Vassula w Indiach

16 listopad – 1 grudzień 1999 r.

Pani Vassula Ryden z Rzymu (Włochy) otrzymuje orędzia od Najświętszej Trójcy i Maryi, naszej Błogosławionej Matki od 1985 r. Została wezwana przez Boga aby podróżować po całym świecie i ogłaszać i świadczyć o orędziach. Jak dotąd dała prawie ponad 600 publicznych spotkań modlitewnych. Orędzia te zostały wydane w formie książkowej i są dostępne w 27 różnych wersjach językowych. Vassula została zaproszona aby przemawiać w Indiach i listopadzie i grudniu 1999 r. przez 5 różnych grup z 5 różnych części kraju. Wszystko miało się odbyć na 18 spotkaniach modlitewnych. Przemawiała już w 1998 r w Bombaju, Goa i Karelii. Ludzie z tych trzech okręgów prosili aby powróciła i jeszcze raz tam przemawiała. Pojawiały się także nowe zaproszenia z New Delhi a także z Kalkuty. Bardzo ochoczo zaakceptowała te zaproszenia chociaż widziała, że będzie mieć tylko 4 lub 5 dni odpoczynku po tym jak odwiedziła pod koniec października Szwecję gdzie dwa razy przemawiała do Skandynawian. Uczestniczyła wtedy też na ślubie swojego najstarszego syna Jan (29) w Szwecji, które odbyło się w pobliskich dniach jej spotkań. Później początkiem listopada ojciec Eugene Nicolau, Archimandryta Grecko-Prawosławny, zaprosił ją do Nowego Jorku aby przemawiała do jego wspólnoty po raz pierwszy. Przemawiała później kilka razy w Pittsburgu, Pensylwanii na konferencji od 4 listopada do 7 listopada. A później tylko 3 dni po powrocie z Indii poleciała na więcej niż jedne tydzień do Ameryki Południowej aby dać świadectwo w dwóch różnych krajach. Organizowałem to spotkanie przez wiele miesięcy i nie była to łatwa sprawa. Na szczęście wszyscy zaproszeni ludzie mieli dostęp do emaila przez Internet co jest dużo bardziej efektywniejszą droga komunikacji niż faks czy telefon, ponieważ nigdy nie jest zajęty, można zachować w pamięci wszystkie wiadomości i zawsze jest zapewnienie, że wiadomość została dostarczona. Później miała miejsce nieoczekiwane anulowanie jak również potrzeba zmiany dat w trzech miejscach ale ostatecznie wszystko zostało uregulowane. Prawie nigdy nie przemierzałem większych odległości z Vassulę ale ona zapytała mnie czy chciałabym do niej dołączyć podczas jej podróży. Natychmiast powiedziałem tak ponieważ zawsze byłem zafascynowany wizją podróży do Indii, nigdy wcześniej nie byłem w Azji. Naprawdę nie miałem pomysłu jakby tam mogło być. Z powodu konieczności dokonania pewnych zmian w ostatniej minucie, bezpośrednie loty do New Delhi w dniu, w którym mieliśmy zamiar polecieć były już w pełni zarezerwowane toteż Vassula ostatecznie opuściła Rzym 12 listopada, 2 pełne dni wcześniej niż zostało to na początku zaplanowane. Spotkaliśmy się w Genewie i mięliśmy pierwszy problem w normalnie bezproblemowym Switzerland w bezproblemowym Swissair. Moje „potwierdzone” bilety okazały się biletami na „liście oczekujących”. Ale kilka telefonów do naszego agenta podróży szybko rozwiązało tą sytuację. Musieliśmy spędzić jedną noc w Bombaju gdzie nasi Bombajscy goście zorganizowali nam kwaterunek na te jedna noc. 14 listopada o godz. 17:00 polecieliśmy z Bombaju do New Delhi. Jednak podczas odprawy zauważyliśmy , że zarezerwowaliśmy bilety na dwa różne loty o godz. 17:00 na dwóch różnych końcowych stacjach, więc musieliśmy zmienić nasze bilety na późniejszy lot tak abyśmy mogli lecieć razem. Obydwoje czuliśmy, że za tymi dwoma małymi doświadczeniami, „ktoś” starła się uczynić te rzeczy opornymi dla nas podczas tej podróży nawet do tego stopnia, żeby sprawić żeby Vassula spóźniła się a to ważne zaplanowane spotkanie.

Delhi (15 i 16 listopad 1999 r.) Pierwszym naszym przystankiem w podróży było Delhi gdzie organizatorzy Doris i Ben Samson zorganizowali początkowe spotkanie o godz. 10:00 15 listopada w ważną grupą ekumeniczną znaną jako Delhi Felloship Society. Obejmuje ona członków kościołów protestanckich, prawosławnych i katolickich. Pośród 16 liderów religijnych obecny był ks. Eletho Ecluppattu Kościoła Syryjsko-Prawosławnego., Collin C. Theodore Kościoła Północnych Indii i Jego Łaskawość Arcybiskup Alan De Lastic, który jest także przewodniczącym Konferencji Biskupów Katolickich Indii. Po krótkim wprowadzeniu przez ks. „X” członkowie bardzo uważnie słuchali jednogodzinnego przemówienia Vassuli. Wyjaśniała, że jednym z największych tematów w „Prawdziwym Życiu w Bogu” jaki Jezus porusza to Jedność Chrześcijan. Vassula przeczytała i wyjaśniła kilka z tych orędzi. Dyskusja między członkami tej grupy potwierdziła, że jedność kościoła jest jednym z ich głównych celów i bardzo się cieszyli słysząc o niej od Vassuli, która zacytowała orędzia. Podczas lunchu, który odbył się po konferencji , Arcybiskup De Lastic poprosił Vassulę, żeby przyszła do jego biura po południu na filiżankę kawy. Na spotkaniu, po ciepłym przywitaniu, rozmowa przeszła na temat matki Teresy. Vassula podzieliła się z Jego Łaskawością o tym, że zaraz po jej śmierci modliła się do niej. W swojej modlitwie Vassula powiedziała, że teraz jesteś z Jezusem i znasz moją misję. Więc dlaczego nie mogłabyś otworzyć drzwi do Indii? Nigdy wcześniej tam nie byłam. W niespełna 1 tydzień później otrzymała 3 oddzielne zaproszenia z Indii, które zaowocowały jej pierwsza podróżą do aby tam przemawiać w 1998r. Tego samego wieczoru Vassula przemawiała (po angielsku) w głównej katedrze w Delhi, katedrze Najświętszego Serca, dokładnie jeden tydzień po tym jak przemawiał tam Papież. Kościół przepełniony był ponad 700 ludźmi. Po wieczornej Mszy Św. Vassula dała świadectwo o początkach otrzymywania orędzi, szczególnie te pierwsze kontakty jakie nawiązała z jej aniołem stróżem w Dhaka w Bangladeszu. Potem wyjaśniła o tym jak Jezus zaczął się z nią komunikować, o jej początkowych obawach przez Nim, o oczyszczeniu, które przecierpiała i o katechezie jaką On sam zaczął jej dawać, także poprzez orędzia. Wyjaśniła, że w orędziach „Prawdziwe Życie w Bogu” czytelnik powinien usuwać imię Vassula i zastępować je swoim własnym ponieważ te orędzia są dla każdego. Tłum słuchał bardzo uważnie a jej słowa be zwątpienia były przyjęte przez wszystkich pozytywnie.

Kalkuta (17 listopad i 18 listopad) Rankiem 17 listopada odwiedziłyśmy w centrum Kalkuty dom Misjonarek Miłosierdzia Matki Teresy. Vassula spotkała się z Nirmala, nową Matką Przełożoną, która z pochodzenie nie jest Chrześcijanką, i dalej jej komplet książek TLIG. Lokalny organizator ks. Stephan Raphael i ks. “X” odprawili za nas Mszę Św. w kaplicy, w której znajduje się grób Matki Teresy. Później wszyscy obecni modlili się razem przez moment przed grobem. Później tego samego ranka Vassula i kilku z lokalnych organizatorów mieli spotkanie z Arcybiskupem Henry De Souza w jego biurze. Po bardzo serdecznym i bardzo otwartym przywitaniu Vassula wyjaśniła im swoją misję. Obydwoje z nich podzielili się razem poglądami na temat dialogu jaki tocz się między kościołami odnośnie Jedności. Kiedy Jego Łaskawość zapytał Vassulę na jaki temat będzie jej przemówienie powiedziała, że będzie się ono skupiało na modlitwie i zbliżeniu się bardziej do Boga oraz o tym, że ludzie powinni pojednać się z Bogiem i bliźnim. Zanim się pożegnali, mała grupka i Arcybiskup De Souza modlili się razem a później pobłogosławił on Vassulę i organizatorów. Tego samego popołudnia Vassula przemawiała na publicznym spotkaniu na terenie kościoła protestanckiego do ponad 5000 ludzi. To była zaskakująca frekwencja zważywszy, ze był to poniedziałek, czyli dzień roboczy. Podczas otwierającej procesji 6 kobiet wykonało lokalny taniec, namaszczając czoła oliwa, symbolicznie obmywając ręce i kładąc piękne wieńce na swoich szyjach. Po kilku słowach wprowadzenia danych znowu przez ks. „x” Vassula zaczęła przemawiać w języku angielskim, zaczynając kolejny raz od opowiedzenia o początkach orędzi Prawdziwego Życia w Bogu. Potem powiedziała o zażyłości Jezusa - pragnie On, żebyśmy włączyli go w nasze codzienne obowiązki i myśli. Może być to wykonane, jak wyjaśniła, przez stosowanie metody „my, nam”, które polega na włączeniu Jezusa we wszystko co robimy: „Jezu, chodźmy teraz do pracy; Jezu zwieźmy teraz dzieci do szkoły, Jezu posprzątajmy teraz etc.” Wyjaśniła, że w ten sposób stajemy się zażyli z Jezusem i On staję się częścią naszego życia, co jest tym czego On pragnie. Rankiem 18 listopada zostało zorganizowane spotkanie dla osób zakonnych i kapłanów aby wyjaśnić bardziej zaawansowanie orędzia, szczególnie te które odnosiły się do jej misji. Uczestniczyło wtedy prawie 130 osób. Kiedy wychodziłem z sali zauważyłem, że jedna siostra misjonarka miłosierdzia od Matki Teresy była bardzo wzruszona podczas spotkania i rozmawiała z dwoma swoimi przyjaciółkami. Zauważyłem, że była onieśmielona ponieważ przemówienia widziała twarz Vassuli przemieniającą się w Najświętszą Twarz Jezusa, z broda i wąsami, krwią na czole i pasmami krwi we włosach. Ona o tym nie wiedziała, ale jest to fenomen, który zdarza się od czasu do czasu w chwilach gdy Vassula daje świadectwo. Wielu ludzi na całym świecie dostało łaskę widzenia Chrystusa na twarzy Vassuli kiedy przemawiała. Ojciec Stephen Raphael, około 50, zorganizowała wszystko na ta wizytę. Ma parafię liczącą 9 000 osób, prowadzi szkołę, dom dla starców i szpital! Zatrzymała nas w klasztorze Córek Krzyża niedaleko szkoły , gdzie ponad 30 sióstr bardzo dobrze się nami zaopiekowało. Nawet pięknie nam śpiewały na powitanie i pożegnanie Ojciec Stephan wziął nas raz do miasta Kalkuty „Miasto Nadziei”. Widzieliśmy kilka dzielnic slumsów a potem poszliśmy do domu jego siostrzenicy gdzie zjedliśmy typowe indyjskie danie, które było znakomite, a jego rodzina przyjęła nas bardzo ciepło.

Goa (19 listopad i 20 listopad) Wieczorem 18-stego listopada mieliśmy lot przez Indie od Kalkuty do Bombaju. Zatrzymaliśmy się na jedną noc w Bombaju zanim polecieliśmy dalej następnego dnia do Goa, na południu Bombaju. Lot trwał jedną godzinę. Goa jest czymś w rodzaju stanu z Panjim jako głównym miastem. Jest to miejsce u wybrzeża. Z wyglądu jest trochę zachodnie a wszyscy ludzie, których spotkaliśmy mówią bardzo dobrze i jasno po angielsku. Portugalczycy opuścili ten teren jakieś 25 lat temu i nie wiedzieliśmy, żadnego portugalskiego wpływu poza nazwiskami pewnych ludzi. Nie jestem zbyt w tym obeznana ale dowiedziałam się, że Goa jest bardzo dobrze znana jako dawny i obecny kurort „hippisowski”. Widziałam kilku spacerujących hipisów wyglądających jak z lat sześćdziesiątych a także dowiedziałam się, że wciąż są tam plaże hipisowskie z klubami nocnymi itd. W dniu, w którym przylecieliśmy powiedziano nam, że tego dnia przyleciała także 20 samolotów czarterowych , dużo z Wielkiej Brytanii. Było to najwięcej przylotów do Goa w jeden dzień jaki dotychczas notowano. Listopad jest najlepszym miesiącem na przyjazd tam, przyciąganych jest na prawdę wiele ludzi z zachodu.

Panjim: Wieczorem 19 listopada Vassula przemawiała w Kala Academy, czymś w rodzaju amfiteatru na otwartym powietrzu w Panjim, gdzie zgromadziło się ponad 2500 ludzi. Rzeszą przeczytaj pełny, dobrze udokumentowany raport napisany przez dr Sielda Gomez zawierający szczegóły z tego spotkania. 20 listopada odbyło się spotkanie z lokalnymi organizatorami. Po pierwszej wizycie Vassuli w Goa w styczniu 1998 r zostało otworzone tam stowarzyszenie Prawdziwe Życie w Bogu. Prowadzone jest przez pana Francis Baretto, za którym podąża wielu ludzi. Ta grupa zajęła się także wydaniem i dystrybucją książek TLIG. To jest oczywiste, że wykonali i że dalej będą wykonywać wspaniałą pracę dla Jezusa.

Margao: Wieczorem 20 listopada Vassula przemawiała w Margao, w Goa w Indiach do około 1500 ludzi Vassula mówiła o ostatnich wycieczkach i o podróżach, które je w najbliższym czasie czekają. Potem mówiła o pewnych podstawowych rzeczach na temat orędzi, m. in. że TLIG jest jak szkoła i że książki powinny być czytane w kolejności chronologicznej aby można było uczyć postęp na wielu poziomach tej szkoły każdego roku.

Kerala: (21 – 29 listopada) Vassula miała zaplanowana spotkanie następnego wieczoru w odległym Cochin, w Kerali na południowo wschodnim wybrzeżu. Jednak na trzy tygodnie przed naszym wylotem jedyny zaplanowany samolot z Goa do Cochin została niespodziewanie anulowany dlatego nie mieliśmy innego wyboru jak udać się w 17-godzinną podróż pociągiem i przyjechać na miejsce zaledwie na trzy godziny przed spotkaniem. Podróż pociągiem stała się bardziej przyjemna i wiele mniej męcząca niż podróż drogą po Kerali, która nas czekała.

Kerala: przegląd Kerala jest stanem Indii na południowo zachodnim wybrzeżu i jest bardzo zielonym, tropikalnym miejscem, dość odmiennym od innych miejsc od tych na północy, które zwiedziliśmy. Populację stanowi 1/3 muzułmanów, 1/3 hindusów i 1/3 chrześcijan. Nie jest niczym nadzwyczajnym widzieć wiele obrazów Jezusa czy Maryi na bilbordach czy nawet na tyłach ciężarówek. Nie było żebraków w Kerali podobnie jak w innych miejscach Indii, przez które przejeżdżaliśmy. Angielski jakim mówili był trochę trudny do zrozumienia dla mnie. Mieli ten sam problem z „genewskim angielskim” jakkolwiek doskonale rozumieli Vassulę, która mówi bardzo jasno. Nie widziałam tam absolutnie ani jednej kobiety w zachodnim ubiorze – wszystkie były ubrane w sari, owiniętą wokół suknia i trochę w bluzach do kolana i spodniach. Szybko zrobiło się ciemno, już około 18:30, ale drogi i uliczki pełne były ludzi do późna. Później zauważyłam, że byli tam tylko mężczyźni!! Żadnej kobiety nie można było zobaczyć po zmroku! Kobieta także nie jadła nigdy z nami przy stole – zawsze później. Wszystkie dzieci, które widzieliśmy były bardzo grzeczne. 99% mężczyzn w Kerala nosi podkoszulki z długim rękawem, które zazwyczaj są skrojona wokół talii w ten sposób aby stały się koszulkami długimi do kolan. Była jedna z niewielu, którzy nie byli tam w sandałach lub na boso. Koordynatorem wszystkich spotkań w Karelii był John, profesor lokalnego uniwersytetu i jego żona Salilama, która pracuje w banku. Ich 13-letnia córka wstaje każdego dnia o godz. 4:00 aby skończyć swoje prace domowe zanim uda się do szkoły na godz. 9:00! Moją także 15-letniego syna i 16-letnią córkę, która uczęszcza do szkoły w Trichur. Zatrzymaliśmy się w ich pięknym rodzinnym domu prywatnym Johna, który nie dawano go wybudował (w „Pala” które jest także znane jako „Palai”) otoczonego polami ryżowymi i drzewami bananowymi. Na każde spotkanie wyjeżdżaliśmy z tego domu i powracali do niego wieczorem. Pozwalało nam to spać, jeść śniadania i kolacje w tym samym miejscu. To okazało się naprawdę dobrym rozwiązaniem, które o wiele mniej męczyło Vassulę, a także zapewniło jej prywatność i odpoczynek gdy tego potrzebowała. Od kiedy zawiadomiłam ich zawczasu, że jestem wysoka (2 m 05 cm) przedłożyli nawet dla mnie łóżko a nawet materace! Jedliśmy lokalne jedzenie, które zawiera sporo ryżu (18 rożnych typów), warzyw i świeżych ogórków, marchwi, pomidorów, dużo ananasów, mango, bananów i trochę mięsa. Głównym daniem był kurczak curry. Jedliśmy trochę wieprzowiny i owcy ale nigdy wołowiny. Absolutnie ani raz nie został nam zaproponowany alkohol podczas całej podróży ani nie wiedzieliśmy nikogo pijącego (poza tymi w hotelu w Bombaju). Chcieli podawać nam na śniadanie rzeczy, która nam bardziej przypominały obiad ale byli szczęśliwi mogąc także zaoferować nam zwyczajne jajka i grzanki z kawą czy herbatą. We actually ate but twice a day (our choice) due to the heat, usually skipping lunch as Vassula often spoke at 2 P.M. and doesn't like to do so on a full stomach. We both thus lost 10 pounds during the whole trip. We never got sick and avoided any potential problems by drinking only bottled liquids.

Vassula spoke publicly in 7 different places in Kerala, to a total of over 50,000 people. It was translated each time into Malayalan, the local language of Kerala but again many or most people understand/understood Vassula's English. She spoke in the 4 major well-known Christian retreat centers there and also in a few churches, including one Orthodox Church. We traveled 30 minutes to 3 hours each way each day to the meetings in air-conditioned (for us only) cars. Vassula also met privately with 2 more Archbishops, 4 bishops including one Orthodox, and one Vicar General. It is actually a bishop in the Vatican in the Unity section known as Unit 1, with whom Vassula is in contact, who encouraged her to present herself to local high authorities of all religions wherever she goes to present the TLIG messages and her mission to them. In doing so she offers to be completely frank and open as to what she is doing in any place she speaks and establishes communication with them all. I attended all her meetings with the clergy in India and all went very well.

St. George's Forane Church in Edapally (Nov. 21st) Vassula had not slept very well on the 17-hour train ride from Goa. But as I have seen countless times over the last 10 years, her fatigue was swept away at meeting start and the Holy Spirit just took over and gave her more than the necessary energy to give another great talk. I have seen this happen so many times that I am sure that she is getting assistance from above.

Highlights of topics presented at this meeting - St. George: Vassula told the 4,000-plus people present that she was very pleased to begin her speaking tour of Kerala at St. George's Church. She explained that this is because St. George is her Patron Saint. She once saw him in a vision as a young man with black curly hair sitting in a chair. A voice said, "This is St. George. Ask him to pray for you". Vassula answered, "St. George, can you pray for me?" Then another scene appeared with St. George on his knees with his hands raised. That was a sign to Vassula that she should ask for his prayers.

Die to your passions: Vassula explained that we need to remove the rivals inside us, which block the Holy Spirit from performing His Divine Action. To do so we need to die to our passions, die to ourselves to give the Holy Spirit a place. Our biggest rival is our will. She quotes from the TLIG messages "Lower your voice so that you can hear My Voice, lower your head so that you can see My Head, lower yourself so that I can lift you. Be nothing." She said that Jesus doesn't impose Himself- he always asks for your permission. The Holy Spirit can transfigure your soul into a garden; the Holy Spirit can transfigure your soul into a palace where He can reign over you. The Holy Spirit can transform your soul into a heaven where God can be King and thus be glorified.

Forgiveness: She told how Jesus forgives, how He will open His arms when you repent. From the messages: "One kind look, one mere moment's regret, and all heaven would celebrate your gesture. One smile at My Holy Face and I shall forgive and forget."

Our Blessed Mother: In TLIG she has told us to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays. Fasting can be of many forms besides limiting food intake. One example would be to fast with your lips. Vassula also said to consecrate our families and nations to both Our Blessed Lady and also to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She told of how she had to travel a lot and when her son Fabian was younger, she feared he would not do well in school without her being home to encourage him to do his homework and assist him. So she consecrated him to Mary. When she returned after a long trip she was called in by the director of Fabian's school. She thought she would learn that he had not done well but was surprised to learn that his grades had greatly improved during her absence!

Vadiakaddu Trip:
On the evening of Nov. 22nd we left Cochin for Vadiakaddu in the Tamil Nadur state in South Central India. Two important events have and are occurring in Vadiakaddu.

The resurrection of baby Moses:
In 1990 the (then) baby Moses was miraculously resurrected after being stillborn and buried for 6 months. Some 50 people were witnesses when Moses was resurrected and there is a video of the event, not available to the public. The well-known Father Renι Laurentin of France has written about the events of this story in various French magazines.

Apparitions to Miriama:
A young mother known by the name of Miriama has received and still is receiving apparitions of Our Blessed Lady. Other people present when She appears hear her voice but don't see our Lady.

Our planned travel time from Cochin to Vadiakaddu was first 10 hours to Trichi on an overnight train followed by 3 more hours by car. But heavy rains in that part of India the preceding days lengthened the trip considerably. The train thus arrived some 2 hours late. Then we got a late start by car to Vadiakaddu. After a very long, tiring, and bumpy car ride a flooded bridge blocked us not more than 20 kms/12 miles from Vadiakaddu so we had 2 take another 2-hour detour to get there. Vassula later told me she wondered if we were perhaps not meant to visit Vadiakaddu. But we finally arrived about 4 P.M.- some 7 hours late. And we had to leave at about 6 P.M. to catch the overnight train back to Cochin to be sure to arrive in time for Vassula's next public meeting the very next day.

After our marathon 18-hour trip, we finally arrived at a simple small house and were greeted by a smiling Father Prasad, who Vassula already knew as he had spoken in Pittsburgh with her two weeks earlier. Besides the local Tamil language, he speaks fluent English and French so he translated for us. Some 100 people were also there. We met Moses, now a handsome 9-year-old boy and Miriama, a young mother all dressed in white. She is also Moses aunt as Moses is the son of her brother. The grave from which Moses was resurrected has been left uncovered and we were shown his simple casket, which was not more than a crate. A man from Madras who spoke good English told me the story of Moses resurrection.

I also learned that Miriama and many of the people who have now formed the group around her were not even Christian when our Lady first appeared to her- they were Hindi. But they have now become Catholics and pray together daily. Many of the group have also heard Our Lady speak when she appears to Miriama. However they don't see her. It is probably the first time so many people have heard Our Lady speak. After originally having appeared to Miriama more than once daily, Our Lady now appears to her two or three times per year.

We went into the small prayer room in the house where Vassula distributed religious presents for many people. It is in this room that our Lady appears. We then prayed together. We all shared a meal of chicken and rice. Finally it was time for us to leave but just before we left Vassula spoke to the whole group and told them how important it was to reconcile any problems between themselves- to stay constant in our faith and remain united. She stressed this point very much so that it was clear to all. We prayed one last time together and then departed. It took us 15 hours to reach Cochin as we missed our scheduled train. Thus we had to drive an extra 3 hours to Erode to catch another one. We were lucky to get the 7 last sleeper berths on that 3 A.M. train. We finally arrived back in Cochin but 4 hours before departing for Vassula's next big meeting before some 4,000 people. And so it goes for Vassula.

Important note: All those in Vadiakaddu follow exactly and only what Our Lady tells them to do. Father Prasad came to speak in Pittsburgh only after Our Lady told him it was OK to do so. I asked if the messages of Our Lady had been printed in books. I was told no, since Our Lady had not asked that that be done, at least not yet. Pilgrimages are not allowed to Vadiakaddu and will not be until Our Lady tells the people there that they should be.

Divine Retreat Center in Muringoor, Kerala (Nov. 24th) We were able to get about 2 hours rest following the long trip back from Vadiakaddu. And it was another tiring 2-hour bumpy ride to Muringoor and then 2 hours back. I was wrong about the day's meeting - it was not for 4,000 people but for 7,000 people. I seriously wondered how Vassula could get "up" for this one, as I myself was dead tired. But again, Jesus didn't fail her nor those who came to hear His words- it is simply amazing!

Topics discussed by Vassula:
Constancy: Vassula began where she had ended when speaking to the people in Vadiakaddu. You must have Constancy in your spiritual life. It is very necessary and important!

Love: Jesus says: "When you pray, pray with love; when you act, act with love; when you speak, speak with love and I will hear you."
On our judgment day we will each be judged according to the love we have given. But we divide ourselves. Jesus is calling us to reconciliation. The devil divides- God unites. The devil's tactics are to first cause confusion. This leads to disputes and finally division. So if you see confusion, recognize the danger and reconcile.

Unity: Unity is for nations, families, and churches. Church division is an abomination, God says. Prayer is a weapon for unity. Our Blessed Lady says that prayer is the strongest weapon to make satan flee.

Holy Spirit: Vassula spoke at length about the Holy Spirit from whom she has directly received messages. His power is dispersed like a breeze and like fire. She reminded us of how a fish cannot live without water, how it dries out and then compared that with us, how we dry out spiritually if we are not bathed in the Holy Spirit. No man can stop these divine messages given through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is poured out, first like a rivulet, then separates into more rivulets, etc. Where this river flows those who are sick, lame, and blind will be healed. It is the Holy Spirit who brings the (spiritually) dead back to life. Vassula said that the Holy Spirit is persecuted by those who deny the Signs of our Times. Apocalypse 21 says that the Holy Spirit will revive us and turn us into a New Heaven.

Closing Prayer:
Vassula ended with this prayer from Our Father. (27 Jan. '96)
"Obey My principles but with a heart and not a rock; resolve to do right for the rest of your life but with a taste of joy; resolve to put an end to stifling My Holy Spirit of Grace around you so that you too can draw your breath in Him."

St. Kaspian Church in Kollam, Kerala (Nov. 25th) It was another 2 and a half hour bumpy ride to and from Kollam. There were some 7,000-plus people present.

Repentance: Vassula was very stern in this introduction. She spoke of repentance and how important it was. She spoke of how the True Life in God messages were a Love hymn to humanity - for all nations.

Her Guardian Angel Daniel She told of how during the first few weeks she had heavenly communications her Guardian Angel Daniel told her "God is near you and loves you. Make peace with God, reconcile with God." She described how she saw her sins with God's eyes- that was a 3-week purification she had to go through and it was terrible for her. She understood that God is offended when we ignore Him, when we reject His blessings, when we fail to give Him praise. Understand that even the family food you have is a blessing from God. Everything good comes from God.

Our Father: Vassula said that the Father's voice is tender and kind. When she heard it, it was like that of someone she knew. The Father said, "you belong to Me, you come from Me, you descend from Me, you are My Seed. Come to Me, Come to Me like a child." God the Father is asking for repentance and Love. Make the Father a living image in front of you when you say the Our Father. She said that Jesus describes The Father as a King yet so Motherly, a Judge yet so Loving and Tender, the First and the Last yet so Meek.

Vassula said that God the Father is revealing mercy to the world. A question He will ask is: "Have you loved your neighbor as yourself? Have you done all you can for peace? Have you offered an enemy food and drink?"
You must give with love. When you offend a neighbor, you are offending Christ's body. You must live holy - follow the second Commandment (love thy neighbor). Fast, but fast with love. Always be generous and good to each other.

Holy Spirit: She said that the Holy Spirit must be invoked much more. We have received the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit at our baptism. Jesus says that we should pray that the 7 Gifts would be revived in us. The End of Times is right now and it is the end of an Era. Jesus will now pour out the Holy Spirit on all humanity like never before in history.

Prayer without Ceasing: Desire - you simply thirst for God all day long. Put God first.

Final prayer and ending: Vassula read aloud the prayer to St. Gertrude, which was then also read in the local Malayalan language by translator Fr. Kurian Mattam. From the stage, Vassula then gave Jesus' Blessing on all those present as well as on all objects present, with her cross that contains a relic of the True Cross of Jesus.

Rev. Fr. Rozarios - Vicar General in Kollam (Nov. 25th) Vassula and I were driven to the local bishop's house in Kollam. Fr. Rozarios substituted for the local bishop who had had to leave on an urgent matter. After a warm reception, Vassula, in effect, gave a full 90-minute meeting to the 4 priests and 10 sisters present after just having finished the big public meeting! She presented the bibliography of TLIG (she has spoken in 53 countries and has given over 600 prayer meetings in 10 plus years). She also read a message from TLIG, and answered questions. The Vicar General asked that she speak to the local youth if/when she should return and said he would arrange it. Vassula then gave him St. Benedict's Cross which she said had been blessed by Jesus. Happy and full of joy he said that he was very happy to receive it. We left the small crowd rejoicing and happy and then rode the 2 and a half hours back to Palai.

Bishop Thomas Mar Thimothios Thirumeny in Kottayam (Nov. 26th) On the morning of Nov. 26th, after a 30-minute drive from Palai, Vassula met with Orthodox Bishop Thirumeny. After a cordial welcome, she explained her mission and spoke briefly of the TLIG messages. The Bishop was obviously pleased that Vassula had come to see him.

St. Mary's Forane Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Manarcad (near Kottayam)
Early in the afternoon Vassula spoke in a church not far from Bishop Thirumeny's house which he is responsible for. More than 6,000 people were present - mostly women and students as it was the afternoon of a workday (Friday).

Messages from Jesus and Mary: Vassula began by saying that in general Jesus and Mary are calling us to be perfect, to reconcile, to have a change of heart. We need to have unceasing prayer and to make peace with God. They want us to have a change from within- we can't live in two worlds. We must live for God entirely.

Vassula as a child: Said she was not religious and did not pray. But at the age of 10 she had a vision of Our Blessed lady. She said Our Lady took her and dressed her in a bridal gown- fixing her up for Her Son. She said that She tries to make us beautiful for Her Son. Serving Mary means that you are serving Jesus.

Message from Jesus on Our Lady: Jesus said: "She is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Mary's Hearts is one with Ours (the Holy Trinity). Your heart is a fountain which makes gardens fertile. Mary's Heart is a throne". Vassula said that Jesus honors Our Blessed Lady. She is sent everywhere and speaks of love. She asks for fasting and prayer but always with love.

Messages from Our Lady: "Give away all you possess, even to the point of offering your body for burning. However if it is done without love it serves no purpose. If you hurt your neighbor, you hurt Christ's body. On Judgment Day you will be judged according to the love you have given on earth". "Fast with your lips". Mary also asks us to join our hearts with Jesus' heart.

Bishop His Excellency Mar Joseph Pallickaparampil in Pala In the evening of Nov. 26th, Vassula along with a small group met with Bishop Pallickaparampil in his office in the bishop's house in Palai. He mentioned that he was fully aware of all that had been written about Vassula and TLIG from the Vatican as well as from the press around the world. Both he and Vassula were very frank and open on all points and a definite confidence that grew between them as the meeting progressed became evident. The bishop offered to both she and the others present rosaries blessed by Pope Jean Paul II himself and Vassula offered him some TLIG material. Discussion then continued over a very cordial cup of coffee together in the cafeteria. Departure time seemed to come too soon and we were all sorry that we had to part.

Charis Bhavan in Athirampuzha, Kerala (Nov. 27th)
At 2 P.M. on Nov. 27th Vassula spoke before some 6,000 people in Athirampuzha.
Be like a Loud Book: Vassula's speaking tone at the beginning of this one was almost mystical. She said that she had been told to "Be like a loud book" and that is what her mission is about.

God the Father: She again spoke of Our Father- a major recurring theme on this trip. She said that we have forgotten the sweetness of God. He will teach us that he is sweet and gentle. She reminded everyone that we should remove the name Vassula from the messages and replace it with our own name so that we hear God the Father talking directly to us. God wants two things from us: intimacy and fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. God wants us perfect- how? Through total abandonment. We must decide for God and be constant. God IS joy and sweetness as David says all through the Psalms.

The Rosary: She spoke of the importance of the Rosary. But you can't just force it on newcomers, as it will be too much. She told of how she began with her son Fabian- they recited one decade only until one day he asked, "why don't we say the whole 5 decades?"

Guardian Angels: The importance of our guardian angels was stressed. Each one of us has one or more guardian angels. You can use your guardian angel when you have a potentially difficult encounter coming up soon, Vassula said. Just pray to your guardian angel to go in advance to the guardian angels of the person you will soon meet to smooth out any potential tensions and you will find that it works. I must add that Vassula and I, as well as those who accompanied us on this trip, did just that on a number of occasions with great success.

Charity: Vassula spoke of how important charity is. She related stories of how she had given away objects that were dear to her- a Sacred Heart medal, a rosary blessed by the Pope himself, and a beautiful statue of Jesus. Each time similar, even more beautiful objects were soon given to her - making her realize that God will see to it that you will get back in abundance all that you have given and even more.

His Excellency Mar Peter Thuruthikonam in Kottayam (Nov. 27th)
Vassula and a small group then went to Bishop Thuruthikonam's House in Kottayam for a short visit. After a cordial welcome, she again presented her bibliography, her mission and gave him a copy of the handwritten TLIG messages. He returned the favor by presenting Vassula with a picture of Pope Jean-Paul II and himself taken a few years earlier.

Assisi Retreat Center in Bharananganam (Nov. 28th) At 2 P.M. on Nov. 27th about 2,000 people had gathered at this center. Sweetness of God: God the Father has all the virtues. He will be your judge only if you rebel. Approach Him as a child and He'll be a Father to you. Your impurities must be burned away. Imperfections, too, are obstacles to the action of the Holy Spirit so you should die to yourself, your will, your passions, vices, and impurities. You need total detachment and to empty yourself so that the Holy Spirit can invade you. Vassula said that before all this started, she knew nothing, never went to church, and was aloof from God. But God captured her with His Sweetness.

14th Anniversary of True Life in God announced
Vassula told the crowd that Nov. 28th was the anniversary of the first True Life in God message given in 1985 and the crowd applauded loudly. Father Gratian, who had provided us spiritual guidance all during our stay in Kerala, closed the meeting with a word of thanks. That same evening, in honor of TLIG's 14th anniversary, those supporting Vassula's visit in Kerala attended Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This was followed by a mass given by Fr. Gratian. Afterwards a cake was cut by Vassula who also read the following message she had been inspired to give to those present for this anniversary. This message originally given by Jesus to Vassula on Nov. 10th, 1995:

I am the Resurrection and I will raise up all that I have written through your hand, so that everyone may believe that True Life in God was not written by flesh but by the Spirit of Grace. Darkness and distress should not be felt by you, for I have hidden you into My Sacred Heart. My little soul, let My Majestic Voice be heard and do not be frightened by the noise there is around you. My Father's Lips brim with fury for the unrepentant sinners and His anger will be displayed by a glare of a devouring fire; why, He announced it not long ago, by your Mother, to Akita's messenger. (Sister Agnes in Japan) In the end, the earth will open its ears and heart so that salvation springs up, and I will triumph together with the Immaculate Heart of your and My Mother. Vessel of My agonies I will give you enough strength to accomplish your mission with dignity that will glorify Me. My Love for you covers you so do not fear. 'Lo tedhal' (which means "do not fear" in Jesus' language Vassula explained)... I, Jesus Christ, am with you now and always.

His Excellency Rt. Rev. M. Peter Chenaparambil in Allepy On Nov. 29th it was another nearly 2 hour drive to Allepy where Vassula had a scheduled meeting with His Excellency Rev. Chenaparambil. Vassula again spoke of her mission, how she receives the messages, showed him her bibliography and gave him one set of the TLIG books. After this cordial meeting we all had lunch together before departing for the meeting.

IMS Retreat Center in Allepy, Kerala
Approximately 20,000 people had gathered at this major retreat center to hear Vassula speak. For this final meeting in Kerala, Vassula again spoke of God the Father, Her Guardian Angel, the fear of God, Die to yourself/Detachment, consecrating your families to Our Blessed Lady, the 2nd Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit.

Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Timotheos and his Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Mar Koorilos in Thiruvalla
Following this meeting, Vassula met with His Excellency Timotheos and his Bishop Auxiliary Koorilos. Vassula gave her usual introduction to the TLIG messages and left them with one complete set of the TLIG books in Malayalan. We all had coffee and cakes together before our return to Palai.

We had just finished 6 big meetings in 6 days and had had many smaller meetings with bishops. Could Vassula do two more in the next two days? I was beginning to wonder. This was the heaviest schedule Vassula had ever had in the 10 years she has been traveling.

Bombay: (Nov. 30th-Dec. 1st) We flew 2 hours Cochin to Bombay for the last two days and the last two meetings. Bombay - Don Bosco School:
Organizer Priyanka Timmins perfectly and beautifully prepared the first Bombay area meeting that same evening of Nov. 30th. There were 3,500 people present outside in the Don Bosco school courtyard, two giant video screens on either side for those not directly in front of the stage, great sound and lighting, a beautiful giant hand-painting of Jesus as a backdrop, and an excellent Christian group of musicians and singers. Vassula spoke in English and no translation was necessary, which makes the flow of her talk more effective. This, the perfect evening weather wise that it was, and the professional setup all motivated Vassula to give probably the best talk of this extended trip, in spite of her accumulated fatigue.

She spoke on the same themes as in the previous talks but in addition spoke of: The Eucharist: She stressed the importance of the Eucharist. She told the story of how in the early days of the TLIG messages she went to her first Catholic mass with her sister and innocently didn't know that what she received in the front of the church was the Eucharist- the Body and Blood of Christ. She later told Jesus how ashamed she was but He didn't scold her. He was just happy with her for wanting to learn.

Tabor Divine Retreat Center Ashram, Kalyan, Mumbai: The second Bombay meeting and the very last one of this tour was on Dec. 1st where Vassula spoke in Kalyan, a northern suburb of Bombay in another retreat center before some 1,500 people.

It was again a tiring three hour bumpy ride to get there on a hot day cramped in a small car with its air conditioning not functioning very well. This was the 8th consecutive big meeting in 8 days and Vassula and I were definitely tired. But incredibly, she was again given the strength to give an excellent talk, obviously aided by the woman doing the excellent and rapid translation into Hindi. I noted that this translator had recollected herself deeply in prayer before the meeting had started and the fruits of her prayers were evident in her presentation.

For my part it took me 1 week to recover from this trip. But imagine Vassula then flying Geneva to Rome the next day. Three days later she left Rome accompanied by an Orthodox bishop, flying to Venezuela where she was invited to speak by the Archbishop of Caracas and in front of a crowd of 18,000 people. Then later that week she spoke in Colombia before returning home.

It is obvious that Vassula is getting "help from above" or it simply wouldn't be humanly possible to do all she does. She receives no money for any of her talks. She only has her expenses paid. She has simply decided to give up everything else she used to do (up to 6 hours of tennis each day, painting, etc.) to travel the world to make known the TLIG messages as she has been requested to do by God. May God continue to bless her mission and give her the strength she needs. And may He help all of us associated with True Life in God so that we each do our little part to make His Love Hymn to Mankind known throughout the world.

We were extremely well treated everywhere we went in India. The people were very kind and thoughtful of our needs in each place. The TLIG messages were attentively listened to everywhere Vassula spoke and the people's high interest in them was very evident.

Vassula may return to India in 2 years time - also to places where she has not yet spoken, which have shown interest (Madras being one). May the Lord prepare the way for her return according to His wishes.

Notes for Organizers: At the end of this tour I realized how important it is that organizers follow to the letter the document entitled "Guidelines for Organizing TLIG meetings" that is given to organizers well in advance of her arrival to speak. Vassula needs her rest while traveling, needs to get to bed early and cannot function as well if she is asked to get up early. It is difficult enough having to travel long distances, change times zones, eat inhabitual food, drink different water, and sleep in so many different places. The fact that we had stayed in one place in Kerala and were more or less allowed privacy was essential in keeping Vassula fresh for the numerous meetings and hard travel that we endured.

Privacy: Vassula also needs privacy from the endless stream of people who feel the need to approach her personally- this is simply not her mission and is assuredly the most tiring aspect of her travels. The Jesus blessings given in the public meetings suffice for everyone. Repeating them individually does not make them "better" nor "more effective" and actually shows a lack of confidence in the blessings given during the public meetings.

Translators: Another absolutely critical part of Vassula's mission concerns the translators provided by local organizers. It is absolutely essential that the translator be carefully selected in advance. It needs to be someone perfectly bilingual in English (or French) and the local language. It must be a spiritual person who understands the language of God and preferably already has an in-depth knowledge of the True Life in God messages. That way he won't stumble when needing to rapidly translate some of the key elements of the TLIG messages. Then Vassula's explanation of the messages can flow along to the public at a normal rate. But the translator needs to do more than simply repeat what he hears; he needs to preach with the same intensity and tone used by Jesus through Vassula. That way the message received has the same impact on those who do not directly understand the English (or French) that Vassula uses when speaking.

Tom Austin