In Memoriam...

This author has a warm spot for the late Pope Emeritus.  Back in September 2005, during a trip to Rome, I was privileged to attend a Papal Audience presided over by Pope Benedict XVI.  I'll never forget the experience.

I can still clearly recall the moment he appeared in St. Peter's Square in the Pope Mobile - I was filled with sudden excitement and tears of joy fell from my eyes.  Noticing my emotion, an elderly Italian woman standing next to me smiled and asked, "Molto contento (very happy)?"... and I replied, "Si.  Molto contento."

Receiving Pope Benedict's blessing in 2005.

Since then, that Papal Audience has been a major highlight in my life, and I have affectionately accompanied ”Papa Benedict" in prayer, even after his retirement.  His solid example of Catholic Faith remains a personal inspiration and I am forever grateful, as are countless others who are also mourning his passing.

Rest in peace, Pope Benedict XVI!

Monthly Message from the Queen of Peace of Medjugorje: December 25th, 2022

The Blessed Virgin gave us two messages

on this Christmas Day 2022...

Monthly Message received by Marija:

  “Dear Children!  Today I am carrying my Son Jesus to you, that you may be His peace and a reflection of the clarity and joy of Heaven.  Pray, little children, to be open to receive peace because many hearts are closed to the call of the light which changes hearts.  I am with you and am praying for you to open yourselves to receive the King of peace, Who fills your hearts with warmth and blessing.  Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Special Message received by Jacov during his annual apparition:

  “Dear Children!  Today, when the light of Jesus' birth is illuminating the entire world, in a special way, with Jesus in my arms, I am praying that every heart becomes a stable of Bethlehem, in which my Son will be born, so that your lives become a light of His birth.  Little children, you live in peacelessness and fear.  That is why, little children, today, on this day of grace, implore Jesus to strengthen your faith and to become the ruler of your lives; because, my children, only with Jesus in your lives will you not be looking at peacelessness but praying for peace and will live in peace; and you will not be looking at fear but at Jesus Who frees us of all fears.  I am your Mother who ceaselessly keeps vigil over you and I am blessing you with my motherly blessing.”

Marian Apparitions Presentation: Women's Group at St. Ann Parish, 12/12/2022

Tonight this author had the joy of celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a wonderful group of women from different parts of Oahu Island.   They came together in prayer and fellowship at St. Ann Church in Kaneohe to honor our Blessed Mother, and this ministry was privileged to be invited to faith-share about Marian apparitions, particularly the Mexican Apparitions of 1531.

I'm addition, I was asked by the organizers to bring relics, which I gladly did.  For this specific presentation on apparitions, the standard relics I bring are from premier Marian Visionaries: St. Bernadette of Lourdes, St. Catherine Laboure of the Miraculous Medal, and Sts. Francisco and Jacinta of Fatima... along with a relic of their cousin, Sr. Lucia dos Santos.

ABOVE: The makeshift display altar

at tonight's event.

BELOW: A closer view of the relics.

During the course of the talk, I summarized the Holy Virgin's recurring message from her various approved apparitions in Mexico, France, and Portugal, which is essentially PRAYER, CONVERSION, and PENANCE.

After the presentation ended it was personally inspiring to see many of the ladies approach the makeshift altar to venerate the relics; some even on their knees, while in profound prayer.  Special spiritual bonds were definitely made with the Saints, or strengthened, this evening.

The women paying their respect

to Our Lady and the Saints.

Judging by the feedback and actions of the audience members, it was another successful presentation; a fitting way to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe, patroness of this ministry.

May the faith-seeds planted this night blossom into an abundance of positive spiritual fruits in the lives of the audience members - Thanks be to God!  

Our Lady of Guadalupe,

pray for us.