St. James Church

Lou Forbes

My (Lou Forbes) trip to Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina was an unbelievable trip which has changed my views and outlook on my being a Catholic. My trip dates were September 27, 2009 to October 6, 2009. 52 pilgrims made this trip.

I feel that if I knew before hand what I know now, that I would have known what to expect. I would like to advise anyone making this wonderful trip to speak to someone who has been there. All pilgrims are most willing to speak on their experience. We all feel that we are messengers for the Most Holy Mother Mary.

Everyone had their reasons for making this trip wheither for personal or family issues. We have now experienced a life changing event. We are all different now that we have been to Medjugorje. The Holy Mother Mary allowed us to feel this feeling of feelings. We are all blessed to have been there. We have been chosen “Messengers” to get the word out to those we touch or know.

The Holy Mother Mary has brought us closer to our Father the Lord Jesus Christ. God Bless!!!!


"lou's Medjugorje morning walk up to the Apparition Hill."

GOSPA GROUP VIEW

The parish of Medjugorje is situated in Herzegovina, 25 km southwest of Mostar. Medjugorje forms a Roman-Catholic parish where today approximately 4000 inhabitants live. The pastoral care of the parish is confided to the priests of the Franciscan Province of the Assumption of Mary. The whole region is inhabited by Croatians who received Christianity 13 centuries ago. In historical documents, the village was mentioned in 1599 for the first time.

The present parish was founded in `1892 and dedicated to St. James the Apostle, protector of pilgrims. Until Jun 24, 1981, Medjugorje lived like all other villages of this region; people worked on their land, planted tobacco and vineyards, produced wine and vegetables to acquire just enough for a modest life for their families. Because of social circumstances, many went out into the world: over the ocean and to Western European countries, as well as into towns in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. EVERYTHING CHANGED IN 1981.

When the apparitions of Our Lady started in 1981, the life of the parish
Our Lady chose as her witnesses and her co-workers, not only the six visionaries, by the entire parish, and its pilgrims. This was expressly told in following message. "I have chosen this parish in a special way and wish to lead it". (March 1, 1984) Father Jozo Zovko,O.F.M. was the parish priest at that time . It is impossible for anyone to refrain from what has been happening there.

Since 1981, in this small village, the Blessed Mother has been appearing and leaving us her children and the nation messges. She tells us that GOD has sent her to this world and these years she is spending with us is a time of grace from GOD. In her own words she tells us . "I have come to tell the world that GOD EXISTS;he is the fullness of life and to enjoy this fullness and peace, you MUST return to GOD.

COME TO MEDJUGORJE and realize a spiritual relationship with Our Lord and Our Lady. "Blessed are they who have not seen and believe".

Since the apparitions of Our Lady began in 1981, millions of pilgrims of all faiths, from all over the world, have visited Medjugorje on pilgrimage and have left spiritually strengthened and renewed. Countless unbelievers and physically or mentally afflicted have been converted and healed. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones, to investigate with an open mind and heart the events which are occurring in Medjugorje. I invite you to listen to her and her messages received every 2nd of every month. . Medjugorje will manifests itself in a personal manner for each one of us, so that all may understand that “You are important to HER”. You will see what the parishioners completed. An 8.5 meter cross of reinforced concrete on March 15, 1934. These words are engraved on the cross.

“TO JESUS CHRIST, THE REDEEMER OF THE HUMAN RACE, AS A SIGN OF OUR FAITH, LOVE AND HOPE, IN MEMORY OF THE 900th ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSION OF JESUS”


In the center of the cross, they placed a relic of the authentic Cross of Jesus, which Christians venerate as the cross on which Jesus was crucified. This relic was received as a gift from Rome, where the larger part of the authentic Cross is being kept in the Church of “Santa Croce di Gerusalemme’.
There is no seeking of God, if one does not seek what is right and just. “Seek me that you may live!” Issiah says: “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near”. Let the scoundrel forsake his way the wicked man his thoughts; let him turn to the Lord for mercy; to our God who is generous in forgiving. We have to seek God with our whole heart and our whole soul. Jesus said the same. ‘SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE GIVEN YOU BESIDES.’ MATTHEW 6:33.

It is not difficult to understand what is going on in Medjugorje. The first apparition of Our Lady took place on the mountain Cmica, which today is called Apparition Hill. Our Lady called us to peace, prayer and fasting, faith and love. She appeared to children, who are already adults today, whom one can meet. Everything began with the call to peace and belief in God in a country where atheism was the official ideology. On the one hand, the government reacted vehemently against it, but on THE HAND OF GOD, the crowd felt an unbelievable urge to come and see, to experience and respond! According to Marijana, the Madonna confided the tenth and last secret to her during the apparition on December 25, 1983. She also disclosed the dates on which the different secrets will come to pass. "Dear Children, I invite you for your individual conversion. The time is for you! Without you God's plan cannot be realised. Dear children grow day by day closer to God through prayer. I GIVE YOU THE WEAPON AGAINST YOUR GOLIATH, HERE ARE YOUR FIVE LITTLE STONES: 1. Pray with the heart:: Holy Rosary, 2. Holy Communion, 3. Holy Bible, 4.Fasting 5. Monthly Confession.

According to nature, man searches for peace. On Apparition Hill, the joyful and the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary are prayed and one remains in silence at a place marked where the visionaries saw Our Lady. You are able to read some of her messages and think about them. Consecrate yourself to her, and accept her as your Mother. Pray for Peace. Pray for those innocent souls aborted, Pray for vocations, Pray for our Priest, Pray for the ill, Pray opposite the second station of the Joyful Mysteries because it is here that on the third day of the Apparitions June 26, 1981 Marija Paviovic saw Our Lady with the Cross, crying and repeating " PEACE! PEACE! PEACE! ONLY PEACE! Peace between God and man and peace between men."

The Blue Cross. In the course of time, another place for silent prayer evolved. Its name was given accidentally. Someone had placed a blue cross at the spot where Our Lady appeared when the police had forbidden any gatherings on Apparition Hill. Ivan’s prayer group, Ivan, met many times here. Mirjana also often prays at this spot the second of the month when she meets with OUR LADY and prays for the non-believers. Pray at this spot for non-believers, and those who have left the church, those who are luke warm in their faith, pray for Vocations, Pray for those with additions, and Pray the Catholic Church remain strong. A pilgrim comes to Medjugorje for many reasons. Health, personal healings, etc. Come and bring your petitions to the feet of Our Lady.

Mt. Krizevac. Here the way of the cross is prayed. Consisting of 16 stations. The first being the Garden of Gethsemane and the last the Resurrection. One goes to Mt. Krizevac to learn how to carry your own cross."With my trembling hands, I will carry my cross until the day I die. God have mercy on me".

Now, we leave you to ponder messages received from Our Lady.: “Dear Children! I invite you to open the door of your heart to Jesus as the flower opens itself to the sun. Jesus desires to fill your hearts with peace and joy. You cannot, little children, realize peace if you are not at peace with Jesus. Therefore, I invite you to confession so Jesus may be your truth and peace. So, little children, pray to have the strength to realize what I am telling you. I am with you and love you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” Jan. 25, 1995

A pilgrimage helps you break away from the earthly hostages and frees us from its consequences. A pilgrimage offfers various forms of meeting with God. According to the Bible and the experiences of the Prophets, there is first a CALL to leave the city, to abandon everyday life and to search for a place of peace and silence. Go into the desert, then set forth and climb the mountain where through prayer you encounter the Lord. Experience God's love, mercy, and truth. A pilgrim journeys to walk in the ways of the biblical pilgrim. Take your time to honor God the Father, God the Son, and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Pause, take your time; climb the mountain as Moses did, and surrender yourselves to God who forgives and gives one peace. All Through Mary, to the Son, to the Father.

As important as it is to come here as a pilgrim. It is equally important to come to pray, to remain with Jesus and Mary while praying the Rosary and to hear her voice calling us to Peace. This is the same peace to which the Angels called us when Jesus was born. It is particularly recommended to pray for peace at the cross opposite the second station of the joyful mysteries. It is here on June 26, 1981 that Our Lady with the cross was crying and repeating Peace! Peace! Peace! Only Peace! Help wipe away her tears.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The authentic Medjugorje site. - Home

The authentic Medjugorje site. - Home: "“Dear children! God gave you the grace to live and to defend all the good that is in you and around you, and to inspire others to be better and holier; but Satan, too, does not sleep and through modernism diverts you and leads you to his way. Therefore, little children, in the love for my Immaculate Heart, love God above everything and live His commandments. In this way, your life will have meaning and peace will rule on earth. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Monday, May 24, 2010

Ferdinand Roccanti

Ferdinand Roccanti Two different talks are now scheduled!  San Clemente will host the 2nd talk!
6/24/10    Guadalupe Catholic Catholic Church at 6:30 not 6:00 (time was changed)
6/26/10    San Clemente hosts second different talk after the 5:30 mass.   To be announced in Church Bulletin.
The Medjugorje Center will have art by Ferdinand Roccanti for sale at both events, as well as other religious and Medjugorje articles. 

Dear Apostles of Our Lord,
Please mark your calendar and come 6/24/10 to the   29th Anniversary of the Medjugorje Apparitions 

The Medjugorje Center in Albuquerque will sponsor a fabulous speaker by the name of Ferdinand Roccanti. The event will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1860 Griegos Road NW in Albuquerque. At 6:30 p.m. Our Blessed Mother will be crowned and the rosary will be prayed after the coronation.   Ferdinand's talk will begin after the rosary.  After his talk Ferdinand will remain in the church to socialize with all who would like to meet him.

His testimony is simply remarkable and compelling.  He was a millionaire who gave his millions away and ultimately became indigent to serve the Lord (at Our Lord's request).  He suffers from a rare disabling disease, Myasthenia Gravis, which affects the nerve endings of his body, coupled with double vision and no depth perception. He is considered legally blind.

One day he heard Jesus prompting him to buy a canvas and brushes even though he had never painted in his life. In “Blind Faith,” he began to paint.  His hands are miraculously moved by the Holy Spirit and "He" paints the most beautiful pictures, i.e., the Last Supper, many of Mother Mary, etc. As he paints, he prays and, as he prays, he draws closer to God. The result is a work of art!! 

If you have an opportunity, you might want to go by the MIR Center located at  1915 Menaul Blvd, NE, Suite 5, to view or purchase his video (Blind Faith--$20.00). It will allow you to become acquainted with him prior to the June celebration.  GOSPA pilgrims will view this video Saturday June 5 at 7:15 p.m at the San Clemente Parish hall after praying the unborn rosary.

Ferdinand’s prints of his paintings will be available for sale after his talk. You may also visit his website at Ferdinandart.com to purchase his prints but keep in mind that you will have to pay shipping costs. If you so choose, Ferdinand will sign your purchased prints. The MIR Center will also be selling religious and Medjugorje articles before and after the event to help offset some of their expenses. The MIR Center is responsible in bringing speakers to the Albuquerque area.

Be sure to join us on June 24, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, and meet this holy man in person. He has certainly been inspired by God himself.

If you have questions, please call the MIR Center at 505-880-0684. They are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

P.S. Seating for the event will be on a first-come, first serve basis. No tickets will be sold.   So come early!  Tell your friends and family.   All Through Mary to her Son Jesus, to the FATHER.

MIR - MIR - MIR (peace, peace, peace)

Holy Land - Walk with Jesus

Dear Apostles of Our Lady,

Gospa pilgrims were again very generous  with donations for 1st Saturday of the month masses for the special intentions of  Gospa Pilgrims.  We will continue to have masses celebrated every 1st Saturday of the month.  Five additional masses were paid for the intention of Medjugorje Pilgrims.  Thank you again!

What did we do this Saturday May 1.
A very informal power-point  was given to Gospa Pilgrims this Saturday, May 1, by Holy Land Presenter Issa.   We feasted on pizza while Issa shared with GOSPA  photos of the very recent Lenten Pilgrims from Risen Savior who have returned.  We were able to see Petra-the carved city into rock, the pyramids, the birthplace of Jesus- pilgrims kissing his Divine birthplace.  Mt. Sinai where Moses received the 10 Commandments and pilgrims who walked to the top of Mt. Sinai, Mt. Tabor-Christ's Transformation, the Sea of Galilee as they sailed on a boat. Cana where pilgrims renewed wedding vows, and all singles vowed their lives to Jesus, Gethsemane where Jesus wept for our sins, his tomb, and many, many, many other adventures they experienced.  We know our experience will be just as wonderful and blessed as we walk closely with Jesus, and as Gospa leads us to her son.  

We have been able to negotiate a very good airline  fare with a carrier and are able to move forward with in-house advertising.  You will begin to see advertisements that detail all the places that will be visited.  The target date is March 14 - March 27, 2011, the most beautiful time in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.

Fr. Holbrook, Spiritual Director,  will be at San Clemente sometime in June and sufficient notice will be given to to allow you to  attend a FORMAL PRESENTATION.    Registration is now open.  Ads will begin in the Church Bulletin that will inform you of places to be visited and what occured there.

Hard copy brochures will be available, and downloads of the brochure will be available so that you too may send them to your friends and invite them to join us to Walk in the footsteps of Our Lord and Gospa, the name Our Lady of Medjugorje calls herself in Croatia.  diocese.  We will keep you informed of the 1st Formal Presentation  where you will meet Spiritual Director William Holbrook.  I hope to send the bulletin ads to keep you informed  week by week.

Friday, April 2, 2010

The Medjugorje Message: Good Friday message of Our Lady

The Medjugorje Message: Good Friday message of Our Lady: "Dear children, today I bless you in a special way and I pray for you to return to the right way to my Son – your Saviour, your Redeemer – to him who gave you eternal life. Reflect on everything human, on everything that does not permit you to set out after my Son – on transience, imperfection and limitation – and then think of my Son, of his Divine infiniteness. By your surrender and prayer, ennoble your body and perfect your soul. Be ready, my children. Thank you. Medjugorje message, April 2, 2010"

Sunday, December 13, 2009

How Lou touched me!

I'm a friend of Lou's. We have known each other for 10 or so years. I knew of Lou's intended trip to Medjugorje. He came back from his trip so excited and with a glow. He told me of his trip and I was taken by his radiance. I didn't know much about the apparitions of Medjugorje, so I decided to read a book. I picked up "Medjugorje, The Message" by Wayne Weible. I found this book so interesting. After reading the book, I viewed the dvd of his trip and I can tell you "wow". What an experience!! God Bless.

TELL US YOUR EXPERIENCE of MEDJUGORJE!!

Please blog your expenience if either you have been to Medjugorje or have been touched by the spirit of Medjugorje.