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Toiling and Tilling God's harvest are His angels in His garden.

     In this weekend's editorial we remember the feast of the Guardian Angels with an affectionate look at these wondrous beings and the important role they play in our lives and in God's master plan for us. In fact, we use the imagery of a garden which the reader will better understand once they have read this weekend's PewPoint. For the weekend commentary We need His "Garden Angels!" , click on CATHOLIC PewPOINT.

We need His "Garden Angels!"

      As a toddler this editor was always taught about one's Guardian Angel which was so important and part and parcel of life as a cradle Catholic. Only in this decade have angels taken on the prominence they have always enjoyed in the Catholic Church. When one is young we often mispronounce words and our concept is often different than what our parents or teachers are trying to advocate. A good example is the National Anthem. Many interpret the words differently as naieve youngsters question "Who's Jose and why can't he see?" Another example is the Our Father where many youths might wonder where the Father is if He's not in Heaven ("Our Father who aren't in Heaven.") or in the Hail Mary why did Our Lady drink so much wine? That's because they say "Hail Mary, full of grapes." Or they'll slip and say "...Blessed is the fruit of thy wound Jesus" We know Our Lady is the Sorrowful Mother, but the wounds she received were not inflicted by her Divine Son but because of those inflicted against Him. But neither Jesus or Mary are upset when they hear these words uttered by the little ones for though they may mispronounce the words and meaning of the prayer, at least they're praying. Another example that even adults slur over is the beginning of the Act of Contrition when we say "Oh, my God I'm hardly sorry." We all know it's "heartily" and so does God for again, it's what's in the heart that counts, not the lips. This brings us to the fact that for years this editor always referred to the "Guardian Angels" as "Garden Angels." No wonder we had so many beautiful flowers and such ripe vegetables in our back yard. With the Garden Angels watching over the flora how could it not produce the most gorgeous blossoms and prize-winning tomatoes and strawberries? Since we were taught that we needed to till our souls, weed out sin and produce the fruits of good deeds it only prolonged the concept of Garden Angels. It wasn't until the early years of schooling at Assumption School in Richfield, Minnesota when good Sister Honorata spelled out the difference between "Guardian" and "Garden" through the good Baltimore Catechism that the error of this editor's ways was corrected. Yet we always clung to that concept of "Garden Angels" because of the images they conjure up for they truly are God's "farmers" tilling souls and around-the-clock observance of the finite crop they have been entrusted with by the Infinite. This idea takes on even more vividness when one visits the inspiring Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri, the same town where this editor spent six of his formative years with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate at Our Lady of the Ozarks Seminary there. The originator of those thousands of precious Precious Moments characters depicted on calendars, coffee mugs, figurines, what have you is Sam Butcher, a religious family man who dedicated his talents to furthering how we are all God's children by depicting each person as a winsome child full of innocence. This is evident on the Sistine Chapel-like wall at the tourist chapel in southwest Carthage where countless child-like Guardian Angels are illustrated working overtime trying desperately to protect their subjects on this vast tableau. Whether clinging to a branch, holding a flashlight, carting a first-aid kit, or whatever the one constant is that those Guardian Cherubs are there to help us.

      How much help do we give them? How often do we just take them for granted? The answers are not as much as we should and too often. One way to improve this is to get to know our Guardian Angel. We can't fathom the size of these Heavenly spirits. Some say they are huge; in fact, most NBA centers and NFL linemen would be considered wimps compared to one's Guardian Angel. One of the best ways to get to know your Guardian Angel is to give him or her a name. First of all, there is no gender with angels so referring to them as he or she is merely a better way of identifying them from our finite mind-set. Often times the best way to know them is to go in silent prayer before the Tabernacle. Even if there is no other person in the church or chapel, you won't be alone for there are hundreds of angelic beings present perpetually adoring Jesus present Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Most Holy Eucharist - the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. None of those angels are slouching or fidgeting, none are looking at their watches, none are distracted if someone else enters or begins talking, none are prone to daydream or nod off for they are devoting all their time to giving undivided worship to the Triune Divinity. So if they're so intent on this wonderful exercise, how can they be guarding us at the same time? They're not because they are different than the Guardian Angels. There are nine levels of Angels, the highest Choir being the Virtues then Powers then Principalities. Then there is the next set of Choirs of Angels four through six - Dominations and then Thrones and then Cherubims. The latter, along with the seventh level of Seraphims are the adoring angels we speak of above. That leaves the eighth level which are the Archangels whose feast we celebrated just a few days ago. The lowest level on the rung, if you will, are the Guardian Angels. Though they are ninth on the ladder they are anything but last or least for God has placed them on this level so they could be closer to His creation of mankind. That in itself has to be one of the highest honors bestowed on these angels!

      Remember we mentioned the best way to get to know your Guardian Angel better was to go in silent prayer before the Tabernacle. There pray to your guardian and see if, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, his or her name is not imprinted on your heart. That is how we discovered each Guardian Angel's name for our family; Joseph is Cyndi's gentle Guardian Angel, Pax is the name for our oldest son's Guardian Angel - meaning "peace" and our youngest son's is Lumen for "light." This editor's Guardian Angel is Zacharriah. I affectionately call him "Zach" and he's with me at every turn, especially when driving or hammering away at the ol' computer keyboard. Our family has also been blessed over the years with another angel assigned to us. He is affectionately known as Alfred and this mischievous winged-one is a Cherubim who divides his time between adoring Jesus in the Tabernacle and staying in our home. He loves to play tricks on us, hiding things from us and then, voila they turn up where we just looked. We kid you not, we'll swear on the bible that this has happened so often we have come to expect it. While he is somewhat of a practical joker, there is a method to his madness. You see, whenever we lose something or he turns an appliance such as a radio or TV or phone machine on without any human help, we know he's trying to tell us something, trying to remind us to keep our eyes and hearts focused on God. Just the other day we were sittting in the office and out of the blue the tape machine, where we tape the Monthly Message from Medjugorje so callers can receive it 24-hours a day, came on loud and clear. We both had turned it on mute because it would be going on continuously throughout the day and night. But to our surprise there was the message blaring out loud and clear. Once we both realized no one had unmuted the button we knew it was Alfred or "Alfie" as this editor likes to refer to him (though we understand he's not too fond of the nickname) and the reasoning was so we would once again truly listen and discern what Our Lady was saying in her September Message. There are so many documented accounts of Alfred's shenanigans that shine toward bringing us closer to God that it has become commonplace for our family. But not becoming routine is the purpose why we've been gifted with this spunky angel. And if you truly think about it, it's very possible you too could have an "Alfred" in your home and not even know it! Don't underestimate God's ingenuity and how he utilizes his Heavenly subjects to help His children on earth. This globe is one fertile plot for nurturing the seeds of mankind, as they grow into buds to hopefully blossom into grace-filled bouquets and life-giving nourishment. For that to happen we can't do it by ourselves. We need His "Garden Angels!"

Michael Cain, editor

A loving Mother begs and pleads with her children

      The Blessed Mother Mary imparts a sense of urgency and grave concern for her children in the three messages we bring you this weekend which were imparted to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart, and which we continue to bring you on a daily basis in order to include all 632 messages conveyed between September 1990 and the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1995. Our Lady urges all to take refuge in her Immaculate Heart and Divine Son's Sacred Heart for that is our only true refuge. Click on "I SOLEMNLY TELL YOU..."

Messages Two Hundred-Thirteen, Two Hundred-Fourteen and Two Hundred-Fifteen

      Beloved Hidden Flower, I am with you. I continue to bless you and all your family that they might persevere in the extremely difficult times which are now here.

      My dear children how joyous you make me, your Heavenly Mother, by honoring me on this the day which I have revealed as my true birthday. Many of my little ones come again to dedicate and consecrate themselves to Jesus through my Immaculate Heart, and all heaven rejoices when this fiat is truly given.

      How I long to gather all of you into my motherly arms, begging you with Heavenly tears to return to my Divine Son so that you might love Him for all eternity.

      Please listen to me, for I love you and desire only your salvation. I weep because far, far too many of my children are cold, as if already dead! And if they don't convert their hearts they shall truly be dead, for they shall share the abyss with satan for all eternity.

      Oh! I want to warn all of you that the evil of satan's plans is a tidal wave engulfing all the world. I do not want you to grow cold because you are weak, victims of finite time. In truth the Triumph of my Heart is so close as to already be visible upon the horizon if you but look with the eyes of your soul. My children, great are the events of catastrophic proportions which now unfold, a giant fan of evil schemes which shall change the face of the world. I, too, desire to change the face of the world but by calling you to Love, to my Divine Son. If only you would convert your hearts, pray with your heart you would change the face of the earth in an instant. You would see Mercy and Peace mingle to form an earth for mankind as He always intended it to be.

      Be no longer one of my doubting, scorning little ones. Seek to be open to the Holy Spirit. Go to Confession frequently and receive my Divine Son in Holy Communion daily if at all possible. Please read Scripture, and behold its Divine Truth as it unfolds before you, for now all scripture is to be fulfilled. Even these of my words you do not understand.

      My little children, the evil of satan ensnares and entangles you so much so that you are deceived into a false security. Only God is Secure and imparts security to those united to Him by grace. Therefore, I solemnly tell you that the time of Mercy is now ended and a truly sorrowful time is here. This is a time of fire, but it is not a time without grace. I remain, by God's authority, among all my children that I may yet prepare you for the battle which is yet to be waged against satan.

      Pray! Oh, please pray! Will you not fast? Will you not sacrifice for love of my Son? With every prayer, with every sacrifice made in love the moment when my Heart Triumphs will come sooner.

      I love and bless you. I give to you my Son's peace. Thank you for responding to my Call!

      Beloved Hidden Flower, I give you my Son's peace yet you also feel intensely the sufferings of His Most Sacred Heart because He is scorned and rejected. Did I not warn you the persecutions would grow? All the world may scorn you but my Son will not scorn you, nor will I His Holy Mother.

      Beloved, I wish all of my children to know that all who reject my Divine Son cause the horrors which man inflicts upon man, for there is no presence of God, only of satan.

      Do you not understand why I weep? Not only for those who have suffered greatly for my Son, but also for all who suffer the greatest cruelties and there is no God for them because satan rules, tortures, destroys.

      Beloved little children, won't you heed my words and by means of prayer and fasting convert your hearts now. Oh! My children, the very Heavens tremble before the Justice of God. The sins of men have increased and in every country on every continent there are sufferings upon my children that will not be allowed to go unpunished.

      Therefore I say to all my children: Raise up your voices in urgent, sincere prayer. Be of one mind, one heart, one voice through the Holy Spirit that the Triumph of my Heart may be accomplished and the Glorious Return of my Son may come upon all men. If you do not convert your hearts the terrible Heavenly fire will be swift, terrifying and cleansing.

      Please pray! I love and bless you. Thank you for responding to my Call!

      Beloved Hidden Flower, I know you grieve with a lively sorrow. I am with you and my beloved archangel, for you both are being purified and strengthened for all I am asking of you.

      Now, to all of my children I am here among you to invite you to contemplate the Assumption. I, too, wish to see your hearts assumed into the celestial purity of Heaven, to become one with my Son's Most Sacred Heart.

      How I invite everyone to convert their heart by means of prayer and fasting. O! so few have converted their hearts! How many of my children are still mired in the sinful world, relishing worldly pleasures. They have completely forgotten about their immortal souls. I plead with you: Convert now for the age of great mercy has run its course. The floodgates of chastisement are opened. Now upon the world shall come such devastating signs that the face of the world shall be altered. No nation shall be spared. Already many nations are severely tried. Soon a major disaster shall awaken the world's conscience. This disaster shall take place in North America and from it many doubting little ones shall grow fervent in their conversion.

      Yet the powers of evil shall not yet be silenced. These evil demons shall unleash a storm of persecution that will see many of my little ones enter their heavenly home, wearing a martyr's crown. Those who believe and live my Son's doctrine shall be rejected, even by their loved ones and thus they shall have captured the Greatest Love, my Divine Son.

      I solemnly tell you that all I have foretold shall come to pass. I say that many who are in darkness now shall find the light. Many who scoff shall fall to their knees weeping. I am calling each of you again to become living prayers, flames of love that are kept fresh from my Immaculate Heart's Flame. Prepare the way, for my Divine Son returns as Judge.

      Pray! O, pray earnestly. Thank you for responding to my Call!

Touched by yet another Angel

     In her column this week, Sister Mary Lucy Astuto shares with the reader yet another true story on angels that brings awe to the heart. This is one that happened last year during the great blizzard in Omaha when once again an angel, this time with a chain saw, appeared out of the blue to assist when called upon for help. If you don't believe in angels after this one, check your pulse. For Sister's column, Another true angel story to delight you , click on GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

ANOTHER TRUE ANGEL STORY TO DELIGHT YOU

      I have a dear friend. She’s not given to hallucinations or exaggerations. She relayed a story to me recently that’s worth sharing with the world.

      Last October 29 (1997), Omaha, experienced a severe ice storm which broke many thousands of tree limbs (the leaves were still on the trees) and broke power lines leaving about 200,000 people without power, some for over three weeks.

      My friend, Karen, woke up that morning to her mother’s call. “Have you looked outside?” her mother asked.

      “No!” Karen replied.

      And when she did, she was unbelievably shocked. Tree limbs amassed all over her yard and driveway. As Karen works taking 911 calls, she knew she had to clear the driveway before going to work the next day. Bundling up, she grabbed a hand saw and proceeded outside to saw the limbs. After a half-hour of work, she came inside, feeling the sheer impossibility of clearing a driveway with a hand saw. But the work had to be done and like a real trooper, she went back outside to try again.

      Another half hour passed. She felt completely overcome with the impossibility of the task. Plodding back inside she exclaimed to her mother, “Mom, we need to pray for an angel with a chain saw!”

      Immediately the phone rang. Karen told her friend that she needed to pray and for what she needed to pray -- an ANGEL WITH A CHAIN SAW.

      Karen no sooner hung up when she heard the BURRING of a chain saw outside. Peering out the window, she saw a man with a chain saw cutting tree limbs in her yard. She did not recognize him at all, even as a neighbor!

      Going outside, she asked him if he would mind cutting the limbs in the driveway. With a wonderfully nice smile, he agreed. And while the man cut, Karen carried the pieces and threw them in the yard.

      At one point the man cheerily exclaimed: “There’s nothing like family fun!” After the driveway was cleared, the man proceeded to cut the broken tree limbs that were still hanging from the tree. Finally, all was completed.

      Karen, said to him: “Thank you very much. You’re an angel in disguise!” The man replied with a smile: “No, just an ANGEL WITH A CHAIN SAW!”

      With that, Karen turned her head to answer the call of a neighbor. When she looked back, the man was nowhere to be seen. He had disappeared.

      Thank you, God, for giving us angels to help us! October is dedicated, first of all, to Our Lady, but also to our guardian angels. Let’s give both special attention during this month. God bless you and may the angels continue to take care of you!

   Dear children! Today, I call you to become my witnesses by living the faith of your fathers. Little children, you seek signs and messages and do not see that, with every morning sunrise, God calls you to convert and to return to the way of truth and salvation. You speak much, little children, but you work little on your conversion. That is why, convert and start to live my messages, not with your words but with your life. In this way, little children, you will have the strength to decide for the true conversion of the heart. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Click here to go to SECTION TWO or SECTION THREE or click here to return to the graphics front page of this issue.

October 2, 1998 volume 9, no. 193   DAILY CATHOLIC