Jan2013 - Healing Masses - Sydney - Faith Comes from what is heard - Rom 10:17

SYDNEY - HEALING MASSES - JAN 2013

Let's continue with the Christmas Joy - EVERY day of our life and not just on 25th December.

ALL WELCOME TO ATTEND.  Please spread the message to those in the surrounding areas as per scheduled dates and the Church.

Healing is understood not in the narrow sense of bodily well-being, but as the love of God flowing into the brokenness of man to make him whole.

The Healing Masses begin with the joyous proclamation of the forgiveness and salvation of the Heavenly Father, who "so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Salvation in Jesus is experienced through a radical turning away from sin and turning to God in repentance. This offer of salvation was the first message preached by Jesus Christ as well. "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand" (Matt 4:17). 

 

In the Sacrament of Confession, the faithful are convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:8), their sins forgiven by the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:8), in the power of the same Holy Spirit through the ministry of the Church (Jn 20:22-23), and given a share in the victory of Jesus over sin (Jn 16:11).

From the resulting radical conversion, people are led to total self-surrender, that results in an intimate union with Jesus in the Holy Spirit, as experienced in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him" (Jn 6:56). In this intimacy, the love of God is "poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Rom 5:5). The heart melting under this overwhelming outpouring of love, opens up in turn to love and forgive everyone.

This intense experience of love heals all wounds and soothes all the strains in family relationships. The bond of marriage is renewed as sacrament of grace is incorporated into the spousal relationship between Christ and His Church.

 In this powerful way the word of the Lord kept spreading and growing stronger (Acts 19:20)

On 26th Dec, 2012 - Celebrating the Feast day of First Catholic Christian Martyr St Stephen - Pray for us.

WONDERFUL TRUTH - JESUS ALIVE and PRESENT in the Holy Eucharist

Testimony of Fr Paresh Parmar given at First Friday Gathering - Tabor Ashram

Fr. Paresh Parmar, Gujarat (Ahmedabad diocese)

Brief Background

I am a Gujarati, from Bombay. Though my forefathers hail from Gujarat, we have settled down in Bombay since last two generations. We converted to Catholicism since the last two generations only, as the church of Gujarat is 114 years old..
I was born and brought up in Bombay. My daddy expired when I was in 9th std. Being the youngest of six brothers and sisters, I was showered with a lot of love and care. 

Fr Paresh Parmar - center

I joined the Engineering College (Production Engineering) soon after my 12th std. I was elected as the General Secretary of the college. I was into blood donations and was also involved in other social work in hospitals and other public centers. When once I visited TATA hospital I met a little 11yr old girl suffering from leukemia. Her parents were finding it difficult to get blood donors for her. In Bombay there are several such families begging to the doctors for the life of their babies. 

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Paresh experiences the fact of earthly life - Death is inevitable

I decided to help this little girl. We had a big group of blood donors. I also arranged for the treatment expense. Though we tried our best to save her life she died in 6 months. This death had its effect on me and my perspective about life changed. My dream was to become successful person, go abroad and work but suddenly, I saw that nothing or no one can stop prevent death, no matter how much money you have!

Desire gets Deeper to know God

I started asking God 'why do you allow so much suffering? Why do you allow people to cry?' I wanted to experience God if He really existed and my search for God began.
 

I was just a routine church- goer. During those days I got my hand on a philosophical book by Swami Vivekananda. I found it interesting. I read all the volumes of the books by Swami Vivekananda. Somehow I felt that we can never encounter God at home. One needs to renounce the world. Thus, with little or no faith in Jesus, I went to Gujarat to become a priest. I spent a year there but I was not happy. I left the place and retuned back to Bombay.
 

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Initial seminary life is dry and deserted - no God felt

Even though I tried to become a priest I couldn't experience God. As soon as I left the seminary my brothers and sisters-in-law wanted me to get married. I was not ready for marriage and so finally I reached a decision to open a factory in Bombay. However even this did not give me any satisfaction instead my desire to experience God grew stronger. Not knowing what to do I started visiting famous Swamis and Gurus all over India. I visited many Ashrams. I met preachers of different communities. 

Paresh stops going to Church, visits Hindu temples

Every Monday I used to go to Shiv Temple, Tuesday - Friday I went to Kali and Durga devi temple and Saturdays to Hanuman temple. I used to get up at 3:30 a.m , have a cold water dip, do kriya yoga etc. although I was a catholic I completely stopped going to Church. Some of India's famous Swamis used to come to my house and take me with them to their ashrams.I used to go with them to the jungles and stay for 10-15 days with them.
 

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Attains Psychic powers through Yoga

Because of my yoga practices, I started getting some psychic gifts But my Hindu guru's kept telling me that if I get stuck with the spiritual gifts, then I will not be able to experience the 'giver of the gifts, i.e. God. So I continued in my search for God. I was looking for a Guru who would accept me as his disciple. A well known Hath-Yogi from Malad, Bombay had told me several times that Jesus is my Guru and that I have to become a priest. My mom began to get worried about me seeing me running after so many gurus.

 

Mantra from the Hindu Guru - but emptiness still felt

A 108 year old guru from a village called Zarap, near Sawantwadi [Maharashtra], gave me a guru mantra (a chant) and asked me to recite and see its power. I started reciting the mantra. I was very happy and recited that mantra religiously. I had already spent two and a half years since I had left my seminary and seeking God following the Hindu guru's. Nothing seemed to be happening. Infact I was experiencing some sort of turmoil within me.

 

Fr Paresh Parmar

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Attends a Catholic parish prayer meeting

On 7th of June, 1994 I was out for an evening walk and was passing through my parish church (St. Teresa's Church) in Bandra (Mumbai, India). I saw the board 'Jesus heals'. A force dragged me into the Church. I was not aware of the charismatic movement at that time. When I entered I noticed that Fr. Joe Santiago from Poona Diocese was conducting the prayer services. People were screaming on the top of their voices shouting 'Alleluia' before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. I found all this a bit funny. I found myself misplaced there and was just waiting for this prayer service to get over so that I could get out of all that madness.
 

Jesus Reveals Himself to Paresh Parmar from the Blessed Scarament of the Holy Eucharist

At 9 pm, the priest asked all of us to stand up and pray so that the Lord may touch us. I too got up casually looking all around with curiosity. And lo... what happens....Suddenly I saw a ball of light on the altar. The light entered into my heart and I fell down. I was embraced and engulfed with that light. I instantly recognized the light. HE WAS JESUS. 

Jesus was right in front of me. I could hear His voice saying "I am the Master you are looking for. I have a plan for you to become a priest; go to Gujarat and I have a plan for you there". I could experience the light for 10 minutes. I could experience a power entering my body and another power leaving my body. I was getting transformed. Like 'Saul was becoming Paul'. 

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JESUS gives Paresh the gifts of tongues and healing

 

After the prayers I found myself a changed person. I came home and for the first time in my life I started reading Bible with devotion. I miraculously came in touch with my college friend Ralph, who was into healing ministry. I joined his prayer group and there I received the gift of tongues and the gift of healing.
 

Paresh joins seminary and is ordained a Catholic Priest - as commanded by the Lord Jesus

Having confirmed Gods call, I left my home once again to join priesthood. I went to Gujarat and met the Bishop of Ahmedabad and he accepted me in his diocese. I was 28 years old when I joined. And today, I am 40, and have completed 4...years of my priesthood and I continue to serve our LORD in His vineyard. Praise the Lord. Many are the wonders he has worked in my life thereafter and continues to work everyday of my life. Today I am convinced beyond any doubt that our Lord is the true God and also the only living God. Thank you Jesus Praise you Jesus.

 

Seeking stops at Lord Jesus Christ - The Way, The Truth, The Life

I would like to conclude my testimony by stating that if any of you are searching for the one true living God then it stops at Jesus. I have been through the arduous path and convinced myself beyond any doubt.
  

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"As a man must be born before he can begin to lead his physical life, so he must be born to lead a Divine Life. That birth occurs in the Sacrament of Baptism. To survive, he must be nourished by Divine Life; that is done in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist."

- Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

This Is The Will Of God For You (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

by Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C. 

Often after a retreat people ask me a question,  

“What is God’s will for me? Now that I know who God is for me, I want to do God’s will in all the circumstances of my life.” 

I always open to them 1Thess 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

God has a special will, a special plan for every o­ne of us in Christ Jesus. And what is that will of God for you and for me? In all circumstances of our life, Paul is saying; rejoice, pray constantly and give thanks, this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.

There are a lot of things going wrong with us, a lot of people offending us, a lot of people hurting us, often the least expected: such negative experiences come to us and we are not able to understand, why? In such circumstances, even when things go wrong with us, the Word of God is telling us, “rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks”.

How can we thank God always?

In fact, we often question God: How could God do this to me? How could God punish me like this? Where is God, I can’t see Him? He does not answer my prayer and if God is there, how can things go wrong like this? After all I am a good man. I am doing everything good or trying to do everything well. And I do not deserve all this punishment from God - there are moments we even question God’s plan. Life is hard and tough. And we are often anxious and tensed, scared of what is going to happen the next moment.

We need to understand St. Paul well. He is speaking of the will of God for us in Christ Jesus. o­nly when we reflect o­n what God did for us in Christ, we will have enough faith to thank God at all times. As St. John says in, John 3:16 “God so loved the world; that He sent His o­nly son.”For what? To die for us, so that we may not perish! That we may not perish in the misery of the problems of life. We will be able to rejoice, pray constantly and give thanks in all circumstances o­nly when we believe that God has sent his own son to die for us, that we may be saved. Then we will know that in Christ Jesus, we have salvation in all circumstances.

The Natural and Supernatural Level

When I believe that God loves me so much that He sent His o­nly son to die for me, then I will be able to rejoice! But apparently I am not able to! This is because there are two layers of knowledge: o­ne, the layer of human knowledge— natural reasoning. When I reason naturally, everything is wrong, nothing is really going well, naturally I complain, I question, I am tense, I am sad, I am all anxious and upset. 

That is my natural level of knowledge.

There is a higher knowledge - the knowledge of faith, the light of faith. When the light of faith comes in, I know that whatever goes wrong, “God will turn it all to my good” (Romans 8:28) St. Paul is giving us that good news. Whatever goes wrong with me, I know my God will turn everything to my good. My reason will not tell me this, but in faith I will be convinced that my God is always busy turning everything to my good.

Then I will turn to my God, I will be able to pray constantly and rejoice: I rejoice and I give thanks, for what God is going to do! The world is hard o­n me, my friends, my dear o­nes; even nearest to me do not understand me. Yet I know my God is there for me. My God is there in Christ Jesus. No wonder! Jesus said, “Let not you hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe in me”. (John 14:1) Jesus is challenging us to rise above mere natural evaluations, mere human knowledge to a divine vision of everything, to a supernatural knowledge. Faith is the clue! Faith, to know, that my God is there for me to turn everything to my good.

O Man Little Faith, Why Are You Afraid?

To Simon Peter, Jesus asked, “O man of little faith, why are you afraid.” What a meaningless question! Why are you afraid? In the midst of the roaring waves, raging sea and pitch darkness, when Simon Peter was about to sink with the boat, Jesus is asking him—“why are you afraid?” Well, naturally speaking that question has no meaning, but supernaturally that question is a challenge to faith in every difficult situation. My Jesus is there! 

The sea may roar, the waves may rage; but I know that my Jesus is there and He will never leave me alone. That is the promise! Whatever happens to me, my Jesus is there! The gift of God the Father to me in my problems, in my troubles, in my anxieties, in all situations of my life: my Jesus. So I am not anxious. (Matthew 6:25) “Why are you anxious; look at the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. God cares for them they are there today, tomorrow they will be thrown in the oven, and yet your father cares for them. How much more!! How much more will he not care for you.” 

What is the Measure of That Love? How Much?

The measure is God’s gift of His own Son. God gave us His own Son. St. Paul is asking us; “If God gave His own Son to us. Will He deny anything to us?” (Romans 8:32) And so in everything situation of my life, in every circumstance of my living, I should know this: my God is there for me to turn everything to my good. And therefore I am not anxious.

I remember, a doctor came here for the retreat. He came from Coimbatore, in Tamil Nadu. o­n the second day of the retreat, he came to my room; he had his young son with him, an eleven-year-old boy. The doctor looked very sad. So I asked him, “Tell me, why do you look sad.” He said, “Father, I am very sad, because my son who is o­nly eleven years old, my o­nly son, is having a tumour in the brain. The tumour is already operated upon and removed o­nce. But the tumour has reappeared. Medical science has no answer for this problem.” 

As he said this, tears welled up in his eyes.And he asked me, “Father, will Jesus heal my son? Will Jesus save my family?” I wiped his tears, held him close to me and I said to him, “My friend, God sent Jesus to us as the answer to all the problems of our life. And Jesus is here. He loves your son more than you love your son, and for your family.” I said, “Doctor, let us pray!” I laid my hand o­n the head of the boy. I asked the doctor also to lay his hand o­n the head of the boy and together we began to pray.

How Can You Praise God For That?

After some time my prayer spontaneously took the form of praising God. I began to thank and praise God. At this the doctor stopped praying. He touched my shoulder and asked me, “Father, tell me what are you saying?” I told him, “Doctor I am praising God, I am thanking God!” He was annoyed and shocked, and asked me, “Father, why are you praising God? What are you thanking God for?” I told him, “Doctor, I am praising and thanking God for the tumour in the brain of your boy.” And the doctor was all the more shocked and he asked me, “Father, how can you do that!? Praising God and thanking God for the tumour in the brain of my boy? Father I don’t understand this! I understand we praise God for His blessings, we thank God for the graces of God, but is this tumour a blessing of God? I am a doctor, and I know this tumour is killing my boy day after day! Is it not a curse of God, Father? How can you praise God for that?” I told him, “Doctor, nor do I understand what I did. My brain does not understand this. But I go by the Word of God. And the Word of God is telling us to praise and thank God at all times.” 

My God has Intervened into That Ailment!

I opened to him Ephesians 5:20 where St. Paul says, “Praise God and thank Him in all circumstances.” I opened to him again the Gospel of John where Jesus says; “This ailment is not unto death but unto the manifestation of the Glory of God.” (John 11: 4)Every ailment, offered to God; its killing nature is taken away. And so I told him, “Doctor, I offered the ailment in the hands of Jesus and with that, the ailment does not have any more of its killing nature. My God has intervened into that ailment.” And I opened to him again the same book of John 11:14 where Jesus says, “Believe and you shall see the glory of God.”

“Have faith,” I told the doctor, “let us rise above, look up. Let not your eyes and mind be fixed upon your son’s ailment, look up to God, what God did for us in His son Jesus Christ. And then you will know that there is no reason to be sad, there is no reason to be upset, there is absolutely no reason to be desperate. God has already started to turn everything to your good. I opened to him Romans 8:28 and said that there is reason o­nly to rejoice and to praise God. I opened to him Philippians 4:4, St. Paul says, “Rejoice! And again I say rejoice in your union with the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Learning the Lesson of Praising God

I felt the doctor had learnt the lesson of praising God. We praised God together and I sent the doctor to the retreat hall. I could see the doctor always with his lips moving in praising and thanking God. When the retreat was over, the doctor and his family came to my room. I asked him, “Doctor what do you feel?” The doctor said, “Father, I feel great peace in my heart; the assurance of God’s love, God’s power!” I told him, “That is the grace God gives to everyone who praises Him.” I opened to him Philippians 4:6 where St. Paul says, “Praise God and thank Him. Bring all your prayers to God, praising and thanking God, and the peace of Jesus Christ will come and fill your heart.” And we praised God together and the doctor went back home.

He went straight to the hospital. There the boy was tested again and again. And all the tests revealed o­ne fact, that there was no trace of any tumor in the brain of the boy! The doctor came back; with tears streaming down his face, he told me, and then the whole congregation; “I have seen God’s glory in the ailment of my son.” His testimony was published in our magazine some six years ago. The boy and the family come here every now and then. He is now growing up as a fine young man, praising and thanking God all the time.

Praise God, rejoice, pray constantly; and that is the will of God for us in all circumstances. Come what may, God is there for us! When God is there, no ailment, no trouble, no problem will ever shatter us. 

Testimony of Hindu boy Ramesh now Joseph - Fr. Mathew Naickomparampil

1Thess 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Spiritual Friendship - Padre Pio and Holy Angels - Love of God

"In the presence of the angels Lord, I will praise you." - Psalm 138:1

"The angel of the Lord is encamped around those who revere him, and rescues them." - Psalm 34:7
 

Padre Pio had a great life-long devotion to St. Michael, the Archangel. Padre Pio loved the sanctuary dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel and always encouraged people to visit it.

Selected Passages on Padre Pio and Angels

Saint Padre Pio and Holy Angels - Work - Hand in Hand for Love of Saving Souls

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Padre Pio's first prayer in the morning was for the reigning pope. Padre Pellegrino Funicelli, assistant to Padre Pio for many years, recalled how Padre Pio's alarm would sound at 2 o'clock in the morning as he rose to prepare for Mass by several hours of prayer and meditation. By the side of his bed he kept three pictures St. Michael the Archangel, the Virgin Mary, and the pope. The lamp in his room had to be draped because the light would bother his eyes. Nevertheless, the drape had to be parted so that the first light of day would fall on the pope's picture. That was how he would begin his day praying for the Holy Father.

Once during a religious discussion when some were upholding certain ideas not sanctioned by the Church, Padre Pio abruptly interrupted the conversation and remarked, "You can say what you want but I stand with the Church and that is enough."

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Once after hearing Charles' confession, Padre Pio told him to make a pilgrimage to Monte Sant'Angelo and visit the shrine of St. Michael the Archangel. Padre Pio had experienced St. Michael's protection on many occasions and had gone on pilgrimage to the shrine in 1917. Each year Padre Pio made a preparation of forty days for St. Michael's feast. "Consecrate yourself to St. Michael and to the angels," Padre Pio told Charles. "You will need the help of St. Michael, living in this world."

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I spent a week in San Giovanni Rotondo in 1965 and had the honor to attend Padre Pio's Mass on my 21st birthday, January 8th, 1965. There were not many visitors to the monastery at that time of year. I got up every morning while it was still dark and was able to enter the church about 4:30 am. The Mass began at 5:00 am. Padre Pio's Mass was unforgettable, with long silent pauses in which Padre Pio appeared to be in ecstasy. He took off his half gloves during the Mass and from my vantage point where I was sitting in the trancept of the church, I was able to clearly see the stigmatization of his hands.

One morning I went into the church to make a visit to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. As I was leaving, I looked up and saw Padre Pio at his place in the choir. He looked down at me and smiled. He held up his Rosary for me to see and pointed at it. I took my Rosary out and held it for him to see. I knew that he was encouraging me to pray the Rosary.

One night before going to sleep at my hotel, I prayed and asked my guardian angel to go to Padre Pio and tell him of all my spiritual needs. The following night I joined the villagers outside in the square below Padre Pio's cell. They gathered there every evening to bid goodnight to Padre Pio. He came to the window and gave everyone his blessing and spoke to the group in Italian. I asked the woman next to me who spoke English to tell me what Padre Pio said. She told me that Padre Pio said that he had been kept awake the previous night by a guardian angel from America.

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 Once Padre Pio asked Joe to select a name for his guardian angel. "Pick a name for your guardian angel and call him by that name always," Padre Pio said to Joe. "When you send him to me, he will come instantly."

During Padre Pio's lifetime many people asked for his help through his prayers. He would often say to individuals who requested his intercession, "You have cost me a lot." We know that he suffered for others in order to help them. He made sacrifices and denied himself and offered all of his sufferings to God.

He often sent his Guardian Angel to people to assist them. Many times he advised people to send their own Guardian Angels to him. "When you send your Guardian Angel to me, the angel comes instantly," he said. He was familiar and comfortable with the realm of angels.

Padre Pio communicated with his spiritual children in many ways. A delicate perfume often announced his invisible presence. It suggested that he was with the person in spirit, listening to their prayers. It expressed his compassion, his presence and his help. What a grace it has been for so many who have become aware at some time of the beautiful fragrance of perfume or roses, so often a sign that Padre Pio was near.

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Brother Flavian found the newspaper article about Padre Pio so interesting that he decided to make the four-hour train trip from Rome to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit him. He arrived at his destination in the middle of the night and was told that if he wanted to attend Padre Pio's 5:00 a.m. Mass, he should go at once to the church and wait for the doors to open. Brother Flavian did just that. He couldn't believe the large crowd that was already assembled in front of the church, waiting in the darkness. When the church doors finally opened, the crowd of people rushed forward and ran to the seats in the front of the church. The local Italian people jealously guarded the best seats, close to the altar where Padre Pio would be saying Mass. Brother Flavian had to sit in the very back of the church.

STATUE PADRE PIO WAS PRAYING BEFORE WHEN HE RECEIVED THE STIGMATA

 
Brother Flavian went to the monastery afterward and introduced himself. The Capuchins welcomed him and asked him to stay in the monastery for the duration of his visit. The next day, he was invited to be up on the altar when Padre Pio celebrated his Mass. He knew what a privilege it was to be so close to Padre Pio at the Mass. During the Consecration, Brother Flavian happened to glance down at Padre Pio's feet. He saw that they were not touching the ground. He looked again very closely to make sure he was seeing correctly, but there was no doubt. There was the carpeted floor. Padre Pio's feet were elevated above it. His half gloves were removed during the Mass and Brother Flavian could see the wounds of the stigmata in his hands. He was awestruck by what he had witnessed.

Brother Flavian called the Father Provincial of his Order in Rome and told him that he had been planning to stay in San Giovanni Rotondo for five days but he wanted to stay longer. He told his Superior that he was in a holy place, the very air he breathed was holy. And Padre Pio was a saint. He could not bear to leave so soon. The Provincial gave Brother Flavian permission to stay for three months.

Every day, for the next three months, Brother Flavian attended Padre Pio's Mass and every week he made his confession to him. He did not speak Italian and Padre Pio did not speak English, but oddly enough there was no language barrier. He spoke to Padre Pio in English and Padre Pio understood him. Padre Pio used to say that one of the special duties of his guardian angel was to translate foreign languages for him. 

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Fr. John wanted to make his confession to Padre Pio, but Padre Pio's assistant, Fr. Dominic Meyer told him it would not be possible. The confessions were booked solid for two weeks in advance. However, Fr. Dominic told Fr. John that he would speak to Padre Pio about him. A short time later, Fr. John received a letter from Fr. Dominic. Padre Pio had sent a message saying that if Fr. John ever needed his help while hearing confessions, to send his guardian angel to Padre Pio and he would help him immediately. Padre Pio added that if he needed help for any other reason, just to send his angel, and he would respond at once.   

In June of 2007, Msgr. Esseff celebrated his 79th birthday. He has been a priest for 54 years. He continues to serve as a retreat master and spiritual director for bishops, priests, and seminarians. He has never forgotten Padre Pio's words, "Just send me your guardian angel if you ever need my help," words spoken almost 50 years ago. As a confessor and spiritual director, Msgr. John has needed Padre Pio's help and guidance on many, many occasions. Frequently, when faced with a difficult case, not knowing the right words to say or the best advice to give, he has sent his angel to Padre Pio. The answer has always come. He continues to send his guardian angel to Padre Pio and has felt Padre Pio's ever-present help through these many years.
 

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When Padre Pio finished praying his morning Rosary, he would walk across the upper balcony of the church and through a connecting door into the old church. There he would recite the Angelus, the beautiful prayer to the angel of God, with all who were gathered. Afterward, he would bless the crowd.

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In 2002, Alex's wife Deirdre was diagnosed with cancer. The family prayed to Padre Pio for another miracle but on August 15, 2003, on the feast of the Assumption, Deirdre passed away. She was surrounded by her loving family. Alex prayed that he would be able to accept the passing of his dear wife.

The night before Deirdre's funeral, Alex had a vision of his wife. She had a beautiful smile on her face and she was being carried to Heaven by an angel. Alex was at peace, knowing that his wife was now free of pain and was happy in Heaven. Alex clung to his faith in God and found the strength to go on.

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Bill had been in a coma for many days, the doctor told Mary Ann that he could offer no hope for her husband. He had done everything that he could for Bill. Bill was dying. The doctor told Mary Ann to take care of any arrangements that she needed to. Mary Ann called Father Solcia and told him the news. He immediately came down to the hospital and gave Bill the Last Rites and the blessing for the dying.

To his family's great relief, Bill did not pass away. He came back to consciousness after being in a coma for eighteen days. He told Mary Ann that while he was in a comatose state, he had a remarkable experience. 

He found himself in a place of pitch darkness. There he saw the faces of frightful demons. It was truly a place of pain and suffering. An angel came to Bill and tried to lead him out of the dark ravine. "We have to climb the mountain, Bill. We have to go toward the light," his good angel would say. No matter how hard Bill tried, he was always pulled back down toward the darkness. More than anything in the world, Bill wanted to get to the place of light.

 
At one point, Bill saw a saintly man dressed in robes of pure white. Looking closer, he realized that it was St. Benedict. "Save me!" Bill entreated St. Benedict. St. Benedict pointed toward his right, indicating the way that Bill was to go. Bill went in that direction and soon saw a figure close to him. It was Padre Pio. "Stop right there, Bill," Padre Pio said, in a voice full of authority. "You must go back. Your work is not finished."

Bill feels that he has been given a second chance at life. His family was certain that they were losing him. His own doctor confirmed it. But as our faith teaches us, God always has the final word. Indeed, our lives are in His hands. Bill knows for certain now that he has work left to do. Each new day is a gift from God and an opportunity to share his faith and to serve. Today Bill is alive and well and working in the service the Lord.

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Padre Pio had a vision when he was fifteen years old, of that very battle of good verses evil which takes place within the human soul. His vision was a revelation of the spiritual warfare that he would encounter throughout his life.    

In the vision, the young Padre Pio (Francesco Forgione) suddenly saw a majestic and beautiful figure standing beside him. The man had a radiant countenance, similar to the brightness of the sun. He said to Francesco, "I am here to tell you that you are going to have to fight like a courageous warrior." The resplendent figure took Francesco by the hand and led him to an open field. In the field stood two large groups of men. One group had beautiful and shining faces. They were wearing robes of the purest white. The other group was dressed in black garments. They were ugly and frightening in appearance.

Francesco stood in the middle of the open field with the radiant figure beside him. Suddenly he saw a treacherous and hideous being coming toward him. The gruesome figure was so tall that he appeared to be a giant. "You must fight with this creature," the resplendent man said to Francesco. "But do not worry because I will be with you."

Francesco became terrified as the monster-like figure advanced toward him. He felt weak and began to tremble uncontrollably. He thought that he was going to faint. Francesco's spiritual guide then took his arm to support him. He felt strengthened by the celestial man's touch. Francesco entered into a violent battle with his dangerous adversary and finally conquered him. The radiant figure placed a magnificent crown on Francesco's head but then quickly removed it. He said to Francesco, "You will receive a crown that is even more beautiful than this one if you will continue to stand up to the dark being whom you just fought. Be strong and do not fear. I will always be near and will always help you."

Shortly after, Francesco had another vision and was given the realization that the beautiful and resplendent man who had stood beside him in the vision was Jesus. In truth, it was Jesus who was always with him, assisting him in the many trials and tribulations of his life. In his fight against evil forces and in his life-long battle against demons, Padre Pio would always remain close to God and would be victorious.

If the demons attacked Padre Pio at times, the angels were always nearby to shield and protect him. The angelic realm was very real and very much alive to Padre Pio. Whenever he spoke about angels, he spoke from his own direct experience. He had been able to see and communicate with angels from his childhood.

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"Have great devotion to this good angel. How consoling it is to know that near us is a spirit who, from the cradle to the tomb, does not leave us even for an instant, not even when we dare to sin. And this heavenly spirit guides and protects us like a friend, like a brother." - St. Pio of Pietrelcina
 

Sydney - Healing Mass - Divine Retreat - Fr George V.C

Dear Friends in risen and glorified Christ,

 

I am happy to inform you that Rev. Fr George Panackal V.C, founder of Divine Retreat Centre (Potta) Kerala will be celebrating a Healing Mass in Sydney at Homebush - Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church.

 

Mass: Tuesday 25th SEPTEMBER - 7:00PM - 9:30PM

 

I would encourage you to come and pray, celebrating the Eucharist along with this simple and humble Priest.  Many blessings and transformations have been bestowed upon HIS people during Fr George's Eucharistic celebrations & healing services.

 

 

Kindly invite your family and friends to come along with you. For all our web (e-)friends, we will lift your petitions through our intercession to the Lord at this Mass.

 

Saudi Arabian Muslim converts from ISLAM to Christianity - Praised be Jesus

Prophet Joel 2:28 

"It shall come to pass (on the last days)

I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your old men will dream dreams,

your young men will see visions."

Testimony of Saudi Ex Muslim - Mariam

"I personally saw HIM. I asked God to show me a dream and thanks be to God, in a week, HE showed me in a dream"

"If you are hesitant ask God and HE will show you. HE will show you that Jesus is truly the Son of God." 

"I go to church four days a week" 

"We go and try to bring in people who do not know Jesus" 

"And we help people those who want to accept Jesus"

 

 

Watch this testimony - God's work for HIS Kingdom.  


Pray for all our Muslim brothers and sisters for the Holy Spirit to baptize everyone - In the NAME of the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT. 

Let us open our hearts for the Holy Spirit to come and fill us with His power. This power shall lead us closer to Jesus, uniting us with Him, making our lives more beautiful. Imagine the power of the Holy Spirit filling us with love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self control, faithfulness. This is the culture of the Holy Spirit that we must be living.

More testimonies of Saudi Muslims coming to Jesus

http://saudicatholic.blogspot.com/

http://christtotheworld.blogspot.com/2011/03/ibrahim-hussain-from-saudi-arabia.html

 

Let us pray:

Mother Mary, be with us as we wait in prayer for the Promise of the Holy Spirit to clothe us and our non-christian brothers and sisters with the Power from Above. Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth, comfort and enlighten us!

We open our hearts to You, Spirit of God so that we shall be made into new creations. The old shall pass away and the new life that Jesus has promised us will come to us.
Amen

Muslim Kunju Mohammed now a Catholic - Praised be Jesus

But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundred fold, in another sixty, and in another thirty (Gospel of St Mathew 13:23)

  

For the last 18 years Kunjumon has been distributing nearly 2000 copies of Vachanolsavam (Asia's Most Widely Distributed Catholic Mission Magazine) each month to the various parishes, colonies, hospitals and jails in Kerala, thus contributing his share to the evangelization work. 

He was a Muslim before. 

But 14 years ago he came to know about Jesus and became a Catholic on his own accord. He started his Vachanolsavam service distributing 250 copies each month. 

 

How he met Jesus Christ

Once when his life partner was suffering from multiple diseases like chest pain, ulcer and vomiting, he took her to the hospital. 

As they were standing in the Queue to see the doctor, his wife who was seriously sick was praying to Jesus.

Wife - Vision of Jesus

Then she had a vision of Jesus wearing a red cloak and she had a great desire to go to Potta (Divine Retreat Centre, Kerala, India). He brought her to Potta to listen to the Word. 

They prayed to Jesus earnestly. 

She vomitted every time she ate food for many years. But when she ate the food at Potta she did not vomit. 

How JESUS cured his wife

1. Jesus gave her complete cure from all her diseases.

2. She was illiterate, but soon, with the enlightenment from the Holy Spirit, she began to read the Bible. 

3. Soon the entire family received baptism. 

Kunju Mohammed took the new name - Kunjumon. 

Spread Risen Christ to Muslims and Non-Christians

He also became a Vachanolsavam missionary. He had witnessed how Jesus worked miracles in the lives of many giving them healings and blessings of all sorts. 

Through his Vachanolsavam ministry, many of the inmates of hospitals and jails became readers of Vachanolsavam, getting solace and healing from Jesus. 

He testifies to the fact that his services for the glorification of God have been bringing him abundant blessings. 

Testimony of Kunju Mohammed as per Vachanolsavam - a popular Catholic Mission Magazine - October 2011

Residence

P.K. Kunjumon (Kunju Mohammed), Peedikaparambil, Kerala, South India, India

Hallelujah

 
My Dear readers in risen LORD - Jesus Christ, 

The Word that became flesh is Jesus. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth (Jn 1:14). 

Jesus - who is complete God and complete man. 

In him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily (Colosians 2:9). Jesus is the Word becoming the human form. The whole fullness of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is seen in Jesus. 

He took the human form and was born of a virgin at the will of the Father (Is 7:14). His name is called the Word of God (Rev 19:13). Do you want to give Jesus to the world? Then, proclamation of the Word of God is most essential. When each one of us shares the Word with our testimony, we are proclaiming the Word of God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God (Jn 1:1-2). Jesus Christ took the human form and his most crucial service was to give the Word. The Word proclaimed with authority and power continues to shower transformation, anointing of the Holy Spirit, internal and external healings on the listeners. 

But he said to them, My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it (Lk.8:21).

WHEN LISTENING TO THE WORD OF GOD

1. Cleansing of life takes place: Jesus said, You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you (Jn 15:3).

2. The Powers of Darkness are cast out: He cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick (Mt 8:16). 

3. Miraculous Healings take place: They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction (Ps 107:19-20).

4. The great Word-power: God created the first man by the Word and He gave him participation in the creative process. Adam-Eve couple, the first creations of God, has multiplied into a mind-boggling seven billion, filling the earth. 

He created the earth, the sun which is colossally more gigantic than the earth, and the infinite number of stars even bigger than the sun, by merely saying ‘Let there be’ and he sustains all these things by his powerful word (Heb 1:3).

5. God accomplishes his works through the Word: 

By the word of the Lord his works are made (Sir 42:15).

Khrist Bhakta - a CATHOLIC spiritual movement - in Northern India - Varanasi - a city holy to Hinduism

Khrist Bhakta: tens of thousands of Hindus and Muslims fascinated by Christ

Fr Anil Dev (IMS) Missionary tells the story of a movement run by the Indian Missionary Society in Varanasi (North India), the spiritual capital of Hindu India. 

Fr Anil Dev says people are fascinated by the relationship to a personal and living God who loves them unconditionally.

Thousands of such seekers come to the ashram. On second Saturdays the number reaches more than 30,000. Many are healed; others give up vices like drinking, and others experience a deep transformation in their lives.

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How was Khrist Bhakta born?
“The movement is the result of the Satsangs (prayer meetings) held at the Ashram in 1993-1994.
At present, at least 4,000 people come every Sunday to attend such meetings out of about 30,000 members of this devotional movement, more than the total number of Catholics in the diocese.
Most Khrist Bhakta members come from a reality of spiritual and social bondage; many suffer enslavement in a patriarchal society.
Ours is primarily a movement of spiritual liberation. Encountering the Gospel is a life-changing experience; it gives a new identity, a culture of prayer and brotherhood that transforms people and the society in which they live.”

Yet these Jesus devotees stay with their faith. Why?
The Gospel is for everyone, not only for those who desire baptism, if these poor illiterate people, as well as educated people, come here to enrich their lives with the teachings of Jesus Christ. That in itself is evangelisation.
The Khrist Bhakta remains a movement for non-Christians and we are open to the Lord’s suggestions. For now, as Saint Paul put it, “Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the Gospel.”


What draws these “devotees”?
People find inspiration in the person of Jesus and his teachings. They are attracted to his suffering and his love for the poor. The experience of expressive praying, especially in community, which is not in the mainstream Hindu religious system, is a new experience that gives them a sense of freedom and contentment. Many of the Khrist Bhakta suffer social obstacles and often ostracism and here relate to a personal and living God. They experience the freedom of a relationship, free from fear, with a Father who unconditionally loves as opposed to deities who need to be propitiated.

 How can you be fascinated by the Gospel and not convert?
First, we must accept the movement is a work of the Holy Spirit; it was initiated, strengthened and led by the Holy Spirit alone. Secondly, in appreciation of the values of the Lord, devotees gradually achieve certain conformity with Jesus Christ and begin to live out his values. So far, few have asked to be baptised.

Have you ever been threatened or attacked by Hindu extremists for your work?
Why should they? We do not force anyone to come to us. All we do is freely communicate the teachings of Jesus. Some people come from neighbouring towns and villages, some walk great distances to attend out Satsangs, and they return home, transformed, their lives and burden lightened and continue to remain in their own culture. Why should anyone persecute us?

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Hindus and Muslims pray to JESUS (with Mary) at Matridham Ashram, Varanasi, India

 

 
Testimonies of converts to Christianity

Nirmala Devi was born into a Hindu family but for the past seven years she has been a “Khrist Bhakta” (Christ devotee). The Word of God and love for the Lord inspire my life, the 50-year-old says.


Devi was among 15,000 people from various religions and castes who attended the annual convention of the “Khrist Bhakta” Movement at Varanasi, a Hindu temple town in the northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Like Devi, most participants are not baptized, and the mission helps them celebrate their faith in Christ.

The Varanasi-based Indian Missionary Society, a Catholic Religious congregation, started the movement 13 years ago. The movement aims to help people, who may face ostracism from society and family if they were to be baptized, live out their Christian beliefs as fully as possible.

The movement has now spread to most of the northern Indian states.

According to Father Anil Dev, the movement’s founder, the movement does not register its members, but thy are growing not only in numbers but also in Christian maturity. He notes that many of them could face trouble from family members and their castes, including acts of violence, if they were to become Christians formally.

The priest said the movement has helped people move from “shallow superstitious” rituals to a “deeper faith” based on the Word of God. Devi says she looks to Christ during moments of trial. “He takes care of me and my family,” she said.

Another devotee, 23-year-old Binu Devi, concurs. “I have full faith in Jesus. He is with me through every difficulty.”

 

 a hindu woman praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament at Matridham, Varanasi, India

“MASIHI SATSANG ” (A Christian Search for Truth) under the direction of Chhotebhai (Noronha) of Kanpur is part of 5-years running Christian TV programme called NUTAN DHARA (New Spring) featuring the Acharya of Matridham Ashram Varanasi, Indian Missionary Society Father Anildev


The telecast can be seen on the following channels:

ZEE JAGRAN TV (All India) – Every Saturday and Sunday 9.30 pm
SUVIDHA CHANNEL (Vasai & Virar) Every Saturday and Sunday at 8.30 pm
PBL NAZAR CABLE (Ranchi) – Every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30 pm
AIYAR CHANNEL (New Delhi)
PARARTHNA BHAWAN CHANNEL (Ludhiana)
It may also be viewed on YouTube by clicking on MATRIDHAMASHRAM or ANILDEV



The Indian Church received the gift of faith from the Holy Apostle, St Thomas. He brought the Good News to the Indian shores, and was followed later by St Francis Xavier S.J, patron saint of Missions. Our modern society has seen the faith witnessed through the Blessed Mother Teresa. Such is the inheritance of our faith.

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Youtube - Interview with Fr Anildev (IMS), a catholic priest working in North India, where more than 30,000 attend mass every second Saturday of the month.

Read Also - please click on the link below.

Jesus Christ Fulfillment of Hindu Scriptures - By Sadhu Chellappa