[JOYnet] "My successor has not been made a cardinal yet."
By John Thavis Catholic News Service > >VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- An empty chair, a papal wince and a murmured phrase, >"This really hurts," seemed to capture the uneasy mood at the Vatican in >mid-March. > >Pope John Paul II, who has hobbled through the last few years of his >pontificate, was battling a painful knee. It began in February and two >weeks >later had gotten so bad that the pope had to cancel a string of appearances >outside his papal apartment building. > >He skipped his general audience March 6 in the Paul VI Audience Hall, where >his spotlighted papal throne sat empty on the stage. > >Afterward, the 81-year-old pontiff stood at his apartment window to greet >pilgrims and thank them for their prayers. When he turned to step down from >his platform he grimaced and -- before the microphone was turned off -- >remarked in Polish how much it ached. > >Officially, the pope was suffering from "arthrosis," a fancy name for a >degeneration of the knee ligaments that experts say affects, in some form, >up to 80 percent of people his age. When the ligament wears thin, bone rubs >on bone, and the result is pain. > >The pope's doctors prescribed two weeks of rest -- putting him on the >ecclesial equivalent of the disabled list. But for this pope, "rest" is a >relative concept. > >He was keeping up his daily routine of meetings in the Apostolic Palace, >but >was no longer greeting dignitaries at the door and escorting them inside. >Instead, guests found the pope already seated. > >Close papal aides whispered reassuring comments: The pope had been given >X-rays and a CT scan and would not need an operation. With proper rest, he >would be in shape to preside over Easter celebrations in late March. And he >is definitely not being forced into a wheelchair, they said. > >One papal adviser said the knee problem was not even new. In past years, >when doing the downhill portion of long hikes through the mountains, the >pope occasionally would stop and take an aspirin, saying his right knee was >acting up. > >Today, the pope no longer hikes -- at times it seems he can barely walk off >the stage after his general audiences, even with a cane. He enters major >events on a rolling platform that is guided through the crowd by papal >ushers. > >But the Vatican and Rome are not designed for the disabled, and a "rolling >pontificate" quickly runs into serious architectural barriers. That's why >the pope had to cancel four straight Sunday visits to Rome parishes in >February and March. > >The bum knee is the latest physical trial for a pope who, more than any >other pontiff in history, has lived out his illnesses and injuries in the >public eye. > >An assassination attempt in 1981 nearly killed the pope, seriously injuring >his abdomen and a finger. In 1992 he had a benign tumor removed from his >intestine. In 1993 he fell and dislocated his shoulder and in 1994 took >another spill and fractured his right thigh bone. In 1996 he had his >appendix and gall bladder removed. > >Also in 1996, the Vatican confirmed that Pope John Paul was suffering from >a >nervous system disorder generally believed to be Parkinson's disease. Since >then, the symptoms have intensified and are visible to anyone during the >pope's frequent public appearances: a shaking arm, indistinct speech, heavy >drooling, facial inexpressiveness and reduced mobility. > >Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican's top doctrinal expert, said a few >years ago that, through his suffering, the pope was beginning to witness >the >Gospel in a special way before the world. > >"I think that precisely in the physical and spiritual suffering of the >pope, >which no one can pretend not to see, one can find a particular message of >this second half of his pontificate," the cardinal said. > >These days the pope is often supported by his aides as he rises from a >chair >or walks up stairs. His neck and head are curved forward to the point that >he must look up to look ahead. The other day, saying goodbye to two very >tall Swiss Guards who were leaving Vatican service, the pope seemed unable >to look them in the face. > >Precisely because mobility itself is a trial for the pope, his aides are >continually amazed by what he still can do -- and what he has planned. They >say the pope still pushes himself, with a full slate of daily meetings, a >heavy liturgical schedule and at least three foreign trips planned for this >year, including an 11-day marathon to North America. > >Seated on his throne, the pope often appears tired and remote in the 24th >year of his papacy. But nothing brings out his energy like people. > >When his platform rolled through the audience hall one morning in late >February, the pope's eyes lit up as he passed through the crowd and touched >outstretched hands. At one point, as an infant was passed up for a kiss, he >delivered a near-karate chop to an arm that was reaching in too close, then >held up an admonishing finger as if to say: Not when I'm holding
[JOYnet] My Daddy is Faster than your Daddy!
Subject: My Daddy is Faster than your Daddy! > > > > Three boys were heading home from school one day when one > > started the time-honored game of paternal one-upmanship. He > > said, "My dad's way faster than any of yours, he can throw a > > 90-mph fast ball from the pitcher's mound and run and catch it > > just after it crosses the plate!" > > > One of the other boys said, "Oh yeah? Well, my dad can shoot an > > arrow from his bow and run to the target and hold it up to make > > sure the arrow hits the bulls eye!" > > > The last boy said, "Your dads don't even come close to being > > faster than mine. My dad works for the government, and even > > though he works every day until 4:00 he gets home at 3:30!" > > > Received from Paul McClintock. > > > -=+=- > > > Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are! > > The Good, Clean Funnies List: Good, clean funnies five times a week, > > FOR F R E E! ... AND NO ADS IN THE MAILINGS! > > > A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a) > > > The latest GCFL funny can always be found on the web at > > http://www.gcfl.net/archive/latest.html > > > For subscription and other information, go to our web page at > > http://www.gcfl.net, or send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > Mailing address: GCFL, Box 100, Harvest, AL 35749 > > > You are subscribed as [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To unsubscribe, go to > > http://www.GCFL.net/cgi-bin/lsg2.cgi _ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Answer to two doubts
Dear friends, The first doubt was raised by Janet. "And he said to them, 'Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.'" Matt 16:28 Jesus was not referring to actual physical death in the above verse. In fact if we try to understand the context the meaning will be more clear. Read verse 24 "...If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget (deny) self, carry his cross and follow me." Now denying or renouncing self is the most difficult part in anybody's life. We can renounce food for body, clothes, entertainments, relatives etc but not self. When and only when one renounces self (s)he can show the "other cheek". In reality Jesus was speaking about the renouncement of the self rather than the death per se. The second query is from Shija Daniel. Does it say anywhere in the Bible that Mary has risen up from the dead? Well, the answer is a counter-question. In Matt 17:3 we read Jesus transfiguring and holding discussions with Moses and Elijah. Now where do we read about these two prophets rising from the dead? Was it just an illusion or a reality? If we believe it was a reality, the obvious conclusion is the everything is possible for God. In the case of Mary, she deserved it because of her total surrender of self to God and God did it well before the final rising. Can anyone refute it? God bless you all Joseph Lonth Dubai, UAE This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [JOYnet] Re: WE will do
Dear Friends, Have a look at here, if you want further details of this hoax. It's got a nice title 'Can Email save Jesus' Reputation?' http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/gayjesus.html Bijoy/Chicago/USA > Hi Rosemary, Jose mathew and others, > > I think this chain mail has come to JOYnet about an year back. > I have seen this same mail more than twice earlier too. > > I don't find it logical to believe that someone will stop producing > a movie, if you write your name on a chain mail and circulate it > on the internet!!! Ofcourse, if that news is truth, there is nothing wrong > in airing our opinion against such movies. But chain mail is not the > solution > for that > > That is why I believe it is a waste of time and resource if we circulate > such chain mails, especially in JOYnet > > Mathew Joseph > Bangalore, India. > > > - Original Message - > From: "jose mathew" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2002 3:06 AM > Subject: Re: [JOYnet] WE will do > > > > well, greeting to one and all!!! > > i think i have received the same mail more than a year > > ago.. since then nothing is heard about this movie or > > any protest against it... i do not know the truth and > > the purpose behind this chain mail.. if some one can > > come out with the facts it would be great... > > love u all heaps... > > jose mathew > > chicago > > > > --- Rosemary Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > wrote: > Hi, > > > I got this in my mail. Can anyone throw more light > > > on it and > > > please keep the campaign going! This is one thing we > > > WILL do. > > > God bless, > > > Rosemary > > > (Goa) > > > > > > > >A movie that is coming out in 2002 claiming that > > > both > > > >Jesus and his > > > >disciples were gay. There is already a play that > > > went > > > >on for a while. > > > >The > > > >play and movie are titled "Corpus Christi" which > > > is > > > This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. > To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To subscribe to this mailing list, visit > http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet > For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Birthday Notification !!!
Hi Friends These are the birthday babies of the day (March 10). Biju T C <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jose Samson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Wishing you a very happy birthday God Bless With Love The JOYnet Family This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Notes to GOD
Notes to God > >A class was asked to write notes to God. > >Here are some of the notes the children handed in: > > Dear God: > >I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset You made on >Tuesday. That was cool. > > Dear God: > >Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones, why don't You >just keep the ones You have? > > Dear God: > >Maybe Cain and Abel would not have killed each other so much if they had >their own rooms. That's what my Mom did for me and my brother. > > Dear God: If You watch me in church on Sunday, I'll show You my new >shoes. > > Dear God: > >I bet it is very hard for You to love all of everybody in the whole world. > >There are only 4 people in our family and I'm having a hard time loving all >of them. > > Dear God: > >In school they told us what You do. Who does it when You're on vacation? > > Dear God: > > Are You really invisible or is it just a trick? > > Dear God: > >Is it true my father won't get in Heaven if he uses his bowling words in >the >house? > > Dear God: > >Did You mean for the Giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? > > Dear God: > >Who draws the lines around the countries? > > Dear God: I went to this wedding and they kissed right in the church. >Is >that okay? > > Dear God: > >Did You really mean "do unto others as they do unto you"? Because if You >did, then I'm going to get my brother good. > > Dear God: > >Thank You for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. > > Dear God: > >Please send me a pony. I never asked for anything before. You can look it >up. > > Dear God: > >I want to be just like my Daddy when I get big, but not with so much hair >all over. > > Dear God: > > You don't have to worry about me; I always look both ways. > > Dear God: > >I think about You sometimes, even when I'm not praying. > > Dear God: > >Of all the people who work for You I like Noah and David the best. > > Dear God: > >My brother told me about being born, but it doesn't sound right. They're >just kidding, aren't they? > > Dear God: > >I would like to live 900 years just like the guy in the Bible. > > Dear God: > >We read Thomas Edison made light. But in Sunday school they said You did >it. So, I bet he stole Your idea Jento Sharjah _ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Mother Teresa's prayer
Mother Teresa's Prayer ~*~ > > People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; ...Forgive >them anyway. > >If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; ..Be >kind anyway. > >If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true >enemies; ...Succeed anyway. > >If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; ...Be honest and frank >anyway. > >What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; ..Build >anyway. > >If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; ...Be happy >anyway. > >The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; ...Do good >anyway. > >Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; ...Give the >world the best you've got anyway. > >You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never >between you and them anyway. > > > > Powerful message of Mother Teresa inscribed on the wall of her Childrens >home in Calcutta. > > > >"We can do no great things - only small things with great love." > > --Mother Teresa _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Special Delivery
From: Nora Francisco Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the Surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: "How is my little boy? Is he going to be O.K.? When can I see him?" The Surgeon said, "I'm sorry, we did all we could." Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer, doesn't GOD care anymore? GOD, where were you when my son needed you?" The Surgeon said, "One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes to let you spend time with your son's remains before it's transported to the university". Sally ran her fingers through his thick red curly hair...Sally said, "It was Jimmy's idea to give his body to the university for study. He said it might help somebody else," and that is what he wanted. I said, "No" at first, but Jimmy said, "Mom I won't be using it after I die, maybe it will help some other little boy to be able to spend one more day with his mother." Sally said, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold, always thinking of someone else and always wanting to help others if he could". Sally walked out of the Children's Hospital for the last time now after spending most of the last 6 months there...The drive home was hard and it was even harder to go into an empty house. She laid down across his bed and cried herself to sleep holding his pillow. Sally woke up about midnight and laying beside of her on the bed, was a letter folded up. She opened the letter, it said: Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me, but don't think that I will ever forget you or stop loving you because I'm not around to say I LOVE YOU. I'll think of you every day mom and I'll love you even more each day. Someday we will see each other again. If you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, he can have my room and my old stuff to play with. If you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things as us boys do, so you will have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like. Don't be sad when you think about me, this is really a great place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything here. The angels are so friendly... Jesus took me to see GOD! And guess what mom? I got to sit on GOD'S knee and talk to Him like I was somebody important. I told GOD that I wanted to write you a letter and tell you good-bye and everything, but I knew that wasn't allowed. God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter with. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel that is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him about... Where was He when I needed him? God said, "The same place He was when Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children. Oh, by the way Mom, nobody else can see what is written on this paper but you. To everyone else, it looks like a blank piece of paper. I have to give God His pen back now, He has some more names to write in the Book Of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great. I almost forgot to let you know --- now I don't hurt anymore, the cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me suffer the pain either, so He sent The Angel of Mercy to get me. The Angel said I was Special Delivery! Signed: Your son - Shared by Fr. Rick of Kingston, NY _ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Prayer Rqst
Dear friends, Please pray for my wife's job. She is woking on a leave vacany basis. Pray for a permanent posting. Tks Reji This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] wants and needs
i think that our God is also understanding of our wants. He is our father, He understands everything, and provides us with even our wants. but in His will. ofcourse, when He sees htat our wants coincide with what He wants for us, then, not. but i don't feel guilty for ever asking Him for my "wants" because i know that if He thinks its' good for me, He will give it to me. sometimes there is a thin line between wants and needs. not always... but sometimes. "the lord is my shepherd, i'll not want He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters for his name sake" Psalm 23 vs 1 sheril grahamstown, south africa This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Fwd: voice mail
dear friends if you have lot of time read this frwd. itis absolutly silly... have a good day.. X-Apparently-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] via web8103.in.yahoo.com; 09 Mar 2002 12:18:21 +0500 (IST) X-Track: -20:1 Return-Path: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Received: from f120.law3.hotmail.com (EHLO hotmail.com) (209.185.241.120) by mta102.mail.in.yahoo.com with SMTP; 09 Mar 2002 12:18:20 +0500 (IST) Received: from mail pickup service by hotmail.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Fri, 8 Mar 2002 22:48:18 -0800 Received: from 209.213.195.76 by lw3fd.law3.hotmail.msn.com with HTTP; Sat, 09 Mar 2002 06:48:18 GMT X-Originating-IP: [209.213.195.76] From: "jose mat" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Fwd: [Jesus Youth Delhi] voice mail Date: Sat, 09 Mar 2002 12:18:18 +0530 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-OriginalArrivalTime: 09 Mar 2002 06:48:18.0804 (UTC) FILETIME=[657E9340:01C1C736] Content-Length: 1325 X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from text/html by demime 0.98e >From: Bazil >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: [Jesus Youth Delhi] voice mail >Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002 05:28:36 -0800 (PST) > >God decided to install voice mail? Imagine praying and hearing the > > following: > > > > Thank you for calling Heaven. > > > > For English, press 1. > > > > For Spanish, press 2. > > > > For all other languages, press 0. > > > > Please select one of the following options: > > > > Press 1 for Requests. > > > > Press 2 for Thanksgiving. > > > > Press 3 for Complaints. > > > > Press 4 for all other inquiries. > > > > I am sorry; all of our angels and saints are busy helping others right > > > > now. However, your prayer is important to us, and we will answer it in > > > > the order it was received. Please stay on the line. > > > > If you would like to speak to: > > > > God, press 1. > > > > Jesus, press 2. > > > > Holy Spirit, press 3. > > > > If you would like to hear King David sing a Psalm while you are > > holding, > > press 4. > > > > To find a loved one that has been assigned to Heaven, press 5, then > > enter > > his or her social security number, followed by the pound sign. > > > > (If you receive a negative response, please hang up and try area code > > 666). > > > > For reservations in Heaven, please enter J-O-H-N, followed by the > > numbers > > 3-1-6. > > > > For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the > > earth, life on other planets, and where Noah's Ark is, please wait > > until > > you arrive. > > > > Our computers show that you have already prayed today. Please hang up > > and > > try again tomorrow. > > > > The office is now closed for the weekend to observe a religious > > holiday. > > > > Please pray again on Monday after 9:30 am. If you are calling after > > > > hours and need emergency assistance, please contact your local pastor. > > > > > >thank u have a heavenly day. > > >= >"With God All Things Are Possible" >"Trust in the Lord with all your Heart" > >__ >Do You Yahoo!? >Try This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] need immediat contact in mumbay
Dear friends I am planning to work for the lord in mumbay and to get a job there. I have finished my MPharm and trying to settle in mumbay.So i need immediate contact in mumbay. My Email is [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have made mistake in mentioning my email id on last etter Please pray for me Try FREE Yahoo! Mail - the world's greatest free email! This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[no subject]
Dear friends, I am in need of a contact in mumbay.I have finished my Mpharm and trying to get a job in bombay and to work for the lord there my email id is [EMAIL PROTECTED] In my previous letter i have made mistake in my id so so please respond to this letter at the earliest binu Try FREE Yahoo! Mail - the world's greatest free email! This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Need some help from anybody from Dubai
Hi Joynetters. any JYs from Dubai.. A friend of mine will be visiting dubai in search of a job .. She is looking for a job of executive assistant or secretary.. If u know of any openings or any such contact persons u could please forward them to me.. Thanks... Grace and Peace to you Love and Prayers ravi Try FREE Yahoo! Mail - the world's greatest free email! This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] my comments on another doubt!
Hi Joynetters and shija... Firstly dont worry ,by asking questions u r not offending anybody.. instead u r being frank and honest before god and before us..It really takes courage to say "I dont know.." keep asking questions..it helps solve the doubts of many who are afraid to ask.. Regarding ur question... A point i would like to make here is that there are many beliefs and christian practices which dont have any mention in the bible.. The primary christian truth of the Trinity itself is never directly explained in the bible.. Same Way what happened to Mary is never mentioned in the bible... If u notice after the Pentecost experience she is not mentioned at all... What we have tho is a set of Christian Church Traditions , teachings and beliefs of the Early church and the fathers of the church..which we use to understand things not mentioned in the bible.. Dont think that these traditions are superstitiuos beliefs or rituals ..they are the faith of the church expressed in words.. Also every "church" has its own tradition tho they call it by different names.. It has always been accepted and believed right from the start.. that mary was assumed into heaven with both body and soul.. Now the word "assumed" means to be taken up..Jesus "ascended" into heaven by his own power. Mary didnt go up on her own.. she was taken up by the power of god..Becoz of the special privilege of being the Sinless Mother of Jesus.. this is not something impossible since we see in the Old Testament Elijah was also taken up..and so was enoch.. What the Church believed was clearly defined in " The Dogma of the Assumption of our lady." A Dogma is just a written statement where the church expresses in clear words what we believe in about any specific subject. So Mary by being assumed into heaven is a witness or proof of the fate that awaits us.. The fact that she has been raised body and soul into heaven is derivative from the fact that christ himself went up body and soul to heaven.. if Jesus could go totally up, why would he not do something similar for his own mother whom he loved so much.. She was with him throughout his life.. She was his first and best disciple..She treasured things in heart..She believed in him even before he manifested his miracles(cana) she was with him when the miracles were over and all had left him...(calvary). After he ascended she held the church together waiting for pentecost..At pentecost she was there..after pentecost she was still there.. if she was with him in his earthly life..wouldnt he want her with him in his eternal life.. Now that she is there..she is a representative of us..people in this world.. She is praying for us and interceeding for us..She is our "Friend in the Higher Place". The much needed contact person in heaven.. She doesnt rest yet..even today she is at the service of her dear children on earth..Bringing the Good news of Jesus to those who need it.. Even today she is the biggest and most powerful evangelist..she brings people to jesus.. Look at Vailankani,lourdes, fatima,la salette,mount marys and saint michaels in mumbai..every moment lakhs of people are feeling her tender love, are being introduced to jesus..She tells each one of us.."Do whatever my Son tells u.." Don bosco had this very important motto in life.."To Jesus, Through mary." let us make it our own..If we want to follow the Lord who else is a better guide than his mother who knows him thru and thru.. The Holy father in his book commemorating 50 years of priestly life says.." I feel mary leading me to jesus, and jesus leading us to his mother.." St. Francis of Assisi had this very imp. dream one day.. He was worried that his followers wer not as holy and dedicated to the faith as he wanted.. On his deathbed this was his constant worry.. Now saint francis is considered the saint most closest to jesus in terms of his life.. If any person followed jesus most closely..it was francis..he was therefore favored with the stigmata (the wounds of Jesus). he had a dream where he saw a big field in which he and his followers were standing..there were two ladders extending upwards on the two ends of the ground.. one was red and the other white.. the red ladder led upwards to a place where Jesus the King was sitting..So Francis led all his followers to the red ladder..he climbed first and his followers followed.. It was a steep and long climb..he managed to reach the side of jesus..but to his dismay ..none of his followers could finish the climb.. they were all falling down from different levels of the ladder. Francis turns and sees jesus very angry about this..he pleads with the Lord to have mercy on his followers and bring them up also.. jesus Just raises his hand and points to the white ladder at the other end of the field..francis sees Mary there..he tells all his followers.."Go to the white ladder..."All of them do so and they come up.."the mary leads them to jesus. Remember "There is no W
