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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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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Easter 2007
Christ was born;
Christ had died;
Christ had risen;
Christ will come again!
Joy came down to earth
By baby Jesus’ birth;
Hope lost when He died
Was regained forever
When He arose alive
On the third day.
Jesus is our Savior;
Jesus is Redeemer;
Jesus is our Heavenly Lord;
Son of the living God.
Jesus is the love of God
Transformed into man
And dwelt amongst us;
Suffered and died
For all mankind’s sins
On the holy cross,
And resurrected;
So that, all who repent,
Can gain forgiveness of sins
And reach heaven!
(4-7-2007)
poem by John Celes
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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
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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
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Life of a Roman Catholic Priest
A priest is nearest Christ;
A priest is Christ at times;
A priest is almost Christ;
A priest is most divine.
A priest is God’s shepherd;
A priest must tend to flock;
A priest must be like ‘rock’;
A priest should ne’er defrock.
A priest communes with God;
A priest draws hope from Lord;
A priest shows love of Christ;
A priest carries His Cross!
A priest is tempted too;
A priest has falls in life;
A priest falters also;
A priest has strength from Christ.
A priestly job is tough;
A priest’s life can turn rough;
A priest has strife enough,
But has to smile and laugh!
A priest helps harvest souls;
A priest has many roles;
A priest has but one goal –
To drink from Christ’s own bowl!
Pray that more priests should come;
May priests curb their freedom;
May priest usher Kingdom;
A life for Christ’s welcome.
Fondly dedicated to Rev. Fr. Xavier Claudius,
Beloved Parish priest, ‘Holy Family Church, Perundurai
Copyright by Dr John Celes 25-7-2010
poem by John Celes
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Born From Above
There are many men upon this earth, who never heard of a spiritual birth,
Like Nicodemus, a curious one, a Pharisee, who questioned God’s Son.
Christ replied to Nicodemus in love, that man must be born from above,
Born of God, through Jesus Christ, who came to grant all men New Life.
Not born a second time, physically, but, in Christ, Born Again spiritually,
Born of God’s Spirit, so we can see, with our heart, The Truth of eternity.
With a focus that is now upon God, as you continue on this earthly sod,
With a Hope we didn’t have before, through Jesus Christ our Risen Lord.
Nicodemus, although a religious man, was not fit for God’s Eternal Plan.
For apart from the Savior’s Love, he would not see The Kingdom above.
Alone, man’s religious affiliation, has no bearing on the Lord’s Salvation,
But, simply your belief in God’s Son, who died on a cross for everyone.
To be born again of God’s Spirit, just accept God’s Truth as you hear it,
Just accept Christ, who died for sins, and New Life for you then begins.
All your flesh will remain the same, although you’ve become Born Again,
It’s your heart which God changes, as your inner thoughts He rearranges.
Just like a child is born into life, through faith we’re born in Jesus Christ,
When born anew into God’s family, to become His child through eternity.
Born from above, to live for Him, Jesus Christ, who died for all our sins,
Saving us at the cross of Calvary, Christ provides us a new life eternally.
(Copyright ©09/2007)
Casting All Your Cares
Cast all your cares to Jesus Christ, and peace will flow into your life.
Just cast every single burden to Him, even those ladened with sin.
Lay them at the foot of the cross, where He died for sins of the lost.
Even when your trials don’t cease, He will fill your heart with peace.
God wants to transform your life, through the power of Jesus Christ.
With the same power He displayed, when our Lord Jesus was raised.
That was three days after friend, for all the world He was condemned.
Where God judged the world’s sin; as our iniquity was placed on Him.
Christ died in much agony and pain, and it was all for our eternal gain.
When all the sin of this world, upon His shoulders by God was hurled.
The Sinless Lamb had died for all; and this to free us from Adam’s fall.
Christ, the firstfruits of God’s love, is now enthroned in Heaven above.
With God’s Power came His Grace, for His Only Son died in our place.
Christ had given His life to rise again, and this is the Hope for all men.
Believers are buried with Jesus Christ, and in Him we rise to New Life.
Christ’s bodily resurrection is the proof, of God’s Glorious Eternal Truth.
Remember that Christ died for all, and our burdens for Him are small.
Christ died to give us all new life, so He can deal with our daily strife.
So cast all your cares at His feet, for in Christ Jesus we are complete.
And until we look upon His face, Christ will sustain us with His Grace.
(Copyright ©02/2006)
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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Speaking Against ‘Da Vinci Code’ -2
So mean, some try demeaning Christ –
The Son of God, the Almighty;
They know His birth was one divine,
From Virgin Mary, by God’s word!
The Lamb of God was sacrificed
For sins of mankind, on the cross;
The Son of God became a man,
To just fulfill His Father’s wish.
Yes, Jesus knew the Scriptures well;
He had two natures – man and God,
Like two faces of any coin;
As man, he was fully a man!
‘The Son of God could forgive sins’
- The words of Jesus Christ Himself;
Like God, He loved the sinner who
Confessed his sins and made amends.
Christ chose twelve men as Apostles;
May be, some women heard his talks;
Christ won over satan’s designs,
When latter tempted him, at last.
The sinless man called Jesus Christ
Defeated satan, once for all;
And when He rose from death, third day,
He showed his pow’r divine to world.
To mar his name by saying that
Jesus was married, had a son –
Amounts to blasphemy and Lie:
A sin, His Father won’t forgive.
‘Beware you liars of God’s word! ’
Lord Jesus Christ will come again
In glory, as Judge of mankind:
Ask forgiveness, repent for sins!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-14-2008
poem by John Celes
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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
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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)
’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
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Praise The Cross Of Jesus
Today I praise the cross of Jesus, where He died and bled for me.
For on that very cross of Jesus, His bloody death has set me free.
Christ came to die for all of us, upon that bloody cross of Calvary.
And upon Him I place my trust, from this day through all Eternity.
It was upon the cross of Christ, that He came to die so I could live.
Christ came to offer to us His life, the gift His Father chose to give.
Jesus came to be our sacrifice, so that all our sins God will forgive.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ, that I can now eternally live.
Nothing was done on my part, but to accept Christ and to believe.
Christ even moved upon my heart, with The Spirit that I received.
New Life in me He would start, the life The Spirit would conceive.
And for me, a message to impart, for New Life you must believe.
You must believe in Jesus Christ, who came to save you and me.
He sent The Spirit into this strife, to give us eyes so we could see,
That Jesus came to give men life, so that they could live eternally.
This life is found in Jesus Christ, and is from the blood of Calvary.
Friend, there is only but one name, that men can lift up and raise,
For no common man can claim, any credit and seek men’s praise.
No man’s glory and or fame, can compare to The Ancient of Days.
And Jesus Christ is the only name, that by all men will be praised.
His Righteousness Alone
I have no righteousness of my own but stand on faith in Christ alone,
Abraham's an example to all of us for he believed unto righteousness.
On my own, from God, I stand apart as I was born with a sinful heart,
But Jesus took upon the sin of us to cover us with His Righteousness.
God knew before man's fall that Christ would die for the sins of all,
Satan would strike Christ's heel but God followed with this appeal,
Christ would in turn crush his head and Satan will be eternally dead,
Sin's price of death is on my head but Jesus Christ died in my stead.
Though Jesus died He rose again for death could not hold Him friend,
Death may come to all my friend and apart from Christ it is your end.
If you accept His Righteousness in-lieu of death you'll be blessed,
Reject The Lord and your last breath will take you to eternal death.
Christ suffered death for a while so to God we could be reconciled,
From the grave Christ did rise and now He lives even though He died.
Christ bore our sins on the cross and for our sins He paid the cost.
In the grave He buried our sin so we could rise to new life with Him.
There's still hope you can be sure for Jesus is knocking at the door,
He's waiting for you to come in for the cross is your victory over sin.
For our sin Christ did atone and Salvation is in Him and Him alone,
The One knocking at the door can be your Righteousness forevermore.
(Copyright ©03/2004)
It Has Come To The Time (Chiasmus)
It has come to the time
where everyone that follows Jesus Christ
must ask not
what can my faith, my church,
God do for me;
rather must ask what I can do as a follower
of Jesus Christ
for my faith, my church,
in service of Jesus Christ?
Where we must not only ask
where can I make a contribution
to them who are poor and unemployed,
but by our goodwill give food,
clothes and encouragement
to those who are poor and unemployed.
It has come to the time and place where Jesus Christ
must be the centre point of my life,
where I as a mere human being
must have Jesus Christ as the centre of everything.
This is the time where we
as followers of Jesus Christ
and of every good thing
not only must praise
integrity, honesty and sincerity as a way of life
and follow those whose lives are indicating to Him
like the compass to the pole,
like the pastor,
but where we in our own lives,
we must come to the full right,
where we as men and women must stand firmly
to that which is right, which is honest and good
like the compass needle to the pole
and by ourselves indicate the way
to Jesus Christ.
poem by Gert Strydom
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Searching For a Church?
After your long and weary search, have you found the perfect church?
A simple church ruled by men; the perfect church you can’t condemn.
Or do they all appear the same, just another building with His Name?
And once inside you’re not sure, if you feel the presence of The Lord.
There’s only one true Church of God, upon this earth that all men trod.
That is The Church of Jesus Christ, and bought by Jesus, with His life.
God’s Church has no denomination, for in Christ is only one Salvation.
His Church has no walls my friend; it has a beginning but has no end.
Christ’s Church began at Pentecost, not for the righteous, but the lost.
His Church is made of sinful men, whom by God were all condemned.
But redeemed with a special price, when His Son became a sacrifice.
Then dipped into a cleansing flood; sinners purified by Christ’s Blood.
Are you looking to men to find, God’s forgiveness and peace of mind?
My friend, are you truly not that sure, where you can go to be secure?
Christ’s first Church had no steeple, and was filled with humble people.
Humble people who gave their life, to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
If you’re still searching for a church, you should end your weary search.
The Church is men like you and me, saved by Christ’s work on Calvary.
Nothing’s been added to the cross, except sinners who once were lost,
Since, they’ve entered in The Door, and now belong to Christ The Lord.
(Copyright ©04/2006)
The Holy Rosary
O let me say a ‘Hail Mary’,
And add a white rose to the crown,
Atop the head of Heav’n’s Queen –
Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ.
O let me say a rosary,
And place a crown of white roses,
Upon the head of Queen Mary –
Mother of God’s son, Jesus Christ.
The perfect array of prayers,
That brings all souls to Salvation,
By freeing them from every sin,
And bestowing God’s redemption.
Our Lady loves the Rosary,
And grants requests, reciting it;
And converts souls to divine love,
By warding off all evils rife.
Most powerful weapon on earth,
That draws God’s mercy and His grace,
And makes a person most devout,
And holy like Christ’s own mother!
The Rosary – gift of Mother
Mary, has every prayer
That’s needed for miracles too,
And heaven’s blessings, one can woo!
Mary, Jesus’ intercessor,
Can get things done, we ask from God;
And spares sinners from fire of hell,
And from Almighty’s just, fair rod!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-27-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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For Those In Christ
Only those in Christ my friend, will see eternal blessing in the end,
Only those found in Jesus Christ, won't see death, but eternal life,
The Eternal Life all souls receive, when in Christ they truly believe,
The very moment they trust in Him, Jesus, who saved us from sin.
Saved out of the world we live in, to life above, that'll soon begin,
For when this present life is no more, we begin a life, forevermore,
With The Savior, Who died for us, alive eternally with Christ Jesus,
The One Who died but rose again, to give life to all believing men.
This life begins at our last breath, as breathed; we'll see not death,
But, we shall enter into Eternity, to reside beyond that Crystal Sea,
Far into another time and place, when we behold our Savior's face,
Stepping onto that Eternal Shore, to be with The Lord forevermore.
This is why Christ came to earth, to offer mortal men Spiritual Birth,
For this is why Christ came to die, to offer eternal life, to you and I,
This is why He became a sacrifice, so we could enter into Paradise,
This was provided by God above, through Christ, to show His love.
For the love God showed to us, one must respond to Christ Jesus,
With a personal belief, through faith, to accept God's loving Grace,
A true acceptance, in your heart, and of His Church you'll be a part,
A member of the Body of Christ, knowing you'll receive Eternal Life.
(Copyright ©08/2012)
Saul turns Paul: The Road to Damascus
Blinded by a brilliant light,
On the road to Damascus,
Saul of Tarsus, on horse-back
Heard the voice of Jesus Christ:
‘Saul Saul, why persecute me? ’
‘Who are you? ’ Asked Saul at once.
‘I am Jesus Christ and Lord! ’
Saul saw Christ in apparition!
Others saw the light as well,
But couldn’t hear the divine voice!
Hit by the bolt of light from sky,
Saul fell from his horse-back to ground;
The voice bade him enter city,
Where he would be told what to do;
For three days, Saul remained just blind
And did not eat and drink ever!
Ten years’ younger than Jesus Christ,
Saul annihilated Christians
Whenever, wherever, he could;
He never had seen Jesus Christ.
A disciple, Ananias
Had a vision in Damascus;
To go to the house of Judas
And to restore the sight of Saul.
Ananias did as he was bade;
Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes;
His sight was restored by God’s will
Ananias then baptized him;
He regained strength after eating;
God chose him as His instrument
To spread His name among Gentiles!
Cured by Ananias, he was
Baptized into Christianity;
From Saul of Tarsus, Pharisee,
Was born an Apostle of Christ;
Paul took his newer Latin name,
An ardent Christian, Apostle.
From youth, he knew how to make tents!
His New Testament Epistles
Became a founding voice of faith
And proved that sins can be absolved
Through faith and grace of Jesus Christ!
God forgives any sin of man,
No matter how grave it could be;
Except against Holy Spirit!
Orthodox Hebrew of Tarsus,
Saul journeyed to Damascus,
To seek and arrest Christians there!
Having witnessed Stephen stoned –
The first Christian martyr Saint!
Saul repressed disciples of Christ
At Jerusalem and elsewhere
Arresting and chaining them all,
Forcing them into blasphemy!
He laid siege to the Church!
Paul learnt the Gospel from no man;
It was revealed to him by Christ;
The grace of God had chosen him
To preach the Gospel to Gentiles;
To Paul in trance-like state, God spoke
And sent him on a mission far
To preach the Word to Gentiles all;
To open their eyes from darkness to light
To turn them away from satan;
Receive forgiveness for their sins.
St. Paul wrote epistles in Greek;
He was martyred (beheaded) in Rome.
June’08 – Jun’09 is ‘Year of St.Paul!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 7-15-2008
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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He’s Done So Much For Me
The Lord has done so much for me, and He started it upon a tree,
Where Christ Jesus was crucified, when for all of our sins He died.
But from the grave He rose again, and became Hope for all men.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the hope of all for Eternal Life.
He appeared to men as God’s proof, validating The Word of Truth.
And The Truth has set me free, from Christ’s work upon that tree.
He sent The Spirit upon the earth, to guide all men to a new birth.
Through The Spirit He teaches us, Eternal Truths men can trust.
He guides me every day my friend, with His promise for the end,
A promised home prepared for me, to dwell with Him for Eternity.
Christ is always by my side, supplying a peace that’s not denied.
Christ’s sent Eternal Peace, sealed by The Spirit, shall not cease.
Christ ascended to His Authority, His Throne above for all Eternity,
There Christ intervenes for those, who believed and know He rose.
When He ascended to His Throne, Christ left me not here all alone,
He sent The Spirit into my heart, who then gave my life a new start.
To me The Holy Spirit He did impart, who now lives within my heart.
He goes with me along the way, to guide and protect me every day.
Friend it was for me that Jesus Christ, became an atoning sacrifice.
He was a bloody sacrifice of Love, pleasing to His Father up above.
Christ was mocked and crowned, and he was buried in the ground.
Where all my sins were buried too, no longer in The Father’s view.
Christ lived and died on my behalf, so that I would not suffer wrath.
Instead it will be life ahead for me, as I reign with Christ for eternity.
He bestows upon me His Power, through each day and every hour.
In my weakness His Power flows, as His Strength within me grows.
His Strength He always gives to me, whether in riches or in poverty.
For all my riches are in Jesus Christ, not in this temporal fleeting life.
Eternal Riches are found in Him, Christ who saved me from my sin.
Christ alone is my Eternal Reward, thus I end with Thank You Lord.
(Copyright ©11/2005)