Can you feel the gradual shift towards Christmas by the activities of people around you?
Also in this podcast is the story of the apparition of “Our Lady of Guadalupe” from my book, “The Constant Procession.”
This week also reminds me of December 7, 1941, when paradise was attacked in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor. Can you imagine how that day of Infamy thrust the USA into war with Japan and also Germany during WW2?
Fortunately for humanity this first week in December also includes the “Conception of the Virgin Mary” and December 9-12 also celebrates when St Juan Diego had an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1531.
Ultimately throughout history, Christ’s Birthday season always continues.
Arrow shows where the Virgin Mary first appeared to St Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill on December 9, 1531…The impression in St. Diego’s tilma
The 4 Sundays of Advent lead to the Nativity of Jesus Christ. The first candle begins the time for creating a more meaningful Christmas season experience than ever before.
Also in this week’s podcast, I’m going to include reflections from a time not overshadowed by Corona and Vaccinations.
Back to when it was the hustle and bustle of crowded stores and traffic jams that were our concern during pre-Christmas planning.
This episode includes a surprise while visiting a church in Nuremberg, plus a history of the Entrance of the Theotokos and, a way to cope with holiday shortages this year.
“Church of Our Lady,” Nuremberg, Germany
Front face of “Church of Our Lady,” Nuremberg, Germany
Side view of the church “Church of Our Lady,” Nuremberg, GermanyThe rehearsal inside the “Church of Our Lady” October, 2021Presentation of Mary in the Temple- by Fredi diBartolo
Links to more information about topics in this podcast
The story of Our Lady Victorious, as the name implies, has differing Marian roots from two churches with similar names. One from last weeks’ podcast Episode (274) while I was in Paris and the other from an early fall podcast (Episode 269) when I was in Upstate New York.
Our Lady Victorious Church in Prague
As for the people of Prague, there is a special connection that dovetails with a miraculous statue known as “Infant Jesus of Prague” which is at home in the Our Lady Victorious church.
Statue of Infant Jesus of Prague inside Our Lady Victorious Church in PragueOur Lady Victorious in Prague
Podcast sources & more about Our Lady Victorious, Infant Jesus of Prague and the Nativity Fast:
As promised, I explore Notre-Dame des Victoires in Paris. This is the Basilica where Venerable Father Nelson Baker (his story is in Episode 269) found his devotion to the Virgin Mary as well as the story of the Basilica’s history.
A history that includes Father Charles Degenelles who also was inspired by the Madonna back in 1836.
Oh yes, there are over 37,000 ex voto offerings from other pilgrims found covering the walls of this storied place of worship.
The lifesize statue of Our Lady of Victories with the infant Jesus, inside Notre-Dame des Victoires.The marble relief at Notre-Dame des Victoires. The 4th station of the cross, Jesus meets his mother. Note some of the 37,000 ex volo offerings (plaques) around it.The sanctuary of Notre-Dames des Victoires.The front of Notre-Dames des Victoires in Paris, France.The area around Notre-Dame des VictoiresMarble relief at Notre-Dame des Victoires. The 4th Station of the Cross. Jesus meets his mother. Some of the 37,000 ex volo plaques surround it.A different video of the street scene in front of Notre-Dame des Victoires
Ever thought of the Madonna when she was a baby? How about before she was born? I have uncovered the story of the parents of the Mother of God. This is the story of Joachim and Anna (Ann)
Baby Mary and her parents image called: Santi Gioacchino e Anna, genitori della beata Vergine Maria
A Message of Hope. This podcast is from my book The Constant Procession about Our Lady of La Salette.
A 14th century monk, Gregory Palamas observed about the Madonna that “While on earth, she harkened and obeyed heavenly things rather than things earthly.”
Also, in the words of an Orthodox Archbishop John Maximovitch who lived from 1896-1966: “The end of the earthly life of the Virgin Mary was the beginning of her greatness.”
La Salette
For More Information about Our Lady of La Salette:
Part 2- Our Lady of Fatima, Spanish Influenza & The Farm in Conyers, GA
A poignant reminder of the Spanish Influenza pandemic is the effect it had on the youngest seers, Francisco and his sister Jacinta Marto, who recently became saints at the 100 year commemoration in Fatima on May 13, 2017.
Saint Jacinta (L) and brother Saint Francisco (R)
Both died from the effects of the Spanish Influenza before turning 12.
Our Loving Mother’s Children held a commemorative Fatima prayer service at “The Farm” on May 13, 2021. It included the crowning of a statue of the Virgin Mary with a wreath followed by a day of activities. Conyers.org
Statue of the Virgin with child at “The Farm” for Our Loving Mother’s Children’s ‘Fatima celebration’ (May 13, 2021) for more about them visit their website- Conyers.orgThe 3′ statue of ‘Our Lady of Fatima’ in very center of this photoThe shawl shimmers as it moves across the statue of the Virgin Mary as mentioned in the podcast.
Part 1- This week’s podcast celebrates the Fatima Apparitions from 1917. The October 13th apparition was the final of the 6 visitations of the Virgin Mary to the three little children in Portugal back in 1917.
The Fatima Shrine pilgrims at the Centennial Anniversary of the Apparitions of the Virgin Mary- May 13, 2017
“She Did It All” Venerable Nelson Baker would say in regards to “Our Lady of Victory” whenever something had been achieved for the needy. “Father Baker” as he preferred to be called, is now in the process of consideration for Sainthood.
“She Did It All” statue across from the Basilica- photo by Nikos StevesPhoto of the National Shrine & Basilica of Our Lady of Victory (OLV)- Photo by Nikos Steves 8.24.21Inscription above the entrance: Hail Our Blessed Lady of Victory
For more information about Our Lady of Victory Shrine & Basilica and Father Baker:
Miraculous Experiences surrounding Saint Marianne:
Just before her remains were sent to the mainland during the review process for canonization, a double rainbow appeared over Kalaupapa- photo by axelle
MIRACLES attributed to Saint Marianne Cope and their stories!
Constant Procession (the podcast) is published every Tuesday morning and has links, photos, video and more information for each episode at ConstantProcession.com
Part 1 of the story of St. Marianne Cope from America who led an expedition to another country that was in medical crisis. Putting her faith totally in God, she wrote “I am not afraid of any disease.” She lived to age 80.
The apparition of the Virgin Mary known as Our Lady of La Vang occurred in Viet Nam in 1798 and this apparition has exciting things happening stateside today!
From traveling this summer to places where few people will be around to remembering the events leading up to the Fatima apparitions of the Virgin Mary from May 13th to October 13th 1917.
On September 8th she is remembered during the celebration of the Nativity of the Theotokos. In the Western Church; the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. September 9th is the remembrance of her parents SS. Joachim and Anna, which is celebrated in the Eastern Church.
Also September 13 is a reminder of when the Madonna appeared for the 5th time to the young seers 104 years ago in Fatima, Portugal.
Links for more information about the Nativity of the Theotokos and sites about the Nativity of the Blessed Mother of God:
Photo taken at the 100 Year Celebration of the Appartions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima in 2017, when Jacinta and Francisco Marto became Saints.Jacinta (left) and her brother Francisco Marto (right) now Saints in the Roman Catholic ChurchRustic Canalside warehouse from times past- This year’s summer tour of “places outside”– Finger Lakes, NY stateSummer 2021 Tour “places outside,” Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes of New York State
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He studied to become a monk while in Rome and returned to England to recruit others back to Rome to dedicate their lives to God. But he eventually found himself in Germania helping his uncle St. Boniface, brother and sister with their mission there.
St Wuna is on the right along with her husband Richard, then Winebald, St Valpurga and St Williebald from Wikicommons
Here are several photos that offer additional background about early Christianity in Germany:
This is a screen grab from a YouTube video about the Main River. Another screen grab from the same video that mentions a church the Virgin Mary visited in Germany.
For more about St. Winebald here are links to my primary sources:
St Valpurga is the 5th of 6 saints from an English family who lived in the 700’s. Daughter of Ss. Wuna and Richard of Wessex, niece of St. Boniface and sister of Ss. Winebald and Willibald.
St Valpurga due to the depth of her learning is credited by some as the first female writer from England AND Germany! She wrote what has been called the first ‘travel log’ which consisted of the travels of her older brother St WillIebald on a pilgrimage of Christian shrines.
St Valpurga helped her brother St Williebald found a double monastery, a community for both monks and nuns at Heidenheim. She headed the nuns there at the monastery and her eldest brother St Winebald became the head of the monks.
St Wuna is on the right along with her husband Richard, then Winebald, St Valpurga and St Williebald from Wikicommons
For more about St. Valpurga here are my primary sources for this podcast:
St. Willibald is the 4th of 6 saints from an English family who lived in the 700’s. Son of Ss. Wuna and Richard of Wessex, nephew of St. Boniface and brother of Ss. Winebald and Valpurga.
It was St. Willibald who miraculously recovered from the near-death experience at the age of 3. As a part of their prayers to God, his parents pledged to place the child into Divine service as a monk should he survive.
St Willibald really did not want to become a bishop, but his diplomatic nature in the way he could handle situations between various challenges from the different pressures of a pilgrim church in Germania made him the perfect candidate for his role. The church thrived.
St Wuna is on the right along with her husband Richard, then Winebald, St Valpurga and St Williebald from Wikicommons
For more about St Willibald, here are my primary sources:
St. Wuna and husband St. Richard of Wessex are the 2nd & 3rd members in a family who had 6 saints at the same time!
Back in episode 260, I told you the story of their 1st relative, Saint Boniface, who after his death was called ‘Apostle to the Germans.’ In this podcast we now introduce his sister, St. Wuna and her husband, St. Richard.
Two families merged by marriage near Wessex, England had 6 members who became Saints! My focus this week is St. Boniface. They all lived at the same time period during the 700’s. I believe you’ll find their stories intriguing.
An apparition of the Virgin Mary on the Greek island of Tino’s offered up an icon known as “All Holy Lady of Good Tidings” and it is one of the most visited apparition sites in the world.
The Icon Pangagia-Evaggelistria of Tinos (with some pearls, but basically original in look)
August 15 is the Dormition (Orthodox) or Assumption (Roman Catholic) of the Virgin Mary. This year it falls on a Sunday!
More About this Apparition can be found through these sites:
A former Russian Orthodox Cathedral spotted on a contemporary Russian citizen’s video brings up the Fatima Apparition warning by the Virgin Mary in 1917 and an excerpt from my book.
Here is a bit more from my book The Constant Procession that is the focus of this weeks podcast:
In Chapter 22, entitled “Unheeded Prayers,” the remaining Fatima Seer, Sister Lucia, brings the Pope requests made to her by the Virgin Mary during the apparition she experienced in Portugal in 1917. Recalling what the Madonna told Sister Lucia: “If you pay heed to my requests, Russia will be converted and there will be peace. If not, Russia will spread her errors through the world, causing wars and persecutions against the Church. Many will suffer martyrdom, and the Holy Father will have much to suffer, and several nations will disappear.”
Unfortunately, little action was taken to honor this prayer request, and the possibility for peace became a lost opportunity. Consequently, Stalin and his Communist Party became the new power on the ground in Europe.
These armed victors moved quickly into the political vacuum across the war-torn lands. Their efforts gained ground, especially in Eastern Europe, as they aggressively encouraged civil wars, after which they installed puppet governments under the shadow of Communist influence.
Before long, fear and intimidation overcame peaceful transitions, and the liberties found in more open societies vanished.
Chapter 23, A Society Without God, reflects on the environment in the sphere of Soviet influence, where people lived in a world without social liberty and Bibles were banished. The experience of a Seventh-Day Adventist reveals the level of suppression people of faith endured in those times.
Chapter 24, Hot Pursuit in a Cold War, explains how the Communists, with increasing confidence, took down religion. With huge armies still deployed in Europe and the newly acquired power of atomic weapons, the victors squared off using new battle techniques. The “Great Return” found fierce resistance in France as the communists gained control of the political machine. In Hungary, however, the procession yielded fruit until it, too, was run aground.
“Today, according to Archbishop Kondrusiewicz, who is now the Archbishop of Minsk, Belarus, every church in his country has a statue of Our Lady of Fatima.”
More about Mikhail Kulakov and also ‘Religion’ in the USSR
Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Baku destroyed in 1930’s by Stalin- Wikimedia Commons
Here are some images and videos that show the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow being blown up and various takes on it’s history including relatively recent events into present day…including a modern protest…
Destruction & Phoenix-like rebuilding of Moscow’s CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOR
TV story of the history of Christ the Savior in Moscow w/ recent assault on the Virgin Mary
Old time perhaps news reel footage from the actual time period?
Below is a complete history of Christ the Savior in Moscow w/ rare photos:
I believe the work by humanity at an apparition site where the Virgin Mary once appeared are frequently overlooked.
From Lourdes, France to Tapica Hill overlooking Mexico City there are a number of impressive sanctuaries, places of contemplation, places to give thanks and places to seek guidance.
This Episode is about reflections of what happens at an
apparition site after an apparition has occurred.
The Basilica of Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Spain in the early morning with more mountains behind.
Places of Contemplation near Our Lady of Guadalupe in Spain
Monastery at Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Extremadura Spain.
Ntra Sra De Guadalupe in Spain
Looking (South-East) to see Guadalupe, Spain as I leave Guadalupe in the Extremadura Mountain Range.Tinos in Greece- Pilgrims following the pathway up to the icon from the dock.Lourdes, FR.- Candlelight processions start at dusk and are a very personal time, though you are with so many other seekers.St. Mary’s Well shrine & vista view of the Rhondda’s in WalesThe Farm- Conyers, Georgia
One apparition that has been approved at the highest level of credibility in the Roman Catholic church is ‘Our Lady of Knock.’ This famous meeting of humanity with the Madonna occurred in 1879.
This famous apparition of the Virgin Mary also includes the appearance of St. Joseph, St. John, the Lamb and a Cross all together at the Vatican approved apparition “Our Lady of Knock.”
