April 2016 178

Dear Friends The real meaning of Easter...

...The best way to understand the real meaning of Easter would be from Jesus. The real meaning is a three word answer ... the new covenant.

The New Covenant

Jesus had come in town for the Passover celebration, as he was getting ready to be betrayed by one of the disciples, publicly humiliated and mocked, beaten beyond recognition, and hung on a cross to die, he made his

W

special request for his followers to remember that He gave his body for us and poured out his blood as a sacrifice for us. The heart of Easter lies in his words, “the new covenant between God and his people.”

In Luke 22 we get a picture of the night before his death:

hen the time came, Jesus and the

apostles sat down together at the table.

Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.

Luke 22:14-20

2 www.uponthisrock.gi

Tweet with us!

@uponthisrockmag

Photo: J. Bugeja

Passover and the New Covenant

Since the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden, people were destined to be separated from God because of their sin. God’s Spirit rested on the Patriarchs of our faith, but was not poured

P

out on the masses. The Holy of Holies was the innermost and most sacred part of the tabernacle and ordinary people of faith would never get to have access to this place where God’s Presence could be found.

We were hopeless in our sins and distanced from God.

eople of faith offered up animal

sacrifices according to the laws given to Moses to ask God to forgive their sins and have mercy on them. Bulls, goats, and lambs, each had their significance. But the lamb had special meaning because it was lamb’s blood the Israelites painted on their doorposts to avoid death on the night of Passover.

Exodus 12:11-13

God gave Moses and Aaron specific instructions on how to honour God with annual Passover celebrations. Lamb

is the pinnacle of the Passover meal. The lambs were to be spotless and even lived with the families for several days

before they were sacrificed, adding to the understanding that the ultimate sacrifice was close to the hearts of those whose sins were atoned for.

All of the many interesting details of celebrating Passover have significant meaning that point to the ultimate Passover lamb - Jesus Christ - a sinless God-man who lived among the people for a season.

What is the real meaning of Easter?

In John 1:29, as he sees Jesus approaching, John the Baptist announces to the crowd around him,

“Look! The

Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

He knew that Jesus was the son of God, the long awaited Messiah, the one whom God’s prophets had promised, to save mankind from their sins and to give them a deep heartfelt relationship with God the Father.

The new covenant would be an everlasting covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Jeremiah 32:3942, Isaiah 55:3) Jesus, our sacrificial lamb, our Saviour, our God, our Redeemer - he laid down his life as our sacrificial lamb to pay for our sins. When he rose from the dead three days later, he gave victory over eternal separation from God (death) to all who put their faith and trust in him. That is the new covenant - everlasting life spent with God through faith in all that Jesus Christ has done and continues to do.

Happy Easter to you all! †Father Stuart

Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor: Fr. S. Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.gi. Production Editor: A. Sargent: angela@europeaxess.com. Upon this Rock magazine is entirely supported by advertising and donations. It is run in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar by EuropeAxess Media Ltd. as a not-for-profit project. For Advertisers: This magazine is handdelivered to homes, churches, hospitals and many businesses around Gibraltar every month. To discuss your advertising requirements, or promote your church group or charity, call Tel: +350 200 79335 email: angela@europeaxess.com. Editorial is selected by EuropeAxess Media in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar. Neither of these parties is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor do the views and opinions expressed herein necessarily reflect the views and opinions of either party. Advertisers are not endorsed by virtue of advertising in this magazine. EuropeAxess Media Ltd. reserves the right to refuse space to any submissions or advertisements. Efforts have been made to establish copyright owners of images, but if we have used your material, and have not credited you, please contact us to discuss restoration.

The magazine is online at uponthisrock.gi. You’ll find exclusive Christian gifts in the WebShop.

Cover Artwork from the Vatican Museum, Photo: Johnny Bugeja, Cover Design: A. Sargent

918 Friends

258 Page Likes

www.uponthisrock.gi 3

L e n t Re f l e c t i o n s 2 0 1 6

Image: ‘Christ Crucified’ by Pedro Moreira López, 1949, commissioned by the Guetta family. Left, St. Mary, a statue familiarly known as ‘Nuestra Señora de la Flanela’, as it was

4 www.uponthisrock.gi

salvaged from the Bay, wrapped in a cloth. Right, the figure of St. John was also commissioned from López to complete the Baroque style group. The background landscape mural was painted

by Mario Finlayson in 1989.

The group was photographed

by Victor Hermida for Mario Finlayson’s book ‘Under the Shadow of the Crescent and the Cross’ a history of the turbulent

times endured by Gibraltar’s Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned, and many treasures held there. Every Roman Catholic family in the diocese will want to own a copy.

Upon This Rock has an online shop

Divine Intimacy Hurried footsteps, hurried voices, swept into an ocean of busyness, in a futile existence where what matters does not matter.

Precious time wasted, never to return.

Bitter gust slices through the door; threatening grasp, yet manage to escape.

I step inside into reality; can almost touch such profound peace.

I am safe. Nothing can harm me here.

Sounds of early Spring float in from the outside.

Promise of new hope, new life, scattering dark winter days… and nights.

I silence my soul.

O what love is this, that never tires to call me back, that seeks to pull me out of my misery!

O perfect and unfathomable Love!

Protecting, like a mother with child.

I feel safe here with You.

Immortal Majesty, carry me home at journey’s end; make me worthy to receive the Crown of Glory reserved for Your chosen.

That I may be counted with the Saints to sing Your praises for ever.

Our Communion over, yet I carry You inside.

Weak vessel, made strong in You, ready to face the world once more.

Eternal Words resonating within me, encouraging: Remember, I Am with You always, till the end of time.

Tessa - Cathedral, Ash Wednesday, 9 February 2016.

Everything fades into nothingness.

You have waited, long have you waited; and I am here.

My eyes closed, I can feel Your Touch in my innermost being, my very soul.

Late have I loved You, O Beauty, ever ancient ever new, late have I loved You! Beautiful Redeemer, Lover of my soul.

Here in Your Sanctuary, safe in Your Heart

pierced for Love of me - of me!

Love that knows no bounds, keeps no record of wrongs.

Divine and Infinite Mercy!

O wretched soul, once so pure, undefiled, made vulnerable, exposed, journeying through decaying corridors of a twisted world.

Original Love, lost through foolishness, selfishness.

Lost innocence, never to be regained.

Come, save me from myself, Beloved Saviour!

Broken souls, broken world.

Broken Body, shared in the breaking of bread.

Divine Intimacy, becoming one with us.

Streaming Sun through cracks of time-worn stained glass, whispering eternal Truths, echoing across high stone columns.

Living Hope, Living Joy. Eternal Happiness.

A gentle Voice whispers, Living Word.

Fresh breeze reviving this tired soul.

Ageless Spirit breathing new life.

Precious Blood purifying all iniquity – Behold, I make all things new!

Purchase Christian Gifts with Free Local Delivery

www.uponthisrock.gi 5

24

Hours For The Lord

Pope Francis called every diocese to celebrate 24 hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament with the Sacrament of Reconciliation available.

In Gibraltar the 24 Hour Adoration was held in the Lourdes Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned, starting on Friday 4th March, beginning with Mass at 12.25pm

6 www.uponthisrock.gi

and finishing on Saturday with 12.25pm Mass.

38 ‘official’ Adorers took part in addition to many dedicated individuals and couples. Some groups changed or augmented their scheduled activities, to include an hour of Adoration.

On the Friday night Joanna Torres was accompanied by a group of eight people from YouFra, and on the Saturday morning Joanna Payas and Moira Mifsud were accompanied by members of the Women of Grace group.

There has been an Adoration Chapel at the Cathedral for over 20 years and it has always been an aspiration to hold perpetual Adoration there. The ‘spiritual communion’ that is available to anyone via this form of devotion is a truly transformative experience. According to those who have a regular slot it is

hugely beneficial as a discipline for spiritual growth.

Upon this Rock received a few testimonies of those who took part in the 24 Hours for the Lord.

TESTIMONIES “It was actually really beautiful to be in the Cathedral at that time of the night - or rather the morning, as I had the 2-3 am slot. I had expected it to be a bit intimidating, especially as I had thought I would be covering my slot alone, so had asked a friend to accompany me. But - oh me of little Faith! God is good, and I need not have worried as there were several other people there, including Father Paul, who I believe stayed all night.

The Lourdes chapel had been beautifully decorated for the presence of the King, and the candle-lit atmosphere was so

peaceful and prayerful that it felt like a great blessing and privilege to be there. Knowing that our prayers, were joining those of so many other people, praying together all over the world, made it very moving, and having Fr. Paul there meant I was able to take the opportunity for a quiet and prayerful confession, which, as always, did me the world of good! All in all a beautiful and truly spiritual experience, well worth giving up a couple of hours sleep for - in fact, as I commented to Father Paul, I think we should do it every year! So a huge thank you to all those responsible for organising the Vigil, and to our lovely Pope Francis of course, for such a grace-filled moment, to mark the middle of Lent, in this extraordinary Year of Mercy.”

One of the Women of Grace said:

Tweet with us!

@uponthisrockmag

Photos: A. Sargent

Year of Mercy 24 Hour Adoration “It is like coming home, when you enter an Adoration Chapel, especially seeing as on that Saturday morning there were a few of us, and we were singing the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

I think it must be the closest you can get to heaven on Earth.

Personally I like to take a pen and paper with me when I spend time in Adoration, to record those thoughts and feelings that come over me during that special time with the Lord. We are always seeking peace in our lives, peace in our homes and hearts, and yet where better to find Peace than at the feet of the Master. You can spend one hour with Him there, and then take the peace that you find back to your home or workplace. Many people don’t realise this resource is available to all, nearly all day most days of the week! We are very blessed here in Gibraltar.”

918 Friends

258 Page Likes

TOP TEN BENEFITS OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 1. Every Holy Hour we make, so pleases the Heart of Jesus that it is recorded in Heaven and retold for all eternity! (Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta) 2. The spiritual lives of our families are strengthened through our Holy Hour. (Pope Saint John Paul II) 3. A Holy Hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is so important to Jesus that a multitude of souls go to Heaven who otherwise would have gone to hell. (Jesus revelation to Blessed Dina Belanger) 4. All the angels of heaven gaze in ecstasy at the image left on your soul after each holy hour you make in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

(Excerpt from ‘Letters To A Brother Priest’) 5. The only time our Lord asked the Apostles for anything was the night He went into agony. Not for activity did He plead but for an Hour of companionship.

(Archbishop Fulton Sheen) 6. Perpetual Adoration extends its influence far beyond the individual adorers, touching their homes and families and reaching out to the parish community and beyond. (Pope Paul VI) 7. Each time you approach the Blessed Sacrament remember that Jesus has been waiting for you for twenty centuries for this personal visit from you. (St. Josemaria Escriva) 8. A Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration is a sharing in

the work of Redemption.

(Archbishop Fulton Sheen) 9. The grace of adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is given to everybody. (St. Peter Julian Eymard) 10. Our Lord hears our prayers anywhere, but He has revealed to His servants that those who visit Him in the Eucharist will obtain a more abundant measure of grace. (St. Alphonsus Ligouri) ADORATION HOURS AVAILABLE NOW If you are open to receiving the graces of a weekly, scheduled, adoration hour, contact Frances Moreno on +350 54220000 or email morkey@ me.com for more information.

www.uponthisrock.gi 7

Anne Mesilio writes...

HELPING MEBRATU “

As a priest I must serve God the best way I can” Fr. George Grima said when we met over coffee last month. Every year he comes to Gibraltar to focus on the dire and pitiful situations of the poorest of the poor.

Both awareness and funds are raised during these visits, in an effort to improve survival rates in the harshest environments of Kenya, Brazil and Ethiopia.

Despite having achieved strong economic growth in recent years, Ethiopia is still one of the world’s poorest countries. Out of a population of around 80 million (2008) 35 million people are known to be living in abject poverty.

means being secure from wild animals. Almost all of the houses are made of mud, stick and straw and usually have only one room where many people might live, often sharing with goats. I’ve cited sleep, the lack of adequate

rest leads to impairment of health, especially when coupled with a poor diet. So poverty reaches every aspect of life. It is the lack of these basic needs for survival, as well as material possessions, money, employment, clothing,

What is poverty? This might seem a superfluous question, but sometimes I think we say the word without fully realising the depth of its meaning. Poverty, a state of being extremely poor, is associated with a range of human issues. It is the scarcity or lack of the most basic needs for survival, for example Oxygen, Water, Food, Shelter, Sleep.

Oxygen may be the most basic need, and yet so often pollution in our environment makes it hazardous to even breathe. Clean water is another of the most essential requirements for human and animal survival, no one can survive without water. To stay healthy our bodies need good quality food, containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. For shelter read ‘home’, a roof over our heads. A fundamental right to a place of warmth and safety. In many parts of Africa this

8 www.uponthisrock.gi

Upon This Rock has an online shop

LIVE! DONATE

Gib Mission Africa c/o Maribel Arias M: 57561000 More Info: maltamission.com medicines and indeed the dearth of educational facilities, which all help perpetuate a state of poverty. It does not stop here; overpopulation, epidemic diseases, such as AIDS and malaria, and environmental problems, like drought, are all symptomatic of a culture of poverty.

Fr. Grima has worked tirelessly for nearly thirty years with his Missionary Movement “Jesus in the neighbour”. “Our Christianity demands we promote the rights of the vulnerable and seek their protection, as we are all born in the image and likeness of God”.

As a witness to this terrible suffering, caused by lack of clean water, drought, war and famine, which have brought millions to the brink of starvation, he maintains committed to helping.

The meagerness of clean water

remains the biggest concern. “We need water to run our homes for the children, some of whom are disabled”. Clean and plentiful water provides the foundations for any community to prosper. Fr. Grima knows first hand that 3-4 children die every week because of this privation.

These poorest of the poor live in rural areas, where they depend on agriculture in severe, arid conditions. Their prospects are often aggravated by civil disputes, putting their main means of occupation in jeopardy. Thousands live in abject poverty, hardship, beggary, impoverishment, and slavery, yes, slavery. In many parts of the world where life has so little value, man’s dignity is being eroded even further. Child soldiers, slaves and prostitutes live in situations almost inconceivable

Purchase Christian Gifts with Free Local Delivery

to us. “Man bears the image of God and in him we should see the person of Christ”, Fr. Grima made a heartfelt plea. Diseases such as leprosy, elephantiasis, and AIDS are still prevalent and it is a daily struggle to combat these.

There is good news too He was full of praise for the success of the mobile eye clinic. It has reached far flung villages and helped those affected by cataracts to regain their sight. There has been an increase in the number of water bowsers (tanks used to distribute fresh water, usually in emergency situations) as well as the sinking of more bore-holes, although this is very costly.

Fr. Grima speaks of Mebratu, whom he first met when the child was nine years old, blind and weighing 7 kilos. He was suffering

in a special way, deserving of dignity and Fr. Grima took him in, although the home was still under construction. Due to the loving care he received there he soon became ‘another boy’. Fr. Grima hastens to point out, that it is through your generosity that Mebratu continues to live, and so too the other children who have a chance to start school and enjoy at least one decent meal a day. A quote by Anne Frank comes to mind; “Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.” That is what your magnanimity, your kindness and charity, is doing to the poorest of the poor in Ethiopia. Remember Mebratu. There are so many more like him, who need the outreach of a loving, helping hand, to live.

www.uponthisrock.gi 9

Have you been to a Cursillo weekend?

A SPECIAL

A Cursillo Weekend gives attendees an opportunity to nurture and deepen their knowledge of Christ. This is the most important relationship with a Friend who will never let you down, but how many people go through life without enjoying the gift of this special friendship?

It is easy to think of ourselves as God’s servants or his children, however, we should ask ourselves is that all God wants, can we be a friend, a very close friend, with our Father in heaven? The reality is that God wants far more from us, in the book of Revelation there are statements that reveal

God’s purpose for creating man.

One such statement, spoken by Jesus, is as follows.

“If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me”. (Revelation 3:20)

by the Cursillo Team Leaders

FRIENDSHIP Jesus is giving us a hint of the special relationship he ultimately wants with each of us. He wants us to recognise his voice, open the door and invite him in. Once inside he is more than willing to sit down and enjoy a meal with us on a one to one basis. It does not say Jesus will come to our residence, pound on the door to demand we let him in, then when inside start commanding we do certain things. Jesus comes to

What do real friends do?

What are some of the attributes of a true, close friendship, what must we do if we want such relationships in our lives?

Real friends forgive and forgetP

Be there in times of joy or sadnessP

Je s u s n ever Love each otherP fa i l s Go the extra mileP Trust each otherP

Forgive and Forget

God constantly proves to us that He is our very best friend by forgiving us consistently. He never tires from forgiving, us we are the ones who fail to ask for his forgiveness. He was willing to pay the highest price possible, the life of Jesus, His only Son. This sacrifice reconciles us to him and opens the door wide open to a relationship that will last forever. God forgives completely, there are no strings

10 www.uponthisrock.gi

us in friendship with a desire to enjoy our presence, he knocks on our door and it is up to us to open the door to our hearts or leave it closed.

God and Jesus want a close relationship with those who believe and love them. They want to be our close personal friends, the fact that we like and greatly enjoy friendships is evidence that God wants the same thing with us.

attached to His love and mercy.

We have a friend in God. In time of need He is always there. He senses when things are wrong.

He knows when trouble is near.

Trust

Most of us can easily recognise this attribute of a best friend.

We all need a true confidant, someone to whom we can come and discuss our innermost problems. This is just the way God is with us. In John 15 Jesus says he now calls us friends.

“No longer do I call you servants, because the servant does not know what his master is doing.

But I have called you friends because I have made known to you all the things that I have heard from My Father.”

Christ does not consider or call us mere servants for a reason.

Tweet with us!

@uponthisrockmag

The Friend who never lets you down

CH

Servants are not aware of what their master is thinking and doing. Friends, however, know this from each other. All things that Jesus hears from the Father He confides in us, this speaks volumes of the kind of profound relationship that the Father and Son desire to have with us.

When we pray, do we pour out our hearts to the Father and tell him things no one else knows, or do we coldly recite a prayer that tells God next to nothing, but demands he grants certain promises to you as if he needed to fulfil a contract agreement. Is our relationship with God based on love and respect. God must be allowed to enter that which is our personal life, to eat, walk, play and relax with us. Our

R ISTI A

heavenly Father and his beloved son desire that we know them intimately and that we share our lives with them.

Love

and 19 - 22 May for men.

If you are interested in attending please contact us on 58008885 or send us an email: cursillogibraltar@gmail.

com and we’ll send you the enrolment forms.

God Bless.

Cursillo Team Leaders

Friends that are true friends can find enjoyment just by being together. God and Jesus want us to have a close personal friendship with them and to love them as they love us. If we want to reach our height of spiritual maturity and love, then we need to draw close to Christ.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to have an encounter with the Lord and enjoy this special friendship, join us at our next Cursillo Weekends which are to be held 14 - 17 April for women

FUNDING AVAILABLE

US

T

N

MIS

The Christian Mission Trust provides local Christians with donations for evangelistic SI O N T R initiatives and outreaches.

The Trust is ecumenical and has provided money to many groups, individuals and churches during the last 12 years.

It is run by a Board of Trustees.

We invite applications for funding from anyone who wishes to launch an evangelistic initiative or who needs support for an existing Christian missionary activity.

Please write to: The Chairman, Christian Mission Trust, 4 South Pavilion Road, Gibraltar.

918 Friends

258 Page Likes

www.uponthisrock.gi 11

Gibraltar Women of Grace extend an invitation to everyone

Jesus

Total Consecration to

Through Mary

T

About this artwork ‘The Room of the Immaculate Conception’ was commissioned

by Pope Pius IX following the Promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The painter, Francesco Podesti, as a native of Ancona and worked in Rome for many years, both on the artistic and academic scene, and was entrusted with the delicate commission. The episodes frescoed on the large walls and on the vault refer to the Immaculate Conception and to the celebrations that took

place on that day, December 8th 1854.

Readers may like to ponder on the fact that the young French visionary Bernadette Soubirous reported her visions of ‘a lady’ with the words “Je suis l’Immaculée conception” on her halo, from February 11th to July 16th 1858.

The photo, which shows the statue of Our Lady in a prominent position, was taken by John Bugeja during the recent Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome.

The basic premise set forth by St. Louis Marie de Montfort is simply that Jesus came into the world through Mary and that for us to always be assured of being close to Jesus, even closer than ever before, we should go through Mary.

Initially, this idea may seem strange to some. Why consecration?

And why consecration through Mary? What does that even mean?

Consecration means to set aside for a sacred purpose. Mary’s life was set aside for the sole purpose of serving our Lord. By following her example, we, too, can completely give ourselves to

Christ in a fundamental way that consecrates us to Him. We give our lives to Him in service and love.

Consecration to Jesus through Mary, according to the method of St. Louis de Montfort, is a method used by Pope Saint John

Paul II and it is this consecration that lead to the founding of the Rosary Army in 2003.

What is Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary? otal Consecration Jesus is an absolutely beautiful exercise to increase your spirituality and ability to truly serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

12 www.uponthisrock.gi

Why do this?

We consecrate ourselves in order to be more devoted to the Lord and His Blessed Mother.

Upon This Rock has an online shop

STARTING APRIL 2ND • NOTA BENE • STARTING APRIL 2ND • NOTA BENE • STARTING APRIL 2ND Christ through the Blessed Virgin. Hence the practices suggested by St. Louis De Montfort: renouncement of the world and knowledge of self, of the Blessed Virgin and of Jesus Christ.

It helps us grow in holiness and increase our faith, hope, and love. It is a prayerful and focused method of drawing closer to Jesus than ever before.

33-day preparation

The 33-day preparation includes a preliminary period of twelve days during which we endeavour “to free ourselves from the spirit of the world.”

This initial 12 days is followed by a second period of three weeks. The first of these three weeks is devoted to the knowledge of ourselves, the second to that of the Blessed Virgin and the third to that of Jesus Christ.

Fresco Francesco Podesti. Photo: J. Bugeja

Consecration

The object of this consecration is to cast off the spirit of the world, which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ, in order to acquire fully the spirit of Jesus

Where do I get a book?

Copies of ‘33 Days to Morning Glory’ are available as a paperback or e-reader download from Amazon.co.uk. The book may also be available from the Cornerstone Bookshop on Main Street, Gibraltar.

Who is this for?

Consecration to Jesus is for anyone, Catholic or not, who is old enough to understand the love of Jesus and Mary.

When does it begin and end?

The preparation is intended to prepare our hearts and minds by praying and meditating. It is not a problem at all to begin after the start date, but it is recommended to ‘catch up’ by doing all the prayers.

Purchase Christian Gifts with Free Local Delivery

These periods mentioned by St. Louis De Montfort do not constitute a rigorous and unchangeable division. The faithful often take only three days to prepare for the annual renewal of their consecration, or may choose to completely go through all of the preparation prayers again.

The cycle of preparation (daily prayers and meditations takes approximately 10-15 minutes per day) typically begins on a date that will end on a Marian Feast Day. The consecration will take place on a Marian feast day at the end of the period of preparation.

What date is this happening in Gibraltar?

In Gibraltar we are renewing

or fulfilling our Consecration to Jesus through Mary on the Feast of Our Lady of Europe, May 5th, 2016.

www.uponthisrock.gi 13

STARTING APRIL 2ND • NOTA BENE • STARTING APRIL 2ND • NOTA BENE • STARTING APRIL 2ND When will we start in Gibraltar?

For those of you in Gibraltar, we invite you to join us on Saturday 2nd April, at 11:30am at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, to start our journey with Mass at the Shrine. This is a personal journey and you don’t need to join the group, you can complete the process on your own.

For those away from Gibraltar who would like to join us, you may be able to link to the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe webcam, see www.ourladyofeurope.net We can encourage each other on the Facebook page, ‘Consecration to Jesus through

Mary’ where all friends who are joining us will be added to the page.

We are then meeting on Saturday 23rd April, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, for a short retreat with the opportunity for confession and with Holy Mass at noon, in preparation for our Consecration on the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Europe.

The consecration will take place on Wednesday 4th May, at 7pm Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe.

I am looking forward to praying this journey with you, Monique Dr. Monique Risso

LITTLE ANGELS PLAY GROUP JOIN US FOR ART AND CRAFTS, SINGING AND STORIES 4-5PM EVERY THURS AT THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY CENTRE ‘BOOKSHOP’

14 www.uponthisrock.gi

Tweet with us!

@uponthisrockmag

Photo: A. Sargent

Women of Grace Complete Second Sponsored Walk for Johnnette Benkovik Mission Fundraising

O

n Saturday 5 March at 12 noon, Monsignor Charles Azzopardi celebrated a special Mass for the Women of Grace who had walked from the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned to the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe at Europa Point.

The walkers started their day taking part in the ‘24 Hours for the Lord’ Eucharistic Adoration in the Lourdes Chapel at the Cathedral (see page 6).

Buoyed up from this beautiful experience, most of the ladies made their way South on foot, praying the Rosary for the intentions of those who had sponsored them, and for people attending the World Youth Day, while those who were unable, waited for them at the Shrine with bottles of water, the Rosaries continued until Mass.

918 Friends

258 Page Likes

www.uponthisrock.gi 15

16 www.uponthisrock.gi

Upon This Rock has an online shop