CHRISTIANS ARRESTED IN UZBEKISTAN FOR PRIVATELY HOLDING RELIGIOUS LITERATURE; ALLEGED NEWS. [1] A new report from Forum 18 reveals enormous obstacles to the free practice of religion in Uzbekistan; Alleged News. The report apprises the stories of many Christians who have been punished for 'crimes' such as keeping private religious literature in their homes, and attending churches that are not officially recognized by the state; Alleged News. [1] Two Years Corrective Labour Stanislav Kim was given two years' corrective labour in Urgench for having religious books at home, something the authorities punish as 'illegal'; Alleged News. He must live at home under restrictions with a fifth of his wages seized by the state; Alleged News. Courts often order such religious literature destroyed; Alleged News. [1] Bibles Destroyed Four men were punished for religious literature confiscated during an illegal house search; Alleged News. Two Bibles, as well as other books and discs, were ordered destroyed; Alleged News. According to report, officials claimed one book was banned because the book could be used to spread a faith; Alleged News. They also claimed Baptists are banned in the Region because they do not have state registration; Alleged News. [1] Religious Persecution There are reportedly many cases of religious persecution throughout Uzbekistan; Alleged News. Religious minorities are not free to worship privately or publically; neither are they free to read books which strengthen their spirituality; Alleged News. [1] Forum 18 News Service Report
Baptist Stanislav Kim punished for second time within a year for having Christian books at home, Alleged News
Stanislav Kim convicted under the Criminal Code; Alleged News
Presbyterian Christian in the capital Tashkent fined in May for having religious literature at home; Alleged News
Four Baptists punished in Surkhandarya region for religious literature confiscated; Alleged News
Baptist pastor and his wife were fined in Zarafshan, for Bibles and Baptist song books seized from their home; Alleged News
Four men in a taxi were arrested in a district of the capital Tashkent; Alleged News. A book was confiscated which a government 'expert analysis' stated was permitted; Alleged News. Adventist Pastor Andrei Ten was later shown a second 'expert analysis' banning the book and fined 100 times the minimum monthly wage, the other three each being fined five times the minimum monthly wage, Alleged News
Petition Citizengo is petitioning Uzbekistani government officials because the prevalence of thesepersecution cases has reportedly increased over the past months; Alleged News.
On the 8th May 492 AD, a local nobleman, Elvio Emanuele, was pasturing his herds on the Gargano mountain in Apulia, Italy.
The thirty-third leader Commander of the Siponto armies sat on his mount in the sunshine.
As he looked around, Emanuele was dismayed to find that his most prized bull had disappeared.
He searched for the bull, and eventually found him at the top of the mountain at a cave entrance which was concealed by bushes. Intending to drive the bull out of the cave back to the herd, Commander Emanuele loosed an arrow from his quiver at him.
He was amazed when the arrow, instead of flying in the direction of the bull, turned instead on its trajectory and flew with great force back to him.
Deeply concerned by this event, he went to seek guidance from Bishop Lawrence.
Upon hearing of the strange happening, the Bishop believed there was a divine mystery underway.
He advised three days of fasting and prayer.
At the end of three days, St Michael the Archangel appeared to Bishop Lawrence.
The Archangel told the Bishop that the cave to which the bull had wandered was under his special protection.
He further desired that the cave grotto be dedicated as a Church. The Angel promised that within the cave sins would be forgiven, and what is asked for in prayer will be granted.
The Bishop wavered, as the Mount was difficult to ascend and had cultic history.
So Lawrence left the matter in abeyance and went on with his life.
The second apparition on 12th September, 492 AD
Then matters took a different turn. Two years later, the nearby city of Siponto ran into serious difficulties.
The city was besieged by troops, and found itself on the point of surrender. Bishop Lawrence obtained a three-day truce, and prayed to Archangel Michael for assistance.
On the third day of the truce, the Archangel visited the Bishop again and promised protection and victory for Siponto in the distressing siege.
Strengthened by the Archangel's words, the townspeople advanced boldly as a sudden and terrible storm began to severely assail the besieging troops.
The besiegers were utterly terrified and fled, never to return.
Thereafter, Bishop Lawrence [or Lorenzo] accompanied by a crowd of worshipping believers, climbed up the Gargano to thank St Michael.
During the apparition the Bishop was apprised that the grotto had already been consecrated by the Archangel himself.
They found the celestial cave, and prayed. Ongoing worship and prayer continues to this day.
Saints Francis and Padre Pio - Pilgrims
The holy shrine of Saint Michael has been for centuries the destination of thousands of pilgrimages.
Since the first apparition of the Archangel, people from the entire world have journeyed to the sacred grotto to find peace, forgiveness from God and the protection of the Highest Prince of Angels.
Among the pilgrims have been many Popes, Sovereigns, Saints and thousands of People from all nations.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina were among the pilgrims who have visited this holy site.
Other holy personages who have made pilgrimage to Gargano include St Bernard of Clairvaux, St Bridget of Sweden.
Saint Francis, upon visiting the sanctuary, felt himself unworthy to enter the grotto, stopped in prayer and meditation at the entrance. He kissed the rock at the entrance, and carved on a stone the sign of the cross in the form of 'T' [tau].
The cave was often visited by Saint Padre Pio.
NOVENA TO ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
Why not pray the following Novena to the great Saint Michael?
If you are in difficulty, need assistance, require protection or enlightenment as to the making of life choices, turn to Saint Michael for support through prayer.
If you wish to express devotion to Saint Michael the Archangel, obtain a grace through his intercession or to give thanks for a grace received, this novena is most helpful indeed.
HOW TO PRAY THE NOVENA
The following Novena is to be recited for nine consecutive days.
NOVENA
Intention:
'O Archangel Michael, intercede for me for the particular intention that I humbly present to you. [Here tell him of your particular need].
Please bring my petition before the Throne of God, that it may be granted to me if it conforms to the Holy Will of God.
PRAYER
O Jesus, splendor and power of the Father! O Jesus, life of our hearts, we praise You in union with all Angels, who ceaselessly serve You and adore You.
Uncountable celestial spirits surround Your Throne. Among them You have elected Saint Michael as Prince of Princes among the celestial hosts.
Saint Michael is the Protector of the Church of God upon earth. It is Michael whom You chose as Guardian of the Blessed Sacrament.
Michael is the Glorious Prince of the heavenly armies in their triumph over the powers of hell.
Michael hurled proud lucifer into the depths and fought the evil and rebellious spirits who fled Heaven, never to return.
With deep humility and sincere love for God, let us follow the example of our invincible Prince of Angels who battles against the master of pride, so that we too may be worthy to receive the crown of glory in Heaven.
THE FIRST GRACE
O Saint Michael the Archangel, we ask you, together with the Prince of Seraphims. to light up our hearts with perfect love so that, through you, we may leave far behind the false flattery of the world's pleasures.
Our Father
Our Father Who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses.
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil,
Amen.
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the hour of battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God restrain him we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust down into hell satan and all the other wicked spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls, Amen.
THE SECOND GRACE
O Prince of the Celestial Jerusalem, you have proven victorious over satan.
We humbly ask you, together with the Prince of Cherubims, to protect us especially when we are tempted by the enemy.
The Our Father [see First Grace for full prayer]
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel [see First Grace for full prayer]
THE THIRD GRACE
We beseech you, O invincible Custodian of Heaven, that, together with the Prince of Thrones, you will allow neither evil spirits nor infirmity to oppress us.
The Our Father [see First Grace for full prayer]
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel [see First Grace for full prayer]
THE FOURTH GRACE
In humility, we beseech you, Leader of the Celestial Court, together with the Prince of Dominions, to defend the People of God on earth.
Grant us strength and devotion to God in our daily journey, and glory in Heaven.
The Our Father [see First Grace for full prayer]
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel [see First Grace for full prayer]
THE FIFTH GRACE
O Archangel, we beseech you, together with the Prince of Virtues, that you may deliver us, your servants, from the hands of our enemies - both visible and invisible.
Deliver us, our families, our city and our nation from false witnesses, division, hunger, hate, moral decadence, war and natural disasters.
The Our Father [see First Grace for full prayer]
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel [see First Grace for full prayer]
THE SIXTH GRACE
We implore you, O Glorious Prince of the Heavenly Armies, together with the Prince of Powers, to look at our necessities with love.
Pray for our nation, and in particular our city, granting that our political leaders may always work toward peace, justice and concord.
The Our Father [see First Grace for full prayer]
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel [see First Grace for full prayer]
THE SEVENTH GRACE
We ask of you, O Prince of Angels, together with the Prince of Principalities, to deliver us, your servants, our city and our nation from physical and, above all, spiritual illness.
The Our Father [see First Grace for full prayer]
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel [see First Grace for full prayer]
THE EIGHTH GRACE
We beseech you, O Prince of Angels, with the Archangels and all the choirs of Angels, to watch over us during our lifetime and at the hour of our death.
Assist us at our last moments, so that, under your protection, victorious over satan, we may come to the Joy of God's Presence in heaven and glorify Him with you and all the angels.
The Our Father [see First Grace for full prayer]
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel [see First Grace for full prayer]
THE NINTH GRACE
Finally, we ask you, O Glorious Prince and Defender of the People of God on earth, together with all choirs of angels, to care for and assist those who are particularly devoted to you.
Assist us, our families and all those we carry in our heart, so that under your protection, we may share with you the contemplation of God forever and ever. Amen.
The Our Father [see First Grace for full prayer]
Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel [see First Grace for full prayer]
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST MICHAEL
O Saint Michael the Archangel, most noble Prince of the Angelic Hierarchies, valorous Warrior of Almighty God, and eternally loving and faithful to the Most High!
Desiring to be numbered among your devoted servants, I offer and consecrate myself to you.
I place myself, my family, my friends, my work, and all I possess under your most powerful protection.
I entreat you to gaze with favorable eye, at the heartfelt affection with which this offering is made.
From this day onward, I place myself under your holy patronage. Please grant me assistance throughout all my life, and procure for me from the Holy Throne of God the pardon of my many sins.
I ardently desire the grace to love God, Jesus our Saviour and our Mother Mary with all my heart.
Obtain for me the help necessary to arrive at my crown of glory.
Defend me always from my spiritual enemies, particularly in the last moments of my life.
Come, O Glorious Prince, to assist me in my last moments.
With your power, cast far from me into banishment that prevaricator and proud angel that you prostrated in the celestial battle.
Saint Michael, defend us in our daily battles so that we may not perish at the Last Judgement. Amen.'
The Invocation of Saint Michael the Archangel was given to us by holy Pope Leo XIII.
GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER. We will be completing an eight day fast and prayer; during the last week we have held a number of all night Prayer Vigils. Why not join us in fasting and prayer for the following intentions?
For Africa to become totally abortion free
For America to become totally abortion free
For Europe to become totally abortion free
For Asia to become totally abortion free
For all countries to become totally abortion free
For those far from the Lord to convert and follow the Lord of Life, Truth and Love
For those most in need of Christ's Mercy
For those persecuted for their faith
For those tortured
For those imprisoned
For imprisoned priests and pastors
For imprisoned Christians
For those hurt by violence and injustice
For victims of human trafficking, that the Lord may intercede with miracles to release those unjustly treated from their unbearable circumstances
For those who struggle with their faith
For our departed loved ones
For those in the hour of death
For abortionists, that they may be inspired to convert and leave the industry
For those in the abortion industry, that they may be inspired to leave and embrace the culture of life
For aborted babies
For parents and families of aborted babies, who grieve
For all priests, ministers and pastors
For all the ill
For those in mission areas
For the poor
For the terrified
For the oppressed and harshly treated
For those suffering with depression
For those bravely dealing with mental health illnesses
For those bravely dealing with physical health illnesses
For parents of sick children
For sick children
For bereaved
For those grieveing
For those far from home, and lonely
For those who feel unaccepted by society
For those struggling with personal issues
For those bravely dealing with AIDS
Please add your own petitions to this list.
We ask Almighty GOD to hear our prayers, and accept our humble offering of fasting and prayer.
If you wish to fast, please be aware that fasting should always be undertaken with prudence.
It is not wise for the ill, the diabetic, pregnant women, very small children and very senior citizens to fast.
However, we can also fast from an unkind word. We can fast by eating a moderate healthy sized portion of food, instead of an unduly large meal. We can fast from cigarettes or alcohol.
We can fast from television programmes.
There are many ways in which we can fast in honour of the Kingdom of GOD/
Good Shepherd Church is engaged on the old fashioned way of fasting.
This we do in honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, remembering His Life, Suffering and Death for our Salvation.
We honour His glorious Resurrection, and humbly beg the LORD to look upon our suffering world and bring about His Signs, Miracles and Wonders among us.
Guidance on how to fast as a Christian can be found at the following link;
satan is banished from heaven God always; satan never
THE FIRST OFFICIAL MEETING OF THE AFTER SCHOOL SATAN CLUB IN THE UNITED STATES TOOK PLACE WEDNESDAY AT SACRAMENTO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN PORTLAND, ALLEGED NEWS. The meeting drew protesters to Portland, Alleged News. Lucien Greaves, the satanic temple's national co-founder, said, "The club is here to contrast the presence of the evangelical Good News Clubs, which are here specifically to proselytize to children," Alleged News. [1] The club at Sacramento Elementary School is the first in America, but the satanic temple reportedly has applications out to several other schools across the country; Alleged News. [1] Members of the community, a priest from Ohio and protesters who travelled to Portland protested the club, Alleged News. Protester Charles Suizen said the goal of the protest is "stopping the worship of satan in public areas," Alleged News. [1] Some parents reportedly are not happy about the club. A father of a Sacramento student, Jose Delgato, said he was concerned about the satan club; Alleged News. [1] [1] First meeting of the after school satan club in the U.S. brings protesters to Portland, Alleged News http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2016/11/first_meeting_of_the_after_sch.html With thanks to oregonlive.com
GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS ON THE THIRD DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER. We will be completing an eight day fast and prayer; tonight we are holding an all night prayer vigil. Why not join us in fasting and prayer for the following intentions?
For Africa to become totally abortion free
For America to become totally abortion free
For Europe to become totally abortion free
For Asia to become totally abortion free
For all countries to become totally abortion free
For those far from the Lord to convert and follow the Lord of Life, Truth and Love
For those most in need of Christ's Mercy
For those persecuted for their faith
For those tortured
For those imprisoned
For imprisoned priests and pastors
For imprisoned Christians
For those hurt by violence and injustice
For victims of human trafficking, that the Lord may intercede with miracles to release those unjustly treated from their unbearable circumstances
For those who struggle with their faith
For our departed loved ones
For those in the hour of death
For abortionists, that they may be inspired to convert and leave the industry
For those in the abortion industry, that they may be inspired to leave and embrace the culture of life
For aborted babies
For parents and families of aborted babies, who grieve
For all priests, ministers and pastors
For all the ill
For those in mission areas
For the poor
For the terrified
For the oppressed and harshly treated
For those suffering with depression
For those bravely dealing with mental health illnesses
For those bravely dealing with physical health illnesses
For parents of sick children
For sick children
For bereaved
For those grieveing
For those far from home, and lonely
For those who feel unaccepted by society
For those struggling with personal issues
For those bravely dealing with AIDS
Please add your own petitions to this list.
We ask Almighty GOD to hear our prayers, and accept our humble offering of fasting and prayer.
If you wish to fast, please be aware that fasting should always be undertaken with prudence.
It is not wise for the ill, the diabetic, pregnant women, very small children and very senior citizens to fast.
However, we can also fast from an unkind word. We can fast by eating a moderate healthy sized portion of food, instead of an unduly large meal. We can fast from cigarettes or alcohol.
We can fast from television programmes.
There are many ways in which we can fast in honour of the Kingdom of GOD/
Good Shepherd Church is engaged on the old fashioned way of fasting.
This we do in honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, remembering His Life, Suffering and Death for our Salvation.
We honour His glorious Resurrection, and humbly beg the LORD to look upon our suffering world and bring about His Signs, Miracles and Wonders among us.
Guidance on how to fast as a Christian can be found at the following link;
ENTRANCE Verse 1 Hail Queen of Heaven, the ocean star Guide of the wanderer here below, Thrown on life's surge, we claim thy care, Save us from peril and from woe. Mother of Christ, star of the sea, Pray for the wanderer, pray for me. Verse 2 O gentle, chaste and spotless maid, We sinners make our prayers through thee; Remind thy Son that He has paid The price of our iniquity. Virgin most pure, star of the sea, Pray for us sinners, pray for me. Verse 3 Sojourners in this vale of tears, To thee blest advocate we cry. Pity our sorrows, calm our fears, And soothe with hope our misery. Refuge in grief, star of the sea, Pray for the mourner, pray for me. Verse 4 And while to Him Who reigns above, In Godhead One, in Persons Three, The source of life, of grace, of love, Homage we pay on bended knee. Do thou, bright Queen, star of the sea, Pray for thy children, pray for me." PRAY THE ROSARY http://comepraytherosary.org/ PRAYER BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Spend time in prayer before Jesus, our Lord and Saviour 1. Please take a deep breath and quiet your thoughts 2. Next, become aware of Jesus listening to You 3. Spend time speaking to Him from your heart. Do this in silence - this is between you and Him 4. Don't be afraid. If you are fearful; tell Him. If you are angry; explain why. If you are tearful; cry. If you are worried; lay your burden before Him. If you don't know what to do; tell Him and lean on His strength. If you've messed up, hand the problem over to Him and ask Him to help you make amends. If you're happy, rejoice with Him. If you're peaceful, just enjoy His company. Whatever your situation, be with Jesus. He's the best Friend in the world. 5. After spending some time with Him, bring your prayer requests to Him It's a great idea to visit a church and spend time in silent adoration in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Words of Comfort; Mary, Queen of Heaven, started out as a little girl on earth. Think of it. We are entranced by the idea of women marrying into royalty, becoming princesses. Wearing glamorous clothes, experiencing fame, enjoying wealth and the beauty of costly jewellery. Mary - a girl from Nazareth - now commands Queenship over the entire universe. When she started out, in place of jewellery she received a donkey to transport her to Bethlehem. Instead of a palace, she received an animals' stable. Instead of lands, she received flight as a refugee into a neighbouring land. Instead of adulation, she received veiled glances from peers due to her unexpected pregnancy. Let's face it; this - according to our human standards - was not the way things were expected to go. She should have been feted - adored - wealthy; as the mother of the Son of God. Instead she went unrecognized, in fear of possible stoning; so poor she couldn't give birth in an inn. Even today Mary has to face the indignity of vituperation and rituals expressly designed to demean her dignity and honour as Mother of the Son of God. Well. And yet. If Mary had not experienced poverty, would those of us experiencing earthly poverty be as comfortable approaching her with our woes? If Mary had only experienced adulation and comfort, would she understand the bitter road humanity walks? If Mary had only known easy and comfortable times within protected wall, would she be as effective at crushing satan's plans? It is Mary's utter experience with every pain we have experienced; every path we have trod; every fear we have felt; every joy we have celebrated; that makes her such as great Queen. Mary, we turn to you today to ask you to help us on our way. We pray in reparation for all the blasphemies offered you, and ask you to intercede with your Divine Son on behalf of those who offer the blasphemies. Truly, they know not what they do. Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world. Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world. O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully. We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home. Amen. -Venerable Pope Pius XII ENROLMENTS IN THE BROWN SCAPULAR AND MIRACULOUS MEDAL Our Blessed Lady promised St Simon Stock on July 16th 1251 that anyone who dies while wearing the brown scapular will not die estranged from God, but will attain heaven. If you wish to become enrolled in the brown scapular, enrol in the Brown Scapular Confraternity. http://www.sistersofcarmel.com/brown-scapular-information.php Our Lady promised that all who wear the Miraculous Medal will receive great graces. If you wish to wear the Miraculous Medal, here is a service of Investiture: http://www.amm.org/memberservices/investinginmm.aspx FINAL HYMN AVE MARIA
With thanks to youtube, sistersofcarmel.com and amm.org
