HOW DID FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC TURN INTO A VAMPIRE?

For months I have been wondering whether I should write this article for my blog. Tonight I read again the article entitled "The Undead Vampire of Medjugorje" and below are some excerpts taken from this article.

Medjugorje and the Undead

Barbaric is not dead, that is because he is a sucking vampire. In a strange twist surrounding the already highly contro-versial Medjugorje movement, a message purportedly from the Blessed Virgin Mary claims that one of the most influential backers of the "seers" of Medjugorje is a saint in Heaven -- but suspicions have arisen that Father Slavko Barbaric may actually be alive - and avoiding an international criminal fraud investigation.

Kronzer's investigation of the dark underworld of religious fraud was prompted by the loss of his wife, Ardie, to what he describes as the Medjugorje "cult."

Adherents to Medjugorje, however, have poured millions, if not billions of dollars into the cult. It is the potential misappropriation of these funds which has prompted several investigations into the dealings of the Medjugorje promoters.

The examination of fraud connected with Medjugorje reached spectacular proportions in 2002 when military-style attacks were launched against a bank, Hercegovacka Banka, known to be controlled by Croatian extremists in Bosnia. Croatian extremists used the bank to finance their efforts to separate the Croatian section of Bosnia from the nation of Bosnia, and unite Croatian Bosnia with the independent nation of Croatia.

Ominous signs for Fr. Barbaric and the Hercegovacka Banka began to appear as early as the November 11, 2000 general elections in Bosnia. As election results began to come in, the loss of influence of Croatian extremists in the future Bosnia government became increasingly certain. At the same time, their activities were coming under increasing scrutiny from the international community.

The day after Barbaric's reported death, the Blessed Virgin is said to have told one of the "seers" that, "I rejoice with you and I desire to tell you that your brother Slavko has been born into Heaven and intercedes for you."

Kronzer states that he has information from a reliable source that puts the "Our Lady of Medjugorje" message in doubt, and strongly indicates that "Slavko" may actually be alive, and avoiding unheavenly questions concerning what he knows about the Hercegovacka Banka.

Because the bank was involved with activities undermining the international peace agreement in the Balkans, it is possible that "Slavko," if found alive, could spend time before The Hague Tribunal.

Each time I read this article, I feel really sad. After reading this article again tonight, I somehow feel that I should write something for my hero, Father Slavko Barbaric. A holy man like him should always be remembered and honoured for generations to come and shouldn't be defamed like this.

Bram Stoker's "Dracula" has always been one of my favourite books and all I know about vampires is that they rule armies of wolves and hordes of rats. They can turn into bats. They corrupt the pure and destroy the innocent. They can enter dreams and torment minds and they feast forever on our blood. Well, as far as I know, Father Slavko did none of these horrible things. Those who know him would agree that he is a very religious man and that he lived a very holy life. It is certainly unfair to compare a harmless man like Father Slavko with a vampire.

We all know that Father Slavko lived a very simple and humble life and he did not care much for himself nor did he ask for anything for himself. That was why he aged and died prematurely. Now to answer the question whether he really died prematurely. Well, why should Father Slavko fake his death in the first place? What is his purpose for doing do? Do you think he would enjoy himself hiding away from the whole world thus being unable to do the things that he loves to do so much - to celebrate mass, to tend to the needs of the Medjugorje pilgrims, to serve God and us, to pray on Podbrdo Hill and Mount Krizevac? He is not the kind of man who lives only for himself and he certainly would not hide away from the whole world and enjoy life secretly. That is not his purpose! His purpose is to live the life of Christ and to serve the world as He did.

Did he fake his death for the sake of money? What does he need so much money for? He doesn't have to pay for his children's college fees nor does he need money to buy a ring for his wife on every Valentine's Day. Celibate priests devote their lives to God and to the Church and they do not care much about money. Whatever they have belongs to the church. Father Slavko has written so many books but did he become rich? The answer is "no" because whatever money he has goes to the church.

When Our Lady says that "I rejoice with you and I desire to tell you that your Brother Slavko has been born into Heaven and intercedes for you" it doesn't mean that Father Slavko faked his death. Which part of the sentence explains this? Is there anyone who has seen Father Slavko hiding away in secret? Who is this person? Being alive in Heaven doesn't mean that he is still alive on earth and is hiding away secretly!

Do the Croatian extremists really want to separate the Croatian section of Bosnia from the nation of Bosnia and unite Croatian Bosnia with the independent nation of Croatia? Whose creative idea is this and what proof do we have? We don't even know if this statement is true. The question is, "Can the Medjugorje priests undertake such an important task?" They are not trained soldiers and they probably don't even know how to handle a gun. They are not extremists nor are they politicians who thirst for power. Medjugorje is a peaceful and humble place of prayer. In Medjugorje there is no war, only peace. There is no hatred, only love. And the Croatian people are very friendly, helpful, honest and selfless people. I am saying this based on my own personal experience. I haven't seen more honest people in my life.

What kind of criminal fraud is Medjugorje involved in? As far as I know, the Croatian people there make an honest living. And whatever donations that the pilgrims give to the Church are given willingly and wholeheartedly. There is no fraud!

Can we say that Medjugorje is a cult? What is a cult? A cult is defined in the Longman's dictionary as (a group of people that follow) a system of worship, esp. one that is different from the usual and established forms of religion in a particular society. I don't see any difference between the system of worship in Medjugorje and the churches in Malaysia. The only difference is people tend to be more religious when they are in Medjugorje. This is one of the good fruits of Medjugorje and it is something we should celebrate and not condemn.

Anyone who has lost his wife to Medjugorje should perhaps first of all take a look at his marriage lines. According to palmistry, there is a time set apart in one's life to marry and to divorce. Why is it so? Until all the secret laws and forces of nature are known, we can take no other standpoint than to accept this perpetual fact. Everything in life is fated. He should look at things positively. It may be a blessing in disguise for him. As one of my lecturers used to say, a successful man could easily find a much better and younger wife anytime should his wife choose to leave him irrespective of how old he is. Just look at Lee Majors. How beautiful his young wife is! Thanks for reading. You can click here to go to the contents page of this blog.

THE CACHOT: THE DWELLING-PLACE OF THE SOUBIROUS FAMILY AT THE TIME OF THE APPARITIONS

The Door / Entrance of the Cachot

The Casterot family had been working at Boly Mill since 1786 and hoped to own it one day. However, on 1 July 1841, Justin Casterot died in a cart accident leaving behind his widow, Clare, four daughters and a son. Since Clare was unable to run the mill by herself, she decided to marry her eldest daughter (Bernarde) off to Francois Soubirous, a 34-year-old bachelor who was working at a mill nearby. However, Francois Soubirous was not interested in Bernarde but fell in love with her younger sister, Louise, who was then 16 years old. On 9 January 1843, when Louise was 17, they got married at the parish church. On 7 January 1844, Louise gave birth to their first daughter, Bernadette. On 17 September 1946, their second daughter, Antoinette, was born.

In 1848, Claire Casterot (Bernadette's grandmother), decided to leave Boly Mill with her other children and live with Bernarde who was already married by then. Because of the strained relationship between Francois Soubirous (Bernadette's father) and his in-laws as well as overcrowding at the mill, this was probably the best solution for them. But without Claire Casterot's help and being too generous with their customers, Francois and Louise soon began to encounter financial difficulties. To make matters worse, their livelihood was threatened by the new steam-powered mills due to the technological advances of the industrial revolution.

In 1849, Francois was blinded in the left eye in an accident while working on a millstone. On 4 January 1851, his young son, Jean-Marie died. On 13 May 1851, Louise bore him another son who was named after his death brother.  The mill was sold to a new owner in 1852 as the Soubirous family could no longer afford to keep it but they were allowed to stay there on the condition that they had to pay rent. On 24 June 1854, the Soubirous family had to leave Boly Mill because they had no money to pay rent. After their brief stay in Laborde House, they leased Baudean Mill but they did not do any better at the mill. In 1855, when the cholera epidemic broke out in Lourdes and caused 38 deaths, Bernadette almost died from this potentially fatal disease. Although she recovered, she had to suffer from chronic asthma all her life. When Claire Casterot died in the same year, she left Francois and Louise 900 francs and they used the money to rent a mill at Arcizac-ez-Angles. But due to a series of poor harvests, Francois was out of work. In 1856, Lourdes was struck by famine and Francois was reduced to penury. Without a stable job but with a wife and four children to support, Francois could not afford to feed his family. Hopeless and destitute, the Soubirous family ended up at Rives House, a "miserable shack" but they still could not afford the rent. After being evicted from the shack and penniless, the Soubirous family moved into the Cachot.

Inside the Cachot

The Cachot is a humble dwelling located at 15 rue des Petits Fosses, 65100, Lourdes. It has been called the Cachot because it was formerly a prison cell. It's damp, filthy, and unhealthy condition rendered it unfit for human habitation. Jean Pierre Taillade, the builder who bought this building in 1824, left it to his grandson, Andre Sajous, in 1848. Sajous made some alterations to the Cachot - he added a second window and built a fireplace in it. In 1856, Sajous allowed his penniless and homeless cousin, Francois Soubirous, to stay in the Cachot rent-free out of sympathy. Thus the 4.4 metres by 3.72 metres single room became the family home for the six members of the Soubirous family, namely, Francois Soubirous and his wife Clare and their four children, Bernadette (13), Antoinette (10), Jean-Marie (6) and Justin (18 months). The Soubirous family stayed in the Cachot until July 1858 when Father Peyramale rented the Lacade Mill for them.

Inside the Cachot

It was in the Cachot that the Soubirous family went through the most difficult and darkest days of their lives. For the purposes of survival, everyone in the family had to work. Francois became a day-laborer while his wife, Louise, worked as a cleaner and farm hand in order to earn a meager income. Bernadette, who was no longer attending school, helped to look after her brothers and sister. To supplement her parents' income, she collected rags, bones and scrap iron which she sold for a meager sum and helped out at her aunt's tavern. However, despite their hard work, the family income was barely sufficiently to make ends meet during those difficult times when famine was threatening the country. To make matters worse, Francois was accused of stealing two sacks of flour from the baker on 27 March 1857. He was arrested and imprisoned but was released 8 days later due to lack of evidence. According to the plaintiff, "it is his extreme poverty that makes me think that he could be the thief." Although Francois was released from prison, his public disgrace made it even more difficult for him to find work. In September 1857, Bernadette was sent to Bartres to work as a farm girl so that her family would have one less mouth to feed. However, hardship, loneliness, and homesickness made her persuade her parents to let her return to Lourdes. On 21 January 1858, she was glad to be reunited with her family in the Cachot (To find out more about Bernadette's life in Bartres, you may also like to read Bartrès and Bernadette).

And after darkness, came light. It was from the Cachot that Bernadette went, on 11th February 1858. to collect firewood at Massabielle with her sister, Antoinette, and their friend, Jeanne Abadie. That day, at the Grotto of Massabielle, she saw a Lady dressed in white with a blue belt and a yellow rose on each foot. From 11th February 1858 to 16th July 1858, the Lady appeared to her 18 times and these apparitions changed her life forever. Please read Bernadette Recounts Her Apparitions for the most authentic and vivid account of the apparitions told by Bernadette herself.

Throughout the years, the Cachot has been preserved in its original condition. Next to it is a room that has been been turned into a little museum where the memorabilia of Saint Bernadette and the apparitions are displayed. You can also see the gilt-covered wooden statue of the Virgin Mary from the old parish church in this room. Bernadette used to pray in front of this statue in the old parish church.

Memorabilia of Saint Bernadette and the apparitions in the room next to the Cachot

The room / little museum next to the Cachot

Today, the Cachot and the little museum next to it belong to the Sanctuary and are looked after by the Sisters of Charity of Nevers, the religious order of Saint Bernadette Soubirous. Admission is free

You may also like to read The Passion of Bernadette and The Message of Lourdes. To read more about Lourdes, please click here to view the content page of this blog. There is a complete list of my articles about Lourdes on this page.


References:
1.  Lourdes & Bernadette by Antonio Bernardo. Publisher "il Calamo".
2.  Discover Lourdes. MSM.
3.  Lourdes by Antonio Bernardo. A. Doucet Publications - Lourdes.
4.  Lourdes: In Bernadette's Footsteps by Father Joseph Bordes. MSM.

BERNADETTE'S BIRTHPLACE (BOLY MILL)

Boly Mill (Moulin de Boly)

Boly Mill, a modest two-storey building

More commonly known as Maison Natale de Bernadette or the "house where Bernadette was born", the Boly Mill is a modest two-storey building located at 12 rue Bernadette Soubirous, 65100 Lourdes.  It was the "Mill of Happiness" for the Soubirous family where they shared many happy moments of their lives for 10 years. Bernadette's parents, Francois Soubirous and Louise Casterot, were millers and they were well-known as the "Millers of Boly" in Lourdes. The Soubirous family was living in the Boly Mill when Bernadette was born on 7th January 1844. They lived there from 9th January 1843 until 24th June 1854 when they were evicted from the mill because they had no money to pay the rent of 250 francs a year. At that time, Bernadette was 10 years old.

Before the French Revolution, the mill belonged to Anne de Candebotte but when she married an English doctor, David Boly, the mill was named after him. The mill was actually Anne de Candebotte's dowry when she married the doctor on 19 June 1645. Over the years, the mill has changed hands several times. Augustin Casterot was the miller when he died in a cart accident on 1st July 1841. He left behind his widow, Claire, four young daughters and a little son. Claire needed a man to run the mill for her as she could not do it alone. Out of desperation, she has chosen Francois Soubirous, a 34-year-old bachelor who was working at a nearby mill, to become her son-in-law. She invited him to court her eldest daughter and heiress, Bernarde, but Francois fell in love with her second daughter, 16-year-old Louise, and was adamant to make her his wife. Although Claire Casterot initially tried to make Francois change his mind, she had no choice because he was so determined that she eventually relented.

The Soubirous Family Tree

Francois Soubirous and Louise Casterot were married at the parish church of Lourdes on 9 January 1843. They took up residence at Boly Mill because Claire Casterot has entrusted her son-in-law with the management of the mill. In 1848, Claire Casterot left Boly Mill with her other children to live with her eldest daughter, Bernarde, who was already married by then. Because of the strained relationship between Francois and his in-laws as well as overcrowding in the mill, this was probably the best solution for the Soubirous family. No doubt, Francois Soubirous was hardworking, honest, and kind but because of his immense generosity, the Soubirous family soon had to face serious financial problems. Further, their livelihood was adversely affected by the new steam-powered mills due to advances in technology during the Industrial Revolution. Business at the mill deteriorated, coupled with a series of adverse circumstances, finally reduced the Soubirous family to poverty and they were left without a choice but to leave the mill (Please read The Cachot to find out more about the poverty-stricken Soubirous family).

The ancient water-mill

Today, the Boly Mill is one of the pilgrims' favourite places. Admission is free. On the right of the ground floor is the ancient water-mill with its two grindstones. On the left is the room with a small collection of memorabilia which was once used for loading and unloading flour and cereals. On the first floor, visitors can see the bedroom where Bernadette was born. The other rooms in the building were occupied by Louise's mother and siblings. Since 1988, Boly Mill has become the property of "L'oeuvre de la Grotte" and looked after by the Daughters of the Church.

The bed in the room where Bernadette was born

The room where Bernadette was born

Here, in this kitchen which acted as a living room, the Soubirous family lived, welcomed others and prayed.

Boly Mill: The Interior

You may also like to read The Museum of Lourdes if you want to know more about the museums in Lourdes. To find out more about Lourdes, please click here to view the content page of this blog as there is a list of my articles about Lourdes on this page.


References:
1.  Lourdes & Bernadette by Antonio Bernardo. Publisher "il Calamo"
2.  Lourdes by Antonio Bernardo. Doucet Publications, Lourdes.
3.  Lourdes History. Editions A. Doucet - Lourdes

BERNADETTE'S FATHER'S HOUSE (LACADE MILL): THE MAISON PATERNELLE

Lacade Mill - Bernadette's Father's House

I took the above photo the day before I left Lourdes. I was very sad that day - just walking around looking for things to buy wishing that I could stay there forever and visiting all my favourite places again for one more time. I did a lot of shopping that day and I kept asking myself what was it that I have forgotten to buy because I did not want to leave out anything. Then I thought of Lacade Mill and went there to take another look at this place.

Moulin Lacade or Lacade Mill, also known as Bernadette's father's house, is very similar to Boly Mill (the house where Bernadette was born). During the time of the apparitions, there were around ten such mills located along the banks of the fast-flowing Lapacca Stream. Lacade Mill is situated at 2 rue Bernadette Soubirous, 65100 Lourdes. At the time of the apparitions, Lacade Mill belonged to Anselme Lacade, the Mayor of Lourdes. In July 1858, Father Peyramale, the Parish Priest of Lourdes from 1854 to 1872, rented the mill for the Soubirous family. On 20 August 1867, Monsignor Laurence, the Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, bought the mill and gave it to the Soubirous family to rescue them from poverty.

Bernadette rarely stayed at Lacade Mill. On 15 July 1860, she was admitted to the hospice of Lourdes where she received treatment following an attack of asthma. She stayed at the hospice and continued with her studies until her departure for the convent of Saint Gildard in Nevers. However, she often visited her family and spent time with them at the mill. On 4 July 1866, Bernadette left the hospice for the Saint Gildard Convent and never to return again. On 3 July 1866, one day before her departure, she dressed up secretly as a nun and went to the grotto to pray for the last time. She then visited her family at Lacade Mill and ate her farewell meal with them. That was the last evening she spent with her family.

The Lacade mill is a modest two-storey building. Inside this building, visitors will be able to see the pictures, furniture and objects which belonged to the Soubirous family. On the right of the ground floor, visitors can see the mill room where Francois Soubirous used to work until his death on 4 March 1871. In the adjacent room, some personal objects which belonged to Bernadette are displayed. On the left is the family kitchen where Bernadette said goodbye to her family before she left for the convent in Nevers. Going up the wooden staircase visitors will arrive at the upper floor where they can see the bedroom with a collection of memorabilia that belonged to Bernadette and her family.

Louise Soubirous passed away at Lacade Mill on 8th December 1866. Francois Soubirous died in this family home on 4 March 1871. One of Bernadette's brothers also died there. The Lacade Mill has remained the property of the descendants of Francois Soubirous and is still run by them.

Lacade Mill is one of the museums in Lourdes. You may also like to read The Museum of Lourdes if you want to know more about the numerous museums in Lourdes. To view the content page of this blog, please click here. There is a complete list of my articles about Lourdes on this page.


References:
1.  Lourdes. Andre Doucet Publications.
2.  Lourdes & Bernadette. Publisher "il Calamo".
3.  Lourdes: The Life of Bernadette, the Apparitions, the Shrines. Andre Doucet Publications

THE SEVENTEENTH APPARITION: THE MIRACLE OF THE CANDLE

In memory of the first candle lit by Bernadette on 19 February 1858, millions of pilgrims visit the Grotto in Lourdes to light candles as a symbol of their faith in God every year. 

On 7 April 1858, Bernadette went to the Grotto for the 17th apparition. The apparition took place at around 5.00 a.m. in the presence of hundreds of witnesses. Also present at this apparition was a very special witness, Doctor Jean-Baptiste Dozous, the atheist, notorious sceptic and disbelieving scientist. The miracle of the candle happened during this apparition whilst Bernadette was kneeling in prayer. During her ecstasy, Bernadette was holding a big candle in her right hand with her left hand cupped around the flame. Those who were present were filled with awe when they saw the candle flame licking her fingers for about 15 minutes. Bernadette did not suffer any injuries as the candle flame did not burn her skin. At that instant, she seemed to be totally oblivious to what was happening to her. 

One of the witnesses said, "Let's do something or the girl will get burned!" Dr Dozous, who was standing next to Bernadette, quieted the murmurs with an imperious gesture and prevented those who wanted to help from intervening. He wanted to witness a genuine supernatural phenomenon and led by the grace God, he was given the privilege to witness the miracle of the candle.

When Bernadette came out of her state of ecstasy, Doctor Dozous went straight to her and inspected her hands. He could not see any fire burn injuries - her hands were totally unaffected and there was no sign of a burn. He then placed the candle flame near Bernadette's hands but this time she cried: "Stop, you're hurting me!". The doctor's heart was beating wildly as he was very surprised by this supernatural phenomenon which cannot be explained naturally. He formally announced, "I believe it now. I saw it with my own eyes!" He then rushed to Cafe Francais to tell everyone about this supernatural incident and proclaim his conversion. It did not take very long before  everyone in the town of Lourdes knew what happened to him that day. 

The large cone-shaped candelabrum at the feet of the statue

Following Bernadette's example, lighting a candle at the Grotto has become a tradition today. Millions of pilgrims visit the Grotto to light candles every year as a symbol of their faith in God. Lighting the candles is equivalent to laying down their burdens, fears, uncertainties, worries, and miseries in front of the Grotto. Candles of various sizes can be found on the left of the drinking taps. The profits of the sale of candles are mainly used for the upkeep of the shrine.

You may also like to read LOURDES AND ST' BERNADETTE, LOURDES: MIRACLES AND THE MIRACULOUSLY HEALED and THE WONDERS OF LOURDES: 150 MIRACULOUS STORIES. To view the content page of this blog, please click here.

References:

1.  Lourdes & Bernadette. Publisher "il Calamo".

2.  Lourdes. Doucet Publications.

WHAT IS SO WRONG ABOUT PRAYING TO THE SAINTS?

The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Saints - one of my favorite books about saints.

Not so long ago in the distant past, I had a heated argument with a Christian friend of mine, Kelly (not her real name), about the issue of praying to saints. I don't quite remember which church she belongs to. This is because the name of this church sounds rather obscure and uncommon or perhaps too common to me. Certainly not the Methodist Church. Neither is it the Anglican nor the Lutheran Church as far as I can remember. It sounded something like Holy Fountain Church, Flowing Spring Church, or River of Life Church or is it Living Word Church, Holy Tongue Church, Peaceful Stream Church, Perfect Living Church, New Life Church, Great Hope Church, Green Pasture Church, Red River Valley Church, or Stepping Stone Church? It should be noted that these names are purely my own inventions as I do not know whether there are any churches with these names - I am only trying to say that the church Kelly goes to has a name which belongs to this category of names.  In Malaysia, anyone can rent a flat or a shop lot and call it a church and then call himself a pastor and start asking for donations. And Kelly belongs to this kind of church.

What did she say that started the argument? Well, according to her, Mary and the saints are just human beings like us and there is no reason why we should worship them. She also said that Mary is not a virgin and that she also has other children. Her duty is to give birth to Jesus and that is all. She then said that her church is genuine because they pray in tongues. How childish and ignorant of her to say all these things! Praying in tongues does not mean that her church is genuine. What is even more genuine is her pastor has lots of money to tour America with his wife and children at the end of the year - Kelly told me about this proudly.

It seems that many non-Catholics still do not understand that we do not worship Mary and the saints. We only pray to them. It should be noted that 'worship' and 'pray' are not the same. True worship belongs to God alone. We do not worship the saints. Why do we pray to the saints? We pray to the saints to ask them for help, for their intercession on our behalf and to thank them for helping us. Praying to saints is just like talking to someone who is very dear to us. I am sure that many of us would talk to our dead grandmother and ask for her blessings even though she is not a saint. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Perfectly normal, I would say. In the Chinese community, there are people who like to buy lottery tickets because they are so desperate to strike it rich and very often they would ask their ancestors to give them four digit numbers in their dreams. And of course there have been instances when these numbers appeared to them in their dreams!

Now to answer the question that Kelly asked, "Why don't you pray directly to God. Why should you ask someone else to intercede for you?" Of course we do pray to God directly but we also pray for each other and surely there is nothing wrong asking the saints to pray for us. It is just like having another member of our Church to pray for us. The saints are our friends and they will gladly help us if we ask them to intercede for us. Why do I say that the saints are our friends? Because they really are. I have prayed to St. Anthony for so many years and I find that he is always there whenever I need him. Hours before I boarded the plane to Lourdes in May 2008, I lost my keys. But I wasn't worried. I prayed to St. Anthony and somehow I got the feeling that my keys would be found on time. And I did find my keys on time! A few days ago, I lost my driving licence. I prayed to St. Anthony calmly believing that it would be found and not long after my prayers, I found my driving licence in a very unexpected place.

I have been praying to Father Damien even before he was canonized in 2009. Why do I pray to him? Because he is a very holy man. Because I have known since I was a child and he is like a dear old friend to me - a friend whom I adore, love, respect and honour. In fact, I am so used to him that I just couldn't help feeling his intense presence in my life. Yes, he is there and I am glad that I have a good friend like him. Through him, I found a lot of inspiration and encouragement. To a greater or lesser extent, he does have an influence in my life because he is my childhood hero and I will continue to venerate this hero all my life.

Since I came back from Medjugorje, I have been praying to Father Slavko Barbaric too. Or to be more exact, I like to talk to him and for a long, long time too. Why do I pray/talk to him? He is not a saint yet. Because he is a priest who lived a very holy life. Because of his sacrifices for the Church and God's people. Because he is a great scholar. Because he is a very unique and respectable priest. In reality, you can only pray to someone who is good because you know that he will help you. And you can only pray to someone whom you love, honor, and respect. And this is what Father Slavko is all about. And he will always live in my heart.

The apparitions of the Mother of God are nothing new and we all know that She does visit the earth and that Her visits are often followed by many miracles. In Lourdes, Medjugorje and Fatima, just to mention a few of the places that She has appeared, many miraculous healings have occurred and these cannot be contested. What do these apparitions signify? The Mother of God is real. The Catholic Church is real. Can we say that the Virgin Mary is human like us? Well, can we perform miracles like Her? Are we as holy as Her? To say that Her duty is to give birth to Jesus and nothing more reminds me of what the old-fashioned mother-in-laws used to do in the old cantonese movies. These irrational old ladies have the habit of taking away the baby (their grandchild) and dumping their daughter-in-law. What a pitiful sight! If we respect Jesus, we should also respect His Mother. Let us not be so inhuman as to take Jesus away from His Mother and then dump Her!

Thanks for reading. You may also like to read Beware of Greedy, Selfish and Money-Hungry Pastors, THE MESSAGE OF LOURDES and THE APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY AT MEDJUGORJE. To view the content page of this blog, please click here. 

THANK YOU ST ANTHONY

The grace that blossoms from the tombs of the elect is a continuous proclamation of truth. By it, God confounds the malice of heresy, confirms the truth of Catholic doctrine, renews the faith that is on the point of being extinguished and brings back erring Christians and even unbelievers to the feet of him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (In praise of St. Anthony, Pope Gregory IX).

In times of trouble, St. Anthony always guides me. He nevers fails to assist me whenever I call on him. In particular, he always helps me to find lost articles. My grateful thanks to St. Anthony for helping me to find my driving licence just now. (Please click here to view the contents page of this blog)