Sister Alphonsa (Aug 1910 – July 1946) From Blessed One to Saint
The cradle of Christianity
In India is Kerala-
Where Saint Thomas, the Apostle
Set foot, two thousand years ago.
The fourth child of father, Ouseph,
She lost her mother, Mariam,
When she was just three years of age,
Remaining sick, all through her life.
‘Be a nun, my child’- were the words,
A Carmelite nun said to her:
These were engraved within her heart
Of love for Jesus Christ, till death.
She did not want to get married;
She chose to be a nun in life;
So, burnt her leg in live ash-pit,
To prove her wish to follow Christ.
She joined the Franciscan Convent
Of Clarist nuns and took her vows;
She suffered pain all life in bed,
But offered it to Jesus Christ.
With pain and agony, she lived,
Self-mortified a life for Christ;
Her suffering had turned all joy,
When love of Savior, filled her heart.
She suffered from malaria,
And Tuberculosis and ulcer;
Some doubted her piety too;
But in the end, just truth triumphed.
A robber attacked her by night,
And left her bleeding and upset;
She died when just thirty-seven;
Of double pneumonia illness.
A one-year boy of Kottayam
Was cured of his deformity,
When parents prayed over her tomb,
Starting a string of miracles!
Beatified by John Paul II,
In 1986 itself,
She wrought miracles numerous,
For devotees who prayed to her.
Young children flocked to see her tomb
And prayed to Sister Alphonsa;
Their handicaps were cured at once;
Ailments of stomach vanished fast.
Some barren wombs had gift of child;
All kinds of ailments vanished fast;
She interceded when they prayed
To God and miracles were wrought.
Her name has brought her hometown fame;
The sister will be canonized
On October twelfth of this year-
First Indian nun and female saint!
Like how wheat grains are crushed and ground
To bake the Holy Eucharist;
And grapes are pressed to make good wine,
Our sufferings too make us good.
Her tomb at Bharananganam,
Is famous pilgrimage centre.
She is the proof of God’s great works;
The road to sainthood isn’t easy!
Dedicated to the loving memory
Of the Venerable Sis. Alphonsa,
Who will be declared Saint shortly.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-6-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Gone to be with Jesus Lord in Heaven
He tried to kill himself before a train!
But God would not allow him to do that;
His uncle gave him timely good advice,
And introduced him to Lord, Jesus Christ.
The twenty-year-old man turned new a leaf;
From hopelessness and poverty, he fled;
God afilled him with hope anew instead;
A divine peace now overwhelmed his heart.
He took refuge in Savior, Jesus Christ;
He labored hard in Bank wherein employed;
He rose in status rapidly in life;
But God had other better plans for him.
He recognized the love of Jesus Christ;
The love of God had swathed him forever;
He desired to start a ministry;
He wanted it to be named, ‘Jesus Calls.’
He prayed to God for hours and days and weeks;
A vision of Lord Jesus came to him;
God wanted him to be a preacher fast,
And take the Good News Gospel to people.
He founded ‘Jesus Calls Ministry’ soon;
He reached the Word of God to many souls;
He spoke to crowds from every walk of life;
He authored books to influence more hearts.
He spoke through radio, television too;
He reached the length and breadth of India soon;
Stella, his life-partner, joined him as well;
He took the Word of God across the globe.
The preacher turned Evangelist quickly;
Filled by the Holy Spirit, he did well;
He cried and prayed to God for others’ sake;
He sang good hymns aloud in his own voice.
The Lord was pleased by Dhinakaran’s toil;
He gained the pow’r of fore-casting events;
He cured the sick and consoled woe-filled hearts;
God worked miracles in his crusade-talks.
Huge crowds attended DGS’ talks;
His prayer rallies brought more souls to God;
His son too joined him in his ministry;
Love’s Apostle prayed for millions at large.
He established CBN in India;
His daughter’s sudden demise upset him;
The loss brought immense despair to his heart;
But God comforted him in His own ways.
For more than fifty years, he preached the Word;
His life had witnessed miracles galore;
The ministry had grown in size quickly;
The Doctor of Divinity was great.
The humble heart of DGS saw God;
He spoke to him and walked in Lord’s foot-steps;
His daughter-in-law, grand-children too came;
His life on earth was paradise in short.
But death came suddenly to seize his soul;
He died in piety and fortitude;
God made him ‘fisher of men’ in his life;
The pot of clay had served the Lord truly.
The ‘man of God’ has left the planet earth;
He lives with God in His heav’nly abode;
God chose this soul to bring more souls to Him;
The world will know his exemplary life.
The work of DGS has roots all strong;
The trunk has grown into a massive tree;
The ‘birds’ that seek Jesus will nest on it,
And praise God for His infinite mercy.
The Apostle had sought the heart of God;
He radiated love of divine form;
His holy words had touched so many hearts;
He has gone to be with God in heaven.
(The Life-story of Bro. Dr. DGS Dhinakaran
Of Jesus Calls Ministry)
Copyright by Dr John Celes 2-24-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Life of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (in verse)
A baby boy was born
To peasants, one fine morn;
And christened Francesco,
A day after birth, Oh!
Much pious was the lad,
In world so very bad;
He prayed a lot in life,
And didn’t mind any strife!
He loved to be a priest,
And work for Jesus Christ;
And loved the cassock brown
Of Capuchins in town!
He talked with Christ each day,
And guardian angel Fay;
And Mother Mary too –
His duty well, to do!
He joined the Friary,
As per his wish-diary;
And took his priestly vows,
In Capuchin’s main House!
He lived a humble life,
Despite his sickness rife;
And saw Christ in his dreams:
All crucified, it seems!
He chose the suff’ring way;
And so, in illness lay;
He took the prayer-key,
Opening Eternity!
God gave him unique gifts,
And spiritual uplifts;
He wrought miracles great,
And kept soul like clean slate.
He was a good preacher;
He was a good teacher;
And said the Holy Mass;
Heard confessions, Alas!
He loved the Holy Cross;
Christ Jesus was his boss;
He prayed the Rosary
Fervently to Mary.
He lived to ripe old age,
And turned to be a sage;
They saw him in places
Afar, with love’s gazes.
He used to tell others:
Pray, Hope – sisters, brothers;
And don’t worry at all:
God lifts you if you fall.
‘Confess your sins’, he said;
‘Fill soul with grace instead;
Avoid Almighty’s rod,
And take more souls to God.’
Christ’s stigmata, he had:
The wounds painfully bled;
But just before his death,
They healed with his last breath!
Christ’s stigmata, He bore,
For fifty years or more;
The crucifix, he held
All life, as God’s love welled!
Close to his heart, the Cross –
Yes, Jesus was his boss!
His love of God was great;
For sins, he had a hate.
A poor friar, he was,
And toiled for divine cause;
Despite a not good health,
But virtues – his one wealth!
God made him ‘Blessed’ soon,
And canonized him – boon
To Capuchin’s order,
That spread his good odor!
Even the earth, may be,
Without the sun surely;
But Holy Mass is one
Sacrifice of God’s Son!
Lovingly dedicated to St. Padre Pio
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-20-2008
poem by John Celes
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Saint Jeanne Jugan (Foundress of ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’)
When four, she lost her father while at sea!
Her mother worked hard, raising family!
She grew in France amidst Revolution;
Her love of God was her life’s solution.
She cared for sick and poor elderly souls,
By assuming the humblest of earth’s roles!
Young Jeanne Jugan grew up a shepherdess;
Her love for Jesus made her a Foundress!
With heart aflame with fire of love for God,
She sacrificed her life for Jesus Lord!
Through exemplary life, she showed the world
That love of God was worth more than all gold.
The elderly poor needed love and care;
So, young Jeanne chose the road traveled quite rare.
Her charity became a noble cause;
She worked for poor without making a pause.
It was a time when violence was rife,
And begging was common by those in strife;
She followed Christ, carrying her cross of life,
And served the poor and downtrodden all life.
Her name was ‘Sister Mary of the cross! ’
All life, Christ Jesus Lord was her one boss!
‘Come to my aid, O God, ’ she prayed and cried
all life in humility, till she died!
A Saint for elderly and every age,
She wrote her life upon a golden page;
She saw the Lord in every poor man’s face,
And served God through her love of human race!
‘God wanted her all for Himself, ’ she said,
‘And kept her for a work yet unfounded! ’
On October eleven, two thousand nine,
The Blessed Jeanne Jugan became a Saint!
Dedicated fondly in memory of the Sister Saint.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 10-25-2009
poem by John Celes
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The Priest with Christ’s Stigmata – St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
A baby boy was born
to Catholic parents both –
Father, Grazio and mother, Maria,
On May25,1887,
In Pietrelcina, town in Italy.
Fourth amongst the seven children,
He was baptized next day as Francesco,
After St. Francis of Assisi,
At Castle Church.
He was a special child of God.
The Forgione family
Was pious to the core;
They were just peasants;
Although, they could not read or write,
They kept God above everything:
Attending daily mass;
Reciting Rosary,
And fasting quite often;
They told their children
Bible stories and Scriptures
By heart!
Strong faith in Jesus Christ
Was nurtured in Pio
When he was only five!
He spoke to Jesus,
Mother Mary,
And guardian angel,
And suffered temptations
From devils.
When only ten years’ old,
He yearned to be a friar
Of the Capuchin order.
He joined the order
And took the habit
When he was fifteen,
And the name, Pio
After Saint Pius V.
At twenty-three,
He was ordained priest,
And said his first mass,
Four days later.
A month later,
He got the stigmata
Of Jesus Christ;
Unable to bear
The annoyance,
He prayed;
The wounds vanished
For a while.
Pio desired to suffer
Secretly.
Due to illness,
Pio was sent home
But kept his friar life –
Said mass,
And taught at school.
He went to the friary
Of Our Lady of Grace,
And led a holy, simple life.
Ordered to work
In the Italian Medical Corps,
He was unhappy,
But was discharged soon.
Pio grew up in piety;
‘Prepare for battle in the morning;
Purify your soul in the evening;
Pray, hope and don’t worry.’ –
Were his keys to spiritual success.
Pio prayed for the end to the World War;
He saw Christ and got a wound on his side;
It showed his love of God and vice-versa.
In 1918, he saw the wounded Christ
And received the Visible Stigmata:
The five wounds of Jesus Christ
Forever – a gift of God!
The wounds were painful
And bled from time to time.
For fifty years, he bore
The stigmata of Christ!
The blood had an odor of perfume;
He could Prophesy and foretell;
Bilocation was his unique power.
He read the sins of persons
Who came to him to confess.
Padre Pio became famous
So, did the Friary and the Church;
People flocked to see and confess sins;
Pio became very busy;
He’d barely just two hours to sleep!
Spiritual fame brought detractors;
False accusations were leveled;
They tried to curb his work-schedule;
They tried to transfer him afar.
Undeterred, Padre Pio continued;
The ban on Mass was soon reversed;
His faculties were soon restored;
He was also allowed to preach.
More pilgrims flocked to visit him;
He heard their confessions promptly;
Pio started a Medical Center;
A larger Church was constructed.
He’s known now internationally!
With over-work, he became ill;
And bed-ridden in 1968.
He died in the early morning;
As he’d foretold, he lived sick
But died healthy, at 81 yrs’ of age,
on September 23,1968.
With the stigmata,
All healed!
A lakh of people attended
His holy funeral!
His yoke though heavy,
In Christ became easy;
And his burden light,
When borne with faith in Christ.
The crucified Christ
Had chosen the lad
To be a priest,
And make Him glad.
He was declared ‘Blessed’
On May,2,1999,
And Saint, on June 16,2002
Both by Pope John Paul II.
He’d drawn a lot of souls,
Closer to God!
Padre Pio loved to repeat:
‘I’m a poor Franciscan who prays;
Prayer is the best weapon, we have –
A key that opens the Heart of God! ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-19-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Calvary
The Cross of Christ laid on the ground
And Jesus closed His eyes,
His beating heart the only sound
That He could realise...
They held Him down and nailed Him fast
As He screamed out in pain,
His blood ran cold, for now, at last,
He knew He would be slain...
The Cross of Christ was hoisted up,
With Him, the Romans' toy,
They offered Him the drug-filled cup,
Some mercy to employ...
But He refused to dull the ache,
The horror and the fear,
He knew the sacrifice to make
And kept it pure and clear...
The Cross of Christ was where He stayed,
No angels rescued Him,
They humbly watched as Christ obeyed
Before God's seraphim...
The Father stared from Heaven's Throne,
At Christ who wore a crown,
Forced there by Roman hearts of stone,
Now gambling for His gown...
The Cross of Christ was hid from sight
As God's Love looked away
And turned that sacred day to night
As He kept tears at bay...
One angel wept, then all joined in
And God wept tears as well.
This was the sacrifice for sin...
So we'd not go to Hell...
The Cross of Christ was where He died,
That place called Calvary,
That green hill far away supplied,
That haunts eternity...
That day when Mary's heartbeat stopped
In unison yet lived,
That time the Saviour's head had dropped,
With death His precious gift...
The Cross of Christ still bore His Blood,
Though Christ was in His tomb
And God observed that holy flood,
With hatred and with gloom...
Yet Christ had prayed, forgive them all,
They know not what they do...
So God sent preachers like Saint Paul,
Because Christ died... for you...
Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2010.
poem by Denis Martindale
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Little Flower of Jesus Christ - ‘St. Therese of Lisieux
O little Flower of Jesus Christ!
How young and yet so wise, you turned!
And showed the world that heaven's first;
For love of Christ, your heart well burned!
You had your way, when pampered young;
The clarion call of God, you heard;
Though suff'ring from TB of lung,
You changed a cloistered divine bird!
How sad you lost four sisters, mom!
Their demise hurt your heart profound;
But then, you did Jesus welcome,
And turned earth heavenly a ground!
In just short span of life on earth,
You proved ‘like children' all must live
In love of God, and right from birth;
In to will of heaven, we must give!
For sake of Christ, you lived your life;
And preached that love was one thing prime,
That helps us through, our joys and strife,
And live Christ-centred for life-time!
O saint and Doctor of the church!
Pray that all sinners well repent;
No soul for want of light must lurch,
But walk in heaven's road, God-lent!
Fondly dedicated to the poetess-nun, St.Therese of Lisieux! '
Copyright by Dr John Celes 30-08-12
poem by John Celes
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Happy Easter 2012
The tomb of stone's empty!
Christ Jesus has risen,
On day three after death,
Just as He had foretold!
His death on cross was sad;
Even the sun didn't shine;
And earth shuddered awhile,
As corpses came alive!
Jesus was Truth and Light;
The dark tomb couldn't contain
Christ who's Light of the world;
Death could never prevail.
The Good Shepherd, He bore
Our every cross and sin;
The spotless lamb got slain
To save man from ruin!
What obeisance, Christ showed!
His Father was so pleased;
His heart was always moved
By love, His son had proved.
Good that Jesus rose then;
Our faith has stood the test;
Like Christ, we all can rise;
If sinless, reach heaven!
Jesus had crushed satan;
The body dies but then
Resurrection is true,
As soul and body meet.
By Christmas, Christ was born;
Through Easter, Christ died, rose;
In glory, He will come
As God and King and judge!
Easter gives man new hope;
The righteous can see God;
Jesus has paid the price
For every sin of man!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 8-04-12
poem by John Celes
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St. Peter Julian Eymard, ‘The Apostle of the Eucharist’
Founder, Societas Sanctissimi Sacramenti (SSS)
And Third Order of Mary (Feb 4,1811- Aug 1,1868)
The saint exhorted:
‘Go set the world afire,
For love of Eucharist!
Adore the Lord Jesus
In the Blessed Sacrament.’
‘Glorify God always;
Let Eucharist reign world;
Go often to Jesus,
Alive in Eucharist.’
‘The Holy Eucharist
Is the fountain of life;
Receive the Lord Jesus,
Often into your heart! ’
The cross appeared before mind’s eyes,
And beckoned him to follow it;
‘Give up all worldly, carnal ties, ’
Said Jesus Christ. ‘Follow, grace-lit! ’
The call was loud and clarion;
The Lord had plans for Julian;
There was never much confusion;
God gave him divine fore-vision!
The teenager from country France
Was born when dawned art, music, dance;
His poor physique and poverty,
Delayed life in Seminary.
He tried again when twenty-three,
And was ordained a priest at last;
For the Grenoble Diocese;
His service done became too vast.
Eymard believed in confession,
Repentance and reparation;
This was the soul’s preparation,
For a life of Lord’s adoration.
The spirit grows stronger in Christ,
With frequent communion athirst;
The Marist years made him good priest;
His love of Jesus never ceased.
He practiced vows of chastity,
Obedience and poverty;
His Eucharistic piety,
Engulfed the French Church freely.
Despite his poor physical health,
He grew in Lord Jesus Christ’s wealth.
His love of Christ seized upon him;
He gifted his whole self to Him!
‘The Apostle of the Eucharist’
Spread devotion to Jesus Christ;
To him, Jesus was always first –
That was why he became a priest.
‘O Sacrament, most Holy!
O Sacrament divine;
All praise and thanks-giving,
Be every moment, Thine! ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 13-10-10
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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’Tis Time For More Miracles, Yet!
When fervent prayers had been said,
For days and weeks or years, perhaps,
And seasons too had changed for good,
’Tis time for more miracles, yet!
When mind had kept the heart in check,
Inhibiting the members well,
And heeded to the conscience first,
’Tis time for more miracles, yet!
When life was Jesus Christ-centered,
And word of God directed life,
And grace afilled the soul made pure,
’Tis time for more miracles, yet!
When storms in life had come and gone,
And Satan’s methods turned futile,
And war with devils had been won,
’Tis time for more miracles, yet!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 10-19-2009
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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’Tis So Lovely To …
’Tis so lovely to be born a Christian;
’Tis so lovely to be a Roman Catholic;
’Tis so lovely to follow Jesus Christ;
’Tis so lovely to know the one, living God;
’Tis so lovely to read the Holy Bible;
’Tis so lovely to have Christian parents
’Tis so lovely to walk in the shadow of the Holy cross;
’Tis so lovely to spread the Gospel;
’Tis so lovely to obey God’s Ten Commandments;
’Tis so lovely to abide by the precepts of the holy Catholic Church;
’Tis so lovely to receive the Holy Sacraments;
’Tis so lovely to confess sins and gain forgiveness from God;
’Tis so lovely to receive the Holy Eucharist;
’Tis so lovely to be an example of Christ unto others;
’Tis so lovely to be a “Fisher of Souls”;
’Tis so lovely to do miracles like Christ;
’Tis so lovely to heal the sick by prayers;
’Tis so lovely to console the sick and the dying;
’Tis so lovely to live a life like that of Christ;
’Tis so lovely to keep the soul pure;
’Tis so lovely to be filled by the Holy Spirit;
’Tis so lovely to take the road to heaven;
’Tis so lovely to die a holy Christian death;
’Tis so lovely to resurrect after death;
’Tis so lovely to be spared of eternal damnation;
’Tis so lovely to have eternal life;
’Tis so lovely to live in commune with God
Forever in Heaven thereafter!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-16-2006
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Easter- The Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the death of Death!
Lord Jesus Christ has risen from his grave!
The tomb on third day was an empty cave;
The Savior of mankind has done the feat;
The Evil One Satan has got defeat.
The empty tomb of Jesus Christ is proof:
The tomb-stone rolled aside, away from roof;
Yes, Jesus resurrected as forecast;
The sting of death is now a thing of past.
The second Adam has won over death;
The fear of death needn’t haunt someone on earth;
Death is not end but henceforth beginning
Of Life eternal- mankind’s new meaning.
Jesus, the Light has dispelled all darkness,
That hinders men from Heaven’s happiness;
Jesus, the Way leads all souls to Heaven;
Our Road to Heaven has been made even.
The heart of love infinite won o’er death;
No more can death frighten a soul on earth;
The King of Love has conquered death ‘per se’;
This is the key message of Easter Day.
Our sinless Messiah is alive still,
After his death on cross upon the hill;
God’s only Son is Savior of mankind;
Confess your sins of body and of mind.
Jesus, the Truth has triumphed o’er Satan;
And Hope is born afresh that beckons man;
Children of Adam and of Eve are saved;
The road to Heaven’s glory, Jesus paved.
Denied is Satan of power of death-
Sigh of relief for all souls upon earth;
The gate of Heaven’s wide open to all;
We all can go to God, despite our fall.
Death entered earth through Adam and Eve’s sin;
Christ’s Resurrection is also our win;
The warrior of love has conquered death;
Jesus has brought about the death of Death!
The awesome death is now man’s friendly-foe!
Death puts an end to every strife and woe;
The cruel thief is welcome guest of man;
Man need not fear death in his whole life-span.
Death is the way to Eternity now;
Death is not dreadful as it was once, wow!
Man’s body got back sanctity once lost-
Rejuvenating truth to mankind, vast.
No tomb can hold a man’s body for long;
Death’s silence will be broken by life’s song;
The risen Christ has opened up all tombs-
Even for dead, unborn babies in wombs!
The future of all mankind lies in Christ;
‘Our faith in God’- the flag, we ought to hoist;
Follow the Cross and Heaven’s Gate is nigh,
When we are made too kings by One, most High.
Like Christ, all Christians too can resurrect;
Let’s keep our soul without sinful defect;
The rod for sins has also been absolved;
Redemption of mankind has been resolved.
The holy cross of Christ has paid the price
Of freedom of man’s every sin and vice;
Awaits the Lord with banquet feast for us;
Let us prepare our soul now for this Bliss.
‘Easter- Risen Christ and death of Death! ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-23-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Sonnet: Pearls of Wisdom from Jesus
‘I’ve overcome the world, ’ said Jesus Christ,
‘God does not forsake, nor abandons you.’
‘Ye men of little faith, believe at first! ’
In Jesus’ name, miracles, you can do.
Christ left as hope for us, Holy Spirit;
‘Do not worry; just live right for today.’
He dwells in hearts and souls that’s grace-light lit;
Jesus Christ is the truth, and light and way!
‘Man does not live by bread alone, ’ said Christ,
‘But by each word that God utters by mouth.’
By death on cross, Jesus third day was raised
to life, and made our living on earth, worth!
‘What God hath joined, let none put asunder!
To divorce would be sin and big blunder!
(06-09-11)
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Child's Prayer to Jesus Lord
Jesus, come and make me well;
I am praying day and night;
You are truth and way and light;
Grant me heaven and not hell!
Jesus, heal my ailments all;
You can work miracles fast;
Ignore all my sins of past;
Help me listen to your call!
Jesus, take my grief and woes;
Life on earth is sorrowful;
Faith can make it beautiful;
Put my life back on due course!
Jesus, Lord and King of kings;
Savior of the human race;
God with thousand suns as face;
You provide my needed things!
Jesus, help me love you, God;
You can forgive me my sins;
Make my failures become wins;
Spare me from your fair, just rod!
Jesus, God one incarnate;
Born of Mary, virgin queen;
Make my soul-desert turn green;
Holy God, immaculate!
Jesus, Christ, Creator God;
Fill my empty life with joys;
Help me carry my life's cross;
God of love, you are my Lord!
Jesus, fill my soul with grace;
Free me from all temptations;
Help me pray for souls, nations;
Fix on heaven, my soul's gaze!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 24-05-2012
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Our Lady of Health, Vailankanni (Lourdes of the east)
Devotees walk upon their knees,
On sandy paths that's burning hot,
Unmindful of the scorching sun,
To see the Mother miraculous.
They show their faith and gratitude,
Through arduous journey from their homes;
And have a glorious glimpse of her -
The Virgin Mary, Christ's mother.
Throughout the year, millions throng here,
To see the one, who calmed the sea,
for sailors who had prayed for help,
and built a chapel, thanking her!
The shrine has turned Basilica,
Attracting pilgrims world-over;
Promising miracles to those,
Who put their trust on Mother dear.
Many come here to tonsure heads,
Or bore ear-lobes of their children;
As part of pilgrimage of towns,
To cope better life's ups and downs!
Many come here for inner peace
Of heart and mind, eluding long;
And purify their soul by grace,
By Mary's intercession fast.
Some come to spend their holidays,
To take some rest, and watch the sea!
The mystifying place has ways
To tread road to eternity!
Masses are said so frequently;
The church choir sings good melodies;
The lights and décor - feast to eyes,
that feel on earth, heavenly scene!
With gifts and offerings galore,
The pilgrims share testimonies
Of miracles that Mary wrought,
Healing the sick, diseased, infirm!
Candles are lit throughout the day;
Flowers are offered by pilgrims;
Prayers and hymns resound always;
Incense ascends heaven's stair-ways!
The Mother with her baby boy
Smiles heavenly to one and all,
And promises miracles, joy,
To those who pray, heeding her call!
The Indian Lourdes of the east!
Is spreading bliss and piety,
As Jesus lovingly obeys
His Mother's wishes, and requests!
Oh, what a way to get things done,
from Jesus Lord, Mary's own son!
The Queen of heaven and of earth,
God-blessed remains for Christ Lord's birth!
The tsunami that hit the coast
just stopped, short of the Church's steps!
Nature could not profane the place
of sanctity of Christ's Mother!
The place is much better these days,
As tall buildings afill landscape;
More pilgrims pray with piety
To Blessed Mary Ev'r Virgin,
Reciting rosaries to get
through Mary, favours from Jesus;
Purifying heart, mind and soul,
To enter God's abode - Heaven.
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Let love of Jesus Christ…
Let love of Jesus Christ
Goad you to spread the Word
Across the world to all
And gather souls for God.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Help you to sacrifice
Your life to follow Him
On the road to heaven.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Make you carry your cross
And walk in the footsteps
Of Christ to Calvary.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Serve to encounter Him
In miraculous ways
Reinforcing your faith.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Help you to realize
The aim of earthly life
Is keeping soul sinfree.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Help you to sing and pray
For conversion of souls
And that more may see God!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 9-6-2010
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Speaking Against ‘ Da Vinci Code’
What Jesus did until thirty
Years, isn’t mentioned in the Bible;
For next three years, he traveled wide,
To preach the Word of God’s Kingdom.
A busy man, a Master too –
With flock of Apostles behind:
He preached through parables to all,
And earned good respect ’midst people.
He spoke in parables;
He performed miracles;
His wisdom was so great,
That Pharisees did hate!
Yet, all the while, He knew His end!
A painful death on Holy Cross –
For sins of entire mankind;
He had His Father’s cause always!
Oh, what a sad life for young Christ!
His eyes revealed divine love first;
He had no time for romance, love;
His Father’s work was duty prime!
Like a man who knew His end was near,
He walked about praying, with fear;
He fasted often- bible tells;
Some laid snares to entrap Jesus.
Which doctor marries his patient?
Which lawyer weds his own client?
Do teachers marry own pupils?
These are’nt so common-place at all!
To say that Jesus was in love
With Mary Magdalene, that too,
Who was a known harlot those days:
Amounts to only blasphemy!
To speak wrong things about the Lord,
To lie about his personal life,
To misinterpret Bible’s words –
Are sins that God cannot forgive!
To slander about Christ’s conduct,
To spread false stories about him,
To hurt a Christian’s faith, beliefs –
Is but a work of Anti-Christ!
Yes, Satan trys his level-best
To bring a slur on Christ’s image;
But Prophecies will happen true;
God’s Words are words of truth always!
No Christian cares for Vinci code;
God knows to annul extreme lies;
Lord Jesus who won o’er satan
Was not an ordinary man!
His aim in life was Redemption
For mankind’s sins by death on cross;
The thought sometimes troubled his mind;
He prayed to Father for new strength!
(To be contd.)
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-13-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Easter
On Christmas day
Was born a babe,
Who brought forth joy
And peace on earth.
On Easter day,
Lord Christ, who died,
Came back to life
All on his own.
Prophets had died;
Saints too had died;
Great men had died;
But none returned.
Just Jesus Christ
Rose on third day;
He won over death,
And Satan lost.
The death of Christ,
Resurrection,
Victory o’er death
Brought redemption-
For all mankind,
For endless time;
Heaven was now
Open to all.
Sinners who say
‘I’m sorry, God,
And repent well,
Can avoid hell’
Christ paid the price
Of mankind’s sins
By death on cross,
And his suffering.
When we do sins,
They wound the Lord,
And hurt him more
And make him sore,
Let’s rise with Christ;
Renounce Satan,
His pomps and works;
Live for Christ’s sake.
Heaven is ours.
Christ is the way;
He is the Truth;
He is the Light.
Let’s follow Christ
To Calvary;
And heaven-wards:
ETERNITY!
Copyright by
Dr John Celes
4-5-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Jesus Christ, Our Hope, Strength and Refuge!
For sins of human beings all,
Lord Jesus laid His life on cross;
Although a sin-free soul Himself,
He suffered, died to redeem man.
He shed His every dropp of blood,
Emancipating human race
From punishment by hell for sins –
Such heinous crimes upon the earth!
The cross is part of Christian’s life,
And persecutions will happen,
As Christ predicted all these things,
For those who walked in His foot-steps!
His Holy Spirit guides Christians,
Who live a righteous life for Christ,
The only Son of Almighty –
A heart of immense love for man!
But Christ resurrected from death!
He won clear victory o’er satan;
All Christians good will do the same;
This faith is something strangely true.
Let humiliations come in life!
Let trials, tribulations come!
Let strife threaten our faith and hope!
Christ stays with us till end of time!
A Christian takes his cross and walks
Behind the Savior, Jesus Christ –
The Light and Truth and only Way
To reach Heaven, abode of God!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-31-2009
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Tomb Is Empty
Face it friend, the tomb is empty; death couldn’t hold Christ, you see,
Although He died for you and me, He’s now on the Throne of Eternity.
The stone, covering where Christ lay, by God’s hand, was rolled away.
In that tomb where Christ was laid, only Christ’s grave clothes stayed,
There He stood, in a body Glorified, Jesus Christ, who bled and died.
Mary was the first one to that tomb, bearing a heart filled with gloom,
She assumed the body was taken, but she would be gladly mistaken,
For, with her heavy heart that day, she would soon hear an angel say,
You will not find Christ Jesus dead, for He rose just like He had said.
She left to tell others not to grieve, for The Lord, they too would see.
Now Mary filled with a joyful heart, from an empty tomb would depart,
Filled with wonder she ran to those, other disciples, to say Christ rose.
Peter began running fast ahead; as they had thought Christ was dead,
Now he ran with much anticipation, enthused by a brand new situation,
Looking inside he just saw clothes, for from the grave Christ had rose.
But all hearts stayed, like the tomb, until Christ entered into that room,
Showing them His hands and side, proving He was The One who died.
Christ would stay for forty days, filling their hearts with joy and praise,
Filing them with His Hope and victory, that will last through all eternity,
Where they shall remain forevermore, with their Savior, Christ our Lord.
(Copyright ©04/2007)
It Is Finished
“It is finished” as Christ was done, were the words of God’s Own Son.
It was finished and some knew that Christ had died for me and you.
He was born the man Jesus Christ, for He was to be God’s Sacrifice.
Jesus was the name given Him as He’d save His people from their sin.
Christ was the name of God’s Son, as He was The Lord’s Anointed One.
Thinking they were done with Him, the people only added to their sin.
But Christ would not be denied, even though they pierced His side.
They had Him then sealed in a tomb, which only added to their doom.
In the ground as the scripture said, for three days amongst the dead.
But The Lord God was not done, for the grave could not hold His Son.
On the third day to much surprise, The Lord from the tomb would rise.
The stone of the tomb was rolled away, for He was not there to stay.
For the temple that He did raise, was His body to The Father’s praise.
And Jesus did just what He said, as He raised his body from the dead.
He was dead, but is now alive, and He is seated at His Father’s side.
This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that for us He became a sacrifice.
On the cross He bore the sins of all to redeem man from Adam’s fall.
Christ tasted death for you and me, so we could live through eternity.
Believe that for you Christ died and you my friend will be justified.
And confess your Lord is Jesus Christ and you will have Eternal Life.
(Copyright ©10/2004)