默想耶穌苦難功勞。importance of meditating on Jesus passion

 聖女傅天娜日記摘錄：

將耶穌的話記在心裡：「默想我苦難的一小時，勝過一年鞭笞至流血的功德；默想我痛苦的傷口對你大有益處，也使我大喜樂。」（日記，369）

耶穌告訴我，默想祂的苦難最能取悅祂，這樣的默想也使我的靈魂沐浴在光明之中。 （日記，267）耶穌對祂的小新娘說：「很少有靈魂能真心實意地默想我的苦難；我賜給那些虔誠默想我苦難的靈魂莫大的恩典。」（日記，737）

祂說：「我的女兒，要常常默想我為你所受的苦難，這樣，你為我所受的苦難對你來說就都不算什麼了。你默想我的苦難最能取悅我。」「將你微小的苦難與我痛苦的苦難結合起來，使它們在天主面前具有無限的價值。」（《日記》，1512年）

聖奧斯定向我們保證，沒有任何靈修比常常默想我們主的苦難更有益於我們的救贖。

聖阿爾伯特·馬格努斯（聖托馬斯·阿奎那的老師）在一次啟示中得知，基督徒僅僅默想耶穌基督的苦難，就能獲得比他們每週五禁食只吃麵包和水，持續一整年；或者每週鞭打自己直到流血；或者每天誦讀整本聖詠集更大的功德。

摘自聖蒙福爾的《玫瑰經的秘密》

From St Faustina diary:

Take Jesus' words to heart: “There is more merit to one hour of meditation on My sorrowful Passion than there is to a whole year of flagellation that draws blood; the contemplation of My painful wounds is of great profit to you, and it brings Me great joy” (Diary, 369)

Jesus told me that I please Him best by meditating on His sorrowful Passion, and by such meditation much light falls upon my soul” (Diary, 267). Jesus told His little bride, “There are few souls who contemplate My Passion with true feeling; I give great graces to souls who meditate devoutly on My Passion” (Diary, 737).

He said, “My daughter, meditate frequently on the sufferings which I have undergone for your sake, and then nothing of what you suffer for Me will seem great to you. You please me most when you meditate on My Sorrowful Passion. Join your little sufferings to My Sorrowful Passion, so that they may have infinite value before My Majesty” (Diary, 1512).

St Augustine assures us that there is no spiritual exercise more fruitful or more useful for our salvation than to think frequently about the sufferings of our Lord.

St Albert the Great, who taught St. Thomas Aquinas, learned in a revelation that by simply thinking of or meditating on the Passion of Jesus Christ Christians can gain more merit than if they had fasted on bread and water every Friday for a whole year, or had beaten themselves with their discipline once a week till the blood flowed, or had said the whole book of psalms every day

From The secret of the rosary by St Montfort

耶穌聖名， 愛人如己

 耶穌聖名

St Alphonsus 默想耶穌的聖名，認為這名字是我們心靈的光明、力量和我們靈魂的庇護。祂的名字充滿力量. 在此提醒我們：呼求耶穌的名能帶來皈依、勇氣和戰勝誘惑的勝利力量。時常呼求祂的聖名吧。 不論痛苦、 開心、 感謝、 努力向上時需要勇氣，就呼求這名字吧！祂的名是我們的希望、安慰和救贖。

聖神將這偉大的名比喻為油：「祢的名如同傾倒的油。」 因此，聖人說，正如油是光、食物和良藥，耶穌的名也是心靈的光明、心靈的食糧和靈魂的良藥。

正是藉著這個名字，世界從偶像崇拜的黑暗中轉化到信仰光明當中。若非默西亞降臨光照我們，我們本也會身處不能被救贖的境地。那麼，我們豈不該感謝耶穌基督賜給我們信仰的恩典嗎？我們出生在異端的中間，我們應將變得醜陋無比， 不配得天國。若非耶穌救贖我們，或許我們也早已迷失， 屢犯大罪， 自把自為， 目中無人， 瘋狂犯罪當成理所當然了。

我們在患難中呼求祂祂會安慰我們，賜給我們力量走在成功得救的道路上，我們記念祂為我們的救贖所受的苦難，是真真正正的救世主。 全世界的罪過懲罰也放在祂身上， 祂只叫我們跟隨祂， 忍受小十字架， 永生不但必有， 而且將來要和天主永生永王。耶穌愛我們， 不想我們受苦。 但祂知道通往天國的路是要斷捨離和受一點苦。 太多的物質依戀和享受使我們迷失。 要走天國的路就要斷捨離。 放下現在的依戀， 勇敢去愛。 真的，真愛是令人受傷。 邪淫的愛不是愛。 只有純潔的愛才令人受傷。 罪惡因原祖父母進入了世界， 世界被歪曲了。 罪惡帶來痛苦。 好人會被傷害。 真愛令人會受傷。 真愛必須活在先愛天主， 後愛近人如己。 愛天主， 但天主要考驗我們。 沒有考驗是不能上天堂。 若許多壞人上了天堂， 就會污染天國。 所以人出生雖然要愛天主， 但也要受天主的考驗。 痛苦，真的痛苦。 但痛苦是有價值的， 這些辛勞將變成死後的大光榮， 寶座， 榮冠。 

愛近人： 往往會被人利用。 你好過別人， 別人妒忌。 你差過別人， 別人背後講你壞話。 所以愛人是困難的。 罪惡進入世界， 許多人受污染了， 他們不斷犯罪， 而犯罪的後果是痛苦。 

活出四福音、 聖經吧！ 愛， 原諒， 不放棄， 默默地走自己的路， 離開人羣， 努力祈禱行善，在痛苦來臨前求天主給勇氣。 在痛苦真的來了時， 加倍堅忍和努力不犯罪。 默主哥耶聖母說， 每一個人一個月應至少辦一次告解。 多悔改！ 無人是完美的！ 總有過失， 即使是大聖人。 謙遜： 謙遜的意思是不比較。 別人好過我我不妒忌。 別人差過我我不沾沾自喜。 真愛、 純潔，在世上去愛， 會帶來痛楚， 但對於真正需要你幫助的人， 你去愛他， 他永記於心， 他可能會時常為你祈禱， 或一生不會忘記你， 你帶給別人很大的温暖。在天國大家相遇，是多麼温馨。

耶穌聖名是靈魂的良藥，常常呼求祂的人必不跌倒。只有那些不尋求祂的幫助，或在試探持續時停止呼求祂的人，才會迷失。

時常呼求耶穌的聖名， 並加入愛天主的話句吧。

Jesus, Mary, I love you, save souls!

望聖體

 當神父將祝聖過的聖體高高舉在祭壇上時，一切陷入神聖的靜默中。無需任何啟示，也無需任何言語。天主教徒只是靜靜地凝視。在外人看來，這似乎只是一個短暫的停頓，但實際上，這是一次和天主面對面的相遇。

這靜默的凝視並非出於好奇心，而是出於真實的朝拜天主。在這一刻，教會無疑地確信，真實的天主就在那裡，並非象徵性的，也非精神上的，而是真實臨在。人們抬起頭，是因為他們的心領悟了言語無法表達的真理。靜默成為唯一足以表達對天主愛慕的語言。

教會始終教導我們，我們所瞻仰之物能塑造我們的內心。以愛瞻仰基督並非被動的行為，而是具有轉化內心的作用。在那短暫的靜默中，靈魂被邀請安息在那位完全了解我們、全然愛我們的天主之中。我們凝視，並非為了理解，而是為了領受轉化。

這裡也蘊含著聖經的深刻迴響。那些謙卑地仰望天主的人，生命都被改變：梅瑟在燃燒的荊棘叢前，牧羊人在馬槽旁，內心得到淨化。高舉的聖體引領我們潔淨自己的心靈中。天國悄悄開啟，永恆觸及我們平凡的時光。

這一刻改變了永遠的生命， 使你在天堂的地位更高。曾有神視中， 耶穌告訴聖人， 只要凝望聖體， 你在天堂的地位就會不斷被升高。

在這個充滿匆忙的世界中，教會教導我們要停留、觀看、信賴。讓天主在聖體中為我們的聖德行事。當我們停止言語，開始默觀時，恩典往往發揮最強大的作用。

聖體被舉起時，基督凝望你。祂不批判，不要求什麼，而是全然奉獻自己給我們的心靈。

在那靜默的凝視中，你只是在觀看一場儀式，還是在允許活著的基督在你心所在之處相遇？

保持祈禱。獲得啟發

真福八端

 給成全者：

用一生去宣揚福音，意味著你努力效法耶穌的方式，讓福音照亮世界的生命。你要像耶穌嬰孩在白冷的搖籃中那樣全然委身於天父旨意， 接受艱難和十字架，效法他的貧窮和平凡，效法他在公開傳教期間的默觀生活和積極的慈善事工，效法他在苦難的痛苦中的全然犧牲。這意味著要努力像祂那樣去愛人如己， 愛天主從一而終。你要活出福音的真福八端：貧窮、溫柔、渴望正義、仁慈、純潔的心，並因愛天主而接受生命中的迫害， 在迫害中有信德， 堅信在死後有大賞報 ， 這是需要驚人的信德。 

給度婚姻生活者：

如果男男女女結婚只是為了滿足私慾，或是為了自己的物質金錢利益而嫁娶，那麼這段婚姻就不可能會帶來真正的祝福。如果男女結婚是為了忠貞、保持純潔、互愛互助走過塵世而邁向天堂，那麼他們的結合將為自己和他們純潔的子女帶來極大的喜樂和圓滿。

成聖口訣

 不要認為自己不能像聖人

成聖不需要艱深的學問

跟聖經福音

1. 愛主

2. 愛人

3. 有愛心但不可濫愛， 有貞潔

4. 守齋禁食

5. 貧窮神貧

6. 心靈純潔

7. 聽從梅瑟和先知的教訓， 不過不需要全跟梅瑟五書， 只作參考， 跟十誡

8. 法利賽人和經師教的， 要跟， 但不跟他們的行為。 守安息日， 當天不買東西。 若週一至六要上班， 平日無機會娛樂及出外吃飯， 星期日出外玩也無問題。 不過， 主日必須上彌撒， 多撥出一點時間看聖書聖經祈禱。若無機會在週一至六買日用品， 就在星期日買。 若週日要上班， 必須抽一天上平日彌撒彌補不能上主日彌撒， 及應在主日當天放工後上網上一台錄影的主日彌撒， 神領聖體。 實領聖體應一週一次

9. 謙虛， 做善事要隱藏

10. 像小孩子純潔， 口舌純潔， 定期一個月辦一次告解

11. 多默想耶穌苦難

12. 像st carlo , 每天有成聖的願望

13. 受苦但不犯罪

14. 珍惜時間做善事和祈禱

15. 每天彌撒， 玫瑰經， 但用愛去做， 不例行公事

16. 捐獻

17. 樸素， 實貧

18. 看聖書， 並加以學習， 反省， 立定好志向， 天天為此祈禱

醫治經文

 .

強而有力醫治禱文， 連續唸九日

天父，我感謝祢愛我。我感謝祢差遣您的愛子，我們的主耶穌基督來到世上，拯救我，使我得自由。我信賴您的大能和恩典，它們支撐我，使我恢復健康。

慈愛的天父，請您現在就用您醫治的雙手觸摸我，因為我相信您的旨意是要我身心靈健康純潔。請您用您愛子的血和聖傷，我們的主耶穌基督的寶血聖傷遮蓋我，從我的頭頂到腳底， 完全醫治我所有的病痛， 特別是。。。。

求您驅逐我體內一切不該有的東西。求您根除一切不健康和異常的細胞。求您疏通一切阻塞的動脈和靜脈，重建並修復一切受損的部位。求您用耶穌寶血聖傷的大能消除一切病症，潔淨一切感染和疾病。

願您醫治之愛的火焰充滿我的全身，醫治並更新一切病變的部位，使我的身體能夠按照您創造它的健康方式運作。也請您觸摸我的思想和情感，甚至觸及我內心最深處。

願您的臨在、慈愛、喜樂與平安充滿我的整個生命，引領我時時與您更加親近。天父，求祢以聖神充滿我，賜我力量去行您的聖工，使我的生命能完全榮耀祢的聖名。我奉主耶穌基督的名祈求。

善用世界

 有些東西是為了需要使用，有些是為了享受

有些東西是為了享受，有些東西是為了需要使用，而有些東西既能用於享受又是需要使用。那些作為享受之物的事物使我們快樂。那些作為必須使用之物的事物則幫助我們追求幸福的泉源，使我們能夠獲得那些讓我們快樂並安於其中的事物。我們自身，作為享受和使用這些事物的人類，如果沉溺於那些低級的滿足感時，我們在追求真正恰當的快樂之物就會落後不前，甚至完全放棄真正的幸福。

使用與享受的區別

享受某物，是指僅僅因為其本身而感到滿足所以使用。而必須使用，則是指運用一切去獲取自己需要的東西，前提是這東西不論享受或必須使用都應是正當的；因為非法使用更應該被稱為濫用。假設我們身處異鄉，無法在遠離故土的地方快樂生活，我們感到漂泊不定，渴望結束苦難，決心返回家園。

然而，我們發現必須藉助某種交通工具，無論是陸路或水路，才能到達那片我們即將享受的故土。但是，沿途的風景，以及旅途本身的愉悅，都令我們心曠神怡，使我們把本應使用的事物變成了享受的對象，從而不願急於結束旅程；當我們沉浸在虛假的快樂中時，我們的思緒就從那個能讓我們真正幸福的家轉移開了。

這就是我們今生境況的寫照。我們已遠離天主；若我們想回歸天父的家，就必須善用這世界，而非沉溺其中，如此才能透過受造之物，清晰地看見天主那不可見的屬性——也就是說，藉著物質的、暫時的事物，我們才能把握那屬靈的、永恆的屬性。

輕視

 不要太在意誰支持你，誰反對你，要時時謹記，無論做什麼事，都要讓天主與你同在（聖經）。要有良心，天主必會保護你。因為天主要幫助的人，任何人都無法惡意傷害他。只要你默默忍受小痛苦小犧牲，你必會確信無疑地看到，天主必會幫助你。祂知道拯救你的時間和方式，因此你必須順服祂的大能。祂幫助和拯救我們脫離一切困境是祂的工作。很多時候，別人知道並指出我們的過錯，對我們保持謙遜是大有好處， 使我的驕傲被挫敗。

當一個人因自己的缺點而謙卑己身時，他便能輕易平息別人的怒氣，迅速撫慰那些對他生氣的人。天主保護並拯救謙卑的人；祂愛護並安慰謙卑的人；祂親近謙卑的人；祂賜下謙卑的人恩典（聖經），並在他跌倒改過之後，將他提升到原來的榮耀之中。可見祂多愛我們。祂向謙卑的人揭示祂的奧秘，溫柔地吸引並邀請人歸向祂。謙卑的人即使遭受責備，也能安然自得，因為他專注於天主，而非世界的浮華。除非你視自己為不如他人，否則你永遠不要認為自己有任何的進步。

實踐反思

當我們受到他人的認可、尊重和讚揚時，我們很容易說自己不配享有這樣的榮譽，只配受人鄙視。為了檢驗我們所說的話是否屬實，讓我們看看，如果我們身處在真正的鄙視中，還能說出同樣的話。這才經得起真考驗。我決心接受一切針對我的惡言惡語，視之為天主的旨意和考驗， 相信忍受它們能立下天大的功勞。我非但不抱怨，反而要感謝天主，好讓天主加強我內心的謙卑；我認為，與其在世人心中消逝，不如以敬畏之心和真正的謙卑之心，在上主的心中保持真卑微和微小 。

禱告

天主啊，祢知道我多麼懼怕輕蔑。每當我遭受這些時，我的內心都會感到反感。但我同時也知道，對我而言不可能的事，對你而言卻輕而易舉；在祢恩典的扶持和堅固下，我能耐心忍受那些我本會怨天尤人、憤恨不已的輕視。因此，我的天主啊，求你賜給我力量，讓我銘記你的教誨，並被你的聖神所觸動，對那些常常使我在人眼中是蒙羞的缺點，變成他日我在天國的榮耀、尊崇（ 由於我的謙遜）；請讓我以順服和感恩之心接受現世的傷害和侮辱，加重我的謙遜之心，使我得以盼望成為祢所最愛的對象，並死後擁有永恆的榮耀，現世修最大的謙遜和愛天主， 承行主旨， 如聖母一樣， 得到祢的祝福和保護。

克己立功勞

 為什麼克己可以立功勞？ 其實也可幫助煉靈。 煉靈自己是幫助不了自己， 需要我們的祈禱和克己。 彌撒對他們也很有幫助。

花地瑪：

「多多祈禱，為罪人犧牲，

因為許多靈魂墮入地獄，

是因為沒有人為他們祈禱，

也沒有人為他們犧牲（ 克己）。 」

——法蒂瑪聖母

（第四次顯現）

法蒂瑪聖母第四次顯現的信息並非特意的誇張，也不是為了製造恐懼。它是對靈魂的嚴峻提醒。在一個沉迷於個人舒適、成就高位和自我享受的世界裡，這訊息打破了一切的冷漠。它清楚地告訴我們，我們的祈禱和犧牲並非自己一人的事——它是幫助臨終者、 煉靈的生命線。

這信息指向一個容易被忽視的現實：罪有其後果，永恆是真實的。瑪利亞告訴孩子們，並透過他們告訴全世界，許多靈魂失落，並非因為天主棄絕了他們，而是因為沒有人為他們代禱和做犧牲克己。這些人不認識、 不愛天主。 他們需要人的幫助。 你的祈禱和克己會大大幫助他們。 這句話也揭示了殘酷的真相：漠視也是一種錯失。靈魂不僅會因自身的選擇而受害，也會因那些本來可以為他們祈禱卻選擇沉默和不肯祈禱和克己的人而受害。

犧牲不只是受苦－它是奉獻自己的苦難和基督的苦難合一。即使是最微小的犧牲，如果與愛結合，並出於真心實意地向救主耶穌奉獻， 聯合耶穌的功勞奉獻給聖父，它將成為屬靈的財富。

比如：耐心、 認真、 虔誠地誦念玫瑰經，出於愛而放棄一餐飯的餸菜，強忍著不說出批評人的言辭，默默地行善而不讓別人知道——這些都成為連接天堂與身處險境的、將下地獄或身在煉獄的靈魂形成的無形橋樑。

這項訊息是要信徒超越自我。信仰並非旁觀者的把戲，它需要人參與。代禱和犧牲並非可有可無，而是至關重要。諸聖相通功意味著我們並非孤立的靈魂，而是同一個神秘而整體的教會一份子。若一人受苦，眾人皆削弱；若一人得救，眾人皆受益。

法蒂瑪顯靈並非只是一個歷史遺跡。在一個輕視道德抉擇、否認永恆後果的社會裡，它依然具有令人痛心的真正意義。這信息邀請我們擺脫不冷不熱的屬靈生活。我們應成為施予憐憫、醫治和拯救即將下地獄、 或在煉獄不能幫助自己的靈魂之工具。

這訊息提出的問題是無法令你迴避：

誰因你得救？

誰因你的不肯犧牲和祈禱而迷失？

禱告和奉獻並非重擔，而是一種施捨。它意味著我們信任天主，讓我們參與他人的救贖和永遠的得救。

一個靈魂因禱告而得救，是因另一個人最偉大的隱密祈禱和克己犧牲。

玫瑰經

 聖母最愛的祈禱文就是玫瑰經。 撒但曾向一名驅魔師說， 每一個萬福瑪利亞就是重擊我頭一次。 若全世界的人都知道玫瑰經的厲害， 人人都唸的話， 我就完蛋了。

魔鬼曾顯現說， 有三樣東西它最害怕。 第一， 耶穌聖名。 第二， 聖母聖名。 第三， 聖母啡色聖衣( brown scapular)。

花地瑪聖母曾說， 啡色聖衣和玫瑰經是分不開的。 每個人每天也應唸玫瑰經， 以求世界和平。

我們應潔淨自己的心， 做一個完善的告解。

向無原罪聖母奉上願意認罪、 定期告解的承諾。 至少一個月1-2 次告解。 聖母是我們的“ 靈性醫療所” 。 通過聖母的代禱， 我們會對自己的罪有深切的悔恨。

可敬者Father Pio Bruno Lanteri對聖母敬禮是非常熱切。 他告訴我們， “ 深切想念母親， 求她為我們代禱”。我們應常把聖母的名字放在口中和心頭上。

聖蒙福特別地註名了聖母十大德行。 但他認為她最大的德行是愛德。 愛德的另一名字是“超越常人的愛人如己和愛天主”。

愛德有二方面的： 全心全靈全力愛天主， 接着是愛人如己。 聖母在愛德上是最高典範。

請看看十字架。 十字架的直木代表我們向天主聖三最崇高的愛意。 十字架的橫木代表我們向近人的愛他人如自己一般的善行。

我們向近人的最大愛德就是為他人熱切祈禱， 盡力幫助別人得救， 原諒他人的缺失， 不記仇， 總為別人的好處着想。

為愛聖母的緣故 

什麼是聖母的德行？ 

她甜美的柔和性格， 熱切的愛德， 盲目對天主的服從， 時常口禱、心禱、默想聖言，純潔無瑕， 屬靈的智慧， 英勇的堅忍， 活潑的信德， 真正深沉的謙遜和謙卑， 完美的克己。

為敬禮聖母， 我們應看關於她的書， 特別是聖人寫關於她的書， 我們應多看。 

Saint Alphonsus Marie Liguori（ 聖亞豐）、 Saint Louis de Montfort（ 聖蒙福）, 他們都把聖母寫得很貼切。 聖蒙福形容聖母是天主最傑出的受造物。 我們應孝愛她。 我們不用怕愛聖母多於愛耶穌。 因為聖母把所有我們給她的光榮和愛慕全轉送給耶穌。 耶穌也曾這樣說過。 耶穌告訴聖人， 你們愛聖母永遠不及我。 我是全世界最愛她的人。 你們多多愛她吧。 你們愛她越多， 等於愛我越多。 不用怕愛聖母多於耶穌。 聖母是最謙卑的受造物。

讓我們祈禱：

至潔至聖無玷的聖母媽媽 ，你是卒世童貞聖母瑪利亞。 你是始胎無染原罪者， 是耶穌君王的大能母親。親愛的母后， 請為我們祈禱， 特別在臨終時， 我們要面對天主的審判時， 請你為我們作辯護者。 請你救我們脱離黑暗和永火的懲罰， 請你向你聖子為我們求恩。至聖至甘飴的母親， 為了你聖子的光榮， 請一生助佑我， 保護我， 亞孟。

假謙卑

 天主教會和聖徒們經常警告說，虛假的謙卑看似美德，但實際上植根於驕傲、虛榮或自欺欺人。

以下是五種虛假謙卑的跡像或類型。

1. 自貶，拒絕天主的恩賜

• 特點：否認或輕視天主所賜的才能、恩典或祝福，而不是心懷感激地承認它們。

• 為什麼是虛假的？

真正的謙卑感謝天主的恩賜，並將它們用於他人；虛假的謙卑則因害怕驕傲或為了顯得謙卑而拒絕使用這些恩賜。

• 來源：St Teresa of Avila教導說：「謙卑就是行在真理中」（interior castle第六卷，第十章）。否認天主所賜的恩賜就是否認真理。

2. 因自己虛假的「謙卑」而尋求別人的讚美

• 跡象：為了被人稱讚為謙卑而假裝貶低自己或表現卑微。

• 為什麼是虛假的？

這是戴著面具的驕傲；其目標是獲得人稱讚的認可，而非榮耀天主。

• 資料來源：聖本篤在其《規訓》（第七章）中警告人們，切勿因自我高抬而產生虛假的謙卑。同樣，耶穌也譴責那些為了獲得榮譽而表現出外在虛假謙卑的法利賽人（參考Matthew 23:5-7）。

3. 因害怕驕傲而拒絕承擔責任或行善

• 跡象：聲稱自己不配，從而逃避領導、服務或慈善的行為，而實際上，這可能是因為他懶惰、懦弱或害怕別人的批評。

• 為何虛假？

真正的謙卑是信靠接受天主的召喚，而不是以自我為中心地拒絕。

• 資料來源：（St Francis de sales《虔誠生活導論》，第三部分，第五章）教導說，謙卑並不意味著拒絕行善，而是在行善的同時，承認力量來自於天主。

4. 過度注重謙卑的外表

• 跡象：強迫自己衣著簡陋、說話嬌柔造作的假謙遜，或僅僅為了讓別人感受到謙卑而表現得假溫順。

• 錯誤原因：注重外在的炫耀，而非內在的品質。

• 資料來源：（  St. John Cassian《會議》，第十一卷）警告那些在言語或姿態上表現出外在謙卑，而內心卻驕傲自大的人。耶穌自己也警告說：「你們禁食的時候，不可像那假冒為善的人，臉上帶著愁容」（Matthew 6:16）。

5. 以謙卑為藉口拒絕糾正或接受別人的建議

• 跡象：聲稱“我什麼都不是”或“我什麼都不知道”，卻拒絕他人的指導、靈性指引或糾正。

• 錯誤原因：真正的謙卑是傾聽和學習；虛假的謙卑則將驕傲隱藏在誇張的自我卑下中。

• 資料來源：St. Bernard of Clairvaux

（《謙卑與驕傲的階梯》）指出，虛假的謙卑可以表現為偽裝成謙遜的固執。聖經：“愚昧人所行的，在自己眼中看為正直；惟智慧人，肯聽人的勸教。”

結論

虛假的謙卑是一種偽善的美德。它不但無法引導心靈順服天主的真理，反而將謙卑扭曲為自我中心──要麼尋求讚美，要麼否認天主的恩賜，要麼將驕傲隱藏在外表之下。正如《天主教教理》所教導的，真正的謙卑植根於真理：「謙卑是祈禱的基礎。只有當我們謙卑地承認『我們不知道該如何祈禱』時，我們才準備好自由地接受祈禱的恩賜。」（天主教教理 2559）

煉獄

 煉獄僅僅是「第二次機會」嗎？

天主教徒談論煉獄時，常常會誤解它，有時連自己也不明白。許多人認為煉獄是死後的另一種“第二次機會”，彷彿那些拒絕天主的人又獲得了另一次進入天堂的機會。但這根本不是教會的教導。

1. 煉獄的真正意義

天主教教理將煉獄描述為：那些在天主的恩典中死去，但仍需洗清因小罪或任何罪暫時影響靈魂的一種淨化狀態（天主教教理 1030-1031）。煉獄的意義不在於一個人是否得救──煉獄中的人已經確定可以進入天堂。煉獄的意義在於，他們要被完全潔淨淨化，才能夠與天主面對面相見。

 2. 煉獄為何必要？

聖經告訴我們：「凡不潔淨的，不得進天堂」revelation  21:27）。即使罪得赦免，也會留下因罪產生的傷口、因依戀罪而產生不良的後果。

試想：如果有人打破了一扇窗戶，或許會得到赦免，但玻璃仍然需要修補。煉獄是天主給予人犯罪後有憐憫修復其損壞的地方，使靈魂得到完全醫治的地方。

3. 並非“第二次機會”

教會明確表示－我們永恆的選擇是：支持還是反對天主？都在今生實現。 「按著定命，人人都有一死，死後且有審判」（希伯來書 9:27）。煉獄並非為那些拒絕天主的人而設，而是為那些仍需要被祂的愛充滿，走向成全得救的罪人而設。

4. 充滿憐憫而非絕望的地方

煉獄並非令人恐懼──而是值得感恩的地方。它彰顯了天主為了將我們帶到祂的面前，願意付出多大的代價。祂沒有讓我們半途而廢，而是完成了祂的救贖，焚毀一切自私和罪惡的痕跡，直到我們煥發祂的榮耀。

5. 我們在幫助煉獄靈魂中的角色

教會教導我們，我們的祈禱、奉獻彌撒金、求天主赦罪，特別是彌撒聖祭的成聖體聖血那刻，是大大幫助煉獄中的靈魂。這就是為什麼天主教徒為死者祈禱是那麼重要。愛不會隨著死亡而終結——它透過祈禱延續下去。煉獄的靈魂是幫助不到自己，需要我們為他們祈禱。

結論

煉獄並非第二次機會。它是對那些已經屬於基督的人的最終淨化。它遠非懲罰，而是天主慈悲的體現，為靈魂預備通往天堂永恆的喜樂。

當我們正確地理解煉獄時，它不再是恐懼的源泉，而是希望的泉源。

聖人金句

 正如耶穌選擇了麵餅作祂的聖體，這麵餅極其普通，我的生命也必須如此普通……如同麵餅般，易於讓所有人接近，同時又謙卑而隱秘。 ——Blessed Eugenia Picco（1867-1921），瞻禮日9月7日

忍受痛苦，保持沉默，去愛。 ——Blessed Eugenia Picco（1867-1921），她的座右銘。

願我的未來如天主所願。我將它交託於那位唯有造福眾生的天主。這足以讓我感到幸福。 ——Blessed Giovanni Battista Mazzucconi

（1826-1855），殉道者

那位拯救我的天主，在這段旅程中將再次與我同在。如果我不拋棄他，他將永遠與我同在，而當他與我同在時，發生在我身上的一切都將永遠是一種恩典，一種祝福，我應該為此感謝他。如果他在危險中想要退縮，或是像使徒一樣在船頭假裝睡著，我會去叫醒他，讓他看到我的危險。如果他不願意聽，我會說：主啊，請命令我到你這裡來，我的靈魂就會在水面上行走，就會來到他的腳下，永遠滿足。我不知道他在我明天開始的旅程中為我準備了什麼。我只知道一件事，如果他是良善的，並且深愛著我，其他一切：平靜或暴風雨，危險或安全，生或死，都只是那位摯愛永恆不變的愛之變幻莫測中的表達。是的，我親愛的弟兄們，我們有另一個天上國度，另一個家，一個我們必須相聚的天國，在那裡不再有分離或離別，在那裡過去的悲傷和危險只會增加我們的安慰和榮耀。 ——Blessed Giovanni Battista Mazzucconi（1826-1855），殉道者，

以下是聖斐理伯的箴言。

當我們向我們的聖母祈禱時，我們用最細微的言語，向她獻上一切可能的讚美，因為我們稱呼她為瑪利亞，並賦予她兩個偉大的稱號：童貞女和天主之母。然後稱她為耶穌之母，她最純潔的子宮中的兒子。”

聖母經

 來看看你每天誦念聖母經會獲得哪些益處吧！

聖母經不只是一句優美的禱文，更是一股精神力量。每天誦念聖母經，你不僅在尊崇聖母瑪利亞，更是在邀請天主的恩典以深刻的方式充滿你的生命。聖母經根植於聖經，充滿敬畏主的精神，是連結天地、連結你的靈魂與聖母瑪利亞心靈的橋樑。

當你將聖母經融入日常生活時，你將獲得以下益處，以及隨之而來的不可思議的益處：

1. 透過瑪利亞，你與耶穌更親近

每當你說“你腹中的胎兒耶穌是受讚頌的”，你就是在提醒自己那拯救你的耶穌聖名。瑪利亞總是引領靈魂歸向她的兒子。每天誦念聖母經會讓你更親近耶穌，因為沒有人比祂的母親更了解祂。當你尊崇她時，她會在你心中更完美地塑造基督。

聖路易蒙福特寫道：「藉著瑪利亞，歸向耶穌。」 這不只是詩歌，更是屬靈的真理。瑪利亞頌揚主，當你在祈禱中與她親近時，你對耶穌的愛會更加深刻，更加個人化。

2. 你獲得她的特殊庇護

聖徒告訴我們，誦唸玫瑰經會得到瑪利亞對她孩子們特別的保護。當你每天誦念聖母經時，你就將自己置於她的庇佑之下。如同母親守護著她的孩子，瑪利亞保護你免受靈性傷害，並在每一次考驗中為你代求。

聖伯爾納德說：「仁慈的童貞瑪利亞啊，請記住，從未聽說有人逃到你的庇護下……而無人幫助。」 每天誦念聖母經，就是逃向她的關懷——而她會以溫柔的慈悲回應。

3. 你獲得強大的恩寵

每一次你充滿愛與虔誠去誦唸聖母經時，你都會打開通往恩寵的大門。教會教導我們，聖事若懷著信德運用，就能使靈魂獲得來自天主的真正恩典。聖母經是最有力的禱文之一，它能幫助你獲得恩典，抵擋誘惑，在美德上成長，並保持蒙恩的狀態。

即使只是簡單地重複誦念，只要默想一番，就能平靜心靈，靜心思緒，聖化你的思想。

4. 你為天堂帶來喜樂

每當你尊崇聖母瑪利亞，你都會為她和整個天堂帶來喜樂。你的聲音與天使Gabriel的聲音同合為一，他在路加福音1:28中首先說出了這些話。當你懷著信德誦念這段禱文時，天使和聖徒都會歡欣鼓舞。

想像一下，當你的天上母后每天聽到你的聲音，親切地稱她為「充滿恩典」時，你給她帶來了多麼大的喜樂！

5. 你為自己神聖的死亡做準備

瑪利亞被稱為「臨終者之母」。聖母經的結尾懇求道：「為我們罪人祈禱，現在和我們臨終的時刻。」 每天誦念這句話，就是在一次又一次地祈求聖母在你生命中最重要的時刻——最後一口氣——與你同在。

無數聖人和神秘家見證，那些虔誠敬仰聖母瑪利亞的人並非孤獨地死去。她會幫助她忠信的兒女。

簡單的習慣，帶來永恆的回報

世人或許會將聖母經視為簡單的禱告，但天堂不會。當你滿懷信心地誦念時，它會改變你的靈魂，堅固你的心，並透過聖母瑪利亞將你帶入聖三的懷抱。

養成這習慣吧！從今天開始。

聖人金句

 天主絕不會允許任何不利於我們的事情發生在我們身上， 祂給我們的任何苦難只為了我們更好的着想。

St Padre Pio

我的全部力量在用於祈禱和犧牲，這是我無敵的武器；它們比言語更能打動人心，我從我以前中的經驗學懂這一點。

St Therese of Lisieux

聖母瑪利亞是我生命中唯一的女人。

St. Carlo Acutis

我們領受的聖體越多，我們就越像耶穌，這樣，在世界上我們就能預先體驗到天堂的滋味。

St. Carlo Acutis

當你完全被聖體之神聖聖火吞噬時，你就能更有意識地感謝天主，是祂召喚你成為祂家庭的一部分。

St.Pier Giorgio Frassati

神花

 為愛聖母的緣故， 我們可否獻上神花呢？ 

什麼是聖母的德行？ 

她甜美的柔和性格， 熱切的愛德， 盲目對天主的服從， 時常口禱、心禱、默想聖言，純潔無瑕， 屬靈的智慧， 英勇的堅忍， 活潑的信德， 真正深沉的謙遜和謙卑， 完美的克己。

為敬禮聖母， 我們應看關於她的書， 特別是聖人寫關於她的書， 我們應多看。 

Saint Alphonsus Marie Liguori（ 聖亞豐）、 Saint Louis de Montfort（ 聖蒙福）, 他們都把聖母寫得很貼切。 聖蒙福形容聖母是天主最傑出的受造物。 我們應孝愛她。 我們不用怕愛聖母多於愛耶穌。 因為聖母把所有我們給她的光榮和愛慕全轉送給耶穌。 耶穌也曾這樣說過。 耶穌告訴聖人， 你們愛聖母永遠不及我。 我是全世界最愛她的人。 你們多多愛她吧。 你們愛她越多， 等於愛我越多。 不用怕愛聖母多於耶穌。 聖母是最謙卑的受造物。

聖母最愛的祈禱文就是玫瑰經。 撒但曾向一名驅魔師說， 每一個萬福瑪利亞就是重擊我頭一次。 若全世界的人都知道玫瑰經的厲害， 人人都唸的話， 我就完蛋了。

魔鬼曾顯現說， 有三樣東西它最害怕。 第一， 耶穌聖名。 第二， 聖母聖名。 第三， 聖母啡色聖衣。

花地瑪聖母曾說， 啡色聖衣和玫瑰經是分不開的。 每個人每天也應唸玫瑰經， 以求世界和平。

我們應潔淨自己的心， 做一個完善的告解。

向無原罪聖母奉上願意認罪、 定期告解的承諾。 至少一個月1-2 次告解。 聖母是我們的“ 靈性醫療所” 。 通過聖母的代禱， 我們會對自己的罪有深切的悔恨。

可敬者Father Pio Bruno Lanteri對聖母敬禮是非常熱切。 他告訴我們， “ 深切想念母親， 求她為我們代禱”。我們應常把聖母的名字放在口中和心頭上。

聖蒙福特別地註名了聖母十大德行。 但他認為她最大的德行是愛德。 愛德的另一名字是“超越常人的愛人如己和愛天主”。

愛德有二方面的： 全心全靈全力愛天主， 接着是愛人如己。 聖母在愛德上是最高典範。

請看看十字架。 十字架的直木代表我們向天主聖三最崇高的愛意。 十字架的橫木代表我們向近人的愛他人如自己一般的善行。

我們向近人的最大愛德就是為他人熱切祈禱， 盡力幫助別人得救， 原諒他人的缺失， 不記仇， 總為別人的好處着想。

讓我們祈禱：

至潔至聖無玷的聖母媽媽 ，你是卒世童貞聖母瑪利亞。 你是始胎無染原罪者， 是耶穌君王的大能母親。親愛的母后， 請為我們祈禱， 特別在臨終時， 我們要面對天主的審判時， 請你為我們作辯護者。 請你救我們脱離黑暗和永火的懲罰， 請你向你聖子為我們求恩。至聖至甘飴的母親， 為了你聖子的光榮， 請一生助佑我， 保護我， 亞孟。

謙遜和聖德蘭修女

 特蕾莎修女的15項"謙遜"建議

當特蕾莎修女列出了培養謙遜的方法……

1. 儘可能少地談論自己的私事和東西。

2. 專注於自己的事務，而不是他人的事務。

3. 避免好奇（她指的是你想知道一些你不應該擔心或關心的事情。）

4. 不要干涉他人的事務。

 5. 以良好的幽默感接受小煩惱。

 6. 不要糾結於他人的缺點。

7. 接受批評。

8. 順從他人的意志。

9. 接受侮辱。

10. 接受被遺忘和忽視。

11. 即使受到某人的挑釁，也要有禮貌待人。

12. 不要尋求常被讚美。

13. 不要用自己過份的尊嚴來維護自己

14. 在討論時，即使你是全對的，也要謙遜地妥協一些你可能做到的退讓。

15. 總是選擇更艱難的任務。

 你真的認識耶穌嗎——不是通過書本，而是通過與他同在你心中。你聽到他對你所說的那充滿愛意的話語嗎？請祈求恩典; 他會渴望給予你。 直到你能在自己內心的寂靜中聽到耶穌的聲音為止。你才能在窮人心中聽到他說"我渴了"。

貞女和玫瑰經

 通過告解神師的邀請， 三名貞女為聖母取潔瞻禮做玫瑰經敬禮。 在瞻禮前， 聖母向第一個貞女顯現， 聖母身穿帶金的衣服， 她多謝她的玫瑰經敬禮， 及祝福她。

後來她向第二名貞女顯現。 由於這名貞女唸玫瑰經沒那麼用心和專心， 她給聖母所贈的衣服只是普普通通的衣服。

聖母最後向第三名貞女顯現。 由於這貞女唸玫瑰經時馬馬虎虎， 聖母告訴她， 她給聖母一件爛衣服。

第二年， 在聖母瞻禮前夕， 三名貞女同樣一起唸玫瑰經作獻禮給聖母。 今次， 聖母穿着美麗衣服顯現給她們。 聖母告訴她們， 要準備自己， 明天聖母會接她們上天堂。

貞女告訴神師。 她們後來領了聖事。 在她們唸夜禱時， 聖母帶着天使， 在神聖的甜蜜中帶她們飛往天堂。

啡色聖衣

 戴啡色聖衣是迷信嗎？

聖母在1251 年向st simon stock 顯現， 承諾誰戴啡色聖衣，死亡後永不下地獄。 啡色聖衣是carmelite 修道院所專屬的。

聖衣不是魔法。 像聖水， 聖牌， 十字架， 聖物給我們的是源源不絕的聖寵去做個義人， 甚至成聖。聖衣不是迷信， 是要幫助我們活在信德， 堅實的祈禱和生活在基督的意旨中。

戴啡色聖衣是代表我們以下的許諾：

每天誦唸玫瑰經至少一串。

不論單身或結婚者， 都奉守貞潔和純潔。

把自己交托在聖母的代禱和大能中

相信聖衣在聖母的帶領下帶給我們聖善的生活。

教宗St. John paul second 每天戴啡色聖衣的。 他說這是對聖母的完全信任和依賴。 許多大聖人也如此作。

若果你帶啡色聖衣， 卻不活出信仰， 不祈禱， 胡亂犯罪， 沒有信德， 那麼聖衣對你來說， 真的是迷信的了。 曾有一人真的如此作， 他死時心口像火燒， 他要脱下聖衣才死。 

記住， 帶聖衣而不過悔改生活的人， 是一樣要下大煉獄的

聖人金句

 真正的幸福不在於世上的快樂， 或俗世的東西上， 而是在良心上的平安， 這只有在身心靈純潔中才找到這平安。

St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

當我望着自我中心的自己時我會感到不快樂，而真正的快樂是把目光放在天主上

St. Carlo Acutis

把你自己完全放在聖母手中， 她自然照顧你靈魂所需的一切。

St. Padre Pio

我們無須因別人說我們壞話而不高興， 不需因別人而生氣， 因為他不知道什麼是真理。

St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝟏. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭

 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭    

𝟏. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐫.

𝟐. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐤.

𝟑. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧.

𝟒. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭.

𝟓. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥. 

𝟔. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 

𝟕. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬. 

𝟖. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

𝟏. 𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲.

𝟐. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐲.

𝟑. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

𝟒. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝. 

𝟓. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

𝟔. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬.

𝟕. 𝐀𝐦 𝐈 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫?

𝟖. 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭. 

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞:  𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐦

The Smell of Man Living in Mortal Sin:

 

A Catholic Reflection on the Odor of the Soul. 

#ctto 

Sexual sin is one of the gravest offenses against the purity of the soul. It not only corrupts the body—which is a temple of the Holy Ghost—but also emits, in the spiritual realm, a putrid odor that attracts demons. Saint Padre Pio, a holy mystic and stigmatist, once encountered a man confessing lustful sins, and the spiritual stench was so terrible, he described it as “the smell of a rotting corpse.” This spiritual foulness, though invisible to human senses, is all too real in the supernatural realm. It is the reason why sexual sins are among the most odorous and repellent before God and His saints.

St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (Douay-Rheims):

“Fly fornication. Every sin that a man doeth, is without the body; but he that committeth fornication, sinneth against his own body. Or know you not, that your members are the temple of the Holy Ghost, who is in you…?”

Those who engage in mortal sins—especially sexual ones—emit a spiritual stench that demons can detect. Just as there is the “odor of sanctity” among the saints, there is a stench of decay for those entrenched in grave sin. This was confirmed by Fr. John Farao, a Catholic exorcist, who boldly taught:

The Smell of Man Living in Mortal Sin

Demon Can Smell Your Soul

You know, and this is what Satanists tell you directly, that when people are involved in serious sins (sexual sin, homosexuality, lesbianism, pride, occult, greed, psychic, drunkard, fornication, masturbation, porn, hatred, bad parties, drugs, bad parenting, infidelity to spouse, tattoos, unforgiveness, sloth, sins against the 10 commandments and 7 deadly sins, suicidal thoughts, revenge, sexual thoughts, swearing, immodest clothing, yoga exercise (posture is symbol of worship to Hindu Gods), lying, gossip, cheating in school, wife, or works, etc.), they smell spiritually, and demons sense that smell, that odor. Just like we say in Catholicism, there's an odor of sanctification as people get holier and holier. Satanists tell us, because they talk demons a lot, that a demon can tell in a room that a person whose soul is seriously affected by mortal sin, they hover around them because they smell good to the sin of that person. That person is already in the camp of demons; they will just give the person more opportunities to sin and lead them farther down the road towards hell (by dying suddenly in a state of mortal sin).

(That is why regular confession is a must to restore the grace and remove that odor that attracts demons to bring pestilence, diseases, death, financial problems, business bankruptcy, marital issues, conflicts with children, accidents, curses, and other forms of demonic activity and oppression into your life.)

— Father John Farao (Exorcist)

As Catholics, we believe that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23, Douay-Rheims)—not just physical death, but eternal separation from God. Every unconfessed mortal sin darkens the soul and invites spiritual danger. Saint Alphonsus Liguori taught:

“The devil does not sleep. If we are not vigilant, he will drag us into sin, and from sin to hell.”

This is why the Church, in her maternal wisdom, urges us to go to confession regularly. Saint John Vianney, the patron of parish priests, said:

“Confession is the soul's bath. Even a clean glass needs washing every now and then.”

And Saint Augustine wrote:

“The confession of evil works is the beginning of good works.”

The Church teaches that in the state of mortal sin, the soul is spiritually dead. Without repentance and absolution, one becomes vulnerable not only to further temptation but also to demonic influence. It is no surprise that the enemy of souls is drawn like a vulture to a spiritual carcass.

Even Christ Himself warned His Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane, when they fell asleep instead of praying:

“Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh weak.” (Matthew 26:41, Douay-Rheims)

To live in a state of grace is to repel the demons with the fragrance of holiness. To live in sin is to attract them with the odor of death.

Let us take seriously the words of 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (Douay-Rheims):

“For we are the good odor of Christ unto God… to the one indeed the odor of death unto death: but to the others the odor of life unto life.”

In this spiritual battle, we must remember that while demons are drawn to sin, Heaven is drawn to repentance. The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Angels, is always ready to cover the truly repentant with her mantle and lead them back to her Son. The saints, too, intercede for us constantly.

Let us strive to remain in a state of grace, cleanse our souls often in the Sacrament of Confession, and live lives of virtue and humility.

For in the end, we are either the sweet fragrance of Christ or the putrid stench of death.

Choose life. Choose grace. Choose sanctity.

Hell and purgatory

 A Dead Monk Appeared to His Bishop: He and Saint Bernard Went to Heaven, 3 in Purgatory, the Rest of 32,995 Went To Hell

According to a sermon by St. Vincent Ferrer, there once lived an archdeacon of Lyons who left his post to live a life of penance in solitude. He happened to die on August 20, 1153—the same day as Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.

After his death, this archdeacon appeared to his bishop and told him:

“Know, my Lord, that at the very hour of my death, thirty-three thousand (33,000) others also died. Out of that great number, Bernard and I entered Heaven without delay, three souls went to Purgatory, and all the rest were lost in Hell.”

This chilling account reminds us that, on that day alone, only 2 out of 33,000 souls were saved immediately—while 32,995 were condemned.

Scriptural Warning (Douay–Rheims Bible)

"Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat. How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it."

— Matthew 7:13-14, D–R

Church Father’s Voice

St. Augustine once wrote:

“Out of the whole mass of mankind, the greater part will be condemned. Few, therefore, are saved in comparison to those who perish.” (City of God, Book 21, Ch. 12)

Reflection

The numbers from this event are terrifying. If true for even one moment in history, how many more perish daily without repentance? This is not meant to breed despair but urgency. We must live as if our hour is near—avoiding even the smallest deliberate sin, making frequent acts of contrition, receiving the Sacraments often, and embracing penance with humility.

Eternity has no second chances. The “narrow way” is hard, but it leads to everlasting joy with God. Choose it today—before your soul’s hour comes.

BimbyMacbs

Catholic Tradition & Evangelization

Vision of hell

 In 2009, a young Korean artist who was attending an all-night prayer meeting, was visited by Jesus Christ. She was taken to see Hell and told by Jesus to draw what she saw, so that the world would know.Artist Speaking: “As I was praying all night long, I was able to love Jesus more than ever. One day, Jesus came and said in my Heart, “I will show you the deeper things of Heaven.” I thought I was going to visit heaven, but instead, we visited Hell.As I followed Jesus, I cried the whole time.  I then began to hear moans, screams, and wailing sounds.Most people have a misconception about Hell. They are deluded and think that if they "Only Believe in Jesus Christ," they will end up in Heaven. Some even think that once they die, there is nothing afterwards. People believe as they think, and therefore they live their lives as they please…Jesus also showed me that as people watch violent secular movies, demons would actually torment the person’s soul without the person realizing it. As a person watches the scenes from TV, their soul is tormented and wounded. Watching secular TV does not help Christians develop a loving relationship with our bridegroom JesusI saw that when people were smoking and drinking, that spirits of snakes filled the alcoholic drinks and the cigarette smoke.As Jesus witnessed the sins committed by man, He cried. satan and his demons would tie the bodies of sinners so tight with iron chains to control them. Therefore sinners would go deeper and deeper in sin. I am pleading with you not to commit sin. Do NOT live as you desire. In Hell, the senses are hundreds of times more vivid than what we feel on Earth. The pain is more severe. Jesus showed me how people fall into Hell. Jesus: I see countless people falling into the eternal deep sea of the fire of Hell every single day…Please tell the people what you have witnessed in Hell! You must tell them about Hell! Tell people how awful and gruesome Hell is! You must paint the scene of Hell as if you are within my heart. Draw the scenes with My aching heart!They are falling into the Fire of Hell.Draw it with My aching heart….He felt such pity for people who were falling into Hell every single day!As I was painting the scenes of Hell, satan attacked me severely.  But I wanted to show the world about Hell and the heart of Jesus through these paintings. I saw people who did not want to eat the bread of life...(God's WordThere were people who would not discuss the things of their lives with Jesus, but made their own decisions, and followed their own will.There were people who drank and ate prohibited things.Jesus: Please tell people who hurt each other's hearts by their words that they must not hurt or wound their brothers/sisters in Christ.  They must not say things without care or love.This is how Murderers, rapists and child kidnappers will be tormented.The punishment for liars.  (Prov. 20:17)Those people who stole money will be penetrated by arrows and needlesIn Hell, I saw a woman and her son who had died. In Hell they no longer loved each other. Because of the unbearable pain, they would do anything to escape the torment, even by stepping on each other.Insects in Hell.These insects are for people who committed sins by their thoughts. They were filled with their own thoughts and knowledge. Covered by countless maggots, their entire body is wounded by large insects; going in and out of the whole body, mouth, ears and head.Persecution of the gospel:The picture shows how demons would influence people to persecute, harass and kill the messengers of the full and true gospel.These people were filled with their own thoughts and knowledgeThese people were obstinate in their thinking. They thought, "why would Jesus work in my life?  Who am I?  I don’t think He loves me.  I am very evil.  I don’t think He would love someone like me."They were also people who violated God’s word and ignore God’s commandments. They will be placed in an area similar to a frying pan, which was burning with Hell fire.This torment was for those Christians who did not share the gospel. They did not evangelize the good news to the lost. They ignored their calling.(1 Cor 9:16)Those people who do not attempt to align their thoughts with God’s will end up in Hell. We must fix our minds and thoughts on God. This torment was for the people who had ignored God’s word and still continued to commit sin. They are the ones who performed evil in the eyes of the Lord. There is a place in Hell for men who cheated on their spouses. For those who became gay or bisexual. They were penetrated by knives and spearsWhen we repent and pray before God, angel armies come down and pierce the demons with their swords. Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus!If you do, Heaven is waiting for you, instead of Hell.A place where you could be joyful and have a happy life forever! Don’t go to Hell!!!

Padre pio and five rules

 Padre pio did this principally by promoting five rules for spiritual growth: daily examination of conscience, Communion, spiritual reading, meditation and weekly confession.

Regarding daily meditation, he counseled two periods of at least half an hour each day, morning and evening. These were to be times of reflection and recollection on biblical subjects such as the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. He advised to begin with a prayer, asking for the grace to meditate well and for the intercession of Our Lady and all the saints. Then, to “meditate thoroughly on the subject in all its aspects,” before moving on to resolutions, so as to eliminate defects and promote virtue. We should also pray for the graces we need and offer up our time of meditation to God. 

St. Pio regarded meditation as the key to progress in the spiritual life and the transformation of the soul in Christ. To make this fruitful, he encouraged a thorough study of the Bible and spiritual books in general, stating: “If the reading of holy books has the power to convert worldly men into spiritual persons, how very powerful must such reading be in leading spiritual men and women to greater perfection.

Nina Campanile in her diary: ' padre pio explained that the principal means of Christian perfection are: the choice of a saint and learned director, frequentation of sacraments, meditation, spiritual readings.' 'He used to say: 'the sacred argumentations need always to be sustained by sacred examples.' 'He wanted that we meditate twice a day, morning and evening.'

'He insisted a lot on daily meditation "Even with the face on the ground, like Jesus did in Gethsemane."

"It is important to meditate, even if there is no emotion involved."

St padre pio on meditation

 St padre pio on meditation 

Filomena Fini  in 1913 married Cristoforo Fiorentino, brother of Lucia Fiorentino, also spiritual child of Padre Pio. Widow at age 28. She went daily to Padre Pio’s Mass. 

Wrote a diary  “News on Padre Pio”. “To follow Padre Pio it takes a lot of suffering.”

Vittorina Ventrella had a vision one night of a dazzling Padre Pio in heaven, with innumerable rays of light emanating from him.

The rays were formed by myriads of white and red roses. The morning after she went to Padre Pio for an explanation.

"Oh! you came to ask me about what you saw last night. The rays are the prayer groups;

the white roses are the souls who live in grace;

the red roses are the souls who carry the cross with me."

Meditate at least twice a day. No less than half hour each time. Possibly in the morning, to prepare for the fight, and at night to purify the soul from any earthly attachment that happened during the day."

St padre pio five quotes

 here are five powerful quotes from Padre Pio to help us focus on what really matters:

1. “The life of a Christian is nothing but a perpetual struggle against self; there is no flowering of the soul to the beauty of its perfection except at the price of pain.”

Lent is a time to deny ourselves, not just for the sake of discipline, but to turn our hearts back to God. The struggle against sin, comfort, and self-will leads us to true spiritual growth.

2. “Love Jesus, love Him very much, but to do this, be ready to love sacrifice more.”

To love Christ, we must make room for Him. That means letting go of comfort, routine, and distractions that take priority over our faith. Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are not just actions; they are ways of loving Jesus more deeply.

3. “If you suffer with Jesus, you will reign with Jesus.”

Lent is about embracing suffering, not avoiding it. Every sacrifice, act of penance, or moment of discomfort is an opportunity to walk with Christ. Padre Pio reminds us that suffering has meaning when it is united to Jesus’ passion.

4. “The cross will not crush you; if its weight makes you stagger, its power will also sustain you.”

Following Jesus is not going to be easy. We might struggle with fasting, fail in our resolutions, or wrestle with temptation. But God’s grace strengthens us. 

5. “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

At its heart, Lent is about returning to God’s mercy. No matter how many times we fall, He is always waiting for us with forgiveness and love. Prayer and trust are the foundation of our Lenten journey.

Padre Pio, Capuchin and saint, pray for us as we enter these 40 days.

St charbel a holy priest

 Father Charbel was thirty-six years old when he went to see his Prior one day and said, "As a grace, Father, I ask you to forbid me to have any contact with the outside. I would rather not see anything anymore, nor hear anything anymore, except for God's voice." Father Albani answered, "Contemplation is something which pleases the Lord, but one must not forget others." "I think only of others, Father. I have asked God that the force of my prayers not serve myself, but my neighbor."

It was obvious to Father Charbel that the normal place for the monk was in his Monastery. The goal of the Order, however, and its traditions bound the Lebanese monk to the work of the apostolate. While residing in monasteries, these monks served around two hundred and twenty parishes in Lebanon alone.

Father Charbel only wanted to accomplish God's will. "What must I do, Father?" he asked. "You will go visit the sick and the dying. You will hear their Confessions, bring them Holy Communion, bring the good word to the very depths of the badlands for all, and in all kinds of weather. In that way you will try to heal bodies. You have a few notions of medicine . . ." The priest bowed down before his Superior's will. He was already being called upon from all sides and people were expecting him. "Lord," implored Charbel, "give me the strength of persuasion which will permit me to bring the lost sheep back to Thee." And in hearing his prayer, the Lord made use of him and sent him all who were doubting, suffering or seeking out their way. Charbel did not speak a dogmatic language to them. He could have been a great preacher, and his eloquence would have been intuitive, original and powerful, but he would no longer have been the humble monk. In coming from too high up, his voice would not have reached down to those who were to hear him. His words were full of simplicity and inspired by God, and they struck like lightning and heated like the noonday sun. He was not a lofty person or a Saint placed upon a pedestal. The peasants knew how hard he worked for them, holding the plow, pruning the vine or working twelve hours a day like the mason who transports his load of stone. In other words, he was a man and practically a man like other men, such as Christ appeared-----humble and sorrowful like the poorest of His sons.

St charbel poverty

 During his life, Saint Sharbel detached himself from earthly things and offered his whole being to God. Since childhood he would dedicate his spare time to prayer, and by the example of his two uncles he was drawn to the monastic life.

​He spent 23 years of his life as a lay person, another 23 as a monk and then priest, and the last 23 years of his life as a hermit. He would sleep a few hours a day, spend hours preparing for the Divine Liturgy, work prayerfully in the fields, and immerse himself in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and in meditation on the Lord’s word. He lived in poverty, silence, obedience, fast and abstinence. He bore insults and humiliation with love for others.

St charbel heroism

 While specific details about the exact amount of time St. Charbel spent on holy reading are not explicitly mentioned, it's clear that he dedicated a significant portion of his time to prayer and spiritual practices, including reading and meditating on the Lord's word. He spent 23 years as a hermit, living in solitude and immersing himself in prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. 

Here's a more detailed look at his life:

Consecration to Prayer:

St. Charbel's life was deeply rooted in prayer and contemplation. 

Hermitage Life:

As a hermit, he spent his days in solitude, engaging in prayer, adoration, and meditation.

Preparation for Liturgy:

He would spend hours preparing for the Divine Liturgy, demonstrating his dedication to spiritual practices. 

Eucharistic Devotion:

St. Charbel was particularly devoted to the Eucharist, spending significant time in preparation for and thanksgiving after Mass. 

Emphasis on the Word of God:

His life was marked by a deep focus on the Lord's word, which he would meditate on and incorporate into his daily life.

St charbel austerity

 Saint Charbel used to eat once a day, after the midday prayer, his food consisted of some vegetables, olives and raw potato skins that he used to wash, boil a little bit and eat. Whenever he came from the hermitage to the Monastery to take food for his brothers, he always chose the rotten bread for himself that was often thrown to dogs, and took the fresh bread for his brothers. Sometimes he ate the remaining pieces of bread left on the table from the previous day. He never had meat, sometimes he added olive oil to his meal and never had any food cooked with butter or grease except for Feast days like Christmas, Easter, Feast of Saint Anthony, and Feast of Saint Peter and Paul after whom the hermitage is named.

 Father Charbel deprived himself of fruits and rarely tasted it even though he was the biggest contributor to the work in the field. He never ate unless he was asked to, and he used to eat what Father Makarius gave him

St charbel incorruptible saint

 St. Charbel's daily food was very simple and austere, reflecting his commitment to a life of poverty and prayer as a hermit. He ate only one meal a day, often consisting of leftovers from the monastery, or raw or boiled vegetables. He rarely ate meat or drank wine. 

Details of his diet:

One meal a day: This was a common practice for hermits seeking a life of simplicity and penance. 

Leftovers and simple fare: St. Charbel's meals were often made up of scraps and leftovers from the monastery's kitchen, reflecting his detachment from worldly comforts. 

Vegetables: His meals frequently included raw or boiled vegetables, sometimes flavored with a bit of oil. 

No meat or wine: He abstained from meat and wine, adhering to a strict, minimalist diet. 

Burnt bread crumbs: One account mentions him eating burnt bread crumbs in his soup. 

This simple diet was part of St. Charbel's larger practice of asceticism, which also included minimal sleep, physical penance, and long hours of prayer.

Pray for rhe deceased

 Catholic Traditions for Remembering the Dead at Home

Catholic faith teaches us that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life. This truth brings hope, yet it also calls us to remember and pray for our departed loved ones. The Church encourages us to honor the dead not just in cemeteries or on All Souls’ Day, but also in our own homes. Keeping these traditions alive helps us remain connected to the Communion of Saints and fulfills our duty of charity toward souls in purgatory.

Here are some beautiful Catholic traditions for remembering the dead at home:

1. Setting Up a Memorial Prayer Space

Many Catholic families create a small area in the home to remember their loved ones who have passed away. This can include:

A photo of the deceased

A blessed candle

A crucifix or statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Holy water

A rosary or prayer cards

This space is not for worship of the person but as a reminder to pray for their soul. Lighting a candle here while praying for them is a sign of hope and remembrance.

2. Offering Mass Intentions

The Holy Mass is the greatest prayer we can offer for the dead. While this usually takes place at church, you can also spiritually unite yourself to the Mass from home. Keep a list of departed loved ones and pray for them whenever you participate in Mass via TV or online.

3. Praying the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

The Rosary, especially the Sorrowful Mysteries, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are powerful prayers for souls in purgatory. Praying these with the specific intention for the deceased brings them spiritual assistance.

4. The Litany for the Faithful Departed

This traditional litany calls upon God’s mercy for all the faithful departed. It can be prayed during family prayer time, especially on death anniversaries or during November—the month dedicated to the Holy Souls.

5. Blessing Graveside Photos or Memorial Items

If you have a small memento such as a blessed rosary, a medal, or soil from their grave, you can keep it in your prayer space as a tangible reminder to pray for the person.

6. Acts of Charity in Their Memory

The Church teaches that offering sacrifices or works of mercy for the dead benefits their souls. This could mean fasting, giving alms, or performing an act of kindness in their honor.

Why These Traditions Matter

When we pray for the dead, we practice both faith and love. Our prayers may be the help a soul needs to enter heaven, and one day, they will pray for us too. This is the beauty of being part of the Communion of Saints—our bonds are never broken, even by death.

💬 Final Reflection:

If you’ve lost someone dear, don’t just hold them in memory—lift them up in prayer. A simple act of faith at home can help guide a soul into God’s eternal light.

𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥

 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐨 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

       𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐜𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐙𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐲, "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬."  𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 𝐈𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐛𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 "𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬."  𝐈𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 "𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬."  

       𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐈𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐝, 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 

       𝐈𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐱𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐮𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝:

       "𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦! 

𝐄𝐚𝐭 𝐯𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬! 𝐄𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞!... 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥. 

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞:  𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥

𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐓𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

𝐒𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮; 𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐢𝐧, 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲, 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦; 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐛𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟: 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

𝟏𝟐 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬

 𝟏𝟐 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬

1.When the Eucharist is being celebrated, the sanctuary is filled with countless angels who adore the divine victim immolated on the altar. ~ St. John Chrysostom

2.The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass. 

~ St. Augustine 

3. The best time to ask and obtain favors from God is the time of the Elevation."

~ St.John Bosco

4. The celebration of Holy Mass is as valuable as the death of Jesus on the cross. ~ St Thomas Aquinas 

5. St. Teresa was overwhelmed with God’s Goodness and asked Our Lord “How can I thank you?” Our Lord replied, “ATTEND ONE MASS.” 

6. “My Son so loves those who assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that, if it were necessary He would die for them as many times as they’ve heard Masses.” 

~ Our Lady to Blessed Alan. 

7. When we receive Holy Communion, we experience something extraordinary – 

a joy, a fragrance, a well-being that thrills the whole body and causes it to exalt

~ St Jean Vianney 

8. There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us. 

~ Saint Jean Vianney 

9. Be eager to go to Mass on weekdays also, even if it costs a sacrifice. Our Lord will reward you with His Blessings and make you succeed in your undertakings 

~ Don Bosco

10. When we have been to Holy Communion, the balm of love envelops the soul as the flower envelops the bee.

~ St Jean Vianney 

11. It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass. ~ St. Pio of Pietrelcina 

12. If we really understood the Mass, we would die of joy. ~ Saint Jean Vianney

St rita

 St. Rita was born near Cascia, Italy, in 1381. Referred to as Rita, her birth name was actually Margharita, which in the local dialect meant ‘pearl.’ As a young girl she was attracted to the Augustinian nuns who lived nearby, but her parents arranged a marriage for her to a local man named Paolo Mancini. Thus, at the age of 18 she got married, something she did not want, but to which she agreed out of obedience to her parents. Paolo was a cruel man and therefore her marriage was not an easy one by any means. They had twin sons who apparently took after their father in temperament. Paolo was involved in the complex political situation of the day and was murdered by a rival faction. The sons vowed revenge, which seems to have been a perceived expectation at that time. Although Rita tried hard to convince them that they should forgive the killers as she had, and that this was not the way of Jesus, they persisted in their intention. Ironically, both sons died of an illness shortly after they came of age to carry out the aforementioned vengeance, a source of even greater grief for her. 

​Soon Rita experienced anew the call to enter the Augustinians but had trouble being accepted due to the complex political situation which had resulted in the death of her husband. She also had the added stigma of not being a virgin, something which was usually required for nuns at that time. It took great courage and humility to deal with these things, but with patient trust in God’s call she persisted until they finally agreed that she could enter their convent. Rita’s holiness continued to grow as she devoted her life to prayer and contemplation. However, she was holy not because she endured the drama of an arranged marriage, an abusive husband, or vengeance-seeking sons. Rather, it was her response to these events which made her holy. Actually, she had been unsuccessful in acting as a peacemaker between the political factions, between her extended family members, and with her own sons. But it was her prayer, filled with incredible love, patience, and acceptance of the role God had placed upon her during that time, which bore the most fruit.

An important lesson St. Rita teaches us is that she accepted her situation even if it was not her preference. She trusted in God so greatly that she worked through the suffering, regarding it as something which she could offer Jesus, as to join in His suffering rather than to spend her life angry at what seemed to be her fate. She recognized the suffering as an opportunity for growth. While the suffering was acute, she knew that Jesus was with her and that there was purpose to it even if she did not understand what that purpose was. She had no intimate knowledge or confirmation from God that she would ever enter the Augustinians, but by trusting that God had her best interests in mind, she accepted the circumstances of her life as she lived them. She teaches us that God is with us in everything we experience and that with humility, patience, and faith, every moment of our lives is an opportunity for greater intimacy and growth; whether we are on the road to Calvary or the road to Emmaus, all roads are filled with the presence of Christ and can lead us to Heaven if we let Him guide us on the journey.

At the age of 60, Rita had a mystical experience in which she entered willingly into the suffering of Christ. This may seem odd to us, but moved with love and profound gratitude for all Jesus had done in order to obtain our salvation, she offered her life as one of redemptive suffering; that is, her suffering was offered as prayer for others. During the experience, she received a type of stigmata which manifested as a wound on her forehead such as one Jesus received from the crown of thorns. It caused great pain until her death in 1457. (An excellent explanation of this is found below.*) As for being designated as the saint of impossible causes, this ‘title’ originated with a request she made upon her deathbed: she asked a visiting relative to bring a rose from her family garden even though it was January and hardly the time for roses. Evidently, the relative found one rose in bloom in the snowy garden and brought it to her as requested. Hence, she was dubbed the patroness of the impossible.

Seven virtues

 With the seven deadly sins or vices there are seven corsponding opposite spritual virtues. The best way to counter any of the seven deadly sins is with the corsponding opposite spiritual virtue.

Use humility to fight pride

Charity to fight greed

Chastity fight lust

Kindness against envy

temperance against gluttony 

Patience against wrath

Deligence against sloth

𝟏𝟐 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

 𝟏𝟐 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚

𝟏. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬.

𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬.

𝟑. 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭.

𝟒. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.  

𝟓. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞.

𝟔. 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

𝟕. 𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥.

𝟖. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡.

𝟗. 𝐓𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬.

𝟏𝟎. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

𝟏𝟏. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬.

𝟏𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡.

“𝐓𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.  𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐬."

“𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬:

𝐚) 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬.

𝐛) 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫.”

Jesus said to Catalina: “I promise to the soul that visits Me frequently in this Sacrament of Love, that I will receive it affectionately together with all the Blessed and the Angels in Heaven, and that each of its visits will be written down in the Book of its Life

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 👆🏻 𝑴𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒔 𝗴𝗼 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗹. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄. 👇🏻

The NINE PROMISES of the HOLY SHOULDER WOUND OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOR

 The NINE PROMISES of the HOLY SHOULDER WOUND OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOR

Revealed Devotion to Marie-Julie Jahenny

(Mysticism approved in 1875).

******

Our Lord showed him this great and open wound and revealed its depth:

“The pain in the hearts of my children is incomprehensible!” "How this devotion pleases and comforts me, how often the prayers of these wounds have risen to my heart and have torn (opened) the way of salvation for souls entrusted to hell." (May 17, 1878)

(That is, devotion to the Holy Wound has saved souls from condemnation by giving thanks for salvation).

Promises and thanks revealed to Marie-Julie Jahenny for those who honor Her Sacred Shoulder Wound:

1 - "I will bless every soul that spreads this devotion: I will grant them abundant thanks." (March 29, 1878)

2 - "Oh souls that love Me, that spread this devotion, I take them under My protection, I keep them under the mantle of My affection." (March 29, 1878)

3 - "I will banish the darkness that will come to your heart." (December 28, 1877)

4 - "I will comfort you in your sorrows." "I will go in the midst of their greatest afflictions, to enlighten them, to comfort them." (February 8, 1878) (December 28, 1877, February 8, and April 12, 1878

5 - "I will go and bless them in their endeavors." (March 29, 1878)

6 - "I will give you tender love because of the Cross. I will go to help them in the hour of death, with this cross and I will introduce them to My Heavenly Kingdom." (April 12, 1878)

7 - "I will sweeten their agony." (December 28, 1877). "I will go to the hour of death. I will comfort you in your passage." (February 8, 1878).

"Especially at the hour of death, I will come to give you a sweet moment of calm and tranquility. I will say to you, 'Oh good Holy Spirit, who has spread this devotion knowing that I had so much in my heart to make it known, come and receive the reward of your labors, the fruit of blessing'". (March 29, 1878)

8 - "I will protect you, I will help you, I will comfort all souls who seek to spread this Sacred Wound. In the hour of death, I will console the souls who have compensated me with their devotion and compassion for the Wound so deep and painful. I will strengthen you in your last fears. I will go and prepare his passage: Thanks be to thee, which thou hast compensated me for my pains." (May 17, 1878)

9 - "Look," said Jesus, pointing out his Holy Wound with extreme tenderness, "all my children who have recognized this Wound, who have venerated it, prayed for it, will have a great and generous reward on the Last Day. I don't just show it, I pronounce it. My word is divine". (May 17, 1878)

:::::::::

It is reported in the annals of Clairvaux that St. Bernard asked Our Lord what was His greatest unrecorded suffering and Our Lord answered: "I had on My Shoulder, while I carried My Cross on the Way of Penalties, a grave wound, which was more painful than the others and that it is not registered by men. Honor this Wound with your devotion and I will grant you all that you ask through its virtue and merit. And as for all who will worship this Wound, I will forgive them all their mortal sins and I will no longer remember their mortal sins."

This revelation and promise of Our Dear Savior is another proof of His unlimited mercy. You are encouraged to say these prayers daily and to proclaim this prayer continually, so that others may share in this blessing.

Prayer to the Sacred Shoulder Wound-

"O Jesus loving, mable Lamb of God, I a miserable sinner, salute and adore the most sacred wound of your shoulder on which you carried your heavy cross, which so much tore your flesh and stripped your bones that inflicted you a greater anguish than any other wound of your Blessed body. I adore you, O Jesus most sorrowful; I praise and glorify you, and I thank you for this so holy and painful wound, pleading you for that excessive pain, and for the crushing burden of your heavy cross to be merciful to me, a sinner, to forgive me all my sins mortal and venomous, and may you lead me to heaven along the way of your cross. Amen".

FLEEING SIN:

 ✅FLEEING SIN:

There once lived a certain holy man in a community of great sinners. Fearing that he might be contaminated by the sinful life in his community, he fled to the wilderness where he decided to live entirely for God, devoting himself to constant prayer and austerity. 

While sleeping one night, a man appeared and woke him up saying. "The heaven where you desire to go is meant for as many people as have not existed on earth. Why now do you desire to go to heaven alone when you have the members of your community to convert? Behold, God to whom you desire to go stripped Himself off His majesty, came into the world, related with sinners and converted them through His examples. You too, can become a greater saint more than a hermit in the wilderness, if you, by relating with sinners in your community and neighbourhood convert them to God."

This story reveals to us the humility and mercy of God in the person of Jesus Christ who was in glory,  left everything, stripped himself of His Glory and became man(phil. 2:6-9 ) and at the same time teaching us to holdfast the work of salvation of souls which the Lord God have entrusted in our hands. Not attempting to save ourselves alone and declare "I don't care whatever my brother is doing, I am good to go"

The avoidance of sin doesn't necessarily require one to flee from relating with people and holiness of life without temptation leads to vainglory!

The reward of he who conquered the world and sin  through many struggles is greater than he who conquered through isolation(solitude)! One is rewarded in proportion to the sacrifices he has made and crosses borne ! The heavier the cross, the more the reward and vice versa.

While the life of silence and solitude catalyze spiritual growth, it is also required of us to bear the crosses offered to us by Christ in this life while still maintaining this important habit, isolation from noise!

The detachment Christ teaches us is the detachment of ourselves from everything created. It is to incline our lives completely to heaven and create a great contempt of the world. Living in this world as though we didn't live. Using the things of this world as though we didn't use them! 

In order to flee sin, we must create great horror and hatred  for sin! It is not to run away from people but to mingle with people sinful as they may be and still remain whom you are. Radiating the rays of holiness wherever you may be! 

One may ask, how about the monks, nuns and other religious who are as the case may be locked out of this world?

Yes ! the monks, hermits, nuns and many religious have chosen the path of isolation (solitude) owing to its successful impact on the soul, detaching from the world of distraction and fleeting pleasures to dedicate oneself completely to God in mental prayer and meditative life. Praying for the world and instituting many rules that would help everyone grow in holiness including those in the world. It is in the monasteries and convents that great mysteries have been revealed! Great theological writings were borne in the monasteries! Their life of prayer, sacrifice and austerity alone is a heavy cross! Still they cease not to go for missionary journey no matter how dangerous.

The main point we are to grasp here is that God has called us all to be holy and use our holiness to renew the face of this world! Be holy first and lead others to holiness! 

May the Lord help us as we meditate on this Amen 💖 🙏

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).