RECONCILIATION April - May - June 2014 I Volume 03 No. 12
The Newsletter of the Betania Foundation
A Word From the President of the Betania Foundation Geo Bianchini Giani Dear brothers and sisters, my two daughters, their husbands and I were in Rome, Italy, from April 12 to May 22. We worked with Betania VIII speaking more about God and we achieved good results. The reason for our trip was to be by the Church and our Holy Father Francis, because our Church needs people who love her profoundly and for everyone to understand the importance of God on earth. Everything was perfect, the two Popes (John XXIII and John Paul II) were canonized, and today we have two more saints to remember and to pray to.
The Betania Choir Celebrated the Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima
The Betania Foundation Spent Holy Week in Betania and the Vatican The Sanctuary of Betania and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy were the places where the members of the Betania Foundation and the Bianchini family spent Holy Week. Those who shared this time of withdrawal in Betania joined Jhonfer Camacho’s Members of the Betania Foundation praying Father the Stations of the Cross in the Sanctuary activities and the events of the of Betania Betania Foundation, such as: welcoming pilgrimages, singing with the Betania Choir, praying the corresponding devotions, showing movies, etc. Meanwhile, the group in Italy joined the Christian activities of Pope Francis, participated in the celebration of the canonization of John XXIII and John Paul, and shared with Betania VIII.
On May 25, the Betania Choir was invited to the Church Our Lady of the Light, in Coche to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Father Armelin De Sousa was the presider at Mass, and Father Nicola Villano, the parish priest, was a concelebrant. In the homily, Father De Sousa invited all parishioners to place their trust and hope in the Lord, and to seek the intercession of his Blessed Mother in these difficult times for Venezuela and the world. Holy Mass was accompanied by the music of the Betania Choir, mostly dedicated to the Virgin. The apparition of the Virgin in Portugal was also commemorated by a beautiful group of children dressed as shepherds, who enacted the scene.
Pilgrims Were Delighted at the Shrine of Betania On Saturday, June 7 the Sanctuary of Betania was filled with pilgrims from Santos Angeles Custiodios’ and San Isidro Labrador of Flor Amarillo (Valencia, Edo. Carabobo) Parishes, as well as with members of the Legion of Mary, Missionaries of Mercy of Lomas de Baruta, and of the apostolate of Divine Mercy of Santa Teresa. The visitors began their day with Mass, then they paid tribute to Our Lady, Virgin and Mother, Reconciler of All Peoples and Nations, and later toured the Marian land. Maria Esperanza Bianchini Foley, daughter of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza, was the guide who made them feel in heaven with the explanation of the various monuments. Finally, they enjoyed a video on the apparitions in The Vice-Rector of the Sanctuary of Betania, Jhonfer Camacho, and Finca Betania and had a snack. the representative of the Betania Foundation, Mrs. Maria Esperanza Foley, together with the pilgrims
Priests and Deacon singing the hymn of Our Lady of Fatima at the Church Our Lady of the Light
12th APPARITION June 21, 1987 4:30 p.m. Excerpt of a Message of Our Lady Given to Mrs. Maria Esperanza Bianchini Little children, the hour is soon approaching and you will feel from within, that wonderful something, which communicates to the soul the quality of discernment of his presence among you! Little children, withdraw into silence. (…) This is, and shall be the miracle of your own lives. (…) Clearly see and determine what is happening around you, in order to be in peace and henceforth, live to bear witness and proclaim, in each hour of the day, the miracle of your own existence with a heart that beats with the Heart of my Divine Son, Jesus!
CAUSE – MARIA ESPERANZA
Words of the Vice-Postulator The Canonization Our Roman guides said they had never seen Rome so crowded! It seemed like half of Poland was in Rome for the canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII. When the actual day arrived, the feast of Divine Mercy, heavy rain was expected. In the end the sky was cloudy and it did not rain until late afternoon. Pope Francis celebrated a beautiful Mass and two new names were added to the Litany of the Saints. One of these was that of the Polish pope who shared a special affinity with the Servant of God, Maria Esperanza. If fact, she offered her life to God for John Paul II after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Soon she too had this disease. Moreover, the spirituality of Saint John Paul II and Maria Esperanza converged on many levels. They were both intensely devoted to Mary, they were people of contemplative prayer, they were dedicated to building up the family, and they announced the mandate of unity with great hope. May the new saint and our Servant of God guide us in our mission as we attempt to live Our Lady’s message of family unity and fraternal reconciliation as members of the worldwide Betania family. God bless you, Fr. Tim Byerley
Reflections of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza Bianchini Mrs. Maria Esperanza Bianchini’s Testimony (Second Part) Caracas, July 13, 1984 The Most Reverend Pio Bello Ricardo Bishop of Los Teques, Miranda State Now then, Our Lady appeared in all her splendor, grace, and spiritual depth on the top of a small, green (as spring) 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! Behold a wonderful sight, never seen before. Her garment was white and pure like thick bundles of cotton, with her hands over her chest. She had a blue sash around her waist and a rosary on her right arm inviting us to prayer. She extended her arms and hands filled with light, an insinuation to shelter us in her Heart to sweetly embrace us as She embraces her small Child, the Heavenly Cherubim… Jesus in us and us in Him! This Mother through her presence offers us so much safety! She provides us with much joy! Such kindness!
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
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Spiritual Maxims of Maria Esperanza Bianchini For men to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit, they truly have to come to a complete knowledge of themselves, and cleanse all that may harm them. In these times in the world it is required to be human, so everyone may receive the grace of the Holy Spirit and may enroll in the ranks of loving each other, loving one another as Jesus loves us, literally.
Chronological Data on Maria Esperanza • From February to July 1956, Maria Esperanza carried out intense apostolic work as spiritual counselor in parishes in Caracas and Ciudad Bolivar, under the direction of Bishop Bernal, Bishop of Ciudad Bolivar. • In August 1956, she returned to Italy, Rome and looked for Geo. Two days later they meet, and she was accompanied by a superior of the Carmelite Sisters. • On October 13, 1956, Maria Esperanza received a message from Our Lady that said she had to marry on December 8, 1956.
www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org
COMMUNITIES OF BETANIA AND THE CHURCH
Visit of Betania I to Betania VIII for the Canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II
Communities of Betania I and VIII in Rome, Italy
On April 13, 2014, members of Betania I and the Bianchini family arrived at Rome, on the occasion of the canonization of the two Popes. Mr. Geo Bianchini’s visit to Rome was truly “miraculous”, since he travelled in spite of his precarious health condition. We shared many moments together, in which the community of Betania VIII was visited by new friends, who were favorably impressed and touched after they met members of Betania I. Together we prayed the holy rosary. We had moments of reflection and dialogue. There were many opportunities to meet at the table and eat together, as we did on Easter, when a young American seminarian who is studying in Rome, Josh Nevitt, also participated. We also met in the Church of St. Vincent Pallotti with another group of pilgrims that came with Father Tim Byerley, Father Frederick Link, and Deacon Joe Izzo. The presence of the Bianchini family, as always, allowed some to know them better, after spending moments of spirituality and thrill for the soul. Marco Parigi Representative of Betania VIII
John XXIII and John Paul II Were Declared Saints On April 27, 2014, Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II were canonized, two popes of the twentieth century of the Catholic Church. In a touching Eucharistic celebration, followed by millions of Catholics, Pope Francis said both popes “cooperated with the Holy Spirit in renewing and updating the Church. (...). May these two new saints and shepherds of God’s people intercede for the Church, so that during this two-year journey toward the Synod she may be open to the Holy Spirit in pastoral service to the family. May both of them teach us not to be scandalized by the wounds of Christ and to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always forgives, because it always loves”.* (*) Pope Francis (2014). Homily. April 27. Holy See Vatican. Taken from http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/ homilies/2014/documents/papa-francesco_20140427_omelia-canonizzazioni.html
www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org
John Paul II and John XXIII were canonized by Pope Francis
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AGENDA
Events
Pilgrimages
Concerts
Church Santa Ana April 19, 2014; 7:30 p.m. Holy Mass, commemoration of the Resurrection of the Lord, the 35th anniversary of the Betania Foundation, the 33rd anniversary of the Betania Choir, and its leader Maria Auxiliadora Bianchini’s birthday
May 23, 2014; Ladies of the Church Holy Family of Nazareth, La Tahona, and from La Fria, Tachira State May 24, 2014; Missionaries of the Charity, Catia La Mar, Vargas State June 7, 2014; Santos Angeles Custiodios’ and San Isidro Labrador of Flor Amarillo (Valencia, Edo. Carabobo)’s Parishes, members of the Legion of Mary, Missionaries of Mercy of Lomas de Baruta, and of the apostolate of Divine Mercy of Santa Teresa June 14, 2014; Altar Boys of Miranda State’ Gathering, Parish Jesus Obrero, Valencia, Carabobo State, and Church St. Paul the Hermit June 17, 2014; School San Luis, El Cafetal, 4th year June 29, 2014; Apostolate of Divine Mercy of Santa Teresa, and Centro de Capacitacion Laboral San Martin de Porres, La Guaira, Vargas State
Shrine of Betania April 16, 2014; 1:00 p.m. Holy Mass, commemoration of the feast of the Nazarene
Eastern Cemetery August 7, 2014; 3:00 p.m. Holy Mass, memory of the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza Bianchini
Trips Betania VIII, Rome, Italy From April 12 to May 3, 2014 Visit to the Betania community of Italy and the Canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II Betania II, V, VI, VII, X and XIV to Betania I From August 2nd to 11th, 2014 Visit to the Sanctuary of Betania and for the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza de Bianchini
Shrine of Betania April 18, 2014; 2:00 p.m. Liturgical celebration on Good Friday Chapel Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Lomas de La Lagunita April 27, 2014; 12:00 p.m. Holy Mass, celebration of the feast of Divine Mercy Eastern Cemetery April 29, 2014; 2:00 p.m. Holy Mass for the deceased
Church Holy Family of Nazareth June 10, 2014; 4:00 p.m. Holy Mass, Confirmations of High school students of Los Arcos Eastern Cemetery June 15, 2014; 8:00 p.m. Holy Mass for the deceased Church Holy Family of Nazareth June 16, 2014; 4:00 p.m. Holy Mass, Confirmations of different parish groups Church St. Anne June 22, 2014; 1:00 p.m. Holy Mass, feast of Corpus Christi
Church Holy Family of Nazareth June 26, 2014; 7:00 p.m. Church Our Lady of the Light Holy Mass, commemoration of the day of St. May 25, 2014; 5:00 p.m. Holy Mass, commemoration of the feast of Our Lady Josemaria Escriva Balaguer of Fatima Shrine of Betania June 29, 2014; 12:00 m. Holy Mass, commemoration of the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul
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:
In Thanksgiving:
For the improvement of Mr. Geo Bianchini, of baby Thierry Ebanks, and the Soares family for the recovery of Antonio Soares.
Health Petitions:
For the health of: Betania I: Geo Bianchini, Santiago Hernandez, Neisa Gonzalez, Maria Auxiliadora, Manuel Fernandez, Maria Fernandez, Reinaldo Rodriguez, Eladia Quintero, Antonio Jose, Anthony Josue, Monsignor Vicente Hernandez, Aaron Tyrrell, Cecilia Duplat, Claudia Hernandez, Pablo Diaz, Nena Luciani, Graciela Diaz, Luis Figuera, Vanessa Casellas, Juan Eduardo Ibarra, Rosa Matellini, Nexa Gonzalez, Irama Arrieta, Maria Auxiliadora, Juan Colmenares, Antonino Luca, Armando Concepcion, Ambrosio Delgado, Alexandro Jesus, Geraldine Pimentel, Carolina Monasterios, Gloria, Renato Yanez, Hugo Santos, Lesbia Bonelli, Marisol Rodriguez, Alexandra Boccardo, Julio Stenger, Alexandra and Andreina Luciani, María Yovera and John Pena. Betania III: Phil Cabaron. Betania V: Christian Arista. Betania VI: Susana, Andrew Downes, Mateo, and Susana K. Betania VII: Christian Arista, Nicolas, and Nelson Castaneda.
For the cancer patients:
Betania I: Gustavo Izquierdo, Mrs. Cabanilla, Aida Corser, Sarayen Perera, Oriana Ascanio, Jorge Rasquin, Ana Marcano, and Roberto Van Beever. Betania III: Peter Arnone and Lisa.
Urgent intentions:
Betania I: Ricardo Burguillos VI. Betania: Francisco and Clara. Betania XIV: Merle McGann.
Informative Table
Edition: The Bianchini Family and the Betania Foundation Design: Kyra Camero and Pedro Jaime Bianchini Photography: The Bianchini Family and the Betania
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Petitions for the deceased:
For the souls in Purgatory. Betania I: Dr. Juan Succar, Carmen Behrens, Juan Villamizar, Benjamin Brea, Luis Velasquez, Anabella Osio, Dayana Reyes, Carantonio Madrid, Luis Perez, Elias Rodriguez, Luis Gomez, Eiker Horn, Victor Arrieta, Miguel Ruiz Viso, Angel Lobaton, Ana Do Santos y Jorge Medina. Betania XIV: Katie Keough.
Special petitions:
For the entire Church, Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 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 Ukraine. 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 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. 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