For Discernment: What's up with the Planet Venus?

For those not aware, there's been an extraordinary astronomical event unfolding, even at this very moment, as I'm writing this blog - a rare planetary alignment of all 7 planets is underway that will be visible at the end of this month.

I first started noticing something was up when I began seeing an extraordinarily bright light from my home, directly above the Waikiki area, beginning in November 2024.  I initially thought it was a large drone but changed my mind when it continued to quietly appear nightly in the same spot without any blinking lights.  I later learned from a friend that it was the planet Venus ... and not long after a faint reddish light was seen beside it, which I understood to be the planet Mars.

I know what's taking place is a natural occurrence, but can't help but wonder if there's also a spiritual undertone to it all.  The reason being is because several photos I took of Venus, on consecutive nights back in November, unexpectedly showed mysterious images in place of the planet.  Three of the clearest photos are shown below in the successive order they were snapped, and just a few days apart:

I've been praying about these photos for the past two months - about whether I should share them - but I finally decided to post them because I now feel there's a relevant message that's being given, at least to me.  But I'm hoping there are others out there who will discern the same and spiritually profit from this blog.

In essence, I believe our Lord is trying to draw attention to His True Presence in the Eucharist; urgently conveying a wake-up call for souls to open up to His LOVE being poured out through the Eucharist, and for us to respond with love; that the Eucharist must be central in our present and uncertain times.  This is a reasonable assessment and relevant, given that it coincides with the US Church's ongoing "Eucharistic Revival", which was initiated in mid-2024.

A normal photo of Venus - its that brilliant

white spot way above the moon.  Waikiki city

lights shine brightly below.

And what was a final "nudge" for me to post the pics was an exciting discovery I made a couple weeks ago - I researched the Biblical significance of Venus and was surprised to learn that the planet was called the "Morning Star" in ancient times and early Christians referenced it as a symbol for our Risen Lord!  In fact, Jesus proclaimed this, Himself - take a look at this passage from the Book of Revelation, 22:12-16:

  “Look, I am coming soon!  My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

  Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.  Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

  I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Talk about a seriously pertinent Scripture Passage for our times, and note the very end where Jesus identifies Himself as the "Morning Star"; the entire passage resonated with me.  Now tie that all together with this series of unusual photos of Venus I took.  Doesn't it somehow go together?  Personally, I totally get it.

Another view of Venus (captured from

Kailua Town - beautiful!).

Today these photos continue speaking to me about the importance of the Eucharist and the urgency of our present times. Jesus is ringing an alarm, so it seems - "... I am coming soon!" - and it's time for the world to wake up!  Irregardless, whether one discerns the unusual images, a message ... or nothing at all ... we Catholics still need to continue recognizing; partaking of; appreciating; loving; and defending our Christ, truly present in the Eucharist.

... and what about this strange photo?

Is Heaven saying something?

And finally ... about 2025's Jubilee Year of Hope - I think these photos may also serve as a prophetic reminder for the Jubilee: JESUS - THE EUCHARIST - HE IS OUR UNFAILING HOPE!  Amen.

Saint of the Month - February 2025: Blessed Eustochio of Padua

Bl. Eustochio of Padua

She conquered the devil!

Memorial - February 13th

The Italian city of Padova (Padua) is known all the world over today thanks to its famous Patron Saint - St. Anthony of Padua.  In the 20th Century, it was graced by the presence of yet another holy figure - the Franciscan Priest/Confessor, St. Leopoldo Mandic ... but how many people are aware that there is another revered spiritual figure in the city?  A female Beata (or Blessed) baptized as Lucrezia Bellini, but more commonly invoked as Eustochio of Padua.  This ministry is pleased to feature her bio this month.

Lucrezia was the illegitimate daughter from the adulterous union of a married nobleman named Bartolomeo Bellini and an unworthy nun, Magdalena Cavalcabo.  Before continuing any further, it should be noted that the monastery where her mother resided - the Benedictine establishment of San Prosdocimo in Padua - wasn't noted for piety, rather it was gossiped about by the townsfolk because of the rumored widespread abuses of its Rule perpetrated by the occupants.  This was the dissolute environment that little Lucrezia was born into sometime in 1444.

Soon after her birth in the monastery, Lucrezia was discretely spirited away to be raised by Bartolomeo.  In the Bellini home, Bartolomeo's lawful wife, not surprisingly, resented the girl's presence and treated her with contempt. Things worsened when Lucrezia began exhibiting bizarre behavior starting at age 4, which was attributed to bouts of demonic possession.  Normally a well-behaved child, she fell into states of uncontrollable rage and violent behavior that lead to her being returned to the monastery as a "boarding student" at 7-years-old.  It was hoped that her condition would improve but just the opposite occurred - her symptoms of possession worsened so priests were summoned and exorcisms conducted.  The ritual brought a measure of relief to the child.

In the meantime, a new Abbess was installed who sought to reform the monastery but her efforts met with strong resistance from the community, with the exception of Lucrezia, who matured into a highly devout young woman. Perhaps because of her traumatic experiences, she was exceptionally prayerful and reflective; often seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, St. Luke, and St. Jerome for the general good of her soul.

When the Abbess died under mysterious circumstances (suspected poisoning), the local Bishop intervened by personally implementing greater discipline among the nuns of San Prosdocimo.  Rather than comply, the nuns chose to pack up and returned to their respective homes, which spoke volumes as to their degenerate spiritual disposition.  Again, the exception was Lucrezia, who was the only resident who chose to stay.

An old print of Bl. Eustochio (Note

the demon under her feet)

The Bishop brought in more-observant Benedictines to take over San Prosdocimo and the 17-year-old Lucrezia applied with this new group.  Given her condition, the nuns hesitated until the Bishop ordered them to admit her.  Hence, she was clothed in the habit on January 14, 1461, under the religious name of Sr. Eustochio.  The event triggered another full-blown possession, which figures prominently for the rest of her life.

This time around, the Beata was also subjected to other forms of diabolic vexations: she came down with mysterious illnesses that caused intense bodily pains and fits of vomiting; suffered blows from invisible attackers who sometimes also lifted her into the air only to throw her to the ground or against walls; she was choked and even burned.  Needless to say, Eustochio was often left bruised or wounded after each episode.  Her spiritual director - a Fr. Girolamo Saligario - performed repeated exorcisms on her, which provided temporary respite.  It became clear that the Lord had a special purpose for Eustochio's sufferings and she responded heroically.

The brave nun intensified her prayers, voluntary mortifications, and fasting to combat the evil forces; consciously accepting her sufferings as a way of closer conformity with her Crucified Spouse; the constant contemplation of the Cross was a source of both solace and strength in the midst of her terrible ordeals.  Some of her biographers have even speculated that the mysterious scourge wounds that appeared on her limbs were actually a form of mystical participation in the Passion of Christ.  Thus, she could reasonably be ranked amongst the rare group of mystics marked with the Stigmata.

To add to her troubles, Sr. Eustochio also suffered from her own community.  When the Abbess fell ill, some of her companions accused her of poisoning the woman; she was imprisoned for a period of three months during which she was chained to a pillar and fed only bread and water.  When the citizens of Padua heard of the strange events surrounding Eustochio, they accused her of witchcraft and threatened to burn her at the stake.  Fortunately, Fr. Girolamo staunchly defended her and he managed to convince the other nuns that she was indeed an innocent victim of the devil's wiles; not a willing perpetrator of evil.

The reliquary of Bl. Eustochio on display

in the Cathedral of Padua, Italy

Little by little the community came to recognize Eustochio's virtues, as her conduct was consistently beyond reproach during the intervals when she was fully herself ... and, on her part, she never harbored resentment for the way she was mistreated in the past.  The possession and attacks continued until shortly before the Beata's death; despite their horrific efforts, the devil never succeeded in breaking her faith in God.  Instead, Sr. Eustochio broke them and emerged victorious after her long battle, which is why her iconography depicts her stomping on demons!

The Beata was only 25-years-old when she passed on February 13, 1469, but had lost her youthful beauty due to her sufferings and mortifications.  But no sooner did she breathe her last when her corpse was transformed in heavenly beauty and exuded a floral scent, which were outward signs of the great sanctity she managed to achieve within her short life.  Furthermore, as the nuns prepared Eustochio's body for burial, a notable discovery was made - on her chest, directly over her heart were lesions that clearly spelled the name of "JESUS".

Veneration for the dead nun increased as miracles occurred at her grave in San Prosdocimo.  Within a span of six years, the graces attributed to Eustochio's intercession were so numerous, the Paduans popularly acclaimed her as "Beata Eustochio" and the Bishop authorized the translation of her remains into the monastery church.  Upon exhuming her body, it was found incorrupt and a spring began miraculously flowing from the original grave site, which cured the sick!  Pope Clement XIII recognized the validity of Sr. Eustochio's Cultus by making it official in 1760.

For centuries, Sr. Eustochio's relics were highly venerated at San Prosdocimo and the healing water was channeled into a large marble basin for pilgrims to collect.  However, when the anti-clerical government closed the monastery in 1806, the spring abruptly stopped flowing and the Beata’s body (then reduced to a skeleton) was taken by the nuns to a new tomb in the Benedictine monastery/church of San Pietro in Padua.  In 2019, the relics were moved to the Cathedral of Padua due to extensive  renovations at San Pietro Church.

A contemporary rendering of Bl. Eustochio,

based on forensic studies of her skull relic -

she was beautiful!

Today, the Beata's precious bones (enclosed in a simulacrum and wearing a forensically-reconstructed mask of her actual facial features) remain in the Cathedral where they are the destination of local pilgrims.  Monthly prayer services are celebrated in Bl. Eustochio's honor attended by many people from all over Italy - and even beyond - who desire to receive graces from deliverance prayers offered by resident exorcists for the diabolically afflicted and for the general sick.  Spiritual favors continue to be reported and because of her effective intercession against the demonic, Italian exorcists have designated Eustochio their Patroness and the Patroness of Spiritual Warfare.

Blessed Eustochio of Padua,

pray for us against the forces of evil!

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

  "Dear children, In this year of grace, I am calling you to conversion.  Put God, dear children, in the center of your living and the fruits will be love towards neighbor and joy of witnessing; and the holiness of your life will become a true witness of faith.  Thank you for having responded to my call."

Saints & Relics Presentations, 1/18 & 1/19/2025: St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Kapa'a (Kauai)

This past weekend, this author conducted two talks/relic exhibits that were a major milestone for this ministry, as well as a prayer fulfilled.  It was because they took place on Kauai, and I've always dreamed of taking the Saints to the neighbor islands to give communities there the blessed opportunity of encountering Saints through their relics.

St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Kapa'a

Well, after waiting years, God's Divine Providence manifested itself in a remarkable series of events and it finally happened this past weekend - I was invited and sponsored by a parishioner, and welcomed by Fr. Nick Apetorgbor of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in the quaint town of Kapa'a ... and it was AWESOME!

First off, in the 14 years that I have been doing these talks, I've never met a group of people so full of ALOHA as the ones I met in Kapa'a.  I flew to Kauai to minister to them, but it ended up that they also ministered to me through the overwhelming blessing of their hospitality, love, generosity, and gratitude that they expressed during my short stay on their island ... and I'll never forgot it.

        

With some of my new Ohana in Christ

from Kapa'a, Kauai

I brought 26 relics with me to St. Catherine Parish: Our Lady's Veil, St. Anthony of Padua, Bl. Bartolo Longo, St. Bernadette of Lourdes, Bl. Carlo Acutis, Bl. Carmen of the Child Jesus, St. Faustina Kowalska, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Gianna Beretta Molla, St. John Paul II, St. Joseph, Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin, Luisa Piccarreta, St. Margaret of Citta-di-Castello, St. Mary Alacoque, Maria Domenica Lazzeri, Bl. Maria Restituta Kafka, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Peregrine Laziosi, St. Padre Pio, Bl. Rolando Rivi, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Therese the Little Flower ... and the community responded with an enthusiasm beyond my expectations!

Over a hundred parishioners showed up to pay their respects to the Saints/Relics and to learn about the Church's beautiful teaching on the Communion of Saints.  What was nice to see was several people attended the first presentation then returned for the second talk with family and friends in tow; the general comments I received were: "We've never had something like this on Kauai." ... "I learned so much." ... "I'm glad I came." ... "Thank you for doing this."

Relics on display on beautifully

decorated tables, courtesy of the

Kapa'a Parishioners.

One testimony that particularly stood out for me was from a young woman who is currently in the process of becoming a Catholic (the only one in her family) - she told me that learning about the Saints confirmed for her that she had made the right decision to convert to Catholicism - thanks be to God!

Based on the positive feedback, I left the island yesterday with the joyful certainty that Our Lady and the Saints had once again touched many souls ... and that faith-seeds were planted that are already beginning to produce good fruits in Kapa'a - again, all thanks and praises be to God!

Kauai parishioners venerating our

dear Saints, our Spiritual Heroes!

In closing, this ministry gives a special shout-out to Auntie Carol Aki for her invitation and for generously sponsoring the trip; Fr. Nick for hosting me in the parish rectory; Terry for being my gracious driver; and Carmen, Victoria, Tom, and Sr. Rachel for doing a fantastic job in setting up the hall and providing a worthy display for the Sacred Relics ... and best regards, too, to the rest of my other Spiritual Ohana I met over the weekend.  Thank you and God bless you ALL, over and over, for your assistance and blessings upon me and my ministry!

And now, Lord, what island is next?

Eucharistic Saints Presentation, 01-12-2024: St. Elizabeth Church, Aiea

Once again, this ministry was invited to speak to the young people in the Edge Group at St. Elizabeth Church ... and the organizer let me pick the topic!  Being that the Church in America is still in "Eucharistic Revival" mode, this author chose to speak about the exemplary Eucharistic Devotion of our Saints.

Relics on display at St. Elizabeth Church

I recall reading somewhere that only about 33% of Catholics believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  Imagine it - out of every group of 100 parishioners sitting with us in the pews during a Mass, only 32 others actually believe that the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of our Lord during the Consecration!  It's disturbing and sad to me ... but how can this happen?

Young people venerating our Saints

I personally believe the main root of the problem is the lack of thorough and continuing education at the parish level, starting with our children.  Hence, the reason why this ministry is always willing and happy to faith-share with our youth about the Truths of our great Faith.

A boy prays intensely before a relic of

Bl. Benedetta Bianchi Porro

So last night I tried to kill two birds with one stone: I emphasized knowing and loving Jesus in the Eucharist, and encouraged imitation and devotion to our Saints ... and most of the kids responded positively, especially to the presence of the relics.  Just look at the photos posted to see their reactions.  Priceless.

The holy persons present tonight, via their relics, were: St. Angelo of Acri, Bl. Benedetta Bianchi Porro, Bl. Carlo Acutis, Servant of God Louise Lateau, St. Paul of the Cross, and St. Padre Pio.  May these Saints pray and intercede for our young people.

New Year Blessings to All

This ministry wishes its readers a prosperous 2025 filled with the good Lord's presence and benedictions!

... and speaking of divine presence and blessings, this author unexpectedly witnessed another unusual manifestation above my Kailua parish of St. Anthony of Padua Church shortly before a New Year's Mass - it was in the form of an uncanny image of a veiled woman carrying a baby.  The figures looked like a white statue nestled amongst the clouds, of which I managed to snap a couple of pictures although they turned out disappointingly inadequate compared to what I actually saw in-person ...

Was it the Madonna & Christ Child?

Still, the pics manage to convey a glimpse of the figures I saw and how appropriate they were since today the Church is also celebrating a sublime Marian Feast ... and let's not forget it's the Jubilee Year of Hope!  What a great way to start the new year off!

Happy Solemnity of Mary,

Mother of God!

Saint of the Month - January 2025: Blessed Juana of the Cross

Bl. Juana of the Cross

A Mystic of the Cross - Memorial: May 3rd

Madre Juana of the Cross Vazquez Gutierrez - who was she?  This obscure Franciscan nun was suddenly thrust into the limelight last November 2024 when the Vatican officially confirmed her cultus, effectively raising her to the status of a "Blessed".  She was a prodigious mystic and a ground-breaking spiritual figure of her time.  This is her story.

Juana was born May 3, 1481, to well-to-do farmers in Toledo.  Her remarkable experiences began when she was just a 4-year-old toddler - having fallen off a horse she was knocked unconscious but was revived shortly after by a private apparition of her guardian angel and the Virgin Mary.  The experience was pivotal because, from henceforth, she had a strong devotion to both ... and began living an intensely faithful and ascetic lifestyle.

As she approached her 15th year, Juana's beauty attracted suitors from whom her father chose a knight from a noble family for her future husband.  Upon learning of the plan to marry her off, the pious teen, with the direct assistance of her angel, escaped from home disguised in a male cousin's clothing.  Juana fled to the "Beaterio" (beguinage/hermitage) of Santa Maria de la Cruz in Cubas de la Sagra (built on the site of a 1449 Marian apparition) where a group of Franciscan Tertiaries were living in community.  Her father eventually found her but his efforts to retrieve her were firmly rebuffed by his daughter, forcing him to give up.  Thus, began this Blessed's life as a consecrated soul on May 4th, 1496.

In the Beaterio, Juana donned the habit and professed private vows under the name of Sr. Juana de la Cruz (Joan of the Cross), which later proved to be prophetic since her religious career was marked with much suffering heroically endured in union with Christ Crucified: she fasted strictly, slept very little, and practiced the discipline.  Her mystical experiences also gradually escalated with visions and ecstasies involving Jesus, the Blessed Virgin, and her angel, that sometimes lasted for hours.  The phenomena that surrounded the young nun was initially met with skeptism by some of her companions and she was subjected to mockery and outright hostile treatment from most of her peers ... but Sr. Juana submitted to their ill-treatment with unfailing patience and humility, refining her virtues in the face of adversity.

Madre Juana had a close relationship

with her guardian angel

Successive and significant events were further recorded concerning the mystic's early, formative years:

• In 1506, at age 25, Juana became mute for a 6-month period between February 10th until August 11th (the Feast of St. Clare of Assisi).  It was a period of preparation and purification as Jesus explained to her, "do not speak, because I will speak instead" ... because he desired to "reveal secrets and great wonders" to the people.  After Juana regained her voice, she began falling into ecstatic trances during which she "preached" about various spiritual topics that were simultaneously revealed to her in visions.

• In 1507, she experienced the Mystical Marriage to Christ in the presence of Our Lady, who presented the ring of espousal to her Son who then placed it on Juana's finger.

• During Lent of 1508, the Stigmata appeared on her limbs and exuded an exquisite scent that was undeniable.

It was just a matter of time before word of the miracle nun of Cubas de la Sagra spread outside of the hermitage, attracting both the faithful and the curious, alike.  In particular, her "sermons" were closely scrutinized by Church authorities and found to be of sound doctrine and highly edifying; her person and sanity were also tested and deemed sincere and healthy.  As a result, the local prelate - Cardinal Cisneros - was so impressed, he gave an unprecedented approval to have her publicly preach, a faculty usually reserved only for priests!  People from all walks of life - simple folk, royalty (e.g. Emperor Charles V), and Church leaders - flocked to the hermitage to witness her weekly discourses during which the visionary spoke with unusual eloquence and authority while in ecstasy.

As further confirmation of the divine origin of Sr. Juana's gift of preaching two other miracles were recorded about them: firstly, the mystic sometimes delivered her sermons in foreign tongues unknown to her (e.g. Arabic); secondly, a secretary appointed to assist her - an illiterate nun named Sr. Maria Evangelista - miraculously received the ability to read and write after being ordered to transcribe the words of the seer.

In 1509, with the influx of applicants to the Beaterio, Juana was instrumental in having it converted to a Poor Clare Monastery and was elected its first Abbess by her companions.  In this capacity, she also proved to be a practical leader, expanding and upgrading the building for the good of the community; establishing a school for girls; and founding three new Clarist Monasteries in neighboring cities.  Her own monastery became a spiritual hub for the region, where people came to Madre Juana for advice, prayers, and a blessing (she reportedly cured illnesses with the sign of the cross).

Still, despite the support the seer received from the Church, she continued to have her detractors.  In 1517, after the death of Cardinal Cisneros, her own vicaress - a secondary superior named Sr. Eufrasia - with the backing of certain jealous priests, formally accused the Abbess of misconduct to the Spanish Provincial Minister of the Franciscans.  Consequently, Juana was replaced by her accuser.  In her customary humility, Juana urged the community to peacefully support the decision and was again subjected to a period of ill-treatment instigated by her successor and the hostile clergy who resented her powerful influence.

This new trial lasted for about six years, after which Sr. Eufrasia fell seriously ill.  Fearing death was near, the nun confessed that she had falsely accused her former superior, which led to the reinstatement of Madre Juana as Abbess in 1523.  The vindicated superior led her community with no further objections for the next 10 years.  She died at the age of 53 on May 3rd, 1534, after spending the last years of her life bedridden by illness.

Madre Juana's tomb in the Monastery

of Santa Maria de la Cruz

During her lifetime, Madre Juana of the Cross was considered by many to be a saint and a true prophetess, and was even nicknamed the "Trumpet of God".  After her death the sentiments continued and although she isn't Canonized, she is affectionately referred to by the locals as "la Santa Juana".  Her tomb in the church of the Monastery of Santa Maria de la Cruz in Cubas de la Sagra is still frequented by pilgrims.

And finally, in a rare move by Pope Francis, this remarkable Franciscan mystic was declared Blessed Juana of the Cross after the Pontiff officially recognized and approved her cultus on November 25, 2024 (an "Equipollent" Beatification that dispensed of a required official miracle).  From her place in Heaven, may she intercede for our personal needs and the needs of the universal Catholic Church.

A relic from the bones ("hueso") of Bl. Juana,

gifted to this ministry years ago by a Spanish

Franciscan nun.

Bl. Juana of the Cross,

pray for us!