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Showing posts with label MARY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MARY. Show all posts
Thursday, April 02, 2026
Monday, November 10, 2025
Friday, October 31, 2025
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Satan’s Masterpiece
Tuesday December 1st, 1998
By Elder Lawrence Nelson
We are told by the Spirit of Prophecy, “Spiritualism is the masterpiece of [Satan’s] deception.” Signs of the Times, August 26, 1889. This alarming statement that spiritism is now a masterpiece needs some clarification. When will its full accomplishment take place? Thank God, divine Inspiration has the answer found in Great Controversy p. 561. We are told, “Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: ‘Ye shall not surely die.’ ‘In the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.’ Genesis 3:4,5. Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time.”
If you believe, as I do, that we are living in the very last remnant of time, then spiritualism is the greatest deception facing the people of God, and the world, today. Before we proceed with this investigation of satanic activity we must first plead for divine guidance so we will not be ensnared.
Dear Father, our most righteous God, we have been warned in Thy Holy Word that last-day deception will be so great that it is possible that some of the very elect may be misled. Should any of us doubt in any way the truth as revealed in Thy Holy Word we will be captured by Satan. Therefore grant us Thy Holy Spirit to guide us in this study so that we may be able to understand and be unmoved by Satan’s masterpiece and be grounded in Thy truth. I thank you for answering this special request, in the name of Thy dear Son, Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Monday, March 21, 2022
Monday, July 27, 2015
Militia of the Immaculata
Militia of the Immaculata
The Militia of the Immaculata (MI) is a worldwide evangelization movement founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe in 1917 that encourages total consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a means of spiritual renewal for individuals and society.
The MI movement is open to all Catholics over 7 years old. It employs prayer as the main weapon in the spiritual battle with evil. Members of the Militia Immaculata also immerse themselves in apostolic initiatives throughout society, either individually or in groups, to deepen the knowledge of the Gospel and our Catholic Faith in them and in others.
Marian consecration is a formal act of self-giving that does not stop at Mary, but is Christ-directed. It is really consecration to Jesus. The MI's mission is "To Lead Every Individual With Mary to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus."
By joining the MI, members become willing instruments of Our Lady, the woman foreshadowed in Genesis 3:15. She leads them to personal sanctification, the conversion of Church opponents and ultimately the universal reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Militia of the Immaculata began on October 16, 1917, around a table at the Conventual Franciscan seminary in Rome. Maximilian Kolbe gathered six like-minded young friars before a statue of the Blessed Virgin and drafted a charter that would establish one of the most influential Marian apostolates ever. The charter still serves as a blueprint of spiritual progress for MI members today.
Since these humble beginnings, the MI has spread throughout the world and is today present on five continents and in forty-six nations. Official membership now nears four million. For more information, click here: Militia of the Immaculata
The MI movement is open to all Catholics over 7 years old. It employs prayer as the main weapon in the spiritual battle with evil. Members of the Militia Immaculata also immerse themselves in apostolic initiatives throughout society, either individually or in groups, to deepen the knowledge of the Gospel and our Catholic Faith in them and in others.
Marian consecration is a formal act of self-giving that does not stop at Mary, but is Christ-directed. It is really consecration to Jesus. The MI's mission is "To Lead Every Individual With Mary to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus."
By joining the MI, members become willing instruments of Our Lady, the woman foreshadowed in Genesis 3:15. She leads them to personal sanctification, the conversion of Church opponents and ultimately the universal reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Militia of the Immaculata began on October 16, 1917, around a table at the Conventual Franciscan seminary in Rome. Maximilian Kolbe gathered six like-minded young friars before a statue of the Blessed Virgin and drafted a charter that would establish one of the most influential Marian apostolates ever. The charter still serves as a blueprint of spiritual progress for MI members today.
Since these humble beginnings, the MI has spread throughout the world and is today present on five continents and in forty-six nations. Official membership now nears four million. For more information, click here: Militia of the Immaculata
"Membership in the Militia means
complete dedication to the Kingdom
of God and to the salvation of souls
through Mary Immaculate."
Pope John Paul II
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Friday, May 17, 2013
The Cult of the Black Virgin
......
Publication Date: September 30, 2006
There are many icons of Mary that show black faces and hands. In France, these are called Vierge Noires—Black Virgins. Elsewhere, may be called Black Madonnas or the "other Mary." Jung called her Isis, while others claim she is the symbolic remains of a prehistoric worship of the Earth Mother. She is generally connected with Cybele, Diana, Isis, and Venus, as well as with Kali, Inanna, and Lilith. Historically she is connected with the Crusades, the Islamic occupation of Spain, the Conquistadors, as well as the Merovingians and Knights Templars, who viewed her as Mary Magdalene.
Why are more than five hundred of the world’s Madonna images black or dark? Why is so little known about them? Black Virgins—a resurfacing of the powerful pagan goddesses of sexuality, the underworld, and earth wisdom—they are symbols of power and majesty, the other side of the traditional Madonna’s virginity or tender maternity. They personify the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant in a quest for lost feminine wisdom and the search for soul.
Ean Begg's fascinating book investigates the pagan origins of the phenomenon as well as the heretical Gnostic-Christian underground stream that flowed west with the cult of Mary Magdalene and resurfaced in Catharism at the time of the Crusades, especially with the Templars.
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Thursday, May 09, 2013
Billboard depicting the Virgin Mary and a Revelations verse angers local Catholics
Posted: 05/04/2013
By: Angela CruzWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A controversial billboard at the intersection of Southern Boulevard and Jog Road in West Palm Beach has upset local Catholics.
Judy Carbo, a Catholic from Stuart, said she did a double take when she drove by the billboard, which shows an image of the Virgin Mary, with a Bible verse, Revelations 16:14.
"My heart nearly broke, and I had to pull back around and come look at the sign up close," said Carbo. "It blatantly gives a derogatory image of our lady and the Catholic faith."
Alison Valus, a Catholic from Jupiter, said combining an image of the Virgin Mary with that particular Bible verse, which mentions demonic spirits, is inflammatory against her religion.
"Stuff like this is very misleading, and it's hurtful," said Valus.
Reverend James Molgano with St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church said the message is offensive because it uses sacred scripture against Mary.
"To use the inherent Word of God against her, against the church, is blasphemous," said Molgano.
The number on the billboard goes to an answering machine for the Eternal Gospel Ministry. The message said the organization is closed on weekends.
Meantime, she is concerned that the billboard sends the wrong message to thousands of drivers every day.
"You want to advertise your faith, that is your right as a citizen, but not by bashing somebody else's," said Carbo. " Especially with misinformation."
Source: http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/billboard-depicting-the-virgin-mary-and-a-revelations-verse-angers-local-catholics#ixzz2Snj3XqY1
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Wednesday, May 02, 2012
May, the month of Mary
From: Archdiocese of San Francisco
Visions of Mary: The face of Mary is shown in a detail, side view of “The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception,” a painted and gilded statue attributed to Juan Martinez Montanes.
A month for deepest prayer
Popular piety has long dedicated the month of May to Mary, the Mother of God. The month is a powerful incentive to offer more frequent and fervent prayers. It is a month when “our petitions more readily find access to her compassionate heart.”
Pope Paul VI, “Mense Maio,” April 29, 1965
Surpassing grace and humanity
Mary has a unique position among the saints – “exalted, yet still one of us.” The Blessed Virgin is the Mother of the Son of God, the daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit, and her gift of grace “far surpasses all creations” in heaven and on earth. “At the same time, because she belongs to the offspring of Adam she is one with all those who are to be saved.”
USCCB, “Popular Devotional Practices: Basic Questions and Answers”
Mother and son’s work of salvation
Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it. This union of mother and son in the work of salvation is made manifest above all at the hour of his Passion, where she endures with her only begotten Son the intensity of his suffering. After her Son’s Ascension, Mary “aided the beginnings of the church by her prayers.”
From the “Catechism of the Catholic Church”
Painting of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is seen in a museum of Catholic artifacts and artwork at the cathedral in Santiago, Cuba, Feb. 10.
Mary and the Christ Child are depicted in this detail view of the painting of Our Lady of Brezje at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
Source
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Thunder of Justice and Mary
"Can we ask this simple girl to guide what has become not a cult but a huge and passionate congregation, a movement requiring a hero, a worldwide flock that has long demanded more of her? That has demanded, in some instances, that she deliver her message herself? I wonder: If Mary became merely human--if people could truly touch Mary--would Mary be enough?"
Please beware, friends, of the expositors of this type of thinking, who also refer to Mary as "Co-Redeemer, Mediator, and Advocate." First of all, nowhere in the Bible is there any reference to the Virgin Mary as being man's "Co-redeemer."
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Our Lady of China
Recently I received an interesting article from Ms. E. B., and I'd like to share it:
Our Lady of China
by Zsolt Aradi
There are other great shrines dedicated to the Virgin in China. Of these, we shall give one brief mention here: that of Our Lady of China, located near Peiping. It stands in a village named Tong Lu. This mission was started by the Vincentian Fathers. It was a poor place, perhaps the poorest in the whole region, formerly called "the place of beggars." In 1900, there were some seven hundred Christians gathered about the little hamlet. Suddenly, the famous Boxer rebellion swept China and grew to such proportions, that even small places like Tong Lu could not escape its fury. In April 1900, a force of ten thousand rioters attacked Tong Lu. The soldiers, in senseless rage, started to shoot into the sky. Then suddenly they fled, frightened, and never came back again. According to the legend, a woman in white appeared above the settlement, and the rioters' bullets were aimed at her. When the apparition did not fade, attackers had not even time to reorganize because a strange horseman put them to flight. Soon after they had disappeared beyond the horizon. Father Wu, a Chinese priest, confessed to his flock that he invoked the help of Mary. A new church was built on the site and Father Wu placed a picture of Our Lady on the main altar. He asked the painter to dress Our Lady in the royal robes of the dowager Empress Tzi-Hsi. The image of the Blessed Virgin in the royal robes of the pagan Empress, with the Christ Child on her knees, is vivid expression of Chinese tradition. It is a shrine of the Mother and her Son. Though her robes be pagan, she belongs to every age, to all people and to every race. As was told and promised in the Old Testament: "I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge and of holy hope."
The Tong Lu church was completely destroyed recently by the Chinese Communists, but the picture of Our Lady of China remains intact because only a copy of the picture was used in the church. The original was hidden in the wall behind the copy, and this was recovered and found intact. It is now in possession of Chinese priests who carry out their activities in disguise.
This item 3172 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
Our Lady of China
by Zsolt Aradi
There are other great shrines dedicated to the Virgin in China. Of these, we shall give one brief mention here: that of Our Lady of China, located near Peiping. It stands in a village named Tong Lu. This mission was started by the Vincentian Fathers. It was a poor place, perhaps the poorest in the whole region, formerly called "the place of beggars." In 1900, there were some seven hundred Christians gathered about the little hamlet. Suddenly, the famous Boxer rebellion swept China and grew to such proportions, that even small places like Tong Lu could not escape its fury. In April 1900, a force of ten thousand rioters attacked Tong Lu. The soldiers, in senseless rage, started to shoot into the sky. Then suddenly they fled, frightened, and never came back again. According to the legend, a woman in white appeared above the settlement, and the rioters' bullets were aimed at her. When the apparition did not fade, attackers had not even time to reorganize because a strange horseman put them to flight. Soon after they had disappeared beyond the horizon. Father Wu, a Chinese priest, confessed to his flock that he invoked the help of Mary. A new church was built on the site and Father Wu placed a picture of Our Lady on the main altar. He asked the painter to dress Our Lady in the royal robes of the dowager Empress Tzi-Hsi. The image of the Blessed Virgin in the royal robes of the pagan Empress, with the Christ Child on her knees, is vivid expression of Chinese tradition. It is a shrine of the Mother and her Son. Though her robes be pagan, she belongs to every age, to all people and to every race. As was told and promised in the Old Testament: "I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge and of holy hope."
The Tong Lu church was completely destroyed recently by the Chinese Communists, but the picture of Our Lady of China remains intact because only a copy of the picture was used in the church. The original was hidden in the wall behind the copy, and this was recovered and found intact. It is now in possession of Chinese priests who carry out their activities in disguise.
This item 3172 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Blessed Mary - Mother of the Son of God
Column
By Donna Haerich
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb… Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (Luke 1:42, 45).
In that tiny babe of Bethlehem, both God and Mary gave to the world a gift of themselves. “To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature.” (1) So it was not mere happenstance that the infant Jesus carried the genetic make-up of his mother Mary, a legacy that would be his throughout eternity.
Just who was this woman, Mary, whom the Almighty Son of God would not only voluntarily take on her DNA but be willing to lay helpless, vulnerable and trusting in her arms?
One of the most striking characteristics of Mary was her adventurous spirit, her proclivity for always being where the action was. She certainly could not be classified as a homebody. In fact, if Scripture is to be believed, she was seldom at home at all! Every mention of Mary places her in a different geographic location. (2)
Following the angel’s visitation, she left Nazareth and went to Judea to see her cousin, Elizabeth. Three months later, she returned to Nazareth to face Joseph with the news of her pregnancy. Their dilemma resolved, they journeyed together to Bethlehem and arrive just in time for Jesus’ birth. Within thirty-three days, Mary walks to Jerusalem to dedicate her firstborn and hears a prophetic message directed specifically to her.
Shortly thereafter, she, Joseph and the young child leave Palestine altogether. As expatriates it is possible they lived for a time among the large Jewish community in Alexandra , Egypt, assimilating the Greek language and taking advantage of the scholarly atmosphere that thrived in that region.
Returning to Nazareth, via Judea, the record reflects that it was family custom to go down to Jerusalem for the yearly celebrations. As an active participant, Mary was not hesitant to speak out openly when confronting her son who just happened to be standing among the temple scholars.
When Mary is mentioned next, she is in Cana of Galilee coordinating a wedding. After this event Scripture says that she went down to Capernaum for a few days and then returned to Nazareth… via Jerusalem.
Once back in Nazareth, her sons urged her to return to Capernaum with them in hopes that her influence would be persuasive in convincing Jesus to stop his foolish activity before he endangered himself and others. Mary did not bring Jesus home. In fact there are indications that she left Nazareth for good and joined the group of women who accompanied Jesus thus becoming an apostolic witness to his miracles and teachings.
Mary was there at the cross and at the empty tomb. She witnessed his ascension and was present in the upper room when the Holy Spirit descended. When tongues of fire rested on her head, she praised God and prophesied as she had in the beginning when the Spirit overshadowed her at Jesus’ conception. The woman who gave birth to the Son of God also helped give birth to the movement that would carry His good news to the world.
Tradition has it that Mary accompanied the apostle John in his travels living for a while with him in the city of Ephesus. I like to believe that she is the “elect lady” to whom John addressed his second letter -written to encourage the “children” of her ministry and edify the believers who met in her home-church. (3)
Luke’s carefully researched and documented account of the nativity has details that only Mary would have known. He records her song of the mysteries of incarnation and election – that God would become one with the humble and that she would be chosen to participate in that purpose. What she treasured and pondered in her heart is the very essence of the Christmas story we enjoy today.
Mary, a sensitive, creative poet who sang the Magnificat and recalled the Angel’s Song; Mary, a reflective, insightful student of Scripture and history, whose son’s education was admired and praised by leading scholars; Mary, an adventurer, world traveler, boldly courageous in a society that dictated the woman’s role; this is the blessed woman whom God chose be mother, friend and disciple of his Son. (4)
1.Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, Pacific Press Publishing Association, page 25>
2.Matthew 2:11, 13-15, 21-23, 49,50; 27:56,61 Mark 8:31-35; 15:40,47 Luke 1:26,39,56; 2:5, 22,34, 41, 58; 8:1-3; 23:55, 56; 24:1 John 2:1, 12, 13; 19:25,27 Acts 1:12, 14, 2:1-4
3.Addressed to “the elect lady” whom John loves as do “all who know the truth” fits Mary. Other phases connect the message to Mary: “Just as you heard it from the beginning” “Do not lose what you have worked for, but receive a full reward.” “Who abides in the teaching has BOTH the Father and the Son.” (And yes, I am aware of the ‘dating problem’.)
4.This article on Mary has been expanded from a short essay previously published in the Journal, Ponderings. Volume 2. No 6, Page 15.
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By Donna Haerich
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb… Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (Luke 1:42, 45).
In that tiny babe of Bethlehem, both God and Mary gave to the world a gift of themselves. “To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature.” (1) So it was not mere happenstance that the infant Jesus carried the genetic make-up of his mother Mary, a legacy that would be his throughout eternity.
Just who was this woman, Mary, whom the Almighty Son of God would not only voluntarily take on her DNA but be willing to lay helpless, vulnerable and trusting in her arms?
One of the most striking characteristics of Mary was her adventurous spirit, her proclivity for always being where the action was. She certainly could not be classified as a homebody. In fact, if Scripture is to be believed, she was seldom at home at all! Every mention of Mary places her in a different geographic location. (2)
Following the angel’s visitation, she left Nazareth and went to Judea to see her cousin, Elizabeth. Three months later, she returned to Nazareth to face Joseph with the news of her pregnancy. Their dilemma resolved, they journeyed together to Bethlehem and arrive just in time for Jesus’ birth. Within thirty-three days, Mary walks to Jerusalem to dedicate her firstborn and hears a prophetic message directed specifically to her.
Shortly thereafter, she, Joseph and the young child leave Palestine altogether. As expatriates it is possible they lived for a time among the large Jewish community in Alexandra , Egypt, assimilating the Greek language and taking advantage of the scholarly atmosphere that thrived in that region.
Returning to Nazareth, via Judea, the record reflects that it was family custom to go down to Jerusalem for the yearly celebrations. As an active participant, Mary was not hesitant to speak out openly when confronting her son who just happened to be standing among the temple scholars.
When Mary is mentioned next, she is in Cana of Galilee coordinating a wedding. After this event Scripture says that she went down to Capernaum for a few days and then returned to Nazareth… via Jerusalem.
Once back in Nazareth, her sons urged her to return to Capernaum with them in hopes that her influence would be persuasive in convincing Jesus to stop his foolish activity before he endangered himself and others. Mary did not bring Jesus home. In fact there are indications that she left Nazareth for good and joined the group of women who accompanied Jesus thus becoming an apostolic witness to his miracles and teachings.
Mary was there at the cross and at the empty tomb. She witnessed his ascension and was present in the upper room when the Holy Spirit descended. When tongues of fire rested on her head, she praised God and prophesied as she had in the beginning when the Spirit overshadowed her at Jesus’ conception. The woman who gave birth to the Son of God also helped give birth to the movement that would carry His good news to the world.
Tradition has it that Mary accompanied the apostle John in his travels living for a while with him in the city of Ephesus. I like to believe that she is the “elect lady” to whom John addressed his second letter -written to encourage the “children” of her ministry and edify the believers who met in her home-church. (3)
Luke’s carefully researched and documented account of the nativity has details that only Mary would have known. He records her song of the mysteries of incarnation and election – that God would become one with the humble and that she would be chosen to participate in that purpose. What she treasured and pondered in her heart is the very essence of the Christmas story we enjoy today.
Mary, a sensitive, creative poet who sang the Magnificat and recalled the Angel’s Song; Mary, a reflective, insightful student of Scripture and history, whose son’s education was admired and praised by leading scholars; Mary, an adventurer, world traveler, boldly courageous in a society that dictated the woman’s role; this is the blessed woman whom God chose be mother, friend and disciple of his Son. (4)
1.Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, Pacific Press Publishing Association, page 25>
2.Matthew 2:11, 13-15, 21-23, 49,50; 27:56,61 Mark 8:31-35; 15:40,47 Luke 1:26,39,56; 2:5, 22,34, 41, 58; 8:1-3; 23:55, 56; 24:1 John 2:1, 12, 13; 19:25,27 Acts 1:12, 14, 2:1-4
3.Addressed to “the elect lady” whom John loves as do “all who know the truth” fits Mary. Other phases connect the message to Mary: “Just as you heard it from the beginning” “Do not lose what you have worked for, but receive a full reward.” “Who abides in the teaching has BOTH the Father and the Son.” (And yes, I am aware of the ‘dating problem’.)
4.This article on Mary has been expanded from a short essay previously published in the Journal, Ponderings. Volume 2. No 6, Page 15.
Comments
Very nice. I am always glad when I see Protestants unafraid to reflect on the person of Mary. She has so much to teach us.
Posted by: Fr. Jim (not verified) 24 December 2010 at 5:37
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Wednesday, October 06, 2010
“Obama always carries a picture of Mary Help of Christians in his wallet”
:. NEWS
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13/8/2010 - Spain - “Obama always carries a picture of Mary Help of Christians in his wallet”
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13/8/2010 - Spain - “Obama always carries a picture of Mary Help of Christians in his wallet”
(ANS – Ronda) – During her visit to Casa Don Bosco in Ronda, Michelle Obama, wife of Barack, revealed that her husband, the President of the United States, “always carries a picture of Mary Help of Christians in his wallet”. On Saturday 7 August, Mrs Obama spent four hours in Ronda, admiring the monuments and enjoying the beautiful scenery: “Ronda is absolutely incredible”, she kept saying.
From early morning the city of Ronda was invaded by police and security personnel from the American Embassy and much of the historic part of the city was closed to traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian.
Although it had been planned to make the church of Santa Maria la Mayor the first stop, in order to send the journalists towards Tajo, the presidential party went first to Casa Don Bosco, a modernist building of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, noted for its marvellous gardens, and the home of the Salesian community in the city.
During her stay in the Salesian house, Michelle told the parish priest of Santa Maria, in charge of the Salesian community, that her husband, Barack Obama always carries with him a photograph with an image of Mary Help of Christians, to whom, those present reported, the first family of the United States has great devotion.
When the security services left, Mrs Obama and her daughter Sasha made their way on foot to the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, and later visited the Palace of the Arabian King and the Mine. In the afternoon, after a break for lunch, the first lady of the United States also saw the monumental Plaza de Toros, the city bullring.
As on her arrival, the first lady smiled and waved as she took her leave of the citizens and tourists in Ronda, and went back to the summer residence of Beahavís. From there she set off on Sunday 8 August to meet the Spanish Royal Family in Mallorca.
Published 13/8/2010 .
From early morning the city of Ronda was invaded by police and security personnel from the American Embassy and much of the historic part of the city was closed to traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian.
Although it had been planned to make the church of Santa Maria la Mayor the first stop, in order to send the journalists towards Tajo, the presidential party went first to Casa Don Bosco, a modernist building of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, noted for its marvellous gardens, and the home of the Salesian community in the city.
During her stay in the Salesian house, Michelle told the parish priest of Santa Maria, in charge of the Salesian community, that her husband, Barack Obama always carries with him a photograph with an image of Mary Help of Christians, to whom, those present reported, the first family of the United States has great devotion.
When the security services left, Mrs Obama and her daughter Sasha made their way on foot to the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, and later visited the Palace of the Arabian King and the Mine. In the afternoon, after a break for lunch, the first lady of the United States also saw the monumental Plaza de Toros, the city bullring.
As on her arrival, the first lady smiled and waved as she took her leave of the citizens and tourists in Ronda, and went back to the summer residence of Beahavís. From there she set off on Sunday 8 August to meet the Spanish Royal Family in Mallorca.
Published 13/8/2010 .
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
"Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it".
27And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Luke 11:27,28.
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Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Thousands await Knock's new Virgin Mary vision
Pilgrims have travelled to a rain-soaked corner of western Ireland hoping to witness a miracle
They came from Wexford, Manchester and even India, driven on by the hope that in this rain-soaked corner of western Ireland the mother of God would appear to them this weekend.
All along Knock's main street the pilgrims slept in vans and motor homes, all hoping to book a space near the site where a Dublin-based spiritual healer predicted the Virgin Mary would materialise.
Joe Coleman's visions of a Marian apparition on the exact spot where villagers claimed they saw the Virgin Mary in 1879 have created a fervour across the Catholic world.
Coleman complained that the Catholic church had not made a priest available to recite the Rosary with him and the thousands gathered in waiting. Describing himself as "a visionary of our Blessed Mother", he said the visitation would only be visible "to people who come with an open heart".
With up to 10,000 pilgrims descending on the village, Coleman's promise that Christ's mother would appear through a "dancing sun" in the sky has at least given Knock's economy an unexpected boost. At The Shrine bed and breakfast across the road from the Marian Shrine, built to commemorate the 19th-century apparition, the manager Nicola said all of their rooms were booked up on Friday evening.
Across the road, the O'Brien and Berry families from Co Wexford were bedding down for the night inside their van. Surrounded by her daughter Anne and grandsons, Martin and Luke, Alice Berry said that while she wanted see the Virgin Mary appear she was afraid of the message she would be bringing from heaven. "Of course I'm here to see Our Lady but I am worried about what she is going to say. I'm afraid she's going to tell us something terrible," said Alice.
The Berrys, like the most of those gathered this weekend beside the Knock shrine, are travellers. Their presence has illuminated the social chasm between them and the Republic's settled majority.
Many of the travellers gathering inside the shrine's grounds late on Friday complained that the public toilets had been locked and car parks blocked to prevent them from parking their vans, motor homes and caravans. They also pointed out that all of the pubs in the village have been shut and none were prepared to sell them carry-outs.
The shrine has its origins in the visions of a Miss Mary McLoughlin, the 45-year-old housekeeper, who on 21 August 1879 claimed to have seen on the south gable of Knock parish church "a wonderful number of strange figures; one like the blessed Virgin Mary and one like St. Joseph". It wasn't until 1936 and two commissions of inquiry before the Catholic church officially agreed that the visions were genuine. Sceptics have always argued that they were caused by the use of magic lanterns owned by a local police officer at the time.
While the Irish hierarchy maintains the 19th-century Knock apparitions were real it does not support Coleman's claims. But despite urging caution, the Irish Catholic bishops have been unable to dissuade the thousands who came this weekend to wait for the Virgin Mary's second coming to Mayo.
During the first "sighting" on 11 October, Coleman urged pilgrims to stare at the sun. Many of them claimed they saw clouds parting to reveal a bright sunlit image of a woman in white. Others, however, were more sceptical.
Before leaving the shrine yesterday, Coleman said the Virgin Mary had appeared but he was not yet prepared to reveal the message she had sent him for the world.
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Thursday, December 25, 2008
Jesus the Son of God
Luke 2
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
8888888877777777
P.S. Please notice that the shepherds abiding in the field in verse 8, implies that Jesus' birth took place during the grazing season in Judea (not winter); Therefore, the assumption that Jesus was born on December 25, is an incorrect one. We all know that the early Christians did not celebrate Jesus' birth at all, especially not during the pagan Winter Solstice and birth of Tammuz.*.
Arsenio.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
In doctor's window, some see image of Virgin Mary
Martin Finucane Boston Globe Thursday, Oct 2, 2008
Officials at a Springfield hospital say they have no immediate plans to replace a window at a doctor's office building where some people say they have seen the image of the Virgin Mary.
Thousands of people have flocked to Mercy Medical Center to see the image, since a patient reported seeing it at about 11 a.m. Tuesday, said Mark Fulco, senior vice president for strategy and marketing at the hospital.
Fulco said the hospital had planned to replace the window, which was originally put in place in the 1970s when the building was constructed. But, "Obviously, we didn't change the window out when we heard.
"We figure the best thing to do right now is just leave it in place, until it can be fully evaluated and we can get advice" from the Diocese of Springfield, he said.
No one tampered with the glass or painted anything on the inside or outside, Fulco said. Glass specialists have told hospital officials that water seeped between the panes of the double-paned glass and the "minerals reacted and caused some type of acidic reaction that appears to have etched the glass," he said.
"What is unusual is the image that appears to have been etched," he said. "Many people have said it resembles the Virgin Mary or Our Lady of Guadalupe."
Source: http://propagandamatrix.com/articles/october2008/021008Mary.htm
Officials at a Springfield hospital say they have no immediate plans to replace a window at a doctor's office building where some people say they have seen the image of the Virgin Mary.
Thousands of people have flocked to Mercy Medical Center to see the image, since a patient reported seeing it at about 11 a.m. Tuesday, said Mark Fulco, senior vice president for strategy and marketing at the hospital.
Fulco said the hospital had planned to replace the window, which was originally put in place in the 1970s when the building was constructed. But, "Obviously, we didn't change the window out when we heard.
"We figure the best thing to do right now is just leave it in place, until it can be fully evaluated and we can get advice" from the Diocese of Springfield, he said.
No one tampered with the glass or painted anything on the inside or outside, Fulco said. Glass specialists have told hospital officials that water seeped between the panes of the double-paned glass and the "minerals reacted and caused some type of acidic reaction that appears to have etched the glass," he said.
"What is unusual is the image that appears to have been etched," he said. "Many people have said it resembles the Virgin Mary or Our Lady of Guadalupe."
Source: http://propagandamatrix.com/articles/october2008/021008Mary.htm
Saturday, May 17, 2008
OUR LADY SPEAKS TO HER BELOVED PRIESTS
The book, TO THE PRIESTS, OUR LADY'S BELOVED SONS, is a most precious gift from the Mother of God. She chose it as a means to spread her work. It contains her messages which, since July 1973, she has been communicating to Fr. Stefano Gobbi through what, in theology, are called interior locutions. Hence in the opinion of Fr. Gobbi's spiritual director, "they are neither the fruit of personal meditations, nor a questionable literary contrivance."
This book is a motherly exhortation in simple language, not a theological treatise.
"It has been the instrument for carrying to the hearts and souls of so many beloved children the voice of the heavenly Mother, the manifestation of my maternal plan, my invitation to receive you all within the refuge of my Immaculate Heart.
How should this book be read? With the simplicity of a child who is listening to his mother...
What do I say in this book of mine? I trace out a simple and beautiful road, but a difficult one, oh how difficult! It is necessary to travel it, if you wish to live the consecration. I teach you how to live; I form you in a practical way to live with me...
...Then you hearts will be inflamed with love, your souls will be illumined by my light, and I will transform you interiorly to lead you to do each day what pleases the Heart of Jesus" (21-1-84, #282b-i)
"Read it, my beloved sons, meditate on it, live it!" (28-1-84, #284j)
In synthesis it contains the doctrine of St. Louis de Montfort, the path of Spiritual Childhood of St. Therese of Liseux, and the way to live the Message of Fatima.
Translated into more than twenty languages including Maltese, it has been printed in hundreds of thousands of copies.
COPIES OF THE BOOK may be obtained from the centres listed below (Voluntary contributions make possible its continued distribution)
Dun G. Mifsud Bonnici
c/o The Curia
Floriana VLT 06
Tel: (+356) 2590 6307
Tel: 238012
CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE
Movimento Sacerdotale Mariano
Via Mercalli 23
20122 Milano
Italia
ITALY
Centro di distribuzione del Libro
Potalivo P. Paolino
c/o Grafiche Ballerini
Via Nazionale Adriata Nord 444
65123 Pescara
Italia
ENGLAND
Father Michael J. Gaughran
"Lyndhurst", Park Road
Waterloo
Liverpool L22-3XE
England
IRELAND
Rev. Michael Maher, S.M.
Chanel College, Coolock
Dublin 5
Ireland
USA
Fr. Albert G. Roux
P.O. Box 1
St. David - Maine 04773
Usa
CANADA
Rev. Laurence J. Faje, CSB
1515 Bathurst Street
Toronto, Ontario M5P 3H4
Canada
AUSTRALIA
Rev. Eugene Szondi
P.O. Box 301
Huntsville NSW 2220 Australia
Father Gobbi meets the Pope
*******************
P.S. To the Priests, Our Lady's Beloved Sons
(original title: Our Lady Speaks to Her Beloved Priests).
In the book:
(5th English Edition: July 1979)
Nihil obstat: + Zbigniew Josef Kraszewski
........................Vicar General
........................Archdiocese of Warsaw
.
.
Beginning on page A13 [Addendum], titled:
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: (A pledge)
It reads as follows:
We further promise you the greatest loyalty to the Gospel, of which we shall always be genuine and courageous heralds, even, if necessary, to the shedding of our blood. We promise loyalty to the Church, for whose service we have been consecrated.
Above all, we wish to be united with the Holy Father and the Hierarchy, firmly adhering to all their directives, so far as to form a bulwark of defense against the movement of dissent against the Magisterium that threatens the very foundation of the Church. Under your maternal protection we want to be the apostles of this sorely needed unity of prayer and love for the Pope, on whom we invoke your special protection...Ending on page A14.
Arsenio.
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