January-February-March 2014 I Volume 03 No. 11
The Newsletter of the Betania Foundation
A Word from the President of the Betania Foundation Geo Bianchini Giani Dear brothers and sisters, at the moment we find the title of Mary Virgin and Mother, Reconciler of All Peoples and Nations, necessary for our people. Let us seize reconciliation, an immense gift. Let us also teach our brothers to understand the importance of living in peace and allowing the holy will of God to be done in all of us, in our country, and the world. Blessed Mother, we love you. Stay with us, so we may feel that profound grace that transforms. This must be our goal, to love God and our brothers. I bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Church in Manzanares Ended Christmas with Sixty Missionaries and the Betania Choir
Latin America Missionaries in the parish of Manzanares
Christmas ended on January 15 in the Church Mary Mother of God in Manzanares with a Holy Mass. A group of sixty missionaries from Latin America, the Betania Choir, and faithful of the parish attended the event. Once the Eucharistic celebration concluded, the choir gave a mini concert of Christmas carols to end the holiday season.
38th Anniversary of the Apparition of the Virgin in Betania March 25 marked 38 years from the first apparition of the Virgin Mary in Betania. The event was celebrated with a Mass at which Bishop Freddy Fuenmayor, Bishop of Los Teques, officiated. Other priests concelebrated with him, and the Betania Choir participated as well. During the homily, Bishop Fuenmayor said, “We need that reconciliation here in Venezuela. (...). We Venezuelans need to reunite. The best way to do so is under the banner of Mary, Reconciler of Peoples.�
The Visit of Betania, Venezuela,to Gran Cayman and Miami Focused on the Family Father Timothy Byerley, with members of the Bianchini family and the Betania Foundation visited Betania XIV in the Cayman Islands from February 5 to 14, to participate in a retreat, which focused on the family. The event was organized by Merle McGann, representative of the community, and a group
Holy Mass with Bishop Freddy Fuenmayor in the Betania Sanctuary
Merle McGann and part of Betania XIV welcoming some members of Betania, Venezuela
of collaborators. Father Byerley led the retreat, which was marked by the celebration of Holy Mass, reciting the rosary, music, and reflections. Then they traveled to Miami, Florida, USA, where they held a meeting on Saturday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m. and the Betania Choir sang to the members of Betania V.
Mary, Virgin and Mother, Reconciler of All Peoples and Nations, in the 38th anniversary of her apparition
11thAPARITTION dicember 8, 1986 11:00 a.m. Excerpt of a Message of Our Lady Given to Mrs. Maria Esperanza Bianchini Daughter, children, here I am as I announced before; some shall feel me, others shall see me between the shrubs, others shall perceive the perfumed roses of my garden from heaven, and even more, some, who are sick, by drinking from the water of my grotto of prayer, shall be relieved: and others, healed, attaining health and peace..! Daughter, wherever I place my feet, it is as sowing the seed and behold, the doctrine and Gospel are enacted through the faith that comes forth from the heart of those who seek me..!
CAUSE – MRS. MARIA ESPERANZA
Words of the Vice-Postulator Dear Members of the Betania Family, Last month some members of the Betania Foundation and I led a retreat with Betania XIV, and a portion of Betania XV, in the Cayman Islands. With Auxiliadora conducting, there were enough singers for a small choir. It was a joyful event in which we dove deeply into the spirituality of Maria Esperanza. It included the latest video of the Betania Foundation about Maria Esperanza and the Sanctuary of Betania, as well as a live video conference with Senor Geo. I must say that the Betania Foundation is on the cutting edge when it comes to the use of the latest technology for evangelization, and they do it with both class and expertise. After the retreat, we made visits each night to various members’ homes to celebrate Mass, enjoy a dinner together and listen to a concert. Night after night the choir sang for the Mass, gave a concert, and then opened their hearts in private conversation with those present. I don’t know where the choir members derive the stamina to do this (well maybe I do). We are most grateful to Merle McGann and all of the members of Betania XIV who hosted us with so much generosity and kindness. God bless you, Fr. Tim Byerley
PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF MARIA ESPERANZA Merciful Father, You blessed Maria Esperanza with an abundance of spiritual gifts for the consolation of your people. She served You as wife, mother, and missionary to promote the unity of the family and the reconciliation of all peoples. You enabled her to be the central figure in the manifestations of the Virgin Mary, under the title of Reconciler of all Peoples and Nations, in Betania. Grant us the grace to follow her example of humility, hope, and unconditional love. Through the intercession of your servant, Maria Esperanza, we pray for the healing and reconciliation of our families, and for the fraternal unity of the entire human family. Especially, we beseech You to grant us the favors we now request (mention your intentions here) through the merits and prayers of your servant. Likewise, we humbly implore that she be inscribed in the Church’s catalogue of saints, as a universal model of the beatitudes. We pray all this according to your holy will, cherished by your servant until the end, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. With the ecclesiastical approval of Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen, New Jersey, December 4, 2009 For more information or to report a miracle go to: www.mariaesperanza. org and/or www.betania.org.ve
02
Reflections of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza Bianchini Mrs. Maria Esperanza Bianchini’s Testimony (First Part) Caracas, July 13, 1984 The Most Reverend Pio Bello Ricardo Bishop of Los Teques, Miranda State Your Excellency: Dear Bishop Pio Bello: (…) I bear witness of something special, a Mother, Mary, Virgin and Mother of the Church who appeared in these times as: Mary, Reconciler of People . A title which leads us to reflection and to elevate our spirit. Before Her presence, graces are received, and the moral essence held in the Commandments of Her Son Jesus Christ is understood; principles of love, the way of truth and life, are the only route to God! Mary, Virgin and Mother appeared to call us… so we will make amends and discover perfection in Jesus. Forgiving, blessing and glorifying He continues to give the Fire of His Love to His people through His teachings. It is a continuous song of peace, of forgiveness and of mercy, redeeming many souls. Now then, Our Lady appeared in all Her splendor, grace and spiritual depth on the top of a small, green (hope), hill, in the midst of rocks, resembling a grotto. Water from the streams sprouted forth and fell over it. She appeared as Our Lady … and we saw Her there all embellished in white, splendorous, caressing, all light, all love, all extraordinary beauty of magnificent splendidness filled with Divine Perfection! (To be continued.)
Spiritual Maxims of Maria Esperanza Bianchini I want peace for my brothers, the living peace of love in which men are able to look into each other’s eyes and not see the flaws of their brother, but see that his soul is beautiful too. Reconciliation is the prime basis of all Christians, of all human beings, who truly wish to fulfill the precepts of Holy Mother Church.
Chronological Data on Maria Esperanza • In 1955, Mr. Geo Bianchini belonged to the Guard of Honor of the President of the Italian Republic which had a representation in the Vatican. • In January of 1956, Maria Esperanza traveled to France, Paris, for three days with the mission to prepare spiritually for her marriage. • On January 31, 1956 she returned to Caracas, Venezuela, to her mother’s house to pray and better discern her vocation.
www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org
COMMUNITIES OF BETANIA AND THE CHURCH
A Pastoral Council Has Been Constituted On March 25th, the constitution of a Pastoral Council for the Betania Sanctuary was announced as part of the commemoration of the anniversary of the Virgin’s apparition there. This new structure reflects the need to develop a pastoral outreach to serve the new evangelization in the Diocesan Marian Sanctuary, Mary Reconciler of Peoples. The council will be presided over by Bishop Freddy Fuenmayor. The Vice-Rector will be Father Jhonfer Camacho, who will also serve as chaplain of the sanctuary. Other members will work in collaboration with the Pastoral Council.
Communities of Betania Exchanged Spiritual Themes with Betania, Venezuela In January and February, 2014 two videoconferences were conducted; one with the Community of Betania XV, Canada, and another one with Betania XIV, Cayman Islands. The representative of the community of Betania XV was Ginette Arsenault and Merle McGann for Betania XIV. On both occasions Mr. Geo Bianchini from Venezuela shared spiritual words with the members of Betania. He addressed the following topics: how to be instruments to win souls for God, the cause of beatification and canonization of Maria Esperanza, and how youth meetings are developed.
First words of the new Vice-Rector of the Sanctuary, Father Jhonfer Camacho
A Pilgrimage of the Community of Peru to the Betania Sanctuary The Bianchini family and Betania Foundation participated in a Marian Congress in Peru in August, 2013, and their life testimony inspired us, so we formed a group that decided to visit this wonderful land, Betania, from January 20 to 27, 2014. Due to a “God-incidence” six communities of Betania ended up going. The truth is that I have no words to express what we lived and felt in this pilgrimage. The only thing I can tell you is that the grace pouring in Betania is palpable. Sharing with the Bianchini family and members of the foundation has allowed each one of us to grow in holiness and we have seen that to live the kingdom of God here on earth is feasible. Eliana Salom Betania Communities in Mount Zion, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Betania
Pope Francis Calls for Reconciliation in Venezuela On February 26, the Vicar of Christ expressed his concern for Venezuela calling for reconciliation. The Pope said: “I sincerely hope that violence and hostility will cease as soon as possible, and that the entire Venezuelan People, beginning with political leaders and institutions, will endeavor to promote reconciliation through mutual forgiveness and a sincere dialogue, that is respectful of truth and justice and that is capable of dealing with concrete issues for the common good.”* He also invited to pray to God, through the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, so Venezuela could find a way to attain peace.
Pope Francis, from the Vatican, called Venezuelans to reconcile
(*) Pope Francis (2014). General Audience, February 26. Vatican Holy See. Taken from http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/audiences/2014/documents/papafrancesco_20140226_udienza-generale_en.html
www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org
03
AGENDA
Events
Pilgrimages
Concerts
Betania Sanctuary January 3, 2014, 3:00 p.m. Holy Mass and the visit of Monsignor Scott and Father Timothy Byerley
January 20 to 27, 2014; Betania Group V, VI, VII, XII, XIV, and XVI
Church Holy Mary Mother of God, Manzanares January 15, 2014; 6:00 p.m. Holy Mass with sixty missionaries from Latin America
Betania Sanctuary January 21, 2014, 9:00 p.m. Pilgrimage of the communities of Betania V, VI, VII, XII, XIV, and XVI Betania Sanctuary March 25, 2014, 10:00 a.m. 38th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin, Mary and Mother, Mary Reconciler of All Peoples and Nations
Trips
Church San Bernardino of Siena February 2, 2014; 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass for the feast of the Virgin of Candlemas
Video Conferences of Betania I with the Communities
Loyola Hall, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BOT February 6, 2014; 7:00 p.m. Betania Choir concert Several residences, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BOT From February 7 to 13, 2014 Masses and Betania Choir concerts
Betania XV (Canada); January 14, 2014; 6:30 p.m. Betania XIV (Cayman Islands); February 9, 2014; 10:00 a.m.
San Juan de Dios Hospital March 14, 2014; 11:00 a.m. Holy Mass in honor of their patron saint Church Our Lady of Guadalupe, Las Mercedes March 19, 2014; 6:00 p.m. Holy Mass for the feast of Saint Joseph The Cathedral of Caracas March 23, 2014; 12:00 p.m. Holy Mass in thanksgiving for favor granted to the Group Twenty First Century, on the eve of the anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin in Betania Betania Sanctuary March 25, 2014; 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the apparition of Mary Virgin and Mother Reconciler of All Peoples and Nations
Residence of the Cannon family, Delray, FL., USA February 15, 2014; 9:00 p.m. Betania Choir concert during the meeting of Betania Church Holy Cross of Chirimena, Brion V May 31, 2014; 4:00 p.m. Holy Mass for the feast of the Holy Cross
Betania XIV, Cayman Islands, BOT From February 5 to 14, 2014 Retreat “Maria Esperanza and the Grace of Betania”
PETITIONS Petitions of the Communities Let us pray for the necessities of our Holy Church and of the world, and especially for our brothers and sisters who have the following requests:
Dr. Simón Hernández , Juan Montoya, Julio González, Bassil Da Costa, Roberto Redman, José Ernesto Méndez, Génesis Carmona, Delia Lobo, Arturo Alexis Martínez, Elvis Durán, Geraldín Moreno, José Alejandro Márquez, José Gutauskas, Ana Teresa Pinto de Rincón y por las almas del Purgatorio.
In Thanksgiving:
Special Petitions:
For the healing of Mr. Geo Bianchini and the health of Jhonny Lugo.
For the entire Church, Pope Francis, all the bishops, priests and religious that form part of our Betania family, especially those who work for the cause of Maria Esperanza. For the religious who are persecuted, for those who have doubts. For the cause of beatification of Maria Esperanza and for Father Timothy Byerley who gives it impulse. For all the Communities of Betania around the world. For priestly and religious vocations. For the rulers of all the countries of the world, and for those who have political and economical power, so they may all have the well-being of the nations at heart. For peace, love, and reconciliation in Venezuela and Ucrania. For peace in the Middle East and the whole world. For the families, for the couples that are going through a crisis, so the Blessed Virgin and Saint Joseph may lead them through the path of the Holy Family of Nazareth. For the moral concerns of: Juan Carlos and Cuchi-cuchi. For the Bianchini family and for Mr. Bianchini, so the Holy Spirit may always guide his steps, God may grant him grace, health and strength to continue working for God and the Blessed Virgin.
Health Petitions: For the health of: Betania I: Hector Bermudez, Raul Vasquez, Salma, Oscar Jesus Martin, Diego Andres, Maria Francia Yovera, Nery Adela Perez Diaz, Jose, Gladys, Maria Cecilia Dib, Maria Trinidad Yepez, Jhonny Lugo, Tirso Garrido, Nieves, Laura, Benjamin Brea, Mayda Chebly, Paola Federica Galarza, Andreina Mieres, Constanza Blanco, Isabella Vargas, Rodrigo, Bella Garrido, Camila, Renee McCarthy, Oscar Martin Ruiz, Jose, Luis Alfonso Ferrer, Norma, Simon Izaguirre, Constanza y Jose Miguel Colmenares. Betania VII: Maria Teresa, Luisi, and Dr. Succar.
For the cancer patients: Juan Jose San Martin, Ena Dilon, Mariella Dos Santos, and Rafael Correa Gerdez.
For the pregnant: Noreibis Petitions for the Deceased: For the souls in Purgatory. Betania I: José Pacheco, Juan Carlos Sánchez, Vicente Gentile,
Informative Table
Edition: The Bianchini Family and the Betania Foundation Design: Kyra Camero and Pedro Jaime Bianchini Photography: The Bianchini Family and the Betania
04
Father of Goodness, listen to our prayer and grant unto your servants, who trust in You, the gift of your grace to embrace your love in unity, and reach with your mercy, after this life, the eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Foundation Research: The Bianchini Family and the Betania Foundation Acknowledgments to: Fr. Timothy Byerley Additional information: www.betania.org.ve and/or www.mariaesperanza.org Suggestions and/or comments: corom3@gmail.com
www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org