GOLDEN ROD: Dear Saints Peter and Paul, if it be God's Will, may I speak with you? I ask this Grace through the Immaculate Heart of Our Holy Mother and the Hands of My Holy Guardian Angel, Saint Helenarious.

SAINT PETER: Dear Spouse of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, I, Peter, Apostle of the Lord, greet you on this combined Feast with my brother Paul!

My child of the Church: I am the 'Rock' on which was founded on the Holy Church in which you live. I, a poor rough fisherman of no great education, no gentility, so to speak, and sometimes impetuous, hot-headed and yes, argumentative. Why do you think My Lord chose me - chose me to be the Prince and Head of His chosen twelve? Others had far more virtue, education and presentation. It really is obvious to the discerning. He chose me to confound the wise and lofty of this world. He chose the poorest of the poor and elevated him with Grace. He displayed a true miracle of Grace. I, who travelled the road with my Master, drinking in His Divine Teachings, knew that my salvation lay with this Son of God. Be assured I did not become a Saint overnight - no, I struggled with my temper; I struggled with intolerance; I struggled with irritation and gradually I found myself on the narrow path with My Lord.

I, the "denier" could have died of grief at my betrayal - was so readily forgiven and reaffirmed in love by my Lord. I experienced the path of forgiving love, thus when the time came for me to go forth with the Divine Dew still afire above my head, I set forth joyfully in strength to proclaim the word to the chosen ones. It was not easy, for I had much responsibility, but my Master always guided me and led me along the right path.

My dear sister, the time will soon come when my namesake, Peter II, will have to emerge to lead the Infant Church, for so shall it be in those times to come. His task it will be to reclaim that which has been overtaken by the "sea of iniquity" and restore it to rich and fruitful soil. His task it will be to sow the seeds of truth and righteousness in a darkened world. His support will come from the faithful retinue of souls who travel in his vanguard to protect and uphold him.

Be joyful on this day, sweet sister, and reaffirm your support for the Prince to come. I, as Peter, the 'Rock' on whom the Church of Rome was built, bestow a Papal Blessing upon those of the faithful who work for the approval of the Order of Saint Charbel: In Nomine Patris et Filius et Spiritus Sanctus. Amen.

SAINT PAUL: I, Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles, greet you, my sweet sister, on this day of celebration. This day commemorates the Prince and his faithful son who perpetuated the faith of the Christ among the chosen and pagan peoples of the world. My child, I did not have the privilege of walking and conversing with my Saviour as did the Head, but I was blessed in a special way from my Lord, Jesus. What Love He showed to save me in this way - I, who had persecuted His children. But you see, my child, as in the case of Saint Peter, Our Lord examines the hearts of His beloved ones. Yes, I did much wrong through a zealous heart for I thought I was serving God, but instead, I was Crucifying Him. My Lord took my heart and redirected it until it saw where its worth lay. It lay in doing the Will of God with love and forbearance.

It was my task to spread the Light across the waters and so I did. You have read of my travels, my imprisonment, my sufferings, my deprivation. I suffered very much, but the joy wherewith I was Graced set me aglow with love of God. Certainly I was an orator and this saved me many times, but my sister, when my time came, as it did with my brother Peter, we joyfully went to meet the Lord confident in a life of service for Him.

You remember my brother when he was leaving Rome, was spoken to by his Master - "Quo Vadis"! You faithful ones of this Order of Saint Charbel - you may well be asked the same question: "Where are you going"? Your reply should be: "Forward, to the Promised Land".

Sadly, many of you are not moving forward but lurking in the rear. Yes, some may be dragged along to the Promised Land, but it is a Grace given to enter it. Remember only two entered in times past - only two. It behoves all to move forward. Your Rule and Constitution is your passport and ticket. The virtues I preached throughout the world must be in your character and action, for you stand in a privileged status.

I say to you all: "Where are you going"? in the Spiritual sense. Your Peter, when he heard these words, turned back to a life of sacrifice and immolation. You, too, must follow his lead to receive the Crown of Glory. I encourage you in this direction, dear souls of my heart, for I tell you, it is worth everything of self to reach the Realm of Heaven and the Heart of your God. Joy is the key; joy in the love and service of God. I give you my blessing on this day of great favour, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ: in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.