October 8, 2008

Featured Saint of the Day: John Leonardi
Congratulations to Today's Winner of "The Pirates who Don't Do Anything, A Veggie Tale Movie": Sally Proctor

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny shared the story of how they met. As yesterday was their anniversary, they were reminiscing. A man named Jerry Morin was inspired to go to Medjugorje in 1988. While there he had a beautiful experience with Our Lady. He was further inspired to write and produce a song as a tribute to his visit to the hills of Medjugorje. The song is called, "The Lady of Medjugorje," and since it's recording has been heard world wide. Jenny worked with Jerry and Rick was asked to produce the CD.

For those who don't know much about Medjugorje, it is a site of Marian Apparitions. The Church has not taken a stance on the authenticity of these visions as Mary is still appearing there. The apparitions began in 1981 when Our Lady, Queen of Peace appeared to six children from the village of Medjugorje: Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, Vicka Ivanković, Ivan Dragićević, Ivan Ivanković and Milka Pavlović. Several of the visionaries still see Our Lady daily, others receive visits from her on special occasions such as their birthdays.

Our Lady encourages prayer and sacrifice to bring peace to nations. At one time Our Lady said, "Dear children, I invite you for your individual conversion. This time is for you! Without you God's plan canot be realized. Dear children grow day by day closer to God through prayer." To aid in our spiritual battle she said, "I give you the weapon against your goliath, here are your little stones: 1. Prayer with the heart: Rosary 2. Eucharist 3. Holy Bible 4. Fasting 5. Monthly Confession."

While the Church has not taken a stance on the apparitions, it does not dissuade pilgrims from tavelling in droves to the small town of Medjugorje to partake in a richness of prayer that atmosphere provides. As the messages of our Lady have all been in line with the teachings of the Church, a bascilica was even built from which to minister to the flocks of the faithful.