The Story of Saint John Vianney:

 The Story of Saint John Vianney: He Saved Over 80,000 Souls from the Hands of the Devil 

Introduction to Saint John Vianney

Saint John Vianney, also known as the Curé d’Ars, was a French priest born on May 8, 1786. He is renowned for his deep commitment to pastoral care and his extraordinary ability to guide souls toward salvation. His life was marked by a profound dedication to prayer, penance, and the sacrament of confession. Vianney’s ministry took place in the small village of Ars, where he became famous for his spiritual insights and miraculous gifts.

The Impact of His Ministry

Throughout his life, Saint John Vianney devoted himself to the spiritual welfare of his parishioners. He spent countless hours in the confessional, offering guidance and absolution to those seeking forgiveness. His reputation as a confessor attracted people from far and wide who sought his counsel and healing. It is said that he could read souls and discern their struggles, which allowed him to provide tailored spiritual advice.

One of the most remarkable claims about Saint John Vianney is that he saved over 80,000 souls through his prayers and sacrifices. This assertion is rooted in accounts from both contemporaries and later biographers who documented his life and works. A demon reportedly lamented this loss during an encounter with him, indicating that Vianney’s intercessory prayers had significant power against evil.

Understanding Suffering and Redemption

Saint John Vianney’s understanding of suffering played a crucial role in his ministry. He believed that suffering offered a unique opportunity for grace and redemption. By embracing suffering willingly—both his own and that of others—he demonstrated how love could be perfected through sacrifice. This belief aligns with traditional Catholic teachings that emphasize the redemptive nature of suffering when united with Christ’s passion.

Vianney often encouraged others to offer their sufferings as a means of drawing closer to God. He taught that such acts could lead not only to personal sanctification but also contribute to the salvation of others. This perspective on suffering reflects a broader theological understanding within Catholicism regarding its role in spiritual growth.

Legacy and Canonization

Saint John Vianney passed away on August 4, 1859, but his legacy continues today. He was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and declared the patron saint of parish priests due to his exemplary dedication to pastoral care. His feast day is celebrated on August 8.

His life serves as an inspiration for many Catholics who seek to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, sacrifice, and service to others. The claim that he saved over 80,000 souls underscores not only his personal holiness but also the transformative power of love expressed through self-giving actions.

In summary, Saint John Vianney’s story illustrates how one person’s commitment to faith can have profound effects on countless lives—a testament to the belief in divine grace working through human efforts. 

Sources:

1. The Lives of Saints 

2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church 

3. Biographies of Saint John Vianney 

4.

Why Dying People See Dead People: A Spiritual Warning About the Danger of Dying in Mortal Sin"

 "Why Dying People See Dead People: A Spiritual Warning About the Danger of Dying in Mortal Sin"

"What is it that renders death terrible? Sin. We must therefore fear sin, not death."

— St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

Death is the final battle of the soul — a moment not merely of physical agony, but of spiritual warfare. The world may see death as a peaceful escape or a biological process, but in the eyes of the saints, exorcists, and mystics of the Church, the hour of death is the most dangerous and decisive moment of one’s entire life. It is when Heaven, Hell, and the soul come face-to-face in the judgment of eternity.

Demons at the Deathbed: The Final Assault

Exorcists have warned that at the moment of death, demons manifest in full force, aiming to snatch the soul before it can be rescued by the mercy of God. They do not rest even for the holy. One striking case is that of St. Andrew Avellino, who, at the moment of his death, was harassed by 10,000 demons. He was a holy priest and religious — not in mortal sin — yet this horrific encounter served as a profound warning: even the holiest are not exempt from the devil’s rage. He was saved only through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, proving that devotion to her is crucial until the final breath.

In another case, a dying man surrounded by demonic entities was saved because his children began praying the Rosary fervently by his side. One child cried out, “Dad, call on Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph!” The man opened his eyes and whispered, “They are here now,” and at that moment, the demons fled. He died peacefully, surrounded by heavenly presence.

Dead Relatives at the Hour of Death — Or Deceitful Spirits?

Many people report that their dying loved ones claim to see deceased relatives — sometimes even speaking to them. While not all of these visions are demonic, we must be cautious. According to saints and exorcists, demons can disguise themselves as familiar souls to deceive and frighten the dying. Why? Because at the moment of death, a person’s preternatural senses (the soul’s natural ability beyond the physical body) are often opened, similar to those of infants or people in altered states, making them vulnerable to spiritual entities.

The Sin of Neglect: Failing to Receive the Last Sacraments

The Blessed Virgin Mary in her approved apparition as Our Lady of Good Success warned about how the Sacraments — especially Confession and Extreme Unction (Last Rites) — are neglected by many, even priests. Many clergy, she said, would grow lazy and neglect this sacred duty. Families, too, often delay calling a priest out of fear of frightening the dying or believing it to be unnecessary. But the Last Rites bring healing to both body and soul, and are sometimes the only grace that can save a dying person from eternal damnation.

"Many will die in mortal sin without Extreme Unction as a punishment for their obstinacy," said Our Lady.

The Power of the Rosary and the Brown Scapular

One powerful story tells of a woman at the judgment seat of God. Her sins were great, and her fate seemed sealed — but then Our Lady placed her Brown Scapular on the scale, and her countless Rosaries tipped the balance in her favor. She was spared from Hell and sent to Purgatory for purification. This story reflects the promises of the Blessed Virgin to those who wear the Brown Scapular faithfully and pray the Rosary daily: that they shall not suffer eternal fire and will receive aid at the hour of death.

“He who dies clothed in this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.” — Promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

No Mercy for the Obstinate Sinner

St. Alphonsus Liguori, the Doctor of Moral Theology, warned sternly that obstinate sinners, those who persistently abuse God's mercy and delay conversion, may not receive the grace of repentance on their deathbed. He writes:

"God often punishes habitual sinners by allowing them to die suddenly or without true contrition."

Such souls may cry out, but find that God does not answer, for they chose rebellion over mercy until the very end.

A Holy Death Must Be Prepared

A holy and peaceful death is not a coincidence — it is the result of a life lived in friendship with God. Sickness, suffering, and trials must be received as preparations for a holy death, not as punishments. Family prayer, the Rosary, regular Confession, Mass attendance, acts of charity, and living in the state of grace are all part of this preparation.

As the Bible warns:

“They shall not see death forever.” – John 8:51

“It is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment.” – Hebrews 9:27

Conclusion: Heaven Is for Those Who Are Ready

Ready or not, death is certain. What remains uncertain is the state of your soul when that moment comes. Hell waits for those who choose sin, ignore God's mercy, and reject the grace of the Sacraments. But for those who live a virtuous life, entrust themselves to Our Lady, and die in God’s friendship, the gates of Heaven will open.

"O Death, where is thy sting?" – 1 Corinthians 15:55

“The greatest honor you can give to Almighty God after receiving Him in Holy Communion is to thank Him.” — St. Alphonsus

Let us not wait for signs at the deathbed. Let us live every day as if it were our last — because one day, it will be. Let us pray, repent, wear the Scapular, love the Blessed Virgin Mary, and fight for Heaven while there is still time.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with You.

Amen.

~Catholic Tradition and Evangelization

THE PAINS OF HELL:

 THE PAINS OF HELL:

"My CHILD, 

God have proven His goodness by His numberless gifts to men. They cannot mention a single good thing in their daily life which does not BELONG TO HIM. His love for them was proven by His earthly life of labor, work, suffering and prayer to obtain forgiveness for their sins. Anyone who takes time to think of what He deserves, cannot deny that he owes God more than what he can ever repay. 

Yet, in spite of God's goodness and love, some people choose to walk away from Him. They REFUSE to follow His directions. As a result they FALL INTO SIN. Though He made them for Heaven, they shall never see it because they REFUSE TO DO WHAT IT TAKES TO GET THERE. 

HELL was made for the devil and his rebel angels. Man was made for Heaven. In refusing to live for Heaven, a man CHOOSES TO EXIST WITHOUT GOD. He shall have his wish - he shall JOIN THE REBEL ANGELS IN HELL. 

In refusing to follow God's Law, a man TURNS HIS BACK ON HIM as the fallen angels did. If HE DIES IN THIS CONDITION, HE CONDEMNS HIMSELF TO HELL. The jury that convicts him is HIS OWN SINFUL LIFE. God merely pronounce sentence on what he himself has chosen.

There is nothing on earth which can compare with hell. It is beyond all description. One must see it to know it. Though God may try to give you some small idea of it, remember, this is a tiny, very imperfect idea of the real thing.

Words fall far short of the reality which is hell. God make no threats here. He simply want you to face the fact: UNLESS YOU LIVE FOR HEAVEN, YOU SHALL ONE DAY BE IN HELL. 

All the sufferings known to man are as NOTHING in comparison with sufferings of hell. The wise man would rather bear any trials on earth than place himself in danger of hell. One single hour of hell will be harder than a hundred years of suffering on earth. 

In this earthly life, people have some rest from their labors and trials. They get some measure of consolation from their friends. In hell,  however, THERE IS NO REST, NO CONSOLATION, NO FRIENDS. 

The fires of hell will never die. There will be no end to suffering. One will find no comfort in knowing that he has been there a thousand years. He can never hope for an end to his tortures. All the other sufferings would be bearable if only the damned could HOPE for relief. DESPAIR is hell's BITTEREST PAIN.

In hell a man will be punished through the same faults by which he sinned on earth. Each sin will have its own particular torment. The lazy will be made to work continuously. The glutonous will be tormented with extreme hunger and thirst. The proud will be filled with confusion, and the greedy will feel the pinch of miserable want.

And yet, the WORST pain of hell is none of these. The people in hell would gladly bear all of this and much more if only they can hope for God's friendship and love, no matter how long it might take, be it even a billion years from now.

Their keenest torment is that THEY HAVE FOREVER LOST GOD, THE SOURCE OF ALL TRUE JOY AND PERFECT HAPPINESS. THIS SUFFERING MAKES HELL THE HOME OF DESPAIR AND UNDYING HATRED. 

My CHILD, FOLLOW GOD'S WILL IN YOUR DAILY LIFE AND YOU NEED NEVER FEAR HELL. 

In fact you have every reason to be joyful and merry if you are following God's Commandments and using His Sacraments. 

DO NOT CONDEMN YOURSELF TO HELL BY REFUSING TO OBEY GOD'S DIRECTIONS. HE LOVES YOU DEARLY. 

DO NOT PREVENT HIM FROM TAKING YOU TO HEAVEN."

- Fr. Anthony J. Paone SJ

MY DAILY LIFE (1954)

3 Hail Marys to prevent Mortal Sin.

 3 Hail Marys to prevent Mortal Sin.

(to be said every morning/night)

⚜ (1st Ave Maria: In honour of the Father)

With all my heart I praise Thee, Most Holy Virgin above all Angels and Saints in Paradise, Daughter of the Eternal Father, and I consecrate to Thee my soul with all its faculties.

⚜ Ave Maria …

By thy holy and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, make my body pure and my soul holy; preserve me this day /night from mortal sin.

(2nd Ave Maria: In honour of the Son)

With all my heart I praise Thee, Most Holy Virgin above all Angels and Saints in Paradise, beloved Mother of the Son of God, and I consecrate to Thee my body with all its senses.

⚜ Ave Maria …

By thy holy and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, make my body pure and my soul holy; preserve me this day /night from mortal sin.

(3rd Ave Maria: In honour of the Spirit)

With all my heart I praise Thee, Most Holy Virgin above all Angels and Saints in Paradise, beloved Spouse of the Holy Ghost, and I consecrate to Thee my heart with all its affections, and beseech Thee to obtain for me from the Most Holy Trinity all the graces necessary for salvation.

⚜ Ave Maria …

By thy holy and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, make my body pure and my soul holy; preserve me this day /night from mortal sin.

MORTAL SIN DO NOT EXPIRE

 MORTAL SIN DO NOT EXPIRE

A man confessed to Padre Pio, and the saint told him he had a sin that he had forgotten. Using his gift, Padre Pio helped the man recall the sin. Embarrassed, the man confessed it. Padre Pio revealed that the man had been carrying this sin since 1941, and the place where the sin was committed is now black burned.

This shocking story is a powerful warning to every Catholic: mortal sins do not disappear with time. They do not fade with old age, nor are they erased by vague feelings of sorrow or decades of good deeds. Unless a mortal sin is properly confessed, by kind and number, with true contrition and firm purpose of amendment—it remains on the soul. And if a person dies in such a state, he is damned for all eternity.

"Be not deceived, God is not mocked"

St. Paul reminds us, "Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap" (Galatians 6:7, Douay-Rheims).

Many Catholics, even pious ones, fall into the dangerous trap of thinking they are "good enough" or that past sins are "probably forgiven" because time has passed. But divine justice is not based on feelings, forgetfulness, or wishful thinking.

Unconfessed and Hidden Sins Lead to Hell

Scripture warns repeatedly of the eternal consequences of hidden sin:

"He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy." (Proverbs 28:13)

"Nothing defiled shall enter into it [Heaven]: nor whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie." (Apocalypse 21:27)

Even the smallest unconfessed mortal sin bars a soul from entering Heaven.

St. John Chrysostom said:

"Enter into yourself, and examine your conscience. Bring all your sins before your eyes; look at them well. If you do not confess them to God, God will uncover them in the presence of the whole universe."

And St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church, warned:

"If you hide a mortal sin in confession, you commit a sacrilege, and your soul remains in mortal sin. You will receive no grace, only a heavier punishment."

Confession Requires Preparation and Sincerity

To make a good confession, Catholics must prepare thoroughly, especially if they have not made a complete life confession. One must examine the conscience not only for recent sins but also for forgotten sins from the past—even from their very first confession.

Take time—a day or even two—to prayerfully reflect on your life, using examinations of conscience based on the Ten Commandments, the seven deadly sins, and your particular state in life.

Why confess by number?

Because the Church teaches clearly: "All mortal sins must be confessed in kind and number after a diligent examination of conscience." (Council of Trent, Session 14, Canon 7)

This is not scrupulosity. This is Catholic doctrine. God wants honesty and humility, not generalizations or excuses.

A Practical Guide for a Complete Confession

1. Pray for light – Ask the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin Mary to reveal all your sins, especially forgotten ones.

2. Use a traditional examination of conscience – Based on the Ten Commandments and state of life.

3. Make a list – Yes, write down your sins. This is not forbidden; it helps clarity and honesty.

4. Confess mortal sins by kind and number – For example, say, "I missed Sunday Mass deliberately 5 times" or "I committed impure acts 3 times."

5. Be honest, specific, and humble – Do not hide anything out of shame. That shame is a grace to purify your soul.

6. Make amends – If you forgot sins from the past in good faith, mention them in your next confession as soon as you remember.

7. Confess regularly – Even monthly. Do not wait for mortal sin to strike. Frequent confession is a spiritual weapon.

The Eternal Consequence of One Unconfessed Sin

The story of Padre Pio and the man with the hidden sin since 1941 should terrify and awaken all of us. If he had died without being reminded by Padre Pio, his soul would have been lost for eternity—over one mortal sin.

Hell is real. And many go there for one forgotten, neglected, or deliberately hidden mortal sin.

Our Lord said:

"But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it in the day of judgment." (Matthew 12:36)

If every word must be accounted for, how much more every mortal sin?

The Mercy of God in the Confessional

Do not delay. God's mercy is waiting for you in the confessional. But it must be received on His terms, not ours.

St. Augustine wrote:

"He who confesses his sins freely receives pardon, but he who hides them shall not prosper."

God will forgive everything—but only if you are honest, prepared, and truly sorry.

Final Plea to the Soul Reading This

Spend time. Examine deeply. Be specific. Confess completely.

Whether you are 18 or 80, go back to your first confession in memory. What sins did you forget? What sins did you not know were mortal at the time but now understand? Write them down. Go to a holy priest. Cleanse your soul. Don't wait.

As Our Lord said:

"Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:13)

A Prayer Before Confession

Sign of the Cross

O Most Sorrowful Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy,

I beg thee to obtain for me the grace to make a sincere and complete confession.

Help me remember all my sins, especially those I have forgotten or neglected for years.

Pierce my heart with holy sorrow, and let not one mortal sin remain hidden in darkness.

Lead me to the confessional with humility, courage, and love for Jesus,

so that my soul may be cleansed and I may be spared from eternal damnation.

Amen.

Another version:

Prayer Before Confession

O Most Sorrowful Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy,

I beg thee to obtain for me the grace to make a sincere and complete confession.

Help me remember all my sins, especially those I have forgotten or neglected for years.

Pierce my heart with holy sorrow, and let not one mortal sin remain hidden in darkness.

Lead me to the confessional with humility, courage, and love for Jesus,

so that my soul may be cleansed and I may be spared from eternal damnation.

Amen.

Holy communion and angel

 𝐒𝐭. 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐬. 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐈𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐬𝐨, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫. 

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞: 𝐒𝐭. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐬

Receive holy communion on the tongue

 Devotion to the HOLY EUCHARIST

17 PROMISES OF JESUS TO CATALINA RIVAS TO CATHOLICS WHO RECEIVE JESUS IN THE MOUTH (TONGUE), NOT IN THE HAND. (includes 9 PROMISES TO CATHOLICS WHO SPREAD THESE PROMISES.)

“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝; 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧.”

Catalina Rivas of Cochabamba, Bolivia, who now dwells in Mérida, Yucatán, México. receives messages from Jesus, Mary, and the angels. She has the approval of her Bishop, René Fernández Apaza, who has given his Imprimatur to her Messages. Her messages also have the Imprimatur of Monsignor René Fernández, Archbishop of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

17 PROMISES TO RECEIVE JESUS IN MOUTH

1 To those who do not receive My Own Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in their hands, I promise to fill them with My Blessings in their hands, heart, soul and their whole being.

2 I promise them many more graces in earthly life, and the consequent greater guarantees of salvation and increase of essential and accidental Glory, for all their eternal living with Me in Heaven.

3 You will feel Me in Communion so fully in your whole being and with such fullness that the natural desire to touch Me will be taken away from you.

4 If you act in this way, you will receive great graces from Me and great benefits for your whole house.

5 I promise to those who do what I most desire, special power in their hands against the enemies of the soul, and to many I will give gifts of healing.

6 I promise that if they do so with perseverance, they will come in all things with greater intensity, seeking only My greatest honor and glory, and I will exalt them especially, all eternity.

7 I will grant those who, out of love for the fulfillment of all My designs, do not receive Me in their hands, by greater adoration, humility and holy respect, the gift of discernment of spirits with greater intensity.

8 Their names will be written especially in My Heart, yes, for giving me greater pleasure, receive Holy Communion in the mouth and not in the hand.

9 I promise that I will increase all your virtues as a reward for the greater humility that comes from never believing your own hands are clean enough to touch Me.

10 I promise that they will faithfully propagate My Doctrine, and that they will more easily overcome all types of temptations.

11 Those who receive Me in their mouths and not in their hands will not distance themselves from Me if they do so with due reverence and live in this manner during each one of the days of their lives.

12 I promise that the door will not be closed to My Love for those who, out of affection for My desires, give Me comfort by always receiving Me on their lips and never in their hands.

13 If they persevere in this way to please Me more by receiving Communion in their mouths, I promise they will come to work only for My Heart, with My Heart, in My Heart, for My Divine Heart.

14 I promise to those who honor Me in this way to be very intense and willingly heard by My Heart.

15 If in this matter, which is so important to Me, they give Me the greatest pleasure, they will always like, out of My Love, to follow My Divine motions, and I will recreate them especially, as proof of My satisfaction in the fact that they always receive Holy Communion in their mouths and never in their hand.

16 These will always do a great deal of good to souls; on the other hand, those who insist on taking Me in their hands will be hardened in many things towards My Will, and darkened about My own desires, My own preaching and My own teaching.

17 On the contrary, those who tremble in their hands and do not touch the Sacred Consecrated Form, prepare themselves especially in their whole being, at the hour of receiving Me in communion, to ask Me to be me alone and nothing of them: I promise the grace to reach in a short time the highest Christian perfection, they will seek My Face with more love, they will forget themselves more easily, they will always have My Heart comforted by this gesture, they will receive greater heavenly lights and will have greater joy from My Heart forever and ever.

 

9 PROMISES TO CATHOLICS WHO SPREAD THESE PROMISES:

1 The gift of the knowledge of hearts.

2 They will attain exalted glory in Heaven.

3 They will have a long spiritual life, although not always material, but in a few years, as if they had lived many years of holiness.

4 I will give great blessings to your family.

5 The more they spread them, the more I will pour myself into them.

6 I will make them feel me in an ineffable way, in a growing fullness.

7 I will not allow them to undertake any undertaking if it is not to my liking.

8 I will place in their path enough light so that with My abundant assistance, they will avoid evil and do not only what is good, but what pleases Me most.

9 I will give you still greater graces, countless ones, if you spread them with fervor: consider it a great omission not to make known My promises.

“There are neither 10 nor 20 executioners who destroy My Body, there are many hands that hurt My Body by receiving Communion in the hand; the sacrilegious work of Satan.”

Holy face reparation cross

 The Holy Face Reparation Cross is a beautifully detailed crucifix and shows the face of Christ on Veronica’s Veil. Our Lord asked for this cross to be made and worn more than 150 years ago by the Defenders of the Holy Name of God.

Our Lord asked Sister Marie de St. Pierre for each member of the Association to wear a special cross. On one side of the cross should be engraved with the words, “Blessed be the Name of God,” and on the reverse “Begone, Satan.” To all those wearing this holy cross Our Lord promised a special resourcefulness to conquer the demon of blasphemy, adding that every time one hears a curse, he should repeat the words inscribed on the cross to overcome the evil one and render glory to God.

This association became the creation of the widespread Holy Name Society. Sr. Marie de St. Pierre goes on to say, “Our Lord showed me this association as an army of brave soldiers, uniting themselves to Him as to their Commander-in-Chief, to defend the Glory of the Father. It is His Will that this militia be called, ‘The Defenders of the Holy Name of God,’ so that this noble title should give evidence of the high calling of those enrolled.”

Holy face medal

 On the first Friday of Lent 1936, Mother Maria Pierina de Michelli (beatified 30th May 2010) reported a vision of Jesus.

In further visions she was urged to make a medal bearing the Holy Face of Jesus. She was given permission to reproduce the face of the Holy Shroud of Turin and authorisation by the Curia to proceed in 1940 with the medal.

One side has the image of the Holy Shroud of Turin and the words of Ps 66:2 "illumina Domine Vultum Tuum super nos" (may the light of your Face, O Lord, shine upon us).

On the other side the sacred host. The letters IHS and “Mane nobiscum Domine” (stay with us O Lord) Pope Pius XII approved the devotion and medal in 1958. She also reported Jesus’ desire of a special feast day on the Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday each year (Shrove Tuesday), to be preceded by a 9 day novena of prayer.
The medal became famous for the miracles and spiritual favours associated with its use. In Our Blessed Mother’s own word, the medal is “a weapon for defense, a shield for courage, a token of love & mercy in these troubled days of lust, evil, loss of faith and hatred for God and for His Church.
Whoever wears this scapular (medal) and, if possible, pays a weekly visit to the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesdays in a spirit of reparation to the Holy Face will be granted the gift of a strong Faith and the grace to fly to its defence conquering if need be all interior and exterior difficulties. Moreover, they will meet their death peacefully, under the loving gaze of my divine son.” (from Biography of Blessed Pierina p33).
In 1958, Pope Pius XII declared the feast of the Holy Face of Jesus for all Roman Catholics to be the day before Ash Wednesday (Shrove Tuesday).

Pardon crucifix

Pardon Crucifix is a specific type of Catholic crucifix associated with indulgences and spiritual benefits, particularly focused on forgiveness and reconciliation. It features inscriptions related to Jesus' words on the cross and devotion to the Sacred Heart, and is a symbol of God's mercy. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Key Features and Significance:

Inscriptions:

Pardon crucifixes typically include the inscription "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum" (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews) above the corpus on the front. On the back, there's usually an image of the Sacred Heart and inscriptions like "Father, forgive them" (referencing Jesus' words from the cross) and "Behold this Heart which has so loved men". 

Indulgences:

The Pardon Crucifix is heavily indulgenced, meaning that under certain conditions, the Church grants remission of temporal punishment due to sins. Pope St. Pius X granted indulgences for those who carry or venerate the crucifix. 

Symbolism:

It's a powerful symbol of Christ's sacrifice, forgiveness, and love, encouraging reflection on His passion and the importance of seeking pardon. 

Connection to the Sacred Heart:

The inclusion of the Sacred Heart image and related inscriptions emphasizes devotion to Jesus' compassionate and merciful heart. 

Uses and Significance:

Spiritual Benefit:

The crucifix is believed to offer spiritual protection, grace, and a reminder of God's mercy. 

Meditation on Forgiveness:

It serves as a focal point for meditating on Jesus' forgiveness and the need for reconciliation with God and others. 

Devotion:

It's a popular item for personal devotion, often worn as a pendant or incorporated into rosaries. 

Gift:

It's also given as a meaningful gift, symbolizing faith and spiritual well-being. 

In essence, the Pardon Crucifix is a powerful sacramental that combines visual symbolism, historical indulgences, and a focus on the core themes of Christian faith: forgiveness, mercy, and the love of Christ. 

成聖是一步步來

 成聖是一步步來

有些人深知， 他們是在恩典之外， 陷入於死罪當中，可是他們不以為意， 也不哀傷， 也不去思想它。 他們盡他們所能， 要得到最大的肉體享樂以及屬世的安慰。 他們離恩典越遠， 他們便越發行樂。有些人覺得， 沒有恩典是一件很高興的事， 好叫他們更充份和更自由地尋求肉慾的樂趣。

他首先要得到他屬靈疾病的醫治， 把一切仇恨的心， 肉慾的享受樂趣， 以及其他情感， 都在他心中用願望的火燃燒淨盡， 並把新的恩惠情感帶了進來。滿有熱烈的愛和屬靈的光輝。 那時， 一個人便接近完全， 也接近在情感上獲得重塑更新。 重塑更新不是那麼容易得到，乃是藉着長時間的辛苦和極大的努力才能得到。一個因着犯了致死的罪而在靈性上死的人， 並非能從他一切的愛好以及他身體的一切慾望中立即獲得醫治， 也不是立即便能夠達到默觀的境地， 雖然他已經藉著告解聖禮的藥物恢復他的生命， 叫他不會被定罪。 他必須慢慢地一級一級地往上爬， 直到爬上最高一級的梯頂。 在靈性上也是一樣。 沒有人在恩典中忽然之間達到成全， 但藉著長期練習及富有技巧的努力， 才可達到成全。

取錄： 靈程進階

基督教禁食或天主教守齋

 基督教禁食或天主教守齋

禁食可以是食物、 上網、 娛樂遊戲例如電玩。 禁食有助我們專注。 現代人平均12 分鐘看一次手機。禁食有助我們聚焦在天主身上。也聚焦在天主給我們前頭的目標和奬賞。

奬賞是什麼？ 它會帶給我們超自然的平安及祝福。 除了天上的榮冠， 天國金色輝煌的街道， 天使的詩班和永生外， 聖經向我們保證， 天主就是我們最大的奬賞。 是經歷祂的奬賞，榮耀和位格。

禁食的好處：

天主的聲音更清晰， 祂的世界明明可見， 祂的同在成為一切

如何禁食？

一天只吃一至二餐， 減少一餐

或

當天三餐飯戒肉

或

當天吃飯除鹽外減少調味料

或

放棄某一種娛樂

或跟隨天主教教會的大小齋規定， 也在星期三， 五， 六嚴守大小齋

天主教大齋： 一餐大兩餐小

小齋： 不吃肉， 但可以吃魚， 海鮮， 蛋， 奶， 芝士

基督教禁食： 一天一餐甚至三餐不吃食物只喝水。

或只守某一時段， 該時段後恢復飲食。

例如： 早上6：00 至下午15：00 禁食， 15：00 後回復進食

默主哥耶聖母說： 守齋和祈禱可停止戰爭和延遲世然律。 每個基督徒， 除非他有病， 亦應守齋。 聖母說過， 吃魚不算最好的守齋。 守齋也應保持口舌純潔

取錄自： 

1.慈光普照

2.倍速推進的大能禁食

靈修日記的重要

 靈修日記

靈修日記：

每天省察

把自己常犯的罪列出

每個罪每天用3-4 秒想想作反省

若果又犯就要在旁畫“ 正” 字

以示又犯了

若果很多天都無再犯

就可以畫去它

每天用2 分鐘省察

是否犯了如

1. 驕傲， 常要人讚？ 2. 虛榮心， 要比別人好而沾沾自喜？ 3. 不甘於現狀？ 4. 貪吃貪喝？ 5 吝嗇別人， 縱容自己大花錢？6. 在巴士上吃飲， 弄到車廂不衛生？7. 不守好主日， 主日除上彌撒， 也應額外取多一小時靈修，有否忽視？

8. 有否吃拜邪神食物？ 9. 有否人云亦云， 和親戚一起拜山時裝香吃乳豬？

等等。。。

你見到很多細節， 其實都有犯罪

要寫下

每天每個罪用2-4 秒反省

記下後

每週或二週一次告解（ 我的方濟會confraternity of penitent 要求我每二週一次告解。 默主哥耶聖母要求我們一個月至少一次告解。 Saint carlo acutis 則每週一次告解。 他死後屍體不腐化。）

告解不用長篇大論

每次5 分鐘已可以

略略提出犯了什麼罪

不用詳細説出情節

靈修日記除了寫錯失外

還應寫功德

每天一個功德

以十個功德做一個循環

重複幾個循環後

立定

更上一層樓

每天2-3 個功德

功德可以是：

1. 我可否今天完全不上YouTube 除perpetual adoration of the Eucharist 

2. 我可否今天看聖書至少半小時

3. 我可否默想耶穌苦難至少半小時

4. 我可否在Facebook 傳好的天主教基督教訊息

5. 我可否今天特別為煉獄靈魂祈禱1/2至1小時

6. 我可否今天去找神父辦告解和奉獻一些錢買一本聖書送給一個我不認識或認識的教友/ 朋友

7. 我可否今天奉獻一台彌撒。 多少無拘。 特別幫助煉靈？

8.我可以今天去廚房做義工嗎？ 或幫助賣旗嗎？ 或探訪病患/ 囚犯嗎？

9. 我可否買一些聖物， 托神父送給其他病人？

10. 我可否用今天看電視的時間作facebook 打字傳天主教資料給別人？ 同時抽一些時間看聖書。 寫一些感受在Facebook?

你可以創意想更多， 寫在靈修日記

每天打開靈修日記， 看自己做到幾多

做到的， 給自己打星號

一個月後， 揭回前頁, 看看自己做了多少善事， 你會有天主教基督教歸屬感。

神父需要聖書

 一個真正神修， 和天主有關係的人

他的快樂來自神貧， 獨處， 和一班人安靜、 不噪吵地做善事

他需要祈禱， 看聖書， 默想耶穌苦難來加強他的行善力量

正如耶穌在工作後也獨自上山祈禱

不會只一味工作

一個人

基督教聖書不需很多， 20 多本已足夠

天主教聖書中英共大約200-300 本， 已一生很足夠

不需要再買了

說來說去都是這些東西

一本天主教聖經

一本基督教聖經

已很足夠

一個人的快樂不單只是祈禱

還有的是他的工作

若他的工作是有意義的

他會很開心

有哪些人生不如死？

就是不健康， 身體很多病痛的人

但他們不應尋求死

他們雖然無工作

但把痛苦奉獻給天主

忍耐

並且在病床上多唸經

為世界， 罪人祈禱

他會修到很多功德

成為一個滿有恩典的聖人

昨天知道一個神父自殺

其實修道人除了工作， 祈禱外

他還需要一點支出

就是買聖書

他不需要一千本聖書

幾百本已足夠

買夠聖書

每月多出的錢

就做善事便可以

但條件是

他一定要有足夠聖書

除了聖人傳記， 聖人所寫的勸言

他還需要默想耶穌苦難的聖書

這大多是英文

默想耶穌苦難一小時的功勞比全年每周五用麵包清水守齋打苦鞭功勞更大

聖女大德蘭當年每天默想十四處苦路其中一端，

持續地做

最終死時是不腐朽聖人

聖屍很香

還有玫瑰經

聖母有十五項許諾

這些都是買聖書才知的

所以神父是需要買聖書

才能知這些東西

不可能話神父神貧

就只有一本聖經

什麼聖書都不買

但又不是買到泛濫

只是需要的便可

一個神父

若每天4-8 串玫瑰經

上班行善

開彌撒

默想耶穌苦難每天一小時（St Gertrude Chaplet, litany of passion, litany of holy wound, litany of precious blood, litany of holy face）

看聖書每天一小時

聖母小日課或日課1.5 小時

看聖經半小時（ 有大赦， 若看聖經半小時）

上網福傳

吃飯睡覺

他已無時間想自殺

他會很充實

他的不開心可能來自壞同伴

或突然他健康有問題

不然做一個修道人是開心的

神貧會令一個修道人很開心

奢侈會挖空他的心

令他越奢侈越痛苦越空洞

神貧， 生活簡單， 斷捨離

會令一個神父很充實

雖然聖書不便宜

但每月買6-7 本

幾年已達標

Facebook will not disrupt your prayer life

 有個神父講道時分享：

他話用臉書令他祈禱不到。

我覺得若處理不當， Google news and YouTube 一樣令人祈禱不到

以下是我感想

平時我把聖像收好， 放入櫃。

到祈禱時， 我會找它們出來， 放在乾淨的桌上， 不放歌曲， 安靜唸經， 我會開YouTube perpetual adoration of the Eucharist 朝拜聖體

若果突然記起祈禱後要做什麼， 我會用notebook 記下， 暫時不打擾祈禱過程

我會在notebook 約發三章： 這二小時祈禱， 我不可看WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, YouTube, social media, phone call.

若突然有緊急call , 我會走出房， 出去聽。 房間的聖像前是不可以看Facebook, YouTube， 接電話 等。

若果唸經累了， 盡量不睡下， 只扒在桌上休息下。

我會保持祈禱時的靜默， 不分心， 不說話。

休息要用電話就出房（ 例如廳， 或廁所， 或廚房）. 房間的聖像要尊重。

過了二小時後， 我給自己娛樂時間： 15-25 分鐘看臉書，YouTube... 等等

為避免上網浪費時間， 我約法三章， 對於看Facebook 教友朋友的帖子， 我一天只有三段時間看Facebook: 起床， 午飯， 臨睡前。其他時間用來行善： 打Facebook passage 可以， 但不要留連在Facebook, Facebook 用來傳教算了， 不要浪費時間。

時間用來默想耶穌苦難， 做善事， 祈禱。多些玫瑰經。。。 等等。

所以Facebook and YouTube 不會令人祈禱不到， 而是怎樣用， 及對自己的承諾約法三章。

聖神七恩在俗會會規

聖神七恩會規：（ 暫訂）

本人是confraternity of penitent Franciscan third order member. 我是美國方濟會成員。 聖神七恩會規是參照confraternity of penitent Franciscan third order 的rules and constitution. 可以上網免費看， 或買書。買書請到Amazon. 

https://www.franciscanthirdorderpenitents.com/rule-and-constitutions

每天應默想耶穌苦難或看耶穌苦難聖經聖書或唸耶穌苦難經文不少於15 分鐘

病人可以不守齋， 祈禱不需跟足。 最重要不犯罪， 把痛苦奉獻給聖母耶穌

成員應每天祈禱至少90 分鐘及參與一台實體或網上彌撒。 參與網上彌撒是不鼓勵。 最好能實領聖體

90 分鐘的祈禱：

建議：

Lauds, vespers, and compline. ( 晨禱， 晚禱， 夜禱）（ 我靈讚頌主apps 每天日課找到）

唸玫瑰經至少四串, 用5 分鐘默想玫瑰經奧跡， 用聖經和聖書默想

st bridget 15 prayers聖婦碧瑾十五篇禱文

苦路經十四處, way of the cross

用十五分鐘默想耶穌苦難

Litany of holy wounds

Litany of precious blood 

Litany of passion 

Chaplet of precious blood 

Chaplet of holy wounds

Chaplet of st Gertrude 

St. Michael chaplet

St Bridget 12 years prayer

Novena to saints

以上是建議經文， 以供參考

每天看聖書和聖經共不可少於十五分鐘， 每天必須看

吃飯前唸經， 隨意。

吃飯後唸天主經或聖母經。

星期一， 三，五， 六不可吃肉，連魚也不可吃， 只吃豆蛋奶芝士, 病人可免守齋

守齋日盡量少下調味料

星期二四日可吃魚和肉

每天只吃三餐， 不吃零食

週三和五守大小齋， 即一餐大二餐小

最好的護膚品

Cetaphil 

Cerave

可用防曬霜。

護膚品不要太貴， 詳情問告解神師。 本人護膚品加每天防曬乳每月只花10-20元（ 夏天： 10 元以下， 冬天：大約20 元）

多用傘， 帽。 防曬口罩（ 網上買到 ）

除非有病， 盡量不用按摩機

不可電髮。 中國人染黑髮， 可以。外國人則根據她本身頭髮顏色染髮

不應去美容院

少看電視， 只看新聞

少看電影

不看壞報章雜誌

不看愛情小說， 有損貞潔

穿衣： 每季（冬夏）只有10-12套衣服， 內衣隨意， 但不可過多。冬夏二季共24套以內

衣服盡量淨色， 沒有圖案， 花紋， 款式， 蕾絲。

鞋只可有5-6對以內

外套冬。可有6件

夏外套可有3-4 件

頸巾淨色，冬季可有五件

襪淨色, 冬夏，可有十對以內

冷襪可有6-8 對

毛衣冬天淨色可有6件以內

衣服應選最便宜， 但適合上班和上學

帽冬夏共可有4-5個

每天必須上彌撒及領聖體。 做不到應一天找一些時間上網上彌撒和神領聖體

上班化妝要淡妝。 不上班盡量不化妝

不可戴耳飾， 首飾。 

一定要戴聖本篤十字架， 棕色聖衣， 顯靈聖牌， 及至少一個聖人聖牌， 戴它們在衫內， 不需戴在衫外

若果可以， 請佩戴St Joseph cord, St Thomas Aquinas cord, St. Philomena cord.

每月盡可能捐出收入的十分之一作慈善和捐助教會用途

一個月一至二次每次一小時義工

每月花至少二百元港幣買聖書看。 若家中太多聖書， 或已買夠， 可以不須花此筆錢。 但可捐此二百元作為煉獄靈魂彌撒. （鼓勵家中無空位的人買電子書， 在亞馬遜網站買，下載在kindle ）

每月告解至少二次， 每二星期告解一次

行神貧， 貞潔( 獨身或結婚)， 服從聖神的生活

建議買一本聖本篤會規，st Benedict rules 每天看一頁

一週至少一小時朝拜明供或隱藏在聖體龕內的耶穌聖體， 若不方便， 可在家， 上YouTube, " perpetual adoration of the Eucharist live broadcast".

神貧： 樸素， 對自己吝嗇， 對窮人慷慨， 過簡單純樸生活， 不貪靚， 乾淨整齊， 必須品保護自己便可， 保護身體健康，但不奢侈。 不買多餘必須品， 吝嗇自己， 足夠便算， 多餘的可幫助有需要的人。 做適當自我犧牲（ moderate self denial, mortification, sacrifice)

貞潔： 跟從聖教會

服從天主聖神， 跟從天主教教理生活， 跟從善良的告解神師生活。

以上條文若遵守不到的， 可以選擇做輔助團員。

遵守到的， 做正式團員

正式團員發願詞：

天主聖三， 聖母瑪利亞， 我在天朝神聖前， 選擇度更成全的在俗獻身生活。 我願意跟隨聖本篤會規， 和聖神七恩在俗會的建議， 盡力愛主愛人， 立善功， 行愛德， 守誡命， 謙卑自己， 走成全道路， 他日在天堂上做聖人。 求主收納我的奉獻， 我願把我的自由意志完全交給耶穌和聖母， 一生完美實行天主旨意， 捨棄自己， 服務他人， 特別是我最需要幫助的人， 在最小的一個兄弟中看到耶穌。我願意遵守如修道人的神貧， 貞潔（ 結婚或單身， 遵守聖教會教的規則）， 和服從聖神的志願， 望主收納， 在俗世中成聖自己， 阿孟。

每天祈禱時間不少於90-120 分鐘（聖書默想和閱讀不少於十五分鐘）.

建議每天祈禱和看聖書靈修2-3 小時。 鼓勵越多越好。 但不影響愛德服務和上班上學。

Holy name of Jesus

 Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus in January

The simplest form of devotion to the Most Holy Name of JESUS is the devout, loving recitation of that Name above all names.  

Each time you whisper His precious Name -"Jesus"- let it be a loving invocation to your Divine Savior and Lord.  

You can even make it part of a short prayer, like "Jesus, I love You!", "Praise You, Jesus", and of course, Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me! (a form of the Jesus Prayer).

Template prayer against devils

 When the devil attacks and causes negative to happen in our lives, we need to FIGHT BACK by Praying and using the SCRIPTURES. Since the WORD of GOD is like a Hammer 🔨 that Smashes all Wickedness into Pieces. 

HERE IS A TEMPLATE PRAYER THAT WE CAN 

  USE!

FATHER, in the Name of JESUS,

I Declare that Enough is Enough. 

Today Marks the End of all Wicked happenings

around my Life and my Family. 

FATHER, Your Word says that You’re Covenant with me. You shall not Break, nor shall You Alter

the things that Go Out of Your Lips. 

I Call for Fire 🔥 and Light to be Released from Heaven to Crush any evil, beast that is Encroaching and Trespassing into my Life. Every demonic hand that is Touching my life to bring harm, FATHER, cause it to WITHER NOW!

Every Lie being Spoken against me or my Loved ones by any Evil person or Beast, Shut their mouth by Padlocking it Close. Let every Confusion be in the devil’s Camp, so that they can Destroy each other by their own Sword ⚔️. 

I DECLARE…

I am BLESSED 

I am PROTECTED 

so NO CURSE will be my Portion. 

I DECLARE…

That the VICTORY is MINE, 

because JESUS has already WON for Me. 

Thank you FATHER, for Freeing me, and for Answering me at the EXACT moment that I Call. 

Thank you ALMIGHTY FATHER,                             for Your Help and Time for Me. 

In the NAME OF JESUS WE PRAY…

               Amen!

Prayer for holy death

 A wonderful prayer to be spared Purgatory. 

O Mary, I ask thee for one more grace: Obtain from thy Divine Son that I may die, but that I may die with thee, and that I may fly to Heaven along with thee. O merciful Mother, grant that when my soul is liberated from this wretched body I may go immediately to find thee in Heaven, there to commence that life which will be my occupation for all eternity.

Requiem aeternam dona mihi, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat mihi. Requiescam in pace.

Amen.

St Francis of Assisi, poverty

 In St Francis day, there were only two social classes, the majores (nobility), and the minores (peasants), with a growing group of merchants in a middle state not yet clearly defined. As he grew in his devotion to our God who became poor to dwell among us, Francis wanted to follow Christ in a very concrete way. Francis decided that, in order to do this to the fullest, he must live a poor life himself, so he adopted the common dress of peasants, a simple tunic of unbleached, un-dyed wool. Many peasants also wore a hood, and a rope around the waist was handy for keeping loose clothing out of the way while working.

When other men asked to join him in his way of life, Francis had them wear peasant clothes, too, and he called them fratrum minorum (lesser brothers).

🤎

St Teresa of Avila

 "Although to one who has entered religion and guards himself against offending God, it might seem that he has done everything, oh! There yet remain certain worms that are not seen until they have eaten away the virtues! These worms are self-love, high esteem of self, rash judgment of others, and lack of charity towards our neighbor. So that, although we fulfill our duties, we do not perform them with that perfection which God wants of us. 

                                            St. Teresa of Avila 

It was to one of these worms, that the venerable de palafox attributed the cause of his falling into mediocrity after his conversion, so much so, that he almost went to the point of losing his soul. "Why," he asked, " should i have thought myself really humble, even though I might be ? And even though I tried and ardently desired to be good, was I to presume that I really was good? That hidden pride obliged Divine Goodness to teach me to see myself as I really was, not good but bad, lazy, unfaithful, miserable, full of pride and senuality,  and a squanderer of graces."

"You therefore are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." ( Matthew 5:48 )  - Road to PERFECTION-

Study of the word of God

 If you are a Catholic, you should know this and be informed…

SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

The Sunday of the Word of God is an annual commemoration in the Catholic Church taking place on the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, during January. Pope Francis established this celebration with his motu proprio, *Aperuit illis*, which was published on 30 September 2019. The document stated that "the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God." The celebration first took place on 26 January in 2020.

The title of the papal document, "Aperuit illis", is taken from Luke's Gospel (24:45), where the Evangelist describes how the Risen Jesus appeared to two of his disciples on their way to Emmaus, and how “he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” 

Pope Francis issued this directive in consequence of his intention to set aside "a Sunday given over entirely to the word of God, so as to appreciate the inexhaustible riches contained in that constant dialogue between the Lord and his people" which he announced at the conclusion of the Extraordinary Year of Mercy, 2015–2016.

Tomorrow, SUNDAY, is the day for THE WORD OF GOD, what is expected of us?

The celebration is to remind us of the centrality of the Word of God, that is, the Bible in our lives as Catholics. 

By this celebration, we all are encouraged to:

👉🏼1. Own the Word (Bible).

👉🏼2. Study the Word.

👉🏼3. Meditate on the Word.

👉🏼4. Celebrate the Word.

👉🏼5. Live the Word.

👉🏼6. Share the Word with others.

Without the above, we cannot possibly claim to know Jesus Christ, who is the WORD made FLESH (cf. Jn 1:14). 

We cannot claim to be true Christians nor true Catholics.

St. Jerome affirms: “IGNORANCE of the Scriptures is Ignorance of CHRIST."

Stay blessed.

The malice of mortal sin

 THE MALICE OF MORTAL SIN

By St. Alphonsus Liguori 

✝️  𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝗱.

Mortal sin is commonly defined by theologians to be “a turning away from the immutable good;" a turning ones back on the sovereign good. Of this God complains by his prophet, saying: ”Thou hast forsaken me, saith the Lord; thou art gone backward. ” (Jer. 15: 6.) 

Ungrateful man, he says to the sinner, I would never have separated myself from thee; thou hast been the first to abandon me: thou art gone backwards; thou hast turned thy back upon me.

.

He who contemns the divine law despises God; because he knows that, by despising the law, he loses the divine grace. “By transgression of the law, thou dishonourest God.” (Rom. 2:23.) 

In fine, the sinner when he breaks the command, says to God: I do not acknowledge thee for my Lord. 

For what do so many offend the Lord? For a little vanity; for the indulgence of anger; or for a beastly pleasure. ”They violate me among my people for a handful of barley and a piece of bread.” (Ezec. 13: 19.) 

God is an infinite good; and when he sees sinners put him on a level with some earthly trifle, or with a miserable gratification, he justly complains in the language of the prophet: ”To whom, have you likened me or made me equal? saith the Holy One.” (Isa. xl. 25.) 

In your estimation, a vile pleasure is more valuable than my grace. Is it a momentary satisfaction you have preferred before me?

...

The Devil acts in a similar manner towards sinners: he places before them such a gratification, and says: Make this your God. Behold! this pleasure, this money, this revenge is your God: adhere to these, and forsake the Lord. When the sinner consents to sin, he abandons his Creator, and in his heart adores as his god the pleasure which lie indulges.

.

✝️   𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝗱. 

There is nothing more galling than to see oneself despised by those who were most beloved and most highly favoured. Whom do sinners insult? They insult a God who bestowed so many benefits upon them, and who loved them so as to die on a cross for their sake; and by the commission of mortal sin they banish that God from their hearts. 

A soul that loves God is loved by him, and God himself comes to dwell within her. ”If any one love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and will make our abode with him.” (John xiv. 23.) 

The Lord, then, never departs from a soul, unless he is driven away, even though he should know that she will soon banish him from her heart. According to the Council of Trent, ”he deserts not the soul, unless he is deserted.”

.

When the soul consents to mortal sin she ungratefully says to God: Depart from me. “The wicked have said to God: Depart from us.” (Job 21:14.) 

Sinners, as St. Gregory observes, say the same, not in words, but by their conduct. They know that God cannot remain with sin in the soul: and, in violating the divine commands, they feel that God must depart; and, by their acts they say to him: since you cannot remain any longer with us, depart farewell. 

And through the very door by which God departs from the soul, the Devil enters to take possession of her. 

When the priest baptizes an infant, he commands the demon to depart from the soul: ”Go out from him, unclean spirits, and make room for the Holy Ghost.” But when a Christian consents to mortal sin, he says to God: Depart from me; make room for the Devil, whom I wish to serve.

Moreover, the man who commits a mortal sin afflicts the heart of God. “But they provoked to wrath, and afflicted the spirit of the Holy One.” (Isaias Ixiii. 10.)

“What pain and anguish would you not feel, if you knew that a person whom you tenderly loved, and on whom you bestowed great favours, had sought to take away your life! 

God is not capable of pain; but, were he capable of suffering, a single mortal sin would be sufficient to make him die through sorrow. ”Mortal sin,” says Father Medina, ”if it were possible, would destroy God himself: because it would be the cause of infinite sadness to God.” 

As often, then, as you committed mortal sin, you would, if it were possible, have caused God to die of sorrow; because you knew that by sin you insulted him and turned your back upon him, after he had bestowed so many favours upon you, and even after he had given all his blood and his life for your salvation.

Epiphany water

 ⚜ WHAT IS EPIPHANY WATER?

On the Vigil of the Epiphany(January 5th), 

The Rite of Exorcism and Blessing of Epiphany Water (All inLatin!) is offered. It is a very beautiful and lengthy Rite. 

The water undergoes a three-fold exorcism; 

one for the salt and two for the water (a usual exorcism for the water and a longer rite of exorcism). 

It shows the symbolic nature of water as a cleansing agent. It is therefore used to cast out Satan and all his demonic angels.

It begins with the Litany of Saints, with a couple special petitions about the blessing of the water to follow. Satan and the demons are then driven from the place with a mighty prayer.

According to some Exorcists, this  rite of the blessing of the waters, with its extraordinarily powerful prayers of exorcism, renders Epiphany Water more spiritually potent than ‘ordinary’ holy water.

First Friday devotion

 FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION ❤️AND SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE 🙏❤️

“Announce it and let it be announced

to the whole world,

that I set neither limit, nor measure,

to My gifts of grace,

for those who seek them

in My Heart.”

The words of the Our Lord Jesus Christ

to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

In May 25, 1671, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque entered the monastery of the Salesians in Paray-le-Monial. She professed her vows in the Order of the Visitation of Our Lady on November 6, 1672. Margaret Mary was soon to be recognized by her love for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

In the years 1673-1674, she had visions of Christ who showed to her his compassionate and bleeding heart, bottomless abyss of love for men: this will be the foundation of the Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Margarita understood that private revelation she received is a Divine will which she couldn’t just keep it for herself. She told her Superior about it and to the competent Church authorities, who thought it so strange that sent it to be examined by some experts. The result: she was treated as a “visionary. From this moment onwards, part of her daily cross was to obey and remain at their disposal. Nevertheless, Father Claude de la Colombiere, superior of the Jesuits believed and encouraged her when she opened her soul to him in a retreat he preached to the Visitation nuns.

Margarita is a nun in whom one can trust: a nun who was always sick, very shy, timid but dependable for any work entrusted to her. She was a nurse, a teacher of the students of distinguished families living at the school, head of the novices, and among those considered to be the superior.

During the octave of Corpus Christi of 1675, she witnessed the apparition of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who told:

“BEHOLD THE HEART WHICH HAS SO LOVED MEN THAT IT HAS SPARED NOTHING, EVEN TO EXHAUSTING AND CONSUMING ITSELF, IN ORDER TO TESTIFY ITS LOVE; AND IN RETURN, I RECEIVE FROM THE GREATER PART ONLY INGRATITUDE, BY THEIR IRREVERENCE AND SACRILEGE, AND BY THE COLDNESS AND CONTEMPT THEY HAVE FOR ME IN THIS SACRAMENT OF LOVE. BUT WHAT I FEEL MOST KEENLY IS THAT IT IS HEARTS WHICH ARE CONSECRATED TO ME, THAT TREAT ME THUS.

THEREFORE, I ASK OF YOU THAT THE FRIDAY AFTER THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI BE SET APART FOR A SPECIAL FEAST TO HONOR MY HEART, BY COMMUNICATING ON THAT DAY, AND MAKING REPARATION TO IT BY A SOLEMN ACT, IN ORDER TO MAKE AMENDS FOR THE INDIGNITIES WHICH IT HAS RECEIVED DURING THE TIME IT HAS BEEN EXPOSED ON THE ALTARS.

I PROMISE YOU THAT MY HEART SHALL EXPAND ITSELF TO SHED IN ABUNDANCE THE INFLUENCE OF ITS DIVINE LOVE UPON THOSE WHO SHALL THUS HONOR IT, AND CAUSE IT TO BE HONORED. “

After experience, Margaret Mary did all she could in promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with all the means at her disposal: by letter, person conversations, communicating favors, distributing small prayer cards, writing to the chaplain of King Louis XIV to ask him to consecrate himself, his family and the palace to the Sacred Heart. She tried to get the approval to celebrate the Mass of the Sacred Heart. She spread God’s Will in a special way to the nuns and priests. The devotion began in of Paray-le-Monial  and from there to the Salesian communities in Dijon, Moulins, Saumur; then, Lyon and Marseille; then to Europe and America. The result of this activity is an explosion of fervor and a desire to seek holiness. She did not succeed, nevertheless, without bitter difficulties and obstacles from those who were influenced by Jansenism and by those who considered unnecessary a new practice of piety.

The devotion to the Heart of Jesus propagated by Margaret is not a surge of sentiments nor is founded on feelings which are at the same time sugary and fleeting. She understood that the love for Jesus Christ suffering in the Garden has to be expressed by atonement and reparation for the offenses committed all the time. It is to participate in the pain, anguish, loneliness and abandonment that Jesus suffered for the sins of mankind. This is carried out with desires of fidelity and of personal purification, in continuous search of the Eucharist to accompany Our Lord, in a living desire  of communion, and in the need to live dying unto oneself for God’s glory and for the salvation of mankind,  thus, counteracting the destructive work of sin. For this reason, the devotion’s message to the Christian world consists in simple and strong practices impregnated with firm faith, and at the reach of anyone: Mass, frequent Communions, visits, prayer and holy hours.

Margaret Mary died on October 17, 1690.

Pope Benedict XV canonized her on 13 May 1920. In the Bull of canonization an explicit mention of the promise of final perseverance to  those who communicate on the First Friday of nine consecutive months was made.

1st Friday of the month: DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 12 Promises of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. GO TO HOLY MASS AND WORTHILY RECEIVE THE HOLY COMMUNION

2. ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF NINE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS WAS MADE

WITH THE INTENTION OF REPAIRING 

3. FOR THE SINS COMMITTED AGAINST HIS MOST SACRED HEART.

Our Lord Jesus Christ revealed to St. Margaret Mary 12 Promises to those who have a sincere and loving devotion to His Sacred Heart. These promises are listed below:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

2. I will give peace in their families and will unite families that are divided.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

I will be their refuge during life and above all in death.

4. I will bestow the blessings of Heaven on all their enterprises.

5. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

6. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

Fervent souls shall rise quickly to great perfection.

7. I will bless those places wherein the image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored and will imprint My love on the hearts of those who would wear this image on their person. 

8. I will also destroy in them all disordered movements.

9. I will give to priests who are animated by a tender devotion to my Divine Heart the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

10. Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be effaced.

11. I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence: they will not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their Sacraments. 

12. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

St Gertrude

 St. Gertrude And The Poor Souls 

St. Gertrude entertained a deep compassion for the souls in purgatory. At Holy Communion she besought our loving Savior with tender, fervent petitions, to be merciful to these dear sufferers. Once, before Communion, as she reflected with heartfelt pity on the sufferings of the holy souls, it seemed to her that she descended with Our Lord into the depths of purgatory. There she heard Jesus say: "At Holy Communion I will permit thee to draw forth all to whom the fragrance of thy prayers penetrates."  After Holy Communion Our Lord often delivered more souls than she dared to ask for. Once Gertrude prayed with particular fervor for the faithful departed, on asking Our Lord how many souls His mercy would deliver, she received this reply: "My love urges Me to release the poor souls. If a beneficent king leaves his guilty friend in prison for justice's sake, he awaits with longing for one of his nobles to plead for the prisoner and to offer something for his release. Then the king joyfully, sets him free. Similarly, I accept with highest pleasure what is offered to Me for the poor souls, for I long inexpressibly to have near Me those for whom I paid so great a price. By the prayers of thy loving soul, I am induced to free a prisoner from purgatory as often as thou dost move thy tongue to utter a word of prayer !"  Our Saviour also instructed Gertrude for whom she should pray most. On the day when the community commemorated in common the death of their parents, our saint saw the happy souls ascend from dense darkness like sparks from a flaming forge. She inquired if all these were relatives. Our Lord replied: "I am thy nearest relative, thy father and thy mother. Therefore, My special friends are thy nearest relatives, and these are among those whom I have liberated."

Source:  Saint Gertrude the Great 

                Herald of Divine Love

The weight of one mass

 This is one beautiful story you must read. 

The Weight of One Holy Mass

"The following true story was related to Sister  Mary Veronica Murphy by an elderly Nun, who heard it from the lips of the late Reverend Father Stanislaus, SS.CC.

...One day, many years ago, in a little town in Luxembourg, a Captain of

 the Forest Guards was in deep conversation with the butcher, when an elderly woman entered the shop. The butcher broke off the conversation to ask the old woman what she wanted. 

 

She had come to beg for a little meat but had no money. The Captain was amused at the conversation which ensued between the poor woman and the butcher.

 "Only a little meat . . ."

 "But how much are you going to give me?"

 "I am sorry I have no money, but I'll hear Mass for you."

 Both the butcher and the Captain were very good men, but very indifferent about religion, so they at once began to scoff at the old woman's answer.

"All right, then," said the butcher. "You go out and hear Mass for me, and when you come back, I'll give you as much meat as the Mass is worth."

 The woman left the shop and returned later. She approached the counter and the butcher seeing her, said, "All right, then, we'll see,"

 He took a slip of paper and wrote on it, "I heard a Mass for you." 

He then placed the paper on the scale and a tiney bone on the other side, but the paper was showing as being heavier than the bone... Next he placed a piece of meat instead of the bone, but still the paper proved heavier.

 Both men were beginning to feel ashamed of their mockery but continued their game. A large piece of meat was placed on the scales but still the little piece paper held its own. 

The butcher, exasperated, examined the scales, but found they were all right.

"What do you want, my good woman? Must I give you a whole leg of mutton?"

At this, he placed the leg of mutton on the balance, but the paper outweighed the meat. A larger piece of meat was put on, but again the

weight remained on the side of the paper. 

This so impressed the butcher that he was converted, and promised to give the woman her daily ration of meat.

 As for the Captain, he left the shop a changed man, an ardent lover

of daily Holy Mass. Two of his sons became Priests, one a Jesuit and the other a Father of the Sacred Heart.

 Father Stanislaus finished by saying,  "I am

the religious of the Sacred Heart, and the Captain was my father."

 From that incident the Captain became a daily Mass goer and his children were trained to follow his example. Later, when his sons became Priests,he advised them to offer Holy Mass well every day and never miss the Sacrifice through any fault of no fault of their own.

Do not curse your children

 DECLARATIONS THAT CURSE YOUR OWN CHILDREN

Some parents without knowing it, curse their own children, through the statements, anger they make, their children, we must know, that the devils, are always waiting for any negative word from the mouths of parents.

As soon as the demons hear this negative declaration, they will quickly run and report that declaration to Satan, then the devil will assign demons, who will fulfill that declaration you have made in the life of that child. 12 Declarations That Curse Your Own Child's Life.

1- You are useless

The demons of failure and misery will invade this child, many prayers are needed to release this child

2- This child has no choice

The demons of despair and failure attacked the life of this child

3-This child is useless

Devils of uselessness will attack that child

4- You Are Not My Son

Your child shall grow as an orphan. That kid might end up becoming homeless

5- You're a fool, you're a fool

The demons of stupidity will attack this child's life. It is possible that this child will never excel in school and life

6 - You will never make it

The demons of failure will attack this child never that child will succeed in life, as ud as mother or father told him

7- This kid is evil

Evil demons will invade this child the behavior of this child will always bow to evil

8- I'm so sick of this kid

demons of death surround this child

9-Look at this animal

If you call your own child animal this child will cease to be in the category of humans, Satan will assign demons that will turn this child into a beast

10- What shame happened to you

It is possible that the Glory of God can disappear from this child,satan will assign demons of shame to this child. Favor and honor will disappear from this child

11- I wish this child was never born

Devils of death will always surround this child

12 - I think this child has demons in his head

Satan will like this statement very much the devil will immediately order hundreds of demons to enter the mind of his son

From the same mouth come blessing and curse, my brothers this should not be so

Be careful of the words you declare about your children always, that your words are to bless and not to curse, that they give life and not death, be aware, that as Christians we are called to use our mouth correctly. The only way we can use our mouth is to bless and mention only the wonderful things God has done to us and those around us.

Let's take a few minutes to bless the lives of our children and ask them for forgiveness.

Let's Pray To God:

Father today I ask for forgiveness for every Word of curse that has come out of my mouth towards my son and I ask you dear God that every word hurtful in the life of my children be canceled in the mighty name of Jesus Amen.

Signs you should beware

 BEWARE WHEN YOU NOTICE ALL 

     THESE IN YOUR LIFE ...

1. Beware When prayer becomes a difficult thing for you.

2. Beware When fasting is becoming a history in your spiritual timetable.

3. Beware When you no longer enjoy reading the word of God.

4. Beware When attending Mass and other church programs is becoming a burden rather than a blessing for you.

5. Beware When living a life of holiness is appearing like extremism.

6. Beware When sinful living becomes a lifestyle in the name of grace.

7. Beware When you crave for earthly things rather than the things of God.

8. Beware When waking up in the night to pray is becoming a thing of the past.

9. Beware brethren, when your heart no longer desires to see the Lord Jesus one day.

10. Beware when you eat more than pray

11. Beware when you no longer share the word of God with others.

12. Beware When you start diluting the preaching Word of God to keep people around you.

13.  Beware When you spend more time on Facebook, whatsapp, twitter, and internet. These things become idols and take the place of God.

14. Beware When you ignore messages such as these.

⚜ LET US ALL BE CONSCIOUS OF 

      THE LAST DAYS.

St Anthony

 ST. ANTHONY- FATHER OF MONASTIC LIFE.

Anthony was around 22 years when his parents died. He was entrusted with the care of his younger sister and the house. It was at this time that he made the decision that would change the course of his life. He distributed the inheritance left by his parents and sold his possessions. Part of the sum received went to the poor and the rest was set aside for his sister. After renouncing the world he moved forward, in his ascetic life: renunciations, sacrifices and prayers filled his day, in addition to the time he dedicated to manual work, making mats. In the meantime, great struggles still awaited him  along the path of penance he had embraced. 

The angel of darkness, seeing his virtuous practices, began to tempt him in an ever more explicit way. In order to lead him to abandon his solitary life, he reminded him of the goods he had left behind, of the care of his sister and the pleasures of the world. He showed him the difficulties entailed in the practice of virtue, the weakness of the body and the frequent adversities which man must face because of his evil tendencies, the fruit of original sin. He resisted these assaults with the help of grace, through prayer. He also suffered countless temptations, against the angelic virtue of purity. The devil disturbed him day and night with lewd thoughts and immaginations. Anthony redoubled faith, prayers, fasts and mortification, convinced that this was an endless struggle, which he must wage while on earth. He decided to isolate himself. Having suggested to a friend to bring him food periodically, he entered a tomb and closed it. The devil entered the tomb one night with a multitude of demons, and dealt him such a rain of blows that he was left prostrate on the ground. The next day his friend judging him to be dead took him to the village Church. In the meantime he recovered, Anthony begged him to be taken back to the tomb. The evil spirits appeared to him in the form of fierce animals. With Divine permission, lions, bears, leopards, bulls, wolves, scorpions and snakes tormented him with their horrible noises and aggressions. Anthony groaned with physical pain, but remained vigilant and mocked his tormentors. Raising his eyes he saw ceiling open and a light penetrate the environment. The demons fled and the Saint felt comforted in his afflictions when he recognized the presence of Our Lord. He asked why He did not come to his aid sooner. Our Lord replied, I was here Anthony. I was waiting to see you fight. As you resisted and you did not let yourself be overcome, I will always help you. He went to the desert. The enemy tempted him by making gold and gold and silver before him. Anthony proclaimed with a loud voice that nothing would be able to divert him. He established his new home in Dayr al Maymun. He took with him typical bread that lasted for many months. Demons tormented him but he was not shaken and continued to pray. 

Anthony healed the sick, consoled the afflicted reconciled his enemies and exorcised demons. He defended and supported the Church. During the persecution of Maximinus, the Saint headed to Alexandria to strengthen with his presence. He too wished to die a martyr,  but no one dared to harm him. After exhorting the people of God to be faithful to the True Religion, he returned to his dwelling on Mount Colzim. His last years he spent in meditation. He cultivated wheat and prepared his own bread. Some of his disciples visited him and brought food.

Now close to his death, and over a hundred years old, Anthony was assisted by two of his disciples. He surrendered his soul to God on January 17, the date on which the Church celebrates his memorial.

People will hate you

 "They hate, mock, criticize and deride you because you are a Catholic, because you do publicly the sign of the cross, because you pray your rosary; never be downcast and ashamed, our Lord was also hated and treated with all manner of cruelty but he never gave up. Don't be like them and start arguing and insulting each other, just rejoice because you share in the real suffering of Christ"

#happyweekend

Temptation against faith

 TEMPTATION AGAINST FAITH.

CHRIST:

"My child, some persons are seriously tempted to disbelieve what my Church teaches. Such temptations are often caused by the devil, the enemy of Truth. He disturbs my followers because he hates and fears their way of life. He does not bother habitual sinners in this way because he captures them through other sins. Satan inspires many wrong doctrines among those who do not know My Church. Under the appearance of good, these errors appeal to many. Keep close to My Church, and you will never fall into Satan's trap. Whoever disagrees with the word of My Church, disagrees with Me. If you are tempted in this manner, do not become anxious and troubled. Do not let doubts rob you of your peace. Simply put your trust in My Church, and the enemy will be put to flight. Believe My Apostles and their successors. I have guaranteed them from error. "He that hears you, hears Me" I told them. Their work is to continue to the end of time. Submit yourself to Me by faith. I want you to know My truth. I will add knowledge to your soul by grace whenever it is necessary for you. I do not require great learning, nor a deep understanding of My holy mysteries. What I ask of you is a strong faith in My words and a virtuous life".

#MyDailyBread chapter 54.

Remember, the church is not built on the sentiments of men but on the Truth revealed by the Lord Jesus Christ and passed down through his ministers, and NO minister can change the teachings of the Church; not even the Pope. Remain faithful as the heavy wind continues!

Adore the precious blood

 ADORE THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

Many believers think that because Christ has risen, we don't need to follow the way of the cross anymore. This is not true because Christ said it clearly "if anyone wants to be with me, let him deny himself, carry his cross and follow Me" matt.16:24

Now, how can you carry this cross lovingly if you don't recognize the price of our redemption, the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ? How come you reject the Cross but accept only Christ? Impossible! How would you be able to walk through the narrow ways of the cross without learning from the one who set the standard?.... And how can you learn from Christ without feeling what he felt? Surely, you must prove your loyalty through following the path Christ followed. He said "My yoke is easy and my burden light" Matth.11:30.

And that is why Christ didn't water down his teaching on the Bread of Life, the Holy Eucharist even when many of his disciples turned away and left. Jesus didn't panic neither did he call them back because He only wanted those who love Him to listen to Him and follow Him, instead He asked the 12 apostles "and you, aren't you going to leave with them?" John 6:67..

Let us develop great devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. We will conquer the flesh, the world and the devil through this devotion. However, you must remain pure in order to be transformed. It is a mockery to the Lord trying to adore Him with an unrepentant heart full of impurity, jealousy, anger, hatred, unforgiveness, sloth, stubbornness and all forms of immorality.

You will cry sorrowfully when you meditate deeply on the passions of Christ for our sake.

To have devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ is to recognize the value of that which was paid for our salvation. It is the loving reverence to the Precious Blood of our Lord.

You can't merely say "I am sorry Lord for your passion and love for me" without embedding your self in his passion through Adoration and Consolation.

Take your time adore and console Jesus in your homes and in the blessed sacrament.

May you answer this call through Christ our Lord 🙏

Temptations

 TEMPTATION: 

GOD tells us that man is born imperfect and  that he must use the opportunities and events in his earthly life to perfect himself as far as possible. He must use them according to the directions of his intelligence and according to the wisdom of God's law. It is not, however, easy to act always with this holy moderation. Man's feelings, moods, sentiments, appetites, and desires are not always willing to obey his intelligence. He sometimes feels too strong a love for some things and too weak a love for other things. This continual tendency to go to extremes is called temptation.

 Temptation is not sin. It tends to draw a man to do what he knows is wrong, or seeks to hold him back from what he knows is right.

 Temptation simply brings out what is in a man. One knows himself better when he has dealt with temptation. It proves his faults and tests his virtues. Just how much he really desires to earn Heaven, is seen by what he does to reach it. How much he really loves God, is seen by how much he is willing to do for God. The first safeguard against temptation is to recognize it, to see it as it really is without its attractive camouflage.

Excerpt from #MyDailyBread Part 3, page 83.

Meaning of consecration

 WHAT IS CONSECRATION?

We are used to hearing from the scriptures "Offer yourself as a living sacrifice, do not conform to the standard of the world..." Rom.12:1-2, this is the dedication of one's life to God's pleasure and service. i.e to sacrifice oneself or the substance of one's life, time, efforts, resources, and sometimes, one's life as an example of love of Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, consecration means making sacred. Setting something or someone apart for holy purposes. A technical meaning of consecration is that one is to set oneself apart from evil, turn to the Lord, and be willing and ready to be used by God. 

Consecration plays important role in growth toward God. It has two parts: man's part and God's part. Man's part is the practical side of consciously separating ourselves from sinful living. God's part of our being consecrated, is to prepare us for His use by actually making us holy. This preparation for holy use may sometimes involve some things seemingly unfavorable to the self, e.g; poverty, detachment or renunciation of the self, loss of fortunes, etcetera. God has to prepare not only the soul but also the body for use in His ministry.

Total Consecration: setting someone apart for holy purposes totally (i.e. for all times, in all things and in all places) without any reserve. God is the One who inspires us to totally give ourselves to Him and all consecration is ultimately to God alone. 

God, however, does not do anything in us or to us without our consent, our free will.

Dear soul, why distancing yourself from HOLINESS? Why giving sin chances? Why waiting to sin for some while ? Why not challenge sin and see God take His part? Why thinking that you are too sinful to consecrate? Come on and face your fear. Why make sin, your killer-your friend while God your Maker and Lover is your enemy?

Probably someone died today, who knows the next?

Render your heart to Mary Queen of all Hearts, and she will render it onto her Son. 

May the Lord help us.

Virtues of Mary

 Owing to great holiness and perfection, the blessed virgin Mary has 10 principal virtues according to saint Louis Marie de Montfort (True devotion) And she expects all her children to bend down humbly and imitate these virtues one by one.

These virtues are:

1. PROFOUND HUMILITY

2. LIVELY FAITH

3. BLIND OBEDIENCE

4. CONTINUAL MENTAL PRAYER

5. UNIVERSAL MORTIFICATION

6. DIVINE PURITY

7. ARDENT CHARITY

8. HEROIC PATIENCE

9. ANGELIC SWEETNESS

10. DIVINE WISDOM.

Dear soul, be overcome by these sweet virtues of our mother Mary and imitate her humbly. 

 These virtues will be explained in previous posts for clear understanding.

Ave!

The little way

 THE LITTLE WAY

Many modern christians admire the lives of the Saints, and are aspiring for sainthood through many pious practices. Very many number of believers have resorted to the use of force, stiffness and flight of the company of men to achieve this. Some of these ways, however can bring one to holiness if only it is done following the "Little Way" 

You can not claim to be in the journey of holiness while you are unapproachable, and are always the source of torment to others; flight of men doesn't mean bitterness* towards others, it rather means flight of the sins of men among men. He who conquers the world in the midsts of many struggles is greater than he who conquered through isolation.

It is of this little way that Christ spoke of when he said "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven" and "... learn from me, because I am meek and humble of heart" St Matthew 18:3 and 11:29 respectively.

Sainte Thérèse de l'enfant Jésus (St Thérésa of the child Jesus) provided us with a very simple way to sainthood which she termed the "Little Way". She teaches us to be saints by not stressing ourselves outwardly without any spiritual merits. She teaches finding joy doing the little tasks neglected by the world, performance of duties with love and unselfish desires. 

This “Little Way” consists in performing “little virtues” not seeking grandiose sacrifices to God, but little acts of holiness; like caring for the sick with love, serving others humbly without complaints, forgiving your enemies,  attending to the needs of others even when you are not directly involved, embracing being despised for standing out for the truth, modesty  and purity. 

"You must practice the little virtues. This is sometimes difficult, but God never refuses the first grace—courage for self-conquest; and if the soul correspond to that grace, she at once finds herself in God’s sunlight.

 The "Little Way" is a simple approach to the spiritual life that seeks to do ordinary things with extraordinary love" St Thérésa.

I pray we find joy in following this way provided by this "Little Saint of the Flowers" 🌺🌺🌺 through Christ our Lord 🙏

Renounce satan by virtue of baptism

 "The Christian has an obligation to pursue holiness, by virtue of his baptism. He has to fulfill the promises of his baptism: "I renounce Satan, his scandals, and his sins, and I attach myself to Jesus Christ forevermore." That is not a vain promise but something very serious! As the priest places the white veil on the child's head and gives him the candle, through his godfather and godmother who represent him, he says, "Keep the commandments of God and you will have eternal life. Keep the purity of your soul intact like this white garment in which you are clothed." That is the obligation which the Christian assumes for all of his life, wherever he may go, even if he remains in what we call the world. He is in the world but he should not be of the world."

⚜️Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre

Protestant Martin Luther is in hell

 The Nun who saw Martin Luther in hell.

Sister Clotilde Micheli (1849-1911), also known as Sister Maria Serafina of the Sacred Heart, received visions during her life, most notably on November 10, 1883. While in Germany, in a small village, she was looking for a church to pray and reflect in. She found one, and it so happened to be a Lutheran church. Her Guardian Angel came to her and said: "Arise, for this is a Protestant church. I want to make you see the place where Martin Luther was condemned and the pain he suffered as a punishment for his pride." At that moment she saw Luther in the deepest place in Hell. He was on his knees surrounded by huge number of devils with hammers driving large iron nails into his skull. He he was consigned to the fires of Hell for starting the Protestant rebellion.

-------------------------------------------- 💕

Padre Pio also said that Martin Luther is in Hell and Christians today who follow him will meet the same end and those who do not submit themself to the pope and the teachings of the Catholic Church are also going to Hell. St. Padre Pio said that Luther was a great heretic and his fate was horrific and terrifying.

Cure d ars

 In The Confessional 

Even in the months between November and March, the Cure spent eleven or twelve hours a day in the confessional; when the fine weather returned it would be fifteen, sixteen, or even eighteen hours. It has been calculated that from 1830-when the Ars pilgrimage was already drawing crowds that were never to stop arriving, to 1859, the date of his death, the time spent by the Abbey Vianney hearing confessions must have reached a total of eighteen years. It might be irreverent, but it would be strictly accurate to use of him the sporting phrase - and say that the Cure d' Ars as a confessor beat all the records. In the course of his life, he accomplished single-handed what five or six priests together would not have been able to do, and as  Abbe Raymond, who was for eight years his assistant, observed, his labor in the sacred tribunal alone was sufficient to win him canonization. It is, indeed, impossible to weigh up the sum of sacrifices and the degree of heroism that this voluntary imprisonment in a confessional must have demanded from a weak human nature which, even in a saint, has its moments of rebellion and its dreams of freedom and of rest. 

Source: A Biography of St. Jean-Marie Vianney

Curiosity

 NEEDLESS CURIOSITY:

My CHILD, 

Uncontrolled curiosity draws your attention away from your duties and brings needless distractions. 

It can waste a good deal of time and energy which you might use to greater good. 

It leads to pointless visiting and useless conversations. 

It fills the mind with so many empty distraction, which prevent you from freely receiving the holy thoughts and good desires which God sends you throughout the day.

You would have great peace if you were less curious about things which do not concern you. One who is too interested in the sayings and doings of others, becomes forgetful of the glorious ideal which God presents to him - the ideal of pleasing God in all things and thereby gaining eternal life.

Many things occur during the day which do not help you become a better person. What does it matter whether this one has new clothes or that one has failed in some personal projects?

Think of what concerns you, and of any good which you can do for others. Keep your heavenly goal before your mind, as far as your daily occupations will permit. Avoid idle talk and useless activities.

A curious nature, intelligently controlled, has often led men to make great discoveries. Yet, unless curiosity is controlled, it can hurt you forever. 

Your highest interest must be to follow God's Law, and to enter eternal life. 

The less you burden your mind with unnecessary interests, the more you will understand and appreciate your supernatural purpose on earth. 

Too many worldly interest make you forget or disregard your heavenly goal. 

Many sins of omission and carelessness spring from uncontrolled curiosity.

- Fr. Anthony J. Paone SJ

MY DAILY BREAD (1954)

Resolution to become a Saint

 ST. FAUSTINA ON GOODWILL/PURITY OF INTENTION:

“O inexhaustible treasure of purity of intention which makes all our actions perfect and so pleasing to God!” (66).

“O my Jesus, how very easy it is to become holy; all that is needed is a bit of good will. If Jesus sees this little bit of good will in the soul, He hurries to give Himself to the soul, and nothing can stop Him, neither shortcomings nor falls – absolutely nothing. Jesus is anxious to help that soul, and if it is faithful to this grace from God, it can very soon attain the highest holiness possible for a creature here on earth. God is very generous and does not deny His grace to anyone. Indeed He gives more than what we ask of Him. Faithfulness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit – that is the shortest route” (291).

“I have come to understand today that even if I did not accomplish any of the things the Lord is demanding of me, I know that I shall be rewarded as if I had fulfilled everything, because He sees the intention with which I begin, and even if He called me to Himself today, the work would not suffer at all by that, because He himself is the Lord of both the work and the worker. My part is to love Him to folly; all works are nothing more than a tiny drop before Him. It is love that has meaning and power and merit. He has opened up great horizons in my soul – love compensates for the chasms” (822).

▪︎Jesus to St. Faustina

“This firm resolution to become a saint is extremely pleasing to Me” (1361).

revelation of Jesus to Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta

 “What cold, what cold! Warm Me, for pity’s sake – do not let Me freeze anymore!... But do you think it was the cold of the air that made Me freeze? Ah, no! It was the cold of the hearts that made Me grow numb; and it was ingratitude that made Me cry bitterly at My very first coming out to the light. My beloved Mother soothed My crying, although She too cried. Our tears mixed together; and exchanging the first kisses, We poured Ourselves out in love. But our life was to be sorrow and crying, so I had Her place Me in the manger, to go back to crying, calling My children with My sobs and with My tears. I wanted to move them to pity with My tears and with My moans, so as to be listened to." 

- revelation of Jesus to Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta

Why we need mass

 ⚜ WHY GO TO MASS?

1. At the hour of your death, your greatest comfort will be the Masses you attended during your lifetime with fervor and devotion.

2. Every Mass you attended will accompany you in the divine court and advocate for forgiveness.

3. With each Mass you can diminish the temporary punishment you owe for your sins, in proportion to the fervor with which you hear it.

4. With devoted assistance to Holy Mass, you pay the greatest tribute to the Blessed Humanity of Our Lord.

5. Holy Mass well heard supplements your many negligences and omissions.

6. For the holy mass well heard you forgive all the venial sins you are determined to avoid, and many others you don't even remember.

7. By her also loses the devil dominion over you.

8. You offer the greatest comfort to the blessed souls of Purgatory.

9. You get blessings in your business and temporary affairs.

10. A Mass heard as long as you live will profit you much more than many offered for you after death.

11. You get rid of many dangers and misfortunes you might fall into if it weren't for Holy Mass.

12. Also remember that you shorten your Purgatory with it.

13. With each Mass you will increase your degrees of glory in Heaven. In it you receive the blessing of the priest, which God ratifies in heaven.

14. To him who hears Mass every day, God will deliver him from a tragic death and the Guardian Angel will take into account the steps he takes to go to Mass, and God will reward him in his death.

15. During the Mass you kneel in the midst of a multitude of angels invisibly attending the Holy Sacrifice with extreme reverence.

16. When we hear mass in honor of a particular Saint, giving thanks to God for the favours given to that Saint, we can only gain his protection and special love, for the honor, joy and happiness that our good work is Follows him.

17. Every day we hear Mass, it would be nice if in addition to other intentions, we were to honor the Saint of the Day.

18. Mass is the greatest gift that can be offered to the Lord for souls, to remove them from purgatory, deliver them from their sorrows and lead them to joy of glory. - Saint Bernard of Sena.

19. Whoever hears Mass, makes prayer, gives alms or prays for the souls of Purgatory, works for his own advantage. - St. Augustine.

20. For every Mass held or heard with devotion, many souls leave Purgatory, and those left there are lessened sorrows they suffer. - Saint Gregory the Great, Pope.

21. During the celebration of Mass, the sorrows of souls are suspended for those who pray and work the priest, and especially those for whom the Mass offers. - St. Gregory the Great.

22. You can also earn Plenary Indulgence every Monday of the year by offering holy Mass and Communion in suffrage of the blessed souls of Purgatory. For the faithful who can't hear Mass on Monday it's worth hearing Sunday with that intention.

23. It is pleaded that they apply all indulgences in the suffrage of the souls of Purgatory, because God our Lord, and they will reward him this charity.

24. The Holy Mass is the renewal of the Sacrifice of Calvary, the greatest act of worship to the Holy Trinity. That's why it's a must hear it every Sunday and party to save.

Humility

 15 ‘HUMILITY’ TIPS FROM MOTHER TERESA

While she was head of the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa kept a list of ways to cultivate humility for the sisters in her care...

1. Speak as little as possible about yourself.

2. Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others.

3. Avoid curiosity (she is referring to wanting to know things that should not concern you.)

4. Do not interfere in the affairs of others.

 5. Accept small irritations with good humor.

 6. Do not dwell on the faults of others.

7. Accept censures even if unmerited.

8. Give in to the will of others.

9. Accept insults and injuries.

10. Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded.

11. Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone.

12. Do not seek to be admired and loved.

13. Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity.

14. Give in, in discussions, even when you are right.

15. Choose always the more difficult task.

"I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus—one to one—you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in the chapel—but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love? Do you really know the living Jesus—not from books but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you? Ask for the grace; He is longing to give it. Until you can hear Jesus in the silence of your own heart, you will not be able to hear Him saying 'I Thirst' in the hearts of the poor. Never give up this daily intimate contact with Jesus as the real living person—not just the idea."

— Saint Mother Teresa, p.129-30

AN EXCERPT FROM

Manual for Eucharistic Adoration