Jan-Feb 2006 - Yr 22 # 1; Echo of Mary, Queen of Peace, P.O. Box 27, I-31030 Bessica TV, . Ph/fax +39(0)423470331 - E-mail: [email protected] A translation of the original Italian: Eco di Maria

Our Lady’s message, 25 December 2005: Our Lady’s message 25 November 2005: “Dear Children! Also today in my arms I bring you little Jesus, the King “Dear Children, Also today I call of Peace, who blesses you with His you to pray, pray, pray till prayer peace. My children, in a special way becomes life. My Children, particularly today I call you to be my bearers of at this time I pray before God to give peace in this world without peace; God you the gift of faith. Only in faith will will bless you. Do not forget my you discover the joy of the gift of life children: I am your mother. With little that God has given you. Your heart will Jesus in my arms I bless you all with a be joyful thinking of eternity. I am with special blessing. Thank you for you and I love you tenderly. Thank you responding to my call.” for responding to my call.” Bearers of Peace The Gift of Life Peace I leave with you, my peace I give In a world that emphasizes the to you. Not as the world gives do I give to ephemeral, virtual choices, and temporary you (Jn 14:27). These words of Jesus come relations, Mary speaks of eternity. In a to mind each time Mary speaks of peace. world where the doctrine of market There is an enormous difference between attempts to mortify the individual the peace that comes from God and peace personality and produce a mass of of the world. True peace is a gift of God; it stereotypes, Mary proposes the doctrine of is fruit of His most pure Love. Worldly the faith which enhances the dignity of the peace, even when it is not fruit of single person, ratifying the original, unique oppression, can at the most be fruit of essence of the individual. In a world where human solidarity; it can contain a reflection man attempts to seize the principle of life, of divine Love, but it can never be its fruit. Mary ratifies that life is a gift of God. Let We know our limits, and the recurring us meditate on her words, that our soul may temptation to defend or impose peace with be imbued with this message, and our soul weapons Ð once with the sword, today with be irrigated, fertilized, and blossom; and He is the King of peace, and He terrible instruments of destruction. may not pass without having accmplished blesses us with His peace Like then, and perhaps even more so its purpose (cf. Is 55:10-11). now, ours is a world without peace. It Pray, pray, pray, till prayer becomes always will be for as long as we seek peace life. Prayer is a bridge that connects us to cared for and defended in all circumstances, with our own strength, instead of imploring God; it places us in communion with Him. in health and in sickness, in youth and in for this gift from God. Though not easy, it It acts as a vehicle for His Love. Prayer, old age. Human life is to be protected from is the only way to put a stop to hatred, real prayer, is never sterile: sooner or later everything that disfigures the image of God hostility and divisions that continue to it makes life fertile, gives shape and impressed in it (cf. Gen 1:27). Life is to be divide civilizations, nations, peoples, and substance to life, it becomes life, eternal promoted so it may always conform to religions and even people within the same life which we can experience already on Christ impressed in each life at Baptism. nations, the same religious creed, the same the earth, because the eternal life is to know Life is to be offered up, in Jesus and with city and the same family. Today divisions the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Jesus, to the Father so that it may be a have penetrated even the psyche of He sent (cf. Jn 17:3). sacrifice pleasing to God. These days individuals, creating apprehension or more My Children, particularly at this sacrifice is refused without realizing that subtle sicknesses than in the past. time I pray before God to give you the by doing so it is man who is sacrificed and This world without peace is our world, gift of faith. At this time when our opulent reduced to a good for consumption, our planet earth, but also the world of our countries identify the Christmas gift with merchandise for exchange, an object for the cities, of our families, and our personal consumerist presents Mary instead market. Life is to be lived as a gift of God, world. What can we do? Where can we implores for us the gift of faith. And she and thus offered, spent for others: heal the start? We can start from the message: will surely obtain this gift, as it is also infirm, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast “Dear Children! Also today in my arms God’s desire. Only in faith will you out demons. You received without cost, give I bring you little Jesus, the King of Peace, discover the joy of the gift of life that God without charge (Mt 10:8). who blesses you with His peace.” This is has given you. This is not just biological Your heart will be joyful thinking of where we can begin. The Infant Jesus is in life, but much more so, it is life in Christ eternity. Eternity is life in Christ: If then Mary’s arms, not to be cuddled by His Jesus, in His Name (cf. Jn 20:31). I came you have been raised with Christ, seek the mom, or admired by us. No, He is there to that they may have life, and have it things that are above, where Christ is be given to us (I bring you); He is there to abundantly (Jn 10:10) which is to say full seated at the right hand of God. Set your be received by us, lived by us. It all starts life in which will reign messianic peace (Is minds on things that are above, not on from here. If we accept Jesus in us, His 11:1-9) and there shall no more be an infant things that are on earth. For you have died, blessing will blossom into peace, because that lives but a few days, or an old man and your life is hid with Christ in God. He is the King of peace. May our soul be who does not fill out his days (Is 65:20). When Christ who is our life appears, then the womb for God who comes into the Life is a gift of God, and as such is to you also will appear with him in glory (Col world, and shrine of His Presence. be accepted from the moment of 3:1-4). There is no special project to study. We conception, is to be respected, honoured, Nuccio Quattrocchi only need let ourselves be penetrated by 2 the presence of the Child that Mary brings to us as a gift, and be inundated with His The Year of two Popes blessing. Jesus is the sole project of peace that God offers us, and He is found in a At the conclusion of a year it is natural The holy death of this grain of wheat bed of straw. Conversion begins from an to turn back and cast your eye over past has germinated a new ear and given us encounter. The Gospel is not a treatise on events. In particular, on the last day of Benedict XVI: meek pontiff with clear and theology, but the story of an encounter December, the Church sings the Te Deum solid ideas, able to orient with wisdom and between Jesus and mankind: those who after the last Vespers to give thanks to God strength the path of today’s Church as she accept Him, those who treat Him with for the year about to end. Not only, but the journeys amid the waves of doubt, indifference, and those who refuse Him. compilation of what we could call an uncertainty, relativism, and nihilism “But to all who received Him, He gave annual report helps lay foundations for the submersing the man of today. power to become children of God” (Jn year to come. We needed a pope like him. He is one 1:12). As we think of the year 2005 memories of the greatest living theologians, yet it If we let Jesus encounter us we will stop especially at the events in the “house became immediately evident that he is also bear His peace, His caress and His loving of Peter” – in particular on the conclusion meek, timid, reserved, fatherly and humble, look to those who seek our hands, and our of the lengthy and fertile pontificate of in contrast with the image painted of eyes. You received without cost, you must Pope Woytila, and the beginning of the Cardinal Ratzinger who was feared for his give without charge (Mt 10:8). No longer new pontificate of Pope Ratzinger, who doctrinal rigour. eye for eye, violence for violence! Now, is a gift to the Church, the splendour of He is not afraid to tell the truth, which after the coming of Jesus, the reply to which is being gradually revealed to us. he proclaimed in his first message hatred is love, only love; to violence it is A great deal has been said about John dedicated to peace. He has thus been forgiveness; to betrayal it is the kiss of Paul II, but given the greatness of this man proceeding in the wake of his “venerable peace. This is possible only if we are so and the depth of his spirituality there is predecessor” as he likes to call JPII, while full of God that we are a pure expression still much more to be said, however, there remaining ever attentive to the needs that of His presence in us. This is why we must will be other occasions for this. arise from the heart of humanity. become a womb for God. Nothing is Nonetheless, we cannot fail to give thanks We have drawn from various public impossible to God (Lk 34:37). for his example of faith, courage and interventions of Pope Benedict in an Mary knows; she repeats it to us in all obedient love which enabled him to face attempt to capture his thought and to see her messages, and today she confirms it death on the cross of his infirmity which which paths are being asked of us to with the triple blessing of the Son, of the he offered up to the Lord to the last with journey along, both personally and Father, and of her own personal and the meekness of a lamb… till the end, together. S.C. special blessing. Before it is too late, may when he whispered: “Now let me we be converted into His bearers of go to the Father’s house…” The peace. N.Q. rest is news.

THE CHURCH The Church lives from Christ and with decisive encounter. The future is, so Christ. He offers her His spousal love, guiding to speak, contained in the present, or her through the centuries; and she, with the better, in the presence of God himself, abundance of her gifts, accompanies men and who in his unfailing love does not women on their journey so that those who leave us on our own or abandon us accept Christ may have life and have it even for an instant, just as a father and abundantly. The Church always desires to be mother never stop caring for their welcoming, in truth and in charity. children while they are growing up. bring light to the world! Let us keep this light- MARY IMMACULATE SANCTIFICATION giving flame, lit in faith, from being Looking at Mary, how can we, her Sanctification is God’s gift and His extinguished by the cold winds of our time! children, fail to let the aspiration to beauty, project, but human beings are called to goodness and purity of heart be aroused in respond with their entire being without IN TRUTH IS PEACE us? Her heavenly candour draws us to God, excluding any part of themselves. Thus, the In truth is peace expresses the conviction helping us to overcome the temptation to live entire work of creation and redemption which that wherever and whenever men and women a mediocre life composed of compromises God, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, are enlightened by the splendour of truth, they with evil, and directs us decisively towards continues to bring about, from the beginning naturally set out on the path of peace. the authentic good that is the source of joy. to the end of the cosmos and of history, is Peace cannot be reduced to the simple The closer a person is to God, the closer summed up in every individual person. And absence of armed conflict, but needs to be God is to people. We see this in Mary. The because the first coming of Christ is at the understood as ‘the fruit of an order which has fact that she is totally with God is the reason centre of the history of humanity, and His been planted in human society by its divine why she is so close to human beings. For glorious return is at its end, every personal Founder.’ this reason she can be the Mother of every existence is thus called to be measured against Whenever there is a loss of fidelity to the consolation and every help. Him - in a mysterious and multiform way - transcendent order, and a loss of respect for Our Lady says to us: ‘Have the courage during the earthly pilgrimage, in order to be that “grammar’’ of dialogue which is the to dare with God! Try it! Do not be afraid found “in Him” at the moment of His return. universal moral law written on human hearts, of Him! Have the courage to risk with faith! whenever the integral development of the with goodness! with a pure heart! Commit LIGHT person and the protection of his fundamental yourselves to God, then you will see that it Light is a source of life, and means rights are hindered or denied, or when is precisely by doing so that your life will knowledge; it means truth, as contrasted with countless people are forced to endure become broad and light, not boring but the darkness of falsehood and ignorance. intolerable injustices and inequalities, how filled with infinite surprises, for God’s Light gives us life, it shows us the way. But can we hope that the good of peace will be infinite goodness is never depleted!’ light, as a source of heat, also means love. realized? The essential elements which make Where there is love, light shines forth in the up the truth of that good are missing. COMMUNION WITH GOD world; where there is hatred, the world Lying is linked to the tragedy of sin and God calls us to communion with him, remains in darkness. The true mystery of its perverse consequences, which have had, which will be completely fulfilled in the return Christmas is the inner brightness radiating and continue to have, devastating effects on of Christ, and He himself strives to ensure from this Child. May that inner brightness the lives of individuals and nations. How can that we arrive prepared for this final and spread to us, and kindle in our hearts the flame we fail to be seriously concerned about lies of God’s goodness; may all of us, by our love, in our own time, lies which are the framework 3 Echo 185 for menacing scenarios of death in many parts vocation, and to renew together their of the world. Any authentic search for peace Feast of Light for commitment before Him. This must begin with the realization that the Consecrated Persons appointment is renewed every year in each problem of truth and untruth is the concern diocese of the world. of every man and woman; it is decisive for The feast of the Presentation of Jesus Every consecrated person knows he or the peaceful future of our planet. she was predestined for his task, from the The truth of peace calls upon everyone to at the Temple, celebrated 2nd February, or forty days after Christmas, was fixed very beginning of his life. Of course, each cultivate productive and sincere relationships; has a story and charism of his own: some it encourages them to seek out and to follow in ancient times, and has undergone various changes. In the Eastern Tradition proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the the paths of forgiveness and reconciliation, earth, some choose to stay next to those to be transparent in their dealings with others, this day is called the Feast of the Meeting, because in the sacred space of the Temple most in need, others to teach children, and to be faithful to their word. At the same while some dedicate their lives to prayer time I ask for an increase of prayers, since of Jerusalem, the meeting takes place between God’s graciousness and the and to adoration of God as reparation for peace is above all a gift of God, a gift to be the refusal God receives from the hearts implored incessantly. expectation of the chosen people; between the Old and New Testaments. of men. It later spread to the West and became However, the thing that unites them all TO THE “TECHNOLOGICAL” MAN known as the feast of lights, and the is the task to proclaim - with the word or The men and women in our technological solemnity of the benediction and with works - the primacy of a age risk becoming victims of their own procession with candles Ð lit during supernatural reality; that is, that God is intellectual and technical achievements, calamities - was introduced, as a way of alive and in our midst, and He alone can ending up in spiritual barrenness and renewing one’s entrustment to God. From give an answer to man’s problems. emptiness of heart. That is why it is so here it became known as the Candlemas The candles that are lit at Candlemas important for us to open our minds and hearts feast. Thus, the theme of light is remind us of the need to be vigilant, by to the Birth of Christ, this event of salvation fundamental, for light symbolizes Christ: keeping the light of hope, of faith and of which can give new hope to the life of each the true Light who came to love always at hand, in a world human being. illumine His people and all which often sinks into darkness Wake up, O men and women of the third peoples. He opens the way of and anxiety. millennium! At Christmas, the Almighty salvation for every man. This is Consecrated persons have becomes a child and asks for our help and why the candles are blessed and to know how to see beyond the protection. His way of showing that he is God why one goes in procession uncertainties of our world, to challenges our way of being human. By towards Christ in the house of the read the signs of the times, like knocking at our door, he challenges us and Father where we find Him in the Simeon and Anna the prophetess our freedom; he calls us to examine how we celebration of the Eucharist. who were able to see in the baby understand and live our lives. Connected with the Nativity Jesus the great miracle of Men and women of today, humanity come and the Epiphany, this feast also Salvation being donated to the of age yet often still so frail in mind and will, serves as a bridge to Easter since world. To those who accept Him, let the Child of Bethlehem take you by the it celebrates the consecration of Jesus to the Holy Spirit grants a penetrating gaze, hand! Do not fear; put your trust in him! The God, when Mary and Joseph presented the a wisdom that is more than human, and life-giving power of his light is an incentive Son of God at the temple according to inexplicable strength and courage; to show for building a new world order based on just Jewish law, that through Him the way of the world that he who lives in God and ethical and economic relationships. May His salvation may be opened for all. for God disposes of mysterious resources love guide every people on earth and According to Jewish law a woman was that make him special and transfigure his strengthen their common awareness of being to be purified forty days after giving birth, humanity. a family called to foster relationships of trust and at the same time was to offer a ritual The choice of a life lived in poverty, and mutual support. sacrifice to the temple for a first-born son chastity and obedience must liberate the as a ransom since first-born sons belonged person of his egoism, and bring him to BLESSING by right to God. For these two reasons inner freedom that allows him to live the The blessing of the Lord produces well- Mary and Joseph went to the Temple, but life of a redeemed person who is not being and salvation through its own power, in their case the offering of the first-born imprisoned and bound by sin. This way it just as cursing procures disgrace and ruin. The son to the Lord was particularly is possible to show (the world) that the effectiveness of blessing is later more significant since they were placing the life Kingdom of God can be realized already specifically brought about by God, who of the little Saviour back into the hands here on the earth, and that His grace is protects us, favours us and gives us peace, of the Father from Whom they had superabundant and transforms our which is to say in other words, He offers us received Him, and by doing so they were humanity from degraded to risen. an abundance of happiness renouncing their rights as parents. At the The consecrated person becomes light Temple, while Jesus was still a babe and for the nations when he shows with his TO THE CONSECRATED in Mary’s arms, old Simeon, illumined by life that it is possible to pass from death Since its origins consecrated life has been the Holy Spirit, proclaimed to all the truth to life, when he knows how to spread the marked by its thirst for God. Do not be afraid of the babe’s identity and sacrificial joy of living to others, when his love to present yourselves as consecrated persons, mission for the redemption of the world. knocks over the contempt and lack of love also visibly, and do your utmost to show that Mary is not unaware of the Son’s call, in others. His love must be selfless love, you belong to Christ. The Church needs your and at the Temple old Simeon prophesies able to propagate mercy and forgiveness witness, she needs a consecrated life that the future of the baby and her own. He tells of sins, and heal the wounds of the heart. confronts the challenges of our time her, in fact, that a sword will pierce her Consecrated life, in its various courageously and creatively. In the face of the soul, when she will actively participate in forms, is a witness that life in God is advance of hedonism, the courageous witness the redeeming work of the Son with the full of joy, and is capable of showing the of chastity is asked of you. offering of her own suffering. Simeon Father’s Face, that the world may see His In the face of the thirst for money, your also hails Jesus as the One who will be the presence. The various and multiform sober life, ready to serve the neediest, is a glory of his people, Israel; and as the one experiences that range from prayer to reminder that God is the true treasure that does who will prepare the salvation before all charity make the things of God tangible. not perish. Before the individualism and peoples and be light to illumine all peoples. Some in the world might best reflect His relativism that induce people to be a rule unto In 1997 John Paul II, contemplating love; someone else His patience, peace, themselves, your fraternal life, which can be the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, or wisdom, so that the mosaic of His coordinated and is thus capable of obedience, chose this festivity to celebrate the first presence takes form, and that people may confirms that you place your fulfilment in day dedicated to consecrated life. The know that God walks beside His children God. Pope asked all consecrated persons to in those who offer themselves to Him Benedict XVI thank God together for the gift of their without reserve. Sabina Rosciano 4 souls in and the souls in the Jesus, Mary, I love You, CONSOLATA BETRONE Militant Church; the innocent soul and the guilty soul; the dying, the atheist, etc… Do Save Souls! “In the womb of the Church not lose time; remember that every act of you will be trust” love is a soul.” This act of love, if In the message uninterrupted, is destined to cut off the of 25 July 2005 Our roots of all evil, and to remove life from the In Christian a victim soul is Blessed Mother at old man so that the new man may live and Medjugorje said: by no doubt the highest one could aspire be only and totally love for God (Jesus, Mary to. In a certain sense, one could say it was “Dear Children! I I love you) and only and totally love for men call you to fill your both a compendium of all vocations, and a (save souls). It is an evangelical way in the crown upon them all. But we must understand day with short and true meaning of the word, for it requires that ardent prayers.” the meaning of victim. A victim soul is a one should remain continuously in His love, person who offers himself willingly, and even There are to have Christ’s own sentiments, to have no countless brief and if he is to suffer, he does not offer himself to other time except to think of loving Jesus suffering itself, but to the Man of sorrows, ardent prayers. and Mary and saving souls. This is equal to Perhaps we all have out of love, to share in His passion of love. the perfect denial of self that Jesus asked of Yes, he is a person who sacrifices himself, a favourite one we His disciples. like to repeat more but in the sense given by the Old Covenant: It is for this reason that Jesus told that is, to offer a sacred gift to God. frequently. It would Consolata that she would have been be an ardent task to Consolata Betrone, of the order of the annihilated by an uninterrupted act of love. Poor Clares, lived near Turin in the first find the origins of each, but I think it is fair She experienced that “to be an uninterrupted to say that they are all inspired by God’s half of last century (1903-1946), and was virginal act of love, one must disappear,” without doubt a victim soul who had the Spirit of Love; by Love for Love, for love disappear before creatures and before one’s of souls and love of us. One such courage to respond to the cry of Jesus: “I thirst own eyes, so as to follow with all one’s might for victims to save the world. I thirst for brides, inspiration was given to the Servant of God not for ; and in this precise moment I Ð in profound silence and in love – “God Sr. Maria Consolata Betrone (1903-1946, need victims more than I need brides,” and alone, till all is fulfilled.” This Poor Clare’s Italy) after reading St. Therese of Lisieux’s she offered herself as a holocaust (sacrifice radical response prompted her: “to never Story of a Soul. Consolata herself was that is burnt till it is totally consumed, as in attempt to make myself happy: neither granted mystical experiences, but she is the biblical sense). And she made her offering through food, nor drink, nor rest, nor clothes, particularly remembered for her “very for the sake of “each soul in the entire nor tastes, nor preferences; but to seek total small way” which can be summed up in universe, that Jesus might save them all,” and annihilation of my will, my due, my personal the following three points which are the in particular for the priests and religious who work… annihilation of the tongue… respond nucleus of Our Lord’s instructions to her: were not faithful to their vows or who denied only when necessary and with an act of love.” 1. Offer an unceasing act of love from the their vocation. To live this act of love without heart: Jesus, Mary I love You, Save Souls! Inspired by Thérèse of Lisieux, she had interruption, with all one’s being, in times 2. Have a smiling “yes” for everyone, to the audacity to be “that soul that was weaker of consolation and in times of trial, requires see and treat Jesus in everyone. than mine, littler than mine” whom the holy heroism, it requires stripping of self, but it 3. Have a grateful “yes” for everything. Carmelite had said “would receive still makes the heart pure, and it unifies it. It is similar to prayer of the heart, but it is even An act of love is also an act of greater graces, if it abandoned itself with reparation: the Lord told Consolata: A absolute confidence to God’s infinite mercy.” greater, for it not only unites one to Jesus, but to God through Jesus and Mary. It unites the “Jesus, I love You” repairs a thousand And Consolata was that soul. Of her Jesus blasphemies. The importance of this brief said: “In the womb of the Church you will be soul to their Hearts which are offered in sacrifice to the Father as a sacrifice of love but powerful invocation can be understood trust… I am very pleased with the blind trust, by Jesus’ own words: “All I ask for is this: infantile trust, boundless, immense trust that for the sake of souls. Jesus and Mary cannot be separated, a continuous act of love: JESUS, MARY I you have in Me… Never allow, not even for LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS…” an instant, that the enemy should penetrate just as one cannot separate God’s love from He invited Consolata to intensify the your soul with the thought of mistrust, ever! the offering of self for the salvation of our prayer, and to make no delay: “Don’t waste Believe in me as only and always good; brethren. For Consolata, in fact, love for time: every act of love is a soul! Of all the believe in me as only and always a mother Jesus and Mary could not be separated. It was gifts, the best gift you can offer me is a day for you… Consolata, understand my heart… this love that generated her love for souls. At full of love. I desire an uninterrupted Jesus, tell the world how good and motherly I am… the end of her earthly life she said: “ Oh, I am Mary I love You, save souls! from when you I am and I love being exclusively good and certain that one day when the Divine Heart get up in the morning till when you go to merciful with my creatures. Don’t paint me will show me to the world He will say only bed at night.” as a severe God, if I am a God of love… I one thing: ‘She trusted me! She believed in The act of love that Jesus wants is much shall save the world with merciful Love!” me.’ Yes, Jesus will do great things, and I more than lip service. It must be To console Jesus for the great mistrust already join myself to the Blessed Virgin to interiorized: with one’s mind that in His Goodness and Mercy, Pierina Betrone sing the Magnificat. A few more months and concentrates on loving, with one’s will that took the name Consolata (she who is Consolata will become Consolatrix (she who wants to love, with one’s heart that loves. consoled) when she took her vows, in a desire consoles). Yes, with love I shall bend down The formula Jesus, Mary I love You, save to console the Heart of Jesus and all those over every heart that groans, that suffers, that souls is but a help. who weren’t able to perceive and receive the despairs, that swears, that curses… How I feel Lord’s love. And it was Jesus Himself who sorry for those who suffer…” To German mystic, Justine Klotz showed her not only the way to console Him It was this divine love for souls that (1888-1984), the Lord inspired a similar but also how to “love Him as none other had made her desire Paradise so that she could ejaculation, with special regard for priests: loved Him and to save souls that none other do good for all. Now that Sr. Consolata is “Jesus, Mary I love You, save priestly had saved.” This way is the unceasing act of in the Father’s bosom, her thirst to do good souls, save souls!” When we pray for a love “Jesus, Mary I love you, save souls!” is entirely satisfied according to the Lord’s priest we are praying not only for him, but that the Redeemer called the very small way promise: “Yes, your Jesus will grant it to you: for the many souls under his pastoral care, of love and trust. It wasn’t meant just for her, you shall tend your ear to all the sorrows of for a holy priest will bring many other but for all little souls, since the Lord wants: the earth, you shall wrench from me the souls into the realm of God’s love. But “the triumph in the world not only of Mercy, greatest graces, and from each soul - in they need the support of our prayer. We but especially of Love, particularly in the very recompense - you shall always ask for holy offer an immense gift to the Church, to little souls.” communion… yes, I promise you even now, ourselves and to the world when we pray “Jesus, Mary, I love You, save souls that apart from the special mission of your for priests… and for the gift of many, holy encompasses everything,” the Lord had told brethren, you shall be everyone’s vocations! her: love for Him and for creatures: “the Consolata.” Cristina Palici Beverley K. Drabsch 5 another reaps’.” The harvest is great, comfort being able to share the daily News from the blessed land numerous are the ways, there’s room for experiences of mission and apostolate. It everyone, and each is important in God’s plan. was a great opportunity to encourage each I think the most credible sign of our state as other with the strength of one’s decision Communities at Medjugorje servants and members of God’s family is for God and for the Queen of Peace. In our precisely this communion while respecting spirit we were able to perceive the strong Different Charisms one’s originality, which ought to flourish in wind of the storm that is thrashing out every community and radiate outwards to against the world; the storm of incredulity, One Heart embrace the reality each encounters. compromise and falsehood. On the 10th November at Medjugorje Our prayer time, though quite simple and I thank Mary, Mother and Queen of Peace, there was a meeting for all the communities natural, was an intense moment, and I dare who called us aside to be hers and to serve present in Medjugorje. Lately the meeting say made us all aware that though this friendly God’s Kingdom with the offering of our lives. has been held 2-3 times a year, and takes exchange and sharing of experiences and place in a different Community each time. impressions is important, we truly Sr Halina This time the host community was the Oasis encountered each other while we were on our Kraljice Mira, potpuno tvoj Ð po Mariji of Peace. In all simplicity we spent a large knees before Eucharistic Jesus, in union with k Isusu Community slice of time sharing, then we recited the Our Lady’s unceasing prayer. We recited the prior to Holy Mass which was Rosary in several languages and thus (This Croatian name means: Queen of celebrated by the newly ordained priest Fr. witnessed to the unity according to the plan Peace, wholly Thine, to Jesus through Mary. Luka Maria from the Beatitudes Community. of the Blessed Virgin. At Holy Mass this unity It is Padre Tomislav Vlasic’s Community, in Besides the three better-known was brought to fullness in the reciprocal gift brief called the Kraljice Mira Community. communities (Oasis of Peace, Beatitudes, of self as each of us placed his own poor yet Translator’s note) Kraljice Mira) there were others, more precious offering on the Altar where all is The Lord needs and desires His workers, recently founded: the two branches (male recapitulated in Christ and offered up to the collaborators, and children. Thanks to this and female) of the community founded by Father through His perfect sacrifice, thus event (the encounter for Communities) it Mother Rosaria Ð Adorers of the Most becoming seed of holiness, blood that brings became clearer for me how the Lord calls His Precious Blood and Apostles of Our Lady of full life, incorruptible life, pledge of salvation, workers, and how the presence of these Sorrows Ð with the charisma of prayer of broken bread for distribution and communities in Medjugorje is a great gift. I reparation. There was the very new Heart of consumption by the faithful. understood more clearly that the diverseness Mary Community: under the guidance of Sr. of our charisms is a wealth and an important Milena several young people from various Following are various testimonies: witness for the “world” which continually nations live an experience of community life makes it way to Medjugorje. combined with intense prayer, for periods Br. Alessio Maria Sharing about the spiritual journey of of varying duration. And then there was the Oasis of Peace Marian Community each, the type of spirituality, and the daily life, New Horizons Community for former drug with bouts of spontaneous laughter in- addicts. The Cenacle Community was not It was a time of wonderful and serene between, strengthened our spiritual present this time, but they were in spiritual communion. Sharing the joys and fatigues communion. During the Holy Mass which we communion with us all. of the journey, and praying together were celebrated together we were able to express We were all visibly moved by the sight wonderful occasions to get to know each our joy and gratitude to God for each other. It of so many young people, representatives of other better and to see how we are all was then, more than in any other moment, different movements, but once we overcame journeying together behind the Lord Jesus. that the Lord was at the centre of our the initial impact it became evident how we It helped us to see how we all belong to the encounter. Our praise was raised up to Him, had something in common; and it was the same family of God, and how we are all at and it was to Him that our souls desired serenity written on the faces of each Ð no the service of the Gospa. belonging. We could feel the grace of the doubt a mark of Mary Ð and through this Since I’m fairly new in Medjugorje it has blessing of God our Father and the motherly serenity the love of God was able to transpire. been a source of wealth for me to actually and loving gaze of our Queen of Peace. The brothers and sisters, each in his or her meet persons I’d already seen in church, on It is a beautiful gift of the Lord being able own way, were witnesses of the same fact: Podbrdo or on Krizevac Ð those people who to surrender oneself and entrust one’s life to “God had disposed, Our Lady had called. place their lives at the disposal of Our Lady Ð Him, and that He should allow us to express God had arranged, all I did was respond.” and to learn more about their communities our individuality and freedom whilst serving Different were the backgrounds, the and their spirituality. It made me think of the Him. I nurture immense gratitude for what style of dress and of life, different were words of St. Paul when he spoke of different God has done for me, for giving me life and the charisms, but it was precisely this that charisms but one Spirit; of one God at work for calling me into a Community, and for made our meeting - held in the name of the in everyone, of special manifestations of the showing me how each vocation is important Lord who unites all in Him - a meaningful Spirit in each person for the good of all. and precious when it bears life within it. and powerful witness. Each of us was a piece I also think of our heavenly Mother’s of the big family that the Queen of Peace words: “My Children, through the messages Sr. Lioba has brought together in her Heart. I wish to create a beautiful mosaic with your Beatitudes Community The common element that brought us hearts so that I can offer each of you to God together was this desire and decision for the as an original image (25.11.89). My Children, We are always enriched when we’re all Lord. Every step that another brother or I wish to make of you a beautiful bouquet of together like this. The joy and love we sister makes is both a help and stimulus for flowers, prepared for eternity (25.7.95). I experienced, the encounter amongst brothers the rest of us. Every encounter has been a desire that my heart, the Heart of Jesus, and and sisters of the different communities, from source of grace for us all. your heart be fused into a single heart of love so many different countries, cultures and It’s like a series of paths all leading to the and peace (25.7.99).” continents is for me a taste of Heaven. Despite same place; at times running alongside each Thank you, thank you, thank you Mary! our differences, we are gathered together in other, at times intersecting. Or like a race the big family of God. where there are neither winners nor losers, Roland This reminds me of Our Lady’s message but where someone else must always open Apostle of Our Lady of Sorrows of 25 July 1999: “I wish for you to understand the way for those who come afterwards. But that I don’t want to realize just a place of who is greater: he who sows or he who reaps? The meeting of the religious prayer here, but also (a place for the) he who leads the way, or he who follows communities present in Medjugorje is a encounter of hearts. I desire that my heart, behind bringing more beautiful and more precious moment, as it allows us to the Heart of Jesus, and your heart be fused abundant fruits? “He who reaps receives experience the spiritual unity which the into a single heart of love and peace.” wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so Gospa has created to fulfil the plans she has When we are able to live this, we already that sower and reaper may rejoice together. for us and all mankind. experience the Kingdom of God, and our heart For here the saying holds true: ‘One sows and I found it of great consolation and is gladdened by the thought of eternal love. 6 continuously called you to conversion. Many Our Lady has frequently called us to fast. Interview of Fr. Tomislav of your hearts have remained closed… Begin Many have difficulty fasting. Can you say to pray. Pray to God for the gift of something about this? Twenty five years with Mary conversion.” I think these words should make us seriously reflect. We must understand that in God’s plan, everything is connected harmoniously; also This year is the 25th anniversary of Our Don’t you think this message is perhaps a fasting. Independent from the form one may Lady’s apparitions at Medjugorje. You were choose to fast, its scope is to lead the person a witness of the extraordinary events of the little too severe; that it might discourage those with good will but who feel too weak? away from material and spiritual first years. In the light of your personal consumerism, and to awaken in him the quest journey and your priestly experience, what for God, to steer him towards conversion. As memories awake in you today? I would say not! This is a mistake, based on our fears, which we immediately seek to with prayer, fasting too is an indispensable With regards to my past years in justify. St. , at the end of his means to arrive at God. Medjugorje, not a lot of things come to mind earthly life, told his brothers: “Brothers, let’s right now. In 1985 I began gradually start from the beginning because so far we What advice can you give us to advance in withdrawing from Medjugorje to live in have done nothing!” These words are very the spiritual journey? contemplation. As my relationship with God significant also for us. The scope of our life is to enter into grew deeper there was an awakening of the When a person is mystical union with Jesus; to enter into the memory of my soul, that space where the Holy open to God he always fullness of His life. If we have the Son, then Spirit was able to assume the role of main sees new horizons ahead we also have the Father, and the Holy Spirit actor, to reveal the Mystery. In this memory of himself, and he always will lead us Ð says St. John the apostle. If we there’s not so much the phenomena of receive new graces. He is allow ourselves to be involved and Medjugorje, but rather the divine truth of the fascinated by life in God overwhelmed by Jesus Christ, then we will living and true God, and the Mother of God and with that same vital be His people and He the Immanuel, the God- who is present in and works in us. It is the fascination he attracts with-us. All apparitions, all graces granted us truth of the Church. others to God, since they have this purpose. Whoever receives an extraordinary grace feel its pull and are If we journey decisively in this direction, must make it bear fruit for the Church. The overwhelmed. that is, towards total union with Jesus, then visionaries have said, with regards to some In these our times, everything in our life will change. Faith, hope, of the secrets, that when these will be revealed with evil so strongly and love become dynamic, able to involve and it will be too late for many. This means that present, God expects overwhelm others. This is the way we become what counts is our participation in the divine His children to let involved in the action of divine grace, and action in us, including that which is being themselves be participate in the mandate of the apostles, manifested at Medjugorje in such an powerfully involved in moved by the power of the Holy Spirit. extraordinary way His divine life, so they Otherwise, we remain closed up in our own in turn may involve superficial religiosity, turning around So what do you think is the most important others, and overturn and ourselves and our concern for the future, and thing about Medjugorje? destroy evil, and trying to get others involved not in God but ultimately overturn in ourselves: it’s like a destructive vortex. As I said, the memory of our soul records death itself. If believers everything. The Holy Spirit reveals the remain outside this contents of it to us gradually, to lead us to the The world doesn’t seem to be going too dynamic action, they well. Many people are concerned, entire truth. All is entrusted to the Church to remain flat, they do not accompany us on our way to God, as the pessimistic. Do you think something in the arrive at authentic world is changing? deposit of the divine truth is revealed to us. conversion and they are For all of us it is extremely important that subject to the aggressive Very much is changing; very much! God we accept the Mother of God as part of God’s action of evil. is the true protagonist of history, even if He salvific plan; and accept her person. By seems hidden. His action is silent, hidden to following her example, and letting ourselves In this message that you quoted, Our Lady the “greats” of the earth. He transforms be guided by her motherly love we participate asks us to pray. For many years she has everything, and He doesn’t want to damage in her glorification. Through Mary we continued to ask for prayer, almost with anything. He allows humanity’s crises so that conceive Christ in us, and in us He grows, insistence. Why, do you think? man will seek God and convert. God does offers Himself, and is glorified. Through Mary wonderful things even today, often through Most Holy we take part in the salvific event Our Lady is faithful to herself. She shows the little, simple people, those who are most of Christ. us the way; she indicates the most suitable hidden. Besides, He has always acted this way It is a dynamic journey that involves the means to awaken in us the divine life and all throughout history, even in the life of the human being on all the levels of his existence its dynamics. There is no doubt that prayer is Virgin Mary. and guides his development. For this reason the fundamental means for active participation it can also confuse and overwhelm him, but in the life of grace. What do you expect from the 25th anni- in a good sense. He who accepts this action versary of apparitions at Medjugorje? of God, and converts, allows himself to be Why are many of our prayers not granted, fully included in the salvific event worked by even when we think they are good things? A jubilee is a jubilee! A jubilee brings Jesus Christ, the Saviour, and allows himself many graces with it, and opens up great to become an instrument of divine action St. Augustine explains that bad people scenarios of divine action. So I expect very himself. If this doesn’t happen, man remains (mali) pray in a bad way (male) for bad things much. In particular I expect an awakening of closed up within his own little world, though (mala). We turn around ourselves, and we God’s people: with regards to prayer, remaining a believer. want to involve everyone and everything, conversion, and fasting; that they may be including God, in our egoistic needs. God caught up by God. Our Lady at Medjugorje continues to withdraws from this type of behaviour. I hope each believer will comprehend that invite us to conversion. Do you think people In the message of 25 December 2005 that the main stage where God acts is within are truly converting? I cited before, Our Lady also says: “My himself, in his soul. The fruits will come, both Children, Jesus is peace, love and joy. So in and around persons. God’s people will thus The fruits are many and evident. That decide for Jesus.” True prayer raises a praying see the realization of His promises; they will people are converted, let’s leave it to Heaven person, and introduces him into the life of see the salvation of mankind. And then, to judge. In the message of 25 December 2005 Christ. It detaches him from his egoism and believers will bear the announcement of the given to Jakov, Our Lady said: “Children, makes him participate in the dynamics of happy news of the salvation of each person. throughout all this time in which God has salvation. This is the prayer that attains its This is my hope and also my prayer to God permitted me to be with you, I have scope. and to our Mother. * 7 them. Then, the invisible will become Beyond time and space visible. The Eternal One will break through time and break down the frontiers. Beyond all possible thoughts and devotions towards formulae or images, imagination. Beyond all possible even if our sophisticated world wants us to WITH MARY THERE IS AMPLE capabilities and merits. Beyond all possible believe that only what we see and own is SPACE. It takes courage; courage to plans. Such is Mary’s presence at true. So that we are not deceived we must adventure through her Heart, without Medjugorje. She is present, beyond all allow the invisible to transpire Ð the fearing the lack of limits that man normally possible human logic; beyond all possible invisible of what our inner gaze has creates round himself. We are used to will to keep or ignore her; beyond all accepted and acknowledged as true. structures, to tracks, to the narrow laws of possible human law and reasoning. human customs that we build out of fear of For nearly 25 years the Blessed WHAT OUGHT WE DO? It’s as easy the unknown that we cannot control. United Virgin has been visiting Medjugorje to as breathing; because Mary is like fresh air. to Mary it is possible to go beyond time visit her children who still belong to time Mary’s “fresh pureness” reassures the soul, and space, where our beings dilate as much and space, to help them cross the frontier; gives new oxygen to the spirit, and gives as God allows. Then, we will enjoy every now, here on earth. new vigour to tired limbs. Her fresh-ness fullness that our soul is capable of. invigorates the blood, giving new desire to Mary is present, but she does not let HOW? Prayer: continuous and free of live, to be, and to rejoice. herself be captured. She gives herself, but all schemes. Sacrifice: loving and All this can be seized when at she does not let herself be possessed, or generous. Holy Mass: fully participated Medjugorje our feet quickly climb over the used. Like Jesus, she is a pilgrim on the and celebrated with life. The Word: lived stones of the hill where Mary appeared 25 way to Palestine. in a continuous liturgy, that makes of us years ago: Podbrdo, which I like to call The Queen of Peace has been with us living gospels. All this, together with an Mother’s Hill. If you listen carefully, in the for nearly 25 years to lead us in this time unconditioned acceptance of the Mother, silence of your heart, you will hear her which is treacherous, but also precious for makes us citizens of Heaven even though breathing, ever so lightly, as she caresses our souls. And she leads us with all the our feet are on the ground; and it helps us and embraces you; and you will feel her grace that fills her, wrenching from God to be sincere witnesses of the kingdom that motherly kiss. She will speak to you, to extra time to teach us, console us, confirm awaits us beyond the frontiers of death, but make you feel her invisible yet absolutely us and exhort us. which is already here in our midst… or real presence. And when you descend from rather, inside of us. the hill you will say in your heart: “Mary SHE HAS SAID MUCH WITH HER Mary came to remind us; she came is here. I met her; for she called me, awaited MESSAGES. And she has prayed much to renew in us the news that She herself me, and embraced me.” more, also loved more, and most likely had accepted from the angel that day in And what ought we do when back suffered as she looks down on her children which the Word became flesh in her womb; home after visiting this place of grace? who are so often distracted, closed, the news of God becoming one of us to lead Back home, back in our little worlds made indifferent, or even unwilling. I think the us back to Himself, to pull us out of the up of relationships, duties, commitments time has come for an honest and realistic world of corruptibility that degrades our and timetables, Mary should transpire summing up, to understand with greater nature, and to show us how to raise from our soul! After having absorbed her, clarity the project that God wants to realize ourselves to a dimension where we are her presence should overflow into the air, through Medjugorje: that is, to responsibly immune to all forms of corruption. so that others may perceive and breathe in grasp the situation and decide to respond But to understand we must above all her perfume, and be pervaded by her, and ever more sincerely to the calls of Mary, a allow Mary to enter our life Ð really and filled with her. As fresh air through an open Mother who never forgets to thank us for naturally. It is no longer time for mere window, the Blessed Virgin will renew “having responded to her call.” Stefania Consoli

Mary’s Grand Programme bearing into a lower category of pious Marian Balkans that practically no one had ever heard devotion which in itself is praise-worthy, of; but of it Mary said: “… you will give me of Light though inexorably marginal. Instead, Mary is the joy of seeing completely fulfilled the plan by Giuseppe Ferraro strongly stressing the explicitly biblical and that God has for Medjugorje” (7 Feb. 1985). intensely prophetic character of this great It was here that Mary first appeared to At the core of the message of the Queen event of grace, so important for the Church, six little visionaries, most of them young of Peace there is a clear line of light, a plan of and fully qualified to be enrolled in the great teenagers, one a mere child; and then through grace of undreamt-of dimensions that God is divine plan of fulfilment of the work of other little souls, often enriched with secret granting the world at our time through Mary. salvation: “Pray, and God will help you gifts and spiritual charisms, each of them Perhaps it won’t hurt if we try to sharpen our discover the true reason for my coming. called to a specific mission, each a small piece inner vision to grasp the essential core of this Children, pray and read the Sacred Scriptures, in the great mosaic of Mary’s love. great mystery of love, also in view of the great so that through my coming you discover the Mary, communicating directly to the jubilee of 25 years of apparitions of the message in them for you” (25 June 1991); hearts of her children, is attracting to this Mother of God. “Read Holy Scripture, live it and pray to place, which she calls “the source of grace” In her messages Mary frequently makes understand the signs of this time” (25 Aug. (8 May 1986), multitudes “from every race, reference to an extraordinary programme 1993). people and nation”: people who from all of salvation entrusted to her by the Father If we go over the messages and the history eternity are written in the Heart of the Most for our time, which she calls “a special time” of the events, and look at the unfolding of High, and called in particular for His plans of (25 June 1993) “connected in a special way the various spiritual fruits which have salvation: “Dear Children, I want you to to heaven through me” (25.5.96). This germinated from the dynamic grace of understand that God has chosen each of you extraordinary plan of grace I would say is the Medjugorje, it is possible to grasp the for His plan of salvation for mankind,” (25 key to the true spiritual meaning and the fundamental lines of evolution of this giddy Jan. 1987); “Each of you is important in my deepest reason for the presence of the Queen effusion of salvific light that, like all God’s plan of salvation” (25 May 1993). of Peace amongst men: “I wish to thank you interventions, passes through an impenetrable Each soul is urged to respond in perfect for making it possible for my project to be “mysterium electionis” hidden in the Father’s liberty and with the simplicity of a child to realized” (25 June 2004); “Dear Children, Heart. the call God is addressing us through Mary: you have helped me with your prayer to The instruments used by Mary to fulfil “Therefore, my Children, I desire that your realize my plans. Continue to pray, that these her programme of light stand out Ð according decisions be free before God, because He plans may be realized in full” (27 Sept. 1984). to God’s style Ð for their total inadequacy in has given you your freedom” (25 Nov. 1989); Our Lady is calling us, in fact, not to the eyes of the world. As first instrument “… you are called and you must respond to trivialize the authentic meaning of her we have a tiny parish Community situated in the call of the Father who calls you through presence, perhaps by unduly reducing its an obscure hamlet in an isolated region of the me” (25 Oct. 1987). The decisive way is this: 8 and if accepted it generates an extraordinary lives for the salvation of the world” (25.2. Nonetheless, the salvific peak of this effusion of grace that launches Mary’s plan 88); “Offer your suffering to God as a gift so extraordinary programme of grace can be in us and through us: “I await only that you it may become a beautiful flower of joy” reached only through the offering of self: give me your yes so I can offer it to Jesus (25.9.96); “Reconcile yourselves with each in every spiritual place of the universe, not and so He may fill you with His grace” (25 other and offer your lives that peace may only in a sacramental dimension, but also in May 1992). In fact, Mary expects from her reign over the entire earth” (25 Dec. 1990). the Eucharistic (Mystical) Body of the Son, children an unreserved “yes” to offer to In fact, this is the decisive nucleus of who lives and pulsates with love especially the Father in union with the one that gushed her great plan of salvation: turn us into in the new communities which Mary herself forth from her own Immaculate Heart so she joyous vessels of God’s pure Life and Love has roused in these our times. may immerse us in a vital relationship of for the world, by letting ourselves be interiorly It is for this that she is guiding - with communion with the Heart of her Son: “I transformed and become almost an extension various charisms - spiritual groups who call all those who have responded yes to me of her living presence amongst men: “Dear represent the new people. These souls, who to renew their consecration to my Son Jesus, Children… today I call you to open yourselves have totally offered themselves to God, are to His Heart and to me, so that we may use to me and to become instruments in my hands expressions of the mystery of Communion you even more effectively as instruments of for the salvation of the world…” (25.3.94); which is the very essence of the Church, old peace in this world without peace” (25 April “I call you to live my messages and to transmit and new; it is the supreme gift given to men 1992). them all over the world, so that a stream of through which Christ spilt His blood and Consecration to the Heart of Christ, love may flow amid the people who are full of through which still today He desires however, means “to have in us the same hatred and without peace. I call you, my aspersing the world with the endless currents sentiments that were in Jesus Christ” (Phil Children, to become peace where there is no of life that gush forth from his pierced Heart, 2:5), that is, the fullness of God’s pure Love, peace, and light where there is darkness, so for His is “the only name under heaven given that same spiritual lymph that pulsates in the that every heart may accept the light and the among men by which we must be saved” Son’s Mystical Body which was totally and way of salvation” (25.2.95). (Acts 4:12). freely offered up to the Father for the salvation It is only this way that the immense This is the yeast of life that the Mother of the world. “This is my commandment: that “river of living water as clear as crystal” (Rev of God desires spreading throughout all you love one another as I have loved you. 22:1) that gushes forth constantly from the nations and continents, so that also the Greater love has no man than this, that a Heart of the Most High can be poured out in earthly members of the Mystical Body of her man lay down his life for his friends” (Jn fullness on the world and heal all souls and Son may be fully regenerated as she guides 15:13). the entire creation, through the salvific work the universe to the Easter pass-over which It is for this that the Queen of Peace, as of the Church completely renewed by Mary: alone can remove us from corruption and she did at Fatima with the three shepherd “I call you my Children to comprehend the death and bring us into the incorruptible life children, never ceases to exhort multitudes importance of my coming and the seriousness of the new heavens and new earth. This of children to offer themselves totally to of the situation. I want to save all souls and presence in the world of the Queen of Peace God: “Witness with your life. Sacrifice your offer them to God” (25.8.91). is for all a sure and luminous sign. *

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