PREAMBLE, A FEW, YET MOST RELAVANT DATA

"Did the Blessed Virgin tell you WHY She appeared to you under the title (and form) of Our Lady of Mount Carmel?" -- "No, Father, She didn't." (Conchita, answering, in 1968, to Fr. Alfred Combe).

"The Blessed Virgin warned us ("nos ha avisado"): with this one (Garabandal), three times She did ("son tres veces": Fatima, Lourdes and, of course, Garabandal) . . ." (from Conchita's many couplets sung, in ecstasy,, March 25, 1962: see post on that date).

"(. . .) The Aviso (Warning) will be a purification, (a) preparation for the Miracle (. . .)" (Conchita, to Sr. Maria Nieves, in Burgos, on November 1, 1966), "so that the world comply with the Message," as the seers would go repeating very often.

"Before the future events (of "D" day), a SYNOD will take place." (from a handwritten letter of Conchita, in Fr. Laffineur's Archives).

"(. . .) She (Conchita) told us that (, , ,) 'before the Miracle, but the very same day, there will be a very great event in the Church, and very good for Her, (and) that there had been another one, similar, before she was born' (. . .)" (Carmen Cavestany -- she with Dr. Jean Caux had spent more than fifteen days, in August 1963, in Garabandal, with Conchita --, report sent to Fr. Ramon Maria Andreu, 1963; idem: Conchita, Interview, February 7, 1974.)

"(. . .) She (the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel) has also said: 'The separated (Churches or Christians) will be reunited'. There will be, then, only one (Christian) religion. --Are you sure of that? replied Aniceta (Conchita's mother). --Yes, was the clear and firm answer of Conchita (. . .)." (Albrecht Weber, German editor, present in Garabandal, on November 13-14, 1965, where he could interview and talk freely with Conchita, other persons, among them Aniceta, being also present).

"Yes, in one of Her apparitions, the Blessed Virgin (of Mount Carmel) said that 'the Church will recognize Garabandal' (. . .)" (Conchita to A. Weber, as reported in his book, Garabandal, Der Zeigefinger Gottes, 2000).

"Dear little girls, today, the White Lady (the Most Blessed Virgin Mary) talked to me about your apparitions. She (also) told me to tell you that 'I will be with you until the end of (the) times, then you will be with me until the end of the world and, last, reunited with me in (the) glory of Paradise' (. . .)." (Blessed Padre Pio, letter to the little seers, received by Conchita, March 3, 1962, in Garabandal).

"In the end (por fim), the Holy Father (and all the Bishops with him, ibid.) will consecrate to My Immaculate Heart Russia, which will be saved through that means, and also be converted, and thereafter the world will have PEACE for some period of time (por algum tempo) . . ." (Our Lady of the Rosary to Sr. Lucia (Fatima)., July 13, 1917 and June 13, 1929).

"Humankind will not find PEACE as long as it will not turn itself, with confidence, towards My (Divine) Mercy." (Our Lord to Saint Faustina Kowalska, in 1934, Little Diary n. 300; idem. n. 699, Sept. 24, 1936).
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 251]

Wow! Where to begin. There is so much info here and it needs to be sorted out and reread so as to absorb it all . . . Basically, as I said before, Garabandal is a continuation of Fatima with a link to Lourdes, remembering St. Bernadette crying out "Penance, penance, penance!" She was repeating what Our Lady said to her during one of the apparitions.

I believe also that Our Lady's last appearance to Bernadette was on July 16, which is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Then at Fatima, at the last apparition on October 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding out the Brown Scapular to the world. And finally, when Mary appeared at Garabandal, it was as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, wearing the Brown Scapular on Her wrist! Could the connection get any plainer?

Before the Future events take place a SYNOD or great event in the Church will take place. Could that be the proclamation of the final dogma for Our lady under the title of Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix of all Graces and Advocate? Many people, including myself, have petitioned Rome and prayed for this to happen!

The Churches will reunite! This is also a dream and hope that we and Our Holy father Pope Benedict pray for. He's trying very hard to unite the Orthodox Church with us, but I believe the Miracle will make it happen, and not only the Orthodox, but all the protestant churches too! What a great day that will be! And of course Garabandal will be approved and will become a great Marian Pilgrimage Holy Shrine!
More to come . . .
Roman Deacon

A WIDELY OPEN CONCLUSION

TOWARDS A BETTER COMPREHENSION OF GARABANDAL
AND THE ECCLESIASTICAL 'RECOGNITION' OF THIS
(ULTIMATE) GREAT APPARITION OF MARY
AS "OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL"

Rather than presenting here a brief conclusion to this present book, we intend to give, as briefly as possible, a reflective look at some of its essential moments - Beauty, the Message, the exceptional ecclesiastical circumstances of the future authentification of Garabandal's prophetico-eschatological perspective. Last, but not least, some brief insights will be given on the too often neglected dimension of the "Merciful Love of God" permeating that ultimate
"great Marian Apparition."
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 251, to be continued]

More tomorrow!
Roman Deacon

JULY 1988:

MARI-LOLI AND HER FAMILY ARE
PRESENTED TO POPE JOHN PAUL II

In this Marian year 1987-1988, the couple and their children made a pilgrimage to the main shrines of the Blessed Virgin, with the purpose of "checking out" young Francis's vocation to the priesthood. They were arriving in Rome from San Sebastian de Garabandal where, a few days earlier, July 16, on the very Feastday of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Maria Dolores and Melanie had received their First Communion from the hands of the present pastor, Don Juan Gonzalez himself!

Fr. Robert Francis Lee Graves had previously arranged the stay of the LaFleur's in Rome, and especially their meeting with the Pope. A member of the High Anglican Church, the latter, then a cadet of nineteen years at the prestigious Military Academy of West Point (New York, U.S.A.) had converted to Catholicism on Good Friday 1974.

Because of her role as one of the main protagonists of Garabandal, Mari-Loli was apprehensive about the interview with the Holy Father. But Mother Teresa of Calcutta once again had intervened to comfort the visionary, promising to pray for a positive outcome of her initiative . . . Ordained priest in June 1987 in St. Peter's Basilica by John Paul II himself, Fr. Lee Graves, on this July 23, 1988, presented Mari-Loli and her family to the Pope, addressing the Sovereign Pontiff in these words: "Your Holiness, a special blessing for the smallest of your children who come from San Sebastian de Garabandal." John Paul II then exclaimed: "GARABANDAL!" Then he kissed straight away the two little girls, Maria Dolores and Melanie, blessed the young Francis, and thereafter opening out his arms as if to embrace the whole family!

Without endorsing Garabandal openly, the Pope's attitude, might we presume, was expressing here at least some form of a positive spiritual discernment, just like acting also 'personally,' as he had already done the previous year, when receiving Joey Lomangino and his family during their own stopover in Rome on the occasion of the same Marian Year.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, pages 244-245]

There's some great photos of this meeting with the Pope and Mari-Loli and her family in this book, like the one above. Someday I hope to get copies of them all and post them. There is another photo of Mother Teresa encouraging Mari-Loli before she left for Rome. By the way, her children are adorable!

That's the end of the story except for a few pages of reflection on what we have been posting here. I'll try to post some of the important events and words of the seers and also recap with a run down of what the Warning, the Miracle and the Great Sign will consist of. And there is the conditional chastisement. So we are not finished yet!!! Care to comment?
Roman Deacon

WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE VISIONARIES?

All four of the visionaries are married and have left the village.

Mari-Cruz married Ignacio Caballero in May 1970. They live at Aviles in the Asturias. They have four children, Ignacio-Manuel, Maria- Lourdes, Juan-Carlos and Gabriel.

On May 26, 1973, Conchita married Patrick J. Keena in Long Island (N.Y.), where they live. The visionary also has four children: Maria- Conception, Miriam Fatima, Ana Maria-Josefa, and Patrick Joseph Maria.

Mari-Loli married Francis LaFleur in Brockton, Massachusetts, on February 2, 1974. They live in that State of the U.S.A. They have three children - a fourth having died at an early age: Francis, Melanie Maria and Maria Dolores.

Jacinta married Jeffrey Moynihan, a Californian, at Garabandal, on February 21, 1976. They settled in California. They have a daughter, Maria.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 236]

Remembering that what was written here about the visionaries was from the year 2001, so I really don't know what and where they are now. I get a few magazines concerning Garabandal and the May-June 2007 issue of "Garabandal International" has a short story about Conchita buying a home in Fatima, Portugal, where she hopes to announce the Great Miracle under the protection of Our Lady of Fatima! I will try to keep you posted of any other updates on these things.
Roman Deacon

PAUL VI (1898 - AUGUST 6, 1978)

"Servant of God," whose Cause for beatification has already been introduced in Rome, Paul VI died on August 6, 1978, the very Feastday of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, this was a prophetic liturgical day, since he had published his famous Encyclical Ecclesiam Suam (during Vatican II Council), which was to lead to its complete achievement on August 6, 1964. It is no surprise that if this great, very sensitive and cultivated Pope--a "man of genius" as he would also be so described by John Paul II--more a true witness of the Gospel, expressed on many occasions his own personal belief in Garabandal.
[Excerpt from 'Garabandal' Book page 234]

Yes, Pope Paul VI was a great man and I have to thank him with my prayers, each day, for my being a deacon, by petitioning the Lord for his beatification! If he didn't continue the Council after Pope John XXIII died, there would be no married deacons who want to serve the Church!

Another of his great works was Humanae Vitae, which confirmed the Church's rules regarding contraception and also warned about the disrespect of human life and that mass abortions was coming next, something unheard of in those days. He also warned that "the smoke of Satan has entered the sanctuary", in regard to all the modernism that was raging through the Church at that time. He suffered greatly because of these scandals and dis-obedience with many clergy. May he be beatified and canonized soon!
Roman Deacon

[Coming up: "WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE VISIONARIES?]

CARDINAL AFRED OTTAVIANI (DIED 1979)

Prefect for more than twenty years of the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office, which, in 1966, became the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Ottaviani was, in his special function of "guardian of the faith," in a good position to evaluate the risks of manipulations and travesties of the Evil One, something that very often occurs in those particular matters of apparitions, visions, revelations, etc. . . These had already begun to multiply rapidly . . . when the Cardinal made, in February 1951, a resounding declaration addressed to the faithful, enjoining them "not to rush!" He maintained this firm position at the time of the Council, when more
particularly in charge of directing the discussions on Divine Revelation . . .

It was therefore, with prudence, that, one might remember, he first listened to Conchita in January 1966, at the Vatican. The initiatives that the Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith took, right after his conversations with the visionary, facilitating her meeting Pope Paul VI, in private, allows us to suppose, however, that his opinion was already favorable. . . Not, however, without mentioning how Jacinta herself was to be introduced to Cardinal Ottaviani, in 1975, for we know the astonishing exhortation he then addressed to her: "We must pray a great deal, Jacinta, so that the Church may acknowledge Garabandal," after . . . having told her that 'he believed in the supernatural character of Garabandal'!
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 234]

So, there you have one of the most highest officials, next to the Pope himself, believing in the events of Garabandal! When will the Church approve these apparitions? Not until the Miracle, and the Great Sign, which will prove to the whole world the truth of Garabandal. So we wait, and in the meantime, we are allowed to believe and even go there on pilgrimage because the Church has never condemned Garabandal, but awaits the fulfillment of the prophecies too! By the way, the 101 Foundation does have an extensive Pilgrimage Program regarding Garabandal and even has reservations set aside for plane trips for the Miracle! Check them out at http://www.101foundation.com/ for more information . . .
Roman Deacon

JACINTA AND MOTHER TERESA, JANUARY 19, 1992

Conchita & Mother Teresa

In January 1992, Mother Teresa invited Jacinta to come see her. She was then recovering from a serious illness in her noviciate of Tijuanna (Mexico), only a few hours away from the visionary's home at Pasadena (California, U.S.A.). Jacinta thus made the trip on January 19, 1992, on the eve of the Feast of St. Sebastian. The religious Sister enthusiastically presented her to her community: "Here is Jacinta of Garabandal. Garabandal is authentic!" Then, before everybody, she expressed her keen interest for the works and research done on the "events," even inquiring about the new Bishop, Msgr. Vilaplana. Mother Teresa then asked the visionary to pray for her Institute for, she said, "You have only one house, I have dozens of them to take care of."

The famous Foundress, who had already met Jacinta in New York, recalled with her many of the graces received by the visionary, notably the one of seeing the Sacred Heart, for Whom Mother Teresa had a great devotion. Her death, which occurred on September 5, 1997, just a few weeks after having met for the last time, in New York, with Conchita, was to arouse an immense chorus of praise and true admiration.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 233]

Both Conchita and Jacinta married Americans and that's why they live here in the U.S.A. We'll here more about that soon.

I would have loved to have met Mother Teresa. It would have been one of the highlights of my life, next to the time I assisted as Deacon at Pope John Paul II's outdoor Mass in Queens, New York. I was one of the deacons assigned to hold a ciborium as the Holy Father celebrated Mass and consecrated thousands of Hosts. Then I went into the crowds and distributed Holy Communion to the faithful. What a day! Who could forget an event like that!
Roman Deacon

MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA (DIED 1997)

Conchita with Mother Teresa, as her son Patrick looks on.

WITH CONCHITA IN NEW YORK

The famous Foundress of the Missionaries of Charity has never expressed any doubts about her profound belief in the divine origin of Garabandal: "It was in 1970 that I heard about the apparitions of San Sebastian de Garabandal for the first time . . . From the beginning, I felt that the 'events' were authentic . . ." (Letter of November 10, 1987 to Msgr. del Val).

During her frequent trips to the United States, notably to New York, Mother Teresa had the opportunity of meeting Conchita who has lived on Long Island since 1972. This was the beginning of a strong human and spiritual friendship that never faltered. This was also for Mother Teresa the providential means of increasing her "inspired" conviction concerning Garabandal. Discretion and prudence alone prevent us from revealing more about the "faith" of that world-famous woman regarding Garabandal.

A Nobel Prize winner in 1979, Mother Teresa is the godmother of Conchita's third daughter, Anna Maria Josefa, baptized on August 31, 1976. In November 1978, Mother Teresa had already offered Msgr. del Val Gallo to have every priest in the diocese of Santander adopted spiritually by a Sister of her own Congregation. The prelate gratefully accepted such a spiritual 'sponsorship.' Unique, even "inspired" in every way, this proposition was made by Mother Teresa to no other diocese in the world!
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 232]

And of course we all know that Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta was beatified on October 19, 2003 by Pope John Paul II. So we have another Saint associated with Garabandal! And what a Saint she was. She is one of my favorites that I pray daily to. I never met her in person, but look forward to seeing her in Heaven!

Yes, Conchita lives on Long Island and from what I read recently, also has a home in Fatima, Portugal. When we lived in Queens, Conchita's son and daughter went to St. Francis High School at the same time my daughter Elizabeth was there. We formed a parents prayer group and I was fortunate to be able to celebrate an hour of Adoration and Benediction with Conchita and her children present, along with my wife and daughter too. Those are great memories that I will never forget!
Roman Deacon

MADRE ESPERANZA OF JESUS (DIED 1983)

Of Spanish origin, born at the very beginning of this century, Madre Esperanza de Jesus, Servant of God (1993), is one of these outstanding souls that God sends us from time to time. Already in 1927, she had received the 'inspiration' to give herself to the divine Merciful Love, for the sanctification of priests.
On February 24, 1951, the Lord would also inspire her to proceed to the "Foundation of the Servants of the Merciful Love" to be officially approved by Rome . . . in the following month of August!
Madre Esperanza de Jesus 'learned' about the apparitions of San Sebastian de Garabandal; furthermore, we know that she was firmly convinced of their supernatural character, thanks to the testimony of Miss Emilia Andreo Rubio, who had met the Madre on the occasion of a pilgrimage to Collevalenza, Italy: the religious foundress reacted indeed very positively to the intention of Emilia and some of her friends to go to Garabandal, and . . . only there! She even declared: "You are going to San Sebastian de Garabandal? Good! Good!"

Here, too, we will have to wait to know more about the great contemporary Foundress's strong faith in Garabandal. The process for her beatification is also being pursued.
In 1964, Carol Wojtyla, then archbishop of Cracow, and future Pope John Paul II, during a visit to the Sanctuary, on the Feast of Christ the King, distributed Holy Communion. He had known Collevalenza for already a long time since, as a young priest studying in Rome, in 1946, he used to go there, even spending the whole night in prayer! It was there that Madre Esperanza received the inspiration to create the famous Sanctuary.
It is as Sovereign Pontiff that he was to make a new and very special pilgrimage to the Sanctuary on November 22, 1981, according to the prediction Our Lord had made to Sister Esperanza in the 1950's, and which said that "a Pope will go to Collevalenza"!
After the Holy Father's visit, the Sanctuary became a "Minor Basilica", in 1982.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 230-231]

There's a great picture in this book showing Pope John Paul II kissing Madre Esperanza on the head! What a humble man he was! I remember when he was elected. I was down at Joey's Lomangino's house, which was being used as a mail-room for distributing Garabandal material, and stuffing envelopes, when the news came. We were so happy, because there was so much modernism creeping into the Church at that time, and I thought to myself, "God has sent us a deliverer!" I believe he did stop the spread of many errors from exploding and causing more harm than they did. Now with our New Pope Benedict XVI, I have those same feelings again. I don't know if it is tied in with Garabandal, but I believe there are some great changes coming to our beloved Church which will make her a beacon for all the world to join! What do you think?
Roman Deacon

MARTHE ROBIN (MARCH 13, 1902 - FEBRUARY 6, 1981)

The sixth child of a family of simple farmers of the Drome (France), Marthe, Servant of God (1991), was twenty-three years old when she wrote, in her own handwriting, her complete Consecration as a "victim of Love" . . . Today, her name, like those of Blessed Padre Pio and Blessed Madre Maravillas, shine in the firmament of the Church of God.

At the origin of the Foundation of the Homes of Charity, Marthe was chosen by the Lord to live His Passion "the most completely after My Mother," He revealed to her in 1933 . . . He even added, "no one in the Church will ever have lived IT as completely as you will!"

Paralyzed since the age of twenty-seven, and also stigmatized, Marthe Robin would spend some fifty years of her life without sleep or food, nourishing herself uniquely with the Eucharistic Bread.
When Fr. Laffineur, O.P. died in November 1970, he had left behind him his plan for the diffusion of the Message of Garabandal in a difficult situation. His close collaborator Fr. Combe decided to ask Marthe, whom he knew well, for her advice. The famous woman mystic welcomed him in the first months of 1971, in her house of La Plaine . . . Here is the account of her meeting as reported by Fr. Combe himself:
". . . Myself: "Dear Sister Marthe, as you know, I care aboutGarabandal . . ."
Marthe: "Yes, Father . . ."
Myself: "I was helping Fr. Laffineur . . . He died last November. And all that has followed . . ."
Marthe: "Yes, the critics . . ."
Myself: "I see that you know. So I come to ask for your advice. To me, the situation appears to be so difficult that from now on I would like to take care of only my parish of Chazay d'Azergues. I have already enough work in this ministry . . ."
Marthe: (in a firm and almost cutting voice): "That's it, Father . . . You want to let everything go! . . ."
Myself (I received the blow right through the heart and waited for the rest . . .)
Marthe: "Aye! What must we do, Father, when we have received graces?"
Myself: "I understand, Sister Marthe . . . I must then take up again the spreading of the Message of Garabandal? But, by doing so, I will receive blows from all sides, from the 'critics,' from the
priests, the vicar-generals, and even blows from the shepherd's crook of Bishops . . ."
Marthe: "Ah well! You will offer them to God. There, father, give me some news of the "children" of Garabandal . . ."
This I did. Marthe listened, sometimes asking for details . . . Finally:
Marthe: "Tell the four girls that I pray for them every day!"
The limited time allotted to me for our interview was drawing to an end. Then Marthe asked me: "Would you like us to say an Our Father and a Hail Mary together?" - "Yes, Marthe. For the girls of Garabandal and their Bishop, for yourself and for the Houses of Charity and also for the blows dealt to us with a stick! . . ."
After our prayer, I said: "Marthe, would you accept to have my Guardian Angel invite yours every day to take part in my Mass!" - "Oh! Yes, Father; they will pray together." And our conversation ended as usual with my blessing given with deep emotion.
My heart was freed and determined; I came down from Marthe's room to the chapel of the Home of Charity. On my knees before the Lord Jesus, I gave thanks for the light received. Then, turning to the Blessed Virgin, I said to her: "Most Blessed Virgin, I understand very well . . . You want this . . . I will therefore take up again my pilgrim's staff . . . I am ready to walk for you to the end of the world" . . .
Later, I saw Marthe Robin again. Every time, we spoke of Garabandal. She was interested in making known the Message; she loved to receive news from me about the four children, about their families and . . . especially about the Bishop of Santander . . .

Another of Marthe Robin's testimonies on Garabandal is the one she gave to Msgr. J. Bretault (Founder and first Bishop of the Diocese of Koudougou). One day, I took him to Chateauneuf-de-Galaure, which he liked so much. Before dropping him off, I asked him to remember me to Marthe and to ask her for a little word for me. The little word was a long report he wrote out immediately with tears of joy before the Blessed Sacrament . . . Msgr. J. Bretault had been overwhelmed by all the information Marthe knew about the difficulties in spreading the news about Garabandal in France after the death of Fr. Laffineur. She asked him to transmit a few details and some advice . . . that were very useful and effective for me."
[From 'Garabandal' Book, pages 228-229]

Another great Saint involved with Garabandal, Marthe Robin's cause for beatification was introduced in Rome in 1984.

There's some powerful stuff in this interview, especially for those of us who have received "blows" from certain church officials and "holier than thou" lay people who refuse to believe in Our Lady of Garabandal and the Messages . . . But as you can see, Marthe and many Saints have believed and with God's grace I will continue to do so too! Just the other day, a mystic friend told me to "wait - pray - listen." So I continue to spread the story of Garabandal with the grace of God! Yes, it is a grace to believe! How about you? Have you received that grace?
What will it take to make you believe, a Miracle? Well, one is coming soon, so hang on to your hat!!! I'm not the only one saying this, either. Many of today's mystics are saying the same thing. We are on the verge of a Divine intervention and the beginning of a new era for mankind!
Blessings+
Roman Deacon

BLESSED MADRE MARAVILLAS OF JESUS, O.C.D. (1891-1974)

Pope Paul VI at Fatima, May 13, 1976

This extraordinary Carmelite nun, who was beatified in 1998, less than 25 years after she died, founded the "Association of St. Teresa," with the purpose of restoring the rule of life of the original Constitutions of 1581, rigorously established by Teresa of Avila one year before her own death. More than one hundred Carmelite Convents belong to this Association of Discalced Carmelites, approved by Rome in 1973. The highest Church authorities all agreed to celebrate in Madre Maravillas the fact that she had, without any hesitation, 'received' the Vatican II ecumenical Council, its teachings but also, on the precise level of "consecrated life," the necessary adaptations to the new circumstances and conditions of our time. Pope John Paul II beatified her on May 10, 1998.

Mother Maravillas "knew" that Garabandal was authentic. She even clearly shared her conviction with her spiritual daughters, assuring them that "the phenomena occurring at San Sebastian de Garabandal come from God!"

On the other hand, it was very probable to her, not to Conchita as it was believed for a long time, that the Pope's trips to Fatima, and eventually . . . to San Sebastian de Garabandal, were revealed . . . before May, 1967! The prophetic mention of these trips appears in a notebook belonging to Padre Rodrigo, who knew the famous Carmelite nun, at least through the intermediary of her spiritual Father (in Madrid). "Hecho" ("Done"), Conchita's confessor was to write in his notebook, when Paul VI went to Fatima, on May 13, 1967. As for a Sovereign Pontiff's future visit to San Sebastian de Garabandal, Padre Rodrigo subtitled it as follows: "We are waiting . . .". We must recall how Padre Rodrigo had learned, also on April 25, 1967, the very day it was predicted, and thus in advance, the accident which was to cost Msgr. Puchol his life on the following 8th of May!
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 228]

It's amazing how many "special" people are involved in some way with Garabandal! So many Saints! St. Padre Pio, Blessed Maria Rafols, Blessed Madre Maravillas, Venerable Padre Nieto, Venerable Fr. Ciszek, Ven. Pope Paul VI, and even our beloved Venerable Pope John Paul II, who everyone thought would be the Pope who would go to Garabandal. Unless he went in
disguise, I guess the Pope who will go there, as the prophecy says, will be the reigning one after the Miracle. That could be Benedict XVI, if the Miracle comes soon . . . we shall see . . . in the meantime, tomorrow we will hear about a very special "saint" involved with Garabandal, Marthe Robin, whose cause for beatification is opened in Rome.
Roman Deacon

MSGR. JOAO PEREIRA VENANCIO (DIED AUGUST 2, 1985)

Top left: Statue at Fatima of the Angel of portugal about to give Communion to the seers.

Top right: image of Saint Michael the Archangel as he appeared at Garabandal holding the Host.

Middle left: The messages of Fatima were serious as reflected on the faces of visionaries from left, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta.

Middle right: The same held true at Garabandal. From left are: Mari Loli, Conchita, Mari Cruz and Jacinta.

Bottom left: Scenes of the crowd at Fatima October 13, 1917, when the Miracle of the Sun occurred.

Bottom right: the Pines in Garabandal where the great Miracle is to take place.









It was under the pastoral government of this well-known Bishop of Fatima-Leiria that the famous "third-secret" was brought to the attention of Pope John XXIII. Known for his profound Marian devotion, he had the privilege of frequently discussing with Sister Lucy, who herself informed him, so we are told, of the "events" of San Sebastian de Garabandal.

Conchita herself visited Msgr. Venancio for the first time in 1967; she returned several times later to Fatima. As for the Bishop, he would make the trip twice to see Conchita at Lindenhurst, N.Y., U.S.A. He quickly and firmly believed in the supernatural authenticity of the phenomena that had occurred at Garabandal. In 1983, he would declare to Fr. A. Combe that: "this Message given by the Blessed Virgin at Garabandal is the same as the one given at Fatima, but it is updated . . . At Garabandal, Mary came to upgrade her Message given at Fatima to new conditions of the Church (and of the world). It is obvious to me that the Message of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Message of salvation for our time . . ." Yes, without any doubt, but perhaps much more . . .
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 226]

And so another great believer has left us as orphans . . . He certainly would be a great witness in our time when so many (even in our Church) do not believe in apparitions and the Messages that God is sending us! In the early 70's, when Our Lady appeared at Akita, Japan (an approved apparition) the bishop there also said the Messages of Our Lady of Akita were a continuation of Fatima. Those Messages were very similar to the Garabandal ones and with more detail regarding the chastisements that could come upon the world if it did not change.

What do you think? Will the world change after the Warning & Miracle? Lets pray that it does so that our grandchildren can live in the Peace of Christ!
Roman Deacon

FATHER WALTER CISZEK, S. J. (1904 - 1984)

Father Ciszek with Conchita

Father Ciszek, Servant of God (1990), born at Shenandoah, Pennsylvania (U.S.A.), of Polish immigrants, entered the Society of Jesus where he was ordained priest according to the Byzantine rite, in 1937. Moved by the desire to serve the Catholics behind the Iron Curtain, he left for Russia in 1940. He was arrested immediately after his arrival and spent almost twenty years in the Soviet gaols and camps. Released in 1963, he then returned to the United States . . .

Informed about the "events" of Garabandal, he quickly discerned their supernatural authenticity. A close friendship with Conchita allowed him to deepen even more his inner conviction about the divine origin of these "events."

The cause for the beatification of Fr. Ciszek opened at the end of the 1980's.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 226]

Father Ciszek is one of my favorite friends in Heaven, whom I pray for his beatification every day! His life was one long suffering and heroic worship of Almighty God! He wrote a couple of books about his life, which are best sellers. My favorite is "With God, in Russia."

Here is a short review of this book from Ignatius Press:

Father Walter Ciszek, S.J., author of the best-selling "He Leadeth Me", tells here the gripping, astounding story of his twenty-three years in Russian prison camps in Siberia, how he was falsely imprisoned as an "American spy", the incredible rigors of daily life as a prisoner, and his extraordinary faith in God and commitment to his priestly vows and vocation. He said Mass under cover, in constant danger of death. He heard confession of hundreds who could have
betrayed him; he aided spiritually many who could have gained by exposing him.

This is a remarkable story of personal experience. It would be difficult to write fiction that could honestly portray the heroic patience, endurance, fortitude and complete trust in God lived by Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J.

"A man of invincible faith and heroic fortitude, who is sustained by a great love for God and his fellow man. His story is highly recommended as a worthwhile reading experience for one and all."

May he intercede for us here below and hasten the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary! Fr. Ciszek, pray for us!
Roman Deacon

FATHER PEL (DIED MARCH 5, 1966):

Great worshiper of Jesus in the Eucharist and exceptional Marian soul, Fr. Pel was a fervent "apostolic missionary" traveling everywhere mainly in France, and as far as the Holy Land.

During his only visit to San Sebastian de Garabandal, on June 18, 1965, he spent the morning in the village church, praying and hearing confessions. At the time of the apparition of the Angel to Conchita, Fr. Pel. left behind the crowd because of his advanced age, suddenly found himself inexplicably "transported" to only four and a half feet away from the visionary. We must also note that the priest knew before anybody else the hour of the ecstasy (11:40 p.m.) . . .

A much more detailed account of the unusual relationship of Fr. Pel with Garabandal will be published later . . .
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 225-226]

Again, I never heard of Fr. Pel until I read this book. There's more to tell about him, the author says, but unfortunately the next volume has not been published as of yet. One thing of note is that "transported" story. Many saints had the gift of being transported.

The Scriptures tell of St. Philip the deacon, who was transported here and there preaching and baptizing (see Acts 8:39-40). And how about Our Lady's house, the Holy House of Loreto, the house in which Mary was born, and where the Annunciation occurred, and to an ancient statue of Our Lady which is found there. Tradition says that a band of angels scooped up the little house from the Holy Land, and transported it first to Tersato, Dalmatia in 1291, Reananti in 1294, and finally to Loreto, Italy where it has been for centuries. It was this flight that led to her patronage of people involved in aviation, and the long life of the house that has led to the patronage of builders, construction workers, etc. It is the first shrine of international renown dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and has been known as a Marian center for centuries. Popes have always held the Shrine of Loreto in special esteem, and it is under their direct authority and protection.
How about That!

If I'm missing in action, hopefully I was "transported" to Heaven, so don't bother looking for me!
Roman Deacon

MOTHER MARY OF THE CROSS (1901-1999)

In 1939, she founded the Little Sisters, and later the Little Brothers, of Mary Mother of the Redeemer, an Institute of consecrated life approved by Rome in 1989. The Motherhouse is at Saint-Aignan-sur- Roe (Laval, France). Miraculously cured at Lourdes in 1929, Mother Mary of the Cross was stigmatized and possessed also several other mystical gifts. Her basic spiritual charism was centered on "Mary, the Associate par excellence of the Redeemer." She would die on April 9, 1999, "Friday of the Easter Week," a very significant day for her, indeed!

In 1982, Mary of the Cross let Dr. Jean Caux and Jacques Serre know that she "was praying every day for the visionaries of San Sebastian de Garabandal," expressing also her wish to "be kept informed about the progress of the work and the 'cause' of Garabandal." In 1990, the religious Foundress would reveal, through her Sister secretary, that: "We are now going to enter into the era of purifications": was not that referring also to the very difficult "time of the Pre-Aviso"?

Unfortunately, we are unable to have a photo of this discreet mystic. Undoubtedly because "her life represents a mystery of Love for the Church and the world in prayer, in suffering and self-sacrifice, but all in God's secret. We respect her total Marian silence; we worship God's designs before which we are so small . . ." (Excerpts from a letter dated August 7, 1995, from Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart, Mother Mary of the Cross's secretary, to Jacques Serre).
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 225]

Here's another one of those unknown saints of Almighty God, silently doing His work on earth and totally invisible from our eyes. How many are there today? Our Lady often speaks about Her consecrated souls, Her "White Army" She calls them. United with Her Immaculate Heart, they are saving souls and also holding back God's justice, which, as Mother Mary has said, would have been unleashed on the world already . . .

Are you a victim soul? Do you consecrate yourself daily to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary? Do you offer up your entire day, with all its toils and troubles, all your prayers and works for the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary? Then you are part of Our Lady's "White Army", no matter what state of life you are in, what race of people you come from, or the color of your skin! God bless you and pray for me!
Roman Deacon

MADRE MARIA NAYA (DIED 1966)

Blessed Maria Rafols had visions of the Sacred Heart.

Maria Naya is the famous "daughter" of Blessed Maria Rafols (1781-1853), who founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann at Zaragoza in the mid-nineteenth century.

Among other religious functions, Madre Naya held the so-called delicate one of Mistress of novices. She became famous in Spain for having discovered the writings of the Blessed Foundress, but still more for having been the religious about whom the latter had prophesied who she was and when she would discover her own "Escritos" ("Writings")!

Gifted as well with a charism of prophecy that she exercised with regard to certain Church events, Sister Maria Naya also "used" her gift within the framework of the "events" then occurring at Garabandal.

Thus, for example, and without having been previously informed, she announced the "Milagrucu" to the religious sisters of her Congregation in Madrid, and she did so on the following morning without having received any information whatsoever about it!

Similarly, she made an astonishing prophecy about Fr. Luis Maria Andreu (see July 18, 1964), as well as about the last locution to Mari- Loli (see October 24, 1965).

Madre Maria Naya's keen interest in Garabandal is duly attested to by many other original documents in our possession.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 224-225]

God works in mysterious ways beyond our understanding! And he has His saints working and doing His will all over the world. Sometimes we get ourselves boxed in and only look at things that are happening around us, we forget there is a big wide world out there! Most of these saintly people lived in Spain and like me, you probably never heard of them. Well, guess what, they never heard of you either! So, be happy knowing that God is in control and He wins the battle!!! Satan has already been defeated . . . we just have to wait for time to be completed. And I guess one day in Heaven or in the Kingdom of God, we will meet all these people close up and enjoy their life stories . . .
I can't wait to tell mine!!!
Roman Deacon

PADRE MANUEL GARCIA NIETO, S. J. (APRIL 5, 1884 TO APRIL 13, 1974)

1970. Conchita and Aniceta with Fathers Neito (far right) and Rodrigo.

Succeeding Fr. Rodrigo, Padre Nieto, Servant of God (2000), also a Jesuit, was, in turn, Conchita's spiritual director from 1969 to 1974, a task he was to fulfill for more than forty years, in what an outstanding way, at the Pontifical University of Comillas. An exceptionally fervent "lover" of the Eucharist and of the Priesthood, he strongly defended the sublime grandeur of the first of the Sacraments, energetically protesting its desecration. Padre Nieto, also a great devotee to Mary, was already living in perfect harmony with two Messages of Garabandal.

Conchita, who, even from 1969 to 1972, met the Jesuit at Comillas almost monthly as her spiritual Father, caught even himself in ecstasy on several occasions! The visionary was to reveal to him the date of the future "D" day, because, we may presume, of his great moral authority and his recognized reliability in the "discernment of spirits"!

Shortly before his death, he wrote to Conchita "I offer my life so that you may attain holiness." A striking detail: in 1985, the "mortal remains" of the Father were transferred to the parish of San Jose, called "El Milagro," in Salamanca . . .

The "faith" of Padre Nieto in the divine origin of Garabandal is formally attested, among others, by John Bosco Ramos, one of the three Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, who, on August 6, 1962, had witnessed a Communion given to Conchita by the Angel St. Michael, at the Pines (see the post at this date). And later (1969), during a private encounter for advice with Padre Nieto, the latter assured Brother Juan Bosco that "Yes, Garabandal is true!"

The process for the beatification of Padre Nieto, opened on October 16, 1990, under the direction of Msgr. del Val Gallo, has now (December 2000) been introduced in Rome.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 223-224]

So you see, many famous and saintly people believed in Garabandal, which of course, strengthens my belief in these apparitions . . .

Conchita was blessed to have Fr. Nieto as a spiritual director! I believe divine Providence was responsible for that. When we need special help, God sends someone to us as our spiritual guide. It happened to me when I was going through formation for the diaconate. We were told to get a spiritual director and I was really having a hard time choosing one. My mind kept saying "No one will understand my Marian spirituality!" One day I went to Mass at the Franciscan Church of St. Francis in Manhattan and after Mass asked the Pastor, who was very Marian and I thought would be a good one to choose to be my spiritual director. He said he was too busy, but had the right priest for me, a convert, who I could help to know Mother Mary better. I said to myself, "Oh great, I'm looking for a spiritual director and I become one instead." Well, it turned out that this humble priest was the perfect one for me and believe me, I would have quit the program a few times, except for his wonderful advice that kept me going and growing! So, God sends the right person at the right time to help us!
Roman Deacon

PADRE LUCIO RODRIGO, S. J. (DIED MARCH 30, 1973)

Fathers Rodrigo (center) and Nieto with Conchita.

Padre Lucio Rodrigo was present at a few ecstasies of the visionaries. An excellent theologian, his prudent critical spirit led him to believe firmly in the supernatural authenticity of Garabandal. He learned the nature of the great Miracle from Conchita, but not the date. Shortly before he died, the zealous Jesuit obtained the grace he had asked to be definitively confirmed in his belief in the divine origin of the "events," of which he said: "If there exists in the world a window through which one can contemplate Heaven, it is Garabandal!"

He died from injuries resulting from a car accident, at almost ninety years of age.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 223]

Does it seem strange to you that two leading figures in the Garabandal story died in car crashes? It does to me. I once read where Satan does cause some of these accidents. Kinda scary, no? Oh well, that's why we never know when our time is up. The Lord said, be ready at all times.

Are you ready? I don't think anyone is really ready to die instantly, but I also read once where they asked St. Therese (the "Little Flower") if she knew she would die tomorrow what would she change and she answered, "Nothing, I would continue doing what I am doing today."
Can any of us say the same thing? God love you.
Roman Deacon

SAINT PADRE PIO DE PIETRELCINA (1888-1968)

A Capuchin, Blessed Padre Pio, had one of the most extraordinary lives in Church history. A stigmatist for fifty years, he had an over abundance of charisms: visions, gift of healing, bilocation and prophecy, discernment of spirits, etc. . . . He was also one of the greatest confessors of our time, people coming from the world over to receive also his blessing and, more especially, guidance for decisive life orientations.

It is highly significant that this out-of-the-ordinary son of St. Francis, so devoted to the Blessed Virgin, who worked so zealously in the Lord's vineyard, was indubitably involved in Garabandal. Considerable study has already been undertaken to establish the connection between Padre Pio and that very great Marian Apparition, thanks, among others, to the testimonies of Conchita, Joey Lomangino, Fathers Pel, Laffineur and Marcelino Andreu, who all met the Padre of Pietrelcina about Garabandal. As to the Capuchin Fathers of San Giovanni Rotondo, they have kept confidential, up to this day, numerous documents, in particular the many pictures taken, January 1966, when Conchita met with Blessed Padre Pio, and which were to be forwarded to her after the "beatification of Padre Pio." That "long- awaited ecclesial event" (Pope John Paul II) at last occurred (May 2, 1999), being hailed as one of the most celebrated events of its kind in Church history, more than 300,000 persons (pilgrims - Holy Year 2000) attended it at the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica in Rome!
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 222.]

Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio of Pietrelcina a Saint on June 16, 2002 in one of the largest attended liturgies ever in the Vatican's history. The Pope remarked that Padre Pio's spirituality and suffering are a valuable model for modern times. The Pope reemphasized his message at the end of the canonization liturgy by announcing Padre Pio's feast day, September 23rd, is an "obligatory memorial" in the Church's general liturgical calendar.

The ranking of obligatory memorial accorded to Padre Pio means the celebration must be observed in Masses and the Liturgy of the Hours on the day it occurs unless an observance that takes precedence - a solemnity or feast - falls on the same day. St. Maximillian Kolbe, also in the Franciscan tradition, is the only other 20th century saint whose memorial is obligatory.

I wish I was there for that canonization cause I prayed everyday for that intention. I really look forward to meeting the Padre in Heaven, where he can give me his blessing personally . . .

As a matter of fact, I can't wait to see all my Saintly friends, my guardian angel, and my dear loved ones who have gone before me. How about you?

I just received a new book on St. Pio titled 'Padre Pio and America' by Frank M. Rega! We can never stop learning new things about God's Saints! I am blessed to get this gift!
Roman Deacon

FATHER DON JUAN GONZALEZ GOMEZ

Inside the church.

A native of San Sebastian de Garabandal, Fr. Gomez was appointed in 1971 pastor of the village (a pastoral duty he is still in charge [year 2000] ) by Msgr. del val. . . . the church just refurbished in 1986 with the approval of Msgr. del Val, thanks also to the financial assistance of Joey Lomangino and of many other benefactors throughout the world.

Don Juan was one of the very first and most important witnesses of the phenomena. He was present at more than one thousand ecstasies including the "Milagrucu." [Little Miracle of the Host]. At first these left him skeptical, then he gradually changed his opinion and it was as a priest personally convinced of the authenticity of Garabandal that he acceded to the responsibilities of the pastor. He even managed to convince Msgr. del Val of the necessity to set up at last a more serious investigation file of these "events."
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 219]

People from all over the world go on Pilgrimage to Garabandal, so it must be a big job being pastor of that tiny church. And after the Bishop lifted the interdict and allowed priests to go there to, they must be a great help to him in ministering the Sacraments to the pilgrims. Divine Providence comes through again!

Tomorrow we will begin meeting some of the other contemporary saintly figures involved with Garabandal . . . stay tuned!
Roman Deacon

THE BISHOPS AFTER THE FACTS:

Msgr. del Val Gallo

From the village church; the Pines are viewed.

MSGR. JOSE MARIA CIRARDA 1968-1971

Doctor Jose Maria Cirarda is a Basque. He was born on May 17, 1917. Like Dr. Eugenio Beitia Aldazabal, he studied philosophy and theology at the University of Comillas where he was ordained to the priesthood on July 5, 1942. After teaching theology for seventeen years at Vitoria, he was appointed auxiliary Bishop at Seville in April 1960, and then became Bishop of Santander on July 23, 1968. He took charge of the See on the following August 30. On October 9 of the same year, he published through his Secretariat, a Note in the Spanish press, stipulating, "he expects all the faithful to observe in greatest detail the dispositions taken by his predecessors . . . and still totally in force" . . . A few days later, as we saw, Conchita was leaving for Lourdes for the exceptional reasons we know!

Msgr. Cirarda became Bishop of Cordova on December 4, 1971. Later, already Archbishop, he was to become the Secretary of the Spanish Conference of Bishops.

MSGR. JUAN DEL VAL GALLO 1971 - 1991

Originally from Santander, Msgr. del Val Gallo had first filled several posts in the diocese. As a member of the "Special Commission" in charge of investigating the phenomena of Garabandal, he did not acknowledge at first their supernatural character. When he was appointed Bishop of Santander in December 1971, his initial negative stand had already softened a good deal. So much so that, in 1977, he requested that the "Garabandal dossier" be officially reopened. Rome
refused; it judged the initiative untimely since no "new events" had occurred. (Msgr. del Val was to be "the Bishop who would receive an irrefutable sign of the authenticity of Garabandal. This would incite him to lift the interdiction imposed upon the priests, forbidding them to go up to San Sebastian de Garabandal . . .")

MSGR JOSE VILAPLANA 1991 -

Msgr. Vilaplana, a profoundly Marian priest and a most competent pastor, let it be known about Garabandal that he would take the same stand as his predecessors and the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith had taken in the past. He himself took the investigation file set up by Msgr. Del Val to the Vatican. In order to complete somewhat his information and form a personal opinion, Msgr. Vilaplana took the initiative of going to the village "disguised as a layman" and be driven up to the Pines by Don Juan himself!

His pastoral prudence and his vigilant "wait-and-see policy" undoubtedly preserved, up to this day, Garabandal, from an irrelevant agitation and from all inopportune assimilation with other "so-called sites of apparitions."

Since the great events predicted by the visionaries, through Conchita mainly, are not supposed to occur before Year 2000, we can reasonably think that Msgr. Vilaplana might be the one Bishop who will discern, along with Roman authorities, the supernatural character of
Garabandal.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, pages 218-220]

We are coming to the end of our story . . . well, actually it won't end until the fulfillment of the prophecies and the Triumph of Our Lady. Then will be the beginning, the New Era . . .

In the meantime our book now tells us of the main characters in the drama. So we now know the three Bishops who reigned after the "events" stopped. After this we will meet the new pastor of Garabandal, and then the leading figures who influenced the spread of the Messages
throughout the world. Stay tuned and give a comment if you like.
Roman Deacon

OCTOBER 16, 1968:

PADRE PIO, LOURDES AND CONCHITA:
NEW EXCEPTIONAL "CONFIRMATIONS"
OF THE AUTHENTICITY OF GARABANDAL

When Blessed Padre Pio died, on September 23, 1968, Conchita was very perplexed. The Blessed Virgin's prophecy, predicting that he would see the Miracle, had apparently not been fulfilled . . .

But, on October 16 of the same year, the visionary received a telegram from Lourdes. It was sent by a lady friend of hers, urging her to go to the world-famous Sanctuary, to receive a letter written by Blessed Padre Pio (written, by the way, just . . . one day before the Blessed Capuchin "confirmed," once more, the supernatural authenticity of Garabandal to a French author in spiritual matters, whom we know very well (J.S.)

Convent of the Capuchins, August 22, 1968,
For Conchita - Padre Pio has said:
"I pray the most Blessed Virgin to comfort her and to guide her towards sanctity. I bless her with all my heart."
Fr. Pellegrino

This note dictated by Padre Pio the very day, at the time of the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to Fr. Pellegrino, then Superior of the Monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo, was brought to Conchita by one of the famous Capuchin's messengers and friends, the Franciscan Fr. Bernardino Cennamo, who himself had been in San Sebastian de Garabandal on June 18, 1965, and had witnessed the spectacular ecstasy of that famous day, but still doubting about its divine origin . . . until the famous Capuchin of Pietrelcina asked him to offer Conchita the little veil that was to be used to cover his face soon after his death -- a most exceptional 'relic' that the visionary inherited at Lourdes. She also learned from Fr. Bernardino that Padre Pio had clearly "seen the Miracle" shortly before dying (on August 22, 1968): "He told me so himself," the Franciscan insisted. A few days later, Conchita wrote to Joey Lomangino and mentioned the altogether important recent "event." She would later write a complete account of this for Elisa, a friend of Barcelona. ( Fr. A. Combe, a French priest, who had accompanied Conchita and her mother to Lourdes, also would provide us with a full account of that most remarkable, providential trip). Furthermore, all the irrefutable facts occurred before and after the famous Note of Msgr. Cirarda, October 9, 1968! (see next post). As to Fr. B. Cennamo himself, he will eventually corroborate firmly what has been said above, in a letter of July 4, 1969, to an English gentleman.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, pages 216-217]

Lots of details on this amazing "event" in the life of Conchita . . .

Well, at least she got to go to Lourdes. I always wanted to go there too, but so far haven't made it there. All this stuff happened before I heard of Garabandal in 1970, so I really missed out knowing about Padre Pio, but he did become one of my favorite saints after that and I prayed to him to intercede for me many times and also prayed for his beatification. Someone I know personally had a visit from him after his death and caused that person to get out of their depression and a change of life! Another time I was at Joey Lomangino's house and a nun
from Italy was there who had one of Padre Pio's gloves that had covered the stigmata. It was passed around to be venerated and one man smelled roses coming from it and had a conversion experience. I didn't smell anything . . . I love remembering all this little stuff, it makes me smile!
Roman Deacon

FEBRUARY 5 TO 19, 1968:

CONCHITA'S SECOND TRIP TO ROME

The Vatican covered the expenses of Conchita's second visit to Rome again with her mother and Fr. Luna, complete discretion being then asked to Conchita. The visionary again went to the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to be questioned but, this time, no longer by Cardinal Ottaviani. We hardly know anything more about the new encounter: Conchita, in fact, was even more discreet about this second trip than about the first.

The archives of Fr. Luna, now deceased, will someday doubtless be of great use to us to know, at last, the nature of the conversations that took place then between the visionary and the Church authorities. It will a fortiori be the same for what the Archives of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are preserving about this matter.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 215]

It's interesting that the Vatican paid for Conchita and her mother with Fr. Luna for this trip to Rome . . . I wonder if I can get a free trip too! And I'll bring all of you along. With my luck, I'd have to pay my way home . . . after they hear my story!!!

Anyway, everything is so secretive and under wraps so I guess we will have to wait till after the Miracle to read some more about this meeting.
Roman Deacon

OCTOBER 10, 1967:

THE "EVIL ONE" . . . ASSAULTING GARABANDAL!

Less than two weeks after the certainly "ill-inspired" episode of building the "chapel in honor of the Archangel St. Michael," there was a pseudo-bi location of Padre Pio right in Aniceta's home! Conchita quickly discerned the fraudulent character of this manifestation . . .

Throughout the period of the apparitions and the locutions at San Sebastian de Garabandal, there never occurred anything that was intrinsically linked to the "Evil One." That came later and only on a few occasions, when the authentic phenomena had ceased completely. These disturbing false interventions nevertheless 'helped' to project a certain discredit on Garabandal. Paradoxically, even providentially, they would in reality help to protect this great Marian Apparition from such "a noise from the Evil One" (Dr. Ricardo Puncernau, Letter of May 21, 1984 to fr. R. Francois Turner). This is also what Msgr. del Val Gallo was to understand throughout his episcopate (1971-1981). This undoubtedly also explains his constant efforts not to mix Garabandal with any particular one, whatever it may be, of the countless other "supposedly, indeed false contemporary apparitions and mystics" (except in the special cases of authentic "figures of holiness," either those already acknowledged as such by the Church, or on the way to be).
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 215]

Kinda creepy stuff. Imagine the devil appearing as Padre Pio! But this is nothing new. St. Paul warned about false apparitions in his Epistles and over the years at other approved apparitions like Lourdes and Fatima the "Evil One" appeared to scare the visionaries, but the Blessed Mother always protected the seers and chased "ole red legs" away! So remember, the next time you have a vision, throw some holy water on It to see if it's from God or you know who! I'd rather not have any visions, thank you! Pleasant dreams . . .
Roman Deacon

SEPTEMBER 29, 1967:

GARABANDAL AND A SPECIAL TEST OF OBEDIENCE TO THE CHURCH . . .

At the spot of the "rock of St. Michael," certain overzealous "promoters of Garabandal," were setting out to build a chapel "prematurely" in honor of the Archangel. They were acting on the faith of "false revelations" in the previous month of August, made to a fraudulent visionary, supposedly a mystic . . .

In the evening of the Feast of St. Michael, Conchita, preferring not to join this group in prayer, rather climbed up to the Pines with a few other persons. While the visionary and her friends knelt down in prayer, a star rose and remained above them during their whole prayer!
[Excerpt from 'Garabandal' Book, page 214]

Yes, we can be led astray by certain "mystics" who think they are receiving messages from God or Our Lady. But as St. Paul said "test everything." Conchita did the right thing and was rewarded with a sign from God (the star) for her faith. Many people receive signs like this. I have too! They are called "signal graces" to let us know God is hearing your prayer. It may not be answered as you want it to be, because God knows everything and some things are not good for us and our salvation, but at least you know He is listening.
Roman Deacon

MARCH 17, 1967:

MSGR. PUCHOL'S LAST "ACTIONS" WITH
REGARD TO GARABANDAL

"Monsignor Vincente Puchol Montis, successor to Msgr. Aldazabal, reports in his Note of March 17, 1967, that"

". . . 1) There was no apparition, neither of the Blessed Virgin,
nor of the Archangel, nor of any other person from Heaven.
2) There was no Message.
3) All the events that occurred (at San Sebastian de Garabandal) have a natural explanation . . ."

On March 19, the Spanish Television made this Note public.

MAY 8, 1967:

Msgr. V. Puchol dies in a mysterious car accident. As early as the previous April 25, his death had been prophetically announced in Madrid by a great Spanish mystic (Blessed Mother Maravillas of Jesus)

[She was beatified in May 10, 1998 by Pope John Paul II. Mother Maravillas "knew" that Garabandal was authentic. She even clearly shared her conviction with her spiritual daughters, assuring them that "the phenomena occurring at San Sebastian de Garabandal come from
God!"]
[From 'Garabandal' Book, pages 214 and 227]

Now the "works of God" are mysterious! Who knows if by the bishop's denial he was called to judgment? We sure will know the answer when we get to heaven! In the meantime, remember all the Saints who did believe in Garabandal, like St. Padre Pio, Blessed Mother Maravillas and even Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta! This also reminds me of another bishop in our days who is denying the apparitions that are still going on in a European country. I feel sorry for their unbelief!
Roman Deacon

JANUARY 7 AND 14, 1967:

CONCHITA AND MARI-LOLI ARE COMFORTED
IN THE MIDST OF THEIR "DOUBTS AND DENIALS"

In January 1967, Conchita, on the one hand, and Jacinta and Mari- Loli, on the other, wrote two letters of thanks to Msgr. Manuel Pio Lopez, archbishop of Talapa (Mexico), for the favorable testimony he had given on Garabandal. The prelate, in fact on July 8, 1966, had publicly made much of the reply Msgr. Philippe, then a member of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, had made to the Superior of the Carmel of Puebla about the authenticity of the phenomena: "The fact that (Blessed) Padre Pio, known for his virtue, his knowledge and his fidelity to the Holy See, approves these apparitions and encourages the four girls to spread the Message of the Most Blessed Virgin, is a strong proof of the truthfulness of those apparitions" . . .
[Excerpt from 'Garabandal' Book, page 213]

It always amazed me that so many people, including bishops and priests, from outside of Spain, could see the truth of the apparitions and those who lived nearby denied them. It was like when Our Lord preached in His own home town of Nazareth and the people who lived there and knew Jesus, Mary and Joseph rejected Him and He didn't work many miracles there because of their lack of faith in Him. At one point the towns people even tried to throw Jesus over a cliff! The Bible says that "He escaped right through their midst." It was not His time to die yet. And so, it will be in God's time that all will believe in Garabandal! Padre Pio believed, do you?
Roman Deacon