From Mark Mallett: A Continuing Meditation of the "Illumination" and "Great Sign"

The Seven Year Trial – Part V

Christ in Gethsemane, by Michael D. O’Brien

 

The Israelites did what displeases the Lord; the Lord gave them over for seven years into the hands of Midian. (Judges 6:1)

THIS writing examines the transition between the first and second half of the Seven Year Trial.

We have been following Jesus along His Passion, which is a pattern for the Church’s present and coming Great Trial. Furthermore, this series aligns His Passion to the Book of Revelation which is, on one of its many levels of symbolism, a High Mass being offered in Heaven: the representation of Christ’s Passion as both sacrifice and victory.

Jesus enters Jerusalem, preaching boldly, cleansing the temple, and seemingly winning over many souls. But at the same time, there are false prophets among them, confusing His identity in the minds of many, claiming that Jesus is just a prophet, and plotting His destruction. From what I can tell, it is three and a half days from the moment of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem until the Passover.
Then Jesus enters into the Upper Room.

THE LAST SUPPER
I believe one of the great graces which will be born of the Illumination and Great Sign, indeed the Woman clothed with the sun, is unity among the faithful—Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox (see The Coming Wedding). This remnant will unite themselves around the Holy Eucharist, inspired and enlightened by the Great Sign and its accompanying Eucharistic miracles. There will be a fervor, zeal, and power flowing from these Christians as in the days of Pentecost. It is precisely this unified worship of and witness to Jesus which draws out the wrath of the Dragon.

Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus. (Rev 12:17)

The faithful remnant unite in their own "last supper" before this Great Persecution. After the Seventh Seal is broken, St. John records part of this Liturgy in the Heavens:

Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne. The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel. (Rev 8:3-4)

It sounds like the Offertory—the offering of gifts. It is the remnant, the holy ones, offering themselves completely to God, even unto death. The angel is offering the "Eucharistic prayers" of the holy ones who are placing themselves upon the Heavenly altar to "complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body" (Col 1:24). This offering, though it will not convert Antichrist, may convert some of those who carry out the persecution. 

If the word has not converted, it will be blood that converts.  —POPE JOHN PAUL II, from poem, Stanislaw

The Church will repeat the words of Jesus who said at His Last Supper,

I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. (Mark 14:25)

And perhaps the faithful remnant will drink this new wine in the temporal kingdom during the Era of Peace.

THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE
The Garden of Gethsemane is the moment when the Church will fully comprehend that, despite her greatest efforts, the road which leads to Heaven is narrow and few are those who take it:

Because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. (John 15:19-20)

It will be clear to her that the world is about to turn against her en masse. But Christ will not abandon His Bride! We will be given the comfort of one another’s presence and prayers, the encouragement of seeing the sacrificial witness of others, the intercession of the Saints, the help of the Angels, the Blessed Mother, and the holy Rosary; also the inspiration of the Great Sign which remains and cannot be destroyed, the outpouring of the Spirit, and of course, the Holy Eucharist, wherever Masses can be said. The apostles of these days will be powerful, or rather, wonderfully empowered. I believe we will be given an interior joy as were the martyrs from St. Stephen, to Ignatius of Antioch, to the modern day souls who are continually offering their lives for Christ. These graces are all symbolized in the angel who came to Jesus in the Garden:

And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. (Luke 22:43)

It is then that "Judas" will betray the Church.  

THE RISE OF JUDAS
Judas is a prefigurement of  the Antichrist. Aside from calling Judas a "devil," Jesus addresses His betrayer with the same title that St. Paul used in describing the Antichrist:

I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled.  (John 17:12; cf. 2 Thess 2:3)

As I wrote in Part I, the Seven Year Trial or "Daniel’s week" begins with a peace agreement between Antichrist and "the many" at some point proximate to the Illumination. Some scholars suggest it is a peace agreement with Israel, though the text in New Testament times may suggest simply many nations.
During the first three and a half years of the Trial, the Antichrist ‘s plans will appear at first as amicable to all religions and peoples so as to delude the greatest number of souls, especially Christians. This is the torrent of deception that Satan spews at the Woman-Church:

The serpent, however, spewed a torrent of water out of his mouth after the woman to sweep her away with the current. (Rev 12:15)

This present and coming deception has been the repeated warning throughout my writings.

For even Antichrist, when he shall begin to come, shall not enter into the Church because he threatens. —St. Cyprian of Carthage, Church Father (died 258 A.D.), Against the Heretics, Epistle 54, n. 19

His speech was smoother than butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords… he violated his covenant. (Psalm 55:21, 20)

Just how prominent Antichrist will be during the first three and a half years, we don’t know. Perhaps his presence will be known, but somewhat in the background just as Judas remained in the background—until he betrayed Christ. Indeed, according to Daniel, the Antichrist suddenly steps forward and breaks his covenant halfway through the "week." 

Judas came and immediately went over to Jesus and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him… and [the disciples] left him and fled.  (Mark 14:41)

Daniel paints a picture of this Judas who slowly extends his power throughout the world until he claims global dominance. He rises out of the "ten horns" or "kings" which appeared on the Dragon—the New World Order.

Out of one of them came a little horn which kept growing toward the south, the east, and the glorious country. Its power extended to the host of heaven, so that it cast down to earth some of the host and some of the stars and trampled on them (cf. Rev 12:4). It boasted even against the prince of the host, from whom it removed the daily sacrifice, and whose sanctuary it cast down, as well as the host, while sin replaced the daily sacrifice. It cast truth to the ground, and was succeeding in its undertaking. (Dan 8:9-12)

Indeed, we will see the culmination of what we are experiencing now: that which is true will be called false, and that which is false will said to be truth. Along with the abolition of the Eucharist, it is this obscuration of Truth which also forms part of the Eclipse of the Son.

Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) 

THE GREAT SCATTERING
This Judas will suddenly change his platitudes from peacemaking to persecution.

The beast was given a mouth uttering proud boasts and blasphemies, and it was given authority to act for forty-two months. (Rev 13:5)

It is perhaps then that a most painful moment will arrive for the Church. Many mystics and Church Fathers speak of a time when, like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the shepherd of the Church, the Holy Father, will be struck. Perhaps this is central to the "final trial which will shake the faith of many believers" (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church 675) when the guiding voice of the Church on earth, the Pope, is temporarily silenced.

Jesus said to them, "This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed.’" (Matt 26:31)

I saw one of my successors taking to flight over the bodies of his brethren. He will take refuge in disguise somewhere; and after a short retirement [exile], he will die a cruel death. —POPE PIUS X (1835-1914), Antichrist and the End Times, Fr. Joseph Iannuzzi, P. 30

Persecution will burst out in its ugliest form. The flock will be scattered, like burning coals cast upon the earth:

Then the angel took the censer, filled it with burning coals from the altar, and hurled it down to the earth. There were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. The seven angels who were holding the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.  (Rev 8:5)

The Eye of the Storm will have passed, and the Great Storm will resume its final course with the thunder of justice resounding throughout the cosmos.

Then they will hand you over to persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. (Matt 24:9)

THE SCOURGING OF THE CHURCH 

God will permit great evil against the Church: Heretics and tyrants will come suddenly and unexpectedly; they will break into the Church while bishops, prelates and priests are asleep. They will enter Italy and lay Rome waste; they will burn down the churches and destroy everything. —Venerable Bartholome Holzhauser (1613-1658 A.D.), Apocalypsin, 1850; Catholic Prophecy

It has been handed over to the Gentiles, who will trample the holy city for forty-two months. (Rev 11:2)

The Mass will be abolished…

…half of the week he [Antichrist] shall cause sacrifice and offering to cease. (Dan 9:27)

… and abominations will enter her sanctuaries…

I saw enlightened Protestants, plans formed for the blending of religious creeds, the suppression of papal authority… I saw no Pope, but a bishop prostrate before the High Altar. In this vision I saw the church bombarded by other vessels… It was threatened on all sides… They built a large, extravagant church which was to embrace all creeds with equal rights… but in place of an altar were only abomination and desolation. Such was the new church to be… —Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824 A.D.), The Life and Revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerich, April 12th, 1820

Yet, God will be near His people as the last three and a half years of the Trial begin to unfold:

He will guard the footsteps of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall perish in the darkness. (1 Sam 2:9)

For the definitive moment of victory for the Church has also arrived, as well as the hour of justice for the world. And thus, the warning:

…woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born. (Matt 26:24) 

Speak to the world about My mercy… It is a sign for the end times. After it will come the Day of Justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fountain of My mercy.  —Divine Mercy in My Soul, Diary of St. Faustina, 848

Antichrist is not the final word. JESUS CHRIST is the definitive Word. And He will come to restore all things…

It is God’s task to bring about this happy hour and to make it known to all… When it does arrive, it will turn out to be a solemn hour, one big with consequences not only for the restoration of the Kingdom of Christ, but for the pacification of… the world.  —Pope Pius XI, Ubi Arcani dei Consilioi "On the Peace of Christ in his Kingdom"

Published in: DAILY JOURNAL, SEVEN YEAR TRIAL | on March 30th, 2010 | No Comments »

From Mark Mallett: A Continuing Meditation of "After the Illumination (Warning)"

The Seven Year Trial – Part IV

Seven years shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will. (Dan 4:22)

During Mass this past Passion Sunday, I sensed the Lord urging me to repost a portion of the Seven Year Trial where it essentially begins with the Passion of the Church. Once again, these meditations are the fruit of prayer in my own attempt to better understand the Church’s teaching that the Body of Christ will follow its Head through its own passion or "final trial," as the Catechism puts it (CCC, 677). Since the book of Revelation deals in part with this final trial, I have explored here a possible interpretation of St. John’s Apocalypse along the pattern of Christ’s Passion. The reader should keep in mind that these are my own personal reflections and not a definitive interpretation of Revelation, which is a book with several meanings and dimensions, not the least, an eschatological one. Many a good soul has fallen on the sharp cliffs of the Apocalypse. Nonetheless, I have felt the Lord compelling me to walk them in faith through this series, drawing together the Church’s teaching with mystical revelation and the authoritative voice of the Holy Fathers. I encourage the reader to exercise their own discernment, enlightened and guided, of course, by the Magisterium.

The series is based on the book of Daniel’s prophecy that there will be a "week" long trial for God’s people. The Book of Revelation seems to echo this where an antichrist appears for "three and a half years." Revelation is full of numbers and symbols which most often are symbolic. Seven may indicate perfection, whereas three and a half indicates a shortfall of perfection. It also symbolizes a "short" period of time. So, in reading this series, keep in mind that the numbers and figures used by St. John may only be symbolic. 

Rather than send an email to you when the remaining parts of this series are posted, I will just re-post the remaining parts, one per day, for the rest of this week. Simply return to this website each day this week, and watch and pray with me. It seems appropriate that we meditate not only on the Passion of Our Lord, but the coming Passion of His body, which appears to be drawing nearer and nearer…

THIS writing examines the rest of the first half of the Seven Year Trial, which begins at the proximate time of the Illumination.

FOLLOWING OUR MASTER 

Lord Jesus, you foretold that we would share in the persecutions that brought you to a violent death. The Church formed at the cost of your precious blood is even now conformed to your Passion; may it be transformed, now and eternally, by the power of your resurrection. —Psalm-prayer, Liturgy of the Hours, Vol III, p. 1213

We have followed Jesus from the Transfiguration to the city of Jerusalem where He is ultimately to be sentenced to death. Comparatively, this is the period we are living in now, where many souls are waking up to the glory that will come in the Era of Peace, but also to the Passion which precedes it.
Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem is analogous to a "universal" awakening, the Great Shaking, when through an Illumination of conscience, all will know that Jesus is the Son of God. Then they must choose to either worship or crucify Him—that is, to follow Him in His Church, or to reject her.

THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE

After Jesus entered Jerusalem, He cleansed the temple. 

Each of our bodies is "a temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 6:19). When the light of the Illumination comes into our souls, it will begin to scatter the darkness—a cleansing of our hearts. The Church is also a temple made up of "living stones," that is, each baptized Christian (1 Pet 2:5) built upon the foundation of the Apostles and the prophets. This corporate temple will be cleansed by Jesus as well:

For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God… (1 Peter 4:17)

After He cleansed the temple, Jesus preached so boldly that the people were "amazed" and "astonished at his teaching." So too will the remnant, led by the Holy Father, attract many souls to Christ through the power and authority of their preaching, which will be invigorated through an outpouring of the Spirit with the Illumination. It will be a time of healing, deliverance, and repentance. But not everyone will be attracted.
There were many authorities whose hearts were hardened and refused to accept Jesus’ teaching. He denounced these scribes and Pharisees, exposing them for the charlatans they were. So too will the Faithful be called upon to expose the lies of the false prophets, those within and without the Church—the New Age prophets and false messiahs—and warn them of the impending Day of Justice if they do not repent during this "silence" of the Seventh Seal: 

Silence in the presence of the Lord GOD! for near is the day of the LORD… near and very swiftly coming… a day of trumpet blasts… (Zep 1:7, 14-16)

It is possible that through a definitive statement, action, or response of the Holy Father, a clear line will be drawn in the sand, and those who refuse to stand with Christ and His Church will automatically be excommunicated—cleaned from the House.

I had another vision of the great tribulation… It seems to me that a concession was demanded from the clergy that could not be granted. I saw many older priests, especially one, who wept bitterly. A few younger ones were also weeping… It was as if people were splitting into two camps.  —Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824); The Life and Revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerich; message from April 12th, 1820.

In Judaic symbolism, "stars" often signified political or religious powers. The Cleansing of the Temple seems to occur during the time the Woman is giving birth to new souls through post-Illumination graces and evangelization:

She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon… Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. (Rev 12:2-4) 

This "third of the stars" has been interpreted as a third of the clergy or hierarchy. It is this Cleansing of the Temple which culminates in the Exorcism of the Dragon from the heavens (Rev 12:7). 

THE FIG TREE 
In Scripture, the fig tree is a symbol of Israel (or figuratively the Christian Church which is the new Israel.)  In the Gospel of Matthew, immediately after cleansing the temple, Jesus cursed a fig tree which had leaves but no fruit:

May no fruit ever come from you again. (Matt 21:19) 

With that, the tree began to wither.

My Father… takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. (John 15:1-2, 6)

The Cleansing of the Temple is the removal of all unfruitful, unrepentant, deceptive, and compromising branches in the Church (cf. Rev 3:16). They will be sifted, removed, and counted as one of the Beast’s own. They will fall under the curse which belongs to all those who have rejected the Truth:

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him. (John 3:36)

Therefore, God is sending them a deceiving power so that they may believe the lie, that all who have not believed the truth but have approved wrongdoing may be condemned. (2 Thess 2:11-12)

THE TIME OF THE MEASURING
St. John speaks directly of this sifting of the weeds from the wheat, which seems to take place particularly during the first half of the Seven Year Trial. It is also The Time of The Measuring, followed by the latter period when Antichrist will reign for 42 months.

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told: "Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there; but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample over the holy city for forty-two months. (Rev 11:1-2)

St. John is called to measure, not a building, but souls—those who worship at God’s altar in "spirit and truth," leaving aside those who don’t—the "outer court." We see this precise measuring alluded to elsewhere when the angels finish sealing "the foreheads of the servants of God" before judgment begins to fall:

I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the Israelites. (Rev 7:4)

Again, "Israel" is a symbol of the Church. It is significant that St. John leaves out the tribe of Dan, presumably because it fell into idolatry (Judges 17-18). For those who reject Jesus in this Time of Mercy, and instead put their trust in the New World Order and its pagan idolatry, will forfeit the seal of Christ. They will be stamped with the name or mark of the Beast "on their right hands or their foreheads" (Rev 13:16). 
It follows then that the number "144, 000" may be a reference to the "full number of Gentiles" since the measuring is to be precise:

a hardening has come upon Israel in part, until the full number of the Gentiles comes in, and thus all Israel will be saved… (Romans 11:25-26)

THE SEALING OF THE JEWS 
This measuring and marking likely includes the Jewish people as well. The reason being that they are a people who already belong to God, destined to receive His promise of a "time of refreshment." In his address to the Jews, St. Peter says:

Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away, and that the Lord may grant you times of refreshment and send you the Messiah already appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the times of universal restoration –- of which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. (Acts 3:1-21)

During the Seven Year Trial, God will preserve a remnant of the Jewish people destined for the "universal restoration" which begins, according to the Church Fathers, with an Era of Peace:

I have left for myself seven thousand men who have not knelt to Baal. So also at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. (Rom 11:4-5)

After seeing the 144, 000, St. John has a vision of a much greater multitude which could not be counted (cf. Rev 7:9). It is a vision of Heaven, and all those who repented and believed the Gospel, Jews and Gentiles. The key point here is to recognize that God is marking souls now and for a short time after the Illumination. Those who feel they can leave their lamps half-empty risk forfeiting their seat at the banquet table.

But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. (2 Tim 3:13)

THE FIRST 1260 DAYS 
I believe that the Church will be both embraced and persecuted during the first half of the Trial, though the persecution will not become outright bloody until Antichrist takes his throne. Many will be angry and hate the Church for standing her ground in the Truth, while others will love her for proclaiming the Truth which sets them free:

Although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet. (Matt 21:46) 

Just as they could not seem to arrest Him, so too the Church will not be conquered by the Dragon during the first 1260 days of the Seven Year Trial.

When the dragon saw that it had been thrown down to the earth, it pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle, so that she could fly to her place in the desert, where, far from the serpent, she was taken care of for a year, two years, and a half-year. (Rev 12:13-14)

But with the Great Apostasy in full bloom and the lines clearly drawn between God’s order and the New World Order which began with a peace agreement or "strong covenant" with the ten kings of Daniel whom Revelation also calls "the beast", the way will be prepared for the "man of lawlessness."

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him… Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition… (2 Thess 2: 1-3)

It is then that the Dragon gives his authority to the Beast, the Antichrist.

To it the dragon gave its own power and throne, along with great authority. (Rev 13:2)

The beast that rises up is the epitome of evil and falsehood, so that the full force of apostasy which it embodies can be cast into the fiery furnace.  —St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Church Father (140–202 A.D.); Adversus Haereses, 5, 29

When all this is considered there is good reason to fear… that there may be already in the world the “Son of Perdition” of whom the Apostle speaks. —POPE ST. PIUS X, Encylical, E Supremi, n.5

Thus will begin the final confrontation of the Church in this age, and the last half of the Seven Year Trial.

First published June 19th, 2008.

Published in: DAILY JOURNAL, SEVEN YEAR TRIAL | on March 29th, 2010 |

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 1961

THE DECEASED PADRE LUIS AND THE "SABBATINE PRIVILEGE."
THE SPIRITUAL PRESENCE OF ST. CLARE OF ASSISI ON THIS
DAY OF HER LITURGICAL FEAST

The Sabbatine Privilege, in its original form, was granted in the fourteenth century by the Blessed Virgin, after the grace of the Scapular to St. Simon Stock. The sixth General Superior of the Carmelites, who had just been chased away from the East by the Saracens, had begged Mary to help him. She then appeared to him promising him, at the same time as she gave him the gift of the Scapular, that every Carmelite wearing it would be spared the eternal fires.

As for the Sabbatine Privilege, it was broadened later by the Church, thanks to Pope Paul V (1605-1621). The Blessed Virgin promised that all those who had venerated her constantly and who had worn the Scapular with devotion would be withdrawn from Purgatory on the first
Saturday after their death.

At Garabandal, one finds indeed the figure of a small mountain on one side of the Scapular that Our Lady of Mount Carmel wears on her right arm. This mountain (the "Muhraka") symbolizes the confrontation that occurred on Mount Carmel between Elijah and Baal's false prophets. A cross is drawn on the other side: a clear indication of the divine source of that famous sacramental.

The Sabbatine Privilege was illustrated in a remarkable way on this August 12 at Garabandal. The four visionaries, as much in a state of ecstasy as in a normal state, had prayed a great deal after August 9, for the soul of the deceased Fr. Luis. They ceased to do so completely on this first Saturday after his death. The Blessed Virgin told the little girls that he was now in heaven. We know that Fr. Luis wore the scapular-medal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

As for St. Clare of Assisi, how not detect her "spiritual presence" at San Sebatian de Garabandal on this day of her "natale"? Several amazing events occurring as much during her life as soon after her death, offer, indeed, a clear analogy with some of the many phenomena registered on this August 12, 1961, in the village. For example, this one noted by Don Valentin Marichalar: ". . . The girls in ecstasy saw stars with long tails. . ." In the first case (charismatically speaking) as in the second (according to a theological reflection -- Canon J. Porro), people understood that this symbolized the Holy Spirit, known to have dwelt fully in St. Clare's soul while she lived.
[Excerpted from 'Garbandal' Book, page 88.]

 

Now you know why I have been wearing the Brown Scapular for the last 40 years and the only time I had to take it off was when I had an MRI exam and the technician insisted that everything had to go. As the old saying goes: "I wouldn't be caught dead without it!" When I tell people that Our Lady promised to take you out of Purgatory on the first Saturday after you die, if you wear and are enrolled in the Brown Scapular, I also say that I hope to die on a Saturday so that I can be taken right up!!!

I can tell you from personal experience how much I have changed from my "old self" to a "new man" through Our Lady's loving mantle of protection. She has guided and lead me in so many ways, especially to greater devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist! Each day when I wake up, I pray the Morning Offering, kissing my Scapular, and dedicating the entire day to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary. Sometimes, during the day, the scapular itches a little (it's made out of wool), and instantly I'm reminded of Our Blessed Mother and she keeps me on track.

Why not try it? There are many Catholic groups who will send you a free Brown Scapular, so if you want to wear Our Lady's Livery and receive many graces, why not get and wear one? Think about it!
Deacon John

TUESDAY 8 - WEDNESDAY 9 OF AUGUST, 1961

Before he died , Father Luis "saw the great Miracle"

Father Luis was buried at Ona, reserved for Jesuits

FATHER LUIS MARIA ANDREU SEES THE
BLESSED VIRGIN OF MOUNT CARMEL
AND THE FUTURE GREAT MIRACLE,
THEN BECOMING HIMSELF A
PROTAGONIST OF GARABANDAL

Father Luis Maria Andreu Rodmilans was born in 1925 in Bilbao, Spain. He entered the Jesuit Scholasticate, at Ona, in 1942; he was ordained to the priesthood in 1955, then he studied at Innsbruck, Rome, Geneva and Paris.

At the time of the Garabandal "events," the Andreu family was made up of six brothers. The eldest, Jose Maria, was married and lived in Madrid. Then came four priests, all of them Jesuits: Alejandro, a missionary in Venezuela; Ramon, [who has since died. Ed.] was a missionary in California in the South American community; Luis; and finally Marcelino, a missionary in Taiwan. Rafael is the youngest.

Father Luis came back to Garabandal for the third time, on the 8th of August 1961, in order to observe once more the ecstasies. On that day, the Pastor, Don Valentin, who had to go to Santander, entrusted him with the keys of the church. The Jesuit Father celebrated his Mass
in "an admirable manner," said those who had taken part. This was to be his last Mass.

In the evening of this Tuesday, and for the third time, the visionaries fell into ecstasy in the village church. When they came out of the church, they began a long ecstatic walk that Fr. Luis followed, from the beginning to the end, up to the Pines, where himself falling into ecstasy, the priest suddenly pronounced loudly the word "Miracle!", four times. His eyes fixed on heaven, he was granted to see the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, and also, by anticipation, the future great Miracle which is to take place at San Sebatian de Garabandal. This was a unique event, and we know that the Jesuit Father had penetrated into the visionaries' "range of vision." They would later describe him in these few words: "He was there, on his knees, beads of perspiration on his forehead, the Blessed Virgin looking at him. We had the impression that she was telling him: 'Within a short time, you will be near me'."

The ecstasy over, Padre Luis came down from the Pines and, with some of his friends, went down in a jeep to Cosio to await the arrival of some of the other persons with whom he had come, and who had preferred to walk back. It was about one in the morning. The Father was dozing in the vehicle when Don Valentin, who was just coming back to the village, joined him. Immediately, Luis spoke: "Don Valentin, what the children are saying is true! But I ask you not to repeat what I have just told you. For the Church will never be too prudent in such matters."

At about four in the morning, while they were driving on the road to Reinosa, Luis spoke to his friends: "I am filled with joy! What a favor the Blessed Virgin has granted me! How lucky we are to have such a Mother in heaven! We must not be afraid of the supernatural. The children have taught us how to speak to the Blessed Virgin. For me, there can be no doubt! Why did the Blessed Virgin choose us, yes, us? Today is the happiest day of my life!"

Then he became silent. There was a sigh. Fr. Luis' head fell forward. He was dead! He was 36 years old. Father Luis' involvement with Garabandal was far from being over. In fact, it was revealed to Conchita that "on the day following the future great Miracle, his body will be found just as he was, when he died!" [Incorrupt.]
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 84-87.]

Another amazing event regarding these apparitions of Our Blessed Mother. Imagine, here was a brilliant young priest professor, who had a wonderful career ahead of him, snatched out of this life to enter heaven! It's mind-boggling! But God's ways are not our ways . . . St. Paul said in (2 Cor 5:4) that he was "groaning for heaven" and "But we are confident and have a good will to be absent rather from the body and to be present with the Lord. " (2 Cor 5:8) But he realized that the Lord had other plans for him, like evangelizing the world outside of Israel, and then he would give his life in martyrdom and go to heaven.

How about us? Do we think about heaven? Are we ready to be snatched up? Remember that old hymn "Swing low, sweet chariot." Lets hope that we all have a beautiful vision of Jesus & Mary coming to escort us to the Father's House in Heaven, and not have to see the evil one before we die!

There's an old Irish saying: "May you have one foot in Heaven, even before the devil knows you're dead." So be it! Hope to see you all there . . .
Deacon John

Incredible Photo

 

Incredible Photo

INCREDIBLE PHOTO!An amazing picture became a message of faith in Spain . This was taken at the baptism of Valentino Mora, son of Erica, a single mom of 21 who asked the photographer to take a picture of her son for free.The photo of the baptism of Valentino Mora is sweeping the Internet, because at the time the priest pours the Holy water over his head, the water flows in the shape of a rosary (see photo above).This story began at the Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady in Cordova , Spain , where the baptism of a one month baby took place. At the time that Valentino came to the baptismal font for the sacrament of baptism, Erica asked the photographer Maria Silvana Salles, who was hired by other parents baptizing their babies, to take a photo of her son as a favor, since the young mother had no way of paying for it. The photographer, moved by Erica's request, agreed to take a photo of Valentino.Maria Silvana works with a traditional camera and had to send the film to be developed to a shop in Cordova. When she received the photos, she noticed with surprise that the water poured from the head of Valentino was a perfect rosary.The photo of the baptism of Valentino has awakened faith in the people of Cordova who come to the humble home of Erica and Valentino Mora to touch him.The truth is that this sign of faith has mobilized this town in Cordova, whose neighbors go to Maria Silvana's store to buy the picture as if it were a prayer card.

Posted by www.ingodscompany2.blogspot.com

The Prophecy at Rome - Part V

M A R K  M A L L E T T

–––S P I R I T U A L  F O O D  F O R  T H O U G H T–––

The Prophecy at Rome – Part V

 

EVENTS in the world are unfolding before our eyes that appear to be a fulfillment of many prophecies—including the prophecy given in 1975 before Pope Paul VI.

In Part V of the Prophecy at Rome, Jesus allegedly says that He will lead us into the desert… a place of temptation, testing, and purification. I explain when the Church entered into this trial and how it has brought the world to the Great Storm of our times unfolding before us.

Watch the video now: click here.

All Mark's writings can be found at:  Spiritual Food For Thought

Listen to Mark's music on his official website:  www.markmallett.com

Update: The Church's Position on Our Lady of Garabandal

For sometime, certain erroneous information has circulated the Internet claiming that the Church has ruled against the mystical occurrences in Garabandal, Spain which occurred during the 1960's.
Satan never sleeps.
A few years ago we published a piece to the group entitled (#218) Garabandal: The Church's Position.  Therein we explained that the mystical occurrences at Garabandal  have yet-to-be-approved by the Church as worthy of belief, meaning that they remain in the neutral category --- neither approved nor disapproved.
Recently in a personal letter to Mr. Edward Kelly, Archbishop Carlos Osoro Sierra not only reinforced the fact that Garabandal remains in the yet-to-be-approved category, but encouraged the Faithful to continue maintaining devotion to Our Lady of Garabandal.  An image of the letter, written in Spanish on the Archbishop's official stationery and signed by him together with an English translation, was published in the Special Edition of Garabandal Journal (1) (received January, 2008).  The entire English transcript is presented below for your discernment.

Response From the Archbishop of Oviedo, Carlos Osoro Sierra, Current Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Santander, to Edward Kelly of the United States Who Wrote to Him Regarding the Apparitions of Garabandal

May 7, 2007

Dear Edward, 
Acknowledging receipt of your kind letter presenting to me your assessment of the events at Garabandal, I want you to know that I am open to all information and to every consideration about Garabandal, and I want to continue in this manner, as long as the Holy Father sees fit for me to be Apostolic Administrator, what my brothers in the episcopacy have done regarding the subject in question.  What I have done now is authorize priests to go to Garabandal and celebrate Mass there at whatever hour they desire, and to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation to as many people who desire it there. 
I am sure that the next bishop will advance the studies of the Garabandal events so they may be examined more deeply with the results being sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome.
I respect the apparitions and have known of authentic conversions.  In light of these events, how can we not always feel the need to open our heart to our mother Mary to tell her that we need her protection, help, spirit, desire, faith, hope and love!  I encourage you to continue maintaining this devotion to our Mother. 
If your are interested in speaking with me, don't hesitate to ask for an audience at theSantander bishopric through the Vicar General.  There they can take down all your information and set the date and hour for the visit.
Hoping to count on your continued prayers and cooperation, I extend to you my most cordial greeting and give you my blessing.


/s/ Carlos, Archbishop of Oviedo
Apostolic Administrator of Santander

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1961:

THE "ECSTATIC WALKS"

For the same reason as for the "calls" and the "falls," the "ecstatic walks" are typical events of San Sebastian de Garabandal. Their purpose was to draw attention to the apparitions (ecstasies).

These walks were absolutely extraordinary; they consisted in the girls moving from place to place, sometimes at a very high speed. The visionaries, hand in hand, would move at a very rapid pace, without seeing anything of their itinerary. They did not stumble on the rocky roads they took, their eyes being fixed on the apparition guiding them. According to the children's explanations, they had the impression of being "settled comfortably" in a fixed position with respect to their vision.

Here two of the girls are walking backwards. They would proceed in this way up to the Pines. On the steep slope of this same calleja , the children walked on their knees, without ever bruising themselves or experiencing the slightest pain as they came in contact with the rocky surface of the land. During the walks, the children appeared to be moved by an interior force that made the witnesses unable to hold them back. The rapid pace of the visionaries could become a race . . .

A word about their "range of vision": the girls saw nothing but the Apparition herself.

In one scene, Loli was alone in ecstasy, coming out of Conchita's home. She suddenly falls on her knees making a sharp noise. A few moments later, eyes fixed on heaven, arms outstretched, the upper body leaning forward, the pace of the visionary becomes more intense. It seems that she hardly touches the ground, as if she had "wings on her feet." The other three are not in ecstasy, they follow with difficulty.

At the end of these ecstatic walks, while the witnesses, even the most athletic ones, are deadbeat, Loli, on her part, shows no signs of fatigue. She is simply a little pale, but gives the impression of being calm.

[Excerpted from "Garabandal" Book, pages 81-83.]

More amazing signs of the supernatural! The pictures are spectacular! If you want to see them, go tohttp://www.stjosephpublications.com/Default.htm There a whole lot of pictures will come up for you to view. 

Deacon John

Dr. Kelly Bowring

{Trib Times} THE ILLUMINATION OF THE SOUL -

Normally I don't post here anything other than items about Garabandal but this seems important as it ties in Garabandal and Medjugorje as something new to me. For your discernment:

NEWS: "Vatican sets up commission to study alleged apparitions at Medjugorje"

OPINION: "Vatican inquiry casts doubts on Bishop Peric's  position on Medjugorje" "THE ILLUMINATION OF THE SOUL - A MEDJUGORJE SECRET?BY WAYNE WEIBLE, March 18, 2010. During the season of Lent, a time to renew our spiritual life and to offer up gifts of love to our God, there is no better gift than to reflect on our souls as to where we presently stand in the light of God's judgment. For surely, with so many prophesized warnings given by saints, seers and prophets throughout the ages of an exact time when every living being will see their souls exactly as God sees it-that is, all the good and all the bad accumulated in a lifetime up to that point-it will occur. According to many related and recorded near-death experiences, this same grace happens at the moment of death or near-death; and, for those of us alive at the time when it occurs throughout the world to every living being, it will come without warning and we will experience the exact same grace. The difference is, we will have full, undeniable knowledge of the reality of God, and the free will choice to do something about it. This holy grace of revelation as to where we stand in the judgment of God has generally been called "The Warning" or "The Illumination of the soul." Whatever one wishes to call it, it only makes sense that it is also one of the ten secrets the Blessed Virgin Mary has given to the visionaries of Medjugorje. It can be further stated that it is conceivably one of the three warnings that will be given at Medjugorje after the apparitions cease to occur, to let the world know that this event is from God and that He is real. The first three secrets are in fact the warnings. Since it has been revealed by way of personal messages received by the visionaries in the early days of the apparitions what two of the warnings are-even if purposely ambiguous-this could conceivably be the other. The Illumination of the Soul will be like a spiritual x-ray that will reveal to each individual which path they are on: the path to damnation or the path to salvation. Man-kind will then have the free will to decide to follow the path to God or the path to Satan. Sadly, as the Blessed Virgin Mary has stated in her messages to various seers, some will still follow the path to damnation, even though they will know without doubt that God exists and that He loves every creature. The credibility of the Illumination of the Soul (or The Warning) comes from a number of supernatural events. It was foretold to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830 (at Rue du BAC in Paris, France place of the Miraculous medal), to St. Faustina Kowalska in the 1930s (Divine Mercy Kracow, Poland), and to the four young seers of Garabandal, Spain, to whom Our Lady appeared many times from 1961-1965. Other visionaries have since spoken of it and there is general agreement that, as a result of this happening, millions of sinners will repent and be restored to grace. With the nearly 29 years of daily apparitions at Medjugorje and the thousands of messages of calling for repentance now, the battle lines between good and evil are more clearly drawn than ever before. According to the visionaries of Garabandal, within one year of the Warning, or Illumination, a great miracle will occur in the skies over Garabandal involving a sign that they say can be seen and photographed but cannot be touched. The same has been related by the visionaries of Medjugorje. A permanent sign is to be left on Podbrdo Hill (Apparition Hill as we call it) where the apparitions of Medjugorje began. As at Garabandal, it can not be touched; does that mean it physically can not be touched or that it is forbidden to be touched? We do not know. This permanent sign, they say, is the third warning, or the third secret of Medjugorje. They go a step further to report that the Virgin stated that the first warning, or secret, will be a great upheaval somewhere in the world. Again, there is no revelation as to whether it will be geographic, political or something else. Regardless, if a soul is not converted to God by this time, it will be too late. With such knowledge given and verified so many times, our reaction based on faith and the confirmation of Medjugorje's messages, should be one of repentance. Repentance loosely defined is acknowledgment of not following the way of God as best we can. It can be interchanged with the words contriteness, regret and remorse. Thus, Lent is our time to closely reflect as to where we stand with God now, not waiting for that fearsome event of Illumination of the soul; and then, of course, to do something about it.According to a wide number of souls who have experienced near-death and have come so close to actual death, what they saw in their own judgments was so many little slights to others by word, thought and deed. These acts toward others appear to have great weight. Some of what we might consider to be the most trivial of things. As one woman who experienced near-death put it, she saw how every nice word or action created light that circled the world while each negative one did the opposite. A great Catholic theologian named Father Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange once wrote that "at the moment of separation the soul knows itself without medium, on all its merits and demerits. It sees its state without possibility of error, sees all that it has thought, desired, said, and done, both in good and evil." The entire past, he said, is seen "in a glance." That is precisely what those who have been declared dead but then miraculously revived have reported. As Our Lady has said so many times in her messages to us through Medjugorje, don't wait for the secrets before deciding to change and follow God. Do it now.Lent is the time to begin the change.May the peace, grace and love of Jesus be with each of us."    

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 1961

NEW ECSTATIC PHENOMENA

The swaying movements began on the 31st of July. They were to be the prelude of yet more striking manifestations: the ecstatic falls, a kind of slow and graceful collapse of the children until they were stretched out on the ground.
These falls occurred quite frequently. Every time they happened, the girls drew attention by their beauty, their grace and the modesty of their attitudes and expressions.
Spectators could not help but be inclined to admire and respect them. The visionaries were always dressed in a most decent way, their clothes covering them sometimes even in a sliding movement opposite to the natural direction of the fall.
Mari-Loli and Jacinta were the first to "inaugurate" this phenomenon; they would remain stretched out some ten minutes in this astonishing position.
Brigadier Secco heard Mari-Loli asking her Vision: "If you don't help me, I could not get up." Then she was seen extending her arm, and as if raised by a mysterious force, "she slowly rose to a sitting position."
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 75-77.]
Again, I've seen pictures and movies showing these falls and how the girls were piled up like sculptured forms, always dressed modestly and proper! God loves the virtues of purity and modesty, so Our Lady always glorified Him by helping the girls with these virtues. We should be so lucky! How many times have I seen men & women dressed indecently in church, and no one saying a word to them about proper attire in church. Sometimes it's the parents who bring their children scantly clad to Mass or even religious education. I pray for these people, so that they will realize the scandal they are causing. Please, dear Lord, may they wear their bathing suits, halters, topless gowns, see through clothes and short-shorts at the beach, instead of your Holy House!
Deacon John

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1961

THE CREED: A ONE, HOLY CATHOLIC,
APOSTOLIC AND . . . "ROMAN" CHURCH!

On this day, the girls in ecstasy recited the Creed, quite notably the Nicea-Constantinople one, for the first time apart from the rosary. This was a unique case in the public Marian apparitions, even in the whole history of apparitions. This particular performance would be repeated in twelve distinct and most relevant days the last of them significantly corresponding to the precise point of junction between the 1st and 2nd of November. Quite notable also is the strong biblical and ecclesial symbol of the number "12."

To this "profession of faith" always recited, it seems, in honor to the "Heart of Jesus" (al "Sagrado Corason"), the visionaries added an element of prime importance, of a truly prophetic nature, saying: "I believe in the one, holy, catholic, apostolic and Roman Church . . ."! The addition of these last words is most certainly linked to the future "reunification of the Churches" predicted at San Sebastian de Garabandal, and to which we will eventually return. Concerning this "addition" to the article of faith of the Church, . . . precisely about the Church, we must point out that, at a close examination, it did not reveal anything revolutionary: the "new" expression used by the visionaries in ecstasy was, in fact, only echoing the Ecumenical Councils of Trent and Vatican I, whose respective "professions of faith" had already included, in their own manner, the "addition": ". . .and Roman."

On this August 1, 1961, Feastday of the Holy Martyrs Maccabees, such a recitation of the Creed by the seers then in ecstasy was indeed remarkable: it was bringing together the believers of the Old and the New Covenants in a kind of joint celebration of their new common Faith. It also underscored the fact that they both belong to this one Redeemer's plan of universal salvation.

On this same day, during another ecstasy, Loli and Jacinta were also heard for the first time reciting the Ave Maria with this beautiful addition: "Holy Mary, Mother of God" 'and our Mother' pray for us . . .", an addition the Blessed Virgin asked the visionaries not to use before the Church allowed it, in clear distinction to the previous addition "and Roman Church"!
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 74.]

WOW! Talk about prophecies . . . Here is Our Lady teaching and proclaiming something that was already on the lips and in the hearts of the faithful! I always use the term 'Roman Catholic' when explaining to someone what Church I belong to. How about you?

One day I was in Manhattan looking for a church to attend Mass. I passed by a beautiful, Gothic one near Times Square. There was a noon Mass scheduled, so I went in. Inside was a beautiful altar with a tabernacle and vigil lamp but the church was empty. Then I found the Mass which was being celebrated in a side room. I entered and took a seat. As I listened to the prayers of the priest, it all sounded strange to me, so I asked the man next to me if this was a Catholic Mass. He said yes. I said "A Roman Catholic Mass?" He said, "No, Anglican!" I ran out of there, bewildered. I said to myself, "How did I make that mistake?" By the way, the name of the church was "St Mary, the Virgin." I learned the hard way, that there are many catholic churches out there, but not all are Roman or united with Rome.

As far as the change to the Hail Mary that Our Lady asked the girls to hold off saying, the popes have allowed some changes in the Rosary since these apparitions in the 60's: There is the Scriptural Rosary, where a verse of scripture relating to the Mystery is inserted between the ten Hail Marys; and another way to pray, which was approved by Pope Paul IV, is to add something about the Mystery during the Hail Mary. Here is an example I use most of the time: Second Sorrowful Mystery, the Scourging: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus (who was scourged for us).

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. This way of praying helps keep your mind on the Mystery that we are supposed to meditate about. It works great if you are driving and praying! 

Deacon John

New Video in Spanish

I just found this Spanish video, which seems to be a Travel-log! Check it out. If anyone can translate it for us, we will be happy to post it.

"THE CALLS"

Conchita is resting while awaiting for the last call . . .

MOST PARTICULAR AND TYPICAL PHENOMENA OF GARABANDAL

The "calls", "llamadas" in Spanish, began as early as July 2, 1961. They always preceded and announced the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, but not those of the Angel. The children would then experience, in three successive yet very distinct moments "a kind of interior voice," a kind of intimate summons, or 'mystical calls.'

A feeling of joy accompanies the first call. One or two hours later, the delight felt by the visionaries signaled the second call. "As if they had been guided," they would set out towards the site where the ecstasy was to take place. The third "llamada" gave them yet a more intense joy, which would increase until they would effectively fall into ecstasy a few minutes later.

Ecstasies occurred more and more frequently during the night, sometimes lasting until morning. This was to make them more discreet, but also because the symbol of night evokes the evil that men commit at that time. It then becomes necessary to double the efforts in prayer and supernatural enlightenment. Significant also is the fact that the ecstasies never occurred to the little girls when at school, or during liturgical ceremonies, more, even when carrying out domestic duties!

It happened almost every day that several apparitions would occur on the same day or evening, but never at school, or during the liturgical ceremonies. Only the first apparition was preceded by the three calls. At the end of the ecstasy, the Virgin directly announced her first visit to the visionaries: "In a moment I will come back," "At such an hour . . .," etc.

When the girls waited in the evening for an apparition that finally did not occur, they had to make up for lost sleep. On the other hand, they did not at all experience the need to make up for the sleep they lost during the vision.
[Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, pages 72, 73.]

These are some of the amazing mysteries that sets Garabandal in a class by itself. These "calls" were quite mysterious and sometimes the girls waited a long time before Our Lady appeared to them. I guess it was a sort of test of their endurance and faith. Imagine sitting up all night waiting for an apparition. I probably would have gone to bed and missed everything!

See how the Blessed Mother respected their everyday duties. She didn't bother them when they had to go to school or do chores. And when she kept them up late at night, or sometimes all night for an apparition, they weren't tired the next day and just continued on as if they had a good nights sleep! The girls never doubted the "llamadas", they insisted they were calls from God. They felt a mysterious joy and restfulness inside them, which grew stronger, as they awaited the apparition. And they tried to hide these feelings from those around them, even their family members. Sometimes they had to help each other arouse themselves in the wee hours of the morning to go out in the cold for the meeting with Our Blessed Mother. If this was not real, do you think they would have deprived themselves of sleep or go out into the cold, cold night. No way, Jose! All this little phenomena builds up the case for the authenticity of these apparitions at Garabandal! And there is a lot more as we shall see!

Deacon John