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Fr. Stephen Shin’s Reflections on the Messages
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April 25, 2023
"Dear children! I am calling all of you to be carriers of the peace and joy of the risen Jesus for all those who are far from prayer; that the love of Jesus, through your lives, may transform them to a new life of conversion and holiness Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am calling all of you to be carriers of the peace and joy of the risen Jesus for all those who are far from prayer.

Prayer can only happen when we have a relationship with God. A person who has no relationship with God does not feel the need to pray, nor do they pray. On the other hand, someone who has a relationship with God constantly prays to maintain and develop that connection. Eventually, they reach a point where they feel that they cannot live without prayer. A person who feels love for God, who thirsts for His love and constantly longs for it, will naturally want to offer their love, heart, and entire being to God through prayer. For them, prayer becomes the means to communicate with God, for prayer is the language and tool of someone in a loving relationship with Him.
      So, who are those far from prayer? They are people who do not know God’s love, or perhaps they experienced His love once, but their hearts have since grown distant, and their relationship with Him has broken down. The most unfortunate people in the world are those who live without any connection to God, without knowing His love. Even if they possess everything, they are the poorest people if they do not have God in their lives.
     Those far from prayer are people who have given their hearts entirely to worldly things and do not seek God. They devote all their time and energy to wealth, pleasure, and entertainment, leaving no room for God or prayer.
       Those far from prayer are people who do not prioritize prayer in their lives or may not even see it as a priority at all. They do not understand or feel the importance of prayer. But prayer is the breath of our souls; without prayer, our souls die. When we do not pray, we become distant from God, the source of life, and our souls lose their vitality. That is why prayer is so important for us—indeed, it is the most important thing. This is why the Virgin Mary emphasizes putting prayer at the very forefront of our lives.
      Those far from prayer are people who are living in sin or are constantly exposed to temptation. Satan seeks to separate us from God by tempting us into sin. When someone sins, they try to hide from God, just as Adam and Eve hid themselves after committing original sin (cf. Gn 3:8). Sin disrupts and severs our relationship with God. When we fall into sin, we become distant from God and lose peace in our hearts, making it harder to pray, and in some cases, we may even stop praying altogether.
      The Virgin Mary is calling us to bring the peace and joy of the Risen Jesus to all those who are far from prayer. To do this, we must first be people who love God above all things, who put prayer at the center of our lives, and who seek to avoid sin and repent daily. Only then can we truly experience the peace and joy of Jesus during this Easter season. When we do, that peace and joy will naturally shine through our faces, gestures, and actions, allowing those around us to sense it without even realizing it.

That the love of Jesus, through your lives, may transform them to a new life of conversion and holiness Thank you for having responded to my call.

For Jesus’ love to bring those who are far from prayer to conversion and a new life of holiness through our lives, the most essential condition is that we fully open our hearts and souls to His love. Only when we are filled with Jesus’ love can we truly repent and be transformed into holiness, both inwardly and outwardly. When we first open ourselves to Jesus’ love, repent, and become holy, we can then become the bridge that connects those far from prayer to Jesus' love. We will become channels through which that love flows to them, leading them to conversion and a life of holiness. Once they are transformed into new beings by Jesus’ love, they too will become channels, passing on His love to others who are still far from prayer.
      We are called to be apostles of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. We are sent out each day to the people around us by their command. These people may not see Jesus or the Virgin Mary directly, but they will see their invisible presence through our lives, not just our words. Therefore, we must always remember that we are like mirrors sent out each day to reflect the image of Jesus and the Virgin Mary to others.
   
 
 
March 25, 2023
"Dear children! May this time be a time of prayer for you."

Dear children! May this time be a time of prayer for you.

When I visited the Medjugorje St. James Parish website to translate this month’s message, I noticed the brief message above. At first, I wondered, "Why is this message so short? Could it be that some parts were accidentally left out when it was posted on the website?" I checked other websites related to Medjugorje messages, but they also had the same short message. Since recent messages haven’t been this brief, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this one was somehow extraordinary.
      The Virgin Mary has been giving messages on the 25th of each month since January 1987. However, from March 1, 1984, to January 8, 1987, during the early years of the apparitions, she gave messages every Thursday. There were five Thursdays when she did not give a message: April 26, May 31, June 14, June 28, 1984, and September 19, 1985. Additionally, she gave three very short messages: "Dear children! Be united with me in heart! Pray, pray, pray!" (April 19, 1984), "Pray, pray, pray! Thank you for responding to my call" (June 21, 1984), and "Dear children! Pray, pray!" (August 23, 1984).
      Interestingly, all three of these short messages are about prayer. Over the past 42 years, the majority of the messages the Virgin Mary has given have been about prayer. She constantly talks to us about prayer, urging us to keep praying.
      Since the beginning of the apparitions, the Virgin Mary has tirelessly asked us to pray, and she has said that she will not grow weary in doing so. Why is that? It’s because prayer is the most important thing. Without prayer, we cannot truly repent, our faith cannot grow, and we cannot draw near to God.
      Secondly, prayer is absolutely essential for us. Prayer nourishes our souls daily, just like water nourishes a plant. Without prayer, we cannot live; even if we continue to exist, our souls will wither and die spiritually. Prayer is the breath of our souls. Just as our bodies need breath to live, our souls need prayer to thrive.
      Lastly, the Virgin Mary emphasizes prayer because we still are not praying as we should. If we had responded to her early messages—"Pray, pray, pray! Thank you for responding to my call"—and prayed daily, from the heart, and together, she would no longer need to tell us to pray. Instead, she would look upon us with joy, seeing us united with her heart in prayer.
      This month’s message, "Dear children! May this time be a time of prayer for you," reminds me of a similar message from July 25, 2009. That message read: "Dear children! I desire that this time be a time of prayer for you. Thank you for responding to my call." Other than the phrase "Thank you for responding to my call," the two messages are identical.
     On July 18, 2009, I made my first vows to become a member of the Capuchin Order after completing my novitiate. I was given two weeks of vacation. Instead of returning to Korea, I went on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. It was my first pilgrimage wearing the brown Capuchin habit, and it felt deeply meaningful. I had not been able to visit Medjugorje during my novitiate, so after passing this important milestone, I wanted to express my gratitude to the Virgin Mary by making this pilgrimage. I felt incredibly grateful and happy. During that personal and significant pilgrimage to Medjugorje, I received a message on July 25 that was almost identical to today’s. It was short, urging us to pray for ourselves, which is why it stayed with me.
      This month, as always, the Virgin Mary addresses us as "Dear children!" Her love for us is not like human love; she loves us with the love of God. Her love is unchanging, faithful, and never gives up on us, even to the last moment. Even if we have distanced ourselves from God, neglected prayer, or failed to repent, she still loves us.
In her love, the Virgin Mary tells us, "I desire that this time be a time of prayer for you." This time is a precious gift from God. To make this precious time even more valuable, we must pray for ourselves. If we do not grow in love for God, do not unite with Him, do not live according to His Word, or fail to understand His plans for us, what will happen? Death and destruction.       
     The way to prevent this is through prayer. By praying for ourselves, we can grow in love for God, unite with Him, and live according to His will. Through prayer, we will also understand God’s plan of salvation for us and the role we play in His plan for the salvation of all humanity. It is through prayer that we find the path to life and salvation.
      At the beginning of His public ministry in Galilee, Jesus proclaimed, "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mk 1:15). The time of salvation has come, and now is the time of salvation. If we recognize this and, as the Virgin Mary asks, make this time a time of prayer for ourselves, we will see salvation realized in our lives. The Virgin Mary believes that we will respond voluntarily to her call.

 
   
 
 
February 25, 2023

"Dear children! Keep converting and clothe yourselves in penitential garments and in personal, deep prayer; and in humility, seek peace from the Most High. In this time of grace, Satan wants to seduce you; but you, little children, keep looking at my Son and follow Him towards Calvary in renunciation and fasting. I am with you because the Most High permits me to love you and lead you towards the joy of the heart, in faith which grows for all those who love God above all. Thank you for having responded to my call."

 

Dear children! Keep converting and clothe yourselves in penitential garments and in personal, deep prayer; and in humility, seek peace from the Most High. 

 

Conversion is not a one-time event. If we only needed to convert once, the Virgin Mary would not continually call us to conversion. Conversion is a lifelong process that must happen continually. We must keep repenting of our sins because we constantly fall into sin. And since we frequently forget about God, we must repeatedly return to Him through conversion.  

This process only ends when we close our eyes and leave this world.

      While we should avoid sin, we should not be discouraged or stop when we fall into sin. Every human being can sin. Even Peter, the first pope and leader of the apostles, denied Jesus at a crucial moment. On the night of Holy Thursday, when Jesus predicted that the apostles would fall away, Peter confidently declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not. Even if I must die with you, I will never disown you." But later, when Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Him three times, even swearing that he did not know Him. As the rooster crowed, Peter remembered Jesus' words and wept bitterly (cf. Mt 26:31-35, 69-75).

      Later, Peter encountered the risen Christ, who forgave him, asking him three times, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Jesus healed Peter’s betrayal through love and entrusted him with His Church (cf. Jn 21:15-17).

     Similarly, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. After agreeing to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver, Judas felt remorse when he saw that Jesus was condemned, but instead of seeking forgiveness, he hanged himself (cf. Mt 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:3-5).

      Both Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus, but their responses were different. Peter repented with tears and was forgiven, while Judas, though remorseful, chose to end his life, blocking the possibility of redemption.

      All humans sin, but we must respond like Peter, not Judas. We should repent with tears, confess our sins, and seek forgiveness.

     The Virgin Mary calls us to "keep converting and clothe yourselves in penitential garments.” Conversion is a lifelong process, not a one-time event. The outward sign of our repentance is the sacrament of confession. Mary advises us to go to confession at least once a month, and even more frequently if necessary. Through frequent confession, we continually repent, allowing God’s mercy to free us from sin. When we confess, saying, "Lord, I am a sinner; have mercy on me," immense divine mercy flows upon us—an extraordinary grace for those who repent.

      In the Old Testament, the Israelites wore sackcloth to mourn the dead and repent. They would cover their heads with ashes and fast as acts of penance (cf. Neh 9:1). The "garment of repentance" Mary speaks of is not a physical garment like sackcloth but the interior attitude of repentance. We put on this invisible garment of repentance by recognizing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and performing acts of prayer, fasting, and charity.

     Jesus carried the cross to Calvary to atone for our sins. The cross was His garment of repentance. Now, it is our turn to put on this garment, offering our daily crosses as acts of reparation for our sins and the sins of the world, and following Jesus.

      As a Capuchin friar, I wear a brown habit with a long hood, a symbol that externally and internally expresses who I am. Wearing this habit reminds me of my identity as a religious and serves as a witness to others. I try to wear my habit always, even when I go to the store, because I believe that wearing it serves as a testimony of faith. In a way, my habit is my garment of repentance.

      Paul reminds us: "We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with" (Rom 6:6). "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal 6:14).

 

In this time of grace, Satan wants to seduce you; but you, little children, keep looking at my Son and follow Him towards Calvary in renunciation and fasting.

 

In Genesis 3, Satan, symbolized by a serpent, tempted Adam and Eve, causing them to commit the original sin. His goal was to destroy their relationship with God, each other, and creation. By telling lies, he led them to eat the forbidden fruit, which resulted in their expulsion from Eden and the loss of eternal life.

      Jesus calls Satan a liar and the father of lies (cf. Jn 8:44). Although Jesus knew Satan’s nature as God, He also experienced Satan’s temptation firsthand during His 40 days of fasting in the desert (cf. Mt 4:1-11).

       Satan, who even tempted Jesus, continues to roam the earth, seeking to destroy souls. He desires to deceive us, leading us away from God’s Word and towards his lies. Satan’s lies are seductive and enticing, but his ultimate goal is to lead us to sin and death, separating us from God.

      Instead of listening to Satan’s lies, we must listen to the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of focusing on the enticing "fruit" before our eyes, we must fix our gaze on     Jesus crucified. By doing so, we will be like the Israelites who looked at the bronze serpent and were healed (cf. Nm 21:9).

      While Satan tempts us to seek wealth, power, and pleasure, Jesus calls us to live honestly and justly, renouncing materialism and detaching ourselves from worldly things. Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money, urging us to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness.

     Jesus carried the cross to Calvary and was crucified to atone for our sins, opening the gates of heaven. Following Him to Calvary means that we, too, must carry our cross and be willing to sacrifice everything for God’s righteousness, even our lives.

 

I am with you because the Most High permits me to love you and lead you towards the joy of the heart, in faith which grows for all those who love God above all. Thank you for having responded to my call.

 

When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive Jesus, she responded with humility and trust: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (cf. Lk 1:38). Unlike Eve, who disobeyed God and brought death into the world, Mary’s obedience brought life and salvation.

       Mary always listens to God’s Word and acts accordingly. God permits her to love us and guide us toward faith, joy, and love for Him. Mary’s example of humility and obedience to God is one we must follow. Those who follow her example and respond to her messages are truly answering her call.
   
 
 
January 25, 2023
"Dear children! Pray with me for peace, because Satan wants war and hatred in hearts and peoples. Therefore, pray and sacrifice your days by fasting and penance, that God may give you peace. The future is at a crossroads, because modern man does not want God. That is why mankind is heading to perdition. You, little children, are my hope. Pray with me, that what I began in Fatima and here may be realized. Be prayer and witness peace in your surroundings, and be people of peace. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! Pray with me for peace, because Satan wants war and hatred in hearts and peoples. Therefore, pray and sacrifice your days by fasting and penance, that God may give you peace. 

The Virgin Mary calls us to pray for peace alongside her. When we pray for peace with the Virgin Mary, it is like a family prayer between a mother and her children. The image of praying together with Mary naturally brings to mind the early Church, where the apostles, other disciples, and holy women prayed together. The Acts of the Apostles says, "All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers" (Acts 1:14). What stands out here is the phrase "devoted themselves with one accord." They were not just physically together, but united in heart. So, when Mary invites us to pray for peace with her, we must not only be physically present but also united with her in heart, fully devoted to prayer for peace.
      We need to pray for peace with Mary because of Satan. Although we cannot see him, Satan is a supernatural force that exists and works to destroy peace in people's hearts by stirring up war and hatred. No human strength or force can stop him. Only prayer, filled with love, peace, and goodness, can stop him.
      Peace is a precious gift that only God can give. Therefore, as Mary tells us, we must continually ask God for peace. God, our Father, who gives us even the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit, will surely grant us peace if we earnestly and wholeheartedly pray for it (cf. Lk 11:13).
      The essence of love is sacrifice. There is no love without sacrifice. God has shown us this. In the Incarnation, where God became man to save us from sin, He showed us sacrificial love. Jesus, who came to this world in human form, instituted the Eucharist to give Himself fully to us and offered His life as a sacrificial offering on the cross to forgive our sins. Through the Incarnation, the Eucharist, and His Passion and Death on the cross, God demonstrated that love is possible through sacrifice.
       Now, we must live this example of God's love in our own lives. How can we do this? Through fasting and penance. By practicing fasting and penance daily, repenting for our sins and the sins of humanity, and offering acts of reparation, we too can become people who know how to sacrifice and truly love, following God's example.

The future is at a crossroads, because modern man does not want God. That is why mankind is heading to perdition. 

In modern times, everything has become highly developed. Science, technology, and machinery have reached their peak, providing great convenience and benefits to humanity. Because of this, people find it hard to live without these modern comforts. For example, if someone were to ban the use of smartphones for a day or even just an hour, it would cause chaos. The same would apply to other technologies like computers, cars, washing machines, and refrigerators.
      However, despite the advancements in science and technology, can we say that modern people are more morally and spiritually well-off than those of the past? If that were the case, the Virgin Mary would not have said, "Humanity’s future is at a crossroads because modern man does not want God. That is why humanity is heading towards destruction." We must recognize that humanity is in a serious state. Modern man must reflect on what is most important in life and strive to find it.
      What is this essential thing missing from modern life? Mary has already given us the answer: it is God. Today, humanity is trying to build a civilization without God, and that is the problem. The arrogance of believing that we can live without God and accomplish everything on our own is leading humanity down the path of destruction. Humanity is choosing this path. What modern people need is not more material wealth or advanced technology but God. We must urgently seek Him. We must turn back to the house of our Heavenly Father, the source of life. Only this path will allow humanity to secure a future and avoid destruction.

You, little children, are my hope. Pray with me, that what I began in Fatima and here may be realized. Be prayer and witness peace in your surroundings, and be people of peace. Thank you for having responded to my call.

The Virgin Mary tells us that we, her little children, are her hope. How humbling and overwhelming it is to be called her hope. While this brings great gratitude, it also comes with a sense of immense responsibility. Why does Mary say this? Although we live in the same world as everyone else, we desire God and strive to live only for Him, and for this reason, Mary places her hope in us.
      Mary’s work in Fatima was the announcement of the triumph of her Immaculate Heart. Now, she tells us that her Immaculate Heart will achieve complete victory here in Medjugorje. This victory will be over Satan. Mary will triumph, and Satan will be defeated and eternally confined to hell. However, the final moment has not yet arrived, and the battle continues. Mary invites us to join her in this spiritual warfare as soldiers in her army. Our armor is the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and our weapon is prayer, especially the Rosary.
      To become Mary’s hope, her soldiers, we must be fully armed with prayer. In fact, we must become prayer itself. It may take a great deal of prayer to reach that state. That is why Mary tells us to pray until prayer becomes our life. Only those who are dedicated to prayer can see God, who is Peace itself, live in His peace, and bear witness to it to others, becoming true people of peace.
   
 
 
December 25, 2022

"Dear children! Today I am carrying my Son Jesus to you, that you may be His peace and a reflection of clarity and joy of Heaven. Pray, little children, to be open to receive peace because many hearts are closed to the call of the light, which changes hearts. I am with you and am praying for you to open yourselves to receive the King of peace, who fills your hearts with warmth and blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Dear children! Today I am carrying my Son Jesus to you, that you may be His peace and a reflection of clarity and joy of Heaven. Pray, little children, to be open to receive peace because many hearts are closed to the call of the light, which changes hearts.


What is the most important thing about Christmas? It is the Baby Jesus. Without Him, Christmas has no meaning. Yet, many people in the world seem indifferent to Him, the One who was born as a human child to bring salvation to the world. They do not seriously ask why He came to this world. In this message, the Virgin Mary tells us what we must do for them. Mary desires that we become people who reflect Jesus’ peace, the clarity of heaven, and joy. Just as a mirror reflects not for itself but for those who look into it, we must reflect these divine qualities for everyone who sees us. For this, we must welcome Jesus into our hearts. Only when Jesus is within us can we experience His peace, the clarity of heaven, and joy, and reflect them for others. That is why Mary says, "Dear children! Today I am carrying my Son Jesus to you, that you may be His peace and a reflection of clarity and joy of Heaven."

       Jesus was born in a cave in Bethlehem and laid in a manger because Joseph’s relatives and the townspeople, including the innkeepers, refused to welcome him, Mary, and the Child in her womb. This naturally reminds us of the words from the Gospel of John: “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people* did not accept him” (Jn 1:9-11)

       Unlike the people of Bethlehem, the Bible tells us about two groups of people who opened their hearts to the light from heaven. First were the shepherds who were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. They were not from the village but lived about 2 kilometers away, in what is now called the “Shepherds' Fields.” These shepherds were not welcomed by the people of Bethlehem, but they guided Joseph and Mary, who were in a difficult situation, to a cave that housed animals. Jesus, the Light of the world, never forgot the help He received from them. Besides Joseph and Mary, the shepherds were the first people in the world to see the Savior.

      As soon as Jesus was born, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The angel told them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Then, a great company of heavenly hosts appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” These shepherds were the first to receive the gift of peace from heaven, brought by Jesus.

      When the angels had left them, the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They believed what the angel had told them. Their hearts were completely open to the call of the light. They went to the cave and worshiped the newborn Savior, praising and glorifying God for everything they had seen and heard. (Luke 1:8-20)

      The second group was the three wise men from the East. Although they were Gentiles, they set out on a journey when they saw the star in the sky announcing the birth of Jesus. Following the star, they arrived at the cave in Bethlehem, where they joyfully offered precious gifts and worshiped the Child. Though they were not Jewish, they knew about the prophecies of the Savior’s birth in the Old Testament and believed that a star would rise when He was born. Every night, they gazed at the sky, eagerly waiting for the star to appear. When the decisive moment came, their hearts were already fully open to the coming of the Savior, and filled with the desire for salvation. In their hearts, the star of salvation had already risen.

      The shepherds and wise men were people of pure hearts who believed in the messages from heaven, and because of that, heaven illuminated them with light. That light opened their hearts even further, granting them the special grace to behold the newborn Savior, Jesus. Additionally, they experienced the great honor of meeting and being welcomed by Mary, the Mother of God. We can easily imagine the joy and gratitude Mary must have felt as she looked upon those who came to worship her Son.

      At the time of Jesus' birth and today, people like the shepherds and wise men are still a minority. Most people are unaware of the light shining upon them and are unwilling to open their hearts to its call. Instead, they are drawn to the fleeting, dazzling lights of the world, running toward them endlessly, much like moths flying into a flame, unaware that they are heading toward their own destruction. Knowing that death and ruin await them, Mary asks us to pray that their hearts may open to the call of the light and peace. Today, we must not only strive to be like the shepherds and wise men but also help others do the same by praying for them.


I am with you and am praying for you to open yourselves to receive the King of peace, who fills your hearts with warmth and blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call.


Love always desires to be together and united. That is why Mary, who always calls us “Dear children,” is always with us. She prays for us because she loves us and wants to give us what is most important and needed: the King of Peace, Jesus. Mary knows that only when we welcome Jesus into our hearts will our hearts be filled with warmth and blessings. This Christmas, let us respond to her loving call by opening our hearts wide to Jesus, the King of Peace, who brings warmth and blessings into our lives.
   
 
 
November 25, 2022

"Dear children! The Most High has sent me to you to teach you prayer. Prayer opens hearts and gives hope, and faith is born and strengthened. Little children, with love I am calling you: return to God, because God is love and your hope. You do not have a future if you do not decide for God; and that is why I am with you to guide you to decide for conversion and life, and not for death. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Dear children! The Most High has sent me to you to teach you prayer. Prayer opens hearts and gives hope, and faith is born and strengthened. 


November 21st was the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which commemorates Mary being presented in the temple in Jerusalem as a child. Tradition tells us that Mary, at the tender age of three, was brought to the temple, where she lived for eleven years, serving by washing the sacred garments and being educated in prayer and service.

Mary’s early life was filled with prayer. From a young age, her parents, Joachim and Anne, taught her to pray and to long for the coming of the Messiah. She lived a life of constant prayer, which culminated in the Annunciation, where she received the angel’s message of becoming the Mother of God during prayer.

      Throughout her life, from her childhood to her time at the foot of the cross, and even after Jesus’ ascension, Mary remained deeply rooted in prayer. She was truly a woman of prayer, always open to God’s will and living in total dependence on Him.

      God, the Most High, has now sent Mary to us, to teach us how to pray. Why is this so essential? Because humanity, in many ways, has forgotten how to pray. Even within the Church, many priests, religious, and laypeople have grown negligent in prayer. God knows this and sends Mary to help rekindle the fire of prayer in our hearts.

      Mary has emphasized in previous messages that we should pray with our whole hearts, pray until prayer becomes a joy, and until it becomes our way of life. In this message, she speaks about the power of prayer. First, prayer opens hearts—our hearts, the hearts of others, and ultimately, the heart of God. Prayer allows God's love, grace, and mercy to flow into our lives and into the lives of others, especially through intercessory prayer.

      Secondly, Mary says that prayer gives hope. When we pray, we experience the reality of God’s presence, which shifts our focus from worldly worries to divine trust. Through prayer, we place our hope not in the transient things of this world but in the living God.

Lastly, prayer brings forth and strengthens faith. The more we pray, the more we trust in God’s power and grow in faith. Prayer is the lifeline that nourishes and deepens our relationship with God.


Little children, with love I am calling you: return to God, because God is love and your hope. 


Mary calls us with love—divine love that transcends human understanding. In 2009, she revealed this deep love, saying, “If you knew how much I love you, you would cry tears of joy.” This is the love of a mother who desires only the good for her children, a love that mirrors the unconditional and boundless love of God.

      God is love itself, without conditions or limits. Even when we stray or sin, He waits for us with open arms, ready to forgive. Because of this great love, we can place all our hope in Him. No matter how difficult or painful life may be, we can have hope because we know God is always with us, guiding us through His love and through Mary.

      Now is the time to turn back to God, who is our love, hope, and eternal home.


You do not have a future if you do not decide for God; and that is why I am with you to guide you to decide for conversion and life, and not for death. Thank you for having responded to my call.


God has given us the gift of free will, and every moment of our lives is filled with choices. As we reflect on our past decisions, we must ask ourselves: have we chosen wisely? If our choices have led us away from God, we may feel regret, but God is a God of mercy, always giving us new opportunities to choose Him.

      The most important choice we can make is to choose God. When we prioritize God’s will in our lives, we open ourselves to true happiness, not only in this life but also in eternity.

      Material wealth and success are not what define a meaningful future. Even if we possess everything the world can offer, without God, there is no true future. On the other hand, even if we lack worldly possessions, if we have God, we have everything we need.

      Let us choose God, placing all our love, trust, and hope in Him alone, knowing that in Him, we find true life and an eternal future.
   
 
 
October 25, 2022
"Dear children! The Most High permits me to be with you, and to be joy for you and the way in hope, because mankind has decided for death. That is why He sent me to keep instructing you that without God you do not have a future. Little children, be instruments of love for all those who have not come to know the God of love. Witness joyfully your faith and do not lose hope in a change of the human heart. I am with you and am blessing you with my motherly blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! The Most High permits me to be with you, and to be joy for you and the way in hope, because mankind has decided for death. That is why He sent me to keep instructing you that without God you do not have a future. 

In the message from March 25, 2022, Our Lady said, "Humanity stands at a crossroads, which is why God has sent me to lead you on the path of holiness." This expression struck many deeply, as it was one of the most direct and intense messages regarding the state of humanity's spiritual crisis. The image of humanity standing at the threshold of life and death, salvation and destruction, brings to mind the sadness and compassion on the faces of both God and Mary.
      Now, seven months later, in this October 25th message, Mary uses even stronger language. She says that humanity has moved beyond the crossroads and has chosen death. Despite the warnings to choose life and salvation, humanity has instead opted for destruction. Like Adam and Eve in Genesis, who disregarded God's warning about the forbidden fruit and chose spiritual death, today's humanity has similarly ignored the repeated calls of Our Lady and has chosen to follow its own desires.
      Even though humanity has crossed the threshold into the room of death, it is not too late. There is still hope for humanity to turn away from this path. Just as the repentant thief on the cross received salvation at the last moment by acknowledging Jesus, humanity too has an opportunity to change. God is offering humanity one last chance through Our Lady. Mary's message reveals that God has not abandoned us despite our poor choices. In His infinite mercy, He has sent her to guide us back to the path of life and salvation.
      God’s love for humanity is so profound that He continues to reach out, offering redemption even to those who are spiritually lost. Just as the bronze serpent raised by Moses saved the Israelites who looked upon it, Mary is now our guide and intercessor, urging us to turn back to God. She reminds us that without God, we have no future, and only by fixing our gaze on Him can we find salvation and a renewed path to life.

Little children, be instruments of love for all those who have not come to know the God of love. Witness joyfully your faith and do not lose hope in a change of the human heart. I am with you and am blessing you with my motherly blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call.

To be instruments of God’s love, we must first experience and carry that love within ourselves. Without truly knowing and embodying God’s love, we cannot share it with others. One cannot give what one does not possess.
      However, experiencing God’s love is not something we can achieve by our own efforts alone—it is a gift. We must open our hearts and pray sincerely for the grace to receive this gift. Our Heavenly Father will not ignore the heartfelt prayers of His children who long for His love.
      Mary calls us to be instruments of love for those who still do not know God’s love. Just as God allows the sun to shine and the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust (cf. Mt 5:45), we too must be instruments of love for all, without exclusion. We must not worry about the size or scope of our acts of love; even small acts done with sincerity are enough. God sees the heart and values the intention more than the magnitude of the action.
      Human hearts are often fickle and subject to change due to circumstances, goals, and external pressures. While we can acknowledge the complexity of human nature, we must not place our ultimate trust in the ever-changing nature of the human heart. Instead, our hope must rest in God, who is unchanging and steadfast. Unlike human beings, God is faithful and trustworthy, and those who place their hope in Him will never be disappointed. As Padre Pio famously said, "Pray, hope, and don't worry." Let us, therefore, joyfully live out our faith, trusting fully in God’s guidance, and be witnesses to His love in the world.


 
   
 
 
September 25, 2022
"Dear children! Pray that the Holy Spirit may enlighten you that you be joyful seekers of God and witnesses of love without bounds. I am with you, little children, and, anew, I am calling all of you: take courage and bear witness to the good works that God is doing in and through you. Be joyful in God. Do good to your neighbor so that it will be good for you on earth and pray for peace, which is threatened because Satan wants war and peacelessness. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! Pray that the Holy Spirit may enlighten you that you be joyful seekers of God and witnesses of love without bounds. 

The Virgin Mary, as the Daughter of God the Father and the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, brought forth the Savior Jesus Christ into the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. She was the first to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in the most profound way. Having witnessed the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit, Mary urges us in this message to pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten us. Why is Mary asking us to pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit? It’s because we tend to be stubborn, believing our own opinions and perspectives are always right, often becoming rigid in our ways. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes and helps us see the world and others through God's perspective, not our own.
      Just as the apostles were transformed after the experience of Pentecost, we too need the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts and renew us. The Spirit will help us to live according to God’s will, not our own. When we pray for the Holy Spirit to awaken us, we will no longer seek God out of obligation or fear but will do so joyfully, from the depths of our hearts. We will be empowered to bear witness to God’s boundless love and share that love with those around us. Let us pray continuously, as Mary taught Fr. Stefano Gobbi in her messages: “Come, Holy Spirit! Hear the powerful intercession of Your beloved spouse, Mary, and come!”

I am with you, little children, and, anew, I am calling all of you: take courage and bear witness to the good works that God is doing in and through you. 

Regardless of our age, in Mary's eyes, we are all her little children. She is with us, holding our hand and guiding us toward holiness and salvation. Her presence and companionship are manifestations of her immense love for us. However, many still do not fully grasp this love, which is why Mary repeatedly calls out to us.
      Just as we offer encouragement to someone who is discouraged, Mary encourages us to take heart. She is fully aware of the difficulties, challenges, and discouragement we face in our lives. Her words, "Take courage," are meant to comfort us and strengthen us to persevere. She reminds us that God is actively working in us and through us, performing good works. If God is working through us, what should we fear?
      The prophet Isaiah offers a similar reassurance from God: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you” (Is 43:1-2). Therefore, regardless of the challenges we face, we must focus on the fact that God is with us, working for good through our circumstances.

Be joyful in God. Do good to your neighbor so that it will be good for you on earth and pray for peace, which is threatened because Satan wants war and peacelessness. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Mary desires for us to live joyfully, but not with fleeting or false happiness. She wants us to experience deep and enduring joy, which can only be found in God. True joy is rooted in God, who is the source of all goodness. Therefore, Mary calls us to "be joyful in God."
      Because God is the source of all goodness, He created everything with love and goodness. We are made in His image and are therefore called to live as good and loving beings. As we extend kindness to our neighbors, we not only store up treasures in heaven but also experience unexpected blessings in this life. God, who sees all things, rewards our acts of kindness toward others.
      However, Satan, the source of all evil, works tirelessly to destroy peace and bring about chaos. He seeks to disrupt peace in our hearts, homes, and the world at large. Mary, aware of Satan's destructive plans, urges us to pray for peace. The battle against Satan is spiritual, and thus we must use spiritual weapons—prayer and fasting—to counter his efforts. In this month’s message, Mary specifically calls us to pray for peace, which is under threat.
       As we strive to build peace in our hearts, homes, communities, and the world, let us respond to Mary’s call by committing ourselves to daily prayers for peace. Through our sincere efforts and prayer, we can combat the forces that threaten peace and contribute to a world filled with God's love and harmony.
   
 
 
August 25, 2022
"Dear children! God permits me to be with you and to lead you on the way of peace, so that through personal peace, you build peace in the world. I am with you and intercede for you before my Son Jesus, that He may give you a strong faith and hope in a better future, which I desire to build up with you. You be courageous and do not be afraid, because God is with you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! God permits me to be with you and to lead you on the way of peace, so that through personal peace, you build peace in the world. 

In this month’s message, the Virgin Mary speaks of God’s will in allowing her to be present with us, guiding us on the path of peace. She emphasizes that her presence and her messages are part of God’s divine plan. Why does God permit Mary to lead us on the way of peace? The reason is simple: God loves us. Because of His love, He sends Mary to be with us, to help and protect us, ensuring that we do not lose our way but instead walk the path of peace.
      If only we could fully comprehend the depth of God’s love for us through Mary’s presence. God expresses His love for us profoundly, as He says in the book of Isaiah: "Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you” (Is 49:15). The apparitions of Mary in Medjugorje, her messages, and her ongoing presence among us are clear signs that God has not forgotten us. He continues to show His love for us through her.
      Mary’s life, both past and present, revolves entirely around God’s will. She does only what God desires and allows, following His will with perfect obedience. She shows us that peace is given to us only when we live in accordance with God’s will. Her example teaches us that our first priority should always be to seek and follow God’s will. By doing so, we will receive the gift of peace and walk the path of peace alongside Mary.
      Mary often tells us that our role in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity is significant. It may seem that the efforts of one person are insignificant, but just as a small candle can light an entire room, each individual’s contribution to the greater good is essential. The vast ocean begins with individual drops of rain that gather into streams and rivers, eventually forming the sea. In the same way, all good, as well as all evil, begins with one person. Personal peace leads to collective peace, and that is how peace is built in the world—starting with us.

I am with you and intercede for you before my Son Jesus, that He may give you a strong faith and hope in a better future, which I desire to build up with you.

Love always seeks to be with the beloved. Mary, our loving Mother, desires to be with us and make this known to us. She not only wants to be with us in the present, but she also wishes to help us create a better future. Just as earthly parents work to provide a good future for their children, Mary desires, with even greater affection, to help us build a future filled with hope and peace. However, she does not do this alone—she invites us to work with her.
      Unlike some earthly parents who may impose their plans on their children, Mary respects our free will and gently guides us, offering counsel and support. She listens to us and works with us, never dismissing or undermining our role in creating a better future. Mary wants us to be active participants in this work, not passive recipients.
      However, Mary also reminds us that a strong faith and hope are necessary to build this better future, and only Jesus can grant these gifts. She intercedes for us before Jesus so that He may give us the strength we need to believe in and hope for the future. As Mary intercedes, we must also pray and ask Jesus to strengthen our faith and hope. It is crucial to remember that our future is not in our hands but in God’s hands.

You be courageous and do not be afraid, because God is with you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

This final part of Mary’s message is a reminder of God’s constant presence and protection, echoing the words of Jesus Himself: "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (Mt 14:27). These words were spoken when Jesus walked on water to reach His disciples during a storm. Though the disciples were struggling against the storm for hours, Jesus was always aware of their situation and came to them at the right moment, bringing peace and calming the storm.
      Similarly, in our own lives, we face storms of trials and challenges, often feeling as though we are alone. But just as Jesus saw the disciples from afar and came to their aid, God sees our struggles and never abandons us. Even when we cannot see Him, He is with us, protecting us and guiding us through life’s storms. When the storms of life rage, and we feel overwhelmed,    Mary’s voice reminds us: “God is with you, so take courage and do not be afraid.”
       Just as Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, He will calm the storms in our hearts and lives. Mary’s message encourages us to trust in God’s presence and protection, to have courage, and to know that we are never alone.
   
 
 
July 25, 2022
"Dear children! I am with you to lead you on the way of conversion, because, little children, with your lives you can draw many souls closer to my Son. You be joyful witnesses of God's word and love, and with hope in the heart which conquers every evil. Forgive those who inflict evil on you, and go on the way of holiness. I am leading you to my Son, for Him to be the way, the truth and the life for you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am with you to lead you on the way of conversion, because, little children, with your lives you can draw many souls closer to my Son. 

In this message, the Virgin Mary speaks words of encouragement, reminding us that through our lives, we can draw many souls closer to Jesus. It is as if Mary is saying, "I believe in you; you can do it," infusing us with positive energy and hope. Mary also reminds us that our goal should not only be our own salvation but also the salvation of others. She invites us to be examples with our lives so that others may be led to Jesus and experience His saving grace. Imagine the great blessings we would receive if we helped even one soul come closer to Jesus. If our focus has been on temporary, earthly goals, Mary calls us to reorient ourselves toward the eternal goal of salvation.
      Leading souls to Jesus is not easy, especially when it involves many souls, as Mary mentions. The most important aspect of this mission is our relationship with Jesus. If we do not know Jesus, love Him, or live according to His word, how can we lead anyone to Him? Our actions, not just our words, must reflect our love for Jesus and our adherence to His teachings. Words without the foundation of a lived example will eventually be exposed as hollow. Therefore, it is crucial that we truly know and love Jesus and live by His word in our daily lives.
      We all fall short and often sin. Therefore, we must regularly confess our sins, seek God’s mercy, and strive to be renewed in Christ. This is the process of conversion. Without conversion, we cannot fully know, love, or follow Jesus. Conversion is challenging, especially without divine assistance, because our human nature is often self-centered and inclined to justify our own actions. God, understanding this, sends Mary to guide and assist us on the path of conversion. As Mary says, “I am with you to lead you on the path of conversion.”

You be joyful witnesses of God's word and love, and with hope in the heart which conquers every evil. Forgive those who inflict evil on you, and go on the way of holiness. 

Our heart is the core of our being, and the state of our heart directs the course of our lives. If we commit ourselves to rejecting evil and choosing only good, our lives will naturally move in that direction. If we firmly decide that evil will have no place in our lives, it will not be able to take root. Of course, our weaknesses may cause us to stumble, but with hope in a heart that conquers all evil, we will receive God’s grace and strength to overcome. Only in a pure heart can God’s word and love reside, and only those with such a heart can joyfully bear witness to them.
      Forgiving those who negatively influence us is one of the most difficult challenges, but it is also essential for our well-being. Harboring resentment and the desire for revenge only damages our own hearts. If we allow negative influences to fester, our lives and peace will be disrupted. By forgiving those who have hurt us, we free ourselves from the burden of hatred and allow peace to flourish within. This is the path to defeating evil.
      If our hearts are filled with bitterness and revenge, we are in a state of inner turmoil that resembles hell itself. It becomes nearly impossible to pray or lead a holy life. This is why Mary emphasizes the importance of forgiving those who harm us, so we can continue on the path of holiness.

I am leading you to my Son, for Him to be the way, the truth and the life for you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Jesus’ words, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6), were spoken during the Last Supper when He instituted the Eucharist. Mary reminds us of this profound truth, reiterating that Jesus is the path we must follow, the truth we must believe, and the life that gives us eternal salvation. Jesus demonstrated how we should live through His example. He showed us that the only truth worth following is Himself and that true life comes through His death and resurrection.
      Each time we hear Jesus’ words, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” we are reminded of our purpose as His disciples—to live in, through, and with Jesus. It is our destiny to follow the path He has set for us.
      A personal story comes to mind when I reflect on this. When I was in high school, a young priest at my parish, Father Gabriel Kim, suffered from chronic kidney failure and eventually lost his sight due to complications. Not long after losing his sight, he passed away. During his time in the hospital, Cardinal Stephen Kim of Seoul visited Father Gabriel and celebrated Mass with him in his hospital room. The Cardinal allowed Father Gabriel to preside, assisting him as he recited the Mass prayers from memory. After the consecration, it was time to pray the Lord’s Prayer. There was a long silence, and Cardinal Kim wondered if Father Gabriel had forgotten this part of the Mass. But after a deep pause, Father Gabriel spoke: "Your Eminence, now that I have lost my sight and everything else, I have come to truly understand that Jesus is my way, my truth, and my life. Let us now pray the Lord’s Prayer, the prayer He taught us.”
      This story always comes to mind when I hear the words of Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It reminds me of the depth of that statement and how it encompasses our entire journey of faith.
   
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