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Our Lady's "Quiet Gift" to Ireland speaks volumes at Knock

     In commemoration of Saint Patrick's Day we bring you Ireland's most famous apparition today - the Apparitions at Knock, Ireland when the Blessed Mother appeared along with Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist on the south gable of the Church at Knock in County Mayo in northwest Ireland. Not a word was spoken but the image of these three with an altar, cross and lamb with angels surrounding them spoke volumes. Four Roman Pontiffs have visited this popular site including Pope John Paul II on September 30th twenty years ago. For the installment "Knock and it shall be opened to you", click on THE AGE OF MARIAN APPARITIONS

      With today being the feast of Saint Patrick, Bishop and Apostle of Ireland and the one largely responsible for bringing the faith to the emerald isle, we bring you another famous account of one who brought more to the land of Eire - the Blessed Mother of God. Our Lady focused her attention on the Emerald Isle in 1879, appearing in a Ireland for the first time in northwestern part of the island in County Mayo in the village of Knock. The actor John Wayne played the lead role in a movie many decades ago called "The Quiet Man", the story of an Irishman. Our Lady could be called "The Quiet Woman" for no words were spoken during her apparition on August 21, 1879. It was the eve of the Octave of the Assumption (August 15). Around 7:30 pm Our Lady appeared on the village chapel's south gable wall. Fifteen known persons saw this vision which lasted two hours. Despite the fact it was raining steadily, the figures which appeared in the vision as well as the spot where they appeared on the wall remained totallly dry. This wall, bathed in a cloud of light framed the Blessed Mother, clothed all in white, who appeared wearing a large brilliant tiarra as she raised her hands in prayer with her eyes looking toward the Heavens. To her right was Saint Joseph, looking to his beloved spouse, while on her left was Saint John the Evangelist dressed in bishop's vestments with his left hand holding the Sacred Scriptures and his right raised in a preaching motion. To his left could be seen an altar where there was a cross with a young lamb on the altar. All around the altar angels hovered. The visionaries were so stunned to leave that they did not notify the parish priest until the next day. The apparition returned twice a year later but many say the light was too intense to clearly recognize any of the figures except for the Blessed Mother.

      The meaning of the original vision was discerned by the visionaries and later approved by the Church. The silent message was that the Mother of God personified personal holiness while Christ's beloved Apostle St. John signified the defense and spread of the True Roman Catholic Faith, and St. Joseph stood for Charity. The Cross, the altar and the lamb - meaning the Lamb of God which is sacrificed in an unbloody manner in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - represent source of the strength necessary for all Catholics to live their faith as God wills.

      Mariologist Father Michael O'Carroll from Dublin, the well-known spiritual director of present visionary Christine Gallagher, further explains the silent vision of Knock: "The first lesson of the apparition is the Mass. Everything seems to point to that - the altar with the sacrificial Lamb, the gesture of Our Lady, the presence of Saint John in vestments, and the respectful attitude of Saint Joseph. But we may also see in the vision a reminder of another great truth connected with the Mass - the necessity of Mary's mediation and intercession and the unique character which the latter acquires because of Mary's glorious Assumption and Coronation. We use bodily relics of the Saints when we wish to obtain our requests, but we have no bodily relics of hour Heavenly Mother. We have, however, something infinitely more powerful - we have the continuation on our altars of the Sacrifice in which her Son was immolated. We have His very Body and Blood on the altar and, at the same moment, in Heaven at the right hand of the Father, and with it is the human source from which it was taken - the assumed body of Mary. If the dead bodies of the Saints move the Heart of God on our behalf, how much more the living body of the Immaculate One who crushed forever the enemy of mankind! Let us see, then, in the manifestation of Knock, an invitation to have recourse ever more to the Blessed Virgin, Mediatrix of All Graces and Queen of Heaven and earth, to pray to her and to take into our lives the consciousness of her full gentle presence in Heaven."

      As is the norm, word soon spread of this phenomena and the Archbishop of Tuam was called in. He, along with a discernment board, interviewed each of the fifteen visionaries separately and at great length and found their accounts credible including local authentication of many miraculous physical and spiritual cures. Convinced this was from God he pronounced it "trustworthy and satisfactory." The area soon became a pilgrimage site and a large church was built to accommodate the vast masses coming as well as giving proper reverence to the Message of Knock with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass becoming the main focus for all activities at Knock. In 1936 Pope Pius XI concurred with the findings at Knock and officially made Knock worthy of belief for the Universal Church. Today the shrine at Knock is one of the world's major Marian shrines and has been the recipient of special privileges by at least four popes with our present Holy Father Pope John Paul II being the first to physically visit the shrine as a reigning pontiff. He did so on September 30, 1979 on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the apparitions when he bestowed the status of Basilica on the new church there, presented a golden rose to the shrine, and proclaimed publicly: "From that day of grace, 21 August 1879, until this very day, the sick and the suffering, people handicapped in body or mind, troubled in their faith or their conscience, all have been healed, comforted, and confirmed in their faith because they trusted that the Mother of God would lead them to her Son Jesus. Every time a pilgrim comes up to what was once an obscure bogside village in County Mayo, every time a man, woman, or child comes up to the Old Church with the Apparition Gable or the the new shrine of Mary Queen of Ireland, it is to renew his or her faith in the salvation that comes through Jesus, Who made us all children of God and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven."

Be very much in the world, but not of the world and rekindle the missionary spirit for the new millennium

     Just as we carried the 1998 address of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Conv. to the Mile Hi Congress last year, so also we bring you this year's in which he states that the Catholic faithful need to take the form of faithful, obedient disciples for as he states - "Either we form society, or society will form us." Archbishop Chaput is one of the leading new orthodox shepherds who sets the tone of loyalty and adherence to the faith and, among many experts, is one of the leading American candidates for the cardinalate in the next Consistory. For the final part of four installments of the Archbishop's address Forming Disciples for the Third Millennium, click on MITERS THAT MATTER

Part Four of Four

IV. As we go about our sessions today, we're barely 10 months from the beginning of the Great Jubilee, the end of the century, and the turn of the Year 2000. That's a little sobering. I think many of us tend to deal with the new millennium by not thinking very deeply about it. But the Holy Father has been preaching about it for 20 years, and of course that's exactly what we should all be doing — thinking, preparing and praying deeply about the future. And that brings us to the final idea in our theme for this morning. What exactly does it mean to form disciples for the third millennium?

      I have two answers, and both are true.

      Here's the first: Forming disciples for the third millennium is going to demand exactly the same missionary spirit and missionary skills it took for the first 2,000 years. The human predicament on January 1, 2000, will probably look pretty much the same as it did on January 1, 1990, and pretty much the same as it will on January 1, 2010.

      There's nothing secret or magic or frightening or radically new, or even particularly dramatic, about New Year's Eve 1999 — unless you're looking for an excuse to party. Or unless you believe in Jesus Christ as the center and meaning of history. God is still God. We're still made of the same stone. And most people in the world have still not heard the Gospel preached to them.

      For 70 percent of the people on this planet, the "new millennium" is no more than a convenient standard for measuring time. It has no religious content whatsoever. For me, that's much more troubling than the hands on any clock. If the world does not know Jesus Christ, it's because of us: our lack of missionary zeal, our lack of sacrifice, our lack of love. And that problem isn't solved by new tools or new information. It's solved by our own conversion and discipleship — which is pretty much the same story as every generation since the cross.

      But we are entering an age which will have its own unique challenges, and this is my second answer — that we need to form disciples in the decades ahead who are prepared for a world drastically different from anything in American memory. Physics is changing the way we articulate the structure of the universe. Genetics is changing the way we articulate the structure of the human person. And in the midst of this accelerating power and knowledge, Western societies — many of them constituting the Christian world as we once knew it — are removing themselves from the future.

      What I mean is this: In today's developed countries, one in seven persons has an age of 65 or older. But in 30 years, that number will grow to one in four. In other the words, over the next three decades, the percentage of older people in our population will nearly double.

      Here are some other statistics: In 1950, the developed countries had about 24 percent of the world's population. By 2050, they will account for barely 10 percent. Over the next half century, more than 30 developed countries, from Austria, to Russia to Spain to the United Kingdom, will actually lose population in real numbers. The fertility rate in every developed country has already fallen below the replacement rate of 2.1. By 2050, the 12 most populous nations in the world will include only one of today's developed countries. That will be the United States, which will sustain its population on immigration. These data come from Peter Peterson's new book, Gray Dawn (Times Books), but they're widely available from other reliable sources as well.

      The implications for people in the developed countries are pretty obvious. As lifespans increase and fertility drops, pension and healthcare expenses will go up. Unfortunately, the workforce supporting those expenses by taxes will shrink. Therefore, the tax burden on each younger worker will grow. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that euthanasia, to name just one example, will look more and more cost effective in the coming decades. At a minimum, friction between the old and the young in developed countries will increase. And it will have a huge impact on social welfare policies. Population growth in the less developed countries, meanwhile, is likely to continue. This is why governments like our own are forcing population control on the more fertile developing countries — it's now seen as a matter of urgent national security in many of the aging, industrialized states.

      I mention these projections because the assumptions which we've made, for most of our lives, about the shape of the future . . . well, they're going to be wrong. Drastically wrong. The human story will remain the same, but the organizational terrain of human societies and institutions will not. And we can't avoid much of what's coming, both the good and the bad. If the entire developed world woke up from its death wish tomorrow and began restoring its fertility rate, it would take decades to have any effect. More importantly though, if a society has freely chosen against life, does it make any sense to mourn it? Beyond a certain critical threshold, the human family might be better without such a society.

      In Deuteronomy, God reminds His Chosen People that "I call Heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying His voice and cleaving to Him, for that means life to you and length of days" (30:19-20).

      I began my remarks today by saying that alarmism is the wrong path for Catholics, and that separating ourselves from today's culture accomplishes very little beyond isolating us from others. I want to say that even more strongly as I conclude. Whatever lies ahead, the world doesn't need more anger, more fear and more enclaves. It needs seeds of renewal, and the leaven of Christian hope. That means us, and those whom we teach. The work each of you does today as a Catholic educator is the most important enterprise in the world. Forming disciples for the third millennium boils down, finally, to preaching, teaching and building the culture of life which flows from the cross of Jesus Christ.

      "Therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live." Amen, and God bless you all.

Cardinal Andrzej Maria Deskur - a vital link in the "Polish connection" in Rome

      Today we feature our thirty-second red hat in alphabetical order. He is the 75 year-old Cardinal Andrzej Maria Deskur. A life-long friend of Pope John Paul II's since their seminary days in Cracow, he has become one of the Pope's most trusted advisors. For more on this Polish cardinal appointed by John Paul II in the Consistory of May 25, 1985, click on COLLEGE OF CARDINALS COLLECTION

32.   Cardinal Andrzej Maria Deskur

      Long a member of the Roman curia and a trusted confidant of fellow countryman Pope John Paul II, 75 year-old Cardinal Andrzej Maria Deskur was born in Sancygniow, Poland on February 29, 1924. He was pursued a Law Degree at the renowned Jagellonic University in Cracow and it was in Krakow where he felt the calling to the priesthood, just as Karol Wojtyla also had his calling four years before his friend Andrzej. Cardinal Deskur was ordained on August 20, 1950 and assigned to continue his studies in Moral Theology at the University of Frieburg. Within two years Pope Pius XII summoned him to Rome for employment within the Secretariat of State. In 1954 he was promoted to undersecretary to the office. Following this he became secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications which was back then called the Pontifical Commission for Film, Radio and TV. He served as secretary of this organization which was quite instrumental before and during the Second Vatican Council. In 1974 he was appointed President of the same Pontifical Commission. He held this position from 1974 to 1984. On June 30, 1974 Pope Paul VI elevated him to titular bishop of Tene and assigned him President of the same Pontifical Commission he had been secretary of. Six years later his dear friend John Paul II bestowed the honor of archbishop in February of 1980. The Holy Father included him in his Consitory of May 25, 1985 as a cardinal deacon receiving the church of St. Cesario in Palatio.

      On January 26, 1996 the Pope transfered him to the order of cardinal priest. He is currently the President emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications offering his expertise to the current President Archbishop John Patrick Foley from Philadelphia. Cardinal Deskur also holds Curial membership in the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, plus the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers and the State of Vatican City Commission.

      He remains one of John Paul's most trusted advisors as they have been friends since their days in the seminary when the Holy Father was four years ahead of Cardinal Deskur.

SIMPLY SHEEN: We must decrease so God can increase

      They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the words of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen have been known to launch a thousand images in one's mind, one of the ways this late luminary did so much to evangelize the faith. Because of the urgency of the times and because few there are today who possess the wisdom, simplicity and insight than the late Archbishop who touched millions, we are bringing you daily gems from his writings. The good bishop makes it so simple that we have dubbed this daily series: "SIMPLY SHEEN".

"How much happier people would be if instead of exalting their ego to infinity, they reduced it to zero. They would then find the true infinite through the rarest of modern virtues: humility. Humility is truth about ourselves."

"Soon, dear children, My Holy Mother will not be among you in the extraordinary way She has been for many years."

      Those words come from the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Solemnity of His Blessed Mother's Immaculate Conception in 1993 to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart in Message 438. Our Lord reaffirms that He will reclaim His kingdom on earth and urges all His children to return to Him and listen to His Mother's Messages. Our Lady prefaces this by preparing all for Advent in her 437th Message the day before, entreating all to persevere. For Messages #437 and #438, click on "I SOLEMNLY TELL YOU..."

Messages 437 and 438

      My Beloved Hidden Flower, I bless you. Be at peace. Do not weary of the battle. God alone is your strength.

      How my Motherly heart swells with joy for all of my little ones who, in faith, honor me as the ever-Virgin, the Immaculate Conception. I, the Mother of God, was granted this privilege by the Triune Divinity. I, the lowliest of all creatures could but bow humbly to God's Will, for my heart sought Him alone and His Will was my will.

      I solemnly tell you, dear children of my Immaculate Heart, that as you honor me it is great comfort to my Divine Son. Come then into the refuge of my Immaculate Heart, and know I seek only to lead you directly into the true refuge of the Sacred Heart.

      Come now, for in this season of Advent, I seek to help each one of you to prepare to become not only as a little child, but to prepare your soul to be the manger to receive my Divine Son into your soul.

      Heed my words which come as many graces to you. Come to my Divine Son with all your being and do not waver, for I solemnly tell you that as this Advent marks the beginning of more severe chastisements, so also it symbolizes the world awaiting my Divine Son's return, which is closer than you can conceive.

      Know I love and bless you. Thank you for responding to my Call!

      Beloved Hidden Flower of My Mother's Immaculate Heart, I speak to you today to gather all of My sheep into the one fold held in My arms.

      Children, I beseech you as your Lord and Savior, to believe and trust in My Mother's apparitions throughout the world. Many, many of Her Messages given to certain messengers must be lived and spread, because they come from God's authority. There are many who hunger only for the words, but do not change their lives. These souls are of great sorrow to Me. They were the cause of much of My agony in the Garden of Olives.

      Therefore, as you gather today to honor My Mother and to believe in Her Immaculate Conception, I, Jesus Christ, Only-Begotten Son of God, Savior of the World, do solemnly tell you that the moment is not far off when My Vicar on earth shall proclaim the Ever-Virgin, Mother of God, as Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of all Graces.

      I, your Lord and Savior, hold out My arms to receive into My Heart all of My children, for I love all and gave My life for all. I await you in the Tabernacle, but you do not come. I await at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to come to you in Holy Communion. Where, today, can I look for any who will believe in My True Presence and due all manner of reverence for Me, their God? I look! I call! I seek and knock, but I remain alone, often abused and neglected.

      Therefore, comfort My Sacred Heart and give your lives completely to Me through My Mother's Immaculate Heart.

      Soon, dear children, My Holy Mother will not be among you in the extraordinary way She has been for many years. You must listen to Her and allow Her to guide you to Me, for the hour has come to mankind when I shall be denied again, while My enemy assumes worldly control.

      Do not be anxious. Do not fear! I do not abandon anyone who truly seeks Me.

      Little ones, My places of refuge where I gather My little ones to live as the first Christians lived, are forming. These places are of the Divine Will. But I look to each of My children to help those called to build and live in community in these places in order to fulfill My Will. Pray for one another. Seek reconciliation with God, yourself and all your family. Help through all the graces you have been given, for each place of refuge - each Eucharistic Community which will be built will be a place where My True Presence is preserved. Here you will find Me, your God and Savior. Here I shall pour out torrents of Divine Mercy. Here man will learn now to live as he will live after the Time of Darkness.

      Pray to receive fully the Holy Spirit. Allow My Mother, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, to help you.

      I solemnly tell you I shall re-claim My Kingdom. Evil shall be wiped from all the earth. Then shall come the Age of the Divine Will, which was the covenant I made with the Father in My Prayer - the Our Father.

      My Mother's Heart nears the moment of Triumph. Be awake. Watch and wait, for I come to gather My faithful remnant. Know I love and bless each of you and am comforted when you give My Mother due honor.

      Peace! My children. Peace! I am with you. Help Me pour out My limitless Divine Mercy.

      I bless you, My children. Call on Me, for I will come sooner as your faith grows.

      Love Me Who Am Love, and seek only eternity with Me. All else is for naught. I, your Jesus, bid you come as humble children. I reject no one of humble, contrite heart.

      Pray, for My Coming is near - very near!

    Dear children! Also today I am with you in a special way contemplating and living the passion of Jesus in my heart. Little children, open your hearts and give me everything that is in them: joys, sorrows and each, even the smallest, pain, that I may offer them to Jesus; so that with His immeasurable love, He may burn and transform your sorrows into the joy of His resurrection. That is why, I now call you in a special way, little children, for your hearts to open to prayer, so that through prayer you may become friends of Jesus. Thank you for having responded to my call.
For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE AND MORE

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March 17, 1999 volume 10, no. 53   DAILY CATHOLIC