Yesterday, I was really so down and was just inside my room praying and crying. Then, I remember Deacon Ken and Marie from Ant's story so I tried to look for their website to write to them and to request if they could include me and Anthony in their prayers and I need also some piece of advice from them. And now, when I checked my e-mail... oh my God! Yes, they replied like 13 hours ago already. Thank you so much Deacon Ken and Marie Finn. I will reply to you later. I know God and Our Lady will be there for us to guide me and Ant as we face this journey even we need to cross a different road and not together. We promised we will be strong and will remain our faith in Jesus and be devoted to Our Lady. Again, thank you so much. It's one of the special e-mails I have received in my life.
The Reply:
Lord, you look at the heart we look at appearance so we ask you to look into Cy and Anthony's hearts and heal the area's that need healing. Where they don't feel loved please let them feel your love and experience your presence in their lives. If there is any disobedience to your word reveal that to them and show them the area's they need to repent in. Lord, you tell us to ask and we will receive, seek and we will find, knock and the door will be opened to us, so we ask all this in your saving Name Jesus. Amen Our scripture for you is Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest for my yoke is easy and my burden light."
God bless you
Deacon Ken & Marie
Another reply :
"For He who has become your husband is your Maker; His name is the Lord of hosts; Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, called God of all the earth."
Please show to me that you love me... make me feel you are listening to my prayers. I know I am a sinner but I have devoted more time with You and to God. Please make the big miracle now.... please I am sorry for losing hope... ohhh please. I will remain in You... I am sorry for doubting your Love for me. Make me stronger than ever... I need you so much now.
I really don't know what to do... thinking to end my life now... it is like I am floating right now and so empty. It's really painful. Please enlighten my mind now. Why you gave him to me if it will just be gone? He was gone to me before but returned to me after a year as I believed he is really the one for me.... why it have to happen to us again? Why now? when we are almost there... when you are the one who connected us to be more closer to God.
Please I need You so much right now... please be with us in this dark journey of our lives.
Please be with me as I say the rosary after this... how many do you want Mama Mary? I will do everything. No one can console me right now... only You my sweet loving Mama Mary! Please let me feel and let me discover my purpose in this world... please make me strong to overcome all these trials. Please make me strong for my family for them not to worry about me.
Let me share this video with you. My sister made this video for my mum's 60th Birthday. This was supposed to be shown when we had the birthday and reunion party but there was no projector. I did the researching for the photos in our old photo albums and scanned it... so this is it... a masterpiece! Good job sis! Muah!
Lord God, Mama Mary, please always be there for my family. Thank you for giving me best family ever. Not so perfect but we love each other. Keep my love ones safe. I wish my parents will have a long life, my brothers and sister, my Aunts and Uncles and Cousin too. Thank you God. I love you forever and ever.
* Don’t forget Ash Wednesday is February 22. Begin this Lent by attending Mass on Ash Wednesday!
Ash Wednesday History, Information, Prayers, Resources, Traditions, & More
Ash Wednesday Definition and Summary
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the penitential season of Lent, in which ashes are placed on the head or forehead of the faithful. It is a fast day and usually falls in February. In 2012, Ash Wednesday falls on March February 22 (dates in other years). Prayers: Ash Wednesday Prayers
Scriptural References: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Esther 4:1-3
Introduction
In the Western Church, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are blessed, mixed with either holy oil or water, and placed upon the head with the sign of the cross, or sprinkled on the forehead. The ashes are made from burning palm branches blessed the previous year on Palm Sunday. When the priest imposes the ashes he says either "remember man you are dust, and to dust you will return" (see Genesis 3:19), or "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mark 1:15).
The ashes serve a dual purpose. First, as the above words imply, we are reminded of our mortality and humanity as we begin the Lenten Fast. Second, the ashes are a Biblical symbol of repentance, sorrow, and humility. There are many cases in the Scriptures of wearing ashes as a sign of penitence, often while wearing sackcloth. In 2 Samuel 13:19, Tamar puts on ashes and tears her clothes as a sign of sadness and repentance. In Esther 4:1-3, after learning of the king's decree to kill all Jews, Mordecai tears his garments, and puts on sackcloth and ashes. His fellow Jews do the same thing, as well as beginning to fast. The prophet Jeremiah (6:26) urges his readers to "gird on sackcloth and roll in ashes."
Fasting is a major component of Ash Wednesday, and Ash Wednesday is an official fast day of the Church, along with Good Friday. For official Catholic fast Guidelines, see FAQ Question #3 below. Fasting has a long history in the Church. In Acts 13:1-3, it was while "worshipping the Lord and fasting" that the Holy Spirit led the Apostles to set apart Paul and Barnabas for their work. In Matthew 9:14, Jesus assumes that after he leaves the earth his followers will fast. The history of the Church is filled with stories of fasting and its spiritual value. However, Jesus warns us not to be obvious about our fasting, or only fasting to impress others. Thus, Ash Wednesday is based on the biblical concept of repentance, and the ashes and fasting that are associated with repentance.
History
Ash Wednesday is not a holiday in the Eastern Church, and developed only in the West. Orthodox Churches begin Lent on a Monday, known as "Clean Monday." Ash Wednesday as an official fast day dates to at least the 8th century, since it appears in the Gregorian Sacramentary from that period. Originally, Lent began on a Sunday. However, in order to bring the number of days of Lent to 40 (the days Jesus fasted in the wilderness), the beginning of Lent was eventually transferred to a Wednesday.
Originally, Ash Wednesday was the day when public penitents in Rome began their penance. Recall that in the early Church, penance was often public and protracted. It was only later that private confession and penance began, for pastoral reasons. When public penance gradually fell into disuse by the 8th century, Ash Wednesday became a day of penitence and fasting for all members of the Church. Today, Ash Wednesday is a universal Fast day in the Catholic Church. Many Western Protestant churches also observe Ash Wednesday, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and United Methodists.
Many of us are waiting… we know God has a plan, we trust His timing, but sometimes the wait seems long.
I believe that it is true that God always answers our prayers. But it isn't always easy for me to believe it. There are a lot of tragic things that happen in the world that many good people pray about. And yet the tragedies still happen. There are difficult times in my own life, and I always pray about them. Sometimes the difficulties are resolved, usually in ways I don’t at first recognize. And sometimes it seems like there is no resolution. It seems like God isn't listening or perhaps I’m not praying hard enough.
In a boxing, football match or any kind of sports or contests, the opponents, contestants or the teams are all praying for God’s blessing to win the game or contest. Here in the Philippines, we would even offer a mass for Manny Pacquiao before his match, but for sure the other boxer he and his loveones are also all praying for his victory. There are also so many people praying to win the lottery. All are really in need of the money, has good intentions and wishing for a comfortable life. For some, it may be a prayer about finances, for others, it may be a prayer about healing, and for still others, it may be a prayer regarding marriage or any relationship problems.
A little reflection would show that God cannot grant some prayers. During the war every nation prayed for victory. Yet it is perfectly obvious that all countries could not be victorious. Two men living together might pray, the one for rain and the other for fine weather. God cannot give both these things at the same time in the same place. Why, if God gave us all we prayed for, we should rule the world, and not He! And surely we would all confess that we are not capable of doing that. Moreover, more than one ruler of the world is an absolute impossibility. God's answer to prayer may be "Yes," or it may be "No." It may be "Wait," for it may be that He plans a much larger blessing than we imagined, and one which involves other lives as well as our own.
I have been praying a lot to God. I am saying the rosary always and also my boyfriend. He is even the one who encourage me to be more closer to Our Lady. I am attending a novena mass every Wednesday for our Mother of Perpetual Help and a Sunday mass. I am praying not just for myself but for my special someone’s prayers to be answered by our God. With my daily devotion to God and to Our Lady, I know someday it will be answered. I am just hoping it will be soon but I will patiently wait for it. I remember I have a religious friend in college, she told me that the more you are closer to God, the more you will encounter a lot of problems, temptations and sadness. I always saw her crying before about family problems and on finances. Yes, lately, I am facing a lot of it. Sometimes it is really hard to hold on and still believe in the miracles. Sometimes I get lazy praying the rosary. But I realized everytime I am lazy or forgot to pray the rosary, for sure it will be a bad day until I pray again, the situation is better. So I really try to say my rosary everyday and yes so far, I am doing good. I highly recommend to pray the rosary always. It helps a lot in our daily lives. Mama Mary is always there to console us. One of Our Lady's promises for praying the rosary is we can obtain what we will ask by recitation of the rosary. This promise emphasizes Our Lady's role as our Advocate and Mediatrix of all Graces. Of course, all requests are subject to God's Most Perfect Will. God will always grant our request if it is beneficial for our soul, and Our Lady will only intercede for us when our request is good for our salvation. And another promise is, all those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by Her in our necessities. If one promotes the praying of the Rosary, Our Lady emphasizes Her Maternal care for us by obtaining many Graces like spiritual necessities and also material necessities (neither excess nor luxury), all subject to the Will of God of course. Also remember the words of Padre Pio, we should live our lives with this attitude: "Pray, hope and don't worry".
The last time I prayed so hard was when my brother was hospitalized and really in bad condition and almost died, I prayed many times and surrendered everything to God. I told Him to please don't take yet my brother. In exchange on what I have asked from Him, I will accept it if I cannot have a child of my own for the rest of my life and it is okay to stay single forever. That was really my prayer to Him. I was not even thinking about myself that time. I offered myself to God... my happiness... my dreams. Then, after two weeks in the hospital, my brother was okay. So remembering all these, God really answered my prayer that time. But right now, I am in a relationship, so in love and wishing that someday I can be married also... of course to Ant. But thinking of what I have promised to God before, He may not grant it this time. I have just realized it today. I have been facing a lot just to save this relationship. I am scared that this will be all gone soon. It is fine with me to not bear a child of my own but hope God would listen to my prayer. I don't want to be single forever anymore.
I am so sorry Lord because I know I have promised to You in exchange of the favor that I have asked. I will stay faithful to you. I really appreciate Your love, Lord, but all I really want is to be a wife someday. But You know what is best for me. I am not giving up in praying Lord. Hope You will reconsider mine. I promise to serve you willingly forever and to do what I can to make you loved by others also. I know someday You will make all things right. Please give me strength for I am afraid I cannot travel this perilous road by myself. I am calling on your promise that You will walk with me and share this burden that is so heavy.
Help me to depend on my faith in You, and give me hope, for I need You more than ever. Give me peace, guide me and speak to my heart so that I can listen and understand how to get past these troubles in order to serve you with joy and thanksgiving. I am surrendering myself to You.
You know the desires of my heart. I ask that you bless me with more wisdom, strength, love, courage less fear and doubts. I ask you continue blessing my family, friends and my Anthony. I ask if it is your will for us to be together forever, that it be done. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
Bouquet of roses for me from Ant... now from us... just for you Mama Mary.
We love you!
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"God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It's a good thing when you're young to stick it out through the hard times. When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear (Lamentations 3:25-29, The Message). "
Will your love story come true? For many of you it will. Concerning your future husband it could be in the near(er) future, or like some, it could be years in the distance. It could be a quick romance. It could be a slow falling in love. It could be exactly like you pictured it or like nothing you ever dreamed. But when the day comes that your story is celebrated by your closest friends and family, you'll know that every prayer was worth it. And you might even wish you'd prayed more, because prayers are the first gifts you give to your future husband. Gifts that heaven participates in giving.
While we can't guarantee every one of you will have that type of love story, there is another type we do believe will take place. Everyone, everywhere can have a beautiful love story with her God. It begins the moment you look into His eyes, realize how much you are loved, and give your love and commitment in return.
While we cannot guarantee your prayers will lead you down the aisle to a waiting mate, we do know that every prayer whispered is precious to God. None of them are wasted. While we hope your prayers for the man of your dreams come true, we know that your prayers bring you closer to the God of your eternity. And seeing the love in His gaze is the most beautiful love story of all.
If you are to be committed to anything, be committed to preparing your heart for God's — in this way — and in every other aspect of your life. The love you'll experience will be life-changing, and the celebration in eternity is one to look forward to with all your heart.
Why does God wait to answer prayer? – The Hope of Glory (pg. 313-314)
Why does a good and all-powerful God who could answer our prayers immediately often delay and not respond ‘on time” [from our perspective]? Why does He call us to persevering prayer? Sam Storms provides some excellent answers:
"First, we are presumptuous people. We just assume that God ought always to do what we ask, when we ask, precisely in the way we ask. By delaying his response, God awakens us to the gracious character of all answered prayer. In other words, that God says or does anything at all in response to our petitions is sheer, undiluted grace. Resolute continuation in prayer, watchful perseverance, is often the best way for us to learn this invaluable lesson.
Second, steadfast endurance in coming again and again to the throne of grace is God’s way of cultivating in us a sense of absolute and utter dependence upon him. We are by nature self-reliant, self-sufficient folk. If God were instantly and at all times to answer our every prayer, we would gradually lose our sense of urgency. Truth be told, most of us would soon lose sight of the fact that it is God alone who is the source of all good. Suspending his response, God is saying to each of us: “Just how desperate are you? How conscious are you that I am your only source, your sole and all-sufficient supply?”
Third, persistent praying puts us in that frame of mind and spirit in which we may properly receive what it is that God is reluctant to give, but that we lack preparation to receive. Try to envision what a mess your life would have been if your parents granted you everything you asked for as a child! God often delays his answers because, quite simply, we are in no shape to receive them. Few of us are willing to admit that, but deep down we know it’s true.
Fourth, steadfast, watchful continuation in prayer helps us differentiate between impetuous, ill-conceived, selfish desires, and sincere, deep-seated, Christ-exalting ones. Persistence in prayer thus enables us to weed out improper petitions.
Fifth, endurance at the throne of grace purifies the content of our petitions. By repeating our prayers we are forced to think and rethink what we are saying. We are compelled to evaluate our motivation and aim for asking God for something in particular. It’s a bit like how I read, reread, and read yet again each of these meditations. It helps me identify mistakes, locate typographical errors, and rephrase something that otherwise might be false of misleading. I can almost envision God saying in response to my first articulation of a prayer, “Sam, are you sure you want me to answer that one? Think about it. Contemplate the long-term consequences of a yes. Then co e back and ask me again in different terms, with a purified purpose.”
Sixth, perseverance cultivates patience. By withholding ans immediate response, we learn how to wait on God. Waiting on the Lord is far from a passive posture. It’s and active, expectant, persistent pressing to the heart and purposes of a loving God. How might we ever learn to do this were it not for steadfastness in prayer?
Seventh, oftentimes God wants to give, but not now. The answer will come in better circumstances, at a more opportune moment. By delaying his response, a greater and better and more God-glorifying end is secured than by an immediate answer.
Finally, even if none of the reasons given above make sense to you, persevere anyway! God isn’t asking you to understand; he’s asking you to be faithful.
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HOW TO PRAY AND GET RESULTS:10 TIPS TO HAVE YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED
by : SimplyaWomanofFaith
1. BE SPECIFIC: Be clear about what you want. God may be waiting for you to ask for what you want.
2. EXPECT AN ANSWER: God answers all prayers. It’s easier to hear and see God’s answers when you are expecting and trusting that you will hear from Him. Learn to go within for guidance and answers.
3. LISTEN CAREFULLY: God may answer you in a piece of music, a song, a book, another person. If you are busy running around, you may be missing God’s answered prayer.
4. BELIEVE: You must “see” your prayer answered on the inside before it manifests on the outside. Change your thinking and your life will change. Practice affirmations of a daily basis.
5. BE PATIENT: God’s timing is perfect. You must learn to wait for His perfect plan for your life. Trust the answers will come.
6. STAY GRATEFUL: Gratitude is the key to make things manifest quickly. Don’t focus on what’s missing, but focus on what you already have.
7. HAVE FAITH: Your prayers are being answered. Faith is believing when you can not see. Be open and receptive.
8. FORGIVE: Do a daily inventory, let go of resentments and judgements. Holding onto resentments blocks the energy flow and prevents or slows your ability to manifest your desires.
9. SHOW UP: Pray, meditate and visualize daily. When you “show up” God “shows up” and the “HOW” shows up in the perfect time and perfect way. Pay attention to your dreams. Journaling is a form of prayer.
10. INTERNAL HOUSE CLEANING: Be honest with yourself and ask yourself – What old thoughts and beliefs are blocking communication with God? Fasting or cleansing your diet will help detoxify your mind, body and spirit.
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* Some of my favorite worship songs right now... The choir in my church really could also sing this well.
Since I can't be with my bf this Valentine's Day, so I went to Saint Anthony... my favorite male saint.
Me with my Valentine date
Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
"Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints."
O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, you love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.
O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the eaars of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.
(Then say the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be)
Thanks to my Anthony for sending this bouquet of roses
AJ with St. Anthony
Let me just share to you an article about a very interesting and unusual ritual for Saint Anthony for those looking for love or a future partner in life. But I am not going to try this ritual as I have him already. :))
Let St. Anthony Find Your True Love
(A Valentine Day Ritual from Mexico)
On Tuesday, arriving in Morelia, Mexico on Day One of the Monarch Butterflies and Michoacån Cuisine tour, I didn’t see a single butterfly but did learn about a place that may be more efficient than E-Harmony and Match.com in helping single ladies find the man of their dreams.
It was San Miguelito, the restaurant in Morelia where we ate the first night. It calls itself a “Restaurante, Bazar, Galeria, & Museo” and they’re not kidding.
In addition to scrumptious Mexican food, they sell Day of the Dead figures, Botero-like fat little angels, a wooden chair that is also a skeleton, and aprons imprinted with Guadalupe.
But the main draw is the back room, which, in addition to dining tables and chairs, holds more than 700 images of St. Anthony of Padua all UPSIDE DOWN.
For over twenty years, according to proprietor Cynthia Martinez, single women have been thronging to this room to beg St. Anthony to intercede for them and send their destined mate to their side.
There are bulletin boards filled with photos and thanks from satisfied customers who have finally met their soul mate.
Here is what you have to do: take 13 coins of the same denomination from two bags hanging nearby. Line up 13 coins on the base of the main St Anthony statue. Walk around the statue 13 times. Pray to St. Anthony. (Suggested prayer below. The restaurant also provides a Spanish-language version.)
There is a three-hole notebook below the statue on which you can write your specific request. One woman covered 21 pages detailing her requirements in a mate.
Nearby is a shelf holding some of the dozens of notebooks which have been filled in the past two decades with single women’s requests.
Back in the U.S. I had heard that people wanting to sell their homes would bury a statue of St Anthony in the front year, upside down of course, to speed up the sale. (A new friend, Christina, tells me that that’s actually St. Joseph.)
I think the point of the St. Anthony ritual is that, when your wish is fulfilled, you will release the saint and turn him back over. But the St. Anthony's at San Miguelito restaurant in Morelia have been standing upside-down for so long, while bringing couples together, that I don’t think they have any hope of landing on their feet again.
Here is a poster on the restaurant’s wall advertising the Saint’s miraculous powers to lead you to love.
If you want to try this ritual at home: get your own statue of St. Anthony and 13 identical coins and give it a try. Here is a suggested prayer I found on the internet. If you would like to have the Spanish-language prayer given out by San Miguelito Restaurant, a photograph of it is below.
Oh Wonderful St.Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of thy miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in thy arms, obtain for me of his bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. Thou who was so loving towards miserable sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to thee, but the glory of God that it may be once again magnified by this request which I now make to you. Amen
Here is a photograph of the St. Antonio pledge that was posted at the restaurant:
"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do --- but how much love we put in that action. " ~ Mother Teresa
Her message was one of radical love — but not that everybody had to be serving the poor in the streets of Calcutta to accomplish it. That would, in fact, be impractical. We are all called to different vocations — and for many of us, we are mothers and wives, brothers and sisters in ordinary circumstances that can still live with radical love.
She saw every one of the people she served as the face of Christ. And as a daughter and a sister, I can serve my loved ones in the same fashion.
And in so many of our homes – our neighborhoods – our states – we may not be in front of many people who are hungry for food. But we are often in front of people who are hungry for peace.
And this is where Mother Teresa’s words are relevant to everyone, no matter who they are or where they live:
The fruit of silence is prayer.
The fruit of prayer is faith.
The fruit of faith is love.
The fruit of love is service.
The fruit of service is peace.
She may not have been a biological mother, but she was Mother to so many — and she reminds me that my greatest purpose is to serve my family with great love.
Immediately fronting the image of Mama Mary is a “wishing” deep well symbolic of the waters of the “Wedding at Cana” where our Lord was asked to change water into the finest wine even if it was not yet His time to perform miracles; a reminder to all who journey to Tierra de Maria that through the intercession of Mama Mary, Jesus will perform miracles at her behest.
At Tierra de Maria in Tagaytay City for the 2nd time
with my family
The first time I went to Tierra de Maria was when I was in college during our school tour. I have no idea about this place as it was not even in our itinerary. We just had maybe an extra time so that is why we stopped there. But when I saw this place, I really love the serenity of the chapel. So I made a wish on the wishing well that hope the next time I am back in this chapel I will be with my future boyfriend. The one I will love and would love me forever. Then, maybe after 2-3 years my family went to Tagaytay for a picnic lunch. On our way there, I told them I will show them the chapel that I love in Tagaytay but I just couldn't remember the exact location of it as I even forgot the name of the place. So I was really looking left and right of the window as I know it is just near going to the Palace in the Sky. Oh at last, I was really screaming when I saw it. :)) So we stopped there and they love it also. Then, I made a wish again. Same wish.
Inside Tierra de Maria -2nd time
After 5 years of waiting, finally, I have a boyfriend that I could proudly introduced to Mama Mary. It's my boyfriend Anthony. I waited for that moment. For me, going there with him was really so very special. I know I made a wish there many years ago and it's granted now. But it was Ant who actually became teary-eyed when he saw the chapel. I just couldn't explain but I could really feel how he so much like the place as he held my hand so tight and gave me a quick embrace. This is it! An answered prayer and I feel so much love with my beloved next to me.
At last! My beloved next to me.
I found the love of my life. I have shared my most happy and sacred memories and moments with him. I would not trade those times for anything in the world. I found the person who saved me, who made me laugh, who with one smile or wink made me melt, when he held me I felt like there was no one in the world but us two, I fell in love with him more and more each and every single day to the point where sometimes I thought my heart would explode.
Ant and Cy at Tierra de Maria
Mama Mary please keep me in his heart while he goes on his everyday life. I love him dearly and want to spend the rest of my life with him. Please give us both strength and courage to face this difficult time ahead so that we may both come out stronger and our relationship is still intact. Please teach us and guide us in the direction that we may go.
Mama Mary has always interceded on our behalf in our prayers to Jesus Christ.
May She continue to pray for us always.
Thank you Mama Mary for this blessing! I made another wish the last time I was there with Ant... I know you have listened to it. Don't worry I will stay strong and be patient. I love you! Please guide me through every stage of our relationship, so that, as we move ever closer to You, we grow closer to each other in Love, in Joy and in Faith. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In Jesus name, Amen!
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