A Catholic Magazine on the Holy Angels Vo l 10 • issue 3 • 2019 £ 2,00 € 2,50 $ 5,00 ISSN 2081-5077

e Relic stone and scapular e language of gratitude Encountering St Michael How to pray the Rosary eff ectively Mother of Africa Strong arm of my guardian angel DEAR READERS CONTENTS

Saint Michael belongs to the choir of the Page 3 The language archangels which is one of the lowest of gratitude choirs by nature, but because of his outstanding zeal for the glory of God at the Page 4 Encountering time of Satan’s rebellion he merited such St Michael – testimony glory and power that he excelled through grace to the level of angels that belong to Page 6 The scapular the much higher choirs by nature. of St Michael and relic stones here is a war described in the He appeared at different times to twelfth chapter of the Book of those who needed help and implored Page 9 St Michael's Revelation. This is a war car- his aid. Several apparitions have been cannon hymns Tried out against a woman and her recorded during the Christian centu- child by the Dragon and his angels. ries. For example, St Michael showed Page 10 We truly do believe That woman represents in the first place himself to the shepherd and to the bish- in miracles – testimony the Church, but in a symbolic sense op of Siponto, on Monte Gargano in Mary. St Michael took part in this battle Italy. In this apparition he intimated to Page 12 The strong arm and finally the dragon was cast out. A the bishop that the place was under his of my guardian angel dragon symbolises the Devil. protection and it was his will that God – testimony St Michael never ceases to wage should be worshiped there, in honour war against his and our enemy. Saints of himself and the angels and that this Page Who is like God? encourage us to pray to him and to place would be the place of reconcili- 13 be under his protection. For example, ation. And this promise has been ful- Page St Raphael St Francis de Sales wrote, “Veneration filled. The Shrine to St Michael attracts 16 of St Michael is the greatest remedy many pilgrims and when they enter this the Archangel against despising the rights of God, place of worship, many have a great against subordination, scepticism and desire to go to confession, even though Page 19 Graces drawn from one infidelity”. That is why when we feel they did not think about it beforehand. vessel which is trust strong temptations and we tend to give I assure you of the constant daily into them, we should turn to St Michael prayers of the priests of the Congregation Page 22 Confession, the Archangel and ask him for help. of St Michael the Archangel for all our the fountain St Michael was the protector and readers and their families. of God’s mercy defender of God’s chosen people. Now God bless you, he is the defender of the Church. He Fr Peter Prusakiewicz CSMA Page 23 How to pray is invoked in sickness and most espe- www.stmichaelthearchangel.info the Rosary effectively cially at the hour of death. www.stmichaelthearchangel.us Page 26 Mother of Africa English translations: Agata Pawłowska, Isabel Brak, Joanna Jabłońska Graphics & Layout: Jacek Kawa Page 27 Pilgrimage advert TheAngels Website: www.stmichaelthearchangel.info Messengers from a loving God www.stmichaelthearchangel.us • www.kjb.24pl A Catholic Quarterly Magazine on Holy Angels Editorial Office:The Angels Magazine Page 28 I do care – testimony Publisher: The Congregation ul. Piłsudskiego 248/252, 05-261 Marki. Poland of Saint Michael the Archangel – Poland Email: [email protected] Page The editors reserve the right to modify and edit submitted articles with 29 Angelic bookshop Editor-In-Chief: Father Peter Prusakiewicz (CSMA) a view to brevity, clarity and style. Deputy Editor and Chief Co-ordinator: Noreen Bavister © 2019 CSMA – All rights reserved Page 30 Missions and retreats Editorial Staff:Agata Pawłowska, Karol Wojteczek, Imprimatur: General Superior of the Congregation of St Michael the Archangel Magdalena Swierczewska, Magdalena Szczecina, Circulation: 4 000 Karolina Szydłowska ISSN 2081-5077 Printed in Poland Page 32 2019 Irish mission

2 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 MICHAELITE SPIRITUALITY The language of gratitude We now spend more and more of our free time travelling, often abroad. At the same time, we no longer need to travel in order to experience different places and people for the world comes to us and we experience a range of cultures on our own doorstep.

y recent experience with a we communicate with another person, know the Truth. I will strive with all the person of a different culture but on our different approaches to life. strength I possess to follow this Truth and and mentality made me re- The first person I spoke with, critical will not go aside from it by a single step. I Malise certain things. While carrying and demanding, had faced difficult -ex am prepared for every possible humilia- out a particular transaction, I dealt periences in the recent past. The second tion. With gratitude I will do everything, I initially with an individual from person, on the other hand, radiated have bound myself to such gratitude – for Poland, who approached the matter a sense of gratitude and peace which eternity – to be granted one glimpse of the very efficiently, but when it came to was easily communicated to others. Truth. You, Lord, have bestowed (Your establishing the terms of our trans- I then recalled the words of St Paul: gifts) so abundantly.” action, turned out to be very critical “And may the peace of Christ reign in Fr Markiewicz wished to pledge his and judgemental, so much so that the your hearts, because it is for this that whole life in thanksgiving in exchange conversation at times became quite you were called together in one body. for one glimpse of God and awareness disagreeable. Carrying out a similar Always be thankful” (Colossians, 3:15). of Him. St Paul reminds us, that a per- transaction a number of weeks later, I won’t cast judgement on whether this son who is redeemed by the blood of this time with a person from another difference arises from our Polish trait Christ has good reason for gratitude in country, it felt as if I encountered an of incessant complaining, always seeing every circumstance, as there is noth- entirely new world. For this particu- the glass as half empty. That’s not the ing on this earth as valuable as our lar person (who dealt with the mat- point. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the redemption. ter just as efficiently as the first), the same for every believer. So the words When we are strong and have the terms of our transaction were clear, of St Paul are for each of us a call to a impression that we control our own obvious and entirely justified. But heavenly way of life – filled with peace destiny, such thanksgiving comes hard- that is not what was significant in this and gratitude. That is our daily task. er to us. Our hearts feel it much more instance. Above all, I encountered an In his meditation on 31 August 1867, easily when we experience our depend- openness and courtesy in the way Fr Bronisław Markiewicz wrote of the ence on God and others. In fact, we are she spoke to me. The conversation, need to develop our sense of thankful- just as dependent at every moment of in English, (a foreign language for ness to God for making himself known our lives, but don’t generally pay this both interlocutors) proved no barrier to us. This, to Blessed Bronisław, was fact much attention. The gratitude and to treating both the people involved a matter of fundamental importance thanksgiving of which the Apostle Paul and the matter in hand with respect. I in moments of doubt. For it, that is, speaks, is a joyful task, as it expresses saw how the very same matter could for moments of meeting with God, he our trust in God’s care for us in each be approached with a very different gave everything: “Infallible truth – may and every situation with complete inner attitude and conclusion. Much de- I come to know you. Even if I were to equanimity. It is a conscious entrust- pends on what attitude we choose glimpse you but for a moment and then ment of our inner self to God in every to have to other people. die. I would happily give up health and circumstance of life and a testimony of Analysing this situation, I came to even life, if only I could do away with this Christ’s peace which we give to others. the conclusion that differences do not terrible uncertainty and inner struggle. depend on the outward ways in which God, reveal yourself, if you exist. Let me Joanna Krzywonos

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 3 TESTIMONIES Encountering St Michael The devotion to saints in the Catholic Church has been a common practice for many centuries. The lives and teachings of particular saints not only helps us understand God’s plan for them, but also provides good examples of how we, too, may follow Jesus closely in our own lives.

here are saints we have heard of doctors could help him in any way. His but, don't know much about: mother travelled around the country St Joseph, for example, or the seeking a remedy or therapy, but in Guardian TGood Thief or the whole legions of vain. Eventually, one of the doctors “At that time Michael will arise the angels. How does one describe St suggested visiting an exorcist. She took great Prince, defender of your people” Michael the Archangel? I think we her son and went to the church asking (Daniel 12:1). need to accept the fact that we can- for an exorcist priest. However, it was It happens that sometimes we not present the spiritual being in a not a good time as some of the priests act without thinking and a habit is traditional hagiographic way. Such were sick, while others were busy. I was formed. The next story I am going to facts as the date of birth, the place of the only person available to whom she share is St Michael’s protective inter- living, the occupation or the place of could talk. During our conversation vention. As a young boy in my noviti- his relics do not refer to him. the face of the man changed and he ate I was sent to clean corridors on the Fortunately, we may find some in- said with a changed voice: “I hate you. second floor of our building. Cleaning formation about angels in the Bible There is no help. Never pray for me!” I does not require any intellectual effort where their personalities and their mis- was frightened as it was the first time as I washed the corridors immersed sions are presented. We may have an I experienced evil spiritual powers in in my thoughts. It was a monotonous open mind to acknowledge signs of an- an almost tangible form. I focused my chore and I was not thinking of what gelic presence and interventions among mind and started to ask St Michael for I was doing or what was happening us. We may also use our reasoning to help. After that the man was sitting around me. I got to the stairs I was draw particular conclusions from it. still, looking as if he was resting. His supposed to clean from top to bot- I would like to share some aspects mother said, “That’s very strange. It’s tom. I started to wash step after step, of St Michael, described in the Bible, the first time I see him so calm dur- going down backwards. However, I that I found in my life. ing the attack. Usually, he acts so ag- began to feel a bit anxious having the gressively that several men must hold impression that I forgot about some- him so he would not hurt himself or thing. I couldn’t remember what it others.” was. Suddenly, I had an inner thought: Effective helper After the encounter I realised how ‘Turn around!’ “There is no one to lend me sup- lucky I was to have St Michael, such ‘What for?’ I thought. ‘There’s port except Michael your Prince” a great helper, by my side. I had no nothing behind me. I know these (Daniel 10:21). doubt that thanks to him there was no stairs like the back of my hand.’ There are situations in which one manifestation of the evil spirit taking ‘Turn around immediately! the in- just feels helpless, especially when one control over the situation. St Michael ner voice almost shouted. experiences sinister powers overtaking the Archangel has the power to pro- The moment I did it I knocked over one totally. Ten years ago, when I was a tect from evil effectively, to say no to the bucket of water which flooded the young priest, a man of extreme mental the Devil. This was the very first time rest of the stairs and the corridor. I suffering was brought to me. He was where I met St Michael as strong, steely managed to keep my balance. But for treated for many years but none of the and uncompromising about evil. the inner warning I would probably

4 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 fought back with his angels, but they were defeated and driven out of heaven” (Rev 12:7-8). Blessed Fr Bronisław Markiewicz used to compare spiritual life to a bloodless battle. All who wish to de- velop spiritually experience inner struggle. As in every fight/struggle sometimes we are winners and some- times we are losers. We endure defeats and the pain of rising up from falls. A few years ago I had a feeling that everything I had done for years of for- have fallen down the stairs from quite a and I felt the burden of my sins as mation was in vain. I couldn’t see the great height. I looked at the picture on well as the need to leave it in the sac- chance to rebuild at least a part of my the wall. It was St Michael conquering rament of reconciliation. I prayed for spiritual development. Discouraged the dragon. I realised the inner voice a good confession and a good confes- and distraught I read the Book of was his: caring for me and calling to sor for a week. I used to kneel at the Revelation in search of some inspira- me. Saved and relieved, I whispered, side altar of St Michael in the Holy tion. The battle between good and evil “Thank you.” I finished the cleaning Trinity Church in my city. I didn’t was described there and I felt as if St without further incident. know the Michaelite Fathers then nor Michael was fighting with me! I was did I know of St Michael being their so focused on my failures that I didn’t patron saint. notice that it was my ‘old man’ dying Shaky, I knelt down to confession in me. I decided to take my salvation Merciful angel and... I was heard, accepted and – seriously and not let any ‘door’ in me to “Not even the Archangel Michael, most importantly – absolved. I al- be opened for the evil one and closed when he was engaged in argument ways keep in mind the priest who for Jesus Christ. St Michael’s attitude with the Devil about the corpse of heard my confession. It was one of towards evil in the Book of Revelation Moses, dared to denounce him in the the Michaelite Fathers I met several just confirmed a conviction in me that language of abuse. All he said was, times in my pastoral work. Probably, there is no place for half-measures and ‘May the Lord rebuke you.’” (Jude 1:9). he doesn’t even realise how much he self-deception in spiritual life. I de- As a teenager I refused to go to helped me at that time. I met merciful cided to take up the bloodless battle confession. There were many reasons God in that confession. I believe in and I do it every day. St Michael is my for my decision, one of which was St Michael’s intercession in my case. inspiration and a reminder that there an experience I had in confession He just sent ‘his man’ who pulled the are values worth fighting for. as a young boy. From that moment yoke of a hurting confession off me the sacrament of penance reminded and reopened the way to heaven. I My aim in writing this testimony me of my emotional wounds, and the realised that, thanks to St Michael the is to give consideration to St Michael sadness, disgrace and shame I felt. Archangel, I experienced the sweet- not only as a subject of theological Today, as an adult, I would consider ness of God’s mercy in the sacrament enquiry and debate but as a real help- it differently, but then I just thought: of reconciliation. er in my life as a man, a Christian ‘Never more’. I abandoned my faith and a priest and who believes he will and the Church, wishing to forget continue to receive help and support what had happened. Brave warrior in future encounters with this great But there came a time when I “And now war broke out in heav- Archangel. started to choose Christianity as my en, when Michael with his angels way. Jesus woke up my conscience attacked the dragon. The dragon Fr Mateusz Szerszeń CSMA

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 5 DO YOU KNOW? The scapular of St Michael and relic stones The value of the scapular of St Michael the Archangel and the white stones, housed in reliquaries, from the Grotto in Monte Sant’Angelo, Italy.

iven the sheer number of Pius IX gave this scapular his bless- in bearing the crosses and difficulties telephone calls, emails and ing, the very first scapular that was of life. The front section of the scapu- letters received from differ- formally approved was the scapular lar, worn on the chest, reminds us Gent countries over the last twelve approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1880. that our hearts should love God and months, regarding the scapular Today the scapular of St Michael our neighbour and that we should at- and the white stones, housed in consists of two layers of woollen cloth tempt to free ourselves from earthly reliquaries, from the miraculous in the shape of a shield, hand-made attachments, and, through the inter- sacred cave in Monte Sant’Angelo, by the Carmelite Sisters. When sew- cession of St Michael the Archangel, Gargano, Italy, we thought it would ing each stitch the sisters pray for strive to attain eternal goods. be useful to update and include the each person who will receive the Wearing the scapular should re- following compendium to frequent- scapular. The material comes in two mind us of our Christian duties and ly-asked questions. colours, black and navy blue. The of the assurance of St Michael’s inter- black side has the image of St Michael cession on our behalf. The scapular from the shrine at Mont Sant’Angelo expresses our Christian faith that we on Mount Gargano, the navy-blue will meet God in eternity, thanks to Scapular side shows the image of Our Lady the intercession and protection of St from Miejsce Piastowe, near Krosno, Michael the Archangel. of St Michael Poland (the motherhouse of the The very first scapular of St Michaelite Fathers). The conditions of accepting the Michael the Archangel was intro- The scapular of St Michael the scapular are: duced in the 19th century at the Archangel is an outward sign of 1. You should accept the scapular Church of St Eustace in Rome and entrustment to St Michael and of from the hands of an accredited belonged to the Brotherhood of belonging to the Michaelite fam- priest or deacon. St Michael the Archangel, estab- ily. It is worn in order to propagate 2. You should wear it continually. lished in Rome on 30th August 1878. the veneration of St Michael the 3. You should recite Pope Leo XIII’s Unlike most scapulars, rather than Archangel. People who have accept- short prayer of exorcism daily. being rectangular in shape, it was ed the scapular are called to serve made in the shape of a shield. One Christ and His Church in the spirit What role does the scapular play? side is navy blue in colour, the other of the Congregation of St Michael 1. The scapular is a sign of having black, with these same two colours the Archangel, as seen in its mot- chosen St Michael the Archangel on the ribbons. Both ends of the toes of, ‘Who is like to God?’ and as our particular protector in the scapular had a picture of St Michael ‘Temperance and Work’. The section fight against sin and temptation. the Archangel killing the dragon worn on a person’s back signifies an 2. The scapular is the uniform of and the words ‘Quis ut Deus’. Pope attitude of acceptance of God’s Will the angelic army. In the same way

6 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 that we recognize a soldier, police statue of St Michael the Archangel offi cer or priest by their cloth- from the shrine in Gargano, 3-6 May ing, so we can also recognize the 2013 A.D. Brotherhood of the scapular by Stone is a common and natu- the wearing of this sign. rally occurring material, utilised by 3. Th e scapular as a garment and mankind since the earliest times. Its clothing is intended to protect characteristic properties are hard- the body. Th e scapular plays a ness, roughness and durability, which similar role in the interior life: it is why it was thought to be suitable protects us from every potential for the writing of texts considered obstacle on the road to salvation, worthy to be preserved in perpetuity. that is, from sin, from Satan and Th e particular shapes and mysterious from hell. colours present within stone seem to 4. Th e wearing of the scapular is a indicate the existence of superhuman source of grace which assists us in power, which fi lled primitive man making the sacrifi ces required to with an almost religious awe and fear. fi ght sin and to imitate Christ. Th e word ‘stone’ appears 337 times in the Bible as a noun and 30 times Th ere is no impediment to small as an adjective. children receiving the scapular. It is Stone was particularly prized in advisable, however, that they should the Ancient World. It was consid- be of an age to be capable of under- ered propitious. It indicated pros- standing the basic truths of the Faith, perity and a change in fortune for preferably aft er having received their the better. White stones were used First Holy Communion. to mark happy and festive occasions. Only a baptised person may In the Bible, we read of a white stone wear the scapular. Th e scapular is on only one occasion, and that in an item blessed and approved by the Book of Revelation, where Jesus the Catholic Church so a person Himself will give a white stone: “to wearing it needs to belong to the those who prove victorious I will same Church where the scapular give some hidden manna and a is from. Th ere should be cohesion white stone, with a new name writ- and harmony between one’s beliefs ten on it, known only to the person and religious items they wear. Th ose who receives it” (Revelation 2:17). who wear crosses or medallions of Th e victors will share a happy fate St Michael or Our Lady are imme- – they will inherit the Kingdom diately identifi ed as Christians. It of God, in which each person will should be the same with a scapular. take up the place which has been reserved for them and will be called by their own name. God’s creative Italy, a worried Bishop Alfonso love will express the true identity Puccinelli entreated the help of St White stones and essence of the beloved person Michael the Archangel. In order to by means of their name. prevail on the Archangel for his in reliquaries Stone plays an integral part in the swift intervention with the Lord, he Th e stones from the grotto – the story of the revelation of St Michael at placed into the hands of his statue the heavenly basilica in Gargano, Italy. Gargano. When, in 1656, the plague words of a prayer composed on be- In memory of the visit of the pilgrim was decimating the population of half of all the town’s inhabitants. Th e

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 7 DO YOU KNOW? PRAYERS reply received on 22nd September The chief editor of The Angels at the bishop’s palace in Monte magazine is Fr Peter Prusakiewicz, SCAPULAR Sant’Angelo was swift in coming. from the Congregation of St Michael During his morning prayer, Bishop the Archangel and he brings English INVESTITURE Alfonso first heard what sounded speaking pilgrims to this Shrine. The like an earthquake, after which, in religious order to which he belongs a flash of dazzling light, he saw St are Custodians of The Shrine of St Rite of blessing and inves- Michael the Archangel. He was also Michael the Archangel in Monte titure of the Scapular of St commanded to bless stones from the Sant’Angelo in Italy. Michael the Archangel. grotto, on which he was to inscribe In most cases an Act of Consecration the sign of the cross and the letters prayer from the Sanctuary in Mont M.A. (Michael the Archangel). At Sant’Angelo (FG) Italy is sent with the Any priest or deacon can con- the same time, St Michael assured white stone by return of post from duct the ceremony of blessing and him that whoever shall possess such the UK office and the USA office. bestowing of the Scapular of St a stone and keep it with devotion Stones ordered direct from the Shrine Michael the Archangel according will be preserved from sickness. This in Monte Sant’Angelo can take some to the following ritual. promise proved true and all who pos- months to be processed depending on V. Our help is in the name of sessed the stones were soon freed the volume of orders. the Lord. from the fatal disease. Our office in Canada will be R. Who made heaven and earth. Many priests therefore invite the opening an office shortly to deal with V. The Lord be with you. statue from Gargano into their par- The Angel magazine and sending out R. And with your spirit. ishes and communities. And so, St scapulars, relic stone and other reli- Almighty, everlasting God, who Michael the Archangel comes, and gious items. dost graciously defend thy Church leaves us small stones from the heav- from the wiles of the devil through enly grotto. This white stone is today USA St Michael the Archangel, we our weapon, and a stone as a weapon Colleen Keelan humbly implore thee to bless + against evil signifies Christ. The Angel Magazine and sanctify + this scapular in- The Apostle Peter goes deeper 1401 Whittier Road, troduced for arousing and foster- and teaches us that Jesus is the liv- Grosse Pointe Park, ing devotion among thy faithful ing stone, chosen by God and pre- MI 48230, USA toward this great protector. And cious to Him, so that, “as living stones Phone: +1–313–647–5072 do thou grant that all who wear it be yourselves built into a spiritual Email: may be strengthened by the same house” (1 Peter 2:4-5), with the as- [email protected] Holy Archangel, so as to vanquish sistance of St Michael the Archangel. www.stmichaelthearchangel.us the enemies of body and soul, both Please ask a priest to bless the in this life and at the hour of death. white stone from the heavenly grotto United Kingdom Through Christ our Lord. at the Shrine of St Michael. All stones and Worldwide P. Let us pray. in the reliquary are fragile and should Noreen Bavister Lord, look upon us praying and be handled with care. Office of Knighthood of St Michael kindly hear the supplication of your The custodians of the Shrine P.O. Box 4332 Harlington servant dedicated to the special pro- at St Michael the Archangel in Dunstable Beds, LU6 9DG U.K. tection of St Michael the Archangel Gargano do not supply a Certificate Email: [email protected] that through his intercession s/he of Authentication to go with the Phone: +44 (0) 7795–318–605 may avoid any offence against you white stones housed in the deli- www.stmichaelthearchangel.info and may reach holiness in this life cate reliquaries. Certificates of and after death the prize of eternal Authentication are usually reserved Fr Rafał Szwajca CSMA, life. Through Christ our Lord. for the relics of saints. Marki, Near Warsaw, Poland R. Amen

8 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 SONGS

St Michael’s canon hymns Oh St Michael the Archangel You are praising Our God. Help us conquer evil spirits, Always stand by Christ Our Lord. Help us conquer evil spirits, Always stand by Christ Our Lord. Mi-cha-el! With Angels let us join in song, May it rise like a mighty gong, May it start swinging like a bell. With all your heart call: Mi-cha-el! Mi-cha-el, may it sound even stronger, Mi-cha-el, may it last even longer, Mi-cha-el , may it reach even higher, Mi-cha-el! From the earth, may it reach the sky, This song that Angels sing on high. Like bread with others let us share, with all your heart call: Mi-cha-el! Mi-cha-el, may it sound even stronger, Mi-cha-el may it last even longer, Mi-cha-el , may it reach even higher, Mi-cha-el! The God himself who dwells above, Is worthy of your gift of love. All human doubts he can dispel, with all your heart call: Mi-cha-el! Mi-cha-el, may it sound even stronger, Mi-cha-el may it last even longer, Mi-cha-el , may it reach even higher, Mi-cha-el!

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 9 TESTIMONIES We truly do believe in miracles Dear Father Peter Prusakiewicz, Margaret Mary’s and learnt that there because she was frail, old, kneeling, would be a Healing Mass in a few praying with her rosary beads and I feel I have to write to you a short weeks’ time led by a visiting priest wearing her scapular. You returned account of my family’s recent story from overseas. to the altar. because you are also involved and I Anto, his father, my daughter, After your sermon you came believe you will find it interesting. Marianne, and I attended that Mass back and stood in front of me and My name is Maria Riger, born in at Merrylands on 20th March, 2019. asked me to open my hand which Sydney, Australia of Croatian par- You preached during the homily at was closed holding the four stones ents. I have two adult daughters, both the Mass which we found very inter- in the reliqueries. I opened my married to Croatian men. My older esting and it was fascinating learn- small hand and you blessed the four daughter is Marianne and her hus- ing about the stories and miracles stones with the first class relic of band, Anto, is the reason I am writ- of St Michael the Archangel and St St Sister Faustina. After the bless- ing to you. Sister Faustina. (I wish you did not ing you moved away. People around They lived in Greystanes, NSW, have your watch in front of you so me gasped when they saw this and the next suburb of Merrylands, you would have spoken longer!). some told me I was blessed and were until late last year when they sold You said at the end of Mass that touching me on the arm. their home and bought a house in we could line up and you would I went outside the church where Ryde, NSW, Australia. Marianne and bless whoever wished to be blessed my family was waiting and I told Anto moved into their new home in and any religious items. You held them that I believed a miracle just February 2019. A few days after the the cross which contained the relic occurred and I hoped it meant that house move, my son-in-law, Anto, of St Faustina and blessed the peo- Sister Faustina was sending me a aged 36, was diagnosed with a rare ple with it. message that Anto would be fine. form of bowel cancer. Due to the I was one of the last in line to be location of the bowl cancer, Anto blessed. In my left hand were the was informed by his oncologist that items I had purchased that evening, he would probably have to remove four stones, and in my right were all Six weeks Anto’s colon and part of his intestine of the reading material, prayer books, and most likely Anto would have a etc., that were being sold at the back of treatment permanent colostomy bag for the of the church. I then moved over to Since then, Anto endured six rest of his life. the pilgrim statue of St Michael to weeks of painful radiation and chem- pray alongside other people who otherapy in preparation for his op- were also praying. eration which was booked for today, You came over to where we were 24th June, 2019. Healing Mass standing and there was an elderly Anto visited his oncologist on Anto’s parents live in the parish lady who was kneeling at the side 14th June after his last MRI scan of St Margaret Mary’s Church in of the statue. You stood there look- and was told that the tumour which Merrylands. That evening he went ing at her and I thought you were was originally about 4cm in size had to visit them and went to Mass at St going to give her a special blessing shrunk. The oncologist was hopeful

10 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 Surgery cancelled On Friday 21st June 2019 Anto and Marianne went back to the on- cologist. He told them that surgery scheduled that day was to be can- celled. Anto’s tumour was gone, he is in remission and that they were to go home and celebrate!!! The biopsy came back negative for cancer cells. He will still have to have a course of chemotherapy and be closely moni- tored regularly. Our family, friends and even those who do not know Anto constantly prayed to Our Lord, Our Lady, St Faustina, St Michael the Archangel, St Peregrine and many other saints for a full recovery. We truly feel blessed and so grate- ful that our prayers have been heard. We will continue to pray for his good health for the rest of his life. As a footnote, I would like to let you know that when I was driving to their home to look after their children this past week, the car in front of me had the number plate ‘ANGELS’ on it and I hoped that it was a good sign, which it turned out to be! I later remembered it was the name of your magazine as well.

Owen Beard, www.unsplash.com Owen Beard, So God bless you, Father, for your work you do around the world and that he may be able to save Anto with a visiting University Fellow. He know that you, particularly, have from having a permanent colostomy was particularly interested in Anto’s people in Australia who will never bag, but all would depend on when case because of his having this type of forget your visit and that Mass fol- he operated and actually saw the bowl cancer at such a young age and lowed by evening prayers that we tumour. The operation was going felt that his case warranted further shared with you, and the results that ahead. investigation. Anto also had a biopsy came about from it. We truly do be- Out of nowhere my daughter re- procedure done, which this Fellow lieve in miracles. ceived a call on Tuesday 18th June from the Netherlands personally at- Kind regards, from the hospital requesting her to tended, and all of these results were take all of Anto’s scans to them so that referred on to his fellow colleague in Maria Riger, NSW Australia his oncologist could discuss his case the Netherlands. 24th June 2019

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 11 TESTIMONIES The strong arm of my guardian angel few years ago I lived on an an incredible force was pushing me My second testimony is from the island and the only means of in the opposite direction, in such time when I was at college. It was a leaving the island to travel to a way that I found myself on deck. period during which my life was be- Awork was to take a ferry. Early one Before I became fully aware of what ing turned upside down and every- morning I was afraid of being late for had happened, as I was in a state of thing was very difficult for me. One work as I could see the ferry leaving extreme shock, I was approached day I was travelling to college and from the quayside and the next ferry by a number of pale and terrified my thoughts were elsewhere, as I was due 20 minutes later, meaning looking members of the crew. I ex- was considering what was happen- that I would be late for work. Despite pected a severe telling-off, but heard ing with my life. I wanted to cross the fact that the barrier was already only, “Child, we saw you falling on a busy road to the bus stop on the down, I made a run for the ferry. I these ramps and being pulled in.”I opposite side. As my bus was due to was carrying a heavy backpack and am convinced that it was my guard- arrive I did not wait for the lights to took a running jump. As I jumped, ian angel who saved me and pushed change and dashed across the road, my leg got caught between the clos- me forward, acting against the pull without looking to either side of me. ing ramps on the ferry. I was stuck in of gravity which, given the weight Unfortunately, there were a lot of ve- a position where my body was being of my backpack, was then forcing hicles on the road and, being sunk pulled towards the water. Suddenly, me down. deep in thought, I was not really pay- ing attention to what was happening around me. I was already in the mid- dle of the road when a car drove right past me and another car was coming in my direction. I had no way of get- ting back onto the pavement. At that moment, I suddenly felt that my body was being moved. I made a curious turn and, instead of finding myself on the bonnet of the oncoming car, then speeding towards me, I fitted into the space between two cars. I believe that my guardian an- gel was protecting me, as I myself was incapable of moving from the spot and my body was propelled by some outside force, thanks to which I avoided being involved in a poten- tial accident.

Magda, Edinburgh

12 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 THROUGH LIFE WITH ANGELS Who is like God? Archangel Michael: Meaning - “Who is like God”, “Like unto God”, “Who is like the Divine”. The first angel created by God, Michael is the leader of all the archangels and is in charge of protection, courage, strength, truth and integrity.

Angels are military ghosts, arranged There was a terrible clash of an- in a hierarchy from privates to the high- gels obedient to God and those diso- est grades. The staff of generals surpass bedient to Him. The former fought all hierarchies of the choirs of angels. under Michael, the disobedient un- Lucifer was the most perfect among der Lucifer. The angels obedient to generals and he did not accept God’s God won, and the army of those decision. Lucifer regarded man’s service who disobeyed was thrown to the as his humiliation. Man is the smallest ground, where Adam was. Heaven of spirits, and in addition connected was cleansed of rebels. with the body, so this service was unac- www.commons.wikimedia.org ceptable for the ambitious angels. Why was Lucifer then knocked „„St Michael Archangel by Guido Reni, 1636 down to earth? Was there a division of angels then? Because He was given the test The angels then became divided: of freedom and obedience and was Can you say a few words about the there was a split in the army created free to make a choice and to decide title of the Polish version of The by God. Lucifer stood at the head of whether he wished to be a beloved Angels magazine ‘Who is like God?’ those rebellious ones, not directly and obedient son of God or whether This is the mysterious name of against God, but against man. He said he preferred to listen to someone else. Michael the Archangel. He, during to God, “No!” Some of the angels were We know the story of sin and how the test of obedience, which God gave in favour and on Lucifer’s side, think- humanity gave up obedience to God, all reasonable and free creatures, de- ing that man was to serve them, not under the rule of Lucifer, who in the cidedly supported God. He said the vice versa. Scriptures is called Satan, and he has words: “Who is like God!” yet quite a few other names. He has In the New Testament, Michael legions of obedient angels at his dis- What was this test about? leads God’s armies against Satan’s posal, which we call demons. Tradition conveys it in the form forces in the Book of Revelation, of an order God gave all the angels where during the war in heaven So man faced a similar dilemma: when He created man on earth. He he defeats Satan. Listen to God or not? stated to them that Adam would be The angels are created by God As we know Adam symbolizes the His adopted son and therefore rec- individually and organized accord- “heavenly spirit”, Eve symbolizes the ommended all angels to serve man ing to military hierarchy and obedi- “human soul”, the Tree of Knowledge as His son. He put man at their head. ence (the nine choirs of angels). At symbolizes “the human world”, and Man would give orders to all the the head of the obedient angels St the serpent symbolizes “attachment angels. This test was a shock for the Michael stood and said, “Who is like to the human world”. perfect angels who have seen their God?”. In other words, he announced Yes, the fall of Adam therefore superiority, in every respect. to be for God, not for Lucifer. represents the way humanity became

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 13 THROUGH LIFE WITH ANGELS conscious of good and evil and he was Him asking for forgiveness and tak- Yes, he can. Man is a free creature subjected to the same test and was also ing responsibility for all the conse- and may imitate the Devil, which we free to choose. And so it is for each quences of their disobedience. see at every step. person today who makes a conscious decision to listen to God or not. Is sin not a damage to freedom? Would you talk about the issue of Sin weakens the will but it does freedom, especially the freedom We say that Adam lost everything not destroy a reconnection to God we do not have? and the irrevocable consequences and freedom. Good question. We only think we of his sin affect all of us: that we don’t have it. But a saint for exam- have lost not only heaven, but also And addicts? ple is free. He or she is weak but free. freedom, and that Adam is guilty They destroy their freedom and Weakness does not nullify freedom. of our misfortune. take full responsibility for this, and also Holiness is not that we should not That’s how people think about for the consequences of their words, sin, but that we should go to God Adam’s sin and accuse him of our decisions and behaviour. If a man lost with our sin and apologize to him, ignorance of what is the original his freedom completely, he would not feeling that I was responsible for what sin, but it is only a small part of the be a man, and this is impossible. Man I did. This is proof of freedom and truth. There is no collective respon- remains human for eternity. responsibility. Today many people sibility before God. Sooner or later doubt their freedom and, if they were each man personally will face the But many people choose to be not free, they would not be able to test: obedience to God or to some- irresponsible… love God, themselves or people. The one else. You cannot choose it. You can modern world attempts to deprive run away from responsibility but it men of freedom and change them And if a man wants to do his own is pointless. Sooner or later man will into robots. The robot will never say, will and does not want to obey God, stand before God and, seeing what he “Who is like God!” then what are the consequences? has done, will take responsibility for He immediately passes under it for one hundred percent. How does a believer deal with the the demon’s orders (or suggestions). question: “Who is like God?” Demons fulfil their own will, not Will it be so with the Devil? Every time we face temptation, God’s. It is a fact, even if such a man Yes, because you cannot escape every time someone suggests some- thinks he acts according his own from responsibility. The Devil, how- thing to think, say or do against will. ever, loves his pride and jealousy so God; God, bearing our good in much that he cannot reject these mind, calls us to stick to His rules. Is this thread - (subject, theme, mo- weaknesses. He wants to be disobe- Then man rejects a temptation by tif) of freedom and obedience to dient because admitting he is wrong declaring, “Who is like God!” This God - is it present in Scripture? is a great humiliation for him. sentence is the basis for each victory Beautiful examples of human over the temptation. obedience to God are Abel, Noah Is there no way to talk about the and Abraham. Abraham is the father conversion of Lucifer? Can it be seen in the life of the of people who trust God. He did not No. Although he believes in God Son of Man, Jesus, who was also do his own will but God’s will. The and he knows that he must obey tempted? Old Testament shows many people Him, but his obedience is a must, Although Jesus does not use these obedient to God, who lived with this not a voluntary decision. He is look- words in response to each tempta- question: “Who is like God?” All ing for disobedient demons and peo- tion He reacts exactly as Michael the their decisions were the fulfilment ple, and when he finds them that is Archangel responded. He chooses of God’s will, and if during different enough for him. the Father’s will and not his own, in situations they placed their own will keeping with the principle: “Who is above the will of God, they came to Can a man imitate him? like God!”

14 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 www.commons.wikimedia.org „„The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise by Benjamin West, 1791

Turning stones into bread? Yes. And the words, “Who is Others create their own definition The Father says: “Human beings like God” constitute a trump card of God and they never profess their live not on bread alone but on every in the game with every temptation. faith with the words: “Who is like word that comes from the mouth of Whoever does not choose God in it, God!” God” (Matthew 4:4), so I am on the always loses. With this attitude one side of the Father, not the tempter. can resist the temptation to break So the title of our magazine invites Who is like God! each of the Ten Commandments of believers to read? Throw yourself down! It is writ- the Decalogue. Every time a believer Believers who are waiting for ten: “Do not put the Lord your God in God professes: “Who is like God”, the next issue of your quarterly to the test” (Matthew 4:6-7). Who is he overcomes a temptation. magazine, and those seeking the like God! true God. Do me homage! “The Lord your Let’s get back to the first ques- God is the one to whom you must do tion. Who knows the secret of the Finally, is man the master of an- homage, him alone you must serve” words: “Who is like God?” gels, even Michael? (Matthew 4:9-10). Who is like God! He who knows the God of Our Lady is the Queen of Angels The cup of suffering that awaits Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and and each one of them waits for her you is beyond your strength, do not Jesus of Nazareth, for whom this God command. She needs them where drink it! is the Father. the demon attacks a man. Demons “Father, if you are willing, take are afraid of her. God’s decisions this cup away from me. Nevertheless, But there are people who have are irrevocable. A woman - Mary of let your will be done, not mine” (Luke their own understanding of God, Nazareth - is the Queen of Angels. 22:42). Who is like God! psychologists, philosophers... Can This is one of the mysteries of our they also appeal to the calling: faith. So the words ‘Who is like God!’ “Who is like God?” contain the essence of obedience Some stand before God aware Fr Peter Prusakiewicz CSMA to God? that they are made in His image. was speaking to Fr Edward

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 15 ANGELS St Raphael the Archangel St Raphael is one of the seven archangels who stand before the throne of God, and one of the only three mentioned by name in Scripture.

mong the three archan- was combined with those of the other several years and meant that he gels named in the Bible, St two named archangels, St Michael could not work and his wife had to Raphael is probably the least and St Gabriel, to be celebrated earn their living. This sent Tobit into Aknown. This may be due to the fact on 29th September, which has now a deep anguish and he wished to die. that St Raphael is only named in the become known as the Feast of the At the same time, in Media, there Old Testament in the Book of Tobit Archangels. was a woman named Sarah who (a book not considered canonical Raphael in Hebrew can be in- was tormented by a demon, named by Jews or Protestant Christians), terpreted as, “God heals”, “Divine Asmodeus. Sarah had married seven while St Gabriel and St Michael fea- Healer”, “Remedy of God” or times, but each time her bridegroom ture prominently in both the Old and “Medicine of God”. In the Book of was killed by the demon on their the New Testaments. Tobit, Raphael reveals himself as a wedding night, before the marriage But the Old Testament is not nec- healer of mind, body and spirit. His could be consummated. She was al- essarily the only place that St Raphael angelic mission on earth is to heal, so deeply depressed and, after being makes his appearance in the Bible. which is very important for those wrongly accused and insulted by her Many of the Church Fathers had suffering in any way. maid, she too, wished for death. speculated on whether or not he was Both Tobit and Sarah turned to the angel mentioned in John 5:1-4, God in their anguish and because of which speaks of the pool called Beth- their good life and prayers, God sent za’tha, where the blind, the lame and Travel companion the Archangel Raphael to help them the paralysed were brought for heal- and to heal them. ing: “an angel of the Lord descended to Tobias He did this through Tobit’s son, at certain times into the pond; and Tobit was an Israelite of the Tobias, who was sent on a jour- the water was moved. And he that tribe of Naphtali in the Northern ney by his father to a man named went down first into the pond after Kingdom who was captured with Gabiel at Reges in Media to get the the motion of the water was made many of his fellow countrymen and ten talents of silver that Tobit had whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay deported to Nineveh in the land left in trust with him. But Tobit told under.” This account was made the of the Assyrians. He was a right- his son to first find a companion to Gospel reading for the Mass of the eous man and when in exile took accompany him on this long jour- feast of St Raphael in the traditional it upon himself to bury the dead ney and that this companion would calendar. even though this was forbidden by be paid a wage for doing so. Tobias Traditionally, St Raphael had a his Assyrian captors. Tobit became “found Raphael, who was an angel, separate feast day celebrated on 24th blind after bird droppings fell into but Tobias did not know it” (Tob 5:5). October, but more recently his feast his eyes. The blindness lasted for Disguised as a man, Raphael refers

16 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 to himself as “Azarias the son of the and his father offer to pay Azarias great Ananias” and travels alongside half of their wealth in payment for Tobit’s son, Tobias. travelling with Tobias and for help- On the journey, Tobias is attacked ing him in so many ways. Raphael by a fish in the River Tigris but with refuses the offer and declares to the guidance of Raphael he throws Tobit that he was sent by the Lord to the fish onto dry land, removes the heal his blindness and deliver Sarah, heart, liver and gall as instructed and Tobias’s future wife, from the demon puts them away safely. Asmodeus. It is then that his true healing powers are revealed and he makes himself known as “the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand Healing of Sarah before the Lord” (Tob 12:15.) When asked, Raphael explains to Tobias their use for healing and then they roasted the fish and ate it. When they arrived in Media, Raphael Give praise tells Tobias that they must stay at the home of Raguel, a family relative and and thanks to God! www.commons.wikimedia.org the father of Sarah. Raphael proposes The longest recorded speech of an „„The Archangel Raphael refusing Tobias’ gift by that Tobias should take Sarah as his angel is that of the Archangel Raphael Giovanni Biliverti, 1612. wife but Tobias has heard about the in Chapter 12 of the Book of Tobit. deaths of the previous seven hus- It is worthy of our attention for what to treasure up gold. For almsgiving bands and does not wish to lose his it teaches us about how important it delivers from death, and it will purge life. Raphael explains to Tobias how, is to praise and thank God and how away every sin. Those who perform through the use of the heart and liver the work of the archangel is done in deeds of charity and of righteousness of the fish, the demon will be cast obedience to God’s will. will have fullness of life; but those out of Sarah, never to return, and Note that Raphael called the two who commit sin are the enemies of through the mercy of God she will men privately and said to them: their own lives. become his wife. “Praise God and give thanks to Him; While Tobias and Sarah are cel- exalt Him and give thanks to Him ebrating their wedding feast Raphael in the presence of all the living for goes, at Tobias’s request, to Reges to what He has done for you. It is good Revealing the truth get the money from Gabael for Tobit, to praise God and to exalt His Name, I will now declare the whole while Sarah’s father bestows half of worthily declaring the works of God, truth to you and I will not conceal his wealth on Tobias, his son-in-law. and with fitting honour to acknowl- anything from you. I have said, ‘It is edge Him. Do not be slow to give good to guard the secret of a king, Him thanks. It is good to guard the but gloriously to reveal the works of secret of a king, but gloriously to re- God.’ And so, when you and your The true healing veal the works of God, and with fit- daughter-in-law Sarah prayed, I ting honour to acknowledge Him. brought a reminder of your prayer power of Raphael Do good, and evil will not overtake before the Holy One; and when you you. Prayer is good when accom- buried the dead, I was likewise pre- revealed panied by fasting, almsgiving, and sent with you. When you did not On their return from Media righteousness. A little with righteous- hesitate to rise and leave your dinner Raphael heals Tobit of his blind- ness is better than much with wrong- in order to go and lay out the dead, ness using the gall of the fish. Tobias doing. It is better to give alms than I was sent to test you. So now God

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 17 ANGELS sent me to heal you and your daugh- God’s Will that the help comes Pope Innocent X allowed the local ter-in-law Sarah. I am Raphael, one through His messenger, St Raphael. celebration of a feast in the archan- of the seven holy angels who present The angel also tells them that it is he, gel’s honour on 7th May, the date of the prayers of the saints and enter Raphael, who brought a reminder the principal apparition. into the presence of the glory of the of Tobit’s and Sarah’s prayers before St John of God, founder of the Lord.” (Tob 12: 6-15) the Holy One. So we, too, can be hospital order that bears his name, Both men were alarmed and sure that when we invoke the help of also received visitations from St fell upon their faces, for they were the angels they will take our prayers Raphael, who, as with Tobias, en- afraid. But the angel said to them: before God. couraged and instructed him. In “Do not be afraid; you will be safe. And in light of St Raphael’s in- tribute to this, many of the Brothers But praise God for ever. For I did not struction to direct our thanks and Hospitallers of St John of God’s facili- come as a favour on my part, but by praise to God we also pray: ties are called “Raphael Centres” to the will of our God. Therefore praise this day. The 18th century Neapolitan Him forever. All these days I merely O God, who in Your ineffable nun, St Maria Francesca of the Five appeared to you and did not eat or goodness had rendered blessed Wounds similarly had visions of St drink, but you were seeing a vision. Raphael the conductor of Your Raphael, who healed her of several And now bless the Lord upon the faithful in their journeys, we maladies. earth and give thanks to God, for I humbly implore You that we may We have great need of St Raphael’s am ascending to Him who sent me. be conducted by him in the way of powers of healing and clarity. Write in a book everything that has salvation, and experience his help Bolstered by the knowledge that he happened to you” (Tob 12:17-20). in the maladies of our bodies and inevitably comes to the aid of those When they stood up they saw him souls. Through Jesus Christ, Our who pray for his guidance, we can no more. Lord. Amen. confidently pray:

Glorious Archangel St Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, Invoking the help Devotion illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of those who jour- of St Raphael to St Raphael ney by land or sea, consoler of the In Tobit’s great prayer of thanks- As well as being known as the afflicted, and refuge of sinners: giving he acknowledges the wonder- angel of good health, due to his ac- I beg you to assist me in all my ful works of God and praises him tions in the Book of Tobit and the needs and in all the sufferings of this (Tob 13:1-18). Gospel of John, St Raphael is also life, as once you helped the young The Archangel Raphael heals known as the patron of travellers, Tobias on his travels. Tobit of blindness, he protects and the blind, happy meetings, nurses, And because you are the guides Tobias on his travels and he physicians, Christian marriage, and “Medicine of God”, I humbly pray delivers Sarah from an evil demon. Catholic studies. As a particular en- to you to heal the many infirmities Tobit, Tobias and Sarah were be- emy of the devil, he was revered in of my soul and all the ills which af- set by trials and difficulties to -pu Catholic Europe as a special protec- flict my body, if it be for my greater rify them, but they turned to God, tor of Catholic sailors. good. remained steadfast in their faith Throughout the world many cities I especially ask of you a favour during their period of testing, and are dedicated to the healing arch- (name it) and also the grace of an- eventually enjoyed God’s blessings angel, but perhaps none is so fer- gelic purity, which may help me to and mercy. All prayed for deliver- vent as Cordova in Spain, due to a be the temple of the Holy Spirit. ance and God sent St Raphael. As series of apparitions of the archan- Amen the archangel reminds Tobit and gel there during the 16th century. In Tobias, it is all God’s favour and response to an appeal from the city, Phil Kerins, Scotland

18 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 DIVINE MERCY Graces drawn from one vessel which is trust

Perhaps someone lost a relative, or Who would not someone has suffered from a disease. Sometimes, when we do not see one want to enter another for a long time, we ask, “How are you doing?” And the answer is, through the gate “Fine thank you, or nothing new the same old routine.” But we know it is of mercy? not true. Sadness and joy are always Again, like every year, we are new. gathered here to celebrate the sec- Let me share my personal expe- ond Sunday after the resurrection of rience over the last several weeks. our Lord. Again, we are in the Upper Tomorrow it will be a month since Room, with Thomas, looking at the the unexpected death of one of our wounds of the Crucified Jesus and we priests in Germany. Many years are putting our hands into His side ago he was my tutor in the Lower to exclaim, “You’re alive! You are my Seminary in Miejsce Piastowe, Lord and God!” Poland where I am currently living. Since the year 2000, we have been He was my friend, my colleague and celebrating this Sunday as the Feast only five years older than me. Last photo: K. Wojteczek of Divine Mercy – a gift presented Thursday I also attended a funeral „„Fr Krzysztof Poswiata CSMA to the whole Church. We may say, of Fr Peter, a Capuchin, who died on “Christ died and rose from the dead Good Friday at the young age of 48 day I witnessed many sick people. I so that we could courageously im- after a serious illness. When I return became more aware of our mortality merse ourselves in His mercy.” I am going to yet another funeral, of than ever before. For me, this year’s one of my colleagues’ mother, who Feast of Divine Mercy is combined is the same as age me. with intensive thoughts about death and what is at the other side of the Why gather stream of life. each year? What is at One may ask a question, “But why gather every year to sing the chap- the other side I glorify let of Divine Mercy and look at the As you can see, death has affected Divine Mercy image?” It is simple: we my life over the last several weeks. Your mercy have changed during the last twelve Moreover, during the last two weeks St Faustina asked the Lord in one months. And it is not just that we I spent many hours in hospital vis- of her prayers, “O Christ, to the last are older than a year ago. All of us iting my two colleagues on the car- moment of my life, I will not stop have experienced different things. diology and neurology wards. Each glorifying Your goodness and mercy.

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 19 DIVINE MERCY

With every drop of my blood, with every beat of my heart, I glorify Your mercy. I long to be entirely trans- formed into a hymn of Your glory. When I find myself on my death- bed, may the last beat of my heart be a loving hymn in praise of Your unfathomable mercy” (Diary 1708). But we all know that the moment of death can happen unexpectedly… For the last few weeks the film “Love and Mercy” has been showing in Polish cinemas. It is a touching sto- ry of Sr Faustina, Fr Michael Sopocko and of the first Divine Mercy image painted by Eugeniusz Kazimierowski in Vilnius. I did not know that the painter had committed suicide. He spent several months over the paint- ing, which poured hope and trust in to the hearts of millions of peo- ple all over the whole world. But, he himself, in a decisive moment of his life, at the moment of great anguish, wasn’t able to take Christ’s hand and call out, “Jesus, I trust in You.” Instead he took a rope and hanged himself. On the Easter Monday I celebrat- ed the Holy Mass in the Michaelite looked me in the eyes and she said, souls weighing on my conscience, I Sisters chapel across the road from “If I die, I am going to see Christ and would not have doubted God’s good- the Mother House and Shrine of St clasp His feet!” ness but, without hesitation, would Michael the Archangel in Miejsce have thrown myself into the abyss of Piastowe, Poland. The Gospel of that the Divine Mercy, which is always day was about the women who came open to us; and, with a heart crushed to the grave and saw it empty. When My soul was to dust, I would have cast myself at they came back, they met the resur- His feet, abandoning myself totally to rected Lord who greeted them beau- awakened His holy will, which is mercy itself” tifully, “Greetings!” (Matthew 28:9). With joyful astonishment I found (Diary 1552). St Matthew writes, “And the women the following words in the Diary of came up to him and, clasping his feet, St Faustina, “Then I heard the words: they did him homage.” I reminded As you are united with Me in life, so myself of my neighbour, a nun, will you be united at the moment of who died at the age of 37. She was death. After these words, such great God is always good aware of the possible consequences trust in God’s great mercy was awak- What allows us to go through of a serious and dangerous opera- ened in my soul that, even if I had life with hope that, when we meet tion. “Aren’t you afraid you may die had the sins of the whole world, as Jesus, we will clasp His feet? It is at such a young age?” I asked. She well as the sins of all the condemned the awareness that God is ALWAYS

20 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 good. Always. This is the basis of inner peace and blessings to our lives. the devotion to the Divine Mercy. human trust. Faith that God has a During a recent retreat in our semi- One of them mentioned during his great plan for you originates from nary a priest asked, “Who among you visit, “I can’t, I need to take care of my this particular awareness. In the film entrusts yourself to God, accepts Jesus scientific thesis”, he said. “Oh, yes”, “The Great Silence” an old monk is as your Lord and Saviour and wants Fr Sopocko replied quietly, getting sitting on a chair. He is a monk in to live according to His will?” We up and leaving his cup of tea intact. Grande Chartreuse a monastery lo- all raised our hands. He then asked, “You’re the last priest who I visited ...”. cated in the French Alps. He is com- “Who among you believes that God But he didn’t die like a ruined pletely blind and has various reasons knows the number of hairs on your man, or someone brought to their to complain about his life. But he head and that nothing happens with- knees; He died with the words: “Jesus, says, “The closer man is to God, the out His will?” We all raised our hands. I trust in You”. happier he becomes. We don’t have Followed by, “Who among you com- to worry about what happens to us. plained last week?” Consternation, I often thank God that I am blind. I a moment of silence and… a burst am convinced that He allowed this of laughter. We all raised our hands. Awaken our for the sake of my soul. What a pity Everyone – again. the world has lost the sense of God. Yes, we complain about every- faith in God They do not have a reason to live… thing which does not seem to fit our This is an important lesson for One needs to always believe that God picture of the future. A scenario of us. Perhaps there are some problems is infinitely good and everything he our own happiness. within our family. Perhaps we have does is best for us. That is why the St Faustina died in 1938, when she suffered from a disease for years. Christian should always be happy was only 33 years old. She could have Perhaps we have some difficulties and never unhappy. Everything that done so much! She dreamt about a new in our relationships with our chil- happens is the will of God and it hap- religious congregation but, nothing dren or grandchildren. The tempta- pens for the sake of our souls. God happened. No sign. Disappointment? tion is to give up, to complain, to is infinitely good. And He helps us!” Complaints? Grumbling? Regrets to- fall into depression, sadness or apa- wards Jesus? No. “Jesus, I trust in You”. thy. Today’s feast is to awaken our Not in myself. faith that God is always good and Blessed Fr Michael Sopocko, He holds our hand. The expression Core of the Divine who was the confessor and spiritual or prayer: “Jesus, I trust in You” is a director of Sister Faustina and who particular message from God for our Mercy devotion devoted his entire priestly life to times. “Mankind will not have peace Jesus says to St Faustina that grac- spreading the Divine Mercy, died in until it turns with trust to My mercy” es of His mercy may be drawn with 1975. He was given the gravissimum (Diary 300). only one vessel which is trust. It is not monitum, which is the heaviest repri- Let us remember that the words: without reason that the words “Jesus, mand from the Holy See, lasting for “Jesus, I trust in You” is a reverse dec- I trust in You” are in the very core of 16 years until his death. He was for- laration in relation to the one said by the Divine Mercy devotion. When bidden to spread the devotion to the man in Paradise, where they said to your child believes in you and counts Divine Mercy by printing pictures God: “I do not trust in You”. That is on you, you would do anything not and prayers. He was mocked even why it is so important. to let them down. This is the same by seminarians to be deceived by a attitude of God towards man trust- false mystic. From a human perspec- Jesus, I trust in You. ing Him. The one who trusts, says to tive he died as a loser. He was like a God, “You know better”. seed thrown alone into the ground. Fr Krzysztof Poswiata CSMA Entrustment to the will of God, in Totally abandoned. Homily on Divine Mercy Sunday the fact that He is always good makes Before his death he unsuccessfully 2019, at Elmore Abbey, us less complaining, bringing more turned to younger priests to take up Speen, Berkshire, England

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 21 APOSTLE OF DIVINE MERCY Confession, the fountain of God’s mercy Jesus Christ desires to anoint our wounds and touch our hearts. He wishes to build His kingdom within human souls.

Diary, 1146. Then suddenly, I saw The miracle of Divine Mercy restores ennobles it. Every time you go to how the two rays, as painted in the that soul in full. Oh, how miserable confession, immerse yourself en- image, issued from the Host and are those who do not take advantage tirely in My mercy, with great trust, spread over the whole world. This of the miracle of God’s mercy! You so that I may pour the bounty of My lasted only a moment, but it seemed will call out in vain, but it will be grace upon your soul. When you ap- as though it had lasted all day, and too late.” proach the confessional, know this, our chapel was overcrowded all day that I Myself am waiting there for long, and the whole day abounded Diary, 1521. The Lord said to me, you. I am only hidden by the priest, in joy. “My daughter, do not tire of pro- but I Myself act in your soul. Here claiming My mercy. In this way the misery of the soul meets the God Diary, 1448. “Write, speak of My you will refresh this Heart of Mine, of mercy. Tell souls that from this mercy. Tell souls where they are which burns with a flame of pity for fount of mercy souls draw graces to look for solace; that is, in the sinners. Tell My priests that hard- solely with the vessel of trust. If their Tribunal of Mercy [the Sacrament ened sinners will repent on hearing trust is great, there is no limit to My of Reconciliation] There the greatest their words when they speak about generosity. The torrents of grace in- miracles take place [and] are inces- My unfathomable mercy, about the undate humble souls. The proud re- santly repeated. To avail oneself of compassion I have for them in My main always in poverty and misery, this miracle, it is not necessary to Heart. To priests who proclaim and because My grace turns away from go on a great pilgrimage or to carry extol My mercy, I will give wondrous them to humble souls.” out some external ceremony; it suf- power; I will anoint their words and fices to come with faith to the feet of touch the hearts of those to whom Diary, 1728. Write: “I am Thrice My representative and to reveal to they will speak.” Holy, and detest the smallest sin. I him one’s misery, and the miracle of cannot love a soul which is stained Divine Mercy will be fully demon- Diary, 1602. Today the Lord said with sin; but when it repents, there strated. Were a soul like a decaying to me, “Daughter, when you go to is no limit to My generosity toward corpse so that from a human stand- confession, to this fountain of My it. My mercy embraces and justifies point, there would be no [hope of] mercy, the Blood and Water which it. With My mercy, I pursue sinners restoration and everything would came forth from My Heart always along all their paths, and My Heart already be lost, it is not so with God. flows down upon your soul and rejoices when they return to Me.

22 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 PRAYERS

I forget the bitterness with which they fed My Heart and rejoice at their return. “Tell sinners that no one shall es- cape My Hand; if they run away How to pray from My merciful Heart, they will fall into My Just Hands. Tell sinners that I am always waiting for them, that I listen intently to the beating the Rosary of their heart… When will it beat for Me? Write, that I am speaking to them through their remorse of conscience, through their failures effectively and sufferings, through thunder- storms, through the voice of the There was a time when I found the recitation of the Rosary Church. And if they bring all My very hard. My mind would be flooded with distractions. I hope graces to naught, I begin to be angry they were not wilful. I made an effort to try and meditate on with them, leaving them alone and each decade, but I found after hearing the first decade an- giving them what they want.” nounced my mind would wander.

Diary, 1784. Today, in the course of a long conversation, the Lord said he next thing I heard was the my mind, but find great difficulty in to me, “How very much I desire the recitation of the Hail Holy unfolding the story or mystery. There salvation of souls! My dearest sec- Queen. In fact I had hard- must be millions who, when reciting retary, write that I want to pour out Tly thought of the mysteries at all. the mystery of the Annunciation, can My divine life into human souls and What was I to do to pray the Rosary picture the scene of the Archangel sanctify them, if only they were will- better? The only thing was to write Gabriel speaking to Mary, but are ing to accept My grace. The greatest down the story behind each mys- unable to unravel in their minds the sinners would achieve great sanc- tery and divide each decade into ten whole mystery for the space of two tity, if only they would trust in My thoughts. I did this for the Joyful minutes and at the same time say the mercy. The very inner depths of My and Sorrowful Mysteries. Many prayers laid down. It is to help these being are filled to overflowing with people asked me whether I was go- people and myself that I decided to mercy, and it is being poured out ing to produce similar volume on write this booklet. upon all I have created. My delight the Glorious Mysteries. This was al- We must have all asked the ques- is to act in a human soul and to fill ways my intention, but as time went tion, when meditating on these it with My mercy and to justify it. by other duties took precedence. By mysteries, “Why can’t we meditate My kingdom on earth is My life in now my thoughts on the Glorious on each mystery for two minutes, the human soul. Write, My secre- Mysteries have changed and I al- instead of having to recite one Our tary, that I Myself am the spiritual so want to address the Luminous Father, ten Hail Marys, and a Glory guide of souls – and I guide them Mysteries, which were introduced Be?” The reason must be that the very indirectly through the priest, and by Pope John Paul II. To combine best prayers we know, were chosen lead each one to sanctity by a road all the Mysteries in one volume I to provide a verbal clock. These take known to Me alone.” have provided ten thoughts for each roughly two minutes to say, during decade. which time a person is able to medi- I must be one of the millions tate on a mystery of the Rosary. Taken from the “Diary” who, while reciting the prayers of the Others would say, “Why not of St Faustina Kowalska Rosary, can hold down a picture, in meditate on the words that you have

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 23 PRAYERS to recite?” I think this would definitely Besides, I owe much to the love and 7. The angel tells Mary how the con- make the Rosary a very laborious de- example of my parents for the Rosary. ception will take place. In doing votion. We would lose the whole point Towards the end of their lives during so he reveals that there are three of the Rosary and that is to meditate retirement together they were able Persons in one God. on certain events that took place in to recite the fifteen mysteries of the 8. Your cousin Elizabeth, too, is ex- the lives of Jesus and Mary. Besides Holy Rosary every day. Our Capuchin pecting a baby. we could challenge anyone to say even Franciscan Constitutions strongly rec- 9. The angel and all Heaven eagerly one Our Father without a distraction. ommend that each friar should re- await Mary’s reply. There is a delightful story told of one cite the Rosary every day. Last, but 10. Mary gives her consent. saint who, while riding on his horse in not least, our saintly Brother Padre the countryside, met a weary traveller. Pio gave me the incentive to pray the He dismounted and challenged him. Rosary daily. One day he was asked by “If you can recite the Our Father with- his Guardian how many Rosaries he out a distraction, my horse is yours.” had recited that day. He replied, “I The weary traveller was ready for the would prefer not to tell you, but since challenge. He said, “I could do that you are my Guardian, and you have easily.” He joined his hands, closed his asked me I can tell you I have said eyes and slowly and deliberately began 35 Rosaries today.” That is enough the Our Father. Half way through, he to tell me there must be something opened his eye and he saw the beau- wonderful in this devotion. If a mys- tifully carved leather saddle. He said, tic like him should daily desire to say www.commons.wikimedia.org “Do I get that as well?” Even with the this prayer over and over again, how „„The Annunciation by Domenico di Pace incentive of a horse, that traveller was much more I should love saying this Beccafumi, circa 1545 unable to say the Our Father without prayer. For St Padre Pio, the Rosary a distraction. How could we possibly was his weapon against the devil. We get through the whole Rosary without should all use the Rosary as a means THE VISITATION distractions? to holiness. My failure to progress with the These then are the reasons which 1. Mary thinks of her aged cousin Rosary would never allow me, even have prompted me to put pen to paper Elizabeth. She is going to need a for a day, to stop praying the Rosary. and write this booklet on the Rosary. It young pair of hands. Why? Because Mary, our Mother, has helped my devotion to the Rosary 2. Imagine Mary on the road, sur- appeared to Bernadette at Lourdes, and cut out distractions while I pray rounded by a host of angels ador- and to Lucy, Jacinta and Francesco the Rosary. I hope it will help you too. ing the Child she is carrying. at Fatima and told them to pray Please share this with others. 3. Mary and Elizabeth embrace. the Rosary every day for peace 4. “Why should the mother of my in the world and for the conver- Lord visit me?” sion of sinners. That is enough for ANNUNCIATION 5. John in the womb of Elizabeth me. Mary’s wish in this matter is as leaps for joy. good as a command. Just as Jesus 1. Think of the family of Mary, Anne 6. “My soul glorifies the Lord.” has said, “If you love me keep my and Joachim. 7. Mary helps Elizabeth get through Commandments”, so, too, Mary could 2. Mary at prayer. her daily chores. say, “If you love me, do as I request.” 3. The archangel Gabriel greets Mary. 8. In the evenings they chat about The fact that this is Mary, the Mother 4. Mary’s reaction is one of fear. spiritual matters. of God talking, surely we ought to do 5. “Do not be afraid; you are to bear 9. During those three months Mary what she asks of us? a Child.” and Joseph would have found a The Rosary has always been an 6. “How can this be for I know not way of being in touch. essential part of my daily prayers. man?” 10. Mary returns to Nazareth.

24 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 5. News of the census. Everybody 8. The widow Anna has the privilege is to go to their place of origin of meeting the Holy Family. and hand in their name. 9. Mary and Joseph with the Child 6. Mary and Joseph on the road to Jesus leave the temple. Bethlehem. 10. The flight into Egypt. 7. In Bethlehem there is no room for them in the inn. 8. They find a dwelling. THE FINDING 9. Jesus is born in a stable. 10. The adoration of the shepherds IN THE TEMPLE and the Magi. 1. Think of Jesus as a 12 year old boy. 2. Along with other families the Holy Family make their way to Jerusalem. 3. Jesus in the temple once again. 4. Mary and Joseph make their way back to Nazareth unaware that www.commons.wikimedia.org their Son Jesus is not with them. „„Visitation by Peter Paul Rubens, 1611-1612 5. Mary and Joseph discover their loss. 6. They return to Jerusalem and THE BIRTH search the streets.

www.commons.wikimedia.org 7. They search the temple. OF OUR SAVIOUR „„Simeon’s Song of Praise by Aert de Gelder, between 1700-1710 1. Joseph discovers Mary with Child. 2. Joseph’s dilemma. What is he to do? THE 3. The angel in a dream tells him he is to take Mary as his wife. PRESENTATION 4. What happiness this news brings him, but also some anxiety. OF THE CHILD JESUS IN THE www.commons.wikimedia.org TEMPLE „„Jesus among the Doctors by Albrecht Dürer, 1506

1. The Holy Family’s forty day stay 8. After three days they find Him near Jerusalem. in the temple conversing with the 2. Jesus in the temple for the first time. learned men. 3. They await the ceremony. 9. Mary questions her Son why 4. Mary is blessed by the priest. He never disclosed His plans to 5. Two doves are sacrificed. . Joseph and her.

www.commons.wikimedia.org 6. Joseph hands over five silver coins, 10. They return to Nazareth „„The Adoration of the Shepherds by Georges the ransom money for the Child. de La Tour, circa 1645 7. Simeon’s prophecy. Fr Francis Maple OFMCap, UK

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 25 INSPIRED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT Mother of Africa God, however, had a different entitled “Zaida the African”, which task in mind for her. She was con- was dramatized at the theatre in fined to bed for a number of weeks Salzburg and other towns in Austria. by smallpox, as also was her father. The next step was her work as a mem- It eventually killed Mr Ledóchowski. ber on anti-slavery committees. Here His daughter survived, but was so en­ she encountered her first difficulties, feebled that she was unable to help her leading to her expulsion from the mother on the estate. Always deeply committees: she insisted on promot- religious, in her illness Maria Teresa ing the Catholic nature of the African turned to God all the more. Thanks mission, while others wanted it to be

www.wikimedia.org to the efforts of her family she ob- inter-denominational. „„Bl Maria Teresa Ledóchowska tained the position of lady-in-waiting in Salzburg, where she kept herself busy by writing, in addition to car- How did it come about that a la- rying out her daily duties. “Echo from Africa” dy-in-waiting in the royal court In 1890 Maria Teresa made the in Salzburg became known as decision to devote herself completely the “Mother of Africa”? to her work for Africa. She broke off The turning point all her social contacts, moved into One day some nuns came to the a little room next to an old people’s lessed Maria Teresa Ledóchow­ court asking for donations for the mis- home run by the Sisters of St Vincent ska (1863-1922), elder sister of sions. It was the first time that Maria de Paul and, that very same year, be- St Ursula Ledóchowska, was Teresa encountered the missionary gan writing articles and publishing Bborn in Austria, into a noble family ideal of the Church. This was the the “Echo from Africa”. This Catholic of Polish immigrants. Her parents time that Cardinal Charles Marcial magazine about the life of mission- took particular care to bring up their Lavigerie was making great efforts to aries caught the public imagination. children in the Catholic faith and in help Africa. In a leaflet he had written, In less than three years her work had a spirit of patriotism. Maria Teresa read the words: “Those grown to such an extent that her own Maria Teresa loved to write. As whom God has endowed with a talent efforts were insufficient to the task. a child, she wrote poetry and by for writing should use it to promote She decided to set up the Sodality of the age of sixteen had written her the most sacred cause of all.” This sen- St Peter Claver, an association which first book about her journey to her tence was the turning point of her life: brought together a group of women homeland. When her parents made Ledóchowska stopped writing dramas wanting to support the work of the the decision to return to Poland, set at court in order to devote herself missions. These enthusiastic ladies the then 20-year-old Maria Teresa completely to work for the African started their work in two small halls was delighted. She wanted to help missions. at the church of the Holy Trinity. By her parents at their estate in Lipnica The first step in fulfilling the 1894 the ladies had their own print- Murowana near Bochnia. Will of God involved writing a play ing press.

26 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 Community What does this and mission mean for us? In 1897, Pope Leo XIII approved What should we take from this the Sodality as a religious congregation. story? We can see the remarkable way Th e Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver in which God guided her, how events made use of the available mass media in which in human terms are diffi cult, even order to develop the awareness of peo- tragic – emigration, serious illness, the ple in Europe of the need to bring the death of her father, separation from her Gospel to Africa and other continents family, expulsion from anti-slavery com- by means of the Catholic missions and mittees, a frugal existence in the room to assist the poor of the countries they by the old people’s home – all acted as St Michael worked in. Th e sisters printed mission- a springboard for Maria Teresa, helping the Archangel ary brochures, calendars, appeals, cat- her to discover her true vocation. echisms and religious literature in local Th anks to emigration, she learnt to and the Divine Mercy languages. From 1910 onwards, “Echo speak and write fl uent German, which pilgrimage from Africa” and “Little African” were helped in her future work. Th anks to th published in twelve languages. In the her illness, she was brought closer to 13 Divine Mercy 1920s “Echo from Africa” had a circula- God and understood that her work Pilgrimage to Poland led by tion of 100,000. Maria Teresa transferred was not to help with the family estate. Fr Peter Prusakiewicz CSMA rd th the Mother House to Rome, where an Th anks to her work at court, she came 23 – 30 June 2020 international novitiate was established. into contact, not only with missionar- Price £545 / €635 / $710 Th ere were branches of the sodality in ies but with infl uential people, whose plus fl ights to and from Krakow. nearly every country in Europe and the attention and fi nancial support she Single room supplement Mother General frequently travelled to could then draw on to meet the needs £140 / €164 / $183 give talks about the African missions. of the missions. Th anks to the adver- Divine Mercy Shrine She provided missionaries with the sity she met with on the missionary and Shrine of John Paul II wherewithal necessary for their work: committees, she found her resolve to in Krakow bringing it to the notice of the public, remain faithful to God in diffi cult cir- The birth place of JP II providing funds, publications and, above cumstances and sowed the seed of the in Wadowice all else, prayers and new vocations. future religious congregation. Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows Maria Teresa Ledóchowska, who Th e example of the founder of the in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska had become known as the “Mother of Sisters of St Peter Claver shows us that Shrine of Our Black Madonna Africa”, died in 1922. She was beatifi ed the author of all the events of our lives, in Czestochowa by Pope Paul VI on Mission Sunday is God Himself. It is easy to thank The Old Town of Krakow The concentration camp in 1975. We celebrate the memorial God for pleasant situations and loving in Auschwitz of this day on 6th July. people. Perhaps we will learn to show The salt mine in Wieliczka Currently, Sisters of St Peter Claver gratitude in the diffi culties that we en- Shrine of St Michael serve in over 23 countries and there counter and learn to recognise in them in Miejsce Piastowe are more than 70 sisters in forma- the hand of God? tion. Th eir main charism is to pro- Contact: Lily Lister mote missionary work. God himself Taken from www.brewiarz.pl 8 Bridge Street, Arbroath, continues the work He began through and www.klawerianki.pl Angus DD11 1RJ Scotland Maria Teresa. Agata Pawłowska Phone: +44 (0) 7999-868-412 CSMA Office Poland Email: [email protected]

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 27 The Unborn Child’s Lament Although you can’t see me, I am still here. I have no rights, so there’s nothing to fear. Because you can’t see me doesn’t mean I’m not there. But you protect the ‘Poor Goldfish’ in a bag at the fair.

TESTIMONIES Choi, www.unsplash.com Suhyeon The goldfish has rights the law seems to say, Fresh clean clear water and food every day. No one can see me, no rights can I share I do care Unlike the ‘Poor Goldfish’, in a bag at the fair. s a small boy, the first time proper facilities for ‘Goldie’ (what an I ever heard the word ‘abor- inspirational name?) at home and Don’t hurt ‘Poor Fox’ tion’ was in a children’s ditty. within a few days I was persuaded he should have the right To hunt for his family, AAlthough I had no idea what ‘abor- that ‘Goldie’ would be much happier by day and by night. tion’ was, I immediately knew it was playing with all his wee pals out at Defend him! Protest! something unpleasant. Many years sea. Down the toilet he was flushed Make the public aware! later when I realised the meaning of to begin his new adventure. Not very Give him rights like ‘Poor the word, I was indeed grateful for pro-life I agree, but I was only seven Goldfish’ in a bag at the fair. my first instincts. years old! Blood sports are ugly, As a family with three children Gradually, as the years passed, the a terrible thing. and two hard working parents, we Animal Rights lobby began making Poor Mr Fox torn apart, knew some hardships in our lives as noises about the plight of these gold- limb from limb. we grew up, although we did occa- fish prizes. Laws were introduced as The hunter enjoys it, sionally manage a week’s holiday at to the treatment of the fish till even- he doesn’t care And ignores the ‘Poor Goldfish’ the seaside. However, holiday or not, tually it was more bother that it was in a bag at the fair. every year in July the funfair came to worth to use them as prizes. Yes Glasgow Green and we were there. reader, the goldfish obtained ‘rights’! My name is Foetus. I have no voice. This was an amazing sight with the As I grew up I became involved My Mamma will kill me, Big Dipper, Dodgem cars, Waltzers in the Pro-Life Movement. Thinking she has the choice. and many sideshows to tempt the back to my childhood, I wondered at My tiny body she refuses to bear, But she defends ‘Poor Goldfish’ pennies from your pocket. In those the difference between a goldfish in in a bag at the fair. days almost every sideshow where a bag of water and a human foetus prizes could be won had rows and in a bag of amniotic fluid. I couldn’t One day we will realise rows of goldfish hanging in plastic really see why the fish had rights and the lives we have lost bags full of water. One year I actually the human pre-born baby had none. Sixty million each year – Devastation! Holocaust! won this new pet. We had a laugh with As a result I wrote this poem. It has Then people will say, “Did you the bus conductor on the way home alternative endings and is really up protest?”, “You were there!” who jokingly insisted that the fish pay to you, the reader as to which ending Yes! I stood up and was half fare. Unfortunately we didn’t have is appropriate to you. counted amongst those who care!

28 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 ANGELIC BOOKSHOP RECOMMENDS Reliquaries from the grotto The Knights of St Michael Knighthood the Archangel Among the devotional items

Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Gospel available during missions on to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in My Name they will cast out Devils; they will have booklet the gift of tongues; they will St Michael the Archangel are pick up snakes in their hands and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the white stones housed in delicate sick, who will recover. With an gelic chaplet, (Mark 16:15-18) reliquaries from the cave at the Litany and many Who is like Shrine in Mont Sant’Angelo, Italy. prayers to St Michael. God! The Stone plays an integral part in the story of the revelation of St Michael in Gargano when in 1656 Bishop Alfonoso entreated the help St Michael of St Michael the Archangel. He saw Q&A Booklet the Archangel and the holy angels Making the most of the presence of St Michael and was commanded this Archangel and the angels in our lives St Michael Q&A’s to bless stones from the grotto, on Based on the teachings of the Catholic Church Including the immense value of scapular of St Michael the Archangel which he was to inscribe the sign The power of the nine choirs of angels the Archangel of the cross and the letters M.A. and holy angels (Michael the Archangel).

Father Peter Prusakiewicz CSMA Chief Editor of THE ANGELS messengers from a loving God magazine General animator of The Knighthood of St Michael the Archangel Many questions Marki, Warsaw, Poland. AN ACT OF answered on your guardian angel, St Michael and a Handle CONSECRATION descriptive representation of the nine choirs of angels with care, TO ST MICHAEL fragile A DEEPER Each item NEW PRICE! UNDERSTANDING sold separately £8.00 / €8.00 / $12.00 USD / AUD OF ST MICHAEL Book / Booklets plus postage THE ARCHANGEL £5.00 / €5.00 / $7.00 each Singular – see form inside scapular £3.00 / €3.00 St Faustina each TO ORDER – All countries plus postage and St Michael Noreen Bavister outside of UK Offi ce of the Knighthood For the US see form inside: St Faustina is full www.stmichaelthearchangel.us of wonder, respect, of St Michael. click Go to Store to place your order reverence and C/O P.O. Box 4332, admiration for Harlington, Dunstable, Set: Scapular of St Michael, St Michael Beds, LU6 9DG. UK the Archangel. Phone: +44 (0) 7795–318–605. angelic beads The fundamental Email: [email protected] and St Michael prayer card and only reason behind such an attitude is, as she For USA & Canada only: £7.00 / €7.00 / $10.00 is at pains to stress, the fact that he plus postage outside of UK did the will of God. He is for her the The Angel Magazine – see form inside angel resplendent in his wonder 1401 Whittier Road, and boundless humility towards the Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, Creator. He is the angel who gazes at MI 48230, USA God with love, who learns the will of Phone: +1-(313) 647–5072 God and courageously carries it out. Email: [email protected]

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 29 FROM THE DIARY OF ST FAUSTINA MISSIONS AND RETREATS

USA 2019 15th September 2019 9:15 am & 11:15 am Sunday Masses 27th – 28th September 2019 Homily: St Faustina and St Michael Prayer USA Conference Sacred Heart Church Theme: St Michael the Archangel Grange Court Road for help arising: Defender of the Church Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 4DR Contact: Fr Colin Mason Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Phone: +44(0)1179-620-676 Catholic Church Email: [email protected] Help me Jesus, that what I ask of 1107 E Yager Ln, You I will give to others - mercy, Austin, Texas 78753 1st – 3rd November 2019 in word and deed. Phone: +1(877)218-7884 Talks: Walking in the footsteps Phone: +1 (281)358-9195 of St Faustina Help me, O Lord, that my eyes Email: [email protected] St Michael of All Angels www.FullnessOfTruth.org Belmont Abbey may be merciful, so that I may Ruckhall Lane, Hereford HR2 9RZ never suspect or judge others, but 30th September Contact: Geraldine Downing to always look for what is beautiful & 1st – 2nd October 2019 Email: [email protected] and good in other people. Angelic Parish Mission Phone: +44(0)1978-357-367 7:30 am Parish Mass + 2nd Talk Help me, that my ears may be mer- 5:00 pm Introduction SCOTLAND 2019 ciful, so that I may give heed to 5:10 pm Liturgy of the Hours others’ needs, and not be indiffer- 5:30 pm Holy Mass + Talk 3 25th October 2019 ent to their pain. 6:30 pm Talk 4, Angelic Chaplet 7:00 pm Holy Mass and Eucharistic Holy Hour Talk: Obeying the will of God Help me, O Lord, that my tongue Day 1 – The Angels and not our own will may be merciful, so that I should – Our invisible companions St Mary’s Church Day 2 – Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael 167 George Street, Paisley PA1 2UN never speak wrongly of others, but Day 3 – Guardian Angels Contact: Helen Border have a word of comfort and for- – Our personal soul and body guards Email: [email protected] giveness for all. The Church of the Nativity 26th October 2019 210 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park, th Help me, O Lord, that my hands 6 National Divine CA 94025, USA Mercy Conference may be merciful and filled with Contact: Patsy Gonzalez 9:00 am – 5:00 pm good deeds so that I may do only Phone: +1-650-224-6010 Theme: ”Father, if you are willing, good to others and always try to Email: [email protected] take this cup from me; yet not my take upon myself the more dif- will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42) ficult tasks. St Augustine’s Church ENGLAND 2019 12 Dundyvan Road, Langloan Help me, O Lord, that my feet and Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ 14th September 2019 Contact: Helen Border may be merciful so that I may hur- 3:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Email: [email protected] ry to assist others, overcoming my 4:00 pm Talk: Deeper in Divine Mercy own fatigue and weariness. 5:00 pm Eucharistic Healing Hour 6:00 pm Parish Vigil Mass WALES 2019 Help me, O Lord, that my heart Homily: St Faustina and St Michael 29th & 30th October 2019 may be merciful so that I myself St Anthony Church Theme: Saints of Divine Mercy: may feel the sufferings of others. Keinton Walk, Henbury, St Faustina, Bl Michael Sopocko, Bristol BS10 7BE St John Paul II O my Jesus, transform me in- Contact: Fr Colin Mason Diocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy to Yourself, for You can do all Phone: +44(0)1179-620-676 Sacred Heart Church things. (Diary 163) Email: [email protected] Morrison, Swansea SA6 6HZ

30 | The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 TO ORDER, WRITE OR SUBSCRIBE

Contact: Fr Jason Jones Contact: Sr Agnes Clare, Phone: +44(0)1792-771-053 Retreat Directress Main Contacts Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-503-649-7127 Email: [email protected] Chief Editor www.olpretreat.org ENGLAND 2020 Fr Peter Prusakiewicz CSMA The Angel Magazine – Head Office 15th – 17th May 2020 CANADA 2020 The Congregation Theme: The Secrets of St Faustina of St Michael the Archangel th Sandymount House & Retreat Centre 18 January 2020 ul. Pilsudskiego 248/252 3rd Annual Vancouver 16 Burbo Bank Road, 05-261 Marki, Warsaw, Poland Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 6TH Marian Conference Contact: Kathy Talks by Fr Peter: The Divine Email: [email protected] Phone: +44(0)151-924-4850 Mercy, Our Lady and St. Michael Email: sandymountcrosby The Croatian Cultural Center Deputy Editor and Chief Co- @montfort.org.uk 3250 Commercial Drive ordinator Ireland, UK Vancouver BC V5N 4E4, Canada and all countries except USA Contact: Ethelyn David Noreen Bavister USA 2020 Phone: +1(604)-889-3842 P.O. Box 4332 Harlington Email: [email protected] 19th – 22nd January 2020 Dunstable Beds, LU6 9DG U.K. Boise Cathedral 18th – 19th April 2020 Email: [email protected] Boise, Idaho. Divine Mercy Conference Phone: +44(0)7795–318–605 Theme: TBC Theme: St Faustina www.stmichaelthearchangel.info Further details to follow and St Michael the Archangel Toronto, Canada th th USA CSMA Office 24 – 26 January 2020 Contact: Alex Lemos Theme: Why, “Jesus I Trust in You”? Phone: +1(647)-870-281 Colleen Keelan A Divine Mercy and Angels Retreat Phone: +1(905)-847-9750 The Angel Magazine St Clare’s Retreat Centre Email: [email protected] 1401 Whittier Road, 2381 Laurel Glen Road, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230, USA 95073 Soquel, California Phone: +1–313–647–5072 Phone: +1-831-423-8093 IRELAND 2020 Email: theangelsmagazine.usa Email: [email protected] www.stclaresretreat.com 2nd October 2020 / Friday @gmail.com Angelic Parish Mission www.stmichaelthearchangel.us 25th – 27th September 2020 The Feast of the Guardian Angels Divine Mercy Conference 7:30 pm Holy Mass. To order St Michael Stones or to subscribe Holy Cross Ministries Talk on the angels to the Angels Magazine in the US, please 4460 W SHAW SUITE 522 8:15 pm Eucharistic Healing visit our website at: Fresno, California 93722 hour with angelic chaplet www.stmichaelthearchangel.us. Contact: Christy Villas 3rd October 2020 / Saturday Once there click on Go to Store to place Phone: +1-559-457-8800 6:00 pm Holy Mass. your order. Email: [email protected] Talk St Michael and holy angels 7:00 pm Eucharistic Healing The US office do not accept orders over 28th January 2020 hour with angelic chaplet the phone or by email. If you prefer to send Day Retreat 9:00 am – 3:30 pm St Columba's Church a check please fill out the attached order Theme: Delving deeper into Long Tower. Longtower St, form in the middle of the magazine and the Divine Mercy Londonderry. BT48 6QQ send with your check made payable to: The Our Lady of Peace Retreat Centre Contact: Fr Aidan Mullan Congregation of St Michael the Archangel. 3600 SW 170th Avenue Phone: +44 (0)28 7126 1946 Beaverton, Oregon 97003 Email: [email protected] Details of Churches / Office: +1-503-649-7127 www.longtowerchurch.org /webcam/ shops and distributors Contact: Carolyn Callahan, – see subscription form Admin Assistant Find us on facebook. The Angels Magazine inside middle of magazine

The Angels | Vol 10 | issue 3 | 2019 | 31 NEWS FROM IRELAND 2019 Irish Mission Visitation of the large pilgrim statue of St Michael the Archangel in Ireland

arge crowds came to greet the pilgrim statue of St Michael the Archangel at Lthe locations shown below. Each venue started with Mass followed by a Eucharistic Healing Hour. Talks: St Michael the Archangel and Divine Mercy. Concluding with an individual blessing of the scapulars and relic stones from the Shrine in Mont Sant’Angelo, Foggia, Italy.

• 15th July Church of Mary Immaculate, Grange, Co. Sligo. • 16th July St Naul’s Church, Ardaghey, South West Donegal. • 17th July St Mary’s Church, Limavady, Co. Derry. • 17th July Melmount Parish, Strabane, Northern Ireland. • 18th July St Eunan’s Church, Raphoe, Co. Donegal. • 19th July Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo City.