Annual Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe: December 4th - 12th

Am I not here, who

is your Mother?

~ Words of Our Lady of Guadalupe

to St. Juan Diego, 1531

It's that time of the year again!  Readers are cordially invited to join this ministry in making its annual novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The 9-day prayer will begin on December 4th and will end on December 12th - the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe - on which day, this author recommends for participants to attend Mass as a way of honoring our Holy Mother, as well as, to close-out this novena. +

Memorare to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, that in thy celestial apparitions on the mount of Tepeyac, thou didst promise to show thy compassion and pity towards all who, loving and trusting thee, seek thy help and call upon thee in their necessities and afflictions.

Thou didst promise to hearken to our supplications, to dry our tears and to give us consolation and relief.  Never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, either for the common welfare, or in personal anxieties, was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Mary, ever Virgin Mother of the True God!  Though grieving under the weight of our sins, we come to prostrate ourselves in thy august presence, certain that thou wilt deign to fulfill thy merciful promises.  We are full of hope that, standing beneath thy shadow and protection, nothing will trouble or afflict us, nor need we fear illness, or misfortune, or any other sorrow.

Thou hast decided to remain with us through thy admirable image, thou who art our Mother, our health and our life.  Placing ourselves beneath thy maternal gaze and having recourse to thee in all our necessities we need do nothing more.  O Holy Mother of God, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us.  Amen.

[Mention your prayer petition(s) here]

(Offer an Our Father, a Hail Mary & Glory Be

in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe)

+ IMPORTANT:  For this novena - any prayer - to be successful, there must be a measure of faith; a belief that God, in his infinite goodness, can answer our prayer.  Without faith, prayer has no power.

To learn more about the incredible

apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe

& her miraculous image, click here.

Saints & Relics Presentation (Family Edition): St. Elizabeth Church, 12-7-2025

Tonight's presentation on Saints and Relics "Family Edition" at St. Elizabeth Church was structured to introduce teenagers to the richness of Catholic tradition, highlighting the lives of holy men and women and the sacred relics associated with them.  This presenter emphasized that our Saints were ordinary people transformed by extraordinary faith, which resonated with the teenagers and kept them attentive throughout.

The youthful audience was engrossed as they listened to vivid stories of holy individuals who faced real life struggles - peer pressure, doubts, fears, illness, etc. ‐ and they found the Saints relatable rather than distant historical figures; ample photos also helped to break up the talk and maintain focus.

The relics on display were from St. Bartolo Longo; St. Bernadette of Lourdes; St. Carlo Acutis;

Ven. Domenica Lazzeri; St. Gianna Beretta Molla; St. John Paul II; Bl. Karl of Austria; Sts. Louis &

Zelie Martin w/St. Therese of Lisieux; St. Padre Pio; St. Peregrine Laziosi; Our Lady & St. Joseph.

The presentation concluded with a moment of prayer, encouraging the teens to internalize what they had learned and to see Saints as intercessors and companions in faith.  They were then invited to approach the relics on display, which gave them a concrete way to grow their budding devotion.  Several lingered, whispering prayers, indicating that the talk had sparked genuine interest and sincere veneration.

I'm thankful to God and for my team of behind-the-scenes prayer warriors whose support greatly helped this speaker to successfully meet my threefold goal of maintaining my audience's attention; engaging their participation; and encouraging veneration by fostering personal connections to Saints and relics.  Many of the youth left not only informed but also inspired, carrying with them a sense of reverence and devotion.

Tonight's veneration of relics at St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea.

December 2025: That Hawaiian Supermoon

"Who is she that comes forth as the morning

rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun,

terrible as an army set in battle array?"

- Song of Solomon 6:10

Lately, wonderful things have been been witnessed in the sky above our islands ... and it involves the moon.  First off, during the past three nights, we've been awed by the sight of a "supermoon".  It's an infrequent natural occurrence during which the moon is at its closest orbit to the earth and appears larger and brighter than an ordinary full moon; it also sometimes takes on an orange to reddish hue, which adds greatly to its already spectacular appearance. 🌕

This author has seen many supermoons in my lifetime, but this time around, it was literally a blessing from above - allow me to elaborate: this past Wednesday, 12-3-2025, as I drove into Kailua to attend the FIAT: Faith In Action Today prayer meeting, I caught sight of the moon and was surprised to see within it a clear image of the face of our Blessed Mother.  I've witnessed a similar manifestation before back in January 2012 but never saw anything like it again until this Wednesday.  Our Lady's features were beautiful and she was smiling, as her face faded and reappeared intermittently.  I was elated, to say the least!

An artistic depiction of what this author

witnessed in the moon

When I got to the meeting, I immediately told other members of the FIAT Group about the moon and several of them went outside to see for themselves.  To my relief, three others also saw the Holy Virgin's face, which affirmed for me that it wasn't just my imagination.  So we whipped out our cellphones to snap pics but none of us succeeded in capturing the mysterious face.  Instead, all we got were images of a blank glowing white sphere against the night sky.

I was somewhat disappointed that we didn't get clear pics to keep as souvenirs of the blessed event ... but things changed when I later got home.  Earlier, during my drive into Kailua, I had filmed the moon briefly out of sheer excitement and, while reviewing the footage, I was shocked to discover that I had unexpectedly captured something remarkable, after all ... but instead of just a face, I filmed a full-figure apparition!  Here's the video ...

ABOVE:  Note the silhouette in the light (circled)

BELOW:  A screen-shot from the video clip (note

the resemblance to the statue next to it)

   

I can't help but see Our Lady of Grace with her arms customarily extended downward in the above clip, to which several friends have agreed.  Why she manifested in the video - or even in the moon - I don't know; she didn't say a word, but my best guess is that she simply wanted to encourage our FIAT Group to prayerfully persevere; to remind our members that she's around, acknowledging our filial devotion to her and to lovingly dispense graces (we often affectionately refer to her as our "MOM").

I've looked at the moon, over and over again last night and tonight, but no face or figure was seen in it.  I'm extremely grateful for what was witnessed and, regardless, the sight of a supermoon is an awesome gift of the natural realm; a reminder of just how great our GOD is who made it all, along with its breathtaking beauty.  Thanks and praises be to HIM!

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

- Psalm 19:1

She's still there ...

It's been over 150 years since Our Lady graced Lourdes, France, with her now-famous 18 apparitions ... yet her presence apparently continues to remain at that hallowed site.  I strongly sensed her there when I visited the Lourdes Sanctuary in October 2024 ... and even came home with a special souvenir photo!

Oh, how I miss that place!  But thankfully, there's the Lourdes Sanctuary live webcam, which never fails to take me back to the Holy Grotto - search for it in YouTube because you never know what you'll witness when you tune in!

Just this morning, as this blogger was praying my daily Rosary, I felt an urge to bring up the webcam on my TV screen so I jumped on and joined pilgrims praying the Rosary in Italian.  Not long after, I noticed a strange light formation in the center of the grotto - it was so striking, I had to take pics of my screen.  Each viewer can decide what he/she sees ... but for me it affirms what I already know - our Blessed Mother's maternal presence is still at Lourdes.

            

Closer views of the unusual light formation in the Grotto of Massabielle (compare each with the statue at center)

Lourdes is that HOLY - the Grotto in particular is a special place where Heaven and earth unite!  If one ever has the opportunity to visit Lourdes, go!  Until then, view the webcam and pray with the pilgrims from all over the world.  Grace somehow seems to transmit even through that live digital portal ... and you never know what you'll see!  The pics above are just a recent set out of several other remarkable things I've witnessed on the webcam in the past four years.  See other pics by following this link or by viewing the "Little Signs" Photo Albums.

Allow the light of Lourdes to touch and heal your spirit!

Our Lady of Lourdes,

pray for us!

Saint of the Month - December 2025: Blessed Peter Friedhofen

Bl. Peter Friedhofen

A Healer of Soul & Body

Memorial: July 13th

Our featured monthly holy person for December was a humble chimney sweep who became a founder of a religious congregation dedicated to mercy and service.  His life, marked by poverty, sacrifice, and deep faith, stands as a testament to sanctity expressed through tireless charity and devotion to God.

Early Life and Trials

Peter Friedhofen was born on February 25, 1819, in Weitersburg, near Koblenz, Germany. He was the sixth of seven children in a poor farming family. His father died when Peter was only a year old, and his mother passed away in 1828, leaving the children orphans. Because of poverty, Peter received little formal education and was apprenticed as a chimney sweep at age fifteen, working alongside his older brother Jakob.

When Jakob died prematurely, leaving behind a widow and eleven children, Peter assumed responsibility for their care. Despite his own poverty, he worked tirelessly to support them, embodying the Christian call to selfless love. This early burden of responsibility shaped his character, instilling in him a profound compassion for the poor, the sick, and the abandoned.

Call to Charity and Founding of a Congregation

While continuing his trade, Peter increasingly devoted himself to caring for the helpless, especially children and the sick.  He organized charitable projects in towns such as Adenau, Cochem, and Wittlich.  His deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary inspired him to establish St. Aloysius confraternities for youth, encouraging them to live virtuous lives under the guidance of the Church.

In 1849, Peter founded the Brothers of Charity of Mary Help of Christians (also known as the Brothers of Mercy of Mary Help of Christians) after finally giving in to an inner call from God.   Their mission was to serve the sick, the poor, and the abandoned, combining practical nursing care with spiritual consolation.  The congregation received official recognition in 1850, and Peter himself trained in nursing at an Alexian monastery and hospital to better serve those in need.

Bl. Peter’s congregation serves the poor and

the sick throughout the world.

Sanctity in Suffering

Peter’s life was marked not only by service but also by suffering.  He endured tuberculosis, which weakened him greatly, yet he continued his charitable work with unwavering faith.  His illness became a means of sanctification, as he united his suffering with Christ’s Passion.  Despite frailty, he remained a source of encouragement to his brothers, urging them to persevere in their mission of mercy.

He died on December 21, 1860, in Koblenz, at the age of forty-one.  His death was mourned by many who had experienced his kindness and devotion.

Beatification and Legacy

Peter Friedhofen’s sanctity was recognized by the Church. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 23, 1985, who praised him as a model of Christian charity and perseverance in faith. His feast day is celebrated on December 21, and in the Diocese of Trier on June 23.

Today, the Brothers of Charity of Mary Help of Christians continue the Founder's mission, serving the sick and needy in various countries.  His life demonstrates that holiness is not reserved for scholars or clergy alone, but can be lived in humble trades and ordinary circumstances when animated by love of God and neighbor.

The tomb of Bl. Peter Friedhofen in Trier, Germany.

Conclusion

Blessed Peter Friedhofen’s exemplary life is a story of orphanhood transformed into fatherhood; poverty turned into generosity; and suffering transfigured into sanctity.  His accomplishments—the founding of a congregation, the care of countless poor and sick, and his enduring witness of faith—remain a source of inspiration.  He reminds us that true greatness lies not in worldly success but in selfless service and fidelity to Christ.  May he soon be elevated to Sainthood for the greater glory of God and for the good of all souls.

Bl. Peter Friedhofen, pray for us!

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

  "Dear children!  In this time of grace, I am calling you to follow me. Pray for those who do not pray and do not want peace and joy, which only the Most High can give.  May your souls be united in the joy of expectancy and your heart will be filled with peace.  You will be convinced, little children, that all will be good and that God will bless all; because the good that you give will return to you, and joy will enfold your heart because you are with God and in God.  Thank you for having responded to my call."

The Light of HIS Holy Face shines upon the Faithful ...

Witnessed tonight: The Holy Face of Christ (circled below) appears clearly on our parish's crucifix at the beginning of an overnight Eucharist Adoration going on now at my parish.  Furthermore, a crown is discernible on the image and tomorrow is the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe! All hail to the KING!

“In the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar,

His Adorable Face is more dazzling than

the sun. He then once more promised me

to imprint His Divine Likeness upon the

souls of those who honor the features

of His Face.”

- Sr. Marie of St. Peter,

Carmelite of Tours & Mystic of

the Holy Face Revelations

The Rosary and Signal Graces

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

"One day, through the Rosary and the

Scapular, the world will be saved."

‐ Our Lady to St. Dominic

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

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

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

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

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

Whoever shall faithfully serve me

by the recitation of the Rosary, shall

receive signal graces.

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

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

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

   

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

   

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

Saints & Relics Presentation (Family Edition): St. John Vianney Church, 11-1-2025

Today’s presentation was especially fitting for All Saints’ Day, our great Feast that reminds us that holiness is possible for everyone — not just for a few extraordinary individuals, but even for families; for parents and children together; for siblings ... walking the same road toward Heaven.

The CCD Team at St. John Vianney Church organized a Saints-themed faith formation event at their parish and invited this ministry to give this presentation, and so the message naturally centered on the family as the seedbed of sanctity.  I wanted to show that sainthood is not confined to one person in a household — it can flourish among several members of the same family when faith and virtue take root in the home.

To emphasize this truth, I shared the inspiring example of Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, who made it a point to raise their children "to populate Heaven". Their daughter, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, known to the world as "The Little Flower", is one of the Church’s most beloved Saints.  And now, one of her sisters, Léonie Martin, is also on the path to canonization after living a deeply holy life as a Visitation nun.

   

Families honoring the Saints through relic veneration.

We also reflected on St. John Paul II, whose parents, Karol Sr. and Emilia Wojtyła, are both being considered for sainthood in Kraków, Poland.  Their faith and example clearly shaped the heart of the future pope.

And there was St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the modern-day Saint, wife, and mother.  Her holiness was nourished within a family of faith — two of her brothers became priests, one sister a nun, and her brother, Fr. Alberto Beretta, has already been declared Venerable.

Finally, there is Bl. Karl of Austria, the last Emperor of the Austria-Hungary Empire, who with his wife - Empress Zita - vowed on their wedding day to help each other to get to Heaven.  She is now a Servant of God.

A moving sight - a little girl praying and reaching

out to St. Joseph and his relic.

All of these examples of sanctity — powerfully represented by the presence of their sacred relics — illustrated the beauty of All Saints’ Day: the truth that the Saints form one great family in Heaven, and that our own families here on earth are called to join their company through everyday holiness.

Other holy persons/relics featured during the event included St. Bartolo Longo, St. Bernadette of Lourdes, St. Carlo Acutis, Ven. Domenica Lazzeri, St. Peregrine Laziosi, St. Padre Pio, Our Lady & St. Joseph — witnesses of God’s grace in every age and state of life.

The audience was wonderfully attentive and appreciative, and it was particularly touching to see all of the families approach the relics to pay their respects and to pray.  It felt like a special grace for this All Saints’ Day gathering.

The St. John Vianney Church Saint Parade!

And the children's "Saints Parade" costume contest that followed was a delight to see!  There were three Carlo Acutis contestants (including one of the dads!), which showed just how popular he is with our youngsters!

It was a great way to celebrate our Feast of All Saints!  All thanks and praises be to God, to our Blessed Mother, and to all the Saints — our heavenly family who continue to inspire us to live holy lives right where we are!

Saint of the Month - November 2025: Teresa Helena Higginson

Servant of God

Teresa Helena Higginson

The Hidden Mystic of England

Teresa Helena Higginson was born on May 27, 1844, in Holywell, Flintshire, Wales, into a pious Catholic family of English descent.  Her parents, devoted to their faith during a time when Catholicism was still viewed with suspicion in Protestant England, nurtured in her an early love of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Holy Eucharist.  From her earliest years, Teresa displayed extraordinary piety and an unusual sensitivity to the presence of the Divine.  Her childhood was marked by an innocence and purity that impressed all who knew her.  She was said to spend hours in silent prayer, even as a young girl, often found kneeling before the family crucifix absorbed in contemplation.

Educated at the convent school of the Sisters of Mercy in Liverpool, Teresa showed great intelligence and humility.  Her teachers noted her deep reverence for the Blessed Sacrament and her remarkable understanding of spiritual matters.  After completing her studies, she felt drawn to a life of service and became a schoolteacher.  She served faithfully in several schools, including those in Bootle, Orrell, and Neston, where she was known for her patience, kindness, and zeal for the moral and religious formation of her pupils.  Her teaching was not merely academic; she saw it as a sacred calling, a way to bring souls closer to Christ.

It was during these years that Teresa began experiencing spiritual phenomena that would mark her as one of England’s greatest mystic souls.  She possessed profound charisms, among them the gift of Ecstasies, Healing, Bilocation, Mystical Communions, visits from Christ and the Saints, physical battles with demonic spirits, and visible Stigmata.  Witnesses recounted that on certain Fridays, especially during Lent, Teresa bore on her body the marks of the Passion — wounds corresponding to those of Christ crucified.  Her hands, feet, and side would bleed, and she suffered intense physical pain offered in reparation for sins and for the sanctification of priests.  Yet she bore these sufferings with great serenity and secrecy, desiring only that they might remain hidden and serve the greater glory of God.

Teresa Helena (circled) as a Schoolteacher

The gift of Bilocation attributed to her was particularly extraordinary.  Accounts circulated among her fellow teachers and spiritual directors that Teresa had been seen in two places at once — instructing children in one classroom while simultaneously visiting and comforting the sick elsewhere.  She even claimed that she was sent by God on several occasions to a tribe in Africa to teach the Gospel to a chief and his subjects.  Such manifestations, though never publicly displayed, were quietly acknowledged by those who knew her intimately as further signs of divine favor.  Despite these extraordinary experiences, Teresa remained deeply humble.  She sought no recognition and lived a life of simplicity and obedience, completely surrendered to God’s will.

Teresa’s spiritual mission became more clearly defined through her mystical communications with Christ, who revealed to her the devotion to His Sacred Head as the Seat of Divine Wisdom.  Jesus made known to her His desire that this devotion be spread throughout the Church as a means to honor the source of all holy knowledge and to make reparation for the misuse of the intellect.  Teresa faithfully recorded these revelations under obedience to her confessor.  In them, Our Lord promised abundant graces to those who would venerate His Sacred Head — particularly for teachers, students, and all who sought wisdom and understanding.  This devotion became central to Teresa’s spirituality and remains one of her enduring legacies.

Throughout her life, Teresa endured intense trials: misunderstandings, physical ailments, and the spiritual darkness common to souls chosen for a high degree of union with God.  Her mystical sufferings often mirrored the Passion of Christ.  She accepted these crosses with heroic patience, finding joy even in affliction.  Her correspondence and spiritual writings reveal a profound interior life centered on the Eucharist and the Holy Trinity.  She possessed a burning love for Jesus and a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, often calling her “my sweet Mother.”

Our Lord revealed to Teresa Helena his

desire for a devotion to His Sacred Head

as the "Seat of Divine Wisdom".

In her later years, Teresa continued her teaching quietly, hidden from worldly acclaim but radiant with supernatural charity.  Those who knew her described her as gentle, deeply prayerful, and filled with an unearthly peace.  She had the gift of discernment and could read the hearts of those who came to her for counsel.  Many experienced conversion or consolation after speaking with her.  Despite her frail health, she remained devoted to her vocation until the end.

Teresa Helena Higginson died on February 15, 1905, at Chudleigh, Devon, at the age of sixty.  Word of her sanctity spread slowly, as she had lived a hidden and humble life.  However, her reputation for holiness and the accounts of her mystical gifts inspired great devotion among the faithful.  In 1937, her cause for beatification was opened, and she was declared a Servant of God by the Catholic Church.  Her incorrupt body was discovered in 1928, a further sign to many of her sanctity.

Today, Teresa Helena is remembered as a mystic and victim-soul who offered her life for the reparation of sin and the sanctification of priests and teachers.  Her promotion of the Devotion to the Sacred Head of Jesus as the Seat of Divine Wisdom remains a spiritual gem for the Church (click here to learn more about this devotion).  Though not yet canonized, she stands as a powerful intercessor for all who seek humility, wisdom, and fidelity to God’s will.  Her life exemplifies the quiet grandeur of hidden holiness — a life consumed by Divine Love, illuminated by mystical grace, and offered for the salvation of souls.

Teresa Helena Higginson,

pray for us.

Saints & Relics Presentation (Family Edition): St. Anthony of Padua Church, 10-26-2025

Today's presentation was requested by the Be A Holy Family Ministry at my parish.  Consequently, the main message I tried to convey was directed towards the family unit: that sanctity can exist in a household not just in one individual but also possible in both parents and amongst multiple siblings ... and this ministry used the lives of certain Saints (and their sacred relics) to drive the point home!

L to R: Relics of St. Carlo Acutis, Our Lady's veil,

Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin, St. Therese of Lisieux

For example: I featured Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin and their great Saint of a daughter - St. Therese the Little Flower ... and let's not overlook Leonie, another of the Martin sisters who is now up for sainthhood, herself, after having lived a virtuous life as a Visitation nun.  The there's St. Pope John Paul II whose own parents - Karol Sr. and Emilia Wojtyla - have had their Causes for Sainthood recently opened in Krakow, Poland.  Furthermore, there's St. Gianna Beretta Molla who had two brothers who became priests, and a sister became a nun.  One of these siblings - Fr. Alberto Beretta of Milan - has already been declared Venerable.

   

L to R: Relics of  St. John Paul II, St. Gianna Beretta

Molla, St. Padre Pio, and St. Benedict of Nursia

And let's not forget St. Benedict of Nursia and his twin sister, St. Scholastica. So, as one can see, holiness is not only possible in individuals but also within multiple family members; often, the exceptional faith-example of parents are a significant factor.

Besides the above-mentioned holy individuals, others featured with their respective relics were Bl. Alexandrina Maria da Costa, St. Bernadette of Lourdes, St. Peregrine Laziosi, St. Padre Pio, St. Teresa of Avila, and Our Lady's veil.

   

L to R: Relics of Bl. Alexandrina Maria da Costa,

St. Peregrine Laziosi, St. Teresa of Avila, and

St. Bernadette of Lourdes

And finally, the audience was very attentive and engaged.  What was awesome was several of the men - fathers - approached me to personally say "thank you" and to express how much they learned; it's usually women who come up to talk with me so the men being expressive was extra-special affirmation for this ministry that the Saints had once again made a positive impact in people's lives.

   

Parents and their children venerating our

great and holy spiritual heroes!

All Thanks and Praises be to God, our Blessed Mother, and the Saints!

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

  "Dear Children!  The Most High in His goodness gave me to you to lead you on the way of peace.  Many have responded and are praying, but there are many creatures who do not have peace and have not come to know the God of love.  Therefore, little children, pray and love, create prayer groups to encourage each other to the good. I am with you and am praying for your conversion.  Thank you for having responded to my call."

Kailua Celebrates the Month of the Rosary

This ministry is happy to report that several special events have been ongoing in Kailua to celebrate the "Month of the Holy Rosary" ...

🌹 First Saturday Rosary for Peace & Sunday Rosaries

First off, St. Anthony of Padua Church's longstanding monthly First Saturday Rosary for Peace had hit another major milestone on 10/4/2025 - it's 15th Anniversary and what abundant graces we've received since we started!

In addition, Rosaries are being prayed by our congregation, 35 minutes prior to every Mass during the month of October.  Come and pray with us ... and in the months ahead, consider making the Five First Saturdays Devotion (see above) at our parish.  We continue to have Confession, Rosary, and Vigil Mass every Saturday afternoon beginning at 4pm.

(NOTE: At neighboring St. John Vianney Church, for the month of October, the congregation is praying the Rosary every Saturday morning after the 8am Mass led by the parish's Sodality of Mary.)

🌹 Pilgrim Madonna Home Visits

Initially implemented by our Pastor, Fr. Tony, for the month of October 2024, then again in May 2025, we started with 2 statues that traveled at 3-day intervals between 26 homes in Kailua.  The statues were a Fatima image provided by a friend and a Lady of Grace statue owned by this ministry.

   

The two original Pilgrim Madonnas and Fr. Tony commissioning

4 (of 5) Pilgrim Madonnas for October 2025.

This October 2025, our parishioners responded so enthusiastically, we had to add more 3 images, which includes this ministry's Queen of Peace Icon with its three stones collected from sites in Medjugorje sanctified by the Virgin Mary’s continuing apparitions there: Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, and the Blue Cross locations.  With the additional Pilgrim Madonnas, our Blessed Mother will now get to visit over 60 homes in which parishioners have committed themselves to pray the Rosary for the duration of the visitation - I personally anticipate great graces for our families and general community!

   

ABOVE & BELOW:  A few photos of the Pilgrim Madonnas

visiting parish homes.

🌹 America Needs Fatima (ANF) Rosary Rally 2025

Once again, Auntie Patty Vargas and her extended family hosted its annual ANF Rosary Rally at their Kailua home.  This wonderful family has been faithfully hosting uninterrupted annual rallies since 2009 (except for 2020 due to the covid pandemic).  The event is something many of us, fortunate enough to be invited, look forward to each year because of its devout atmosphere ... and the light-hearted fellowship and delicious luncheon that follows the prayers.  This year's rally did not disappoint.

The Vargas Ohana's 2025 Rosary Rally in

Kailua (Oahu), Hawaii ...

An annual event of Prayer, Faith, Food & Fellowship!

🌹 Affirmations

With all these special observances honoring the Holy Mother of Christ in our parish, spiritual fruits have inevitably followed: increased Mass attendance; increased OCIA enrollments this year; increased participation in parish-sponsored special events/celebrations (e.g. the Rosary Marathon, Pilgrim Madonna program, etc.); increased membership with our FIAT: Faith In Action Today Prayer Group; and, lastly, seemingly increased signs in the skies above our two Kailua parishes (St. Anthony of Padua Church and St. John Vianney Church)!

On the morning of the 10/11/2025 Rally:

the Holy Mother's figure was witnessed from

St. John Vianney Church's garden shrine.  She

expressed her joy over all the Rosary Rallies

being held around the world!

It all goes to show that wherever Our Lady is venerated through the Rosary, her loving, motherly presence is there ... and, trust me - she comes loaded with gifts!

Ave Maria & Thanks be to God!