Some poor souls may only realize this when they "wake up" in the next life, finding out they were not at all what they believed themselves to be in this life....perhaps a good "checks all the boxes catholic", or a "works without real faith" type person, or even worse, an unbeliever who totally ignored God.....I sometimes wonder if God allows them "seek out" help before they make their "final choice". The thought of the panic they would experience is terrifying. Memento Mori (without dwelling on it in an unhealthy way) is very important, imho.
St Faustina tells us Jesus calls us 3 times before death in the hope the soul will turn to Him. So generous and merciful. Modern life seems designed to keep us from contemplating the four last things. How blessed we were--those of us who are that old--to begin our lives in the twilight of the Church. Before VII. To have had a sound Catholic education from nuns who believed fervently. To be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart. To make the 9 First Fridays at school. It was the strong Rock of Faith I was blessed to return to after running away like the Prodigal Son. I am sure Our Lord will be merciful to those who have never been taught the faith and have been relentlessly brainwashed in our schools. I am praying for it every day.
Thank you for this. It helped lift a bank of fog that's been hovering around for a very long time. My life started at the same time VII started; looking back now it's like seeing a gradual mudslide, slowly at first, but as it grew, carrying everything away.......Thank you, and all who pray for that intention; those prayers, imho, are a huge help for those who are in need ~
I dreamt again about the great war again as I have done many times before. I am always in the same city watching people run about like ants in an overturned ant heap. It always has a flash of light and an explosion in the distance. So much blood it is like a meat grinder. I saw a huge military helicopter hit the ground with much smoke. Worst of all I saw that the Government had taken complete control of everything and that everyone had to do the job they were given. Goodbye freedom, all in the name of fighting for freedom.
I managed a lovely three hour walk through the forest yesterday, the longest I have done in a long time. But I seem to be sleeping a lot better at the moment which makes all the difference. Managed to get all four rosaries in. The Rosary seems perfect for walking and the miles fly in. It is such a privilege and a joy to enter each mystery . Now at the dangers and joys of the Nativity. Here hearing the great bells ringing for the resurrection. Now walking with a bloody Jesus through the bitter streets to Calvary. The walking app said my walk was for those who are, 'very fit', which delighted me. I must be better than I thought . Last night , before sleeping, looking back on my day I regretted that I had not talked directly with Jesus. Loads of Meditaion. No talking. So I greeted Jesus no answer. Silence. I tried again. Jesus replied, 'I do my best talking in silence. The silence of a loving hug' This is true. There is no deeper prayer, no more intense communication than blessed silence But now and again I love to hear His blessed voice within
I counted up the little signs at Mass yesterday and there were many. A little fours year old girl who sung happily all though mass like a little song bird . A golden rosary some kind person had hung round the white marble statue of Mary. A Church light that randomly lit up the host at the elevation. An old countryman, praying like mad and looking like he struggled under the weight of a thousand crosses A kind Sacristan who took tine to talk for a while. Little Signs everywhere. But what good signs if we have no eyes to see them?
I just finished reading a book on Pope Pius xii. The last section was a detailed first hand description of his death , which was quite harrowing. The Doctors thought he basically worked himself to death. So sad he has never been declared a saint
When I was young his picture was everywhere. In those days married couples got the Apostolic Papal Blessing forever. He himsefcwas a mystic and a friend of mystics. For instance he it was who saved Padre Pio getting buried . A few months before he died Jesus came to him in a vision to comfort him. He told the nun who nursed him and she kissed the spot where Jesus stood. I still love him but find him so opposite to myself. He came from a rush upper class family. I came from a poor working class family. He was always holy. I am a very great sinner. He was an achiever. I am a total loss. He was a work horse. I am a day dreamer and naturally slothful . So many differences. But this love of love that he had makes us brothers
I understand. I am always amazed at the number of Catholics who gathered in St Peters to see him. And the hierarchy at that time!
His funeral was astonishing. Among other things the people of Rome credited him quite rightly from saving the city from allied bombing
