Our Lady’s August message to Marija

Dear children! Today I call you to pray and fast for my intentions, because Satan wants to destroy my plan. Here I began with this parish and invited the entire world. Many have responded, but there is an enormous number of those who do not want to hear or accept my call. Therefore, you who have said ‘yes’, be strong and resolute. Thank you for having responded to my call. August 25, 2011

Sabbatical

I’ve decided to take a break from ‘blogging’. Apart from the monthly messages, I shan’t be posting for a while and I’m not sure when I’ll start up again.

I’m still in the process of selling the listed books alongside (albeit very slowly) and any orders will be fulfilled and despatched as usual. The same goes for The Mother Who Loves Me prayer card.

Thank you for taking the time to visit and read the Crown of Stars blog these past six years. Praised be Jesus and Mary.

Anyone wishing to contact me can reach me at this EMAIL address.

Gate of Heaven

• Today in Scripture

I place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; should he open, no one shall close, should he close, no one shall open.
Isaiah 22 : 22

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; whatever you loose of earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16 : 19

Dear children! My prayer today is for all of you who seek the grace of conversion. You knock on the door of my heart, but without hope and prayer, in sin, and without the Sacrament of Reconciliation with God. Leave sin and decide, little children, for holiness. Only in this way can I help you, hear your prayers and seek intercession before the Most High. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, May 25, 2001

Dear young people, I pray for you with heartfelt affection. I commend all of you to the Virgin Mary and I ask her to accompany you always by her maternal intercession and to teach you how to remain faithful to God’s word. Benedict XVI, August 21, 2011

Living in humility

• Today in Scripture

Then Ruth fell on her face, bowing to the ground. And she said to Boaz, “How have I so earned your favour that you take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?” And Boaz answered her, “I have been told all you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband’s death, and how you left your own father and mother and the land where you were born to come among a people whom you knew nothing about before you came here.” Book of Ruth 2 : 10-11

Dear children! Today I invite you to live in humility all the messages which I am giving you. Do not become arrogant living the messages and saying “I am living the messages”. If you shall bear and live the messages in your heart, everyone will feel it so that words, which serve those who do not obey, will not be necessary. For you, dear children, it is necessary to live and witness by your lives. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, September 30, 1985

The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23 : 12

• Many of those who are humiliated are not humble. Some react to humiliation with anger, others with patience, and others with freedom. The first are culpable, the next harmless, the last just.
St Bernard of Clairvaux

I am with you... follow me....

 • Today in Scripture

Ruth said: “Do not press me to leave you and to turn back from your company, for wherever you go I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Book of Ruth 1 : 16

Dear children, I am with you to take you all to my Son. I wish to bring you all to salvation. Follow me, because only in this way will you be able to find true peace and happiness. My dear children, come with me. Medjugorje message, May 2, 2005

The sacrifice of love

• Today in Scripture

Tell those who have been invited that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fatted cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding. But they were not interested… Matthew 22 : 4-6

Dear children! I wish to thank you for all the sacrifices and I invite you to the greatest sacrifice, the sacrifice of love. Without love, you are not able to accept either me or my Son. Without love, you cannot give an account of your experiences to others. Therefore, dear children, I call you to begin to live love within yourselves. Thank you for having responded to my call.   
Medjugorje message, March 27, 1986

“So often we demand that others love us without being willing to make the sacrifice and abandonment of self that is necessary to become loveable. However, if anyone has mastered the delicate and profound paradox that love involves, and has been willing to dedicate him or herself without reservation or demand for return, he or she will certainly be loved and fulfilled.” John Powell. Why Am I Afraid To Love.

A King crowned with thorns

• Today in Scripture

One day the trees went out to anoint a king to rule over them. They said to the olive tree, “Be our king!” The olive tree answered them, “Must I forgo my oil which gives honour to gods and me, to stand swaying above the trees?”

Then the trees said to the fig tree, “Come now, be our king!” The fig tree answered them, “Must I forego my sweetness, forego my excellent fruit, to stand swaying above the trees?”

Then the trees said to the vine, “Come now, you be our king!” The vine answered them, “Must I forgo my wine which cheers the hearts of gods and men, to stand swaying above the trees?”

Then all the trees said to the thorn bush, “Come now, you be our king!” And the thorn bush answered the trees, “If in all good faith you anoint me king to reign over you, then come and shelter in my shade. If not fire will come from the thorn bush and devour the cedars of Lebanon.” Book of Judges, 9 : 8-15

Dear children! Today, when you celebrate Christ, the King of all that is created, I desire for him to be the King of your lives. Only through giving, little children, can you comprehend the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross for each of you. Little children, give time to God that he may transform you and fill you with his grace, so that you may be a grace for others. For you, little children, I am a gift of grace and love, which comes from God for this peaceless world. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, November 2, 2007

Let your hands be extended and generous

• Today in Scripture

Why be envious because I am generous? Matthew 20 : 16

Dear children! Also today, I call you to be love where there is hatred and food where there is hunger. Open your hearts, little children, and let your hands be extended and generous so that, through you, every creature may thank God the Creator. Pray, little children, and open your heart to God’s love, but you cannot if you do not pray. Therefore, pray, pray, pray. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, September 25, 2004

Lord, you give so much to me,
Most of which I fail to see.
Blessings you pour out on me.
All praise and glory be...

Seen two hearts split down the line,
Then watched water change to wine;
Love restored in your good time,
All praise and glory be...

Seen a woman love in vain,
Watched her heart close out with pain;
Seen you make her well again,
All praise and glory be...

Seen a woman with MS,
Close to death and final rest,
Rise again when holy blessed,
All praise and glory be...

Seen a woman paralysed,
Catch the gaze of Vicka’s eyes;
Then climb the hill at ‘paradise’,
All praise and glory be...

Lord, you give so much to me,
Most of which I fail to see.
Blessings you pour out on me.
All praise and glory be...

All praise and glory be
To the Blessed Trinity.
Blessings you pour out on me.
All praise and glory be...

bg

The Altar of Peace

• Today in Scripture

The Lord answered him, “Peace be with you; have no fear; you will not die.” Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it The-Lord-is-Peace. book of Judges 6 : 24

Dear children! Also today I call you to prayer. In this time of grace, may the cross be a sign-post of love and unity for you through which true peace comes. That is why, little children, pray especially at this time that little Jesus, the Creator of peace, may be born in your hearts. Only through prayer will you become my apostles of peace in this world without peace. That is why, pray until prayer becomes a joy for you. Thank you for having responded to my call.  Medjugorje message, November 25, 1999

What about us?

• Today in Scripture

Then Peter spoke: “What about us?” he said to Jesus. “We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?” Matthew 19 : 27

Dear children, God’s love is in my words. My children, that is the love which desires to turn you to justice and truth. That is the love which desires to save you from delusion. And what about you, my children? Your hearts remain closed; they are hard and do not respond to my calls. They are insincere. With a motherly love I am praying for you, because I desire for all of you to resurrect in my Son. Thank you. Medjugorje message, April 2, 2009

They would not listen...

• Today in Scripture

Then the Lord appointed judges for them, and rescued the men of Israel from the hands of their plunderers. But they would not listen to their judges. They prostituted themselves to other gods, and bowed down before these. Book of Judges 2 : 16-17

Dear children! I desire to lead you, but you do not wish to listen to my messages. Today I am calling you to listen to the messages and then you will be able to live everything which God tells me to convey to you. Open yourselves to God and God will work through you and keep on giving you everything you need. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, July 25, 1985

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Arthur McCluskey

News has reached me that Arthur McCluskey, founder of St Joseph & the Helpers Charity died unexpectedly yesterday at his home in Ireland at the early age of 67.

Arthur was inspired to start the Charity in 2005 after his recovery from alcoholism and a gambling addiction which he testified to in his self-published book: My Healing from Gambling and Alcoholism in Medjugorje.  

The Charity has raised considerable funds and completed many projects in just a few short years to assist those in need in Bosnia & Herzegovina as a consequence of the war there in the early 90’s.

Arthur’s funeral is due to take place on Wednesday. May he rest in peace.

A pdf version of Arthur’s book and his remarkable witness can be downloaded at the charity’s website: www.helperscharity.com

Comprehend and choose...

• Today in Scripture

Joshua said to all the people: “Fear the Lord and serve him perfectly and sincerely; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.”
Book of Joshua 24 : 14-15

Dear children, God created you with free will to comprehend and to choose: Life or Death. I as a mother, with motherly love, desire to help you to comprehend and to choose life. My children, do not deceive yourselves with false peace and false joy. Permit me, my children, to show you the true way, the way that leads to life – my Son. Thank you. Medjugorje message, July 2, 2006

God can give you everything...

• Today in Scripture

Great is his love, love without end. Psalm 135

I gave you a land where you never toiled, you live in towns you never built; you eat from the vineyards and olive groves you never planted. Book of Joshua 24 : 13

Dear children! Today again I am calling you to complete conversion, which is difficult for those who have not chosen God. God can give you everything that you seek from him. But you seek God only when sicknesses, problems and difficulties come to you and you think that God is far from you and is not listening and does not hear your prayers. No, dear children, that is not the truth. When you are far from God, you cannot receive graces because you do not seek them with a firm faith. Day by day, I am praying for you, and I want to draw you ever more near to God, but I cannot if you don't want it. Therefore, dear children put your life in God’s hands. I bless you all. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, January 25, 1988

Forgiveness... a path to heaven

• Today in Scripture

Peter went up to Jesus and said, “Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?” Jesus answered, “Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.” 
Matthew 18 : 21

Dear children, I am beside you because I desire to help you to overcome trials, which this time of purification puts before you. My children, one of those is not to forgive and not to ask for forgiveness. Every sin offends Love and distances you from it – and Love is my Son. Therefore, my children, if you desire to walk with me towards the peace of God’s love, you must learn to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Thank you.
Medjugorje messages, September 2, 2010

• LETTER SPARKS HOPE OF FORGIVENESS

Renewing God’s love and holiness

• This commentary on Our Lady’s message is by the late Fr Slavko Barbaric OFM, adapted from his book: In the School of Love, published by the Medjugorje Information Centre.

Dear children! I am calling everyone of you to start living in God’s love. Dear children, you are ready to commit sin, and to put yourselves in the hand of satan without reflecting. I call on each one of you to consciously decide for God and against satan. I am your Mother and, therefore, I want to lead you all to perfect holiness. I want each one of you to be happy here on earth and to be with me in Heaven. That is, dear children, the purpose of my coming here and it’s my desire. Thank you for having responded to my call. (May 25, 1987)

Holiness is another expression for growing in love. In the Roma and Anglo-Saxon languages, the word ‘holiness’ has the same root as sanctum, santa, saint, helix, holy, words which can help us understand the meaning of Holiness.

Holiness, first of all, defines the process of healing from sin and its consequences. It helps us to conquer temptations and, as we grow in holiness, we also grow towards the thought and the will of God.

No one can grow in holiness if he does not grow in a merciful love towards himself, towards others, towards God, and towards nature. Anyone who resists the process of holiness, who resists God’s will and imposes his own will, does not love himself. He cannot love others, let alone God.

Holiness is not demonstrated with great deeds, but with doing what we do with great love. It would be false to think that miracles are special gifts given as proof of holiness, even though many holy persons perform great and miraculous deeds. Rather, holiness is a call to resist sin and satan who wants to stop us on our way. Therefore, every Christian is invited to holiness because holiness is not and cannot be something only for a chosen few.

Our Lady, as holy Mother, knows all this. She wants to guide us to holiness and she wants to bring us up in love towards our own life, towards the life of others, towards everything that is created, and finally towards our Creator himself.

From a different point of view, we must decide against death and sin, against all satanic action. These are also the conditions for our happiness here on earth and the only way to Heaven.

Our Lady is with us, as she tells us, just to guide us in holiness, and this is the reason that she stays so long. As Mother, she cannot wish anything else but our growth and development. Only in this way can she be the one who steps on the head of satan and his descendants, thus opening a free passage to her children. Only then, when her children are clothed in the garment of holiness, can she be the woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet.

That we are giving ourselves into the hands of satan is a heavy word to her from Our Lady. May it be our decision to be holy and to begin to pray each day for this grace.

• As for yourself, you must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love and endurance. Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behaviour, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and their children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited. Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves. (Titus 2 : 1-6)

The “sancity of the home”

“It’s great to see so many people with brooms. It's really ordinary and domestic and conjures up the sanctity of the home” Lucy Inglis, Historian and volunteer

ENGLAND RIOTS: ARE BROOMS THE SYMBOL OF RESISTANCE?

Dear children, I come to you as mother. I am bringing you my Son’s peace and love. Purify your hearts and take my Son with you. Give true peace and joy to others. Message to Mirjana, October 2, 2005

Together with Jesus...

• Today in Scripture

Where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.
Matthew 18 : 20

My child, tell your friends that both I and my Son will always be there for you when you seek or call us.
part message given to Ivanka when she received her last daily apparition, May 7, 1985

Sr Briege and Fr Kevin withdraw support of DFOT

Sr Briege McKenna and Fr Kevin Scallon have published statements on their websites announcing their withdrawal of support for the organisation Direction For Our Times which promotes Anne the Lay Apostle.

• An important notice from Sr Briege:

It is with regret that I have discerned the need to withdraw my endorsement and support of Direction for Our Times. I am praying that God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

ST CLARE SISTERS RETREAT MINISTRY

• An important notice from Fr Kevin:

Recent information has caused me to question the authenticity of Direction for Our Times. Regretfully I’ve come to discern that I can no longer support or encourage involvement in this organization.

INTERCESSION FOR PRIESTS

An earlier statement of Sr Briege, “I feel very convinced of the authenticity of the messages from Anne” was used by DFOT as an endorsement for its publications. This no longer appears on the DFOT website, which suggests that Sr Briege may have informed the organisation of her withdrawal of support and requested DFOT to remove the endorsement statement.

Obviously, Sr Briege’s conviction has changed, probably in the light of the “recent information” that Fr Kevin mentions in his statement. But we can take it that both Sr Briege and Fr Kevin are no longer convinced of the authenticity of the messages of Anne. Will other religious now reconsider their support for DFOT in the light of Sr Briege and Fr Kevin’s change of mind? 

Sr Briege and Fr Kevin are in Ireland for the month of August, leading the Intercession For Priests Retreat at All Hallows College in Dublin.

Why did you doubt?

• Today in Scripture

“Lord! Save me!” he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once an held him. “Man of little faith,” he said “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14 : 30-31

Dear children; Again I call you to faith. My motherly heart desires for your heart to be open, so that it could say to your heart: believe. My children, only faith will give you strength in life's trials. It will renew your soul and open the ways of hope. I am with you. I gather you around me because I desire to help you, so that you can help your neighbours to discover faith, which is the only joy and happiness of life. Thank you. Medjugorje message, October 2, 2008

Ave Maria at Medjugorje Youth Festival

Gloria

Sanctus

New messages book from Shalom

Italian publisher Shalom has just published its latest edition of the Medjugorje messages: The Messages of the Queen of Peace. This series of books has proved to be the best value publication you can get on Medjugorje. Not only does the latest edition carry all of Our Lady’s messages given to the world via the visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti (upto June 25, 2011), it also contains much information to guide the pilgrim reader to all the relevant places in Medjugorje connected with the parish and the apparitions. There is also a chapter devoted to the Holy Mass and the popular prayers and songs used at Medjugorje. The book is priced at just five euros and published in several languages, including English. Copies are available at most outlets in Medjugorje as well Shalom’s own shop close to St James Church.

BOOK PRIZES

• I have six english-language copies to give away as prizes in a simple competition. To qualify for entry, you must live in a country where English is the main spoken language. To enter, name the visionary who was the first to see Our Lady when she appeared on Podbrdo, June 24, 1981. All correct entries will be placed into a draw and the first six correct entries out of the hat will receive a free copy of the book. Closing date for entries is Friday, August 12, 2011. The draw will be made on Monday, August 15, 2011, and prizewinners’ names will be published on this blog and notified by email. No multiple entries, please. Be sure to state on your entry the country you live in. Prizewinners only will be asked to supply their postal address when notified. Email your entry to: MESSAGE BOOK PRIZE

The word of the Lord...

Moses said to the people... “He let you hear his voice out of heaven for your instruction; on earth he let you see his great fire, and from the heart of the fire you heard his word. Deuteronomy 4 : 36

Dear children! God gives me this time as a gift to you, so that I may instruct and lead you on the path of salvation. Dear children, now you do not comprehend this grace, but soon a time will come when you will lament for these messages. That is why, little children, live all of the words which I have given you through this time of grace and renew prayer, until prayer becomes a joy for you. part message, August 25, 1997

Youth Festival testimonies


You can view and listen to the testimonies presented during this week’s Medjugorje Youth Festival at www.medjugorje. ie

• Laura Carbarelo is from Argentina and married to an Italian for two years. Medjugorje has transformed her life.

• Palucci Pio from Italy, is a practicing neurologist. During a holiday trip he visited Medjugorje for one day. Deep inside him, something happened that could not be explained. Within two days he returned to Medjugorje.

• 

Marguerite Peeters from Belgium was a journalist and is now active in a Christian community.



• Fr Svetozar Kraljevic is the Director of Mother's Village.


• Boys of the Community of the Merciful Father bear witness to their lives.



• Kevin Borsalino belongs to a Catholic organization

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• Katarina Rolbovski talks about the problems of young people, chastity and purity before marriage

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• Bishop Domenico Sigallini is responsible for World Youth Day at the Vatican

• Rev. Erich Kuen from Austria was a doctor and came to the Medjugorje Youth Festival 1993. Now he is a priest for the past three years.

• Zlatko Milisy, Faculty of Zadar and Mostar, presents his talk entitled: Where the authority ceases, there is no freedom

.

• Alfred Ofner from Austria, a former firefighter. Got to know about Medjugorje in 1984. His vocation and physical healing are related to Medjugorje. He is currently training to become a deacon.



• Rev. Francisco Flores Soto from Mexico is currently studying Mariology in Rome.

• 
Deanna Joy is speaks about the England School of Evangelism.



• Fr Damir Stojic, tells his vocation story

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• Saverio Gaeta is an Italian journalist who has written several articles about Medjugorje



• 
Fr Ivan was a drug addict for 10 years. Now he is a priest and ministers to the Cenacolo Community.

• 

Matteo and Irena from Mostar give testimony about their life in the Cenacolo community.

• 

Mary and Melani from the Cenacolo Community in Medjugorje talk about their past and present life.

• 

Antonia and Ciachino live in the Cenacolo Community in Brazil. All of their six children are adopted

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• Fr Massimo was a dentist. Now a priest, he lives within the Cencolo Community.

• 

Gabriele Kuby from Germany is an author and  talks about her experience and her encounter with God and Medjugorje.

The Youth Festival continues...

Images from yesterday’s events at the Medjugorje Youth Festival...

The visionary Ivan about to give his testimony... © Emzed

“Dad, you’re supposed to close you eyes when you pray!” © Emzed

Master of Ceremonies Fr Danko Perutina OFM © Emzed

Overflow at outdoor Mass... © Emzed

Youth Festival is a family event... © Emzed

Over 500 priests concelebrate Holy Mass. © Emzed

Outdoor Mass and a huge congregation... © Jozo Ivankovic

Cenacolo witness at Medjugorje Youth Festival

Young people of the Cenacolo Community greet the Festival crowd. photo © Emzed

This morning it was the turn of the young people associated with the Cenacolo Community to give witness before the many thousands attending the Medjugorje Youth Festival.

A notable absentee was Sr Elvira, founder of the Cenacolo Community.

This evening the Community will present its music and theatre performance, a popular feature every year at the Medjugorje Youth Festival.

Parking meters appear in Medjugorje

Another wondrous sign has appeared in Medjugorje... parking meters! 

The local government initiative is indeed an answer to the prayers of many pilgrims whose access along pavements was often blocked by parked cars (a nightmare when pushing wheelchairs). The bright blue meters (Our Lady’s colour) are installed along the main street. But a word of caution, the parking attendants do not wear uniforms, so you can’t see them coming! Cost of parking is 2KM (one euro) per hour.

From rock flows water..

• Today in Scripture

You will make water flow for them out of the rock, and provide drink for the community… Numbers 20 : 8

You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church…
Matthew 16 : 18

Little children, may prayer flow from your hearts like fresh water from a spring. part Medjugorje message, August 25, 1999

YES... 110 times!

Over 100 youngsters witness to a religious vocation today at the Youth Festival

At the completion of his talk this morning at the Medjugorje Youth Festival, Fr Danko Perutina invited anyone from the audience who may be considering a religious vocation to come forward onto the steps in front of the altar. He was more than surprised when 110 young people (pictured above) responded!

Other pictures show two of the visionaries, Marija and Mirjana, after giving their witness to pilgrims this morning in the park facing the old church in Medjugorje.

Visionary Marija is greeted by a pilgrim priest after her talk in the park this morning.

• photos © Emzed

Today in Scripture

Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared amongst us; God has visited his people. Alleluia! Luke 7 : 16

Dear children! God sent me among you out of love that I may lead you towards the way of salvation. Many of you opened your hearts and accepted my messages, but many have become lost on this way and have never come to know the God of love with the fullness of heart. Therefore, I call you to be love and light where there is darkness and sin. I am with you and bless you all. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, October 25, 2007

Our Lady’s August message given to Mirjana

Holy Mass celebrated in Medjugorje this evening at the Youth Festival © Emzed

Dear children; Today I call you to be born anew in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, to become a new people with my Son; a people who knows that if they have lost God, they have lost themselves; a people who knows that, with God, despite all sufferings and trials, they are secure and saved. I call you to gather into God’s family and to be strengthened with the Father’s strength. As individuals, my children, you cannot stop the evil that wants to begin to rule in this world and to destroy it. But, according to God’s will, all together, with my Son, you can change everything and heal the world. I call you to pray with all your heart for your shepherds, because my Son chose them. Thank you. August 2, 2011

In Mary’s days on earth the people would travel in groups when they journeyed long distances and across the desert. Alone they were easy prey for bandits and thieves that camped in the hills waiting for opportunities to commit evil. Travelling as part of a caravan, there was less likelihood of an attack; strength in numbers.

So, too, when we make our spiritual journey through life. Alone we can get lost and waylaid. United in the Body of Christ, God’s family, we are protected, strengthened and nourished through prayer, the grace of sacraments, shared faith and mutual support as we journey toward holiness. The Church is our strength, our rock. Outside of the Church, as individuals, we are at our weakest, parched in a dry desert. This latest message of Our Lady and the reference to her Son choosing our shepherds, is a wonderful reminder of the words spoken by Jesus:  “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it.” Matthew 16 

These words are brought to light in Thursday’s Gospel reading, August 4, which is also the feast day of John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests.

An impure heart...

• Today in Scripture... Tuesday

Jesus called the people to him and said, “Listen, and understand. What goes into the mouth does not make a man unclean; it is what comes out of the mouth that makes him unclean.”
Matthew 15 : 10-11

Dear children; today I call you to a difficult and painful step for your unity with my Son. I call you to complete admission and confession of sins, to purification. An impure heart cannot be in my Son and with my Son. An impure heart cannot give the fruit of love and unity. An impure heart cannot do correct and just things; it is not an example of the beauty of God’s love to those who surround it and to those who have not come to know that love. You, my children, are gathering around me full of enthusiasm, desires and expectations, and I implore the Good Father, through the Holy Spirit, to put my Son – faith, into your purified hearts. My children, obey me, set out with me. Medjugorje message, July 2, 2011

Sharing the cross...

• Today in Scripture... Monday

Moses spoke to the Lord: “... I am not able to to carry this nation by myself alone; the weight is too much for me.” Numbers 11 : 14

You parishioners have a great and heavy cross, but don’t be afraid to carry it. My Son is here who will help you. April 5, 1985 (Good Friday)

Men of Cyrene

• One Friday afternoon, three men, Brian, Izzy and Inky, arrived at the foot of Mt Krizevac when they were approached by Robert, a Frenchman in a wheelchair. Communication was difficult as Robert kept pointing up to the mountain. Izzy and Inky had never gone up the mountain – this was their first pilgrimage to Medjugorje – but with the help of Brian they lifted Robert, a heavy man, out of his wheelchair and started to carry him up the steep and rocky path. Soon they were joined by other willing helpers, Mario from Austria, Andrea from Italy, Dragan from Croatia, Jim from Ireland and Bertenauld from Reunion Island.

It was a difficult and tiring climb as each man took a turn in supporting and helping to carry Robert. Priests on the mountain came forward to bless the group. Crowds parted to make way and joined hands to offer prayer and sing praises.

Eventually, the summit was reached and Brian, Inky and Izzy lifted Robert and sat him on the altar ledge at the foot of the white, concrete cross. He turned to each of them and said: “You my Simon, you my Simon, you my Simon.”

It was a very special experience for all concerned, but particularly for Inky and Izzy, making their very first ascent up Mt Krizevac. Had they known what lay ahead they may have decided not to go to the mountain that afternoon. Had Simon known what lay ahead for him as he made his way from Cyrene to Jerusalem, he may not have set out that day.

In life’s journey we discover the unexpected challenge and the gift of the cross, be it our own or someone else’s.