly drawn to the poor and marginalized.  Inspired by the Gospel call to serve "the least of these", she felt a deep inner calling to religious life.  At the age of 20, together with a few companions, she founded a new religious community in 1855: the Sisters of Mary Auxiliatrix, dedicated to helping young working-class girls and women in the cities, who were often overlooked and vulnerable in the rapidly industrializing society.

+ Foundress and Spiritual Guide

As the first superior of the Sisters of Mary Auxiliatrix, Marie-Thérèse worked tirelessly to establish the community and its mission.  She combined a life of prayer with concrete action—offering vocational training, spiritual formation, and shelter to young women.  She believed in educating the whole person, both spiritually and practically, and was known for her kindness, humility, and maternal care.

However, the road was not easy.  Marie-Thérèse faced many external challenges, including financial struggles and suspicion from certain Church authorities, who were hesitant to accept a new religious institute led by such a young woman.  Nonetheless, her trust in Divine Providence never wavered.

+ A Life Marked by Humiliation and Obscurity

Tragically, Marie-Thérèse's greatest suffering came not from outside opposition, but from within her own community.  In 1869, due to the machinations of a fellow sister who falsely accused her of financial mismanagement and spiritual instability, Marie-Thérèse was removed from her position and expelled from the congregation she had founded.  Despite her innocence, she accepted this humiliation with remarkable humility and obedience, never defending herself or speaking against those who wronged her.

She was taken in by the Society of the Sacred Heart, another religious order, and lived for the next 33 years in obscurity, humility, and hidden service.  Though the truth of her situation was gradually discovered, she never returned to lead her congregation.  Instead, she embraced her new, humble life of silent prayer and simple tasks, confident that her suffering was united to Christ’s and would serve to spiritually support her congregation.

+ Death and Beatification

Blessed Marie-Thérèse died on June 7, 1889, in Paris, having lived her final years in quiet sanctity.  It was only after her death that her innocence was fully acknowledged and her true greatness recognized.  The Sisters of Mary Auxiliatrix continued to grow and flourish, eventually spreading beyond France to other countries, carrying her legacy of compassionate service.

Pope Pius XII beatified Marie-Thérèse Soubiran on October 20, 1946, recognizing her heroic virtue, enduring faith, and extraordinary example of forgiveness and humility.  Her feast day is celebrated annually on June 7.

+ Legacy

Blessed Marie-Thérèse Soubiran’s life offers a powerful testimony to the value of hidden holiness, patient suffering, and steadfast fidelity to God’s will.  She reminds us that even in the face of injustice and obscurity, love and humility can triumph.  Her example continues to inspire religious and laypeople alike, especially those who feel called to serve the forgotten and to persevere through personal trials with grace.

Bl. Marie-Therese, pray for us!

A Feast Day Blessing

It was a Marian Feast Day yesterday - the Feast of Our Lady's Visitation ... and today is yet another Feast Day - this time celebrating the Lord’s glorious Ascension!

After the Saturday evening Vigil Mass last night - a Mass that bridged both Feasts - a close friend and I conversed about the maternal love of our Blessed Mother, and wondered out loud if she was going to grant us a special blessing on her Feast.  The photo below seems to affirm she did.

Taken from our church's driveway, the above captures a luminous silhouette that appeared in the sky just a few moments after my friend said something to this effect: "I wonder if Our Lady's going to show up today."  In person, it looked like a lady draped in a white sheet hovering in the sky.  How serendipitous and relevant, given it's timing.

We love you, Our Lady - we thank you for being our loving mother.

  My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid; for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name; And His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.

- From The Canticle of Mary

(Luke 1:46-50)

Monthly Message from the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje: May 2025

  "Dear Children, in this time of grace, I am calling you to be people of hope, peace and joy, so that every person may be a peacemaker and a lover of life.  Pray, little children, to the Holy Spirit to fill you with the strength of His own Holy Spirit of courage and surrender.  And this time for you will be a gift and a walk in holiness towards eternal life.  I am with you and I love you.  Thank you for having responded to my call."

Saint of the Month - May 2025: Saint Paschal Baylon

St. Paschal Baylon

Model of Eucharistic Devotion

Feast: May 17th

This month we honor St. Paschal Baylon, a Franciscan Friar and an exceptional Eucharistic Saint. In fact, one of his nicknames is "Seraph of the Eucharist" and rightfully so - the Eucharist was the heart of his soul.  Paschal was born on May 16, 1540 - a Pentecost Sunday - in the Spanish hamlet of Torrehermosa to a virtuous peasant couple.  Given his poor circumstances, Pascal was employed from age 7 as a shepherd to a wealthy land owner.

In the solitude and grandeur of the outdoors, little Paschal developed a deep respect for our Creator and a lively piety, which was expressed in the charitable sharing of his meager meals with the poor and his inclination to contemplative prayer.  Whenever the distant church bell rang, it was a signal for him to kneel and pray wherever he was, regardless what he was engaged in ... and thanks to the help of certain educated friends, he slowly learned to read and availed himself of spiritual reading while out in the fields.

Attracted to the religious life, in his adolescence he applied with the Franciscans, but was initially declined because of his youthful age.  In 1564, at the age of 24, he was accepted with the Alcantarine (reformed) Franciscans that was recently founded by St. Peter of Alcantara (d. 1562).  The following year, in February 1565, he made his solemn profession in the Order's Monastery of St. Joseph in Orito.

The Saint’s simple and tiny cell in the

Franciscan monastery of Villarreal

As a spiritual son of the illustrious St. Francis of Assisi, the Saint was exceptional for his ascetic and materially-detached lifestyle.  In fact, he once explained his choice of joining the Franciscans as: "I was born poor and I am resolved to die in poverty and penance." and he lived up to his words.  Paschal not only adhered to his Order's strict rule of poverty but exceeded it -  he only wore cast off, worn-out habits; walked about completely barefoot (even in snow); and fasted rigorously.  His superiors wanted him to study for the Priesthood but Paschal declined, believing himself unworthy of the dignity of the role.  Instead, he volunteered as cook, gardener, doorkeeper, and even the humiliation of begging for food for his monastery.

Despite the humble positions he served in, the saintly friar became well-respected in all the monasteries where he was assigned to.  His apparent humility, charity, and patience towards visitors at the gate also endeared him to the wider community.  Furthermore, word of his blossoming mystical gifts fueled his reputation for lofty holiness.

Concerning the latter, Paschal's extraordinary charisms was said to include the following:

• He spent entire nights enraptured in deep ecstasy while in Eucharistic Adoration; immobile with his arms habitually extended towards Heaven without any discomfort.

• During his ecstatic states, he also often experienced sublime visions, which filled him with an extraordinary understanding of the mysteries of our Catholic Faith.

• Still, at other times, he was witnessed lifted several feet into the air in levitation and surrounded with a heavenly glow!

• His prayers effected cures for the many sick who began seeking him out.

• And lastly, he is among those rare Saints who had the privilege of receiving Holy Communion from the hands of angels when circumstances prevented him from receiving the Host in the normal manner.

Eucharistic Adoration often triggered

the Saint's frequent ecstasies

St. Paschal's infused knowledge became all the more evident when he was sent to Paris on an important mission for his Order.  As he made his way up north through France then back down, he passed through regions taken over by Calvanist Protestants and took the opportunity to preach to fallen-away Catholics in spite of the danger to himself; his teaching impressed many.  On one occasion he was publicly challenged by a Calvanist leader about the Doctrine of the True Presence, but our Saint's defense of the Eucharist was so solid and convincing, he managed to revert many spectators back to Catholicism.  An enraged group then beat Paschal and attempted to stone him to death but he somehow managed to escape.  The attack left the friar with a permanent injury to one of his shoulders that caused him chronic pain for the rest of his life.

Upon his return to his Spanish monastery, Paschal casually resumed his chores and his routine of nocturnal Adoration despite his injury.  He was a much sought-after counselor and healer until his death in Villarreal on May 17, 1592 (another Pentacost Sunday!).  Not surprisingly, miracles were reported immediately after his passing.  For one, his corpse was exposed for three days due to the massive crowd of mourners who came to pay their respects to the deceased holy man.  All the while his body remained supple and showed no signs of decomposing, and a moisture (described as "dew") exuded from its forehead, which effected cures when it was applied to the sick.  Also, during the funeral Mass, his eyes were seen by attendees to open at both the elevations of the Host and the Chalice; the Saint's final act of reverence towards our Eucharistic Lord whom he loved and defended!

St. Paschal's new sarcophagus in his

Sanctuary in Villarreal, Spain

Cures continued at the friar's gravesite, eventually leading up to his Canonization in 1690.

An A.I. generated image, based on early

portraits.  Is this what he looked like?

Sadly, St. Paschal's sacred body, which had remained miraculously incorrupt for centuries, was desecrated and burned by Communist insurgents and secularists during the infamous Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. Several bone fragments survived, however, which are now entombed in a rebuilt Basilica dedicated to St. Paschal in Villarreal.  May this great Saint of the Eucharist inspire in us an ever-deepening love for the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Paschal Baylon,

pray for us!

Habemus Papam!

This is a crucial time in our

Church and in the world.  Please

PRAY for our new Pope. 🕊

POPE LEO XIV

Monthly Message from the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje: April 2025

  "Dear Children, winds of peacelessness, selfishness and sin are catching hold of many hearts and leading them into peacelessness and perdition.  That is why I am calling you, little children: return to God and to prayer, so that it may be good for you in the hearts and on the earth on which you live.  I love you, little children, and that is why I am not tiring of calling you to conversion.  Thank you for having responded to my call."

Was it the face of our Risen Lord? (UPDATED 4/28/2025)

Every morning when I pray my Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet, I usually view one of the live Eucharistic Adoration webcams now common in YouTube.  The one shown below is one of my favorites because of the beautiful Gregorian Chants that also play in the background while praying before the Blessed Sacrament.

(To view this live webcam, click here)

This morning, however, was a different experience than all the other days in the past couple of years that I've been frequenting this channel - today, I think I saw the Holy Face of Jesus appear in the Host, resembling his face as seen on the Shroud of Turin.  See the photos I took below of my tv screen.

O Sacrament most Holy,

O Sacrament Divine,

all praise and all thanksgiving,

be every moment Thine!

Comparisons with the normal view and

with the Holy Face from the Shroud

The mysterious apparition's resemblance to the image on the Shroud is simply uncanny ... and as a strong believer in the Holy Face Devotion, this was a highly meaningful sign to witness.  The lesson here is clear and two-fold - JESUS IS TRULY PRESENT IN THE EUCHARIST ... and the HOLY FACE REVELATIONS AND DEVOTION ARE POWERFULLY ANOINTED!

Lord Jesus, through the merits

of Your Holy Face have pity on us

and on the whole world.  Amen.

+ U P D A T E :  4 - 2 8 - 2 0 2 5 +

FOR DISCERNMENT:  It happened again - the pic below was snapped this morning, while praying the Rosary and viewing the Eucharistic Adoration livestream from a parish in Middleton, New Jersey.  It seemed to this author that the Holy Face was again appearing in the Host.  It wasn’t as clear as last Wednesday's image but it was there.  I took several photos and the one below is the best one although I had to add a little contrast to it.

Is it a miracle?  I won't say for certain ... but what I will testify to is this: again, I have never seen anything like it on this livestream (nor in any of the other live Adoration webcams in YouTube) until it showed up on Easter Wednesday; then yesterday (Divine Mercy Sunday!!!) and today.  It's not a permanent image (it lasted for over 30 minutes each occasion, repeatedly appearing, fading, and materializing again and again in varying clarity before it finally vanished) ... and it doesn't appear to be a projection of any sort ... nor is it a reflection of a Jesus-photo on my side of the screen.

Of course it could just be a natural trick of light, but I can't get over its striking resemblance to the mysterious Shroud of Turin, which I believe IS the miraculous burial cloth of our Lord.  Frankly, it's an impressive thing to witness and I'm profoundly moved by it all: the Eucharist ... that Face ... the power and goodness of our living and true GOD - AMAZING!

+ U P D A T E :  6 - 4 - 2 0 2 5 +

I called the parish where this particular Perpetual Adoration chapel is located - Saint Mary, Mother of God Church in New Jersey - and spoke to a man working in the parish office.  The person confirmed that there are NO images of any sort being projected onto the Monstrance.  He also shared that he was personally aware of another call from a woman who reported seeing the Eucharist light up and the face of Jesus appear in the Host.  Interesting information.

R.I.P. Pope Francis

"We all have the duty to do good."

POPE FRANCIS

1936 - 2025

HE LIVES!

Witnessed and photographed early this morning, right before an Easter Sunday Mass - a remarkable human-like silhouette was discernable in a bright cloud.  So it seems even nature is celebrating and witnessing to our Lord's Resurrection!  Hallelujah!

"The heavens declare the

glory of God; the skies proclaim

the work of His hands."

- Psalm 19:1

For Discernment: Let us follow Our Lady to the Cross

While driving to work and praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary this morning, a familiar figure appeared in the sky ahead of me.  I managed to snap a few photos ...

Upon reflection, I discerned Our Lady's desire to "prepare" us for the upcoming Paschal Triduum and Easter Sunday.  She is also inviting us to especially accompany her to the foot of the Holy Cross this Good Friday; to prayerfully contemplate in a personal manner our Lord's painful sacrifice and his unconditional love.  After which she will lead us to Christ's empty tomb where an "infusion of grace" awaits.

There's an expectation of joy to all of this but there's also a sense of urgency, and I can't help but ponder this from Luke 21:11 in light of current events:

"There will be great earthquakes,

and in various places famines and

pestilences.  And there will be terrors

and great signs from heaven."

This recent experience and the Bible passage cited above are highly pertinent.  Truly, disasters and signs are escalating all over the world in our present times and much prayer is needed ... but are we paying attention?

O Mary, our Heavenly Mother,

pray for us who have recourse to

thee.  Amen.

Lourdes: A Gateway to Heaven

"Enter through the narrow gate; for

the gate is wide and the road broad that

leads to destruction, and those who enter

through it are many.  How narrow the

gate and constricted the road that leads

to life.  And those who find it are few."

- Matthew 7:13-14

Lourdes is a holy place ... and an ongoing miracle.  I understood it when I first read about this Marian apparition site decades ago and I felt it when I went there on pilgrimage in October 2024.  I got to experience Lourdes - in-person - and discovered just how saturated it is with the very PRESENCE OF GOD AND THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY; it exudes SANCTITY, PEACE, and LOVE.

In particular, I found the Holy Grotto of Apparitions to be where the spiritual power of Lourdes is the most concentrated (my personal opinion).  As such, since returning from my pilgrimage, I now view the Lourdes Sanctuary live webcam daily in YouTube when praying the Rosary.  It helps me "relive" Lourdes over and over ... and sometimes one can even catch glimpses of unusual "luminosities" in and around the cave, which brings us to this blog.

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise: be thankful

unto Him, and bless His name."

- Psalm 100:4

Just a couple of days ago, while praying my Rosary with the webcam streaming on my TV, I was surprised to see a faint golden light flickering inside of the Grotto - it grew brighter  and  solidified into the clear form of a doorway or gate.  It wasn't a bug on the camera lense, but it may also just be a natural trick of sunlight.  However, in all the past years that I've been frequenting the webcam, I've never seen a light formation like it before in that cave so I snapped pics of the screen.  Besides, it really looked like a door or gate, and its location above the altar and its timing being coincidental with the start of the Sanctuary's daily evening Rosary at the Grotto were both significant.

An unusual light in the Lourdes Grotto - a

passageway between Heaven and Earth?

I'd like to suppose that I maybe inadvertently witnessed the Gate of Heaven opening up in the Grotto for Our Lady to come through to be with the pilgrims.  It's completely plausible.  Plus, I've captured other extraordinary light phenomena in the past, via the Grotto's webcam, and have a friend who has seen luminosities, too - see here and here.

Irregardless whether the light is a genuine sign or not, no doubt about it - Lourdes is holy.  I can gratefully testify along with countless other pilgrims who've been there that it's a rare, miraculous place where Heaven and Earth unite; Lourdes is a Gateway to Heaven.  And let's not forget - one of Our Lady's glorious Titles in the Litany of Loreto is: "Gate of Heaven" ... and recorded in Sacred Scriptures are the words below, spoken by our Lord about Himself.  Indeed, both Mother Mary and Jesus are present in Lourdes.

"I AM the DOOR.  By me, if any

man enter in, he shall be saved."

- John 10:9

Is this what two great Saints looked like?

I was researching something on the net the other day when I came upon a pleasant surprise - more forensic reconstruction of the faces of Saints! Those familiar with this blog are likely aware that this author is a big fan of such things (click here to see other forensic "faces of holiness" that I've shared about in the past).  This time around I add two famous Saints who are both Doctors of the Church:

St. Teresa of Avila

   

Compare this Spanish Saint's forensic reconstruction (Above-Left) with the most famous portrait done of her when she was 61 (I personally don't see a similarity and prefer the painting).  To read about St. Teresa's prodigious life, click here.

St. Thomas Aquinas

   

Above, the forensic reconstruction (Left) with a typical representation of the Saint painted shortly after he was canonized in July 1323 (there appears to be a slight resemblance).

So what do viewers think?  I personally find it highly fascinating to see these scientifically reconstructed faces ... then find it amusing when I compare them to statues and paintings to see how they measure up to each other.  The artistic depictions usually don't come close to reality - almost all look too perfect with their tall, slim bodies and their perfect complexion, especially devotional statues I see on sale.

I prefer to see true likenesses of our Saints and Blesseds with their not-so-perfect features.  I think it brings them down to earth, which makes them relatable; mostly ordinary people but who lived their Catholic Faith in an extraordinary manner!