The Spirit of Medjugorje
Medjugorje Message April 25, 2024
"Dear children! I am with you to tell you that I love you and to encourage you to prayer; because Satan is strong and every day his strength is stronger through those who have chosen death and hatred. You, little children, be prayer and my extended hands of love for all those who are in darkness and seek the light of our God. Thank you for having responded to my call."
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Featured article from September's Spirit of Medjugorje
Miraculous Mary
By Stephen Galdo
One Wednesday morning, on what I believe to be June 4th, I sat in my bed reading a book a friend had lent me called Padre Pio: A Man of Hope by Renzo Allegri. I definitely recommend this book to anyone; Pio is one of the most inspiring saints that ever walked the earth. I was reading that morning one of the miracles attributed to Pio that involved an agnostic man who was so sick he could barely walk. The man heard of Padre Pio and his miraculous healings and one day muttered out loud: "If you heal me, Padre Pio, I will go to San Giovanni Rotondo." San Giovanni Rotondo was the city where Padre Pio hailed and the monastery of the Capuchins was located. Almost instantly, the man was healed and, against his will, was forced to go to San Giovanni Rotondo. It was there that the formerly agnostic man had an intense conversion experience, coming to know Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and becoming Catholic.
St. Padre Pio statue in a store in Medjugorje (feast day September 23)
This story was so inspiring to me! I could feel the
Holy Spirit stirring within me to ask for something big, just like this man who had no faith. At that time I was still fundraising with the Laboure Society so I could enter my first year (postulancy) with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal this fall. On my mind was the $5000 I still needed to raise. How was the Lord going to do this? Instantly, I went to the BlessedMother: "BlessedMother, if you get me a $5000 donation today, I will make a pilgrimage to Medjugorje."
The Spirit was strong within me that day. I knew my prayer was going to be answered! I waited until 2:30 p.m. to check my email, awaiting the good news. And yes, there it was! A couple I had previously met with had decided to donate a little over $5000! Praise the living God! Is not our Mother miraculous?
Perhaps even more spectacular was the information I found out the next week from my mom. Turns out, an aunt on my mom's side had traveled to Medjugorje in the late '90s. While she was there, she prayed for me (I was 4 years old), and had a Franciscan priest bless a rosary for my mother. Is that not incredible? Tears flooded my eyes. OurLady loves us so much! We need to approach Her humbly, but with total confidence in Her Son's power and Her intercession. So, next time you think your prayers do not matter for your family members, think again!
I'm not sure when I'm going to Medjugorje, but I'm excited to see what Mary has in store! Also, more exciting news - I have been accepted by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal to enter formation this fall! Something you may be surprised to know is that many of the brothers received their calling, or had a conversion experience, in Medjugorje! I learned this last time I was with the brothers. Thank you all for your prayers, sacrifices, and support.
Editor's note: Stephen lives in Plum, PA. His vocation story is in our March, 2014 issue.
