January – February – March 2015 I Volume 04 No. 15
The Newsletter of the Betania Foundation
A Word From the President of the Betania Foundation, Mr. Geo Bianchini Giani It is our duty as members of the Betania Foundation to participate in the 39th anniversary of our Mother, Mary Reconciler of All Peoples and Nations, to offer her our gratitude. Remember that Maria Esperanza left us the duty to always evangelize about the Virgin. Thank you, Jesus, because Betania is a divine source of grace that God the Father has established on earth in these times. So, I recommend everyone to do everything you can to be there. I also invite you to Betania at Easter to pray, to prepare ourselves, in order to become human beings who are worthy of the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Take advantage of this, Betania awaits us all. May God bless you. Thank you for your love and that which you convey to all your brothers. May God bless you once again. Amen.
Parishioners of Santa Ana attended the Nuncio’s Mass The Apostolic Nuncio, representative of His Holiness in Venezuela, Bishop Aldo Giordano visited the community of El Hatillo on January 18th, in the Church of St. Anne, at 1:00 p.m. Bishop Giordano presided at the Mass. The pastor of St. Rosalia of Palermo in El The Nuncio and other priests celebrating Mass at Hatillo, Monsignor Carlos the Church of Saint Anne Rodriguez, and Father Numan Rivero, were some of the other concelebrants. For this celebration the Betania Choir was invited to accompany the liturgy with religious songs which lifted the hearts of the parishioners during Mass.
The Betania Foundation accompanied the Virgin and the Church in Carnival For the Betania Foundation any day off is a good reason to visit the Blessed Virgin – who appeared in the Sanctuary of Betania – and be filled by her love, as was Carnival. The President of the foundation, Mr. Geo Bianchini, and members participated during this week in the religious activities the Vice-Rector
Mr. Geo Bianchini speaking to the pilgrims in the Sanctuary of Betania
of the sanctuary, Father Jhonfer Camacho, had planned. They also prepared themselves for the beginning of Lent that started on Wednesday February 18, the day after Carnival ended. Pilgrims and members of the foundation returned to their homes enkindled by God’s love, through the words of Father Camacho and Mr. Geo Bianchini.
The Virgin who appeared in Betania was honored on her 39th anniversary
15 APPARITION February 16, 1989 4:00 p.m. TH
Pilgrims at the Mass of the 39th anniversary of the Virgin
March 25th marked the 39 anniversary of the apparitions of Mary, Virgin and Mother, Reconciler of All Peoples and Nations. The celebration began the night before with a vigil, led by the Vice-Rector of the Sanctuary of Betania, Father Jhonfer Camacho. A Solemn Mass began at 10:30 a.m. on March 25th presided by Bishop Georges Kahhale and concelebrated by the Vice-Rector and twelve other priests. The Mass was accompanied by the songs of the Betania Choir. It closed with the Ave Maria of Finca Betania, composed by the late Bishop Pio Bello Ricardo. He had investigated the apparitions and approved them. Many pilgrims from Venezuela, Poland, and USA came to honor, thank, and pray to the Blessed Virgin on her day.
Excerpt of a Message of Our Lady Given to Mrs. Maria Esperanza Bianchini My little daughter, my little children, here I am..! Living among you! My
little children, my Heart beats with
heavenly delights as I gaze at each one of your faces, which come to find the hope of better days, to
consolidate your steps on the road
that leads to Mount Zion. My fountain of the waters of Betania shall restore your souls to new life that will bring
you to lead the life of an apostle, that
is, of service, devoted to a mission of love, which shall reaffirm your trust in the light of the New Dawn of my Divine Jesus!
CAUSE – SRA. MARIA ESPERANZA
Words of the Vice-Postulator Dear Friends of Betania, I am happy to report that the book, “Maria Esperanza and the Grace of Betania” is being well received. I have had several book signings since it was released in January, one in Los Angeles and two in New Jersey. Interest is growing in the Servant of God and readers say that they have been touched spiritually as they come to know her. I pray that knowledge of Maria Esperanza’s mission of family reconciliation and fraternal unity will help to bring peace and healing to our shattered world today. Easter blessings to all, Fr. Tim Byerley
Reflections of the Servant of God Maria Esperanza de Bianchini Mrs. Maria Esperanza Bianchini interviewed by Mr. Drew Mariani Finca Vista Linda in Alto Hatillo Caracas, Venezuela. July, 1989 The first apparition was on March 25th, 1976. (…). These apparitions are a call from our Mother to mankind so that it may truly become aware of its actions and responsibilities, so that it may become a bit more sensitized, more sensitive. It is because it has grown to be a bit materialistic. In these times, we truly need a change in the way we live and behave, and we especially need for all humanity to meet, for brothers to meet in a dialogue in which they can understand each other mutually and they can arrive at an agreement of peace and of love, among all men of good will. This is what I think. She is crying out to us. She is the Mother of God who comes to evangelize, and this evangelization brings the reconciliation of peoples and nations. Because it is the time for man to truly realize what we are living. This living nowadays has become an anguish, a continual worry, because we are on the brink of war and we have to avoid this at all cost. Behold the call of our Mother to reflect on this and to realize that in order to live in harmony, we need to help each other in a fraternal and friendly embrace, to be able to live in complete peace.
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 All of us, absolutely all of us have been called to gather at the site of the apparition, and there is nothing left to do but faithfully answer the call of a Mother who wishes to renew us, prepare us, and reinforce the Holy Church that is the rock and foundation springing from the origin of a perfect God when He created the world of God and man. Mary is calling us, she is ringing the bells of her Church, so we all may go forth united and holding hands to secure our faith and conquer the hearts of the lukewarm, of the cold, of those who do not know the Lord. Each one must embrace his cross; meditate on the Cross that opened its arms to my Jesus. The Cross is beautiful and lovable. The Cross is a motivation to spiritual renewal. The Cross is strong, firm, powerful, great, and soft when we carry it with sweetness.
Chronological Data on Maria Esperanza • On March 27, 1957, the Bianchinis moved to Caracas, Venezuela • In late June of 1957, the Bianchinis traveled to Israel following an inspiration Mrs. Maria Esperanza had. The reason was to be at the site, pray, and do penance for peace in the Holy Land • On October 5, 1957, their first daughter was born, Maria Inmaculada
www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org
COMMUNITIES OF BETANIA AND THE CHURCH
Community of Miami and Peru, Betania V and VII in Venezuela A group of 28 from Betania V in Miami and Betania VII in Peru traveled to Venezuela. I believe my words will not be able to express what you experience there. It is such a special place, so sacred, where you can feel God’s love, peace, and happiness, so closely. Joyful service that comes from Heaven was transmitted to us by the Bianchini family and all those who are part of the Betania Foundation. I go back and think that this is how the first Christian communities with the apostles must have been, where no one was forsaken because everyone helped each other, they assisted each other with solidarity. It is a piece of Heaven here on Earth. Brotherly unity is lived in Betania, as the song says, in which we all feel united in one heart. We thank God, the Blessed Virgin, the Bianchinis, and all the members of the foundation for their reception, hospitality, for being true instruments of the Lord, and for permeating our hearts with deep love and joy. The Betania Foundation welcoming pilgrims from Peru and USA
On behalf of Betania V and VII I want to say: Thank you!
Lent 2015 Prayer and charity Pope Francis in his message for Lent 2015 pondered the “globalization of indifference”. It is a selfish attitude that makes us forget God and our neighbor. How can we fight against this? His Holiness invites us to renewal. He calls us to prayer and charity. The Pope prays with us the pleas of the litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: “Make our hearts like yours.” (...) “In this way we will receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed,”* affirms the Pope. May this message be a daily practice for all Christians! Pope Francis calls to prayer and charity
*Francis. (2014). Message for Lent 2015. Taken from https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/lent/documents/papafrancesco_20141004_messaggio-quaresima2015.html
www.betania.org.ve / www.mariaesperanza.org
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AGENDA
Concerts
Pilgrimages
Events
Hospital San Juan de Dios March 10, 2015; 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass commemorating the feast of Saint John of God
The Sanctuary of Betania March 29, 2015; 11:00 a.m. Holy Mass of Palm Sunday
Church Santa Ana March 19, 2015; 6:30 p.m. Holy Mass commemorating the feast of Saint Joseph The Sanctuary of Betania March 25, 2015; 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass commemorating the 39th anniversary of the Virgin
The Sanctuary of Betania February 5, 2015 Donation of books to the School of Marin The Sanctuary of Betania From February 24 to March 24, 2015 The construction of the headquarters and the ambo of the presbytery of the sanctuary
PETITIONS OF THE COMMUNITIES 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:
January 27, 2015; School San Luis, El Cafetal, group of 6th graders February 4, 2015; School San Luis, El Cafetal, group of 5th graders February 10, 2015; School San Luis, El Cafetal, group of 4th graders February 21, 2015; Parish San Jose Obrero, Los Teques February 28, 2015; Parishes from Guarico State (N.S. del Carmen, San Juan de los Morros) and Miranda State (San Ramon Nonato, Catia and Chapel San Miguel Arcangel) March 4, 2015; School San Luis, El Cafetal, group of 3rd graders March 6, 2015; School San Luis, El Cafetal, group of teachers, staff, and priests Fray Miguel and Fray Joselito From January 24 to 31, 2015; Betania V, in Miami, USA and Betania VII, in Lima, Peru From March 22 to 28; 2015; Betania XVI, Vandalia, Illinois, USA and Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, from Poland
Urgent intentions:
Betania I: The Machado family, the Morales, Gina R., Yuri Garcia, Arturo, and Alejandro Diaz. Betania III: The Tyrrell family. Betania VII: Antonella. Betania XVI: Olivia.
Bianchini family, Soares family, Martin family, Chebly-Succar family, Urrutia family, Arrieta family, Gianmarco, Ildemaro, Marianella Ruiz, Beatriz Borjas, Special Intentions: Father Gil, Santiago, Hernan Avendano, Marvin Schultz, Gladys Davila, Mary 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 Souto, and Yuri Garcia. of Maria Esperanza. For the religious who are persecuted, for those who have doubts. Health Petitions: For the health of: Betania I: Samuel Jimenez, Pietro Catanese, Joao Soares, For the Christians and the non-Islamic of Iraq so the Lord may change the Maria Fernandez, Hernan Avendano, Marvin Schultz, Maria Luisa, Sra. Bonelli, extremist fanaticism with which some are coming against the people. Carlos Fernandez, Argelia Leon, Elsy Chiquinquira, Diego Tadeo, Michael For the cause of beatification of Maria Esperanza and for Father Timothy Chebly, Alex Chebly, Maria Vilchez, Maria Carolina Leon, Gregorio Andrade, Byerley who gives it impulse. Juan Zerpa, Ismenia Perez, Jesus Salazar, Angel Torres, Mrs. Succar, Santiago For all the Communities of Betania around the world. Pena, Alexandrina, Marilola, Elsy Eata, Trina Bernee, Regulo Velasco, Maria For priestly and religious vocations. Gonzalez, Julio Hidalgo, Rafael Ferrera, Armado Concepcion, Lupe de For the rulers of all the countries of the world, and for those who have Quaranta, Edelmira Figueroa, Tomas Rojas, Marbella, Carmen Isbelia, Gladys political and economic power, so they may all have the well-being of the DeArmas, Josefina de Martin, Tomas Carpio, Mary Souto, Gonzalo Pena, Abilio nations at heart. Abreu, Reina de Jimenez, Victoria Torres, Pamela Tyrrel, Jose Diaz, Kathy For peace, love, and reconciliation in Venezuela and Ukraine. Chebly, and Gianluigi Romano. Betania III: Pamela y David Tyrrell. Betania For peace in the Middle East and the whole world. VII: Marilola and Jhonatan. Betania X: Frank Carnuccio, Sandy Carnuccio y For families, for 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 Nora Terryl. Betania XVI: Randy. Betania XVII: Padre Gil. Nazareth. For the Bianchini family and for Mr. Bianchini, so the Holy Spirit may always For the cancer patients: guide his steps, and God may grant him grace, health and strength to Betania I: Gianmarco, Gustavo Martin, Xavier, Victor Garcia, Miriam Duarte, continue working for God and the Blessed Virgin. Freddy Tapia, Roro, Mariella Silva, Jose Ojeda, Yurailet Salazar, Pablo Borjas, Carmelina Olivieri, Ines Lora, John Fung, Gladys Davila, Carmen Daboin, Father of Goodness, listen to our prayer and grant unto your servants, who Maruca, Nancy Alfonzo, and Yadira Ayala. Betania VII: Luben Roussenoff. 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, Petitions for the deceased: Our Lord. Amen. Betania I: Jenner Mendez, Leslie Chebly, Juan Succar, Zulmira Viera, Said Smaili, Karelys Pina, John Fung, Daniel Soares, Maria Vergel, Aranza, Omar Parra, Hugo Santos, Clemente Granados, Ligia Puigbo, Elba Gutierrez, Mario Callejas, Rafael Almenjeira, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Marife Silva, Angelo Sereni, Haide del Valle Marchan, Gregor De Ratmiroff, Nino Galue, Diana Munoz, Morella Lozada, Pepe Cacciabaudo, Josefina de Antoni, Sra. Franco, Concepcion Arismedi, Andres Perazo, Margaria Canaobo, Hector Mibeli, Antonio Arrieta, Jaime Baiccio, and Marcos La Rosa.
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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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