Back from India - the Hope House

India was an unforgettable experience with many speaking events and encounters, new customs and culture, beautiful music, spicy food, and wonderful liturgies. Get a peak at what it looked like, check out the video. Please do not forget to pray for those outside out own homes and country's. As I travel the world I see many needs and conditions which need our prayers. I am seeking financial contributions to help offset some debt from this time in India. It was my opinion and decision to not ask for donations there and seek support from other nations and individuals whose hearts and situations could benefit the work I engaged in while visiting India.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB_2xVfeIvE

Video from travels in Spain

View the video highlighting my travels leaving Spain and heading off to the USA. After traveling in Spain for about 2 months, the time has come to leave and head to North and South America. Watch the Video on YouTube or just click on the image on the RIGHT. For more videos visit the YouTube Channel with all the videos www.YouTube.com/MarioStFrancis

Manifestacion por la Vida Madrid 2009

y contra de la nueva ley del aborto propuesta por el gobierno.

Incase you cannot see this video copy and past this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYv1_u93ols VER FOTOS - CLIC AQUI - SEE PHOTOS - CLICK HERE

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=325157&id=539440009&l=c330eeac18

Fatima, Oct 13th 2009 - Anniversary

I am writing from Fatima, Portugal. I have photos and info to share.

I just "happen" to be here and it falls on the Anniversary of the last apparition here and the famous miracle of the Sun. Cool! In being here I a reading about the apparitions and wanted to share some of the info.

For more info on the miracle, apparition etc...read the Wikipedia Article, just CLICK HERE: or copy and paste: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Fátima

Also I have taken many photos while here... you can see them! CLICK HERE or just copy and paste: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=323107&id=539440009&l=dbd035dfc3

It has been a wonderful experience being here and praying for so many intentions. The crowds just popped up all of a sudden and stayed packed from 5pm until 1:00am.

Portugal has been so beautiful... it's wild... never thought a country could be so beautiful. Another one for the top of my list! Seafood here rocks too!

God Bless You... Peace.

My crazy Feast of St. Francis

So today is the feast of St. Francis and my experiences as a "St. Francis" kinda-guy has just been off the map! I have been in Spain for 30 days approx. I have traveled to several cities and spoken at all sorts of events. Most recently I did a 7 hour marathon in which each hour was a different sent of approx 100 students from 12-19yrs old. But the kicker was this weekend where I hit 3 cities in two days, and my transportation and lodging was all provided by strangers. I'd have to write a book to really get across the in's and out's of it.. but it was incredible.

Many people know of St. Francis... or atleast hear his name is now part of mine (since 2001). Here are a few videos I think you should see... and search for others too.

Double-Click the Video to go Full Screen

In case you have trouble seeing the videos, here are the links:

1. http://www.youtube.com/v/ZgPuqHd1hAE

2. http://www.youtube.com/v/m7EeveBnW4k

3. http://www.youtube.com/v/SvPjdEOKsVY

4. http://www.youtube.com/v/1G4MqMe7Luc The call of Jesus in the life of St. Francis changed his life radically. He was considered a fool, crazy, and outcasted by many. But, his zeal for God in the face of ridicule, as well as the testimony of his life the history of men and women following his way of Christian devotion has made him a phenomenon across the world, throughout the ages and in spiritual fields of all kinds. St. Francis continues to be an example of loving God so much that poverty and leapers and ridicule where worth embracing...all for the Glory of God. May you learn more about St. Francis of Assisi and come to see him as so much more than a guy who pet dogs and frolicked thru the fields... he was a MAN... and radically in love with God, Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church and the Virgin Mary (among other things)...

He is the my patron that I received from the hands of the Bishop during my Confirmation. May we all seek hero's and models in the Saints and strive to model ourselves after them. Use the media, google, youtube, and any other convenient way to learn more about the Saints and about the Jesus Christ...and his life giving gift, that is the Catholic Church.

In Gibralter and Africa

I have just arrived in Spain. This is the second time this year that (2009) that I am going to Gibralter (aka: "the Rock" or "Gib"). Gibralter is on the southwestern border of Spain and Africa can be seen from here.

I have added some photos of Gibralter check them out - CLICK HERE.

This trip is focused with preparations for the YOUTH ARISE 2011 Festival in Gibralter. Then we go off to Madrid, Spain for World Youth Day preparations.

or cut and paste the following address

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=8511603&l=91f1a23a88&id=539440009

Real Catholic TV - Hard Core! Learn ur Faith!

I was blown away watching these videos. They are full of information, passion and precision. They are incredibly well done. The above videos are excerpts from the Catholic television program 'The One True Faith'. Host Michael Voris clarifies on many topics so often misunderstood. What a breath of fresh air. The above are excerpts from the full TV shows - for more information visit www.catholictelevision.org

For monthly access to similar content go to their new site

http://www.realcatholictv.com/

Benedict XVI recorded an album in honour of the Virgin

Benedict XVI has recorded an album with prayers recited by him and accompanied by the choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome. The album, recorded in St. Peter's Basilica, is named 'Alma Mater'. It includes eight prayers dedicated to the Virgin. One of them is singing and the others are recited in Latin, French, German, Italian and Portuguese. It also includes eight pieces of classical music performed by the Royal Philharmonic in London. The disc, which can be heard from next November 30, is an initiative of the Multimedia San Pablo and has been produced by the U.S. label Geffen Records. The president of the label stated that the Pope has expressed satisfaction with the outcome. A portion of profits will be delivered to a foundation that promotes music education for poor children around the world. Benedict XVI follows the example of his predecessor, John Paul II, who in 1994 recorded the rosary. Furthermore, last year, the tenor Plácido Domingo sang some poems written by the Polish Pope. (information taken from RomeReports.com)

Radio Interview in Dallas Texas

LISTEN to the Radio Interview NOW - just CLICK HERE

Guadalupe Radio interviews Mario St. Francis who went from actor/model to pilgrim missionary... very interesting story. From one of Cosmo's 50 Most Eligible Bachelors, 15 accidents in life, and then a life change.

Guadalupe Radio is on a mission. In today's world, possibly the greatest battles are fought in the arena of personal faith. The "Guadalupe Resource Center" and "Guadalupe Radio Network" provide teaching that strengthens confidence and faith in God. The power of the Gospel through the media of radio is that it literally changes lives. It is a heart to heart ministry. Visitors to the Center and listeners to our Network of Catholic Radio Stations discover that God is alive and active and cares about every aspect of their life. “The lay faithful, precisely because they are members of the Church, have the vocation and mission of proclaiming the Gospel; they are prepared for this work by the sacraments of Christian initiation and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” -- Pope John Paul II

Teenagers and parents - Insane!

This is so funny and typical of so many of us. No I am not a teenager nor am I a parent, but... I once was a teen and my ministry puts me in the position of being a big brother.

Speaking in Dallas Texas to Malankara Catholics

This summer I had the honor to speak at the National Malankara Catholic conference in Dallas Texas. It was very cool! I had never encountered Malankara Catholics before.

They are part of the Antiochian Rite ( I am part of the Latin Roman Rite). They are an Eastern Catholic Church in the Catholic Communion, in union with the Pope of Rome, historically linked to the Syrian Church. It is one of several groups of Saint Thomas Christians tracing their origin to St. Thomas the Apostle who is claimed to have come to India in A.D. 52 For more information CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE

The 2009 National Conference

The Theme was Leviticus 25:10: “This 50th year is sacred-it is a time of freedom and of celebration when everyone will receive back their original property, and slaves will return home to their families” The Vision was a marriage of East and West, Ancient and Modern The Goals were 1. a call to conversion 2. a call to communion and 3. a call to Christ

10 Reasons Why People were Encouraged to Attend

Ο Get a spiritual workout and receive blessings that last forever Ο For adults - re-connect with your Malankara roots Ο For youth – enter a real-world Facebook and build bonds with peers from Texas to Toronto, Manhattan to Michigan Ο Enjoy one-on-one encounters with our Bishops Ο Interact with national civic leaders Ο Hear the testimonies of famous American Catholic communicators Ο Have fun with comedy, cultural shows and the Malankara Jeopardy adventure Ο Re-discover the richess of our ancient liturgy. Ο Bask in the legendary frontier hospitality of Texas, home of oilmen and ranchers, Rangers and rodeos Ο Take home a treasure-trove of memories that your family will never forget

It was truly wonderful and full of Indian tradition, skits, games, great talks and memories. Thanks to all for a great event!

Check out the Photos on FACEBOOK, CLICK HERE

Largest cross in the Northern Hemisphere

While traveling cross country to Hollywood in 2005 (to start a life as a missionary pilgrim of media and evangelization), i came across this place in Texas. It's conveniently (purposely) located in Groom Texas. Check it out. So cool! They have the Largest cross in the Northern Hemisphere (or something like that)

Check out the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries

Eucharist - How do you take it?

Today in my prayer book it mentioned St. Cajetan (1480 - 1547) it's his memorial today. I saw this quote..... what a quote! wow!

“Do not receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament so that you may use him as you judge best, but give yourself to him and let him receive you in this Sacrament, so that he himself, God your saviour, may do to you and through you whatever he wills.”.

Holy Hip-Hop? "Word Up!" (that means YES!)

Formerly known as "Word Up". MUSIX is a tight group of home schooled siblings consisting of four brothers and two sisters who all want to make a difference in the world through their songs. Their funky fresh hip-hop sounds, coupled with heavy-hitting messages for today's troubled world, have created a totally new realm of music. Their beats will make you dance in your seat, and the lyrics will keep you thinking long after the songs have ended. However this particular song is NOT HIP-HOP... this is a song about life. It is sing from the perspective of a child and its mother while she is pregnant. It is beautiful.

You can check them out at WordUpAlive.com

Priesthood honored along with St. John Vianney

Video of St. John Vianney

Now it is the feast of St. John Vianney, the patron of parish priests, who went home to the Lord 150 years ago today. John Vianney grasped the unique dignity enjoyed by the priest as a minister of Christ’s grace, and he sought to conform his whole life to this mystery. He deeply understood what the priest is for, especially his divinely-willed service to Christian truth.

"When men want to destroy religion they begin by attacking the priest, because where the priest is no more, there is no more sacrifice, and where there is no more sacrifice, there is no more religion.”

“Leave a parish for twenty years without a priest, and beasts will be worshipped there.”

How fitting then that Pope Benedict XVI has chosen the 150th anniversary of St. John Vianney’s death to call the whole Church to observe a Jubilee Year for Priests, during which he hopes priests and laity alike will grow in the understanding of the ministerial priesthood and its essential teaching, sanctifying, and governing roles in the life of the Church.

For more on the life and holiness of St. John Vianney, click here.

St. Philomena - 13 year old. Little Giant of a Saint

Her story is told here in this video.

Little is known of her life, and the information was have was received by private revelation from her. Martyred at about age 14 in the early days of the Church. In 1802, the bones of a female between the ages of 13 and 15 were discovered in the catacomb of St. Priscilia. An inscription near her tomb read "Peace be with thee, Philomena", along with drawings of 2 anchors, 3 arrows and a palm. Near her bones was discovered a small glass vial, containing the remains of blood. Because it was a popular custom of the early martyrs to leave symbols and signs such as these, it was easily determined that St. Philomena was a virgin and a martyr. Her popularity soon became widespread, with her most memorable devotees being St. John Vianney, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, St. Peter Eymard, and St. Peter Chanel. After being miraculously cured, Ven. Pauline Jaricot insisted that Pope Gregory XVI begin an examination for the beatification of St. Philomena, who was to become known as the "wonder worker". After hundreds of other miraculous cures, she was beatified in 1837. St. Philomena, who the pope named as the Patroness of the Living Rosary and the Patroness of the Children of Mary, is the only person recognized as a saint solely on the basis of her powerful intercession,

Catholic Converts

A video I came across by chance... its worth sharing. As a Christian it is always great to be "IN THE KNOW" and receive encouragement. Having spent some time rejecting the claims of the Catholicism I eventually joined the ranks of many who are considered "converts", however having been Catholic all my life, it is more appropriate to use the term "re-vert". Well, here are some "re-verts" and "converts" that share similar stories, many of their stories are actually faaaaar better than my own.

For more information Visit Catholics Come Home.com

also Visit To See Jesus.com

Conference in Saskatoon, Canada

After several months in Europe I returned to the American continent and spoke at a conference in Saskatoon, Canada. This was a Roman Catholic and Ukranian Catholic conference which is held annually. It was full of great people, providential encounters and memories with new friends. SEE the PHOTOS on FACEBOOK I thank everyone who hosted me and made this a memorable trip. Thank you all... 'eh!

Speaking in Rome, Italy at the Premiere of "Damascus"

This May, I was in Rome for the "Damascus Premiere". I was there as the International Press as well as on stage assisting in the evenings presentation alongside friend and collegue Henry Capello and (President of Youth Arise International) as he MC'd the night as well as made introductions of some special guests and VIP's.

Among them were:

• Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo - Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul and President of the 200th Anniversary of St. Paul festivities

• Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes - President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum
• Patriarch of the Church of Antioch Gregory III Laham
• Patriarch of Jerusalem in Exile Hilarion Capucci and
• Chargé d'affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Rome Suha al-Jamali.

Damascus is a Docurama based on the life on Saint Paul. It is already dubbed in 9 languages, and about 4 other languages are in progress. The film traces the footsteps of St. Paul from his mission to persecute Christians -to- his preaching Jesus Christ as an instrument chosen by God. The auditorium in Rome for the Damascus Premier was sold out two weeks before. More than 34 diplomats and representatives from 36 countries attended the Rome/Vatican Premier of Damascus.

Afterwards colleagues and I rented mopeds and toured the Eternal City and many beautifulsites of rich history and tradition of Christendom. We saw Relics, Tombs, Basilicas, Chapels, Sanctuaries, and yes, we even ate GELATO!... lots of Gelato!This trip coincided with my brother in Christ, Eduardo Verastegui's, screening of his movie "Bella" in Rome. We pilgrimaged and missioned together in different scenarios such as executive encounters -to- street evangelization of some American tourists.

See the video footage of the "Damascus" premiere on YOUTUBE by CLICKING HERE

See my photos from this trip on FACEBOOK by CLICKING HERE

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

For all Catholic men and women, families and young people troubled by the many afflictions of modern life.......Discover the greatest source of spiritual and temporal help, graces and blessings for those who truly love the Sacred Heart of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and practice His requested Devotion with the essential prayers and acts, including the "First Friday" and the 12 promises (or blessings of Jesus) that can be attained by the practice of the "Nine Fridays" devotions.

I give myself and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus,  my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being other than to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart. This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing w/ all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him. Amen

Visit a website with more info : http://www.sacredheartdevotion.com/