Amid the busy city of Lipa stands a church where solemnity and serenity can be best experienced — The convent of the contemplative order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. This church is well known among Batanguenos and perhaps to most Filipinos for this happens to be the site of the mysterious shower of rose petals decades ago.
Carmel, as local folks refer to it, was founded on May 31, 1946, just a year after World War II left the town of Lipa in ruins (Lipa bounced back heavily and was made city in August 1947, after the Japanese killed more than 20,000 innocent Lipa natives, with more casualties resulting from massacres carried out by the Japanese when they were losing the war against the Americans in the ending years).
Through the initiative of Bishop Alfredo Versoza and then auxilliary Bishop Alrfredo Ma. Obviar(who was the first father and chaplain of the monastery), the sisters from Carmel Manila left for their new monastery in Lipa on the same day Carmel Lipa was founded, which was the feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace. This is primarily the reason why the Carmel has been associated with several forms of the Virgin Mary.
Meanwhile, for those people who might want to know about the nitty gritty detail of the miraculous shower of rose petals in Lipa, here’s what we’ve got for you:
| Sept 12, 1948 | While Teresita was praying in the convent garden, suddenly a vine began to shake. Our Lady allegedly spoke (but not appeared) to the her and requested that she kiss the earth and return to the same spot for fifteen consecutive days. When Our Lady reportedly appeared, She was on a cloud, dressed in white, hands clasped, and a golden Rosary hanging from Her right hand. Her dress was very white, very simple, and had a narrow belt tied around Her. |
| Sept. 16, 1948 |
Our Lady was said to request that the vine to be blessed, and also requested that a statue was to be placed at the site of the apparition. Our Lady reportedly requested that a Mass be held on the 12th day of every month. |
| Sept 27, 1948 | Before She departed for the last time, the Blessed Virgin identified Herself as: ” I am the Mediatrix of All Grace” |
| 1948 | The Church investigators ruled negatively on the apparition. (While the committee of bishops appeared unanimous in their conclusion that Lipa was fraudulent, several of them confessed before they died that they too had been coerced, signing the negative “findings” only under threat of excommunication.)The Bishop and Mother Prioress were released of their jobs. The nuns were ordered to destroy all materials connected with the apparitions. They burned Teresita’s diary, as well as the Mother Prioress’. The statue was also ordered to be destroyed, but the nuns kept it away, and saved it from destruction. The convent was sealed, and the nuns could talk to no one outside of the convent. |
| 1950? | Teresita leaves the convent. |
| Feb 1990 | A new phenomenon was reported in the Granja District of Lipa City. A white luminous outline of a female in prayer began to supposedly appear at night on one of the leaves of a tall coconut tree. |
| May 21, 1990 | Sr. Aphonse pleaded on her deathbed that the Mediatrix statue be again exposed (for the first time in 40 years) in the chapel at the Carmelite convent. Her request was granted the next day. |
| Jan 24, 1991 | Rose petals allegedly began to fall straight from the sky again at the Carmelite convent in Lipa City. A few days later, six children playing in the garden at the convent said that the statue come to life |
| Sept 12, 2005 | Most Reverend Ramon C. Arguelles,D.D., archbishop of Lipa, resurrected the devotion with an official kick-off with “increased activity and devotion” and plans to place statues representing the Virgin of Lipa, as Our Lady Mediatrix of All Grace, in every diocese. |
Although veneration of Our Lady Mediatrix of all Grace was permitted by Bishop Verzosa, the Philippine church hierarchy declared in 1951 that “there was no supernatural intervention in the reported extraordinary happenings including the shower of rose petals in Lipa.” Bishop Rufino Santos, who became apostolic administrator after Bishop Verzosa, ordered that 1) no petals be given to anyone by the Lipa Carmelite community; and 2) the statue of Our Lady of Mediatrix be withdrawn from public view.
While the committee of bishops appeared unanimous in their conclusion that Lipa was fraudulent, several of them confessed before they died that they too had been coerced, signing the negative “findings” only under threat of excommunication.
In 1992, Msgr. Mariano Gaviola, archbishop of Lipa, granted permission to display again the image of the Mediatrix of all Grace. In 1993, he declared his personal conviction that the Lipa apparitions were worthy of belief.
For like three years now, the Carmel church has been the site National Marian Congress or the National Pilgrimage to Lipa. Thousands of Marian devotees attend this special Marian day every 12th day of September.
Technorati Tags: Lipa, Batangas, Churches in Batangas, Our LAdy of Mt. Carmel Church, Carmel, Carmelite Sisters
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PLEASE pray for me. I have cancer on the stomach, that part kung saan natatapos ang esophagus at nagsisimula ang tiyan.
Kahapon, ako ay nilagnat. Nandito ako sa ospital, dextrose, kasama ang aking mama.halos mahigit na 2 years ang aking kanser. Malaki na ang nagagastos ng aking mga magulang chemo ko @P45,000.00 x 6 beses.
Gusto ko pang gumaling, mag aral ulit.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME.
Salamat po.
Gio, Siena College of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan
PLEASE pray for me. I have cancer on the stomach, that part kung saan natatapos ang esophagus at nagsisimula ang tiyan.
Kahapon, ako ay nilagnat. Nandito ako sa ospital, dextrose, kasama ang aking mama.halos mahigit na 2 years ang aking kanser. Malaki na ang nagagastos ng aking mga magulang chemo ko @P45,000.00 x 6 beses.
Gusto ko pang gumaling, mag aral ulit.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME.
Salamat po.
Gio, Siena College of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan
Gio, we’ll pray for you. If possible, may healing mass tomorrow June 30, 2009 dito sa Batangas sa Batangas City Sports Complex. Dadating si Fr. Fernando Suarez. sya yung kilalang healing priest. 3:00 p.m.
I’ll be attending, kung hindi ka makakarating, ipagdadasal kita.
Gio, we’ll pray for you. If possible, may healing mass tomorrow June 30, 2009 dito sa Batangas sa Batangas City Sports Complex. Dadating si Fr. Fernando Suarez. sya yung kilalang healing priest. 3:00 p.m.
I’ll be attending, kung hindi ka makakarating, ipagdadasal kita.
Gio, we’ll pray for you. If possible, may healing mass tomorrow June 30, 2009 dito sa Batangas sa Batangas City Sports Complex. Dadating si Fr. Fernando Suarez. sya yung kilalang healing priest. 3:00 p.m.
I’ll be attending, kung hindi ka makakarating, ipagdadasal kita.
ask ko lang po kung ano mga araw ang may healing mass?
ask ko lang po kung ano mga araw ang may healing mass?
ask ko lang po kung ano mga araw ang may healing mass?
ask ko lang po kung ano mga araw ang may healing mass?
pwede pong malaman kung anu exact address ng our lady of my. carmel church jan s lipa batangas gus2 q
pwede pong malaman kung anu exact address ng our lady of my. carmel church jan s lipa batangas gus2 q
tanung ko lang po sana kung anu exact address ng our lady of mt. carmel jan s lipa batngas..gus2 ko po kc sna pumunta..at anu po b ung araw n mas maganda pumunta jan.. my sakit poh kc aq goiter for 3 yrs na gumaling n po goiter ko pero ung mata ko naapektuhan ng sobra napanood ko po s tv n my mga rose petals nani2wala po aq n kya p akong pagalingin..sna po ma2lungan nyu aq n makapunta jan s pamamagitan ng pabibigay alam ng exact address..tga d2 po aq s bulacan..salamat poh.. maraming salamat poh..
tanung ko lang po sana kung anu exact address ng our lady of mt. carmel jan s lipa batngas..gus2 ko po kc sna pumunta..at anu po b ung araw n mas maganda pumunta jan.. my sakit poh kc aq goiter for 3 yrs na gumaling n po goiter ko pero ung mata ko naapektuhan ng sobra napanood ko po s tv n my mga rose petals nani2wala po aq n kya p akong pagalingin..sna po ma2lungan nyu aq n makapunta jan s pamamagitan ng pabibigay alam ng exact address..tga d2 po aq s bulacan..salamat poh.. maraming salamat poh..
tanung ko lang po sana kung anu exact address ng our lady of mt. carmel jan s lipa batngas..gus2 ko po kc sna pumunta..at anu po b ung araw n mas maganda pumunta jan.. my sakit poh kc aq goiter for 3 yrs na gumaling n po goiter ko pero ung mata ko naapektuhan ng sobra napanood ko po s tv n my mga rose petals nani2wala po aq n kya p akong pagalingin..sna po ma2lungan nyu aq n makapunta jan s pamamagitan ng pabibigay alam ng exact address..tga d2 po aq s bulacan..salamat poh.. maraming salamat poh..
tanung ko lang po sana kung anu exact address ng our lady of mt. carmel jan s lipa batngas..gus2 ko po kc sna pumunta..at anu po b ung araw n mas maganda pumunta jan.. my sakit poh kc aq goiter for 3 yrs na gumaling n po goiter ko pero ung mata ko naapektuhan ng sobra napanood ko po s tv n my mga rose petals nani2wala po aq n kya p akong pagalingin..sna po ma2lungan nyu aq n makapunta jan s pamamagitan ng pabibigay alam ng exact address..tga d2 po aq s bulacan..salamat poh.. maraming salamat poh..
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MY COMPLETE HEALING…for the past 3 weeks in and out ako ng ospital, blood transfusion and dextrose. I went home Sept. 14. and todate, nakakabit pa din ang oxygen sa akin. Di makapaniwala na ako ay mag goodbye daw.
I am under strict diet under the care of Dra. Susan Balingit.
Wit this, lots of prayer, alam ko na ako ay gagaling. Pagagalingin ako ni Lord thru Mama Mary…please samahan niyo ako ng inyong mga dasal.
From, Gio
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MY COMPLETE HEALING…for the past 3 weeks in and out ako ng ospital, blood transfusion and dextrose. I went home Sept. 14. and todate, nakakabit pa din ang oxygen sa akin. Di makapaniwala na ako ay mag goodbye daw.
I am under strict diet under the care of Dra. Susan Balingit.
Wit this, lots of prayer, alam ko na ako ay gagaling. Pagagalingin ako ni Lord thru Mama Mary…please samahan niyo ako ng inyong mga dasal.
From, Gio
gio, i’l pray for you. this is the first time i’ve been in this site. i am positive you’ll be able to read this even if a year had past.
gio, i’l pray for you. this is the first time i’ve been in this site. i am positive you’ll be able to read this even if a year had past.
gio, i’l pray for you. this is the first time i’ve been in this site. i am positive you’ll be able to read this even if a year had past.
PLEASE pray for me. I have cancer on the stomach, that part kung saan natatapos ang esophagus at nagsisimula ang tiyan.
Kahapon, ako ay nilagnat. Nandito ako sa ospital, dextrose, kasama ang aking mama.halos mahigit na 2 years ang aking kanser. Malaki na ang nagagastos ng aking mga magulang chemo ko @P45,000.00 x 6 beses.
Gusto ko pang gumaling, mag aral ulit.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME.
Salamat po.
Gio, Siena College of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan
Gio, we’ll pray for you. If possible, may healing mass tomorrow June 30, 2009 dito sa Batangas sa Batangas City Sports Complex. Dadating si Fr. Fernando Suarez. sya yung kilalang healing priest. 3:00 p.m.
I’ll be attending, kung hindi ka makakarating, ipagdadasal kita.
ask ko lang po kung ano mga araw ang may healing mass?
pwede pong malaman kung anu exact address ng our lady of my. carmel church jan s lipa batangas gus2 q
tanung ko lang po sana kung anu exact address ng our lady of mt. carmel jan s lipa batngas..gus2 ko po kc sna pumunta..at anu po b ung araw n mas maganda pumunta jan.. my sakit poh kc aq goiter for 3 yrs na gumaling n po goiter ko pero ung mata ko naapektuhan ng sobra napanood ko po s tv n my mga rose petals nani2wala po aq n kya p akong pagalingin..sna po ma2lungan nyu aq n makapunta jan s pamamagitan ng pabibigay alam ng exact address..tga d2 po aq s bulacan..salamat poh.. maraming salamat poh..
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MY COMPLETE HEALING…for the past 3 weeks in and out ako ng ospital, blood transfusion and dextrose. I went home Sept. 14. and todate, nakakabit pa din ang oxygen sa akin. Di makapaniwala na ako ay mag goodbye daw.
I am under strict diet under the care of Dra. Susan Balingit.
Wit this, lots of prayer, alam ko na ako ay gagaling. Pagagalingin ako ni Lord thru Mama Mary…please samahan niyo ako ng inyong mga dasal.
From, Gio
gio, i’l pray for you. this is the first time i’ve been in this site. i am positive you’ll be able to read this even if a year had past.
Gio,
Just believe in her grace and she will heal you. She is so Blessed that I believe as well if YOU believe You will be healed. Just tell her how much you love her and she will show you how much she loves you. Your not alone we are here for you, I love you brother as well Our Mother. You will be healed
Simply because You and I believed.
Gio,
Just believe in her grace and she will heal you. She is so Blessed that I believe as well if YOU believe You will be healed. Just tell her how much you love her and she will show you how much she loves you. Your not alone we are here for you, I love you brother as well Our Mother. You will be healed
Simply because You and I believed.
Hi Gio, I’m also praying for you. Try to meditate & repeat the verse in Palm 23, everyday, many times a day, believing in every word of it. Let me pray for you….
Gio, you are the son of God. I see the presence of God in you now. This is the presence of harmony, health, peace, joy, vitality & wholeness. God breathed into you the breath of life. The Spirit of God made you, and I know the breathe of the Almighty gave you life. You inhale the peace of God, and you exhale the love of God. Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And i knew that thou hearest me always (John 11:41-42). I also pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Carmel & St. Therese for your immediate healing & recovery.
I have received a white rose petal on Feb. 8, 2007 right in front of me, on the ground, where the remains of St. Therese de Lesiux lies during a vigil…. the least I can do in return for this blessing is to pray for those who are sick, physically & spiritually. My life was never the same since then, I’ve been even more blessed!
Believe that you have received your miracle Gio bec. God has always been with you. God bless you always!
Hi Gio, I’m also praying for you. Try to meditate & repeat the verse in Palm 23, everyday, many times a day, believing in every word of it. Let me pray for you….
Gio, you are the son of God. I see the presence of God in you now. This is the presence of harmony, health, peace, joy, vitality & wholeness. God breathed into you the breath of life. The Spirit of God made you, and I know the breathe of the Almighty gave you life. You inhale the peace of God, and you exhale the love of God. Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And i knew that thou hearest me always (John 11:41-42). I also pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Carmel & St. Therese for your immediate healing & recovery.
I have received a white rose petal on Feb. 8, 2007 right in front of me, on the ground, where the remains of St. Therese de Lesiux lies during a vigil…. the least I can do in return for this blessing is to pray for those who are sick, physically & spiritually. My life was never the same since then, I’ve been even more blessed!
Believe that you have received your miracle Gio bec. God has always been with you. God bless you always!
dear ginger,
may i ask your help to please pray for me. i will be undergoing colonoscopy procedure on the 31st of august 2010 to find out if im positive of colon cancer. i need help thru prayers cause i believe that prayers can make miracles. please pray for me and wish that everything would be fine and would be in good shape always.
dear ginger,
may i ask your help to please pray for me. i will be undergoing colonoscopy procedure on the 31st of august 2010 to find out if im positive of colon cancer. i need help thru prayers cause i believe that prayers can make miracles. please pray for me and wish that everything would be fine and would be in good shape always.
Hi Gio, I’m also praying for you. Try to meditate & repeat the verse in Palm 23, everyday, many times a day, believing in every word of it. Let me pray for you….
Gio, you are the son of God. I see the presence of God in you now. This is the presence of harmony, health, peace, joy, vitality & wholeness. God breathed into you the breath of life. The Spirit of God made you, and I know the breathe of the Almighty gave you life. You inhale the peace of God, and you exhale the love of God. Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And i knew that thou hearest me always (John 11:41-42). I also pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Carmel & St. Therese for your immediate healing & recovery.
I have received a white rose petal on Feb. 8, 2007 right in front of me, on the ground, where the remains of St. Therese de Lesiux lies during a vigil…. the least I can do in return for this blessing is to pray for those who are sick, physically & spiritually. My life was never the same since then, I’ve been even more blessed!
Believe that you have received your miracle Gio bec. God has always been with you. God bless you always!
Hi Gio, I’m also praying for you. Try to meditate & repeat the verse in Palm 23, everyday, many times a day, believing in every word of it. Let me pray for you….
Gio, you are the son of God. I see the presence of God in you now. This is the presence of harmony, health, peace, joy, vitality & wholeness. God breathed into you the breath of life. The Spirit of God made you, and I know the breathe of the Almighty gave you life. You inhale the peace of God, and you exhale the love of God. Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And i knew that thou hearest me always (John 11:41-42). I also pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Carmel & St. Therese for your immediate healing & recovery.
I have received a white rose petal on Feb. 8, 2007 right in front of me, on the ground, where the remains of St. Therese de Lesiux lies during a vigil…. the least I can do in return for this blessing is to pray for those who are sick, physically & spiritually. My life was never the same since then, I’ve been even more blessed!
Believe that you have received your miracle Gio bec. God has always been with you. God bless you always!
dear ginger,
may i ask your help to please pray for me. i will be undergoing colonoscopy procedure on the 31st of august 2010 to find out if im positive of colon cancer. i need help thru prayers cause i believe that prayers can make miracles. please pray for me and wish that everything would be fine and would be in good shape always.
sorry, typo…. Feb. 8, 2008 not 2007
sorry, typo…. Feb. 8, 2008 not 2007
Dear gio,
How are you today? I am one in praying for your immediate
recovery. Always remember that God is the God of healing. He will heal you through his son Jesus Christ and through our lady mediatrix of all grace. Just hold on, keep believing and do not loose your faith.
Gio, pray the rosary always, meditate in it and feel the touch of mama mary. God bless you Gio and you’ll be in my prayers!
Dear gio,
How are you today? I am one in praying for your immediate
recovery. Always remember that God is the God of healing. He will heal you through his son Jesus Christ and through our lady mediatrix of all grace. Just hold on, keep believing and do not loose your faith.
Gio, pray the rosary always, meditate in it and feel the touch of mama mary. God bless you Gio and you’ll be in my prayers!
Dear gio,
How are you today? I am one in praying for your immediate
recovery. Always remember that God is the God of healing. He will heal you through his son Jesus Christ and through our lady mediatrix of all grace. Just hold on, keep believing and do not loose your faith.
Gio, pray the rosary always, meditate in it and feel the touch of mama mary. God bless you Gio and you’ll be in my prayers!
I BELIEVE IN THE VIRGIN MARY AND I MYSELF PRAY THE ROSARY EVEN WHEN I AM IN A BUS HERE IN MIAMI. ONE NIGHT IN MY MOTHER’S APARTMENT SOMETHING MADE ME LOOK UP LIKE SOMEONE WAS ASKING ME TO LOOK UP AND WHEN I LOOKED UP OUTSIDE MY MOTHER’S WINDOW WAS A FLOATING FIGURE DRESSED IN WHITE WITH HIS ARMS OUTSTRETCHED LIKE JESUS CHRIST. THIS HAPPENED IN BETWEEN JUNE AND JULY 2009 AND I FELT SCARED BUT I THOUGHT IT LOOKS LIKE JESUS TRYING TO TELL ME TO LOOK OUTSIDE. I STARTED TO FEEL NERVOUS AND I STARTED TO PRAY THE ROSARY AS I WAS LOOKING AT THE FLOATING FIGURE IN WHITE NEAR MY MOTHER’S WINDOW. I BELIEVE IN PRAYER AND AFTER THAT I FELT VERY RELIEVED LIKE GOD HAS VISITED ME.
SCIENTIFICALLY PEOPLE WITH CANCER SHOULD NOT LOSE HOPE. THERE IS A TREATMENT FOR CANCER IN FLAX SEED OIL. FLAX SEED OIL IS SOLD IN PHARMACIES OVER THE COUNTER AND IT IS IN THE FORM OF AN OIL EXTRACT LIQUIFIED. FLAX SEED OIL CAN
BE TAKEN WITH FOOD SUCH AS WITH COTTAGE CHEESE AND MILK OR ANY OTHER FOODS THAT YOU EAT. I MYSELF TRIED IT AND IT IS REALLY MEDICINAL. ALSO TAKING VITAMIN C IS NECESSARY TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR BODY’S NEEDS FOR BUILDING UP OF ANTIBODIES.
I BELIEVE IN THE VIRGIN MARY AND I MYSELF PRAY THE ROSARY EVEN WHEN I AM IN A BUS HERE IN MIAMI. ONE NIGHT IN MY MOTHER’S APARTMENT SOMETHING MADE ME LOOK UP LIKE SOMEONE WAS ASKING ME TO LOOK UP AND WHEN I LOOKED UP OUTSIDE MY MOTHER’S WINDOW WAS A FLOATING FIGURE DRESSED IN WHITE WITH HIS ARMS OUTSTRETCHED LIKE JESUS CHRIST. THIS HAPPENED IN BETWEEN JUNE AND JULY 2009 AND I FELT SCARED BUT I THOUGHT IT LOOKS LIKE JESUS TRYING TO TELL ME TO LOOK OUTSIDE. I STARTED TO FEEL NERVOUS AND I STARTED TO PRAY THE ROSARY AS I WAS LOOKING AT THE FLOATING FIGURE IN WHITE NEAR MY MOTHER’S WINDOW. I BELIEVE IN PRAYER AND AFTER THAT I FELT VERY RELIEVED LIKE GOD HAS VISITED ME.
SCIENTIFICALLY PEOPLE WITH CANCER SHOULD NOT LOSE HOPE. THERE IS A TREATMENT FOR CANCER IN FLAX SEED OIL. FLAX SEED OIL IS SOLD IN PHARMACIES OVER THE COUNTER AND IT IS IN THE FORM OF AN OIL EXTRACT LIQUIFIED. FLAX SEED OIL CAN
BE TAKEN WITH FOOD SUCH AS WITH COTTAGE CHEESE AND MILK OR ANY OTHER FOODS THAT YOU EAT. I MYSELF TRIED IT AND IT IS REALLY MEDICINAL. ALSO TAKING VITAMIN C IS NECESSARY TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR BODY’S NEEDS FOR BUILDING UP OF ANTIBODIES.
I BELIEVE IN THE VIRGIN MARY AND I MYSELF PRAY THE ROSARY EVEN WHEN I AM IN A BUS HERE IN MIAMI. ONE NIGHT IN MY MOTHER’S APARTMENT SOMETHING MADE ME LOOK UP LIKE SOMEONE WAS ASKING ME TO LOOK UP AND WHEN I LOOKED UP OUTSIDE MY MOTHER’S WINDOW WAS A FLOATING FIGURE DRESSED IN WHITE WITH HIS ARMS OUTSTRETCHED LIKE JESUS CHRIST. THIS HAPPENED IN BETWEEN JUNE AND JULY 2009 AND I FELT SCARED BUT I THOUGHT IT LOOKS LIKE JESUS TRYING TO TELL ME TO LOOK OUTSIDE. I STARTED TO FEEL NERVOUS AND I STARTED TO PRAY THE ROSARY AS I WAS LOOKING AT THE FLOATING FIGURE IN WHITE NEAR MY MOTHER’S WINDOW. I BELIEVE IN PRAYER AND AFTER THAT I FELT VERY RELIEVED LIKE GOD HAS VISITED ME.
SCIENTIFICALLY PEOPLE WITH CANCER SHOULD NOT LOSE HOPE. THERE IS A TREATMENT FOR CANCER IN FLAX SEED OIL. FLAX SEED OIL IS SOLD IN PHARMACIES OVER THE COUNTER AND IT IS IN THE FORM OF AN OIL EXTRACT LIQUIFIED. FLAX SEED OIL CAN
BE TAKEN WITH FOOD SUCH AS WITH COTTAGE CHEESE AND MILK OR ANY OTHER FOODS THAT YOU EAT. I MYSELF TRIED IT AND IT IS REALLY MEDICINAL. ALSO TAKING VITAMIN C IS NECESSARY TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR BODY’S NEEDS FOR BUILDING UP OF ANTIBODIES.
My doctor told me that they may remove all my reproduction system. And my husband is incapable of producing sufficient cells. We are married for more than a decade, and our relationship is growing for more than 2 decades. He is the first man in my life and will be the last. Our love, as we always believe it, is created by God, and is getting stronger every day. But despite all these, we are not gifted with a child that may complete our lives as one family. Our dream, that may never come true… unless spared by God that we are and will be forever awaiting.
Please help us pray for our healing. I plead to you, to please help me pray for a miracle of even one, just one healthy child. It will not only bring joy to our lives, but will make a dream of my parents come true too.
My doctor told me that they may remove all my reproduction system. And my husband is incapable of producing sufficient cells. We are married for more than a decade, and our relationship is growing for more than 2 decades. He is the first man in my life and will be the last. Our love, as we always believe it, is created by God, and is getting stronger every day. But despite all these, we are not gifted with a child that may complete our lives as one family. Our dream, that may never come true… unless spared by God that we are and will be forever awaiting.
Please help us pray for our healing. I plead to you, to please help me pray for a miracle of even one, just one healthy child. It will not only bring joy to our lives, but will make a dream of my parents come true too.
My doctor told me that they may remove all my reproduction system. And my husband is incapable of producing sufficient cells. We are married for more than a decade, and our relationship is growing for more than 2 decades. He is the first man in my life and will be the last. Our love, as we always believe it, is created by God, and is getting stronger every day. But despite all these, we are not gifted with a child that may complete our lives as one family. Our dream, that may never come true… unless spared by God that we are and will be forever awaiting.
Please help us pray for our healing. I plead to you, to please help me pray for a miracle of even one, just one healthy child. It will not only bring joy to our lives, but will make a dream of my parents come true too.
My doctor told me that they may remove all my reproduction system. And my husband is incapable of producing sufficient cells. We are married for more than a decade, and our relationship is growing for more than 2 decades. He is the first man in my life and will be the last. Our love, as we always believe it, is created by God, and is getting stronger every day. But despite all these, we are not gifted with a child that may complete our lives as one family. Our dream, that may never come true… unless spared by God that we are and will be forever awaiting.
Please help us pray for our healing. I plead to you, to please help me pray for a miracle of even one, just one healthy child. It will not only bring joy to our lives, but will make a dream of my parents come true too.
+ Ave María Purísima
Sor Teresita:
Carísima hermana, la gracia del Espíritu Santo sea siempre en su alma y la colme de su Divino Amor. Por este medio quiero darle las gracias por haberme enviado la imagen de la Stma. Virgen que ya está puesta en esta iglesia y que nos está concediendo a todos tantísimas gracias.
Las personas están muy entusiasmadas con Nuestra Señora. Queremos difundir su Mediación Universal. La Virgen es la Corredentora de las Divinas Gracias.
La señora Lucía es muy buena. La he pedido si nos puede enviar un petalo de los que la Virgen derramó. Lo pondremos en un relicario y lo daremos a la veneración.
Pidan mucho por esta parroquia. Recen para que la Virgen conceda tantas gracias a esta parroquia.
Yo estoy feliz con ella. Y toda la feligresia. Es una imagen que transmite. Cuando la escriba la enviaré un pequeño donativo en acción de gracias y en nombre de toda la comunidad parroquial.
Con mi afecto y bendición y recuerdo en la Santa Misa. Su sacerdote que las quiere y no olvida.
Andrés García Torres
cura párroco
PARROQUIA DE NTRA SEÑORA DE FATIMA
Calle Gazaperas, 15
28944-Fuenlabrada
Madrid
España
Tfno. 916975446
+ Ave María Purísima
Sor Teresita:
Carísima hermana, la gracia del Espíritu Santo sea siempre en su alma y la colme de su Divino Amor. Por este medio quiero darle las gracias por haberme enviado la imagen de la Stma. Virgen que ya está puesta en esta iglesia y que nos está concediendo a todos tantísimas gracias.
Las personas están muy entusiasmadas con Nuestra Señora. Queremos difundir su Mediación Universal. La Virgen es la Corredentora de las Divinas Gracias.
La señora Lucía es muy buena. La he pedido si nos puede enviar un petalo de los que la Virgen derramó. Lo pondremos en un relicario y lo daremos a la veneración.
Pidan mucho por esta parroquia. Recen para que la Virgen conceda tantas gracias a esta parroquia.
Yo estoy feliz con ella. Y toda la feligresia. Es una imagen que transmite. Cuando la escriba la enviaré un pequeño donativo en acción de gracias y en nombre de toda la comunidad parroquial.
Con mi afecto y bendición y recuerdo en la Santa Misa. Su sacerdote que las quiere y no olvida.
Andrés García Torres
cura párroco
PARROQUIA DE NTRA SEÑORA DE FATIMA
Calle Gazaperas, 15
28944-Fuenlabrada
Madrid
España
Tfno. 916975446
OMG. This is one hoax attempted to be perpetuated.
I have read decades ago the negative findings of the commission formed to investigate the miracle.
Negative because: The novice visionary could not speak for herself. Her mother superior dictated to her the answers to questions about her vision. The rose petals were shown to be made by the nuns themselves from the rose garden inside the monastery and were printed with images and then showered from up the monastery walls. The commission was composed of priest-theologians who are experts in divine revelation.
Now, you are reviving this so-called miracle? Please don’t, your own Cardinal Vidal is in hot water in Cebu for his support of a group of monks of unknown order who is now exposed of making up miracles and creating mythical stories of a statue and for profiting from the commercialism spawned by curious and credulous Cebuanos. Part of mementos for sale in that monastery are rose petals resembling those at Lipa. This is not a coincidence!
May the real Mama Mary guide you to the path of true faith, not superstition.
OMG. This is one hoax attempted to be perpetuated.
I have read decades ago the negative findings of the commission formed to investigate the miracle.
Negative because: The novice visionary could not speak for herself. Her mother superior dictated to her the answers to questions about her vision. The rose petals were shown to be made by the nuns themselves from the rose garden inside the monastery and were printed with images and then showered from up the monastery walls. The commission was composed of priest-theologians who are experts in divine revelation.
Now, you are reviving this so-called miracle? Please don’t, your own Cardinal Vidal is in hot water in Cebu for his support of a group of monks of unknown order who is now exposed of making up miracles and creating mythical stories of a statue and for profiting from the commercialism spawned by curious and credulous Cebuanos. Part of mementos for sale in that monastery are rose petals resembling those at Lipa. This is not a coincidence!
May the real Mama Mary guide you to the path of true faith, not superstition.
OMG. This is one hoax attempted to be perpetuated.
I have read decades ago the negative findings of the commission formed to investigate the miracle.
Negative because: The novice visionary could not speak for herself. Her mother superior dictated to her the answers to questions about her vision. The rose petals were shown to be made by the nuns themselves from the rose garden inside the monastery and were printed with images and then showered from up the monastery walls. The commission was composed of priest-theologians who are experts in divine revelation.
Now, you are reviving this so-called miracle? Please don’t, your own Cardinal Vidal is in hot water in Cebu for his support of a group of monks of unknown order who is now exposed of making up miracles and creating mythical stories of a statue and for profiting from the commercialism spawned by curious and credulous Cebuanos. Part of mementos for sale in that monastery are rose petals resembling those at Lipa. This is not a coincidence!
May the real Mama Mary guide you to the path of true faith, not superstition.
OMG. This is one hoax attempted to be perpetuated.
I have read decades ago the negative findings of the commission formed to investigate the miracle.
Negative because: The novice visionary could not speak for herself. Her mother superior dictated to her the answers to questions about her vision. The rose petals were shown to be made by the nuns themselves from the rose garden inside the monastery and were printed with images and then showered from up the monastery walls. The commission was composed of priest-theologians who are experts in divine revelation.
Now, you are reviving this so-called miracle? Please don’t, your own Cardinal Vidal is in hot water in Cebu for his support of a group of monks of unknown order who is now exposed of making up miracles and creating mythical stories of a statue and for profiting from the commercialism spawned by curious and credulous Cebuanos. Part of mementos for sale in that monastery are rose petals resembling those at Lipa. This is not a coincidence!
May the real Mama Mary guide you to the path of true faith, not superstition.
OMG. This is one hoax attempted to be perpetuated.
I have read decades ago the negative findings of the commission formed to investigate the miracle.
Negative because: The novice visionary could not speak for herself. Her mother superior dictated to her the answers to questions about her vision. The rose petals were shown to be made by the nuns themselves from the rose garden inside the monastery and were printed with images and then showered from up the monastery walls. The commission was composed of priest-theologians who are experts in divine revelation.
Now, you are reviving this so-called miracle? Please don’t, your own Cardinal Vidal is in hot water in Cebu for his support of a group of monks of unknown order who is now exposed of making up miracles and creating mythical stories of a statue and for profiting from the commercialism spawned by curious and credulous Cebuanos. Part of mementos for sale in that monastery are rose petals resembling those at Lipa. This is not a coincidence!
May the real Mama Mary guide you to the path of true faith, not superstition.
Excommunication is a sanction given to those who commit a grave offense against the Catholic church. To fraudulently create a miracle and to take advantage of the religiosity of the people is a mortal sin. This is because it leads people to worship or venerate a false god or idol. It is also swindling under criminal law.
Rufino Cardinal Santos and the members of the commission created to investigate the Lipa miracle made a thorough investigation. It would have been a boon for Catholicism and a divine honor to have a genuine miracle at Lipa. But the Fathers chose to tell the truth of their findings. They interviewed the main characters of the supposed vision, searched the monastery and made a lot of sleuthing. They can only come up with a decision after much prayer and thinking that the whole affair was fraudulent. They were guided by the norms set by the Vatican.
They defrocked the mother superior, dissolved the convent and the false visionary had to leave as well. The penalty they recommended was excommunication, but loosened a bit by not imposing it when the characters signed the negative report which is likened to a plea of guilty to a lesser offense. Otherwise, excommunication was the correct penalty.
Now, when everything seemed almost forgotten and most people involved have gone to wherever God placed them, the effort to revive it is even more suspect. Every Batangueno priest who has studied at UST or Ateneo knows about the whole story of Lipa. They would also know that cures and healings would be attributed to the revived miraculous virgin, but they will explain that these are caused by a believing mind, as in faith healing.
The apparition was not approved then. The records of the negative result are in the Vatican. It would be harder for it to be approved now. The shower of petals was already explained and it would be a shame on us if that show would be declared fraudulent a second time.
Excommunication is a sanction given to those who commit a grave offense against the Catholic church. To fraudulently create a miracle and to take advantage of the religiosity of the people is a mortal sin. This is because it leads people to worship or venerate a false god or idol. It is also swindling under criminal law.
Rufino Cardinal Santos and the members of the commission created to investigate the Lipa miracle made a thorough investigation. It would have been a boon for Catholicism and a divine honor to have a genuine miracle at Lipa. But the Fathers chose to tell the truth of their findings. They interviewed the main characters of the supposed vision, searched the monastery and made a lot of sleuthing. They can only come up with a decision after much prayer and thinking that the whole affair was fraudulent. They were guided by the norms set by the Vatican.
They defrocked the mother superior, dissolved the convent and the false visionary had to leave as well. The penalty they recommended was excommunication, but loosened a bit by not imposing it when the characters signed the negative report which is likened to a plea of guilty to a lesser offense. Otherwise, excommunication was the correct penalty.
Now, when everything seemed almost forgotten and most people involved have gone to wherever God placed them, the effort to revive it is even more suspect. Every Batangueno priest who has studied at UST or Ateneo knows about the whole story of Lipa. They would also know that cures and healings would be attributed to the revived miraculous virgin, but they will explain that these are caused by a believing mind, as in faith healing.
The apparition was not approved then. The records of the negative result are in the Vatican. It would be harder for it to be approved now. The shower of petals was already explained and it would be a shame on us if that show would be declared fraudulent a second time.
Last year, The archbishop of lipa, together with some priests of the archdiocese went to the vatican to research on why the 1951 comission came out with a negative decision. But surprisingly, when they looked at the vatican archives they din’t find any documents on the nature of investigation and it’s findings. that’s why the archbishop have enough grounds to re – investigate it. I don’t know where you got your information. It seems that you don’t know the real story of Lipa.You are just basing your story on a hearsay.
Last year, The archbishop of lipa, together with some priests of the archdiocese went to the vatican to research on why the 1951 comission came out with a negative decision. But surprisingly, when they looked at the vatican archives they din’t find any documents on the nature of investigation and it’s findings. that’s why the archbishop have enough grounds to re – investigate it. I don’t know where you got your information. It seems that you don’t know the real story of Lipa.You are just basing your story on a hearsay.
Last year, The archbishop of lipa, together with some priests of the archdiocese went to the vatican to research on why the 1951 comission came out with a negative decision. But surprisingly, when they looked at the vatican archives they din’t find any documents on the nature of investigation and it’s findings. that’s why the archbishop have enough grounds to re – investigate it. I don’t know where you got your information. It seems that you don’t know the real story of Lipa.You are just basing your story on a hearsay.
Last year, The archbishop of lipa, together with some priests of the archdiocese went to the vatican to research on why the 1951 comission came out with a negative decision. But surprisingly, when they looked at the vatican archives they din’t find any documents on the nature of investigation and it’s findings. that’s why the archbishop have enough grounds to re – investigate it. I don’t know where you got your information. It seems that you don’t know the real story of Lipa.You are just basing your story on a hearsay.
Excommunication is a sanction given to those who commit a grave offense against the Catholic church. To fraudulently create a miracle and to take advantage of the religiosity of the people is a mortal sin. This is because it leads people to worship or venerate a false god or idol. It is also swindling under criminal law.
Rufino Cardinal Santos and the members of the commission created to investigate the Lipa miracle made a thorough investigation. It would have been a boon for Catholicism and a divine honor to have a genuine miracle at Lipa. But the Fathers chose to tell the truth of their findings. They interviewed the main characters of the supposed vision, searched the monastery and made a lot of sleuthing. They can only come up with a decision after much prayer and thinking that the whole affair was fraudulent. They were guided by the norms set by the Vatican.
They defrocked the mother superior, dissolved the convent and the false visionary had to leave as well. The penalty they recommended was excommunication, but loosened a bit by not imposing it when the characters signed the negative report which is likened to a plea of guilty to a lesser offense. Otherwise, excommunication was the correct penalty.
Now, when everything seemed almost forgotten and most people involved have gone to wherever God placed them, the effort to revive it is even more suspect. Every Batangueno priest who has studied at UST or Ateneo knows about the whole story of Lipa. They would also know that cures and healings would be attributed to the revived miraculous virgin, but they will explain that these are caused by a believing mind, as in faith healing.
The apparition was not approved then. The records of the negative result are in the Vatican. It would be harder for it to be approved now. The shower of petals was already explained and it would be a shame on us if that show would be declared fraudulent a second time.
Excommunication is a sanction given to those who commit a grave offense against the Catholic church. To fraudulently create a miracle and to take advantage of the religiosity of the people is a mortal sin. This is because it leads people to worship or venerate a false god or idol. It is also swindling under criminal law.
Rufino Cardinal Santos and the members of the commission created to investigate the Lipa miracle made a thorough investigation. It would have been a boon for Catholicism and a divine honor to have a genuine miracle at Lipa. But the Fathers chose to tell the truth of their findings. They interviewed the main characters of the supposed vision, searched the monastery and made a lot of sleuthing. They can only come up with a decision after much prayer and thinking that the whole affair was fraudulent. They were guided by the norms set by the Vatican.
They defrocked the mother superior, dissolved the convent and the false visionary had to leave as well. The penalty they recommended was excommunication, but loosened a bit by not imposing it when the characters signed the negative report which is likened to a plea of guilty to a lesser offense. Otherwise, excommunication was the correct penalty.
Now, when everything seemed almost forgotten and most people involved have gone to wherever God placed them, the effort to revive it is even more suspect. Every Batangueno priest who has studied at UST or Ateneo knows about the whole story of Lipa. They would also know that cures and healings would be attributed to the revived miraculous virgin, but they will explain that these are caused by a believing mind, as in faith healing.
The apparition was not approved then. The records of the negative result are in the Vatican. It would be harder for it to be approved now. The shower of petals was already explained and it would be a shame on us if that show would be declared fraudulent a second time.
Last year, The archbishop of lipa, together with some priests of the archdiocese went to the vatican to research on why the 1951 comission came out with a negative decision. But surprisingly, when they looked at the vatican archives they din’t find any documents on the nature of investigation and it’s findings. that’s why the archbishop have enough grounds to re – investigate it. I don’t know where you got your information. It seems that you don’t know the real story of Lipa.You are just basing your story on a hearsay.
In the court of law, a person interested in something is not allowed to prove the truth of an oral communication or transaction with a dead person. This is the Dead Man’s statute. The rationale for this rule is that it would be easy to attribute something to one who is dead who cannot confirm the truth of the statement.
In the same manner, it would be easy for those interested in the miracle of Lipa to quote Sr. Alphonse that she requested that the image be displayed one more time, or to quote that bishops who signed the negative report on Lipa were coerced under the threat of excommunication. The question is to whom these statements were made? Were these statements written and sworn? Was a video recording done? Without these, the statements cannot be regarded as true.
On the other hand, the half a century old negative report of the committee enjoys more credibility. First, it was conducted at the time when the miracles were still going on and the actors and actresses of the miracle were actually interviewed. Second, the committee witnessed the shower of rose petals and found the human reason behind the shower.
Most importantly, their finding was a declaration against interest, rather than self-serving. Bishops want the propagation of faith and increased piety and conversion of people. Their confirmation of the miracle would certainly achieve this purpose. When they declared the miracle as fraudulent, it was because it was indeed fraudulent and nothing else.
In the civil court, a matter already adjudged should not be revived. This is the res judicata rule, which is copied from canon law. Otherwise, cases would go on and on without any end in sight.
Thus, the revived Lipa devotion has no basis as it does not pass even the human rules of evidence. One would expect a rule even more strict because the matter includes the divine.
In the court of law, a person interested in something is not allowed to prove the truth of an oral communication or transaction with a dead person. This is the Dead Man’s statute. The rationale for this rule is that it would be easy to attribute something to one who is dead who cannot confirm the truth of the statement.
In the same manner, it would be easy for those interested in the miracle of Lipa to quote Sr. Alphonse that she requested that the image be displayed one more time, or to quote that bishops who signed the negative report on Lipa were coerced under the threat of excommunication. The question is to whom these statements were made? Were these statements written and sworn? Was a video recording done? Without these, the statements cannot be regarded as true.
On the other hand, the half a century old negative report of the committee enjoys more credibility. First, it was conducted at the time when the miracles were still going on and the actors and actresses of the miracle were actually interviewed. Second, the committee witnessed the shower of rose petals and found the human reason behind the shower.
Most importantly, their finding was a declaration against interest, rather than self-serving. Bishops want the propagation of faith and increased piety and conversion of people. Their confirmation of the miracle would certainly achieve this purpose. When they declared the miracle as fraudulent, it was because it was indeed fraudulent and nothing else.
In the civil court, a matter already adjudged should not be revived. This is the res judicata rule, which is copied from canon law. Otherwise, cases would go on and on without any end in sight.
Thus, the revived Lipa devotion has no basis as it does not pass even the human rules of evidence. One would expect a rule even more strict because the matter includes the divine.
I don’t know where you got your information about the lipa apparition. It’s totally different from the documented and well researched sources.To tell you honestly the basis of information about Lipa apparition was not only from the book written by June keithley. The Marian Research Center was the first one who initiated the investigation during the 1980′s, they interviewed some bishops who are vital witnesses, or are closed to the bishops involved.They also submitted evidences of healings and conversion to the bishop at that time. They submitted the evidences to Bishop Mariano Gaviola who later pubicly declared his personal belief that the Lipa apparition is worthy of belief. That’s why he permitted the veneration of the Image at the convent of Carmel.In the case, of Sr. Alfonse she was the one who requested for an audience with the bishop of Lipa. Her deathbed wish is to have the image be venerated. She pesonally testified about the authenticity of it.I’m not forcing you to believe if you don’t like to. I also do not want to have an argument with you. But don’t create stories which are based on hearsay.
I don’t know where you got your information about the lipa apparition. It’s totally different from the documented and well researched sources.To tell you honestly the basis of information about Lipa apparition was not only from the book written by June keithley. The Marian Research Center was the first one who initiated the investigation during the 1980′s, they interviewed some bishops who are vital witnesses, or are closed to the bishops involved.They also submitted evidences of healings and conversion to the bishop at that time. They submitted the evidences to Bishop Mariano Gaviola who later pubicly declared his personal belief that the Lipa apparition is worthy of belief. That’s why he permitted the veneration of the Image at the convent of Carmel.In the case, of Sr. Alfonse she was the one who requested for an audience with the bishop of Lipa. Her deathbed wish is to have the image be venerated. She pesonally testified about the authenticity of it.I’m not forcing you to believe if you don’t like to. I also do not want to have an argument with you. But don’t create stories which are based on hearsay.
I don’t know where you got your information about the lipa apparition. It’s totally different from the documented and well researched sources.To tell you honestly the basis of information about Lipa apparition was not only from the book written by June keithley. The Marian Research Center was the first one who initiated the investigation during the 1980′s, they interviewed some bishops who are vital witnesses, or are closed to the bishops involved.They also submitted evidences of healings and conversion to the bishop at that time. They submitted the evidences to Bishop Mariano Gaviola who later pubicly declared his personal belief that the Lipa apparition is worthy of belief. That’s why he permitted the veneration of the Image at the convent of Carmel.In the case, of Sr. Alfonse she was the one who requested for an audience with the bishop of Lipa. Her deathbed wish is to have the image be venerated. She pesonally testified about the authenticity of it.I’m not forcing you to believe if you don’t like to. I also do not want to have an argument with you. But don’t create stories which are based on hearsay.
In the court of law, a person interested in something is not allowed to prove the truth of an oral communication or transaction with a dead person. This is the Dead Man’s statute. The rationale for this rule is that it would be easy to attribute something to one who is dead who cannot confirm the truth of the statement.
In the same manner, it would be easy for those interested in the miracle of Lipa to quote Sr. Alphonse that she requested that the image be displayed one more time, or to quote that bishops who signed the negative report on Lipa were coerced under the threat of excommunication. The question is to whom these statements were made? Were these statements written and sworn? Was a video recording done? Without these, the statements cannot be regarded as true.
On the other hand, the half a century old negative report of the committee enjoys more credibility. First, it was conducted at the time when the miracles were still going on and the actors and actresses of the miracle were actually interviewed. Second, the committee witnessed the shower of rose petals and found the human reason behind the shower.
Most importantly, their finding was a declaration against interest, rather than self-serving. Bishops want the propagation of faith and increased piety and conversion of people. Their confirmation of the miracle would certainly achieve this purpose. When they declared the miracle as fraudulent, it was because it was indeed fraudulent and nothing else.
In the civil court, a matter already adjudged should not be revived. This is the res judicata rule, which is copied from canon law. Otherwise, cases would go on and on without any end in sight.
Thus, the revived Lipa devotion has no basis as it does not pass even the human rules of evidence. One would expect a rule even more strict because the matter includes the divine.
In the court of law, a person interested in something is not allowed to prove the truth of an oral communication or transaction with a dead person. This is the Dead Man’s statute. The rationale for this rule is that it would be easy to attribute something to one who is dead who cannot confirm the truth of the statement.
In the same manner, it would be easy for those interested in the miracle of Lipa to quote Sr. Alphonse that she requested that the image be displayed one more time, or to quote that bishops who signed the negative report on Lipa were coerced under the threat of excommunication. The question is to whom these statements were made? Were these statements written and sworn? Was a video recording done? Without these, the statements cannot be regarded as true.
On the other hand, the half a century old negative report of the committee enjoys more credibility. First, it was conducted at the time when the miracles were still going on and the actors and actresses of the miracle were actually interviewed. Second, the committee witnessed the shower of rose petals and found the human reason behind the shower.
Most importantly, their finding was a declaration against interest, rather than self-serving. Bishops want the propagation of faith and increased piety and conversion of people. Their confirmation of the miracle would certainly achieve this purpose. When they declared the miracle as fraudulent, it was because it was indeed fraudulent and nothing else.
In the civil court, a matter already adjudged should not be revived. This is the res judicata rule, which is copied from canon law. Otherwise, cases would go on and on without any end in sight.
Thus, the revived Lipa devotion has no basis as it does not pass even the human rules of evidence. One would expect a rule even more strict because the matter includes the divine.
In the court of law, a person interested in something is not allowed to prove the truth of an oral communication or transaction with a dead person. This is the Dead Man’s statute. The rationale for this rule is that it would be easy to attribute something to one who is dead who cannot confirm the truth of the statement.
In the same manner, it would be easy for those interested in the miracle of Lipa to quote Sr. Alphonse that she requested that the image be displayed one more time, or to quote that bishops who signed the negative report on Lipa were coerced under the threat of excommunication. The question is to whom these statements were made? Were these statements written and sworn? Was a video recording done? Without these, the statements cannot be regarded as true.
On the other hand, the half a century old negative report of the committee enjoys more credibility. First, it was conducted at the time when the miracles were still going on and the actors and actresses of the miracle were actually interviewed. Second, the committee witnessed the shower of rose petals and found the human reason behind the shower.
Most importantly, their finding was a declaration against interest, rather than self-serving. Bishops want the propagation of faith and increased piety and conversion of people. Their confirmation of the miracle would certainly achieve this purpose. When they declared the miracle as fraudulent, it was because it was indeed fraudulent and nothing else.
In the civil court, a matter already adjudged should not be revived. This is the res judicata rule, which is copied from canon law. Otherwise, cases would go on and on without any end in sight.
Thus, the revived Lipa devotion has no basis as it does not pass even the human rules of evidence. One would expect a rule even more strict because the matter includes the divine.
I don’t know where you got your information about the lipa apparition. It’s totally different from the documented and well researched sources.To tell you honestly the basis of information about Lipa apparition was not only from the book written by June keithley. The Marian Research Center was the first one who initiated the investigation during the 1980′s, they interviewed some bishops who are vital witnesses, or are closed to the bishops involved.They also submitted evidences of healings and conversion to the bishop at that time. They submitted the evidences to Bishop Mariano Gaviola who later pubicly declared his personal belief that the Lipa apparition is worthy of belief. That’s why he permitted the veneration of the Image at the convent of Carmel.In the case, of Sr. Alfonse she was the one who requested for an audience with the bishop of Lipa. Her deathbed wish is to have the image be venerated. She pesonally testified about the authenticity of it.I’m not forcing you to believe if you don’t like to. I also do not want to have an argument with you. But don’t create stories which are based on hearsay.
Msgr. Arguelles officially lifted the ban on the devotion to the Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces. The ban was imposed ca. 1948 after a commission formed to investigate the alleged apparition and miracles reported that there was no supernatural intervention that happened there.
He reasoned out that with or without Vatican approval, there is nothing wrong when we believe in miracles. This is a fallacy of the first kind; a non sequitur. Vatican approval is necessary because the declaration after investigation would guide the believers that indeed there was an apparition that occurred or the were authentic miracles made by God through the statue. Of course we believe in miracles, they do happen. Is the Lipa event a miracle or magic? Without a yes from the Vatican, we would be inserting something alien to our Catholic faith. More importantly, after the thorough investigation made by the 1948 Lipa commission declaring the phenomenon fraudulent, we do not have any basis for our belief. It would have been better had Msgr. Arguelles formed a new commission to re-investigate the matter, made new contrary findings and declared that the earlier finding was indeed erroneous.
As it is, everything is now based on June Keithly’s book which is self-serving and not based on any verified scientific investigation. Without Vatican approval, the statue we are venerating is just a statue which is idolatry.
The declaration by Msgr. Arguelles is dangerous, because anyone now can hype up any statue of any kind as miraculous and there is nothing wrong in that as long as we believe in miracles!
Msgr. Arguelles, do you know where you are leading us to?
Msgr. Arguelles officially lifted the ban on the devotion to the Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces. The ban was imposed ca. 1948 after a commission formed to investigate the alleged apparition and miracles reported that there was no supernatural intervention that happened there.
He reasoned out that with or without Vatican approval, there is nothing wrong when we believe in miracles. This is a fallacy of the first kind; a non sequitur. Vatican approval is necessary because the declaration after investigation would guide the believers that indeed there was an apparition that occurred or the were authentic miracles made by God through the statue. Of course we believe in miracles, they do happen. Is the Lipa event a miracle or magic? Without a yes from the Vatican, we would be inserting something alien to our Catholic faith. More importantly, after the thorough investigation made by the 1948 Lipa commission declaring the phenomenon fraudulent, we do not have any basis for our belief. It would have been better had Msgr. Arguelles formed a new commission to re-investigate the matter, made new contrary findings and declared that the earlier finding was indeed erroneous.
As it is, everything is now based on June Keithly’s book which is self-serving and not based on any verified scientific investigation. Without Vatican approval, the statue we are venerating is just a statue which is idolatry.
The declaration by Msgr. Arguelles is dangerous, because anyone now can hype up any statue of any kind as miraculous and there is nothing wrong in that as long as we believe in miracles!
Msgr. Arguelles, do you know where you are leading us to?
Msgr. Arguelles officially lifted the ban on the devotion to the Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces. The ban was imposed ca. 1948 after a commission formed to investigate the alleged apparition and miracles reported that there was no supernatural intervention that happened there.
He reasoned out that with or without Vatican approval, there is nothing wrong when we believe in miracles. This is a fallacy of the first kind; a non sequitur. Vatican approval is necessary because the declaration after investigation would guide the believers that indeed there was an apparition that occurred or the were authentic miracles made by God through the statue. Of course we believe in miracles, they do happen. Is the Lipa event a miracle or magic? Without a yes from the Vatican, we would be inserting something alien to our Catholic faith. More importantly, after the thorough investigation made by the 1948 Lipa commission declaring the phenomenon fraudulent, we do not have any basis for our belief. It would have been better had Msgr. Arguelles formed a new commission to re-investigate the matter, made new contrary findings and declared that the earlier finding was indeed erroneous.
As it is, everything is now based on June Keithly’s book which is self-serving and not based on any verified scientific investigation. Without Vatican approval, the statue we are venerating is just a statue which is idolatry.
The declaration by Msgr. Arguelles is dangerous, because anyone now can hype up any statue of any kind as miraculous and there is nothing wrong in that as long as we believe in miracles!
Msgr. Arguelles, do you know where you are leading us to?
Msgr. Arguelles officially lifted the ban on the devotion to the Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces. The ban was imposed ca. 1948 after a commission formed to investigate the alleged apparition and miracles reported that there was no supernatural intervention that happened there.
He reasoned out that with or without Vatican approval, there is nothing wrong when we believe in miracles. This is a fallacy of the first kind; a non sequitur. Vatican approval is necessary because the declaration after investigation would guide the believers that indeed there was an apparition that occurred or the were authentic miracles made by God through the statue. Of course we believe in miracles, they do happen. Is the Lipa event a miracle or magic? Without a yes from the Vatican, we would be inserting something alien to our Catholic faith. More importantly, after the thorough investigation made by the 1948 Lipa commission declaring the phenomenon fraudulent, we do not have any basis for our belief. It would have been better had Msgr. Arguelles formed a new commission to re-investigate the matter, made new contrary findings and declared that the earlier finding was indeed erroneous.
As it is, everything is now based on June Keithly’s book which is self-serving and not based on any verified scientific investigation. Without Vatican approval, the statue we are venerating is just a statue which is idolatry.
The declaration by Msgr. Arguelles is dangerous, because anyone now can hype up any statue of any kind as miraculous and there is nothing wrong in that as long as we believe in miracles!
Msgr. Arguelles, do you know where you are leading us to?
Msgr. Arguelles officially lifted the ban on the devotion to the Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces. The ban was imposed ca. 1948 after a commission formed to investigate the alleged apparition and miracles reported that there was no supernatural intervention that happened there.
He reasoned out that with or without Vatican approval, there is nothing wrong when we believe in miracles. This is a fallacy of the first kind; a non sequitur. Vatican approval is necessary because the declaration after investigation would guide the believers that indeed there was an apparition that occurred or the were authentic miracles made by God through the statue. Of course we believe in miracles, they do happen. Is the Lipa event a miracle or magic? Without a yes from the Vatican, we would be inserting something alien to our Catholic faith. More importantly, after the thorough investigation made by the 1948 Lipa commission declaring the phenomenon fraudulent, we do not have any basis for our belief. It would have been better had Msgr. Arguelles formed a new commission to re-investigate the matter, made new contrary findings and declared that the earlier finding was indeed erroneous.
As it is, everything is now based on June Keithly’s book which is self-serving and not based on any verified scientific investigation. Without Vatican approval, the statue we are venerating is just a statue which is idolatry.
The declaration by Msgr. Arguelles is dangerous, because anyone now can hype up any statue of any kind as miraculous and there is nothing wrong in that as long as we believe in miracles!
Msgr. Arguelles, do you know where you are leading us to?
Malinaw sa mga turo ng tatlong pangunahing relihiyon sa mundo ang Judaism, Christianity at Islam na sinabi ng ating Diyos na tayo ay hindi dapat gumawa ng anomang bagay na kawangis ng nasa langit at nasa ibabaw at ilalim ng lupa ni sa ilalim ng dagat at ating hihingan ng tulong at sasambahin bukod sa kanya:
From the Bible (LEVITICUS 26:1)
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
(REVELATION 19:20)
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
From the Quran (SURAT AL-BAQARAH 2:22)
Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).
Di ba ang tunay na diwa ng Kristyanismo ay ang pagsamba sa nag-iisang Diyos? Di pa ba sapat na sa Kanya lamang tayo dumiretso sa paghingi ng ano mang ating kakailanganin dito sa lupa at sa Kanya lamang magpasalamat? Susuway ba tayo sa Kanyang mga utos dahil lamang may mga bagay sa paligid natin na yumayanig sa ating pananampalataya at paniniwala sa Kanya?
Malinaw sa mga turo ng tatlong pangunahing relihiyon sa mundo ang Judaism, Christianity at Islam na sinabi ng ating Diyos na tayo ay hindi dapat gumawa ng anomang bagay na kawangis ng nasa langit at nasa ibabaw at ilalim ng lupa ni sa ilalim ng dagat at ating hihingan ng tulong at sasambahin bukod sa kanya:
From the Bible (LEVITICUS 26:1)
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
(REVELATION 19:20)
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
From the Quran (SURAT AL-BAQARAH 2:22)
Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).
Di ba ang tunay na diwa ng Kristyanismo ay ang pagsamba sa nag-iisang Diyos? Di pa ba sapat na sa Kanya lamang tayo dumiretso sa paghingi ng ano mang ating kakailanganin dito sa lupa at sa Kanya lamang magpasalamat? Susuway ba tayo sa Kanyang mga utos dahil lamang may mga bagay sa paligid natin na yumayanig sa ating pananampalataya at paniniwala sa Kanya?
Malinaw sa mga turo ng tatlong pangunahing relihiyon sa mundo ang Judaism, Christianity at Islam na sinabi ng ating Diyos na tayo ay hindi dapat gumawa ng anomang bagay na kawangis ng nasa langit at nasa ibabaw at ilalim ng lupa ni sa ilalim ng dagat at ating hihingan ng tulong at sasambahin bukod sa kanya:
From the Bible (LEVITICUS 26:1)
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
(REVELATION 19:20)
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
From the Quran (SURAT AL-BAQARAH 2:22)
Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).
Di ba ang tunay na diwa ng Kristyanismo ay ang pagsamba sa nag-iisang Diyos? Di pa ba sapat na sa Kanya lamang tayo dumiretso sa paghingi ng ano mang ating kakailanganin dito sa lupa at sa Kanya lamang magpasalamat? Susuway ba tayo sa Kanyang mga utos dahil lamang may mga bagay sa paligid natin na yumayanig sa ating pananampalataya at paniniwala sa Kanya?
Malinaw sa mga turo ng tatlong pangunahing relihiyon sa mundo ang Judaism, Christianity at Islam na sinabi ng ating Diyos na tayo ay hindi dapat gumawa ng anomang bagay na kawangis ng nasa langit at nasa ibabaw at ilalim ng lupa ni sa ilalim ng dagat at ating hihingan ng tulong at sasambahin bukod sa kanya:
From the Bible (LEVITICUS 26:1)
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
(REVELATION 19:20)
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
From the Quran (SURAT AL-BAQARAH 2:22)
Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).
Di ba ang tunay na diwa ng Kristyanismo ay ang pagsamba sa nag-iisang Diyos? Di pa ba sapat na sa Kanya lamang tayo dumiretso sa paghingi ng ano mang ating kakailanganin dito sa lupa at sa Kanya lamang magpasalamat? Susuway ba tayo sa Kanyang mga utos dahil lamang may mga bagay sa paligid natin na yumayanig sa ating pananampalataya at paniniwala sa Kanya?
Malinaw sa mga turo ng tatlong pangunahing relihiyon sa mundo ang Judaism, Christianity at Islam na sinabi ng ating Diyos na tayo ay hindi dapat gumawa ng anomang bagay na kawangis ng nasa langit at nasa ibabaw at ilalim ng lupa ni sa ilalim ng dagat at ating hihingan ng tulong at sasambahin bukod sa kanya:
From the Bible (LEVITICUS 26:1)
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
(REVELATION 19:20)
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
From the Quran (SURAT AL-BAQARAH 2:22)
Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped).
Di ba ang tunay na diwa ng Kristyanismo ay ang pagsamba sa nag-iisang Diyos? Di pa ba sapat na sa Kanya lamang tayo dumiretso sa paghingi ng ano mang ating kakailanganin dito sa lupa at sa Kanya lamang magpasalamat? Susuway ba tayo sa Kanyang mga utos dahil lamang may mga bagay sa paligid natin na yumayanig sa ating pananampalataya at paniniwala sa Kanya?
Vindicated, novice of Lipa apparitions keeps low profile
By Marrah Erika Lesaba, June Keithley
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:26:00 11/22/2009
Filed Under: Religions, Churches (organisations)
MANILA, Philippines–Teresita Castillo, to whom the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared in 1948 when Castillo was a young Carmelite novice, has been declining interview requests following the lifting of the Church ban against the public veneration of the image of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace, a devotion that stemmed from the apparitions.
“She [Castillo] has decided to maintain a low profile. We have to respect her [wishes],” said Fr. Richard Hernandez, the chair of the new commission created by the Church to reopen the investigation into the apparitions in Lipa.
Hernandez said he was able to interview Castillo, or Teresing as he refers to her, last Thursday.
He said Castillo was so happy and excited when told about the lifting of the ban that he had to calm her down.
Though she underwent so many hardships during the series of investigations into the veracity of the apparitions, Castillo has remained humble, he said.
“She never complained or even asked why she was being questioned,” Hernandez said.
He said Castillo, who is now 82 years old, cannot recall the dates when the Virgin Mary appeared to her but she can clearly state the message that the Blessed Mother wanted her to give the world.
In 1948, the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared 19 times to Castillo, who was a postulant at the Carmelite convent in Lipa, Batangas. Rose petals with holy images reportedly fell from the sky. In the last of her appearances to Castillo, the Blessed Virgin is said to have identified herself, saying “I am the Mediatrix of All Grace.”
The bishop of Lipa at the time, Alfred Verzosa, believed in the apparitions and allowed the veneration of the image of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace.
No miracle
In 1951, however, the Church hierarchy declared that “there was no supernatural intervention in the reported extraordinary happenings, including the shower of rose petals in Lipa.”
Verzosa’s successor, Rufino Santos, ordered that “no petals be given to anyone by the Lipa Carmelite community and the statue of Our Lady of Mediatrix be withdrawn from public view.”
The ban was lifted 40 years later by Archbishop Mariano Gaviola in 1991.
On Nov. 12, Gaviola’s successor, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles issued a formal decree lifting the 1951 ban. Arguelles also created the commission, headed by Hernandez, to conduct a new investigation into the apparitions.
Arguelles said he was merely reiterating Gaviola’s 1991 order and was doing so because he saw “nothing wrong in praising the image of the Blessed Mother” and that he knew the “love of the people for her.”
He noted that despite the ban, the faithful have continued to go on pilgrimages to the Carmel monastery in Lipa to pray and ask for favors from the Blessed Mother.
He said the commission will evaluate the documents still available on the events of 1948 to advise the Church leadership on “the proper pastoral approach” to the continuing pilgrimage of people to the site of the apparitions.
International interest
The news that Arguelles had ordered a new investigation and lifted the ban on the public veneration of the Mediatrix has created interest not just in the local community of devotees but internationally as well.
The Spiritdaily.com website carried links to two articles published in Inquirer.net as well as its own well-researched articles from its archives.
Little wonder as the events of 1948 were headlined in national newspapers and reported internationally. Lipa was referred to as “the Lourdes of Asia” and Philippine Airlines flew special flights to fly pilgrims to Lipa.
A special pilgrim image of the miraculous Mediatrix was made and brought to New York and Madrid. More than 3,000 took part in the procession that was later held on New York’s Second Avenue.
Those were heady days indeed. Even former President Elpidio Quirino attended a Mass in Lipa in 1949 and joined the vast crowds in hopes of witnessing a petal shower. Thousands would line up for the water in which the petals had been immersed and miraculous healings and conversions were reported and documented.
The original statue of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace, was commissioned from the sculptor Cristobal, in accordance with the instructions that Castillo had received from the Virgin Mary: “I want a statue of myself to be made so that my little ones can see me. Describe me to your chaplain because I want my statue to look as you see me, and to be as large as that of Our Lady of Lourdes which stands inside the cloister.”
“I ask this from Carmel, I wish that my image be placed here. This place must be cleaned so that it may become a shrine for prayer.”
When the image was finished and revealed for public veneration, many unusual occurrences and miraculous events were attributed to it. The fragrance of the amazing shower of petals that occurred from time to time on the grounds outside the convent would fill the air for blocks and draw thousands of devotees and curiosity seekers.
Harrowing events
A message that the Virgin Mary had given in 1948 seems to foretell the harrowing events that were to come: “Do not block or debase my sacred place nor despise my words. ”
Along with the ban it issued in 1951, the Church hierarchy instructed the Carmelites to destroy everything. The nuns obeyed and burned the diaries, petals and prayer cards, but could not bear to smash the image of the Mediatrix, so they bundled it up in rags and jute and hid it among the debris in a bodega.
It would be hidden for the next 40 years until Gaviola gave permission for the statue to be temporarily displayed in 1991. The archbishop soon issued the decree that the image be restored to public veneration and installed in the side chapel of the convent church where it remains to this day.
Blighted lives
Apart from the many miraculous healings and conversions that were ignored and the cruel rumors that the apparitions were a hoax foisted on the public by the nuns to raise money to build a church, there are the heroic actions and blighted lives of the main protagonists that are intrinsic to the apparitions.
Auxiliary Bishop Alfredo Obviar, the spiritual director of Carmel Lipa, was unceremoniously removed and remained in limbo until he was demoted and re-appointed to the diocese of Lucena.
Obviar founded the congregation of the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese and in acknowledgment of his great virtue, he has been lifted up to the Causes of the Saints and has officially passed the first step in the process toward sainthood.
His tomb and museum in Lucena is the site of many pilgrimages and a number of miracles have been attributed to his intercession.
Verzosa, who allowed the apparitions to be publicized and for the Mediatrix to be venerated, was stripped of all his administrative duties, remaining a bishop in name only.
Though he had used his family’s wealth to rebuild the churches and schools of war-torn Lipa, he was falsely accused of mishandling the war reparations and finances of the diocese. He lived in exile at his Vigan home, reduced to rolling tobacco leaves to augment the family income.
The prioress of Carmel, Mother Cecilia Zialcita, was transferred to another convent and treated like a scullery maid. She is said to have prophesied that at her death, the events of the Lipa apparitions would again be reopened and devotion to the Mediatrix restored.
Castillo has survived all the denunciations and humiliations to which she was subjected. The stress from the investigation resulted in her long illness, requiring her to live at the University of Santo Tomas hospital for long periods of time. She eventually had to voluntarily leave the convent as she failed to complete the required length of stay for a novice.
Discreet silence
She worked at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran and assisted Fr. Leo English with the publication of the now widely used Tagalog/English dictionaries. The now grown baby girl she adopted often accompanies her mother on healing missions.
She has since received a few other messages and experienced showers of petals in her home and at the side chapel of Carmel Lipa, but has maintained a discreet silence about it.
Gaviola and Arguelles have allowed Castillo to speak publicly about the apparitions and there are also a number of accounts detailing the healing of some people that she has prayed over. However, now that the new commission has convened, she has thought it prudent to refrain from speaking or being too publicly visible.
In her 80s, Castillo has been given the grace of living to see the malicious tongues silenced and a resurgence of devotion to her “beautiful lady.”
Vindicated, novice of Lipa apparitions keeps low profile
By Marrah Erika Lesaba, June Keithley
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:26:00 11/22/2009
Filed Under: Religions, Churches (organisations)
MANILA, Philippines–Teresita Castillo, to whom the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared in 1948 when Castillo was a young Carmelite novice, has been declining interview requests following the lifting of the Church ban against the public veneration of the image of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace, a devotion that stemmed from the apparitions.
“She [Castillo] has decided to maintain a low profile. We have to respect her [wishes],” said Fr. Richard Hernandez, the chair of the new commission created by the Church to reopen the investigation into the apparitions in Lipa.
Hernandez said he was able to interview Castillo, or Teresing as he refers to her, last Thursday.
He said Castillo was so happy and excited when told about the lifting of the ban that he had to calm her down.
Though she underwent so many hardships during the series of investigations into the veracity of the apparitions, Castillo has remained humble, he said.
“She never complained or even asked why she was being questioned,” Hernandez said.
He said Castillo, who is now 82 years old, cannot recall the dates when the Virgin Mary appeared to her but she can clearly state the message that the Blessed Mother wanted her to give the world.
In 1948, the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared 19 times to Castillo, who was a postulant at the Carmelite convent in Lipa, Batangas. Rose petals with holy images reportedly fell from the sky. In the last of her appearances to Castillo, the Blessed Virgin is said to have identified herself, saying “I am the Mediatrix of All Grace.”
The bishop of Lipa at the time, Alfred Verzosa, believed in the apparitions and allowed the veneration of the image of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace.
No miracle
In 1951, however, the Church hierarchy declared that “there was no supernatural intervention in the reported extraordinary happenings, including the shower of rose petals in Lipa.”
Verzosa’s successor, Rufino Santos, ordered that “no petals be given to anyone by the Lipa Carmelite community and the statue of Our Lady of Mediatrix be withdrawn from public view.”
The ban was lifted 40 years later by Archbishop Mariano Gaviola in 1991.
On Nov. 12, Gaviola’s successor, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles issued a formal decree lifting the 1951 ban. Arguelles also created the commission, headed by Hernandez, to conduct a new investigation into the apparitions.
Arguelles said he was merely reiterating Gaviola’s 1991 order and was doing so because he saw “nothing wrong in praising the image of the Blessed Mother” and that he knew the “love of the people for her.”
He noted that despite the ban, the faithful have continued to go on pilgrimages to the Carmel monastery in Lipa to pray and ask for favors from the Blessed Mother.
He said the commission will evaluate the documents still available on the events of 1948 to advise the Church leadership on “the proper pastoral approach” to the continuing pilgrimage of people to the site of the apparitions.
International interest
The news that Arguelles had ordered a new investigation and lifted the ban on the public veneration of the Mediatrix has created interest not just in the local community of devotees but internationally as well.
The Spiritdaily.com website carried links to two articles published in Inquirer.net as well as its own well-researched articles from its archives.
Little wonder as the events of 1948 were headlined in national newspapers and reported internationally. Lipa was referred to as “the Lourdes of Asia” and Philippine Airlines flew special flights to fly pilgrims to Lipa.
A special pilgrim image of the miraculous Mediatrix was made and brought to New York and Madrid. More than 3,000 took part in the procession that was later held on New York’s Second Avenue.
Those were heady days indeed. Even former President Elpidio Quirino attended a Mass in Lipa in 1949 and joined the vast crowds in hopes of witnessing a petal shower. Thousands would line up for the water in which the petals had been immersed and miraculous healings and conversions were reported and documented.
The original statue of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace, was commissioned from the sculptor Cristobal, in accordance with the instructions that Castillo had received from the Virgin Mary: “I want a statue of myself to be made so that my little ones can see me. Describe me to your chaplain because I want my statue to look as you see me, and to be as large as that of Our Lady of Lourdes which stands inside the cloister.”
“I ask this from Carmel, I wish that my image be placed here. This place must be cleaned so that it may become a shrine for prayer.”
When the image was finished and revealed for public veneration, many unusual occurrences and miraculous events were attributed to it. The fragrance of the amazing shower of petals that occurred from time to time on the grounds outside the convent would fill the air for blocks and draw thousands of devotees and curiosity seekers.
Harrowing events
A message that the Virgin Mary had given in 1948 seems to foretell the harrowing events that were to come: “Do not block or debase my sacred place nor despise my words. ”
Along with the ban it issued in 1951, the Church hierarchy instructed the Carmelites to destroy everything. The nuns obeyed and burned the diaries, petals and prayer cards, but could not bear to smash the image of the Mediatrix, so they bundled it up in rags and jute and hid it among the debris in a bodega.
It would be hidden for the next 40 years until Gaviola gave permission for the statue to be temporarily displayed in 1991. The archbishop soon issued the decree that the image be restored to public veneration and installed in the side chapel of the convent church where it remains to this day.
Blighted lives
Apart from the many miraculous healings and conversions that were ignored and the cruel rumors that the apparitions were a hoax foisted on the public by the nuns to raise money to build a church, there are the heroic actions and blighted lives of the main protagonists that are intrinsic to the apparitions.
Auxiliary Bishop Alfredo Obviar, the spiritual director of Carmel Lipa, was unceremoniously removed and remained in limbo until he was demoted and re-appointed to the diocese of Lucena.
Obviar founded the congregation of the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese and in acknowledgment of his great virtue, he has been lifted up to the Causes of the Saints and has officially passed the first step in the process toward sainthood.
His tomb and museum in Lucena is the site of many pilgrimages and a number of miracles have been attributed to his intercession.
Verzosa, who allowed the apparitions to be publicized and for the Mediatrix to be venerated, was stripped of all his administrative duties, remaining a bishop in name only.
Though he had used his family’s wealth to rebuild the churches and schools of war-torn Lipa, he was falsely accused of mishandling the war reparations and finances of the diocese. He lived in exile at his Vigan home, reduced to rolling tobacco leaves to augment the family income.
The prioress of Carmel, Mother Cecilia Zialcita, was transferred to another convent and treated like a scullery maid. She is said to have prophesied that at her death, the events of the Lipa apparitions would again be reopened and devotion to the Mediatrix restored.
Castillo has survived all the denunciations and humiliations to which she was subjected. The stress from the investigation resulted in her long illness, requiring her to live at the University of Santo Tomas hospital for long periods of time. She eventually had to voluntarily leave the convent as she failed to complete the required length of stay for a novice.
Discreet silence
She worked at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran and assisted Fr. Leo English with the publication of the now widely used Tagalog/English dictionaries. The now grown baby girl she adopted often accompanies her mother on healing missions.
She has since received a few other messages and experienced showers of petals in her home and at the side chapel of Carmel Lipa, but has maintained a discreet silence about it.
Gaviola and Arguelles have allowed Castillo to speak publicly about the apparitions and there are also a number of accounts detailing the healing of some people that she has prayed over. However, now that the new commission has convened, she has thought it prudent to refrain from speaking or being too publicly visible.
In her 80s, Castillo has been given the grace of living to see the malicious tongues silenced and a resurgence of devotion to her “beautiful lady.”
Only a declaration from the Vatican that the apparition is authentic can vindicate the supposed visionary.
Vindicated, novice of Lipa apparitions keeps low profile
By Marrah Erika Lesaba, June Keithley
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:26:00 11/22/2009
Filed Under: Religions, Churches (organisations)
MANILA, Philippines–Teresita Castillo, to whom the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared in 1948 when Castillo was a young Carmelite novice, has been declining interview requests following the lifting of the Church ban against the public veneration of the image of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace, a devotion that stemmed from the apparitions.
“She [Castillo] has decided to maintain a low profile. We have to respect her [wishes],” said Fr. Richard Hernandez, the chair of the new commission created by the Church to reopen the investigation into the apparitions in Lipa.
Hernandez said he was able to interview Castillo, or Teresing as he refers to her, last Thursday.
He said Castillo was so happy and excited when told about the lifting of the ban that he had to calm her down.
Though she underwent so many hardships during the series of investigations into the veracity of the apparitions, Castillo has remained humble, he said.
“She never complained or even asked why she was being questioned,” Hernandez said.
He said Castillo, who is now 82 years old, cannot recall the dates when the Virgin Mary appeared to her but she can clearly state the message that the Blessed Mother wanted her to give the world.
In 1948, the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared 19 times to Castillo, who was a postulant at the Carmelite convent in Lipa, Batangas. Rose petals with holy images reportedly fell from the sky. In the last of her appearances to Castillo, the Blessed Virgin is said to have identified herself, saying “I am the Mediatrix of All Grace.”
The bishop of Lipa at the time, Alfred Verzosa, believed in the apparitions and allowed the veneration of the image of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace.
No miracle
In 1951, however, the Church hierarchy declared that “there was no supernatural intervention in the reported extraordinary happenings, including the shower of rose petals in Lipa.”
Verzosa’s successor, Rufino Santos, ordered that “no petals be given to anyone by the Lipa Carmelite community and the statue of Our Lady of Mediatrix be withdrawn from public view.”
The ban was lifted 40 years later by Archbishop Mariano Gaviola in 1991.
On Nov. 12, Gaviola’s successor, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles issued a formal decree lifting the 1951 ban. Arguelles also created the commission, headed by Hernandez, to conduct a new investigation into the apparitions.
Arguelles said he was merely reiterating Gaviola’s 1991 order and was doing so because he saw “nothing wrong in praising the image of the Blessed Mother” and that he knew the “love of the people for her.”
He noted that despite the ban, the faithful have continued to go on pilgrimages to the Carmel monastery in Lipa to pray and ask for favors from the Blessed Mother.
He said the commission will evaluate the documents still available on the events of 1948 to advise the Church leadership on “the proper pastoral approach” to the continuing pilgrimage of people to the site of the apparitions.
International interest
The news that Arguelles had ordered a new investigation and lifted the ban on the public veneration of the Mediatrix has created interest not just in the local community of devotees but internationally as well.
The Spiritdaily.com website carried links to two articles published in Inquirer.net as well as its own well-researched articles from its archives.
Little wonder as the events of 1948 were headlined in national newspapers and reported internationally. Lipa was referred to as “the Lourdes of Asia” and Philippine Airlines flew special flights to fly pilgrims to Lipa.
A special pilgrim image of the miraculous Mediatrix was made and brought to New York and Madrid. More than 3,000 took part in the procession that was later held on New York’s Second Avenue.
Those were heady days indeed. Even former President Elpidio Quirino attended a Mass in Lipa in 1949 and joined the vast crowds in hopes of witnessing a petal shower. Thousands would line up for the water in which the petals had been immersed and miraculous healings and conversions were reported and documented.
The original statue of Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace, was commissioned from the sculptor Cristobal, in accordance with the instructions that Castillo had received from the Virgin Mary: “I want a statue of myself to be made so that my little ones can see me. Describe me to your chaplain because I want my statue to look as you see me, and to be as large as that of Our Lady of Lourdes which stands inside the cloister.”
“I ask this from Carmel, I wish that my image be placed here. This place must be cleaned so that it may become a shrine for prayer.”
When the image was finished and revealed for public veneration, many unusual occurrences and miraculous events were attributed to it. The fragrance of the amazing shower of petals that occurred from time to time on the grounds outside the convent would fill the air for blocks and draw thousands of devotees and curiosity seekers.
Harrowing events
A message that the Virgin Mary had given in 1948 seems to foretell the harrowing events that were to come: “Do not block or debase my sacred place nor despise my words. ”
Along with the ban it issued in 1951, the Church hierarchy instructed the Carmelites to destroy everything. The nuns obeyed and burned the diaries, petals and prayer cards, but could not bear to smash the image of the Mediatrix, so they bundled it up in rags and jute and hid it among the debris in a bodega.
It would be hidden for the next 40 years until Gaviola gave permission for the statue to be temporarily displayed in 1991. The archbishop soon issued the decree that the image be restored to public veneration and installed in the side chapel of the convent church where it remains to this day.
Blighted lives
Apart from the many miraculous healings and conversions that were ignored and the cruel rumors that the apparitions were a hoax foisted on the public by the nuns to raise money to build a church, there are the heroic actions and blighted lives of the main protagonists that are intrinsic to the apparitions.
Auxiliary Bishop Alfredo Obviar, the spiritual director of Carmel Lipa, was unceremoniously removed and remained in limbo until he was demoted and re-appointed to the diocese of Lucena.
Obviar founded the congregation of the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese and in acknowledgment of his great virtue, he has been lifted up to the Causes of the Saints and has officially passed the first step in the process toward sainthood.
His tomb and museum in Lucena is the site of many pilgrimages and a number of miracles have been attributed to his intercession.
Verzosa, who allowed the apparitions to be publicized and for the Mediatrix to be venerated, was stripped of all his administrative duties, remaining a bishop in name only.
Though he had used his family’s wealth to rebuild the churches and schools of war-torn Lipa, he was falsely accused of mishandling the war reparations and finances of the diocese. He lived in exile at his Vigan home, reduced to rolling tobacco leaves to augment the family income.
The prioress of Carmel, Mother Cecilia Zialcita, was transferred to another convent and treated like a scullery maid. She is said to have prophesied that at her death, the events of the Lipa apparitions would again be reopened and devotion to the Mediatrix restored.
Castillo has survived all the denunciations and humiliations to which she was subjected. The stress from the investigation resulted in her long illness, requiring her to live at the University of Santo Tomas hospital for long periods of time. She eventually had to voluntarily leave the convent as she failed to complete the required length of stay for a novice.
Discreet silence
She worked at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran and assisted Fr. Leo English with the publication of the now widely used Tagalog/English dictionaries. The now grown baby girl she adopted often accompanies her mother on healing missions.
She has since received a few other messages and experienced showers of petals in her home and at the side chapel of Carmel Lipa, but has maintained a discreet silence about it.
Gaviola and Arguelles have allowed Castillo to speak publicly about the apparitions and there are also a number of accounts detailing the healing of some people that she has prayed over. However, now that the new commission has convened, she has thought it prudent to refrain from speaking or being too publicly visible.
In her 80s, Castillo has been given the grace of living to see the malicious tongues silenced and a resurgence of devotion to her “beautiful lady.”