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True to her words, six years later at approximately the great hour of mercy (3 pm) the crowd which had gathered heard a child among them cry out that the Blessed Mother was visible at the top of the spring's grotto. Everyone raced to the foot of the grotto in awe as they gazed upon the beautiful vision of Our Lady. She appeared and disappeared seven times that afternoon. Some could see her as far away as 500 feet. Her image, like a dense mist, was clear and perfect amidst the background of the dark verdant foliage. One hundred and fifty people saw her that day and many saw her as Our Lady of Lourdes; some as Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, others as Our Lady of Guadalupe, a few as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and a smattering saw her as the Mother of Sorrows, among other visages. During the last apparition, which lasted a half hour in the early evening she appeared with the Christ in her right arm Who blessed all in attendance.
Since that time, countless pilgrims have testified to seeing her image in the trees, near the Tarma river which flows at the entrance to the farm, coming out of the flower-covered grotto, or in the sky. Others claim she has walked among them, touching them in a mystical way, while others point to miraculous pictures revealing the Blessed Mother's image in either a white smoke or mist or a "holographic" likeness that appears on the photo. Many, many have experienced the beautiful smell of roses coming from the grotto, others hear the invisible choir of angels singing, others inhale the sweet perfume of incense, while others have seen heavenly lights and colors as well as the cool breezes and pulsating of the sun. All have no explanation for these supernatural phenomena except that they are Heaven-sent.
Throughout history events such as these have a way of manifesting God's hand in everything and proving they are from Him. That was evident in Betania as we shall see in the fifth installment when we cover Approval of the Apparitions.
Dear child, I ask you to say to all of my little ones that I, the Mother of God, desire all to hear and understand my words, for they are given to you from the Flame of Love of my Immaculate Heart. How my Immaculate Heart searches for all of my little ones, desiring only to enfold them in my motherly embrace so that, secure in my heart, they might fully embrace the Sacred Heart of my Divine Son.
Dear children, there is no greater possession anyone could have, no greater prize won, no accomplishment more victorious than this - to be captured in the Love of the Sacred Heart of my Son, which is the Golden Door.
Little children, I have spoken to you now for a long time; my time to be among you is coming to an end. Therefore, my children, please heed my words. Take seriously my messages and convert your hearts by means of prayer, penance, fasting, the Mass and Sacraments lest these things be taken from you.
Those who are asleep in their faith are lulled by satan's great false peace. Many others, having been led astray, have now hardened their hearts and refuse the graces of God.
This is the time of great doubt and confusion, when even my faithful little ones shall face temptations. I solemnly tell you do not fear. To those who strive to live their faith shall be given strength, and in that way they shall persevere. Now my words to many will appear even firmer. But as your mother, my love seeks to warn you, and to ready you for that which is to befall mankind.
Do not be fooled, for all I have foretold shall come to pass. Pray! Pray! Pray! I love and bless you. I give you my Son's Peace. Thank you for responding to my Call!
My call is urgent. I invite. I beseech. As a mother, I plead. satan's forces are fully unleashed for he knows my Immaculate Heart shall triumph. Because your faith is so weak, you are his pawn, and he keeps you ensnared.
Pray, my little ones. Pray ardently. Hope beyond measure. Love as my Divine Son loved. Suffer willingly, and ask God to allow the Triumph of my Heart now, that His Justice may be swift and many shall find Eternal Life. I love and bless you, my children.
Thank you for responding to my Call!
"What would you rather have," asked the surgeon, "your sight or your memory?" The man pondered the question for a few moments and replied, "My sight, because I would rather see where I'm going than remember where I have been."
Maybe finishing with a short prayer might put it all in perspective: