WHAT IS GARABANDAL?

Monday, August 8, 2011

The Jesuit and The Miracle

The Jesuit and The Miracle
August 8, 2011

As the four young seers of Garabandal went into ecstasy on this date in 1961, something wonderful happened that had never occurred before. A young man was present with them, clearly visible in the presence of the Blessed Virgin. As he came to kneel down beside them they heard him say" Miracle, Miracle!"

Our Lady seemed to address him directly, "You will soon be with me" and confided to the girls that this man, Father Luis Maria Andreu Rodamilans S.J. was also in ecstasy and had been granted a vision of the Great Miracle that would occur in their village sometime in the future.

Father Andreu was the son of a very pious Bilbao family. Three of his brothers became Jesuit missionaries. Luis also discerned the call to become a missionary priest and joined the Jesuits with plans of preaching the gospel in China.

A Doctor of Theology, he spoke seven languages fluently and became the resident Professor of Theology at the Jesuit College at Ona, Spain. He remained behind in part to care for his aging mother who had generously given all her children to serve the mission fields of the Roman Catholic Church. After his death his mother would join the Visitation Convent in San Sebastian.

Suffering interiorly for much of the past year, Father Luis made the drive up from Burgos with friends. This was his second and final trip to the village where he had been deeply moved by the apparitions of July 29. He had decided to return one more time before departing on a trip to Germany. Moving with the crowd following behind the ecstatic march, he found himself unexpectedly swept up in the vision and witness to the future Miracle. Many in the crowd heard him cry out in joy and astonishment.

On the trip home, Father Luis confided to his friends, "I am so happy. What a favor the Blessed Virgin has bestowed on me. How fortunate we are to have a mother like her in heaven! There is no reason to fear the supernatural life. The girls have given us an example of how we must act with the Blessed Virgin. There is no doubt in my mind the things involving the girls are true. Why should the Blessed Virgin have chosen us? This is the happiest day of my life." Shortly after making this statement, Father Luis Andreu died in the peace of holy joy before the car reached its destination.

One cannot review the events at Garabandal without acquiring a great impression of the love Our Blessed Mother has for her priest sons. This love was fully absorbed by the visionaries who emerged from the apparitions with a profound desire to pray and offer sacrifices for priests and to foster this practice amongst the laity.They have continued in this devotion all their lives organizing holy hours of prayer for priests in the places where they live.

This call for prayer for priests must be counted among the most important priorities of the Garabandal apparitions. Emphasized repeatedly in the discourses of Our Blessed Mother to the children is the necessity of sacrifices and prayer on the part of faithful Catholics for their priest, whose true vocation is self sacrifice imitating that of Jesus Christ. The failure of a vocation concedes a lack of devotion on behalf of the laity spiritually obliged to uphold these men in their labors.

As Conchita expressed in a 1971 message, "Let us pray a lot for priests. We ourselves are to blame for many priests who are on the road to perdition, because we do not pray enough for them, because we do not sacrifice ourselves, and also because we should be giving an example to those priests who are consecrated to the Blessed Virgin...We have to help those priests...that they may rise and pursue their course."

Many authors on Garabandal believe that the events pertaining to Father Luis Andreu S.J. are meant to honor him as a worthy priest and place high his example of devout ministry for others to follow. When asked in 1966 what the Blessed Virgin desired of priests Conchita replied;

"What the Blessed Virgin wants from the priest first of all is his own sanctification.
-He should fulfill his vows through love of God, and lead many souls to Him through example and prayer, for in our time it is difficult otherwise.
-May the priest be sacrificed through love of souls in Christ!
-May he retire from time to time in silence to listen to God who speaks to him continually.
-May they think a lot about the Passion of Jesus so that their lives are more united to Christ the Priest and thus invite souls to penance and sacrifice, and also make more tolerable to them the cross that Christ sends to us all.
-To speak of Mary who is the surest one to lead us to Christ and also speak about and cause people to believe that there is a heaven, so too there is a hell."

Here in the United States, we have yet to see our first native born priest canonized by the Universal Church. As Americans, we are blessed to have many outstanding priest patrons on the path to sainthood: Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Father Solanus Casey OFM, Father Emil Kapaun, Father Walter Ciszek SJ, Father Patrick Peyton CSC, and Father John Hardon SJ are foremost among many worthy American priests.

We encourage you to offer your needful petitions to any one of these intercessors. Please add your prayers and support to their respective causes that our nation may have the greater grace of their heavenly assistance and our clergy and laity their true and saintly examples of priestly life.

On August 16th, 1961, only a few days after his death, Father Luis Andreu was again present in the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin to the four seers of Garabandal; this time as her heavenly guest. He left this consolation with the girls for his grieving family, "Be happy and content, for I am in Heaven and see you every day."

In a private locution to Conchita in 1964 it was revealed that the body of this son of Saint Ignatius would be found incorrupt on the day following the Great Miracle.

In Union of Prayer,

The Workers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel de Garabandal
Lindenhurst, NY USA

P.O. Box 606, Lindenhurst, NY 11757-0606
http://www.garabandal.us/

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Kissed Relics:

A Kiss and a Promise from the Virgin Mary at Garabandal

Our Lady told Conchita on November 13th, 1965.
"Through the kiss I have bestowed on these objects my Son will perform miracles and prodigies".

We have been asked many times "how do we know that the relics we say contain a piece of the missal kissed by the Virgin at Garabandal are genuine?"

We can confirm that all relics sent from our website "Australian Garabandal International Aposolate" do contain a genuine piece of a Missal kissed by the Blessed Virgin when appearing to four girls in Garabandal, Spain in 1961 -1965. Upon Margarita Huerta's death, her niece, also named (Margarita) inheritied the many relics and missal left in the house. Margarita continues to send the relics her aunt had collected, to various countries of the world.

Margarita Huerta, who was present at Garabandal at the time of the apparitions, was greatly moved by Our Lady’s promise to the visionaries that through kissed objects many miracles and prodigies would be performed. Since 1968, her apostolate has been to trace and acquire Missals kissed by the Blessed Mother during the ecstasies and for almost twelve years, Margarita has been responsible for organizing the production of medals containing these Missal relics. Her untiring efforts have made it possible for Garabandalists throughout the world to receive medals containing kissed relics.
In an open letter to Joey Lomangino (1980) from Margarita Huerta, Spain she states how she obtained the four Missals which are used in fulfilling her apostolate.
Dear Joey,I was so pleased to receive your kind letter containing your questions referring to the Missals kissed by the Virgin Mary at San Sebastian de Garabandal during the time of the apparitions. I am answering you by means of this Open Letter so that the information you seek may reach around the world to all readers of your Garabandal magazine which you publish for the purpose of making known the Messages given to the visionaries by Our Lady at Garabandal.

Question: How did you acquire the Missals kissed by Our Blessed Mother?

Answer: I acquired the first Missal in 1968 at the end of the summer. One evening, when in Garabandal, I visited the home of Ceferino Mazon. While with his family in the kitchen, I suddenly had an idea. I asked Mari Loli, Ceferino’s daughter and one of the visionaries, if she had a book or Missal that had been kissed by the Virgin Mary during an ecstasy. She answered yes, that she had several and that they were in the garret. I asked her if she would kindly give me one and was overjoyed when she said, “Yes.” Her immediate response delighted me as I had to leave for home early the next morning and wanted to take the Missal with me.

Ceferino lit a lantern (for there was no electric light in the garret and it was totally dark and led the way with myself and Mari Loli following. For a considerable time they looked among papers and other things that were on the garret floor, but in spite of their search they did not find a book or Missal. Finally Ceferino said, “Well, let us go, but do not worry, I give you my word that when they come to hand, the first one will be for you.” On my next trip to Garabandal, to my delight, Mari Loli handed me her small child’s Missal of some 800 pages.

Upon my return home I began immediately to enquire in Madrid and the provinces for a place from which I could order medals that would carry a piece of the Missal. It was with intense interest and pleasure that I went about this task, remembering the words of the Blessed Virgin when she told the seers at the time of the apparitions that everyone who carried with faith, some object kissed by her, would do their purgatory on earth and go directly to heaven. She also said that through these kissed objects many miracles and prodigies would be performed by her son Jesus.

Some years later I was in Comillas, visiting Fr Lucio Rodrigo. I had been sending him medals and Rosaries for distribution among his many visitors and he said, “Because you are doing so much work with the medals and Rosaries, work which I consider most admirable, I want you to have half of this book kissed by the Blessed Mother at Garabandal. The book was given to me by Marichu Herrero, a good friend who lives in Madrid, a great worker, and a witness to ecstasies of the seers in 1961 and 1962. Marichu said she has given the other half of the book to Fr Laffineur”. This book had been given by Mari Loli to Marichu Herrero and it was the half given to me by Fr Rodrigo that became my second Missal.

I don’t remember exactly the date I received the third Missal. It was given to me by Jacinta and she herself was unable to recall the date or the year. But one day when, with her husband, Jeff, she visited me at my home, I showed her your letter, Joey, which I had received only the day before – the letter in which you mentioned your interest in finding out all the details about the books kissed by the Blessed Mother at Garabandal.

I took out the small Missal and handed it to Jacinta. She examined the book and leafed through the pages. After a while she said, “Yes, this missal was mine, I recognize it by the humidity spots on the cover. I know it went from here to there in our garret but I can’t explain or member how I gave it to you. Immediately her husband wrote a few lines in English at the bottom of your letter, giving testimony to Jacinta’s statement. The next day I sent you a copy of these few lines which I understand, you have in your files”. The conclusion is that: “Yes, that book was Jacinta’s and yes, it had been kissed by the Blessed Virgin.”

Finally, I acquired the fourth large Missal from a lady in Garabandal. I am unable to remember the exact date, but it must have been four or five years ago. This woman (one of the villagers) has asked to remain anonymous but, if any priest or worker for Our Lady coming to Garabandal would like to meet her, I will be glad to take them to her and she will explain everything about the Missal. There will be no doubt left about its having been kissed by the Most Holy Virgin.

I consider it providential to have received this fourth Missal for I do not think there are any more books or Missals left in the village which were kissed by the Virgin Mary. This is my personal belief as I have not specifically asked around the village.

Question: How long have you been doing this work?

Answer: I started at the end of September, 1968.

Question: How many and which countries receive your medals?

Answer: The first shipments of medals were made to various provinces in Spain, but when visitors to Garabandal heard about my project they requested shipments overseas. Among the first was your Long Island Center in New York and you continue to place orders in large quantities. In fact, Joey, your orders are more than all the centers of the world combined. Later I started to receive orders from Latin America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay. Then came requests from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Canada, several states of the U.S., Asia, Taiwan, and although shipments are prohibited to Sri Lanka, a gentleman came by and took some there.

I also ship to the Philippines and Africa, to missionaries and religious there, to Upper Volta, Kingdom of Burundi and Madagascar that I can remember. In Ireland, which is second in quantity to yours, Joey, there unfolds an admirable Marian apostolate headed by Dick Stanley. In Europe I ship to England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and Italy.

Subsequent to the International Marian Congress on Garabandal celebrated in Lourdes in the summer of 1978, and thanks to the apostolate of Fr Benac, S.J. (who has been in India for about 40 years and who has disseminated the Messages of Our Lady at Garabandal throughout a great part of Asia), I have made shipments to India, Vietnam, Egypt, Upper Volta once again, and various other countries. Nowadays, however, with the exception of your Long Island Center and some private orders from the U.S., the demand for my medals has dwindled somewhat. They are readily obtainable in Garabandal as well as Rosaries containing the relic.

Question: Up to now, how many medals have you distributed?

Answer: I have no idea, I cannot even make a calculated guess. I might be able to ask those who have handled part of the process or possibly get a total quantity from Milan where they are made, but for the time being this answer will have to be pending.

Question: Do you plan to continue this work?

Answer: About a year and a half ago I began to encounter difficulties. Some countries started to impose duty which had not been payable previously. Other countries banned the shipment of medals entirely, and it was up to Garabandalists who visited Spain to take them back personally. On another occasion I received an order for a mother of pearl rosary from Argentina, the cost of which was 300 pesetas. After a three hour harangue with the customs, it was finally allowed into the country but at a cost of 500 pesetas.

Eventually, I became weary trying to cope with the increasing obstacles and difficulties connected with my shipments and was tempted to stop this work. But upon receiving several letters among which was yours Joey, asking me to please continue and pointing out the miracles obtained through the medals, the instant healings that men of science have not been able to explain, and the conversions, all of which are taking place in different countries of the world, I felt greatly encouraged and I promise you I will go on.

I would like to use this occasion to let you know something important for the satisfaction of everyone: I still have one complete Missal and quite a bit of another, so I will be able to continue to order medals and Marias. Also, I have been assured that they are now using a very good enamel on the relic which will protect it longer from wear and tear and prolong its life.

I trust this answers your questions satisfactorily and that it will please all those who are interested in the story of the Missals and apostolate. I shall keep you in my prayers and shall ask the Blessed Mother to help you, that you may emerge victorious in the work of your apostolate in spreading the Message of Garabandal to all humanity.
United always in prayer,

Margarita Huerta

http://www.garabandal.com/

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Chaplet of the Most Precious Blood

Hi -

Greg here.

I just wanted to share with readers how the chaplet of the Most Precious Blood may fulfill Our Lady's request at Garabandal in her Second Formal Message: "Think about the Passion of Jesus." I have found the praying of the chaplet grace-filled and inspiring. Its purpose initially was (and is) to pray for those cardinals, bishops and priests who have gone on to their eternal reward, but who are found in the state of Purgatory. (At Garabandal, Our Lady requested of us over and over again to "pray for priests.") It is also an efficient way to pray for those Servants who are our shepherds here on earth now. Below is a picture of the chaplet and explanation of how it is to be prayed, for those of you who may not be familiar with it.

There are seven (7) mysteries of Christ's shedding His Blood for us. The Lord's Prayer without the Hail Mary is said five times after each mystery, except the last time, where it is said three times. In all, 33 times the Lord's Prayer is recited to honor the thirty-three years of Christ's life.

V. O God, come to my assistance.

R. Lord, make haste to help me.

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

First Mystery. Christ shed His Blood in the Circumcision. Let us ask for chastity of soul and body.

Our Father 5 times.

Glory be to the Father 1 time, followed by -

V. We beg You, Lord, help your Servants,

R. Whom You have redeemed with Your Most Precious Blood.

(The above invocation is said after the
"Glory be" of each mystery.)

Second Mystery. Jesus shed His Blood in the Agony of the Garden.

Let us ask for the spirit of prayer.

Third Mystery. Jesus shed His Blood in the Scouraging at the Pillar.

Let us ask for patience and self control.

Image via Wikipedia

Fourth Mystery. Jesus shed His Blood in the Crowning of Thorns.

Let us ask for humility to atone for pride.

Fifth Mystery. Jesus shed His Blood while carrying His Cross to Calvary.

Let us ask for acceptance of our daily crosses.

Sixth Mystery. Jesus shed His Blood in the terrible Crucifixion.

Let us ask for contrition.

Seventh Mystery. Jesus shed Blood and Water from His side pierced by a lance.

Let us ask for perseverance.

As an option, the Litany of the Most Precious Blood may be recited at the end of the last Mystery:

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God, the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of souls, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, save us.

Blood of Christ, of the new and everlasting Covenant, save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in agony, save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing from the Crown of Thorns, save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.

Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.

Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us.

Blood of Christ, in the Holy Eucharist, save us.

Blood of Christ, river of mercy, save us.

Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.

Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs, save us.

Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, save us.

Blood of Christ, maker of virgins, save us.

Blood of Christ, help of those in distress, save us.

Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.

Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.

Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.

Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.

Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.

Blood of Christ, promise of Eternal life, save us.

Blood of Christ, which frees souls from Purgatory, save us.

Blood of Christ, most worthy of all honor and glory, save us.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

You have redeemed the world, O Lord, in Your Blood,

And made for us a heavenly kingdom. Let us pray:

Almighty and Eternal God, You have given to us Your only begotten Son, Our Redeemer, and

willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant, we beg of You, that we may worthily adore this

price for our salvation and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life,

so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in Heaven. Through the same Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Sign of the Cross is made)

Saturday, July 23, 2011

A Letter From Conchita:

The Workers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
P.O. Box 606, Lindenhurst, New York 11757-0606

June 18th marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Commencement of the Apparitions at Garabandal by the appearance of the Archangel Saint Michael who preceded the first apparition of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 2nd. With Conchita's permission, we reprint a brief note written by the visionary to the present pastor of the village of Garabandal to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary

AVE MARIA

May 17, 2011

Dear Father Rolando,

I join with you in the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the events of Garabandal. It is for me fifty years of contemplating the most beautiful thing in the world. I give thanks to God for having been a part of those experiences, impossible to describe adequately, but which have pressed upon my soul the secure assurance of faith and hope.

I thank you, Father Rolando, for granting me the opportunity to recite the Message of Our Mother in the village yet again.

We must make many sacrifices, perform much penance, and visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently. But first, we must lead good lives. If we do not, a chastisement will befall us. Tlie cup is already filling up, and if we do not change, a very great chastisement will come upon us.

The Angel said:

As my message of October 18 has not been complied with and has not been made known to the world, I am advising you that this is the last one. Before, the cup was filling up. Now it is flowing over. Many cardinals, many bishops and many priests are on the road to perdition and are taking many souls with them. Less and less importance is being given to the Eucharist. You should turn the wrath of God away from yourselves by your efforts. If you ask His forgiveness with sincere hearts, He will pardon you. I, your mother, through the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel, ask you to amend your lives. You are now receiving the last warnings. I love you very much and do not want your condemnation. Pray to us with sincerity and we will grant your requests. You should make more sacrifices. Think about the passion of Jesus.

Father Rolando, there is nothing of greater importance that I can speak about than this Message of Our Mother.

In Union of Prayer, Conchita
WWW.GARABANDAL.US