Images of Our Mission to Northern Territory

God has a plan for each and everyone of us.  Sixty years ago, before we were born, our parents set off on a journey of trust and love to work with the indigenous people on a station called Munja.  My Dad Elgar Sydney Michael Smith was a mounted policeman but left the police force and joined Native Affairs.  The job of managing Munja was his first job and he and our Mother loved every minute of it.  There are many stories not related in this diary about their time spent on Munja.  After they completed their time on Munja they settled in Geraldton.  Our Dad joined the Agriculture Dept and spent 6 months each year in the Northern Territory examining the stock especially cattle.  He helped in solving the problem of brucellosis. He developed skin cancer while working up north and for 10 years had many operations and fought hard but eventually on 8th April 1972 at the age of 54 died from complications caused from skin cancer.  Both my Mum and Dad were very faith filled people and during Dad’s illness he and Mum spent many hours praying together.

Below is a diary written by Mum recording the events that took place.

Left Katanning 25/8/46.  We travelled in Koolinda (boat) to Derby, spent a week at Police Station in Derby, and stayed with Mick and Tom Jensen.  Whilst there Mick suggested I learnt to make bread.  To do this at night you go to the kitchen which seems to be on stilts- you couldn’t put a pin head between the cockroaches which I’d never seen before.  However I learnt to make bread.  Then we were to leave by lugger on my birthday.  We were to leave at midnight.  Mick and Flo Sadler came down with us to the jetty.  I noticed they took off very quickly.  When I looked at the lugger I was ready to retreat.  We had Noel six months old and Laurie who finished up tied on the top of a hood.  I was ready to retreat.  However we left on the tide at midnight.  The next morning we were lucky to be out of Kings Sound when the natives decided to chase a boat from Sandy Island.  Our engine had failed and we had sails up.  One morning I asked Albert how long “Well missus we whistle up the wind”.  Finally we were approaching Cockatoo Island.  I heard the owner of the boat Ross Presbyterian Lugger say “when you address me call me Captain.”  I couldn’t believe my ears.  Elgar wouldn’t believe me but Knobby the stockman we had brought from Derby heard.  Out of Cockatoo we picked up some natives – one blind woman.  She had a Sunshine Milk tin full of oysters.  After six days we finally arrived at the bottom landing at Munja.  We then had to go by horses to the homestead.  Elgar had Laurie in front of him and Knobby had Noel and me that hadn’t been on a horse before.  When we finally arrived Elgar rounded up the donkeys in the dark and went back to get our luggage.  He arrived home at 3am in the morning.

We were taking over from Mr Reid who’d been on the station for many years and I don't think he wanted to leave.  The next day we were off the air and we had no contact for a month.  Elgar applied to become Manager at Munja which we did, now looking back the Government was going to close the station which would have been a shame as the natives were taken into Derby afterwards.  I wonder if it really helped them.  Munja was built on the Charnley River and then met the Isadell further down.  It is tidal and never ceased to amaze me when the tide came up bringing crocodiles and pelicans up with the tide.  I always felt sad at neap tide and then looked forward to new moon and full moon.  We had the girls working in the house and at full tide they would look for mullet which El used to shoot and they used this as bait and the barramundi were beautiful (about 13lbs).

We had a visit from Bill Connolly, a policeman looking for lepers.  I made bread for Bill in a camp oven which he took on safari and lasted 10 days.  The natives were wonderful.  On our first Christmas I tried to make Christmas pudding – they turned out.  We had ordered things to make at Christmas but they didn’t arrive – never mind we managed.  The boys had boomerang throwing and races.  One day we were short of food and there were some bantams when we went up to the kitchen for the natives here were the bantams not plucked all in the drum!

Many were the snake stories.  One that makes me shudder is the girls were going fishing and Coco said she wanted a fishing line.  Why I didn’t put my hand over I will never know.  I brought the box down and there was a snake coiled up.  Another time El and I had gone up to look at a corroboree and when we came back El walked into the dining room and asked Bella if she could smell anything. “No boss” they went and thank you a snake came over the table.

Going back to Bill Connolly El had built a canoe which would take about six people.  You could not move one breath.  Anyway El took Bill down the Inlet.  When Bill came back he looked grey and said to me “I looked on one side and there was a croc and on the other side there was a shark!”

When we first arrived Mr Reid was with us for a month and then one day a plane arrived and Mr Barvise Civil Aviation and Doctor Mussa, I can’t remember the pilot, arrived.  Firstly the cook was flown out and then Mr Reid and also Doctor Musso inspected all natives and all was OK.

We used to try to grow peanuts.  Laurie planted watermelons and they grew so well.  No one can understand how wonderful it was to see the pelicans coming down on the tide and then in the wet to watch the Charnley flowing and then see the tide come up.  While I was away

waiting for Kevin to be born El had a visit from a Mr Coates.  He arrived without anything and El asked him how he hoped to survive and he said God will provide.  El said “you are asking a lot”.

To get our mail out one of the native boys used to walk over the ranges to Mt House.  Sometimes Mrs Blythe had to help me out if my yeast had gone wrong.  Once the boys brought back this beautiful pup.  He was grey and I called him Boxer.  He grew into a lovely dog.  We had brought Ranjo with us (also a blue heeler) also some chooks.

Each night the bread had to be set then at 4am the dough had to be knocked down then before breakfast put into tins.  Breakfast was about 6.15am.  We were on the pedal radio at 6am then smoko at 9.15am, lunch at midday.  Rest from 1 to 2.  Afternoon smoko at 2.30 and tea at 6pm.

As the horses were not plentiful the boys only went for a killer about every ten days.  We only had a kerosene fridge.  After we had killed that night we always had kia bones for tea – enjoyed by all of us.  The next morning I cooked 3 roasts, the tail and cut up fat and melted it down.  The only time we had veggies was in the wet.  We grew sweet potatoes and quite a few pumpkins.  Once in the dry one of the shopkeepers from Derby thought he would send me a treat.  He sent a bag with a couple of lettuce, some lemons and tomatoes.  The pilots used to drop our mail and the lettuce was shredded, lemons burst in two so it was one of those things but the thought was nice.  Another time we had sent for some medicine and that was dropped on some rocks.

In June 1947 I brought Laurie and Noel and we came down to Perth as Kevin was coming.  We stayed with Edna and Herzel and then with Nana, finally going down to the Native Settlement in Katanning.  Kev was born on 15th October and the boys and I flew home before he was 3 weeks old.

The bird life was wonderful – every known finch.  The blood finches used to nest in the kitchen windows – little birds I’ve never seen since.  The brolgas when they did their dance were very beautiful. One day El was struck down with a stone in the kidney.  He put up with the pain from May for about 3 months.  The girls used to light the copper at night, putting a huge log on and I would get a hot bath during the night for El to help relieve the pain.  One day a plane circled about 6am.  The Doctor had called from Derby and said he had come to see how El was going.  He wanted to take him into Derby but it meant me being on my own, so he left us some tablets and El passed the stone the next day.

We used to bring the kids down on a Sunday evening to say the rosary.

Joy & Elgar Smith with Kevin, Laurie and Noel

GOD’S PERFECT PLAN

God has a purpose for your life.

God planned the smallest detail

on the day He formed the earth

And just as carefully He planned

Each detail of your birth

He knew the colour of your eyes

The texture of your hair

The circumstances of your days

Each how and when and where

And God has a perfect plan

From all eternity

To touch the lives of you and me

He blesses us and fills us

With a joy beyond all measure

For He considers each of us

A rare and priceless treasure.

Our Lady calls us to Darwin in May, 2006

At the end of March a group of pilgrims came to stay at Bethany (the house used for pilgrims who come to visit the shrine of The Weeping Madonna in Rockingham).  Among them were Jan Pile and Marjorie Liddy from Darwin.  After visiting they went back to Darwin and talked about their experience at the shrine and grotto.  From this talk we were then invited by Bishop Ted Collins to come to Darwin with the Weeping Madonna and visit the outlying Aboriginal communities and parishes in Darwin itself.  We had not intended to bring Our Lady with us and when it was suggested we then decided it would be a good idea if Ron and Brendan came along as well.  Brendan made a beautiful wooden box with double lock for Our Lady and Ron lined it with foam. I spoke to Jan and she went ahead and organized where it would be best for us to go. 

Eileen, Brendan and Patty flew out for Darwin on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, Wednesday 24th May.  We stayed in the heart of Darwin for a few days and then on Friday Eileen and Patty went to stay with Elsa and Brendan went to stay with Martha and Aloysius.  Ron flew out from Perth with the statue on the feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Saturday 27th May.   The group including Jan met Ron at the airport at 1pm and we went straight to Tiwi Travel where a charter plane awaited us.  We boarded a Cessna 210 with Our Lady secured in behind us in the tail section and started a journey to Garden Point on Melville Island.  When we touched down as we were taxiing in the plane filled with the perfume that accompanies Our Lady.  We were greeted at the airport by Marjorie, Fr. Jim O’Gara, Sr. Barbara and various other people. We arrived about 2.45pm and after settling in Patty went for a walk and decided to make balloon animals for six children playing in a park.  Before long she was surrounded by children all wanting one.  (see picture).  We then walked down to visit a sick man called Jack with Our Lady in a possession singing hymns as we went.  Jack has always had such a beautiful devotion to Our Blessed Mother and his family bought him out onto the front verandah where tears welled in his eyes as he gazed at the statue.    Mass was celebrated in the church at 6pm and after we gave a small talk to the people gathered and blessed them with the Tears of Our Blessed Mother  About 8.30 Our Lady appeared outside in front of the statue of Our Lady of Victories.  There were about 15 people gathered, including a group of children.  The eyes of the children were like saucers and they had there hands joined reverently in prayer.  Our Lady gave the messages which are below:-

27th May 2006 (Eileen, Night Prayer – Melville Island)

I ask you to let go of the hurts you hold deep within and receive the love of your Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ his Son.  Go back to leading a simple life where you put the love of God first and you reach out always in love to all those who you meet on your life’s journey.  Do not struggle on alone but instead accept this merciful love offered to you by the Father through Christ Jesus.  I ask you to come back to your prayer life.  Spend time quietly with Jesus and let him come close to you.  I ask you to cling onto hope in your life.  Do not be filled with despair but know that you are not alone in your journey.  Turn away from the darkness and come into the light and be filled with this light so that it can shine out brightly to others.  I want you to know that your Heavenly Father gave you a great gift.  He gave you his Son Jesus who suffered, died and rose again to give you a new life.  He sent his Advocate the Holy Spirit to help you in every part of your life. 

Accept these graces given to you in the Holy Spirit, trust completely in the Divine will of the Heavenly Father and live your life to the full.  Be immersed fully in this living water which has come down from Heaven.  Embrace the graces you are given and live your life anew.  I know you have many struggles and difficulties and you sometimes feel alone.  You are never alone so do not be afraid but be filled with peace and joy of your Lord and Saviour.  I ask you to give me many prayers and acts of self sacrifice and love to help in the redemption of many.  Pray for the healing hand of your Eternal Father to come down upon your hurting people.  Pray that they open their hearts to the knowledge of this love and change their lives so they put the love of God first and they learn once more to reach out in love to all those that God puts in their path.  Go home this night filled with joy and the peace of your Lord and Saviour deep within your hearts so that you

courageously step out in faith and do God’s missionary work of love.

27thMay 2006 (I.A.N.)

I ask you to return to the love of The Eternal Father and of His Son. In humility and with simple faith come before Him and receive His abundant love and mercy. His love is never withdrawn and is available for all. Do not fear to come before Him because of the sin which may stain your soul. Those who approach with a true desire for forgiveness and with a repentant and contrite heart will know The Father’s great Mercy. He asks you to return and willingly accept the plan which he has for you. Return to your Holy Family and allow the love within to lead to renewed life in your earthly family. Trust and love always and know that my Adored Son, Jesus ,is always with you even until the end of time and beyond. He and His love are infinite and available for all who want to accept.

The next morning (Sunday) was an early rise and a hour and a half trip to Milikarpiti, Snake Bay.  Father Jimmy said Mass in the parish church called St. Monica’s.  The people sang beautiful hymns and after mass we touched them with the tears.  Father went away and bought back a Mother and her sick young daughter who had just come back from Darwin after having an operation on her legs. We prayed with her and with many others and then it was time for a quick bite to eat and then off once more on the road to drive to the landing so we could catch the barge across to Bathurst.  The inlet is not very wide and we crossed over in about 10 minutes.  Columbiere met us and took us to the Presbytery where we met up with Father John.  Father was heading off within the next hour for Alice Springs and Father Jimmy was going to say the masses for him.  The barge had filled with perfume and when the statue of Our Lady came into the Presbytery the whole of the house was filled with the perfume.  Father Jimmy went down to prepare for mass and a young couple asked if they could have their baby girl baptized.  This was hastily arranged and after settling all the children down mass

began.  At the beginning of mass the children and their mothers and grandmothers did a dance and sang a song to the Holy Spirit.  This was very moving.  The baptism was beautiful and at the conclusion the women came up to congratulate the couple and held the baby up high in the air as a sign of welcome into God’s family.  We prayed with many of the people in their family groups after mass was completed and there was a joyous atmosphere.  After we had finished we went back to the Presbytery and Our Lady appeared outside under this enormous old tree.  This is  the message given:-

28th May 2006 (Night Prayer Bathurst Island) Eileen

I thank you for reaching out in love to my hurting people and bringing them back to the knowledge of the love of their Heavenly Father.  You have given them renewed hope.  I ask that you continue reaching out in love to these people and pass that Christ-like love on to them by your loving actions.  There is much work to do.  This is the beginning of a journey of love and trust.  Stay close to me in prayer and self sacrifice and trust completely.  Do not be afraid.  I am right beside you to guide and help you.  I ask that you be that stepping stone for many who have lost their way and are stumbling in the darkness.  Help them to see that bright shining light of the love of  their Heavenly Father through the merciful love of Christ Jesus.

There is much work to do and time is short.  Step boldly out in faith and bring many back.  Bring all the children to my Son Jesus and show them the love He has for them.  You all must become like little children to enter the Kingdom of God.  Strip back the layers where you want to be in control and do it all your own way and learn the trust of a small child.  Abandon yourself completely upon the Divine will of your Heavenly Father and let him show you his plan for you and for the salvation of mankind.  Pray to be given the graces you need to do all for the glory of God.  Do not want any of the praise yourself but be humble of heart and take all the praise to your Father in Heaven.  I am with you in every part of this journey so there is no need to have fear, you will be protected.  Be courageous in this work you have been asked to do.  Stay close by your prayers.  Do not rush ahead but be patient and persevering.  By small steps you will bring many back to the love of the Father, through Jesus his Son in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit.  As you approach the feast of Pentecost be sealed with the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit for the missionary work of God’s love.

On Monday morning we took Our Lady over to visit the elderly people in a home quite close to the Presbytery.  Father Jimmy did a communion service and then we prayed a peace rosary and touched them all with Our Lady’s tears.  In the afternoon we took the statue into the old church (St. Therese’s) and some of the school children came after school and we prayed with them and explained a little about what was happening. 

Father Jimmy said mass at the new mass centre Our Lady Queen of Peace at about 6.30pm.  After mass had finished we spent time praying with families and individuals and Our Lady’s apparition took place in the back area  behind the church.  The soil was filled with the rose perfume.  Many of the people had stayed on and were there with us during the apparition.  The messages given were:-

29th May 2006  Our Lady Queen of Peace Bathurst Island (I.A.N.)

I thank you for allowing the love and the light of my Adored Son, Jesus, to reside in your hearts. I ask you to always allow His truth and Mercy to guide every part of your life. Come before Him with humility and in quiet contemplation. He loves all of His brothers and sisters and asks you to accept the desire of the Eternal Father to have you share eternity with Him. He waits for your response with patience and compassion. Be at peace and know that His love is for all. I, your Heavenly Mother, thank  you for showing the gift of faith, which comes to you through The Holy Spirit, is alive and given new life through your love and your actions. Peace is available to all who accept the peace and the love of The Christ.

 29th May 2006 ( Eileen Night prayer Bathurst Island)

I thank you for your faithfulness in coming to visit me and the beautiful hymns you sang in my honour.  I want you to go home this night filled with hope, filled with peace and joy of Jesus who is your Lord and Saviour.  Do not be afraid to face the challenges ahead but instead include me your Mother into every part of your life and know that I will guide and help you towards the love of your Eternal Father through Jesus his Son in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit.  Keep this new found peace, love and joy with you always and pass it on to others.

We returned to the Presbytery but decided to drive out to visit some people who lived at 4 mile camp as one of the ladies was very sick and could not come into town.  All her family and friends gathered around her bed and we prayed with them, sang some songs and touched them all with the tears.  They were beautiful, faith filled people who were so devoted to Our Lady and Our Lord.  Their houses were built in a semi circle with a statue of Our Lady in the middle.  We were all sad to leave the Tiwi Islands but Darwin was calling.  We set off on the plane and within 20 minutes we were landing at Darwin airport. 

 We had an afternoon rest  then had dinner and met the Bishop and some other people at Martha and Aloysius (one of the host family houses) After dinner we had night prayers in their back garden and Our Lady appeared and gave these messages:-

30th May 2006  (I.A.N. Night Prayer – Darwin Martha’s house)

I want you to know the pleasure your devotion to My Adored Son, Jesus and His truth, gives me. The Holy Spirit will soon move through the Great South land and the light of truth will rest among many. Be willing to stand up for truth and God’s holy word. Teach your friends and family of His love and mercy. Trust always in Him and his compassionate love for all of His brothers and sisters. I am with you always as He is and as are the Eternal Father and the Holy Spirit. I will be with you as you worship in Our Lord’s home. Help the lost sheep to find their way home to the loving embrace of He who loves all equally. Be his instruments of battle against the evil of satan and his minions. Be true disciples and heal The Eternal Father’s  hurting children . Let the love of The Christ guide you and be with you and shown through you and your actions. Go forward and proclaim the good news that the spirit is alive and will replenish the darkened souls. You must willingly accept the offered love and the peace and joy experienced by that acceptance will sustain you through the trials and opposition which will come to those who take up their holy armour in righteous battle. Love and pray and receive the sacraments often. Spend time with your brother as He awaits you in the Tabernacles of the world. Carry Him in the Tabernacle of your heart and let His light shine as a beacon on to all the dark recesses where evil dwells. Love must be your true motivation and only desire. Let go of worldliness and seek a simple uncomplicated faith. Be at peace and seek quiet time in which pray and contemplate.

30th May 2006 (Eileen Night Prayer – Darwin Martha’s house)

I ask you to spread my messages of love to many.  Help them to come close and experience the love that God has for them through Jesus Christ their Lord and Saviour.  There is much work to do to further the Kingdom of God.  Do not be afraid to step out in faith and do this missionary work of love.  I am your loving Mother and I want to guide and help you in every part of your journey.  Do not stay distant and so alone.  Come close to your Heavenly family and embrace this love which awaits you.  There are many who are walking in the darkness.  They are blinded to that which is right in their lives.  I ask that you give me many prayers for those who are spiritually blind.  Pray that their eyes are once more open to see the bright light of Christ Jesus.  I ask you to be that light of Christ burning brightly for all to see; light the way back onto the narrow path for many of your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Let the love of Christ flow out from you to those who are sick and suffering, to the oppressed, to those who are disadvantaged.  Do not judge but instead be filled with the merciful love of Christ to help those who need to know that they are loved beyond compare by Lord and God.  Do not  fear.  Take

courage and step out boldly in faith and do this missionary work of love.  I am with you to support and guide you in all you undertake to do for your  Heavenly Father through Jesus his Son in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit.

The next morning we went to the Cathedral (Star of the Sea).  The statue was placed to the side of the altar.  Bishop Ted said mass at 12.10pm and then people were able to come forward while a Rosary was recited.  The DVD was also played for those who wanted to know more about the background.  We stayed at the church until 3.30pm and then Father David took us up to the hospital to visit the East Timorese people who had been wounded in a gun battle in East Timor and had just flown in with some family members a few days previously. The Sisters of Charity were looking after them all and we went up to the wards and Father David anointed each person and we all joined in prayers around each bedside.  We also had a chance to visit  Father Leon a priest who was in hospital as well. We went home for dinner to our host families and then we had night prayer at Elsa’s house (this was the host family that Patty and Eileen were staying with).  We prayed in Elsa’s garden with a number of visitors and Our Lady appeared giving the following messages.

31st May 2006 (Night Prayer Darwin – at Elsa’s)  Eileen

Courage my little one as you set off again tomorrow into the unknown.  Do not be afraid, you are not alone on this journey you take.  There are many who go with you to guide and protect you.  There is much work to do and a small amount of time to do it.  Do not waste a second of this precious time.  Pray continuously that the hearts of my beloved people will be changed.  Pray that they turn away from evil and darkness and become immersed in the light of my Son Jesus the Christ.  Pray to be given the guidance you need through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Be gentle and  loving and let your Father in Heaven do His work through the love you show.  I ask my people to turn away from sin and come back to the love of their Lord and Saviour.  I need them to understand the subtleties of satan.  He wants families to be torn apart and for chaos to reign and does as much as he can to disturb peace.  It is important that they call upon the army of Heaven for the

protection needed.  Call upon the angels and saints and pray for protection and help daily.  Do not struggle on alone but rely completely on your Heavenly family to give you the strength to face the challenge.  Satan will be defeated but you must give many prayers and acts of self sacrifice to help defeat him and his evilness.  I ask that the people be courageous in their faith and to cling onto the hope of their  Father in Heaven.  Never loose hope but instead come close to my Son Jesus by reception of the Sacraments, by spending time in quiet prayer in front of the tabernacle and by reaching out in Christ-like love to others.  I ask again for you to use the power of prayer and together we will crush the head of satan.  Pray like never before.  I ask you to be peaceful and loving in the work you undertake to do for Christ.  Do not let your peace be disturbed by doubts and fears.  You have nothing to worry about.  All will be revealed in due time.  Be patient and persevering in your prayer and God’s plan will be revealed to you and to all.  Be still to hear the words of God.  Go now with the blessings of your Heavenly Father for the work you have to do.

31st May 2006 evening   I.A.N.

I thank you for your faithfulness and the trust you freely give to our Eternal Father. His love for all of His children is endless so I ask you to return some of that freely given love by showing compassion and love for your brothers and sisters. I grieve for my lost children as they wander in the darkness of despair which they bring upon themselves through their denial of Almighty God and His providence. I feel their pain and the Father became the Son so He would feel your pain and despair and anguish. He wishes for all of His children to return to His loving embrace and I wait to guide you to Him through my Adored Son , Jesus. Let the wisdom from the Holy Spirit come upon you and fill you with the flame of redeeming love. Give love to all you come upon and help ease their pain. Through your trials you will aid in the salvation of many. Trust and never cease trusting in God’s plan and will for you and for all. Be an instrument of His great mercy through your words, prayers compassion and above all by your gentle actions. Become an imitation of The Christ and let others see His love displayed through your deeds. Be humble, gentle, loving and prayerful. Give thanks and praise to Almighty God our Father for all He has given and will give to you. Keep peace about you always as you walk in His light and with His mercy.

The next morning we had to be up bright and early for a plane flight to Wadeye (Port Keats).  The flight took approximately 50 minutes.  The statue of Our Lady was strapped to the floor of the plane with 2 seats removed.  As we arrived in Port Keats the plane filled with rose perfume.  We were met by Father Leo, Theodora (an aboriginal elder) and many others.  The statue was transported back to Father’s house in Theodora’s car and we sat together and prayed a rosary for peace. Father Leo had to leave for Palumpa as he was celebrating a funeral mass there.  It takes approx 2 hours to get to this community and Father was away most of the day.  We decided it would be best to meet at the church Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at 5pm. There was a big crowd there.  We knelt together and prayed a rosary, gave a small talk and then touched all with the tears.  We went back to the Presbytery for night prayers and Our Lady appeared outside in front of a very old mango tree.  We heard later that this was the area that some of the lay missionaries would pray together at night as it was very close to the Pedal radio shed.  These are the messages given by Our Lady:-

1st June 2006     I.A.N. 

 I call all of my children to come close to the truth and love of My Adored Son, Jesus and embrace that love which is offered to you. Through His  suffering and death He has freed you from fear and from death. His truth is for all and His forgiveness is available for all of His brothers and sisters. I guide you to Him but you must open your ears and eyes and your heart. It is within your heart that He will live and shine from you through your work and deeds. Keep His peace with you. Seek the quiet in which to prayer and reflect and listen. In the quiet of your heart you will truly hear if you want that to happen. Trust in Him and His healing Mercy which is to come upon you who ask for it. Read Holy Scripture and gain understanding and spread that wisdom which is given from The Holy Spirit. Read the Gospel of Luke Chapter 8 verses 19 – 21 and grow in love for each other.

1st June 2006 (Night Prayer Wadeye) Eileen

Look up to the Heavens above and see the pointer stars which guide you to the cross.  Allow me to be your bright shining star which guides you to my Son Jesus and His cross he bore for you and for all for the redemption of mankind. I say to you this night have courage and do not be afraid to pick up the cross you have been asked to carry and unite your suffering with Jesus for the salvation of your brothers and sisters.  You will never be given a cross to heavy so begin this night to accept the little crosses and

disappointments in your life and know that you are helping others.  There is much work to do in the salvation of souls and many who want to take the easy road.  I ask you to be prepared to take the narrow more difficult road which leads you to life eternal.  Give many little acts of love to help others come to know the love that their Eternal Father has for them through his gift given of his only Son Jesus who suffered, died and rose again for the salvation of mankind and so you would have life anew.  I ask my people to turn away from the lures of satan and from the darkness of sin and come back onto the lighted path which leads to this love.  Do not try and be independent and self sufficient, trying to do everything your own way but instead abandon yourself completely to the Divine Will of your Father and embrace his love he longs to give you.  Spend time with my Son Jesus in quietness and prayer and allow your Eternal Father to reveal his plan for you.  Really believe that his plan is filled with hope not despair.  Do not be trapped in the ways of the world which distract you from the path you need to take.  Turn back and concentrate more on your spiritual life and let Jesus be your guide and help in every part of your life.  Let the guiding hand of your Father through Jesus his Son lead you to his merciful love through the graces of the Holy Spirit.  Embrace this love fully and live every moment of your life in the presence of God and He will reveal to you the Kingdom of God.

The next morning we set off to visit as many people as possible.  We went first to a day centre for the elderly and prayed with the people there.  We then set off for Palumpa to visit the aboriginal community.  William and his wife Michelle came with us and provided an extra vehicle.  William drove around to all the houses and called out to the people to come to the park and see the Weeping Madonna.  We met in the park as they do not have a church in this community.  The photo below shows the children praying together.

We travelled back to Port Keats and had a short rest then it was time to prepare for mass which was to be celebrated at 5pm.  Father Leo had arranged a Reconciliation Mass.  There were a very large crowd and the mass was wonderful.  Many different tribes were represented.  After mass we prayed with many family groups and individuals.  It was nearing our prayer time of 8pm and William had lit  some candles at Our Lady of Lourdes grotto outside their church so we decided to say our prayers there together with those who were still at the church.  Our Lady appeared in front of the grotto and left perfumed oil over the plants in front of the grotto.  The messages given were the following:-

2nd June 2006 (Night Prayer – Our Lady Lourdes grotto –Wadeye) Eileen

I ask my hurting people to come back onto the narrow path.  Do not keep distant and alone.  I am your Mother and I care for you and want to help and guide you in all you do.  I know that you have felt so alone and have had many difficulties to deal with.  I ask you this night to be my prayer warriors.  Join my army of faith and bring to me many prayers to help in the salvation of your brothers and sisters.  There is so much work and your prayers are a powerful weapon which will destroy the rule of satan.  You need to come before me with complete trust and give to me many prayers and acts of love to help in the salvation of souls. Learn once more how to gain the courage and strength you need for your journey.  Receive Jesus in communion and be united with Him body and soul.  Let Him give you the nourishment you need.  Go back to reading the scriptures and learn the lessons of your brothers in Christ – the apostles.  I want you to know that Jesus died for you and for all.  Do not waste this new life which has been given to you.  Accept the gifts from your Eternal Father.  These gifts are the Holy Spirit.  Be filled completely and then step out in faith to do the work of Christ Jesus your Lord and Saviour.  He is your Prince of peace and wants you to be filled with this peace, love and joy in your hearts and pass it on to others.  Come close to His most Sacred Heart and let Him fill you with His love.  I am here to guide your people so be not afraid but trust completely in the love you are given by your Father in Heaven through Jesus His Son in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit.  Go home this night filled with peace and joy.  Be healed of your hurts and live your life anew filled with the Holy Spirit.

 2nd June 2006 (Night Prayer – Our Lady Lourdes grotto – Wadeye)  I.A.N.

I thank you for your prayers and faith. It is through faith that you will find hope and peace. Believe in Almighty God’s great love for you.  Give all your life and your worries over to Him. Entrust your families to my guidance and I will lead you to the Father, through the Son and with the inspiration of The Holy Spirit. Let go of the trouble which blinds to His truth and then you will see and hear God.  Do not allow distractions to distort the words which He gives to you.  In all your trials and sufferings you will learn to grow with

humility and with a humble heart.  You who know God’s will and God’s

endless love for you will know the happiness which only comes with that knowledge. Everything comes from Him so be thankful for all you receive from Him. Be selfless and compassionate and merciful in your simple way. His love will become more personal and more meaningful day by day and through His Mercy, you will find peace and joy in the Eternal presence of His light and His love.  Listen to the messages which I give to you through the grace of the Eternal Father and use this time of grace wisely. The grace of The Eternal Father is with those who willingly accept it. Be at peace and always trust in the love of My Adored Son The Christ. Let His love and mercy  lead you to The Eternal Father.

The stars in the sky were bright and all seemed to go home with renewed hope in God for the future of Wadeye and with thankful hearts for all that Our Lady had achieved. 

We had an early start the next morning so it was time to go home for a late dinner and then prepare to return to Darwin.  We arrived back in Darwin late morning.  Bishop Ted met us at the airport and we shared with him all that had happened.  We had lunch at Martha’s and then went home to quickly do some washing and get prepared for mass to be celebrated that night at Holy Family Parish.  Mass was celebrated by Father Cornelio a Pilipino priest and after mass we prayed with people and there was opportunity for those who wanted to watch the DVD.  Night prayers were prayed in the front of the church and Our Lady appeared and gave the following messages:-

3rdJune 2006 (Night Prayer – Holy Family Church Darwin) I.A.N.

My Adored Son, Jesus the Christ, suffered upon His Cross for the sins of His brothers and sisters. He rose through the grace of God to show them hope of forgiveness leading to salvation. I suffered as He did and many who suffer do so for the benefit of their greater family. Trust that God’s plan for you is that you return to His loving arms and aid many to come back to Him. He loves you all and wants you to share that love with each other. Be selfless in the outpouring of love you are called to give. Return to a simple faith and an easy and uncomplicated life. Be at peace in all which you do and accept the wisdom and strength of The Holy Spirit.

Receive the sacraments often and seek to understand the lessons contained in Holy Scripture. Allow the suffering which I still feel and which your brother The Christ feels to end by rejecting sin and the temptation of sin. Try to lead a life which exists within the light of the truth of Jesus. Reject worldliness for it is a distraction which takes you from your precious quiet time which you can spend in contemplation and

conversation with your Saviour.

 3rd June 2006 (Night Prayer – Holy Family Church Darwin) Eileen

My child,

I want my people to know I am their Mother of love.  I care for them and want them to be filled with hope not despair.  I want them to realize that they are not alone.  I am beside them to help and guide them on their journey of life.  I ask that they have a child-like trust in me and believe that I will guide them to my Son Jesus.  He is your Lord and Saviour, your Prince of peace.  Do not stay distant from Him but instead come before Him in the holy tabernacle and let Him hear your pleas.  He waits for you so alone and abandoned.  Take time to spend with Jesus and let Him give you the nourishment you need.  Let Him fill you with many graces and blessings to help you.  He asks that you unite your sufferings with His passion and death and know that it will help in the redemption of many.  Pick up your cross and follow Jesus.  Do not ask for your little crosses to be lessened but instead embrace these crosses and know that they help in the salvation of souls.  I remind you that there is much work to do.  So many have turned their backs on my Son Jesus and live their lives worrying about their material possessions.  If only they would realize that these worldly goods will pass away but their eternal life lasts forever.  I beg you turn back and put your life in right order.  Put the love of your Heavenly Father first and reach out in love to your neighbour.  Let this love given to you by the Father through the Son in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit flow out like a river to all those who are put in your path.  Turn away from sin and worldly distractions and concentrate on that which will give you life eternal.  I ask you on this celebration of Pentecost to understand more fully the precious gifts you have been given.  Use these gifts daily and know that God’s plan will be revealed to you.  Grow deeper in your faith by reception of the Sacraments and by spending quiet time in prayer and then receive the keys to the kingdom of Heaven.

The weekend was Pentecost and it was great to celebrate this great feast with so many different parishes.  On Sunday morning we went out to Martin de Porres Parish and mass was celebrated by Father David.  This was a very joyous celebration in a church overflowing with people.  There was much singing and you couldn’t help but feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.  We prayed with many people after mass and enjoyed our visit to this faith filled parish very much.  We went back for our last lunch together to Martha and Aloysius and shared together a beautiful meal and fellowship.  It was time for a quick rest and then preparation for our last mass celebrated by Father Michael at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish at Palmerston.  We had time after mass for a quick talk and the DVD was shown.  We touched those who wanted with Our Lady’s tears and offered prayers.  The Parish had a lovely grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and this was where our Lady  appeared for the last time in our visit to Darwin.  Her messages were as  follows:-

4thJune 2006 Our Lady Help of Christians Palmerston I.A.N.

This time is only the beginning of the graces which will pour from our Almighty loving Father. Know that the fire which has been kindled will

continue to burn and become a consuming blaze which will reach to the lost souls of your brothers and sisters and warm the coldness which has come into their hearts. Always trust in God’s mercy and compassion and allow His love to been seen through and from you. Reach out and never cease to show the truth and light which has been revealed through the word and through the events which you have been able to witness and live. God’s power is great and only comes to be realised when you willingly accept His offer into your heart. He loves all and give His mercy to all. Bring His word to all of His children. Let all know of the peace and joy which only comes when you fully accept His holy will and follow His divine plan. He is our Father and I am your Mother. My adored Son, The Christ is your Father and your light in the dark. Follow His light and see the happiness which comes from living His truth and allowing others to see Him through your actions. Be prayerful, loving and obedient. Call on His help when you need Him and call on Him when you just desire to talk to Him as your brother and your true friend.

(Evening)

I thank you for your patience and the sincere prayers which you have given. Know that I come to you to show my real presence in the lives of my children and I lead you always to my Adored Son Jesus, The Christ.

4thJune 2004 (Our Lady Help of Christians Palmerston) Eileen

Well done.  My mission is accomplished and many are turning back and putting their trust in my Son Jesus and His saving power.  I ask that you give me many prayers now to help these people have the courage and strength they need to continue their journey back onto the narrow path.  Pray and give me many acts of love to help in the salvation of souls.  By your missionary work of love you have been that stepping stone these people need to change their ways and accept the love the Father has for them through the merciful love of Christ Jesus in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit.  They have received the nourishment they need to come close to their Heavenly family.  I ask that you give many prayers to help fulfil the plans for these hurting people.  Pray, pray, pray and know that your many prayers are used in this missionary work of love. I want you to go home this night filled with peace and joy and know your work has begun.  Be trusting and accepting of all you are given and always let Jesus be your guide.  Do not rush ahead of His plan but always remain patient and persevering.  Humble your heart and give your Almighty God always all the praise and glory in Jesus the Christ through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

We finished at Palmerston around 9pm and then the group headed off to Hungry Jacks to have dinner and say goodbye as we were all going our separate ways.  Patty, Brendan and Ron flew back to Perth the next morning with Our Lady and Eileen stayed an extra 5 days.