A week with our Mother Mary...

What a busy and intense week it was for me, but in a good way ... and it seemed to this author that the "veil" separating Heaven and Earth was especially thin this week; Our Lady was a factor and her influence seemed particularly palpable.  Did anyone else feel this way?

... and I think the recent events in Medjugorje was the catalyst, at least from my personal perspective.  This ongoing Church-approved Marian Apparition just celebrated its 45th Anniversary on June 24th, 2026, and the Queen of Peace again requested a special nine days of preparation - a "Novena of Rosaries" - calling for people to participate in late night vigils up on Apparition Hill, as if to encourage voluntary mortification and sacrifice amongst the pilgrims.

Marija in ecstasy during an apparition

For those familiar with this ministry, you likely already know that I personally believe in these apparitions and promote the monthly messages in this blog.  I cannot express enough how Medjugorje has deeply influenced my spiritual life for the better, and I attribute many special favors I've received to the maternal intercession of the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje.  So promoting devotion to her is the least I can do to repay her.

Two of the six Seers - Ivan and Marija -

present during an apparition

I followed that Medjugorje Rosary Novena in spiritual union, via YouTube, and performed whatever special instruction was given by the Blessed Virgin during each apparition (e.g. praying for the Poor Souls).  Then, on June 25th, a friend invited me to bring relics to her home for a prayer meeting she hosted for her parish's Fatima Pilgrim Madonna statue.  It just so happened to be the day that Our Lady gave her June monthly message for the world so I took the opportunity to speak not just about the Fatima message, but also about the events in Medjugorje.  There were a couple of people present who had actually never heard of Medjugorje and they were quite impressed by what they learned.  I also relayed how the Virgin once said to the Medjugorje seers: "What I started in Fatima, I will finish in Medjugorje.  My heart will triumph."   Our host then read the June 25th Message out loud.

   

Relic Pilgrim Visitation at the Manoa Residence in Aiea: Relics of the

Fatima Seers were displayed with the Medjugorje Peace Icon

Also making a positive impact were my ministry's relics of the three Fatima Seers (including a splinter of wood from the tree of apparitions) and my Medjugorje "Peace Icon" that has three stones taken from the shrine on Apparition Hill; from the Blue Cross shrine; and from the large cross atop Cross Mountain.  All of it, together, contributed to a certain heavenly presence that permeated the room we were in.

Finally, this morning (6/27), as I drove to St. John Vianney Church in Kailua to attend Mass, I was surprised to see a clear figure of the Blessed Virgin high in the sky ahead of me.  It looked like a cardboard cut-out of her pasted in the sky - the clearest photo is shown below.

     

Our Lady's figure in the sky above Enchanted Lakes,

Kailua (zoomed-in in the left photo)

I believe what I saw was intended as a sign for the parish priest (a friend of mine) who had asked me to pray with him for a certain, undisclosed petition (we were invoking Our Lady's intercession) ... but wait - if that weren't enough, after the Mass and joining in the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet with a few St. John Vianney parishioners, I again witnessed Our Lady's silhouette floating in the air - see below.

     

Our Lady's figure spotted in the sky above Kailua for a

second time in the same day (zoomed-in in the left photo)

So one can understand what I meant by the title of this blog.  Due to all that transpired in the past week, I really felt that I spent it with Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace ... and one might be surprised to learn that I've never been to Medjugorje despite my devotion; neither do I feel the need to go there because here's what I've learned throughout the years: one doesn't need to go to Medjugorje to experience its extraordinary grace and inspiration.  Just live the messages wherever you are - Convert, Pray "from the heart", live a Sacramental Life, and Fast regularly - and the blessed fruits of Medjugorje will come to you!  Indeed, putting her words into action is the best way we can show love and honor to our Heavenly Mother Mary.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace,

pray for us!

European Pilgrimage, October 2024 - Part I: Apparition Shrines

"You are the God of great wonders!

You demonstrate your awesome power

among the nations."

- Psalm 77:14

Ave Maria!  This blogger recently returned from Europe where I was on pilgrimage to several major Catholic shrines that I've had on my bucket list for decades: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima; the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes; the Shrine of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo; the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel on Monte Gargano; the Shrine of St. Philomena in Mugnano del Cardinale!

It goes without saying that I had an awesome, memorable, and blessed time - the sacred sites I visited far exceeded my expectations and the holy presence of our Lord and His Blessed Mother, as well as the Saints, was tangible throughout my journey through serendipitous moments and signal graces.

I will share my experiences and personal impressions in 3 separate blogs, of which this is Part I, dealing specifically about apparition shrines I visited.  So let's begin ...

🌹 THE SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA, PORTUGAL

Most Catholics are already aware of the story of the 1917 Portuguese apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) so I won't write much about this Sanctuary's history.  Plus a Google search will readily turn up abundant information.

On the very afternoon our Hawaii group arrived in Fatima, a friend and I wasted no time in visiting the Sanctuary although it wasn't in our official itinerary until the evening.  Fortunately for us, our hotel was less than a 10 minute walk away from the shrine so it wasn't difficult to reach ... and, as soon as I stepped foot into the sanctuary's grand plaza, I was immediately struck by an aura of SANCTITY, POWER, and PEACE!

ABOVE:  The Chapel of the Apparitions, the 

actual place of Our Lady's appearances.

BELOW:  A closer view of the Capelinha.

As with all famed Catholic Shrines, the Sanctuary complex is massive and includes the Chapel of the Apparitions that was built over, and around, the diminutive "Capelinha" (the original rustic chapel built on the very site of the heavenly visitations) and two grand basilicas - the older built in traditional gothic architecture (Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary) and the most recent in a modern design (Basilica of the Holy Trinity).

   

Outside & inside the older Basilica

of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima.

Multiple Masses and Rosary Prayers are offered at convenient intervals in the Chapel of the Apparitions - in several languages - undoubtedly, in response to OLF's request that we "pray the Rosary ever day to obtain Peace in the World."

Outside & inside the newer

Basilica of the Holy Trinity.

A must-do activity when visiting this sanctuary is to participate in the daily 9:00pm Rosary Prayer followed immediately by a candlelight procession.  For this author, this event touched me to my core.

Hundreds of candles flicker during the

Fatima Shrine's nightly procession.

And finally, another highlight of my Fatima experience is the hamlet of Aljustrel, about a 10 minute drive away from the Sanctuary, where the three shepherd seers lived.  Here, we visited their former homes and the well behind Lucia's family home where the "Angel of Peace" appeared for the second time to the children in the Summer of 1916 to prepare them for their mission with OLF.

ABOVE:  The home of Sts. Francisco & Jacinta.

BELOW:  The room in which St. Francisco died.

ABOVE:  The childhood home of Sr. Lucia

(that's her great grand niece at the door).

BELOW:  The well of the angel's apparition.

I left Fatima inspired and more committed than ever to living and spreading its message; to also promoting devotion to the Holy Rosary.  Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

🌹 THE SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES, FRANCE

A priest prays before his Mother

- very moving!

As with Fatima, the story of St. Bernadette Soubirous and her celebrated 18 apparitions of Our Lady (OLL) in the Grotto of Massabielle is already a familiar one to most Catholics so I also won't go into detail about Lourdes.

This Marian Sanctuary is also quite extensive, actually straddling both sides of the Gave River; on one side is the Holy Grotto, the main plaza, shrine administration buildings, and not one but three basilicas: the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (situated on the hill directly above the Grotto of Apparitions), the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary (at ground level with the plaza), and the modern Basilica of Pope St. Pius X.  On the other side of the Gave are chapels for candle lighting, an outdoor chapel, the Church of St. Bernadette, and medical facilities.

ABOVE:  In the OLL Sanctuary Plaza.

BELOW:  Two views of the Holy Grotto

of apparitions ...

The Grotto, seen below the Basilica of

the Immaculate Conception from across

the Gave River.

Highlights for me at Lourdes were attending Holy Mass at the Grotto and simply spending time there in prayer and/or silently soaking in the loving presence of Our Lady and the DIVINE that permeates Lourdes ... and participating in the nightly 9:00pm Candlelight Rosary Procession.

Still-images from the Lourdes live webcam

on YouTube, captured by a friend in Hawaii.

One of my best memories at the Sanctuary

- my walk through the grotto!

[Note: Photo-taking is not allowed in the

Holy Grotto so thanks C.B. for spotting me

in there and snapping these pics!]

The Lourdes Sanctuary at night -

photos taken during a procession.  Note

the massive crowd of pilgrims.

I left Lourdes completely understanding what I've heard others say about it - that it's a holy place of PRAYER, RECONCILIATION, and HEALING ... and that conviction will remain with me until my dying day.  Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!

🌹 THE SANCTUARY OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL OF MONTE GARGANO, ITALY

Located in a grotto on a mountaintop just about a 30-minute drive from St. Padre Pio's Shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo, this hallowed site is worth visiting - it, too, is POWERFUL!

I'm not sure if it's because this author has a very strong devotion to St. Michael the Archangel or it's the place, itself (or maybe it's both) ... but I sensed his presence keenly in this sanctuary; the presence of other angels was also tangible, which gave me the strong impression that the Sacred Grotto is an earthly "stronghold" for the Angelic Hosts.

   

Outside & inside the Sanctuary of St. Michael

the Archangel on Mt. Gargano.

For those not familiar with the history of Mt. Gargano, it began in 490 AD when the Archangel first showed himself to the local Bishop and took possession of the site 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."

At least three other appearances of St. Michael were reported in the Mt. Gargano Sanctuary in subsequent years, which made it a popular pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages.  Its countless pilgrims have included many Saints (e.g. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Francis of Assisi, etc.).  If one is ever in the Puglia Region (southern peninsula) of Italy, go to Monte Gargano!  (NOTE: St. Padre Pio often made the same recommendation to his visitors.).  St. Michael the Archangel, protect us always!

🌹 THE SANCTUARY OF THE VIRGIN OF THE REVELATION OF TRE FONTANE (ROME), ITALY

And finally, I'd like to feature this very special, but little-known shrine.  Although not an officially approved apparition site, and significantly smaller than Fatima and Lourdes, this Sanctuary still makes a spiritual impact on the same level as its larger counterparts.

The Tre Fontane Sanctuary enjoys the authorization of the Church, which placed it under the administration of the Conventual Franciscans to offer Masses and provide other Sacraments to pilgrims.  Furthermore, the visionary - Bruno Cornacchiola (d. 2001), a humble street tram operator ‐ is currently being investigated for Sainthood after living a worthy Christian life since his encounter with Our Lady in the grotto.

I actually visited this shrine twice during an earlier trip to Italy in 1989, and was so touched by the spiritual presence of Our Lady, I returned there during a 2005 trip to Rome ... and with this 2024 pilgrimage, I couldn't pass up a 4th visit during the Rome segment of our itinerary.  This Sanctuary is that SPECIAL to me.

As for its history, Our Lady first appeared at the site on April 12, 1947 to Bruno and his three young children (at the time he was a hardened ex-soldier, a convert to Protestantism, and a Communist).  The seer was initially strongly anti-Catholic and Mother Mary sternly admonished him with the following words:

“I am she who is in the Divine Trinity;

the Daughter of the Father; the Mother of

the Son; and the Spouse and Temple of the

Holy Spirit. I am Virgin of the Revelation.

You persecute me: enough of it now!  Enter

into the Holy Fold (the Catholic Church),

the Heavenly Court on Earth.”

Bruno was immediately changed.  Subsequent apparitions and messages were later claimed by the visionary and many signs have occurred at the grotto, including healings.  The 'Dancing Sun' has also been witnessed and filmed during several of the apparition's April 12th anniversary celebrations.

The strikingly beautiful statue in

the place of the apparitions.

Something personally interesting that occurred this time around was ... as soon as me and my two companions from my pilgrimage group stepped onto the Sanctuary's pavement - just a few steps after getting out of our taxi - the three of us were hit by a sudden breeze accompanied by a delicate floral aroma (there were no flowers in our immediate surroundings).  It was so obvious, we all immediately remarked on the mysterious scent, which lingered for a bit before dissipating (it never returned).  It was as though our Blessed Mother was saying to us upon our arrival: "Welcome to Tre Fontane - I've been waiting for you!"

Needless to say, it turned out to be another AWESOME visit to this shrine.  In fact, my two friends who accompanied me both couldn't stop thanking me for taking them along.  So if one is ever in Rome, GO ... GO ... GO to Tre Fontane and bask in our Blessed Mother's maternal love - she is also present there in a special way!  Plus the Sanctuary is only a 15 minute drive from Rome's central city!  To learn more about Our Lady of Tre Fontane, click/tap here.

I cannot thank God and Our Lady enough for all that I saw and experienced at each of these hallowed places I visited.  The graces I received can only be adequately described with one word - PRICELESS.  With that being said, I end this first blog about my October Pilgrimage.

** To view Part II of my European Pilgrimage Blog: Saints & Relics, click/tap here.

** To view Part III of my European Pilgrimage Blog: Signs & Signal Graces, click/tap here.

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!

Fatima Statue and Relic Pilgrim Visitation: May 13, 2023

On this day, commemorating the anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, in 1917, this ministry's Fatima pilgrim statue was invited to a private home in Kailua.

This ministry's Fatima pilgrim statue

and relic of the Blessed Virgin's veil.

My hosts - affectionately named "Auntie Millie" & "Uncle Bernard" - are members of a large family who, each year, honor the Virgin of Fatima with rosary prayer meetings on the 13th of each month between May through October.  This month was their turn to host the meeting and they needed a large marian statue... and wanted a relic present, too, which is where this ministry comes into play - I was able to bring both.

And what a meaningful night of prayer, fellowship, and food it turned out to be!  We not only prayed for our personal needs but responded to our Blessed Mother's urgent requests at Fatima:

“Pray, pray much, and sacrifice

for sinners, for many souls go to hell

because there is no one to sacrifice

and pray for them.”

America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally: October 15, 2022

"I am the Lady of the Rosary.

Continue to pray the rosary every day..."

- Fatima, October 13, 1917

Auntie Patty and her Kailua family did it again - today they hosted another one of their great prayer gatherings on behalf of the America Needs Fatima (ANF) annual Rosary Rally Campaign.  Unlike the prior two years, more people attended this time around; a hopeful and welcomed sign of continuing re-emergence from the Covid-19 pandemic.  Praise the Lord!

This ministry's Fatima pilgrim statue

and relics of the 3 Fatima Seers on public display for veneration.

It goes without saying, it was a meaningful time of prayer, inspiration, and Christian fellowship; something this author personally looks forward to each year... along with the delicious Chinese plate lunches, courtesy of our hosts!

   

Good food and great fellowship are always

to be expected at Auntie Patty's rallies!

May the prayers offered today at all the ANF Rosary Rallies around the world bring about PEACE and an abundance of conversions.

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally 2021

“Pray, pray much, and sacrifice

for sinners, for many souls go to hell

because there is no one to sacrifice

and pray for them.”

- Our Lady of Fatima,

August 13, 1917

Today, groups of Faithful around the country gathered to participate in the America Needs Fatima (ANF) annual Rosary Crusade to offer needed prayer for our country that's spiraling out of control at breakneck speed.

Other chapters of the Needs Fatima organization from around the globe - Canada, Australia, etc. - also did the same for their respective countries.

Here in Kailua, Oahu, a small group of us organized by my dear friend - "Auntie Patty" - joined in on the ANF Crusade. After a one-year break in 2020 due to Covid-19, she decided to restart her long-running annual Rosary Rally, despite the pandemic.  Sure - this year's gathering wasn't as big as her pre-Covid ones, but it's OK.  The main thing is - Auntie Patty bravely said "Yes" to Our Lady and decided to hold a Rally.

So a small bunch of us came together - responsibly - to support the ANF organization and Auntie Patty to PRAY THE ROSARY.  We gathered in the Cobb-Adams Family's open-air garage where a beautiful makeshift altar was set up.

A strange occurrence that impressed us deeply was how, throughout our hour-long prayer, it was mostly quiet except for random street noise... but towards the end when we sang Marian hymns, a small group of birds in a tree suddenly began chirping loudly in chorus, as if to accompany us in honoring Our Lady!

This ministry's relics of the Fatima

Seers graced the makeshift altar during

the Rosary and other prayers.

Afterwards, we enjoyed delicious Chinese lunch plates, courtesy of  Auntie Patty. 

All in all, what a blessed and meaningful event it was.  The Holy Virgin, in her many appearances throughout the world continues to plead that we PRAY... PRAY... PRAY!  Sinners are tragically falling into Hell because of a lack of prayer for them... so let's continue responding to our Blessed Mother's call to help save souls - today just goes to show that it's possible to still come together in prayer responsibly and safely.  May God bless us all!

For Discernment...

Early today, while walking from my car to my parish church in Kailua for morning Mass, I was surprised by a spectacular sight - there, above the church was the brilliant figure of our Blessed Mother looking like her statues of Our Lady of Fatima!  I was stunned, to say the least, but I quickly took two photos with my cellphone (the clearest image is shown below)... and without much thinking, I uttered, "What is it, Our Lady?"

The Holy Virgin above the church roof,

to the right of the steeple.  A closer view of

her glowing silhouette is shown below (note

its difference in color from the clouds)...

... and to my astonishment, there was actually a response - as she started to fade I heard the following reply not with my ears but within my heart; words spoken clearly and slowly:

"Love... my... Son."

I was deeply impressed and excited throughout the entire Mass; the message resonated in me and if it wasn't enough - fine flakes of escarchas manifested on my palms after the Consecration.

I'm convinced this experience and the words I heard weren't meant for just me, alone - I discerned it's intended for everyone.  There was a quality to the tone of the voice that was commanding and somber, and almost pleading, too... which is why I felt the need to share this message.

Please - LOVE HER SON.