ISSUE NO 120 JUNE 2026 MEDJUGORJE NEWS N E W Z E A L A N D FREE IN THIS ISSUE Latest Messages from Our Lady (p.3) From the Editor (p.4.) News from Medjugorje (Children of Medjugorje) (p.5 - 7) Vatican News (p.8 - 9) St Louis de Montford (p.11) The Michael’s Arrow Project (p.12 - 13) An Unforgettable Pilgrimage (p.14 - 15) African Statue of Our Lady (p.16) May the Holy Spirit Fill You (p.17) Easter Message from Medjugorje (p.18) News and Testimony (19 - 20) 18th March Message & Stats (p.21) Secret of Healing (p.22) 2 This newsletter may be copied and distributed free of charge. Further copies may be obtained from the address above. If you wish to receive this newsletter directly, please send your name and full postal address, (PRINTED please) and you will be included in our list of subscribers. ANY ISSUE RETURNED BY NZ POST AS “ UNKNOWN AT THIS ADDRESS ” WILL AUTOMATICALLY RESULT IN THE ADDRESSEE BEING DELETED FROM OUR MAILING LIST. So, please advise us of any change of address. As its name ‘ Medjugorje News ’ implies, the aim of this newsletter is essentially the spreading of the messages received by the visionaries in Medjugorje, according to the wishes of Our Lady. We acknowledge and accept that the authority regarding the authenticity of apparitions, locutions and related messages as well as all private revelations from Our Lord, Our Lady or any Saint rests with the Holy See of Rome whose final judgement we will respect and obey. We also affirm our total allegiance to our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, our Priests and Bishops and our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV *The Editor relies entirely on Divine Providence for the expense of producing this publication and any donation will be gratefully accepted.* As we are registered as a “ legal charity with a donee status ” (under the name of MEDJUGORJE NEWS TRUST) any donation of over $5.00 can be claimed for income tax deduction purposes. If a receipt is required immediately, a stamped self - addressed envelope would be appreciated. Otherwise it will be sent with the following Issue of MEDJUGORJE NEWS. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED MEDJUGORJE NEWS Donations can also be made by direct credit to our account, details below. * ASB BANK LTD RATHBONE STREET, WHANGAREI. 12 3099 0681435 00 for Australia SWIFT CODE: ASBBNZ2A On the evening of 24 June 1981, in the parish of St James in Medjugorje, six young people claimed to have seen the Blessed Virgin Mary on Podbrdo Hill. The next day four of the six alleged another meeting with Our Lady, and said they spoke with her. On this occasion, the four teenagers (three girls and a boy) were joined by another young boy and a teenage girl. These six became the definitive visionaries in Medjugorje; they are Ivanka Ivankovic, Mirjana Dragicevic, Vicka Ivankovic, Ivan Dragicevic, Marija Pavlovic and Jakov Colo. Since 1981, these six young people have been the centre of world attention, and medical and scientific studies. Their principal claim is that practically every day to the present time, our Blessed Lady has been appearing to one or more of them, and that from her they have received thousands of messages for the parish of Medjugorje and the world. All six still claim apparitions, though only three of them now on a daily basis, and each of the six says that he or she has received, or is in the process of receiving, ten secrets. The first of the secrets is to be revealed to the world through Mirjana Dragicevic, and the third is said to be concerned with a permanent sign that will authenticate the apparitions and be a help to conversion, and will be evident to all at Medjugorje. The visionaries say that Our Lady identifies herself to them as the Queen of Peace. As a result of these claims, more than forty million people have visited Medjugorje from all over the world and there have been many assertions regarding remarkable signs and wonders, cures and spiritual healing. There is no doubt at all that those millions of people have found a pilgrimage to Medjugorje one of the most spiritually significant experiences of their lives. The Medjugorje Story EDITOR: BERNADETTE ISAACS Medjugorje News, PO Box 287, DARGAVILLE 0340. Ph. 09 439 8687 or +64 21088 39305 E: bernadette.medjugorjenews@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medjugorjenewsnz CO - EDITOR: SARAH MORAN sarah.medjugorjenews@gmail.com 3 THE MEDJUGORJE MESSAGE THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PROPOSES A SIX - POINT PROGRAMME: 1. FAITH - Belief in God and in the supernatural. It is your true vision. Therefore live by it. 2. COMMITMENT TO GOD - Let Him direct your life. Begin by turning away from sin in true conversion and repentance. 3. PRAYER - Regular Mass, monthly confession, daily rosary and dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 4. FASTING - Bread and water on Fridays (and Wednesdays) if you can. If not, at least cut back or practice some other form of self denial. 5. PEACE - In your own heart, in your family and neighbourhood and workplace, in all your human relations and reaching out to the war - stricken world. 6. THE HOLY BIBLE - We should read part of the Holy Scripture every day. THE MESSAGES OF MARY ARE ADDRESSED NOT ONLY TO CATHOLICS BUT TO THE WHOLE HUMAN RACE, REGARDLESS OF BELIEFS OR RELIGION .................................................................................................................... Our Lady’s Messages FEBRUARY 25, 2026 “ Dear Children! In this time of grace, anew, I am calling you to offer your lives to God that He may lead you towards the resurrection through your personal conversion. Little children, God is near to you and heeds your prayers, but you are lulled to sleep, and that is why He sent me to you to awaken you, and that you may shine holiness like a spring flower. Thank you for having responded to my call." (With Ecclesiastical approval) MARCH 25, 2026 “ Dear children! The poison of selfishness and hatred rules human hearts and that is why you do not have peace. I am calling you, little children: be love and my extended hands to all those whom you meet. In humility, pray for peace and work on reconciliation among people, so that it may be good for every person on earth. Thank you for having responded to my call. ” (With Ecclesiastical approval) APRIL 25, 2026 "Dear children! I am praying for you and encourage you to a new life, a life in joy and prayer. May the Holy Spirit fill you, little children, with joy so that you may be like a spring of pure and drinkable water; that you, little children, may be in God and with God missionaries of love and peace. Your life is short here on earth and that is why I am with you to lead you towards Heaven. Thank you for having responded to my call. ” (With Ecclesiastical approval) 4 Greetings and Blessings to all Readers, There may be war and hatred over the other side of the world, but it ’ s also very close to home for many of us, especially with our youth. I have experienced horrific violence among adults and youth, and it leaves me distressed and saddened for all involved. Unfortunately, this time both the victim and perpetrator are known to all sides of those involved. The ripples from this horror has had an impact on so many, the attacked and the attacker, also those who stood by and watched and those that filmed the incident. Those that stood by and didn ’ t intervene, what lasting effects will it have on them? The family members of the inflicted and afflicted, how do they come to terms with the incident? Will it cause more divisions and ill feelings? Our youth are really struggling, and this is the work of the devil. As in the messages of Fatima the final battle between the Lord and Satan will be over marriage and the family. And it ’ s happening now especially with our youth. The ways of the world are to be on top, there ’ s no understanding of patience, humility, love, compassion, mercy or anything else, its all about me, me, me, and that is so sad for all Gods people. This is not an isolated incident, it goes on in schools, community and families. Our young people are so desperately in need of our prayers, they are the future of our country, our families, our Parishes and communities. If we invest in their Spiritual welfare this will give peace and right values for future generations. They all have gifts that they can use for the better of all. It is us that must put in the hard yards to make the difference. We can ’ t ignore this any longer if we want peace. “ Pray, Pray, pray ”, Our Lady keeps saying. Our Lady tells us the poison of selfishness and hatred rules human hearts, and that is why we do not have peace. May we be love like our Lady asks and dedicate our lives to be missionaries of love and peace for these that have no idea about the love God has for his people. We can not do this by ourselves, we need the power of the Holy Spirit, so let us beg the Holy Spirit for all His grace and help for all God ’ s people. Love and prayers Bernadette. Visiting those in prison – by writing Would you like to become involved in a very special work of mercy by writing to long - term prisoners in a foreign country? Divine Mercy Publications have set up a team of letter writers to correspond with the inmates of a maximum security jail in Zambia, central Africa. Most of these are Catholics/Christians to whom we send reading and prayer literature as well as clothes and toiletries. The requests for Pen pals are growing; the prison we write to has over 400 inmates, most of whom are in desperate need of consolation and encouragement. They are served by an Irish Catholic priest, whom they see 2 - 3 times per month. We wish to continue this important work of mercy and need helpers to ‘ adopt ’ a prisoner and write on a regular basis, usually once every 1 - 2 months. Can you Help? There will be absolutely no cost to you, Divine Mercy Publication/Trust will cover all expenses including sending funds via the prison Chaplain approximately twice per year to help the inmates purchase food, toiletries, medicines, clothes and in some case pay a portion of their childrens ’ school fees to prevent them becoming ‘ street kids ’. All you need give is your time and mercy to these needy souls. If you would like to know more please contact us. Thank you for your consideration of this important request. DIVINE MERCY PUBLICATIONS TRUST P.O. BOX 20266, BISHOPDALE, CHRISTCHURCH 8543 PH/FAX 03 359 2087 News from the Editor: 5 Excerpts from Children of Medjugorje wite : www.sremmanuel.org The tenderness of my father - in - law The inhabitants of Heaven are our friends, and some show us their love with a gentle touch and a particular type of humor, like my father - in - law (I call St. Joseph my father - in - law, since he is the spouse of my Heavenly Mother). Every year, we offer him a thirty day consecration: we pray for 30 days before his feast day on March 19th. But during a short stay in Italy, I missed four of the thirty days. What a shame! Back home, I realized I had lost the key to our "little Bethlehem," a peaceful place in our garden where I go every day to pray, in the intimacy of the Holy Family. There, I find life - size statues of St. Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus laying on the straw ... Unable to find the key, I prayed to St. Joseph and asked him to find it for me. But nothing happened ... Knowing his kindness, I figured he must have a good reason for not granting my wish, but what could it be? After March 19th, I made up the four days I was missing from my thirty day commitment. Then behold, on the evening of the fourth day, I took my handkerchief out of my pocket, and ... there it was, the key! It made me smile! St. Joseph is very good at counting, which is to be expected from a carpenter! And he seemed to be saying to me, “ You promised me thirty days, so I waited until you finished them all before answering your call! ” This is also a beautiful lesson for our prayer life: every prayer offered from the heart is of great value to the Lord; He awaits it like a precious treasure, which He will use divinely. Making a holy hour in prayer or not makes a significant difference to the Lord, for ourselves and for the world. Through negligence, we miss so many opportunities to grow in holiness! We remain in our lowliness instead of being enriched by the true peace of God, which is what we most long for! How far does Mercy extend? Screams, bloodcurdling howls, insults, blasphemies, the most abject obscenities, and relentless threats ... It's a very young voice that cuts to the core. It almost sounds like a child. Mother Teresa's sisters — the Missionaries of Charity — found Pearl in the street and took her in half - dead, as they do for most of the residents of this impoverished shelter. For years, Pearl has borne the deadly marks of AIDS on her body. Since her arrival, she has violently unleashed her despair on anyone who comes near her. Surprisingly, this house is not located in a poor neighborhood of Calcutta but in one of America's most prestigious cities: Washington, D.C. Has Mother Teresa, the champion of the poorest of the poor, changed her mission and begun working within one of the world's wealthiest cities? What is she doing here, in her small cotton veil and worn sandals? Accompanied by a few sisters, her goal was to find people like Pearl, condemned to a slow death because they were born into poverty and unable to escape it. The statues in this Nativity scene were built by the Sisters of Bethlemen 6 Mother Teresa's sisters feared nothing! They had seen everything, heard everything, and learned to overcome horror with a smile. For them, it was about sowing love where violence reigned, about eradicating evil of any kind, by acting in the same way as Jesus, their divine Master: with gentleness, love, patience, mercy, and joy. Every day, every moment, the sisters take turns tending to Pearl, condemned to an untimely death. They provide food and care, change her clothes and sheets, trim her toenails, and show her immense kindness. Pearl, for her part, hurls insults and abuse at the sisters in despair, as if seeking revenge for all the atrocities during her miserable existence. Yet the sisters, unperturbed, continue to serve her, their smiles undiminished. One day, a glimmer of hope pierces the antechamber of death. Pearl begins to open her heart, seeing the sisters' continued kindness toward her. She asks one of them, "Why are you so nice to me when I constantly insult you?" This is the moment the sister has been waiting for, the moment to break the ice. She must seize the opportunity. She replies, "Our God told us that you are the body of Christ. That is why we treat your body with respect and love." Pearl is stunned. She thinks she's dreaming. No one has ever spoken to her like this! The sister isn't joking! After a moment of silence, Pearl's tone completely changes. She asks, "Now wait... You mean your God told you that? ” “ Yes, ” the sister replies. “ Well then, I would really like to know your God! If this God tells you to treat me this way, I want to know that God! ” The sisters then quickly called the priest, the Chaplain of the home. He came to see Pearl several times. He shared the Word of God with her frankly, explaining the most significant moments in the life of Jesus. Pearl didn ’ t miss a word of it. Fascinated, she listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder. She was thirsty for more. When the priest spoke to her about the Eucharist, explaining the meaning of the Last Supper and the Mass, she exclaimed, “ If that ’ s what Mass is, then I want to receive Communion! ” There wasn't a second to lose. The priest baptized her, administered the sacrament of Confirmation, and gave her her First Holy Communion. After welcoming Jesus into her heart, she said, "This is the first time a man has entered into me, not to take advantage of me, but to give me everything!" She then confided the tragedy of her life: "My mother was a drug addict. When I was ten, she forced me into prostitution on the street. She needed the money I earned to buy her drugs. How many men, and sometimes women, have abused me these past ten years ... I can't even count them anymore! I contracted AIDS and now I'm going to die; I'm only twenty ... But now I'm so happy to have Jesus! ” For the first time in her life, Pearl felt a profound inner peace. The next day, Pearl exchanged a few words with the nuns and noticed they were wearing wedding rings. She asked them, "Are you married?" "We are not married to a man," they replied. "But we are the spouse of Jesus." "What? One can become the spouse of Jesus? Is that true? Is that possible? Then I want to become His bride too! But... why would he want to marry a failure like me, who was a prostitute for ten years and is going to die of AIDS?" The sisters had tears in their eyes. They looked at each other in silence, overcome with emotion, unable to hide it. As night fell, they wondered, “ What can we do? How can we give her what she wants? We must call Mother Teresa immediately! She will tell us what to do. This girl is going to die soon ...” Mother Teresa ’ s answer seemed obvious to them. She understood everything at once. There was no room for discussion. Not a single moment should be wasted. Now what happened the next day remains a secret of their community. Nevertheless, a few days later, Pearl went back to the heavenly Father, wearing the habit of the Missionaries of Charity. 7 Dearest Gospa, what will you do with the countless lost sheep who today, like Pearl, cry out their despair in the face of this cruel world? We beg you, go to them and enfold them in your maternal tenderness! Awaken us from the sleep of our souls; we want to work with you so that the miracles of Mercy may multiply! Sister Emmanuel, Community of the Beatitudes Translated from French Dear Friends, praise be to Jesus and Mary! The time has come to forgive! At the beginning of the apparitions, Jakov Colo, the youngest of the visionaries, conveyed this message he had received from the Blessed Mother: “ Our Lady says it is necessary to pray with the heart. ” But the villagers did not understand the meaning of this message and wondered what it meant to pray with the heart. Father Jozo Zovko asked Jakov to ask Our Lady this question: “ What does it mean to pray with the heart ?” Jakov asked the Blessed Virgin Mary that very day and he conveyed this answer: “ Our Lady says that to pray with the heart, one must forgive everyone. ” In a packed church during the Mass that followed, Father Jozo quoted this message from Our Lady. A profound silence and a palpable tension filled the congregation. The people understood why she had spoken this way. Indeed, rivalries and resentments existed among them due to land boundaries and other such conflicts. Brotherly love was thus thwarted. Father Jozo explained the fundamental importance of forgiveness. A heavy silence still reigned in the church when an elder of the village, well - known to all, stood up and fixed his gaze on one of the villagers toward whom he harbored resentment. Then he made his way through the congregation to approach him. He extended his hand and said aloud, "I forgive you!" Something extraordinary followed. Shortly after this beautiful gesture, witnessed by the entire congregation, another village elder rose, approached one of the parishioners, extended his hand, and declared, "I forgive you!" Afterward, Father Jozo saw them rise one after another and ask forgiveness of the person toward whom they had held a grudge. This reconciliation among the village elders was an unforgettable moment. A great peace descended upon Medjugorje, for all had truly understood what it meant to "pray with the heart!" Today, in these trying times when thousands of people live in fear, suffer, and die under bombs, the Blessed Mother is counting on us more than ever! Every reconciliation, every act of forgiveness, every heartfelt prayer, every sacrifice offered, has an immense impact on the world situation, bringing about peace. Jesus did not conquer through force, but through the gentleness of his love and forgiveness “ Dear children, ” the Virgin Mary tells us, “ I am with you because I desire to help you overcome the trials which this time of purification puts before you. My children, one of those is not to forgive and not to ask for forgiveness. Every sin offends Love and distances you from it – and Love is my Son. Therefore, my children, if you desire to walk with me towards the peace of God ’ s love, you must learn to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. ” (2.09.10) “ My children, forgiveness is the highest form of love ... By forgiving you show that you know how to love. ” (2.06.19) Let us now listen what Jesus says about forgiveness : ... Then Peter came to Jesus and said, “ Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? ” Jesus answered, “ I tell you, not seven times, but seventy - seven times. ” (Matthew 18:21 - 22) Sister Emmanuel, Community of the Beatitudes PRAYER FOR CARLO ACUTIS INTERCESSION O God our Father, we thank you for giving us Carlo, a model of life for young people, and a message of love for all. You made him fall in love with your son Jesus, making the Eucharist his “ highway to heaven. ” You gave him Mary as a beloved mother, and you made him, through the Rosary, a cantor of her tenderness. Receive his prayer for us. Look above all upon the poor, whom he loved and assisted. Grant me too, through his intercession, the grace that I need (mention your intention). Amen. 8 At the beginning of his pastoral visit to Pompeii, Pope Leo XIV meets with a charitable organization assisting those in need, urging them to always trust in Jesus and let His Word inspire their efforts. “ Allow yourselves to be inspired and propelled by the joy that comes from Jesus' words and His example, and proclaim it to everyone. ” Pope Leo offered this invitation as he visited the “ Temple of Charity ” at the Shrine of Pompeii on 8 May, the first anniversary of his election as Pope. The encounter with those engaged in the Shrine's charitable operations marked the first event of the Holy Father's pastoral visits on Friday, first to Pompeii and then to Naples. The Pope thanked the organization's volunteers for their generosity and trust, and said: “ It is beautiful for me to begin this Pastoral Visit in the footsteps of Saint Bartolo Longo, whom I had the joy of canonizing on October 19 of last year. ” He called it “ a place of grace, where Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Bartolo gather men and women of every age, background, and condition in order to lead them to the one Source of that universal love which alone can give the world serenity and harmony: to lead them to God. ” Power of Christ ’ s Resurrection experienced every day The Pope recalled that the Saint used to call the Valley of Pompeii “ a place of love that warms the heart" and a “ triumph of faith and charity, ” and said that reality is still very much alive and visible today. “ Here, in the charitable works of the Shrine, the power of Christ ’ s Resurrection is experienced every day, regenerating hearts through love to the good life of the Gospel. ” The Pope observed that the “ Temple of Charity ” and the “ Temple of Faith ” sustain one another. Prayer, he noted, nourishes the welcome, affection, service, and generous commitment of so many people, and love accomplishes miracles that go far beyond every effort and expectation. Seeing the face of Christ in everyone Pope Leo reminded the Shrine's charity operators that when Saint Bartolo first arrived in the Valley of Pompeii, he found a land afflicted by great poverty. Pope in Pompeii: Trust always in Jesus, our friend who never rejects us By Deborah Castellano Lubov Pope Leo XIV meets with charitable workers of the Shrine of Pompeii (@Vatican Media) 9 Even in that place, inhabited by only a few poor farmers and plagued by malaria and brigands, the Pope said the future Saint was able to see in everyone “ the face of Christ. ” Pope Leo remembered that through Bartolo's tenderness, he revealed the beating heart of God to adults and children alike, especially to orphans and the children of prisoners. Prayer as the foundation for everything The Pope recalled that he went on to make this place a center of Christian life and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary known throughout the world. “ At the foundation of everything, ” Pope Leo said, “ is prayer, and in particular the Holy Rosary, ” which he said is the hidden force “ that makes everything else possible. ” Keep this ancient and beautiful devotion alive “ I therefore urge all of you to keep this ancient and beautiful devotion alive and to spread it, ” Pope Leo said, stressing that "by contemplat- ing the Mysteries of Jesus ’ life with the simple and maternal eyes of Mary, what He has accomplished penetrates hearts and transforms lives." Accordingly, Pope Leo entrusted them with a “ program of life ”: “ to be men and women of prayer, so as to reflect, like clear and humble mirrors, the light that comes from God. ” Through their words and actions, the Pope said, they “ will nourish the flame of love that Saint Bartolo lit, ” and become, “ in service, dialogue, and the life of faith, credible models and wise guides for this wonderful young generation. ” Place your trust in Jesus The Holy Father then offered words of encour- agement to children, adolescents, and young people. “ Have confidence in those who lovingly care for your growth, ” but throughout your lives, he appealed, “ place your trust in Jesus, the Son of God, crucified and risen, who saves and sets us free. ” “ Jesus, ” he told them, “ is the Friend who never abandons or rejects us, the Brother who understands us and always walks beside us. ” Cling to Him and His grace “ Let us cling to Him as we entrust all humanity, through the hands of Mary, to His care," the Pope said, "certain that, with the help of His grace, nothing will be able to stop us from doing good, and that the hope for a future of peace — here and everywhere — will find its fulfillment. ” Assuring the charity workers of his prayers and offering his blessing, Pope Leo implored: “ Queen of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, pray for us! Saint Bartolo, pray for us! ” 10 Parish to Parish for Bed & Breakfast Catholic Hospitality in New Zealand and Australia Contribution to costs, by payment per night, which includes a continental breakfast are : From 1st September, 2021 For 1 Guest; $50 per night, each additional guest $30 each (eg: Two people would be $80.00 for one night.) This is a wonderful way for Catholics to meet and enjoy the company of other Catholics. If you wish to become a host or if you wish to purchase a book with all the details of hosts, the cost is $15, includes postage, contact or order from : Marie Anderson 2 Brent Place Christchurch, 8053. Phone 03 3595 541 Email: marie.ian@xtra.co.nz Bridget ’ s life took an irreversible turn in February 2020 when her 11 - year - old daughter, Veronique, died alongside her three cousins when a car driven at 130 kilometres per hour through a suburban street mounted the curb and hit them as they were walking to get ice cream. ‘ From that day, my life was changed, and it will never be the same. And nobody wants to be part of this club. Nobody, ’ Bridget told listeners at the Legion of Mary Summer School, which was held on 14 – 15 February in honour of the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. She told the gathering that her faith had been nurtured by her mother ’ s lifelong teaching that suffering is part of life but that Our Lady would never abandon them. This foundation became her anchor as she turned to Mary, recognising her own suffering. Conscious that she had a son who needed his mother, and others who needed her too, she got on her knees and prayed ‘ Our Lady, you know what I ’ m going through. You ’ ve watched your son die on the cross. I need you. I need you to hold me and give me strength. ’ Six months before Veronique died, Bridget ’ s mother had given her a booklet on the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. Now, she began reading it daily on her commute, stopping at the fifth sorrow, Mary stands at the foot of the Cross. ‘ Every day, I ’ d say “ How did you cope? How did you cope? ” But then I realised Our Lady was preparing me. She was preparing me for what was to come. ’ This connection to Mary became a wellspring of hope, allowing Bridget to navigate her grief with a spirit of acceptance and forgiveness. She realised that holding onto anger would only prolong her suffering. ‘ I knew in my heart I had to forgive, because I knew that no sin is greater than God ’ s mercy, ’ she said. ‘ If we can place ourselves, our strength and our weakness in God ’ s hands, asking Our Lady to hold us, then there is acceptance. I accept that God wanted my daughter back home. Doesn ’ t mean I ’ m not in pain. Doesn ’ t mean that every day I don ’ t trigger and my throat chokes, but I accept that he wanted her home. ’ Acceptance extended to a realisation that God does permit things to happen for the greater good. That greater good, for Bridget Sakr, was a mission to use her gifts to help other ‘ wounded hearts ’. melbournecatholic.org Her Catholic faith and devotion to Our Lady helped her turn tragedy into a path of hope and greater good. 11 St. Louis de Montfort explains how prayers to Mary go to God She is an "echo of God," a pure channel that takes our prayers directly to her Heavenly Father. When Catholics pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is not an act of worship , as worship is given only to God. St. Louis de Montfort, an 18th - century priest devoted to the Virgin Mary, explains what happens with prayers addressed to Our Lady. The explanation is found in his book True Devotion to Mary. He starts off by writing that sincere and devout prayers to the Virgin Mary "will give more glory to Jesus in a month than in many years of a more demanding devotion." Conduit of prayers Montfort explains that Mary is a pure conduit for our prayers, transforming them into glorious prayers to her Heavenly Father: She is an echo of God , speaking and repeating only God. If you say "Mary" she says "God." When St. Elizabeth praised Mary calling her blessed because she had believed, Mary, the faithful echo of God, responded with her canticle, "My soul glorifies the Lord." What Mary did on that day, she does every day. When we praise her, when we love and honour her, when we present anything to her, then God is praised, honoured and loved and receives our gift through Mary and in Mary. If you say "Mary" she says "God." In another example, Montfort envisions the Virgin Mary taking our prayers in her hands and transforming them when presenting them to God: Our Blessed Lady, in her immense love for us, is eager to receive into her virginal hands the gift of our actions , imparting to them a marvelous beauty and splendour, and presenting them herself to Jesus most willingly. More glory is given to our Lord in this way than when we make our offering with our own guilty hands. The next time you offer prayers to the Virgin Mary, remember how she receives your prayers and takes them directly to God. In a very real way, the closer we are to Mary, the closer we are to God. It's not an act of idol - worship, but a simple petitioning of a loving Mother to whisper in the ear of her Son. Philip Kosloski - published on 05/18/19 - 12 The Michael ’ s Arrow Project Greetings St Michael ’ s Arrow members, supporters and Medjugorje News readers. Here we have a tribute to St Michael from the Coptic Orthodox Church, who are in communion with the Catholic Church and the story of the 21 martyrs killed by Islamic State in 2015. Who are the Copts? Well, they were evangelized by Mark, one of the Apostles in Egypt in the year 41AD. Copts are scattered around the Middle East but primarily live in Egypt where they have an uneasy existence as Christians in a predominantly Muslim nation. They tend to live in villages and small communities for mutual protection and in 2015, 20 Copt young men were working on a construction site near the coastal town of Sirte in Libya. It was the era when Islamic State sought to establish a caliphate throughout the Middle East and Christian communities within their reach were in great danger. This is a summary of a more detailed report from Wikipedia. A Libyan force of Islamic State was active near Sirte and on 15 th February 2015, rounded up 20 of the Copt workers. They had to put on orange suits and were taken to the seashore near the Al Mahary Hotel. We know what happened because Islamic State as is their practice made videos and one of the perpetrators was later arrested by Libyan authorities and gave evidence. As is traditional Islamic practice, each Copt was offered the opportunity to convert to Islam. If they as infidels refused to worship Allah, the penalty is death in this case decapitation with short knives. Behind each Copt stood a black - clad soldier of Islamic State armed with a knife. One after another each Copt was asked to convert and refused in full knowledge of the death to come. Each one called out to Jesus. There also was an African from Ghana, Matthew Ayariga. It is believed that he might have been a pagan, but after witnessing the Copts die, when he was offered the opportunity to embrace Islam, he replied: “ Their God is my God ”. The 21 martyrs (including Matthew Ayariga) are now buried in their home villages. The Muslim president of Egypt declared five days of national mourning and in 2023 Pope Frances honoured them all as Catholic martyrs. I invite you to read the article originally printed in amsmcopticchurch.org Bernard Moran Co - coordinator of the Michael's Arrow Project. http://www.amsmcopticchurch.org/the - life - of - archangel - michael.html The Life of Archangel Michael The Holy Archangel Michael is one of the most celebrated of the Angels and bodiless powers; he is called the Archistrategos, or chief commander, of all the bodiless powers. According to Holy Scripture and Tradition, he has interceded for humanity multiple times and continues to serve as the Defender of the Faith. St Michael is most often invoked for protection from invasion by enemies and from civil war, and for the defeat of adversaries on the field of battle. He is celebrated primarily on November 8, the Synaxis of Michael and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven; September 6 also marks the miracle of the Archangel at Colossae. The name Michael means "like unto God" or "Who is like unto God?" Michael first appears in the Old Testament in the book of Joshua's account of the fall of Jericho. Though Michael is not mentioned by name in the text, it is said that Joshua "looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand." When the still unaware Joshua asks which side of the fight the Archangel is on, Michael responds, "neither...but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come" (Joshua 5:13 - 14)1. In the book of Daniel, Michael appears first to help the Archangel Gabriel defeat the Persians (10:13). In a later vision it is revealed to Daniel that "at that time [the end times] Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then..." (Ch. 12)1. Michael thus plays an important role as the protector of Israel and later of his chosen people, the Church. 13 Would you like to pray The LITTLEOFFICE Of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY? (a devotion practised since the 10th Century) A Pocket Edition is now available in contemporary English $5.00 (p.p.free in NZ) Send Name & Address to: ‘ BVM ’ 16 Mahakirau Rd, RD1 Coromandel Or loobvm.orders@gmail.com The Church Fathers also ascribe to Michael the following events: During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt he went before them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night; the power of the great Chief Commander of God was manifest in the annihilation of the 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib (4/2 Kings 19:35); also in the smiting of the impious leader Heliodorus (2 Macc.3:24 - 26); and in the protection of the Three Holy Youths: Ananias, Azarias and Misail, thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol (Dan3:22 - 25). Through the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions' den (Dan.14:33 - 37). The Archangel Michael disputed with the devil over the body of the holy Prophet Moses (Jude 1:9). In New Testament times, the holy Archangel Michael showed his power when he miraculously saved a young man, cast into the sea by robbers with a stone about his neck on the shores of Mt Athos. This story is found in the Athonite Paterikon, and in the Life of St Neophytus of Docheiariou (November 9). Perhaps his most famous miracle, though, is the salvation of the church at Colossae. Here a number of pagans tried to destroy this church by diverting the flow of two rivers directly into its path. However, the Archangel appeared amongst the waters, and, carrying a cross, channeled the rivers underground so that the ground the church stood on would not be destroyed. The spring which came forth after this event is said to have special healing powers. Michael also has been associated with healing in other cases, as well as his primary role as leader of the Church Militant. He has been said to appear to Emperor Constantine the Great (d. 337) at Constantinople, to have intervened in assorted battles, and appeared, sword in hand, over the mausoleum of Hadrian, in apparent answer to the prayers of Pope St. Gregory I the Great (r. 590 - 604) that a plague in Rome should cease. Russians in particular have a special veneration to Michael, along with the Theotokos. According to OCA, "Intercession for Russian cities by the Most Holy Queen of Heaven always involved Her appearances with the Heavenly Hosts, under the leadership of the Archangel Michael. Grateful Rus acclaimed the Most Pure Mother of God and the Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, court and merchant churches are dedicated to the Chief Commander Michael. In Rus there was not a city where there was not a church or chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael." Source: http://orthodoxwiki.org/Archangel_Michael A typical Russian icon of the Archangel Michael. 14 AN UNFORGETABLE PILGRIMAGE From Lyon to Rome TE ARA O TE TUMANAKO – THE WAY OF HOPE Late 2024 was the beginning of a Holy Year, proclaimed by the Church every 25 years as a special gift of grace and mercy for all God ’ s people. The theme for the Jubilee year being “ Pilgrims of Hope ” did not mean a lot to me, until during a discussion with friends they mentioned they were considering going on a pilgrimage in 2025 as part of this special time. After some research I found the pilgrimage above to be led by Bishop Steve Lowe leaving NZ on 29 th September and returning 19th October 2025. After some discussion and support from my wife and family I decided in January that this was something I would pursue if possible, but there seemed many obstacles which may well prevent it happening. But, by mid August we had finally sold the business we had operated in Dargaville for 21years and all other issues had been resolved by the time I left on 29th September. The pilgrimage began in Lyon, France and ended in Rome. On the way we learned of and visited significant sites associated with pilgrims from the past who had influenced the early Church in New Zealand and the Pacific and others who have and continue to influence the Universal Church. The first five days in France spent visiting towns and sites of significance associated wi