Posted on 09/22/2001 6:04:00 PM PDT by Cultural Jihad
Thursday September 20 7:22 AM ET
NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) - Thousands of Neapolitans crammed into the city's cathedral Wednesday to witness the liquefaction of their patron saint's blood -- a good omen for Naples and the world, according to the faithful.
After an hour of prayer, Archbishop Michele Giordano held aloft the silver and glass vial purported to contain the dried blood of Saint Gennaro and thousands craned their necks to see if the blood had indeed liquefied.
The substance usually turns to liquid twice a year -- on September 19, the saint's feast day, and on the first Saturday in May. In the past, disaster has struck when the blood has remained dry.
``This is an important sign of hope not only for the city but also for the United States following the attacks,'' Antonio Bassolino, the head of the Campania region which includes Naples, declared after the ceremony.
``Like all Neapolitans, I hoped deeply that a good sign would come quickly. It is always a very emotional moment, but this year it was particularly so, given the difficult times for the city and international events,'' he said.
Naples was struck by flash floods last week which left two people dead and more than $150 million in damage.
The ceremony, which Neapolitans revere as a miracle, was also attended by the American consul to Naples, Clyde Bishop, who leant forward and kissed the vial after it was shown the blood had liquefied.
During the prayers, Archbishop Giordano called on Saint Gennaro for protection ``for America, Italy, and the whole world,'' and asked the congregation to think particularly of those Neapolitans who live in New York.
Some Neapolitans, traditionally very superstitious, fear disaster may strike the city if the blood of the fourth-century martyr does not turn to liquid.
Disaster has struck at least five times after the blood failed to liquefy, including in November 1980 when some 3,000 people died in a massive earthquake that struck southern Italy.
Scientists have confirmed the substance inside the closed vial is blood but cannot explain why it turns to liquid.
You are very right. Maybe some Catholics are uncomfortable with certain beliefs but they are common with many. Catholics aren't exactly like Protestants and people sometimes forget that. Catholics are more willing to accept the Supernatural world and that sometimes it shows itself in the natural world.
The entire time I am watching the sun spin, I am analyzing how this is happening...is it just the brightness of the sun, is it a distortion in my cornea due to the brightness...believe me...I was VERY skeptical and actually a bit scared when it happened. But my sister saw it too. It was a huge confirmation for me of the validity of this location.
I used to think people who "needed" this type of experience were somehow lacking in their spiritual lives. Little did I realize how spiritually lacking I was until this happened. There is such joy at this place...such peace.
Well, hmm...who was that John Paul clone that showed in Bosnia-Herzagovina? I'll find the link and post it--but not tonight--I'm going to bed.
My experiences are something I have been careful to talk about. When I told my husband about it, he said he beleived me ...he wasn't there. I told him if he had told me the same story I would have thought he had gone a little nuts.
So, I really understand the skepticism. But I have experienced the power not just of what I have seen but have felt in my heart the impact of the peace.
Sure I'd like to read it. I am not trying to cut down miracles or Medjugorie.
I thought it was St. Jude! Oh my gosh no wonder I never find anything.
Call me a skeptic .
Cheese .
Actually, the ultimate totem is, of course, marshmallows embedded in green jello.
At least that's the way my mother put it. She prayed every morning and every night to Saint Jude. Since her death, I wear two Saint Jude medals on a chain - hers and my own.
No I think St. Jude is over hopeless causes. There's a prayer to St. Anthony that I've heard always works: "Tony, Tony look around, something's lost and must be found." I know people who use that and claim they then found things they almost gave up on.
You might see some miracles too if you weren't so distracted by the itching from those hair shirts.
Exactly. Look at the Mormons. No one has flakier beliefs than they. Ultimately all of our ideas about the nature of God will fall far short of the Reality of God. But that doesn't really matter much to God, who looks inside the heart to see what is really important to Him. Mormons search their consciences every day and strive to do the will of God. If you talk about morality to most Protestant kids today they will just laugh and sneer.
Things I cannot deny .(Works of the Living God)
Friends and others healed by the laying on of hands .
Prayers answered for myself and others .
Addictions broken
Countless amounts of people accepting Christ
Myself accepting Jesus as Lord
Speaking in tongues
Many other personal things God has done in my life .
Some should take a moment to think, where would they go if they were to die today, within the next hour, right this moment ?
Jesus is waiting.
Cheese .
John 3:16,Acts 2:1-4, Acts 15:13, Eph 6:10-17, Mark 16:20
Study to show yourself approved, pray always, put on you armour, take up your sword and go preach for He is with you .
Medugorje & the Church</a href>
Theresa, I realize neither of these are statements by JPII, but after searching google for an hour I couldn't find one. I will continue to do some research and if I find a link I'll send it to you. In regard to pilgrimiges the second link says this:
This is the summary of the letter:
1. The declarations of the Bishop of Mostar only reflect his personal opinion. Consequently, they are not an official and definitive judgement from the Church.
2. One is directed to the declaration of Zadar, which leaves the door open to future investigations. In the meanwhile private pilgrimages with pastoral accompaniment for the faithful are permitted.
3. A new commission could eventually be named.
4. In the meanwhile, all Catholics may go as pilgrims to Medjugorje.
History Buff--In regard to Father Gobbi, I will ask again if you have ever read his words for yourself, or do you rely on what someone else says about him?
Here is a link to someone opposing Jones--
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