January 2017 Pilgrammage continued

Greetings to all of you!  (Pilgrimage continued)
 
This week I would like to continue my blog about our experience in Medjugorje.  As I said earlier, we were so privileged to stay with Ivan, one of the Visionaries who continue to receive daily apparitions by our Blessed Lady. It was an even more special privilege to be in the same room when Our Lady appeared to him.  During those ten or so minutes of discussion, I looked at Ivan's face and noticed how his face changed as he conversed with Mary.  There was a glow and a transformation that is hard to describe.  I could hear him whisper in Croatian and never once did I see him blink. Although none of us could see Our Lady, there was a silence in the room that was palpable.  After the apparition, Ivan would tell us about his discussion with Mary, although there were some private issues that he had to keep to himself.  Most of her messages during those five days we were there was to pray for Peace in the family and in the world.  Mary said that she would take all our petitions to her Son and that she would return the next day.  What was also interesting was that Ivan was not able to open his eyes for a while after the apparition due to its brilliant light and beauty.  After awhile, he was able to refocus and his sight returned to normal.  It was difficult for us to speak after the apparitions we were so moved.  Next week: Apparition Hill and Mass at St. James Church. 
 
As some of you may know, we have started the Year of Evangelization here at St. Mark.  This is the final attribute of a Dynamic Catholic defined by Matthew Kelly in is book.  To review, he determined four characteristics of an engaged Catholic:  Prayer, Study, Generosity, and Evangelization. The past three years we have delved into the first three attributes which I hope has changed your life. Now, this fourth characteristic will fill out our Spiritual progress. Please stay tuned to the bulletin regarding details about what we will try to accomplish this year.  
 
Well, that is all for now.  May God continue to bless your goodness in this New Year!
 
Peace,
Fr. David