SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1961

Padre Lucio Rodrigo

PADRE RODRIGO IS "CONSULTED"

Padre Lucio Rodrigo was consulted by the members of the "Special Commission" (except Dr. Morales), most certainly in the second half of the month of August 1961. Following this encounter with the renowned Spanish theologian, Don Juan Antonio del Val, the future bishop of Santander . . ., resigned from the "Commission."
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 100]

Father Rodrigo was a Jesuit and a very holy priest! He firmly believed in the apparitions at Garabandal. He learned the nature of the great Miracle from Conchita, but not when it will happen. He died on March 30, 1973 at the age of 90 from injuries he received from a car accident. Shortly before he died, he received a special grace from God that he had asked for to confirm his belief in the divine origin of the Garabandal events. He is quoted as saying: "If there exists in the world a window through which one can contemplate Heaven, it is Garabandal!"
May he rest in Peace! Amen.
Deacon John

MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 1961

Muriel, Fr. Ramon Andreu and Mr. Foerschler

THE "SYMBOLIC" BAPTISM OF
MURIEL CATHERINE

Muriel Catherine, a nineteen-year old woman from Paris, of a Jewish father and a Protestant mother, was practicing no religion when she met Ascension de Luis from Burgos. The latter taught her a few rudimentary notions of the Catholic faith. The two friends went up to Garabandal on Monday, August 28, Feast of St. Augustine, the most famous convert in the Church history, except St. Paul.

At about 12:30 a.m., on August 29, they attended an ecstasy of Mari-Loli and Jacinta, who spoke about Muriel to their Vision. The visionaries then exclaimed: "She is not baptized!. . . Come, let's help her . . . Ah, because of her parents! . . ." Loli suddenly stretched out her arm, and grasped a bottle of holy water that a priest had given her to throw towards the apparition as a "test." The girl opened the bottle and threw the contents upwards, in front of her. But instead of following its normal course, the water mysteriously bent its path, and in its inexplicable trajectory, fell as a little shower on Muriel.

Muriel already had faith. But to be baptized, she had to wait until she came of age, the parents being opposed to her initiative. She was baptized in the cathedral of Burgos, at twenty-one years of age, on October 20, 1963, under the name of Maria del Carmen Catherine. She can be considered as a figure of the Synagogue called to be "baptized," or of the Church arising from the Synagogue.

Muriel represents the first of three cases of a typical "conversion" linked directly to Garabandal. The two other cases are those of Maximo Foerscher, an Evangelist, and of Barbara Painter, an Anglican Protestant.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 98.]

What a beautiful story of Our Lady's desire that all people's enter the holy Catholic Faith! It also reminds me of the Scripture written by St. Paul regarding the conversion of the Jews:

"For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, of this mystery (lest you should be wise in your own conceits) that blindness in part has happened in Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles should come in. And so all Israel should be saved, as it is written: There shall come out of Sion, he that shall deliver and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. And this is to them my covenant: when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, indeed, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are most dear for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance. For as you also in times past did not believe God, but now have obtained mercy, through their unbelief: So these also now have not believed, for your mercy, that they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded all in unbelief, that he may have mercy on all."
(Romans 11:25-32)

As a matter of fact, as we shall read later on, the Great Miracle at Garabandal will bring everyone in the world into the Catholic Church, yes even the Moslems too! Praise God! Wow, will we be busy then teaching our neighbors about Jesus & Mary and all the Truths of our blessed Faith. Hey, you better get brushed up on your catechism so you can be a good teacher and pass on our beloved Faith!!!
 Deacon John

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1961:

Padre Luis in his coffin. In his hands, a crucifix instead of the traditional chalice.

During their ecstasy, the children pointed out this modification in the funeral ritual.

FIRST "CONVERSATION" OF THE
FOUR YOUNG VISIONARIES WITH
THE DECEASED PADRE LUIS

At about 11 a.m., the children had the first of their twelve conversations with deceased Padre Luis. He called them one by one. They could hear him but could not see him. A light was shining from the direction of his voice.

This conversation was described as "pure wonder" by the witnesses, one of whom was Padre Ramon Andreu. To his great surprise, the girls in ecstasy gave a detailed account of his brother's funeral.

Father Luis taught the children a few words from foreign languages. Thus they recited the Ave Maria in Greek.

The Jesuit gave a little message to the visionaries for his brother Ramon, encouraging him to pursue his first hand role of observer and witness at Garabandal. He also urged him to remain obedient to the bishop, and exhorted him to practice a greater personal asceticism.

In the evening of August 16, 1961, the girls had the first of three consecutive experiences. They could hear "a voice coming from afar, as if it were coming down from the mountain. It was a sort of moaning repeating: Go . . ., Go . . ., Go . . . ."

The four visionaries were plunged in darkness all the while that this mysterious manifestation lasted. The Blessed Virgin reappeared and told the children not to be afraid and to follow this voice, distinct from all those that they had heard until then.

We can compare this voice with certain apocalyptic signs, like the sound of trumpets resounding in Chapter 8 of Revelation, when the action of the Most High against the powers of darkness is intensified.

Considering the indisputable eschatological dimension of Garabandal, we think, for good reasons, that this voice was the one that the little visionaries would hear again . . . shortly before the future Warning. But, maybe also, to reassure them when the great trials that fall upon the Church and the world would reach their apex during the difficult time of the pre-Aviso.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 92.]

Wow! Some creepy stuff. Father Luis dies after seeing the Miracle to come. The girls see his funeral in ecstasy and point out some things to his brother, and the dead Padre teaches the girls to pray in other languages.

I tried to learn German, Italian and Spanish over my lifetime and failed miserably. Imagine how hard it would be for these children to learn a new language by themselves. This had to be supernatural! They couldn't have made this up!

And that strange voice saying 'Go, Go, Go,' this all gives me the 'goose pimples!' But this is what I love about the Catholic Religion, we have the Saints and the Angels; we have Our Blessed Lady and the Miracles . . . I was always drawn to the supernatural when I was young. I was an avid reader of supernatural and science fiction books. And one day I read a book titled "Our Lady of Fatima" and it blew my mind. Here at last was the real thing. I didn't have to read fiction anymore! So I started to read more about Our Lady's apparitions, and Our Lord's too. Then it was the lives of the Saints, etc., etc. And that's how my Faith grew and became strong and Eucharistic and Marian, because that's what the Saints did. Every one of them! If you don't believe me, go ahead, read some 'Lives of the Saints' books and see for yourself. And definitely read about Our Lady's apparitions in these past 2000 years, it's mind-boggling!!!
Happy reading!
Deacon John

NIGHT OF MONDAY, AUGUST 14 TO TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1961

A sacred serenade was sung for Mari-Cruz

A WONDERFUL VIGIL IN PREPARATION
FOR THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION

 

The "Vigils," so familiar to Christians during the first centuries and then fallen into disuse, emerged again, as luck would have it, at Garabandal. There was a great deal of commotion during these vigils, the girls moving from one place to another in the village and in the
neighborhood.
The vigil inaugurating the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, 1961, stands out among the most beautiful ones. It began at 2:45 a.m., when Conchita, Loli and Jacinta came out in ecstasy from Conchita's home.
For the first time, they sang Aves, a Noel as well, and a few "Mananitas" or short musical compositions. Then the Blessed Virgin brought them in front of the house of Mari-Cruz . . . prevented by her parents to follow the other visionaries who, once there, started an
improvised song or, more exactly, a sacred serenade!
That night, the candid hymns of the three children traveling through the dark lanes of the village, overjoyed in their ecstasy, symbolized the humble response of the earth to the songs of praise of the heavenly Court celebrating the Queen of angels and men. At about 4:15 a.m., always in ecstasy, they went to the church. The vigil came to an end at 5:00 a.m.

The sacred serenade sung for Mari-Cruz

Wake up, Mari-Cruz
Do you not smell lilies
The Virgin Mary brings you
To help you be very good?

Wake up, Mari-Cruz,
She is coming, the kind Virgin
With a basket of flowers
For a little girl.

Pick up the lilies
That Mary brings you
To help you be good.

Good and holy little girl,
You are very loving
But you do not get up.

[From "Garabandal', Book, pages 89-91]

So amazing! I wish I could hear those childish voices singing these hymns and serenades! Maybe some day we will, at least in the next life where we will get to see God, all in all, and many things will be revealed to us! I guess that what we desire spiritually here on earth, will be fulfilled in heaven. I say spiritually, cause we can't be attached to earthly things and desires if we want to enter heaven.

When the girls were going from place to place in ecstasy in the middle of the night, and remember, there was no street lights or even electricity to power them in Garabandal, they said: "We seemed to be moving in the air, as if we were upside down. we would have thought we were in another world! It was as if we were in broad daylight and sunshine."

Well, they certainly were in another world, another dimension, and a heavenly one. That's what ecstasies are all about. They enter into the supernatural and see things as they really are and what we can't see. Yes, we are surrounded by the other world, with angels and demons, either helping us or trying to destroy us. There's a great battle going on for our souls! That's why it's so important to constantly pray and invoke the angels and saints to assist and defend us. Call on Jesus & Mary all day long! I like the ejaculation: Jesus, Mary, I love You. Save souls!
God bless us all!
Deacon John

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 1961

THE DECEASED PADRE LUIS AND THE "SABBATINE PRIVILEGE."
THE SPIRITUAL PRESENCE OF ST. CLARE OF ASSISI ON THIS
DAY OF HER LITURGICAL FEAST

The Sabbatine Privilege, in its original form, was granted in the fourteenth century by the Blessed Virgin, after the grace of the Scapular to St. Simon Stock. The sixth General Superior of the Carmelites, who had just been chased away from the East by the Saracens, had begged Mary to help him. She then appeared to him promising him, at the same time as she gave him the gift of the Scapular, that every Carmelite wearing it would be spared the eternal fires.

As for the Sabbatine Privilege, it was broadened later by the Church, thanks to Pope Paul V (1605-1621). The Blessed Virgin promised that all those who had venerated her constantly and who had worn the Scapular with devotion would be withdrawn from Purgatory on the first
Saturday after their death.

At Garabandal, one finds indeed the figure of a small mountain on one side of the Scapular that Our Lady of Mount Carmel wears on her right arm. This mountain (the "Muhraka") symbolizes the confrontation that occurred on Mount Carmel between Elijah and Baal's false prophets. A cross is drawn on the other side: a clear indication of the divine source of that famous sacramental.

The Sabbatine Privilege was illustrated in a remarkable way on this August 12 at Garabandal. The four visionaries, as much in a state of ecstasy as in a normal state, had prayed a great deal after August 9, for the soul of the deceased Fr. Luis. They ceased to do so completely on this first Saturday after his death. The Blessed Virgin told the little girls that he was now in heaven. We know that Fr. Luis wore the scapular-medal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

As for St. Clare of Assisi, how not detect her "spiritual presence" at San Sebatian de Garabandal on this day of her "natale"? Several amazing events occurring as much during her life as soon after her death, offer, indeed, a clear analogy with some of the many phenomena registered on this August 12, 1961, in the village. For example, this one noted by Don Valentin Marichalar: ". . . The girls in ecstasy saw stars with long tails. . ." In the first case (charismatically speaking) as in the second (according to a theological reflection -- Canon J. Porro), people understood that this symbolized the Holy Spirit, known to have dwelt fully in St. Clare's soul while she lived.
[Excerpted from 'Garbandal' Book, page 88.]

 

Now you know why I have been wearing the Brown Scapular for the last 40 years and the only time I had to take it off was when I had an MRI exam and the technician insisted that everything had to go. As the old saying goes: "I wouldn't be caught dead without it!" When I tell people that Our Lady promised to take you out of Purgatory on the first Saturday after you die, if you wear and are enrolled in the Brown Scapular, I also say that I hope to die on a Saturday so that I can be taken right up!!!

I can tell you from personal experience how much I have changed from my "old self" to a "new man" through Our Lady's loving mantle of protection. She has guided and lead me in so many ways, especially to greater devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist! Each day when I wake up, I pray the Morning Offering, kissing my Scapular, and dedicating the entire day to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary. Sometimes, during the day, the scapular itches a little (it's made out of wool), and instantly I'm reminded of Our Blessed Mother and she keeps me on track.

Why not try it? There are many Catholic groups who will send you a free Brown Scapular, so if you want to wear Our Lady's Livery and receive many graces, why not get and wear one? Think about it!
Deacon John

TUESDAY 8 - WEDNESDAY 9 OF AUGUST, 1961

Before he died , Father Luis "saw the great Miracle"

Father Luis was buried at Ona, reserved for Jesuits

FATHER LUIS MARIA ANDREU SEES THE
BLESSED VIRGIN OF MOUNT CARMEL
AND THE FUTURE GREAT MIRACLE,
THEN BECOMING HIMSELF A
PROTAGONIST OF GARABANDAL

Father Luis Maria Andreu Rodmilans was born in 1925 in Bilbao, Spain. He entered the Jesuit Scholasticate, at Ona, in 1942; he was ordained to the priesthood in 1955, then he studied at Innsbruck, Rome, Geneva and Paris.

At the time of the Garabandal "events," the Andreu family was made up of six brothers. The eldest, Jose Maria, was married and lived in Madrid. Then came four priests, all of them Jesuits: Alejandro, a missionary in Venezuela; Ramon, [who has since died. Ed.] was a missionary in California in the South American community; Luis; and finally Marcelino, a missionary in Taiwan. Rafael is the youngest.

Father Luis came back to Garabandal for the third time, on the 8th of August 1961, in order to observe once more the ecstasies. On that day, the Pastor, Don Valentin, who had to go to Santander, entrusted him with the keys of the church. The Jesuit Father celebrated his Mass
in "an admirable manner," said those who had taken part. This was to be his last Mass.

In the evening of this Tuesday, and for the third time, the visionaries fell into ecstasy in the village church. When they came out of the church, they began a long ecstatic walk that Fr. Luis followed, from the beginning to the end, up to the Pines, where himself falling into ecstasy, the priest suddenly pronounced loudly the word "Miracle!", four times. His eyes fixed on heaven, he was granted to see the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, and also, by anticipation, the future great Miracle which is to take place at San Sebatian de Garabandal. This was a unique event, and we know that the Jesuit Father had penetrated into the visionaries' "range of vision." They would later describe him in these few words: "He was there, on his knees, beads of perspiration on his forehead, the Blessed Virgin looking at him. We had the impression that she was telling him: 'Within a short time, you will be near me'."

The ecstasy over, Padre Luis came down from the Pines and, with some of his friends, went down in a jeep to Cosio to await the arrival of some of the other persons with whom he had come, and who had preferred to walk back. It was about one in the morning. The Father was dozing in the vehicle when Don Valentin, who was just coming back to the village, joined him. Immediately, Luis spoke: "Don Valentin, what the children are saying is true! But I ask you not to repeat what I have just told you. For the Church will never be too prudent in such matters."

At about four in the morning, while they were driving on the road to Reinosa, Luis spoke to his friends: "I am filled with joy! What a favor the Blessed Virgin has granted me! How lucky we are to have such a Mother in heaven! We must not be afraid of the supernatural. The children have taught us how to speak to the Blessed Virgin. For me, there can be no doubt! Why did the Blessed Virgin choose us, yes, us? Today is the happiest day of my life!"

Then he became silent. There was a sigh. Fr. Luis' head fell forward. He was dead! He was 36 years old. Father Luis' involvement with Garabandal was far from being over. In fact, it was revealed to Conchita that "on the day following the future great Miracle, his body will be found just as he was, when he died!" [Incorrupt.]
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 84-87.]

Another amazing event regarding these apparitions of Our Blessed Mother. Imagine, here was a brilliant young priest professor, who had a wonderful career ahead of him, snatched out of this life to enter heaven! It's mind-boggling! But God's ways are not our ways . . . St. Paul said in (2 Cor 5:4) that he was "groaning for heaven" and "But we are confident and have a good will to be absent rather from the body and to be present with the Lord. " (2 Cor 5:8) But he realized that the Lord had other plans for him, like evangelizing the world outside of Israel, and then he would give his life in martyrdom and go to heaven.

How about us? Do we think about heaven? Are we ready to be snatched up? Remember that old hymn "Swing low, sweet chariot." Lets hope that we all have a beautiful vision of Jesus & Mary coming to escort us to the Father's House in Heaven, and not have to see the evil one before we die!

There's an old Irish saying: "May you have one foot in Heaven, even before the devil knows you're dead." So be it! Hope to see you all there . . .
Deacon John

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 1961

NEW ECSTATIC PHENOMENA

The swaying movements began on the 31st of July. They were to be the prelude of yet more striking manifestations: the ecstatic falls, a kind of slow and graceful collapse of the children until they were stretched out on the ground.
These falls occurred quite frequently. Every time they happened, the girls drew attention by their beauty, their grace and the modesty of their attitudes and expressions.
Spectators could not help but be inclined to admire and respect them. The visionaries were always dressed in a most decent way, their clothes covering them sometimes even in a sliding movement opposite to the natural direction of the fall.
Mari-Loli and Jacinta were the first to "inaugurate" this phenomenon; they would remain stretched out some ten minutes in this astonishing position.
Brigadier Secco heard Mari-Loli asking her Vision: "If you don't help me, I could not get up." Then she was seen extending her arm, and as if raised by a mysterious force, "she slowly rose to a sitting position."
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 75-77.]
Again, I've seen pictures and movies showing these falls and how the girls were piled up like sculptured forms, always dressed modestly and proper! God loves the virtues of purity and modesty, so Our Lady always glorified Him by helping the girls with these virtues. We should be so lucky! How many times have I seen men & women dressed indecently in church, and no one saying a word to them about proper attire in church. Sometimes it's the parents who bring their children scantly clad to Mass or even religious education. I pray for these people, so that they will realize the scandal they are causing. Please, dear Lord, may they wear their bathing suits, halters, topless gowns, see through clothes and short-shorts at the beach, instead of your Holy House!
Deacon John

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1961

THE CREED: A ONE, HOLY CATHOLIC,
APOSTOLIC AND . . . "ROMAN" CHURCH!

On this day, the girls in ecstasy recited the Creed, quite notably the Nicea-Constantinople one, for the first time apart from the rosary. This was a unique case in the public Marian apparitions, even in the whole history of apparitions. This particular performance would be repeated in twelve distinct and most relevant days the last of them significantly corresponding to the precise point of junction between the 1st and 2nd of November. Quite notable also is the strong biblical and ecclesial symbol of the number "12."

To this "profession of faith" always recited, it seems, in honor to the "Heart of Jesus" (al "Sagrado Corason"), the visionaries added an element of prime importance, of a truly prophetic nature, saying: "I believe in the one, holy, catholic, apostolic and Roman Church . . ."! The addition of these last words is most certainly linked to the future "reunification of the Churches" predicted at San Sebastian de Garabandal, and to which we will eventually return. Concerning this "addition" to the article of faith of the Church, . . . precisely about the Church, we must point out that, at a close examination, it did not reveal anything revolutionary: the "new" expression used by the visionaries in ecstasy was, in fact, only echoing the Ecumenical Councils of Trent and Vatican I, whose respective "professions of faith" had already included, in their own manner, the "addition": ". . .and Roman."

On this August 1, 1961, Feastday of the Holy Martyrs Maccabees, such a recitation of the Creed by the seers then in ecstasy was indeed remarkable: it was bringing together the believers of the Old and the New Covenants in a kind of joint celebration of their new common Faith. It also underscored the fact that they both belong to this one Redeemer's plan of universal salvation.

On this same day, during another ecstasy, Loli and Jacinta were also heard for the first time reciting the Ave Maria with this beautiful addition: "Holy Mary, Mother of God" 'and our Mother' pray for us . . .", an addition the Blessed Virgin asked the visionaries not to use before the Church allowed it, in clear distinction to the previous addition "and Roman Church"!
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 74.]

WOW! Talk about prophecies . . . Here is Our Lady teaching and proclaiming something that was already on the lips and in the hearts of the faithful! I always use the term 'Roman Catholic' when explaining to someone what Church I belong to. How about you?

One day I was in Manhattan looking for a church to attend Mass. I passed by a beautiful, Gothic one near Times Square. There was a noon Mass scheduled, so I went in. Inside was a beautiful altar with a tabernacle and vigil lamp but the church was empty. Then I found the Mass which was being celebrated in a side room. I entered and took a seat. As I listened to the prayers of the priest, it all sounded strange to me, so I asked the man next to me if this was a Catholic Mass. He said yes. I said "A Roman Catholic Mass?" He said, "No, Anglican!" I ran out of there, bewildered. I said to myself, "How did I make that mistake?" By the way, the name of the church was "St Mary, the Virgin." I learned the hard way, that there are many catholic churches out there, but not all are Roman or united with Rome.

As far as the change to the Hail Mary that Our Lady asked the girls to hold off saying, the popes have allowed some changes in the Rosary since these apparitions in the 60's: There is the Scriptural Rosary, where a verse of scripture relating to the Mystery is inserted between the ten Hail Marys; and another way to pray, which was approved by Pope Paul IV, is to add something about the Mystery during the Hail Mary. Here is an example I use most of the time: Second Sorrowful Mystery, the Scourging: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus (who was scourged for us).

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. This way of praying helps keep your mind on the Mystery that we are supposed to meditate about. It works great if you are driving and praying! 

Deacon John

SUNDAY, JULY 16, 1961

Photo most likely taken in 1962 or 1963. Mari Loli receives an invisible host;
her younger sister, Rosoura (Sari) watches in the background.

FIRST REAL COMMUNIONS GIVEN BY THE
ARCHANGEL ST. MICHAEL TO THE
VISIONARIES.

On the Feastday of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Blessed Virgin awakened the four children very early in the morning. They were to receive the first of some fifty real Communions from St. Michael. These occurred either in public or without any witnesses, and at various locations, except the village church and in homes.
That morning, the girls, in ecstasy, climbed, also for the first time, the very steep calleja up to the Pines, where, at 5 a.m., the Archangel gave the Eucharist to Mari-Cruz and Conchita. The latter would receive five or six of her subsequent Communions at this site on very particular liturgical days.

One hour later, also on the 16th of July, Mari-Loli and Jacinta, in turn, received the Eucharist at the site of the "Rock of the Angel" located on a lower level than the Pines and so named because St. Michael had stood there several times.
During the whole period of the apparitions, the visionaries received Communion almost every day, either at the Mass in the village, or from the hands of the Angel when there was no priest at Garabandal. The nine Pines at San Sebastian de Garabandal are what remains from a small plantation of pines and oaks organized in 1947 by the pastor of the village, by Serafin Gonzalez, Conchita's grandfather on her father's side, and by the mayor of the area.

Set on a slightly higher level above the village and with no trees in the area, the Pines, as we will often have the opportunity of mentioning them, are the neuralgic center, really "chosen" for the phenomena and the events of Garabandal past and . . . to come.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 65.]

Again that 'link' to Fatima, Our Lady continuing her appearances to the world as "Our Lady of Mount Carmel." The "Carmelites" in Spain have been a powerful spiritual force for many years prior to this. Remembering St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, who continue to inspire us today with their writings. And of course the Brown Scapular of Our Lady itself, where by wearing it, we consecrate ourselves to Her and She promises to take us under Her mantle of protection. I never take my Scapular off, even in the shower (it dries in minutes) except once when I had a MRI scan and the doctor ordered me to take it off. I felt naked without it and couldn't wait to put it back on!
At Fatima the Archangel acted as an 'Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion' and so he does again at Garabandal. Even the Angels are called to serve! How about you? The church is always looking for holy people to assist with Communion. It's a wonderful, rewarding ministry, especially bringing the Blessed Sacrament to the 'homebound'.
Deacon John

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 1961:

THE PHYSICIANS AT WORK . . .
PERFORMING TESTS

Garabandal was an exceptional field of study for theologians as well as for physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists who, as early as June 25, went up to the village as independent observers.
In the first two weeks of July, Msgr. Doroteo Fernandez set up a "Special Commission" made up of three priests and two physicians. These were in charge of investigating the "events" and the girls of San Sebastian de Garabandal. The members of this "Commission" came only three times to the village during the four years that the events occurred.
Commissioned by the bishop, Doctors Jose Luis Pinal Ruiz and Luis Morales, psychiatrist, began their first experiments on July 11.
All kinds of tests were performed on the children in ecstasy. Pinching, burns, pricks, intense light: so many sensory stimulants producing no effect.

"This is no way supernatural. It is a psychogenic reaction to the situation . . . Vulgar hysterical phenomena . . ." Such was Dr. Morales' opinion on the one ecstasy that he had attended. His report, quickly drafted, influenced the negative verdict by the "Commission" concerning the supernatural origin of the phenomena of Garabandal. He, who had really been the "directing head" of the
"Special Commission," completely reversed his position in 1977. In May 1983, during some lectures he gave at Santander, then at Madrid, he publicly defended the authenticity of the apparitions.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 59; 61]

It's amazing how "stiff-necked", as the Bible calls certain people, witnesses to the supernatural can be. Even at the "Miracle of the Sun" at Fatima, where hundreds of thousands of people experienced the signs and wonders, there were a few who refused to acknowledge it as a supernatural event. Perhaps because they were atheists or agnostics, maybe Freemasons, the "Commission" couldn't see the intervention of the supernatural. Of course this all could have been a vision of the devil, but I don't think they believed in Satan or hell either. Like certain leaders in Israel, who accused Our Lord of working miracles by the power of Satan, these "Commission" members were blind too!
Again, at Fatima, certain theologians said that Lucia made up all that she reported Our Lady said, especially regarding devotion to her Immaculate Heart. They blamed it on Lucia's traditional upbringing, saying her mother put all these thoughts in her head or she made it up after the fact. Incredible! You could expect this from the secular media, but from the clergy you expect some faith and common sense. Dr. Morales recanted later on and became a good spokesman for Garabandal, but the damage was done early and many shrugged off the visions as unbelievable.
Deacon John

TUESDAY, JULY 4, 1961:

Many priests witnessed the ecstasies

THE BLESSED VIRGIN GOES STRAIGHT TO THE ESSENTIALS: A SUPERNATURAL "MESSAGE"

Here is the first question the Blessed Virgin had asked the children on the previous 2nd of July:
"Do you know the meaning of the notice the Angel had under his
feet?"
- "No, we don't."
"It was a Message that I am going to tell you and that you will
repeat in public on October 18" (1961):

"WE MUST MAKE MANY SACRIFICES,
PERFORM MUCH PENANCE, AND
VISIT THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
FREQUENTLY. BUT, FIRST, WE MUST
BE VERY GOOD. IF WE DO NOT, A
CHASTISEMENT WILL BEFALL US.
THE CUP IS ALREADY FILLING UP,
AND IF WE DO NOT CHANGE, A
VERY GREAT CHASTISEMENT WILL
COME UPON US."

It was from this day on that Our Lady gradually initiated the young visionaries in a motherly way to the meaning and scope of this Message.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 55.]

Unlike Fatima, Our Lady here instructs the girls to reveal the Message so there is no secret. And as we shall see, they did reveal it to a disappointed crowd, who wanted a more spectacular One. But, look at this Message! To me it's a powerful call to conversion! It also reminds me of the admonition of the Angel of Fatima who told the three children to pray and offer sacrifices to God for the sins of the world, for He was already offended too much! Here Our Lady asks us to pray, offer sacrifices, do penance, visit the Blessed Sacrament, but above all, we must be very good. See, Mother Mary is telling us, Her children, to be good, as any good mother would tell their child . . . And if we aren't good, what does a good mother do? Well, some punishment, of course, till we behave. Here Our Lady is warning us: If you are not good, the Father will definitely punish us, to correct us and then, maybe, we will be good.
Deacon John

SUNDAY, JULY 2, 1961:

On the Feastday of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary [traditional calendar], the two angels, who appeared one on each side of Our Lady, were St. Michael and St. Gabriel, the Angel of the Annunciation but also the Angel of supernatural dreams and prophetic revelations, more particularly those related to the divine and universal plan of the salvation of humankind. Gabriel appeared but once at San Sebastian de Garabandal.

[Isabel Daganzo, an artist painter, under Conchita's guidance, drew several sketches of these first apparitions. In one illustration of the Blessed Virgin with the two Angels, an "Eye" is drawn at the top.]

The "Eye of God" ("ayin" in Hebrew, "ophtalmos" in Greek): what a theme! This word, or expression, in its singular form rarely used in the Bible, is then applied explicitly to the divine omniscience and providence. Given the four previous manifestations of the Shekinah, the eruption of this "Eye of God" who "alone probes the loins and the hearts" and who plunges down into everything and everyone, is not surprising.

The iconographic signal here is absolutely correct: in Holy Scripture, indeed, right prevails over left, and top over bottom. In the children's vision. the Eye, placed above Mary, effectively designates Yahweh, who dominates all creation, all times and History itself.

At Lourdes, during Her last apparition, July 16, 1858, Mary (the Immaculate Conception) manifested herself to Bernadette, "more beautiful than ever," and not without a profound reason, since it was the Feast of "Our Lady of Mount Carmel" . . .

At Fatima, it was the same, Mary having also appeared, for the fourth and the last time on October 13, 1917, under the title and the form of "Nossa Senhora do Carmo." These were undoubtedly prophetic signs of her later "manifestations" at Garabandal: consequently, a fulfilled rendezvous!
[Excerpted from "Garabandal" Book, pages 44, 45.]

As I said before, this was the link that made me believe in Garabandal immediately, "Our Lady of Mount Carmel." I started to wear the "Brown Scapular" around this time (1970) and have never taken it off! It's interesting about the two Angels appearing with Our Blessed Lady. At Fatima, just St. Michael appeared. I wonder if this was a first in the history of Marian apparitions? God has a purpose for everything so there must be a deeper meaning for this besides the fact that it related to the Feast Day! Theologians say that St. Gabriel inspires us with Godly thoughts and gives us the "Strength of God"! That's how we can combat the evil one. Of course we have to ask for these gifts, they don't just come to us. Try it! I do ask every day! But, of course, I am very devoted to the Angels anyway.
Deacon John

ST. MICHAEL ANNOUNCES . . .

SATURDAY, 1st OF JULY, 1961: THE ANGEL SPEAKS: HE ANNOUNCES THE "VISIT" OF "THE BLESSED VIRGIN OF MOUNT CARMEL" FOR THE NEXT DAY
 

The guardian angel of Portugal, St. Michael, came to Fatima three times in 1915 and three other times in 1916. At Garabandal, his manifestations were far more numerous. He is the one the little girls saw during the first nine days of the apparitions. He is the one who, later, often gave them the Eucharist; he again delivered the two famous Messages, etc.

Image via Wikipedia

Since the extraordinary grace that St. Joan of Arc brought to France, there have occurred no more comparable charismatic events involving St. Michael. Being the Archangel of the Apocalypse and of the gigantic battle that will oppose, in the end, the "powers of Light" to the 'powers of darkness,' here on earth, his presence at Garabandal is a sign of the real approach of the "last times," and even of the "end of times" which will be particularly mentioned with all the "facts" that are of interest to us here. Because the Archangel is the protector of the people of God, the second session of the Second Vatican Council in 1963 was opened on his Feastday, 29th of September.

On this Saturday, 1st of July, St. Michael, for the first time, broke the silence in which the ecstasies had been unfolding until then:

"Do you know why I have come?", he asked the children.

-- No, they replied.

"To tell you that tomorrow, Sunday, the Virgin Mary will appear to you under the title of "Our Lady of Mount Carmel."

Then he asked the visionaries this other question: "Do you know what is written on the placard (escritorio)?"

-- No!

"The Blessed Virgin will tell you."
[Excerpted from "Garabandal" Book, page 41.]

St. Michael is certainly one of my favorite friends and protector! I pray often his exorcism prayer and 'The Chaplet of St. Michael' daily . . . How many times has he come to my defense and rescue!!! I can't wait to see him and thank him in his presence for all he has done for me and my family and friends.

Deacon John

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 1961: A MYSTERIOUS "NOTICE" AT THE FEET OF THE "ANGEL"

They had barely reached the calleja when the Angel showed himself to the girls with a placard (escritorio) at his feet. The visionaries deciphered only the first two words of the firstlive, "Hay que" (It is necessary that . . ."), and the last line of Roman numerals, "XVIII - MCMLXI". . . The children were soon to learn from the Blessed Virgin that this was a Message. 

The term "Message" was never formally used at Lourdes nor at Fatima, where only "the words pronounced by the Blessed Virgin", her "exhortations," even, "symbolic actions," were mentioned. On the contrary, at Garabandal, the word "Message" was clearly used by the Angel, by Our Lady, by Christ Himself, to designate, as in the Bible, the "word of God (Yahweh) to His people." 

In Scripture, the angels and the prophets are called "Messengers of God." Here, the fact that an Angel came to bring a Message is most significant. 

Thus this apparition occurred on the Feast of St. John the Baptist for profound and obvious reasons. Vested with "the power and spirit of Elijah," John the Baptist was indeed the one who had already, at least in some way, proclaimed the Gospel, that mega-Message. Elijah, for his part, represented the "mystery - past and future - of Carmel!" These two major figures embodied the two summits of biblical prophetism. This dimension was to reveal itself as essential to Garabandal, where the Blessed Virgin, "Queen of Angels and Prophets," was to appear precisely under the form and title of "Our Lady of Mount Carmel." 

[Excerpted from "Garabandal" Book, page 36.] 


And of course, for me, this was the great link between Fatima and Garabandal: In the last apparition at Fatima on October 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared in the sky clothed as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding out the Brown Scapular to the world. When Our Lady appeared at Garabandal, as we shall hear later on, she came under the title "Our Lady of Mount Carmel," with the Brown Scapular hanging from her wrist! I immediately saw the connection and believed! Sort of makes me like St. John the Apostle, (ha-ha) when he looked into the empty tomb, where Jesus was lain, saw the burial clothes, and believed in the Resurrection!
Deacon John

TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 1961: VISION OF A MYSTERIOUS "SHINING CLOUD"

Possible Shekinah Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

After school and the homework being done, the girls, as on the previous evening, wanted to go to the calleja. In spite of the worry caused by the situation, their families let the girls go. They almost sneaked their way out of the village to the site of the mysterious rendezvous. When they finished the rosary, the Angel had not yet showed up; the girls were about to go down to the village. . . "when, suddenly, we saw a very bright light that hid us from one another. We were completely dazzled by this light, and we started to scream for we were terrified ('asustadas', an adjective here that describes a sort of sacred fear). But this shining light had already disappeared" (Conchita's Diary, p.25). In this context, it is impossible not thinking about the biblical theme of the "(shining) cloud," which, following the apparition of the Angel on the previous 18th of June, denotes the second of the four manifestations of the Shekinah. As was the case in the Transfiguration of Christ, the cloud is also the sign of the tangible presence of the Glory of the living God. It thus recalls, thanks also to the famous "pillar of smoke and fire", the pilgrimage, the crossing of the desert, in other words, the exodus of the Jewish People, more, of the People of the New Covenant, the "eschatological Israel" towards the ultimate "Promised Land." This is also the basic structure of the Apocalypse (Book of Revelation). . . [Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 30, 31.]

Shekinah means Divine Presence. At Fatima, the Angel appeared as a white light, Lucia said his garments were "white as snow"! And the three children were filled with the 'Divine Presence' that left them almost paralyzed, unable to even speak. It took about three days for them to get back to normal. It's interesting that Lucia's parents were against her going to the apparition site, whereas the girls of Garabandal were immediately allowed to go back again! 'Different strokes for different folks', as they say . . .
Deacon John

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 1961: THE ANGEL OF GOD WILL COME BACK

The next day, the four young girls went back, at the same time of the day and to the same spot, to wait for the Angel. The whole village then knew about the apparition. On their way up the visionaries put up with a few jeers. Unimpressed, they recited the rosary at the calleja. But the Angel did not show up. "If he was really the Angel, he will come back," the teacher, Mrs. Gomez (see note below) assured them. . . At 10:00 p.m., while the girls were beginning their evening prayers, each one heard in her room a voice saying: "Do not fear! You will see me again."

Dona Serafina Gomez, (pictured above) the schoolteacher to whom, on the same
evening (Sunday, June 18), the visionaries reported their experience. She trusted the visionaries and, far from showing a priori an opposition, she suggested to the girls, who had taken refuge in the church after their ecstasy, to recite one station (see note below) before the Blessed Sacrament in thanksgiving for what had just
happened.

The "station" is a Spanish devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and consists in reciting six Our Fathers, six Hail Marys, six Glory Bes, a Creed and a Salve Regina, with the invocation "Long live Jesus in the Holy Sacrament! May He be loved by all!"
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 30.]

Notice that the girls were saying their prayers before bed time! A good lesson for us who forget this important part of the day. We would all sleep better if we said some good Act of Contrition and a few Our Fathers, Hail Marys, Glory Bes to fall asleep with! The three seers of Fatima also said the rosary before the Angel appeared to them, but a short one that only repeated the Hail Mary, Hail Mary, Hail Mary, etc. over and over. That changed into a full rosary after the Angel instructed them and Our Lady told them to pray the rosary every day for world peace . . . Our Lady also said that Francisco would have to pray many rosaries in order to get to heaven! And we think we say enough prayers! He was only a child of 9 with very few sins, if any. I probably will have to say millions of rosaries until the end of the world to get to heaven!!!

Deacon John