Message of July 22nd, 2011
(Commentary) Due to the massive Arizona Coronado Fire which destroyed most of the grounds at Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine, the regular Friday Night 7:30 Rosary is now being temporary held at the La Purisima Retreat Center located on Stone Ridge Road, Hereford ¾ mile just below the burnt shrine.
This message was un-expectedly audibly received by Pat while “In the Spirit”. It occurred at the end of the rosary and during The Special Cross Blessing being given to the pilgrims. The evening was one of the feelings of The Holy Spirit, and to some, the scent of roses became apparent. Also participating in the evening was one of our regular Deacons and a special priest from Mexico.
The first part of the recorded message was given in a “quiet conversation of tongues” which then became more audible in what appeared to be fluent French. The audible English follows:
“My dear children,
These words … you will soon understand … for the veil through which you cannot see … shall soon be lifted. The glory of the light of God … shall penetrate your very soul … and draw you into a world … that has only been in your imagination … for none can comprehend the glory that awaits. From such ash and apparent utter destruction … God shall bring forth the true glory of His presence … and there will be those who shall see … in their life time ….. the plan that God has foretold. For a long, long time My children ….. you with your limited intelligence … have not understood many of My messages …. simple as they have been …. yet complicated to so many. God’s love is always with you …. surrounding you … and bringing the warmth of His peace… into each heart. Do not shed tears of sadness …… but tears of joy … to wash the barren land … that new growth will come. Growth will come from your faith that God will nurture.
Be strong, be patient … and let God … truly be the God of your life.”
The following commentary’s by Pat’s spiritual advisor as to His discernment of the meaning of this message and also the relation to the many previous messages.
In the 1st Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (3:10-15), the Apostle writes: "Thanks to the favor God showed me I laid a foundation as a wise master builder might do, and now someone else is building upon it. Everyone, however, must be careful how he builds. No one can lay a foundation other than the one that has been laid, namely Jesus Christ. If different ones build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or straw, the work of each will be made clear. The Day will disclose it. That Day will make its appearance with fire, and fire will test the quality of each one's work. If the building a person has raised on this Foundation still stands, that one will receive his recompense; if a person's building burns, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as one fleeing through fire."
Again and again in the Messages received, there has been a clear warning expressed with great love, but with great insistence. Again and again, we have been told how vitally important it is that we heed the call of God to repent and turn to Him, Who meets us with forgiveness and life, in this special time of grace! We must build our lives on the Foundation of Jesus Christ and do it today! Because "fire will test the quality of each one's work", we must daily build our lives on the Truth Who is Jesus Christ and allow ourselves to be 'built up' by the Holy Spirit together in His Holy Church! The Messages are an urgent summons from the Heart of God, to awaken, repent and respond to Him -- now!
So many have now seen the powerful, moving photos of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Sierras following the devastating "Monument Fire". The Chapel and the surrounding area are blasted and scorched, as if by an explosion, and towering above all of the destruction, the Cross stands, majestic, untouched, unshaken. The statue of the Blessed Mother continues to point to that Cross. The statue of the Angel (also completely unscathed) stands guardian before the empty shell of the Chapel, scene of so many graces and blessings, a place 'saturated' with prayer.
Many have questioned the "Why?" of the fire and the horrific destruction. There is no easy answer to the "Why?" question. Our Lord prayed from the Cross: "My God, My God. . .why?" And it is important to remember that the next Word from the Cross was: "Father, into Thy hands. . ." That is where we go with our "Why?" questions! Trusting the Father's love and goodness, and placing our love, our trust, and, our seemingly shattered dreams and fragmented hopes, 'into His Hands"!
We have all been edified by hearing the comments of many of the small volunteer staff of the Shrine, (some whom have personally lost so much), repeat this truth so many times since the fire: "As long as the Cross stands and the statue of the Blessed Mother continues to point to it -- the Message of the Shrine is still getting out!" Yes, a profound, wordless message for everyone to see!