Monday, December 12, 2011
The Message of Our Blessed Mother at Nazareth
Dear Friends,
My Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
On December 2, 2011, we left Jerusalem at 7:30 a.m. and headed for Jaffa, Israel, to see the old Aqueduct built by Herod to bring water to Caesarea. Of course it does not work today. Then we went to the Catholic Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea. It is built over a cave where the Prophet Isaiah is supposed to have stayed for at least one night. I celebrated Holy Mass in this church and our whole group took part. From there we drove to Cana where we ate lunch. Then we visited the churches of the town. We first visited the Orthodox Church and further up the hill we went to the Catholic Church of the Wedding Feast of Cana and Jesus‘ first miracle at the request of His Blessed Mother. The miracle was the changing of the water into wine. Then we drove to Nazareth. We first went to visit the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation to see the spring where our Blessed Mother went to draw water every day. From there we went to the Church of St. Joseph and then to the Catholic Church of the Annunciation, the most beautiful church in all Israel. It is a large church beautifully decorated. We went to the basement of this church where part of the house of the Holy Family can be seen. The first time I visited this church about 20 years ago, I celebrated Holy Mass on the altar, which is placed inside the remains of this holy house. While I was inside the Church of the Annunciation Our Blessed Mother spoke to me.
Message of Our Blessed Mother at Nazareth
“Welcome, My son Melvin, to My old home in Nazareth where I lived with St. Joseph, My husband, and with My Son, Jesus, after our return from Egypt. This is the home where Jesus grew up like any other child in those days. I taught Him His prayers and the stories of the Bible especially those of the Old Testament. He was a very quick learner. Jesus and I were there when Joseph died and was buried. We had great sorrow at the lost but soon peace returned to us.
My message to you today concerns your call to evangelize the people around you. If you truly believe in My Son, Jesus, as your Savior, you would strive to make Him known to the people you meet. Today many do not know My Son. They do not know why He came on earth and died on the cross. He is calling you all to speak to these people about Him. Do not be afraid to speak to them about your faith in Him and how important He is in your life. Tell them about the peace He gives you. Let them know about the great role He is playing in your life. You are all called to enter heaven when you leave this world but you cannot win heaven unless Jesus is first in your life. Pray every day and spent time with Him every day in contemplation, His great prayer. Remember, I love you and I want you in heaven one day with us.“
Father Melvin
A word about St. Joseph
We know that St. Joseph was the husband of Our Blessed Mother and that he was there in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. He went with Our Lady and Jesus to Egypt because King Herod wanted to kill the child Jesus. After the king died, they returned to Israel and Jesus was about 7 years old. They went to live in Nazareth. At the age of twelve St. Joseph was with Our Lady in Jerusalem when they lost Jesus. Then we have no more words about St. Joseph in the Gospels. Tradition has it that St. Joseph died before Jesus began his public life. We do not know the circumstances but it is thought that both Our Lady of Jesus were present at his passing.
Father Melvin Doucette
Thank you Fr. Melvin for sharing this beautiful message. I was on the Pol-Med trip with you with my daughter. I miss your stories and the beautiful masses but continue to pray for you and your mission in PEI. I have always wondered and wanted to ask if you know: How did Joseph die? How old was Jesus? Did he die in Jesus arms? Let me know if you can.