O Mary conceived without sin, Pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

Today we commemorate the day that St. Catherine Labore, Daughter of Charity, was asked by Our Lady to have the Miraculous Medal struck. I am ever so grateful for this Medal and this date means so much to me and my husband as it is our wedding anniversary. It brings such peace to my heart to know that our six children are fruit of the gift of the Miraculous Medal. To read more on the story of St. Catherine Labore and the Miraculous Medal visit Catholic Exchange.

Italy: Muslim leader defends Pope on inter-faith dialogue

Roma, 24 Nov. (AKI) - Pope Benedict XVI's praise for a new book which argues Europe should stay true to its Christian roots should not be misinterpreted, the head of the association of Italian Muslims, Ahmad Gianpiero Vincenzo, told Adnkronos International (AKI).

read more...


+JMJ+

Divisions Cease...

I just stumbled upon this very nice article in which the Archbishop of Izmir, Ruggero Francheschini, is quoted explaining the ecumenical nature of Mary's House where divisions cease and graces of hope and peace flow.

From the article:

"Mary is the mother of all and she welcomes all her children into her house
-- children of many different cultures and religions -- and speaks to their
hearts," he wrote.

"Here differences disappear and only the most important thing
remains: to be children and adorers of the one God," the archbishop
said.

All this through the One Mother of all ....and thanks to Sister Marie!

+JMJ+

Our Humble Holy Father

While in Ephesus I was privileged to be given a little tour by Father Joe of the rectory area where our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI rested his head while visiting Mary's House in November of 2006. It was on this pilgrimage that he requested a prayer during his Papal homily:

“From here in Ephesus, a city blessed by the presence of Mary Most Holy — who we know is loved and venerated also by Muslims - let us lift up to the Lord a special prayer for peace between peoples.” - Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Homily at "Mary's House" in Ephesus, Turkey, November 29, 2006

I believe with all my heart that the Sister Marie prayer is that prayer. Please help me answer the plea of our Holy Father and spread the good news of Sister Marie. Now, in this moment, join me in prayer:

We thank God for giving us the privilege of Sister Marie de Mandat-Grancey. Through her great generosity she acquired the property at Ephesus, the home of Mary and St. John the Evangelist. We ask God and Sister Marie to continue to bless the cornerstone given to her, "Around this Cornerstone we will build our faith and the powers of darkness will not prevail." We pray for God's will to be completely fulfilled through the intercession of Sister Marie. Amen.

Being in that little room I was filled with love for The Vicar of Christ who found respite in the most simple and humble of dwellings. We who love him are edified by his example of simplicity. Please enjoy these few photos of the room that was especially built to welcome our beloved Holy Father.

+JMJ+

Pictures of Mary's House

Finally I am posting a group of photos from our recent pilgrimage. I had hoped to post them along with a piece I am writing but the paper keeps growing and growing!! No one is allowed to take pictures of the inside of Mary's House without special permission. Sr. Antonia, God bless her, gave me that permission and I am so happy to share these with you. Enjoy these photos and spiritually enter Mary's House with me by praying the Sr. Marie prayer.

+JMJ+

Catholics and Muslims Pledge To Improve Links

by
RACHEL DONADIO

Published: Friday, November 7, 2008 at 5:13 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, November 7, 2008 at 5:13 a.m.

VATICAN CITY — Catholic and Muslim leaders worked on Thursday to deflate suspicion between their two faiths, pledging at a high-level seminar here to work together to condemn terrorism, protect religious freedom and fight poverty.

Read More...

+JMJ+

Thank you Marian Center of Springfield Illinois!

Please join us in offering joyful prayers of thanksgiving to God for the generosity of the Marian Center in Springfield, Illinois. They have so graciously printed up bundles of Sister Marie prayer cards that they will soon deliver by hand to Mary's House in Ephesus as they travel there on pilgrimage this month. May God abundantly bless and protect the Marian Center and may Sister Marie always keep them safe in her heart and in her constant prayers offered at Our Lady's knee. Amen! Praise God!

Thank you Sister Marie!

Thank you Marian Center!
Bless you...


+JMJ+

Pope Benedict XVI Meets With Muslim Scholars This Week

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Muslim scholars due to meet Pope Benedict and Roman Catholic officials this week hope the Vatican will agree to joint crisis management plan to defuse tensions that flare up between Christianity and Islam. Read more here...

+JMJ+

Dan Murr - Author

It is with great joy that I report the upcoming work of Dan Murr, accomplished author. His most recent book "in the works" as he says, is a book on the life of Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey entitled Sister Marie, A Daughter of Charity.

The list of Mr. Murr's published books include:

But Deliver Us from Evil, Father Duffy and the Men of Bataan (Military History, nonfiction, Murr Publishing)
The Medjugorje Encounter (Inspirational, nonfiction, Jada Press)
The Sabbatine Privilege (Fiction, Jada Press)
The Milk Wagon (Military adventure, fiction, Jada Press)
A Need to Know (Military, Espionage, Romance, fiction, Jada Press)
We Never Said Goodbye (and other stories) (Modern Anthology, Nonfiction, Fiction, Jada Press)

Please visit his website and even drop him a line at his email to cheer him on! I will be certain to let you know as soon as Mr. Murr's book is available for your reading enjoyment and your home library. Please say a prayer for Dan and ask Sr. Marie to bless his every effort!

+JMJ+