Newsgroups: bit.listserv.catholic
Date:         Tue, 6 Oct 1992 14:34:38 -0400
From:         mayo@CS.UTK.EDU
Subject: Re: Miracle of the sun

The miracle of the sun occurs at various sites around the world.  I have
seen it in Conyers, Georgia, where Jesus and/or Mary reportedly appear to a
housewife, Nancy Fowler, every day.  The apparitions are closely linked to
Fatima.  On the 13th of each month Nancy receives a message from Mary that
is especially for the United States.  Rosaries turn gold, amazing pictures
are taken, and often the faithful experience a strong scent of roses.

It is my understanding that the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima was far more
obvious than the miracle of the sun in other places.  In Conyers, you have
to stare at the sun to see it, a foolish thing to do.  Even though I have
stared and seen, I am not convinced that I would not see the same spinning
and colors if I stared at the sun here in Knoxville, TN.  (Any physicists
out there?)  At Fatima the sun spinning and falling was seen by thousands
for many miles away, and the rain soaked ground was instantly dried up.

I believe there is a good chance that the apparitions at Conyers are real,
but not because of the spinning sun, the gold rosaries, the scent of roses
in the winter.  I believe because of the conversions and because of the
beauty of the messages.  Nancy Fowler is simple and unaffected, and I have
been blessed with an opportunity to talk to her.  On two occasions I was
right outside the apparition room and could watch Nancy's face during the
apparition.  The Atlanta bishop is cautious, praise God, and he has not yet
formed a commission to investigate.  He is dying with cancer and most likely
will not undertake this task.

Thousands of people come on the 13th, and hundreds come each Sunday for the
rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  The message is usually a variation
on the theme, "Pray, repent, follow Jesus, obey the Pope."  In truth, it is
an incredible experience to stand with thousands of others lifting our hands
and hearts and souls to the Lord Jesus while praying the rosary, knowing that
the Blessed Mother is (perhaps?) appearing only a few yards away!!  Many
priests and nuns come, as well as many non-Catholics.  There is nothing
commercial about it -- parking is free, miraculous medals are free, scapulars
are free, rosaries are free, Marian newspapers are free.  Two books are sold
for four dollars each, a video is fifteen dollars, and assorted booklets
cost up to a dollar each.  Those who cannot pay are invited to take what
they want anyway.

There is a Holy Hill behind Nancy's house where the faithful are instructed
to pray the Stations of the Cross.  There is a well with water that some say
has healing powers.  I have been four times and plan to return.  The crowds
are so great on the 13th that I may not go back then.  I prefer the quiet of
the Sunday afternoon prayer service, and often Nancy is there with a message
for us.  The churches are packed on the 13th, even during the week, and the
monks at the beautiful Holy Spirit Monastery cannot begin to distribute Holy
Communion to everyone.

If anyone is planning to be in the Atlanta area and wants to make the thirty
minute trip to Conyers, send me private e-mail with your US mailing address,
and I will sent directions to the Holy Hill, the apparition room, and the
monastery.

Jane Wallace Mayo		| Jesus, Redeemer, have mercy on me
mayo@cs.utk.edu			|    and set me free.

P.S.  Tomorrow, October 7, is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.  You
      know what to do!
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