Tuesday, April 26, 2016

MARY'S MEALS - WHY NOT HELP A CHILD GET A MEAL FOR A SCHOOL YEAR?


MARY'S MEALS IS A SIMPLE IDEA THAT WORKS - BY PROVIDING A DAILY MEAL IN A PLACE OF EDUCATION, CHRONICALLY POOR CHILDREN ARE AIDED IN THE CLASSROOM WHERE THEY CAN GAIN EDUCATION THAT PROVIDES AN ESCAPE ROUTE FROM POVERTY. 
  One million children receive Mary's Meals every school day. [1] 
The average cost to feed a child for a whole school year is 14 euros and 50 cents, or £12.20. 
  Around the world, approximately millions of children still miss school because of poverty. At present, Mary's Meals is reaching 1 million children across 12 different countries. [1]

Children die from starvation
Every day approximately 21,000 people die from starvation or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. [2] 
  I have walked streets in many areas over the years, hearing children sob with hunger. I have witnessed many stories of impoverished people who starved to death. 
  Witnessed the tears of a man in one country, who had heard that his brother and family were slowly starving to death in another country. 
  I have held the hand of a man brought in from the streets, skeletal and thin. 
  Seen a mother with one dead twin in one arm and a dying twin in the other, as she was unable to feed them; she was so starved that she had no milk.
  As I saw these things, my heart ached. Happily, much aid was accomplished with food, water, and compassionate outreach.

  These experiences have left me with the unshakeable conviction that anything that can be done to help those in our communities who do not have enough, is vitally important. 
One meal at the right time can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Mary's Meals; an inspiration
I recently visited an area where regular donation is made to Mary's Meals. The impact of this Organization is inspirational. 
  'Mary's Meals' most recent research from Malawi showed a 24% increase in enrolment and a 10% increase in the attendance rate, six months after the introduction of meals. [3]
  In Liberia, enrolment increases can be even higher. The Mary's Meals Organization experienced increases of more than 50% across large numbers of schools, within the first year of introducing Mary's Meals.

Twelve Countries
Mary's Meals works in 12 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Haiti
The Organization provides daily meals at schools in Port-Au-Prince, Gonaives and Hinche.
Ecuador
In Ecuador they encourage children from the slums of Quito to attend school.
Liberia
In Liberia they provide daily meals across Bomi, Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Montserrado counties
Benin
In Benin Mary's Meals provide daily meals at schools in Biro and Hondji
South Sudan
In this country, the Organization serves meals to children in the Lakes state of South Sudan
Uganda
Mary's Meals provides meals in the capital, Kampala and in the north and east
Kenya
Meals are provided to children in Eldoret and remote tribal areas
Zambia
Children are given meals in Chipata
Malawi 
Malawi is the Organization's largest school feeding programme - reaching over 25% of all primary schools across the country
India
Mary's Meals feeds students in schools and non-formal education centers, like railway platforms
Burma
The Organization provides daily meals in schools in the Irrawaddy Delta region in south-west Burma
Thailand
Meals are served to Burmese migrant children in three schools outside Bangkok [4]

Why not Donate to Mary's Meals?
14 euros and 50 cents is all its costs for Mary's Meals to feed a child for a whole school year. 
If you wish to donate to Mary's Meals, click on this link;
https://www.marysmeals.ie/donate
You can make a single donation, a monthly donation or a yearly donation. [5]

If you wish to volunteer
Volunteers and Fundraising form an integral part of the Organization. 
If you wish to get involved, click on the following link;-
https://www.marysmeals.ie/get-involved/
More information can be found in the Mary's Meals Magazine, at link number six [6] at the end of this blog post.

Mary's Meals Prayer
Our Father give us this day our daily bread and forgive us for the times when we take more than our share of the bread that belongs to all.
Let us help You fill the starving with good things, not with scraps from our table.
Teach us how to share what is not ours to keep.
Clothe us with Your Love that we may complete each good work You created us to do.
Place in our hearts Your Compassion for each starving child and use our little acts of love so that they starve no more. Amen.

[1] Mary's Meals now Feeding One Million Children at School Every Day
http://www.aworldatschool.org/news/entry/marys-meals-now-feeding-one-million-children-at-school-1973
[2] Poverty.com - Hunger and World Poverty
http://www.poverty.com/
[3] Mary's Meals/ 'The Impact of Where We Work'
https://www.marysmeals.ie/what-we-do/the-impact-of-our-work/
[4] 'Where We Work'/Mary's Meals
https://www.marysmeals.ie/what-we-do/where-we-work/
[5] Donate/Mary's Meals
https://www.marysmeals.ie/donate
[6] Mary's Meals Magazine
https://www.marysmeals.ie/assets/global/Annual_Marys_Meals_Magazine_2015.pdf

With thanks to aworldatschool.org, poverty.com, marysmeals.ie

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY; DOCTOR OF HEALING MINISTRY LESSON SIXTEEN; COUNSELING - STAFF IN THE WEARY PILGRIM'S HAND

    

Counseling - Staff in the Weary Pilgrim's Hand

The pilgrim Alric, brown cloaked and sandal shod, toiled up the darkened mountain towards the Holy Shrine.
  As the skies wept rain, his sad heart and burdened conscience weighed him down.
Could he ever be forgiven for his failures? Is there indeed a God and eternal life, or is this life all there is?
  Life had become such a weary toil. Alric was in such suffering of heart that he found it difficult at times just to carry out small daily tasks.

  As Alric raised his hand to knock on the ancient wooden grille of the Shrine, he was struck with fear. What if he was making a mistake?
  As he hesitated, the grille opened. The face looking out through the protective bars at him was that of a kindly priest; mature in years, seasoned in heart, wise of mind.
  Bede - the man opening the grille - was local herbalist-physician. He was also that mysterious gift from GOD; a healer of troubled hearts, minds and souls.
  As Ulric was ushered in to the golden light and calm peace of the sanctuary - a weary and broken pilgrim - he little knew the adventure that lay before him.
  Not only would he become healed in mind and healed in body, he in turn - inspired by the Touch of the Call of GOD - would become a healer.
  And this was all destined to come about upon this pilgrimage upon which he had humbly embarked; after a time of reflection, prayer and counseling . . .

The Need for Healing  
    Dear Reader, the above scenario is a familiar one. Over the centuries people from all countries and thought patterns have set out in search of the Almighty.
  Healing in so many areas has been needed. Naaman, the Commander of the Army of the King of Aram, was a valiant soldier - afflicted with leprosy.
  Naaman went on pilgrimage to the Prophet Elisha in Israel. Naaman was healed of his grievous affliction by GOD, through the intercession of the Holy Prophet. 1

  In medieval times, many pilgrims travelled as far afield as Jerusalem and Santiago. In a history of Irish peregrinatio written in the thirteenth century, we are told that 300,000 people - some of them old and debilitated - left Ireland with permission and benediction of Saint Patrick. One group set off for the Holy Land, the other for Rome.  
  A third group left to visit the graves of the apostles, including that of beatissimus Jacobus in Compostela.  2

Pilgrims searched for many things; among them, healing.
  The greatest need in the world world for every human spirit has always been healing. Injustice, hatred, discrimination and war all have their beginning in the inner spirit.
  When each human spirit is personally healed of vengeance, hatred, deceit, hypocrisy, hauteur; then injustice, violence and war will cease.

  Jesus has been active for millennia in bringing about personal emotional healing. The Son of GOD paid the sin-price for humanity, in order to restore relationships.
  The Prophet Isaiah had prophesied this would happen, when he wrote, 'Ours were the sufferings He bore, ours the sorrow He carried. On Him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through His wounds we are healed.' 3
 Once we are healed in spirit, the Kingdom of GOD will cover the earth. Only purity, love and just relationships can flow from healed and holy spirit.

Inner healing
Inner healing is needed in so many areas; many are resistant to the truth, spiritually blind to the value and dignity of every human life, born and unborn.
  Many carry deep emotional hurts, painful memories of failure, loss or unjust treatment. Many homes are broken apart and children affected by broken relationships. Homes need to be mended.
  Storms of difficulty and strife flourish in many countries. Chains of despair, hatred and vengeance tie many. Derision of the weak, the oppressed and weary often occur.

What is counseling?
The weary pilgrim is the symbol of each one of us. We all have a path through life, a spiritual journey we take.
  At times the road seems long, and we feel discouraged and disheartened. Sometimes the issues we face appear too difficult for us to handle alone.
  Family problems cause anxiety.   Faith problems may arise.  Financial difficulties may severely hamper our daily lives. Divorce, bereavement, and any of a number of painful life events may throw us off balance and wound our mind.
  Counseling is a support from wise others we need to avail of in order to be able to return to personal harmony, lightness of spirit and equilibrium.

  Counseling is the giving of guidance by a trained counselor to another in emotional need and distress.
  This expert and professional guidance helps the other to resolve personal issues.
Professional counseling is a professional relationship that empowers individuals, families and groups, in order to accomplish mental health, education and personal goals.
  Counselors work with clients on strategies to overcome the obstacles and personal challenges the clients face.

Wounds of the mind
Many years ago a wise nurse in Africa told me; 'If you see someone with a broken leg, you will have immediate empathy and realize the sufferer is in need of urgent healing.
  Yet unseen wounds of the mind can be just as debilitating as a physical ailment. Mental ailments can be just as painful - if not more - than a broken leg. The reason being, that a readily seen ailment often calls forth sympathy from others. 
  Wounds of the mind are unseen. At times they may fail to call forth compassion but may indeed be misunderstood by others; thus compounding the suffering.'
  This wise woman's words have never left me. Mental health issues can cause much difficulty and suffering - both for the sufferer, and for their family and friends.


Counseling by the priest
Counseling by the priest is not intended to replace professional services such as psychiatry and psychology. However, there is a very definite need for pastoral and spiritual counseling.
  A weary heart suffering from issues such as grief, guilt, remorse or undergoing emotional pain, can often greatly benefit from pastoral counseling.
  Patience may die as the burdens of life continue to weigh heavily.
Anger nurtured in the heart may prove an obstacle to healing. Lack of forgiveness can enchain people to lovelessness and lack of serenity.
  People may find themselves trapped by dark memories, hatred, anger, greed; memories of deeds done or left undone.
  Lack of inner peace can tie the human spirit with bonds and lead to emotional, mental and spiritual suffering.
  The process of counseling can be of invaluable assistance in the healing of old inner wounds, with reconciliation and with the restoration of broken relationships.
  Sufferers often benefit from the Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation.


Rabbinical Teaching
Rabbi Robert Katz reportedly wrote, 'Rabbis often feel they have to choose between taking the role of mocheach, moral judge, or the role of menachem, giver of care, consoler. 
  Some Rabbis avoid both, preferring the role of Talmid chacham, or disciple of the wise, objective teacher and guide - an honored role in the history of the rabbinate.'
  What, therefore, is the best form of counseling a pastoral counselor can offer?
First, let it be said, there is no easy prescription for effective counseling. We may be called on to counsel close family or friends; an element of menachem may be needed, as well as objective teacher.
  The pastor may be asked to assist a parishioner undergoing moral difficulty; the pastor needs mocheach, to know the relevant moral standard, and to compare the issue with the moral last.
  Menachem may then be needed, as consoler, affirming to the counselee that he or she is capable of change, and to help them resolve issues of remorse. Hope for the future needs to be infused.

The Bible has dealt with human issues over the millennia; complex and often destructive situations in human families and communal life led to the history we now know as the Bible.
  Yet in all the intricately woven web of relationships, One Absolute had stood unfailingly over all - GOD.
  There is no relationship too dire, no tears too bitter, no worry too deep, for GOD to be able to deal with.

  In fact, it is GOD who inspires so many to become pastor-counselors. It is a challenging task to take on the heartaches and difficulties of others when the pastor's own life may be undergoing personal difficulty.
  Yet, in the light of the new command given by Jesus, 'Love one another as I have loved you', 4  many are called on to do just that.

  Counseling is a delicate art, and ever creative. For the Christian pastor, the heart of Christian counseling is the Bible. The Gospel of the Christ, together with guidance from the Torah [Old Testament] can offer wonderful encouragement and support to those steadfastly committed to improving their lives through counselling.

A skilled counselor requires deep inner security and strength.
  The counselor needs inner resources in order to properly cope with the demands counseling makes on the counselor. 
  It may require much energy - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual - to deal with the emotional crisis of another. 
  Yet the counselor is never alone; GOD is always at his or her side.

Healing
People are often broken by adverse situations and suffering. They may feel unable to deal with apparently insurmountable difficulties and crises. 
  At times we need a helping hand. Our personal resources become depleted, and we find ourselves in need of psychological, emotional and spiritual restoration.
  This need for rejuvenation is a need for healing. Many of us have reached out over the centuries for healing, and received this gift. 
  The GOD WHO HEALS is always near to His human children.

GOD is present all the time, and hears the pain and distress of the sufferer. 
  GOD is willing and able to help; He may choose to use an intercessor. 
The intercessor chosen to bring about spiritual and emotional healing is often the counselor - one who counsels, one who guides.
  Guiding enables people to draw out that which lies within them.
Such knowledge on behalf of the chaplain counselor requires depths of education, compassion, knowledge, discernment and delicacy of tact in dealing with each counselee.
  That is why an accredited qualification in counseling is of great assistance to the counselor.

It is important to remember that confidentiality is the bedrock of counseling. The principle of confidentiality requires that personal information revealed within a counseling relationship should not be divulged without consent from the counselee.

  Any information under the seal of Confession - also known as the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation - is sacred, and cannot be divulged.

Should a priest have a Counseling Qualification?
If possible, most definitely yes. ACPE certified ministry can equip a priest with the skills needed to be an effective pastoral counselor. 5
  Many priests train further. Some acquire a Masters Degree or Doctorate in Counseling. However you wish to structure your education, it is most helpful to have the knowledge a qualified academic institution affords.
  Holding a recognized qualification also makes it possible for the priest to confidently minister with recognition by relevant authorities, in settings such as churches, ministries, services, hospices and hospitals.
  Clinical Pastoral Education Centers are thus of inestimable value in obtaining excellent counseling qualifications.
  
Conclusion
And so, dear Reader, here concludes the Good Shepherd Church Seminary Doctor of Healing Ministry Course. A gratis pdf book 'Healing Ministry' encapsulating the Lessons in Book Form is to be published shortly in the blog.
  May the GOD of Healing bless you all.

Reverend Catherine
Use freely for any worthy purpose

Questions for your heart and mind;
1. What is counseling?

2. Discuss a situation from the Bible in which counseling took place.

3. What is the link between healing and counseling?

4. Why is Clinical Pastoral Education so effective?

Footnotes
[1] Old Testament, 2 Kings Chapter 5
[2] The Irish Medieval Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
http:// www. historyireland. com/ medieval-history - pre-1500/ the -irish-medieval-pilgrimage -to-santiago- de-compostela/
[3] Old Testament, Book of Isaiah, Chapter 53, verses 4 to 5
[4] Gospel of St John, Chapter 13, verse 34
[5] ACPE. The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. Information for prospective students
https:// www.acpe. edu / ACPE/ _Students/ FAQ_ S.aspx

Lesson One
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2014/09/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Two
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2015/12/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Three
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2015/12/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_52.html

Lesson Four
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2015/12/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_37.html

Lesson Five
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/01/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Six
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/01/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_3.html

Lesson Seven
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/01/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_4.html

Lesson Eight
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/03/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Nine
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/03/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_15.html

Lesson Ten
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Eleven
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_4.html


Lesson Twelve
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_5.html

Lesson Thirteen
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_6.html

Lesson Fourteen
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_8.html

Lesson Fifteen

Disclaimer; The information on this post is meant for information only. The information is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health professional or Herbalist care



Monday, April 11, 2016

CANDLES WERE LIT IN THE CELESTIAL BASILICA AT MONTE SANT'ANGELO IN GARGANO; IN REMEMBRANCE OF LUMIERE READERS


Dear Readers
Your intentions and those of your loved ones were remembered in prayer. Candles were lit in the Celestial Basilica at Monte Sant'Angelo in Gargano in your remembrance

Archangel Michael - Patron of Healing

Saturday, April 9, 2016

GENDER IDEOLOGY HARMS CHILDREN - AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PEDIATRICIANS



THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PEDIATRICIANS HAS RELEASED A STATEMENT URGING EDUCATORS AND LEGISLATORS TO REJECT ALL POLICIES THAT CONDITION CHILDREN TO ACCEPT AS NORMAL A LIFE OF CHEMICAL AND SURGICAL IMPERSONATION OF THE OPPOSITE SEX. FACTS - NOT IDEOLOGY - DETERMINE REALITY.

The statement highlights the following facts;
Human sexuality is an objective biological binary trait: "XY" and "XX" are genetic markers of health - not genetic markers of a disorder.
The norm for human design is to be conceived either male or female. Disorders of sex development [DSD]s, including but not limited to testicular feminization and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, are all medically identifiable deviations from the sexual binary norm, and are rightly recognized as disorders of human design. Individuals with DSD do not constitute a third sex. [1]

No-one is born with a gender. Everyone is born with a biological sex. Gender [an awareness and sense of oneself as male or female] is a sociological and psychological concept; not an objective biological one. 
  No one is born with an awareness of themselves as male or female. This awareness develops over time; and, like all developmental processes, may be derailed by a child's subjective perceptions, relationships, and adverse experiences from infancy onwards. 
  People who identify as 'feeling like the opposite sex' or 'somewhere in between' do not comprise a third sex. They remain biological men or women.

A person's belief that he or she is something they are not is, at best, a sign of confused thinking. When an otherwise healthy biological boy believes he is a girl, or an otherwise healthy biological girl believes she is a boy, an objective psychological problem may exist that lies in the mind and not the body, and it should be treated as such. These children suffer from gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria [GD], formerly listed as Gender Identity Disorder [GID], is a recognized mental disorder in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association [DSM-V]. The psychodynamic and social learning theories of GD/GID have never been disproved. 

Puberty is not a disease, and puberty-blocking hormones can be dangerous.

According to the DSM-V, as many as 98% of gender confused boys and 88% of gender confused girls eventually accept their biological sex after naturally passing through puberty.

Children who use puberty-blockers to impersonate the opposite sex will require cross-sex hormones in later adolescence. Cross-sex hormones [testosterone and estrogen] are associated with dangerous health risks including but not limited to high blood pressure, blood clots, strokes and cancer.

Rates of suicide are twenty times greater among adults who use cross-sex hormones and undergo sex reassignment surgery. [1]



[1] Gender Ideology Harms Children; American College of Pediatricians
http://www.acpeds.org/the-college-speaks/position-statements/gender-ideology-harms-children


With thanks to Acpeds.org

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY; DOCTOR OF HEALING MINISTRY LESSON FIFTEEN/ PATRONS OF HEALING PART TWO; ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL



Patrons of Healing; Archangel Raphael
      
    Archangel Michael is not the only angelic healer - all angels carry the healing ministry within them.
  There are seven Angels standing in the sight of God [Revelation 8;2].
In Enoch 1, they are named as Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel and Saraquel. The Archangels form one of the nine orders of Angels; they are the warriors who do battle with demonic forces.

Raphael the Archangel - God's Physician
This Archangel of healing visited a monk in 1278 while the plague raged all over AndalusiaRaphael promised to protect the people of the city from the epidemic; and did so.
  Thereafter in the sixteenth century, Raphael made a series of heavenly visitations in Cordova, Spain. The Archangel appeared to a seriously ill friar, Padre Andres de las Roelas.
  During his apparitions Raphael revealed he would save the city from the plague. Immediately after his promise, people ceased dying in Cordova. God had sent His Angel to protect the city.

  Raphael appeared a number of times to a Portuguese-born soldier turned health-care worker, named Joao Duarte Cidade, known today as St John of God.
  He encouraged and instructed Joao to found an organization to care for those with mental disabilities. The organization flourished through the centuries, and continues in full service today. Many of the Brothers Hospitallers of St John of God's facilities are called 'Raphael Centers' in the Archangel's honor.

  Many people claim to have been visited by this luminous Angel of Healing, including Anna Maria Gallo in the eighteenth century. Raphael healed her of illness.

Raphael the Healer
Raphael's name has been ascribed various meanings; among them 'God's Physician', 'God has healed', 'The shining one who heals', 'God's Medicine', 'God's Remedy', 'Divine Healer.'
  It is clear that this highly trusted Angel of God carries out works of mercy and charity.
  A day of festival [feast day] is celebrated annually in his honor on 24th October. 
In the hymns of the Church Office, the healing power of the Archangel and his strength in combating demonic forces is celebrated.

  Raphael's name appears in the Book of Tobias, in the Septuagint. The Archangel is said to have appeared disguised in human form as the traveling companion of young Tobias. The narrative relates that Raphael healed the elder Tobias' blindness. 
  Raphael further broke the power of demonic influence which had been troubling the family.
Raphael also blessed the marriage of Sara and Tobias, bringing peace to their union.
  Thus Raphael is seen as healer not only of physical ailments, but also healer of demonic contamination and of troubled family relationships. 1

Raphael, the Divine Healer, is accredited to have been at work at Jerusalem, in the days of Jesus Christ.
  Raphael carried out healings in the pool called Bethsaida by the sheepgate. In the five porticoes surrounding that pool there constantly gathered a multitude of sick people. They patiently awaited the action of the Angel upon the water of the pool
  This action immediately cured the first person who descended into the pool.
'An Angel of the LORD used to come down at certain times into the pool and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pool after the motion of the water, was cured of whatever infirmity he had.' 2

Foremost Archangel
As a foremost Archangel, the roles Raphael carries out are diverse. Raphael is Patron of travellers; he also heals the sick and injured, having been granted the gift of healing by GOD.
  Raphael is known as the Patron of healing, of Pharmacists and Matchmakers.
Raphael is the Archangel of GOD's mercy and light, mandated to visit humanity in order to bring healing to many.
  This Archangel is the medicine of GOD. He comes to relieve the ills of all burdens, sufferings and to restore GOD's people to the truth of GOD's Love and Mercy.
  Raphael gives graces to those in need. These graces have been given over to him by GOD.
  Raphael is said to guard pilgrims on their journeys. He also rescues people from the power of the devil.

Holy Raphael says in the book of Tobit, 'Thank GOD. Give HIM the praise and the glory. Before all the living, acknowledge the many good things HE has done for you, by blessing and extolling HIS NAME in song. Before all men, honor and proclaim GOD's deeds, and do not be slack in praising HIM. A king's secret is prudent to keep, but the works of GOD are to be made known with due honor. Do good, and evil will not find its way to you.' 3

Raphaelic Healing Today
Miraculous healings through the intercession of the great Archangel continue all over the world. Testimonials to Raphael's healing ministry continue to flourish.
  Sufferers speak of being healed of fever, breathing difficulties, ulcers, pain, infections, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Cardiac issues and many more. 4
  The health-giving ministry of Saint Raphael may still be seen in the miraculous cures that have taken place up to our own times in many of the sacred Shrines throughout the world.  4 and 5

Guardian Angels
Other angels who assist with protection, guidance and healing are the guardian angels. Every individual person is held to have a guardian angel.
  Jesus explained that each child has an angel in heaven. 'I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the Face of My Father in Heaven.' 6
  Each guardian angel has been commissioned since birth to guard a particular person.

Ancients believed in the protection of their guardian angel. Menander and Plutarch believed in guardian angels. Neo-Platonists such as Plotinus, also held this belief. It was the belief of the Babylonians and Assyrians.
  Nabopolassar - father of Nebuchadnezzar the Great - said; 'He [Marduk] sent a tutelary deity [cherubs] of grace to go at my side; in everything that I did, he made my work to succeed.' 7

  Guardian angels - missioned angels - guard and protect their charge. They intercept at many junctures of our lives, and help wherever they can to ease our lives.
  They can guide by inspiring a thought, answering a prayer, or giving us strength in times of need.
  Angels have been documented throughout the scriptures, helping in times of extreme need; Paul was released from prison by an angel. 8
  Jesus was comforted in His agonizing fear in the Garden of Gethsemane by a comforting Archangel, widely believed to be Gabriel. 9
  Angels comforted the sorrowing women and gave the joyous news of Christ's Resurrection. 10
  Angels saved David from a cruel death. 11 
Peter was rescued from jail by an Angel. 12
  Testimonies over the centuries and from all over the world in our present day attest to the ongoing protection and assistance guardian angels have given.

Why do Angels heal?
  Angels heal because they have been mandated by our Compassionate and Beneficent GOD to do so. Also, to heal, protect and comfort is integral to a righteous angel's nature. They were created in love, and are loving. Angels succour us as humans on our journey through life; many a prayer has been quietly dealt with, unsung, by angels.
  Here I would like to pay tribute to my own guardian angel who has protected me throughout my life.

  Let us remain joyful as we thank both God and angels for the healing they bring humanity. As Psalm 91;11 says, 'For HE will command HIS angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.'

Footnotes
[1] Old Testament; Book of Tobit
[2] New Testament; Gospel of St John Chapter 5, verse 4
[3] Old Testament; Book of Tobit Chapter 12, verses 6 to 8
[4] Archangel Saint Raphael Holy Healing Ministry. 2015. http:// www.straphaeloil.com / testimonies/
[5] EWTN, Global Catholic Network. St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael.
http: //www.ewtn.com /saintsHoly/ saints/A/archangels. asp
[6] New Testament; Gospel of St Matthew Chapter 18, verse 10
[7] Knight, Kevin. Guardian Angel. 2012. http: //www.newadvent.org/ cathen /07049c. htm
[8] New Testament; Acts of the Apostles Chapter 5; verse 19
[9] New Testament; Gospel of St Luke Chapter 22, verse 43
[10] New Testament; Gospel of St Luke Chapter 24; verses 4 to 8
[11] Old Testament; Book of Daniel Chapter 6, verses 19 to 22
[12] New Testament; Acts of the Apostles Chapter 12; verses 6 to 10


REV CATHERINE
Use freely for any worthy purpose


Lesson One
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2014/09/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Two
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2015/12/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Three
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2015/12/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_52.html

Lesson Four
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2015/12/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_37.html

Lesson Five
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/01/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Six
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/01/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_3.html

Lesson Seven
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/01/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_4.html

Lesson Eight
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/03/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Nine
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/03/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_15.html

Lesson Ten
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of.html

Lesson Eleven
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_4.html


Lesson Twelve
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_5.html

Lesson Thirteen
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_6.html

Lesson Fourteen

http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_8.html
Disclaimer; The information on this post is meant for information only. The information is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health professional or Herbalist care