FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1961:

THE FIRST OF FIVE "DECEMBER 8" DAYS,
REMARKABLY HIGHLIGHTED AT
SAN SEBASTIAN DE GARABANDAL

There were two ecstasies, half expected, half unforeseen by Conchita, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This was the proper onomastic feast of the visionary, wished to her by the smiling Mary during the first of these two apparitions.

During the second apparition, at 9:30 p.m., Conchita, in ecstasy, visited the sick of the village, offering her crucifix to be kissed. The Blessed Virgin often encouraged the visionaries to be interested in the sick and led them while in ecstasy to the homes of the ill. They spontaneously experienced a great compassion for those who suffered and spent some time with the handicapped and the elderly. Several healings were obtained through the intermediary objects kissed by Our Lady.

Conchita later visited hospitals in Burgos. She even obtained her nursing diploma with success. She practiced the nursing profession first in Bilbao, then in New York where she has lived since 1972.

During her second ecstasy of the 8th of December 1961, Conchita spoke of the "good Pope John (XXIII) who was then very concerned about the problems of the world." "We must be very humble and pray a great deal," added the girl. That was, so at least it seems, the first explicit mention of "Peter's Successor" by the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel at San Sebastian de Garabandal. The Pope, the Popes . . .: they were to be on the "agenda," and in more than one way, during the long course of the events!

From 1961 to 1965, on each December 8, Conchita was granted either an apparition or a locution from Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 117-118]

I remember when Conchita lived near us in Queens, NY. She worked for a Spanish doctor in upper Manhattan caring for the poor Spanish-speaking residents. Later on, when she married and had children, she stopped nursing and I believe was a full-time housewife. Our same age children went to the same Catholic High School and we had a small prayer group formed and met in the school chapel. I did the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with benediction. Although we prayed together, we never talked about the apparitions with Conchita, respecting her privacy. After the kids were no longer going to that school, Conchita and her family moved out to Long Island. I pray for her each day.

Visiting the sick is a great ministry and very rewarding spiritually! The sick and elderly love having visitors, especially in Nursing Homes, where many have been abandoned by their families and have no one to sit and talk and pray for them. When I visited the sick and/or elderly, I always brought them religious gifts like rosaries and scapulars. They seemed to love receiving them, no matter what religion they professed! Many times they would cry out, "Take us home with you!" They missed being in their own homes but many could not take care of themselves anymore. Well, like Jesus, we can have compassion and love for them, and ask the Lord to bless and heal them.

Deacon John 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1961:

Pastor Don Valentin Marichalar

"THE HOLIDAYS". . . OF DON VALENTIN MARICHALAR

This was the last day of the first period of frequent ecstasies. Don Valentin left "on holiday" was replaced by Reverend Amador, a worthy priest. He handed in a detailed report of all the observations made during his stay at San Sebastian de Garabandal . . . "Finally," as Fr. Marichalar reported in December after meeting with the Papal Nuncio in Madrid, "it appeared proper to Msgr. the Bishop that I take charge of San Sebastian de Garabandal again."

The Blessed Virgin announced to the girls the date of her next four apparitions.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 117]

It seems that Father Marichalar was very anxious and happy to be re-instated as pastor in Garabandal. The girls were happy to have him back. Once they said "He's ugly, but a very holy priest!"

I think the Blessed Mother was happy too, she started appearing to the girls again . . . 
Deacon John

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1961:

Msgr. D. Fernandez

THE VIRGIN OF MOUNT CARMEL'S CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH

The Blessed Virgin warned the four visionaries that their daily ecstasies would cease temporarily from November 18 on. Pressed by the "Special Commission," Msgr. Fernandez invited Don Valentin to take a "holiday." This would keep the pastor away from the village for almost two months during which time the girls each had only one apparition.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 117]

It seems that Our Lady didn't like the conclusions of the "Special Commission", which was denying the supernatural events of Garabandal. I think She also didn't like the idea of removing the pastor from his post there. He was close to the girls and helped them spiritually, a 'good father priest'!

Many times in the future apparitions of Our Lady, right up to our present days, she has complained about the lack of belief in her appearances, in some cases people actually laughing at her. Imagine that! Well, all I can say is when the 'Warning' comes, the laughing will stop as we see our sins flashing before our eyes. It will be like we are drowning and our whole life passes through our minds. We will see all the bad we have done, but also all the good. A mini-judgment! Of course, those who love God, will love Him even more.
Praise God!
Deacon John 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1961:

GARABANDAL AND THE 

"COMMUNION WITH THE DECEASED"

Sustained by prayer, the Communion of the Saints links the world of the living with that of the deceased in the one Church of God.

This profound dimension of Christian faith was lived intensely at San Sebatian de Garabandal where the villagers prayed for the deceased every day.

The ecstasies of November 2, 1961 and 1962 illustrate this bond with the "blessed souls of Purgatory" in a remarkable way. Led by the Blessed Virgin to the gates of the cemetery where, in ecstasy, they went regularly, the visionaries pushed their arms through the bars and held out their crucifix as if they were presenting it to be kissed by dozens of invisible people.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 116]

Yes, folks, there is another world out there, a supernatural world, with Angels and Saints surrounding us! I believe strongly in Purgatory! I pray for all the souls who have died, especially those who do not have anyone to pray for them!
This excerpt reminds me of the story about St. Padre Pio, who had been praying for some soldiers who had died. The whole platoon, in spirit, visited him in thanksgiving for his prayers, after their release from Purgatory; they were on the way to Heaven! So here, Mother Mary is teaching us to pray for the dead. Just think about how many souls will be there to greet and thank you when you get to Heaven!!! It's so sad that many Christians don't pray for their deceased loved one's. What about you? They are begging us for our prayers because they can't help themselves, but they can offer prayers for you.
Deacon John

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1961:

Conchita, Jacinta and Loli as they normally were.

ANOTHER RARE DAY WITHOUT ANY ECSTASY

Msgr. Doroteo Fernandez, Apostolic Administrator of Santander, publishes his second Note. It takes into account the brief 'report' submitted by the "Special Commission," but also the more favorable considerations expressed by Father Ramon Andreu, by pastor Valentin Marichalar and by Reverend Garcia de la Riva.

\Msgr. Doroteo Fernandez (March 1913 - July 1989) was ordained to the priesthood on March 13, 1937. At the death of Msgr. Jose Eugenio Y Trecu, in May 1961, he became Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Santander, but he did not succeed him as titular Bishop. All through his mandate, Msgr. Doroteo acted very fairly, on the pastoral level, towards the protagonists and the "events" of Garabandal. He always accepted the opinions of the witnesses in a spirit of true openness . . . in spite of numerous oppositions.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 115]

How time flies! The Msgr. was ordained one day after I was born (March 12, 1937) in New York City! He lived 76 years. I wonder if I'll live that long? Gets a person thinking, yes?

I'm going to try to speed these notes up a little by posting every other day if I can. The reason? Cause things are getting hot in this world of ours (they just moved the Dooms Day clock forward), and the Warning is supposed to happen when things look hopeless! This way we believers can at least know what and why things are happening around us and we can help our family and friends to understand too! Stay tuned . . .
Deacon John

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1961:

The Blessed Virgin wanted the Message read in front of the church.

THE FIRST "MESSAGE" IS MADE PUBLIC AT LAST;
ITS UNIVERSAL DESTINATION AND ITS URGENT
CHARACTER. THE FUTURE "MIRACLE" IS REVEALED,
AT LAST, TO CONCHITA.

It was on this liturgical and extremely meaningful day (see note at end of this message) that, at 10 P.M. at the Pines, the visionaries read the (first) Message of Garabandal. It was a formal, public and explicit Message which, on the previous June 24, had appeared in large writing at the feet of the Angel. These were all new and original elements carrying bibical overtones. A message of salvation, the principal revelation of Garabandal, was being given to the world. The Blessed Virgin who, as early as on the previous July 2, had asked the girls if they had understood its meaning, was thus straightaway manifesting the primary intention of her "visit."

"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."

The Message, apparently "childish and infantile," conceals, in fact, a powerful prophetic and evangelical charge of universal scope. It calls upon the unavoidable responsibility of every human moral conscience, that of the Christian as that of the unbeliever. It already makes reflect the interior light of the "Splendor of Truth" (God) on man and the quality of his heart, and finally on the whole world.

On this October 18, 1961, at San Sebastian de Garabandal, the weather itself was to testify in its own way to the twofold aspect of the Message: a torrential rain fell all day on the village; it hailed, it snowed, the thundery rain never stopped rumbling and the thunder itself reverberating. Must we impute that to chance? Or was this not a very special reminder of the theophanies of the Old Covenant, e.g. that of the Exodus and of Mount Sinai? . . . On the other hand, at the moment when the Message was about to be proclaimed and translated into various languages, a strong wind blew in the valley, chased away all the clouds and revealed a bright moon shining in the sky!

An ecstasy followed the reading of this first Message. Our Lady then announced to Conchita, definitively this time, that a great Miracle was certain to come.

Father Ramon Maria Andreu was the first person to whom the visionary spoke of this miracle, on the morning of the next day. Back from the Pines, totally downhearted and bewildered by the simplicity of the "little" Message, Ramon had been called first by Mari-Loli and then by Conchita after the ecstasy of the evening of this 18th of October, 1961. They repeated to him what the Blessed Virgin had revealed to them about him: that is, the details of his extremely painful interior states and the exact sites where he had felt them. The next day, as we saw, Conchita assured him that the Blessed Virgin had sent her to console him in that "there would be a Miracle. However, I still do not know what it will be, or when it will come."

Note: How one could not discern here the profound spiritual meaning of the choice of "October 18" for the first Message to be given at San Sebastian de Garabandal, that is on the very Feastday of the evangelist (and author of the Acts of the Apostles), whose very attractive and accessible personality is already so marvelously adapted to contemporary men and women? The first Message displays some connection with the essential characteristics of the hagiographer's writings: Luke's sincere attachment to the person of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer; his universal call to the radical Message, which is the Gospel; his exhortation to conversion and to change (metanoia), to repentance, to prayer and to the spirit of poverty; his delight in the spirit; his insistence on the authentic divine kindliness and mercy, on the preaching of the Gospel to the entire world within the framework of the mystery and the time of the Church, and his interest for everything that concerns the mystery of the salvation of Israel; his theological and eschatological hope already existentially existing between an already acquired salvation and one that is not yet fully accomplished; finally his recall of the possibility of a fair condemnation, the mysterious counter-picture of a jealous divine Love for the human being, symbolized in Scripture but also in the two Messages of Garabandal, by the image of the "Cup of the Wrath of God." However, this Wrath will come to bear only after the patient delays of His Mercy.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 109.]

What can we say except that if we're not already living this First Message of Garabandal:
SHAME ON ME AND YOU!!!
Deacon John

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1961:

A "13TH OF OCTOBER" WITH PROFOUND
AND PROPHETIC RESONANCES?

A crowd of seventy thousand was present at the "Miracle of the Sun" at Fatima, on October 13, 1917. The Blessed Virgin was appearing for the fourth and last time, on that same day in 1917, to the young visionaries of the Cova da Iria, . . . under the title of 'Our Lady of Mount Carmel'. 

At Garabandal, on this "October 13," there occurred a mysterious cosmic phenomenon, the only one of which the Blessed Virgin refused to explain the nature or the reason, to the girls! Conchita and Loli, in ecstasy, saw, as it were, a dazzling star, not a comet, "nothing of that kind," said Don Valentin, who, at least in part, had witnessed the event, as had other people there. Kind of a preview of the prophetic worldwide AVISO?
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 107]

A few interesting facts come to my mind from this excerpt:

1. The writer says that Our Lady appeared four times at Fatima . . . Well, we all know that's wrong. Mother Mary appeared once a month from May till October, so there were more than four appearances.

2. During the "Miracle of the Sun", Lucia saw a few different visions in the sky and the last one was of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding out the Brown Scapular to the world. Before I had heard of Garabandal, I had read the book 'Our Lady of Fatima' by Thomas Walsh, and this fact about Our Lady of Mt. Carmel had stuck in my mind, so when I finally read some leaflets and books about Garabandal, I immediately connected the two together saying to myself, "Garabandal is a continuation of Fatima!" I Believed!

3. On the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, we read the Gospel at Mass telling of the 'star' that led the Magi to worship and adore the Baby Jesus at Bethlehem! It's weird to read about a 'dazzling star' in Garabandal, too! Is there a connection? The writer thinks it could be a preview of the AVISO, which means the Warning, in Spanish. I don't think so. The Warning is supposed to be a supernatural event, correcting the conscience of the world. Everyone will see how they are offending God and their fellow man, and hopefully, be converted. Some may die due to the fright of this event, especially those who have been denying God in their lives. I think this 'dazzling star' could be a sign that the Lord is coming soon to change this world around in God's favor, His Second Coming. Then "every knee shall bend," as it says in Scripture; all of us will worship and adore Jesus!!! What do you think?
Roman Deacon

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1961:

FIRST CLARIFICATION OF THE VERY
IMPORTANT REVELATION OF OCTOBER 1, 1961:
THE FUTURE AND DEFINITIVE "PERFECT
UNITY OF ALL CHRISTIANS".

Albecht Weber with

Conchita in 1965

The conversations between the deceased Father Luis and the visionaries have, it appears to us, always held a very positive ecumenical trait. On the Feast, then, of the Divine Motherhood of Mary, Fr. Luis and Conchita spoke about this extraordinary prophecy already partly revealed by Our Lady on the previous October 1: "Ah, the Churches will be reunited? . . . Yes, they will be reunited! . . ." Conchita rejoiced over this formidable prophetic news. In November 1965, the visionary, as she had already done many times since October 11, 1961, confirmed the accuracy of that great revelation to the German editor, Albrecht Weber. She also clarified somewhat what the Blessed Virgin had told her concerning the great Church event to come.

"She (Our Lady) again told us that the divided (Churches) will reunite. There will be only one 'religion.' A better translation: "The Christian Churches will then be One in the Catholic Church."

In the light of such a prophetic revelation, the meaning and scope of the "one, Catholic, apostolic and Roman Church" that the visionaries, in ecstasy, had professed for the first time on August 1, 1961, at the time of the recitation of the Creed, acquired their full significance.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 107]

The hopes and dreams of so many people are wrapped up in this small excerpt! Especially in these days of world chaos, especially religious wars, the prophecy that all will believe and enter the Roman Catholic Church is awesome! Many have said that it will take an 'Act of God' to reunite all the different Christian Churches into One. But what about the Jews, the Moslems, the many different religions of India and Africa? Yes, they too will convert and believe! What a beautiful world we will have then, I pray this all happens soon!!!
Deacon John

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1961:

HOMAGE OF THE YOUNG GIRLS,
IN ECSTASY, TO ST. DOMINIC . . .
ON THIS "FEAST DAY OF OUR LADY
OF THE HOLY ROSARY"!

This day both the "first Saturday of the month" of the Holy Rosary and the "Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary" was a moment extremely rich in meaning. We point out only one element here: the young visionaries, in ecstasy, cried out in unison: "Viva Santo Domingo que lo (i.e. el "Rosario") ha fundado!" ("Long live St. Dominic who 'founded' the Rosary") as they were reciting the rosary. Will not the "inspired" reaction of these four girls be used later as a powerful counterproof against the current "revisionism" attempting to prove that St. Dominic of Guzman was not really at the main origin of the Rosary? This would belie, it seems, all his preaching to the poor, accompanied and punctuated by the intense recitation of decades of Aves. In 1571, after Lepanto, St. Pius V, a Dominican Pope, would codify the fifteen mysteries as they are still recited today. The 'mysteries', as we have said above, were thus an integral part of the recitation of the Rosary . . . for the first time in a great Marian Apparition!
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 106]

Another manifestation of the supernatural, as the girls must have had a vision of St. Dominic as they prayed the Rosary! Notice that it was in unison that they exclaimed "Viva Santo Domingo" so it must have been the Holy Spirit who enlightened them all together!

Yes, the 'mysteries'! How can we not pray the Rosary without thinking about the 'mystery'? Some say it's hard for them to keep the mystery in their mind. Well, there is a couple of solutions to this problem . . .

1. Before each decade say a little meditation on the 'mystery' to keep your mind on it as you pray the ten Hail Mary's.

2. Another way to do this is between each Hail Mary read a scripture verse regarding the mystery. There are a few Scriptual Rosary Booklets on sale out there.

3. Or what I love to do is add a few words regarding the mystery during the Hail Mary. It goes like this: Let's say the mystery is "The Nativity". You pray the "Our Father", then start a Hail Mary. When you get to "blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus . . ." you add "who was born in Bethlehem". Then continue on with "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners . . ." You do this with all ten Hail Mary's, saying the same words. This keeps your mind on the mystery, even if you're driving a car or jogging in the park! By the way, this way of praying the Rosary was approved by Pope Paul VI, of happy memory!
God love you and please pray for me and my wife!
Deacon John

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1961:

THE ELOQUENT FULLNESS OF SILENCE . . .

This was a unique day. In fact, there were no apparitions or Holy Communion given by the Angel. On this Feastday of St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusians, the intention here was very likely to honor the typical solitude, silence and pure contemplation of this renowned monastic Order. It has been said, and rightly so, that this Order has never been "reformed," since . . . it was never "deformed"!
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 106]

That's an interesting pun at the end of that paragraph . . ."that this Order has never been reformed, since it was never deformed"! If you look at all the different Orders in our holy Church, i.e.: Franciscans; Carmelites; Salesians; Jesuits, etc., etc., you will find that many times certain small groups broke off from the main group to reform the Order. Usually they want to go back to the Original Rule of the founder, like St. Francis, because the monks were very lax or disregarded the Original Rule altogether. Some of these reformers were treated very badly by their monk brothers and sisters. St. John of the Cross was imprisoned by the Carmelites and so were many others. Some reformers were NOT saints, like Luther and King Henry the Eight! But the point is that the Carthusians, founded by Saint Bruno, stayed true to their founders ideals and the Orders Rule.

What about us? Are we the type that wants to change things for the sake of change or stay with the Rule that Holy Mother Church has guided us with for 2000 years? I personally follow Jesus Christ, the invisible Head, who founded our Church and Pope Benedict XVI, the visible head, who leads the Church today! Sadly, today. there are many "reformers" who have broken away from Holy Mother, the Church, and they are NOT saints. They want married priests; women priests; homosexual priests; contraception & abortion; divorce & remarriage; and some even deny todays Eucharist as valid! Let us pray that after the "Warning", all will rejoin the One, Holy, Catholic Church and the Body of Christ will be ONE!
Deacon John

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1961:

Pastor Don Valentin

"THE BLESSED VIRGIN TOLD ME ONE THING . . .
MORE IMPORTANT THAN ALL YOU
[DON VALENTIN] HAVE WRITTEN UNTIL NOW."

First day and also first Sunday of the "month of the Holy Rosary" Conchita, at the end of a nocturnal ecstasy, told Don Valentin that she had just learned something from the Blessed Virgin which was far more important than anything that the pastor of Garabandal had been able to note until now. It dealt almost certainly with the future conversion of Protestants or Anglicans, according to what Conchita herself told Placido Ruiloba at that time: "Why do you criticize the Protestants, since 'soon' [better said 'without delay' ('pronto'), since that Spanish word does not in effect mean necessarily 'soon,' but rather the fact that an event will occur 'fast and unhindered'], we will be reunited (or "ONE" - comunes)". Our Lady would reveal gradually to the visionary the first element of a future "major Church event," that is, "the perfect Unity of all Christians at last being accomplished, the very "reunification of Churches" in the Unique Church of Christ! True she began revealing it, one might reasonably think, through the deceased Padre Luis, from August 15, 1961 on other people there. Kind of a prophetic preview and experience of the future worldwide AVISO? [The Warning].

As to Maximo Foerschler, a German engineer and a fervent Protestant, he went to San Sebastian de Garabandal for the first time on the 13th of October 1961. Later he was to return there many times. The Blessed Virgin said of him to the visionaries, that "he believes in God, but little in Me. He will believe . . .". Effectively, that is what was to happen. Very quickly convinced of the supernatural authenticity of Garabandal when he was still a Protestant, Mr. Foerschler would eventually write his testimony in a remarkable document addressed to Msgr. Beitia Aldazabal.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 105-106]

Already, Our Lady is giving the girls some prophecies, which actually are quite amazing! In our present time, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict is going out of his way trying to reunite the Eastern Church with Rome. He even risked his life by going to Turkey and celebrated Divine Liturgy with the Patriarch. He has released his Motu Proprio on the Traditional Mass and the Vatican issued a Document on the Nature of the Catholic Church! Why? Because it is God's will that we be ONE. And it is our duty to pray for this unity, as Jesus prayed "Father, may they be one, as we are One." And not just the Eastern Churches, but all Christianity must be One. 

So as we pray for this unity, Our Lady tells us that it will be through a direct intervention of God that it will happen. The Warning, when everyone on earth will see how they are offending God and each other. Our Lady had said in another apparition in Egypt: "I have said: The Church is the kingdom of Heaven on earth. He who divides it has done wrong, and he who rejoices in its division has also done wrong. My children be united!." 

Yes , sadly, there are Christians who rejoice that they are separated from the Catholic Church. I have even heard Catholics slander our separated brethren. I look forward to this great day of unification, when we will all be ONE. How about you?
Deacon John

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1961:

A DISCREET "PRESENCE" AND YET,
WHAT AN ELOQUENT ONE . . .
OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI!

Here again, we set the following scene approximately on this Sunday, then also the Feast of the "Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi": Conchita, in ecstasy, is holding in her hand her small crucifix which appeared then to witnesses as "surrounded by a brilliant light."
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 105]

St. Francis is one of my favorite Saints! Yes, he received the "stigmata" from the Lord Jesus, who appeared to him as a flying angel! Very mystical!!! Did you know that St. Francis was also a deacon! He's my brother in the holy diaconate! He didn't go on to be ordained a priest. He stayed a deacon forever! I love his spirituality. As a matter of fact, I belong to a third order of Franciscans called "The Brothers and Sisters of Penance of St. Francis" (BSP). Here is their
web site: http://www.bspenance.org/. They would love to have you as a member!!!
Deacon John

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1961:

The "film of sinners" unfolds before the eyes of Mari-Cruz and Conchita!

THE "FILM OF SINNERS"

In the two Messages of Garabandal, the prediction of the Chastisement that will strike the entire human race, if the latter persists in its immoral behavior, strongly expresses what Msgr. Beitia Aldazabal, the principle titular bishop of Santander at the time of the apparitions and locutions, called "the doctrine of God offended by our sins." This expression occurs eight hundred times in the Bible. In the Old Covenant, it is already associated with the holiness of God. Horror of sin was instilled in the girls from the beginning of the apparitions by a Marian catechesis sustained and, at times, even highlighted with very painful ecstasies bearing on the iniquity of the world and the ordeals it would create.

While awaiting original complementary documents, we set this terrifying vision, during which the Blessed Virgin showed the "film of sinners" to the visionaries, on September 15, Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Then the terrified protestations of the children were heard: "No, no! , , , What horror! How hideous! Take that away (from our sight) . . . Yes, sacrifices (for sinners)! . . ." And in pathetic attitudes of pleading, they called on Divine Mercy.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 105]

At Fatima the children were also shown scenes like this and even hell, and they were much younger then the girls from Garabandal! Little Jacinta and her brother Francisco spent themselves, even to death, for sinners from then on. Once they saw those images of the souls being tortured in hell, the scenes never left their young minds. It's a good lesson for us, to pray constantly for sinners! The children of Fatima's most popular prayer was:

"O my Jesus, this is for the love of You; for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and for the Holy Father . . ."

They offered this prayer whenever they made some sacrifice or had to suffer in some way. I try to remember to do the same thing!
God love You!
Deacon John 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1961:

The camera that took a photo of the Blessed Virgin.

THE NIGHT OF THE FIFTY ECSTASIES!

From midnight to 4 A.M., Loli and Conchita had close to fifty ecstasies at Cochita's home.

Taking advantage of a moment of intermission, Reverend Ramon de la Riva, handed Conchita his old camera equipped with bellows and suggested that she take a photo of the Blessed Virgin. The girl rather handed the camera to Mari-Loli, then in ecstasy; she, not knowing anything about operating this camera, nevertheless went through the five steps needed to take a picture.

The photos were failures . . . The Blessed Virgin explained through the intermediary Mari-Loli to the good pastor of Barro, that "even if these photos had been better, he would not in any way have believed more than he already did."

Two other attempts, also by Mari-Loli, to "photograph" the Virgin of Mount Carmel (on March 12, 1962 and January 1, 1963) apparently did not come out any better.

[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 103]

People are always trying to take a picture of the supernatural! As if they would believe in God if they could see Him! But Jesus said "Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed." (St. John 20:29) I have to admit, if someone says they have a miraculous picture, I want to see it out of curiosity. Sometimes God does allow the supernatural to break through and our weak faith is strengthened by seeing or hearing. I have a book with over 400 pictures of the events in Garabandal, many showing the girls levitating, marching backward down hills, many miraculous images. These help me to believe and strengthen my faith in Our Lady's apparitions. How about you? Do you need proof of God's existence? The Great Sign to come at Garabandal will help everyone to believe in God! That's Mary's promise!

God Bless+
Deacon John

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1961:

Queen Fabiola and King Baudoin

KING BAUDOIN AGAIN AT SAN
SEBASTIAN DE GARABANDAL

The Belgian sovereign had already visited San Sebastian de Garabandal several times. Taking advantage of holidays he was spending in Spain with his wife of Spanish origin, Queen Fabiola, he returned to this village on September 12, 1961. He thus attended the ecstasies of that day and even found himself "bound" to one of the visionaries in a particular way. One of them made a step backward and stepped on his foot, to the point of keeping him rooted to the spot!

At the funeral Mass for King Baudoin (d. July 31, 1993), Cardinal Daneels (Malines - Brussels) dwelt at length on the "secret" of the deceased man. Under the cover of the monarch's public activities (the process of his possible beatification was even mentioned), flowed a calm and hidden spring: his life in God, to the rhythm of prayer and penance with a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin, whom he venerated very particularly as "Our Lady of Mount Carmel," and to the Eucharist. "The day will come when the Sovereign's 'secret' will be revealed, and the world will then be in amazement," explained Cardinal Daneels.

In the night of September 12 to 13, then Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, the girls, in ecstasy, recited the whole fifteen mysteries of the rosary . . .
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book page 101]

I'm trying to remember the comments I made about this excerpt. I think I said that there were many saintly Kings and Queens who led lives of Faith, Hope and Charity, helped their subjects in their needs and were devout! Then there were those like Henry the Eight and Elizabeth the First, and many others, who persecuted Catholics and murdered many priests, nuns, and laity. When I read those stories about how the English Saints were martyred, it sends chills up my spine. I ask myself 'How could these monarchs be so evil, murdering these innocent Christians and trying to destroy the Catholic Faith, the Church of Jesus Christ?'

Blessed Rodger Dickenson, Blessed Ralph Milner, and Blessed Lawrence Humphrey were some of the many Christian Catholic Martyrs in Europe.

These three martyrs lived in England during the time of Church persecution by Queen Elizabeth I. "Mr." Roger Dickenson was an undercover diocesan priest. Ralph Milner was a husband and father. He worked as a farm laborer and was brought into the Church through the good example of his neighbors. The day he made his First Communion he was put into prison for being a Catholic. The jailer liked Mr. Milner so his prison confinement was not strict at first. For several years, he went on "parole" to find supplies of food and whatever the other prisoners needed. While on parole, he was of great help to "Mr." Dickenson and Father Stanney, a Jesuit. The day came when Father Dickenson, too, was caught. He and Mr. Milner were brought to trial together. Father Dickenson was tried for the crime of being a Catholic priest. Mr. Milner was tried for helping Father Dickenson perform his ministry. The judge looked at the crowd in the courtroom. He thought of Mrs. Milner and the couple's eight children. He wanted to free Milner at all costs. "All you have to do," he said, "is visit a Protestant church, just for a few minutes, to say you have been there. I'll let you go free to be with your family." Mr. Milner quietly and firmly refused. He and Father Dickenson went bravely to their deaths. It was July 7, 1591. The third martyr, Lawrence Humphrey, had been brought into the Church by Father Stanney, S.J. He would not give up the faith he had so recently acquired. Lawrence was just twenty-one years old when he was martyred.

Oh! How our beloved Church has suffered these past 2000 years! No wonder Our Lord sweated Blood in the Garden the night before He died, seeing all this persecution before His eyes! Lord, have mercy on us! Father, forgive them, they know not what they do (I hope)!

Deacon John

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1961:

Canon Julio Porro Cardenoso from
Tarragonna, a qualified theologian.

THE VIRGIN OF MOUNT CARMEL,
QUESTIONED . . . REPLIES!

Canon Julio Porro Cardenoso became a convinced witness of the divine authenticity of the phenomena occurring at San Sebastian de Garabandal. He was to write later several books about them.
In the afternoon of his arrival, Don Valentin asked Dr. Porro to draw up some ten questions to be submitted to the Blessed Virgin through the visionaries, during their evening ecstasy. Mari-Loli took charge of this mission. Our Lady's answers are a "first" . . .:

"1. By what sins does the Blessed Virgin feel most offended? - The mortal ones.
 

2. What is the Blessed Virgin urging the Spaniards to do above all to amend themselves? - That they go to confession and receive Communion.
 

3. What sacrifices is she asking from Spain? - That "we may be good" (totally virtuous).
 

4. What are the sins of young people that hurt and offend her most? - No answer.
 

5. What sins of the parents offend her the most? - When they quarrel.
 

6. What social sin wounds the Heart of Jesus the most? - No answer.
 

7. Is the impact of the Message greater for Spain or for the whole world? - No answer.
 

8. What nation fulfills the commandment of Jesus Christ the best? - Spain.
 

9. What nation can be presented as a model to the faithful? - No answer.
 

10. Is the Message for the whole world or for Spain? - For the whole world.
 

11. Why do these things (i.e. the apparitions) occur at night? - No answer: the face of the Vision became clouded over with sadness . . ."

(Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 101)

It's amazing that anyone would question Our Lady, especially with these types of questions which seem so self centered in regards to Spain. But I guess we would probably ask the same in regard to America, thinking we are the greatest nation. Basically, Mother Mary is saying everyone needs to be good, be virtuous, go to confession often and receive Holy Communion often. And She doesn't like it when parents quarrel, especially in front of their children, it gives a bad example to them. She also was sad about night time because most sins are committed then.
Good advise, dear Mother! We will try to be good to please Jesus and You!
Deacon John

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1961:

Conchita and Padre Alejandro in 1964

ARRIVAL OF PADRE ALEJANDRO MARIA ANDREU, S.J.,
AT SAN SEBASTIAN DE GARABANDAL,
FROM VENEZUELA

In the inn belonging to Conchita's father, Our Lady warned Conchita, in ecstasy, that a missionary was in the village. He was Alejandro Maria Andreu with his brother Ramon, coming for the first time to meet the visionaries. Manifesting her predilection for this particular priesthood, the Blessed Virgin revealed to Conchita several personal details about the life of Alejandro, then a missionary in Venezuela since the age of eighteen.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 100]

The three brothers were all Jesuits, Fr. Luis, Fr. Ramon and Fr. Alejandro.

I just found out that Fr. Ramon died in November 2004 at the age of 81 in California.

The mother of these three priests, entered a convent in Spain and was professed a nun after the death of Fr. Luis.

Notice that Our Lady knows all our personal details . . . That could be embarrassing to some of us! Dear Mother of Mercy, pray for us!

And slowly many witnesses have passed on as we await the prophecies to be fulfilled in our life time!

I always wonder if I'll be around for the Warning and great Miracle? I'm 73 years old now and only the Lord knows how long I will live. Actually, I'm surprised I lived this long. My family has a history of dying young (in their 60's) and I was a sickly child until I reached my late teens. So we never know!

I have a promise to keep on the day of the Miracle that I vowed to God many years ago! I hope to fulfill that promise!

Deacon John

NIGHT OF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, TO MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1961:

"AH, ST. JOSEPH IS THE GREATEST
SAINT IN HEAVEN!"

In response to Don Valentin Marichalar's questions, the visionaries learned from the Blessed Virgin that St. Joseph is "the greatest of all the Saints." He gave signs of his "presence," at San Sebastian de Garabandal, a presence always discreet and sensitive.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 100]

Thinking of St. Joseph always makes me happy. I've been devoted to him for many years. He has helped me and my family in many ways, temporal and spiritual. I invoke him every day when I pray my Rosary and I also pray the famous "St. Joseph Prayer":

Prayer to St. Joseph over 1900 years old

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen

Say for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may desire. It has seldom been known to fail.

This prayer was found in the 50th year of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1500's it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle.

Whoever reads this prayer or hears it or carries it, will never die a sudden death, nor be drowned, nor will poison take effect on them. They will not fall into the hands of the enemy nor be burned in any fire, nor will they be defeated in battle.

Make this prayer known everywhere.

Imprimatur
Most Rev. George W. Ahr
Bishop of Trenton

May St. Joseph be there at your passing from this life to the next, and fly your soul into the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary!
Deacon John

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1961:

Father Ramon Andreu questions Loli

FIRST THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
ON GARABANDAL

At the beginning of September, Ramon Maria Andreu pursued his observations. He was then on the point of completing his Memorandum, still a limited study but nonetheless a serious one, about the "events," that he had made with Msgr. Doroteo Fernandez' full consent.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 100]

Little by little the 'events' were recorded for history which will prove extremely important when the apparitions are finally approved by the Church in the near future! Father Ramon was an important eye witness to the 'events.' He was living in California before he died and was close to one of the visionaries (Jacinta, who married an American) and lives in California too.
Deacon John

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1961:

Their small crucifix in their hands,
the visionaries in ecstasy before the closed door of the church.

UNPARALLELED AND LIVING PRESENCE
OF THE "CRUCIFIX" IN GARABANDAL

Within the limits allowed by the Note from Msgr. Doroteo Fernandez and never in opposition to them, the church of Garabandal remains a major pole of the apparitions. In each one of them, or almost, the visionaries returned there to pray before the closed door. There, on several occasions, the Angel even gave them Communion.

On the day following the interdiction we know, the girls, in ecstasy before the closed door and on the advice of their Vision, suddenly decided to get a crucifix from their homes . . . except Mari-Cruz (for personal family reasons). It is interesting to note that this invitation and inspiration of "wearing a crucifix" happened on the very day of the Feast, then celebrated on August 23 in the universal Church, of St. Philip Benizi who was one of the seven founders of the "Servites of Mary." At the moment of his death he had cried out: "Give me my book!" (that is, "my crucifix!"). Henceforth, the visionaries in ecstasy would systematically be equipped with one. This gesture, in its clear reference to the Passion, takes all its meaning in Garabandal, most especially with the second and ultimate Massage (June 18, 1965) of which, as we shall see, it will be precisely the final word.

During the apparitions, the visionaries would present their crucifix to be kissed, sometimes kiss it themselves, or make the sign of the cross with it over those present, notably over those who, very often in secret prayer, "were asking for proofs" . . . The children also made the sign of the cross with it over persons lying down and asleep, on the forehead of the sick, on the heads of beds (twice if two persons slept in them), over the vehicles of visitors, etc.

The kiss of the crucifix played an immense role at San Sebastian de Garabandal, giving rise in those benefited from this, to profound emotions, healings and even to remarkable conversions.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 95.]

Again we see the obedience of Our Lady in regards to the Bishop and the Church! In obeying, She led the children up to the door of the local parish but had their apparition out in the open air. Our Lady had said "Obedience to the Church gives great glory to God". It's a good lesson for us, to obey the Laws of the Church before our own pride filled ideas! The 'First Sin' was through disobedience and pride (Satan's fall from heaven) and Adam and Eve followed up with their disobedience and pride giving us Original Sin. But "Happy Fault", it caused Our Savior Jesus Christ to come down from heaven, to suffer, die and rise for our salvation. And that's why the crucifix is so important. We gaze upon the image of the Crucified One and it reminds us of all He did for us. It calls us to repentance and reparation for our personal sins. It gives us the grace to thank Jesus over and over for His Sacred Passion.

Our Mother Mary has taught us, through these young girls, to wear and venerate a Blessed crucifix (not a plain cross), to touch others with It, asking Almighty God to bless everyone (remember, only a priest and deacon can officially bless with the blessings of the Church) and all things!

I wear a large St. Benedict crucifix and Medal, which has been touched to a particle of the True Cross, a Garabandal relic kissed by Our Lady and many other relics. There are many indulgences attached to this crucifix and a promise of a happy death to those who wear it. It also protects us from the evil one. We need all the help we can get from heaven because there is a raging battle out there for our souls! It's a good idea to wear some religious item around our necks, medals, crucifixes, scapulars, just make sure they are blessed by a priest or deacon . . .
God love you
Deacon John