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Virgin promised that all those who had venerated her constantly and who had worn the Scapular with devotion would be withdrawn from Purgatory on the first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 36 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!
Roman Deacon

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, today 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 . . .
Roman Catholic Deacon

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1961:

THE "ECSTATIC WALKS"

For the same reason as for the "calls" and the "falls," the "ecstatic walks" are typical events of San Sebastian de Garabandal. Their purpose was to draw attention to the apparitions (ecstasies).

These walks were absolutely extraordinary; they consisted in the girls moving from place to place, sometimes at a very high speed. The visionaries, hand in hand, would move at a very rapid pace, without seeing anything of their itinerary. They did not stumble on the rocky roads they took, their eyes being fixed on the apparition guiding them. According to the children's explanations, they had the impression of being "settled comfortably" in a fixed position with respect to their vision.

Here two of the girls are walking backwards. They would proceed in this way up to the Pines. On the steep slope of this same calleja , the children walked on their knees, without ever bruising themselves or experiencing the slightest pain as they came in contact with the rocky surface of the land. During the walks, the children appeared to be moved by an interior force that made the witnesses unable to hold them back. The rapid pace of the visionaries could become a race . . .
A word about their "range of vision": the girls saw nothing but the Apparition herself.

In one scene, Loli was alone in ecstasy, coming out of Conchita's home. She suddenly falls on her knees making a sharp noise. A few moments later, eyes fixed on heaven, arms outstretched, the upper body leaning forward, the pace of the visionary becomes more intense. It seems that she hardly touches the ground, as if she had "wings on her feet." The other three are not in ecstasy, they follow with difficulty.

At the end of these ecstatic walks, while the witnesses, even the most athletic ones, are deadbeat, Loli, on her part, shows no signs of fatigue. She is simply a little pale, but gives the impression of being calm.
[Excerpted from "Garabandal" Book, pages 81-83.]

More amazing signs of the supernatural! The pictures are spectacular! If you want to see them, go to http://www.stjosephpublications.com/Default.htm There a whole lot of pictures will come up for you to view.
Roman Catholic Deacon

TUESDAY, 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!
Roman Catholic Deacon

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! Roman Catholic Deacon

"THE CALLS"

Conchita is resting while awaiting for the last call . . .

MOST PARTICULAR AND TYPICAL PHENOMENA OF GARABANDAL

The "calls", "llamadas" in Spanish, began as early as July 2, 1961. They always preceded and announced the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, but not those of the Angel. The children would then experience, in three successive yet very distinct moments "a kind of interior voice," a kind of intimate summons, or 'mystical calls.'

A feeling of joy accompanies the first call. One or two hours later, the delight felt by the visionaries signaled the second call. "As if they had been guided," they would set out towards the site where the ecstasy was to take place. The third "llamada" gave them yet a more intense joy, which would increase until they would effectively fall into ecstasy a few minutes later.

Ecstasies occurred more and more frequently during the night, sometimes lasting until morning. This was to make them more discreet, but also because the symbol of night evokes the evil that men commit at that time. It then becomes necessary to double the efforts in prayer and supernatural enlightenment. Significant also is the fact that the ecstasies never occurred to the little girls when at school, or during liturgical ceremonies, more, even when carrying out domestic duties!

It happened almost every day that several apparitions would occur on the same day or evening, but never at school, or during the liturgical ceremonies. Only the first apparition was preceded by the three calls. At the end of the ecstasy, the Virgin directly announced her first visit to the visionaries: "In a moment I will come back," "At such an hour . . .," etc.

When the girls waited in the evening for an apparition that finally did not occur, they had to make up for lost sleep. On the other hand, they did not at all experience the need to make up for the sleep they lost during the vision.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 72, 73.]

These are some of the amazing mysteries that sets Garabandal in a class by itself. These "calls" were quite mysterious and sometimes the girls waited a long time before Our Lady appeared to them. I guess it was a sort of test of their endurance and faith. Imagine sitting up all night waiting for an apparition. I probably would have gone to bed and missed everything!

See how the Blessed Mother respected their everyday duties. She didn't bother them when they had to go to school or do chores. And when she kept them up late at night, or sometimes all night for an apparition, they weren't tired the next day and just continued on as if they had a good nights sleep! The girls never doubted the "llamadas", they insisted they were calls from God. They felt a mysterious joy and restfulness inside them, which grew stronger, as they awaited the apparition. And they tried to hide these feelings from those around them, even their family members. Sometimes they had to help each other arouse themselves in the wee hours of the morning to go out in the cold for the meeting with Our Blessed Mother. If this was not real, do you think they would have deprived themselves of sleep or go out into the cold, cold night. No way, Jose! All this little phenomena builds up the case for the authenticity of these apparitions at Garabandal! And there is a lot more as we shall see!

Roman Catholic Deacon

RAMON AND LUIS ANDREU, PRIESTS

Fr. Ramon Andreu on right

The brothers Luis Maria and Ramon Maria Andreu Rodamilans were among the four hundred or so spectators who attended the second ecstasy of tears, on July 29, 1961.
Both are Jesuits and doctors of Theology. Luis himself was then professor of Theology in the Major Scholasticate of Ona (Burgos) and Ramon, a preacher of retreats and Spiritual Exercises.
During the first visit they made to the village, they were simply drawn there out of curiosity, led there by friends, the Fontaneda family, very well known in Spain for their brand of biscuits ("galletas").
Father Ramon Maria Andreu immediately took down a substantial amount of notes about Jacinta's and Mari-Loli's ecstasies. First he thought that this was a case of hypnotism, until a very disturbing "sign" was given him: the instantaneous realization of a thought he had just formulated . . .: "Let one of these children come to herself and the others remain in ecstasy." This is exactly what happened.
Mari-Loli immediately recovered her normal state and turned slightly towards Fr. Ramon to look at him before falling again into ecstasy . . .!
We shall see later how the involvement of the Andreu family at Garabandal took an absolutely extraordinary turn.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 72.]

Yes, the thoughts of many were read by Our Lady at Garabandal and transmitted to the girls to tell the people involved. This made most of them believers! As it says in the Gospel: "The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed to thee" (Luke 2:35)

Fr. Ramon wrote a lot about the events at Garabandal. I hope to post some of his work here in the future.

The children of Fatima had priests from elsewhere to support them too, even though the local pastor didn't believe in Our Lady's apparitions there. He even held the three seers from receiving their First Holy Communion, thinking they were liars. Lucia was held back for a year and Francesco and Jacinta made theirs shortly before they died. They suffered a lot because of this rejection.

Roman Catholic Deacon