Hello K.M Daughters
Tell us about your new release.
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How much of the book is based in real life? The prophesies central in the plot are based on documented secrets associated with contemporary Marian apparitions. The Marian visionaries will receive, or have received, secrets from the Mother of God concerning future events. One visionary's role, like our fictional Anna, is to reveal these secrets to a priest (shepherd) three days before each event occurs so that he serves as witness to the prophesies including: a universal sign will appear simultaneous to all the earth. Each soul will intimately know God. A permanent sign will appear, tangible and inexplicable by earthly means. |
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What makes this book special to you? We have embarked on "sister trips" to various Marian apparitions sites, the first, shortly after the unexpected death of our mom. The inspiration to write JEWEL OF THE ADRIATIC literally was given to us while praying in a Eucharistic chapel in Medjugorje. Rose In the Desert is the culmination of our Adriatic novels and Gospa Journeys novellas. Throughout our personal Gospa journeys Our Lady nudged us – repeatedly – towards a deeper relationship with her Son – as writers, towards Rose In The Desert. |
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What makes this a "must read" and why? We hope we succeeded in creating a great story about flawed women and their significant others, much like all of us, connecting with God with dramatic certainty. What would it take for humanity to finally get it? How would we or you react if given the world's hugest second chance? God's utmost desire for each of us is to spend eternity with Him after earthly life. Every Marian message emphasizes that true happiness can only be gained through the Lord, Jesus Christ. No sin is beyond God's forgiveness. No love can compare to the love streaming from our Father upon the hearts of the faithful. Christian faith is about connection to the Divine embodied in Jesus from Bethlehem to Easter – following the Way. |
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Do you have anything specific you want to say to readers? We are beyond grateful for the devotion of our dear Readers. Thank you for coming along on our pilgrimages with us. And now, we hope you love journeying with us to the final "Gospa Journey" and the wonder and promise Rose In The Desert represents. |
And lets have some fun with your hero in the book.
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Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself My name is Father Mark McKenzie, the designated "Shepherd of Mankind". I'm the pastor at Church of St. Mary in the Chicago suburbs. |
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Where do you live, and why do you choose to live there? I live in the Rectory next to the church. The archdiocese typically chooses my residences for me. And I'm grateful that in each parish where I've served, they have taken excellent care of me. |
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What is a quirk of your personality that people don't know? I discovered recently that I'm a bit of a matchmaker. I'm happy to say that I played a small part in reuniting Jack and Beth Dunne, my treasured parishioners and generous donors. Blessed are they in the love of Christ and their resurrected love. |
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Who chronicled your story, and why do you think they picked you? In the fullness of time I have responded to the calls of the Blessed Mother in leading pilgrimages to Valselo, the home of Anna, Elizabeth and Josip, the three Valselo visionaries. I had no idea, even in witnessing the many miracles of Valselo and the Lord's awesome majesty, that the Blessed Mother would pick me to bear witness to her prophesies. |
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What obstacles did you overcome in order to reach your happily-ever-after? When I received the parchment from Anna Babic that documented the foretold global events, I was utterly petrified. Even as the events unfolded, as I had full faith they would, I was plagued with insecurity and inadequacy fulfilling the role of Our Lady's shepherd. |
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Tell us about your special lady. What makes her so special? I have known and loved many special women, starting with my mom, who are devoted to Mary of Nazareth. Their discipleship is rooted in mother love as exemplified by the humble handmaiden of the Lord whose gentle spirit and unwavering faith contributed magnificently to the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ. There is no more special lady that ever lived than Mary. |
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The first time you saw your special person, what did you think? Was it love at first sight or did she have to grow on you? I have been present during Marian apparitions in Valselo many times. Each time I have marveled at the otherworldly ecstasy exhibited by the visionaries. And I have personally experienced a strong sensation of peace and comfort and intense love. Several times a strong aroma of roses filled my senses when there wasn't a single flower in the vicinity – a phenomenon associated with the blessed virgin. I can imagine her unparalleled beauty – similar to a painting of Our Lady of Valselo approved by the visionaries, but I have never been graced with a vision of her. Regardless, I love her as a mother and as the mother of the church. |
