Dear friends, I have been a regular reader of this forum for the past couple of years. I want to say thanks to all the regular members whose thoughts, prayers and wisdom give me much encouragement even though I have never posted before. I am a cradle Catholic who lapsed but came back to the Faith after a conversion experience. The past two years, I have been very interested in the messages of Garabandal and have a growing feeling that the world will soon change. I also grew up in a highly dysfunctional and abusive home but I pray for them. My parents do not practice the faith. My father is an agnostic and vehmently opposed to the idea of spiritual experience. When I made the mistake of letting family members know my feelings that Garabandal and Fatima had important messages for our times...they tried to have me sectioned to a psychiatric unit on the grounds that believing in such things is a sign of psychosis. Fortunately two psychiatrists said there is of course absolutely nothing wrong with me! For the sake of my own sanity and safety, I have had to relocate hundreds of miles away and only have very limited contact. This has been difficult espcially as this was at a time my Benedictine monk mentor and best friend died. But I am happy and trust in God. I have no friends who are practising Catholics in my new hometown and I appreciate reading this forum to feel connected. Sorry about the long preamble! I would ask your prayers for me but especially for my family that my parents and five siblings may be blessed as I have with knowing the love of God and the infinite mercy of Christ and finding their way back. Thank you all. In Christ, Northern Lights (UK)
Thank you all for your prayers and kindness. I am a biologist with a post grad in philosophy and psychology...my faith is a gift, but looking at the evidence impartially, my reason too has led me to believe in apparitions such as Fatima. I see my family's recourse to the 'mentally ill' label as a product of fear as much as their being blindsided by modernism. But how true was Saint Anthony's prophecy... “A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, 'You are mad; you are not like us.” ― St. Anthony the Great
Welcome Northern Lights, Your family will be in my prayers this week! My precious wife, Geralyn, and I, have six children, too! Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
I think the light burns most brightly were it is most dark. Prayers at mass. Wonderful testimony. John 1:5 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
I wanted to thank you for posting your story. I will pray for you & your family today. You're not alone in your situation. Many of us whose faith is strengthened by Our Lady's messages are viewed as irrational or worse by family members. I have one sibling who views prayers to be as crazy as talking to Santa Claus and even if he hasn't tried to have me committed, I do honestly wonder how he would behave in the future when things in society get worse. One thing that I have seen among my atheist and agnostic friends and family over the years, is a marked decline in their attitudes. Years ago, I used to have some interesting discussions or debates about faith and the existence of God over a beer but now that doesn't seem possible. Two people very dear to me have gone from being atheists who seemed to be seeking the truth at one time but now barely have any patience for the subject at all and act like they just want to eradicate it all. I found this discussion between Father Barron and Dr Scott Hahn to be very applicable to those members of my family (mostly men BTW) whose reactions are like the "New atheism" described in the video, which is aggressive, evangelistic and condescending. I hope this helps. Keep up the faith and God Bless.
Just adding that this is a good discussion too about about Dr Hahn's book with Benjamin Wiker, "Answering the new atheism"
In my family, its seems that you either believe or you don't! The believers are devout in their beliefs and the others seem to not give religion a thought!, however, I am reminded of Saint Paul before his conversion and how vehemently he opposed Christians, even putting them to death, only to become one of the greatest Christians of all time after his conversion!!!!! I will pray for the non believers in your family and all the families of the members of the MoG forum including my own, that they may have a conversion as remarkable as that of St Pauls. With our prayers and our sacrifices nothing is impossible for God!
Hi Northern Lights, I will include you and your family in my prayers at Mass today. Being estranged from family is a heavy cross to bear for the Lord. Volunteering at your parish (if that's feasible for you) would be a way to get to know some Catholics and maybe make some friends.
Will be praying for you and your family. Maybe you will be the light that will help them convert? I can't even imagine the difficulty of your situation. I'd dare say it's a firm of white martyrdom. I think many, many more of us who are trying our best to live the faith, will face similar trials. Not that it's anywhere near your situation, but we hear people "talk" about us as those "Jesus" people- they believe in all this "Catholic stuff". I used to get angry now I thank God - not in a prideful way- but thank Him for giving me tge opportunity to witness fir Him. I came upon this brief article this morning and sounds like you are not alone. Maybe this will provide some additional solace and help for you. http://aleteia.org/2016/01/11/its-tough-to-raise-good-parents-these-days/ Thanks for your witness Northern Lights. Peace.
If possible, hide a Miraculous Medal somewhere in their house - under sofa cushions, pinned to drapery, etc. I will offer prayers for their conversion. And don't forget to consecrate them to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and entrust them to the care of St. Joseph.
Northern Lights, Heading to Mass and to say the rosary in front of the Blessed Holy Tabernacle for you and your family. May our Lord Jesus bestow grace upon you through His Blessed Mother and give you peace. May their hearts shine upon you that you may be comforted. May you grow in the friendship and love of our Lord all the days of your life and may your family see through you and our all loving God all your love and prayers and be touched by the Holy Spirit! AMEN
Hi Northern Lights, What an inspiration u are. Sometimes I moan when I have to get off my rear and do something in my life that takes work. But when I read your post and see how your Faith is 'burning thorugh' I can see that the Lord is not going to let you slip. It will be hard to carry this cross, but you will be able for it, you have the best of help, take care, u will be in our prayers here in Galway, God Bless, DBM
This seemed like a Good-One today for all the needs of our friends at MOG and all humanity. Troubles are everywhere .... Family to Nation ...... and there is a Turning to God where all hope lies! HeartLight Daily Verse - 11 January Psalms 118:5-6 In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Thoughts on today's verse: The beginning of the year has been a trying time for people I care about. Maybe it's been that way for you or those you love. My prayer for you, and for them, is that they may know the comfort of God's presence. Whether it's the popular little poem "Footprints" or the familiar "Yea though I walk through the shadow of death, thou art with me," the presence of the Lord is absolutely vital to standing up against our anguish! The Lord does long to be with us, especially at those moments when we feel most alone. He told us that by experiencing it himself at the cross. Prayer: I am thankful, O God, that you refused to be God from a safe distance. Because you came and felt what it was like to be abandoned, forsaken, and alone, I know I can trust that I will never be forsaken by you. Please give me a clearer sense of your presence with me in my life today, I pray through Jesus. Amen. Visit heartlight.org for more GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!
That is one of the most inspiring posts I’ve read in this forum, so far. You are brave. Trying to be a Christian in an adverse environment is half of the way to the holiness. Be strong!
