Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver ordains seven men to the Catholic priesthood

Published on: May 20th 2013 — 10:09 AM / OBS: North America

DENVER, CO, USA — Twenty years after World Youth Day 1993 in Denver, vocations to the priesthood in the Mile High City are on the rise. Strong evidence for the infusion of the Holy Spirit’s work in northern Colorado was on display at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception this past Saturday, as seven men laid down their life in service to Christ’s priesthood. Through God’s grace, and these men’s “YES” to Christ’s call, the Archdiocese of Denver received a huge boost of ‘ardor’ for the future work of the Church and the New Evangelization.

music by: St. John Vianney Theological Seminary – Denver, CO

Although this mission does not personally know the life stories of all seven men, the mission of OBS is excited to aide their priesthood moving forward. Together, the 500,000+ Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver, could make a huge impact on the culture of this state and our nation by banding together to follow the courageous lead of these new priests. Who will join them? Let us all band together in prayer for these seven men’s spiritual growth and courage to lead the flock. May God who has begun this great work, bring it to completion.

Share your story with this mission, get started by e-mailing seth@onebillionstories.com. And don’t forget to forward this link to young men in your life, they need to see the Catholic heroism being lived out in Denver!

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Seth James DeMoor
@SethJamesDeMoor — 303.709.3804

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PREVIOUS STORY

READINGS FOR MAY 20th 2012
First: Sirach 1:1-10
Psalm: Psalm 93:1AB, 1CD-2, 5
Gospel: Mark 9:14-29

ROSARY: JOYFUL MYSTERIES
1. Annunciation
2. Visitation
3. Nativity
4. Presentation
5. Finding in the Temple

The post Denver, the Mile High City, Receives Seven Men to Christ’s Priesthood at Cathedral on Colfax Avenue appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

“Holy Family High School continues to represent the best of Catholic education in Colorado, and across the United States.”

Published on: April 16th, 2013 — 3:49 PM / OBS: North America

BROOMFIELD, CO, USA — Over the past 6 months, OneBillionStories.com has had the privilege of working with Holy Family High School for the production of this highlight reel on their amazing school. We say “privilege”, because the tremendous responsibility of solid Catholic education in the 21st century is in many ways in the hands of this school; and our team was blessed to tag along for the tremendous ride! (more below)

music by: Josh Garrels, AWOLNATION / filmed & edited by: Seth James DeMoor

Without a doubt, OneBillionStories.com’s experience at Holy Family High School has left a deep impression on our mission. As our global Video Missionary team attempts to re-propose the authenticity of Christ’s love to the world through Catholicism, it is encouraging to see so many young men and women furthering their education in a Catholic setting, with the Sacraments laying the foundation. With God’s grace, many productive careers, fruitful vocations, and most importantly, authentic relationships with Jesus Christ will spring forth from the halls of Holy Family High School.

A special shout out must be made for Nicole Salter. She never appears in this video, but the images and audio that you experience above could not have been possible without Nicole’s dedication to this project, and the Holy Family community. Thanks Nicole for all those e-mails! Go Tigers!

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Seth James DeMoor
@SethJamesDeMoor — 303.709.3804

RELATED STORIES

PREVIOUS STORY

READINGS FOR APRIL 16TH 2013
First: Acts 7:51—8:1A
Psalm: Ps 31:3CD-4, 6 & 7B & 8A, 17 & 21AB
Gospel: John 6:30-35

ROSARY: SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
1. Agony in the Garden
2. Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowning of Thorns
4. Way of the Cross
5. Crucifixion and Death

The post Holy Family High School in Broomfield, Colorado Sets Bar High for Catholic Education appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

“This choice breaks more than one heart, this choice breaks more than one heart…”

Published on: April 15th, 2013 — 1:34 PM / OBS: North America

DENVER, CO, USA — Listen closely to the lyrics of this song by Michelle Marie Mandico as she performs live, “Breaking Hearts.” The message of life, love, and mercy pour forth from the notes of Michelle. And the challenges in this century for babies in the womb only continue to increase. As Catholics, we, the ‘one billion’ member family, must continue to use beauty to pierce the heart of this culture of death we live within. (more below)

music by: Michelle Marie Mandico / filmed & edited by: Seth James DeMoor

Our team of Video Missionaries would like to close by sharing the lyrics below from “Breaking Hearts.” Read through them, study them, soak in the message of God’s infinite mercy that he shows to all who turn to His love on the Cross.

And be sure to visit Michelle’s website by clicking on her logo above. Follow her musical talent on facebook and twitter too!

Breaking Hearts

It’s a cold rainy day and I stand outside of this dark industry to pray
My eyes are closed but I face You in the sky
Your raindrops are dancing with the tears in my eyes

But I know He is here in this place that is crawling with deep fear
My arms are reaching out to her in the rain
That Your love might touch her through the web of this pain

Do you know how He loves you so
And He holds you even as you’re breaking His heart, breaking His heart

It’s a long lonely walk from their doors back to the parking lot
The girls appear to be walking all alone
But I can hear there’s another set of footsteps by their side

Do you know how He loves you so
And He holds you even as you’re breaking His heart, breaking His heart

My sister in Christ only your maker can pay the price
Of your beautiful body just as it is, Of your beautiful baby living within
Of your beautiful ability to bear a life

And I want you to know how He loves you so, I want you to know
how He loves you so, I want you to know, I want you to know

Do you know how He loves you so
And He holds you even as you’re breaking His heart, breaking His heart

This choice breaks more than one heart, this choice breaks more than one heart
It’s breaking hearts, breaking hearts, breaking hearts

Music & Lyrics by Michelle Marie Mandico

COPYRIGHT by MICHELLE M A R I E M A N D I C O

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Seth James DeMoor
@SethJamesDeMoor — 303.709.3804

RELATED STORIES

PREVIOUS STORY

READINGS FOR APRIL 15TH 2013
First: Acts 6:8-1
Psalm: Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30
Gospel: John 6:22-29

ROSARY: JOYFUL MYSTERIES
1. Annunciation
2. Visitation
3. Nativity
4. Presentation
5. Finding Jesus in the Temple

The post Michelle Marie Mandico, Breaking Hearts LIVE appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

‘God pierced my soul when I was all alone, wandering in the darkness’

Published on: April 15th, 2013 — 11:19 AM / OBS: North America

GREELEY, CO, USA — Her world was turned upside down. She was single. Alone. Afraid. Her 21st birthday party led to trying moments, in the middle of college. Abusing alcohol led to decisions, choices, defining life moments, and eventually a little life inside of her; a little baby girl moving, breathing, and learning the love of this world through the womb of her mother. A place, the womb of a mother, which was once considered the safest place on earth for babies. (more below)

music by: David Thies, The Album Leaf, As Colorful as Ever / filmed by: Jon Ervin, Seth James DeMoor / edited by: Jon Ervin

However, since the 1970s, the proliferation of abortion in America has denied that safety net of love and life to millions of babies still inside the womb. An abortion was scheduled by Raquel, the mother. Where would she turn? What would be her decision? Whom would reach out to her with mercy after a confirmed pregnancy at a moment in life that was filled with uncertainty?

The unconditional love of God came to Raquel’s life through the grace of a homily and readings at Mass. For the first time, Raquel knew that God loved her as much as the little life growing inside of her. God’s infinite mercy allowed Raquel to accept the reality of a baby living and growing up inside of her. Raquel chose life after that trying moment of a 21st birthday party! The joy of little Ava has since brought true joy to Raquel’s life. And she sums it up best with these words, ‘God really can make something beautiful out of broken pieces.’

Now, Raquel is passing her hope and love to other women who are scared and alone with a pregnancy. In Greeley, Colorado, at a crisis pregnancy center, Raquel is sharing her story with other women who are alone and afraid, impacting their lives forever through Christ’s call to see God’s face in every face that walks through those doors.

Perhaps you know someone who could benefit from hearing Raquel’s story? If so, pass this video along to them and watch God’s mercy penetrate the walls of their heart.

Learn more about Raquel’s journey by clicking on her blog logo above, ‘Story of a Rose’. She is working on a book as well, stay tuned on her blog for more updates.

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Seth James DeMoor
@SethJamesDeMoor — 303.709.3804

RELATED STORIES

PREVIOUS STORY

READINGS FOR APRIL 15TH 2013
First: Acts 6:8-1
Psalm: Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30
Gospel: John 6:22-29

ROSARY: JOYFUL MYSTERIES
1. Annunciation
2. Visitation
3. Nativity
4. Presentation
5. Finding Jesus in the Temple

The post Raquel Kato’s 21st Birthday Party Changed LIFE Forever appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

“No one can give what they don’t have.”

Published on: April 11th, 2013 — 8:07 AM / OBS: SOUTH AMERICA

CUSCO, PERU — A story for you today from Cusco, Peru in Spanish with English subtitles focusing on discernment through missionary service. We bring you the testimony of two men giving service to the poor with the Missionary Servants of the Poor (Opus Christi Salvatoris Mundi www.msptm.com/en/ )

The first man you see in the video is Fr. Pierfilippo Giovanetti from Italy, and the second is Eduardo Pardo from Barcelona, Spain. They both went to Cusco with the idea that they would give one year of service to the poor. (read more below)

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ANNIE & AL PALMQUIST
annie@onebillionstories.com

produced: Annie & Al Palmquist / music: James Galway & Phil Coulter

He then went to the Movement’s seminary in Toledo, Spain seeking formation to be a lay brother. His plan was to become a lay brother that took promises and then return to live in Cusco and dedicate his life to serving the poor in their practical day to day needs. But with the help of his spiritual director, Pierfelippo realized that he was being called to much more than this, he was called to be a missionary priest. After completing seminary in Spain, Father Pierfellipo has been back in Cusco for almost a year now as a priest.

I love how throughout his testimony you can see that Pierfellipo gives the Lord a little bit and thinks that that is enough. He gives the Lord one year of service
thinking that at the end of the year he will go back to Italy and continue on with his life. Then when he decides to dedicate his life to the poor in Cusco, he says yes to the Lord to go into Seminary but only to be a brother, not a priest. However, through prayer and the help of his spiritual directors, he is able to realize that the Lord is calling him to much more than he ever expected.

The second man you see is Eduardo. He goes to Cusco for one year and he gives of himself in service of the poor boys in the orphanage helping them with homework, English classes, and Spanish classes (many of the boys’ first language is Quechua and they are just learning Spanish.) He also works in the laundry room and just about anywhere else he is needed. But the most powerful part of his experience there in Cusco are the trips they take every Wednesday out into the small Andean villages, some up to 5 hours outside of Cusco where priests rarely go because they are far and hard to get to. Travelling to these villages is difficult because of the mountainous terrain and there are not many roads. Eduardo goes to these villages with a group of missionaries to teach the faith and if a priest is with them, they set up a small altar and say Mass for the town.

As missionaries we have worked with and visited the Missionary Servants of the Poor twice now, and we think very highly of them. They are priests, brothers, nuns, and missionary families, most of whom live in Cusco from anywhere from 1 year to some that have been there for 18 years. They serve the extremely poor in the Andes mountains in the Cusco area. The witness of truly living the faith that we saw there has inspired us to live more deeply our faith. If you are interested, go to their website www.msptm.com/en/ to find out more about their mission and spirituality. Are you ready for missionary service in Peru?

Annie & Al Palmquist are now more active than ever on the social networks:
Facebook: Al Palmquist
Twitter: @OBS_Peru

El primer hombre que ves en el video es un italiano, Padre Pierfelippo Giovanetti, y el segundo es Eduardo Pardo, un español de Barcelona. Ambos fueron allí con la idea de quedarse solamente un año dando servicio a los pobres.

Hace 13 años Pierfilippo llegó en Cusco para su año de servicio siendo un católico más o menos practicante. Pensaba que iba a ser un año de servicio cristiano, pero no mucho más que eso. Pero en seguida se dio cuenta de que más o menos practicar la fé no era como los misioneros vivían. Viven una vida intensamente religiosa con las practices diarias de una misa, un rosario y adoración al Santíssimo además que su trabajo en servicio a los pobres. Durante este primer año se dio cuenta de que fue llamado a quedarse en Cusco mucho tiempo.

Fue al seminario del Movimiento que está en Toldeo, España buscando formación para er un hermano laico con votos para dedicar su vida serviendo a los pobres en Cusco. Pero con la ayuda de su director espiritual, descubrió que fue llamado a mucho más que eso, fue llamado a ser un sacerdote misionero. Después de terminar
su formación en el seminario, Padre Pierfelippo volvió a Cusco y hace un año que es sacerdote.

A mi me gusta como Pierre daba un poco al Señor y piensa que eso era suficiente. Daba un año de servicio pensando que al fin del año iba a volver a Italia y continuar con su vida allí. Luego cuando decidió dedicar su vida a los pobres en Cusco, dijo sí al Señor para ir al seminario en España pero como hermano laico, no
como sacerdote. Pero después de mucha oración y reflexión con sus directores espirituales, se dio cuenta de que el Señor le estaba llamando a mucho más que jamás esperaba.

El segundo hombre que ves es Eduardo. Fue a Cusco por un año para dar servicio a los niños pobres en el orfanato. Ayuda con tareas, clases de inglés, clases de español (muchos de los niños hablan Quechua y apenas están aprendiendo español.) Trabaja también en la lavandería y en cualquier otro lugar que le necesita. Pero
la parte más interesante de su experiencia son los misiones que realizan cada miércoles en los pueblos de la cordillera andina. Para llegar en algunos pueblos, demora hasta 5 horas en llegar. Rara vez llegan sacerdotes ni misioneros porque están tan lejos. Viajando a estos pueblos es dificil a causa de las montañas y porque
casi no hay calles. Eduardo va a estos pueblos con un grupo de misioneros para enseñar catequesis y si haya un sacerdote con ellos, celebran la misa con un altar improvisado.

Como misioneros, hemos trabajado con los Misioneros Siervos de los Pobres dos veces ahora. Son sacerdotes, hermanos, monjas, y familias misioneras viviendo en los alrededores de Cusco por un tiempo (de los que hemos conocido algunos están allí un año, otros están allí hace 18 años.) Sirven a los pobres de los pueblos
de la cordillera andina. El testimonio de católicos realmente viviendo su fé que nos mostraron es algo que continua a inspirar y animarnos en nuestra fé. Si esténinteresados, vayan a su página web http://www.msptm.com/es/ para ver más de sus obras y su espiritualidad.

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Annie & Al Palmquist

RELATED STORIES

PREVIOUS STORY

READINGS FOR APRIL 11TH 2013
First: Acts 5:27-33
Psalm: Psalm 34:2 & 9, 17-18, 19-20
Gospel: John 3L31-36

ROSARY: LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
1. Baptism in the River Jordan
2. Wedding Feast at Cana
3. Proclamation
4. Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Eucharist

The post Missionary Service in Cusco Peru Reveals Profound Purpose for Life, New Vocations appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

“We are here to say yes to life and no to death.”

Published on: March 27th, 2013 — 2:33 PM / OBS: SOUTH AMERICA

LIMA, PERU — This year’s March for Life in Lima was on March 13, 2013. Everyone said this year it was much more organized, and the Archdiocese of Lima itself organized the march. They were hoping that 100,000 people would participate in the march, and according to Catholic News Agency, the number of participants exceeded 100,000 people. (read more below)

GET UPDATES FROM ANNIE & AL PALMQUIST
annie@onebillionstories.com

music by: Aaron Copland

We were pleasantly surprised to see some familiar faces among the people marching and met many new people from other churches or other parts of the city who share our conviction to protect life. When we reached the end, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani was waiting for us to say a few words and he gave us all a blessing.

In our increasingly secular society, there is a lot of pressure to go with the current trends and accept contraceptives and abortion under the guise of women’s rights. So many have made abortion a political issue and taken the humanity out of it. Our hope is that here in Peru abortion never becomes legal, and that families start to reclaim their values that protect life and marriage. We hope that the beautiful continent of South America never makes the mistake of legalizing abortion as the United States did 40 years ago.

Yo estaba feliz a ver que la mayoría de los letreros mostraron la belleza de la vida en vez de fotos violentas de bebés abortados. Nunca habíamos ido a una Marcha Por La Vida, menos en Lima, asi que no sabíamos que ibamos a encontrar. Fue lindo ver algunas personas conocidas y conocimos a muchas personas nuevas de otras parroquias y de otras partes de la ciudad que comparten nuestra convición para defender la vida. Cuando llegamos al final, el Cardenal Juan Luis Cipriani nos estaba esperando para decir algunas palabras y darnos una bendición.

En nuestra sociedad cada vez más secular, hay mucha presión para ir con la cultura popular y aceptar anticonceptivos y el aborto como derecho de la mujer. Tantos han hecho que el aborto es un tema politico y de este tema han sacado la humanidad. Ya no están hablando de la vida de un ser humano sino de un tema politico de los partidos politicos. Nuestra esperanza es que aqui en el Perú nunca legaliza el aborto, y que las familias empiezan a reclamar sus valores que protejen la vida y el matrimonio. Esperamos que el continente lindo de Sudamérica nunca comite el error de legalizar el aborto como hizo los EE.UU. hace 40 años.

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Annie & Al Palmquist
@OBS_Peru

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YESTERDAY’S STORY

READINGS FOR MARCH 26th 2013
First: Isaiah 50:4-9A
Psalm: Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 & 33-34
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

ROSARY: GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
5. Coronation of Blessed Virgin Mary

The post March for Life in Lima Peru Draws over One Hundred Thousand appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”

Published on: March 27th, 2013 — 8:09 AM / OBS: North America

DENVER, CO, USA — “I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.” Those words from Deacon Nathan Goebel are powerful, and rare in the 21st century. Do those words from the good Deacon resonate in your life? Better yet, will those words resonate in the streets of Denver over the next 5, 10, even 20 years from now? (more below)

music by: The Tallest Man on Earth, The Album Leaf, Modest Mouse

When discernment takes on the complete acceptance of God’s plan, that is when purpose strikes, and one’s life is never the same again. Despite being jacked to pray in the morning says Deacon Goebel, challenges in the spiritual life will often arise, including perhaps a couple zzzz’s in the morning holy hour. But a light heart, a wit of humor, and a joyful outlook on those moments of self sacrifice is what keeps Deacon Goebel moving forward toward his vocation ‘as a priest forever.’

And when that parallel path with Christ was discovered as a seminarian in Denver, becoming a priest forever was beginning to meet reality. And why Denver? Listen again to the video above if you did not pick up on the Denver connection.

As a priest, and a man of God, Deacon Goebel desires to ultimately bring souls to Christ, and eventually eternal salvation. Denver is attempting, and beginning to bare some fruit, to that much needed call from Blessed John Paul the Great at World Youth Day 1993. Will Denver answer? Will the priests, bishops, but as the video points out, the people of God, build Catholic culture block by block in Denver? And is it for the sake of Catholic culture? Of course not, rather the peace of a city, and due reverence to Christ’s life-giving love on the Cross.

Stay tuned for future stories from seminarians in Denver, along with an updated version of Deacon Goebel as he journeys toward the priesthood in 2014.

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Seth James DeMoor
@SethJamesDeMoor — 303.709.3804

RELATED STORIES

YESTERDAY’S STORY

READINGS FOR MARCH 27TH 2013
First: Isaiah 50:4-9A
Psalm: Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 & 33-34
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

ROSARY: GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. Descent of the Holy Ghost
4. Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
5. Coronation of Blessed Virgin Mary

The post Building Catholic Culture Block by Block in Denver with Deacon Goebel appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

“It’s such an amazing experience when you get fear out of your life.”

Published on: March 15th, 2013 — 12:48 PM / OBS: North America

Highlands Ranch, CO, USA — Remember when you use to dream in your youth? Dream about making the winning field goal, flying to space, or perhaps even singing at Carnegie Hall? Well guess what, today’s story is from a man in Highlands Ranch Colorado who in fact sang his way to stages all over the world, including well known Catholic Churches in America, Europe, and beyond. (more below)

music by: Myles Ogea

It started first with one cafe, which eventually led to two, and then three, and before he knew it, Myles was not only in the restaurant business, but the real estate business. And this led to tenants coming and going, including bars, and in a college town. Before he knew it, his simple cafe dream and real estate investment had turned in to an environment for college students to disregard their bodies, morals, values, and probably faith.

Eventually, the real estate bubble burst, Ogea faced hot waters in his business arena, and it was time for a change. Through a CHIRP Retreat, holy priests, and a loving and supportive family, he decided it was time turn his life toward ministry, rather than business. God’s hand was with him through the entire transition from Indiana to Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where now his voice is lifting the hearts of Catholics at St Mark in the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

What is seen in this video is only the tip of the iceberg for this man’s dreams and impact on the St Mark community. Perhaps another video will transpire in the future. Onward, In Christ. Habemus Papam!

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Seth James DeMoor
@SethJamesDeMoor — 303.709.3804

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YESTERDAY’S STORY

READINGS FOR MARCH 15TH 2013
First: Wisdom 2:1A, 12-22
Psalm: Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 AND 23
Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

ROSARY: SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
1. Agony in the Garden
2. Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowning of Thorns
4. Way of the Cross
5. Crucifixion and Death

The post From Global Voice Performances to Business Challenges, Myles Ogea has Kept the Faith appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

“We are hoping that a few people in Lima might begin to help us film and edit videos.”

Published on: March 12th, 2013 — 3:40 PM / OBS: SOUTH AMERICA

LIMA, PERU — This is the first vlog from Annie and Al’s new adventure. They are hoping and planning on it being the first of many bilingual vlogs produced from Lima. In their own words:

Two months ago we arrived in Peru and began looking for a place to live. We spent a week apartment hunting in Lima’s hot summer afternoons until we finally found a place. Perfect size, quiet neighborhood, but it was not furnished. We spent a few uncomfortable days sitting on the floor eating take out food with chopsticks and sleeping on an air mattress that had a slow leak of air. (read more below)

We are doing the best we can with limited resources in terms of our equipment (our Macbook edits very slowly and our camera is not ideal either.) We are praying for a few more people to join our team here in Lima to help us produce higher quality videos. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
We are now more active than ever on the social networks:
Facebook: Al Palmquist
Twitter: @OBS_Peru
Estamos en Lima hace 2 meses. Estamos buscando a personas que quieren juntarse con nuestro equipo OBS Peru y ayudarnos con filmar y editar videos para colocar en la página. Si sabes algo de edición de videos, filmación y quieres evangelizar al “continente digital” avisanos por favor: annie@onebillionstories.com. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros.
Ya estamos más activos que nunca en los redes sociales:
Facebook: Al Palmquist
Twitter: @OBS_Peru

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Annie & Al Palmquist

RELATED VLOGS

YESTERDAY’S STORY

READINGS FOR MARCH 12TH 2013
First: Ezekial 47:1-9, 12
Psalm: Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
Gospel: John 5:1-16

ROSARY: SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
1. Agony in the Garden
2. Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowning of Thorns
4. Way of the Cross
5. Crucifixion and Death

The post Starting from Zero in a New Country, Peru: Vlog # 1 (Bilingual) appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.

“It was during the painful period of my life when I realized that God wanted to reach out to me in those darkest moments.”

Published on: March 7th, 2013 — 10:48 AM / OBS: ASIA

QUEZON CITY, THE PHILIPPINES — The experience of a divorce for any child or teenager is never easy. The fracture to the family unit in the modern world is a trend that sadly continues to increase. For Ilsa Reyes, the family divorce was one of the darkest moments in her life, at the age of 13. Despite a strong background in the faith, Ilsa’s parents did eventually separate. (read more below)

produced by: David Panlilio & edited by: Carl Graham

Eventually, college rolled around, and Ilsa began dating, thinking that marriage was a possibility for her future vocation. A certain man that she was dating began to remind Ilsa of her father’s own behavior, which was a red flag, and made Ilsa peal back the band aid of busyness on her own family’s separation, despite the many years since that experience when she was 13.

This revelation in Ilsa Reyes’ life allowed the wounds and pain to rise to the surface and be laid at the foot of the cross. This direct deposit and action in her life brought forth transformative healing interiorly; you can see it in her smile and eyes that she is at peace in the video.

We all need healing says Ilsa. It all starts by humbly asking God,’do I need healing in my life.’ Scripture reveals the transformative healing awaiting us in John 10:10. We are able to take the initiative to ask the Lord for this healing, no matter how deep the wound may be.

Ilsa is an author, speaker, and media host on the inner healing ministry of reconciliation. Be sure to check out her book on the Sacrament of Reconciliation by clicking on the image above. And comment below if you have experienced healing in your life through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – David Panlilio

RELATED STORIES

YESTERDAY’S STORY

READINGS FOR MARCH 7TH 2013
First: Jeremiah 7:23-28
Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

ROSARY: LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
1. The Baptism of the Lord
2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Eucharist

The post Family Separation Struck as a Teenager, Reconciliation Revealed Inner Healing Love of God appeared first on OneBillionStories.com.