A reading from today, Feast of The Ascension, made me think of the great privilege and honour bestowed on Conchita at Garabandal “Now having met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.’ In simile modo Pope St Paul VI said “that it is most important and most urgent to make these messages (of Garabandal) known to the world." God Himself, through The Blessed Mother and St Michael, entrusted the exact “time and date” of The Great Miracle to Conchita. Conchita has had to carry this secret for 50 years. What a burden. She has been the prime example of having to live the message in order to carry it.
“NEVER CONDEMNED” “ The Vigil” magazine, June 1992 “Special Edition” , interview with then Bishop of Santandar, Bishop Del val Gallo Question: Were Garabandal's apparitions ever condemned by the Church? Answer: No. The preceding Bishops never admitted that the apparitions were supernatural, but to condemn them, no, that word was never used. MAKE SURE TO REPOST THIS WHERE EVER YOU SEE PEOPLE LYING ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE APPARITIONS !
Vatican last sent report 1991 “ The Vigil” magazine, June 1992 “Special Edition” , interview with then Bishop of Santandar, Bishop Del val Gallo Question: When did you decide to reopen the Garabandal study and who did it? How was it conducted and when was it completed? Answer: The study was finalized in April 1991 during a meeting we had in Madrid, but it was not opened on a specific date. It began six years earlier, in which several notes were taken about all the circumstances there. At the beginning we were doing little by little, so it took six to seven years until the process was completed. Until then, it had gone exactly as far as the other bishops had gone. They had said no, but personally I always thought I should do something else. I had to conduct a personal investigation, because responsibility required it. He had to do something because he felt that something very important and serious had happened in Garabandal. Because it was so serious, I had to try to find out what had really happened there myself. Question: What happened to the results of this investigation? Answer: The results were delivered to the Holy See, the Sacred Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. They were delivered to Cardinal Ratzinger. THIS IS STILL AN OPEN INVESTIGATION, AWAITING THE MIRACLE DATE.
MARY THROWS DOWN A STAR ! The ecstasies that began on the evening of October 12th extended into the middle of the night. The people began leaving, and toward 2:30 in the morning almost no one remained in the little village plaza except a small group consisting of responsible men: Dr. Ortiz from Santander, Luis Adaro from Gijón, Rafael Sanz Moliner from Oviedo, and Rufino Alonso from Pola de Siero. They had met there, waiting for their wives who had gone to Mari Cruz' home to collect some religious articles that they had entrusted with the girl to give to the Virgin to kiss. Mari Cruz had an ecstasy during which she had gone up to the Pines. There she had prayed a Station to the Blessed Sacrament, and later stopped in the calleja, at the site of the first apparition, where she prayed another Station. The people in the plaza soon saw two of the girls, Conchita and Loli, go under the balcony or terrace connected to the house of Loli's grandmother. They were in ecstasy there and let out a shout at the same time as they raised up their arms. "We saw the Virgin throw down a star." — Why did you scream? — “Because we saw the Virgin throw down a star.” — But you couldn't have seen the star, since you were under the balcony! —" Well we certainly saw it. The Virgin did this." Father Valentin mentions this phenomena in his notes: "We were in the plaza. Conchita and Loli shouted out loud with fear. Everyone was frightened. Some of the people looked at the girls; others looked at the sky. Those who did the latter said that they saw a brilliant star that crossed from one part of the sky to another, and that it could not in any way be mistaken for a shooting star or comet. After having screamed, the girls laughed and went on happily, as if dancing with joy." "SHE WENT IN HASTE TO THE MOUNTAIN", BOOK 2 PGS 18-20
SAINT (POPE) PAUL VI : QUOTES ON GARABANDAL After meeting Conchita in Jan.1966 he said: “ Conchita, I bless you and with me the whole church will bless you “. Pope Paul VI had shown a very special interest in the apparitions. At an audience given to Fr. Xavier Escalda, S.J., the latter mentioned there were many opponents of the apparitions even amongst his own people. His Holiness promptly rejoined: "It doesn't matter; tell these gentlemen that it is the Pope who has said that it is most important and most urgent to make these messages known to the world." Father Escalada explained his work in spreading the message of Garabandal in Mexico and the Pope Paul VI encouraged him to continue saying: "These messages must be made known." Father Escalada asked the Pope for his permission to continue promoting Garabandal and the Pope said “YES”. Pope Paul VI said : "It is the most beautiful story of humanity since the days of Christ. It is like a second life of the Virgin on earth. And we can never be grateful enough for it." "Jacinta, I am with you, but we have to pray much and have much patience . . : it. is necessary to pray that the Church will become aware of the importance of Garabandal." In June 1969, Pope Paul sent his personal blessing to Difurora Mariana of Mexico, along with the gift of a crucifix for every member of the Garabandal Centre there, encouraging them to continue promoting the messages of Garabandal.
Today we celebrate St. (Padre ) Pio’s Birthday, May 25, 1887 ! PADRE PIO'S BELIEF IN GARABANDAL Joey Lomangino’s recall of the when he talked to Padre Pio: “We made arrangements to come back again that same day and greeted Padre Pio in the cloister. When we knelt down, we said to him, “Padre Pio, is it true that the Virgin is appearing to the four girls of Garabandal?” And he said, “Yes.” We said, “Padre Pio, should we go there? He said, “Yes, why not?” And that’s how it happened. Because I received the assurance from Padre Pio that the Virgin was appearing and that he permitted me to go, then I wasn’t afraid and I went. “
TODAY IN GARABANDAL HISTORY, MAY 26, 1962 TWO NEW COMMUNIONS GIVEN BY ST. MICHAEL, AT THE PINES, TO CONCHITA The Communions given by the Angel to Conchita at the Pines, on May 16 and May26, were another proof of the extent to which, in Garabandal, there is an essential link between the Eucharist and the Priesthood. As to St. Philip Neri, whose Feast was celebrated on May 26, he founded his famous Oratory at the end of the sixteenth century; an exceptional example of Marian piety and cheerful holiness, he advocated frequent Communion, even for children, and was even so consumed body and soul, by the fire of the Holy Spirit, that after his death, physicians performing his autopsy discovered that his heart was . . . split open! (In the church of Garabandal, one can contemplate two central themes in the apparitions: the pelican sculptured on the door of the tabernacle being one of them, the other being quite properly the lamb.) From 'Garabandal' Book, J. Serre, page 133
For those new members who would like a brief but detailed explanation of the Marian Apparitions at Garabandal,Spain (or to share this with family or friends who don’t know about Garabandal) a short video by actor Ricardo Montalban.
Conchita’s letter sent to Joey Lomangino on May 28, 1965: (Here is the very first reported written text by the visionary herself, a letter she was to send to Joey Lomangino ) "The world is always carrying on the same way, if not worse. Few paid attention to the Message (the first one, October 18, 1961). My Son will have to give another one, and this will be the last one. After June 18 (1965) and before the Miracle, there will come a "disaster" from heaven, it will be an "Aviso" for the world to amend its ways. If, with this trial and the Miracle, Humanity does not change, the Chastisement will fall on us and the end of the times will also come. The "disaster," as she told me, is horrible, the kind we deserve. The Blessed Virgin also told me that we must not grieve over the material sufferings of the "chastisement" that we ourselves will have brought about because of our sins committed against her Son. These are the last Avisos (warnings), and we must derive benefit from them. She told me again that the world believes there is a Heaven and a hell, but we do not think that we will have to go to the one or the other. Humanity thinks only about the present life (. . .)" “GARABANDAL” by Jacques Serre, page 186
SAINT MADRE MARAVILLAS OF JESUS, O.C.D. (1891-1974) was canonized by Pope John Paul II in Madrid 2003. St. Maria Maravillas of Jesus This extraordinary Carmelite nun, who was beatified in 1998, less than 25 years after she died, founded the "Association of St. Teresa," with the purpose of restoring the rule of life of the original Constitutions of 1581, rigorously established by Teresa of Avila one year before her own death. Mother Maravillas "knew" that Garabandal was authentic. She even clearly shared her conviction with her spiritual daughters, assuring them that "the phenomena occurring at San Sebastian de Garabandal come from God!" In an unusual side note. St. Maravillas warned Bishop Puchol Montis on April 25, 1967 (one of the former Bishops of Santander ) that he would have a sudden death. Bishop Montis opposed the events of Garabandal irresponsibly in her opinion. He died as a result of an automobile accident on May 8, 1967.
It would be wonderful if the Lord provided me with such a clear warning as in the above! But then I should know enough to amend my life as God requires, anyway!
In June I will be admitted as a 3rd order Carmelite in a community that also strives to live by the rigorous, unmitigated rule established by St Albert and harkened back to by St Theresa of Avila. Garabandal was instrumental in bringing me back to the Church and now to Carmel. I will need prayers to remain faithful! We strive, using discretion according to our state of life to abstain from meat, and practice the great fast along with daily the following: Mass, a half hour of mental prayer, the divine office, morning offering, exam, rosary and striving to meditate on the law Lord day and night...constant practice of the presence of God. Poverty, Chastity and Obedience...especially in spirit. St Theresa last wish is that Carmelites follow the unmitigated rule. She knew what laxity brings. Most 3rd order groups have largely abandoned the unmitigated rule. Doubtful I will post on this forum going forward after June. Thank you so much Glen for sharing your extensive knowledge of Our Lady of Carmel's apparitions at Garabandal. For me, this is the way to live the messages with all my heart and strength.
The visionary Girls describe Mary and her voice The visionaries gave the following description of Our Lady: "She comes wearing a white robe, a blue mantle and a crown of golden stars; her hands are outstretched with a brown scapular, except when she has the Infant Jesus in her arms. Her dark chestnut hair is long and parted in the middle. Her face is rather long, with a very dainty nose. Her mouth is very pretty, with slightly full lips. She looks about seventeen and is tallish." All four girls stress the unmistakable sound of her voice. "There's no other voice like hers." From : “The apparitions of GARABANDAL”, By: F. SANCHEZ-VENTURA Y PASCUAL Chapter 3, page 51
Thank you, non sum dignus, for taking up the Holy Spirit's challenge to take the next step! You've challenged me in a number of ways! Luke 14: 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’
TODAY IN GARABANDAL HISTORY: MAY 31, 1962: A MOST SIGNIFICANT MARIAN INVOCATION On this Feast, then, of the Ascension of the Lord, but also of Mary as Queen, the visionaries altered the traditional Santanderinian invocation of "Our Lady Truly Appeared ("Bien aparecida"), Queen and Mother of the Mountain." Instead they addressed her as "Our Lady Truly Appeared, Queen and Sovereign of Everything Created, pray for us." This invocation, celebrating Mary's unparalleled participation in the Kingship of her Son, was in fact the perfect echo of the patristic thought, that had already (1954) allowed Pope Pius XII to attribute this new title to the Blessed Virgin (Encyclical Letter 1955 'Ad Coeli Reginam'), the successor of St. Peter relying abundantly on the very rich doctrine ad hoc contained in the Divine Revelation (Holy Scriptures and Apostolic Tradition). From 'Garabandal' Book,by J. Serre, page 133
June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jesus actually appeared to visionary Jacinta Gonzalez at the end of June ,before the Blessed Mother started to appear to all the girls at Garabandal in July. Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Jesus gives these twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart. 1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life. 2. I will establish peace in their families. 3. I will console them in all their troubles. 4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death. 5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings. 6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy. 7. Tepid souls shall become fervent. 8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection. 9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored. 10. I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts. 11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced. 12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.
“An Interview with Jacinta” The Sacred Heart Apparition One of the highlights of the interview was Jacinta's affirmation of having seen the Sacred Heart. Jacinta differs from the other Seers, Conchita and Mary loli, in that they “heard” in locutions the voice of Jesus, but only saw him as an infant in the Blessed Mother's arms. Jacinta saw the adult Jesus but did not hear him. Question. What is your most vivid recollection of the apparitions? Answer. I have the great memories about everything but specially that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Q. It is said that you were privileged to have a vision of Jesus as a grown man during the apparitions. can you tell us about this? A. As I said before, it was a great memory for me the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that will never be erased from my heart it was certain that I saw him. Q did you have any locutions with Jesus? A. I never had any locutions. “Needles” magazine, Winter 1976 issue, page 16 (This is the statue commemorating where Jacinta saw Jesus at Garabandal)
Jacinta’s Vision of the Sacred Heart, Interview with Father Benac On December 23, 1978, Jacinta was interviewed by the Jesuit missionary Father Francisco Benac at his home in California. Here are some excerpts from this conversation: Father Benac: We have read about your vision of the Sacred Heart. Please tell me about this experience. Jacinta: I recall a day when the four of us went a little further up (in the lane) from where the angel had first appeared—no one from the village followed us—when suddenly the other three fell into ecstasy seeing the angel. I was a little behind and seeing them in ecstasy I said to myself: "But I don't see anything." Then suddenly like a flash, I saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus which made a deep impression on me. He did not speak to me, but His gaze penetrated deep into my heart. Benac: What impressed you most? Jacinta: His eyes, His look—a gaze that penetrated so deeply into me that I cannot explain it. Benac: What were your thoughts at that moment? Jacinta: Oh, Father, more than seeing Our Lady, this vision of the Sacred Heart had the greatest impact on me even though I did not see Him again. Whenever I see His image, I have an intense feeling of suddenly seeing someone very dear. Benac: Do you still feel this? Jacinta: Oh yes. Whenever I see His image or talk about Him just as we're doing now, I feel within me something I cannot explain. Reprinted in the “ GARABANDAL JOURNAL “ May-June 2005.
