Holy Mass Dunkirk NY

Get Back to God.
...an invitation.

Our Lady Medugorje pilgrimage 2010 Holy Trinity Church (1032 Central Ave., Dunkirk) will host Wayne Weible this Thursday evening, beginning with Mass celebrated by Fr. Raymond Donohue and Fr. Joseph Zalacca at 6:30 p.m. The author will speak immediately following Mass in the church. Weible will be at The Book Nook in the Dunkirk-Fredonia Plaza at 7 p.m. this Wednesday (the evening before his talk at Holy Trinity). He will be signing copies of his books on the messages of the Blessed Mother, the apparitions in general, and methods of prayer. Books are in stock now for those who wish to read a book before Weible's speaking engagement. All community members are welcome to attend, along with family and friends, to hear the powerful messages that have changed the hearts and lives of so many. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

Worth Taking a Look...Strong Words From Vatican Exorcist

Read this "Exorcist laments apathy...."

These are some strong words for everyone--clergy included.

Exorcist Interview

Mount Krisevac---Cross Mountain

So here is why I have no photographs of our actual trek up the mountain--it was dark.
The first trek occurred late last evening (as reported). .A few from our small group went barefoot.  I chose not to enter into the penitential in that manner--none the less it was the longest and most disorienting climb and descent that I have ever experienced.  Satan was pinging a few people along the way.  One person shared their struggle and i simply said, 'satan is pinging you--get Jesus in there and use His name.'

Just before we reached the top--the moon was full and amazing.  Soon it was behind a cloud--it reminded me of the opening scene in the Passion of the Christ where Jesus was in the garden.  At the top--the wind was brutal and I hunkered down alongside the cross.

Some people went to confession
It was awesome.

My wife, son and I began down the hill--by the ninth station we only had one working light and by the seventh station I tripped and broke my wife's walking stick.

Mt. Krisevac afar

So many prayers up and down these hills.  With each step- Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.  Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner.  Jesus. Mary---what ever your words they ought to become words for the spiritual life, each step, every day.
That was last night.

Now here is our day.
This morning I snapped a photo of Cross Mountain from our pansion just so yomu had a point of reference.

We met for a talk by Ivan behind St. James.
Here is a line I loved: "The world is in a spiritual coma"

I'd say most churches are in a spiritual coma.  Think about it.

Our lovely group

you have to get it all done within 50 minutes on a Sunday.
I believe that the spiritual coma has been, at times, encouraged by some leaders and pastors who have lost heart and have allowed pride to control their priesthood and not Jesus (sorry did I write that?)
Here's a group shot of everyone--like deer in the headlights?

Two photos of St. James while we were waiting to attend Holy Mass.
One of my favorite times is when the people of God are entering and leaving the Church.  It is so peaceful and prayerful.  Mary must be joyful as she witnesses such a wonderful exchange of Christian manners.










But back to Cross Mountain.  Some people stayed back and prayed the Stations at the Risen Christ while the rest of us headed up the mountain to pray them.
It started fine.  80 degrees and sunny.
By the fifth station there was a drizzle.
By the eleventh station we were in the middle of a raging thunderstorm with all the works, lightening and thunder and downpour.
We had some people already in need of a hand here and there.  The decision was made. We would split the group--some headed down while others went up top.
I suggested that if anyone hadn't gone to confession--to do so.  No seriously, why wouldn't a storm out of nowhere be used as a sign?  And what harm would come from going to confession...ever????
Water streamed down the crevices as some headed back down.  The clouds and storm encircled the top--like Moses was going to come down with the tablets....

Stuff happens

At the bottom you ask? Well it was sunny and bright of course.
One of the miracles was that no one fell...well, I take that back, here is one....

Sometimes the hill climbs are about the destination.  Like getting to where Mary appeared and getting to the top of Krisevac.
But today, as well as last night----was all about the journey.  It was all about each station of the cross along the way.
The spiritual life is a journey and sometimes you need to go slow, step easy, trust another way, reach out for help and accept help that is freely given.  Sometimes there is mud and falling down.  Yes the journey is really all we have in this world.

And Mary is leading us....
just take her hand.

Vicka, Healings, Mass and Tihaljina

Monday morning began in a crowded street in front of the visionary Vicka's house.  It was unusual this time because she had the crowd pray in silence for over 30 minutes---very powerful experience for many in our group.

My son got a little closer but was called a 'bastard' by some Italian women--nice.  Vicka shared our call to live fasting and prayer and bible and Eucharist and Confession.  She spent some extra time sharing her concern for the faith of the youth.  She also spoke about the reality of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory and how so many people fail to believe (priests included).

We then travelled to Tihaljina for Mass with prayers for Healing.  Fr. William Kiel celebrated Mass and laying on of hands while the other priests heard confessions.

I snapped this photo of the famous statue on the way out the door...pretty amazing.

Please know of my continued prayers for those who are reading this blog.

Evening in Medugorje

Went to Eucharistic Adoration for a while.

It was packed.

Then hung out on a Sunday evening around St. James.

What other church do you know where the people are just hanging out for hours?
Usually people can't wait to leave? right?
What's missing that our church's are so barren? Why is Jesus left alone in our churches?
(come on you knew I had to share something that would prick the ecclesial conscience didn't you?)


Following are some pics from just hanging out this evening.


 

Medugorje is the confessional for the world



pray pray pray

my transportation for the week

Living Witness

Today we took the pilgrims to visit Ivan and hear his testimony.   He has become known as the living witness to the Blessed Mother becuase of his losing his leg and his total surrender to embracing the Cross and the Will of God.

Many were moved by his story and his describing what it felt like to touch the Blessed Mother.

A short walk to the Blue Cross and investiture in brown scapular.
Following we had Mass at St. James.

Everyone seems to be hitting the stride of prayer, resting, eating, walking.  Your prayers for them is making their hearts open to the Spirit.

Sorry no photos today.  The pilgrims are enjoying the afternoon and preparing themselves for reconciliation and meeting with Viska and healing Mass tomorrow.

Apparition Hill

A few photographs from our group praying their way to the top.
Miracles? 5 adults over the age of 83 ( i have no idea how many fake hips or knees that includes) ---went up and descended with no problems no issues and a few phenomenal experiences.

The photographs give you an idea of the terrain but not the temperature--pushing mid 80's--so i carried extra water.



"The road to heaven is not easy..."






"When you are old, someone will fasten your belt and lead you..."                             

"Lord, no longer my will must exist...but Your will must exist in me."

Pilgrimage to Medugorje is filled with prayer, climbing, walking, prayer, Eucharist, confession, prayer, Mass, prayer, eating (there is the saying in Medugorje that pilgrims do not need to fast--while i am not too sure about it--i tend to take advantage of the local custom and enjoy the food)

As I write this post a group of people just arrived back at the house following Adoration and another just came in after doing a solo nighttime hike up Cross Mountain-people connecting with the Holy at all hours.

Connecting with the Holy--not easy for anyone who is honest.

It isn't easy because it means becoming selfless.  Really, it does.  

Honesty is self truth. 

And if we are completely honest with ourselves we realize that we really don't matter.

We realize that it really is about losing our own will and living God's.

But dishonesty gets in the way--and that is the fertile ground for pride---and we know where pride originates.

These hills can knock the pride out of you. 

Get rid of pride and then honesty can have a home.  

You don't need to be in Medugorje for this to happen--but it sure makes it easier because it is more difficult to get caught up in the fluff of life and avoid what you really need for spiritual sustenance.

Advent Time

I know, I know.  I'm about six months ahead.
But Advent is the best way I can explain what it feels like.

My wife has been very busy working on all the final details of taking 42 people on pilgrimage to Medugorje.
She has such patience.
Actually she doesn't want me doing any of the upfront people stuff because I tend to be "just a little too abrupt."

So I sit and watch and occasionally run the necessary clerical errands.
Oh, and I pray.

We began the Novena to the Holy Spirit just a couple days ago.  For me that's like putting up the Nativity Scene in Advent.  I love the anticipation.

In a few short days I will be pushing people (excuse me--gently leading  and directing people) through the airports and border crossings.  I will be loading and unloading luggage and of course sitting back and just watching.

I love watching the Holy Spirit work.
I love watching Mary take her childrens' hands.
I love watching conversion--real conversion.
It's like watching love storys unfold all around me.  And, (contrary to the popular belief of my family and close friends)--I am somewhat of a sensitive romantic.

I haven't decided as of yet--the prayer is still out on this one--but I may give an occasional update on this blog while in Medugorje.
For now--please offer a prayer or two for all who have been called on this journey.

Another Advent event on the horizon has been my rewrite of the book;  The Lost Shepherd; an Ex-Priest's Journey from Sin to Salvation --due for publication in 2012. As any editing goes it has been simultaneously cathartic and lethargic.  Come Holy Spirit!

Pilgrims

In a couple of weeks we will be leaving for pilgrimage to Medugorje.  My wife has been organizing and leading such pilgrimages for the past few years.

Now, if you would have told me ten years ago that not only would we be going to such a place but that we would return again and again--I would have laughed at you and promptly labeled you a wacko.
Years back when I was a Roman Catholic deacon--the assistant priest at the parish gave me a book entitled Medugorje, by Wayne Weible.  I thought he was playing a joke on me.  After all, I was the soon to be ordained "new-breed-of-open-minded-progressive-priest"--so I threw it away.

Many years later, my wife brought the book into our 'Episcopal home'
And the rest is a story soon to be published--(with an ironic twist of who is instrumental in bringing it to print)

Here are some pilgrimage correlations that I believe are applicable to the spiritual quest.
1.  Ultimately God calls you and wants you.
2. satan hates it....satan doesn't want you, what he wants is to keep you from God--it's all about pride remember?
3. The Mother of God wants you to be with her Son.
4. Again, satan hates it....satan doesn't want you, what he wants is to keep you from God.
5.  God's greatest work was you, the creation of your soul.
6. satan's work is not creative--in the end it is destructive and he will use any means to that end--ergo the many pings throughout the day just to keep your heart and mind from praying and working for God.

There is a direct correlation between the soul's desire for union with God and satan's nonstop pinging.

My wife could enumerate countless 'events' that accompany pilgrimage planning--Years back all the deposit money was lost in some overseas bank transaction,  plane reservations have vanished,  phone calls dropped, computers crashing--all surrounding pilgrimages.  How about this one---an unseasonable snow fall on the morning we needed to make the first connection--then in the midst of the drive finding out that the back doors of the van were open with all the luggage exposed to snow, slush, and falling out---funny thing...no luggage was lost--weird?  Pings.
My wife also has a prayer that she shares with those on pilgrimage reminding everyone that they are a pilgrim and not a tourist.  It is a remarkable prayer that is applicable to the spiritual quest--i'll have to find it for you.

Pieta--Michelangelo   St. Peter's Basilica Vatican City

If we approach the spiritual journey as a pilgrim and not some entitled tourist then we begin to live with virtue and the greatest model of a spiritual pilgrim is the Mother of God.


Oh, and by the way--satan hates virtuous living.

Be a pilgrim.