NUMBER 298 : March 2016 : FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST. (Established since 1989)

Similar documents
Catholics Basics Saint of the Day and Prayer. September 16, 2013

For the Classroom Formation in Christian Chastity, Grade 6 Lesson Plan 1 Theme: God Made Us to Love And To Be Loved

Formation in Christian Chastity + Grade 6

The. For. Prayer.) man than. Day Day Day Day Day. jail detainees Day Day Day Day. serve our Amen

Make it Easy to be Good and Hard to be Bad

Maximilian Kolbe Biography

Pray Serve Give. St. Joseph s Catholic Church a Stewardship Parish

Vilnius in the history of devotion to divine mercy

NUMBER 310 : March 2017 : FREE Published Monthly MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST. (Established since 1989)

NUMBER 311 : April 2017 : FREE Published Monthly MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST. (Established since 1989)

THE LAY INSTITUTE OF DIVINE MERCY

Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska and Christmas

Guided Children's Hour of Adoration (Divine Mercy Theme Overview)

Medjugorje - Our Lady's Messages from 1984 to 2017

Our Lady of Fatima 100th Anniversary:

S.M.A.R.T. NEWS. To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. -St.

Fatima: Chronological Outline

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus June 03, The readings: Ezek. 34:11-6; Rom. 5:5-11; Luke 15:3-7

Consecration Is Not Enough

Internet Archive Messages From Our Lord Jesus Christ & Our Blessed Mother To Locutionist Little Mary

Retreat Companion. Carol R. Younger, Ed. D.

The Holy See APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO IRELAND HOLY MASS AT THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF KNOCK HOMILY OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II

WYD World Youth Days. Putting Trust in the Young

Stewardship of Faith. The Ultimate Act of Stewardship is. total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary

Questions for Grades 6-8

The Holy See HOMILY OF JOHN PAUL II FOR THE CANONIZATION OF EDITH STEIN. Sunday, 11 October 1998

Oct. 1 Pope s Address to Comboni Missionaries Translated extracts (October 01, 2015, ZENIT.org).

Made known by Our Lord Jesus Christ to Luz de María

Children of Medjugorje 2014

NUMBER 285 : February 2015 : FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST. (Established since 1989)

The Holy See BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE. St. Peter's Square. Wednesday, 6 April [Video]

FREE DIGITAL SAMPLE FOR. Holy Week & Easter 2018

National Directory for Catechesis # 20

Love Made Visible A pastoral letter on adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist Bishop James Conley

NUMBER 260 : FEBRUARY 2013 : FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST.

OPENING DAY ALL DAY PRAYER VIGIL SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH,2018 BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION WASHINGTON, D.C.

PRAYERS AND INFORMATION CATHOLIC SHOULD KNOW. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

NUMBER 297 : February 2016 : FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST. (Established since 1989)

Two Hearts - Home to the Holy Three

Prayers to be Memorized

From the of Sr. Emmanuel Maillard

LITANIES TO SAINT MARY

NUMBER 303 : August 2016 : FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST. (Established since 1989)

NUMBER 273 : FEBRUARY 2014 : FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST.

VIII. Station Jesus comforts the crying women

Sister Emmanuel s February Newsletter from Medjugorje

HOW TO BRIDGE OUR DIVISIONS AND BRING PEACE TO THE WORLD?

Nov. 1 Pope's Angelus Address Translated conclusion (November 02, 2015, ZENIT.org).

world; graciously hear us, O Lord.

LITANY OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD Prayer at 10:00am (or at another convenient time)

Catch the Spirit GRADE EIGHT UNIT 2: LESSONS 1-2. This week, your child learned that: Family Talk Time. Meditation for This Week:

The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy

Follow this and additional works at:

KPIH CONNECT. Have you Heard?

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Friday)

2001, 2007 by Archangel Gabriel Enterprises Inc. North Ridgeville, OH All Rights Reserved First Edition published Second edition 2007

Religion Curriculum. Pre-Kindergarten

a message of hope THEME

Our Lady of Medjugorje

Holy Hour In Thanksgiving for Fr. Klimek & His Priesthood

As a star its kind1 ed ray,.mary doth her Child display, Like in nature: Still undimmed the Star shines on, And the Virgin bears a Son, Pure as ever.

Sign of the Cross. Hail Mary. Glory Be. Our Father. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer & Holy Week. St. Joseph s Academy PRAYER UNIT 1

The Marian Mysteries of the Rosary. By A Friend of Medjugorje

Rosary Novena October 3, 2012 October 11, 2012

Family Eucharistic Holy Hour

SAMPLE OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS. What Are You Seeking? 1. How do the requirements of this way of life fit with your daily life?

WORDS FROM JESUS. A collection of messages directed to the "Chosen Sons" FOR THE CATHOLIC PRIESTS

Prayers and Church Teachings to Memorize (by suggested grade level)

THE CABRINIAN IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PROVINCE OF THE OFM. Sacred Heart of Jesus. June is the Month of the

Saying Farewell to our Humble Shepherds

Follow this and additional works at:

Creed. Content Standard. Rationale. Performance Standards Creed

In this regard, Our Lady was featured as Time Magazine s cover story on Dec

International President of the World Apostolate of Fatima

Therese of Lisieux. Look at Him. He never takes his eyes off you.

ST. JOSEPH DAILY PRAYER BOOK

THE FORGOTTEN PART OF THE MESSAGE OF FATIMA. Prof. Américo Pablo López Ortiz. International President of the World Apostolate of Fatima

Our Lady of America s Call to Faith and Purity

FROM THE CURRICULUM GUIDELINES BINDER GRADE LEVEL SUBJECT AREA EXPECTATIONS DIOCESE OF FRESNO

Neumann University. Sacred Art and Sacred Spaces Part II

LEADER: For our bishop, N. LEADER: For those who most need your grace, LEADER: For those who are far from you.

The Marian Thoughts of Pope Francis. November 2014

In Honor of St. Joseph Novena Holy Cloak Joys and Sorrows

My Eucharistic Adoration Prayer Book

NUMBER 289 : June 2015 : FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST. (Established since 1989)

Cardinal Burke Interview with Teresa Tomeo on Catholic Connection, Ave Maria/EWTN Radio, January 15, 2016

CATHOLIC TREASURY of PRAYERS

Today It Is Your Turn : Young Hispanic Leaders and the New Evangelization. The Most Rev. José H. Gomez, Archbishop of San Antonio

CONSECRATION OF THE WORLD TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY 1984 AND ITS RENEWAL

The 15 Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary

The Origin and Original Text of the Peace Prayer of St The Franciscan Archive wishes to thank Dr Renoux for permission to publish the Original Text

Minister s Message Saint Alphonsa

The Carmelite News Autumn 2014

NUMBER 328 : September 2018 : FREE Published Monthly MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST. (Established since 1989)

The love of God is the flower mercy, the fruit. Let the doubting soul read these considerations on Divine Mercy and become trusting.

THE MOST HOLY ROSARY Introductory Prayer

PRAY THE ROSARY THE CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCY. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

HOLY HOUR FOR PRIESTS

ACCEPTANCE PRAYER VISIT OF THE PILGRIM IMAGE OF OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP PRAYERS

Transcription:

NUMBER 298 : March 2016 : FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MEDJUGORJE CENTRE NORTH EAST (Established since 1989) www.medjugorjene.co.uk OUR MINISTRY To spread the messages of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, given through the visionaries in Medjugorje. PEACE CONVERSION FAITH PRAYER FASTING OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PRAY FOR US

1 MEDJUGORJE AFTERNOON OF PRAYER led by Fr. Martin Morris ( 2nd Sunday of the Month ) Sunday 10th April 2016 Sunday 8th May 2016 4.00pm to 5.00pm Adoration 5.00pm to 6.00pm Rosary, Benediction and Reflection ST ALOYSIUS CHURCH PRINCE CONSORT ROAD HEBBURN, TYNE AND WEAR NE31 1BE Medjugorje Centre North East Invites you to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of The Apparitions at Medjugorje VIGIL 7pm Friday 24th June 2016 Rosary, Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Led by Fr. Shaun O Neil St. Andrews Church Worswick Street Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6UW Medjugorje Centre (North East) ANNUAL DAY OF PRAYER Led by Fr. Martin Morris Saturday 9th April 2016 Coffee from 9.45 am Rosary, and Talk 10.30 Shared lunch, Followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Mass SACRED HEART Church North Gosforth, NE3 5EB

2 OUR LADY S MESSAGE To the World Given 25th March 2016 to Marija Pavlovic D ear children! Today I am carrying my love to you. God permitted me to love you and, out of love, to call you to conversion. You, little children, are poor in love and you still have not comprehended that my Son Jesus, out of love, gave His life to save you and to give you eternal life. Therefore pray, little children, pray so that in prayer you may comprehend God s love. Thank you for having responded to my call. Fr. Martin Morris s Reflection Spiritual Director of Medjugorje Centre NE Dear Brothers and Sisters of Medjugorje North East and Beyond, let us begin our reflection on this month s message of Our Lady Queen of Peace by turning to the Holy Scriptures for guidance. For in the Holy Scriptures we are told that God Our Father has taken the initiative in loving man and that he has loved us first. In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that that he has loved us. (1 John:4:) and We love, because he loved us first. (1 John:19) Just as the soil is daily exposed to the sun to get light, warmth and nourishment from it, and as the flower open up to the rays of the sun, so Mary in this month s message invites us to open ourselves to the revelation of God s merciful saving love. Who, else, other than God himself can assure us of unconditional love? The whole Bible tells us from beginning to end of the assurance of the Father s love. The love of God, is the answer to all the whys in the Bible, Why Creation? Why the Incarnation? Why the Cross? Mary asks us to receive the grace of Comprehending the self-emptying of her Son s love for us, by giving his life that we might have eternal life. The Father loves you. (John:16:27) From 1987 Our Lady entrusted to Mirijana the daily intention of praying for those who have not yet discovered the love of God. This is what Our Lady speaks of in this month s message to all of us. In revealing his love for us, from the Cross, God reveals his humility too. It is God, who, Mary reminds us, is seeking us, with his merciful face, and pardons us. To love is always an act of humility. God the Father loves

3 us because Goodness loves to spread itself. (St. Augustine) and St. Irenaeus said, Gods Glory is living Man. So when Mary says we are poor in love, then we need to open our lives to the path of humility, Jesus shows us, and pray for the grace of sacrificial love. In order to love we have to draw close to love, and God is love. He is great in each of his creatures, in every human life, that is why we must bow before him. So in this month s message Mary asks each of us to, Comprehend, that my Son, out of love, gave his life to save you, and to give you eternal life. (Repeat this phrase to yourself several times, ask the Holy Spirit to help you Comprehend this Truth.) Let us think about Max Turkauf, an atomic Physicist who helped with the building of the first atomic bomband after the explosion in 1945, had a profound moral crisis. He eventually found his way to Faith and said, Next to every laboratory where scientists are discovering and touching the laws of life, there should be a chapel of Adoration. Then we could first kneel down before God the creator, and only then touch the laws of nature and of all life. We would be able to touch them with love, for when we touch out of egoism, or pride, we can so easily destroy ourselves. Mary says the way to comprehend the saving love of Jesus is through prayer. Prayer is the path of humility. We must take time for prayer, especially before the Tabernacle. There we must learn to stay silently with him, heart speaking unto heart. In the silence of being with Christ the grace of comprehension is given. St. Therese of Lisieux once cried out in the silence of Prayer, Love is not Loved. In the silence of this prayer we can return to the source of holiness, and enter into His loving heart. For He is within each one of us, in the sanctuary of our baptised souls, the life of the Blessed Trinity resides. Here we will discover the dignity of being a child of God, rooted in his Fatherly love. Then true Peace can really come to all of us. Love is the condition for holiness, and if we grow in holiness we also grow in love. The Saints did not grow in holiness because they Prayed, Fasted and made Sacrifices alone, they became more loving by doing these things. They comprehended the utter gratuitousness of God s love. Let us gaze on Jesus on his Cross, let us look at him in the Holy Eucharist, let us allow him to lead us deeply into his love, and then everything will change for us. We are not alone, We are on the path of love, Our Lady is with us, Yes she is truly with us. Happy Easter, Fr. Martin

4 Global Catholic TV Network Founder Mother Angelica has died Aged 92 Mother Angelica (born Rita Antoinette Rizzo on April 20, 1923 in Canton, Ohio; died March 27th 2016 in Hanceville) was founder and Abbess of the Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, and founder of the Eternal Word Television Network EWTN. Through her frequent on-air appearances, she became a wellknown personality. TIME magazine once described her as one of the most influential Roman Catholic women in the United States. She was known to the wider world, as the first woman in the history of broadcast to found and lead a network for over 20 years. In 1944, she entered the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, a Franciscan religious order for women, as a postulant, and a year later she was admitted to the order as a novice. She went on to find a new house for the order in 1962 in Irondale, Alabama, where the EWTN is headquartered, and in 1996 she initiated the building of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of the Angels monastery in Hanceville, Alabama. With only $200, the nun began broadcasting a religious talk show from a TV studio put together in the monastery garage in suburban Birmingham in 1981. That show grew into Eternal Word Television Network, EWTN a global religious media empire, which has long had the blessing of the Vatican. Despite its humble beginnings, EWTN Global Catholic Network calls itself the world's largest religious media network. It has 11 TV networks that broadcast Catholic programming to more than 258 million households in more than 145 counties and territories. Mother Angelica hosted shows on EWTN until she suffered a stroke in 2001. She is a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award granted by Pope Benedict XVI Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said in a statement Sunday that Mother Angelica will live on forever in the hearts of those touched by her sermons. Pope Francis She s in heaven 2016 (Mt 5:7) World Youth Day 25th 31st July 2016

5 REPORT FROM SISTER EMMANUEL of The Community of The Beatitudes www.childrenofmedjugorje.com Medjugorje, March 16, 2016 Dear Children of Medjugorje, Praised be Jesus and Mary! 1. On March 2, 2016 Mirjana received her monthly apparition at the Blue Cross. After the apparition, she shared her message: 2. On March 18th, 2016, Mirjana received her annual apparition. On this occasion, many pilgrims come and pray with her in Medjugorje. Remember that, from the Blessed Virgin, Mirjana received the special mission of praying for unbelievers (those who do not yet know the love of God). She tells us about the pain our Heavenly Mother feels for her children who live without God. "If you only once saw the tears flowing from the eyes of the Gospa because of unbelievers, you wouldn't forget to pray for them! When you pray for unbelievers, you are wiping off the tears that are flowing down the cheeks of the Blessed Virgin. The evil that happens in the world is because of unbelievers: wars, conflicts, crimes, divisions, divorces, abortions, suicides, drugs... When you pray for unbelievers, you are praying for your own future and the future of your children. Intercession for the unbelievers is the most important." All those who will not be in Medjugorje for the 18th of March can join our prayer around Mirjana (around 4pm), in order to comfort the Virgin! She will use our fervent prayers to enlighten her children and give them the immense joy of knowing Christ. Why not in our own families...! 3. She is only 5 years old! Small children brought up in families that pray melt our hearts with their generosity and their seriousness in expressing their love for Jesus. In Rome, little Chiara, 5 years old, is a fine example. Before Christmas, she learned from her mother how to prepare the manger of the infant Jesus by sprinkling it with fioretti (little pieces of straw). They had collected some twigs, and she was invited to place them little by little in the manger to warm Jesus when he came into the world. Each twig represented an effort on her part, or a sacrifice offered to Jesus. One day, Chiara said to her mother: "You know, mommy, tonight, I will say the entire Rosary, that way I can put a twig in Jesus' manger!" In fact, Chiara had the habit of falling asleep fairly quickly during the prayer, so

6 her mom congratulated her for her good intention. As every night after dinner, the family gathered to pray the Rosary. Remembering her decision, Chiara prayed the entire Rosary, and even on her knees! Her parents saw her fight against sleep and holding back her yawns with courage. Incredible! Then, radiating with joy, she went to place 3 twigs in Jesus' manger. Her mother asked her, why 3 twigs and not one? Chiara explained: 1. Because I said the entire Rosary. 2. Because I said it on my knees. 3. Because I forgave Luigi" (her 7 year old brother). During this Lent, Luigi and Chiara did a similar thing, but with a different material: for every sacrifice, every effort, they remove a thorn from a cushion that represents the heart of Jesus. What about me? What about you? How many thorns are we going to remove from the Crown of Jesus before celebrating His resurrection at Easter? 4. Protection of St. Joseph. On 19th March, we celebrate Saint Joseph. Our household has prepared this feast day with a thirty-day novena, because we have many intentions to entrust to him. Here is one of his specialties that Sr. Briege McKenna told us about, let's adopt this excellent way of being protected from theft! "Always have an image of Saint Joseph in your hand bag or your briefcase", she tells us, "and it will never be lost or stolen. And if it were, it will be returned. One day, a Gypsy stole a hand bag from an Irish friend of mine, in which she carried an image of Saint Joseph. When she opened the bag and saw the image, she immediately gave the purse back to its owner, saying: 'I couldn't take it because it contains the image of St. Joseph.' " Sister Briege told us about another significant episode: "I knew a man who kept an image of Saint Joseph in his briefcase, to avoid having it stolen. He had learned to enjoy the favors of this Saint! One day, upon returning from his holiday abroad, he came out of the airport and began to stack his luggage on a trolley to take it to his car. Without realizing it, while he was putting his bags in his trunk, he left his briefcase on the trolley. Once he got home, he realized what had happened, but it was too late! A few days went by, and lo and behold, an airport employee found the briefcase in the middle of a road not far from the airport, completely abandoned. She opened it and saw that its owner prayed to Saint Joseph. There was a prayer card inside. She looked for the owner's details and found them inside the briefcase. You can guess the rest: a simple phone call and everything was returned to the owner, who was very thankful for being a fan of St. Joseph!"

7 I take the opportunity of his feast day to slip this prayer into the heart of Saint Joseph: "You, the spouse of the Mother of God, pray with us for Mary's plan to be carried out in all the communities that are called to be present at Medjugorje. Protect them as you were able to protect your family!" Dearest Gospa, you who told us to "Be enthusiastic about the Resurrection!", help us to live Holy Week and the Easter feast in deep communion with you, Mother of the Crucified One, Mother of the Risen One! Sister Emmanuel + Priest from Poland - Medjugorje is a Blessed place (www.medjugorje.hr) Many pilgrims choose this quiet time to come to Medjugorje for more peaceful pilgrimage. So recently we had groups from France, England, Hungary, Korea, Italy, Spain, the United States and Poland. Fr. Krystian Strycharski was our guest at the radio Mir, he has been a priest for 4 years and belongs to the parish of Divine Providence from Wilanow. He came with a group of pilgrims, but it was 17 years ago when he came for the first time: I came for New Year s Eve, we spent those days in prayer and in praise and ever since then, I come here every year. The most important is that we have the Holy Spirit with us, this is the place of peace and whenever I am here, I feel the presence and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When I come here I try to deepen my relationship with Jesus. I climb Cross Mountain and I pray Way of the Cross, while every station touches me profoundly. Medjugorje is a blessed place, many hearts are opening here and people receive their vocations here. We priests can strengthen our faith here, especially by looking at so many pilgrims who are gift from God. We can really feel God s mercy at work, so evident in confessions. People who are here with me refer to Medjugorje as to the European Holy Land. Many of them witness that their lives were changed here. I usually pray one Rosary with my group, but while here, we pray three Rosaries a day, we are all trying to come to Jesus through Blessed Virgin Mary. I would like to invite you all to come to this holy place, to really get to know Jesus who will change your lives. We all need the fullness of grace that Mary had in order for us to become people who will bear fruits. That is why you should come here, take rosaries in your hands, take the Holy Bible and you will have time for yourselves here. You will discover your mission, as this is indeed a holy place. Peace, Peace, Peace and only Peace! Peace must reign between God and man and between men (Our Lady s Message June 1981)

8 Our Lady of Czestochowa Poland Located in the central region of southern Poland, the city of Czestochowa (pronounced 'Chen-stoho-vah') and its Marian shrine of Jasna Gora (meaning Bright Mountain) are the spiritual heart of Poland and the country's national shrine. Jasna Gorna also a pilgrimage site of international importance. Attracting more than 4.5 million pilgrims a year from 80 countries it has a spiritual magnetism comparable to the other great Christian holy sites of Jerusalem, Rome, Lourdes, Fatima, Santiago, Guadalupe and Medjugorje. This icon, imported from Russia and already the focus of cultic veneration, is shrouded in mystery. A painting on a wooden panel measuring 122 x 82 cm, the image has stylistic similarities to early Byzantine icons but it is not known when and where it was created. Legends say St. Luke the Evangelist was the painter (and he is also linked to the Madonna of Santiago) but scholars put its creation later, sometime between the 5th and 14th centuries with a provenance ranging from Byzantium and the Middle East to Italy and Hungary. The present appearance of the "Black Madonna" - as the icon is generally known - dates to the 15th century when the picture was damaged, repaired and repainted. The miracles attributed to Our Lady of Czestochowa are many and most spectacular. The original accounts of these and some of the cures, are archived by the Pauline Fathers at Jasna Gora. Later, Papal recognition of the miraculous image was made by Pope Clement XI in 1717. Jasna Gorna and the miraculous icon became the most venerated pilgrimage site in the country. Within the shrine, thousands of votives left by pilgrims over the centuries attest to the miraculous healing powers of the site, and this tradition also accounts for a large percentage of the visitors. Additionally, in recent years the shrine has gained even wider appeal because of its being the favored pilgrimage site of the Polish Pope, John Paul II. Since the year 1717, a walking pilgrimage has set out each year for Jasna Gora from all the regions of Poland. More than two hundred thousand pilgrims arrive at the shrine in this way.. During the Nazi occupation of Poland in WW II, Hitler ordered all religious pilgrimages closed. In a demonstration of love and trust in Our Lady, half a million Poles defied Hitler s orders and visited the shrine. Following the liberation of Poland in 1945, a million and a half people expressed their gratitude to their Madonna by praying before the miraculous image. And today, free from Communism, Czestochowa continues to be the religious heartbeat of Poland. To the miraculous, fearless Lady of Jasna Gora, the Polish go with their needs and petitions, their sorrows and their joys. Indeed she is their embattled, victorious, miraculous queen. Pray and be carriers of peace (Our Lady s Message)

9 Maximilian Kolbe Polish priest died as prisoner 16770 in Auschwitz, on August 14, 1941 The death camp Auschwitz became the killing centre during WWII where the largest numbers of European Jews were murdered by the Nazis. One Christian man who died here became a martyr to the truth of evils of Nazism - a true hero for our time, a saint who lived what he preached, total love toward God and man... Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish priest who died as prisoner 16770 in Auschwitz, on August 14, 1941. The story begins on 8 January, 1894 - Raymond Kolbe was born the second son of a poor weaver at Zdunska Wola near Lodz in Poland. In his infancy Raymond seems to have been normally mischievous but one day, after his mother had scolded him for some mischief or other, her words took effect and brought about a radical change in the child's behavior. Later Raymond explained this change: 'That night I asked Mary the Mother of God what was to become of me? Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.' In 1910 he became a Franciscan, taking the name Maximilian. He studied in Rome and was ordained a priest 28th April 1918. In 1919. He returned to the newly independent Maximilian Kolbe was beatified as Confessor by Paul VI in 1970, and canonized as Martyr by Pope John Paul II in 1981. Poland, where he was very active in promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, founding and supervising the monastery of Niepokalanów near Warsaw, a seminary, a radio station, and several other organizations and publications. In Kracow he initiated issuing the monthly magazine "Rycerz Niepokalanej" (The Knights of the Immaculate) in 1922, and in 1927 founded a Conventual Franciscan monastery at Niepokalanow, which became a major publishing centre. In 1930 he went to Asia, establishing Friaries in Nagasaki Japan and India. In 1936 he was recalled to supervise the original Friary near Warsaw. World War II started with the invasion of his nation by Nazi Germany. Kolbe provided shelter to refugees from Greater Poland, including 2,000 Jews whom he hid from Nazi persecution in his Friary in Niepokalanów. Inevitably, the community came under suspicion and was watched closely. On 17th February 1941, he was arrested by the German Gestapo and imprisoned in the Pawiak prison. On 28th May, he was transferred to the Auschwitz death camp, as prisoner no. 16670. Prisoners at Auschwitz were slowly and systematically starved, their pitiful rations were barely enough to

10 sustain a child. When food was brought, everyone struggled to get his place and be sure of a portion. Father Maximilian Kolbe however, stood aside in spite of the ravages of starvation, frequently there would be none left for him. At other times he shared his meager ration of soup or bread with others. In the harshness of the slaughterhouse Father Kolbe maintained the gentleness of Christ. At night he seldom would lie down to rest. He moved from bunk to bunk, saying: 'I am a Catholic priest. Can I do anything for you?' A prisoner later recalled how he and several others often crawled across the floor at night to be near the bed of Father Kolbe, to make their confessions and ask for consolation. Father Kolbe pleaded with his fellow prisoners to forgive their persecutors and to overcome evil with good. When he was beaten by the guards, he never cried out. Instead, he prayed for his tormentors. In order to discourage escapes, Auschwitz had a rule that if a man escaped, ten men would be killed in retaliation. In July 1941 a man from Kolbe's bunker escaped. The dreadful irony of the story is that the escaped prisoner was later found drowned in a camp latrine, so the terrible reprisals had been exercised without cause. But the remaining men of the bunker were led out. The ten were selected, including Franciszek Gajowniczek, imprisoned for helping the Polish Resistance. He couldn't help a cry of anguish. 'My poor wife!' he sobbed. 'My poor children! What will they do?' When he uttered this cry of dismay, Maximilian stepped silently forward, took off his cap, and stood before the commandant and said, 'I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place. I am old. He has a wife and children.' In his prison cell, Kolbe sang hymns with the prisoners. He led the other condemned men in song and prayer and encouraged them by telling them they would soon be with Mary in Heaven. One of the SS guards remarked: this priest is really a great man. We have never seen anyone like him. Maximilian Kolbe was executed on 14th August, 1941 at the age of fortyseven years, a martyr of charity. The cell where Father Kolbe died is now a shrine. Maximilian Kolbe was beatified as Confessor by Paul VI in 1970, and canonized as Martyr by Pope John Paul II in 1981. Pray for your shepherds. They belong to my Son. He called them. Pray that they may always have the strength and the courage to shine with the light of my Son. (June 2, 2015)

Edith Stein, saintly Carmelite, profound philosopher and brilliant writer, had a great influence on the women of her time, and is having a growing influence in the intellectual and philosophical circles of today s Germany and of the whole world. She is an inspiration to all Christians whose heritage is the Cross, and her life was offered for her own Jewish people in their sufferings and persecutions. Born on October 12, 1891, of Jewish parents, Siegried Stein and Auguste Courant, in Breslau, Germany, Edith Stein from her earliest years showed a great aptitude for learning, and by the time of the outbreak of World War I, she had studied philology and philosophy at the universities of Breslau and Goettingen. In the midst of all her studies, Edith Stein was searching not only for the truth, but for Truth itself and she found both in the Catholic Church, after reading the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila. She was baptized on New Year s Day, 1922. Edith received the Habit of Carmel and the religious name of "Teresia Benedicta ac Cruce," and on Easter Sunday, 21 April 1935, she made her Profession of Vows. When the Jewish persecution increased in violence and fanaticism, Sister Teresa Benedicta soon realized the danger that her presence was to the Cologne Carmel, and she asked and received permission to transfer to 11 EDITH STEIN Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Auschwitz 9th August 1942 a foreign monastery. On the night of 31 December 1938, she secretly crossed the border into Holland where she was warmly received in the Carmel of Echt. There she wrote her last work, The Science of the Cross. Her own Cross was just ahead of her, for the Nazis had invaded neutral Holland, and when the Dutch bishops issued a pastoral letter protesting the deportation of the Jews and the expulsion of Jewish children from the Catholic school system, the Nazis arrested all Catholics of Jewish extraction in Holland. Edith was taken from the Echt Carmel on 2nd August 1942, and transported by cattle train to the death camp of Auschwitz, the conditions in the box cars being so inhuman that many died or went insane on the four day trip. She died in the gas chambers at Auschwitz on 9th August 1942. We no longer seek her on earth, but with God Who accepted her sacrifice and will give its fruit to the people for whom she prayed, suffered, and died. In her own words: "One can only learn the science of the Cross by feeling the Cross in one s own person." We can say that in the fullest sense of the word, Sister Teresa was "Benedicta a Cruce" -- blessed by the Cross. Pope John Paul II beatified Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross on 1st May 1987, and canonizes her on 11th October 1998.

12 Saint Faustina Kowalska Poland On October 5, 1938, a young religious by the name Sister Faustina (Helen Kowalska) died in a convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Cracow, Poland. She came from a very poor family that had struggled hard on their little farm during the terrible years of WWI. Sister had had only three years of very simple education. Hers were the humblest of tasks in the convent, usually in the kitchen or the vegetable garden, or as a porter. On February 22, 1931, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ appeared to this simple nun, bringing with Him a wonderful message of Mercy for all mankind. Saint Faustina tells us in her diary under this date: "In the evening, when I was in my cell, I became aware of the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand was raised in blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From the opening of the garment at the breast there came forth two large rays, one red and the other pale. In silence I gazed intently at the Lord; my soul was overwhelmed with fear, but also with great joy. After a while Jesus said to me, 'paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the inscription: Jesus, I trust in You. " Sometime later, Our Lord again spoke to her: "The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous; the red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My most tender Mercy at that time when My agonizing Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross...Fortunate is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him." After her death from tuberculosis in 1938, even her closest associates were amazed as they began to discover what great sufferings and deep mystical experiences had been given to this Sister of theirs, who had always been so cheerful and humble THE CHAPLET TO THE DIVINE MERCY ( for recitation on ordinary rosary beads) Begin with: Our Father...Hail Mary...I believe in God On the five large beads: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. On the ten small beads: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Conclude with ( 3 times ): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. JESUS I TRUST IN YOU

13 Our Lady s message to Mirjana 2nd March 2016 Dear children! My coming to you is a gift from the Heavenly Father for you. Through His love I am coming to help you to find the way to the truth, to find the way to my Son. I am coming to confirm the truth to you. I desire to remind you of the words of my Son. He pronounced words of salvation for the entire world, the words of love for everyone - that love which He proved by His sacrifice. But even today, many of my children do not know Him, they do not want to come to know Him, they are indifferent. Because of their indifference my heart suffers painfully. My Son has always been in the Father. By being born on earth He brought the divine and from me received the human. With Him the word came among us. With Him came the light of the world which penetrates hearts, illuminates them and fills them with love and consolation. My children, all those who love my Son can see Him, because His face can be seen through the souls which are filled with love for Him. Therefore, my children, my apostles, listen to me. Leave vanity and selfishness. Do not live only for what is earthly and material. Love my Son and make it so that others may see His face through your love for Him. I will help you to come to know Him all the more. I will speak to you about Him. Thank you. Our Lady s Annual Apparition to Mirjana 18th March 2016 ( Mirjana s Birthday ) Dear children! with a motherly heart filled with love for you, my children, I desire to teach you complete trust in God the Father. I desire for you to learn by an internal gaze and internal listening to follow God's will. I desire for you to learn to boundlessly trust in His mercy and His love, as I always trusted. Therefore, my children, cleanse your hearts. Free yourselves from everything that binds you to only what is earthly and permit what is of God to form your life by your prayer and sacrifice so that God's Kingdom may be in your heart; that you may begin to live proceeding from God the Father; that you may always strive to walk with my Son. But for all of this, my children, you must be poor in spirit and filled with love and mercy. You must have pure and simple hearts and always be ready to serve. My children, listen to me, I speak for your salvation. Thank you. Brief History: Medjugorje visionary Mirjana has received all 10 "Medjugorje Secrets." Having received all the secrets, Our Lady told Mirjana she would now receive only one annual apparition a year on March 18th. However for some years now, Mirjana is receiving a special message on the 2nd of each month. Part of these messages are shared with the world, the rest remains a secret.

14 Medjugorje Centre North East www.medjugorjene.co.uk MIDDLESBROUGH CENTRE FOR PEACE MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGES 22nd May 29th May 2016 and 14th Sept 21st Sept 2016 FLYING from NEWCASTLE Cost 539 (Sharing) MIDDLESBROUGH CENTRE FOR PEACE MEDJUGORJE EVENING Friday 8th April 2016 Friday 13th May 2016 7.30pm to 9.30pm Rosary : Holy Mass : Talk : Witness JOHN PAUL CENTRE 55 GRANGE ROAD, MIDDLESBROUGH, TS1 5AU For further details please contact: Mrs Marie Bedingfield Tel: 01642 530739 For further details please contact: Mrs Marie Bedingfield Tel: 01642 530739 ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE 2016 8th 15th June 2016 FULL Flying from Newcastle Half Board Hotel Orbis Close to St. James Church Travelling with Aglow Pilgrimages, Harrogate Stand-by list available ring Kath Ash 01670 733358 And there coming to meet them was Jesus. Greetings, he said. ( Mathew 28:8 ) Easter Blessings Medjugorje Centre N.E The Centre recognizes and accepts that the final authority regarding the apparitions at Medjugorje rests with the Holy See of Rome. We willingly submit to that judgement.