WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 TO THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1966:

In Rome, at the Coliseum, January 13th 1966. Fr. Luna,
Princess Cécile of Bourbon, Conchita and her mother, Aniceta.

CONCHITA'S FIRST TRIP TO ITALY:
ROME, THE VATICAN (S.C.D. FAITH
AND POPE PAUL VI) AND A MEETING
WITH BLESSED PADRE PIO.

On the order of Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani, then Pro-Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who had been informed about the Garabandal "events" by the father of the princess of Bourbon Parme as early as the summer of 1965, Conchita at last goes
to Rome.

On this trip with her there were Fr. Luna, Cecile of Bourbon Parme, Aniceta and Professor Medi (University of Rome), former ambassador of Spain to the Vatican.

Cardinal Ottaviana listened to Conchita for more than two hours. Although we still have partial information about their conversation, we know, nonetheless, that Conchita told him the date of the Miracle as well as the nature of the very important Church event that will occur on the same day, while also answering 'presumed' difficulties reported to the Pro-Prefect . . .

Several other important members of the Roman Curia also welcomed the visionary. She would later meet the Pope's confessor and told him also the date of the future "D" day. But, more important, Conchita was to be introduced to Paul VI, in a very private audience attended by

Image via Wikipedia

only five persons, which took place providentially on . . . January 18th! Undoubtedly, on this very first day of the "Week of prayer for the Unity of all Christians," the visionary told the Holy Father what she knew about the future 'reunification of all Christian Churches,' about 'the Council, the last Popes,' etc . . .

The Sovereign Pontiff will eventually bless the visionary twice in these terms: "Conchita, I bless you and with me the whole Church blesses you."

Taking advantage of a wait of twenty-four hours before her rendezvous with Cardinal Ottaviani, Conchita and her fellow travellers went to San Giovanni Rotondo. There she met a "friend": Blessed Padre Pio! The latter, although not feeling well that day, came nonetheless against all expectations, to greet the visionary . . . as soon as he was told that "Conchita of San Sebastian de Garabandal is also here." The interview was warm, the famous Capuchin constantly blessing
Conchita and assuring her of his prayers.

Image via Wikipedia

As to her crucifix, kissed by the Blessed Virgin at Garabandal, Conchita presented it to Blessed Padre Pio during her visit, asking him to bless it. This he did, placing the small crucifix on one of his stigmata, in the palm of his left hand, then covering it with Conchita's hand . . .
[From 'Garabandal' Book, pages 204-205]

Who could understand the ways of God? Everything is so mysterious! It's so true that He is in control and guides us at every moment. We just have to be holy and open to His Will and everything turns out for the better!

Conchita goes to Rome for a meeting with Cardinal Ottaviani and winds up seeing two Saints, Padre Pio and Pope Paul VI. What a wonderful experience that must of been. I probably would have fainted! We wonder what they talked about? Whatever it was that Conchita said, both the Pope and Padre Pio blessed Conchita over and over, which really means that they were also blessing the Garabandal events as well. Praise God!
Deacon John

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1965:

THE VIRGIN OF MOUNT CARMEL'S
LAST LOCUTION TO CONCHITA

We do not know for sure if Conchita was granted a last locution or not on that day. To us, that appears very probable, because of the very particular context of this December 8, 1965, date of the Closure of the Council of Vatican II, but also because the visionary, then boarder at the College of Burgos, will tell in 1966 to Sister Maria Nieves Garcia that "until now, every December 8, I had either an apparition or a locution from the Blessed Virgin."
[Excerpt from 'Garabandal' Book, page 203]

And so the supernatural events of Garabandal are winding down, and now begins the times of sufferings for the girls. But not all suffering, cause like us, there are times of joy too; like a marriage, a new baby, travel, birthday parties, baptisms, etc., etc. We all have our ups
and downs in life. But because of the unique state of life the girls lived, I believe their sufferings would be greater than most people, remember Our Lady promised them that they would go to heaven.

Well, read the lives of the Saints and see how much they suffered to get there!

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One thing I remember constantly is that Our Lady said that those who wear the kissed objects would serve their purgatory here on earth, well I'm sure the girls know that and do wear a kissed object.
I do! I wear a Brown Scapular which has a kissed relic from Garabandal embedded in it and I never take my Scapular off!!!
Deacon John 
 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1964:

BLESSED PADRE PIO KEEPS BEING
'INTERESTED' IN CONCHITA AND . . .
IN GARABANDAL 

Padre Pio's Superior in San Giovanni Rotondo addressed a letter (in Spanish) to Conchita, on behalf of the famous Capuchin:

"Peace and Greetings
Padre Pio is praying with (his) heart for your intentions and exhorts you to pray, placing your trust in the Divine Mercy in order to acquire the patience (to bear) all the trials and adversities of
life, and also the spiritual blessings and graces for the sanctification of your soul.
Padre Pio assures you that he remembers you constantly in his prayers and sends you his paternal blessing.
Fr. Superior."

It is therefore above all a vibrant call to holiness that Conchita received, "a right and a duty of every faithful," a central guideline of the most ancient tradition of the Church, significantly taken up by Vatican II (John Paul II, June 24, 1995 Address). This little message, the third one at least, from Blessed Padre Pio, was thus a new personal confirmation of the supernatural authenticity of Garabandal, a confirmation stemming doubtless from the supernatural lights that the famous stigmatist had already received on this subject since . . . the very beginning of the events! Other analogous and even more important "signs" would again be given to the visionary by the holy Italian priest!

{In March 1982, in answer to the first letter received from the Blessed Padre, Conchita spontaneously and naively suggested to him that he come to Garabandal to visit her . . . : "Do you think that I can travel about like that, according to my whim, and why not like Santa Claus, and come down the chimney into your home?", the Capuchin retorted, amused.}
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 184]

That date March 1982 has to be a mistake or that's when this note was revealed, cause Padre Pio died in 1968! I can't forget this date cause Joey Lomangino talked about Padre Pio and his death at every conference he gave. 

Padre Pio was a great Saint and led a life of suffering in imitation of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. So much so that he received the stigmata in imitation of the wounds of Christ. Once someone asked if they hurt, and he responded "What do you think, that they are painted on my flesh!" He had a way with words. If you went to confession to him and you didn't tell all your sins, he would yell and throw you out, saying "Come back when you're ready to tell all your sins." 

Joey, of course, received his sense of smell back when he went to confess to Padre Pio. It was a real miracle cause his olfactory nerves are cut from the accident and by right, it's impossible for him to smell anything. 

One young girl who had no pupils in her eyes went to Padre Pio and she received the gift of sight without pupils! How's that for a miracle. There are many more. Padre Pio used to fight with the devil, even fist fights! Scary stuff! If you can, get a good book on Blessed Padre Pio, he is fascinating!!!
Deacon John

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1963:

CHRIST'S FIRST LOCUTION TO CONCHITA.
TOWARDS THE "CONVERSION OF RUSSIA
AND THE WHOLE WORLD . . ."

The first of the two very remarkable locutions of Christ to Conchita occurred in the village church. Its content is so dense and transparent and of such quality, that we need only, at least for the moment, to read it very attentively:

"As I was giving thanks to God and asking Him for certain things, He replied.
"I asked Him to give me a cross, for I experience no suffering in my life, except that of not having any crosses. As I was asking Him for that, Jesus replied:
"Yes, I will give you a Cross."
Very moved, I kept on asking for other things and I said to Him:
"Why is the Miracle coming? To convert many people?"
And He replied: "to convert the entire world -Para convertir al mundo entero" - [Our Lord was thus indicating the importance of the events of Garabandal.]
"Will Russia be converted?"
"Yes, it will be converted; thus everyone - todos - will love our Hearts."
"Will the chastisement come after that?"
He gave no reply.
"Why do You come into my poor heart without any merit on my part?"
"Because I do not come for you; I come for the whole world."
"When the Miracle takes place, people will think I am the only one to have seen the Blessed Virgin."
He replied: "I let you be the one who, by your sacrifices and patience in trials, will intercede with Me to perform the Miracle."
And I said to Him, "Is it not better that I be with the four or that You take none of us for the intercession?"
And He said, "No."
"Will I go to Heaven?" And He replied, "Will you love our Hearts a great deal and will you pray to them?"
"When will you give me the cross?"
He did not answer me.
"What will I be?"
And He did not reply. He only told me that, wherever I am and whatever I am doing, I will have much to suffer.
And I asked Him, "Will I die soon?"
And He replied, "You must stay on earth to help people."
And I said to Him, "I am of little importance, I will be unable to help You in any way."
"Through your prayers and your suffering, you will help the world."
"When we go to Heaven, are we dead when we go there?"
And He said to me, "One never dies."
I thought that we did not go to Heaven before we rose up again.
I asked Him if St. Peter was at the door to greet us and He said, "No."
When I was thus in prayer or in a conversation with God, I felt I was outside this world.
Jesus told me that "Now more people love My Heart."
On the subject of priests, he told me that I ought to pray a great deal for them, so that they may be saints and fulfill their duty well and make others better. "May they make Me known to those who do not know Me and make Me loved by those who know Me and do not love Me."
[From 'Garabandal' Book, pages 175-176]

Dante and Beatrice Gaze upon the highest Heaven. Image via Wikipedia

Another amazing event in Conchita's life, and like Jesus said, "Through your prayers and your suffering, you will help the world." So many times we ask the question, "What is my life all about? Am I doing anything worthwhile? Will I Go to Heaven?" Conchita had those same questions for Jesus and she was still a child. Most of us have lived many years. We're still looking for the answers. It is good to reflect on Our Lord's words to Conchita, because He is speaking to each one of us. He wants to let us know how happy He is with each one of us as we try to offer all our prayers and sufferings for the conversion of the world. Keep up the good work! Remember we never die, just pass into a new life, a life of joy in God!
Deacon John

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18-19, 1962:

The Host, visible and as if it were alive, on Conchita's tongue.

THE "MILAGRUCU" (ON THE VERY
FEASTDAY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL)

The "Milagrucu," in other words, the little miracle": that is how Conchita described the wonder that was to take place. For the visionary, indeed, the fact that the consecrated Hosts, usually given to her by the Angel and most of the time before a large crowd, were invisible, was much more astonishing!

On the Feast also of St. Sebastian, (thanks to an Indult from Rome, since January 20 is normally the day of its celebration), Patron Saint of the village, Conchita was indeed to receive her "first call" . . . at 11:30 p.m. As to the ecstasy itself, it was to be over at . . . 2 a.m. The time here was exactly the same as that of the first great apparition at the "Rue de Bac" (the famous "Miraculous Medal" sanctuary in Paris) on July 18-19, 1830, the very liturgical Feastday of St. Vincent de Paul!

On the morning of the events, Conchita, inadvertently, had already received Communion from the hands of a priest in the village church. This explains, perhaps, but only in part, that the "Milagrucu" occurred not on July 18, the date originally predicted, but rather in the night of July 18 to 19.

This sign was brought about to help people believe, and to confirm the supernatural authenticity of the "events" of San Sebastian de Garabandal.

"La forma! La forma! La forma!," shouted the crowd with one voice when Conchita held out her tongue and, suddenly, in a split second, appearing like lightning, the Host was deposited there. It was white, the same size as the Hosts commonly used, but slightly thicker. It remained visible on Conchita's tongue for almost two minutes.

To this day, all the history of Christian spirituality and hagiography attest to the possibility of such a miracle. Considering the numerous and perfectly reliable testimonies we have at our disposal, it would be worth writing a substantial monograph about it . . . (that will be done later -- J.S.).

At the end Conchita fell in ecstasy on her knees, in a puddle of water . . . to receive the Host from St. Michael's hand. It was about 1:40 a.m. . . . July 19!

We owe the film of the "Milagrucu" to Alejandro Damians, an engineer from Barcelona. He used his amateur camera with the sole light of a full moon and a few flashlights. Msgr. Beitia quickly expressed his keen desire to see the film and have a copy of it in his possession.

Informed by a letter from Conchita, Dr. Jean Caux (Paris) was on the premises with his camera on the night of the "Milagrucu." Unfortunately, he was unable to film anything, for lack of a flash. This "deprivation" upset him to the point of modifying his life considerably and determining his spiritual journey in a decisive way. It was probably to sooth his bitter disappointment that Conchita, during her ecstasy, presented her crucifix to the famous physician for him to kiss it . . . three times!

All through his stays in the village from 1961 to 1965, Dr. Jean-Baptiste Caux shot some of the most beautiful films ever about Garabandal. Being also an aesthetician surgeon in Paris, this professional of beauty was first touched by the unparalleled grace of the girls in ecstasy. After having attended many other "apparitions" and all kinds of "trances" for more than thirty years and throughout all of Europe, he found the quality of the phenomenon he was able to witness in San Sebastian de Garabandal, absolutely unsurpassable and unequaled.
[From 'Garabandal' Book, pages 142-143]

God does things in His own time and fashion! Many people in the village left when the "little miracle" didn't happen on the 18th of July. They had no patience and went home. But because Our Lady is always obedient, (the Church only allowed one Holy Communion per day at that time) She waited until after midnight to allow the Angel to give Conchita Holy Communion. Our Lady said "Obedience to the Church, gives great glory to God!" That's a good lesson for us.

I remember in New York, there was a woman who went from church to church, receiving Communion in each one. She was finally confronted one day and told to stop because the Church says (in our time) that a person can receive twice in one day, provided he or she stays for the whole Mass, and the second Mass should only be a special one like a funeral or wedding, etc. It's different for a priest, of course. Some priests have to celebrate more than two Masses, but a priest must receive the Host he consecrated to make the Mass complete!

About that French Doctor, I read elsewhere that (He said this himself in an interview) he was in mortal sin, living with a woman, and that's why he was denied from taking the pictures of the "little miracle"! He had a change of conscience after that and changed his lifestyle! A great Garabandal conversion story!

Deacon John

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, AND SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1962

 


TWO NEW COMMUNIONS GIVEN BY ST. MICHAEL,
AT THE PINES, TO CONCHITA

The Communions given by the Angel to Conchita at the Pines, on May 16 and 26, were another proof of the extent to which, in Garabandal, there is an essential link between the Eucharist and the Priesthood.

As a complement to what has already been pointed out, may we add here that St. Simon Stock, whose Feastday falls on May 16, received the "rule of the Carmelites" in Palestine, from St. Albert of Jerusalem.

As to St. Philip Neri, whose Feast was celebrated on May 26, he founded his famous Oratory at the end of the sixteenth century; an exceptional example of Marian piety and cheerful holiness, he advocated frequent Communion, even for children, and was even so consumed body and soul, by the fire of the Holy Spirit, that after his death, physicians performing his autopsy discovered that his heart was . . . split open!

(In the church of Garabandal, one can contemplate two central themes in the apparitions: the pelican sculptured on the door of the tabernacle being one of them, the other being quite properly the lamb.)
[From 'Garabandal' Book, page 133]

It's interesting how these "Communions", given by the Angel are connected to certain Saints' Feast Day. Of course, at Garabandal, Our Lady appeared as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding out the Brown Scapular. St. Simon Stock was the Saint who received the revelation about the Scapular and it's many graces attached to those who wear it. I for one, wear a Brown Scapular and never take it off, even in the shower! I firmly believe in its promise that "those clothed in this Scapular will never suffer the pains of hell." Do you wear one? Why not?

I remember years ago, in a church in New York, there were these tiles with the pelican on them. I never could figure that out until one day I read about the symbolism regarding it. The pelican-in-her-piety is based on the legend that in times of famine, the mother pelican opens her breast and feeds her young on her own blood. The Church uses this to represent Christ's voluntary sacrifice of atonement; He shed his Precious Blood to save us from eternal death!
Precious Blood of Jesus, save us!
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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 1961: VISION OF A MOST ASTONISHING "CUADRO LUMINOSO"

On that day, the children had a very mysterious vision. "It is something like a red light or fire, that forms a frame inside of which there is a triangle, an eye and a notice. Letters also are written, unknown, in an Eastern or Arabic style, as it were. . ." (Cuarderno major of the Fathers Luis and Ramon Maria Andreu, S.J., pp. 12 and 13).
 
"Yahweh," the Name of God par excellence, such is certainly the translation of the inscription that was incomprehensible to the girls and which they saw inside the triangle. We are now before the third visible manifestation of the Glory of God: the revelation of His Name. This vision was unique in the history of the great Marian apparitions, even in the history of Christian spirituality and hagiography. Characteristic of a non-anthropomorphic theophany, it refers us back to the event of the Burning Bush, to the revelation of the Judeo-Christian God, One and Triune.
 
"Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God" (Matt 5:8) . . . How, on this 21st of June, not point out also the connection between the children and the liturgical Feast of the Patron Saint of youth celebrated on that day: St Aloysius Gonzaga, honored precisely for his total purity of heart? (cf Mt 5:8)?
 
After the frame of fire disappeared, the Angel came.
[Excerpt from 'Garabandal' Book, page 31.]


What's different here from Fatima is that these manifestations of God came before Our Lady's first appearance . . . There were many signs at Fatima each time Our Lady appeared: the lightning; the murmuring or buzzing noise as Our Lady spoke; the branches on the holm tree bent down where Mother Mary stood; a sound like a rocket as She left with the branches leaning eastward; a little cloud going eastward, that the people saw, as Our Lady left; and this is not counting all the signs of October 13, 1917, which we will comment on later . . .
Deacon John

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 1961: VISION OF A MOST ASTONISHING "CUADRO LUMINOSO"

On that day, the children had a very mysterious vision. "It is something like a red light or fire, that forms a frame inside of which there is a triangle, an eye and a notice. Letters also are written, unknown, in an Eastern or Arabic style, as it were. . ." (Cuarderno major of the Fathers Luis and Ramon Maria Andreu, S.J., pp. 12 and 13).
"Yahweh," the Name of God par excellence, such is certainly the translation of the inscription that was incomprehensible to the girls and which they saw inside the triangle. We are now before the third visible manifestation of the Glory of God: the revelation of His Name. This vision was unique in the history of the great Marian apparitions, even in the history of Christian spirituality and hagiography. Characteristic of a non-anthropomorphic theophany, it refers us back to the event of the Burning Bush, to the revelation of the Judeo-Christian God, One and Triune.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God" (Matt 5:8) . . . How, on this 21st of June, not point out also the connection between the children and the liturgical Feast of the Patron Saint of youth celebrated on that day: St Aloysius Gonzaga, honored precisely for his total purity of heart? (cf Mt 5:8)?
After the frame of fire disappeared, the Angel came.
[Excerpt from 'Garabandal' Book, page 31.]


What's different here from Fatima is that these manifestations of God came before Our Lady's first appearance . . . There were many signs at Fatima each time Our Lady appeared: the lightning; the murmuring or buzzing noise as Our Lady spoke; the branches on the holm tree bent down where Mother Mary stood; a sound like a rocket as She left with the branches leaning eastward; a little cloud going eastward, that the people saw, as Our Lady left; and this is not counting all the signs of October 13, 1917, which we will comment on later . . .
Deacon John