Pilgrim Statue

National Pilgrim Virgin Statue

The Church of the Blessed Sacrament was privileged to host the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on Monday, November 12. This Statue is in the care of the World Apostolate of Fatima whose mission it is to remind everyone of the message given to the world in 1917. Here is the opening talk given by the Statue’s custodian, Mr. Bill Sockey:

Opening Talk from Fr. Peter Dugandzic on Vimeo.

Our Lady's Tears

A Sad Day

On the thirtieth anniversary of the alleged apparitions in Medjugorje, Catholics across New York are waking up to news reports that the secular world has again sided with Prometheus and defied God in thinking that the divine reality He established in Marriage is under Man’s control. The ruling is certainly disappointing but even more distressing is the number of Catholic politicians that voted in favor. Our Lady’s reaction is predictably one of sorrow as such a ruling has the power to mislead many from the path of salvation.

At this point, one should wonder, what will the reaction of the New York State bishops be? Maybe it is time for them to engage in hand wringing and a posture of disappointment?

Our Lady, Queen of Peace - Help Us!

If You Missed It

Pray, Pray, Pray...

For those who did not make the prayer service and talk at Blessed Sacrament Church on May 16, you can see some pictures and videos from the evening here.

May

May is Mary’s Month!

Many seem to think the Rosary is not for them. They say it is out of sync with our times. Yet this powerful prayer has been making a difference for centuries. Imagine the world if every Catholic prayed the Rosary every day.

While we tend to focus on Mary during the month of May, we know that we should pray the Rosary throughout the year. Therefore - Pray, Pray, Pray... the Rosary. Pray it every day. And let everyone know that you pray it. Here is a great video promoting Mary’s Month!

A Timeless Message

The Medjugorje Phenomenon

On Monday May 16, 2011, Ivanka, a visionary from Medjugorje, will be sharing some thoughts at Blessed Sacrament parish in Valley Stream. While there has been no definitive statement on the veracity of the claims, the message related is timeless.

Even if proof of supernatural visions is never confirmed, the messages of Prayer, Fasting, Confession, Conversion, and Holy Mass are still central today and should be taken seriously by every Catholic. Here is an old report that summarizes the early messages. N.B. This video was made before the horrendous civil war that tore the country apart.

The Fatima Message

Are we listening?

94 years ago on May 13, three shepherd children were graced with a vision of the Blessed Mother. These visions would continue for six months and culminate with the miracle of the sun.

These visions were a call to conversion and desperate plea to all to return to the ways of the Faith. Unlike the woman of Lourdes, the Blessed Mother warned the world in these visions that horrendous punishments would come upon the world if her message was not heeded. She asked the children and all to make personal sacrifices and pray the rosary daily. In all, She did not ask for very much. Yet many still ignore the ways of God today.

The irony is that many ask where God was during the twentieth century and how He could allow such atrocities as occurred during the century. These visions preceded the first world war and warned that if people do not convert there would be a worse war. The real question should be why did we not heed the call to prayer so that these events would be mitigated? It is never too late to start...

Today there are many who manipulate the Fatima message for personal gain. It is best that we keep it in perspective. Here is one of the better documentaries on the subject. Make sure to watch all four parts.

Part I


Part II


Part III


Part IV