I am now sitting before the grotto of Our Lady in the garden of the parochial house where I am staying in the Dominican Republic. I came unexpectedly to be still in a place of peace for a moment. As I began to pray the Hail Mary, the statue of Our Lady began to exude rays of golden light. Rays emanated more intensely from her heart of love and her heart of purity.

‘Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.’

She now begins to speak and says, “My dear son, I am glad that you have come to me, most joyful in every way to receive your soul, that I may guide you in the mercy of my son, Jesus. Pray, my son. Pray for peace and joy each day, and for peace throughout the world for souls in need of conversion.

The world is in need of peace and the great hope of the power of my son’s crucifixion and resurrection within their lives, that he may offer to each of his children his mercy.”

‘Yes, mother, I ask forgiveness for my sins and the sins of the whole world, seeking now the mercy of your son Jesus to lead me. And I offer this prayer to your heart, from my heart, for peace throughout the world that souls may know the love of your son, Jesus.’

Our Lady now opens her eyes from the statue. They are crystal blue as the sea, as a confirmation of her presence and the power of the intercession of her prayers in my life, as well as all the lives of her children.