''MIRACLE OF THE SUN'' IN FATIMA APPARITION ON OCT 13, 1917 REMEMBERED

The “Miracle of the Sun” that occurred during the 6th Apparition of Fatima on Oct. 13, 1917, and was witnessed by over 70,000 people in Portugal, was a manifestation of God’s almighty power and humility to save mankind from eternal damnation.

All Catholic Faithful around the world to commemorate the 106th anniversary of the “Miracle of the Sun” that swirled and danced in a circle in broken clouds, as reported by a Lisbon newspaper in Portugal a day after the historic spectacle happened.

As its consequence, many believed God’s existence through the apparition of the Blessed Mother to the three shepherd children at Fatima.

Church records show that the apparition of the Blessed Mother before the three shepherds--Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco--on Oct. 13, 1917 was her sixth, fulfilling her promise earlier to show to the world that a miracle would happen so mankind would believe in God.

It was during these apparitions that the Blessed Mother also called the world to repent for its sin and pray the Holy Rosary daily. So, on Oct. 13, 1917, or 106 years ago, the “Miracle of the Sun” occurred. The apparition at Fatima was also seen by people living in adjoining areas as far as 25 kilometers away.

“The sun painted the world in different colors, (as it) moved and danced in the sky,” a witness, Ti Marto, the father of Jacinta and Francisco, said.

“The miracle told the world of God’s huge humility. The strange nature of the Miracle of the Sun--a spectacular public miracle that was announced ahead of time--is hard to exaggerate,” said Tom Hoopes, a famous American writer.

“God almost never works that way. God is all-powerful, with all of reality in his grasp. He is the artist of every sunset, the inventor of every wonder of nature and the author of history. He doesn’t need to give a big display to prove himself: The cosmos is big enough, thank you. But sometimes he does anyway,” Hoopes pointed out, adding that “the miracle also makes clear that God is also the ‘hound of heaven,’ the humble God, who will stop at nothing to win our love,” Hoopes wrote.

During the Miracle of the Sun, people who witnessed the spectacle wept.

The spectacle also showed the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as pointed out in the Gospel, such as John, Chapter 2, when Mary asked Jesus to perform his first miracle, changing water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1, the start of God’s redemption of man hangs on a word from Mary. Also in Act, Chapter 1, Mary is there when the Church was formed, and in Revelation, Chapter 12, it tells about the Woman and the dragon, to name a few of these Bible verses.

God made it clear that we can trust Mary, says Hoopes.

Also during the apparition, the throng of people saw the Miracle of Sun, dancing, but the three children saw more;

First Scene: Saint Joseph appeared beside the sun with the Child Jesus and Our Lady of the Rosary. It was the Holy Family. The Virgin was dressed in white with a blue mantle. Saint Joseph was also dressed in white, and the Child Jesus in light red. Saint Joseph blessed the crowd, making the Sign of the Cross three times. The Child Jesus did the same blessing the whole world.

Second scene: This was followed by the vision of Our Lady of Sorrows, without the sword in her breast, and of Our Lord overwhelmed with sorrow on the way to Calvary. Our Lord made the Sign of the Cross to bless the people.Lúcia could only see the upper part of Our Lord’s body.

Third scene: Finally, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth, appeared in a glorious vision with the Child Jesus in her bosom.

The Fatima apparitions continually remind mankind to pray, especially the Rosary and repent for the world to attain a genuine and lasting peace.

During the sixth apparition, the seers first saw a bright light, and then saw the Blessed Mother over the holm oak.

Then Mary told Lucia that she (Blessed Mother) wants a chapel to be built at Fatima and revealed that “I am the Lady of the Rosary” and urged mankind to pray it daily.

Then she also revealed that World War 1 was going to end soon, and it did, as the Blessed Mother said.

Lucia then asked the Blessed Virgin Mary to cure the sick, to which Mary replied: “Some yes, others no. They must amend their lives and ask forgiveness for their sins.”

She also asked Lucia to tell the world for man to stop offending God.

“Then at the end of the conversation between Our Lady and Lúcia, Our Lady opening her hands, She shone the light issuing from them onto the sun, and as she rose, Lucia Shouted “Look at the sun!” — the clouds opened up, revealing the sun as an immense silver disk. It shone with an intensity never before seen, but was not blinding. This lasted only an instant. Then the immense ball began to “dance.” The sun began to spin rapidly like a gigantic circle of fire. Then it stopped momentarily, only to begin spinning vertiginously again. Its rim became scarlet; whirling, it scattered red flames across the sky. Their light was reflected on the ground, on the trees, on the bushes, and on the very faces and clothing of the people, which took on brilliant hues and changing colors.Her own radiance continued to be cast onto the sun,” After performing this bizarre pattern three times, the globe of fire seemed to tremble, shake, and then plunge in a zigzag toward the terrified crowd.

All this lasted about ten minutes. Finally, the sun zigzagged back to its original place and once again became still and brilliant, shining with its everyday brightness. The cycle of the apparitions had ended.

Many people noticed that their clothes, soaking wet from the rain, had suddenly dried.The miracle of the sun was also seen by numerous witnesses up to twenty-five miles away from the place of the apparition. Lucia said in her memoir.

After the Miracle of the Sun, many unbelievers were converted to the Catholic faith. 

NOLLYWOOD STAR ACTOR "DON BRYMO" IS DEAD.

One of the prominent actors in the Nigerian movie industry, Mr Brymo Uchegbu, otherwise known as Don Brymo, is dead.

The 56-year-old was said to have passed on in his sleep last night.

According to the information gathered, the actor, who prominently plays the role of an Igwe (king) in movies, passed on in his sleep last night.

Actor Mayor Ofoegbu confirmed the news in a post shared on his Facebook page on Thursday.

"I wrote those lines on my WhatsApp status yesterday evening. My man, my 5 & 6, Don Brymo Uchegbu, passed in his sleep. "I received the shocking news this morning and had to verify from his family. Chai! Don Brymo my manchi. It’s had to say goodbye. Nnukwu nwa na Enugu ukwu,” he posted.

MORE ABOUT HOLY SATURDAY

Holy Saturday is the day in the Christian liturgical calendar that celebrates the 40-hour-long vigil that the followers of Jesus Christ held after his death and burial on Good Friday and before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Holy Saturday is the last day of Lent and of Holy Week, and the third day of the Easter Triduum, the three high holidays before Easter, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

Holy Saturday is significant because it marks the time when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death, fulfilling the prophecy of his death and resurrection in the christian bible.It is a time of preparation and reflection, as Christians anticipate the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday.It is the day after Good Friday and the day before Easter Sunday. It is also known as Easter Eve, Easter Even, Black Saturday, or the Saturday before Easter.As Lent, a time of self-examination, comes to an end, many Christians observe Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. “It’s typically a day for quiet reflection and preparation for the celebration of the resurrection.Over the centuries in various regions of Christianity throughout the world, different names for Holy Saturday have evolved. For example, the Orthodox Churches call it “Great and Holy Saturday,” depicting Jesus’s descent into Hell to release the captives there, starting with Adam and Eve. This is often referred to as the “Harrowing of Hell.”

How do people commemorate Holy Saturday?

During the day, families prepare for Easter day celebrations. For example, families with a Polish heritage fill a basket containing eggs, ham, bread, sweet breads, horseradish, and lamb cakes or butter lambs. They’re brought to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. On the island of Corfu in Greece, people toss clay pots out of windows. In some parts of Latin America, an effigy of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, is burned.

In the evening, some faiths hold a vigil service an hour after sundown. It’s a nocturnal watch that retains ancient roots in expectation and waiting for the resurrection. Some Orthodox traditions have celebrants exit the church, then circle it three times before re-entering. In the Roman Catholic faith, the vigil begins with an outdoor fire, lighting up the night to disperse the darkness. The fire is used to light a very large candle, a symbol of Jesus as the light of the world. The faithful then light tapers of their own from this candle.

During the Roman Catholic service, Bible passages are read, including from the Books of Genesis, Exodus, and an account of the resurrection from the Books of Matthew, Mark or Luke. People who have prepared to become part of the church are baptized and partake in communion for the first time. The practice recalls the adult conversions that occurred in the 4^th century church as Christianity was beginning to spread, says Morrill. People who have already been baptized renew their vows as well.Some Protestant faith traditions also hold large baptism services on Holy Saturday. While most don’t hold a night vigil, they may meet for sunrise services at dawn on Easter. The idea parallels the notion of vigil-keeping and waiting for the light to dispel the darkness.

WHY IS IT CALLED GOOD FRIDAY?

Good Friday is a Friday after Maundy Thursday and before Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It's a significant day for Christians because it reminds followers that Jesus died for the sins of humanity. Many believe that his death had to happen in order for people to have a stronger relationship with God.

It is observed as a day of mourning as Jesus Christ was crucified on this day. Also known as Black Friday and Holy Friday, Good Friday is the day when Jesus Christ sacrificed his life to redeem the sins of the ones who believe in him.

From the early days of Christianity, Good Friday was observed as a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting, a characteristic that finds expression in the German word Karfreitag (“Sorrowful Friday”).

The question of whether and when to observe Jesus’ death and Resurrection triggered a major controversy in early Christianity. Until the 4th century, Jesus’ Last Supper, his death, and his Resurrection were observed in one single commemoration on the evening before Easter. Since then, those three events have been observed separately—Easter, as the commemoration of Jesus’ Resurrection, being considered the pivotal event.

The liturgical celebration of Good Friday has undergone various changes over the centuries. In the Roman Catholic Church the mass is not celebrated on Good Friday, though a liturgy is performed. Beginning in the Middle Ages, only the officiating priest took Holy Communion, which was consecrated in the Maundy Thursday mass; laypeople have also communed on Good Friday since 1955. The liturgy of Good Friday consists of the reading of the Gospel Passion narrative, the adoration of the cross, and Communion. In the 17th century, following an earthquake in Peru, the Three Hour Service, a prayerful meditation on Jesus’ “Seven Last Words on the Cross,” was introduced to the Catholic liturgy by the Jesuits. It takes place between noon and 3 PM. Similar services occur in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, where no Communion is celebrated on Good Friday.

In the Anglican Communion, The Book of Common Prayer similarly provides for a Good Friday reception of the “reserved sacrament,” the consumption of bread and wine that was consecrated the previous day. The Three Hour Service has become common in North American churches, and a variety of liturgical services are held on Good Friday in other Protestant churches. With the revival of a liturgical emphasis in Protestantism in the second half of the 20th century, a distinct trend of adopting Catholic ritual (no use of the organ in the service, draping of the cross, baring of the altar, etc.) developed.

Unlike Christmas and Easter, which have acquired numerous secular traditions, Good Friday has, because of its intense religious connotation, not led to an overlay of secular customs and practices.

What’s So Good about Good Friday?

For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, following what God had promised in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3).

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10). Easter follows it, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith (Romans 6:5).

Why Is it called 'Good' Friday?

Still, why call the day of Jesus’ death “Good Friday” instead of “Bad Friday” or something similar? Some Christian traditions do take this approach: in German, for example, the day is called Karfreitag, or “Sorrowful Friday.” In English, the origin of the term “Good” is debated: some believe it developed from an older name, “God’s Friday.” Regardless of the origin, the name Good Friday is entirely appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins.

For the gospel's good news to have meaning for us, we first have to understand the bad news of our condition as sinful people under condemnation. The good news of deliverance only makes sense once we see how we are enslaved. Another way of saying this is that it is essential to understand and distinguish between law and gospel in Scripture. We need the law first to show us how hopeless our condition is; then, the gospel of Jesus’ grace brings us relief and salvation.

In the same way, Good Friday is “good” because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the joy of Easter. The wrath of God against sin had to be poured out on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out to the nations. Without that awful day of suffering, sorrow, and shed blood at the cross, God could not be both “just and the justifier” of those who trust in Jesus (Romans 3:26). Paradoxically, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the death blow in God’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage.

The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and God’s forgiveness. Psalms 85:10 sings of a day when “righteousness and peace” will “kiss each other.” The cross of Jesus is where that occurred, where God’s demands, his righteousness, coincided with his mercy. We receive divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because Jesus willingly took our divine punishment, the result of God’s righteousness against sin. “For the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation, and the beginning of God’s reign of righteousness and peace.

Good Friday marked the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross. That’s why Good Friday is so dark and so Good.

MORE ABOUT MAUNDY THURSDAY

The word "maundy" shares roots with the Latin word, "mandatum," which is "commandment." It's a reference to the New Commandment Jesus gave to his followers at the Last Supper. It is the day during Holy Week that commemorates the Chrism Mass Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the canonical gospels.

Western Christianity

Maundy Thursday initiates the Paschal Triduum, the period which commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This period includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday. The Mass of the Lord's Supper or service of worship is normally celebrated in the evening, when Friday begins according to Jewish tradition, as the Last Supper was held on the feast of Passover, according to the three Synoptic Gospels.

In the Catholic Church and in some Lutheran and Anglican churches, the Mass of the Lord's Supper begins as usual, but the Gloria is accompanied by the ringing of church bells, which are then silent until the Easter Vigil. After the homily the washing of feet may be performed. The Blessed Sacrament remains exposed, at least in the Catholic Mass, until the service concludes with a procession taking it to the place of reposition. The altar is later stripped bare, as are all other altars in the church except the Altar of Repose. In pre-1970 editions, the Roman Missal envisages this being done ceremonially, to the accompaniment of Psalms 21–22, a practice which continues in Anglican churches of Anglo-Catholic churchmanship. In other Christian denominations, such as the Lutheran Church or Methodist Church, the stripping of the altar and other items on the chancel also occurs, as a preparation for the somber Good Friday service.

The Chrism Mass is a religious service held in Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism and Anglicanism.

Maundy Thursday is notable for being the day on which the Chrism Mass is celebrated in each diocese. Usually held in the diocesan cathedral, it is generally held on the morning of Maundy Thursday, but may in some dioceses take place on another day during Holy Week. The Mass is a celebration of the institution of the priesthood.

During the Mass, those present are called to renew their baptismal promises. Priests/ministers and deacons also reaffirm their ministry by renewing the promises made at their ordination. The Mass takes its name from the blessing of the holy oils used in the sacraments throughout the year, which are then given to priests to take back to their parishes.

The service is a 1967 restoration of the rite recorded in the early 200s by the historian Hippolytus who writes of a ceremony taking place during the Easter Vigil at which two holy oils were blessed and one was consecrated. In the decree renewing this rite Pope Paul VI said, "The Chrism Mass is one of the principal expressions of the fullness of the bishop’s priesthood and signifies the closeness of the priests with him."

The Holy Oils are:

• Chrism – used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, as well as for the consecration of altars and the dedication of churches.
• the oil of catechumens – also used in the sacrament of Baptism, and
• the oil of the sick – used in the rite of the Anointing of the Sick

The oil of the catechumens and chrism are used on the upcoming Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil, for the baptism and confirmation of those entering the church. While the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, are simply "blessed," the Sacred Chrism is "consecrated,". Holy chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, an aromatic resin. Balsam is poured into the oil, which gives it a sweet smell intended to remind those who encounter it of the "odor of sanctity" to which those who are marked with it, are called to strive.

With respect to Anglicanism, the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (p. 307) calls for chrism to be consecrated by the bishop. In many dioceses, the consecration of chrism by the bishop may be done at a service of reaffirmation of ordination vows during Holy Week. During the Chrism Eucharist, the Bishop will bless the oils used throughout the next year for baptisms and healing. In addition, the Bishop and clergy in attendance will reaffirm their Ordination Vows.

CARDINAL FRANCIS ARINZE'S CHOICE OF CANDIDATE FOR THE NIGERIA'S UPCOMING ELECTION.

CARDINAL FRANCIS ARINZE MAKES OPEN HIS CHOICE OF CANDIDATE FOR THE NIGERIA'S UPCOMING ELECTION.

Its just 27 days to count down on Nigeria's Presidential Election which is to be on February 25th with three main candidates airing around the nation. They are (1) Mr. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from APC, (2) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from PDP, (3) Mr. Peter Obi from LP. 

Nigeria as we all know has been battling from many diseases such as :- corruption, bad government, bad economy, fuel scarcity etc and many are hoping that the upcoming election will solve the problem of Nigeria by making it become better.

Many people from Nigeria and abroad have been open with their choice of candidate based on there view from there own angle.

HIS EMIENENCE Cardinal Francis Arinze(A pontifical Cardinal) has made his own view of choice of candidate for the upcoming election in his twitter handle. He said "GOD want to build a new Nigeria through His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi. Our time has passed. It is time for the youths, Take back your country now or never. I will be praying for you".  This shows his concern for a better Nigeria for all especially for the young.

To many, His choice is a very good one but to some other people, it is a bad choice.

Do you think His Eminence Cardinal Francis Arinze's choice of candidate is the best for Nigeria?

Drop your comments below 👇🏾

DRINKING OF AKAMU(PAP), AKARA(BEAN CAKE) AND BREAD IN A CHURCH MEETING.

It has been about a month since drinking of Garri with honey,sugar,milk and groundnut (Asoki) by the youths in church meeting trended online. And people have been wondering if this kind of delicacy can be served in a church meeting then it means that anything(be it whatever) can be served in a meeting. 

Akamu known as Pap in English and Ogi in Yoruba is a delicacy made out of maize and Akara known as Bean Cake in English is also a delicacy made out of beans. It is a meal that is served as a breakfast.

This Sunday being 14th August 2022. It was pictured again the same group of church organization members known as Great Zone 1 of Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) under St. Joseph Parish Catholic Church Odoakpu Onitsha drinking Akamu(Pap) with Akara(Bean Cake) and Bread in Church meeting. The President of the Zone Mr. Ifeanyi Chukwu said that it is not poverty but rather that there Great Zone 1 love doing extraordinary things in an extraordinary way. And what matters a lot is that we are having fun together as one family.

Click The Link Below To Watch The Video

https://youtu.be/mnWj8PyxGms