1. Meditations about the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary under
the title of Our Lady of Mount Caramel in the village of
Garabandal, Spain.
by Gabriel Garnica
2. Introduction
In 1961 Our Lady appeared to four simple, humble girls in San
Sebastian de Garabandal, a small village located in Northern Spain.
The events that followed over the following four years have etched
one of the most inspiring and loving examples of God's love for
mankind and The Blessed Mother's maternal touch for Her children.
In the steps of Lourdes and Fatima, Garabandal has become yet
another Heavenly directive asking us to serve God, to follow
Christ, to listen to Our Heavenly Mother, and to pray and live as
God wants us to live. In a world whose only vision is toward
self, Garabandal calls on us to look toward God and others in
humble, loving service.
It is not a coincidence that The Stations of The Cross line the
steep, rocky path up to the front of the Pines where so much has
happened and so much is yet to happen in this village. To truly
follow Christ is to take our own individual Via Dolorosa, and those
Stations remind us of our Savior's own journey to the
ultimate, loving sacrifice for our sins. It is hoped that these simple
Stations of The Pines will serve as a reminder of the events and
points so central to the message of Garabandal, where the world was
visited by Our Blessed Mother through Conchita, Jacinta, Mari Loli
and Mari Cruz.
3.
4.
5. THE FIRST STATION The Message
St. Michael The Archangel Appears to the Seers for the First Time The importance of the Holy Eucharist, the priesthood, and the
Church are shown by the fact that this station begins and ends
On a Sunday evening in mid-June, 1961, the girls are playing near a near the church. The seers would later learn that this angel was,
schoolmaster's garden when they hear a noise like thunder in fact, the archangel Michael, long associated with the fight
and shortly thereafter see a brilliant, shining figure, which they between good and evil and protector of the faith. Just as Michael
recognize as an "angel". When the angel disappears, the girls led the heavenly forces against Lucifer and his rebellious spirits,
return to the area of the church where they had been playing so too he will be with us as we fight evil and rebellion against
earlier. Eventually many people, including the families of the God's plan prevalent in our world today. We clearly see today
seers, learn of this event. how the Holy Eucharist, the priesthood, and the Church itself are
under attack. The Garabandal Message is very much about the
need to protect and defend these great elements of our faith
against the evils of our world.
6. ST MICHAEL DEFENDER OF THE CHURCH
One of the rare indications that a time limit has been imposed upon Satan and his followers, is the apparition of St. Michael the Archangel by
Pope Leo XIII, reportedly took place on October 13, 1884.
According to the widely accepted version of what happened on October 13, 1884, after Pope Leo XIII had finished celebrating Mass in the chapel
of the Vatican, aided by a few cardinals and Vatican auxiliary suddenly stopped at the foot of altar. He remained there about ten minutes, as in
trance, his face white. Then going immediately from the Chapel to his office, he composed the prayer to St. Michael, with instructions to be
recited in every place after a low mass.
When asked what had happened, said shortly before leaving the foot of the altar, he suddenly heard voices - two voices, a gentle and kind, and the
other guttural and harsh. Seemed to originate near the tabernacle. When paid attention heard the following conversation:
The guttural voice, the voice of Satan proudly shouted the Lord, "I can destroy your Church." The gentle voice of Our Lord: "You can? Then
proceeds to do so. "
Satan: "To do that, I need more time and more power."
Our Lord: "How long? How much power? "
Satan: "From 75 to 100 years, and greater power over those to be delivered to my service."
Our Lord, "You have the time, have the power. Do with them what they want. "
He intimated that Leon XIII, from that moment, Satan was given a time limit to carry out his purpose, and also understood that if the devil had
served its purpose at the end of the given time, would suffer a crushing and humiliating defeat. It was then that he saw the great role that St.
Michael would play in this conflict, and that we should rely on his powerful intercession. It was as a result of this vision that Leo XIII composed
the prayer to St. Michael.
Prayer to Saint Michael Archangel
Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in
battle. Be our defense against the
wickedness and snares of the devil. May
God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And
you, Prince of the heavenly host, by the
power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and
the other evil spirits who prowl the world
for the ruin of souls. Amen.
7.
8. THE SECOND STATION The Message
Jacinta sees a vision of the Sacred Heart Christ comes to us as loving and merciful Lord Who welcomes
us into His Sacred Heart. He is The Good Shepherd, seeking His
lost sheep. He is The Good Samaritan, picking us up from the
Two days after the first apparition of St. Michael but before the first beating of sin, reviving us with the water from His Heart, healing
apparition of Our Lady, the girls went up a bit farther in the calleja, or our wounds with the oil of His forgiveness and mercy and taking
small path, where they had seen the first apparition of St. Michael. us home with the payment of His Blood. Lastly, He is the Loving
They did this because some younger boys had thrown stones at Father who welcomes His prodigal children with open
them the day before. In their higher spot, they were more hidden
arms, inviting them back to the fold.
from view. From this new vantage point they saw a large smooth
The Garabandal Message is as much, if not more, about mercy
stone even further up upon which they could all kneel. It was to this
and forgiveness than about justice and consequences. What are
new spot that they subsequently went on the day of the first vision of
the Blessed Virgin. Jacinta said in an interview that while the other the Warning and Miracle, if not great examples of Divine Mercy?
three girls fell into ecstasy seeing the angel, she was a little behind
and suddenly, like a flash, saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jacinta
states that this vision made a deep impression on her and, although
He did not speak to her, His loving gaze penetrated deep into her
heart, and He gestured with His Hands, pointing to His Heart with
His left hand and beckoning her to come with His right hand.
9. SACRED HEART OF JESUS: SOURCE AND PROMISES
The spread of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is due to St. Margaret Alacoque to whom Jesus appeared with these words: "Behold this heart of mine, despite consuming love
consumed by men, do not get Christians other than sacrilege, contempt, indifference and ingratitude, even in the same sacrament of my love. But what pierces my heart torn apart is
that these insults the receipt of consecrated people especially my service. "
Here are the promises Jesus made to St. Margaret, and through it all devoted to His Sacred Heart:
1. I'll give you all the graces necessary for their state.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. Console them in their sorrows.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.
5. Pour abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Bless the homes where the image of My Heart shall be exposed and venerated.
7. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source, the infinite ocean of mercy.
8. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
9. Fervent souls will rise to great perfection.
10. I will give to priests the talent to move the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be erased from him
12. I promise you in the excess of my mercy, my powerful love will grant to all those who take communion for nine consecutive Fridays, the grace of final perseverance; not die
without my grace, nor without receiving the sacraments. My Heart shall be their safe refuge in that supreme moment.
Ability to earn this grace are threefold:
1. Receive Holy Communion for nine first Fridays consecutively and without interruption.
2. Intend to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to reach the final perseverance.
3. Provide every Holy Communion as an act of atonement for the offenses committed against the Blessed Sacrament.
PRAYER FOR AFTER COMMUNION EACH FRIDAY THE
FIRST NINE
My sweet Jesus, that in your infinite mercy promised sweet grace of final perseverance which take
communion in honor of your Sacred Heart first Friday in nine consecutive months, remember this
promise and I, your unworthy servant, which I receive you sacramentally for this purpose and
intent, grant that I die I detest all my sins, believing in you with a living faith, waiting in your
ineffable mercy and loving kindness of your most loving and lovable heart. Amen.
10.
11. THE THIRD STATION The Message
Our Lady Appears to the Seers the First Time Our Lady comes on the Feast of The Visitation because, just as she
visited her cousin Elizabeth to help her, so too she has come to
Two weeks after the angel's first appearance and after a series of Garabandal to help us now and in the future. Just as She carried
other similar appearances by the angel, the angel speaks for the first Jesus in her womb during this visit to Elizabeth, so too She would
time and announces that the following day Our Lady would carry Jesus to us, not only in Garabandal, but always. It is ironic that
appear, which she does, as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. the two parties involved in the Annunciation, Our Blessed Mother and
Accompanied by St. Michael at her right and, it was later the angel Gabriel, are present here as well, since we are called to
revealed, St. Gabriel, at her left, the Holy Virgin speaks about many
cultivate the kind of faith which Mary exemplified at both the
things with the seers and recites the Rosary with them. There is a
Annunciation and the Visitation, where she proclaimed her beautiful
large eye to the right of the Virgin, which seems to be the eye of
"Magnificat" in praise of her God. We are called to the kind of
God. At the end of the Rosary the Virgin leaves.
humility, gratitude, and praise which Our Blessed Mother personified.
The eye of God seen to Mary's right reminds us that God is always
watching us and therefore we must remain faithful to this
calling, message, and mission!
Also important is the fact that Our Lady comes to Garabandal as Our
Lady of Mount Carmel, long associated with the Scapular which She
held in Her hand. Given the beautiful promises made by The Virgin to
St. Simon Stock regarding this powerful sacramental, we are
reminded that Garabandal is also a source of future Divine Mercy
through its message of The Warning and The Miracle.
12. SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
In 1251, Our Lady, accompanied by a multitude of angels appeared to St. Simon Stock, General of the Carmelites, the Scapular with Brown in his hands, and said:
"Whoever wears this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire. "
The Brown Scapular, plus the promise of salvation for those who die with him, also carries the privilege to call on Saturdays. Saturday's privilege is that the Blessed
Virgin will bring in Purgatory as soon as possible, especially on Saturday after his death, who died with the scapular and during his life have been saved chastity
according to their state.
In addition to the great promise of saving us from hell, from Saturday's singular privilege and honorable title of Brothers of the Virgin and the salvation of the
dangers, it also provides the privilege of a great number of indulgences, all those who wear the scapular and thus enjoy the good works that are practiced
throughout the Carmelite Order.
The scapular can be blessed and imposed by any Carmelite priest, diocesan or religious. However, the ceremony of taxation should follow the official rite
established by the Catholic Church.
13.
14. THE FOURTH STATION The Message
Our Lady Appears with the Infant Jesus Perhaps one of the most concise of the stations. The Savior of
the World, brought within Our Heavenly Mother at the earlier
The day after her first apparition, Our Lady appears without the apparition, is now visible. So too, Our Lady brings Our
angels but, more importantly, with the infant Jesus. After speaking Savior, invisible to us at first, but then clearly visible at Christmas
with the seers for half an hour, the Virgin disappears. and through His Word and messages today." Blessed are they
who do not see, and yet believe" for in believing what they did
not see at first, they are blessed with the source and fruit of their
belief. Our Blessed Mother carries Her Divine Son to us
everyday; it is our job to carry Him to a world which needs Him
more than ever!
15.
16. THE FIFTH STATION The Message
The Kissing and Blessing of Objects What began as an innocent intuition, with simple pebbles, grew
into a phenomenon quite unique to Garabandal. Many criticize
the seeming over-emphasis of religious objects as some sort of
It begins with a simple game...the girls bring some pebbles to amuse talisman or superstitious practice, but this criticism misses the
the infant Jesus. Our Lady kisses these pebbles and asks the seers point that these objects become symbols of faith and are not
to give them to the people in the crowd. When the people realize that venerated themselves. Three observations can be made here.
the Virgin had kissed them, they begin to hand over First, out of innocence (simple child's play) comes faith (that
rosaries, medals, rings, and the like to be kissed as well. Soon
special graces can be and are derived from kissed objects).
specific people in the crowd are singled out to receive these objects.
Second, God's love, mercy, and special graces are found in the
Both a sweet odor and a luminosity has been observed from many of
spontaneous innocent faith of children more than in the
these kissed objects, even many years later.
practiced, premeditated agendas of cynical adults.
At the final Garabandal apparition of November 13, 1965, Our Lady
tells Conchita that Jesus will perform prodigies through the kissed Third, to live the Garabandal message, we must again become
objects and that those who wear such objects with faith and as children of faith who believe that God can and will work
confidence will make their purgatory on earth with suffering through people and even objects to demonstrate His endless
corresponding to that which they would have had in purgatory. love, mercy, and power.
19. THE SIXTH STATION The Message
The Blessed Virgin Teaches the Seers How to Say the Rosary
Prayer is clearly a central aspect of Garabandal, and it is
impossible to overlook this in our stations. The obvious first layer
In a village where prayer in general and the Rosary in particular are of this fifth station is that we must pray for the world, priests, an
already common practice, the Blessed Mother teaches the girls how increase in our faith, and each other. Second, prayer should not
to pray correctly and with true devotion. She instructs them on how be some dreaded task or chore; it should be a joyous, desired
to say the Rosary slowly, thinking about each word, and meditating meeting with our God! In a world that either does not pray or
on its mysteries. The pace and rhythm of the Rosary comes to be
prays only when tragedy strikes, the irony is that the lack of
known as the Garabandal Rosary, which becomes a song of praise
regular prayer is a tragedy itself. We are reminded of St. Francis
and honor where quality, not quantity, was the goal.
who turned prayer into a joyous song of praise. Our Lady did not
miss any aspect of prayer and the Rosary in Her instructions,
even teaching the children how to make the sign of the cross
with dignity and respect. In Her second message, She added
"pray to us with sincerity and we will grant your requests." The
centrality of the Holy Rosary is once again stressed as in Fatima
and elsewhere. From all of these points and more, we can
conclude that a life without prayer is a life without God
20. OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
The Blessed Virgin appeared to Saint Dominic and told him: "Do you know, my dear Dominic, that weapon has served the Holy Trinity to reform the world?" "Oh, My
Lady, " he said, "You know better I, for Your Son Jesus Christ after you were the main instrument of our salvation "
"Know that the main part of the battery was the angelic salutation, which is the foundation of the New Testament, and therefore if you want to win these hard hearts
to God, pray My Psalter"
"Many preachers want then thundering against the most serious sinners, forgetting that before giving painful remedy is necessary to prepare the patient to receive it
and take advantage of it. So the audience must first encourage a love of prayer, especially to my Angelic Psalter, because if everyone starts to pray it is doubtful that
the Divine Mercy will be conducive to those who persevere. Pray then, my Rosary. "
"One day through the Rosary and the Scapular I will save the world! " - Our Lady to St. Dominic
Praying the Rosary at
the site of the
apparition of Our Lady
21.
22. THE SEVENTH STATION The Message
Our Lady as Catechist and Guide
Once again, we see Our Lady as a loving and caring Mother who
knows that simply telling someone to do something is not enough; if
Our Lady's instruction in prayer is just one of the ways in which She one truly loves another, one will show them how and why to do
acts as a catechist and guide to the seers and, through them, for us. something correctly. In a world where people only think of
In teaching the girls about the love of God; loving God and our themselves at worst, or show minimal concern for others at best, we
neighbor; living a life of faith; observing fundamental, social, and are called to go that extra mile, to serve as models of Christ-like
personal virtues; the hereafter; piety and the church, Our Lady
behavior, to be "carriers" of the word and love of God, and the
serves as their instructor, guide, and model. In turn, the villagers
example of Christ and His Blessed Mother. Let us be good
learn much from the example shown by the visionaries' behavior and
Samaritans and our brothers' keepers all rolled into one in a world
conduct in prayer and life in general.
that often appears immune to the love of God.
St. Irenaeus wrote a meditation which reads "Eve, by her
disobedience, tied the knot of disgrace for the human race; to the
contrary, Mary, by her obedience, undid it. This representation of Our
Lady as the "Undoer of Knots" fits beautifully here. Through her
instruction, love and care, Our Blessed Mother can help us to undo
the conflicts and problems in our lives as well, facilitating our
personal path to salvation as well as our opportunity to help saves
souls, if we accept that invitation. At Garabandal we see how
rosaries were miraculously untangled when returned to their owners.
If we trust Our Lord and His Blessed Mother and follow the advice
given at this humble Spanish village over four decades ago, They will
likewise help us to untangle the problems in our lives.
23.
24. THE EIGHTH STATION The Message
Our Lady Visits the Homes
Garabandal is certainly a welcoming, friendly village, and so the idea
Our Lady visits every home in Garabandal in the course of the of visiting and welcoming with open arms is not foreign to the
apparitions. Homes are visited more than once or twice as the need villagers. It is in this spirit that we see a multitude of "little visitations"
presents itself. The seers would enter a home in ecstasy, and would by Our Lady not unlike those she made to her cousin Elizabeth. Just
remain for various lengths of time. as the Gospels show us Jesus sanctifying homes during His
ministry, we see the Virgin sanctifying homes with her visits.
We are given a three-fold mission: First, in a very real sense, we are
to visit the sick, the lonely, and the poor as Christ instructed us to do.
The life lived according to the Garabandal messages is not a passive
exercise where one waits to see how one can serve others. On the
contrary, we must be pro-active. We must seek out service by visiting
our neighbors in both a physical and spiritual manner (e.g., by
thinking of them and praying for them). The second part of our
mission is that we must live a life that is open to Christ, so that He will
always be present, always be with us in our minds and conduct.
Third, we must likewise visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament, and not
forget to visit God's House. Let us follow the example of Elizabeth
and, open to Christ, ask "Who am I that my Lord should visit me?"
25.
26. THE NINTH STATION The Message
Leading Good Lives
In this day and age we are witnesses to the two extremes in dealing
One of the first and most critical elements of The Garabandal with the salvation of souls. At one extreme we find those who are
Message is also the most simple. Our Lady tells us that the path by obsessed with dates and clues in an attempt to predict future events
which we may save souls, including our own, is to "lead good lives". and prophecies. At the other extreme we find those infatuated with
In late 1965 Conchita tells a priest that "There is no use in believing prayers and profound words. While Christ encourages us to read the
in the apparitions if we do not comply with the Message." signs of the times and pray, He also expects our actions to reflect our
love and loyalty to God. Actions speak louder than words and tea
leaves, and in order to truly follow Christ we must pick up our
cross, put away our selfishness and resentments, and actually live in
imitation of Christ to the best of our abilities. Imitation of Christ is
found in actions rather than calculations and mere words.
Another aspect of this station is the idea that God does not promise
happiness in this world. In fact, the times tell us that leading good
lives according to God may often provide us with difficult choices
contrary to society's norms or even our family's wishes.
Such choices have become increasingly common in this age when
the world is increasingly distant from God and the kind of lives He
wishes His children to live.
At the end of the day, living a good life means living a life for and
about God in service of others. It may often be living a life quite
different from the kind of life this society suggests we should live.
Leading a good life leading to salvation implies
humility, obedience, loyalty, respect and commitment to serving God
through love and service to others. We must atone for our sins
through penance, forgive offenses, practice modesty and chastity
according to our stations in life, exercise charity and patience and
embrace sacrifice as reparation for sin.
27.
28. The TENTH STATION The Message
The Importance of Marriage and The Family
In this age where the sacredness and nature of both marriage and
the family are under such attack from the devil, Garabandal stands
Among the sacred objects kissed by The Blessed Virgin are wedding as a reminder that both of these institutions are central to a society
rings, which are then returned to their rightful owners. On a number whose focus rests on God. The present assaults upon traditional
of occasions, the seers are able to identify the false matrimonial marriage and family are evidence of just how much the devil hates
state of various spectators. Our Lady seems to have a predilection to and fears the power of these sacred institutions.
visit homes with children. Also, many believe that the visions of seer
Mari Cruz stopped because her parents forbade her to go out and
pray with the others, demonstrating Heaven's respect for parental
authority and wishes. All of the visionaries eventually marry, and all
except Jacinta have had children.
29.
30. THE ELEVENTH STATION The Message
The Supernatural Made Natural
The supernatural events of Garabandal, like the Dancing of The Sun
at Fatima, are meant to demonstrate The Almighty's Power and
The heavenly calls, ecstatic walks, unexplainable levitations, Authority over the physical world, as well as to provide proof to
incredible physical manifestations, unexplainable medical unbelieving minds and hearts. Beyond the purely physical and
observations and other supernatural events of Garabandal have scientific meaning of these events, however, is the simple truth that
become one of the most enduring elements of those apparitions. following God Almighty and serving His Divine Will transcends the
Photos, film and scientific observations have recorded the nature of
mere physical and rational chains of this material world. Simply
these events for posterity.
put, with God, anything is possible and without Him, any evil is
possible.
33. THE TWELFTH STATION The Message
The Sacredness of Life
We must recall that The Visitation is one of the most beautiful
testaments to the sacredness of life from the womb onward. We are
Seers Mari Cruz and Jacinta visit the home of Pepe and Clementina told that St. John The Baptist, within the womb of St.
Diez in ecstasy every day for 18 months. The Diez family includes Elizabeth, reacted to the Presence of Jesus, within the womb of His
several children including a baby and Clementina was an expectant Blessed Mother. At Garabandal Our Lady clearly continued this
mother at the start of the Garabandal events. The girls frequently predilection toward maternity, expectancy and children.
visit the sick in ecstasy, and many objects kissed by The Virgin have
Likewise, Scripture tells us just how much Our Lord came to cure the
been reported to have resulted in cures. Finally, at least two of the
sick, more in soul than body, but both nevertheless.
seers, Conchita and Mari Loli, have worked as nurses.
Service to others obviously includes serving and protecting the most
vulnerable among us, be they the unborn, the elderly or the
sick, because all life is sacred and worthy of respect and protection.
34.
35. THE THIRTEENTH STATION The Message
Respect For Tradition and Authority
Open defiance of authority is a dangerous area. While one
Garabandal is a very traditional village where the past is held in high
has a duty to defy immoral or evil orders, we must remember
regard and respect. Its religious and cultural customs are maintained
and passed from parents to children. Likewise, The Blessed Virgin that the devil began his rejection of God in precisely this
tells the seers to obey their parents, superiors and priests before way. Certainly Heaven wants us to respect our
obeying Her. In August of 1961 the local priest forbids the seers from parents, superiors and civil or religious authority whenever
entering the church in ecstasy and they comply without hesitation possible without endangering our souls. The litmus test for
under the direction of The Virgin Herself. In the winter of 1962 The
such respect and obedience must always be whether or not
Virgin does not appear to Jacinta for a month because she had
complained at her father's order that she go to bed instead of waiting practicing it will lead to the greater glory of God and our
for an apparition. salvation. Our own subjective desires or wishes should not
hold precedence over obedience and respect to
The Virgin tells the seers that Vatican II would have a positive impact parental, societal or religious authority absent a clear threat
on the Church as long as men did not disrespect the traditions and
of immorality dangerous to our souls and salvation.
history of The Church by furthering their own subjective biases and
taking advantage of room for subjective interpretation.
In summary, there is no evidence in any part of the Garabandal If Vatican II's actions have had a negative impact upon the
events that the seers were encouraged or even permitted to present Church, then Garabandal tells us that such harms
intentionally disrespect or disobey superiors in any way. have not resulted from the Council itself or its original
motives but subsequent corruption and manipulation by
those not interested in the greater good of the Church or the
faithful. The Virgin told the seers that people of other faiths
are "all my children" and once told them that one day
Protestants would return to the Catholic Church. Taken in
this context, Heaven's Ecumenism is one of diplomatic
respect for what is good in other faiths while prayerfully and
charitably recognizing where differences lie. This is a far cry
from man's Ecumenism, which is simply one of
appeasement, surrender and betrayal of basic Catholic
principles in a crude effort to forge union. Such Ecumenism
lacks the courageous conviction, loyalty to the Faith and
humble trust in The Almighty's ultimate designs present in
Heaven's version.
38. THE FOURTEENTH STATION
The Message
Fr. Luis Sees The Miracle
The importance of the priesthood and religious in The
Fr. Luis Andreu was a good and saintly priest who was very Church has always been one of the cornerstones of the
prominent in the early events of Garabandal. In August 8, 1961, Fr. Garabandal Message and events. Here we have a Jesuit
Luis sees The Miracle while near the girls in ecstasy. The girls, who priest receiving the privilege of seeing Our Lady and the
usually do not see anyone other than The Virgin during these
visions, see him as well. He exclaims, "Miracle ! , Miracle !" and is
Miracle as well.
very moved. Later, he dies peacefully after expressing how great Our Lady once told the seers that if they met a priest and an
and loving a mother Our Lady is and how fortunate we are to have angel, they should greet the priest first because he was
such a mother. consecrated and the angel was not. The Virgin gave the girls
the power to identify priests wearing non-priestly
attire, demonstrating that they were specially marked by
Heaven.
We should note that Fr. Luis, a priest, is the only person
other than the seers to see Our Lady at Garabandal
and, along with Padre Pio, another priest, the only one to
see The Miracle beforehand. Our Lady asks us to pray
constantly for priests, for their mission is great and central to
the Church and therefore the assaults and threats they and
all religious face from the devil is likewise great. Praying for
priests and all religious is a constant element of the
Garabandal Message.
At Garabandal Our Lady made it clear that priests have to
capacity to inspire holiness and lead their flock toward
salvation or, on the contrary, to induce sin and drag their
sheep toward perdition. This danger was plainly stated in the
Second Garabandal Message of 1965. However, we must
note that Our Lady did not speak of "bad" priests, but of
priests who were misled, misleading or had lost their way or
mission. Conchita even remarked that if many priests fall into
sin and lead their flock to perdition, we are at fault for not
praying enough for them. It is noteworthy that Fr. Luis was a
Jesuit and that particular order has increasingly become
involved in much defiance of core Catholic doctrine and
teaching, being prone to secularism and modernity.
39. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRIESTHOOD
FATHER LUIS ANDREU PRESENCE THE MIRACLE
40.
41. THE FIFTEENTH STATION The Message
The Corpus Christi Night of Screams
Just as in Fatima, Our Lady does not spare these innocent
children from a vision of hell. During the controversy over the
In June of 1962 the girls are shown a vision of hell and its torments
and the coming Chastisement, causing them to scream in fear and film "The Passion of The Christ", many critics argued that the
anxiety. The people are so affected by these events that most of the movie was too violent and traumatic for children. While
people in the town go to confession afterward. certainly parents were wise to use discretion and carefully
consider if their child could handle the film, many children,
including my own pre-teen daughter, saw this film and were
very moved by it contrary to the overblown fears and
warnings of critics who perhaps just wanted to find more
things to criticize about this masterpiece.
We know that Our Lady and Our Lord would never harm
innocent children, so it is clear that sometimes instilling fear
of evil and its consequences has its place. While the Blessed
Mother did not actually use the word "hell" in the Second
Message of Garabandal, She did mention "the road to
perdition". Also, we should note that She did not speak of
"perdition" but the "road" to that perdition, thereby reminding
us of the merciful and loving God Who is seeks our return to
Him before it is too late.
Certainly, as Conchita has often noted that priests should
warn their flock of the existence of purgatory and hell. This
society increasingly ignores, avoids or even mocks this
existence, thereby serving the purpose and plan of the devil
quite well. The evil one knows that one of the best ways to
snare souls is to deceive people into believing that there will
be no eternal consequences for their actions and sins. The
popular modernist notions that we will all be saved no matter
what we do or that God is so loving that He would not
condemn anyone are merely two additional baits used by the
devil to seize souls. Note how reference to hell has been
removed from modernist versions of The Act of Contrition,
for example.
45. THE SIXTEENTH STATION The Message
The Visible Host
The critical importance of the Eucharist in The Garabandal
Only the early morning of July 19, 1962, with prior notice, Conchita
Message is highlighted by this key event. Our Lady told the
leaves her home and goes around to the corner of her house where
she suddenly falls to her knees in a puddle and prepares to receive seers on June 18, 1965 that "Less and less importance is
Communion. Suddenly, as witnessed by numerous people and being given to the Eucharist." The girls had received
recorded by photo and film, a Host appears on her tongue which she Communion from the angel before this, but only when a
then swallows. It is made clear that this miracle is performed by God priest was not available. By the end of 1962, only Conchita
through the intercession of Saint Michael for the purpose of
and Mari Loli received Communion from the angel's
increasing belief and faith among the people. It was given in
response to the pleas of the girls for a miracle that would prove the hand, perhaps because they had more sufferings to endure
authenticity of the apparitions and was announced 15 days in and thus would have a greater need for Communion.
advance.
When a priest asked Mari Loli and Conchita which they
would rather choose, a locution or a Communion, both
unhesitatingly answered "Communion!" despite the fact that
locutions filled them with bliss and Communions did not
necessarily have such side effects. We must also remember
the great importance of The Real Presence, which happens
to be a favorite devotion of Conchita to this day. One of my
favorite saints is St. Tarcisius, an acolyte who died clutching
and protecting The Blessed Sacrament from an angry pagan
mob. Garabandal reminds us that we should all hold Our
Lord close to our hearts as St. Tarcisius did, protecting The
Blessed Sacrament from a world that increasingly
disrespects, mocks and ignores this beautiful gift from God
Almighty.
Our present society leaves much to be desired in its
treatment of Holy Communion, increasingly degrading Its
meaning and sacred character. The Protestant view of The
Host as only a symbol and the resulting rejection of The Real
Presence have crept into Catholic practice for many. The
Eucharist combines Garabandal's key elements of the
priesthood, Communion, sacrifice and Christ's Real
Presence. Many believe that the Miracle will be of a
Eucharistic nature.
49. THE SEVENTEENTH STATION The Message
The Cemetery Rosary and Events
In the popular Garabandal book "O Children Listen to Me",
author Fr. Robert Francois comments that this event
In early November of 1962, Conchita and Mari Loli go to the town
cemetery together, in ecstasy. They sing the Rosary once inside with demonstrates "that the world of the living and the dead are
great devotion and also place the crucifix on the tombs of various not separated and that they are united by one and the same
relatives. Later that week, Conchita is seen holding a crucifix through Redeemer."
the locked cemetery gate, as if holding it out for as man as 100 The Garabandal events are full of such examples of respect
invisible people to kiss, which Conchita later confirms the departed
and love for the dearly departed in Christ. The seers would
souls did.
often visit the homes of the departed to visit their families in
ecstasy and pray over the bed of the deceased family
member or at their portraits, blessing these with a crucifix.
We must also note that The Virgin also taught the girls to
pray for the Holy Souls of Purgatory as well. Clearly,
Garabandal is as much about the afterlife as it is about the
present life, for not only must we live this present life for God
to have an afterlife with Him, but we must show love,
compassion, mercy and charity toward those who have
already passed on, for one day we will be in their places.
52. THE EIGHTEENTH STATION The Message
The Second Message
In his book "Our Lady Comes To Garabandal" Father Joseph A. Pelletier
On June 18, 1965, a full four years after St. Michael first appeared to observes that the devil's feverish plan of attack against the Church in this era is
the seers and with seven months advance notice, Conchita falls to to first attack those in key Church positions, namely clerical leaders, then priests,
nuns and brothers, followed by central points of doctrine, the teaching authority
her knees at the cuadro, the precise spot where both Our Lady and
of the Church, the Eucharist, prayer and penance, and Mary. Fr. Pelletier
St. Michael had appeared the first time. A large crowd has gathered interprets this strategy of the devil as recognition of the fact that "When all
in the town in anticipation of this message, which is made public the (religious) are leading holy lives, everything else in the Church will fall into place.“
next day and reads as follows:
It should be noted that later versions of this message replaced "Many cardinals,
As my message of October 18 (1961) has not been complied with many bishops and many priests" with merely "many priests". Conchita explained
and has not been made known to the world, I am advising you that that cardinals and bishops are priests as well. Note how many cardinals and
this is the last one. Before, the cup was filling up. Now it is flowing bishops merely offer lip service against the evils of abortion, stem cell research
over. Many cardinals, many bishops and many priests are on the and nontraditional marriage and family. In fact, many openly defy the Church
themselves, leading many faithful astray or into confusion. Note also how many
road to perdition and are taking many souls with them. Less and less
religious have become involved in leftist and socialist beliefs, practices and
importance is being given to the Eucharist. You should turn the wrath causes. Note how many nuns now dabble in the occult, New Age, goddess
of God away from yourselves by your efforts. If you ask him worship and radical feminism, condoning and even promoting abortion and
forgiveness with sincere hearts, he will pardon you. I, your vulgar and despicable plays. Rather than guide the faithful and defend the faith,
mother, through the intercession of St. Michael the archangel, ask many religious corrupt the faithful and betray the faith themselves. Truly, if the
you to amend your lives. You are now receiving the last warnings. I destruction of religious is a key crime of the devil in these times, the blood and
love you very much and do not want your condemnation. Pray to us evidence of this crime is all to prevalent and visible in our world today.
with sincerity and we will grant your requests. You should make
more sacrifices. Think about the passion of Jesus. This message mentions the "road to perdition" rather than "perdition" thereby still
illustrating the merciful opportunity to change direction in that fateful path.
Likewise, the reality that lost religious take many souls with them is significant as
one reason why the devil has so concentrated on such people and therefore why
we must pray for them, which is a most important part of the Garabandal
message. Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this message is that it reads like
a present day newspaper article. We see how the fall from grace of many
religious has contributed greatly to today's spiritual crisis and confusion within
the Church. Scandals and defiant stances threaten to divide and subvert the
Church itself.
Likewise important is the role of the Eucharist in Garabandal, from the fact that
the actual pine trees in the pines were planted by Conchita's grandfather to
commemorate children's First Communions to the Visible Host to the foretold
future Miracle many feel will be of a Eucharistic nature on a Thursday no less
which is the day of The Last Supper where The Eucharist was instituted.
Rejection or neglect of The Divine Presence and increasing disrespect of
Communion through reception by those in sin, disbelief in Its sacred character
and questionable standards and procedures for administering It today all
demonstrate society's failure in this area.
Finally, the roles of sincere sorrow and contrition for our sins, forgiveness of
others, sacrifice and remembrance of Our Lord's Passion all encourage us to
keep these directives toward salvation close to our souls, hearts, minds and
actions.
55. THE NINETEENTH STATION The Message
The Warning
On January 1, 1965 Our Lady tells Conchita of a world-wide The much discussed Warning is central to the Garabandal
supernatural phenomenon that will be experienced by all. This event events and may be described as an individual Damascus
will be a spiritual wake-up call for each of us and is the first of two experience for each of us in the steps of what happened to
transcendental events prophesized at Garabandal.
Paul. Each of us will see ourselves as God sees us and will
understand how we have offended God by what we have
done and what we have failed to do. It will be a miraculous,
supernatural event clearly coming from God and designed
as a correction of our conscience, a divine and merciful
purification and a call that we abandon our sinful ways. It will
also be a turning point, a fork in our eternal road, for we will
then have the choice to either approach a loving, merciful
God or fall farther away from Him.
56. Description of Warning by the Seers
CONCHITA
The Warning is something that comes directly from God and will be visible throughout
the world wherever you are. Wiil be as a revelation of our sins, as will be seen and
experienced by believers and nonbelievers and people of any religion. It's like a
purification for the Miracle. Is a form of disaster. We will think about death, that is, I'd
rather be dead than experience the Warning. The Warning is supernatural and may
not be explained by science. The Warning will be the correction of the conscience of
the world. For those not Christians or do not know Christ will believe that will be a
warning from God.
The most important thing about that day, so that everyone in the world will see a
sign, a grace or a punishment within themselves - in other words a warning. Were
alone in the world does not matter where, alone with his conscience before God. You
will see your sins and your sins have caused.
I feel different because it depends on our consciousness. The Warning will be very
personal, different react to it. The most important thing is to acknowledge our sins and
the bad consequences of them. Warning your experience will be different from mine
because your sins are different from mine .. Will be only a Warning to see you've done
with your sins. Will be as a purification before the great miracle. It is a phenomenon
which will be seen and felt around the world, anywhere and always give the example
of two stars colliding. The phenomenon did not cause physical damage, but if we are
terrified because at that moment we see our soul and the damage they have done. Be
like if we were in agony but we will not die but their effect may die of fear if the
impression of seeing ourselves. Nobody doubted that comes from God and not a
human being. What it is and I have much fear of that day.
The Virgin told us that the Warning and Miracle will be the last public demonstration
warnings of God to give us. We must always be ready with our souls in peace and not
much attached to things of this world. We must constantly think that we are here to go
to heaven and be holy.
57. Description of Warning by the Seers
MARI LOLI
The Warning and Miracle will occur in the same year (within a period of 12 months
and not necessarily in the same year). When the Warning occurs even stop all the
planes in the sky. Like all faults I have shown me my faults and I am afraid of it. All I
can say is that this very close and it is important that we prepare because it will be a
terrible thing. Show us all the evil we have done. We must do much penance, many
sacrifices, visit the Blessed Sacrament every day possible. All Warning experienced
regardless of your condition or knowledge of God. Be a personal experience. Like the
world will stop and no one will notice that it will be totally absorbed in his own
experience. Will be as an inner feeling of guilt and sorrow for having offended God.
God help us see clearly the suffering it causes and all the evil we have done. He will
help you feel the pain inside because many times when we do something wrong just
ask God for forgiveness with our lips, but now through the Warning, He will help us
feel a deep pain. Before the Warning will appear that the Communism will be taken
around the world and it is very difficult to practice the religion, for priests to say Mass
or to the people open the doors of churches. Anyone who wants to practice the
religion will have to hide. The Pope will have to run and hide like anyone else. The
Warning is like a great silence, like a sense of emptiness
58. Description of Warning by the Seers
JACINTA
The Warning is something that is first seen in the air anywhere in the world and
immediately is transmitted into the interior of our souls. It will be a short time, but will
feel like they will last longer for the internal effect on us. Will be for the good of our
souls, in this way see ourselves our conscience, good and evil we have done. Then
we will feel a great love for our Heavenly Father and ask forgiveness for our sins. The
Warning is for everyone because God wants our salvation. The Warning is in order to
lead and get closer to Him and to increase our faith. We must prepare for that day, but
do not expect it with fear because God does not send things to scare us but does so
with justice and love and do it for the good of all His children should enjoy eternal
happiness and not be lost. The Virgin said that the Warning would come when
conditions would find the worst.
59. The Warning? What is it ?
There is a secret of Heaven and one of the world, and the latter is terrifying. It will seem as
if the end of the world. And this disaster is all separated from heaven, which will turn white
as snow. "- Jacinta, one of the visionaries of Fatima, Portugal, on his deathbed to Mother
Godinho, February 1920
"The Warning is the greatest act of mercy of God after the redemption, if the man
refuses, the man will be the greatest act of hypocrisy to God. Many will be converted, but
there will be many who continue to deny God. "Father Philip Bebie, C. P.
The Warning shall be as the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, who was penetrated by the
same light they will endure. On his way to Damascus, traveling to that village for persecute
Jews who lived there and had just become. In a glorious vision, it was revealed that he not
only persecuted the Church, but Jesus himself, the same Lord of heaven and earth! The
blinding light of the risen Christ condemned as sin. Paul obeyed the warning that Jesus had
given him, he repented and became His faithful followers, and left behind his past life.
Be an act of God ... an act of His Mercy. While the world avert the annihilation of entire
nations depends on how each of us react to this act of His Mercy. Father Philip Bebie, C. P.
At the time when the world has lost its sense of sin, we suddenly see how God sees us.
We recognize our sins.
If you refuse this act of mercy ... if we persist in our sins ... do not deserve to see the whole
world purged by fire ... or any other purification chose Divine Justice?
The Warning will show us our sins. The Warning will be a test of eternity. Time will stop for a
moment during the Warning and the truth of eternal existence will fall upon us all. Suffer for a
moment the pain of our sin, the pain of separation from God, the pain of purgatory or hell. GOD
will allow us to see everything in the Warning.
60.
61. THE TWENTIETH STATION The Message
The Miracle
Conchita has stated that it will be "the greatest miracle that
Our Lady tells Conchita that at eight-thirty on a Thursday Jesus has performed for the world" leaving no doubt that
evening, coinciding with an event in the Church and with the feast of God is its origin or that it is for the good of mankind. She has
a saint, martyr of the Eucharist, on or between the eighth and
sixteenth of March, April or May and within a year or so of the also stated that the Miracle of Garabandal " will be a miracle
Warning, a miracle will occur in Garabandal which will be visible to of the love of God, something that will prove and manifest
all in the village and surrounding mountains. The sick who are His love to us in an outstanding way." What further need be
present will be cured, either physically or spiritually, and those who said than this?
do not believe will believe. Conchita will announce this event eight
days in advance.
62. THE MIRACLE
In June 1961 the Blessed Virgin began to appear for over four years to four young girls in a small village of
300 inhabitants in the Cantabrian Mountains in northwestern Spain, called Garabandal. Are some interesting
facts about the Miracle: It will take place between 8 and 16 of March, April or May, a Thursday at 8:30 pm
Occur within one year after the Warning and
Conchita, one of the seers, will announce the date eight days earlier. Occur on the feast of a martyr of the
Eucharist (who is Spanish and whose name is not known to the Spanish). Coincide with a major event of the
Church and the local bishop will receive a personal signal before the event. The lift the ban to allow priests to
go to town. Conchita says in the magazine's Garabandal
Miracle: "It will be visible to all who are in the village and surrounding mountains. The patients who will be
present, heal, and unbelievers will believe. It will be the greatest miracle that Jesus has done for the world.
There is no doubt that is of God and that is for the good of humanity. A sign of the miracle, which may be
filmed or televised, will remain forever. "
Father Philip Bebie, C. P., says of the Miracle:
Millions will see that day. The Miracle will be a revelation. The Miracle is
a clear revelation of God's Mercy. The Miracle will be Eucharistic. The
Miracle will be the Church. The Miracle will be Marian. The Miracle
become worldwide. The Miracle is sacramental. The Miracle will be a
warning. . The Miracle will be for the Glory of God ..
63.
64. THE TWENTY-FIRST STATION The Message
The Permanent Sign
Just as Our Lord came to us through Our Blessed
Conchita states that a permanent sign of the Miracle, which will be Mother, The First Tabernacle, at Christmas in a miraculous
possible to film or televise, will remain forever at the pines. way, so too God Almighty will touch us through the Miracle at
Garabandal. Just as Our Lord is present in the Eucharist
through The Real Presence, so too will He give us a
permanent reminder of His presence through this permanent
sign at the Pines. It is interesting that pines are associated
with Christmas and are permanent as well.
65.
66. CONCLUSION
These stations are meant to serve as a reminder of the key events and points of Garabandal. Anyone who has visited this humble
village cannot forget its peaceful simplicity and quiet testament to the loving mercy of God and touch of Our Blessed Mother. To
climb up the steep rocks toward the Pines is to experience two realities, that of this world and that of Heaven. From an earthly
perspective the climb is rocky and treacherous, but from a Heavenly perspective it is swift and safe if one trusts in the loving
welcome from Our Lady awaiting at the top. Once surrounded by those beautiful pines, one is enveloped in a feeling of peace and
love which is hard to describe. More than conducive to prayer, the Pines are a prayer in and of themselves, a testament to God's
loving and merciful power and promise.
Garabandal is famous for its miraculous llamadas, or Heavenly calls through which the girls were summoned to their Heavenly
Mother and its ecstatic walks and runs through which these same girls raced up steep rocks to converse with that loving Mother.
In a very real way we are each called to make our own walks toward God through the events and messages of Garabandal.
May all who read these humble stations find them a useful reminder and guide and may they be fortunate enough to one day visit
the equally humble village that God has touched and through which God will continue to touch an ungrateful and forgetful world.
80. Lovely Lady dressed in blue
Teach me how to pray
God was just your little boy
Tell me what to say
Did you lift Him up sometimes
Gently on your knee?
Did you sing to Him
The way my mother does to me?
Did you tell Him stories of the world
and oh, did He cry?
Does He care if I tell Him things?
Just little things that happen?
And do angels wings make a noise?
Can He hear me if I speak low?
Does He understand me now?
Tell me, for you know.
Lovely Lady dressed in blue
Teach me how to pray
For God was just your little boy
And You know the way
81. FOR THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN:
We pray to Our Lady of the Mount Carmel, that every soul departed from
this world in this terrible earthquake, gives them the eternal rest and the
Eternal Light shine forever.
OUR LADY OF PURGATORY, PRAY FOR THEM
82. STATIONS OF THE PINES by Gabriel Garnica
Gabriel Garnica is a college professor and licensed attorney. He is a frequent
contributor to many conservative websites and has written nearly 300 articles
on religious topics, including many for Garabandal International Magazine.
Any comments or inquiries regarding this or any of his work can be directed
to: gbgmyarticles @ yahoo .com
This work was possible thanks to:
Our Lady of the Mount Carmel
Margarita Reyes fendio5@aol.com
Martha Quinteros christian6456075@gmail.com
Editor:
Ernesto Camara jecamarai@hotmail.com