Angel of the Apocalypse

St. Vincent Ferrer “the Angel of the Apocalypse, flying through the heavens to announce the day of the Last Judgment, to evangelize the inhabitants of the earth."

The saint was given that title by Pope Pius II.  It's rather astonishing when you think about it.  St. Vincent gives the signs of the end of the world in his writings and homilies centuries ago, and the Pope seemingly approved.  Kinda, sorta.

It's very interesting to me, because we live in times similar to what St. Vincent forecast.  Cardinals and bishops and mystics and ordinary people all seem to have an apocalyptic sense, even expectation in our day.  More so than I ever recall.  Growing up, priests and nuns would say things like, 'of course the end of the world will not happen in our lifetime - except for each of us facing the time of our inevitable demise'.  Similarly, they felt martyrdom extremely unlikely and remote for us in the United States - and yet in our times there are more martyrs than in the first centuries of Christendom.  

I was thinking of these things at morning prayer today, and I was consoled, thinking how Christ has graciously willed us to share in his Passion in these times - even to death.  It thrilled me, actually.  Wanting to know him and him crucified, as St. Paul said, to have a share - hopefully - in his Resurrection.  Christ is alive!  Christus vivit!

The stars falling.

When we read that in Scripture we sometimes think it referred to the fall of the angels, or the dissolution of the universe at the end, but there is the other meaning, and it is presented by St. Vincent as a sign of Antichrist which precedes the end.  From NCRegister:

Third, “Stars shall fall from heaven,” Christ said (Matthew 24:29). Looking to Daniel (12:3), Vincent proves that refers to the masters, doctors, and licentiates in theology, some of whom “will fall from heaven, that is from the heights of the Faith (Daniel 11:36). Christ also permits this “because of the scandalous and wicked lives and the many sins” of some. - NCReg

It seems to me, be it in the sense of the end, or simply in the sense of a 'purgative dark night of faith' for the Church, that the fall of so many bishops, cardinals, priests, as well as the desertion of so many vocations to religious life since the Council is indeed a sign of something catastrophic, at the least a chastisement.  

In the same way, in the time of Antichrist, the Sun of justice will be obscured by the interposition of temporal goods and the wealth which Antichrist will bestow on the world, inasmuch as the brightness of faith in Jesus Christ and the glow of good lives will no longer shine among Christians. For, lest they should lose their dominion, temporal rulers, kings and princes will range themselves on the side of Antichrist. In like manner, prelates for fear of losing their dignities, and religious and priests to gain honors and riches, will forsake the Faith of Christ and adhere to Antichrist. Now he will be a veritable man, but so proud that, not only will he desire to have universal dominion in the whole world, but will even demand to be called a god, and will insist on receiving divine worship. - NCReg

Maybe it's just an eclipse?

Our times seem to be obscured by "clouds of temporal goods” - materialism.  In this atmosphere, it seems to me we have all been seduced by the world's slow stain, as John of the Cross wrote:  "Where does this poisonous harm fail to reach? And who fails to drink little or much from the golden chalice of the Babylonian woman of the Apocalypse? ...There is hardly anyone of high rank or low, saint or sinner, who does not drink of her wine, subjecting his heart somewhat."  Thus we need to beware the worldly allure, knowing 'there are many antichrists' in the world, seeking to “seduce the nations” and “peoples, that is, with gold and silver and honors.”

Finally, St. Vincent exhorts us:  “If therefore you do not wish to be deceived, now with all your hearts contemn and despise all earthly goods, and long for those of heaven, considering that the goods of this world are transitory and empty, while heavenly and celestial goods are eternal. In this way you will be strong.”  [...]  “place the whole of your faith and confidence in the name of Jesus Christ., and refuse to acknowledge any miracle unless it is worked in that same name; and so you will be strong against seduction.” - NCReg

At one time some religious attempted to discourage me in my devotion to St. Vincent, telling me he was antisemitic and no longer relevant.   In truth, he converted many thousands of Moors and Jews to the faith.  He may be more relevant today than he ever was in history.

St. Vincent Ferrer, pray for us.

Seeking affirmation and approval.

How can you believe, when you accept praise (affirmation and approval) from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? - John 5: 31-47

This is one of my favorite sayings of Jesus.  It is so revealing to me personally.  Over the years, my life, and I'm guessing the lives of many, seem to be controlled - to some extent - by our need for approval and acceptance.  It's not a bad thing in itself, it's a natural need - but it often leads to some objectively disordered behavior, and at times, accounts for the double lives some people lead.  (Not to mention social media addiction.)  Which gives rise to so many lies, deceptions, affectations, pretentiousness and so on.

So I try to remember this passage in the Gospel, and repeat it to myself often - as an examen.  

Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves ... -Philippians 2

Henry Karlson has a very good essay related to this, on Vainglory, I'll share an excerpt here:

Nothing is so quick to turn us away from the good than by seeking praise and honors for doing so, because once we become accustomed to accept such praise as signifying what is good and just, we will find ourselves malleable to the whims of what is temporarily popular. We shall change our ways, we shall change what we do, in order to continue to receive accolades from others. What could be more fickle than that? We might get what we desire, but we will find it is fleeting: the praise is momentary, while life continues on. We will find out that when we get such a reward that it does not satisfy us. When our fame dies down, we will have to do something once again to gain the attention of others ... - Vainglory

Something from the comment box.

A priest wrote it.

From the Doctor Angelicus:

Whether railing or reviling is always a mortal sin (II-II:72:2)

Words are injurious to other persons, not as sounds, but as signs, and this signification depends on the speaker’s inward intention. Hence, in sins of word, it seems that we ought to consider with what intention the words are uttered. Since then railing or reviling essentially denotes a dishonouring, if the intention of the utterer is to dishonour the other man, this is properly and essentially to give utterance to railing or reviling: and this is a mortal sin no less than theft or robbery, since a man loves his honour no less than his possessions. If, on the other hand, a man says to another a railing or reviling word, yet with the intention, not of dishonouring him, but rather perhaps of correcting him or with some like purpose, he utters a railing or reviling not formally and essentially, but accidentally and materially, in so far to wit as he says that which might be a railing or reviling. Hence this may be sometimes a venial sin, and sometimes without any sin at all. Nevertheless there is need of discretion in such matters, and one should use such words with moderation, because the railing might be so grave that being uttered inconsiderately it might dishonour the person against whom it is uttered. In such a case a man might commit a mortal sin, even though he did not intend to dishonour the other man: just as were a man incautiously to injure grievously another by striking him in fun, he would not be without blame.

I saw it here.

In blogging and on social media there is much sin.

Calling out the gossip mongers.

Miraculous Communion of St. Catherine, Beccafumi

A Correction.


Catholic in Brooklyn has a terrific post going after Church Militant, Mic'd Up, The Vortex for the recent coverage on homo-priests.

In January, Michael Voris did a Vortex episode entitled, "GET OUT!" in which he once again attacked the "homosexual and homosexual-friendly clergy" of the Catholic Church. He, as is his usual custom, wasted no time in condemning those he accuses: 

"These weak men, these weak leaders have absolutely no right to work out their psychological illnesses and depravities through the priesthood and episcopate.

And yes, they are depravities. For a man who is a practicing homosexual, or struggling with trying to explore his identity, to do that on the Church’s watch is beyond horrible." - Voris

Voris played his usual deceptive games by talking about "gay priests" while showing films of gay pride parades which have nothing to do with any Catholic priests. But it is a way of manipulating people into thinking that these priests he is accusing are right there in the parades. - Catholic in Brooklyn

The CinB article continues taking down the original presentation by Voris, including Voris' quote from Catherine of Siena on God's condemnation of homosexual acts and the fact that even the demons flee from the sight of such unnatural vice.  The author went beyond the famous passage from The Dialogue citing excerpts containing what God the Father went on to say concerning those who attack and denigrate His ministers who though they sin against nature, they remain His 'chosen, His anointed, stewards of the body and blood of His only-begotten Son'.  It's an awesome account.  I feel badly for not noting it myself, since it has been many years since I read The Dialogue myself.

Let the reader go here to read the entire post, I would just like to print one more excerpt which should give all of us pause ...

God the Father says that those engaged in the practice of persecuting priests and bishops "regardless of how good or evil they may be" actually puts them in service to the devil himself:

"This chain binds the persecutors of the blood one with the other, and as members bound up with the devil they have taken on the function of the devils. The devils make every effort to lead my creatures astray, to lure then away from grace and drag them down into the guilt of deadly sin so that others may share the evil that is in themselves. This is what such people do, neither more nor less. As the devil's members, they go about undermining the children of the bride of Christ, my only-begotten Son, undoing them from the bond of charity and binding them up in the wretched chain where they will be deprived of the fruit of the blood along with themselves.

The links of this chain are pride and self-importance along with the slavish fear that makes them lose grace rather than risk losing their temporal powers. So they fall into greater confusion than ever, since they have forfeited the honor of the blood. Their chain is welded with the seal of darkness, so that they do not recognize into what great trouble and wretchedness they have fallen and are making others fall. this is why they do not change their ways. They do not know themselves, but blind as they are, they take pride in their own spiritual and bodily ruin.

O dearest daughter, grieve without measure at the sight of such wretched blindness in those who, like you, have been washed in the blood, have nursed and been nourished with this blood at the breast of holy Church!  Now like rebels they have pulled away from that breast out of fear and under the pretext of correcting the faults of my ministers -- something I have forbidden them to do, for I do not want [my anointed ones] touched by them." - The Dialogue/Catholic in Brooklyn

A big thank you to Mary of Catholic in Brooklyn blog for following her conscience and offering this excellent post, inspiring all of us to examine our conscience and repent.

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O my God!  I am heartily sorry for having offended you, my God!  Forgive me for calling out the faults of others, especially your ministers, who have washed me numerous times in the precious blood of your only begotten Son.  Have mercy upon me a miserable sinner.  Lord Jesus Christ!  Son of God, have mercy upon me a sinner.

Sr. Lucia of Fatima, The Secrets, The Apocalypse ... and the need to know.

The sign.

"Let him who has ears heed the Spirit's word to the churches!"

In times of upheaval and turmoil, especially in times of war and revolution, we all search for meaning and understanding.  We look to Heaven, to God.  "An evil generation looks for a sign."  Our Lord said that in the Gospel, establishing for his hearers, and us, what that sign is:  The cross and resurrection.

 An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away. - Matthew 16:4

I think of that passage whenever I read articles trying to correlate  the signs of the times with Scripture and or private revelation and apparitions.  I do it myself.  Just the other day I searched to see what connections I could find between Islam and Our Lady - especially as it concerns Fatima.  Many of us already know Archbishop Sheen's hope for the conversion of Muslims through the influence of Our Lady of Fatima.  Likewise we know Fatima is the name of Mohammed's daughter and the village of Fatima was named after a Muslim convert by the same name.  That legend seems to be interchangeable with another one, which I won't take the time to spell out here.

Did Our Lady say anything about Islam?

As for the Blessed Virgin addressing Islam by name, the only instance I can find is based on a message from Medjugorje.  Although it is believed a Sufi mystic Hasan Shushud predicted the events at Medjugorje one year before the apparitions began.  Likewise Our Lady reportedly revealed:

Responding to the confusion of a Catholic priest over the cure of an Othodox child, Our Lady said: “Tell this priest, tell everyone, that it is you who are divided on earth. The Muslims and the Orthodox, for the same reason as Catholics, are equal before my Son and me. You are all my children. Certainly, all religions are not equal, but all men are equal before God, as St Paul says. It does not suffice to belong to the Catholic Church to be saved, but it is necessary to respect the commandments of God in following one’s conscience. 

“Those who are not Catholics, are no less creatures made in the image of God, and destined to rejoin someday, the House of the Father. Salvation is available to everyone, without exception. Only those who refuse God deliberately are condemned. To him who has been given little, little will be asked for. To whoever has been given much, very much will be required. It is God alone, in His infinite justice who determines the degree of responsibility and pronounces judgement.”(1984) Words from Heaven (Messages of Our Lady from Medjugorje)

This quote pretty much corresponds to things Pope Francis has been saying as well.  Note the clarification: "Certainly, all religions are not equal, but all men are equal before God."

That said, aside from the fact Our Lady has appeared in Muslim countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and so on, nothing supernatural seems to have been revealed warning of Muslim persecution against Christians.  Or at least I can find nothing specific.

The need to know.

We know what is happening throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Indonesia.  Radical Islam is persecuting Christians and other non-Muslims, putting them to death or in some cases actually enslaving captors, seeking ransoms, and so on - much like they did in Medieval times.  Hence, we do not need Heaven to tell us this is occurring in our midst.  If indeed this was 'predicted' or contained in any 'secrets' still awaiting revelation through a dubious locutionist or seer, it's a bit late.

Before Garabandal:  Ramona Olazábal 

Which brings me to my point.  In my searches, I came across a long history of dubious apparitions throughout the 20th century.  A few have characteristics quite similar to Garabandal and Medjugorje (neither of which have been confirmed as supernatural).  An alleged series of apparitions in 1931 took place not far from San Sebastian, a city near Garabandal.  The visionary was Ramona Olazábal and her visions began on the feast of Mt. Carmel, July 16, 1931 at Ezkioga, Spain.  The visions became popular and attracted crowds, but it was said they became corrupted by opportunistic Freemasons and were subsequently politicized.  The apparitions were later condemned.  You can read about them here.

In the 1930's and ever since, a rash of alleged apparitions have been reported in Europe and around the world.  To get a glimpse of the chronology of the many unapproved apparitions, go here.  It is an extraordinary record.  What it demonstrates for me is how ardently human nature seeks what is spiritual in and through supernatural signs and wonders.  It also points out how unreliable mystical phenomena can be, how it is subject to misinterpretation and interference from outside human influences, such as political agendas and monetary interests, in addition to diabolic manipulation.

We still search apocryphal literature and Scripture seeking a sign.  The Book of Revelation, part of the canonical apocrypha is often subject to multiple interpretations in order to discern 'where we are at' in our time as concerns war and chastisement and natural disasters.  In the Book of Revelation it is the spectacular signs and wonders which grab our attention and inspire our fantasies, getting our adrenaline pumping.  Unfortunately we can miss the essential call, or intended message, because we are too absorbed looking for signs of the chastisement instead.

Apparition site, Ezkioga, Spain 1931

"The part necessary for the people to know was already known since 1917."

This has never been more obvious than when it comes to the Fatima message.  The mysterious third secret has preoccupied many since 1960.  What horror did it foretell? What disaster?  What schism?  What terror?  Has the chastisement begun?  Hence every 'new' writing to emerge adds to the drama, the speculation of apocalypse now.  It attracts and stimulates the curiosity of many of us, even non-Catholics, neo-pagans, as well as occultists.  It is the spectacular which attracts us - we want a sign.

Like the message of Fatima, the essential part of the Book of Revelation is a call to faithfulness, a call to repentance - as well as a sign of hope, a promise of triumph.  The visions contained in the two first chapters spell out for us the need to repent and believe.  In the first two chapters, Our Lord calls the churches to repentance, ending each rebuke with the caution:

"Let him who has ears heed the Spirit's word to the churches!"

Yet so many of us focus upon the hidden secrets - the apocalyptic events - the action-scenes and drama.  Just as we do with apparitions and private revelation.  Just like we do with Fatima.

Yet Sr. Lucia, the one seer deputed by Heaven to spread the message and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, explained in her writings and before she died, it was not for me to interpret the meaning of the secret, but to relate the contents.  The Vatican archives affirms that.  Yet it seems this is not enough for the curious.

An anecdote from the writings of Sr. Lucia says it well:

Sr. Lucia explained that Our Lady told her in 1917 that part of the secret was not to be revealed until 1927; the threat of punishment was included in this part  When asked about the fact that this had not been published, she replied: "After all, this was not for the Bishop to publish since the communication had been made to the Pope.  The part necessary for the people to know was already known since 1917."

The authentic, approved messages from Heaven echo the Gospel:

"Repent and believe."

In other words, the part necessary for people to know was already known since the beginning of Christ's proclamation and Peter's confession of faith.

In the Gospels the word penance means a conversion of one's life, a turning away from sin, and a turning back to God. As Our Lady insisted at Fatima: "Men must amend their lives, and ask pardon for their sins. . . . They must no longer offend Our Lord, Who is already so much offended." The Fatima message is a call for men to give up sinful practices which grieve God and draw down His chastisements on the world, and to make reparation for them. Commenting on Our Lady's request for penance, Sr. Lucia wrote: "The part of the last apparition which has remained most deeply imprinted on my heart is the prayer of our heavenly Mother begging us not to offend any more Almighty God, Who is already so much offended." - Source

That is what we need to know.

Who funds ISIS? Where do they get their weapons?

I have read that the U.S. may have trained some of the militants who have joined ISIS.  It is a known fact we have sent lethal aid - that is, weapons to the so-called 'moderate' rebels in the fight against Assad of Syria.  Has ISIS grabbed any?  Does anyone really know?

I'm wondering who funds ISIS now?  Do friends of the United States support the 'rebels' - the terrorists?  I think we can figure out that answer.

“There’s a number of sources,” says David Axe, a freelance war reporter who knows a lot about weaponry. “ISIS, like all Syrian opposition groups,” he says, “enjoys a strong level of support from Turkey, from Qatar, from Saudi Arabia." 

The reason, says Axe, has to do with common interests. "What ISIS wants, to some extent, overlaps with what certain powerful people in some of these Gulf states want, which is, for lack of a better word, a 'Sunni-stan' — a homogeneous Sunni Muslim state in what is now Syria and Iraq.” Turkey, he adds, wants to see Syria's president out of power. - Source

Isn't that odd?   The United States wants to see Syria's president out of power as well.  As I pointed out - we have supported the Syrian rebels.  Were all of these rebels properly vetted?  Does our CIA really know who they are training or what happens to their allegiance after training?  How many of the 'favored' rebels went over to ISIS?  Whose weapons are they using?

Politicians and pundits can fight over the details, but the historians will have to be the ones to sort it all out.  What we know is that we wouldn't be in this situation if we had not gone after Saddam Hussein.  The second Iraq war was based upon lies - for one, we believed Iraq had WMD's.  I also believe President Bush was determined to avenge his dad, to finish the first war - which would also placate the Saudi Royal family.  We are beholden to the Saudis - who sat around enjoying themselves during the first Gulf war.  Likewise, Europe is beholden to Putin's Russia.  Our standard of living is dependent upon these entities for energy.  Of course I'm over simplifying all of this, but I'm doing so to explain why we have blood on our hands.  Why we too are responsible for the carnage throughout the Middle East.

"The world economic system inevitably promotes military conflict as a way to enrich the most powerful nations." - Pope Francis

Arms trade.  Oil.  Natural Gas.  World domination.  Religious fanaticism.  Whatever works, right?

Evidently German Bishops are asking for a prohibition of arms exports.  I hope the weapons brokers and nations listen.

Let us pray together the God of peace, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary: Grant us peace, O Lord, in our days, and render us artificers justice and peace. - Pope Francis

"Words cannot save us now, only the Passion of Christ..." - Edith Stein

"The Bush administration was 

very naïve about the consequences of war."

The story here.

Three days later ... Nagasaki

Three days after Hiroshima was incinerated, Nagasaki.

Every time I see the photo of the Japanese temple arch at Nagasaki I'm reminded of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, and the first 'capela' erected by the Carreira family to mark the spot of the apparitions.

Arch at Fatima.

Our Lady of Nagasaki.

Remains of statue of Our Lady after the bombing.

Pontifical Mass at Nagasaki, 1949.

The Pontifical Mass celebrated to mark 

four centuries of Christian faith in Japan 

took place within the ruins of a 

destroyed Catholic cathedral.

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Pray the rosary every day.

Penance, penance, penance.

"The penance which God now asks is this: the sacrifice which each person has to impose upon himself in order to lead a life of justice in the observance of his law. He wishes this way to be made known to souls with clearness, for many consider the word 'penance' to be great austerities, and not feeling the strength or generosity for such, become discouraged and remain in a life of tepidity and sin." - Sr. Lucia

Statue of Our Lady at Mozul, Iraq

Calling Cardinal Dolan a what?

Yesterday I checked out a link to a blog called Motley Monk. The author, a priest I know nothing about, linked to a another blogger who called Cardinal Dolan a "jackass". I was surprised that a priest would post such a derogatory quote.

A Protestant Allegory: The four evangelists stoning the pope, 

together with hypocrisy and avarice.

We who blog cannot avoid sin.

I've read too many other blog posts which make snide remarks about the Pope and what he says and does.  I've read posts which suggest the pope suffers from delusion, that he is ignorant, incompetent, and not Catholic.

There are of course a few Catholic priests who speak and write critical commentary against bishops, cardinals and the pope.  A couple go so far as to call out bishops (not their own) in the way these bishops deal with clerics who are under their obedience.

Yesterday I came across a comment on another blog asking the administrator of the blog to go after a novice in a particular religious order because of accusations from the candidate's past.  The commenter was suggesting the author devote a blog post exposing the man.

Such posts foment suspicion and mistrust and lack charity.

It seems to me many of us who blog may be Catholic - but I'm not at all sure we are always Christian.

At bottom there is always hidden pride at work when criticism of the Church adopts that tone of rancorous bitterness which today is already beginning to become a fashionable habit. Unfortunately it is accompanied only too often by a spiritual emptiness in which the specific nature of the Church as a whole is no longer seen, in which it is only regarded as a political instrument whose organization is felt to be pitiable or brutal, as the case may be, as if the real function of the Church did not lie beyond organization, in the comfort of the Word and of the sacraments which she provides in good and bad days alike. Those who really believe do not attribute too much importance to the struggle for the reform of ecclesiastical ritual. They live on what the Church always is; and if one wants to know what the Church really is one must go to them. For the Church is most present not where organizing, reforming and governing are going on but in those who simply believe and receive from her the gift of faith that is life to them." - Cardinal Ratzinger: "Introduction to Christianity." Holy, Yet Mingled with Sinners: The Church of the Pope Theologian

An Onion...

"You see, Alyosha," Grushenka turned to him with a nervous laugh. "I was boasting when I told Rakitin I had given away an onion, but it's not to boast I tell you about it. It's only a story, but it's a nice story. I used to hear it when I was a child from Matryona, my cook, who is still with me. It's like this. Once upon a time there was a peasant woman and a very wicked woman she was. And she died and did not leave a single good deed behind. The devils caught her and plunged her into the lake of fire. So her guardian angel stood and wondered what good deed of hers he could remember to tell to God; 'She once pulled up an onion in her garden,' said he, 'and gave it to a beggar woman.' And God answered: 'You take that onion then, hold it out to her in the lake, and let her take hold and be pulled out. And if you can pull her out of the lake, let her come to Paradise, but if the onion breaks, then the woman must stay where she is.' The angel ran to the woman and held out the onion to her. 'Come,' said he, 'catch hold and I'll pull you out.' he began cautiously pulling her out. He had just pulled her right out, when the other sinners in the lake, seeing how she was being drawn out, began catching hold of her so as to be pulled out with her. But she was a very wicked woman and she began kicking them. 'I'm to be pulled out, not you. It's my onion, not yours.' As soon as she said that, the onion broke. And the woman fell into the lake and she is burning there to this day. So the angel wept and went away. So that's the story, Alyosha; I know it by heart, for I am that wicked woman myself. I boasted to Rakitin that I had given away an onion, but to you I'll say: 'I've done nothing but give away one onion all my life, that's the only good deed I've done.' don't praise me, Alyosha, don't think me good, I am bad, I am a wicked woman and you make me ashamed if you praise me. Eh, I must confess everything. Listen, Alyosha. I was so anxious to get hold of you that I promised Rakitin twenty-five roubles if he would bring you to me. Stay, Rakitin, wait!" - Grushenka, Brothers Karamazov

Whatever you did to one of the least of these my brethren, you did to me. - Matt 25:40

I was in a hurry,
determined to get things done,
before going to pray...
then everything would be
out of my way -
after Mass, I could
return home and do as I please,
everything done...
but someone got in my way,
wanted my attention -
and I began kicking,
to get her to leave
me alone...