The Prison Visit
I went to visit my nephew Mario in prison.
Preparing For The Visit
It all started in September while Mario was in Chuckawalla Prison in Blythe. I had to get the ball rolling by submitting an application to visit. Blythe is a three-and- a-half -hour drive from my home. I did not want to drive alone because by the time the visit would end, it would be nightfall. I prayed and asked Rong, another nephew, if he wanted to join me. Rong was so accommodating he agreed to take me. That meant that he needed to get government clearance as well.
I received a phone call from Mario informing me that he was being transferred to Norco. Norco is only one-half hour from where I live. Mario insisted that we wait until the transfer for the visit.
Visiting Rules
Mario suggested that we not make an appointment, that it would be easier if we showed up around 9:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. visit. This was our first time at this facility; since we were not certain of the protocols we got in line. Of course it was the wrong line. By the time we figured out what to do we were one of the last ones in.
Miss Know-It-All
I suffer from know-it-all syndrome. Although I read through the dress regulations and was confident of what to wear, I got it wrong. As Rong and I sat, we witnessed a woman being turned away because she was wearing green. In a low voice I told Rong, “She has double green, her undershirt is green too!” Poor thing! She was sent back to a small building to change into proper attire that is provided by the facility .
When it was our turn, the officer looked at me and said, “You can only wear one bracelet. You need to take one off.” I did, and Rong had to lock it in his car. Then it was time for the second inspection, where they wave the wand and check the clear plastic bag we use to bring money.
I had a total of $54, twenty dollars in quarters and the rest in dollar bills, but I also had a five-dollar bill. An officer in a tightly wound-up bun looked at me sternly and said, “You can’t wear blue, you need to change!” I responded, “Change? I have no other clothes.” She pointed to the same building that the green sweater lady went to.
Poor Rong, I was holding up everything! We walked in and I explained that my stylish mock navy blue turtleneck was the wrong color. This lady looked at me and said what I was wearing was an acceptable color. I did not have time for a tit for tat conversation, so I asked the lady for an appropriate top.
I was getting upset because we were holding up Mario as well. The lady brought out a dingy black t-shirt along with a gray one. I changed into the black one and walked back for the final inspection. Again, the same woman officer opened my plastic bag of money, found the five-dollar bill and said, “You can’t take five-dollar bills in!” So Rong had to make another run to the car to drop it off.
The Visit
Mario had mentioned that if weather permitted we could sit outside on some picnic tables. With only two options, Rong and I decided to sit outside. As I was handing my driver’s license along with personal information, I asked the lady officer if we could sit outside, but if it got too cold, could we come inside? “No! Once you pick you stay for the entire visit.” Her authoritarian voice made me realize that this is not an ordinary visit.
The Food
While other inmates and their families were settling in, Rong and I noticed the various food choices. Rong, a novice visitor, had only brought $20 in quarters.
We were assigned table 47. I brought $20 in quarters, and the rest in dollar bills. Literally, I was Miss Money Bags with all the dollar bills and quarters totaling a whopping $49. We were set.
I told Rong to purchase fried chicken. That took all his money! Remember the Snapple drink? You don’t see it advertised or displayed on the shelves of grocery stores any longer. Not to worry because this was the main drink available to us. We ate fried chicken, munched on Doritos, and for dessert Mario had Hostess chocolate-covered donuts and cheese cake. It was a sweet picnic!
Mario
Rong asked, “Can we hug him?” I was not sure either, because at some facilities that is not permitted.
We watched as other inmates arrived. They were warmly greeted with loving arms, so we did the same. Mario stands over six-feet tall; he is handsome with a beautiful shade of brown skin to match the deep hue of brown in his eyes. I love how he sometimes covers his mouth when laughing. It had been a while since our last visit, so we were all in a state of rejoicing,
The Bible Study
Yes, that was the plan! So when I went into the building to ask for a Bible, another inmate helped me find the “Good News Bible.” I asked for a piece of paper and pen to take notes. I also asked, “Can I take the notes with me?” “Not really,” he answered. But what I heard was, “Yes, be careful.”
The Apostle Paul
We read from the Book of Acts the transition of Paul. Mario was familiar with this story and added that St. Paul was many times in prison, and how he wrote many of his epistles while in jail. We also read about how God used St. Paul until the very end of his life. The Holy Spirit encompassed our little area as we continued to discuss godly matters.
Mario’s Plan
Mario talked about the last time he was released and found a job at the Staples warehouse. He worked for three weeks, but after a background check he was fired. Without work and no real direction he fell back into his old lifestyle.
With the piece of paper in hand, I told him that he needed a plan when he gets out. “Give me five things you want to accomplish when you get out.”
- Praying that I should go to a transition home;
- Enrolll in DUI classes (this has been on his record for over 15 years);
- Get a driver’s license;
- Find a job; and
- Get off parole and live a normal, simple life.
I believe that this time Mario will accomplish these hurdles and that he will live a normal, simple life with a great story to tell.
Saying Good-bye
It’s never easy to leave, especially when the visiting hours were scheduled for a 3 o’clock departure. But because we are in a controlled environment, the call for us to exit was at 2 o’clock instead.
We could hear the tiny, loud voices of children saying, “We love you, Daddy! See you soon!” As we waved our last good-bye to Mario, a few yards away we could see and hear the Little League baseball game that was taking place at the sports complex. It was a paradoxical experience.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray for Mario and all the other incarcerated individuals who need another chance in life. Lord, You created Mario for a purpose, and with dignity. Please help Mario accomplish his plan. Speak to him through Your Word, and, when he is discouraged, appear to him in his dreams. Amen.
Laetare (Joyful) Sunday
The fourth week of Lent is referred to as Laetare Sunday.
Rejoice
The Latin meaning of the word laetare is “rejoice.” This word taken from Isaiah 66:10:
Isaiah 66:10 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
10 Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,
all you who love her;
Rejoice with her in her joy,
all you who mourn over her—
Those of us who have been honoring our sacrifices during Lent, we’ve made it to the half-way mark. This Sunday, March 10th, is 21 days before Easter.
Spiritual Lent
For me, giving up bread and dessert has been a great sacrifice. I could honesty live on bread alone. Sweets have always been my biggest downfall, but this Lent has given me a deeper spiritual connection. As a result, the temptation for what I have given up is second nature. My prayer life has improved, and exercising daily has helped clear my once-cluttered mind.
Hallow
We can clear our minds through prayer. If we open the door to the Spirit of God and welcome His presence, the Holy Spirit will take over. On my long walks I pray the rosary and listen to the Hallow app. Hallow has been a great instrument in my Lenten journey. I praise God for the collaborated work on Hallow. We all recognize the famous names attached to this app like Mark Walhberg and Jonathan Roumie. But there are so many others, ordinary people like myself, whose contributions have caused me to look deeper into my relationship with God. We grow closer to our Lord when we allow our minds to receive the truth. God is our light, and He teaches us how to be the light to others.
The Light
Sometimes my husband Mike goes to bed before me. To avoid disturbing his sleep, I do not turn on the light. When the moon is hidden from the earth there is no natural light, so I stumble and sometimes bump my head or trip. Darkness can only be dispelled by light. Part of today’s readings were from John 3:16-21, where you can find the renowned verse John 3:16.
John 3:16-21 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Evil In The World
There will always be evil in this world. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, is a perfect example of evil. Anyone who attempts to shed light in his dark world will be assassinated. This evil dictator, before the world’s audience, has blatantly murdered those who do not agree with him. That is how Satan operates: when you are filled with evil, you will never see the light. There are people who prefer darkness to light who live among us. We need to switch on the light for them by expressing God’s love. For a reprobate mind this is the only remedy.
Giving a godly opinion never works for those who choose to live in the dark, because their minds are closed to the truth. It is not our responsibility to win others to Christ, but it is our duty as Christians to continue to love them. Love truly conquers all!
Prayer
Encountering people who do not believe the Word of God and the truth it stands for is part of our daily cross. But one thing is sure: if you are in daily prayer the task becomes less burdensome. Together as Christians we must always defend the Word of God, not twist it to make it conform to our own beliefs. If you are guilty of this behavior, your core beliefs will lack truth and your growth in Christ will be delayed.
One God
We are all made from the same fiber, we belong to the family of God. As long as we follow God’s light we will have peace. Anger overtakes those who want so desperately be heard. They want to change the truth into their beliefs in order to make their sinful behaviors acceptable. You can pass bills, legislate and manipulate laws to make your worldview legal. But in the eyes of God, making sin legal does not change the moral standards of the Bible.
Reconciliation
Last Monday our parish had ten priests hearing confessions. I took one of my grandsons with me. As we waited, my grandson was not sure what he was supposed to do or how to recite the opening prayer. I told him not to worry, because the priest would guide him.
What a beautiful witness to see so many hundreds of people waiting to confess their sins. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important part of our Catholic faith. Lent is a period of time where we are to reflect on our lives and to rid ourselves of any unwanted bad behaviors. Nothing is more rewarding than being absolved of your sins. I imagine that choirs of angels are rejoicing in heaven when we confess our sins.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we are a divided nation and the Enemy is rejoicing. Lord, open the hearts of those who are in the valley of decision. Pour Your loving Spirit upon their hearts. May we, Your people, kneel before Your crucified body and weep for our sins. Cleanse us of all our transgressions so that we may celebrate Your Glorious Resurrection. Amen!
Our Lady Of The Pillar
On the Fourth Station of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa Jesus Meets His Mother.
Jesus Meets His Mother
At the Third Station of the Cross, Jesus falls for the first time. A few steps from there, at the Fourth Station, Jesus meets His Mother. Our beautiful Blessed Mother Mary is with her Son every step of the way. This was the beginning of His agony, and for this reason our Lord knew He could draw strength from His Mother. The Bible does not tell us what words of encouragement Mary spoke to her Son, but we know that her words gave Jesus enough strength to endure until the end of His Crucifixion.
For many years, playing the part of Mary on the Via Dolorosa was my privilege. Our team reenacted the Passion of Christ in Jerusalem for over 30 years. I have absolutely no training in acting, but when it came to this role, I felt our Blessed Mother Mary’s pain. My tears were real. As I reached to touch Jesus’ face to tell Him how much I love Him, my heart was truly breaking.
The Mother’s Role
As long as your children are alive, you will always be their mother. My children are grown and have families of their own; however, when they are experiencing any pain — emotional or physical — we go through the pain with them. My role has changed into being their silent support. Not a day passes without me lifting them up in prayer. When they are going through a difficult trial, my prayers for them are fervent. These motherly instincts are innate because we mothers have the best role model in the Virgin Mary.
Mary, the Mother of God
I find it disingenuous that some people outside of the Catholic faith have yet to come to an understanding of Mary’s true role. Because she is the Mother of God, much credence should be given her. Consider Jesus’ opinion of His Blessed Mother — would He not take care of her? Would it offend Him if people spoke ill of her? Jesus loved, respected, and protected His Mother. We should follow His example. The Virgin Mary is the mother to the world. She has appeared to many troubled nations to guide and instruct them and to forewarn them of coming chastisements. I will speak of the first apparition.
The Great Commission
With the authority of the Resurrected Christ, the First Commission was sent forth.
atthew 28:16-20 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
16 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. 18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
The First Apparition
In 2015, our missionary group visited Zaragoza, Spain — the site of the first known apparition of the Blessed Mother. At the Great Commission, the twelve disciples dispersed to preach the Gospel to the world. Saint James the Great’s journeys took him to the Iberian Peninsula, which is modern-day Spain and Portugal.
According to tradition, James the Greater traveled with great effort to Roman Hispania — modern-day Spain — to evangelize the local tribes. He not only confronted great difficulties, but he also saw very little fruit of conversion.
Saint James was discouraged because the pagans were not responding to his message. So as he sat at the edge of the Ebro River, he prayed for the intercession of Mary. This is recognized as the first Marian apparition in the history of Christianity — and the only one that occurred while the Virgin Mary was still alive. Although it was technically a bilocation, because Mary was living with John the Apostle in Jerusalem at the time, it is still regarded as an apparition by the tradition of the Church.
This is the same outspoken James that Jesus referred to as one of the “sons of thunder” — which clearly tells us that even the boldest among us sometimes need encouragement.
Answered Prayer
Saint James heard a choir of angels and, looking to the sky, he saw a bright light. With angels surrounding the Blessed Mother, she appeared to him to offer encouragement. In her gentle voice, she told Saint James not to worry, because the people to whom he preached would be converted. Mary appeared to Saint James atop a pillar of jasper, carried by angels. Our holy Mother Mary handed Saint James a small wooden statue of herself holding the Christ Child. The date was October 12 in the year 40 AD, and the Blessed Mother asked that a church be built on that spot in her honor.
The Church of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza is the first church dedicated to Mary in all of history, and it remains standing to this day, having survived invasions and wars.
We must take into account that this first apparition of the Virgin took place while she was still alive and living in Jerusalem. Our Lady of the Pillar is recognized as the first Marian apparition in the history of Christianity and is the only one that happened while the Virgin Mary was still alive. Although it was technically a bilocation, because she was living with John the Apostle in Jerusalem, it is still regarded as an apparition by the tradition of the Church. The Virgin’s bilocation to Zaragoza, Spain was meant to encourage Saint James on his mission. She also told Saint James to return to Jerusalem. Perhaps called back to Jerusalem for consultation, James became the victim of Herod’s wrath against the infant Church — the first apostle to suffer martyrdom. Historical accounts record that James’s devoted disciples, Theodore and Athanasius, brought the body of the beheaded “son of thunder” back to Spain for burial in the land to which he had been called.
Our Lady of the Pillar
This beautiful basilica is located on the edge of the Ebro River and is the first church dedicated to Mary in all of history, remaining standing to this day, having survived invasions and wars. The pillar itself was carried down by angels. It is still standing, and the jasper of which it is made has long been regarded as unlike any ordinary earthly material — it has never gathered dust in all its two thousand years of existence.
The Spanish Civil War
During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), three bombs were dropped on the church from an airplane. The bombs tore through the roof and hit the floor, but none of them exploded. The three now-deactivated bombs are currently on display in one of the basilica’s walls.
Veneration
The pillar and the statue of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child are both venerated. The small wooden statue given by Our Lady to Saint James — a relatively simple image, just 15 inches high — now stands upon the jasper pillar she arrived on. Like most pilgrims, touching that small statue was a grace beyond words — the same statue our Blessed Mother Mary placed into the hands of Saint James nearly two thousand years ago.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, fill us with the same fire You gave Saint James to preach. May You season our words with love, and may we always look to Your heavenly light. Lord, send Your beautiful Mother Mary to our aid when we are discouraged. Amen.