Favors of Sister Marie

by Louis Guido

Devotees of Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey are excited about the rash of reported favors attributed to her intercession; from physical and emotional healings to employment and real estate matters.

Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey, D. C., a religious of the Daughters of Charity, while serving in a French naval hospital in Turkey, was instrumental in the discovery, acquisition and restoration of “Mary’s House” at Ephesus. This house at Ephesus is the purported former residence of Our Blessed Mother and St. John, the Evangelist during the last years of Our Lady’s life. The ruins of the House of Mary at Ephesus (now Izmir), Turkey, were located in 1890. Sr. Marie purchased the property in 1892 and developed the site, now known as Meryem Ana Evi, the house of Mother Mary. She promoted the devotion to Mary at the site from 1892 until her death in 1915. It now appears that God must have something important in mind for Sr. Marie for this time in our history. Since the events on 9/11/01, the world has gotten more and more violent. Perhaps, after almost a century, Sr. Marie’s mission is being revived and expanded. Evidence, some of which is listed below, seems to affirm this premise.

Over the past several years, extraordinary events have occurred which relate to an increase of devotion to Sr. Marie. Many of these events have been reported and documented and include these representative healings:

-A woman suffering from a facial tumor, after applying a prayer card and praying to Sr. Marie for a week, experienced a complete healing; the tumor disappeared. Her doctor stated that this type of tumor could only be removed through surgery. In addition, the prayer card turned color, from black and white to green, the color of healing. Subsequent discussions with the now-healed woman revealed the interesting fact that her mother is a Catholic and her father, a Muslim. This first recorded healing through the intercession of Sr. Marie involving a Muslim connection may portend Sr. Marie’s role in future Christian-Muslim relations.

-A gentleman was suffering from both prostate cancer and facial cancer. After having been given a prayer card and praying to Sr. Marie, both the prostate and facial cancer disappeared.

-A young girl was suffering from an irregular heartbeat. Her mother was given a prayer card which was placed under the girl’s bed sheet. Every night, for a short time, both mother and daughter prayed from another prayer card. The daughter told her mother that a “heartbeat” was coming from under the sheet. The following week, at a visit to a cardiologist, there was no evidence of the irregularity. There are medical records to document this occurrence.

Many other documented “favors” have been tabulated by a foundation on Long Island promoting the cause of Sr. Marie:

Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey Foundation
P. O. Box #275
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724.

The prayer card may be obtained and printed via the internet by accessing:
http://srmarie-lorraine.blogspot.com/

The Cause for Sister Marie

by Louis Guido

A cause, by definition, is a project or movement in which many people are interested and to which they give their support. In the case of Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey, a cause has been initiated to examine her life, make it widely known and encourage devotion to this extraordinary French nun of the 19th and 20th centuries. The main objective of this initial effort is to encourage people to pray to Sr. Marie. We believe that she has a particular mission to accomplish for God on our time, in our troubled and terrorized world! This mission is to bring all of us, spiritually to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and our mother, regardless of our religion and beliefs. Every time we pray to Sr. Marie our hearts and minds are united and placed inside the home of Mary by Sr. Marie, the Foundress of Mary’s House. We hope to foster a formal movement within the Catholic Church toward eventual beatification of Sr. Marie. This is predicated on the condition that it is God’s will, which must be discerned through fervent prayer and unselfish motives and actions.

By promulgating the fascinating life and services of this many-talented French nun, a genuine love and respect among the faithful as well as the skeptical may be engendered. With this basic foundation in mind, progress can be made toward gathering documented stories of pertinent favors granted, faith bolstered or restored and difficulties overcome.

A fledgling organization has been inaugurated, The Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey Foundation, (see address below) to promote devotion to her and to coordinate all efforts in her regard. Numerous faithful, both clergy and lay persons have become involved and are actively promoting this project.

There are strong indications that the movement is worthwhile and has merit. Sr. Marie’s persistence in looking for the house, putting together the expedition and funding the project earned her the title of Foundress of Maryem Ana Evi, Mary’s house at Ephesus. She was then and is now the heart, soul and inspiration of this work of God. Her dedication has already reaped rich rewards. This house is a common meeting ground for Christian and Muslim pilgrims where these major faiths meet and pray together in peace. This House of Mary has enjoyed the interest and devotion of several popes such as Benedict XIV, Leo XIII, Pius X, Benedict XV, Pius XII, John XXXIII and the visits of three, Paul VI, John Paul II and most recently, Benedict XVI. Could all this have been accomplished without the devotion and sacrifices of our beloved Sr. Marie?

What can the faithful do now? The most important task is prayer; prayer with faith can move mountains. Write to us and request a prayer card. Pray for discernment; pray for God’s will to be accomplished. We can educate ourselves by learning about Sr. Marie and the many reported stories that tell of her powerful intercession in the lives and struggles of the faithful. Pray with us and tell of your own Sr. Marie story. Here, below, is the starting place:

Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey Foundation
P.O. Box #275
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

Sister Marie and Christian, Orthodox, and Muslim Relations

by Louis Guido

Does a French nun, who died in 1915 in Turkey, have a critical mission to perform in this 21st century? Let’s look at some basic facts and also some recent events; then perhaps a reasonable answer can be discerned.

Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey, D. C., (1837-1915) was the Mother Superior of the Daughters of Charity who resided and worked at the French naval hospital in Smyrna (Izmir), Turkey. She is the Foundress of the house of the Mother of God at Ephesus, in Turkish, named Meryem Ana Evi. This house is revered as the place where St. John brought Our Lady after their flight from the Christian persecution in Jerusalem. Here Our Lady lived her final days until her Dormition and Assumption.

It’s important to note here that this house is also honored in special devotions by the Muslims to which they, too, pilgrimage and pray to Mary each August 15. In these times, could prayers to Our Lady for peace between Christians and Muslims be any more important? Sr. Marie’s love for Our Lady and her house at Ephesus is one shared by the Muslims and the Orthodox! Mary’s House at Ephesus is a common pilgrimage destination for both Catholics and Muslims along with our Orthodox brothers and sisters where they join in reverent prayer. Here is a singular place of peace between faiths which honor Our Lady; the only place in the world where Christians and Muslims pray together to God, the Father, in peace. Both faiths honor the Mother of God as His only creature, along with Jesus Christ, to be conceived without the stain of sin. Catholics implore the Mother of God under the title of the Immaculate Conception.

As a point of interest, the Catholic Church recognizes that Mary appeared in 1917 to three children at Fatima, Portugal, to urge the world to pray for peace. Fatima is the name of Muhammad’s daughter. Could there be a connection here, not just a strange coincidence?

We may well ask ourselves if there is anything else that could possibly contribute more to the cause of world peace than to recognize that Our Lady has already established the House of Mary as a common meeting ground between Muslim and Christian people. Even though the world may strive to define these two religious groups as enemies, God, Our Father, calls us all His children.

Sr. Marie’s contribution to assist Our Lady by the acquisition, restoration and preservation of Mary’s House at Ephesus is a crucial link in the cause for peace so urgently requested by Our Lady as evidenced at Fatima and throughout the world.

Sister Marie in Turkey

by Louis Guido

Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey, D. C. arrived at the Naval Hospital in Smyrna, Turkey, in 1886. The facility, which had been so active during the Crimean War (1854-1856) had become neglected by the French and by this time was dilapidated and under equipped. It could not continue to function as a hospital without new equipment. Sr. Marie, with the Daughters of Charity, set about making matters more comfortable for the patients from the navy and for those doctors and sisters who cared for them. It was Sr. Marie with her direction and strong will who set about using her own financial resources to rebuild the hospital.

In the process of restoration, Sr. Marie had additional rooms built to keep young girls off the streets and to establish a small classroom for sick children. This addition soon burgeoned into workshops and a full-fledged school. By the time she became the Superior, Sr. Marie had established the Children of Mary in order to catechize the children in her charge. All this effort was costly and depleted Sr. Marie’s fortune so that later, when the opportunity arose to acquire the property containing Mary’s House, she needed financial assistance from her father. In all her endeavors Sr. Marie manifested a missionary spirit, even establishing again the Children of Mary in order to catechize her young girls.

Throughout the remainder of her life, which was to be spent at Smyrna, either through direct instruction or by example, Sr. Marie proclaimed the message of the protection of the Immaculate Mother of God. Both younger and older girls, alike, gave witness to the fact that when she spoke of Mary’s Immaculate Heart or her Immaculate Conception, her face radiated a beautiful smile. Mary drew her closer to her motherly heart.

In 1890, Sr. Marie became the Superior of the Community at Smyrna. One evening shortly thereafter, Sr. Marie asked a visiting Vincentian Father to choose a spiritual reading for the community during dinner. The priest chose a passage from a volume containing the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, a 38 year old Augustinian nun. This nun was confined to her bed during the time of the Napoleonic wars and had been granted the gift of visions of the life and death of Jesus and His Mother. The passage described the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Ephesus (now known as Izmir). One of the guests was Father Eugene Poulin, C. M., was director of the French Sacred Heart College at Smyrna. Both Sr. Marie and Fr. Poulin were inspired by what was read. Fr. Poulin was so moved that he inspired other members of his community to undertake a long, arduous expedition to locate a site that might approximate the visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich. During this expedition, a location was reached that was clearly identified with these visions. The local Orthodox Christian villagers confirmed this site, the ruins of a monastery, known locally as Panaghbia-Capoli, or gate of the “All Holy.” They related that for centuries people had venerated it as the Holy House of Mary.

Having every reason to believe in their findings, the explorers returned and informed Sr. Marie. Inspired by her deep faith in the presence of Mary in her life, she believed in the site of the Holy House from the beginning. Sometime later, informed by Fr. Poulin and his companions, Fr. M. H. Jung, C. M., that the property was for sale, Sr. Marie delivered her own private fortune to purchase the site.

On December 1, 1891, Archbishop Timoni declared in a formal document that the ruins of Panaghia-Capoli are truly the remains of the house inhabited by the Blessed Virgin Mary. From that moment on, the little nun, the daughter of a prominent count and countess, took charge of promoting, protecting and developing the Shrine now known as Meryem Ann Evi, the House of Mother Mary. For that reason, her family was rewarded with the original cornerstone from the first century, which now rests at the Chapel of St. John at the Chateau Grancey in Burgundy near the Archdiocese of Dijon in France.

Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey promoted devotion to Mary at the site of the chapel from 1892 until her death on May 31, 1915. She was buried with the other Daughters of Charity in the Christian cemetery at Smyrna. Her devotion was so great that she touched the hearts of Catholic and Orthodox Christians alike, drawing them together at the Shrine. Most miraculous of all, she drew Muslim worshippers as well, for Islam honors Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception. To this day, Muslims and Christians honor Mary in prayer together at the Marian Shrine at Ephesus, certainly a sign of hope in these uncertain times of inter-religious conflict.

Who is Sister Marie?

by Louis Guido

Adele Louise Marie de Mandat-Grancey, affectionately known as Sr. Marie, was born in 1837 to the Count and Countess of Grancey in Burgundy, France. Although raised and educated as a noble, Sr. Marie, early on, exhibited a desire to be with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to experience the presence of God mystically. From her earliest youth, “pure love” seemed to be her core grace, a love through empathy, compassion and a pronounced idealism. The care of the poor, the sick and children was her dream. She was influenced heavily and drawn strongly to the Daughters of Charity, who were neighbors near her home in Paris.

The Daughters of Charity, established by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac in 1633 was an order devoted to the needs of the poor, an order apparently highly favored by Our Lady. It was to a humble member of this order, St. Catherine Laboure, that our Blessed Mother, Mary, appeared in 1830. During the apparition of November 27, 1830, Mother Mary requested a medal to be struck with her likeness and surrounded by the words, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,” known as the Miraculous Medal. This mission of the Daughters of Charity resulted in a perfect match for the desires of young Adele Louise Marie and consequently, at the age of 20, she left her family to join the order in 1857. She took the religious name of Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey.

Sr. Marie’s first assignment was at a House of Mercy in the town of Aire-Sur-La-Lys, and since being trained as a nurse, she was employed in the pharmacy and the dispensary. To add to her monumental duties, she also was a teacher in an orphanage of 55 abandoned children and an instructor in a sewing workshop for 60 young girls. In all of this work, she was sustained by the responsibility of directing the Children of Mary, an organization that became prominent throughout all of France because of its association with St. Bernadette of Lourdes. It was at this time that Sr. Marie’s devotion to the Blessed Mother became evident in her community and she was identified as a devotee of Mary for the rest of her life, always finding an outlet with a Sodality of Mary, even in faraway Turkey where she would end her days.

A decade later, Sr. Marie assumed the title of “Sister Servant,” a title given to the Superior within the Daughters of Charity, in the Charity orphanage at Pecq, a suburb of Paris. This was at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and subsequently, the orphanage doubled and tripled in size. She maintained this position until 1886 when she volunteered to serve in the French Naval station at Smyrna in Turkey.

One wonders what prompted Sr. Marie to volunteer for such a far away assignment in Smyrna, Turkey. However, we do know that she had read a book of the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, which had been published in France, wherein is described the House of Mary at Ephesus. Could it have been that Sr. Marie’s interest in Mary’s house was kindled and she desired to find it, since Smyrna is near Ephesus? For whatever reason, Sr. Marie traveled to Smyrna to serve in the French naval hospital where she was ideally situated for the events that followed.

Series of articles by Louis Guido

Over the next week or so I will be posting a series of articles written by another friend of Sister Marie, Louis Guido. The titles include: "Who Is Sister Marie?," "Favors of Sister Marie," "Sister Marie in Turkey," "Sister Marie in Christian, Orthodox, and Muslim Relations," and "The Cause for Sister Marie." I know you will find them enlightening and ediphying. Thank you Mr. Guido. May Sister Marie bless you!

Spiritual Solidarity

Sister Marie De Mandat-Grancey, Foundress of Mary’s House in Ephesus so long ago, has given this generation a reason to hope for peace. She has given us Mary’s House! She is the patron of all those who honor Mary there; Christians, Muslims, Orthodox and all. She is our patron to invoke when we feel frightened by religious violence. Not only this, but because she has given us Mary’s House she has given us a way to achieve spiritual solidarity with God’s children of other faiths. With our extremely diverse religious beliefs, is there any other ground upon which we can stand together and give true glory to God by honoring His Mother than the holy ground in Ephesus at Mary’s House?

Sister Marie, I am in awe at times when I contemplate this precious gift and want the whole world to know about this hope I have because of you, your love for God, all His children and Our Lady, your heroic dedication, and selfless devotion to the mission of preserving Mary’s House. Just imagine thousands of people from all over the world praying in spiritual solidarity in Mary’s House! What grace will flow from God at Mary’s request! We have the power to stop wars and religious violence by our prayers especially through the intercession of Blessed Mother. There will be “peace to men of goodwill.” Let us persevere in our prayers of spiritual solidarity with men of goodwill of other faiths that this peace will come. It is not complicated. It is exquisitely simple. It confounds the proud of heart. We need not meet with our minds. We must spiritually meet with our hearts in Her Heart in Her House.

Even though it is not possible for the children of the one true God to have political or religious solidarity, thanks to Sister Marie we have true hope of spiritual solidarity as we honor Jesus’ Mother in Mary’s House. This unique spiritual solidarity is what will defeat the powers of darkness that strive to destroy peace. They will have no hope of prevailing. There is an awesome power here that we must recognize and respect and for which we must humbly thank the Almighty God. Mary, Mother of Jesus has said, “For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” The Almighty has given our Blessed Mother ability to unite this suffering and fractured world. There will be no defeating the fruit that comes from unity and spiritual solidarity under the mantle of the Mother of Jesus whom God Himself has decreed to be called blessed by all generations…this generation. Let us reflect upon the Magnificat.


My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Sister Marie, pray for us.

In Defense of the Do-ers

There are the dreamers. Thank God for them; the mystics, prophets, messengers, visionaries. Throughout human history, in His abundant mercy, Our Father in Heaven breaks through the boundaries of human senses, lifts the veil between heaven and earth, and directs His people giving us messages of love and hope or chastisement through His prophets. So many figures from Bible History come to mind: Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Isaiah, St. John the Baptist and the list goes on and on. These messengers of God are all considered part of God’s public revelation. We have all learned about them and how the people of their time reacted to God’s direct intervention in their lives. Sometimes we listened and changed our ways to suit Our Father, and sometimes we did not. Many of these dreamers were do-ers too, but some were solely messengers for God.

Our God, Our Father, is so intimately involved with each of His creatures. He will never forsake us nor will he leave us orphans. He has told us this again and again throughout history using the mouths of his visionaries and prophets. And, He did not stop revealing Himself after sending His Son to redeem us. He continues. And the Church, thank God, discerns these private revelations for us so we can be sure of the voice of God. We can certainly see for ourselves the authenticity of a private revelation by its fruit.

Then there are the do-ers; the ones who do something about God’s revelation; who respond. They may never have directly “heard” a word from God but their hearts and souls take action at God’s revelation coming from the mystics. They make things happen. What would we do without them? Their names are often hidden but their contribution to the accomplishment of God’s will is crucial to its fulfillment. And they are examples of faith. Jesus tells us “blessed are those who believe yet do not see.” The do-ers act on faith inspired by their love of God. God gives them these gifts of love and faith in abundant measure so that they know His will without a vision or locution. Although the veil to heavenly visions and words remains closed, they have the gift of faith. They listen and see with their hearts and souls, not their eyes or ears. In turn, their works of love and faith-in-action give us hope. They are models for us.

One such do-er was Sr. Marie DeMandat-Grancey. She knew her faith well and had a deep love and devotion to Our Lady. She heard the private revelations of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich and she responded…against all odds…to make sure that Mary’s House as revealed through the mystic would be found and preserved for all God’s children. The battles she fought on every level to achieve this work for God would have wilted the faint of heart. But not Sr. Marie. Her heart was strong because it was given to God. Her faith was heroic. Her work was heroic. And the fruit of her effort is this singular place of peace where all people of all faiths come to honor the Mother of God. It is miraculous. What would the world be like without this Holy House; without the unity of prayers for peace that are its fruit? Jesus hears the prayers for peace from His people who unite in the Heart of His Mother Mary. Mary, our Mother too, begs Him on our behalf. And Jesus never says no to His Mother. There lies our hope. We owe Sr. Marie an eternal debt of gratitude indeed.

Sister Marie tribute in the entry alcove of the Ephesus House of Prayer in Wardsboro, Vermont

Ephesus House of Prayer in Vermont

The stone from Mary's actual House in Ephesus that is built into the replica.

The Sister Marie prayer card I placed on Our Lady's Altar for you in Mary's House.

The candle I lit for you in Mary's House.

Ephesus in America!

While visiting Vermont last weekend I had the distinct pleasure to visit the Ephesus House of Prayer in Wardsboro Vermont. Here I found an exact replica of the Mary's House in Ephesus. It was breathtaking. Archbishop Giuseppe Bernardini dedicated the House last year on October 7th. He has worked closely with Mary and Don, the devoted couple who built this holy House out of love for Our Lady and Her House at Ephesus. Visit their web site and please visit this incredible gift of love to us all!

http://ourladyofephesushouseofprayer.org/index.html

Thank you Sister Marie, again, for protecting and preserving Mary's House so that in these times we may still unite there and pray for peace...even in America!

The House of Mary: A place that unites all

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=85498

The House of Mary: A place that unites all
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Gözde Aslantaş & Natalie Lyubomirsky

İZMİR-Turkish Daily News
Up in the mountain side of Selçuk, overlooking the city of Efes rests the House of the Virgin Mary. This place nestled in a green and tranquil environment attracts thousands of visitors each day, both local and international. They come for different reasons, some to visit and some to pray, but most importantly they come from different backgrounds. This is a special quality of this site in that it unifies all who come regardless of ones religion, culture or nationality. She is ‘A mother who embraces her children' with a maternal compassion. This uniting quality is one that Father Tarcy Mathias sees very clearly in his everyday work with the church, something that he is very proud of. Mother Mary embraces each and every one in the house, mother Mary embraces each and every one through the house.
The history of the house dates back to the early Roman period, as a part of Efes. The structure of the house has change somewhat over the thousands of years it has existed. Originally the house would have been a two structure building but years of deterioration has left just one level. Archaeologists have been able to find that the house dates back to approximately the 4th or 5th century AD, but foundations they found are much earlier, probably from the 1st century. The house was restored with the help of the Swiss and American Catholic Associations in 1950 and inaugurated on June 9th 1951 by the Archbishop of İzmir, Decuffi.
The discovery of the house is linked directly to a German nun, Anna Katherine Emmerich (1774-1824), who after many years of being bedridden from illness began to have visions of the Virgin Mary and Christ. In those visions she clearly detailed the house that Mary lived in after the crucifixion of Christ. These details were later verified by two Lazarist priests, Father Jung and Father Poulin, who on July 29th 1891 discovered the house. After six days of field work they were confident in their find.

The House As It Is Today
Originally from India, Father Tarcy Mathias came to Selçuk in 1998, assigned to the House of the Virgin Mary by his superiors. He did not know much about Turkey and was hesitant in being reassigned but finally agreed to try it for a year. That was ten years ago and now Farther Tarcy feels “Very much at home and very comfortable and happy to work in Mary's House.'' ''I am very proud to be in Turkey,'' he said. He also feels nostalgic due to the fact that before he was working in North India. “In a small town that was a Muslim state until independence when it became a part of India. I feel very comfortable in Selçuk, because the environment is so similar,” Father Tarcy said.
The fact that the Roman Catholic Church has not officially acknowledged this site as Mother Mary's home has not shaken the faith of Father Tarcy or the people who come there each day. The church speaks officially in matters of faith and morals, “how you explain faith and put it into practice everyday. The existence of this house does not touch our faith in Mother Mary, it is not directly connected,” Father Tarcy said. But the house is still publicly acknowledged as a sacred site, a place of prayer and a place of spiritual feeling by the Catholic Church through the many visits of Popes to the site, recently with Pope Benedict XVI visit in November 2006.
This faith in the house is best shown each year on August 15th with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. A record of this pilgrimage dates back centuries in the town of Şirince where every year local Greek Orthodox villagers would make the 18 km pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary's House. This tradition has continued but it has changed slightly. Firstly there is no longer a local Catholic community that gather but rather a mix of Catholics from other cities in Turkey and around the world as well as people of different religions. “From the morning people come to pray. Anyone can come and take part.” Father Tarcy said. The ceremony is conducted in three parts. At half past ten there is an inter-religious prayer service, at twelve a Catholic Mass and at three a devotion to Mary.

A Site of Religious Harmony
The unique aspect of this place is that it shows the ability of the coexistence of many religions and the similarities between them.
“Turkey is the bridge between East and West and that symbol is best shown in Mother Mary and what happens here in Mary's House,” Father Tarcy said.
“It is a beautiful thing to see our brothers and sisters from Turkey of Islam come and pray here. Its very touching, I feel very proud of Turkey,” he said.
The house of the Virgin Mary is a spiritual place, however “Religion does play a part in this place but not as an end, we want everyone regardless of religion and culture to have a spiritual experience. To feel that Mother Mary loves them and looks after them,” Father Tarcy said.
Due to this co-existence of many religions Father Tarcy's perspective has changed. “People of Islam, different religions, no religion, and young people come here. I can see that Mother Mary has touched everyone. My religion, through the practice of my Christian faith has become one of being human, to appreciate humanity. I see this very clearly here,” he said.
On the subject of interpreting religious books, Farther Tarcy explained that it is important to follow the scriptures as well as interpret the words. “These books were written at a certain time, by a certain person, with a certain perspective. Printed words are only an outer shell of the inner message of the word of God. Through the scriptures you must discover the Word of God.” Father Tarcy said. When Mary, as the mother of all, embraces and welcomes all, the differences disappear while the original truth becomes clearer, he asserts.“When you pray you will begin to understand each others religion. All of us come from the same spirit. Every life is spirit,” he said. “Through prayer one can discover the oneness, not only between ourselves but within the whole of creation. There is life in this world, it is not a dead thing,” Father Tarcy said.This is his global message, that no matter what religion you are we come from the same god and that all religions have the same message. “We must find a common spirit between us. Everyone is a brother or sister so we must treat each other like that. Consider the humanity of one, discover the oneness of your spirit and not let your religion divide you,” Father Tarcy said.

Maintaining the House of Mary
The Church is maintained by the Dernek, who pay for its maintenance and everyday bills. “We receive no funding at all, neither from the Vatican or the government. Dernek provides for us. We are only in charge of religious services. But we are not here for the sake of money but for Mother Mary and her house,” Farther Tarcy said.Another issue was the entrance fee that both tourist and people attending Mass must pay. “People coming to Mass must buy a ticket to enter this place. The Belediye don't know who comes to pray and who comes as a tourist, I understand it's very difficult to know that. Nowhere else do you have to pay to pray. We need to all get together, the Belediye, Dernek and the Church to work out a better system, so that we can serve the people better and no wrong impressions are given,” Father Tarcy added.It's not only about financial maintenance but a spiritual one as well, in the sense that visitors to the Church must respect and maintain the spiritual atmosphere of the environment.
This can be achieved through dressing appropriately, observing silence as well as not taking photos within the House of the Virgin Mary. “It is not my place to tell a man to put on his shirt or a woman to dress more appropriately, but tourists must remember that this is a place of reflection and to act accordingly not only out of respect for the Church but for other people as well.” Father Tarcy said and insisted. “Tourist agents and guides must give this information to their groups and see that this is observed. This will certainly help to create a better atmosphere of payer and spiritual experience in Mary's House,” Father Tarcy said. The House of the Virgin Mary is a testament to the peaceful coexistence of many different religions, something that symbolic of the religious harmony that Turkey encompasses. A spiritual journey and experience is more important than the religious aspect of the place. The message of the place resonates in the many people who visit and pray there everyday, all from different background, religions and cultures. Through a deeper understanding of faith and a spiritual experience one will be able to come to the realization that all religions carry with them the same message and that with this realization we are united.

Mary in Koran and Bible
"The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (Luke, 1:28)
"Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah has chosen you and purified you - chosen you above the women of all nations." (Koran, 3:42)
"Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." (Luke, 1.29-31)
Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be İsa (Christ Jesus), the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah" (Koran, 3:45)
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”(Luke, 1:34-5)
"She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: "Even so: Allah creates what He wills: when He has decreed a Plan, He but says to it, 'Be,' and it is!" (Koran, 3:47)

Pray Rosary for Peace, Benedict XVI Urges

2007-10-07
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-20699?l=english
Pray Rosary for Peace, Benedict XVI Urges

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 7, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI asked that the rosary be prayed for peace in families and in the world.

"This is something that Mary has also offered in various apparitions," the Pope explained today to the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the midday Angelus.

"I am thinking especially of her appearance at Fatima which took place 90 years ago," the Holy Father said from the window of his study. "To the three little shepherds, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco, presenting herself as 'the Madonna of the Rosary,' she insistently recommended praying the rosary every day to bring an end to the war."

"We also desire to welcome the Virgin’s maternal request, committing ourselves to saying the rosary with faith for peace in our families, in countries, and in the whole world," he added.

On this day that the Church celebrates Our Lady of the Rosary, the World Day of the Rosary also takes place. That initiative began 11 years ago in Mexico, uniting millions of people on five continents to pray the rosary in public places.

The Pope explained, "[T]he rosary is a means given by the Virgin for contemplating Jesus and, meditating on his life, for loving and following him always more faithfully."

October 7 - Mothers

This is a personal post. Today is a special day for me for many reasons. I recall my visit to Fatima almost 15 years ago with my friend Erin where my love for Our Lady of the Rosary was crystallized in a life changing forever commitment to Mary, the Mother of God. This is when I began to call her Mama Mary. This was when I began to understand Our Lady's love for me because I knew in my own motherhood the unfathomable love I had for my own children. If in my sinful weak humanity I can love my own children so deeply, how much more so could the sinless Mother God love her children? Ever since this pilgrimage the Rosary has been my life line of grace especially in my motherhood with all its joys and agonies. Mary is my model of Motherhood. The Rosary is as essential to my existence as air and water.

On this same day, October 7th, nine years ago my dear mother went to be with God. Margaret Mary Frances, mommy, left me and my father and five siblings at an early age. She was such a good and selfless mother. I miss her terribly at times like today. She taught me so much and rarely needed to speak a word to do so. She has ever since let her presence and love and motherly care be known to me and others. Once a mother always a mother. My simple heart wonders if motherhood and the priesthood remain as eternal vocations.

I now have two mothers in heaven. They both take such good care of me. Separation from each of them makes my human heart lonely at times but my spirit knows the veil is very thin between heaven and earth. Every once in a while I can even see through the veil and my heavenly Mother and my dear earthly mother allow me consolations.

I like to think of my mother with Sister Marie praying for me as I raise my own large family and try to work in my own small way for the Kingdom; for peace.

On this "feast" day of my mother Margaret, and this day when we honor Our Mother and Her most precious of gifts, Her Rosary, I join you all in prayer through the intercession of Sister Marie for peace in this world. All mothers deeply desire peace as they contemplate the future of this world and their children and grandchildren making their way. Mother Mary has always asked us to pray for peace. Sister Marie will help us to do this well.

And every mother who already enjoys the peace of heaven will never truly be finished with her vocation of motherhood or could ever truly rest in peace until all her children are safe in peace; first temporarily here on earth and then eventually with her in the peace of heaven. Mothers and peace are synonymous. Mama Mary, Queen of Peace, please pray for us. Sister Marie, please help us.

May the prayers of mothers of all faiths through the intercession of Sister Marie join with the prayers of the Mother of God, our Mother, Queen of Peace, in Mary's House to echo eternally through heaven for all of our precious beloved children; Mary's Children; God's children.

Archbishop Guiuseppe G. Bernardini

Yesterday I had the profound pleasure to meet the retired Archbishop of Turkey, Guiuseppe G. Bernardini. This is the very same good and holy apostle of Our Lord who is responsible for granting the Imprimatur on the Sister Marie Prayer Card. I was blessed to attend a private Mass offered by him. I was struck by his genuine humility and soft spoken manner. His unprepared homily was offered simply from his heart but the meaning of his words have burned into my heart. Here is what I recall Archbishop Bernardini teaching in my own words:

In the Gospel our Lord tells his disciple, "Follow me." It is sometimes hard to follow Jesus and yet we must. We will be happy no other way. And after we have begun to follow Him, we must continue...ultimately following Him into heaven.

Yes, I've heard this many times before but yesterday these words spoken from a true long-serving son of the Church had a profound impact on me. His persona resonates with that true joy that can only come from following Jesus. And now in these years of his life, Archbishop Bernardini has given us a sign post to point the way; Sister Marie De Mandat-Grancey! By granting the Imprimatur he is telling us that Sister Marie can help us respond to Jesus' invitation to "Follow me." He has placed his good name forever in the service of Sister Marie to that end; for souls to follow Jesus.

It is my heartfelt prayer that Archbishop Bernardini will be blessed every time a soul prays the Sister Marie Prayer and that Sister Marie will always take special care of him...and that many souls will be converted, embrace Truth Incarnate, accept the gift of Our Lord when He says "Peace I leave you. My peace I give you," and like Archbishop Bernardini, with persevering love will Follow Him.

Thank you Archbishop Bernardini for giving the world the chance to know Sister Marie, Foundress of Mary's House at Ephesus. May Sister Marie always intercede for Christians and Muslims who spiritually unite in Mary's House to pray for peace.

As I close I must ask a question: Did you know that Ephesus has come to America? Archbishop Bernardini has much to do with that too. More on that in my next post.