CYCLONE, FLOODING, MIRACLE Cyclone Vardah was on a landfall path headed to Chennai, India and it did not deviate from said plan. On Monday at 10 a.m. we were beginning to feel the early stages of Cyclone Vardah and as a precautionary measure the electric current was turned off in the city of Chengalpattu where I live. Being in a low line area I was assured that the disaster flooding in 2015 where homes had 6-8 ft of water would not happen again and not to worry. However, I have learned to not take the advice of such predictions and thus began my onslaught of prayers and rosaries. I knew trusting Our Lord we would all be safe but did not know the route or God’s game plan; it is like flying blind. Once it became dark a flickering candle light and no news was the course of the next 12 hours until daylight. While trying to sleep, all I heard was the howling winds and splashing rain not knowing if the flood gate was open, the 10 ft wall built after 2015 would hold back ...

JOURNEYING TOWARDS HOLINESS (blog series 2 step 2 nov.16, 2016) I have had many miracles in my spiritual Journey Towards Holiness and disappointments as well however, our Lord has granted me a grace I have sought for a long time.  Post my conversion in 2000 I’ve always wanted to join a third order however, due to my physical problems making meetings and fulfilling the duties alluded me this chance.  Disappointed I accept the results of this quest not before trying to obtain a dispensation. Today I was granted a grace from our Lord a miracle.  Some of you know I am in India but in the last year my hips and CHF has taken its toll on my physical mobility.  Father Victor hears my confession and administers the body of Christ weekly on Sundays.  Today I asked Father if he would be my spiritual director which, he agreed to without hesitation.  So, starting this weekend he will bring me communion on Sundays and give me instruction Monday evening...

MIRACLE Last week I went on retreat to my favorite place Our Lady of Lourdes Basilica Poondi, South India.  This for me is a place to rejuvenate in mind, body and spirit it is my “little piece of heaven.”  For several years I have been having dizzy spells that occur mostly when I lay down, get up or tilt my head a certain way.  They would occur for a small period of time then disappear.  This year the occurrence was almost every day and began to be worrisome too me.  I had dodged the “go see a doctor” mantra from friends and family but this retired nurse began self-diagnosing and I ran the gambit from cancer to a tumor. I in the last five years in India never needed a doctor for I went back to the states to be operated on for cancer in 2011.  As anyone knows to pick a doctor you at least want to have some kind of rapport and understanding, which I found in a Franciscan Doctor and Nun who happens to also be a Surgeon.  Doctor Sister’s d...

I SURRENDER ALL TO YOu I look forward to my personal retreats at POONDI MADHA BASILICA and this last time I went was no exception.  To reach the Basilica in India is no easy task the roads are narrow in many places but the picturesque view of the river and dam site is breath taking.  The banana leaves in their richness of color shimmer in the sunlight and on occasion one can see a peacock.  Poondi is a classic retreat place the rooms have only bed, bathroom, ceiling fan, one chair and small table.  The distractions and comforts one might need are null and void after all one is there to reconnect with Our Lord uninterrupted by the noise, entertainment, and problems of one’s personal life or the world itself.  Even the food is plain and basic with few choices from the restaurant on campus.  There are no other options.  This time at Poondi is truly a time of prayer, mass, adoration, and confession.   As for myself although I have a d...

MY PERSONAL RETREAT I am going on a personal retreat starting Monday the 12 th and will return by weeks end at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Poondi Madha Basilica, South India.  This is a very special place for me a piece of heaven on earth.  The shrine is beautiful and has one of the four original statues made in Lourdes of the Mother of God.  The shrine is noted for the many miracles obtained for the pilgrims, from their heart filled petitions before our Lord.  The shrine also has a cross that encases a small chip of wood from the original cross of Christ’s crucifixion.  The cross behind a large glass partition is venerated by the many devotes to the shrine. The shrine campus is very peaceful where one can enjoy a park like setting will see ducks, geese, turkeys, parrots, and Emus.  The shrine has several  grottoes  to Our Lady and the Sacred Heart of Jesus among other statues.   Adjacent to the shrine is the Sinna Ran...