“... 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