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Apparitions of Marija at Caritas May 2004

May 2004

More About May 1-5, 2004

COME BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE APPARITIONS OF THE VIRGIN MARY.

COME AND BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE

QUEEN OF HEAVEN MAY 1-5, 2004,
when She appears to Marija Lunetti, visionary of Medjugorje, to receive graces, blessings, and healing of hearts.Thousands have testified to the life-changing Grace received from this holy place.

Greetings and God Bless,

I gained a lot from my time at Caritas last week. I saw hope for mankind, for the future, and for myself. It makes perfect sense to me that Jesus would ask His Mother to help Him save mankind, and She would be so happy to help us because She loves us and we are Her children too. This is actually saying a very big thing since I am not Catholic. I am a Baptist. We are really all one.

Wolfboro, New Hampshire
December 13, 1999

The Field… mystical… quiet…the site where the Mother of Jesus appeared to Marija. The Virgin Mary told Marija for those gathered, "I am here to help you." Since that moment on November 24, 1988, countless numbers have come to this Holy Field to pray, seek grace, and mend hearts. A place of the meeting of two hearts. An encounter with the Hearts of Mary and Her Son…Jesus. No one who visits when there are apparitions are ever the same…for the rest of their lives…forever affected…forever…into eternity.

Dear Friends at Caritas,

Words cannot begin to capture the experience I had with you and Our Lady…It was so joyous and spiritually uplifting to bask in the presence of the Mother of God. While praying together in the Field, one could feel a sense of family even among total strangers.

Annapolis, Missouri
January 1, 2002

Dear Community of Caritas,

I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for your loving care and concern of me during my pilgrimage to Caritas in December. When I choose, I can close my eyes and go back to the Field, at 5 o'clock in the morning, in the rain, with my umbrella and flashlight, and join you in prayer in that peaceful space on the mountain. What a lovely place to be next to God.

Ft. Wayne, Indiana
January 8, 2002

SPECIAL EVENTS SINCE 1988, when Our Lady appeared to Marija, have often attracted tens of thousands of pilgrims to the Field of Apparitions. People of all classes become the same, on their knees, shoulder to shoulder. Caritas is so open that crowds do not bother those who would normally be bothered, rather it puts you as one of those who followed Jesus in the crowds, a spiritual joy and consolation.

Dear Caritas Members,

"My wife, our three children, and I drove all night Friday-560 miles-Daytona Beach, Florida, in order to be present for the apparition during Christmas in the Field on the 11th. We spent all day Saturday in the Field. We prayed, we listened, we were blessed. Our 8-year-old son played with the other children while at least 5000 people prayed the Rosary. My wife remarked that this is what it must have been like when the crowds followed Jesus."

Daytona Beach, Florida
December 28, 1999

Dear Community of Caritas,

I had to write to you to tell of my experiences during the week of prayer at Caritas. I have never in my life experienced so much grace. I have been to many alleged apparition sites. Also, I have even been to approved places of apparitions such as Fatima, Batania, and the Holy Lands, but never Medjugorje. I came to your place a prisoner, consumed with my own selfishness. I had replaced daily prayer with daily drug use. When I came to Caritas, the first chance I got I went to confession, opened my heart, and asked Our Lord to change me. I cannot believe the conversion I am seeing daily because of the graces I have received and because of the example your community showed. We pray everyday now. We believe that Caritas* is to the United States what Joan of Arc was to France. Except today the battle is for human souls. Thank you for inviting us to the week of prayer, and thank you for all your prayers. A Soul For Mary,

Holland, Ohio December 29, 2001

*Caritas of Birmingham is the mission dedicated to Our Lady of Medjugorje. It is located at the site of the apparitions and run by the Community of Caritas, a group of people who have joined together to be missionaries of what the Queen of Peace, the Virgiin Mary, wants established in the world.

Dear Caritas,
The Bedroom was so special, I still don't think I can express the fullness in my heart. Thank you.

I'll never forget the Mountain Climb, all I can say is my heart sings. I know from this experience not to look ahead too far, because it's step by step (like climbing that mountain) that God will bring me through my trials and my journey.

Stratford, Connecticut
January 28, 1998

August 20, 2003 - Marija Lunetti in ecstasy speaks to the Virgin
Mary in the Bedroom of the Apparitions, oblivious to those around her.

Dear Caritas Community,

Over the course of my 81 years I have had the blessing of visiting Shrines where Our Blessed Mother has appeared. A few were Walsingham, England and Fatima, Portugal, then Medjugorje. But none can even come close to having been with the Caritas community in Sterrett, Alabama for December. The apparitions of Our Lady during Marija's visit was an unforgettable experience, beyond description for me. There was such a sense of peace, joy, and tranquility that it was breathtaking.

Metairie, Louisiana
February 10, 2002

Dear Caritas Community,

I have been to many shrines and holy places but only in Medjugorje and the Field at Caritas have I experienced to such an extent this extraordinary peace and great love of Jesus and Mary.

Lombard, Illinois
March 25, 2002

A climb to the grotto LaPluie, dedicated to Our Lady,
is a must for all who visit the site.

* With the Apparitions in the Field, Our Lady has appeared a total of 93 times at this site. Living in Italy and often in Medjugorje, Marija loves Alabama and especially, through this love, has visited numerous times because of what Our Lady has done.

Dear Caritas,

I know that there is a place where love and joy are lived daily among trials. For me, that Field where Our Lady appeared is Heaven on Earth.

Greenwood, Indiana
October 9, 2002

Dear Caritas,

…Thank you for the most beautiful four days of my life. From the moment we entered Caritas grounds, my companion and I felt peaceful and warmed. We found ourselves loving the dark mornings with the Blessed Virgin and the prayers… We will never forget the beauty of the four days we had with you. Christmas in the Field was the most precious and beautiful service I have ever experienced. However, as I watched the sunrise from the plane I was overwhelmed by the power of our past four days and I was filled with such wonder that I realized I was just starting to experience what had really taken place. My life has changed and I will never be the same. I had many convictions while there and I hope my life never goes back to the old one. I have found a new prayer life and a new meaning to life and I continue to watch new miracles each day. Thank you for inviting us into your home and permitting "Heaven on earth."

New Fairfield, Connecticut
December 29, 1999

The Tabernacle of Our Lady's Messages. The workplace of the Community of Caritas. Spreading Our Lady's messages to a world starving in such spiritual poverty, that God has sent His Mother to the earth to nurse it back to health. Many who come to the Field are surprised to find tucked in the woods, a building which looks as though it was transplanted from Europe.

If your heart is in need of a specialist make an appointment for May 1-5

Mary, Queen of May…we pray to Thee…we come to Thee…to crown Thee
with the consecration of our lives to Thy Son and Thee

• Making Reservations - Many hotels in the spring can book up early, so call BVM, here at Caritas, to make reservations now. We have worked out select hotels with discounts for those coming. We expect also, since May is the month of Mary, many will book, so it is necessary to make reservations as soon as possible to assure your rooms. Even if circumstances at this moment do not seem possible, or you may be uncertain, you can always cancel later. In the meantime, prayer brings about miracles, so pray, pray, pray, and Our Lady will work out the details. Whether it be lack of funds, job, family, etc., surrender to God the problem and give to Our Lady your desire to be here. She will take it from there, trust Her. You can make reservations by calling (205) 672-2000. Press ext. 218 or 219 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to speak to someone, or 24 hrs, you can leave a message and be called back. We encourage you to come a few days earlier, to spend time in prayer in preparation for Our Lady's apparitions which will be open to all, May 1st-5th. By being here for the 1st and staying through the 5th, your experience will be greatly heightened.

• Book a Bus - This may be your first attempt to put into action Our Lady's call to evangelize Her messages and plans. She will give the grace to be successful. It is not difficult to book a bus for your parish. We will mail a postcard to everyone on our mailing list in your area, to notify them to call you so as to help you fill the bus. Best of all, you can travel free if you organize it. Call BVM, ext. 218 or 219 for more details to help show you how to book a bus, or to have your questions answered.

• Priests - Invite your parish priest. There will be a need to hear confessions in the Field throughout the event. If you are a priest, we make a special invitation for you to come.

• Home Schoolers - Notify all home schooling friends, we will open our school during the days of May 1st through May 6th. This school, Our Lady of Victory School, is a community effort, evolved from home schooling, that has inspired other home schoolers with many ideas based on Our Lady messages. It is always a highlight for those who visit here to see Our Lady of Victory's 'One Room' Schoolhouse. Already other schools have been inspired by it.

• Evangelize the Apparitions - This material you are reading can be spread by you to promote Our Lady's coming. Spread it to your family, friends, parish, etc.

• For the Elderly - In the past, some elderly have paid the way for a friend to accompany and help them. It is a good way to come, and a good way to evangelize the one who is accompanying you, for Our Lady to convert them. “So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

• Prayer Groups - Ivan once said that satan hates prayer groups. Come with your whole prayer group to be with Our Lady. With your group being in Our Lady's presence, She not only will bless you during the apparitions, but strengthen your group as well. It is Her desire to foster your prayer group. Our Lady said on September 25, 2000: “...Renew prayer in your families and form prayer groups. In this way, you will experience joy in prayer and togetherness...” Rent a van, bus, or meet up separately, whatever is necessary to answer Her call.

• May, the month of Our Lady and Mothers - What better way to prepare for and experience Mother's Day than to be in the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mother during Her apparitions days before Mother's Day? If you are a mom, make this your Mother's Day request for your family, that you can all be blessed together by the Mother of mothers!

• All Medjugorje Peace Centers - The experience of Our Lady here is very close to the way Medjugorje was in the beginning, simple but profound with many graces of conversion centered on Our Lady's apparitions. The beginning events of Medjugorje centered on the apparitions of Our Lady. Marija is in full support of our efforts here, and Our Lady has given Her signs of the same sentiments, along with many messages from here. Many have come here and later gone on to Medjugorje because of the graces they received while here. Medjugorje's importance increases here, in the hearts of those who come. We encourage you to come as heads of centers, and we invite you to lead a pilgrimage group, especially for those who could never afford to go to Medjugorje, as they are being given an opportunity to be in Our Lady's presence and have a Medjugorje experience. You are instrumental in making this joy for others a reality. You may call for more details for your Medjugorje Peace Centers or to have your questions answered. Call (205) 672-2000, ext. 211.

No Smoking
No Cell Phones
No Gum Chewing
No Immodest Dress
No Video Cameras
No Cameras
No Lounge Chairs or Other Chairs
No Pets

• No sleeveless or low cut dress. Dresses and skirts must be below the knee. No gym shorts or other short clothing. Please remember that you will not be going to the beach or out sunning. Dress appropriately for the day in preparation to go before the Holy Event of Our Lady's apparitions and other prayer times. Please save yourself the embarrassment of being turned away from the grounds of Caritas because of dress. It is important to inform all, so that no one will have to miss the apparition.

• No Video Cameras; No Cameras. Violations will result in confiscation. You are on the grounds by invitation. Please remember do not violate other pilgrims and the spirit of what is happening. This is a serious violation of the spirit and reverence of the event and the grounds here. As a one day exception, and not for the apparition, photos, not videos, will be allowed on Monday, May 4th, on the grounds. However, no cameras will be allowed at the time of the apparition on May 4th. Please remember this is allowed for your own personal mementos of the pilgrimage. Be discreet and respectful to others so as not to disrupt prayers.

• No lounge chairs, three-legged portable chairs, or similar chairs allowed in the Field. If one must sit, wheelchairs are to be used. It is your responsibility to make provisions for wheelchairs. This is a five-day offering of sacrifice, self-denial, and spiritual growth for your soul, not your flesh. As many have testified of the past experiences of the apparitions, the Bedroom, Field, Grotto, and other sites at Caritas, they relay that it was one of the most spiritual, moving, holiest moments they have ever experienced. Cameras, cell phones, etc., are all a distraction which inhibits the grace; the convenience of lounge chairs, etc., blocks sacrifices, which results in a loss of grace one could have received. Prayer is spontaneous and often throughout the day. Gum chewing is extremely irreverent during prayer or in the midst of others who are praying.

• Our Lady answers any objections to these rules, to be allowed on the Caritas grounds, by appearing on a rock strewn mountain in Medjugorje which is difficult to walk up, much less sit down comfortably once you are at the apparition site. For a peace-filled five days, please be reminded that Caritas has these guidelines for your benefit. The world may allow these things, but you are entering a world and a life, here at Caritas, created by Our Lady and Her messages.

Call Caritas of Birmingham at 205-672-2000 ext. 218 or 219, 24 hours a day, for recommendations on making reservations for air travel, hotel rooms, etc. The Birmingham Visitor's Bureau also welcomes you.

©2004,2009  SJP Lic. Caritas of Birmingham, USA, Internationally Protected. Used with permission. You may reprint this material for positive use.

Following is a recent mailing sent out by Caritas of Birmingham and the Community of Caritas to their supporters. Caritas has given permission to spread this information and the invitation to attend the apparitions of Our Lady at Caritas, May 1st-5th, is extended to all who read the following.

Dear Children of Our Lady,

This past summer in Medjugorje, a pilgrim relayed to us that the last time Marija was here at Caritas publically (December, 2001), a married couple that he knew who were having difficulty in their marriage, decided to come to the events. The husband was AWOL (Alone Without Our Lady) and against God, was not practicing his faith, and had told his wife he was going to leave her. Not knowing much about the Field or the Bedroom apparitions, they made a spontaneous decision to come upon hearing about Marija’s visit. The pilgrim, who was telling us the story, said that he was in disbelief of the transformation that took place in the husband due to his experience with Our Lady while at Caritas. The pilgrim, who had not attended the event himself, stated that he did not know what was going on down there (at Caritas), but that it must be very powerful. This husband and wife are now great evangelizers in convincing people to come to Our Lady for healing, as they had; the healing of hearts.

This is a typical story, among thousands we have heard, about the many who come to be in the presence of Our Lady. What will get the hearts to change of those who are in need of transformation, or hearts mended, bad relationships healed, the breaking away from sinful lives, or the shattering of the bondage of souls which are even headed toward hell? A simple brochure or some information about the events of May 1-5 can achieve these things. A poster at the grocery store, a brochure at the back of the church, an advertisement you might pay for, an announcement in your church bulletin, your employee newsletter or work bulletin board, have all been the cause of people coming here who have testified that their soul was saved by Our Lady. Some of whom we know, even died shortly afterwards. So why should you not put forth everything to spread this information to capture souls, even with much effort on your part, if only one soul responds through the materials that are in this mailing to you? That effort for just one soul who is in so much need of the love of Our Lady will cause Heaven to rejoice for Scripture states that with the return of one sinner, all of Heaven rejoices.

We strongly encourage you to break “quietism” as apostles for Our Lady. Become evangelizers of Her plans to do what She told us on May 31, 1995:

“…Get as many hearts as you can close to my heart…”

This is the Mother of God’s words that have come through Her sweet lips. How few in history have been told words directly from a being who is in Heaven. Your part of this mission is to accept these same words for yourself. There is no better way to get hearts close to Hers than to get hearts to the Field for Her apparitions, May 1-5. All the enclosed material is written to help you to do this. It is a sample for you to read and then order to spread. It is up to you to utilize it to respond to Our Lady’s request to get hearts. For you who can advertise it, take any part of the brochure or poster enclosed that you want to use. For you who wish to pass them out to all you meet, order the material in volume. Get with your family and tell them that you will be evangelizers for the next three months, spending all your free time towards this effort, and pray for ingenious, inspired ways to get hearts close to Hers. Pray that you can deliver souls to Our Lady who are most in need, who will be on their knees before Our Lady in Her presence in the Field in May.

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With prayer and these efforts, you cannot respond in a stronger way in getting hearts closer to Hers. We are being given an opportunity. Our Lady said to use this time well.

June 25, 2001

“…God gives you great graces, that is why, little children, make good use of this time of grace and come closer to my heart so that I can lead you to my Son Jesus…”

Marija, the visionary, once saw a young girl, only 17-years-old, pretty, blond-headed, in a vision, falling into the flames of hell. How tragic that time spent watching TV, pleasures, business, preoccupations with unimportant things, will be the cause not to reach that one soul that, tragically, we failed to get close to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Do not practice quietism. An apostle cannot do that. Our Lady has said you are an apostle. I need you, I chose you, you are important.

June, 1981

“I invite you. I need you. I chose you. You are important.”

So ask yourself these questions: “Am I willing to give 100% for the next three months to get hearts close to Hers? How often are we given such a tremendous, powerful way to do so?” Pray, pray, pray for Her to show you the way. She wants you to come, and She wants you to get others to come to get hearts close to Hers. Do not be disturbed if it offends someone. Again, all your three months effort, if it results in one soul who is in distress or despair, who walks into the back of a church, picks up a May 1st-5th brochure and decides to come and is saved through Our Lady, then it is worth it, no matter what the effort or cost may be. We, in the Community of Caritas, beg you to help. St. Francis was a beggar and in many ways we, too, are beggars, to incite as many people as possible to help Our Lady. Our Lady, Herself, begs:

May 25, 1995

“…so that as many hearts as possible come close to my Immaculate Heart... I ‘beg’ you, little children, pray and help me to help you…”

With all his might, all his power, all his master intellect, satan will want to block you on any efforts to evangelize, whether it emanates from your own self-doubt, lack of confidence or externally being opposed, you must not give in, you must not be deterred by the disorder he will try to create. All his efforts are to “try” you so that you will relent and give in and not get hearts close to Our Lady. Our Lady said:

January 25, 1994

“…satan wants to create disorder in your hearts and in your families. Little children, do not give in…”

This is a time not only to be counted as Our Lady’s children, but for those whom She can depend upon. Can She depend on you? Do you really love Her? Or is it just talk? To be spiritually minded today means to go against the tide. PRAY, PERSEVERE, ACT!

To some, being so forward may not seem humble. Sometimes we mistakenly let humility stop us. True humility must serve God’s purposes.

October 31, 1985

“Dear children, today I wish to call you to work in the Church. I love all the same and I desire from each one to work as much as possible. I know, dear children, that you can, but you do not wish to because you feel small and humble in these things. You need to be courageous and with little flowers do your share for the Church and for Jesus so that everyone can be satisfied. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

If you read the New Testament, St. Paul was very strong. St. Peter was not weak. These saints of the Church were very forward in evangelization. Today, many people do not understand the right spirit of humility. Do not be argumentative or arrogant, but invite and witness to them what Our Lady has done for you and others. Your role is important, and Our Lady depends upon you as Her extended hands to get souls closer to Her. May 1-5 is a supreme moment, and perfect setting for Grace to act.

With Love, in the Name of the Holy Family,

A Friend of Medjugorje
On Behalf of Caritas of Birmingham
And the Community of Caritas

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For more information, you can contact Caritas directly at:
Caritas of Birmingham
100 Our Lady Queen of Peace Drive
Sterrett, AL 35147 USA
Or call: 205-672-2000 - ext.315 24hrs.

Words of the Harvesters June 2004 Vol. 106

The following was a Words of the Harvesters newsletter recently sent to the Caritas mailing list. Permission has been granted to re-publish for viewing.

June 2004 Vol. 106

With Our Lady coming to Caritas in just two short months, the anticipation of Her apparitions has placed a fervor in our hearts, and in the hearts of all those who are coming. We have heard from many of you who are traveling from as far as California, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, to those in towns right here in Alabama, who are bringing friends, family members and loved ones to be in the presence of Our Lady, and striving with your whole hearts to do all that is possible to spread the word. Our excitement builds each time we receive an order for the May 1-5 Brochure or Poster. They have been going out by the hundreds. One family in Nashville, Tennessee has even rented a billboard to advertise May 1-5! All of this shows that you have taken the last Words of the Harvesters to heart and acted on it. You have chosen to do more, and the conversions that will take place because of your decision will make waves in Heaven! Already, within a short time of the announcement, over five hotels are booked up, and more reservations are coming in by the minute.

For those of you who are still uncertain about coming, or have run into roadblocks that may seem insurmountable at this time, we wanted to share a few stories that we have received either by phone or in the mail. One woman has shown an unbelievable amount of determination to be with Our Lady. In order to be here in May, she must take a plane from Honolulu, Hawaii to Las Vegas, Nevada (tickets are cheap to Las Vegas), and then, because of finances, she will be taking a bus from Las Vegas to Birmingham. When it was mentioned that it would be a difficult trip for her, she made it clear that this was a dream come true for her and that nothing would be too difficult to stop her from coming. Another group from Miami, Florida is only able to come for one day. Just to be with Our Lady, they will be chartering a bus, driving fourteen hours, staying for one apparition, and driving fourteen hours home. Another family from Puerto Rico has never been able to afford to go to Medjugorje, but with Marija coming in May, they have worked it out to be here for the apparitions. One of our Field Angels, who is 81 years-old, called to reserve four rooms for May for herself and her friends. She explained that this was also a dream come true for her and went on to explain that she had been the sole caretaker of her husband for several years. He died a month ago, after much suffering, but before he died he encouraged his wife to make the trip here to be with her loved ones and Our Lady.

And, for those of you who have been wanting to come but have been discouraged by someone or something, we encourage you to proceed with prayer and to know that the entire community prays daily for all those who wish to be here, in Our Lady’s presence. A woman from Huntsville, Alabama recently called because she is in a wheelchair. Her friends have discouraged her from coming because of her handicap. She told us of her predicament and asked what we would suggest. We told her to come no matter what, be with Our Lady, come to the Bedroom and to the Field. She began to cry, explaining that it took her several hours to gather the courage to even call. She was afraid we would also discourage her, but when she heard, “just come,” she felt a flood of grace come upon her. She made reservations for the full five days. We pray many of you who are still undecided will be encouraged by these stories, and in a special way, be encouraged by what follows. It was arranged for you.

Over the past two weeks, the founder of the Community of Caritas and his wife have been with Marija and her family, both at their home in Monza, Italy, and in Medjugorje. He has been able to share the excitement and stories of all those who will be here when Marija comes in May. He was also able to present this entire event before Our Lady, praying for Her intentions for May 1-5, and all those coming. During the first apparition in which he and his wife were present, they placed copies of the May 1-5 Brochure and Poster at the foot of Our Lady’s statue, which is where Marija kneels to receive Our Lady in Her apparition. He was also able to interview Marija. We are including this interview in order to share the importance of what you are able to be part of in May, and to prepare your hearts for Our Lady’s coming. This interview took place on February 24, 2004, the day before Marija received the monthly message to the world, in her home in Medjugorje. Our founder and his wife were also present when Marija received the monthly message to the world, given on February 25, 2004. That message is printed here, after the interview. It is incredible to see Our Lady’s words immediately after Marija’s interview. It is as if She was confirming Marija’s words with Her own. Please pause and pray before reading it as the words have the ability to penetrate your heart and place a fire in it. (Parts of Marija’s responses may not flow perfectly as she was answering in English.)

Q: Marija, why did Our Lady say that She is happy to see us in such large numbers when she is referring to those gathered?

A: Every time I receive Our Lady, when there are many numbers present in the apparitions, Our Lady blesses us and She asks, really from everyone of us, to be more near to Her and to be Her instruments. More people are with Her, the more Her plan is fulfilled.

Q: So you would say it is important to be in the presence of Our Lady?

A: Yes. Also the blessing of Our Lady is important.

Q: How does the apparition affect our soul when we are in Her presence?

A: Always we should be open for the graces Our Lady wishes to give us. Our Lady has said, “Pray for My intentions. The moment you pray for my intentions, it is then possible I can help you.” Then our hearts, our minds are open for the blessing of Our Lady, of the presence of Our Lady, and so in this way you become more open to receive grace from Our Lady and your soul is affected.

Q: So, being in the presence of Our Lady, even if loved ones are not with us, does it affect our loved ones and our family back home?

A: Yes. Our Lady always says, “You are instruments. I invite you, dear children,” and so Our Lady said that you will become more of an example for others, when you’re back with them. You bring blessings to them of the apparitions. To us, Our Lady gives graces in the apparitions, when we are present with Her. For our family, our loved ones, the people who are near to us in our family, who thought it may not be possible for them to come and be blessed by Our Lady in an apparition, they, too will receive blessings from those who pray for them in preparation for and during the apparition. And so, every blessing from Our Lady that we receive in the apparition is not only a grace for us, but also...our families will receive blessings and we are able to give these graces to other people.

Q: Our Lady said in 1984 that there are particular graces available during the moment of the apparition. Can you explain what some of these graces are?

A: I always say, the presence of Our Lady is a “big” grace for every one of us. Many times it is possible that we are tired, we don’t understand, we have unimportant problems, sicknesses, and we always are asking Our Lady only for help with these situations. But Our Lady desires to give us more, much more larger number of graces. Not only does Our Lady give the grace of blessing you, but also She grants many other gifts for those present, to be more open for God’s Word and more open for graces that She desires to give to us, not only these days, but also throughout all our life. Also, She desires to give the grace for us to give thanksgiving to God for Her presence in the apparitions. This is a great grace. Our Lady said pray. The moment when you pray, you become more open and your heart is more open, and it is then that She can intercede before God and help you with many other graces She wishes to give you.

Q: Marija, when everything in your day goes wrong and your crosses bear down real hard on you, what happens to those life burdens at the moment you see Our Lady?

A: Every time at the moment of the apparition, we, the visionaries, forget everything and we then become aware only of Our Lady and Her presence and more beautiful things are in our hearts. But in our mind, ‘we remember’ also those people who are present for the apparition near us, who are asking for graces. Every apparition I pray for these people present and in a special way, those who are physically sick, and those who are spiritually sick.

Q: So, if we are in the presence of Our Lady with you, can we experience the same grace of our life’s burden being lifted as you, and how do we do this?

A: Yes. Our Lady said pray. And I have seen, from the beginning, that Our Lady asks from us to be more open for prayer everyday, more open for sacrifice, for fasting and after, we will see the fruit of prayer in our personal conversion, and with our conversion, we help also other people to convert and to be near to God.

Q: So, we can experience, in a sense, the same thing you experience in the apparition in regards to our life burdens being lifted?

A: Yes. We have this experience in the beginning- Our Lady appeared and She became more important for us, and life’s problems, less important. Then, little by little Our Lady said, “I am not important. God needs to be in the center of your life.” In this way, Our Lady helped us to give our problems to God and instead of having problems, we have God.

Q: Why does Our Lady bless everyday in Her apparitions?

A: Our Lady blesses us and I think the most beautiful thing is this blessing of Our Lady that is for everyone.

Q: In the early days, one priest said, we do not clearly understand the full significance of this daily blessing, but that it has some profound affect upon the whole world. Do you understand what he means by that?

A: I think Our Lady’s presence is the same for us. We do not understand it at the moment, but one day, God will give us the possibility to understand more.

Q: Marija, several of the visionaries on various occasions said that these are the last apparitions on earth. What did Our Lady say to you about this?

A: Our Lady said from the beginning that these are the last apparitions on earth in which we can hear Our Lady, touch Our Lady, speak with Our Lady, where we can pray with Our Lady, apparitions where it is possible that we ‘have’ Our Lady. In other apparitions- people have spiritual experiences- but not like us, the six visionaries of Medjugorje; where Our Lady speaks to us. This is really the last and special grace. Normally one person may see Our Lady (like Bernadette or St. Catherine of the Miraculous Medal who also touched Our Lady). But here, six visionaries are a number which is very credible. But this is the last where we can touch Our Lady, speak to Her, etc., in this way.

(On May 7, 1985, Our Lady said, “…No one in the world has had the grace which you, your brothers and sisters (the visionaries) have received…”)

Q: So why are these the last apparitions on earth?

A: Our Lady wants to help teach us and to help us understand everyday more and more that Her presence and God’s presence are to be always in our daily lives.

Q: Also, is it after the secrets are revealed, will there not be any need for the apparitions?

A: Our Lady is with us so She can give us knowledge of the secrets and to help us through the secrets. After the secrets are realized, Our Lady will not need to come anymore. Also, I always say that the secrets are a secret at this moment. It is not possible for me to speak of the secrets.

Q: So, is it also because so much is being given through these apparitions of the Blessed Mother that these manifestations of the real, physical presence of the Virgin Mary is sufficient to the end of the world, whether it be 100 years or 2000 years away?

A: Also because Our Lady gives everyday so many graces that we, everyday, are able to live more and more this presence of Our Lady.

On March 18, 1996, Our Lady said, “…My eyes and my heart will be here, even when I will no longer appear…” (Perhaps this means that Our Lady will be with us in a new way that She wasn’t before the apparitions began.)

Q: Vicka has also said very clearly that these are the last apparitions on earth. What would you say to those who try to re-qualify that Our Lady didn’t really mean this, that this is not really what Our Lady said?

A: I say always, for us, who accept Our Lady’s words, this is a big grace…for others, we must pray. Here, we receive many graces and so for other people to be close with Our Lady, to live Our Lady’s messages, we must pray more and more everyday for them that they become more and more closer to God. And through Our Lady, as with us, God will become the center of their life. Not only is holiness for priests, but also for mothers and fathers and others. In this way, holiness spreads as Our Lady invites us all here in Medjugorje.

Q: So, what do you say in regards to the importance of those who can come be in the presence of Our Lady in Alabama- for your visit and for Our Lady’s apparitions?

A: What I always say. To be ready to pray. Come and be ready to open your heart to Our Lady’s messages, and that Our Lady will help us all the more everyday.

Q: So, what would you tell people in preparation for the pilgrimage to Alabama, May 1-5?

A: To prepare through prayer and sacrifice. Make sure you give Our Lady many prayers each day before you come.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace of Medjugorje’s February 25, 2004 Message to the World

“Dear children! Also today, as never up to now, I call you to open your hearts to my messages. Little children, be those who draw souls to God and not those who distance them. I am with you and love you all with a special love. This is a time of penance and conversion. From the bottom of my heart, I call you to be mine with all your heart, and then you will see that your God is great because He will give you an abundance of blessings and peace. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Indeed, with Our Lady’s words above, and the words of Marija, we should all feel a certain fire in regards to May. In her interview, Marija mentions that the grace of Our Lady’s apparitions helps us to bring those around us nearer to God. She spoke about opening our heart to Our Lady, and letting this be a time of sacrifice, or “penance,” for all of us that we can use as we prepare for May. She spoke frequently about the blessings that come from being in Our Lady’s presence, and she mentioned the grace of conversion. All of these things were mentioned by Our Lady one day after Marija spoke of these same things.

All obstacles can be overcome by prayer if they are preventing you from coming and experiencing this grace at Caritas. No one should close their hearts and minds to the fact that these are THE LAST APPARITIONS ON EARTH, but rather reflect in prayer that we have the invitation to be part of them. The magnitude of this plan is incomprehensible. Our Lady has said, “…These days while I am with you are days of grace …(June 25, 1991),” and “…Thank God for the gift of my being with you, because I am telling you: this is a great grace… (July 25, 1992),” and on November 8, 1984 “…If you knew how great are the graces God is granting you, you would be praying without ceasing…” And yet, we’re asked to be a part of it! Our Lady, Herself, calls us and invites us during these, Her last apparitions on earth. Pray for all to respond and many hearts to open to Our Lady’s invitation.

Our Lady has been appearing so long in Medjugorje that to some it doesn’t even raise an eyebrow any longer. Is this something that should shake us to our very souls, or is this just our Mother helping us a little and everything will be fine…? One statement we have from Our Lady is so strong it should literally stun us:

May 2, 1982

“I have come to call the world to conversion for the last time. Afterwards, I will not appear any more on this earth.”

The visionaries have all been asked about this message. Marija was asked again just days ago. In response to the question that Our Lady said that these were Her last apparitions on earth, the other visionaries answered:

Mirjana:

“I do not know why this apparition is our Blessed Mother’s last apparition on earth…Her words were very simple. She said this is Her last apparition on earth. She said after the secrets are realized She won’t need to come again.”1

Vicka:

“Yes, the Blessed Mother said that it is the last apparition ever…She says She won’t need to come again after the secrets are realized.”2

Ivanka:

“Yes, it is.”3

Vicka was once asked by the founder of Caritas to get a fuller meaning about this statement. After being asked this question in different forms, five times, Vicka strongly said, “Our Lady said these are Her last apparitions on earth!!”

If this is the case, surely we are in the midst of a grand design by God that is profound, and we should do everything Our Lady asks. The following are Our Lady’s own words about Her call.

February 21, 1985

“Dear children, from day to day I have been inviting you to renewal and prayer in the parish, but you are not accepting it. Today I am calling you for the last time! Now it’s Lent, and you as a parish can turn to my message during Lent out of love. If you don’t do that, I don’t wish to keep on giving messages…”

So out of Love for Our Lady during this Lent, we encourage you to prayer and sacrifice for hearts to open, that a grace be available to countless souls to receive the urge to come and be in Our Lady’s presence in May. The course not only for our family, but our nation and the world, rests in the response of many of you. How serious is our responsibility? Our Lady says:

November 29, 1981

“It is necessary for the world to be saved while there is still time, for it to pray strongly, and for it to have the spirit of faith.”

Yet the passage of daily life and its hurried pace or preoccupations obscure the messages, and many do not recognize what is taking place with Our Lady’s apparitions and Her messages. Indeed these messages are so profound that Our Lady says:

November 8, 1984

“…You are not conscious of the message God is sending…”

October 25, 1988

“…Pray that you many comprehend the greatness of this message…”

Many of us think we understand the messages, but Our Lady indicates that many understand them through our intelligence, not with our heart.

May 22, 1986

“…You do not understand my words with your heart…”

Our Lady says to understand, we must “pray,” then we will understand all. The more we pray and understand about Our Lady’s plans, the more in awe we will be of the magnitude of these plans and the daily possibility to be part of them.

How Peter and the apostles must have longed for Jesus to walk with them again daily after His Ascension, even with having the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Yet, they had Him for three years, physically, 24 hours daily upon the earth.

It will be no different for us than with Peter, whether we experience one apparition or one hundred apparitions with Marija, or none at all. Human nature teaches us the fact when one realizes one no longer has something, especially what will never come back to man, that there will be deep regrets of letting such a wondrous opportunity of love pass.

May 16, 1987

“…Dear children, when God calls men, it is really a great thing. Think about how it would be sad to let pass those opportunities that God allows without taking them. So do not wait for tomorrow or the day after tomorrow…”

“... LITTLE CHILDREN, BE THOSE THAT DRAW SOULS TO GOD...”BY DOING MORE FOR MAY!

Drawing souls to Our Lady draws them to God. To have Our Lady’s words fresh after Marija’s interview, (page 5), for the purpose of helping more people understand the great blessing to be in Our Lady’s presence in May, is not only consoling, but confirming to everyone to do all that is possible to draw more to Our Lady. She will lead them to God. Our Lady could not be coming in these apparitions to the world if Jesus, Himself, did not bless them.

Although this is Marija’s 7th visit to Caritas, with apparitions in the Bedroom and the Field, her visits are always cherished. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity even if you’ve attended before. Since Our Lady first appeared in the Bedroom in 1988, and in the Field on November 24 of that year, it was Our Lady’s messages and actions which spoke of Her intentions for the Bedroom and the Field, and Her asking for a community to be established.

Therefore, being that the Medjugorje apparitions are the last, as Marija clarified in the interview, we want to make Our Lady’s apparitions available to as many as possible, during this time of grace. With every visit, we have grown more experienced in evangelizing the event. Several thousand people everyday are being informed of Our Lady’s apparitions and receiving information up until May. This is by far the most advanced and largest effort to spread and evangelize this event with Marija and Our Lady, to as many as possible. One project alone will directly inform 3,000 people per day. The next 60 days calculates out to 180,000 people. Of course, only a small portion of those numbers will be moved enough by grace to come. But with your prayers, more will be touched in their hearts to come. Therefore, we ask that when you attend Mass, go to Adoration, or pray the Rosary, through sacrifice and penance, that you win the graces strong enough for more souls to be set afire to come and be blessed by Our Lady. Pray also for Her intentions for coming in May with many graces.

On February 26, 2004, the founder and his wife were with Marija at the Oasis of Peace in Medjugorje for Our Lady’s apparition. Several people had fasted not only on Ash Wednesday, but also on Thursday, for the apparition that night. After Marija prayed the Rosary in preparation for Our Lady’s apparition, Our Lady appeared very suddenly, and the apparition lasted twice as long as normal. Marija, afterwards, was transformed into joy. She spoke of Our Lady and the apparition for fifteen minutes. She said Our Lady came with such an expression; already smiling as She appeared. Marija said, “Our Lady must be so happy because we fasted.” It was very obvious that Our Lady’s joy passed through Marija to all those present. As this example shows, your prayers, sacrifices and offerings from the heart will make a difference in Our Lady’s apparitions in May.

We have built a large over-all program to help you to spread information about May, as well as our operations initiating several projects for May. Our presses are running on a tight daily schedule, eating paper by the pallets. We are supporting several “fronts” to propagate these materials, and we cannot afford any loss of time. Materials such as paper, many supplies, etc., must continue to be purchased to keep answering the orders of people everywhere to spread posters, brochures, etc.. We recently were short $4,000.00 to buy paper to continue printing to meet the demands of all those requesting materials about May. We didn’t know what to do but pray. That day a $4,000.00 donation was in our mail! Without this individual being inspired to donate, our program would have been crippled. We report to you at present, that we do not have enough donations coming in to cover expenses. Your Field Angel donation continues and maintains our present work, but May 1-5 is an expense above regular Field Angels. So we ask you, in this time of sacrifice, to offer a meal or entertainment up in order to make a donation for May. We do not want to cut back, but we can only achieve what has been put into action if you respond. This plea is urgent and necessary. For you especially in convents, we plead for your prayers for people to come forth to donate.

Thank you and know that by your sacrificial giving, grace is never denied from Heaven, for no sacrifice is without grace. It is our hope that we can reach souls who are on the wrong path for eternity, and let Our Lady change their direction.

1.Visions of the Children, St Martins Press, New York ©1992 pg.50
2. Ibid.,pgs 57 & 118
3.Ibid., pg. 41

Permission is granted to reprint for positive use.

For a Schedule of Events click here.

Apparitions of Marija at Caritias May 1, 2004

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Our Lady's Apparition to Marija Lunetti on April 30 and May 1, 2004.

April 30, 2004

Marija arrived at Caritas at approximately 8:00 PM on April 30th. On April 29th, Our Lady delayed the apparition on April 30th until she arrived at the Founder of Caritas' home. The Community gathered in the Bedroom and prayed a Rosary in preparation for the apparition. The apparition took place around 9:40 PM. Marija relayed to the community that Our Lady came and She prayed over them and blessed them all. A quiet peace filled the hearts of those gathered. The Founder asked Marija to ask Our Lady when She would appear the next day (May 1st), because of the thousands who would be gathered in the Field the next day. Our Lady surprised them all with the following words:

I will appear here (in the Bedroom) tomorrow in the morning, and I will appear the day after tomorrow in the Field in the evening near the tree.

This was significant to the community and surprising, as Our Lady knew that there would be a large group of people gathered in the Field of Apparitions for apparition time on May 1st, yet She said She would appear in the Bedroom. Our Lady has not done this since Her first visit to Caritas in 1988-89, which centered around the Bedroom, as all the apparitions during Marija's two and a half month visit took place in the Bedroom, except for the one that took place in the Field on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1988. Our Lady said that She would bless those gathered in the Field for the apparition, as well as those in the Bedroom. Another aspect of this apparition that is significant is that Our Lady said "in the Field, near the tree." Our Lady has never mentioned the pine tree before. By these words, it was a joy for the community that Our Lady referenced the place She would appear as well as referenced the Bedroom as "here." It has been believed by many, for a long time, that the site has significance, of not just an experience, and in which Marija's apparitions are just there because Marija is there, but rather by a plan of Our Lady.

Several thousand pilgrims praying in the Field

May 1, 2004

The apparition was in the Bedroom. Marija, along with most of the community was in the Bedroom and gathered to pray two mysteries of the Rosary in preparation for the apparition. The rest of the community and thousands of pilgrims were gathered in the Field. Our Lady came around 10:40 AM, as She had said She would the day before, and She was again peaceful and prayed over all of those present in both the Bedroom and the Field. Marija said that she recommended all of those present and the intention that they held in their hearts. She said that Our Lady blessed all of those people in the Field.

The large crowd, later in the afternoon, crowned Our Lady's statue in the Field. Many were touched by Our Lady's grace and moved deep within their hearts. The crowds began arriving at 4:30 AM, before daylight, and stayed the whole day until after dark. Tomorrow, May 2, will be a day dedicated to praying for non-believers.

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Apparitions of Marija at Caritias May 2, 2004

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The Apparition of May 2, 2004, in the Field at Caritas

Our Lady's Statue in the Field at Caritas rests on a large pile of stones. This evening, not one stone was in sight in the entire circumference of the rocks supporting Our Lady's statue, so completely covered were they with flowers of every color, shape and size, over a foot thick around the whole statue. It was a breathtaking sight. And more and more flowers were arriving as the evening wore on.

This day was dedicated, in a very special way, for the conversion of non-believers. Mirjana Soldo, another of the visionaries from Medjugorje, was given the task to pray and offer sacrifices for nonbelievers. Our Lady gave her a definition of a nonbeliever, explaining to her that they are people who have never experienced the love of God. Mirjana has said many times in her talks to pilgrims that it is very important to pray for nonbelievers because when we do so, we are praying for our own futures. Those who do not believe in God, or do not know His love, do not know how to live in peace, because God is Peace. Therefore, they cause strife and harm to others. When we succeed in converting their hearts, our futures become more peaceful and secure. Every second of the month, Our Lady appears to Mirjana and prays with her for nonbelievers. Our Lady has asked all of us to join in prayer for nonbelievers on these days. It is for this reason that we consecrated the day, today, for the conversion of those who are far away from the Heart of God. With Marija, a beautiful rosary was prayed in the morning, in which everyone present were able to write down the nonbelievers in their own families and lives, and place them on the spot where Our Lady would be appearing in the evening, in the Field near the Pine Tree.

Each afternoon, the several priests that are here, provide the Sacrament of Confession to the pilgrims. One priest told us that over the past two days, he believes he had heard over 600 confessions. People, who had been away from the sacrament 5, 10, 20, and even one for 40 years, approached the priests underneath the branches of the Pine Tree out in the open Field. All the priests said that it was very apparent that the grace was stronger, more deeply felt in the penitents on this second day of the retreat, dedicated to nonbelievers.

Though the day was mostly overcast, with rain threatening throughout, as the time of the apparition approached, the sky became lighter and lighter, with the sun finally breaking through completely. Though we had crowned Our Lady the evening before, a storm in the night had blown off her crown. Several little children from an area church had received their First Holy Communion that day and were present in the Field for the Apparition. When Marija arrived in the Field, she noticed Our Lady was without her crown, and she turned to the Founder and said Our Lady must have a new one. As the Rosary was prayed, a crown for Our Lady was weaved together from the flowers adorning Her statue. It was finished just before Our Lady's apparition.

There were thousands of pilgrims gathered this evening, around the tree in the Field and up the pathway leading to the Field. Cars were parked on both sides of the road for approximately two miles while many others were shuttled in by buses. It was a beautiful sight for so many of Our Lady's children who traveled from as far away as Costa Rica, Germany, France, Bolivia, Canada and from every state in the U.S. Once the Rosary was completed, Marija began praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be and as each set was prayed, the anticipation building in the heart to receive Our Lady. Following is a description of the apparition, and an exact translation from Marija's own words.

Our Lady appeared to Marija Lunetti on Sunday, May 2, 2004, out in the Field. Our Lady waited until 6:52 PM to appear, while Marija led all with several Our Fathers, Hail Mary's and Glory Be's. It was a beautiful moment and obvious that Our Lady was postponing the apparitions as if to bask in the love of Her children awaiting Her. The apparition itself, lasted five minutes. Immediately following the apparition, after praying the Magnificat, Marija asked everyone present to pray together the 7 Our Fathers, 7 Hail Mary's and 7 Glory Be's in thanksgiving for the grace of Our Lady's presence. Marija then spoke to the crowds of people present and gave the following description of what happened during the apparition.

"I wanted to greet each one of you who are present here and have come tonight to be with us. Tonight when Our Lady came She was very happy, probably when She saw how many you are. We prayed and for sure Our Lady also listened to your prayers because I recommended each of us and everything that we have in our hearts. Our Lady prayed over us and She blessed us all. I asked Our Lady to particularly pray for all the sick here. Our Lady gave us a second blessing. I also asked Our Lady to bless the sacred objects that you brought with you: Rosaries, medals, and everything else that you wanted to have blessed, and again, Our Lady blessed these objects. And then, at the end of the apparition, Our Lady said:

"My dear children! Do not forget I am your Mother and I love you and I bless you."

The community members of Caritas were also very happy as Our Lady gave three blessings in one apparition. Also, Our Lady clearly showed, she is here in a capacity of what the community wants for Her, which is to do as She wishes, as She told Marija in the apparition, that tomorrow (Monday, May 3), She would appear in the Bedroom at 11:40 AM. Our Lady will bless all those present in the Field. This gesture, of changing time and places of the apparitions is taken as a sign from Our Lady, that She is demonstrating the significance of the place of the several sites made so by Her.

An almost full moon had risen behind Our Lady's statue, and stars began to dot the sky, as pilgrims gradually left the Field. The scene was indescribably beautiful. Marija stated that Our Lady was very happy because of the numbers of people who were gathered, with open hearts, with Her these days. What a beautiful grace to be able to bring joy to Our Lady! New pilgrims continue to arrive each day.

Cars parked for several miles on both sides of the road in addition to buses.

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Apparitions of Marija at Caritas May 3, 2004

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The Apparition of May 3, 2004.

Our Lady appeared to Marija Lunetti in the Bedroom on May 3, 2004 at 11:43 AM. The apparition lasted 3 1/2 minutes. There were six priests present in the Bedroom, along with the Community of Caritas for the apparition, while several thousands of people were present in the Field, praying in unison in preparation for Our Lady’s apparition in preparation for Her blessing. The following is Marija’s description of what happened in the apparition.

Our Lady blessed us and She prayed over us. I recommended all of us here and all those present in the Field and all our intentions, and She again blessed. She prayed over us for a long time, with Her arms extended. Our Lady was peaceful.

Marija said that Our Lady blessed everyone out in the Field and all their religious objects. After the apparition, Marija stayed awhile and spoke to the six priests and all of the others present. Marija stated that when Our Lady prays over us, She prays in Her motherly language which is Hebrew.

Marija revealed a very exciting insight in regard to a former message of Our Lady. Marija stated that when the Holy Father revealed the Luminous Mysteries that Our Lady immediately accepted the Mysteries of Light from that moment. She told Marija we are to pray these Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary also.

Our Lady also spoke of tomorrow’s apparition, Tuesday, May 4, 2004, Our Lady said, “Same time. Same place.” This was an endearing statement to those in the home of the Founder. It was this statement that on previous trips that Marija has had apparitions that Our Lady began to say the same time, same place. Both for the Bedroom of Apparitions or the Field of Apparitions, according to which place Our Lady wanted to appear. So the apparition for Tuesday, May 4 will be in the Bedroom at 11:40 AM.

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Apparitions of Marija at Caritas May 4, 2004

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The Apparition of May 4, 2004.

Our Lady appeared to Marija Lunetti on Tuesday, May 4, 2004 in the Bedroom at 11:43 AM. There were several thousand people out in the Field, praying in preparation of Our Lady’s apparition. The apparition lasted 3 minutes and 5 seconds. Marija said that Our Lady came with a deep peace. The following is Marija description of what happened during her apparition:

At the moment of apparition, when Our Lady came, I recommended all our intentions of those in the Field and in the Bedroom, and Our Lady raised Her arms and prayed over everyone, while Her eyes were open. Our Lady then blessed us all in the Field and Bedroom. After awhile, She blessed a second time also all religious objects both in the Bedroom of apparitions, and the objects of those gathered in the Field near the tree. After the two blessings, Our Lady left after saying, “Go in peace.”

Our Lady told Marija in regards to tommorrow’s apparition:

“Same time, same place.”

So Our Lady will appear in the Bedroom tomorrow, May 5, 2004 at 11:40 AM.

The words, “Same time, same place.,” is a joy for the community because in Medjugorje Marija chooses the place and always at the regular time of 6:40 p.m. Here, however, it is Our Lady who chooses the time and the place. The joy is that Our Lady is truly “here” at the site to do what She said in Her first apparition in the Field on November 24, 1988:

“I am here to help you.”

And from the Bedroom of apparitions upon the first day of a visit by Marija on February 1, 1994, Our Lady said:

“I am happy to be “here.”

Our Lady has said, “I have many plans.” It is clear by Her actions of choosing the Bedroom and the Field, that one plan is “here,” a sacred place of conversion for those whose hearts are in need of God’s peace.

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Apparitions of Marija at Caritas May 5, 2004

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The Apparition of May 5, 2004.

Our Lady appeared to Marija Lunetti on Wednesday, May 5, 2004. The apparitions lasted 2 minutes and 40 seconds. When Our Lady appeared, She greeted Marija by saying, “Praised Be Jesus.” Marija said that Our Lady came with deep peace. The Patriotic Rosary was prayed by several thousand people in the Field today while Our Lady appeared in the Bedroom. It was beautiful for those in the Bedroom hearing in the background the patriotic songs being sung between each decade while the Rosary was being prayed in the Bedroom. Marija said that Our Lady blessed all those present in the Field and blessed all their religious objects. The following is Marija’s description of the apparition:

Our Lady blessed us all and She prayed over us. She prayed over us with Her arms extended. I also asked Our Lady to bless all the religious objects. Our Lady blessed everyone in the Field. She gave two blessings - one blessing for us and one for all the religious articles. Today again Our Lady was in a deep peace.

Just before, as Our Lady ascended back to Heaven, She said, “Go in peace.”

The Patriotic Rosary was very very moving and beautiful for all those who participated in it out in the Field. Last year, the community had requested that anyone who wanted to send in the names of any of our military who were being sent to Iraq to Caritas, they would place their names out in the Field and pray for them each day, especially during Rosary and apparition time. Those names were brought out to the Field today, and the community asked the crowds of people to come up and pick one of the names to pray for during the Rosary. There were so many people who wanted to participate, that there were not enough names for all the people who wanted them. The community then announced that anyone who never had the chance to send in the names of family and friends in the military who were stationed in Iraq and in other countries throughout the world, that they write their names down now and place them in a container at the foot of the statue of Our Lady. Then anyone who wanted to come up and pick a name could do so, and all the soldiers would have a special person praying for them. Before the Rosary started, a beautiful song was played, dedicated to all the military over in Iraq and in other countries throughout the world. Many of the several thousands out in the Field were openingly crying, as thoughts and prayers were lifted up for those loved ones, family, and friends who were over in Iraq right not, or of those who bravely gave their lives in this war, or of those who may be sent over soon. As this song was playing, a woman came up to one of the community and asked for prayers for her father, who was killed over in Iraq this past December. As the community member put her arm around this woman, they both wept for the pain this woman was carrying in her heart. The whole Rosary was filled with emotion, as one looked around at all the thousands of people, whose whole hearts were reflected on all their faces in praying for our country, and in a special way our military and their families. When it was time of Our Lady appeared, all the thousands of people turned toward the house, where Our Lady was appearing and knelt down. For over 5 minutes, all one could see was the crowds of people on their knees lifting up their hearts to Our Lady. It was a beautiful and moving sight for all those to gaze upon.

Our Lady also revealed that She would appear to Marija tomorrow morning in the Bedroom for the community before Marija left to go back to Italy.

“ I felt the graces much more powerful than even when I was converted here in my first visit.”
St. Louis

“How could I even thank Our Lady for such an extraordinary five days. It will be hard to leave this place.”

A priest said,

“Today I heard a confession of a person 61 years away from the church.”

The priest was deeply moved by his almost tenth visit here.

Another priest said,

“I’ve never felt more powerfully the Holy Spirit than here hearing confessions in the Field. You always knew the right thing to say to people.”

A pilgrim from Germany told us,

“I was put here in this place of prayer. There are so many graces. I needed to be here. Mary placed me here among people filled with the Holy Spirit. I can take it (the graces) back home with me to Germany to give it to others.”

One of the Caritas Community members:

During the retreat, a couple came up to me and thanked us for using their flowers to make the crown for Our Lady. Our Lady was crowned on May 1, but the following day, when we were all out in the Field, praying the Rosary in preparation for Our Lady’s apparition, Marija noticed that Our Lady’s crown was missing. She turned to our founder and told him that another crown needed to be made for Our Lady from the flowers that were around the statue. Three to four people worked throughout the Rosary to make a new crown for Our Lady, and they recrowned Her right before the apparition. They said that when their son saw us use his flowers out of all the other flowers around
the statue, it really touched him and he made a decision to go to confession before he left. They said that their son had done many terrible things in his life ( he was 21), and when he saw his vase of flowers used, when any of the other ones could have been used, it really meant a lot to him. The evening of the last day of the retreat, he came to us and asked where a priest was because he had to go to confession. The priest was found, and the young man was able to go to confession. Right before Father had come across this young man, he was helping a community member catch a few baby pigs that had gotten out of their pen. His hands still had the smell of pig on them, as he had not be able to wash them off. Father told this young man that this is what his soul smells like right now. The young man started crying and saying, “I know. I know.” He was able to really open up his heart and seek complete reconciliation with God. When Father came home a little while later, he said, in regard to this confession, that God had not only caught a big fish, but a whale. He said that he had only one confession that he could compare to this one, and it was a man that had been in prison since he was 14 years old. This man had not been to confession since he was put in prison, and when Father heard his confession, he was 68 years old. Father said that as he watched the young man leave, after his confession, he saw him leap into the air. His gesture from the freedom of sin really touched Father. Father said that just this one soul was worth coming for these five days.

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Apparitions of Marija at Caritas May 6, 2004

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The Apparition of May 6, 2004.

On May 5th, Our Lady revealed to Marija that She would appear the following morning for the community in the Bedroom. The community gathered around 10:45 AM to pray the Rosary. There was much peace during the Rosary. The community had individually prepared in prayer all morning to receive Our Lady for the last apparition before Marija returned home. At 11:30 AM, Marija began to pray the Seven Our Father’s, Seven Hail Mary’s and Seven Glory Be’s. At approximately 11:32 AM, during the first Hail Mary, Our Lady came. She stayed for 2 minutes and 26 seconds. Our Lady blessed all those present and all their religious objects. Following is Marija’s description of the apparition:

Our Lady came and prayed and extended Her hands over us. And I recommended us and She blessed us. Then She said,

“I give you my love that you give it to others.”

And then She smiled, Our Lady stayed smiling as She left for Heaven.

The founder and his wife were deeply moved by what Our Lady had said and Her smile. Marija held a request from the founder to Our Lady during the apparition, asking for words of encouragement and for Her protection. Therefore, Our Lady’s words were accepted as literal, that Our Lady gave literally what She said. The founder and his wife, and the whole community embraced these words as Our Lady’s gift to strengthen the mission to reach more and more souls through Our Lady’s love, which they know is their protection. Those gathered in the Bedroom remained in silence praying, then together prayed the Prayer for the Abode of God. The community then sang a beautiful song to Our Lady before leaving the Bedroom. The founder told the community that for the next four days they would devote to prayer and thanksgiving for all Our Lady has done and for all the thousands of souls who came.

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