++ Video: The suffering of a stigmatist

"...in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

2 Corinthians 12:7-9

For centuries, Christians have been awed or repulsed by suffering associated with the rare phenomenon of stigmata. In his letter to the Corinthians, above, could it be that St. Paul was the first to endure this special "gift"? 

The first documented stigmatist, however, was St. Francis of Assisi who lived 8 centuries ago. Since then, according to one site, over 300 people have been recorded as having experienced the phenomenon, with 90% of them being women. Though Catholic journalist Michael Brown reports the number of alleged  stigmatists is growing, the Church has never issued an infallible statement regarding the validity of this seeming miracle. 

The agony associated with this mysterious phenomenon has been observed by relatively few people through the centuries. Now, however, thanks to modern technology,  the credibility of the alleged passion of Bolivian Katya Rivas can be evaluated by anyone with access to the Internet. 

This outstanding 35 minute documentary is the product of Australian investigative journalist Michael Willesee. It is well worth seeing in its entirety. However, for those who are short on time, I offer a guide to the most important 10 minutes, or so. 

SHOCKER: Pope Benedict XVI to resign

Pope Benedict XVI has announced he will step down, effective February 28. The declaration came as a surprise for Vatican watchers around the globe because a papal resignation has not occurred since 1415.

So, now, the prophecies attributed to St. Malachy appear more ominous and pressing than ever before.

Though the exact origin of these 112 Latin phrases is clouded in controversy, there can be no doubt that they have provided some remarkably accurate descriptions of each succeeding pontiff for at least four centuries, since the time they were made public. However, many believe these short labels actually have predicted every pope since the twelfth century.

For a few examples, here are the translated descriptions of recent pontiffs:

Global Warming or God's Warning?

You know a winter storm is dangerous when they give it a name. This one is called Nemo.

Yet, today, as we ponder just how disruptive and deadly this nor'easter will be for the people of New England, one fact is clearer than ever: the cause is not Global Warming. Recent data reveal that a 16 year planetary warming trend actually stopped 16 years ago. So, from 1997 to 2012, rounded to the nearest tenth of a degree, the average global temperature has changed exactly 0.0 degrees.

This finding is consistent with a mountain of evidence that continues to accumulate, indicating that the Global Warming alarmists were wrong:

• Russians are suffering through the coldest winter in decades with temperatures reaching minus 50 degrees Celsius.
• Alaska has chilled 2.4 degrees since 2000, causing some to fear another ice age.
• New Delhi suffered the coldest day in 44 years.
• China, too, is experiencing its coldest winter in decades.

Note that while an argument can be made that warmer oceans may cause increased snowfalls, these statistics refer to temperature, not snowfall. Now, mainstream promoters of the man-made Global Warming theory have had to recognize that planetary temperatures are stable. Even the U.N. appears poised to admit that their computer models overestimated Global Warming.

So, what in the world is going on with the weather? Why are we witnessing such tumult?

Could it be that the cause is not Global Warming, but God's Warning? It seems that what the meteorologists can't predict the mystics may have foretold.

A perspective on death in America

But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, 

but weep for yourselves and for your children. 

For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 

‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, 

and the breasts that never nursed.’ 

Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 

'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.' 

For if they do these things when the tree is green, 

what will happen when it is dry?” 
Luke 23:28-31

+++ A prophet, resting in peace

The incorrupt body of
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi

Standing over the glass-encased tomb of Blessed Anna Maria Taigi, one senses her serenity. With rosary in hand and eyes closed in prayer, a slight smile crosses her lips. Her seemingly peaceful slumber is comfortingly natural, even 175 years after her death.

The life of this Spiritually gifted woman, however, was not so serene.

Anna Maria Masi was born into a devout and loving Siena family in 1769. The Masis struggled financially and, even though Anna Maria worked hard to help support her family, a lack of employment opportunities in Siena forced them to move to Rome.

Eventually, she married Dominico Taigi, who was not wealthy, but from nobility. So, for a while, the newlyweds gladly experienced the pleasures of high society.

Paul Harvey's amazing prophecies from 1965

"If I were the devil..."

Fifty shades of insanity

"Chastisement will come 

when a very large number of bad books have been spread."

Sister Bertina Bouquillon

aka Nursing Nun of Bellay

As I write this, the American Library Association is celebrating its 50 state salute to banned books week. Tragically, even in our once safe libraries and the once respectable profession of publishing, today's dominant impulse is to promote mankind's prurient descent into decadence.

Consider that there was a time, not too long ago, when:

• publishers and pornographers considered themselves in distinctly different businesses;
• family-oriented stores like Walmart and Sam's Club shunned books that celebrate sadistic, sexual violence;
• public libraries had more stringent standards than big city, back alley peep shows.

Times have changed.

Over the past decade, some major publishers have particularly signaled their determination to hype and promote whatever scandalizes, titillates or outrages. As always, the edge of the slippery slope seemed harmless enough, at first.

Nine years ago, the world witnessed the marketing juggernaut of Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code." Though it was widely criticized for its historical and scientific inaccuracies, the novel was marketed as if it contained a factual foundation to its ludicrous claim that the Catholic Church had murderously participated in the greatest religious conspiracy in history. Now approaching 100 million copies sold, the blockbuster helped make anti-Catholic bigotry fashionable. 

Then, just five years ago, a new breed of militant atheists became the celebrated darlings of the publishing world. Their more accurate label, however, would be "antitheist" because they not only choose not to believe in God - an arguable position, at least - but aggressively dismiss and disparage anyone who does. Even though secular liberal journals had written devastating reviews, the carnival barkers of the airwaves managed to make a number of them best sellers. 

Next, the wildly successful trilogy that included "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" proved that stories about sadistic sexual violence could produce international best sellers and major motion pictures. 

So, perhaps it is not surprising that a major publisher is now mainstreaming what the Brits affectionately call "mummy porn." 

Recommended new film: "Queen of Peace"

Many who have found the fullness of faith, hope and love in Bosnia-Hercegovina were disappointed to learn that the Vatican Commission on Medjugorje will not reach a conclusion this year. Consequently, as millions of pilgrims continue to draw closer to God when they flock to that small village, the decades-long string of investigations will continue.

However, a recent report from MedjugorjeToday.tv claims that a source close to the investigation revealed, "Medjugorje will get a thumbs up from the Vatican Commission of experts who have investigated the events in the village in western Hercegovina since March 2010..."

That would be wonderful news for those of us who have long believed that Medjugorje is the site of the most important Spiritual revelations of our time. 

It also would be wonderful news for film-maker Christina Georgotas who has recently released an excellent documentary on the mysteries of Medjugorje. For anyone who wants to know more about the Medjugorje experience; or who is considering travelling there on a pilgrimage; or who has visited and would like to rekindle that sense of peace, I recommend her outstanding new film: "Queen of Peace."

Video: Israel should be very concerned...

I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, 

my people Israel,

for they scattered my people among the nations 

and divided up my land.

Joel 3:2

How difficult is it for any honest man to answer the question: What is the capital of Israel?

Presidential spokesman, Jay Carney, obviously underestimates the intelligence of his audience. His bobbing and weaving speaks volumes.

Is America preparing to abandon our most dependable ally in the Middle East?

Pray for Israel.

+ Has God become a sports fan?

Premier League's Muamba praises God after rising from the dead ...   
and other sports "miracles"

Fabrice Muamba

Has God become a sports fan?

Not since underdog David trounced Goliath at the Philistine Meadowlands has God seemed to take such an interest in athletes.

Consider the amazing story of Fabrice Muamba, the British Premier League's midfielder who collapsed during a recent FA Cup match. He was dead for 78 minutes. That's right. No heartbeat at all.

But he started that day with what might be called an unfair advantage. Just as he does every day, he prayed for God's protection.

With each of those 4,680 lifeless seconds, "experts" concluded Muamba would not survive and, if he did, substantial brain damage would result. They were wrong on both counts.

Did God play a role? He thinks so.

Before Muamba's miracle, however, there was Tim Tebow.

x Militarizing space???

They marched across the breadth of the earth

and surrounded the camp of God's people,

the city He loves.

But fire came down from heaven 

and devoured them.

Revelation 20:9

At the risk of sounding like a crazy conspiracy theorist, I believe that in light of the news reports - linked below - that identify extraordinary fish and wildlife killings which allegedly have occurred in the typical path of an orbiting satellite, it seems reasonable to ask: Has space been militarized secretly?

+ Ireland, earthquakes and prophecy

Seven years before the Last Day 

the sea shall submerge Ireland in one inundation.

St. Columbkille

Aftermath of a tsunami in Sumatra

Recent news reports of the "largest local seismic event ever recorded" off the coast of Ireland's County Mayo interest not only seismologists but students of prophecy.

Various prophecies by saints and other mystics identify that the end of the Age will be preceded by a tragic event in Ireland. However, a healthy skepticism is always in order when we read prophecies that claim specific timetables. After all, regarding His return, Jesus Christ warned, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13:32)

++ Carmelo Cortez returns to New York

Catholic mystic, Carmelo Cortez is returning to New York for a July 7, 2012 prayer service.

Previously, I described (HERE, HERE, and HERE) his ministry. Through him, with the intercession of the Virgin Mary, God offers the faithful amazing manifestations of His love. However, as the videos below show, these Christian miracles are performed almost casually, without the least bit of prideful showmanship. Perhaps that is what Blessed Mother appreciates about Carmelo: his humility.

+ "My heart is bleeding."

The work of the devil will infiltrate even the Church

in such a way that one will see 

cardinals opposing cardinals,

bishops against bishops.

The priests who venerate me will be scorned 

and opposed by their confreres;

churches and altars will be sacked; 

the Church will be full of those who accept compromise 

and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls

to leave the service of the Lord.

The demon will be especially implacable 

against souls consecrated to God. 

Our Lady of Akita

1973

Mary's Bleeding Heart

In a small Florida town, a ceramic statue of the Virgin Mary appears to have miraculously bled. However, "Mary's Bleeding Heart" (story told HERE and HERE) is not a singular phenomenon. Around the world, a surprising number of Marian images also seem to be either weeping or bleeding. (Pictures HERE.)

Why?

Could she be communicating her sadness because Jesus Christ's Church on earth has been battered recently by a widespread sex abuse scandal, or because of a public clash with American nuns, or the Irish rejection of their country's deeply Catholic roots, or the West's indifference to Church teaching, or the Chinese (communist and atheist) government's demand that it name its own Catholic bishops? The list could go on.

The Church has always overcome and will continue to do so. However, it is one thing to sail turbulent waters, but quite another to do it when the crew is attempting a mutiny.

+ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and pray.

A recent review of global news headlines should lead each of us to prepare for a very bumpy ride:

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, 

but righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 11:4

"We are all Catholics now."

I expect to die in bed.

My successor will die in prison,

and his successor will die a martyr

in the public square.

Eugene Francis Cardinal George

2010

I am grateful that this blog draws an audience from around the world. It does so because the subjects covered are -- or, at least, should be -- of interest to every human being. So, even though this important video may appear to interest only Americans, I urge everyone to watch it.

Almost a quarter of America's population call themselves "Catholic." Yet, they often vote as if the doctrines of their faith do not matter. Consequently, the nation's largest abortion provider has quietly become a major recipient of taxpayer dollars, even when state laws prohibit it and the majority of Americans oppose it.

This time, however, the sleeping giant may be rising from his slumber. Over 40 Catholic organizations have filed religious liberty lawsuits against the Obama Administration's contraception mandates.

It is time for all Americans to join together in support of our traditional and constitutional protection of religious liberties. We cannot afford to let bureaucrats regulate away our religious freedoms. We must communicate, vote and -- most importantly -- live our Catholic faith.

As the following video makes clear, life issues are not negotiable. Consequently, new government health insurance mandates are not negotiable.

[Thanks to Rae and Pete for bringing these videos to my attention.]

+ Miracles in the news

Here are links to some recent reports of miracles making news:

Unexplained medical miracles are happening for people who get prayer from Cleveland-based physician.

Nuns who experienced the miracle that led to Blessed John Paul II's beatification brought a message of hope and victory through surrender.

An Israeli archaeologist says he has found the site of a Sixth Century miracle documented by the Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea.

Nun who died in 1927 moves a step closer to sainthood when Pope Benedict XVI elevates her from "Servant of God" to "Venerable."

+ The Brisbane Miracles?

And these signs will accompany those who believe: 

In my name they will drive out demons; 

they will speak in new tongues; 

they will pick up snakes with their hands; 

and when they drink deadly poison, 

it will not hurt them at all; 

they will place their hands on sick people, 

and they will get well.

Mark 16:17-18

Are the residents of Brisbane Australia experiencing a wave of miraculous healings? At least 20 short YouTube videos appear to answer that question.

+++ A prophecy and a newspaper clipping that stand the test of time...

And I say also unto thee, that 

thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; 

and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: 

and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: 

and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

Matthew 16:18-19

Who Founded Your Religion??

By, ANN LANDERS
Monday, November 11, 1996 —Sacramento Bee:The Scene

• If you are a member of the Jewish faith, your religion was founded by Abraham about 4,000 years ago. 
• If you are Hindu, your religion developed in India around 1500 B.C. 
• If you are a Buddhist, your religion split from Hinduism and was founded by Buddha, Prince Siddhartha Gautama of India, about 500 B.C. 
• If you are Roman Catholic, Jesus Christ began your religion in the year 33. 

God saved a boy's life today. Did his mother care?

"In the last days ... through the abounding of iniquity

the love of many shall wax cold."

Didache

ca. 100 AD

Lately I have not had time to post on this site because of the recent release of my second novel. However, today I am posting a second time because of a story that still mystifies me.

This morning, my wife and I went to the beach for a little reading and tanning. The visit was unusual for us because we normally take a brief beach trip on Saturday mornings instead of Friday. Also, we left earlier than usual because we planned to attend Good Friday's Stations of the Cross at noon.

On the way, Betsy and I said our daily rosary and I now believe it was a good thing that we were fortified with prayers.