In Search of the Virgin Mary; The Medjugorje Chronicles

St. Blaise, Dubrovnick and Father Roy Oggero

Immersing oneself in the pilgrimage experience means abandoning one’s normal life and embracing in totality all that the Blessed Virgin Mary…that God, wishes for that person. Once one says, “Yes” and commits to the journey, they must push themselves…their ego, out of their own way. Hence exposing themselves to the entire richness of the trip from the grand and obvious, to nuances and subtleties that weave together a powerfully fulfilling, rewarding and enduring spiritual experience.

Part of this means continual prayer. Silently…openly…individually…or in groups. Sometimes, casually and other times more formal.

For Catholics, “mass” is the ultimate formal gathering of the body of the church, to praise, worship, confess, speak utter gratitude and receive Christ in their lives. During the journey, we participated in daily masses in various churches and hotels.

Understandably, for many, this can be an overload. But after all, this is what we went for…to find the Blessed Virgin Mary, get closer to God and have a spiritual…a divine encounter.

A significant blessing for our group was having Father Roy Oggero, a Basilian priest, as our spiritual leader. Father Roy, as most people call him, has a beautiful, loving soul coupled with a lively and humorous personality. It’s easy to feel love, warmth and the presence of God when he is in your company.

Masses were celebrated by Father Roy, with the exception of a few, in which he was a con-celebrant with many priests such as in Medjugorje. I’ll share more of that with you later.

The Church of St. Blaise is a magnificent 18th century Baroque church dedicated to the patron Saint and protector of Dubrovnick, the beautiful ancient port city on the Adriatic Sea.

George Bernard Shaw, the famous playwright, described Dubrovnick as, “the pearl of the Adriatic”. Unfortunately, “the pearl” wasn’t glowing the day we visited. It was a rather gloomy day, punctuated with rain storms and yet, it was still magical and beautiful.

St. Blaise holding the city of Dubrovnik

Ancient treasures abound inside St. Blaise Church.

This day we brought our own treasure…Father Roy! (Knowing Father Roy as I do, he’ll probably think I’m calling him ancient when he reads this…)
Having video camera in hand, I was able to capture much of our adventure including many of the masses. Father Roy and our group were gracious enough to indulge me as I attempted to record forever our experiences during the Medjugorje pilgrimage.

I invite you to participate in the mass at St. Blaise celebrated by Father Roy Oggero and listen to his insightful sermon. I believe you’ll be captivated by his powerful message delivered in his usual gentle, loving but “cut to the chase” fashion, as he discusses the reason for our lives.

The video is an edited version which does not cover the mass in its entirety (so don’t panic…it’s not an hour long…only about five minutes).

You don’t have to be Catholic to glean some pearls of wisdom from this. I believe it can serve all. If nothing else, you’ll get a glimpse into the Catholic mass, and enjoy the beauty of the Church of St. Blaise.

My continued purpose with the Medjugorje Chronicles and accompanying videos is to expose and enlighten. To help all of us tap into our spiritual being and connect with God.

Embrace the love!

Continue the journey!

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. More videos and stories to come…



Ricky's Pico Rico

Remember my blog about Mexico, Mariachis and Mom? 

Well, here's another story out of Mexico from Mom's birthday trip. 

If you've ever had pico de gallo at a Mexican restaurant, you know how awesome it can be...or not, depending on the restaurant.  Regardless of where I've ever had it, I've never had it made fresh at my table.  That is until we ate at Los Zarapes in Mazatlan, Mexico. 

Our host, Johnny, made us the best pico de gallo I've ever had in my life!  (Remember, I live in Texas where there's a lot of Mexican restaurants!)  But what's even better, Johnny taught me how to make it and I have it on video.  I'm going to share the video with Johnny's special recipe.  Believe me, it will be well worth your while to watch this short video. 

Once you make your own pico de gallo, you'll be hooked.  And no more buying that garbage so called pico de gallo in the grocery store.  I guarantee it.  Fresh vegetables always win...and they're healthier too.  But you knew that. 

Once you make the pico, it's up to you to decide what to do with it.  Straight up on a corn chip is great, or mixed into a chili con queso...fantastico!  Couple that with a smooooth margarita (frozen or unfrozen, salt or no salt) made with good tequila and even kick it up a notch by adding Presidente brandy.  Now it's muy sabroso!  

Enjoy the video and bon appétit...whoops, that's French...in Español...bueno apetito! 

Adios y via con dios!
Dr. Rick Barrett

How's Rudy and the Nahuathl Stove Project?

Some of you have asked about Rudy.  Lately, I've had numerous inquiries about Rudy and the Nahuathl Indigenous stoves he builds.  Rudy is in good health, but as many of you have heard, Mexico is a hot bed of controversy because of the drug cartels and the associated killings. 

We have many friends that live in Mexico and many more who live in the United States, but still have family throughout Mexico.  Some areas are affected more than others certainly.  Caution and awareness are two words that spring to mind.  There are dangerous places throughout the world.  Many of the United State's large cities like Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, (to name a few) have areas that would be best avoided.  I think the same is true in Mexico.

The good people, the uneducated, the helpless, the poor, and the average person trying the best they can to carve out a decent life for themselves are always damaged by the effects of the uncaring, the criminals, the evil people (if you allow me to use that term). 

So the news from Rudy is that he and the people in the region have been greatly impacted in a negative way.

The following is from Rudy's latest e-mail:

"We've had some very hot and windy weather.  The Nahuathl natives feel that we are in for a very dry season.  The old natives say that this hot and dry wind is bad and they are right about it.  All the creeks and streams are nearly totally dried.  Not much water is left in water springs.  Even our three rivers are way down in their normal level."

Rudy then went on to say in one of the towns where we do our medical missions; the local police station was under attack.  Grenades were even thrown, but didn't explode!  It's a very sad and troubling state of affairs in this once peaceful and beautiful region of Mexico. 

Rudy goes on to say, "I am still doing what little I can to keep my work with the Nahuathl people.  Stay well and healthy.  May God bless you always."

Regardless of the hardships, Rudy always ends his correspondence with a blessing to everyone. 

I'll be sending Rudy more donations this week to continue his work.  I'm always happy to be the conduit to get funds to Rudy and to aid the Nahuathl people.

If you would like to donate please visit our Missions of Hope website at:

http://www.missionsofhope.com/donate.html

Please continue to send good intentions, beautiful, peaceful energy and prayers for the good people in Mexico and throughout all the troubled regions of the world.

Thanks for all your help!

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S.  "There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom and peace of mind.  They are always attained by giving them to someone else."  Peyton Conway March.

What's A Certified Music Practitioner? Find out by looking at the YouTube video I just posted.

Just posted a video to YouTube.  I speak to Gail Best, a certified therapeutic music practitioner.  After life changing events, Gail, a talented musician, reconnected with God and found her purpose in life.  She shares her gift of healing through music with the sick and dying.  I believe you'll be touched by what Gail says.  I think you will also be touched when you hear a sample of her music.  If you have an infirmed friend or family member, I highly encourage you to contact Gail.  She is a blessing to those in need.

Mexico, Mariachis and Mom

In November, Mary and I were fortunate to celebrate my mom’s 87^th birthday with her in the coastal city of Mazatlan, Mexico.  She has been a huge blessing in my life.  Not only is she a great mom, but also a best friend.

No opportunity was spared to tell everyone we could that it was her birthday.  At first, she didn’t want anyone to know, but as she was showered with compliments and treated like a VP, she opened up to it nicely; it started in the Continental Airlines President’s Club and upgrading her to first class.  She was thrilled…it was her first time and the flight crew treated her like a queen, after they found out…

…that’s right…it was her 87^th birthday.

In Mazatlan, Mary and I became friends with Johnny Brown, the owner, of a wonderful restaurant…Los Zarapes.  We enjoyed it so much, we ate there several times.  The food, service and atmosphere were outstanding.  Once Johnny learned it was mom’s birthday, he and his crew treated her like she was their mother too!  They showed her a great time with music, dancing, and a special meal.  These guys really know how to have fun and throw an impromptu party, and they truly seemed to enjoy mom as much as she enjoyed them.  Though one of them said she reminded him of his grandmother…she didn’t like that comment too much.

Luckily, I captured some of the festivities on video.  I even got mom’s permission to share all of this with you.  I think you’ll love it.

Check it out at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3gRTTOxd_c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chOC352n_1E

Mom, Johnny Brown, Mary and Rick

Johnny, Mom, Rafaellle and waiter

Rick and Johnny

 

Johnny and Rick

By now, you may be asking, “What’s mom’s secret to health and vitality?”

It’s not easy to point to just one thing.  There are a number of factors.  Some are readily identifiable; others will remain a mystery to me.  Certainly we can’t count family history; her parents died at 57 and 64 years of age.  I am confident that a strong faith, love for God, and a prayerful spiritual life path have been factors.

Good solid relationships; she has friends that span her entire life since she was a young girl.  Having meaningful long term relationships create peace, stability, and certainly strong bonds that satisfy the heart at a deep level.  What else?

·        A great wit and penchant for humor.  She has always been quick with a joke.  Her comical side reminds me a lot of the actress, Betty White.

·        A long and loving marriage.

·        Mom loves to make people happy and always gives the best of herself in countless ways, but especially showing her love through food.  (She has always been a magnificent cook and baker.)

·        A deep abiding faith in God.

·        A very physically active youth and adolescence.  She was a gymnast, and also worked hard since childhood.  Mom was always involved in jobs that were physically demanding.  She is a hands on person at home as well.  Assisting in home repairs, yard work, painting, etc.  There was never a physical task that mom wouldn’t participate in.  She still cleans her own house, cooks, and bakes and does yard work.
 
·        As an adult, she became very interested in nutrition, learning as much as she could about good nutrition and vitamin, mineral and herbal nutritional supplementation.  She was on the forefront of taking vitamins and minerals…way before it became popular.

·        Chiropractic—though she found this much later in life, she enjoyed the benefits of regular chiropractic care well before I chose that path as my vocation.  Naturally, she enjoys regular chiropractic treatments under my care.  Not a bad situation to have her son as her chiropractor, right?

Perhaps mom has even been given special grace by God to stay with us this long and in such superior condition.  That, of course, is a matter of faith and belief that won’t be answered in this lifetime.

My mom is an inspiration to me on many levels…how to act, how to love, how to persevere, how to…be.  Perhaps she will inspire you too!

I say, live life to the fullest, eat, drink and be merry.  Do it with honesty, integrity, and allow God to be part of the party.  And I say go to Mazatlan.  Visit Los Zarapes and tell Johnny…Mary, mom and I sent you.  You’ll be treated like family, experience friendly people, wonderful food and maybe Johnny will even buy you a drink!

If you haven’t clicked on the video yet, here’s the link…enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3gRTTOxd_c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chOC352n_1E

Meeting World Renowned Organist, Pavel Kohout

Did you know there is no musical connection between Bach and Bachman Turner Overdrive?  I'm sure you did.  If you like organ music you need to go to a performance by Pavel Kohout (www.pavelkohout.org) He was fantastic and is considered one of the most brilliant representatives of the new generation of European organists.  Pavel is from Prague in the Czech Republic where much of my family lives.  After the performance, we attended a very nice reception at the Czech Center Museum  http://czechcenter.org/ in his honor where I had the privilege of speaking with him for quite a while and yes, I spoke some Czech.  We had a great time.  Czech out his music (pun intended) at http://www.pavelkohout.org/listen-pavel.html. You'll enjoy it, even if you're a hard core Stevie Ray Vaughan or Joe Bonamassa fan like me!

P.S.  Wonder if mom has saved any recordings of my organ music!  If so, I'll send it to Pavel.  Maybe I can play in Prague, too.

I'm Benign!

I know most people don’t have the guts (pun intended) to speak about their colon. But I do. I just had a colonoscopy. Found: One small polyp. Removed: one small polyp. Results…

It’s benign! So great news…I don’t need another colonoscopy for five more years…YEAH! Considering my sister had a large tumor removed two years ago, I was at risk.

Colon cancer can be cured or prevented.

The majority of polyps are benign…though, some can be cancerous.

According to the experts, the most effective approach to prevent colon cancer from developing is screening. However, I believe we should start preventing cancer well before screenings through a healthy lifestyle. This means good nutrition with a high antioxidant diet. Lots of fruits and veggies!

Since it’s hard to eat the massive quantities we need, I suggest good whole food products like Greens First by Wellness Watchers Global, LLC. http://www.greensfirst.com/3368 and Youth Juice http://barrettchiro.ourworldnetwork.com/. These are two products I use, but there are other good products available also.

Colon cancer rarely causes symptoms. This was true for my sister. A routine colonoscopy identified a problem. We didn’t know the extent of it until the surgeon said, “I just removed a tumor the size of a tangerine.” Can you imagine having that in your colon and not knowing it?

Mayo Clinic says one out of every 17 people will develop colon cancer. That’s scary, too! It’s the third leading cancer killer in the U.S. –about 50,000 people per year.

Ninety percent of people developing this type of cancer are fifty plus years of age. So that leaves ten percent who develop it younger. A good friend of mine lost his sister to this disease at 27 years of age! It’s tragic and does happen!

Risk factors include smoking, a high fat, low-fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, and inflammatory bowel diseases and, of course, living in a toxic world. Since there’s a connection to inflammation, do everything possible to reduce it in the body especially the gut. In fact, inflammatory processes are behind most health problems. Even good foods can be harmful and create inflammation. A simple food allergy/sensitivity test will suffice and yield wonderful information as to which foods to avoid. Call my office if you want this test done. We’ve been using food allergy testing for about 16 years.

Also, use of high quality enzymes for digestion and repair. I use Transformation Enzymes out of Houston, Texas. http://www.transformationenzymes.com/

I know, most people don’t like to think about their colon and especially talk about it. We just eat, poop (sorry) and keep on going. “Out of sight, out of mind.” But please start taking your colon seriously. This really is an easy one to pay attention to. It really can be a matter of life and death. Get your colon checked…now!

I hope this has been helpful.

Wishing you great colon health!

Dr. Rick Barrett