Friday, December 31, 2010

In Honor of My Exceptional, Precious Children, One Final Post in 2010

Andre, Nick, and Alyssa, God is at work in you!


Andre, Nick, and Alyssa with Fr. Benjamin Kosnac
Christmas Eve, 2010

JKP's youth division hard at work earlier in the year.

The sweetest pixie fairy I know.


Thank heaven for altar boys!

Nick with his award-winning apostolate book for preteens.


Nick as St. Michael the Archangel

Andre with a picture of Fr. Hardon following the Mass
commemorating the 10th anniversary of his passing into eternal life,
held on December 30, 2010

Michele, Alyssa, and Nick
with a picture of Fr. Hardon, Servant of God,
the subject of Apostolate Film's new documentary
coming in 2011.


A movie on New Year's Eve.

Nick, Alyssa, and Andre with Fr. Brian Hurley
at a benefit this year.

Thank you, Andre, Nick, and Alyssa,
for responding to God's call
so heroically, unselfishly, nobly, and fully.

To those whom much has been given,
much is expected.

God is at work in you!

I love you forever,
Mom

We are loved and valued beyond measure.


Jesus, thank You for coming.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Leonetti in the Evening Radio Show

Yours truly visits with Jon Leonetti
on the
Leonetti in the Evening Radio Show.

Monday, January 3, 2010

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST

AM 1150 KWKY

Please join us as we discuss healing
and the unfathomable and immeasurable love of God
available to every single one of us
when we are willing to accept it.

Thank you, Jon!
Your passion for our faith is very contagious.

Watch Jon as a keynote presenter
at the Fort Wayne, Indiana Catholic Mens' Conference
by clicking on the following link.
He shares how his journey across America came to be.

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


To learn more about Jon's work as a
National Speaker, Mission Leader, and Radio Host,
please visit:

http://www.jdleonetti.com

God is at work, in each one of us.

__________________
Sources:
Picture of Jon copyright http://www.jdleonetti.com
All other pictures: copyright Joseph Karl Publishing

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Merry Christmas!

We are loved and valued beyond measure.

Jesus, thank You for coming!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Timeless. Faultless. Limitless. Miraculous.

Christmas is coming.
God is at work in you.

Joseph Karl Publishing Releases Epic Book, One Man’s Journey to Freedom: Escape from Behind the Iron Curtain

Joseph Karl Publishing celebrates the release of a much-anticipated, epic autobiography, One Man’s Journey to Freedom: Escape From Behind the Iron Curtain.

“This brilliant epic memoir absolutely personifies our mission of providing exceptional, life-changing reading to a global audience."- Michele Bondi Bottesi, Joseph Karl Publishing, Publisher

Rochester Hills, MI (PRWEB) December 20, 2010

Joseph Karl Publishing immediately recognized the immeasurable value of Gene X. Kortsha’s brilliant epic for humanity and announced today that it is releasing his powerful autobiography titled, One Man’s Journey to Freedom: Escape from Behind the Iron Curtain. Adding to the excitement and suspense is that this epic book has also been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Defining Freedom.

Freedom is defined many ways in the dictionary; being free rather than confined, exemption from external control or regulation, political independence, personal and civil liberty. To most people living in a free society, these are hollow words with no meaning. To Gene X. Kortsha, they are a harsh reminder of what he and millions of people were denied while forced to live under the crushing tyranny of communist rule during World War II and the brutal aftermath that followed.

Upon reading Gene’s autobiography, Michele Bondi Bottesi, publisher at Joseph Karl Publishing, immediately knew that Gene’s story had to be shared with the world. “Prepare to go on an amazing journey that will inspire you in a special way and touch your soul forever. This is a book you’ll want to share with everyone you know, and read more than once!” said Michele.

Mission Accomplished. Let Freedom Ring.

To hear Gene X. Kortsha tell it, his story sounds so simple and matter of fact. “The book was originally written for my family and now it will reach outsiders. “I hope that readers come to recognize that cruelty, evil as well as heroic bravery and spirit of sacrifice, know no boundaries and are found among peoples all over the world.” After reading Gene’s powerful story, the reader quickly realizes that Gene’s past is far from simple and is filled with a gripping testimony about overcoming unimaginable horrors and adversities that will have readers riveted from start to finish.

His first fifteen years were spent in exile. After returning to Albania, he experienced firsthand the martyrdom of his homeland through World War II, the civil war that followed, and the subsequent brutal communist domination. He was forced to leave his medical studies, imprisoned, released, and then sent to work in one of the poorest regions in the North. After being forced into brutal hard labor, he received intense physical conditioning as a result which led to a miraculous escape from the country after ten life-threatening attempts. He left behind his parents and his brother to risk a fate worse than death – capture – hoping for a future and a life free from oppression.

The miraculous story of One Man’s Journey to Freedom: Escape From Behind the Iron Curtain provides a powerfully moving, first hand account of the heroic resistance against the destruction of humanitarian principals and persecution behind the Iron Curtain, and reminds us that history could repeat itself at any time and in any place.

Recognition.

Already, One Man’s Journey to Freedom: Escape From Behind the Iron Curtain has received the recognition it so justly deserves.

“This incredible true story shows the tenacity of the human spirit in the face of adversity. How faith guides and protects us, even in our darkest hours” says author Nancy Carabio Belanger.

One Man’s Journey to Freedom: Escape From Behind the Iron Curtain is Gene’s detailed account of his life history…set against the backdrop of the martyrdom of his homeland. This book not only adds to American historical literature, but sheds some light on a neglected part of American history in the Eastern Balkans,” commented Ardian Ndreca, a professor at Catholic University in Rome, Italy.

“This brilliant epic memoir absolutely personifies our mission of providing exceptional, life-changing reading to a global audience,” said Michele. With nominations for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize as well as other national and international book contests, including the 2011 Independent Book Publisher’s Association (IBPA) Benjamin Franklin Book Awards and the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada Book Awards, Joseph Karl Publishing’s vision is coming to life in monumental ways.

Joseph Karl Publishing was founded in 2009 by Michele Bondi Bottesi to help people address their deeply personal search for life’s meaning, especially during turbulent times. Its website http://www.godisatworkinyou.com offers reader’s reviews and opportunities to purchase life-changing books which are also for sale on http://www.amazon.com. For additional inspiration, visit Michele’s blog at http://www.godisatworkinyou.blogspot.com.

For more information on Joseph Karl Publishing please contact Michele Bondi Bottesi at 248-321-9865 or godisatworkinyou(at)gmail(dot)com.

Contact

* Michele Bondi Bottesi
Joseph Karl Publishing
248-321-9865
Email: Godisatworkinyou@gmail.com

The Catholic Revolver with Jerry Christmas Special

Looking for life-changing radio? You will find it here.

Michele Bondi Bottesi, author of books such as Your Personal Apostolate and God Moments, and Nancy Carabio Belanger, author of Olivia and The Little Way and Olivia's Gift, return to the show, this time together!!

Please join us for this very special episode
as Jerry, Michele, and Nancy
discuss what Christmas means to them
and to you
and the many reasons we all have to be thankful.

Click on the link to listen to the show.


Merry Christmas to you and yours!

God is at work in you.

Jerry, Nancy, & Michele

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All DVD


December 15, 2010
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All DVD

Be sure to see the one hour documentary film about this remarkable servant to the Eternal Galilean.

by Paul A. Ray and Michele Bondi Bottesi | Source: Catholic.net
http://www.catholic.net/index.php?option=dedestaca&id=5993

“Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All” is an hour-long documentary about one of the greatest and most loved communicators of the 20th century. Filled with powerful testimonies and beautiful stories that will bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes, this documentary is sure to inspire audiences worldwide.” -Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation.

This superb documentary film on the life and legacy of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen begins with his birth in 1895 and continues well beyond his death in 1979 to the present day, as his incredible legacy continues to lead souls to Christ. The documentary highlights significant events from his evolving apostolate as an altar boy, student, priest, gifted preacher, teacher, author of 66 books, bishop, evangelist, radio and television personality, leader, missionary, and archbishop. Commentary is provided by individuals who knew him well and others who did not know him personally but were forever changed by the man and his mission.

God desires to do extraordinary things through ordinary people, and Archbishop Sheen was a living example of that. There is nothing more beautiful in life then beholding the very hand of almighty God working among His people, and witnessing firsthand the true meaning of authentic love of God and neighbor poured out through one of His humble servants. Archbishop Sheen provided and continues to provide us with vital testimony that life really is worth living!

Ss. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Catholic Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan hosted several screenings of the documentary film. Fr. Benjamin Kosnac, Pastor of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, commented, “I knew Bishop Fulton Sheen first only as an author of a few books that were translated into the Slovak language during the communist era, and I loved them! Through this DVD, I came to know not just the thoughts of a great writer, but the Archbishop himself, his life, his vocation, his gifts, and his crosses. I came to know an inspiring saint. And I love his person, rather than just the books, even more!”

The film answers the question “What does an authentic Christian look like?” Viewers were eager to share their thoughts about the documentary and their affection for the man. Barbara Plucinski said, “He was in my life for so long. This hit my heart. It makes me feel so close to him and I pray for him." Marge Wagner remarked, “I was in high school when he was on television, so I did watch him in those days. The documentary brought tears to my eyes. It was so incredibly inspiring!” Her husband, Chuck Wagner, called him one of the great saints of the 20th century and added, “It was a great movie! We need more of him today.”

Many viewers fondly reminisced about Archbishop Sheen’s television show. Beverly Zech remarked, “I remember my mother watching Bishop Sheen when I was very little.” Beverly still enjoys listening to him on CDs, and mentioned that she has been especially affected by his remarks on the sanctity of life. “How beautiful he spoke. He was humble enough to bring people back to the church. God’s name is mercy!”

“I am old enough to have watched him in his original series and what impresses me most is the time he spent before the Eucharist in prayer,” remarked Eleanor Plec. “As famous and gifted as he was, he realized, as we all should, that the greatest thing in our lives is our Lord, God Himself.” The documentary delicately pointed out, as Bob Makara noticed and appreciated, that due to all of his success the humble Archbishop was convicted of pride. Makara added, “I thought that was the best part of the documentary.” Another viewer pointed out that Archbishop Sheen was obedient to Christ’s call to humility and “didn’t use his pride in a selfish way, but used it to propagate what he believed, to bring good into the world.”

“I found it very inspiring. I love Archbishop Sheen. Everything he says pertains to us and what is going on in the world,” commented Therese Stout. Stefan Zima summed up the legacy of this remarkable man as presented in the documentary film by saying, “It was very deep. I liked how his thoughts, words, and actions became one in delivering the message of Christ to all of us."

Jason Salyars, the writer and director of the documentary, described working on the film as a remarkable honor and said, “Frankly, I can't get enough of him.” He asks that the countless people who feel the same way continue praying for Archbishop Sheen’s canonization. Be sure to view this very touching and inspirational documentary on the life of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, faithful servant to the Eternal Galilean, who remains a powerful role model and intercessor for us. Share it with others and watch it with the young people in your life. His example of always serving God, and of bringing Christ to other people, is well worth emulating.

The documentary is worth watching by people of all ages and faiths, because the extraordinary legacy of Archbishop Sheen speaks to each member of the human family. We are reminded that “…Christianity begins not with sunshine, but with defeat…” The documentary does a wonderful job demonstrating why the mission of this man, one of the greatest thinkers of the last century, matters to every single person. Viewers laughed with joy, were moved to tears, and left feeling closer to the man and to God. Several viewers expressed a deep desire to learn more from Archbishop Sheen.

God is still at work in Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who continues to remind us of the immeasurable impact we make on the world when we live in imitation of Christ. William Mondy commented that we can renew our faith in our church by knowing him. “I get chills, goose bumps, and tears in my eyes every time I watch Life is Worth Living on EWTN.”

To watch the trailer of the documentary film, and to learn more about the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation, visit: www.sheenfilm.org. The film is available for screenings through the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation; various licensing options are available. To host a screening, visit www.sheenfilm.org or call 877-71-Sheen.

The DVD is now available to the general public and can be purchased by writing, calling, or e-mailing the Archbishop Sheen Foundation at: The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, 419 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL, 61603; 877-71-SHEEN; info@sheencause.org.

About the Authors:

Paul A. Ray is a Catholic writer, public speaker, and editor at Joseph Karl Publishing. His book, A New Voice for a Broken Soul, will be published in 2011. Visit his blog, “Tongues as of Fire!” at www.tonguesasoffire.blogspot.com.

Michele Bondi Bottesi, M.A., is a mother, publisher at Joseph Karl Publishing, award-winning Catholic author, and psychologist. Visit her blog, “God is at Work in You!” at
www.godisatworkinyou.blogspot.com.

On the Net:
SheenFilm.org

_____________
Photo Source: Copyright The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

True Love Leads to Life


And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we have seen his glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.

- John 1:14


True love leads to life.


God is at work in you.


Saturday, December 11, 2010

Christmas




Jesus, God Bless the Broken Road That Led Me Straight to You!

Jesus, this one is for You!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6uL4FOUtGQ

God bless the broken road,
that led me straight to You.

I love You forever.

Jesus knows the broken road
because He walked along it, too.
For you and for me.

Let your broken road
lead You into His loving arms!

He loves you more than you can possibly imagine.

God is at work in you.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Catholic Revolver with Jerry Weber and Guest Gene X. Kortsha

It's life-changing radio!You won't want to miss Jerry's discussion with Gene X. Kortsha, who among so many other things is the author of "One Man's Journey to Freedom: Escape from Behind the Iron Curtain," a Pulitzer Prize nominated epic memoir that will be published December 22, 2010.

It's life-changing radio.


From the back of the book:

The first 15 years of his life were spent in exile. After returning to Albania, he experienced firsthand the martyrdom of his homeland through World War II, the civil war that followed, and the subsequent brutal communist domination. He was forced to leave his medical studies, imprisoned, released, and then sent to work in one of the poorest regions in the North. While forced into hard labor he received the physical conditioning necessary for his tenth attempt at escaping the country. He left behind his parents and brother and risked risk a fate worse than death--capture—hoping for a future and a life free from oppression.

The miraculous story of One Man’s Journey to Freedom: Escape From Behind the Iron Curtain provides a powerfully moving account of the heroic resistance against the destruction of humanitarian principles and persecution behind the Iron Curtain, and reminds us that history could repeat itself at any time and in any place.

This life-changing book is available at Joseph Karl Publishing:
www.josephkarlpublishing.com

There are a limited number of First Edition copies available.

Thank you, Jerry and Gene! God is at work in you.

Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Mary, Most Holy, pray for us!

How well do you know her?

How well do you know her Son?


They love and value us, beyond measure.

Accept, return and share
the immeasurable love of God
which is eternal, unfathomable,
and can never be contained.

God is at work in you!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Feast of St. Nicholas ~ December 6th

Patron Saint of children, sailors, fishermen, merchants, the falsely accused, repentant thieves, pharmacists, archers, and pawnbrokers.

St. Nicholas was born during the third century, circa 270 A.D., in the village of Patara, Lycia, Asia Minor. His birthplace was at the time part of Greek territory and is now considered the southern coast of Turkey. Nicholas' parents were financially and spiritually wealthy and raised him to be a devout Christian. They died during an epidemic when he was still young.

Nicholas eventually sold everything he inherited from his parents to help the needy, sick, and suffering, and dedicated his life to serving God. He was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man, living in imitation of Christ by serving as protector and helper of those in need. Nicholas became well known for his generosity, a love for children, and concern for sailors and ships. Word of him spread as sailors told the story of his holy life on their journeys around the world. Nicholas was well known for his giving of gifts in secret, such as leaving coins in the shoes of people in need who left them out, and became the model for Santa Claus.

In his time Christians were terribly persecuted by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who had many bishops, priests, and deacons exiled, imprisoned, and tortured for their love of God. Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith as well and was imprisoned. Following his release he attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Nicholas died on December 6, AD 343-6 in Myra, Lycia. Manna formed in his grave and the healing powers of this substance contributed to the spreading of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration. His relics were translated to Bari, Italy in 1087 and his major shrine is the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari.

Traditional celebrations on this day vary. St. Nicholas is celebrated as patron saint of many families. He is one of the most celebrated saints in Macedonia. In Poland children find candy and small gifts under their pillow the morning of his feast day. The American Santa Claus and Anglo-Canadian and British Father Christmas were inspired by legends of him.

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of the town of Beit Jala, a little town two kilometers to the west of Bethlehem. St. Nicholas spent four years there during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Every year a solomn Divine Liturgy is held in the Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, and is usually followed by exhibitions, parades, and activities. Arab Palestinian Christians of all denominations and churches go there to participate in prayers and celebrations. 1

Celebrations of his feast day take place on the eve of the feast or on the actual feast day. One significant way to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas is to emphasize the importance of giving and service as we strive to live in imitation of Christ. This can take place within the context of a celebration at home, where activities can center around the celebration of the Season of Advent, and a special meal together can include the retelling of his story and legacy. The Christian values of St. Nicholas can be shared by helping others in need, being kind to others, or resolving to overcome a fault.

The Custom of the Shoes

My children continue the global and personal family tradition of leaving one shoe out on the Saturday evenings of Advent. Upon awaking on Sunday morning they rush down and see what surprise St. Nicholas left for them in their shoes. Sometimes they receive candy, and other times they receive a small gift, such as a Christmas ornament signed and dated by St. Nick that is added to the family tree each year.

The actual Custom of the Shoes varies but essentially each child leaves a shoe or boot outside a bedroom door, by the chimney, or by the front door on the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day. That evening the family is visited by “St. Nicholas” who has a wrapped gift in one hand and a stick in the other. Each child is evaluated on their behavior throughout the preceding year.
St. Nicholas asks, “Tell me now, in what great ways have you grown to deserve the praise and presents of St. Nicholas? And what bad habits have you tried to overcome? Shall I surprise him/her tonight with gifts or the stick?” The children answer, “GIFTS!” In the Netherlands, the myth was that if a child had not been good, they were put in sacks and taken to Spain! Before the children went to bed, the custom was to leave a bit of grain or a carrot in their shoe for St. Nicholas’ horse. 2

The morning of the Feast of St. Nicholas, children awoke to the discovery of gifts that had been left in their shoes overnight, symbols of the spirit of caring and generosity shown by St. Nicholas to others during his walk with Christ. Some children received coal instead if they had been naughty.

May we all strive to imitate the virtues of our advent saint Nicholas, beloved servant of God as we ready our hearts to welcome Jesus on His birthday. "...Nicholas is a good Advent saint for more important reasons than the date of his special day. Whatever he did…may not be as important as the way he did it. Nicholas became so popular because he was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. His life clearly reflected the way each one of us is called to show God’s love to others, especially those in need.” 2


What a beautiful way to honor St. Nicholas and love God in return, by doing what Jesus asks of each one of us.

Prayer to St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas, Glorious Confessor of Christ,
assist us in thy loving kindness.
Glorious St. Nicholas,
my special Patron from thy throne in glory,
thou dost enjoy the presence of God,
turn thine eyes in pity upon me
and attain for me from our Lord
the graces and help that I need
in my spiritual and temporal necessities
and especially this favor (mention)
provided that it be profitable to my salvation.
Be mindful likewise, O Glorious and Saintly Bishop,
of our Sovereign Pontiff of our Holy Church and
of all Christian people.
Bring back to the right way of salvation
all those who are living steeped in sin,
blinded by darkness of ignorance, error and heresy.
Comfort the afflicted, provide the needy.
Strengthen the fearful, defend the oppressed,
give health to the infirm.
Cause all [men] to experience the effects
of thy powerful intercession
with the supreme giver of every good and perfect gift.

Amen.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

Pray for us, Oh Blessed Nicholas,
that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us Pray,

O God who has glorified Blessed St. Nicholas, thine illustrious Confessor and Bishop,by means of countless signs and wonder, and who does not cease daily so to glorify him ,grant we beseech thee, that we, being assisted by his merits and prayers, be delivered from the fires of hell and from all dangers through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

God is at work in you!

__________
Sources:
1.Wikipedia.org
2. www.stnicholascenter.org