I know that the Lord’s protection is always around us and it’s good to give Him thanks and praise everyday. Last night I went along to Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament, at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral (it’s on every Thurs night). There were five of us from our parish of St Anthony – all girls - so we decided to go out for a meal afterwards. We got into my car and I began to pull out of the parking spot. My car stalled, which is not big news,lol, – I thought it was a bit odd – not something that happens to me usually but didn’t give it any more thought and moved on. Approx. 50 metres down the road I see a car fly past in front of me very fast – he didn’t stop at the give way sign but went on ahead. I managed to stop in time narrowly missing him …. my jaw just dropped – all I could say was “praise you Jesus”. The others in the car were the same.
Then a few minutes later, one of the girls pointed out to me that if my car hadn’t stalled we would have been hit directly by that car … on my right.
Coincidence? I don’t think so. The Lord’s protection was well and truly with us last night. We had just been in His presence and it was a beautiful time with Him. Would He not have watched over us, as He always does?
How many times do we not know that we were in any danger, yet protected? ….. We are always thankful to the Lord because His mighty Love and Mercy endures forever.
Thank you Jesus. Praise you Lord.
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Yes, that’s right, it happened and this is just the beginning of what’s to come. I doubt this event will get much media coverage unless it’s short & negative towards pro-life movements – but it won’t be long before even the media won’t be able to ignore these demonstrations. Here is a brief article from The Australian online news titled Abortion protest hijacks safety showToday at Federation Square, Premier John Brumby unveiled a number of car wrecks to raise awareness of the tagedy of young lives lost on our roads each year. And it is a tragedy as many lives are cut short by these road accidents, most of them as a result of alcohol consumption and speed. Youth 4 Life saw this as an opportunity and so were also there to raise awareness of the loss of lives though the violent and horrific act of abortion. In 2007 the Victorian road toll reached 332 ….. how sad that people don’t realise that the abortion toll reaches 20,000 plus. If we are true to wanting to save lives then it should be across the board. You can’t pick and choose whose life is worth saving – everyone is worth saving, especially the lives of unborn babies.
It was a peaceful demonstration and all went well. The smirk on Mr. Brumby’s face will soon disappear though when he sees that this is not an isolated event attended by a handful of youth. He will constantly be reminded of the abortion toll and the effects it has on women. They will work zealously to re-criminalise abortion, and provide real help and support for women.
Youth for Australia are also taking part and are currently on a ‘recruiting drive’ for members. As this is going to be a nationwide initiative, youth Australia wide are welcome to join. However, we urgently need Melbourne (or from anywhere in Vic) youth (no real age limit) to sign up.
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I’ve added this beautiful picture to my sidebar. Painted by William Bouguereau in the late 19th century, this beautiful image depicts Our Lady holding the Christ Child in her right arm and a spotless lamb in her left.
William Bouguereau was a famous portrait artist born in La Rochelle France on November 30,1825. He followed the classical style of 16th century painters such as Raphael.
I don’t know a great deat about this artist but I certainly recognise many of his works. I’ve done a search to find out more but there are pages and pages to read. He completed a large number of works in his lifetime, some of which I wouldn’t post here for lack of modesty. I know that some people may cringe at my comment believing me to be unappreciative of his talent and of ‘art’ – far from it – his gift was an amazing one & his paintings are magnificent but I choose to select specific works of my liking.
L’Innocence (above) is one of them, and Song of the Angels (below) is another.
Song of the Angels
1881
Oil on canvas
I will post more of his beautiful works in the days to come.
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A newly formed pro-life youth group called Youth 4 Life has released their first pro-life video. My son, founder of Youth for Australia, was present at this march and has been in contact with this group. They are working together to wage war on Victorian politicians who voted for the decriminalisation of abortion. Both groups will continue to build up their memberships as each has their own aims and dreams …. the pro-life message is one they dearly share.
Youth 4 Life video
If you are a young Australian reading this post and would love to join in the fight against abortion then do visit these blogs and make contact. There is no formal memebership form (so far, as it’s early days), but let them know if you wish to add your name to their group. They can then contact you when an event is planned.
Those of you who are young at heart please pass the message on to any youth you know who would love to join them.
Youth for Australia
Youth 4 Life
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During World Youth Day in Sydney this year we met up with hundreds ….. well, thousands of people from many nations and there was a joyous sense of family all around. A joy also in knowing that as Aussie Catholics we are not alone. You know you’re not alone but I think that being little isolated from the rest of the world we can easily feel we’re alone. In our Aussie society this makes it hard to open up about our faith. But what an opener WYD08 was. Since returning from Sydney I’ve had the leading to convert this blog ……. and this task continues on. It certainly has changed significantly since I first began the Precious Treasures blog.
I have been visiting other Catholic blogs lately (something I didn’t think to look for earlier) & they have been so nice to discover. I’ve enjoyed browsing through each of them, reading their posts and leaving comments. So I thought I’d share a few of my discoveries with you.
The name Aussie Coffee Shop caught my eye. Any one who knows me knows I love to go out for a coffee & cake, so this blog is one of those ‘coffee time’ blogs for me to visit. I also enjoyed this lovely & peaceful looking blog - A Traditonal Catholic and this one by an amazing Mum 2 Twelve . At Veni Sancte Spiritus I discovered a Catholic homeschooled teen who is discerning a religious vocation. Another delightful blog too.
I know there are many more Catholic blogs out there but these were just a few - Anyhow that’s my bit of sharing for today….. actually it’s very late at night & I’m going to have a quick peek at EWTN before heading off to bed. So it’s goodnight and God Bless until my next post.
If you are reading my blog please leave a comment and say ‘Hi’ – I’d love to hear from you 
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Today is a day of mourning in the state of Victoria. The Legislative Council has passed the Reform of the Abortion Bill in parliament 23 – 17. It is difficult to sit here and type this as I know that a great deal work and prayer has gone into this fight. It’s a sad day for all the unborn and their mothers. The unsafest place to be now is in the mother’s womb. Those who voted for this Abortion Bill will have a lot to answer for and so will all abortionists.
The term ‘pro-choice’ is a farse … it’s contradictory. There is no choice for the unborn, there will be no choice for pro-life doctors and nurses, there will be no real choice for the women who have been lied to and mislead; and there will be no choice for all women who make the decision to abort their baby once all the symptoms set in and reoccur over the years. It will be these very women themselves, who wanted abortion legalised, who will cry out with anger “Why Didn’t You Tell Me The Truth About Abortion”
However, the fight is not over. Our prayers have not been lost. I believe that the Lord’s hand is upon it all and that He has His reasons for permitting this to go ahead. The Lord’s plan will unfold as time goes on. But we are not to be discouraged and we must continue the fight … with prayer and with the Lord’s guidance.
Wait and watch for what is to come.
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Blessed Mary MacKillop, known as Mother Mary of the Cross; born in melbourne in 1842; co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart with Father Julian.
“Remember we are but travellers here.” (1866)
“We must teach more by example than by word.” (1867)
“Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.” (1891)
“Courage, courage, trust in God who helps you in all things”
“We feel our crosses hard at times, but our courage should rise with them.” (1882)
“Let God’s Spirit guide you in your choice.” (1898)
Mary’s motto for life was -
“Never see a need without doing something about it”
Blessed Mary MacKillop (1842 -1909)
“God gives me strength for what is necessary”
Blessed Mary MacKillop, witness to the young and the distant – pray for us.
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Archbishop Denis hart invited all pilgrims, their families and fellow parishioners to pilgrimage to the Cathedral for a special Mass to celebrate Melbourne’s participation in World Youth Day Sydney 2008. Our parish of St Anthony’s Glen Huntly made the pilgrimage from Richmond Station, walking through the gardens towards the Cathedral. We stopped along the way for prayer, and sang a few hymns as we walked on. We were blessed to have a beautiful day with clear blue skies – The Lord let the sun shine brightly on us.
We arrived early (2pm) because our Parish choir was to sing at the Cathedral and my son was invited to join the Cathedral band in playing the keyboard. After a quick bite for lunch the rest of us entered the Cathedral. It wasn’t long after that this beautiful church began filling up with pilgrims from all over Melbourne … and from some parts of Victoria.
By the time prayer and worship began at 3pm the Cathedral was full – an encouraging sight to see. Yes, we will begin to see the fruits of WYD08 as the youth are ‘On Fire’ and eager to follow on with the second part of the WYD08 theme ‘… and you will be my witnesses’.
Mass was celebrated by Archibishop Denis Hart, and concelebrated by Bishops Deakin, Prowse, Elliot and Costelloe, Rev Johnson and Nguyen; Priestes of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and Priests of Relgious Congregations. The Mass was awesome, the music beautiful and the people reverant and joyful.
We were All welcomed to stay aftewards for delicious foods, drinks and festivities.
You can read more about St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne - a beautiful building and among the largest Cathedrals in the world.
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There are a number of opportunites around Melbourne to offer up prayers for the Defeat of the Abortion Bill in Victoria’s parliament. Whilst we do whatever we can to write, email or lobby politicians we also need to pray. Youth for Australia has initiated a Holy Hour to pray for the politicians and the defeat of this Bill.
When: Monday 6th October 2008
Time: 7.00 pm. Begins with Mass, followed by Adoration (1 hour)
Where: St Anthony’s church Glen Huntly, corner Grange and Neerim roads Glen Huntly.
All Are Welcome.
Spread the word and bring your friends & family.
There will also be an opportunity afterwards to chat to members of Youth for Australia and other WYD08 pilgrims.
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