Re-Consecration of the United States to the Immaculate Conception

November 11, 2006

I was considering going to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. for the re-consecration of the United States to the Immaculate Conception that was scheduled for today.

I decided not to go to Washington because while attending a meeting at Phil and Aileen C’s house this past Wednesday evening Karen M said that there would be a group of people from Emmitsburg meeting at the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton at 12 noon on Saturday to take part in the same consecration. When Karen said this I knew to glance at my watch and the time was 8:13.

Saturday came and when I woke up this morning I was thinking about the United States being re-consecrated to The Immaculate Conception. At the same time I thought about how much we need it considering the setback pro-life causes has taken in this past election. As these thoughts ran through my mind I looked over at the clock and the time was 7:33.

A little later in the morning before I left to go to mass I was sitting in the living room when suddenly I was overwhelmed by a feeling of peace caused by a thought about the reality of Our Lady’s presence here in Emmitsburg. At that instant my mind somehow went straight back to this past All Saint’s day when I was smelling roses. As I experienced what was almost like a replay of this event, I glanced at my watch and it was the last few seconds of 8:13.

I left a few minutes later to go to St. Joseph’s for mass and when I arrived a car was parked directly in front of the church with the license plate of 33. I parked and looked at my watch as I walked in the church and the time was 8:33.

Mass ended and I did a few things I needed to do and rode to St. Peter’s Book Store for a cup of coffee. There were not many people there because a lot of people from around here went to Washington for the Bishops Re-Consecration. Later I left the book store and drove to the Basilica in Emmitsburg for the Re-Consecration and as I arrived I noticed the car parked in front of me had the license plate of 33.

I went in the Basilica and I did not know exactly what to expect. I did not know if there was a mass or not. There were about 25 or so people there who did not make the trip to Washington. There was no mass or rosary, all we did was pray the words of the Re-Consecration and that was it. I left and when I started my car to leave the time on the dash was 12:13.

As I left I felt like I wanted to do a little more than what we had just done. I wanted to at least pray the rosary so I drove up the street to St. Joseph’s and when I arrived the odometer was 33. I went in and I prayed the entire rosary. It was very peaceful and nobody else came in the entire time I was there. I completed the rosary and the time was 1:33. I left and as I pulled out I noticed a car parked in front of the church with the license plate of 33.

While I was driving home I had a sudden thought about dropping off the latest pack of papers to Fr. _____ at St. _____’s. I looked down and the odometer was the last fraction of a second of 33. I drove to St. Mary’s and dropped off the pack of papers on Fr. ____’s counter and as I left I glanced at my watch and it said XX:XX:13. I drove home and at the instant the car came to a complete stop I felt the peace. I glanced at my watch and it again said XX:XX:13.

R_____ C___

Nov. 26, 2006

3:33 Pm

Prayer For Renewal of Consecration

To Our Patroness of The United States of America

The Immaculate Conception

Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as Your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore your majesty and acknowledge Your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.

Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom, which has been its heritage. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our president and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the tempted sinners---on all who are in need

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Our Mother, Patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give our country and ourselves to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. O’Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary pierced by the sword of sorrow prophesized by Simeon save us from degeneration, disaster and war. Protect us from all harm. O’Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, you who bore the sufferings of your Son in the depths of your heart be our Advocate. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the Will of your Divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.