OUR LADY OF THE ROSES - THE EARLY YEARS
The following is a brief account of Veronica's private revelations from Heaven in her own words given on November 10, 1971:
Veronica, a mother of five children, had never before received any manifestations from Heaven until June 6, 1968, when the strange fragrance of roses and a beautiful perfume was evident on that day of June 6 as she prayed the Rosary for Bobby Kennedy, prior to his death from assassination. Veronica consulted Father Sullivan, as she was most disturbed by these occurrences. Father assured her that there was no need to be disturbed, as she was just to pray, and Heaven does work in mysterious ways. Two days later Veronica was awakened during the night by a 'voice' (inner sound that impinges on the intellect, not sound of ear) that said, 'Veronica, I want you to write. Get out of bed. You must write what I tell you.' Veronica arose, much frightened, and Veronica's husband also awakened and watched as Veronica asked him for a pencil. The seer's husband said it looked like she was in a dazed trance or something. She wrote and wrote, and then retired. The next morning a very shocked husband and an amazed Veronica reread the notes to find this:
A MINOR MIRACLE BOBBY AND THERESE
A delicate petal scented by Heaven
Fell from her bower of roses
As her hand led the way
Up the path on that day
That Bobby kissed Mary and Moses.
Veronica remembered the voice saying at that time: "You must never honor a human being without honoring the Mother of God first. Write this:
TO A MIRACULOUS MOTHER
Blessed Mother be my guide.
Be here always by my side.
Take me through this world of sorrow,
Show me there's a bright tomorrow."
Later, Veronica was to learn that this unknown voice dictating to her was Saint Theresa, the Little Flower.
After this, many prodigies and manifestations took place while Veronica wrote under the direction of Theresa, and then our Blessed Mother, Who then appeared to her. Our Lady also appeared to a neighbor, Grace Pera, with Veronica on May 19, 1970.
On April 7, 1970, Our Lady said She would come to the site of the old Saint Robert's Church, as She wanted a Shrine there, to be called "Our Lady of the Roses, Mary, Help of Mothers." Full directions were given for construction, etc. Directives were to be given to the clergy of St. Robert's to prepare for the first visit of Our Lady to the Shrine on June 18, 1970.
From the date of the first apparition and message, miraculous photos, Rosaries turning from silver to gold in color, followed by cures and conversions, took place. Our Lady directed a medal to be cast, a miraculous medal of Our Lady of the Roses.