All posts by : Kielty Oberlin

Below you will find our International Coordinator, John Sullivan III’s reflections on his trip throughout Africa and Uganda to help the leadership teams spread the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (Summer 2024)

Greetings to everyone from Kenya. I’m about halfway through the trip to Africa in terms of countries. Thus far, the trip has been a powerful demonstration of how our Blessed Mother has everything in control and her plans are better than ours!

The trip to Africa actually began with a conference in England. Many thanks to Liz, Csaba, and team for all the work they did to organize it. I am delighted to see that there is good growth in a country that is so deeply secular.

From England, I flew to Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo via Switzerland. For the last leg of the trip, after praying about where to sit, I changed my seat from the one I had been assigned. The gentleman next to me looked like he might be a priest. We struck up a conversation and he asked what I was doing. I told him I was going to Goma to visit our people and speak about the Flame of Love and that we had hoped to set up a meeting with the Bishop. He then said that he was the Bishop of Goma! So we had our meeting right there in the plane as well as other delightful conversation.

The situation in Goma is unique. There are two organizations for the Flame of Love – the Movement and the Community. The Movement refers to the Association of the Faithful to which we belong. The Community refers to a religious order Sister Alvera desires to establish for the Flame of Love. Although I am sure this order will work closely with the Association, it is technically separate and would be under the Bishop. Where do I begin to discuss all that I learned in Goma without writing a novel!

One important item that consistently came up was the need for formation. When new countries come on now, I spend many, many months with them to help them learn the Flame of Love and prepare them to teach others. I do not believe that happened with the countries established in the past, at least not in DRC. This was highlighted by the Bishop. He was ready to approve them as a religious order until those evaluating the Community pointed out the lack of formation and formators. Thus, they have been given another three years by the Bishop to address the issues.

On the other hand, even though they have had little formal formation, they are a living demonstration that knowledge is not the most important thing. Our Blessed Mother and the Holy Spirit still work miracles in the depth of hearts whether we understand it academically or not. They have a remarkable reputation among the Bishop and his advisors. They see them as the group that makes things happen in their parishes and who truly live their Christianity. Thank you Sister Alvera and members for living the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and setting such a powerful example.

Delivering formation is a challenge. Bandwidth is expensive and not reliable so it is not feasible to constantly watch videos on-line. Consequently, we will work on creating French subtitles for the formation videos we have and shipping them on USB sticks. We have most of the Building on Solid Rock series done and are starting work on the Overview videos. We are also in the process of placing these on the flameoflove.info web site.

Materials are also a challenge. We will want to customize the materials to DRC so that, as they circulate throughout the country, people are directed back to our people in DRC. In this way, we continually build the local Movements. However, our members are financially challenged. I was privileged to be able to stay with them. The needs of the orphanage are great especially now that war has returned. The house for the men’s community is very sparse with no plumbing or kitchen. I was deeply inspired to see their commitment to establishing the Community despite such living conditions. Thank you again for your example. We will need to see how we can raise funds so that we can have materials to help the Movement grow throughout the country and, if possible, assist the Community and orphanage. This is a somewhat delicate matter as I know many other countries are also quite poor not only in Africa but in Oceania and Latin America so we will have to see how to fairly balance our limited resources to help.

We visited the Chancery to meet again with the Bishop and with the Director for Lay Associations. The reception was more than we could have hoped for. They would like us to introduce the Flame of Love to all the parishes in the diocese and to present to all of their priests. For the latter, I will likely need to return to Goma in 2025. For the former, it comes back to formation. We will need to quickly execute this formation program so that our people in Goma are able to visit each one of the parishes. I am hopeful that we can accomplish this within the year.

 Peace and great Joy – John

Uganda was next after Goma. This was an entirely different kind of visit. In Goma, our emphasis was meeting with Flame of Love devotees, the Bishop, and other important priests in the diocesan administration. In Uganda, the doors flew open to reach large numbers of people who had never heard of the Flame of Love. I hope I can remember all that we did with the help of Philomena (as I found Phiona prefers to be called) and her team. Once again, whenever it seemed like something was going wrong, it was our Blessed Mother giving us a better plan. The first stop was a youth centre in Kampala with two wonderfully supportive priests. There were hundreds of people in attendance. It was a delight to sit around before the events and chat with dedicated and enthusiastic teenagers who were glowing with the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We also had an interview with Holy Cross Kisubi who live streamed and broadcast many of the events in Kampala. Philomena was well prepared with many materials – prayer cards, abridged diaries, pictures, t-shirts both for sale and to give away. Many thanks to the members in Uganda who dug deeply to finance this printing and the trip as well as those countries who contributed to supporting materials in Africa. A particular thanks to Ireland and New Zealand. One of Philomena’s sons happens to own a print shop so he was able to deliver the materials on short notice and continue printing as we had need during the trip.

The next day began the main activity in Uganda – preaching at the novena for peace leading up to the solemnity of the Assumption at Kiramirembe, a large Marian shrine dedicated to our Lady Queen of Peace. Kiramirembe means “give us peace”. The challenge as a speaker was that each day had both people who were attending the entire novena and others who were new for that day. The first two days, I covered what I have been covering wherever I go – the scope of the Flame of Love, i.e., a gift for the whole world and not just a new prayer group, and the importance of sacrifice in lighting the Flame of Love like a wildfire to change the world. After that, I did a brief overview each day and then covered much of the material in the Building on Solid Rock series. The first few days there were scores of people but the numbers kept growing. By the vigil of the Assumption, there were probably thousands. Besides those in attendance, most of these activities were live streamed by Holy Cross Kisubi and I believe that the vigil was broadcast on Radio Maria. Assumption was celebrated by the Archbishop of Kampala who invited us to dinner afterward and sat me directly across from him at the table along with the Prime Minister and a former Ambassador. Thanks be to God, the response seemed to be tremendous. Even on our trip to Kibeho and at Kibeho people would stop us and comment that they saw us at Kiramirembe. However, just as inspiring as the reception among the masses of people was the enthusiastic reception among many, many priests. I am sure the Uganda team will be invited into many parishes.

There was something else fascinating about Kiramirembe. There is a beautiful but mysterious statue of our Blessed Mother there. No one know where it came from or who sent it. It was in the railroad station during the looting of the Uganda civil war. Literally everything was looted but they opened this box and saw a life-sized white woman, thought it was a coffin with a dead person, and sealed it back up. It remained in storage for many years until it was offered to Kiramirembe. I’ll attach a picture. Look at her heart. Both Father Kabanda and I noticed it. It is as if she was waiting all these years for the Flame of Love to come to Uganda and Kiramirembe!

Since the Kiramirembe activities started at 2PM, we scheduled other activities for the mornings. One was to visit the various shrines to the Ugandan martyrs and the first missionaries. The tortures inflicted upon these men were horrifying but there is something that impressed me even more, viz., the initiative of the laity. When the missionaries first came, they baptized six people but then recieved instructions that they needed to catechize for four years before baptism. They prevailed to reduce it to two years and baptized another six. However, they were soon forced to leave. They left behind 12 baptized and 200 catechumens. When they returned a few years later, they expected that what they started would have died and they’d have to start over again. Instead, those baptized took it upon themselves to catechize others in the absence of the priests. When the missionaries returned, they found 80,000 people waiting for them! As I wrote previously, step out and take the initiative. As Jesus told Elizabeth, go far outside your comfort zone like the Wise Men. These Uganda lay people realized there was a job to do – priests or no priests – and what a job they did. Let us follow their example and be about our Mother’s work.

We scheduled an interview on Radio Maria and, in another “seating” event, it just so happened at breakfast the day before, I was sitting next to the Director of Radio Maria! During the interview, the interviewer and the Station Manager seemed to be completely enflamed by the Flame of Love. The interviewer said he literally felt it. The Manager texted me several times afterward. I pray this leads to a great spread of the Flame of Love as Radio Maria has sixteen stations throughout Uganda.

We also had an interview with Catholic TV. We recorded three segments. After we finished, they requested if we could come back to do another segment, but they would have to clear it with their management. That did not happen in time before we left but I pray it will be another great media outlet to spread the Flame of Love.

Our Mother’s “redirection” was evident again after Kiramirembe. We had planned to go to Fort Portal, a large Archdiocese in the west that has been receptive to the Flame of Love. That’s where Sarah is. However, the bishop was not available to give his permission and the people to whom he referred us were out of the country or unavailable but that allowed us to take an overnight trip to Tororo in the East instead of a day trip. Even that seemed a disappointment as the monk who invited us wanted us to present to the cathedral parish but the rector said we needed the bishop’s permission and it had not come through in time. But, we were invited to the Monastery. This was an unexpected great blessing. Virtually all the monks fully embraced the Flame of Love – over 30 Benedictines! Philomena supplied abridged diaries to many of them. Thanks again to those who helped pay for them. We pray that this enthusiastic response of the monastery will open the door to the Bishop. In fact, the next day, we did meet with one of the Bishop’s advisors. He asked many questions because, as he shared, he has had other groups come into the diocese that caused problems and thought they knew better than the Magisterium of the Church. This is a very serious issue; please let us not fall into the trap of pride. Thankfully, he seemed very satisfied with our answers and I trust the door will open.

We then returned to the Saint Padre Pio Shrine in Kampala where, one again with the encouragement of a very supportive priest, Father Michael, several hundred gathered most of whom were completely new to the Flame of Love. He said something in conversation afterward that remains lodged in my thoughts. He said that Catholics in Uganda understand faith, but they have not yet learned love. They come to Church, they are faithful, but they have not given themselves over to a life of love – the sacrificial love of the Trinity that we must live and learn in the Flame of Love. I suspect this is not unique to Uganda. When I speak, the Flame of Love itself does not take much time to explain; it’s very simple. Most of my time is spent talking about love and grace as many Christians do not understand them and, if we don’t understand love and grace, we will never understand the Flame of Love and how it blinds Satan.

The next day, we left for Masaka in the south on our way to Kibeho. Here, we stopped at a Marian shrine under construction in a very rural part of Uganda. They awaited are arrival late that evening. Father Peter is ardent about the Flame of Love and shared the many miracles that had happened at the shrine because of the Flame of Love – both miraculous conversions and the triumph over the very strong demonic influence that had infested the hill where the shrine is being built.

From there, our tired group of members from the Kampala Flame of Love continued our long journey to Kibeho but, since this instalment is so long already, I’ll stop here and write separately about Rwanda and Kenya. May our Blessed Mother start her wildfire over Uganda, Africa, and the whole world! – John

Trip To Rwanda.

After traveling all day to Masaka, our tired group and amazing driver continued on through the night toward Kibeho, Rwanda, where Mary appeared before the Rwandan genocide. Here again, we could see our Blessed Mother directing our seemingly stumblng steps. We had originally been invited to Kibeho by Father Gaspar, a Pallottine priest serving at the shrine at Kibeho. However, by the time the trip was scheduled, he had been transferred to the Pallottine Community in the capital city of Kigali. Again, this appeared to be a setback but was a great blessing. We decided to stop in Kigali to visit him anyway.

As he toured us through the compound in Kigali, he took us through a large printing facility. I thought, if they are printing, they must also be shipping and shipping full diaries into Africa has been a nightmare for us. We are often told they cannot be delivered even to major cities and, even when we are told they can be delivered, they are returned or they disappear. Father Gaspar introduced me to Father Jean Paul in charge of the printing facility and he is interested in printing materials including the full Diary for us in Africa. They need to do runs of at least 1000 copies but they will store them for us for free and can distribute them by sending them via the members of their Order as they travel to the various Pallottine Communities spread throughout Africa or they can piggyback them on air shipments they make of other materials. I pray this will solve our Diary problem in Africa. We are in preliminary discussions. This would not have happened had our plans gone as we expected.

We finally arrived in Kibeho after what seemed like a day and a half of continuous driving. I can’t say enough about our driver – another one of Philomena’s “sons” who owns a safari company. Again, I don’t have his card handy but will share his web site when I can just in case any of your are ever planning a safari to East Africa. Andrew was amazing – driving endless hours safely over, at times, seemingly impassable roads. He took over one week off from running his business to drive us all over Uganda and Rwanda. Thank you Andrew.

Even in Kibeho, our Mother’s planning was at work. I did not share it with Philomena but I was wondering what we were doing in Kibeho. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to be at a place where Mary appeared but I did not come to Africa for my own spiritual enrichment but to serve. Why was I here if we now had no presentations? Well, our Blessed Mother knew better. We met some people who I believe were greatly blessed by the Flame of Love. I also had a chance to spend valuable time with our Kampala team. Most stunningly, we visited a Bible museum – a great idea to help Catholics make better use of the Bible. As I was leaving, my eyes happened to meet with a gentleman who appeared to be a priest. We paused and he came over to shake my hand. He happened to be a bishop from Zambia – a country where the Flame of Love is just starting. He was quite engaged, took our contact details and has since been in contact with both Philomena and myself including saying he would welcome my visit to his diocese. I pray this will happen in 2025.

I was struck in Kibeho by the resonance between our Blessed Mother’s messages there and the Flame of Love. In Kibeho, Mary said that we had forgotten how to love and the way to peace. This echoed Father Michael’s words that Uganda (and certainly many others) understand faith but not love. This is one of the great gifts Mary gives us in the Flame of Love – confronting us with what love means and providing the extraodinary example of how Jesus taught Elizabeth to love in every moment. Mary also spoke of the importance of suffering and how no one will make to Heaven without suffering. She also mentioned the importance of praying without hypocrisy. This strikes close to home for me on two fronts. I have been trying to emphasize how we must not just say our prayers but live our prayers – prayer and sacrifice as we can only learn love by living love. And the other is to encourage our people to pray as a loving dialog rather than a recitation. Let’s please not speak to God as if He is in the next room – “May God do this or do that” addressing Him in the third person – rather talk to our family in the Rosary as we meditate on the mysteries – talking to them in the second person.

From Kibeho, we journeyed the five hours back to Kigali for my flight to Kenya after which the group continued back home to Kampala – a trip that I believe took over 20 hours. Again, my admiration for Andrew and my deep thanks to the Kampala team for a memorable trip together. 

Visit to Cameroun

From Kenya, it was now time to fly to the other side of Africa, West Africa, and the first stop was Cameroon. This was a blessed and joyous trip though it just about killed me and the group who were with me. I was accompanied the entire trip by Dr. Ngadjui, the current Africa Continental Coordinator, Monsignor Toko, the Continental Spiritual Advisor, Father Francis Rhufin, the National Coordinator, and Martine, the African Continental Treasurer who initially enountered the Flame of Love in 1988 so a long time devotee; I am assuming she encountered the small booklets that were published from Switzerland while Elizabeth was still alive. The challenge was that I was up by 7AM the day I flew to Cameroon but my flight was not until the evening. It was a long flight with a 9 hour layover in Nairobi that I thought I would use for sleep but I was not allowed to check-in until 2AM so no sleep that night. I landed in Cameroon on-time but our challenge there was that our people are spread out on opposite sides of the country so, from the airport, it was a 8 hour drive to Belabo where we ended at 3:30 the next morning, then arose at 5AM for a 1 hour drive to Bertua to meet with the Bishop and Father Francis Rhhufin’s parish followed by a 9 hour drive to Bafang which lasted until the early morning and then straightaway without any sleep that night for a 6 hour ride back to the airport in Younde to head to Togo! Thank you to the Cameroon team for such endurance.

Belabo was wonderful. Our people waited until we arrived late at night and greeted us with dancing, marimbas and drums, singing, and great joy. After speaking to our people, we shared a meal until the early morning. From there, we drove to meet with the very supportive Bishop of Bertua. I asked him what he saw as the most valuable contribution the Flame of Love could make to his diocese and he replied, “teaching our people to pray”. I found that fascinating and unexpected as I was still digesting Father Michael’s comment in Uganda about teaching the parishioners to love. This reinforces my earlier comments about how we pray. Let us please be sure that our prayers, our cenacles, are a dialog of love with our beloved family and not a recitation of a prayer formula. Remember, our Blessed Mother doesn’t need another “prayer formula”; she wants to shake the world.

From there, we went to Father Francis Rhufin’s parish. I had forgotten the schedule so thought we were just stopping in. Instead, I was greeted with the same joy and singing and a delightful little girl welcoming me in English with a bouquet of flowers. After speaking there, we left for the long drive to the other side of the country to visit Bafang. Once again, we arrived quite late but our people were joyfully waiting. After Mass and speaking there, we once again shared a meal where I ate with the bishop’s representative as the bishop was out of town. He also was engaged and supportive.

At the end of this trip, we once again experienced what I pray was our Blessed Mother’s orchestration. Dr. Ngadjui had produced a large report about the Flame of Love in Africa and wanted me to take copies to Togo and Cote d’Ivoire since mailing them is a challenge in Africa. We did not have time to put them in my luggage before leaving as we were in a hurry for the airport. I can’t imagine how tired our driver was and, to make matters worse, the weather was poor and visibility very low so driving was dangerous and much slower than expected and we were late for the flight. In fact, the final drive in Younde was heart stopping – I think even for the team from Cameroon who are much more familiar with such risky driving than I am! We arrived after check-in for my flight had closed. Dr. Ngadjui wanted me to take the reports but I told him I did not have time to repack my luggage to fit them since I was already overloaded. He then suggested I simply carry them in my hand which I did. Thankfully, the airline let me check in. As I raced to the gate, I plopped the reports I was holding on a chair as we were preparing to board. As I confirmed I was in the right place with a gentleman in front of me, he asked if I was a priest. He had noticed the reports about the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which were now unexpectedly exposed instead of in my luggage. It turns out he is a very well-known and high ranking priest in Nigeria who travels around the world to preach. He took my card and seemed interested as he greatly loves the Virgin Mary. I do pray this helps us to finally light the Flame of Love in Nigeria. This would not have happened if we were on-time for the flight.

Many thanks to the Cameroon team for creating such a joyful and welcoming trip despite that challenges of travel.

 Peace and great Joy in our Blessed Mother’s service – John

Welcome everyone to our June newsletter. We have had a very busy time since our last newsletter – mainly getting ready for our first ever conference in Knock. What a blessing! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped make the conference such a success, all those who guided and advised us along the way, our speakers, John Sullivan III, Antoinette Moynihan, Kathy Sinnott, Brother John Benedict Torres Encio, Christine O’Hara, Fr. Joseph Fazio, LC and our own Kielty Oberlin and Frances Devaney. We would also like to thank Fr. Terry O’Connor and Fr. Con Doherty for being with us and concelebrating Mass with Fr. Joseph Fazio, LC. We would like to thank our attendees who travelled from near and far and thank Pauline Gallagher and Eileen Boden for providing the music during Mass and the whole weekend and to the whole Flame of love family who all helped in various ways.

Knock Conference 2024 Review

This time of year, students have prepared and have been showing what they have learned. For our recent conference a lot of preparation was required. Sometimes it felt overwhelming, but, in Our Lady’s hands it all came together beautifully. What did we learn from it?

From an organisational point of view there were many learnings we will take forward into next year’s preparation. Though this was our third annual conference, this year it felt like it moved to a higher level, with so many external speakers and many new attendees outside of the core group of regular Flame of Love devotees. This one felt like a full national conference with all the organisational challenges that came with it.

We learned from Kathy Sinnott about the close historic, cultural and religious links between Hungary and Ireland. Hungary, the shining light in Europe, can help relight the Flame of faith here again. Christine O’Hara told us that in the modern world children are bombarded and are looking for solace and gave evidence that even in this technological age, they are finding peace in the rosary and in adoration. Antoinette Moynihan reminded us that in the simplicity of the silence of children’s adoration, each child can appreciate the opportunity to develop a relationship with Jesus and gain deep insights which are sometimes expressed in remarkable ways. Brother John Benedict Torres Encio’s link from the Flame of Love Movement in the Philippines showed us that despite technological challenges, we can feel part of the worldwide family of faith.  It is good sometimes to realise that we are journeying with others in a way that transcends geography and time zones.

For me personally from day 1 in St John’s Centre, Fr Joseph Fazio’s leading of the mediated rosary was the perfect ending of the day.  We were blessed to have three priests in attendance through the weekend, especially at the Flame of Love Mass on Saturday morning.

The Adoration Chapel in Knock on Saturday morning seemed to be the place selected by heaven for a Flame of Love Mass. The Lamb of God we were about to receive, the Word of God we were about to absorb, the gaze of our Blessed Mother, the support of St Joseph were all depicted behind the altar.  It felt like we were at home. The celebration of Holy Mass was also enhanced by our Flame of Love choir led by Eileen Boden and Pauline Gallagher (Flame of Love OIHMM Scotland). Even, the uncomfortable situation after Mass where we needed to leave at short notice, cutting short the prayer to receive the Flame of Love, seemed fitting. Maybe was a required humiliation? (No time for self-congratulation or resting in a sense of achievement. Go out, spread the Flame of Love. As it says in the diary (pg. 75), the reward of our work is not a worldly reward. Seek and love humiliation.  Do not think about rest. 

Many of us have heard John’s addresses before and his exploration of the teachings that underpin the Flame of Love.  But we always need to go deeper, to understand at a new level over time. You may find some of John’s talks on our Irish Flame of Love YouTube Channel. This certainly happened in Knock. For some hearing John speak, it was a new way of looking at the tenets of faith they knew but hadn’t quite thought of in that way before.  For more of us, our understanding took that little step further.  We are growing but we need to grow more.

When we deepen our understanding, we ask what are we really saying when we pray the Unity Prayer?  Jesus must fill us entirely and the effect of this grace must be passed from person to person.  Like the priest says at the offertory, through the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in His Divinity who humbled himself to share in our humanity. I must decrease. He must increase. Like the water filling the glass, we must fill ourselves with Jesus.  As we read from St Paul in the cenacles, ‘that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.’  

We were reminded of the need the world is in.  Things have never been worse.  What is it all about? The salvation of souls. How do we save souls? Through desire, prayer, sacrifice; by uniting these to the sacrifice of Christ. As St Paul said, ‘to complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.’ The way to save souls is the way of The Cross.  May our hands gather in unity.  Gather souls for Him by taking up whatever cross each day offers.  It doesn’t have to be rushing into the burning building to save someone. Someday we may be asked to do that but for most, it’s what opportunities come our way each day. It may just be taking the bruised banana or eating the piece of cake for the good of the other’s health.  

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in an interview in 2015 said we exist not for ourselves, but for others.  Along with Christ, we live for others.  With the Lord we have encountered in the Eucharist, we go forth and render visible the coming of God in Christ. Faith is not an idea. It is a way of life. The Flame of Love is not a devotion but a way of living. Jesus is the I am. We need to be as Jesus is.

Written by Joe Sheehan, National Treasurer, Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Movement IRELAND

Reports from John Sullivan III’s speaking
tour of Ireland – from 21^st – 27^th May 2024

PAULSTOWN, Co. Kilkenny –  Tuesday 21^st May

John’s first talk took place in Paulstown, Co Kilkenny at the Church of the Assumption. The Power of The Flame of Love was really visible that evening as such a large group of people (approx. 60 people) were moved to attend a Holy Mass preceded by the Flame of Love Rosary and followed by a John’s talk about the Amazing Graces and Blessings attached to the Flame of Love. Fr Eugene  celebrated a wonderful Mass and the music and singing were anointed. 

John Sullivan spoke with not only knowledge attained from a book, but from his own heart. It was very clear for all who attended as to why John is the International Co-ordinator for the Flame of Love. 

John spoke of Our Lady wanting this Movement to be spread like “Wildfire”. This was certainly true for Eugene and Aisling Kealy who were asked if they could possibly organise a venue for John to speak around midnight on the Saturday night and yet by Sunday (Pentecost Sunday), they had the poster up and circulating.  Our Lady gathered her children to hear for themselves of the real power of her Immaculate Heart which is burning with desire to be spread near and far. This Flame of Love is the love in her heart for Jesus and, indeed, Our Lady always points us to her Son. This Flame of Love is the real Love of His most Sacred Heart. 

Most attending were already familiar and praying the Unity prayer which blinds Satan, Praise God! But, John spoke of Elizabeth Kindelmann, a hard-working, humble Hungarian mother who lived a very difficult life and received heavenly messages and was directed to put those in writing. It was evident that on hearing John speak so eloquently about Elizabeth’s life that many afterwards were moved to rush to buy her Spiritual Diaryin the hallway after his talk.

John spoke of Elizabeth seeing two poor children that she had a desire for them to know about The Flame of Love.  Our Lady showed Elizabeth that they received this Flame of Love because of her desire for them to receive it. John made this very powerful message very simple for all of us to grasp and understand. John spoke of our world in need of this real Flame of Love and of Heaven’s desire to Save Souls. He listed off country after country all over the world where this message is spreading like “Wildfire”.

Paulstown’s Prayer Group were blessed to have a Father and Daughter who, at a drop of a word, answered Our Lady’s call to help spread her Love and that of Her Son’s. They never do anything by half in Paulstown and that evening they even managed to have a huge, beautiful banner made up with the image of The Flame of Love.

Praise God for all who ‘Listened’ and ‘Heard Our Lady’s call’ to Paulstown and were very blessed to be present for Holy Mass, Adoration, Praise and Worship Music and Singing. Then we heard John Sullivan who was like a Flame Thrower spreading this message to all who had ears to hear with an open heart. Praise God and His Blessed Mother for this Message of Love which is needed in Our Own Hearts, Our Families, Our Country and Our World, Today! 

      Written by Kate Mulligan Doherty

ST PETER & ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, PORTLAOISE – 22nd May

John introduced his talk at the 10am Morning Mass in St Peter & St Paul’s Church in Portlaoise and invited those who wished to hear more about The Flame of Love OTIHM to stay after the mass.

John sprang into action and spoke again with passion and a real desire to speak directly to each person who had an open heart to hear. Approximately 40 people stayed initially to listen to a 60-minute talk about this powerful message. 

John then invited anyone who was free to join him in a small room for a more detailed talk and to answer any questions. 

Despite the short notice, a group of nine people attended and to my surprise Eugene Kealy from Paulstown, Co Kilkenny (where John had spoken the previous night) was present. Knowing that Eugene is a very busy businessman, I turned to him and asked, “What are you doing here?”  His reply, spoke volumes, ” I was so busy with everything last night…..I came today because I wanted to be relaxed and hear John speaking properly for myself.”

John spoke to this small group with the same passion that he had spoken with to the large group in Paulstown the night before. 

He gave our Mother’s message as if he was speaking it for the first time. He answered questions and spoke individually to anyone who wished to speak to him. He then took a few moments of silent prayer in front of the Tabernacle.  

John didn’t stop there as he then joined five others for a cup of tea in the Parish Centre and answered more questions. He was on Fire with the Flame of Love Message. Numbers didn’t matter to John. Once there was One Heart present who was open to hearing, John was more than willing to speak. A real International Speaker for Heaven’s Message of LOVE. 

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, ALWAYS WINS THE DAY. PRAISE GOD. 

Written by Kate Mulligan Doherty.

ROSCREA CENACLE – Wednesday 22^nd May

Eighteen people attended the Flame of Love Cenacle in Roscrea led by John Sullivan III, International Co-ordinator for the Flame of Love, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 22 May.

Seven people were from the Roscrea Flame of Love Cenacle, two from the Portlaoise Flame of Love and seven people were members of the Legion of Mary in Roscrea. Our Curate, Fr Autun, was also there.

John led a beautiful and prayerful cenacle and chose 4 readings from the Spiritual Diary about binding Satan. The feedback from all who attended was that it was a blessing to be united in prayer at the Flame of Love meeting. Everyone found the cenacle uplifting and empowering and said that the beautiful prayers touched their hearts. The word ‘unforgettable’ was used and they now had a greater awareness of Satan and evil in the world. Everyone was delighted to meet someone as knowledgeable and holy as John, and to have the opportunity to learn more about the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The evening finished with tea and tart, social mingling and Fr Autun had an opportunity to learn more about the Flame of Love as he chatted away to John.

Written by Marie Kelly, Literature Coordinator and leader of the Roscrea Cenacle

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, CORBALLY, LIMERICK -Thursday, 23 May

John gave an Introductory Talk on the Flame of Love in a room at the back of the Sacristy following the 10am mass. There were a group of approx. 20 people in attendance. All were ‘super’ engaged during the talk and asked questions as the talk proceeded.

The feedback was that the talk was very informative, interesting and was related by a very articulate speaker, John Sullivan, International Co-ordinator for the Flame of Love.

People were delighted to meet someone as knowledgeable as John. They were impressed by his calm demeanour which encouraged those present to pose many questions which John answered with great ease.

Those who attended the talk reported that John is an excellent teacher and that he speaks with great conviction and knowledge. 

It was reported that people were delighted to learn more about the Flame of Love after praying the Unity prayer faithfully for 1-2 years.

It was clear to me that Our Lady of the Flame of Love was working through certain people in Corbally, Limerick to spread the Flame of Love. A second cenacle has just commenced in Limerick – in St. Nicholas Church, Westbury – thanks to Rachel and Alison Lowe. Plans are also afloat to start a Cenacle in Co. Clare.

Praise God for granting Our Lady the Miracle of the Flame of Love which is now spreading so rapidly throughout the world! 

Thank you, Fr. Terry for your feedback and Marie Kelly for writing this section.

CLOGHROE, CO. CORK –  Saturday evening Mass 25^th May 2024                         

Looking in from the book stall in the porch at the back of the church in Cloghroe a deep sense of prayerfulness could be sensed. The Mass was well attended.  Many came to hear John Sullivan speak.  John spoke during the Mass for a short period and invited anyone that wanted to find out more about the Flame of Love to attend a gathering in a side room after Mass.  The children’s voices in the choir sang ‘Light the Fire’.  One could sense the Holy Spirit was active in a special way.  Fr Paddy Buckley PP and Fr Con Doherty SHM concelebrated the Mass, which enhanced the worship.  

In the side room afterwards about 30 people gathered for tea and to listen to John teach. From those who were completely new to the Flame of Love to those more seasoned devotees, everybody was engaged, and all learned more about what their faith really is about. One man who has been involved for some time with the Flame of Love commented that he now ‘gets it’, now he understands better what this is about. There was the added bonus of hearing John sign off with a rendition of Ave Maria.

People buzzed afterwards. It wouldn’t have taken much to encourage them to go out and proclaim the Good News to the world.  If the air in that room that night could have been bottled and dropped as drops of oil on the nearby city and surrounding countryside, as it describes in the diary, the flames of faith would have burst into life. As it happened Fr Buckley had a small group of visiting priests with him that night.  John called to his house to meet them and introduce them to the Flame of Love. We thank Our Blessed Mother for bringing all together that night and pray it may have sown the seeds of growth for the spreading of the effect of grace.

Written by Joe Sheehan, National Treasurer, Flame of Love Movement Ireland

SACRED HEART MISSIONAROES (SHM), WESTERN ROAD, CORK –  Sunday 26^th May 2024

Unity prayer cards were placed on each seat before Mass.  Some familiar faces from Catholic conferences and other churches in Cork appeared.  The word had spread. Fr Con led a joyful celebration of Holy Mass enhanced by song.  John addressed the congregation for about 10 minutes in place of a homily.  In his address, John provided an introduction to the Flame of Love, reminding those listening why it is so needed for our country and for our youth at this time. John invited those who wished to learn more to stay on for a while afterwards.  At the end of Mass all joined in praying the unity prayer

About twenty people took up the invitation to remain at the front of the church afterwards.  Many were engrossed in what they were hearing as John spoke for about 45 minutes.  The brisk sale of literature at the back afterwards was an indication of how much the message connected. There was a real interest in finding out more and a desire to tell others.  There was a sense that a chord had been struck. One got the feeling that for many they recognised perhaps there is a way to deliver our country and our youth from the mess.  May the effect of grace of the Flame of Love spread over all of Ireland. 

Written by Joe Sheehan

LETTERKENNY – Monday 27^th May

John attended morning Mass in the Cathedral in Letterkenny and also joined in rosary after Mass. The Priest announced that John would give a talk in the conference room after Mass, all were welcome to attend,

The Mass and Rosary were very well attended given that it was a Monday morning, a Ray of Hope. About 18/19 people attended talk. One family attended with young children of primary school age. They attended the full session, purchased literature, didn’t accept change and engaged John in conversation after the talk.

John gave a powerful talk, whilst some had to leave before his talk completed, the majority stayed and were very engaged. One lady had already attended our conference in St John’s centre, Knock. John was engaged by many after his talk. Some were waiting on him at the church gates. Many were interested in our literature and sales were made.  A spark was ignited. Thank God. Our Lady will fan it into flame. We thank Geraldine Durey for her feedback on the event.

            Written by Frances Devaney, Spokesperson, Flame of Love Movement Ireland

TERMONBACCA (CARMELITES), DERRY – 7pm  Monday 27^th May    

The Retreat Centre was very comfortable and one of the Carmelite community attended John’s talk which again was very informative and engaged the audience’s attention. 

We had about 30 people attending, and all were actively engaged, with many questions asked in Q and A at the end of talk. Many people chatted together and with John after the talk, it was all very positive. Interest in literature was good. We received the Best of Derry Welcomes with tasty food and great company. Geraldine Durey informed us of the good news that she has set up a Flame of Love cenacle in Derry. ❤️ Derry is on fire for the Lord in many areas of ministry – Praise God, the Flame is truly lit. Once again, thanks to Geraldine Durey for her help. 

Written by Frances Devaney, Spokesperson Flame of Love Movement Ireland

Physical Cenacles 

We have a number of physical Cenacles and Flame of love rosary groups around the country. They are in Roscrea, Sligo Town, Tullamore, Portlaoise, Kells, 2 in Limerick and a new one in the Central Catholic Library, Dublin 2.

In Northern Ireland we have Cenacles in Newry, Newcastle, Lurgan and a new one in Derry and more opening soon. 

If you would like details on any of these please email info@flameoflove.ie  If you would like to register your Flame Of Love Cenacle or rosary group so others can find you please get in touch.

Online Cenacles

 Day & Time                 Leader

Sunday 7pm         Eileen Boden         

Monday 11am       Claire Ozzy

Tuesday 7am         Various Leaders     

Tuesday 7.30 pm    Joe Sheehan

Friday 7pm               Claire Ozzy

These Cenacles (prayer groups) take place on the Jitsi.meet app. New and old members always welcome. This is the meeting name:   https://meet.jit.si/folcar23 

A Passage from The Spiritual Diary of Elizabeth Kindlemann – Heading: ‘My Adorable Jesus’

Pg 125, January 2^nd, 1963

I was at the Mariaremete Santuary (Hermitage of Mary) for the hour of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I was plunged into silent prayer when the Lord Jesus spoke these words with gratitude: Jesus: “Say and constantly repeat, ‘My adored Jesus.’ I have told you before how pleasant it is to Me, and even if you say nothing else for a whole hour, repeat it with repentance for your sins. This obtains many graces, forgiveness for sins, and provides peace for souls.” Those words were uttered in the plural and He asked that I pass this on at every opportunity.

This passage was read at our Cenacle of 23rd June and it is so beautiful that We said we would include it in our June Newsletter. There are so many times in the diary when Elizabeth speaks about spending time in Eucharistic Adoration. The passage is self explanatory and shows us that we do not need many words to Adore Jesus as he would like.

Flame of love Pilgrim Statue

We are delighted to announce that our Pilgrim Statue of Our Blessed Mother has started on her journey in Ireland. Her first stop is in Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny and from there she will travel to Limerick. If you would like our Lady to visit your home and prayer group please email info@flameoflove.ie.

PRAYER REQUEST

We have received a prayer request from John Sullivan, the International Coordinator for the Flame of Love. John’s father, also, called John, has pneumonia and they have been informed that he has only a few weeks left to live. John had plans to visit Mexico and Canada and then to Africa in August. We bring John and his family in prayer to God and trust in His love and Mercy.

The Flame of Love and Medjugorje

We live in difficult and and yet privileged times but we can rest assured that Our Heavenly Mother will stay with us in our difficult moments as she stayed with her Beloved Son in his. Many people joined Mary’s call to a 9 day Novena for peace from 16th to 24th June either privately, in families, churches, prayer groups and online, and we at the Flame of love also met in our online rosary room to add our prayers for peace. This was a special grace filled 9 days. We were joined by old friends and new and on day 8 had a beautiful night were we prayed in English, As Gaeilge and in Slovak. The 9 days of Our Lady’s apparitions are available to view on Mary TV Medjugorje under the 43rd Anniversary videos.

Our Lady’s  parting message to us is ‘Continue!

What is next for the Flame of Love in Ireland?

We will continue to pray and to ask Our Lady for guidance on our journey.  One of the fruits of the Conference is that we have 2 new members who joined the FOL leaders group, Kate from Monasterevin, Kildare and Rachel who is a member of both Limerick Cenacles. We give thanks to God for our new members who are a welcome addition to our team of volunteers. Please let us know if you would also like to be more involved.

If you would like the gift of the Miracle of the Flame of Love to come to your parish or prayer group please get in touch.

The Flame of Love hope to have some members present at:

1. ‘Rally for Life‘ in Dublin on Saturday 6th July 2024. 

2. Many people were touched by John Sullivan’s teachings, to hear John speak again, listen and pray along with our International Leaders Cenacle on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at 1am Irish time 

on Facebook page: FOLPPHILIPPINES or

YouTube Channel: FOL PHIL or METANOIA PRAYER ROOM.

3. The Flame of Love will have a presence at the Light the Fire event on the 4th August from 12-4pm. It takes place in Ballintuber Abbey, Mayo this year.

Thank you for helping to spread Our Lady’s Flame of Love.

Please keep the Flame of Love family in your prayers.

The Flame of Love Irish Movement

Page: 197, Feb 22, 1964

The Lord JESUS said: “How happy I am to realize I did not suffer for you in vain. I truly rejoice. Your souls, you who live in the mud of the earth, cannot free themselves. I take you from the mud of sin and wash you with My Precious Blood. Prostrate yourself at the foot of My Holy Cross and let My Precious Blood fall upon you. The drops of My Blood are like a blank cheque in your hands, you need only to collect it” (Spiritual diary, Feb 22^nd 1964).

One of the most heart-rending scenes in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ is where Mary is on her knees wiping up the Blood of Jesus with a cloth.  The Blood that has been spilled all over the ground by the brutality of the scourging.

In the Old Testament the blood of the animal sacrificed was sprinkled to signify atonement for the sins of the people. This sacrifice was a repeated act. Jesus offers Himself as the sacrificial Lamb once and for all time as a ransom to free us from the slavery of sin.  He desires that we come to the foot of the cross to be present at the sacrifice so He can wash the mud of sin off us, an offer that is continuously there in the Mass and the sacraments.

Human blood is pumped from our hearts out to the body to provide it with life-giving oxygen.  It returns with carbon dioxide and waste and cleanses the body.  Spiritually, Jesus Blood gives us life-giving grace and washes away the mud of sin.  How happy He is when we avail of the offer.

Should we not join with His Blessed Mother in collecting the Blood that is spilt?   How heart breaking it is to think he went through so much, yet His Blood shed on our behalf falls where it is trampled on.  May our sacrifices be offered in atonement for the hatred and indifference shown Him, for those who do not care and do not trust. The words of Divine Mercy come to mind ‘For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.’ God our Father, may not one drop of His blood be wasted or spilled in vain.  

‘Blood of my Saviour, bathe me in thy tide.’

It might be a good idea to watch Mel Gibson’s movie again during Holy Week or view it for the first time.

Reflection by Joe Sheehan, National Treasurer, Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Movement Ireland

2024 Extraordinary International Congress for the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Ireland was blessed to have been able to help send National Coordinator, Kielty Oberlin, to the attend and represent Ireland at the Extraordinary International Congress of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Movement in Singapore from the 1^st to the 7^th of March 2024.

Kielty reflected on the Congress saying, “There were so many fruits that have, are and will come from so many countries and people sacrificing and offering their talents to propagate Our Mother’s Flame throughout the world.”

This particular Congress was made up of many ‘firsts’ for the Flame of Love Movement. The Movement’s Congress was held in Asia – Singapore represents the first time an international congress was held in Asia. This demonstrates how far our Mother’s Flame has been spreading. Singapore is a relatively new country to embrace the Flame of Love, yet she has received the endorsement of His Eminence William Cardinal Goh who also presided at the Congress’ opening mass. 

Another first was that This Congress had more countries represented than has been seen in previous Flame of Love Congresses. A fruit of this is that the leaders who met in person will be better able to help each other to propagate Our Mother’s Flame in each others’ home country.

Perhaps the most significant of the firsts and a fruit of the Congress was the nomination and election of John Sullivan III as the new International Coordinator and Fr Jorge Reyes as the new International Assistant Coordinator. 

John Sullivan III was elected by the 18 Appointed National Coordinators in attendance as the new official International Coordinator. The National Coordinators also nominated and voted for the new Assistant International Coordinator, Fr Jorge Reyes. In Ireland, we are familiar with John because of his instrumental role in helping to organise and launch the Flame of Love of our Mother’s Immaculate Heart in Ireland. However, few of us have had an opportunity to get to know Fr Jorge Ryeys. Fr Jorge has been providing Spiritual guidance for the Flame of Love Movement in the Americas for decades and has held positions as National Coordinator of the USA and most recently as the Continental Coordinator of the Americas. He brings history and continuity to Our Lady’s Movement Internationally at a time when many new countries around the world can benefit from His Love and experience. We are blessed to have both John and Fr Jorge helping to guide our Mother’s Movement. We pray for both John and Fr Jorge as they embark in these new roles.

We would like to thank the Singaporean Movement’s leadership team led by National Coordinator, Adeline Quek, and Secretary, John Seah, for the many sacrifices they endured organising and hosting this important event. We can witness Our Mother’s hand in the organisation as they only had a several months to prepare for this massive event! We thank the many volunteers including – the hospitality teams, the translators, the literature and media coordinators (in particular Malu & Maria from the Philippians and USA), the priests who attended and spiritually guided the discussions. We also thank the many Flame of Love Apostolate Members worldwide who helped send their representatives…

We will be witnessing the fruits of the many prayers and sacrifices that were offered for this Extraordinary Congress to happen. We thank Our Mother and her Son for the gift of the Flame of Love of her Immaculate Heart and pray that we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to guide our actions as we embark on our mission to to spread this Love to all.

Thank You to everyone who prayed with devotion for Our Lady’s cause to “Spread the the effect of grace of the Flame of Love” throughout Ireland and the World in anticipation of her Feast Day on 2nd February 2024.

Thank you to everyone who joined us online, in your own prayer groups and homes praying the Novena with us from 24th January to 1 February.

Thank you to Marie Kelly, Flame of Love Ireland Literature Coordinator to arranged a Flame of Love Talk and Candle Ceremony in her parish, St Cronan’s, Roscrea, Co Tipperary on 2nd February. We also thank Fr Autun who celebrated the mass and PP Fr John Molloy who gave permission for the mass and talk to be held. If anyone would like a recording of this mass, please email us.

We also want to thank Fr Terry O’Connell who offered a private mass with his new cenacle in Co. Limerick for Our Lady’s Flame of Love Feast Day. We welcome this new in-person cenacle and new Flame of Love members into the Family.

We also thank priests around Ireland who offered their masses for the Feast Day of Our Lady’s Flame of Love. Please let us continue to pray for our priests and for the spread of the Flame of Love throughout all of Ireland and the world. May this Flame of Love transform lukewarm hearts to those burning for love of Jesus.

by Marie Kelly, Literature Coordinator for the Flame of Love Movement, Ireland

A small team have been working on the new Flame of Love Prayer Book since Easter.  Our Printers have promised to print the new prayer books during the last week of September.  As soon as we receive them, we will be in touch then with those who have already contacted us to order the new Prayer Book. The books will be for sale at our forthcoming Flame of Love Mass on Saturday, 7^th October in Bray in Dublin Oak Academy (Kilcroney Lane, Kilcroney Castle), where the new edition of the prayer book will be formally launched.

The Prayer Book was re-typed on new software with some new sections added:

• the Flame of Love Chaplet of the Adored Jesus, 
• prayer for the Intercession of Elizabeth Kindelmann,
• how to join Jitsu for virtual rosaries and cenacles, 
• how to register a physical Flame of Love Cenacle, 
• ordering Flame of Love Literature including the Spiritual Diary,
• a section about our Global Holy Hour of Reparation very Thursday and on our Virtual International Cenacle,
• an outline of the Five Effects of the Flame of Love,
• More Promises as well as Commands, Directions and Words given to Elizabeth Kindelmann.

The following sections were updated:

• the introduction, 
• the prayer intentions,
• the weekly Flame of Love Daily Offerings,
• each mystery of the rosary is now shown on 2 pages,
• the rosary meditations have changed slightly in that we are now reading the words as given to Elizabeth Kindelmann; and the date of each meditation in the Spiritual Diary is now quoted,
• the prayer for the spread of the Flame of Love has been moved into the Cenacle Prayers section.

We hope that the new edition of the Prayer Book will help to promote the Flame of Love Rosary and to encourage people to read the Spiritual Diary of Elizabeth Kindelmann.  The Spiritual Diary is truly a beautiful book of love, as well as an instrument drawing all readers closer to God

7th October 2023 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

All are Welcome to our FIRST SATURDAY MASS on the FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY

Dear Flame of Love Devotees,  The Flame of Love Movement of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Movement IRELAND is planning a First Saturday Holy Mass with a Flame of Love Talk and Rosary in Dublin Oak Boy’s Academy, Bray, Co Wicklow on 7th October 2023. This is especially poignant as the 7th of October is not only a First Saturday, but it is also theFeast of Our Lady of the Rosary!

Day’s Events

• Flame of Love TALK 
• Flame of Love ROSARY & EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
• HOLY MASS celebrated by Fr Joseph Fazio, LC
• BLESSING the new Flame of Love Pilgrim Statue
• Lighting and Passing the Flame of Love CANDLE CEREMONY
• LUNCH with Q&A
• Flame of Love LITERATURE will be available (Prayer Cards, Diaries, Booklets)

A Note on Lunch …

All are invited to ….

bring your own lunch and continue our discussion after the services. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, get to know each other and browse available Flame of Love Literature.

Directions

By Car:  Southbound on the M11 just crossing into Co. Wicklow, it turns back into N11.  Take Exit 7 and stay left and you come to the roundabout where there is a Circle K and there take the first exit, cross over the motorway and come to a second roundabout and there take the first exit towards Kilcroney.  At about 250 meters to the right is the entrance to Dublin Oak Academy.  Take the driveway past the pitches and first building until you come to the castle. There is plenty of parking. If you’re taking the northbound on the M11/N11 it’s easier: just pass Kilmacanogh and take Exit 7 and you come to the same roundabout and you’re only 250 meters away.

By Dart: take it to Bray and then get a taxi.

Archbishop Eamonn Martin celebrated mass on World Youth Day at Slane, in a Light the Fire of faith service featuring Sr Briege McKenna, Fr. Pable Escriva de Romani and, Eurovision’s Dana.

In the Spirit of World Youth Day, pilgrims from across Ireland are invited to join Archbishop Eamon Martin, at the Hill of Slane, County Meath on August 6th for rosary, mass, and healing service.

Dana, one of Ireland’s most famous singer/songwriters, will sing her new song, Light the Fire. Her new song is an anthem inspired by St Patrick’s lighting of the Easter fire at Slane in 433AD in defiance of King Laoire. In remembrance and to renew our faith in Ireland, the Paschal candle will also be lit as part of the ceremony.

If anyone has more pictures to share of the day, please forward to us!

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=video+lite+the+fire+hill+of+slane+2023&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:12bfe4a9,vid:qZmXykvSyYE

Flame of Love IRELAND had a stand and members participated in the walk in the RALLY FOR LIFE, Sat 1st July 2023

May our feet journey together. May our hands gather in unity. May our hearts beat in unison. May our souls be in harmony. May our thoughts be as one…

The Flame of Love Unity Prayer seemed to be a lived experience by all who attended in prayerful support of the unborn at the Rally for Life in Dublin.

Frances Devaney, Spokesperson; Geraldine Halton, Secretary; Marie Kelly, Literature Coordinator and Kielty Oberlin, National Coordinator were among those in Dublin in Dublin