Blessings for the New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR

... and Happy Feast Day of

Mary, Holy Mother of God!

What an interesting and blessed New Year's Eve it was yesterday.  From early in the morning I was filled with an unusual anticipation concerning the upcoming year; it was neither good nor bad ... rather, a feeling that 2026 will somehow be significant, but I'm uncertain as to how.  The sensation was compounded by movements and formations in the sky that I occasionally caught glimpses of ... like wispy white human-like figures moving around amongst the clouds.  I even thought to myself "Heaven seems busy today".

At one point, as I was making coffee in my job's staff kitchen/dining area, I glanced out the window and was surprised to see clear figures in the clouds resembling winged angels and even figures dressed in long hooded robes (Saints?).  I watched for several moments before running back to my desk to fetch my cellphone in order to snap a few photos - the one below is one of the clearer pics ...

... and then my priest, Fr. Tony, unexpectedly called.  He was inspired at the last minute to add a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration/Benediction after the New Year's Eve Vigil Mass scheduled at my parish tonight.  He also wanted the Rosary prayed before the Mass in honor of our Blessed Mother's Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on January 1st, and asked for my help in arranging it.  Of course, I happily agreed.

Not long after hanging up with my priest, I left the office to walk over to the Kamiano Center near the Honolulu Cathedral to lector at the Noon Mass.  As I made my way, an amazing image in the clouds - a silhouette - took form ahead of me, which I also photographed ...

'not saying it's supernatural, but tell me if that blue area in the center doesn't resemble an outline of the Virgin Mary?!  The likeness is uncanny and talk about spiritual serendipity!  And how relevant is the timing, too, given my priest's phone call?  I couldn't help but think it was Our Lady's way of communicating her gratitude and approval over the plans to include the Rosary (her most favorite prayer) in my parish's line-up of events.  (She is always very thoughtful and grateful for everything we do in her honor.)

And about that vigil service, I'm happy to report that it turned out to be a beautiful and well-attended gathering.  During Adoration we were led to reflect on letting go of bygone hurts and sins, and to allow Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, to heal and renew us.  Many later expressed what a meaningful way it was to end the old year and to usher in the new one.  Our Fr. Tony did good.

New Year's Eve Eucharistic Adoration at

St. Anthony of Padua Church, Kailua

So regardless what 2026 may bring - good and bad - there's always hope in GOD ... and HE will lovingly respond to our needs if we are sincere, even sending Our Lady, the Angels, and the Saints to be with us when needed, which I think the photos posted above can help attest to.

Plus, it's always an excellent idea, as we start Day One of a new year, to renew (or begin) our personal commitments to follow our Lord's teachings more closely and to commend ourselves to Our Lady's maternal guidance on her significant feast day.  Prayer - particularly frequent Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Rosary - will also continue to be an absolute necessity as we move forward in 2026.  May God bless us all with a holy and prosperous new year!

"For I know the plans I have for you"

declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you

and not to harm you, plans to give you

hope and a future."

- Jeremiah 29:11

Are you Battle Ready?

Stand with St. Michael and the

Angelic Army of Heaven!

  "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  - Ephesians 6:11-17

An unusual cloud formation above

Kailua Town in February 2025.  Are we

being prepared for spiritual warfare?

St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle!

Put on the Armor of God!

"Be sober-minded; be watchful.

Your adversary the devil prowls

around like a roaring lion,

seeking someone to devour."

- 1 Peter 5:8

Dear, Fellow People of God - WAKE UP!  In this present era of growing darkness and turmoil, Heaven continues to remind us to be vigilant and prepared ...

(Note the date of this occurrence)

"Put on the full armor of God,

so that you can take your stand

against the devil’s schemes.  For our

struggle is not against flesh and

blood, but against the rulers, against

the authorities, against the powers

of this dark world and against the

spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly

realms.  Therefore put on the full

armor of God, so that when the day

of evil comes, you may be able to

stand your ground, and after you

have done everything, to stand."

- Ephesians 6:11-13

Be not afraid - the Lord's special anointing of strength and protection will be upon those who stand with Him. Thanks and praises be to God!

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

DEFEND US IN BATTLE!

NOTE:  This statue of St. Michael is in the personal custody of this author and used by the Cohort of St. Michael Prayer Group during our spiritual warfare meetings at St. Anthony of Padua Church.  My spiritual director is kept informed of the phenomena.

Saint of the Month - April 2024: Saint Gemma Galgani

 

St. Gemma Galgani

The Passion Flower of Lucca

Feast: April 11th

This biography is long overdue, and this writer is embarrassed to admit it since St. Gemma is one of my Patron Saints - a personal favorite - along with St. Anthony of Padua (d. 1231).  She has not only obtained many signal graces for me, but her example of victimhood spirituality continually inspires me!  Consequently, I am especially happy to pay tribute to this Saint by blogging about her incredible life.  Please allow her to inspire you, as well ...

Gemma Umberta Maria Galgani was born on March 12, 1878, in the small Italian town of Camigliano, Italy, but her father - a successful pharmacist – relocated the family to a larger home in nearby Lucca shortly after her birth.  Soon, however, the Galganis were hit with a string of misfortunes, starting with the mother – the pious Aurelia Galgani – contracting tuberculosis when Gemma was only 2-years-old.  The dreaded disease claimed not only the mother five years later, but it also took two of the Saint’s brothers (one was a seminarian), along with one of Gemma’s little sisters.

Despite these early tragedies, and likely influenced by Aurelia's example, Gemma developed piety from a tender age.  Her budding faith was also nurtured by Bl. Elena Guerra (d. 1914) and her teaching congregation - the Sisters of St. Zita in Lucca - to whom Gemma was sent to be educated; she was well-liked by her teachers and peers for her intelligence, devotion, and her kindness, but eventually had to drop out of the school due to chronic illness.

At 16, our Saint developed Spinal Meningitis, which left her bedridden and in dire condition.  She spent the time at home in spiritual reading and prayer, and was graced with a series of mystical encounters with St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, who Gemma admired after reading his biography (he was only ranked a Servant of the God at the time).  Gabriel directed the sick girl to pray a novena to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the visionary nun of the Sacred Heart Revelations (she was only Beatified at the time) … and he returned daily, for the duration of the novena, to pray with Gemma.  She was completely healed at the end of the prayers!

The miracle of Gemma’s cure seemed to open the door to other mystical charisms in her life, among which were reported the following:

• Ecstasies, which came upon her during periods of prayer and spiritual contemplation – gradually or sometimes suddenly – which left her oblivious to the external world.

• Apparitions of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin from whom she received direction.

• Visits from the Holy Souls from Purgatory for whom she prayed and performed voluntary penances.

• Familiar contact with her personal Guardian Angel, who further mentored and assisted the Saint, and who she saw visibly with uncommon frequency.

These various supernatural manifestations caused friction between Gemma and her family, as they misunderstood her … and she was often ridiculed by her siblings.  To make matters worse, her father died when she was 19, and the task of caring for her younger siblings fell upon her shoulders.  Poverty then followed for the Galganis, which was somewhat alleviated when Gemma was taken-in by an aunt.  Things did not fare better for her, though, as the Saint was still subjected to scrutiny and suspicion because of the ongoing phenomena that continued to surrounded her.  Furthermore, her relatives were extremely annoyed by Gemma’s resistance to their efforts to marry her off.

Her situation escalated in June 1899, when the Lord marked the young maiden with His Sacred Stigmata, which bled every week, via wounds that opened in her hands, feet, side, and around her head, beginning on Thursday nights and ending Friday afternoons with no trace of injury.  To the suffering of the Stigmata can be added occasional attacks from demons who, enraged by her holiness and sacrifices, sought to intimidate and frighten her, via frightful apparitions and physical harrasment, but to no avail.

A remarkable A.I.-generated photo-like

image of the Saint with her Angel.

Providentially, God  provided Gemma with a holy spiritual director – a Passionist priest named Fr. Germano Ruoppolo (now a Venerable in the Sainthood Process) – who expertly guided the Saint by requiring her strict obedience; ordering her to keep a diary; and by downplaying her mystical gifts in order to keep her humble.  She complied with everything Fr. Germano asked, and his priestly blessing also served to protect her from diabolic attacks … and knowing the difficulties she endured in her family home, the priest was instrumental in having Gemma moved in with an exceptionally devout family in Lucca, named the Gianninis.  In this new home, the Saint was afforded the freedom (and privacy) to practice her faith and experience her ongoing divine encounters with the dignity she deserved; she was treated as a daughter by the Giannini family and remained with them until her death.

Under the direction of Fr. Germano and the maternal care of Aunt Cecilia Giannini, Gemma’s sanctity reached its pinnacle - she was a model of humility, obedience, modesty, chastity, devotion, and generous self-sacrifice.  Furthermore, the Giannini household became privy to added charisms manifested in the Saint's life:

• Prophetic foresight

• Levitation (Gemma was witnessed lifted several feet above the ground to the figure of Christ on a large crucifix in the Giannini home)

• Transverberation (the piercing of the heart with the “Wound of Divine Love”)

• Incendium Amoris (being on fire with Divine Love) (Gemma once complained to our Lord that her heart was too small to adequately love Him, after which it immediately swelled-up to approximately 5 times its normal size, displacing two ribs without causing any pain to the Saint; a tangible, elevated heat emanated from her, as well as, a luminous glow being seen from her chest on many occasions, especially during her ecstasies).

Towards the end of her life, Gemma had often expressed to her confessor her desire to become a Passionist nun, but her goal was never realized because of her precarious health and the mystical sufferings she endured.  She did, however, correctly predict that after her death, a monastery of Passionist Nuns would be founded in Lucca and she would eventually be with them then.  All happened as she said.

This hidden mystic’s life ended on April 11, 1903 – a Holy Saturday – after she succumbed to the same disease that claimed many of her family members (Tuberculosis); Gemma was only 25-years-old.  Almost immediately, a spontaneous devotion sprung up in Lucca around the memory of the “Passion Flower" of Lucca.  Her cause was taken up by the Passionist Congregation, who considered her one of their own, and successfully concluded in her Canonization on May 2, 1940.

St. Gemma's tomb in Lucca, Italy

Today, Gemma’s tomb and relics are enshrined under the main altar of the sanctuary dedicated to her in Lucca … and which are lovingly cared for by nuns from the adjoining Passionist Monastery!

Dear St. Gemma, as you opened your

heart in total surrender to the Love of God,

help us open our hearts to Him!

Saint of the Month - February 2024: Blessed Sebastian de Aparicio

Bl. Sebastian de Aparicio

A humble son of St. Francis

Memorial: February 25th

This month's featured holy person - Bl. Sebastian de Aparicio - was born in Gudiña, Spain, on January 20, 1502, but died in Puebla de los Angeles (aka Puebla), Mexico; he was reported to be a miracle worker during the golden years of his life and this is his story.

Raised in a family of devout Spanish peasant farmers, as a child he fell victim to the black plague and was secretly isolated in a shack in the woods by his parents.  There, the sick boy was visited by a mysterious wolf that nipped at his swollen sore - the "bubo" - which then bled and drained.  Sebastian began improving right away and eventually fully recovered so he was able to resume work on his family's farm.  The cure left the youngster with a growing love for God, as well as, a great appreciation for all His creatures.  

At the age of 20, Sebastian left home to look for work so as to better assist his impoverished family and to raise dowries for his unwed sisters.  He worked as a servant in the home of a wealthy widow but left when she made unwanted advances towards him.  The youth next took a job on a farm, but was again the object of affection, this time by his employer's daughter; he again quit.  Apparently, Sebastian was said to be so handsome and strong, he attracted attention from the ladies wherever he went, which tried his personal virtue.  At 31, he decisively boarded a ship bound for the Americas, never to return.

Bl. Sebastian sometimes saw angels

who assisted him in his ministry. 

In 1533, Sebastian arrived in the port city of Veracruz, Mexico, where he made his way to the newly established town of Puebla.  Being illiterate, he at first worked odd jobs doing manual labor, but seeing how primitive the method of transport was in Mexico (people still carried things on their backs), he started both a wagon manufacturing business and a goods transport operation; thus, Sebastian has the unique distinction of having introduced the wheel to Mexico ... and since he needed better surfaces on which to run his wagons, he was also instrumental in constructing the first paved roads along his trade routes between Puebla and Veracruz ... then to Mexico City, where he later moved his business.  Sebastian's dealings quickly made him a very wealthy man.

At the mature age of 50, Sebastian retired from the transport industry and went into farming and cattle ranching in Zacatecas, which was also lucrative for him.  Despite his wealth and prestige in Mexico, he retained his pious and humble  disposition, and practiced mortifications to keep his human weaknesses in check.  Sebastian treated his workers more like family than hired help, teaching them the European methods of farming and domesticating livestock; his less-fortunate neighbors were also beneficiaries of his exceeding kindness and charity.  It goes without saying that the Beato was highly respected, if not outright loved, by many for both his secular and charitable contributions to Mexican society.

Sebastian remained a bachelor until the age of 60.  A serious illness somehow made him more receptive to the idea of marriage so he entered into one with a much younger woman from Chapultepec, a poor friend's daughter who couldn't raise a dowry; the union was never consummated, and his wife died within a year of their wedding.

At 67, Sebastian married yet another young woman, but again, he and his new bride agreed to live in chastity - she, too, passed away after an accidental fall from a tree.  This tragedy caused further reflection about the purpose of his life and, upon the suggestion of his confessor, the widower sold his belongings and distributed the proceeds to his workers and the poor; his farm/ranch was donated to a struggling new Poor Clare convent where he volunteered for a time as a servant.  In June 1574, he entered the Franciscan Order in Mexico City, and was professed a Lay Brother a year later, but not before undergoing certain difficulties due to his illiteracy, and from retaliatory physical assaults from the devil that started in response to his religious vocation.

This author at the shrine of Bl. Sebastian

in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Puebla,

in April of 2023

The Beato, now 73-years-old, was first sent to the monastery of Santiago in Tecali where he served as porter, gardener, and cook, before being reassigned to Puebla, his former hometown.  There, Bro. Sebastian was primarily given the task of begging for food and necessities for the entire monastery so it became a common sight to see him out and about in Puebla.  Consequently, the townspeople and Sebastian's fellow Franciscans were witness to his many good deeds and the wonders that surrounded him during this latter period of his life - the Beato was graced with the following spiritual gifts ...

• Animals of all sorts understood and obeyed his commands:  Examples include times when the oxen he employed to pull the monastery's alms wagon would be let loose in open wilderness only to obediently return to him when he called to them; an unruly horse known for bucking riders would become docile only when the Blessed rode it; and ants that once harvested wheat intended for the monastery returned what they collected upon Sebastian's command.

• Private apparitions of Our Lady and Saints:  In the monastery of Cholula, it was once recorded that the Blessed Virgin appeared to Bro. Sebastian during his thanksgiving after Holy Communion; on another occasion, the holy friar was encouraged in his vocation and devotions by visits from St. Francis of Assisi and St. James the Apostle to whom he was greatly devoted.

• Angelic assistance: Bl. Sebastian was often helped by his personal guardian angel during difficult tasks.  For example, he once got his wagon stuck in thick mud and was unable to pull it free, even with the aid of his oxen.  A youth dressed in white appeared out of nowhere and single-handedly pulled the wagon out of the mud before vanishing.

In addition to the above, Sebastian sometimes predicted future events with uncanny accuracy.

After living religious life for 25 years, the "Angel of Mexico" peacefully died on February 25, 1600, from the effects of a strangulated hernia; he was 98-years-old and his final word was, "Jesus".  People flocked to his funeral and, almost immediately, miracles were reported as mourners touched his remains and took away pieces of his habit for relics. Furthermore, two exhumations conducted after his death revealed his corpse to be miraculously preserved.

The incorrupt body of Bl. Sebastian

Beatified in 1789, the incorrupt body of Bl. Sebastian is now enshrined in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Puebla.  This author had the blessed joy of venerating this major relic during a Mexico pilgrimage back in April 2023.  May God bless his Cause with a speedy Canonization.

A small replica of the Blessed's urn with a relic

from his habit in this ministry's custody.

Bl. Sebastian de Aparicio,

pray for us!

Pilgrim Statue & Holy Relics Visitation: Vargas Residence, 10/14/2023

I always looks forward to October.  For Fatima Devotees, like myself, we understand that this month - particularly October 13th - commemorates Our Lady's last apparition in Fatima, as well as, the great Miracle of the Dancing Sun that convinced 70,000+ pilgrims of the truth of the Fatima apparitions.  But, for me, this month also means it's time for Auntie Patty's annual America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally!

About 25 people came together to pray for

our country at this year's Rosary Rally.

So, this year I was again asked by Auntie Patty to speak a few words in the beginning and, being somewhat  unprepared, I did a little something different - I took inspiration from my pilgrim statue and directed the people to look upon the image on display; to meditate on the following details concerning our Holy Mother's appearance and mannerism at Fatima:

*  first off, the star at the hem of her dress, which recalls to mind Our Lady's beautiful titles of "Morning Star" and "Star of the Sea".  How she is for us a guiding star - an example to follow - leading to her Divine Son.

*  her pure white dress and veil, signifying our Mother Mary's simplicity and purity ... and her desire for us to live with a simple, childlike faith and pure hearts.

*  the golden ball pendant - symbolic of the globe - hanging down her neck to the area of her heart; an indication of her maternal love and concern for all the world.

*  her hands joined together in prayer with the rosary hanging down from them, clearly representing Our Lady of Fatima's call to prayer, especially the daily Rosary.

*  her sweet, yet serious expression, which emphasized the urgency of her messages and dire warnings given at Fatima.

It was a different approach to the Fatima Message compared to my past talks at these rallies ... but thankfully, it all came together and added a new level of understanding to the occasion, especially to those not so familiar with the apparitions.

     

Little Auntie Patty, standing before this

ministry's beautiful Fatima statue and

the relics of all three Fatima Seers.

Then, after our prayers finished, the usual fellowship time commenced along with a feast of delicious Chinese food, courtesy of our gracious Auntie Patty.

It goes without saying that it was a spiritually meaningful and enjoyable time, made all the more special after golden flakes of escarchas were later discovered on a cement walkway - what a blessing from Heaven!

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

An Angel at work?

"Call on them and honor them frequently,

and ask their help in all your affairs,

temporal as well as spiritual."

- words of St. Frances de Sales

about Angels

I love my Guardian Angel and can't thank God enough for having assigned a unique angel to guide, protect, and assist me.  Truly, what an awesome blessing not just for this author, but for everyone else since we all have a personal angel!

The photos below were taken this past Wednesday morning (4/6) - a FIAT Prayer Group meeting day - and they may have captured my angel in action.  Literally, just a minute before, I was praying at my home altar and had asked my angel to go to the angels of the other FIAT Members to request their help in reminding the members about the meeting... as well as, to inspire zealous faith in each of them.  No sooner had I stepped out of my house when, upon glancing up at the sky, I was struck by an unexpected and amazing sight - a bright cloud, resembling, of all things - an angel!  Talk about a coincidence... or what I like to call a moment of "spiritual serendipity".

     

A winged figure is discernable in these

photos taken of the Honolulu sky.

I later shared the story and photos with a few FIAT Members, and they agreed the cloud indeed resembled an angel... and it appeared to be zooming towards the direction they all lived!  One individual even suggested it was my actual, personal angel leaving to meet up with their angels... or at least a sign from Heaven indicating it.  Whether it is, or isn't an angel, it doesn't matter much to me; I know my angel is always around.  I sense him.  Still, the photos are, at the very least, amusing.

Incidentally, most of the regular attendees did come to the FIAT Meeting that night and it was a particularly meaningful and Holy Spirit-filled gathering.  So, thank you very much to all of our Guardian Angels.  I have no doubt they played a part in it.

Prayer to Our Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my guardian dear;

to whom God's Love entrusts me here.

Ever this day, be at my side; to light

and guard; to rule and guide.

Amen.

Why, St. Michael?

My admiration for St. Michael the Archangel has grown significantly since the start of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic last year.  Besides taking the necessary health precautions recommended by the CDC - quarantining, mask-wearing, frequent hand-washing, social distancing, etc. - I also take spiritual precautions, which includes carrying a theca (round reliquary case) containing small stones from St. Michael's Cave/Grotto on Mt. Gargano in Italy.  Since doing so, I've experienced manifestations of the Archangel's presence, which I sense have broader implications than for just me, alone - one was a remarkable dream last November that I interpreted to be a warning of some sort... while the other involved the cave stones.

The interior of the Grotto of St. Michael 

the Archangel atop Mt. Gargano, Italy.

For those not familiar with the history of this singular grotto, it's the hallowed site of a series of Church-approved apparitions of St. Michael beginning in 490 AD.  At the very first appearance, the Archangel showed himself to the local Bishop and claimed possession of the cave with these words:

"I am the Archangel Michael and

I am always in the presence of God.

The cave is sacred to me.

I have chosen it."

When the Bishop desired to formally consecrate the site as a sanctuary on September 26, 493, the Archangel reappeared to the prelate and spoke the following:

"It shall not be for you to dedicate

this basilica that I erected, but for

me, who laid its foundations.  As its

walls are raised up, the sins of the

men who visit it will diminish, for in

the bosom of this most special house,

the works of evil vanish.  Enter it,

and pray assiduously within it, aided

by me, its patron.  And when Masses

are celebrated, let the people receive

Communion according to custom.

I shall personally take it upon

myself to sanctify this place."

From henceforth, this church has been described as "not consecrated by human hands"... and there were more wonders to come!

In 1656, when the bubonic plague ravaged the region, the people had recourse to the great Archangel while doing public penance.  In response, St. Michael returned and directed the current bishop to distribute stones taken from within his cave, marked with crosses and the initials "M.A." (for "Michael Archangel").  St. Michael added:

"I am the Archangel St. Michael.

Anyone who uses the stones of this

grotto will be liberated…"

Needless to say, the prelate followed the Archangel's instructions and the plague soon ceased in the towns around Mt. Gargano.  This miraculous intervention started the tradition of the shrine distributing "St. Michael relic stones", which is still continued today by the Congregation of the Michaelite Fathers who are the present custodians of the holy cave.

Since late 2018, I've obtained several grotto stones, encased in gold-colored metal thecas by the Mt. Gargano Shrine.  I gifted them to loved ones and priest-friends, and kept two for myself; placing one on a home shrine and the other is what I carry with me for physical and spiritual protection whenever I leave my house (a big comfort in this time of pandemic).  It's the stones on the altar that recently manifested unusual phenomenon.

As already mentioned, the St. Michael stones are in gold-colored thecas.  Well, imagine my surprise when I went to pray at my altar and found the theca had turned from gold to silver!  This happened in late September 2020 and I know for sure the theca was gold when I first received it... and it looked the same the last time I saw it just a day or two before.  I did nothing to change the theca and I was completely perplexed, and I still am... especially because it was followed not long after by that impressive dream of the Archangel; the two events seem related.

The theca on the left mysteriously changed

from a gold color to silver, as compared

to the theca on the right, which is what it

looked like originally.

Since this occurred, I've often prayed to St. Michael asking him, "Why? Why the color-change? ... because Heaven never gives us signs without a good reason.  So what exactly was the Archangel trying to communicate through these seeming signs, particularly the theca, which is something quite tangible?  I've heard of, and seen, silver-colored sacramentals changing to a gold color, or actual gold (e.g. medals and rosary links) - which would be easier to interpret - but not the other way around.

To date, I haven't received further spiritual experiences in response to my prayers, nor do I expect any... but still - Why, St. Michael?  What's going on that I or the world need to know about?

In my search for a possible answer I recently googled the significance of silver in the Bible and found these passages from the Psalms.  Perhaps they provide a hint of what St. Michael is trying to convey through the sign in silver:

"The promises of the LORD are

pure, like silver refined in a furnace

and purified seven times."

‐ Psalm 12:6

+ + + + +

"You have tested us, O God.

You have refined us in the same

way silver is refined."

- Psalm 66:10

Interestingly enough, and maybe a bit concerning, both Scriptures have something in common - they speak of the process of silver being "refined"... which, significantly, is another word used for purified or cleansed.  So is the theca's change to silver a symbolic affirmation that the world is currently undergoing a period of intense testing and refining?  Or, is it an indication of a worldwide purification that's still to come?  Or, still, perhaps it's an invitation for just me, personally, to continue working on areas in my life that need cleansing?  Whether this sign is intended to signify refinement, or not, spiritual purification is something worth reflecting on, especially during this upcoming Lenten Season.

I do know one thing for certain - regardless what happens, I am standing with St. Michael!

"At that time there shall arise Michael,

the great prince, guardian of your people;

it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress

since the nation began until that time."

- Daniel 12:1

+ UPDATE: AUGUST 2021 +

In response to this mysterious occurrence and the impressive dream of St. Michael that followed, this ministry has established a prayer group under the Archangel's patronage - the Cohort of St. Michael the Archangel - with the specific purpose of combating evil in this world.  For more information concerning the group, click/tap here.

+ UPDATE: OCTOBER 2024 +

On October 16, 2024, this author had the joy of personally visiting the Sanctuary of St. Michael's Sacred Grotto on Monte Gargano during a group pilgrimage.  It was an unforgettable and meaningful experience to be in this hallowed place and to thank St. Michael for his many personal favors obtained.  If one is ever in that part of Italy, Monte Gargano is a must-see!

Stand with St. Michael!

Who is like God! (UPDATED 7-24-2026)

Last week I had another vivid dream - a striking one - which both terrified and inspired me. I felt there was an urgent, underlying message in it for everyone and, after mulling over it for several days, I decided to post about it, at least part of it; this Scripture Passage was also a motivating factor...

"And it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit
upon all flesh: and your sons and your
daughters shall prophesy, and your young
men shall see visions, and your old men
shall dream dreams ..."

- Acts 2:17

In my dream, I saw a group of "beings" - more like a massive army - who seemed to be completely made of light; standing together in an endless space also comprised of light.  One, in particular, caught my attention - despite his brilliant "aura", I was somehow able to make out most of his features: he looked to be about 18 to 20 years old; handsome with thick, long light blond hair; a golden diadem with a blue triangular centerpiece rested on his forehead ... and he was dressed in a dazzling white robe - see the AI-generated rendering below.

Despite his youthful appearance, I felt an immense POWER emanating from this person; his force was further manifested, via light that seemed to illuminate him from the inside out.  It was so intense, it shown from his eyes and mouth like a glow whenever he blinked and opened his mouth.  Because of this internal light, I could not discern the color of his eyes.

I wondered to myself who this being could be but it was only after he spoke that I was firmly convinced of his identity - focusing his piercing gaze at something at a distance beyond me, he shouted with a deep booming voice, tinged with indignation:

"WHO IS LIKE GOD?!"

I knew then it was St. Michael, the Archangel... and I was like "WOW!"; impressed and in complete awe over his persona... and his splendor seemed to increase even more immediately after he spoke!

By appearance I would never have guessed it was the archangel because the being I saw did not resemble anything like the traditional images of St. Michael we're used to seeing with armor, a sword, wings (curiously, I didn't see any), and dark wavy hair, etc.  It made me even more intrigued.

I'll end the dream narrative here... but, personally, I have a sense of what all the imagery was intended to convey - it was a challenge - a battlecry - directed at the enemies of God, as well as, a foreshadowing of a dramatic escalation of the ongoing spiritual war between Good and Evil, which I'll leave to the reader to discern, or to dismiss.  Either way, it doesn't matter to me what others think.  I've already decided on my response to all of this - whatever happens, I stand with St. Michael.

... so fast forward to today.  I'm still quite taken by this entire experience and had to put something down on paper because I don't want to forget it.  The drawing below is the result of a 7 hour effort to record, as close as possible, what I recall... although, honestly, it doesn't do any justice to the real deal.  But how can one ever put on paper a creature made of light?  Anyway, for obvious reasons, I chose to title this latest artwork of mine, "Who Is Like God".

Dream, vision, or mere imagination, something in me has changed concerning St. Michael.  I feel as though I caught a small glimpse of the magnitude of his role as leader of the Heavenly Army.  As I stated earlier - this archangel has power - undescribable POWER - and, we, the People of God, should feel assured and happy that we have him and all the other Holy Angels fighting on OUR side against diabolic forces seen and unseen.  They/We will win one day.

Lastly, here's a passage from Scripture that came to my attention, and it's surprisingly accurate.  Are we living in this "time"?

"At that time there shall arise Michael,

the great prince, guardian of your people;

it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress

since the nation began until that time.  At

that time your people shall escape, everyone

who is found written in the book.  Many of

those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall

awake; some to everlasting life, others to

reproach and everlasting disgrace.  But

those with insight shall shine brightly like

the splendor of the firmament, and those

who lead the many to justice shall be

like the stars forever."

- Daniel 12:1-3

So now, when I pray the St. Michael Prayer each day, I do so with a newfound devotion and respect for St. Michael; deeply personal.  He rightfully deserves the veneration and respect the Church has shown him for centuries.  St. Michael, pray for us!

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in

the day of battle.  Be our safeguard against the

wickedness and snares of the devil and, do

thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the

power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the

evil spirits who prowl through the world

seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.

+ UPDATE: AUGUST 2021 +

In response to this dream and a prior manifestation from St. Michael, this ministry has established a prayer group under his patronage - the Cohort of St. Michael the Archangel - with the specific purpose of combating evil in this world.  For more information concerning the new group, click/tap here.

+ UPDATE: OCTOBER 2024 +

On October 16, 2024, this author had the joy of personally visiting the Shrine of St. Michael's Sacred Grotto on Monte Gargano during a group pilgrimage.  It was an unforgettable and meaningful experience to be in this hallowed place and to thank St. Michael for his many personal favors obtained.  If one is ever in that part of Italy, Monte Gargano is a must-see!

Stand with St. Michael!