Monthly Archives: January 2011
York England the Most Haunted City in the World
Author: Paul hussey
As a fan of ghost stories and the supernatural I thought I would write about some of the more well known ghost stories from the city of York, England. York is famous for its roman Heritage and is famous for its cathedral. York – with its history of conflict and many tragic events – boasts more than its fair share of ghoulies, ghosties and things that go bump in the night. In fact, in 2002 the International Ghost Research Foundation declared York to be ‘Europe’s most haunted city’, and sometimes it seems as though a ghostly figure with a score to settle is in residence is just about every street or ginnel in town. Here are just a few…
The Ghostly Roman Legionnaires
One morning in 1953 apprentice plumber Harry Martindale was installing a new central heating system in the cellars of the Treasurer’s House in the shadow of the Minster. Suddenly he heard the distant sound of a horn, which became gradually louder. Then a great carthorse emerged through the brick wall, ridden by a dishevelled Roman soldier. He was followed by several more soldiers, dressed in green tunics and plumed helmets. It looked as though they were walking on their knees – their lower legs and feet were nowhere to be seen. Then the ghostly crew moved into a recently excavated area, and it became clear that they were walking on an old Roman road, the Via Decumana, which had been buried 15 inches below the surface.
When a bewildered Harry scrambled upstairs to safety, the Treasurer’s House curator reportedly said to him, ‘You’ve seen the Roman soldiers, haven’t you?’ It seems the ghoulish visitors had been spotted on several previous occasions.Working in the cellar of the building,
The building also claims to be home to several other ghosts, including a dog, a black cat, George Aislaby (killed in a duel), and Frank Green, who converted the interior into what it is today. The Tapestry Room has an oppressive atmosphere, and is where the wife of a former owner murdered him after he conducted one extra-marital affair too many.
The Haunting by Mad Alice
Lund’s Court (linking Swinegate and Low Petergate) was formerly known as Mad Alice Lane, in honour of Alice Smith who lived in the lane until 1825, the year she was hanged at York Castle for the perceived crime of insanity and apparently only guilty of being ‘mad’, Alice drifts along the lane that now holds her name.
The Theatrical Grey Lady Ghost
A theatrical ghost, the Grey Lady haunts a room behind the dress circle of the Georgian Theatre Royal. In medieval times, as the story goes, this was part of the old Hospital of St Leonard, which was run by an order of nuns. One young nun fell in love with a nobleman and the pair became lovers, but when her scandalous behaviour became known she was thrown into a windowless room – now part of the theatre – which was bricked up to become her living tomb. A gruesome tale, but apparently if the nun in her grey habit is spotted in the dress circle it’s a good omen for that night’s production!
The Ghostly Funeral Guest
Once known as the most beautiful of York’s many ghosts, this long-haired, elegant apparition has frequently appeared at All Saints Church, Pavement, one of the city’s most striking churches, and is in the habit of welcoming funeral processions at the door. Perhaps, a turbulent spirit who was herself denied a Christian burial?
The Unhappy Ghostly Brothers
St William’s College, the beautiful medieval building behind York Minster, which is today a much sought-after conference venue and popular eatery, harbours a ghost with a very guilty conscience. Apparently in 16th century York, two brothers were lodging at the College and, desperate for money, hatched a plan to rob a wealthy priest from the Minster. They mugged him, stole his jewellery and purse – and slit his throat. The younger brother was overcome with remorse, and the older sibling feared he would give the game away. He reported his brother to the authorities, and stood by while he was tried and hanged for murder. The elder brother died soon after, racked with guilt. But his unhappy spirit paces the floors of St William’s College to this day.
The Ghostly Tudor Lady
Could the finely dressed Tudor lady who walks through walls at the King’s Manor be the ghost of Queen Catherine Howard, who was King Henry VIII’s guest here in 1541? The lady carries roses in her hands, and the part of the building where she has been spied was once the Rose Garden. Catherine, the fourth of Henry’s six wives, was executed shortly after her stay, and possibly the fact that she entertained her lover Thomas Culpeper in the Manor didn’t help her chances of a long and happy marriage to the fickle Henry.
The Headless Earl Percy and his Hauntings
Thomas Percy, the Seventh Earl of Northumberland, has been seen decapitated in the churchyard, searching for his severed head. He lost it after upsetting Elizabeth I by attempting to raise an army to fight her, and she vented her anger thus.
A ghostly nun has also been reported on the site. Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland, was executed for treason in York: as a staunch Catholic. He was beheaded in 1572, and his head stuck on a large spike on Micklegate Bar as a warning to anyone else with similar ideas. There it remained for many years until eventually recovered and buried in the churchyard of Holy Trinity church in Goodramgate. The body of the Earl has been seen on many a night staggering between the graves, searching for his mislaid head.
The Ghostly Young Girl
Location: York – 41 Stonegate
A six year old Victorian girl who fell to her death on the staircase now haunts this building. She can be heard walking the stairs, and has also been seen sitting on top of a shop counter.
The Haunting Crying Girl
Location: York – 5 College Street
Both seen and heard, this ghostly child starved to death after her parents died from plague. She only appears to haunt the upper parts of the house.
The Ghostly Glowing Girl
Location: York – All Saint’s Church, Pathment
This pale young lass with long curly hair was seen a number of times, always observing funerals from the church door. She vanished suddenly if anyone approached.
The Ghostly Baker and Soldiers
Location: York – Former toy shop just inside Roman Gate
Late at night one female witness approached the toy shop window to look at a teddy bear. At the window she entered a dream-like state – she ‘became’ a large male baker covered in flour working within the shop, and looking out from the shop she could see Roman soldiers walking past.
The Haunting Funeral
An on-duty policeman passing the church late at night heard funeral music playing within the church. As he approached to investigate, the doors of the building opened and the sound of people leaving could be heard, but nothing could be seen. The church was said to have a more frequent phantom visitor – a tall man who would stare out of the windows in the early hours of the morning.
The Ghostly Drunken Airman
Location: York – The Golden Fleece public house, Pavement Street
Towards the end of World War 2, a drunken Canadian pilot fell from an upstairs window in the building, and broke his neck on the pavement below. Since then, this ghost has reportedly haunted the bedroom from which he fell.
The Haunting Screams
Location: York – The Olde Starr Inn, Stonegate
Another building used to house injured Civil War troops, the basement is said to be the place where amputations occurred, which explains the sound of cries and screams. Two black cats are also reported to haunt the pub, and an old woman has been seen on the stairs.
Please visit my Funny Animal Art Prints Collection @ http://www.fabprints.com
My other website is called Directory of British Icons: http://fabprints.webs.com
The Chinese call Britain ‘The Island of Hero’s’ which I think sums up what we British are all about. We British are inquisitive and competitive and are always looking over the horizon to the next adventure and discovery.
Copyright © 2010 – 2011 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/journalism-articles/york-england-the-most-haunted-city-in-the-world-4086502.html
About the Author
I have recently decided to write articles on my favourite subjects: English Sports, English History, English Icons, English Discoveries and English Inventions.
At present I have written many articles which I call ‘An Englishman’s Favourite Bits Of England’ as various chapters.
Please visit my Blogs page http://Bloggs.Resourcez.Com where I have listed my most recent articles to date.
Copyright © 2010 – 2011 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.
Related Articles
- The Ghostly Hauntings of the City of Chester (epages.wordpress.com)
- Ghost Hunt a night of spooky fun in York, England (sfgate.com)
- Ghost Hunt a night of spooky fun in York, England (sfgate.com)
- Haunted hotels in the US (gadling.com)
- Haunted Houses Don’t Care If You Believe In Ghosts [The Beyond] (jezebel.com)
- Top 10 Haunted Cities: Yes, we’re one of them (sfgate.com)
- Haunted Chattanooga (brighthub.com)
- Skeptic Has a Ghostly Rude Awakening for the BBC (dreadcentral.com)
- Intelligent vs Residual Hauntings: A Way to Tell the Difference (epages.wordpress.com)
- Book Review: Haunted Houses by Corrine May Botz (seattlepi.com)
Review – Finding God: The Enlightenment (DVD 1 of 3)
Title: Finding God: The Enlightenment – Disc 1
Genre: Body Mind Spirit, Religion, Meta-Physics
Production Company: Reality Films
(Review for Disc 2 is here; Disc 3 is here)
It’s critical, the situation is pitiful
Bear in mind, you gotta find somethin’ spiritual
We never gain, ’cause we blame it on the system
You oughta listen whether Muslim or Christian
Or any other type religion or creed
–Guru, “Living in this World,” Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality
Philip Gardiner’s Finding God: The Enlightenment is a three DVD set including Quantum Mind of God, Science of Soul, and Ancient Code.
Disc 1, Quantum Mind of God, is a sweeping journey of exploration, encompassing ideas from the North African theologian St. Augustine, the French philosopher René Descartes, to the German quantum physicist Max Planck and beyond.
The soundtrack blends Gregorian chants, Hindi pop and contemporary New Age music. And the narration presents a unique 21st century theological synthesis, with a seamless array of graphics and images garnered from many sciences, religions and wisdom traditions like alchemical gnosticism and Shamanism.
Topics covered include the apparent importance of quartz, granite, vibrational patterns, magnetic movement and the pineal gland, all of which are said to link the micro and macrocosmic structures of nature and the larger universe.
Basically, this film is about life. And while mathematical equations try to provide the “how” of life, Quantum Mind of God rightly points out that equations, alone, cannot explain the “why” of our existence. Statistics might indicate how most of us are likely to behave on a given day or month with respect to certain predefined variables. But numbers can’t predict how specific individuals choose to exercise their free will.
There are always exceptions to the rule.
Some folks seem to forget that fact and end up looking like hypocrites. Just as we chop up nature into tiny pieces for analysis and dissection, some people’s minds seem to be arranged in almost discrete compartments. These persons often judge this or that moral action while turning a blind eye to their own questionable tendencies.
In short, not everyone is psychologically mature and integrated. And this psychological epidemic extends not just to the dull-witted or so-called “uneducated,” but arguably to all levels of society.
The antidote to this social malady, according to Gardiner, is holism. We must recognize the whole and not just the parts. This seems especially so when it comes to ESP (extrasensory perception).
Findings have repeatedly shown that ESP works better when emotion is involved. Be it the emotion of mature interpersonal attachment or even the basic arousal induced by erotic images, ESP is more pronounced when human beings are emotionally and physiologically activated, instead of just relying on abstract thought (disinfo.com¹ and disinfo.com²).
Quantum Mind of God’s message of individual freedom and, yet, basic interconnectedness is a timely reminder that we’ve got to get it together–within and among ourselves, and with the One who created all our selves.
–MC
(Review for Disc 2 is here; Disc 3 is here)
Related Articles
- Elisa Medhus, M.D.: Channeling Erik: The Insider’s Guide to Death and the Afterlife (huffingtonpost.com)
- Letter: Enlightened perspective on religion (commercialappeal.com)
- Review – Strange is Normal: The Amazing Life of Colin Wilson (DVD) (epages.wordpress.com)
- Which religions command worshippers to love God (wiki.answers.com)
- Don’t fear the f-word in quantum physics (newscientist.com)
- Religion and Truth (blogs.discovermagazine.com)
- The only secret of enlightenment (prophet666.com)
- What is Enlightenment? (Kant) (english.upenn.edu)
- Music Vs. Religion: the Struggle for People’s Attention (themoecashchronicles.com)
- Beware evolutionary ‘just-so’ stories about belief | Denis Alexander (guardian.co.uk)
Comparative Religious Studies/Jainism
Here’s a Q&A at AllExperts.com that outlines some of the similarities and differences between the Indian religion of Jainism and Christianity.
Related Articles
- Nikhil Bumb: Jain or Hindu? Finding a Distinct Religious Identity in a Multi-Faith Society (huffingtonpost.com)
- God’s Emotions 6: Pleasing a High Status Deity (Supplication, Adulation, and Subservience) (new.exchristian.net)
- Are you an Igtheist or a Transtheist? (philipcarrgomm.wordpress.com)
- Doubt and Faith (diglotting.com)
- The Ancient World | India (guardian.co.uk)
- How can the trinity doctrine be reconciled with the commandment of Mark 12 29 and Deut 6 5 (wiki.answers.com)
- Life of Jain Monks and Nuns (socyberty.com)
- “The Case of the Christian Astronomer [Controversy]” and related posts (gawker.com)
- “Christian” Debt Consolidation? Beware. (godlessblogger.com)
- The Other Jesus (Intro Excerpt) (theotherjesus.com)
Pope encourages joining digital “network of relationships”
Special to Earthpages.org
The Pope has invited young people “to make good use of their presence in the digital world”.
In a message for “45th World Communications Day” posted on Holy See website on January 24, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI said: “The web is contributing to the development of new and more complex intellectual and spiritual horizons, new forms of shared awareness”. He urged his followers “to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible”, adding that “this network is an integral part of human life.”
But the Pope also pointed out: “It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives……Direct human relations always remain fundamental for the transmission of the faith!”
The Pope listed the limits of digital communication as: “the one-sidedness of the interaction, the tendency to communicate only some parts of one’s interior world, the risk of constructing a false image of oneself, which can become a form of self-indulgence”. He listed dangers of entering cyberspace as: enclosing oneself in a sort of parallel existence, or excessive exposure to the virtual world.
Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, suggested other Hindus to realize the Self. He argued that digital networks were just tools, and the broader goal being self-realization, it really did not matter which tools one used.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, blamed Pope for indulging too much into materialism and consumerism in his promotion of “digital world”, “cyberspace”, etc.
Ancient Hindu scripture Katha Upanishad points out that when wise realize the Self, they go beyond sorrow. Self is supreme and those who meditate on Self are freed from the cycle of birth and death. When one realizes Self, there is nothing else to be known, quotes Rajan Zed.
Related Articles
- The Pope is cool with Social Media (inquisitr.com)
- Pope Blesses Social Networking [Religion] (gawker.com)
- Pope gives social networking his blessing but warns of risks (theglobeandmail.com)
- Pope warns of alienation risk in social networks (reuters.com)
- The Pope slams fake social media profiles and linkbait (thenextweb.com)
- The Pope Would Like You To Be Yourself Online [Religion] (kotaku.com)
- Pope blesses social networks: “Who is my neighbour in this new world?” (boingboing.net)
- Pope: Internet Isn’t the End of the (Good) News (gearfuse.com)
- The Pope Gives His Blessing to Facebook, Orkut, and Social Media (blogs.forbes.com)
- Pope Benedict XVI tells young to beware internet’s virtual world (dailymail.co.uk)
Disclosure on anomalous topics not so mysterious after all
By Steve Hammons
January 3, 2011
This article also appears on Transcendent TV and Media and American Chronicle
UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation, multiple dimensions, the afterlife, extrasensory perception (ESP) – these are just a few of many forward-leaning and edge-science topics that seem to be generating increased public interest.
The natural curiosity about certain unconventional areas seems to be very understandable and appropriate.
Leading-edge research into anomalous subjects can sometimes seem a bit “far out.” However, in many cases it may not be much of a leap from more conventional areas of common knowledge and routine study.
The continually evolving mass media appear to be handling emerging understanding about anomalous phenomena in a wide variety of ways. In some cases, the media presentations on certain topics may seem to be “dumbed down.” In other instances, the intelligence of the general public is respected.
An element that could sometimes be overlooked is the significance of grassroots factors involved in the increasing awareness and perception about interesting unconventional phenomena.
MORE UNDERSTANDING
The concept of “disclosure” in regard to certain unconventional topics can imply many kinds of developments.
For example, many people think that government officials should announce something of significant interest about UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation.
At the same time, disclosure can involve gradual education and acclimation through various media platforms that inform people in different kinds of ways. Movies, TV shows, books, articles and other works of fiction and non-fiction can be important parts of disclosure.
Consumers and audiences of many kinds of media seem to be increasingly aware of emerging possibilities and probabilities about some edge-science topics.
A good example might be the open-minded way that theories and research about ESP are sometimes presented and accepted.
Since many people have had experiences with significant gut instincts and intuition proving to be valid in their own personal lives, the concepts surrounding expanded human consciousness may seem quite reasonable and logical in some ways.
Although the research and activities of the U.S. government efforts known as Project STAR GATE might stretch the limits of usual beliefs about human abilities of perception and awareness, even these interesting multi-decade defense and intelligence programs may not seem all that strange after all.
LEAP OF FAITH
An additional area of interest is how the many types of unconventional phenomena seem to be related.
What about connections between ESP and the afterlife? Do certain UFOs zip in and out of hidden dimensions? To some researchers, there are multiple combinations of anomalous topics that seem to have connections.
Are there any common denominators? Where do some of these phenomena overlap? When do we consider something “scientific,” “natural” or “spiritual” in discussing these kinds of subjects?
These questions do appear to indicate that what we might consider unusual areas of research could actually just be very natural. ESP, multiple dimensions and other intelligent life are, somewhat obviously, part of Nature.
To the degree we consider edge-science subjects as an integral part of the natural world and universe, we will probably be more able to accept and understand various situations.
Of course, just because something is part of Nature does not mean it is always pleasant or wonderful. Life and death, creation and destruction, survival of the fittest – these kinds of dynamics in Nature are serious factors indeed.
Yet, the vision of transcendence beyond some of the difficult aspects of life and “reality” is something that humans have reached out for throughout history. Transcending our normal state of affairs on planet Earth is a goal that seems to be increasingly achievable.
More disclosure – various kinds of disclosure – will most likely move us forward to greater understanding of ourselves, Nature and a transcendent intelligence.
Related Articles
- Disclosure not just about UFOs – other mysteries connected (epages.wordpress.com)
- Human mind and UFOs: Dilemmas and dangers (epages.wordpress.com)
- New ideas, ancient views may explain UFOs, odd phenomena (epages.wordpress.com)
- UFO Enthusiasts Abuzz Over Indonesia Crop Circles (foxnews.com)
- Military Craft follows three UFOs in US,Video. (ramanan50.wordpress.com)
- The year of the UFO? Let’s get real (cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com)
- Sleuths study ancient UFOs (cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com)
- Millions Of Chinese Stunned After Government Makes Obama UFO Statment… (gunnyg.wordpress.com)
- 14 Theories on Monsters (thespiritseekers.wordpress.com)
- Cornell’s Research that Humans can Perceive the future (Are we Psychic?) (hplusmagazine.com)
Heaven – The Goal of Our Conversion Journey
Author: Bernard J Fleury
After we have drawn our last breath, our heart stops beating, our brain ceases to function, and our body is growing cold, we begin our final stage of our conversion journey, the stage that leads to Heaven. If the countless number of persons who have had near-death experiences are correct, Betty J. Eadie, Melvin Morse, and Raymond Moody all list traits/stages of the near-death experience: ‘a sense of being dead’ (Morse). My life is changed but not ended. ‘A sense of peace and painlessness’ (Morse), ‘Out-of-Body Experience’ (all three), ‘Tunnel experience’ (Eadie). We travel at an accelerating speed toward a pinpoint of light. ‘People of Light’ (Morse, Moody), ‘Being of Light’ (all three), and ‘Life Renew’ (all three).
The Supreme Being of Light, Jesus for Christians, radiates total love and understanding so pleasant the near-death experiencer doesn’t want to leave it. If this is a true experience for the dead, then we have already begun to experience Heaven.
The Life Review in the presence of the Supreme Being of Light consists of the near-death experiencer reviewing his entire life, every single thought and action passes before him in an instant of time. He is saddened by the hurtful things he did but is glad to get it all out. The Being of Light helps him to put all the things of the person’s life into perspective. None of the persons interviewed by the three authors cited, report being condemned by him.
This Life Review can be seen as a combination of the Particular Judgment (a review of our lives immediately after death) and Purgatory where there is also a life review and some sort of purification (sorrow for sinful acts) that is a necessary final step before entering Heaven because we must be completely purified before we attain the Beatific Vision – see God face to face. Sadly, those who go through the Particular Judgment that precedes Purgatory, and have not repented serious (mortal) sins still on their soul, condemn themselves to everlasting separation from God in what is commonly called Hell. Habitual patterns of unrepentant serious sins lock the gates of Heaven for those who die in this state.
Most theologians today believe that because God is not only just but preeminently compassionate, merciful, and loving that the population of Heaven is much greater than that of Hell.
So, what is Heaven like after we lucky ones pass through the pearly gates?
After decades of pondering this question and reading countless accounts of life in Heaven, this is what I believe.
First, Heaven is flooded with the most brilliant light that emanates from the Being of Light, God himself, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is called in our creed ‘Light from Light.’ Though the light is brilliant it does not hurt us in any way. Rather, we are infused with a profound sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment. We’re home at last!
Our friends, relatives, some of whom we never knew in our earth lives are there to greet us. Time stops. We are now existing, in an eternal ‘now.’ We are surrounded by love and beautiful music praising God for all He has done for us for his own sake.
Because we are still finite beings we are infused with instant knowledge but our knowledge is not complete! Why? Because we are in the presence of the Infinite so we really go on learning forever. Faith and Hope are no longer needed because we have achieved our goal. But Love never ends in the presence of Our Beloved God who is all in all.
Because of our belief in the ‘communion of saints’, we can also intercede before our Jesus for those still on earth (the church militant) still fighting the battle of salvation. We can also intercede for the souls in purgatory that their time there will be shortened. Finally, those still living their earth lives can pray to us in Heaven to intercede with God for them. Our communion of saints will no longer be necessary when this world ends. On the last day, the bodies of both the just and unjust will rise again. Then Jesus will come for the Final Judgment of every person who ever lived. Our risen bodies will be reunited with our souls that have been in Heaven or Hell awaiting this day. For those whose souls have been awaiting the Final Judgment in Heaven, they will be resurrected as fully human again to eternal life while those souls who have awaited the day in Hell will return body and soul from where they came.
Finally, after this Judgment the universe itself will be renewed. Yes, the visible world will be transformed, restored to its original state before the sin of Adam and Eve. We don’t know how the universe will be transformed. We only know through scripture that it will be transformed and it will be a place ‘in which happiness will fill and surpass all the desires of peace arising in the hearts of men.’ (Catechism, par. 1043, p. 273)
Bibliography:
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, English Translation for U.S.A., Liguori Publications, Mo. 1994, par, 1043, p. 273.
- Melvin Morse, Closer to the Light, New York: Ivy Books, 1990, pp. 49, 85, 130.
- Betty J. Eadie, Embraced by the Light, California: Gold Leaf Press, 1992, p. viii, 51.
- Raymond Moody Jr., The Light Beyond, New York: Bantam Books, 1989, p. 13, 139.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/heaven-the-goal-of-our-conversion-journey-4088780.html
About the Author
Dr. Bernard J.Fleury’s lifelong interest in History from the perspective of the people who lived it is evident in A Bee in His Bonnet, Print, Kindle E-Book, Audio Book, on website: http://www.greatgeneration.net. His firm belief in the synthesis of faith and reason (theology and science) as two aspects of a single reality-The Light – God, is clearly evident in his book Called into Life by the Light, Print, Kindle E-Book, Audio Book, on website: http://www.intolifebylight.com.
Related Articles
- Biblical Proofs for Purgatory (trustinjesus.wordpress.com)
- Christopher Morse on heaven (cruciality.wordpress.com)
- Religious expert analyzes text in Smart case (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Something About That Name (markbyrd.wordpress.com)
- DICISPLESHIP SERIES: Is Jesus a King without a Kingdom? (dakotavoice.com)
- What Happens When I Die? (termlifeinsurance.org)
- Happy Reformation Day 2010 (simuleustisetpecator.wordpress.com)
- The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) (trustinjesus.wordpress.com)
- The Bible answer: Which Christian denominations believe all people sleep till the Resurrection takes place (wiki.answers.com)
- The Cross of Everlasting Life: the Soul of Mt. Soledad | James Pat Guerréro (jamespatrick1.wordpress.com)
Saint Brother Andre – Miracle Worker?
Author: Bob and Penny
Copyright (c) 2011 Bob and Penny Lord’s Site
Brother André never spoke of ecstasies, visions or inner locutions; he called them dreams. Although he would later call this time in a foreign country, away from all he knew and loved, his time in exile, he was not alone; his Saint Joseph was with him. Alfred had a dream that he was working in a field. In his dream he leaned tiredly on a rake, and asked Saint Joseph: ‘Where shall I die?’ Before him he saw a huge stone building unlike anything he had ever seen. He never forgot this dream; years later, when he entered Notre Dame College in Montreal, he recognized it as the building in his dream. Although he did not die there, he would spend forty years of his life in this college as an instrument of God.
When he was twenty-three years old, Alfred returned to his beloved Canada and settled down with his family. Or so he thought. Here, we see the Lord intervening powerfully in the life of Alfred Bessette, our future Brother André. The Lord put another Saint-maker in his path, his parish priest, Father Provençal, whom everyone called a Saint. From the time he was a little boy, Alfred loved to assist at Mass. It was obvious the boy had a great devotion to the Eucharist and to the Mass. He would stay in the church long after Mass was over to pray. He wanted to remain in the presence of God Whom he could feel in the church, especially after having received Communion.
Now, years later, Alfred had returned and Father Provençal saw in the young man the little boy who had served him so zealously, so faithfully; he asked him if he had ever thought of a vocation as a religious!
Do we ever ask that question? We wonder how many young people have a vocation in their heart, and only need someone to light that flame with a spark of a suggestion like: ‘Have you ever thought of becoming a religious?’ How many young people need that affirmation of what might have been burning in their hearts from childhood? How many potential vocations are lost because no one ever asked the question?
When Alfred protested that he had nothing to offer to religious life, as he could not read or write, Father spoke of him becoming a brother of the Holy Cross, a Congregation that had come to his parish. He told him that this Order had brothers who served the Community in ways not requiring any kind of formal education. Alfred prayed and realized his searching, his longing had been for the Lord and His Will, not for the world\’s empty rewards.
After praying for two years, Alfred applied to the Brothers of Holy Cross. Now they were reluctant to accept him, not so much due to his lack of education, but because he was so frail and sickly, they were afraid he would be a burden on their Community. But the Novice Director, who had interviewed the young Alfred, was touched by the Lord. He saw in André what Our Lord Jesus could use, humility and a great love of Jesus and the Church. The Novice Director stepped in; he said, if Alfred were to become so incapacitated that he was unable to work, he would always be able to pray! He believed Alfred would be a powerful prayer warrior. He was accepted!
Father Provençal wrote to the Community of the Brothers of the Holy Cross: ‘I am sending you a Saint.’ It was 1870, the year that Pope Pius IX proclaimed Saint Joseph Patron of the Roman Catholic Church. Little did Alfred or the brother who admitted him realize that he would be an instrument to bring millions to a deeper devotion to Saint Joseph.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/saint-brother-andre-miracle-worker-4066716.html
About the Author
Bob and Penny Lord are renowned Catholic authors and television hosts on EWTN, Global Catholic television. They are prolific writers about the Catholic faith, especially the Saints for which they have been dubbed ‘experts on the Saints.’ For more information about Saint Brother Andre go here http://www.bobandpennylord.com/Bl_Brother_Andre.htm
Related Articles
- ‘Miracle Man of Montreal’ poised to become Catholic saint (canada.com)
- Father Thomas Rosica: Brother André’s life reflects beauty of holy humility (life.nationalpost.com)
- ‘Miracle Man of Montreal’ poised to become Catholic saint (globaltvbc.com)
- Believers prepare for Quebec hero’s sainthood (ctv.ca)
- Brother André (myjourneywithaids.wordpress.com)
- Reflections from the Saints: Mary Joseph Rossello on Adoring Jesus (trustinjesus.wordpress.com)
- A saint for the little people: The Pope canonizes Brother André (theglobeandmail.com)
- A Saint, and an Inquiry Into the Sins of His Brothers (nytimes.com)
- St. André Bessette (catholicexchange.com)
- The Rocket Richard of miracles (theglobeandmail.com)
The Influence of Paranormal Television
Author: Bobby Elgee
There is no denying the popularity of paranormal television shows. We’ve come a long way from the days of In Search Of. And though ghost stories, Bigfoot, aliens, and other high weirdness have always made for high ratings, we are deluged with choices including “reality” shows Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State, Ghost Adventures, Ghost Lab, A Haunting, Celebrity Ghost Stories, Destination Truth, and several others, not to mention the fictional fare including Fringe, Warehouse 13, Supernatural, and others too numerous to mention.
Some people say that Ghost Hunters–a television program on the Scy Fy network featuring members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (T.A.P.S)–started this explosion in popularity, generating spin-offs and copycat shows that feature teams of paranormal investigators visiting haunted locations. Though varying somewhat in structure and “methodology,” they generally follow the same basic format: a team of investigators–after having done some amazingly cursory historical research–interviews a few witnesses to said paranormal activity, then “investigates” the location using audio recorders, infrared cameras, sonar, gieger counters, and a host of other equipment. This specific format has been expanded from just hunting ghosts to include programs that also feature cryptozoology (Destination Truth) , ufology (UFO Hunters), in what others would lead us to believe is spiritual and psychic warfare (Paranormal State).
Other paranormal television shows follow different schemes including featuring reenactments of famous hauntings interspersed with interviews with the people that experienced them–A Haunting–as well as a program featuring famous people sharing their own encounters with the supernatural–Celebrity Ghost Stories.
Though paranormal television has a history that extends to a time before cable, there is no denying the relatively recent increase in the popularity of such fare. In fact, the interest in supernatural phenomena has probably never been greater since the Spiritualism craze of the mid 1800′s to the early 1900′s. There may be many sociocultural reasons why this interest has risen in recent years, but certainly paranormal television has a lot to do with it.
One could argue that the biggest influence of paranormal television has had is on the hobby of ghost hunting. Though I feel that paranormal television has contributed relatively little to the actual understanding of the reasons behind paranormal phenomena, literally thousands of teams of ghost hunters have sprung up across the country as a result. Many members of these groups will state that Ghost Hunters was their single biggest influence in the decision to form or join a team of ghost hunters and a vast majority mimic their methods. Before these shows, it was difficult to find a local team of paranormal investigators. Though such respected paranormal luminaries as John Zaffis and Troy Taylor have been around for years–well before the recent craze–now one can find multiple teams of ghost hunters in every region in the country.
Personally, I joined a ghost hunting team because of two reasons. First, I experienced some possibly paranormal activity. Second, I saw a story in a newspaper about a ghost hunting crew looking for members and joined Soul Seekers Paranormal Society. The individual who started the team I joined–albeit a ghost hunter for many years previous–specifically founded the team as a direct result of being exposed to Ghost Hunters.
Interestingly enough, paranormal television has had an even more direct impact on the group I’m currently a member of. Several people left my team, Sights Unseen Paranormal, and started their own team in response to Ghost Hunters decision to film an episode at a specific location. Though the details are tedious and certainly not worth repeating here, it’s a simple fact that if you need a ghost hunter nowadays, you don’t have to look very hard and it’s obvious that just one of these television shows has had a huge influence on many people.
Considering the number of people now involved in this hobby, and the amount of time and money spent by these teams on equipment, travel to haunted locations, and attendance at ghost tours, conferences, and workshops, it is readily apparent that paranormal television has certainly generated a significant economic impact. Consider the number of hotels that now find that advertising their haunted status is good for business, the formerly unused and derelict properties that are now open for ghost tours, and the haunted taverns where you can have a drink with a ghost. It’s pretty simple, ghosts are good for business.
There are several interesting developments that I’ve experienced first-hand–as a paranormal investigator–that I feel are a result of paranormal television. One of these developments appeared to be an intense interest, now followed by an increasing wariness of business owners to get involved with ghost hunting teams.
Perhaps this reluctance has to do with the recent recession–business owners are becoming increasingly leery of potential negative impacts. I suspect that this wariness is also due to the amount of requests for investigations these locations receive from the large number of amateur ghost hunting teams in existence. I feel that these same dynamics may also apply to home owners.
Yet another reason that I perceive it appears to be increasingly difficult to procure investigations is that these home and business owners see these television shows and form misconceptions about what a paranormal investigation really is, and thus are hesitant to contact a team based on the stereotypes seen on television.
Of course, I could be totally wrong, and this is simply an inaccurate perception. The reasons for my perception that it is increasingly difficult to secure an investigation–specifically of businesses–could be do to a variety of reasons NOT related to paranormal television, however I do suspect that paranormal television has influenced the majority of possibility haunted businesses owners–and private homeowners–in one way or the other.
This article could go on to discuss paranormal television’s influence on ghost hunting tactics, marketing of paranormal groups, movies, the Internet, and other media, however we’ll leave it at that for now, and declare this article “under construction.”
I am more interested in what you–the reader–feels about this subject. I sincerely appreciate all input and will make sure your insightful opinions on this interesting subject appear in the form of comments to this article.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/television-articles/the-influence-of-paranormal-television-3997266.html
About the Author
Bobby Elgee is an investigator for Sights Unseen Paranormal,a team of paranormal investigators based in New England. Offering supports including metal detecting, historical research, and paranormal marketing advice for businesses, Sights Unseen Paranormal realizes that people come first and their wholistic investigations extend well beyond just attempting to capture “evidence” of paranormal activity.
Related Articles
- Intelligent vs Residual Hauntings: A Way to Tell the Difference (epages.wordpress.com)
- Paranormal club’s store a ghost hunter rally point (bendbulletin.com)
- Paranormal State Season Four DVD Review – Lower Tech Ghost Hunting (screenhead.com)
- Syfy Renews ‘Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files’ & ‘Ghost Hunters International’, Orders More Episodes of ‘Hollywood Treasure’ (tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)
- Ghost Hunting Science vs Pseudoscience (theness.com)
- Ghost Hunters, Then and Now (socyberty.com)
- Must See Ghost Shows (socyberty.com)
- Syfy Kicks of 2011 With New Original Series ‘Being Human,’ ‘Face Off,’ and ‘Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen’ (tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)
- Hunting ghosts in social media (thekencook.com)
- Leatherface and Victor Crowley Hunt Ghosts on Ghost Adventures! (dreadcentral.com)
2012: The Theories, The Prophecies, The Aftermath
Author: Dr. Rita Louise
The thought of the year 2012 brings to the minds of many images of gloom and doom, death and destruction, and the potential reemergence of mankind from its ashes. In the last few years there have been countless books, movies and television specials discussing what the authors believe will happen on December 21, 2012. After investigating all of the available evidence, I have come to my own conclusion as to what will happen on that highly anticipated date.
Before I jump to the punch line and tell you what I believe, let’s spend a few minutes investigating some of the prophecies that have been associated with the 2012 event.. And, take a look at as some of the theories describing what is believed will happen.
The Maya created a number of different calendars to record the passage of time. One of them is called the “Calendar Round”. We learned about this calendar from a book, known as the Dresden Codex. It was spared the burning frenzy of the early Christian priests in Mexico. The Calendar Round is made up of two separate calendar systems used by the Maya. The Tzolk’on or 260 day Sacred Calendar and the Haab, the 365 day vague calendar. When combined they form a new calendar that measures 52 years.
The Calendar Round can only distinguish 52 years then starts repeating itself. The Mayans needed a more refined dating method. To ensure that dates could be identified over these extended periods, the Maya devised the “Long Count” calendar. We became aware of the Long Count through the study of various stelae found in the ruins of many abandoned Mayan cities.
The Long Count identifies the number of days that have passed since the beginning of the last Great Cycle. A great Cycle has a length of 13 baktuns or 1,872,000 days (5,125.36 years). Once completed, like the odometer on your car, the calendar resets itself to 0 (zero). The accepted start date of the current Great Cycle, as proposed by Sir J. Eric S. Thompson, is August 13, 3114 BCE. By adding 1,872,000 days to August 13, 3114 BC we arrive at the date December 21, 2012 – the “end of the Mayan Calendar”.
While the Mayan Calendar provides us with a date for its completion, some researchers believe that other prophecies support the end of a great cycle is fast approaching. According to the Hopi Indians, as reported by White Feather – a Hopi of the ancient Bear Clan – to a minister named David Young in 1958, these are the signs of the end times:
“The Fourth World shall end soon, and the Fifth World will begin. This the elders everywhere know. The Signs over many years have been fulfilled, and so few are left.”
“This is the First Sign: We are told of the coming of the white-skinned men, like Pahana, but not living like Pahana men who took the land that was not theirs. And men who struck their enemies with thunder.”
“This is the Second Sign: Our lands will see the coming of spinning wheels filled with voices. In his youth, my father saw this prophecy come true with his eyes — the white men bringing their families in wagons across the prairies.”
“This is the Third Sign: A strange beast like a buffalo but with great long horns, will overrun the land in large numbers. These White Feather saw with his eyes — the coming of the white men’s cattle.”
“This is the Fourth Sign: The land will be crossed by snakes of iron.”
“This is the Fifth Sign: The land shall be criss-crossed by a giant spider’s web.”
“This is the Sixth sign: The land shall be criss-crossed with rivers of stone that make pictures in the sun.”
“This is the Seventh Sign: You will hear of the sea turning black, and many living things dying because of it.”
“This is the Eight Sign: You will see many youth, who wear their hair long like my people, come and join the tribal nations, to learn their ways and wisdom.”
“And this is the Ninth and Last Sign: You will hear of a dwelling-place in the heavens, above the earth, that shall fall with a great crash. It will appear as a blue star. Very soon after this, the ceremonies of my people will cease.”
“These are the Signs that great destruction is coming. The world shall rock to and fro. The white man will battle against other people in other lands — with those who possessed the first light of wisdom. There will be many columns of smoke and fire such as White Feather has seen the white man make in the deserts not far from here. Only those which come will cause disease and a great dying.
Many of my people, understanding the prophecies, shall be safe. Those who stay and live in the places of my people also shall be safe. Then there will be much to rebuild. And soon — very soon afterward — Pahana will return. He shall bring with him the dawn of the Fifth World. He shall plant the seeds of his wisdom in their hearts. Even now the seeds are being planted. These shall smooth the way to the Emergence into the Fifth World.”
The signs, over the years, have been interpreted as follows: The First Sign is the arrival of the white man with his guns. The Second Sign is of the pioneers’ covered wagons. The Third Sign is of longhorn cattle. The Fourth Sign describes the railroad tracks. The Fifth Sign is a clear image of our electric power and telephone lines. The Sixth Sign describes concrete highways and their mirage-producing effects. The Seventh Sign foretells of oil spills in the ocean. The Eighth Sign clearly indicates the “Hippy Movement” of the 1960s. The Ninth Sign was the U.S. Space Station Skylab, which fell to Earth in 1979. According to Australian eye-witnesses, it appeared to be burning blue.
The Hindu Yuga cycle has also been linked by many as supporting the December 21, 2012 date. According to Hindu Tradition, the length of all life here on earth is described as one day in the life of Brahma, the god of this universe. When Brahma awakens, the universe appears. When he sleeps, it disappears. It is said that one day in the life of Brahma lasts for 4,320,000 years.
Each day in the life of Brahma is broken down into ages or yugas. They include: the Satya Yuga, the Treta Yuga, the Dwapar Yuga and the Kali Yuga. Without going into a lot of detail regarding the math that supports these ages, it is believed that the Satya Yuga lasted for 1,728,000 years, the Treta Yuga, for 1,296,000 years and the Dwapar for 864,000 years. It is also believed that we are now in the Kali Yuga. The Kali Yuga is to last for 432,000 years. At this time, Brahma will again slumber and our world (what we know of as our universe) will disappear from existence.
Similar to the Long Count of the Maya, each Yuga has a particular characteristic. The Satya Yuga, for example, can be roughly translated as the “Age of Truth”. It is sometimes thought of as the Golden Age of Man. During this age, goodness and high ideals ruled supreme. Human intelligence and consciousness were at their peak. After 1,728,000 years of enlightenment we entered the Treta Yuga. During the Treta Yuga, there was a fall in man’s spiritual consciousness. Moral and ethical ideals began to decline.
As we moved into the Dwapar Yuga, man’s level of consciousness was now 1/2 of where it was during the Satya Yuga. It was during the Dwapar Yuga that man began using what he knew for his own personal comfort regardless of its impact on others. According to the texts, during the final age, the Kali Yuga, man experiences a total loss of spiritual awareness. Trapped in spiritual darkness, we can only comprehend our physical bodies and the objects within our physical world.
Meaning “Age of Vice”, the Kali Yuga is characterized by strife, discord and contention. Evil and dishonesty has replaced the truth found in the Satya Yuga. In the Hindu Text, the Vishnu Purana – thought to be written somewhere between 800 and 300BCE – we find a detailed description of the Kali Yuga. Here are a few excerpts from this document.
“The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired.”
“The kings of Kali Yuga will be addicted to corruption and will seize the property of their subjects. Then property and wealth alone will confer rank; falsehood will be the only means of success. Corruption will be the universal means of subsistence.”
“Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age everyone who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: everyone who is feeble will be a slave.”
Based on society today, it seems as if we are well into the energy dynamics of the Kali Yuga.
Prophecies derived from the Book of Revelation in the Bible have also provided ammunition to the 2012 debate. Talk about Earth changes, the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Anti-Christ have added fuel to the fire of this already hot debate.
A number of theories have emerged to explain what will happen at the end of the Mayan calendar. The outcome (according to supporters) fall into two major camps. These camps are as different from each other as day and night. The most popular theories promoted are apocalyptic in nature. They foretell of dramatic events which will virtually wipe mankind off of the face of the earth. If I had to pick from these scenarios, the most likely outcome would be that we would blow ourselves up. Nuclear weapons, a troubled economy and the growing threat of terrorism, all add to the stress and pressure governments face. It only requires one badly played card before we are all potentially toast.
Other popular theories include the Rapture which is found in the Book of Revelation. According to this theory, the Rapture begins with “the saved” being taken up and off the Earth. In the movie “Left Behind”, these individuals just disappear, leaving the unworthy behind. Once saved, Armageddon can begin in full force. A war between good and evil follows and finally Jesus, flying in on his cloud, will return to end the fighting. Associated with this theory (although not supported by fundamentalist Christians) is the belief that it is not Jesus who brings about the end of Armageddon, but aliens. It is these same aliens who transport the worthy off the planet and save them from Armageddon.
Additional end time theories include: the appearance of Planet-X (sometimes referred to as Niberu), solar winds, giant asteroids and even a magnetic poll shift. Each of these potential events could end life on this planet.
Switching theoretical sides, there are theories of a calmer and more transcendental nature. According to some, on December 21, 2012 our planet will enter into what is called the Galactic Alignment. This astronomical configuration is said to happen once every 26,000 years based upon the precession of the equinox. Due to this astrological configuration it has been said that our planet will be aligned with the center of the galaxy. This will cause our chakras (the energy centers within the body) to open, thus allowing the free flow of universal energy into our bodies.
Similar to this theory is that the beginning of a new calendar cycle will usher in a new age. It is often likened to the “Age of Aquarius” as a time of peace, love and understanding. This shift would not be instantaneous. Instead, changes to our consciousness and collective conscious would commence. This shift would lead to a new, better and harmonious life here on Earth. No one has identified how long this process would take, only that on December 21, it will have begun.
The final theory associated with 2012 is that of ascension. The Rapture describes saving individuals from an upcoming worldwide catastrophe. In this scenario, the person is present on Earth one minute and gone the next. Ascension theory is something like presented in the TV series “StarGate”. The character Daniel Jackson ascends and becomes one with the Ancients. The concept of spiritual ascension is associated with a number of spiritual beliefs and practices. Through self transformation, we as humans would no longer need our physical bodies and will transcend into a higher plane of being. Proponents of this theory are unclear if ascension will happen December 21 or if it is the process of ascension will begin on that date. In any case, this one sounds pretty good to me.
The question I am most often asked when talking about 2012, is what will really happen to us. Based upon my research to date, this is what I have deduced. Starting bright and early on December 22, 2012 the sun will come up, we will rise from our slumber and we will begin a new grand and glorious day.
You might ask how I came to this conclusion? I am happy to share that information with you now.
Let’s return to the Hopi Prophecies. According to their prophecies, it is the fulfillment of the identified events which will indicate the beginning of the Fifth World. Compelling as they are, like the prophecies of Nostradamus, we are left with the question… Are we making assumptions about their true meaning? What has been suggested as the fulfillment of the prophecies, is on face, value very persuasive but we will never know for sure.
There are also problems when you factor in the Hindu Yugas. The Kali Yuga is said to begin on the day Krishna died in 3100 BC. The 3100BC start date of the Kali Yuga does make you contemplate its connection with the dates given for this cycle in the Mayan Calendar. What many 2012 supporters do not tell you is that the Kali Yuga is identified as lasting for 432,000 years. If you subtract the number of years that have passed since the start of the Kali Yuga, we still have roughly 427,000 years to go until this Yuga ends – and the universe as we know it will disappear. The math does not add up to any time in 2012.
Over the centuries, prophecies derived from the Book of Revelation have been interpreted and re-interpreted to rationalize many of the difficult time periods we have encountered. Is the Book of Revelations talking about what is going on now? It could be. But it could also have been describing the emperor Nero who banished John, the author of Revelations, to Patmos. Over the years, this same text has been used to predict the end of the world numerous times.
Finally we come to the Mayan Calendar. The date of December 21, 2012 was determined by Sir J. Eric S. Thompson and is referred to as the Thompson Correlation. As you may recall, Thompson stated that the current Great Cycle commenced on August 13, 3114BC. This date has been generally accepted as the most likely start date of the cycle. However, Thompson is not the only one who has proposed a start date. If you add 1,872,000 days to some of the suggested alternative launch times , dates for the end of the Mayan Calendar have ranged from the year 1734 AD all the way through to the year 2532 AD.
As you can see, there really isn’t anything that directly supports the December 21, 2012 date. It is really just a bunch of smoke and mirrors. The net effect has been that many of us are afraid of what may, or may not, happen on that date! If you are worried that the world is coming to an end, let it go. Take a deep breath and open yourself up to contemplating a bright future ahead. Before I go, I would like to ask each of you for one thing. When you open your eyes on the morning of December 22nd, think of me, this message and say thank you.
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer – soulhealer.com 2011. All rights reserved.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/culture-articles/2012-the-theories-the-prophecies-the-aftermath-4010136.html
About the Author
Founder of the Institute Of Applied Energetics, Dr. Rita Louise is the host of Just Energy Radio and the author of the books “Dark Angels: An Insider’s Guide to Ghosts, Spirits & Attached Entities”, “Avoiding The Cosmic 2×4″ and “The Power Within”. A 20-year veteran in the Human Potential Field, it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Her unique insights bridge the worlds of science, spirit and culture and are changing the way the world views physical, mental and emotional health. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or listen live online to Dr. Rita on http://www.JustEnergyRadio.com .
Related Articles
- The Eclipse at the End of The World (vicdicara.wordpress.com)
- The End of the World. Again. (psychologytoday.com)
- (1/2011) End Times: Where Are God’s Leaders? (basilandspice.com)
- “The Mayan Apocalypse” by Mark Hitchcock/Alton Gansky (onedesertrose.wordpress.com)
- DailyKos’ “Gabrielle Giffords is Dead to Me” Post Down the Memory Hole (minx.cc)
- Ram Janaki marriage panchami observed (thehimalayantimes.com)
- Now Go Away, or We Shall Taunt You a Second Time! (kestalusrealm.wordpress.com)
- Towards silence this Christmas (netnewmusic.net)
- (11/2010) World War III–The Way Out (basilandspice.com)
- Forget 2012; N.J. man says the world’s going to end in May 2011 (pennlive.com)
























