GARABANDAL AND THE "COMMUNION WITH THE DECEASED"
Sustained by prayer, the Communion of the Saints links the world of the living with that of the deceased in the one Church of God.
This profound dimension of Christian faith was lived intensely at San Sebatian de Garabandal where the villagers prayed for the deceased every day.
The ecstasies of November 2, 1961 and 1962 illustrate this bond with the "blessed souls of Purgatory" in a remarkable way. Led by the Blessed Virgin to the gates of the cemetery where, in ecstasy, they went regularly, the visionaries pushed their arms through the bars and held out their crucifix as if they were presenting it to be kissed by dozens of invisible people.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 116]
This excerpt reminds me of the story about St. Padre Pio, who had been praying for some soldiers who had died. The whole platoon, in spirit, visited him in thanksgiving for his prayers, after their release from Purgatory; they were on the way to Heaven! So here, Mother Mary is teaching us to pray for the dead. Just think about how many souls will be there to greet and thank you when you get to Heaven!!! It's so sad that many Christians don't pray for their deceased loved one's. What about you? They are begging us for our prayers because they can't help themselves, but they can offer prayers for you.
Roman Deacon
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please no anonymous comments. I require at least some way for people to address each other personally and courteously. Having some name or handle helps.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.