Talk Among the Prophets
7/1/09
{This is a collection of Catholic prophecies that I consider credible (with a few noted exceptions). It was written primarily for myself, to save me from having to track down all of the information I'd read every time I wanted to refer back to something. And, when the day comes that these are relevant enough to share with the world around me, it could be a useful (if lengthy) teaching aid. It took several months to compile.
You'd think that someone would have created a web page like this already, but I've yet to find it. Most websites are devoted to one particular prophecy, and even those are often incomplete or poorly organized. The ones that deal with more than one are generally summaries, quoting the original source here and there for emphasis, while simultaneously subjecting the reader to their own interpretation of the prophecy, sometimes without intending to.
My goal here is to provide as much of the original, unabridged source material as possible, organized and presented on one convenient page, for you to interpret for yourself. Short summaries are included at the beginning of each section, and an overall summary is below, for those who don't have the time or can't be bothered to read the whole thing. I interject sparsely to draw attention to things I think are worth noting (mostly in Fatima because of all the controversy), but I promise not to subject you to my admittedly flawed theories about any of these. Everything on this page with the exception of the opening summaries has been copied from other websites. My text is marked in blue and enclosed in {curly braces} (in case this is reproduced without color) for your ignoring pleasure.
I did not include a works cited page for 3 reasons. 1) I forgot to do one from the start and didn't feel like going back and trying to find all the pages I'd taken things from. 2) I don't think anybody will really care. 3) This is the Internet. Grab a significant string of words, put them in quotes, drop them into Google, and you'll get a list of all the websites that are reporting the same thing. For the prudent among you, my criteria for credibility is a combination of the purported origin of, the number of sites reporting, and the quality of the sites reporting a given fact. It's true that a lot of sites like these just parrot each other, and I kept that in mind, but in at least some instances you could tell by the more and less complete accounts they gave that they had each consulted the source material. Besides, unless you intend to scour the Internet for days and months to come up with basically the same thing I have here, you're just going to have to trust me.
My goal in sharing this is not to instill fear. If the idea that your life can suddenly and violently change at any time is new to you then you’ve been living with a false sense of security. Likewise I do not mean to inspire any kind of physical preparation for these events. It’s repeated in several of the prophecies that all we need do is repent, pray, and trust in the God who laughs at the plans of men. Rather, what I hope you take away from this is a reminder of the transience of this world. We’re all intellectually aware that our lives are finite and that the things we often treat as so important will seem silly from the perspective of eternity, but I don’t think we call that awareness into conscious reality often enough. The idea that the world as you know it is going to end in a perceptible amount of time tends to bring it out and helps us to reevaluate our priorities, to recognize the vanity of so much of our lives, and to renew a healthy detachment to them. It’s a good thing to do once and a while. But whatever this evokes from you I urge you to pray for wisdom and guidance as you read, that you might find what God wants to show you in bringing you to it.}
Executive Summary
-Within the lifetime of Conchita Gonzalez (this is strongly implied but not explicitly stated), born Feb 7, 1949, religion will be so persecuted by Communism that it will be very difficult to practice it anywhere in the world (or at least in Europe). Then there will come a day when time appears to freeze and God will show us our sins, the evil we've done and the good we've failed to do, leaving all with an intense, agonizing sorrow. "It is better to die than to suffer just five minutes of what is to happen to us." [Garabandal]
-A great chastisement, worse than a world war, worse than the great flood of Noah's time, is coming soon. [Everyone]
-A permanent, indestructible sign will be left at Garabandal that can be seen, photographed, televised, and touched, but not felt. It will appear clearly that it is something not of this world, but of God. [Garabandal]
-Within the lifetime of Fr. Petar Ljubicic (this is strongly implied but not explicitly stated), a visible, permanent, indestructible, supernatural sign will be left on the hill Podbrdo. [Medjugorje]
-The world will be enveloped in supernatural darkness for 3 days, during which demons will freely roam the earth. [Three Days Darkness]
-Fire will rain from the sky. [Garabandal, Akita, Three Days Darkness]
-A large portion of the human race will die, leaving survivors amidst desolation so great that they'll envy the dead. [Three Days Darkness, Akita]
-Afterward, the faithful will have a chance to start afresh. [Three days darkness]
-An age of peace will dawn and the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph. [Fatima, Medjugorje]
Contents
--15 quotes of Our Lady from Jacinta between December 1919 and February 1920
--Decisive Battle Between Our Lady and the Devil
--Excerpts from interviews with Jancinta
--Excerpts from an interview with Mirjana
--Some messages with prophetic implications
{The last 500 years or so may well come to be remembered as the Marian Age. Starting with Guadalupe in 1531, the Blessed Virgin has been appearing with progressively greater frequency and scope. More than half of all her Church approved apparitions have happened within the last 100 years. Unapproved apparitions in the last few decades are innumerable, and though most of those are probably fake some are surely real. Something big is stirring in heaven.
I've included the three that I consider to be the major ones: Fatima, Garabandal, and Medjugorje. Akita is also included because it's approved and verifies some of the other prophecies.}
{Fatima was a turning point in the history of Catholic apparitions. It predicted political events on a worldwide scale, conditioned them on our response, confirmed several traditional Catholic beliefs that were common but not part of the dogma, and included a miracle more grand in scale than anything since the Old Testament that was witnessed by over 70,000 people. It was the first of the big ones. Unfortunately, even though it's been approved by the Church, there's still a lot of controversy surrounding certain aspects.
I only used one source in compiling the below, www.fatima.org, and they're very bias. Normally I would just direct you there but, first of all, it's more of a historical archive or chronicle than an organized presentation; the relevant information is scattered across several redundant articles that take a while to comb through. Here I've cut and pasted various clips to form a coherent summary of the interesting points spanning the last 90 years. Secondly they have a tenancy to hyperbolize, and their editorial inserts are of a character that I find kind of annoying. I've cut some of the more irritating lines out. Their bias is Traditionalist (the webmaster refuses to attend anything but the Latin mass, though without calling the new one invalid), but remains loyal to the Church.
But while they're plainly presenting this information with an end in mind, they seem to be very meticulous in their fact checking. Their story of the apparitions, in any case, is beyond reproach. Everything else is subject to suspicion, particularly the transcripts of alleged private conversations, but they aren't as important, and if nothing else they paint a picture of what's still being discussed in relation to Fatima.}
Summary
{Many of the prophecies of Fatima have already come to pass, so for those who can't read the whole thing I'm limiting this to the ones that haven't yet (and, as they were conditional, might never)}
-“ ... I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to My Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If My requests are heeded, Russia will be converted and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated.”
-“In the end, My Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to Me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world. In Portugal, the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved, etc.”
-“Like the King of France they will repent of it, and they will do it, but it will be late. Russia will have already spread its errors in the world, provoking wars and persecutions against the Church. The Holy Father will have much to suffer.”
{If you're going to read the full text of any of these apparitions, read this one. It's the longest, but there's a lot of useful information about the workings of Heaven and instruction for our daily lives}
Pope Benedict XV Demands World Peace (May 5, 1917)
In 1917 the First World War was raging, without showing any sure sign of concluding peacefully. By this time the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XV, who had been in the diplomatic service of the Vatican, had exhausted all of the natural means in his power to bring about peace, but to no avail. Realizing the limited power of even Papal diplomacy, the tired and frail Pope turned to the Blessed Mother of God, through Whom all graces are dispensed. He urgently requested all Christians to beg the Virgin Mary to obtain peace in the world, and to solemnly entrust the task to Her alone.
The Pope wrote of his plea for peace in a letter dated May 5, 1917:
Our earnestly pleading voice, invoking the end of the vast conflict, the suicide of civilized Europe, was then and has remained ever since unheard. Indeed, it seemed that the dark tide of hatred grew higher and wider among the belligerent nations, and drew other countries into its frightful sweep, multiplying ruin and massacre. Nevertheless Our confidence was not lessened .... Since all graces which the Author of all good deigns to grant to the poor children of Adam, by a loving design of His Divine Providence are dispensed through the hands of the most holy Virgin, we wish that the petition of Her most afflicted children, more than ever in this terrible hour, may turn with lively confidence to the august Mother of God.
He wished the world to have recourse to the Heart of Jesus through the mediation of Mary, and he ordered that the invocation Queen of Peace, pray for us be permanently added to the Litany of Loreto. Then, confidently placing the peace of the world in Her hands, the Pope made another appeal:
To Mary, then, who is the Mother of Mercy and omnipotent by grace, let loving and devout appeal go up from every corner of the earth – from noble temples and tiniest chapels, from royal palaces and mansions of the rich as from the poorest hut – from blood-drenched plains and seas. Let it bear to Her the anguished cry of mothers and wives, the wailing of innocent little ones, the sighs of every generous heart: that Her most tender and benign solicitude may be moved and the peace we ask for be obtained for our agitated world.
The Blessed Mother responded quickly to this agonizing plea of the Pope and the Christian people. Only eight days later, at Fatima, the Virgin Mary came in response to the cries raised to Her from a warring world. She came to demonstrate Her maternal care for us, and that, as Mediatrix of all Graces, She alone can show us the way to peace. In order to grant this favor, though, She requires our cooperation. She requires that each one of us obey Her requests for prayer and penance, and that the Pope and bishops obey Her request for the Consecration of Russia.
Circumstances and Dialogue of the 1916 Apparitions
In the spring of 1916, three young Portuguese shepherds, Lucy dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, led their sheep to graze on a hill called the Cabeço. Rain began to fall, so the children found a place on the hillside to serve as a shelter. Even after the rain had passed and the sun had returned, the little shepherds spent the day at this spot, eating lunch, saying the Rosary and playing games. Lucy was then only nine years old, Francisco was eight, and Jacinta was six.
As they were playing, a strong wind suddenly blew, shaking the trees, and the children saw a figure approaching above the olive trees. Lucy described the figure as having "the appearance of a young man of fourteen or fifteen, whiter than snow, which the sun rendered transparent as if it were of crystal, and of great beauty. We were surprised and half absorbed. We did not say a word.
"While coming closer to us, the Angel said: ‘Do not fear! I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me.’ And kneeling on the earth, he bent his forehead to the ground. Prompted by a supernatural movement, we imitated him and repeated the words which we heard him pronounce: ‘My God, I believe in Thee, I adore Thee, I hope in Thee and I love Thee. I ask pardon for all those who do not believe in Thee, do not adore Thee, do not hope in Thee and do not love Thee.’
"Having repeated that prayer three times, he got up again and said to us: ‘Pray in this way. The Hearts of Jesus and Mary are attentive to the voice of your supplications.’ And he disappeared."
Lucy recalled, "The supernatural atmosphere which enveloped us was so intense that, during a long moment, we barely realized the fact of our own existence. We remained in the position in which the Angel had left us, always repeating the same prayer. The presence of God made itself felt in such an intense and intimate manner, that we did not dare even to speak any longer among ourselves. The next day, we still felt our spirit enveloped in this atmosphere which only disappeared very slowly."
The Angel of Peace had come to speak to the children, to infuse them with this extraordinary grace through which they were penetrated with the Divine Presence, and to demonstrate to them the attitude, posture and fervor with which to pray to God. Interestingly, during the apparition Francisco could not hear the words of the Angel, and had to be told what was said afterward; this would be the case for all of the other apparitions as well. After some time the three little shepherds recovered their physical strength and playfulness.
The second apparition of the Angel took place during the summer of 1916. While the children were playing around their favorite well, the Angel suddenly appeared. "What are you doing?" he asked. "Pray, pray a great deal! The Holy Hearts of Jesus and Mary have designs of mercy on you. Offer unceasingly prayers and sacrifice yourselves to the Most High."
Lucy asked the Angel how they were to make sacrifices.
The Angel replied, "Make of everything you can a sacrifice and offer it to God as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and in supplication for the conversion of sinners. In this way, you will draw peace upon your country. I am its Guardian Angel, the Angel of Portugal. Above all, accept and bear with submission the sufferings which the Lord will send you."
Lucy comments, "Those words of the Angel engraved themselves in our spirit, as a light which made us understand Who God is, how much He loves us and wants to be loved by us, the value of sacrifice and how pleasing it is to Him, and that out of respect for it, God converts sinners." The dominant theme in this second apparition of the Angel was the importance of making offerings to God through every possible action and sacrifice, even the smallest, and of making the offerings with special intentions, especially for the conversion of sinners.
In the autumn of the same year, the children took their sheep to the same place where the first apparition took place. There in the blessed place of the Cabeço, they were reciting the prayer the Angel had taught them when above them an unknown light appeared. Lucy relates, "We got up again to see what was happening, and we saw the Angel again, who had in his left hand a Chalice over which was suspended a Host, from which some drops of Blood fell into the Chalice."
Leaving the Chalice and the Host suspended in the air, he prostrated himself down to the earth near the children and repeated three times this prayer:
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I adore You profoundly, and I offer You the Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences by which He, Himself is offended. And I draw upon the infinite merits of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that You might convert poor sinners.
Then, getting up, the Angel took the Chalice and Host. He gave Lucy the Sacred Host on the tongue. Then while giving the Precious Blood from the Chalice to Francisco and Jacinta, he said:
"Eat and drink the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, horribly outraged by ungrateful men. Make reparation for their crimes and console your God." Then, prostrating himself on the ground he repeated with the children three times the same prayer: Most Holy Trinity, etc., and disappeared.
This final apparition of the Angel was clearly the summit of the three, as the children were graced to see the Precious Blood of Our Lord fall from the Sacred Host into the Chalice, and then receive Holy Communion from the hands of the Angel.
Again, the need for converting poor sinners was a theme in this final apparition of the Angel. The prayer repeated by the Angel demonstrates that through our prayers, united with the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, sinners can be converted. Our prayers and sacrifices alone amount to very little; but when they are united to the merits of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, they become infinitely valuable. Also emphasized was the need for reparation for the sins committed against God, by which He is constantly hurt and seeking consolation. In addition, the way the children received Holy Communion is particularly instructive for our time: they received Communion in the kneeling position, and the Sacred Host was given on the tongue.
Circumstances and Dialogue of the 1917 Apparitions
May 13, 1917
By May of 1917 several months had passed since the final apparition of the Angel to the three children. They had continued their task of shepherding their flocks, and had resumed their former vivaciousness and playfulness. On the thirteenth of May, after Sunday morning Mass, they chose to lead their sheep to a property of Lucy’s parents called Cova da Iria. After eating their meal at noon and praying the Rosary, the children began to play. Suddenly they saw a kind of lightning, making them believe that a storm was approaching, and they began to descend the hill to make for home.
When about halfway down the slope there was another flash of light, and a Lady appeared above a holm-oak tree. Lucy says that the Lady was "all dressed in white, more brilliant than the sun, radiating a light clearer and more intense than a crystal glass filled with clear water pierced by the most burning rays of the sun." The children stopped and found themselves in the light that emanated from Her.
Lucy describes the apparition in this way:
Then Our Lady said to us: ‘Do not be afraid. I will do you no harm.’
‘Where is Your Grace from?’ I asked Her.
‘I am of Heaven.’
‘What does Your Grace want of me?’
‘I have come to ask you to come here for six months in succession, on the 13th day, at this same hour. Later on, I will tell you who I am and what I want. Afterwards, I will return here yet a seventh time.’
‘Shall I go to Heaven too?’
‘Yes, you will.’
‘And Jacinta?’
‘Also.’
‘And Francisco?’
‘Also, but he will have to say many Rosaries.’
I remembered then to ask about two girls who had died recently. They were friends of mine and they used to come to my home to learn weaving with my eldest sister.
‘Is Maria das Neves already in Heaven?’
‘Yes, she is.’
It seems to me that she was about sixteen years old.
‘And Amelia?’
‘She will be in Purgatory until the end of the world.’
It seems to me that she must have been between eighteen and twenty years old.
‘Are you willing to offer yourselves to God to bear all the sufferings He wants to send you, as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and for the conversion of sinners?’
‘Yes, we are willing.’
‘You are then going to have much to suffer, but the grace of God will be your comfort.’
It was in pronouncing those last words (the grace of God, etc.) that Our Lady opened Her hands for the first time, and communicated to us, as by a reflection which emanated from them, a light so intense that, penetrating our heart and even to the depths of our soul, it made us see ourselves in God, Who was this light, more clearly than we see ourselves in the best mirrors.
Then, moved by an interior impulse which was communicated to us, we fell on our knees and said repeatedly: ‘O Most Holy Trinity, I adore Thee. My God, my God, I love Thee in the Most Holy Sacrament.’
The first moments passed, and Our Lady added:
‘Recite the Rosary every day in order to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war.’
‘Can You tell me whether the war will still last a long time, or if it will soon end?’
‘I cannot tell you yet, as I have not yet told you what I want.’
Then She began to rise serenely, going up towards the east until She disappeared in the immensity of the sky.
During the apparitions, each child’s part was distinct: Lucy was the only one who spoke to Our Lady; Jacinta saw and heard Her but did not speak; and Francisco saw Her but could not hear Her, and had to be told afterward what She said.
In the Divine light that had shone forth from Our Lady’s hands in this apparition, the most profound impression the children received, especially Francisco, was the sadness of God. In fact, consoling the sadness of God would afterward become Francisco’s particular vocation. The children understood that God is very much offended by the sins of humanity. Another important theme that would be reaffirmed in each apparition was the necessity and power of the Rosary. Our Lady always held a Rosary in Her hands when She appeared, and in each apparition reminded the children to say the Rosary to obtain peace.
Lucy explains the experience: "The apparition of Our Lady came once again to plunge us into the supernatural, but in a much milder manner [than the apparitions of the Angel]. Instead of this annihilation in the Divine Presence, which prostrated us, even physically, this last apparition left us a peace, an expansive joy which prevented us from speaking afterwards about what had happened."
Since Our Lady did not ask them to make known what they had been told, the children decided that it would be best to remain silent about the apparition. Little Jacinta, however, could not contain her joy for long and, prompted by a special grace, immediately gave an enthusiastic account of the apparition to her parents. As a result, the news spread quickly.
June 13, 1917
The children went to the Cova da Iria on June 13 as they had promised Our Lady, even though it meant missing all of the festivities for the Feast of St. Anthony, who was Patron Saint of their parish and of Portugal. When they arrived at the Cova that morning there were already several dozen people gathered there, mostly from the neighboring hamlets, where word of the apparition had spread.
By noon the number of spectators had risen to about fifty. The crowd had just finished praying the Rosary when Lucy cried out, "There is the lightning! ... Our Lady is arriving!" The crowd saw neither the lightning nor Our Lady, but one witness observed that "the branches of the tree gave way on all sides, as if the weight of Our Lady had really been supported on them." This observation demonstrates that Our Lady was in fact physically present, in Her glorified body, and that the children were not merely "seeing" a vision of questionable authenticity. Others present related that they had heard something like the sound of a very light voice, though they could not make out what was being said. Also observed was that the bright noontime sun had dimmed considerably.
Lucy gives an account of the second apparition of Our Lady in her Fourth Memoir:
... we saw Our Lady, on the holm-oak, just as in the month of May.
‘What does Your Grace want of me?’ I asked.
‘I wish you to come here on the 13th of next month, to pray the Rosary every day, and to learn how to read. Later I will tell you what I want.’
I asked for the cure of a sick person.
‘If he is converted, he will be cured within the year.’
‘I would like to ask You to take us to Heaven.’
‘Yes, I will take Jacinta and Francisco soon, but you, Lucy, are to stay here some time longer. Jesus wishes to make use of you in order to make Me known and loved. He wishes to establish in the world devotion to My Immaculate Heart. To whoever embraces this devotion, I promise salvation; those souls will be cherished by God, as flowers placed by Me to adorn His throne.’
‘Am I to stay here alone?’ I asked painfully.
‘No, My daughter. Are you suffering a great deal? Do not lose heart, I will never forsake you! My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.’
It was at the moment when She pronounced those last words that She opened Her hands and communicated to us, for the second time, the reflection of that immense light. In it we saw ourselves as submerged in God. Jacinta and Francisco appeared to be in the part of that light which elevated itself to Heaven, and I in the part which spread itself on the earth.
In the palm of the right hand of Our Lady there was a Heart, surrounded by thorns which seemed to pierce it. We understood that it was the Immaculate Heart of Mary, outraged by the sins of humanity, which demanded reparation.
Then, as Our Lady left them, the crowd heard a sound like a firecracker in the distance. Lucy rose quickly and pointing, cried, "See, She is going, She is going!" The crowd did not see Her, but did note a small cloud that rose from above the tree and, moving toward the east, gradually disappeared. The holm-oak tree, on which Our Lady had stood, had its branches bent slightly toward the east.
In this apparition Our Lady had once again conveyed to them the reflection of that Divine light, through which they were given a special knowledge of and increased love for the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Lucy writes,
It seems to me that on that day, that reflection of light had as a principal goal to instill in us a knowledge and a special love towards the Immaculate Heart of Mary; in the same way as the other two times, it had that same goal, but with respect to God and to the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Since that day, we felt in our hearts a more ardent love for the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
July 13, 1917
The third apparition brought to the Cova da Iria a crowd of 5,000 people. Lucy led the Rosary and the crowd answered. At noon she rose and looked toward the east, crying, "Close the umbrellas! Close the umbrellas! (They used umbrellas to protect themselves from the intense noontime sun) ... Our Lady is arriving!"
The apparition then began in the usual way, with a flash of something like lightning and the appearance of Our Lady atop the holm-oak. Lucy relates the apparition in her memoirs:
‘What does Your Grace want of me?’ I asked.
‘I want you to come here on the 13th of next month, to continue reciting the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, in order to obtain peace in the world and the end of the war, because only She can help you.’
‘I should like to ask You to tell us who You are, and to work a miracle so that everyone will believe that Your Grace is appearing to us.’
‘Continue to come here every month. In October, I will say who I am and what I want, and I will perform a miracle so that all might see and believe.’
Here I made some requests which I do not remember. What I do remember, is that Our Lady said it was necessary to say the Rosary in order to obtain these graces throughout the year.
Our Lady continued: ‘Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say often to Jesus, especially whenever you make a sacrifice: O Jesus, it is for love of Thee, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’
As Our Lady spoke these last words, She opened Her hands once more, as She had done during the two previous months. The rays of light seemed to penetrate the earth, and we saw as it were a sea of fire. Plunged in this fire were demons and souls in human form, like transparent burning embers, all blackened or burnished bronze, floating about in the conflagration, now raised into the air by the flames that issued from within themselves together with great clouds of smoke, now falling back on every side like sparks in huge fires, without weight or equilibrium, amid shrieks and groans of pain and despair, which horrified us and made us tremble with fear. (It must have been this sight which caused me to cry out, as people say they heard me). The demons could be distinguished by their terrifying and repellent likeness to frightful and unknown animals, black and transparent like burning coals. That vision lasted only a moment, thanks to our good Mother of Heaven, Who, at the first apparition, had promised to bring us to Heaven. Without that, I think we would have died of terror and fear.
Terrified and as if to plead for succor, we looked up at Our Lady, who said to us, so kindly and so sadly:
‘You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to My Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace. The war is going to end; but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the reign of Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the great sign given you by God that He is about to punish the world for its crimes by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and of the Holy Father.
‘To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to My Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If My requests are heeded, Russia will be converted and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated. In the end, My Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to Me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world. In Portugal, the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved, etc. Do not tell this to anybody. Francisco, yes, you may tell him.
‘When you pray the Rosary, say after each mystery: O my Jesus, forgive us, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who are most in need.’
After this, there was a moment of silence, and then I asked, ‘Is there anything more that You want of me?’
‘No, I do not want anything more of you today.’
Then, as before, Our Lady began to ascend towards the east, until She finally disappeared.
In the cycle of the apparitions, the apparition of July 13 is decidedly the most important. It was in this third apparition of Our Lady that the Secret was given to the seers. Also, the announcement of the October miracle was made for the first time, clearly indicating its date, time and place. Our Lady would reiterate the coming miracle in the August and September apparitions as well.
August 13 & 19, 1917
On August 13, between 10,000 and 20,000 people gathered at the Cova da Iria to await the arrival of Our Lady. The three little seers, however, were not present. The administrator of the district, Artur de Oliveira Santos, a prominent Freemason, had imprisoned the children on August 13, and for two days he used many means, including the threat of boiling them in oil, to pry from them either the Secret itself, or a confession that they were lying. Courageously the children refused to betray their confidence and remained steadfast under every tactic used. In fact, believing that they were soon to be killed, they were full of joy at the thought of soon being in Heaven. This willingness to suffer martyrdom is another proof of the truthfulness of the Message. Realizing that he was getting nowhere, after two days the administrator released the children.
While the seers were being held on August 13, Our Lady still came to the Cova da Iria and manifested Her presence to the large crowd. One faithful woman described the scene:
The clap of thunder was more or less similar to that of the preceding time. Some say that it came from the road, others from the holm-oak …. It seemed to me that it came from very far. Everyone kept quiet, frightened .... At the clap of thunder there followed lightning, and at once we began to notice a small cloud, very pretty, white in color, very light, which hovered some moments over the holm-oak, then rose towards the sky, and disappeared in the atmosphere.
While looking around us, we observed a strange thing, which we had already seen the previous time, and which we were going to see again in the future. The faces of the people had all the colors of the rainbow: pink, red, blue ... The trees did not appear to have branches and leaves but only flowers; everything seemed laden with flowers, and every leaf appeared to be a flower. The ground was covered with squares of different colors. Clothes were also of every color of the rainbow.
On the afternoon of August 19, Lucy and Francisco, accompanied by Francisco’s older brother John, went to put their sheep to pasture. This is the account that Sister Lucy gave of what occurred:
I felt that something supernatural was approaching and enveloping us. Suspecting that Our Lady was going to appear to us, and feeling sorry that Jacinta would not be there to see Her, we asked her brother John to go and get her.
However John wished to stay and see Our Lady. Lucy, therefore, gave John one coin to fetch Jacinta, and promised him another when he brought her back. While he ran to get her, Lucy and Francisco saw the characteristic flash of light, and just as Jacinta arrived, Our Lady appeared above a holm-oak tree. Lucy’s account continues:
[Lucy asked:] ‘What does Your Grace want from me?’
‘I want you to continue going to the Cova da Iria on the 13th, that you continue praying the Rosary every day. On the last month, I will perform a miracle so that all may believe. If they had not taken you to the town, the miracle would have been greater. Saint Joseph will come with the Child Jesus, to give peace to the world. Our Lord will come to bless the people. Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Sorrows will come also.’
‘What do You want them to do with the money the people leave at the Cova da Iria?’
‘Have two litters made. You will carry one with Jacinta and two other girls dressed in white; the other one Francisco is to carry, with three boys, like him, dressed in white. It will be for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. What is left over will help towards the construction of a chapel that is to be built.’
‘I should like to ask You to cure some sick persons.’
‘Yes, I will cure some of them during the year.’
Then looking more sad, Our Lady said: ‘Pray, pray very much, and make sacrifices for sinners, for many souls go to Hell because they have no one to make sacrifices and pray for them.’
As usual, Our Lady began to ascend towards the east.
After the apparition of August 19, the three children looked for ways to make more sacrifices to offer to Jesus, "for His love, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."
Lucy describes one example:
Some days after [the apparition of August 19], we were following a path with our sheep and I found a piece of rope which had fallen from a cart. I took it and amused myself by attaching it to one of my arms. I did not take long to notice that the rope hurt me. I then said to my cousins: ‘Look, that hurts! We could attach it around our waist and offer this sacrifice to God.’ The poor children accepted my idea immediately and we then decided to share that rope among the three of us. A sharp stone, rubbing on another, served as a knife. Whether because of the size and roughness of the rope, or because sometimes we squeezed it too much, that instrument made us suffer horribly. Sometimes Jacinta shed some tears because of the discomfort which the rope caused her. I told her on several occasions to take it off, and she replied, ‘No! I want to offer this sacrifice to Our Lord in reparation and for the conversion of sinners.’
September 13, 1917
On September 13 as many as thirty thousand people gathered at the Cova da Iria. While waiting for noon to arrive, Lucy led the Rosary for the crowd. At noon, a certain phenomenon announced the arrival of Our Lady to many in the crowd. As one witness relates,
The sky was blue, without any clouds. I also looked up, and began to scrutinize the immensity of the firmament, to see what other eyes, more fortunate than mine, had already contemplated. To my great astonishment, I then saw, clearly and distinctly, a luminous globe, traveling from the east to the west, and gliding slowly and majestically in space … Suddenly the globe, with its extraordinary light, disappeared from our eyes.
The light of the sun then dimmed, and the atmosphere became a yellow-gold color, like it had during the former apparitions. Some reported that they could see the stars, the sky had darkened to such an extent. Lucy then spoke to Our Lady, asking, "What does Your Grace want of me?"
‘Continue to pray the Rosary in order to obtain the end of the war. In October, Our Lord will come as well as Our Lady of Sorrows and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and Saint Joseph will appear with the Child Jesus in order to bless the world. God is satisfied with your sacrifices, but He does not want you to sleep with the rope. Wear it only during the day.’
‘There is a little girl here who is a deaf-mute. Would not Your Grace wish to cure her?’
Our Lady replied that a year from now, the girl would be better.
‘I have many other requests, some for conversion, others for a cure.’
‘I shall cure some, but others no, because Our Lord does not trust them.’
‘The people would indeed like to have a chapel here.’
‘With half of the money received so far, they should make litters and carry them on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary; the other half can be used to build the chapel.’
Lucy then offered Her two letters and a small flask of water with a fragrance, which had been given her by a man of the parish of Olival. In offering them to Our Lady, she said to Her: "They gave me that. Does Your Grace want it?"
"That is not suitable for Heaven," Our Lady replied. "In October I will perform the miracle so that all may believe."
Our Lady then ascended toward the east and disappeared as usual. The crowd once again saw the luminous globe, which had accompanied Her upon Her arrival, rise up toward the east and disappear.
October 13, 1917
There were about 70,000 people present at the Cova da Iria for the October 13 apparition and Miracle of the Sun. Beginning the night before and persisting throughout the morning of the 13th, a cold rain fell on the crowd. The ground was muddy and the rain soaked everything. At the time when Our Lady was due to arrive, Lucy begged the people to close their umbrellas, which they did at once.
‘What does Your Grace want of me?’ [Lucy asked.]
‘I want to tell you that a chapel is to be built here in My honor. I am the Lady of the Rosary. May you continue always to pray the Rosary every day. The war is going to end and the soldiers will soon return to their homes.’
‘I had many things to ask You: to cure some sick people, to convert some sinners, etc.’
‘Some yes, others no. They must amend their lives and ask pardon for their sins.’
Then taking on a more sorrowful air, Our Lady said:
‘Do not offend the Lord Our God any more, for He is already too much offended!’
‘You want nothing more from me?’ [Lucy asked.]
‘No, I want nothing more from you.’
"Then I do not ask anything more of You either."
As Our Lady ascended into Heaven, Lucy shouted: "She is going! She is going! Look at the sun!"
The miracle announced by Our Lady then took place: the sky abruptly cleared and the sun "danced". The people were able to look at the bright sun directly, without it bothering their eyes at all. A physician, Dr. Almeida Garrett, testified:
Suddenly I heard the uproar of thousands of voices, and I saw the whole multitude spread out in that vast space at my feet … turn their backs to that spot where, until then, all their expectations focused, and look at the sun on the other side … I turned around, too, toward the point commanding their gazes, and I could see the sun, like a very clear disc, with its sharp edge, which gleamed without hurting the sight … It could not be confused with the sun seen through a fog (there was no fog at that moment), for it was neither veiled, nor dim. At Fatima, it kept its light and heat, and stood out clearly in the sky, with a sharp edge, like a large gaming table. The most astonishing thing was to be able to stare at the solar disc for a long time, brilliant with light and heat, without hurting the eyes, or damaging the retina.
The testimony of Avelino de Almeida, editor-in-chief of O Seculo, Lisbon’s anticlerical and Masonic daily newspaper, is similar:
And then we witnessed a unique spectacle, an incredible spectacle, unbelievable if you did not witness it. From above the road … We see the immense crowd turn towards the sun, which appeared at its zenith, clear of the clouds. It looked like a plate of dull silver, and it was possible to stare at it without the least discomfort. It did not burn the eyes. It did not blind. One might say that an eclipse had occurred.
Others also testified:
"It shook and trembled; it seemed like a wheel of fire." (Maria da Capelinha)
"The sun turned like a fire wheel, taking on all the colors of the rainbow." (Maria do Carmo)
"The sun took on all the colors of the rainbow. Everything assumed those same colors: our faces, our clothes, the earth itself." (Maria do Carmo)
The most terrifying aspect of the Miracle of the Sun then took place:
"We suddenly heard a clamor, like a cry of anguish of that entire crowd. The sun, in fact, keeping its rapid movement of rotation, seemed to free itself from the firmament and, blood-red, to plunge towards the earth, threatening to crush us with its fiery mass. Those were some terrifying seconds." (Dr. Almeida Garrett)
"The sun began to dance and, at a certain moment, it appeared to detach itself from the firmament and to rush forward on us, like a fire wheel." (Alfredo da Silva Santos)
"Finally, the sun stopped and everybody breathed a sigh of relief …" (Maria da Capelinha)
"From those thousands of mouths I heard shouts of joy and love to the Most Holy Virgin. And then I believed. I had the certainty of not having been the victim of a suggestion. I had seen the sun as I would never see it again." (Mario Godinho, an engineer)
Yet another astonishing aspect of the Miracle was that all of the thousands of people, most of whom were soaked to the bone and dirty from the mud, suddenly found that their clothes were dry and clean.
"The moment one would least expect it, our clothes were totally dry." (Maria do Carmo)
"My suit dried in an instant." (John Carreira)
The academician Marques da Cruz testified:
This enormous multitude was drenched, for it had rained unceasingly since dawn. But – though this may appear incredible – after the great miracle everyone felt comfortable, and found his garments quite dry, a subject of general wonder … The truth of this fact has been guaranteed with the greatest sincerity by dozens and dozens of persons of absolute trustworthiness, whom I have known intimately from childhood, and who are still alive (1937), as well as by persons from various districts of the country who were present.
In one aspect, this is the most astonishing effect of the miracle and an indisputable proof of its authenticity: The amount of energy needed to accomplish this process of drying in a natural way and in such a short a time, would have incinerated everyone present at the Cova at that time. As this aspect of the miracle contradicts the laws of nature radically, no demon could ever have achieved it.
Finally, many miracles of conversion, the greatest miracle God can bestow, also occurred. Here are two examples:
The captain of the regiment of soldiers on the mountain that day – with orders to prevent the gathering of the crowd – was converted instantly. Apparently so were hundreds of other unbelievers, as their testimony will show.
"There was an unbeliever there who had spent the morning mocking the ‘simpletons’ who had gone off to Fatima just to see an ordinary girl. He now seemed paralyzed, his eyes fixed on the sun. He began to tremble from head to foot, and lifting up his arms, fell on his knees in the mud, crying out to God." (Father Lourenço)
A number of other cases of cures and conversions are documented in, among other places, the following books: Documentação Crítica de Fátima and Fatima from the Beginning.
The great Miracle of the Sun lasted for ten minutes. Many more accounts of the miracle have been taken and recorded from the masses of people present, which verify this incredible manifestation of the authenticity of the entire Fatima Message.
During the Miracle of the Sun, the three children were witnessing something else: the beautiful spectacle promised by Our Lady. Lucy writes:
Our Lady having disappeared in the immensity of the firmament, we saw, beside the sun, Saint Joseph with the Child Jesus and Our Lady clothed in white with a blue mantle. Saint Joseph and the Child Jesus seemed to bless the world with gestures which they made with their hands in the form of a cross.
Soon after, that apparition having ceased, I saw Our Lord and Our Lady, Who gave me the impression of being Our Lady of Sorrows. Our Lord seemed to bless the world in the same manner as Saint Joseph.
That apparition disappeared and it seemed to me that I saw Our Lady again, this time as Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
These three successive visions are connected to one of the dominant messages of Fatima: the Rosary. In each of Her six apparitions, Our Lady asked that the Rosary be prayed and here, in these visions granted to the three children, the mysteries of the Holy Rosary were represented. With the vision of the Holy Family we find the Joyful mysteries; the Sorrowful mysteries are represented by the vision of Our Lord and Our Lady of Sorrows; and the Glorious mysteries are represented in the vision of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
When the visions had disappeared and the sun was again normal, Lucy was placed on the shoulder of a man in the crowd and carried safely through the masses to the road. As she was moving past the people, she cried out to them, pleading one of the important themes in the Fatima Message: to convert, return to God and to flee sin. Her exact words were: "Do penance! Do penance! Our Lady wants you to do penance!" but Frère Michel states that in Portuguese this does not mean "performing mortifications", but rather "being converted, returning to God, fleeing sin." Through this plea Lucy was reiterating the sorrowful request Our Lady had made of humanity in Her final apparition: "Do not offend the Lord our God any more, because He is already too much offended."
Thus the Miracle of the Sun, witnessed by 70,000 people, concluded the cycle of the apparitions at Fatima. Yet the Message of Fatima, with its great depth and scope, was to continue to be unfolded to the eldest of the three seers, Lucy. In the years to come Heaven’s Messenger would be visited and, as promised by Our Lady in the July 13 apparition, would be instructed to reveal Heaven’s plan for peace for a turbulent world: the Reparatory devotion of the Five First Saturdays and the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Apparitions at Pontevedra (1925 - 1926)
After fostering for some time the wish to become a religious, in 1925 eighteen-year-old Lucy joined the Dorothean Sisters. She became a postulant at the Order’s convent at Pontevedra, Spain where Our Lady, as She promised in 1917, came to reveal to Lucy the first part of God’s plan for the salvation of sinners in our time of revolt against God: the reparatory Communion of the First Saturdays of the month.
Lucy, referring to herself in the third person, describes the encounter:
On December 10, 1925, the Most Holy Virgin Herself appeared, and beside Her, borne by a luminous cloud, the Child Jesus. The Most Holy Virgin put Her hand on her shoulder and showed her, at the same time, a Heart surrounded by thorns which She held in the other hand. At that same moment, the Child said to her:
‘Have compassion on the Heart of your Most Holy Mother, covered with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce It at every moment, and there is no one to make an act of reparation to remove them.’
Then the Most Holy Virgin said:
‘Look, My daughter, at My Heart, surrounded with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce Me at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least try to console Me and announce in My name that I promise to assist at the moment of death, with all the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall receive the sacrament of Confession, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep Me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to My Immaculate Heart.’
Lucy then did what she could to make known this new request from Our Lady. She told her Mother Superior, her confessor at the convent, and even wrote to her earlier confessor. Both of her confessors had reservations and advised waiting.
Despite the reservations of her confessors, Lucy was soon urged to continue working to make this request known. She says,
On the 15th [of February 1926], I was very busy with my chores, and I scarcely thought of it [the apparition of the preceding December 10]. I was about to empty the garbage can outside the garden. At the same place, several months previously, I had met a child whom I had asked if he knew the Hail Mary. He had replied yes, and I had asked him to say it for me, in order to hear him. But as he would not say it alone, I had recited it three times with him.
At the end of the three Hail Mary’s, I asked him to say it alone. As he remained silent and did not appear capable of saying it alone, I asked him if he knew the church of Saint Mary. He answered yes. I then told him to go there every day and to pray thus: ‘Oh my Heavenly Mother, give me Your Child Jesus!’ I taught him that prayer and departed. Then on February 15, while returning as usual [to empty a garbage can outside of the garden], I found there a child who appeared to me to be the same (as previously), and I then asked him: ‘Have you asked Our Heavenly Mother for the Child Jesus?’ The Child turned to me and said: ‘And have you revealed to the world what the Heavenly Mother has asked you?’ And saying that, He transformed Himself into a resplendent Child. Recognizing then that it was Jesus, I said to Him:
‘My Jesus! You know very well what my confessor said to me in the letter I read to you. He said that this vision had to be repeated, there had to be facts permitting us to believe it, and that the Mother Superior alone could not spread this devotion.’
‘It is true that the Mother Superior, alone, can do nothing, but with My grace, she can do anything. It is enough that your confessor gives you permission, and that your Superior announces this for it to be believed by the people, even if they do not know who it was revealed to.’
‘But my confessor said in his letter that this devotion already exists in the world, because many souls receive Thee every first Saturday of the month, in honor of Our Lady and the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary.’
‘It is true, My daughter, that many souls begin, but few persevere to the very end, and those who persevere do it to receive the graces promised. The souls who make the five first Saturdays with fervor and to make reparation to the Heart of your Heavenly Mother, please Me more than those who make fifteen, but are lukewarm and indifferent.’
‘My Jesus! Many souls find it difficult to confess on Saturday. Will You allow a confession within eight days to be valid?’
‘Yes. It can even be made later on, provided that the souls are in the state of grace when they receive Me on the first Saturday, and that they had the intention of making reparation to the Sacred Heart of Mary.’
‘My Jesus! And those who forget to form this intention?’
‘They can form it at the next confession, taking advantage of their first opportunity to go to confession.’
After that the Child Jesus disappeared without saying anything more.
The most striking part of the first apparition at Pontevedra is the incomparable promise made by Our Lady: to all those who make the Five First Saturdays reparatory devotion, under the requested conditions, "I promise to assist them at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for the salvation of their souls." This amazing grace, which even the holiest souls are not assured of, is promised unconditionally to those who make this devotion. It serves as an indication of the great power of intercession that God has granted to the Blessed Virgin for the salvation of souls.
Lucy’s confessor later gave her a series of questions about the apparitions at Pontevedra. One of the questions was: "Why five Saturdays and not nine or seven, in honor of the Sorrows of Our Lady?" Upon receiving the questions, she prayed to Our Lord to enlighten her with the answer, which a few days later she gave to her confessor. This is what she wrote:
As I was in the chapel with Our Lord part of the night of May 29-30, 1930, and speaking to Our Lord about questions four and five, I suddenly found myself more intimately possessed by the Divine Presence, and if I am not mistaken, here is what was revealed to me:
‘My daughter, the reason is simple. There are five kinds of offenses and blasphemies uttered against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:
Blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception.
Blasphemies against Her perpetual Virginity.
Blasphemies against Her divine Maternity, while refusing at the same time to recognize Her as Mother of men.
The blasphemies of those who publicly seek to place in the hearts of children indifference or scorn, or even hatred towards this Immaculate Mother.
The offenses of those who outrage Her directly in Her holy images.
‘There My daughter, is the reason why the Immaculate Heart of Mary asked Me to request this small act of reparation, and in consideration of it, to move My mercy to forgive souls who have had the misfortune to offend Her. As for you, seek unceasingly, through your prayers and sacrifices, to move My mercy with regard to these poor souls.’
In 1929, when Our Lady appeared at Tuy, She confirmed the necessity of this devotion She requested at Pontevedra with these words: "Souls are so numerous whom the justice of God condemns for sins committed against Me that I come to request reparation. Sacrifice yourself for this intention and pray." Our Lady affirms with sadness that many souls are lost because of their scorn and blasphemies toward Her. Yet it is She who intervenes for them, asking our cooperation, through the small reparatory devotion of the Five First Saturdays.
Our Lord makes this devotion, according to the wish of His Holy Mother, a sure and easy means for converting souls who are in danger of being lost eternally, and of consoling the wounded Heart of the Immaculate Virgin. By performing this devotion, we participate in the mystery of the Communion of Saints: it makes the salvation of souls really depend on our own generosity because the Blessed Virgin Mary, constituted by Her Son as Mediatrix of all Graces, cannot act alone. She needs us to lovingly make "small devotions" of reparation in order to save souls from hell. The salvation of souls is thus one of the great purposes for the practice of the Five First Saturdays’ devotion. Our Lady had already introduced this intention to the three shepherds, during Her August 19, 1917 apparition, when She asked them to pray and make sacrifices for sinners.
The Apparition at Tuy (1929)
In 1926 Sister Lucy left the convent in Pontevedra to enter the Dorothean novitiate at Tuy, a Spanish city near Pontevedra. She took her habit on October 26, 1926, and pronounced her first vows on October 3, 1928. It was here in Tuy that Our Lady’s promise contained in the Secret of July 13, 1917 was fulfilled: "I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia...."
Sister Lucy describes the communication:
(June 13, 1929). I had requested and obtained permission from my superiors and my confessor to make a holy hour from 11:00 p.m. to midnight, from Thursday to Friday of each week.
Finding myself alone one night, I knelt down near the Communion rail, in the middle of the chapel, to recite the prayers of the Angel, lying prostrate ... Feeling tired, I got up and continued to recite them with my arms in the form of a cross. The only light was that of the [sanctuary] lamp.
Suddenly, the whole chapel lit up with a supernatural light and on the altar appeared a cross of light which reached the ceiling. In a clearer light, on the upper part of the cross, could be seen the face of a man with His body to the waist, on His chest a dove, equally luminous; and nailed to the cross, the body of another man. A little below the waist [of Christ on the cross], suspended in the air, could be seen a Chalice and a large Host, onto which some drops of Blood were falling, which flowed from the face of the Crucified One and from the wound in His breast. Running down over the Host, these drops fell into the Chalice.
Under the right arm of the cross was Our Lady with Her Immaculate Heart in Her hand ... (She appeared as Our Lady of Fatima, with Her Immaculate Heart in Her left hand, without sword or roses, but with a crown of thorns and flames) under the left arm [of the cross], in large letters, like crystalline water which flowed over the altar, forming these words: "Grace and Mercy". I understood that the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity was shown to me, and I received lights about this mystery which I am not permitted to reveal.
Then Our Lady said to me: ‘The moment has come in which God asks the Holy Father to make, in union with all the bishops of the world, the consecration of Russia to My Immaculate Heart, promising to save it by this means. So numerous are the souls which the justice of God condemns for sins committed against Me, that I come to ask for reparation. Sacrifice yourself for this intention and pray.’
I rendered an account of this to my confessor, who ordered me to write down what Our Lord willed to be done.
The request at Tuy was especially distinguished by the role the Bishops of the Church, and specifically the Holy Father, were to have in God’s plan for peace. The faithful had been instructed in their role of prayer and sacrifice in the apparitions at Fatima. At Tuy, however, the Pope is given the primary responsibility for future peace: "God asks the Holy Father ...." In 1917 the Holy Father had asked the Blessed Mother to obtain the peace of the world and, like a loving mother, She readily consented, but on the condition of the Holy Father’s and the Church’s faithful cooperation with Her plan.
The Apparition at Rianjo (1931)
In August 1931, due to illness, Sister Lucy was staying with a friend at Rianjo, Spain, a small maritime city near Pontevedra, to rest and recover. It was in the chapel here that the Messenger of Fatima was once again given a communication from Heaven. Our Lord complained to Sister Lucy of the tardiness of His ministers who delay the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as requested by Our Lady of Fatima on June 13, 1929 at Tuy, two years and two months earlier. Sister Lucy reported to her bishop the important revelation:
My confessor ordered me to inform Your Excellency about what happened a little while ago, between our Good God and myself: As I was asking God for the conversion of Russia, Spain and Portugal, it seemed that His Divine Majesty said to me:
‘You console Me a great deal in asking Me for the conversion of those poor nations: Request it also of My Mother, while saying to Her often: Sweet Heart of Mary, be the salvation of Russia, Spain, Portugal, Europe and the whole world.
‘At other times say: By Thy Pure and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, obtain for me the conversion of Russia, Spain, Portugal, Europe and the whole world.
‘Make it known to My ministers, given that they follow the example of the King of France in delaying the execution of My command, they will follow him into misfortune. It is never too late to have recourse to Jesus and Mary.’
In another text she wrote,
Later, through an intimate communication, Our Lord complained to me: ‘They did not wish to heed My request! ... Like the King of France they will repent of it, and they will do it, but it will be late. Russia will have already spread its errors in the world, provoking wars and persecutions against the Church. The Holy Father will have much to suffer.’
Our Lord was here making an explicit reference to the requests of the Sacred Heart given through Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque on June 17, 1689 to the King of France. As a result of the refusal of King Louis XIV – as well as the refusal of both his son and grandson, King Louis XV and King Louis XVI – to publicly consecrate France to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as was requested by Heaven by means of a recognized French Saint of that time, the Protestant and Masonic Counter-Church successfully carried out the great upheaval of the French Revolution.
On June 17, 1789, (the Feast of the Sacred Heart) exactly one hundred years to the day from when Saint Margaret Mary had written down the great designs of Heaven for the King, the Third Estate rose up and proclaimed itself a National Assembly, stripping King Louis XVI of his legislative power. On January 21, 1793, France, ungrateful and rebellious to its God, dared to decapitate its most Christian King as if he were a criminal. At Rianjo, Jesus warns us that this dark chapter of history will repeat itself, and this time the ministers of His Church – the bishops, and perhaps even the Pope himself – will be among its hapless victims.
It would appear that this execution of the Pope, "the Bishop dressed in White", together with other bishops, priests, religious and lay people – as if they were common criminals – is what is foretold in the vision of Fatima released on June 26, 2000.
{I'd just like draw attention to the fact that Jesus was referencing a 200 year old French king to a 24 year old shepherd girl from third-world Spain. Did she have any idea what he was talking about? In any case God never wastes words, so the use of this particular allusion is surely significant. June 13, 2029 may be a significant date.}
Approval by the Bishop (1930)
The ecclesiastical authorities remained reserved, as is the prudent practice of the Church in such matters, during the five years that followed the apparitions at Fatima. Yet despite this silence, the crowds coming on pilgrimage to the Cova da Iria remained steady. Two years after the apparition, Dom Jose Alves Correia da Silva, the Bishop of the Diocese of Leiria-Fatima, appointed a commission to study the case and began the official canonical inquiry. In the meantime the bishops of Portugal and all her islands and colonies were making their own pilgrimages to the site visited by Our Lady. Finally, in October of 1930, Bishop da Silva announced the results of the inquiry in a pastoral letter on the apparitions, which contained these important paragraphs:
In virtue of considerations made known, and others which for reason of brevity we omit; humbly invoking the Divine Spirit and placing ourselves under the protection of the most Holy Virgin, and after hearing the opinions of our Rev. Advisors in this diocese, we hereby: –
1. Declare worthy of belief, the visions of the shepherd children in the Cova da Iria, parish of Fatima, in this diocese, from the 13th May to 13th October, 1917.
2. Permit officially the cult of Our Lady of Fatima.
From that moment of official approval, crowds swelled from around the world in pilgrimage to the Cova da Iria, calling down upon Portugal an immensity of graces that would confirm it in a new era only made possible, given its former state, by the Mother of God, Mediatrix of all Graces.
15 quotes of Our Lady from Jacinta between December 1919 and February 1920
"The sins of the world are very great ... If men only knew what eternity is, they would do everything in their power to change their lives.”
"You must pray much for sinners and priests and religious.”
"Priests must be pure, very pure. They should not busy themselves with anything except what concerns the Church and souls. The disobedience of priests and religious to their superiors and to the Holy Father gravely displeases Our Lord.”
"Fly from riches and luxury; love poverty and silence; have charity, even for bad people.”
"More souls go to Hell because of sins of the flesh than for any other reason.”
"Certain fashions will be introduced that will offend Our Lord very much.”
"The Mother of God wants more virgin souls bound by the vow of chastity.”
"Woe to women wanting in modesty.”
"Confession is a sacrament of mercy and we must confess with joy and trust.”
"Many marriages are not of God and do not please Our Lord.”
"Let men avoid greed, lies, envy, blasphemy, impurity.”
"Never speak ill of anyone. Never complain or murmur. Be very patient, for patience leads us to Heaven.”
"Our Lady can no longer uphold the arm of her Divine Son which will strike the world. If people amend their lives, Our Lord will even now save the world, but if they do not, punishment will come.”
"If the government of a country leaves the Church in peace and gives liberty to our Holy Religion, it will be blessed by God.”
"Tell everybody that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Tell them to ask graces from her, and that the Heart of Jesus wishes to be venerated together with the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Ask them to plead for peace from the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the Lord has confided the peace of the world to her.”
It was in July/August, 1941, in her third memoir, that Sister Lucy mentioned for the first time the division of the Secret of Fatima into three distinct parts. "The Secret is composed of three distinct matters," she writes, "And I shall disclose two of them." The first is the vision of hell and the designation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as the supreme remedy offered by God to humanity for the salvation of souls. "In order to save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to My Immaculate Heart." The second, is the great prophecy concerning a miraculous peace which God wishes to grant to the world through the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the practice of Communions of Reparation on the first Saturdays of the month. "If people heed My commands, Russia will be converted and the world will have peace." And there is also the announcement of terrible punishments if people persist in not obeying Her requests. As for the third part of the Secret, in 1941, Sister Lucy declares that for the moment she is not permitted to reveal it.
The dramatic account of the writing down and the transmission of this vital Message begins in 1943. The hour of providence had then struck. Sister Lucy was living at that time in the convent of the Dorothean Sisters of Tuy, in Spain. In June, 1943, she suddenly fell gravely ill. Her condition was so alarming that Bishop da Silva, the Bishop of Leiria/Fatima, became worried. He feared that she would die before having revealed the Third Secret of Our Lady and he sensed that it would be the loss of an exceptional grace for the Church. Canon Galamba, the friend and advisor of the Bishop, then suggested to him an extremely judicious idea, that he at least ask Sister Lucy to write down forthwith, the text of the Third Secret and then that she place it in an envelope sealed with wax, to be opened later.
On September 15, 1943, Bishop da Silva went, therefore, to Tuy and he asked Sister Lucy to write down the Secret "if she really wanted to". But the seer, undoubtedly under the impulse of the Holy Spirit was not content with this vague order. She requested of her bishop a written order, formal and perfectly clear — that is very important. The final Message of the Virgin of Fatima is, as previously were Her other requests, linked to marvelous promises. It is an exceptional grace offered by God to our 20th Century in order to meet its most urgent needs. But again it is necessary that the pastors of the Church have sufficient faith and docility to the designs of Heaven in order to be instruments of this outpouring of grace that God wants to bestow upon the world through the sweet mediation of His Immaculate Mother. In 1943, God desired that it be the Bishop of Leiria, who demanded of this messenger the writing down of the Third Secret.
Finally, in mid-October, 1943, Bishop da Silva made up his mind. He wrote to Sister Lucy, giving her the express order that she had besought of him. However, new difficulties would arise. Sister Lucy experienced at that time, for almost three months, a mysterious and terrible anguish. She has related that each time she sat down at her work table and took her pen in order to write down the Secret, she found herself obstructed from doing it. One must, no doubt, see there the last outburst of Satan against the messenger of the Immaculate One. Guessing what a terrible weapon this great prophecy could set up against his dominion over souls and his plan to penetrate the very heart of the Church, such a trial endured by the seer thus indicated the magnitude of the grandiose event which was about to be carried out, should the Secret be put down on paper.
On Christmas Eve, Sister Lucy confided to her director that she had still been unable to obey the order that she had been given.
Finally, on the 2nd of January, 1944, (this is very little known) the Blessed Virgin Mary Herself appeared again to Lucy. She confirmed to her that such was truly the Will of God and gave her the light and the strength to accomplish the writing that had been commanded. The extreme care that Sister Lucy then took to transmit it with complete safety to its recipient, Bishop da Silva, is a new proof of the exceptional importance which she attributes to this document.
She did not wish to entrust it to anyone but a Bishop. It was Bishop Ferreira, Archbishop of Gurza, who received from the hands of Sister Lucy, the envelope sealed with wax containing the precious document. He delivered it the same evening to Bishop da Silva.
Concerning the transmission of the Secret to the Hierarchy, it is necessary to underline four facts of the highest importance:
Fact #1. The immediate recipient of the Secret was Bishop da Silva and he could have read it at once. Sister Lucy told him so from the Blessed Virgin. But frightened by the responsibility that he would have to assume, he did not dare, he did not wish to have knowledge of it. He then tried to commit it to the Holy Office, but Rome refused to receive it. It was then agreed that if Bishop da Silva happened to die, the envelope would be entrusted to Cardinal Cerejeira, the Patriarch of Lisbon. It is therefore false to say, as has been so often repeated after 1960, that the Third Secret is destined explicitly and exclusively to the Holy Father!
Fact #2. It is true, however, — I provide several proofs of it in my book — that Sister Lucy wanted Pope Pius XII to know the Secret without further delay. Unfortunately, that did not happen.
Fact #3. Ascertaining that Bishop da Silva persisted in not wishing to open the envelope, Sister Lucy "made him promise, in the words of Canon Galamba, that the Third Secret would be opened and read to the world upon her death or in 1960, whichever would happen first." A series of testimonies which give us an account of the repeated statements of Sister Lucy enabled this fact to be established with absolute certitude.
Fact #4. Finally, this promise to disclose the Secret immediately after the death of Sister Lucy or in any case, "in 1960 at the latest", surely corresponds to a request by the Virgin Mary Herself. In fact, when in 1946, Canon Barthas asked the seer why it would be necessary to wait until 1960, Sister Lucy replied to him in the presence of Bishop da Silva, "Because the Blessed Virgin wishes it so."
Briefly stated, I have established it solidly in my book and we have all the proofs that God desired and willed that the final Secret of Our Lady be finally believed by the Pastors of the Church and made public to the faithful. This was to be done at the earliest in 1944 or at the latest by 1960 because as Sister Lucy further explained, "It would become clearer at that time."
Alas, on February 8, 1960, it was all of a sudden learned through a simple press release that the Third Secret of Fatima would not be revealed.
It is on account of its content and on these grounds alone that since 1960, successive Popes have refused to disclose it.
First of all, Pope John XXIII did this, as we have seen, despite the enthusiastic and anxious expectation of the whole Catholic world.
Paul VI adopted straight away the same attitude. Elected on June 21, 1963, some time afterwards he asked for the text of the Secret. This proves his lively concern for this subject. Since no one knew what Pope John XXIII had done with it, they questioned his secretary, Mgr. Capovilla, who indicated the place where the manuscript had been put. Pope Paul VI surely read it at that point but he did not speak about it. You know, however, on February 11, 1967, as the 50th anniversary of the Fatima Apparitions approached, Cardinal Ottaviani in the name of the Pope, made a long declaration on the subject of the Third Secret of Fatima, in order to explain that it would still not be revealed. In my book, I cite and analyze this text, following the Portuguese experts, I am forced to testify that in order to justify at any price the nondisclosure of the Secret, the Prefect of the Holy Office, supreme guarantor of truth in the Church, is compelled to accumulate a mass of incoherencies and patent untruths. And alas, we shall see the reasons advanced in 1984 by his successor, Cardinal Ratzinger, are not any more consistent.
Pope John Paul I was very devoted to Our Lady of Fatima; he went on pilgrimage to Cova da Iria in 1977, and what is a very curious fact, Sister Lucy herself asked to meet with him. Cardinal Luciani went therefore to the Carmel of Coimbra and he conversed at length with the seer. I am in a position to verify that Sister Lucy spoke with him about the Third Secret and revealed to him the essential content of it. He was very impressed by it. He informed his entourage at the time of his return to Italy, how moved he had been and how serious was the Message. He then spoke and wrote about Fatima in vigorous terms and he expressed his admiration and his total confidence in Sister Lucy whom he obviously considered to be a saint. (I shall give in my fourth volume all the proofs of these unpublished facts.) Having become Pope, he wished no doubt to prepare public opinion before doing something. Unfortunately, he was tragically taken away from us before having been able to say anything.
Pope John Paul II, before going on pilgrimage to Fatima on May 13, 1982 asked for the help of a Portuguese translator from the Curia, in order to translate to him certain expressions of the Secret which are peculiar to the Portuguese language. He also, therefore, has read the Third Secret but has not chosen to make it public either.
Finally, we know that Cardinal Ratzinger has read it as well since he told the Italian journalist Vittorio Messori that he had read it. Cardinal Ratzinger has even written about it on two occasions, in November, 1984, and in June, 1985, alluding to its content in very different terms, which for us is significant.
We thus arrive at the fateful date of June 26, 2000. On this date the Third Secret is "disclosed" at a Vatican press conference, along with a commentary prepared by Cardinal Ratzinger and Monsignor Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, entitled The Message of Fatima (hereafter referred to as TMF). In TMF the Party Line on Fatima would be officially promulgated – by the direct command of Cardinal Angelo Sodano. (See the beginning of The Devil’s Final Battle Chapter 8 for an explanation of "the Party Line".)
First of all, the faithful were told that the following text of a vision seen by Sister Lucy is all there is to the Third Secret of Fatima:
After the two parts which I have already explained, at the left of Our Lady and a little above, we saw an Angel with a flaming sword in his left hand; flashing, it gave out flames that looked as though they would set the world on fire; but they died out in contact with the splendour that Our Lady radiated towards him from her right hand: pointing to the earth with his right hand, the Angel cried out in a loud voice: ‘Penance, Penance, Penance!’ And we saw in an immense light that is God: ‘something similar to how people appear in a mirror when they pass in front of it’ a Bishop dressed in White ‘we had the impression that it was the Holy Father.’ Other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious going up a steep mountain, at the top of which there was a big Cross of rough-hewn trunks as of a cork-tree with the bark; before reaching there the Holy Father passed through a big city half in ruins and half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow, he prayed for the souls of the corpses he met on his way; having reached the top of the mountain, on his knees at the foot of the big Cross he was killed by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows at him, and in the same way there died one after another the other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious, and various lay people of different ranks and positions. Beneath the two arms of the Cross there were two Angels, each with a crystal aspersorium in his hand, in which they gathered up the blood of the Martyrs and with it sprinkled the souls that were making their way to God.
The immediate reaction of millions of Catholics could be summarized in two words: That’s it? Clearly, something was amiss, since nothing in this text corresponded to what Cardinal Ratzinger himself had said about the Third Secret in 1984 – a point to which we shall return shortly. Nor did it contain anything that would have explained its mysterious suppression since 1960.
Most important, this obscure vision, written down on four sheets of notebook paper, contained no words of Our Lady. In particular, it contained nothing that would complete the famous phrase spoken by Our Lady at the conclusion of the recorded portion of the Message of Fatima as faithfully transcribed by Sister Lucy in her memoirs: "In Portugal the dogma of the faith will always be preserved etc." Sister Lucy had added this phrase, including the "etc.", to her fourth memoir as part of the integral text of the Message. This addition had led every reputable Fatima scholar to conclude that it signaled the beginning of the unrecorded Third Secret, and that the Third Secret pertained to a widespread dogmatic crisis in the Church outside of Portugal. Clearly, the Virgin had more to say that was not written down because Sister Lucy had been instructed to keep it secret – until, as we have seen, 1960.
In a curious maneuver, however, TMF had avoided any discussion of the telltale phrase by taking the text of the Message of Fatima from Sister Lucy’s third memoir, where the phrase does not appear. TMF justifies this as follows: "For the account of the first two parts of the ‘secret,’ which have already been published and are therefore known, we have chosen the text written by Sister Lucia in the Third Memoir of 31 August 1941; some annotations were added in the Fourth Memoir of 8 December 1941." Annotations? The key phrase concerning the preservation of dogma in Portugal was no "annotation" but an integral part of the spoken words of Our Lady, after which She had said: "Tell this to no one. Yes, you may tell Francisco."
Having deceptively mischaracterized an integral part of the Message of Fatima as an "annotation," TMF then buries it in a footnote that is never mentioned again: "In the ‘Fourth Memoir’ Sister Lucia adds: ‘In Portugal, the dogma of the faith will always be preserved, etc. ...’."
Another ground for suspicion was that the vision of the "Bishop dressed in White" was not at all the one-page "letter … in which Sister Lucy wrote down the words which Our Lady confided as a secret to the three shepherds of the Cova da Iria" – as the Vatican itself had described it in the aforementioned 1960 press release. The text of the vision spans four pages of what appear to be ruled notebook paper.
Another suspicious circumstance is that on June 26 Cardinal Sodano’s falsehood of May 13 was clearly exposed: the Pope is killed by soldiers who fire upon him as he kneels at the foot of a large wooden Cross outside a half-ruined city. The Pope is not "apparently dead," as Sodano had falsely asserted in May; the Pope is dead. The vision, whatever it means, clearly has absolutely nothing to do with the 1981 assassination attempt. The faithful had already been duped in May, and now the process of duping them was clearly continuing.
Despite the Vatican's claim that the entire Third Secret had been released, Sister Lucy remains under orders not to speak in public about the Message of Fatima without permission from Cardinal Ratzinger or the Pope himself {and remained so until the day she died}.
{The amount and clarity of evidence that this is not the whole secret is ridiculous. What I've included is a small sample, and even if ever solitary shred of it is made up it's still obviously not the third secret solely on the grounds that there's no plausible rational for keeping this wildly docile vision under such confidence for over 60 years while simultaneously allowing the release of prophecies about communism taking over the world. You can read a lengthy dissertation on it here: http://www.devilsfinalbattle.com/ch12.htm. I won't bother reproducing all of it here since it's overkill, but this is the bottom line:}
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the existence of two documents:
One document consists of four sheets of paper (with no margins) containing 62 lines of text copied from Sister Lucy's notebook (not written as a letter), which describes a vision seen by the three children of Fatima but does not contain any words of Our Lady. This text was written down by Sister Lucy on January 3, 1944, transferred to the Holy Office on April 4, 1957, read by Pope John Paul II on July 18, 1981 (but it obviously did not—and could not—move him to consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 7, 1981, 6 weeks earlier), was stored in the Holy Office, and released by the Vatican on June 26, 2000.
The other document is a one-page letter (with 3/4 centimeter margins) containing about 25 lines of Our Lady's own words and sealed in an envelope. This text was written down by Sister Lucy on or very shortly before January 9, 1944, transferred to the Holy Office on April 16, 1957, read by Pope John Paul II in 1978 (moving him to consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 7, 1981), was stored in the Pope's apartment by his bedside, and to this day remains unreleased by the Vatican.
{This site also documents some incidents of Vatican officials trying to hinder people from speaking about Fatima, ranging from blocking publications to physical intimidation. True or not, I don't question the Church's motives or even the motives of the individuals within the Church that might be acting independently. Surely they feel they're acting in everyone's best interest. But that they would resort to such an absurd charade is itself a testament to how grave the secret must be.}
Theorized contents of the secret
Sister Lucy spoke of the Third Secret in a letter purported to be addressed to Pope John Paul II {they elsewhere show that it couldn't be addressed to him, though the handwriting shows Lucy did write it}, dated May 12, 1982. She wrote:
The third part of the secret refers to Our Lady’s words: ‘If not [Russia] will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions against the Church. The good will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated.’
The third part of the secret, that you are so anxious to know, is a symbolic revelation, referring to this part of the Message, conditioned by whether we accept or not what the Message itself asks of us: ‘If My requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, etc.’
Since we did not heed this appeal of the Message, we see that it has been fulfilled, Russia has invaded the world with her errors. And if we have not yet seen the complete fulfillment of the final part of this prophecy, we are going towards it with great strides. If we do not reject the path of sin, hatred, revenge, injustice, violations of the rights of the human person, immorality and violence, etc.
And let us not say that it is God who is punishing us in this way; on the contrary it is people themselves who are preparing their own punishment. In his kindness God warns us and calls us to the right path, while respecting the freedom he has given us; hence people are responsible.
Father Schweigl, who had been entrusted by Pius XII with a secret mission, interrogated Sr. Lucy at the Carmel of Coimbra on September 2, 1952. Upon his return to the Russicum in Rome, Father Schweigl related: “I cannot reveal anything of what I learned at Fatima concerning the third secret, but I can say that it has two parts: one concerns the Pope. The other, logically — although I must say nothing — would have to be the continuation of the words: In Portugal, the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved.”
The October 1981 issue of the German magazine Stimme des Glaubins reported on a discussion that Pope John Paul II had with a select group of German Catholics, in November of 1980. The following is a verbatim report of the discussion:
The Holy Father was asked, "What about the Third Secret of Fatima? Should it not have already been published by 1960?"
Pope John Paul II replied: "Given the seriousness of the contents, my predecessors in the Petrine office diplomatically preferred to postpone publication so as not to encourage the world power of Communism to make certain moves.
"On the other hand, it should be sufficient for all Christians to know this: if there is a message in which it is written that the oceans will flood whole areas of the earth, and that from one moment to the next millions of people will perish, truly the publication of such a message is no longer something to be so much desired."
The Pope continued: "Many wish to know simply from curiosity and a taste for the sensational, but they forget that knowledge also implies responsibility. They only seek the satisfaction of their curiosity, and that is dangerous if at the same time they are not disposed to do something, and if they are convinced that it is impossible to do anything against evil."
At this point the Pope grasped a Rosary and said: "Here is the remedy against this evil. Pray, pray, and ask for nothing more. Leave everything else to the Mother of God."
The Holy Father was then asked: "What is going to happen to the Church?"
He answered: "We must prepare ourselves to suffer great trials before long, such as will demand of us a disposition to give up even life, and a total dedication to Christ and for Christ … With your and my prayer it is possible to mitigate this tribulation, but it is no longer possible to avert it, because only thus can the Church be effectively renewed. How many times has the renewal of the Church sprung from blood! This time, too, it will not be otherwise. We must be strong and prepared, and trust in Christ and His Mother, and be very, very assiduous in praying the Rosary."
Pope John Paul II, when asked about the Third Secret in Germany, stated that "we must be prepared to undergo great trials in the not too distant future, trials that will require us to be ready to give up our lives..." Pope John Paul II, as Karol Cardinal Wojtyla, elaborated this theme during a visit to the United States in 1976:
"We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has gone through. I do not think that wide circles of the American Society or wide circles of the Christian Community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel. It is a trial which the Church must take up."
This is the core of the Third Secret of Fatima.
On November 11, 1984, Cardinal Ratzinger, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, gave an interview in Jesus magazine, a publication of the Pauline Sisters. The interview is entitled "Here is Why the Faith is in Crisis," and was published with the Cardinal's explicit permission.
One of the four sections of the Congregation (for the Doctrine of the Faith) concerns itself with Marian apparitions;
"Cardinal Ratzinger, have you read what is called the Third Secret of Fatima: i.e., the one that Sister Lucia had sent to Pope John XXIII and which the latter did not wish to make known and consigned to the Vatican archives?" (In reply, Cardinal Ratzinger said:)
"Yes, I have read it," (which frank response provoked a further question:)
"Why has it not been revealed?" (To this the Cardinal gave the following most instructive reply:)
"Because, according to the judgement of the Popes, it adds nothing (literally: 'nothing different') to what a Christian must know concerning what derives from Revelation: i.e., a radical call for conversion; the absolute importance of history; the dangers threatening the faith and the life of the Christian, and therefore of the world. And then the importance of the 'novissimi' (the last events at the end of time). If it is not made public - at least for the time being - it is in order to prevent religious prophecy from being mistaken for a quest for the sensational (literally: 'for sensationalism'). But the things contained in this 'Third Secret' correspond to what has been announced in Scripture and has been said again and again in many other Marian apparitions, first of all that of Fatima in what is already known of what its message contains. Conversion and penitence are the essential conditions for 'salvation'."
The late Father Malachi Martin stated in his last interview on the Art Bell Show (1998) that there was something ghastly and horrifying in the Third Secret of Fatima. It is not the annihilation of nations, nuclear war or the bloody persecution of the Church. It is something much worse. Pope Pius XII referred to this when he declared in 1945, "The world is on the verge of a frightful abyss ... Men must prepare themselves for suffering such as mankind has never seen." The Third Secret is apocalyptic and therefore corresponds to the eschatological texts of Sacred Scripture. This is what Cardinal Ratzinger pointed out when he revealed that the Secret concerns the ‘novissimi’ – the ‘last things’ and corresponds to what is revealed in Sacred Scripture.
On September 10, 1984 the Bishop of Fatima, Alberto Cosme do Amaral, spoke of the Third Secret during a question and answer session at the Technical University of Vienna, Austria. His comments, which were published in the February 1985 issue of Mensagem de Fatima, are as follows:
The Secret of Fatima speaks neither of atomic bombs, nor nuclear warheads, nor Pershing missiles, nor SS-20’s. Its content concerns only our faith. To identify the Secret with catastrophic announcements or with a nuclear holocaust is to deform the meaning of the message. The loss of faith of a continent is worse than the annihilation of a nation; and it is true that faith is continually diminishing in Europe.
It is important to note that, as part of the general attempt to conceal and suppress the truth about Fatima, Bishop Amaral was pressured to withdraw his remarks shortly after they were made. But then, ten years later and safely retired, the bishop casually reaffirmed his testimony in a public interview in 1995, adding a crucial bit of evidence: "Before I asserted in Vienna (in 1984) that the Third Secret concerned only our Faith and the loss of Faith I had consulted Sister Lucy and first obtained her approval."
Father Joaquin Alonso, who for sixteen years was the official archivist of Fatima, wrote a monumental work on the Fatima Message, entitled Fatima Texts and Critical Studies. This book, which consists of 24 volumes containing 5,396 documents, was withheld from publication by the Bishop of Leiria-Fatima, Msgr. Alberto Cosme do Amaral, at its completion in 1975. Since then, only two of the 24 volumes have been released for publication, and these were heavily edited.
Before his death in 1981, Father Alonso stated the following important conclusions concerning the Third Secret:
It is therefore completely probable that the text makes concrete references to the crisis of faith within the Church and to the negligence of the pastors themselves [and the] internal struggles in the very bosom of the Church and of grave pastoral negligence by the upper hierarchy.
In the period preceding the great triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, terrible things are to happen. These form the content of the third part of the Secret. What are they? If ‘in Portugal the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved,’ ... it can be clearly deduced from this that in other parts of the Church these dogmas are going to become obscure or even lost altogether.
Thus it is quite possible that in this intermediate period which is in question (after 1960 and before the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary), the text makes concrete references to the crisis of the Faith of the Church and to the negligence of the pastors themselves.
Does the unpublished text speak of concrete circumstances? It is very possible that it speaks not only of a real crisis of the faith in the Church during this in-between period, but like the secret of La Salette, for example, there are more concrete references to the internal struggles of Catholics or to the fall of priests and religious. Perhaps it even refers to the failures of the upper hierarchy of the Church. For that matter, none of this is foreign to other communications Sister Lucy has had on this subject.
Father Alonso also believed that the Third Secret concerned "internal struggles in the very bosom of the Church and of grave pastoral negligence by the upper hierarchy," and of "deficiencies of the upper hierarchy of the Church."
Significantly, Sister Lucy never corrected these conclusions of Father Alonso, even though she had never hesitated to correct other statements by clerics and various authors concerning Fatima when they were in error. As the official Fatima archivist, Fr. Alonso had access to the documents and to Sister Lucy herself. Thus, his testimony is of capital importance.
Sister Lucy, the last surviving Fatima seer, was asked by Professor William Thomas Walsh in l946, concerning the spread of Russia’s errors, "Does this mean, in your opinion, that every country, without exception, will be overcome by Communism?"
"Yes," Sister Lucy answered. (See "Sister Lucy’s Statement to Professor Walsh".)
"And does that mean the United States of America too?" Professor Walsh asked.
Sister Lucy answered, "Yes." (See "Testimony of Professor Walsh’s Translator, Father Manuel Rocha".)
In 1957 she said to Father Augustine Fuentes:
Many times the Most Holy Virgin told my cousins Francisco and Jacinta, as well as myself, that many nations will disappear from the face of the earth. She said that Russia will be the instrument of chastisement chosen by Heaven to punish the whole world if we do not beforehand obtain the conversion of that poor nation. … (See "Published Testimony: Father Fuentes (1957)".)
The moment has come when God asks the Holy Father to make, in union with all the bishops of the world, the consecration of Russia to My Immaculate Heart, promising to save it by this means. So numerous are the souls which the justice of God condemns for sins committed against Me, that I come to ask for reparation. Sacrifice yourself for this intention and pray.
After she had received this message, Sr. Lucy wrote two letters in May 1930 to Fr. Gonçalves, her confessor, in which she expressed the requests of Heaven, closely associating the devotion of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the consecration of Russia:
The good Lord promises to end the persecution in Russia, if the Holy Father will himself make a solemn act of reparation and consecration of Russia to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, as well as ordering all the bishops of the Catholic world to do the same. The Holy Father must then promise that upon the ending of this persecution he will approve and recommend the practice of the reparatory devotion [of the first Saturdays of the month].
These words of Our Lady and the letters of Sr. Lucy present the exact form of consecration that Heaven requests: The consecration of Russia must be explicitly mentioned, and not merely the consecration of the world or the human race with some vague and imprecise allusion to Russia; it must be made by the Holy Father in union with all the bishops of the Catholic world, which means that every bishop must organize and perform in his own diocese, at the same time as the Pope and in union with him, this act of reparation and consecration, unless the Pope should take advantage of a meeting at Rome of all the bishops to carry it out. Sr. Lucy has never excluded the possibility that the consecration might be made in the course of an ecumenical council, for example, while seeming to prefer the first scenario. The thing that matters is the moral and spiritual union of the bishops with the Pope [see related article, "The Objections"]. Lastly, the consecration must be marked by very great solemnity; it must take place in the context of "a solemn and public act of reparation and consecration," undoubtedly in order to make a powerful impression upon men’s minds, and so that the greatest number possible of Catholics can participate in it.
History of consecration attempts
1) The consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Pope Pius XII on October 31, 1942 {not an actual attempt, but it was confused with one for a while}
The consecration of the human race to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, accomplished by Pope Pius XII on October 31, 1942, was the result of the requests, not of Sr. Lucy, but of another Portuguese woman, Alexandra da Costa, known by the name of Alexandrina of Portugal, who was born in Balasar, a village situated between the cities of Porto and Braga, on March 30, 1904, a Good Friday. At the age of 14, in order to defend herself against the perverse intentions of three men who had entered the house where she was in the company of two other girls, she jumped out of a window 12 feet high, and as a result of the fall suffered damage to her spinal column that immobilized her in a painful martyrdom that lasted until her death on October 13, 1955. It was to this victim that our Lord gave the order to obtain from the Pope the consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The first request dates from July 31, 1935, and Alexandrina, who was already a voluntary victim of the Eucharist, offered herself as well as "victim for the consecration of the world to our little Mother in Heaven." Our Lord having urged her to obtain this consecration for more than a year, finally her spiritual director, Fr. Mariano Pinho, S.J., transmitted this request for the consecration of the world on September 11, 1936, to His Holiness Pope Pius XI by the intermediary of his Secretary of State, Cardinal Pacelli.
... our Lord sent to Alexandrina the external supernatural sign that was to authenticate in the eyes of the Holy See that the request came from God: the sign consisted of the young woman’s participation, physical and spiritual, in the holy passion of our Lord. This phenomenon occurred every Friday from October 3, 1938, and each time became more painful for the young woman: she, who was normally incapable of moving, arose then in ecstasy to relive the passion of Jesus. The phenomenon only ended on March 27, 1942, when, under the pontificate of Pope Pius XII, everything was ready for the greatly desired consecration. On May 22, 1942 Jesus said to Alexandrina: "The heart of the Pope, the heart of gold, is resolved to consecrate the world to the Heart of Mary." In fact, on October 31, 1942, on the occasion of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima, Pope Pius XII, speaking in Portuguese over the radio, consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a consecration which he renewed on December 8, 1942, at Rome during the course of a ceremony. Since during the same years Sr. Lucy had been petitioning the Vatican to obtain the consecration of Russia to Mary’s Immaculate Heart, this consecration of the world was attributed to the requests of the seer of Fatima. Nevertheless the two requests are distinct, as are their origins: the consecration of the world was due to the requests and sufferings of Alexandra da Costa; the request for the consecration of Russia is part of the Message of Fatima which has been transmitted by Sr. Lucy. (See the brochure by Fr. Humberto Maria Pasquale, S.D.B.: Mensageira de Jésus para a consagração do mundo ao Imaculado Coraçao de Maria, published with imprimatur in 1980 by Cavalier de l’Immaculée, Porto. As far as we know, this brochure has not been published in French [or English].)
In a letter dated February 28, 1943, to the Bishop of Gurza about the consecration of October 31, 1942, Sr. Lucy wrote:
The good God has already shown me that He is pleased by the act, even though incomplete, accomplished by the Holy Father and by several bishops. He promises, in return, to put an end to the war soon. The conversion of Russia is not for now.
On May 4, 1943, Sr. Lucy wrote in the same vein to Fr. Gonçalves: "Our Lord promises to end the war soon, in consideration for the act which His Holiness has deigned to accomplish. But as it was incomplete, the conversion of Russia will be later." (See Fatima: Intimate Joy, World Event, by Bro. Francis of Mary of the Angels, CRC, 2nd edition revised and corrected of December 1993, Ch. 11, p. 248. [See also English edition, Book III, p. 144.] )
One might reasonably think that it is because of the obstinate refusal of Pope Pius XI, between 1930 and 1935, to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that our Lord asked Alexandrina to offer herself as a victim to obtain the consecration of the world to this same Immaculate Heart. This consecration in the divine plan seems to be a remedy of substitution, destined, not to avert the chastisements, sufferings, and persecutions announced to Sr. Lucy in 1929, but to mitigate or shorten them. In this perspective, Sr. Lucy’s expression "incomplete act" takes on all its meaning.
2) Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Pope Pius XII in an Apostolic Letter, addressed to the people of Russia on July 7, 1952
In this letter the consecration of Russia was really made, but by the Pope alone without the union of all the bishops of the Catholic world, and without the required solemnity. It was not carried out as part of the "solemn and public act of reparation and consecration" that Sr. Lucy spoke of, but rather on the sly, one might say, on the occasion of the publication of an Apostolic letter which remained unknown by many, and which was quickly forgotten by those who were acquainted with it.
In one of her letters of the summer of 1952 Sr. Lucy wrote these lines concerning the act: "Thank you for the newspaper clipping reporting the consecration of Russia. I am grieved that it still has not been done as Our Lady requested."
3) Act of offering and consecration by Pope John Paul II at Fatima, May 13, 1982
The Pope himself said what he intended to accomplish by this act in the sermon of the Mass that he celebrated the morning of May 13, 1982, at Fatima: "[I intend] to accomplish once more what my predecessors have already done: confide the world to the Mother’s heart. ..."
In fact, this act of offering and consecration did not correspond at all to the consecration requested by Our Lady for several reasons: It was a consecration of the world, and not Russia, which was not mentioned once! The act was not made explicitly to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Finally, the union of all the bishops with the Pope had not been required.
In March 1982, Pope John Paul II wanted to know precisely what he should do on the occasion of his pilgrimage to Fatima.
We now know that the Lisbon Nuncio went to see Lucia in her Coimbra Carmel. This historic interview which took place during the afternoon of Sunday, March 21, 1982 lasted for two hours. On the one side of the grill there was Lucia; on the other side there was the Lisbon Nuncio, the Bishop of Leiria (the diocese which includes Fatima) and Dr. Lacerda. Lucia explained that the Pope must select a date on which to order the bishops of the whole world to arrange for a public solemn act of reparation and of consecration of Russia to the Most Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, each in his own cathedral and at the same time as the act of consecration effected by the Pope. We do not know why this so precise programme could not have been realized on May 13, 1982. But we do know nevertheless that in the text which was sent to the Holy Father by diplomatic bag, it was not spelled out that each bishop must, each in his own cathedral, and on the same day as the Pope, arrange for a solemn public ceremony of the consecration of Russia. The Lisbon Nuncio informed Dr. Lacerda of this.
Sr. Lucy, moreover, declared to her niece, Maria do Fetal, on August 11, 1982: "I am old, I am 75 years old, and I am getting ready to see God face to face. I have given all my writings to the Holy Church. I shall die in peace. But, if anyone wants my opinion, here it is: the consecration of Russia, as Our Lady requested it, has not been made." She repeated the exact same thing four days later on August 15 to her old friend Mme. Pestana.
She wrote again along the same lines in the letter she wrote on the occasion of an interview she had on March 19, 1983, with Mgr. Portalupi, Apostolic Nuncio to Portugal:
In the act of offering of May 13, 1982, Russia did not appear unequivocally as the object of the consecration. And each bishop did not organize in his own diocese a public and solemn ceremony of reparation and consecration of Russia. Pope John Paul II simply renewed the consecration of the world made by Pius XII on October 31, 1942. Certain benefits can be hoped for from this consecration of the world, but not the conversion of Russia.
It is worthwhile dwelling on the conclusion of this text which Sr. Lucy was at pains to give to the Apostolic Nuncio, because the lines are very revealing of the humble simplicity of the seer’s obedience: "The consecration of Russia has not been done as Our Lady requested. I was not able to say so, because I did not have the Holy See’s permission." This last sentence means that Sr. Lucy is accustomed to see in the men who hold the posts of authority in the Church the representatives of God on earth; she considers, therefore, that she owes them respect and entire submission. That is why it is utterly unrealistic to expect from her a great public declaration asserting that the consecration of Russia has not been made: it would be totally against her sense of religious obedience. She considers simply that she accomplishes her duty completely when she profits from every occasion that presents itself to her to remind the Pope privately, but with constancy and firmness, that the consecration has not been made, as she did, moreover, after the act of May 13, 1982, because she told the Apostolic Nuncio, in this communication of March 19, 1983, that everything that she had affirmed in this interview she had already written to Pope John Paul II.
4) The renewal, March 25, 1984, on the portico of St. Peter’s Basilica at Rome, of the act of offering and consecration of 1982
Pope John Paul II had announced the renewal of the act of consecration in a letter addressed to all the bishops dated December 8, 1983, which he concluded by saying: "I should be grateful if you would be willing on this day (March 25, 1984) to renew the act at the same time that I do, in the manner in which each of you will deem the most appropriate."
A few slight modifications were made to the act of 1982; however, it still lacked the essential elements of the requested consecration:
a) It merely involved a renewal of the consecration of the world made by Pope Pius XII in 1942, as a reading of the entire text (which is quite confusing in certain parts!) makes clear.
b) Russia was not mentioned a single time in the entire text!
c) Lastly, this act was not made explicitly to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, but to "Mary, Mother."
Moreover, a short while later, the Pope himself explained to Mgr. Cordes, Vice-President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, why he had renounced mentioning Russia by name: he feared "that such words might be interpreted as a provocation by the Soviet rulers"! {I'm not too sure about this issue. On the one hand, I’d be suspicious of God being so hung up on semantics as long as the honest intention to do what he requested is present. But then there's this line. This speaks of a lack of faith that the promise of the Mother of God would be fulfilled. It shows that they knew what they had to do, but chose to water it down for political reasons.
But ignoring all the syntactical analysis, over 20 years later, I think the proof is in the pudding. Have we seen the great promised era of peace for which it was necessary to have the Mother of God come down in an apparition of magnitude unprecedented at that time to request that the faithful pray and offer reparation (for over 60 years at that point) and that every one of the leaders of the Church perform a solemn public ceremony? Have we seen the conversion of Russia, who's no better off now than they were 20 years ago either morally or politically? The fall of the Berlin Wall was probably effected by the Pope’s consecration, perhaps in the way that the consecration of the world in 1942 obtained an end to the immediate conflict at the time, but that might have been a sort of consolation prize. But who knows. God could just be taking his time. Personally, I’m leaning more toward “Incomplete faith, incomplete consecration, incomplete fulfillment of the promise”. I'd like to see them do it the way they say it should've been done just to put the question to rest.}
Sr. Lucy had not been mistaken: three days before the consecration, on March 22, 1984, in a reply to Mme. Pestana who had asked her, "Well, Lucy, Sunday the consecration will take place?" she gestured that it would not be, and added, "This consecration cannot have a decisive character." And when she was listening to Fr. Kondor read the act of March 25, 1984, during a ceremony at the Carmel of Coimbra later in the spring of 1984, her expression changed suddenly: the video recording of the ceremony diffused by the "Vice-Postulation" clearly shows it; her distress was visibly very great!
Father Paul Kramer quotes Sister Lucy and says:
“Here is what Sister Lucy actually stated after the March 25, 1984, consecration of the world. On July 20, 1987, Sister Lucy stated to Enrique Romero in a subsequently published interview that the consecration of Russia requested by Our Lady of Fatima is not yet done. In an interview which appeared in the September 1985 issue of Sol de Fatima, Sister Lucy was asked if the Pope fulfilled the request made by Our Lady at Tuy when he consecrated the world on March 25, 1984. Sister Lucy answered: ‘There was no participation of all the bishops, and there was no mention of Russia.’ The interviewer then asked, ‘So the consecration was not done as requested by Our Lady?’ Sister Lucy answered: ‘No. Many bishops attached no importance to this act.’”
The Vatican’s document on the message of Fatima presents no stronger evidence in support of the position that the Consecration of Russia requested by Our Lady has already been done than a computer generated letter that purportedly bears Sr. Lucy’s signature. In the meeting of April 27, 2000 with Sr. Lucy, Archbishop Bertone failed to ask Sr. Lucy if the Consecration had been done correctly, and he failed to ask her if that was indeed her letter (yet he verified from her the authenticity of other documents that she had written in longhand). That dubious letter is the only piece of evidence that he brings forth to support the claim that the consecration has already been done.
To date, no one has even attempted to refute the evidence and arguments I have presented. I also mentioned in that article that the computer generated article that Sr. Lucy had purportedly written, signed and sent to me was subsequently examined by a court-accredited forensic scientist, who declared in writing that the person who signed the letter was not the same individual who had signed the documents in Sr. Lucy’s memoirs. The letter referred to by Archbishop Bertone dates from the same time period and is of similar appearance to the forged letter that Sr. Lucy purportedly sent to me, and I repeat, that is the only piece of evidence that he produces in support of the position that the consecration of Russia has been accomplished according to Our Lady’s request.
In her 1957 interview with Father Fuentes, Sister Lucy spoke of a decisive battle between the Blessed Virgin and the devil. Though not as evident as the above-mentioned crisis of Faith and pastoral negligence, this third theme frequently appears in the communications of Sister Lucy. Yet what does she mean by "decisive battle"?
In her interview with Father Fuentes, Sister Lucy discusses this theme, saying:
"Father, the devil is in the mood for engaging in a decisive battle against the Blessed Virgin, and the devil knows what it is that most offends God, and which in a short space of time will gain for him the greatest number of souls. Thus the devil does everything to overcome souls consecrated to God, because in this way the devil will succeed in leaving the souls of the faithful abandoned by their leaders, thereby the more easily will he seize them.
"Father, the Most Holy Virgin did not tell me that we are in the last times of the world, but She made me understand this for three reasons. The first reason is because She told me that the devil is in the mood for engaging in a decisive battle against the Virgin. And a decisive battle is the final battle where one side will be victorious and the other side will suffer defeat. Hence from now on we must choose sides. Either we are for God or we are for the devil; there is no other possibility.
"The second reason is because She said to my cousins as well as to myself, that God is giving two last remedies to the world. They are the Holy Rosary and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These are the last two remedies which signify that there will be no others.
"The third reason is because in the plans of Divine Providence, God always, before He is about to chastise the world, exhausts all other remedies. Now, when He sees that the world pays no attention whatsoever then, as we say in our imperfect manner of speaking, He offers us with a certain trepidation the last means of salvation, His Most Holy Mother. It is with a certain trepidation because if you despise and reject this ultimate means, we will not have any more forgiveness from Heaven, because we will have committed a sin which the Gospel calls the sin against the Holy Ghost. This sin consists of openly rejecting, with full knowledge and consent, the salvation which He offers. Let us remember that Jesus Christ is a very good Son and that He does not permit that we offend and despise His Most Holy Mother. We have recorded through many centuries of Church history the obvious testimony which demonstrates by the terrible chastisements which have befallen those who have attacked the honor of His Most Holy Mother, how Our Lord Jesus Christ has always defended the honor of His Mother.
"The two means for saving the world are prayer and sacrifice. [Regarding the Holy Rosary, Sister Lucy said:] Look, Father, the Most Holy Virgin, in these last times in which we live, has given a new efficacy to the recitation of the Rosary to such an extent that there is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, whether temporal or above all spiritual, in the personal life of each one of us, of our families, of the families of the world or of the religious communities, or even of the life of peoples and nations, that cannot be solved by the Rosary. There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary. With the Holy Rosary we will sanctify ourselves. We will console Our Lord and obtain the salvation of many souls.
"Finally, devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, our Most Holy Mother, consists in considering Her as the seat of mercy, of goodness and of pardon, and as the sure door of entering Heaven."
Father Alonso stated that the texts of Father Fuentes’ interview "do not say anything that Sister Lucy has not said in her numerous writings delivered to the public." In further writings, Sister Lucy spoke of the diabolical campaign being waged. In a letter to her friend Mother Martins, after discussing devotion to the Rosary, she writes: "That is why the devil has waged such a war against it! And the worst is that he has succeeded in leading into error and deceiving souls having a heavy responsibility through the place which they occupy ...! They are blind men guiding other blind men. …"
The following year Sister Lucy wrote again to Mother Martins:
Thus the little pamphlets [referring to a text on the Rosary composed by Sister Lucy] will remain with souls, as an echo of Our Lady’s voice, to remind them of the insistence with which She recommended the prayer of the Rosary to us, so many times. It is because She already knew that there had to come these times, during which the devil and his supporters would fight so much against this prayer, to lead souls away from God. And without God, who shall be saved?! For this reason we must do everything in our power to lead souls back to God.
Finally, in a letter to Don Umberto Pasquale, who was very devoted to the cause of Fatima, Sister Lucy wrote:
... The decadence which exists in the world is without any doubt the consequence of the lack of the spirit of prayer. Foreseeing this disorientation, the Blessed Virgin recommended recitation of the Rosary with such insistence. And since the Rosary is, after the holy Eucharistic liturgy, the prayer most apt for preserving faith in souls, the devil has unchained his struggles against it. Unfortunately, we see the disasters he has caused.
... We must defend souls against the errors which can make them stray from the good road. ... We cannot and we must not stop ourselves, nor allow, as Our Lord says, the children of Darkness to be wiser than the children of Light ... The Rosary is the most powerful weapon for defending ourselves on the field of battle.
The theme repeated again and again in these letters is that we are in the last times and that the devil has therefore begun his last and most virulent battle for souls. And, as Sister Lucy explained to Father Fuentes, God has given us "the last means of salvation, His Holy Mother." Therefore She is engaged in this battle. The Blessed Virgin came to Fatima to give a warning and the remedy beforehand.
{Unlike Fatima, where most of the information comes from formal messages dictated by Mary, most of what we know about the Garabandal apparitions comes from interviews with the visionaries and Conchita's diary. It's not approved by the Church yet (they're waiting for the prophecies to come true), but I get the feeling it's regarded as credible by most of the Catholics that are familiar with apparitions.}
Summary
The Warning
-In the time proceeding it, religion will be so persecuted by Communism that it will be very difficult to practice it anywhere in the world (or at least in Europe).
-When the situation is at its worst, there will come a day when time appears to freeze and everyone, the whole world over, awake or asleep, infant or adult, Christian or non-Christian, will find themselves alone, totally absorbed in an interior experience. In order to draw us closer to him, to warn us, and to prepare us for the great miracle to come, God will show us our sins, the evil we've done and the good we've failed to do, leaving all with an intense, agonizing sorrow. "It is better to die than to suffer just five minutes of what is to happen to us."
-It will first be "seen in the air" (I've never seen them elaborate on this. They're so vague it's hard to tell if they're talking about something physical or not. It corresponds with something beginning with the letter "A").
-It will last only a few minutes but will seem like a long time.
-While the experience itself is physically harmless, the anguish may cause some to die of things such as heart failure.
-Everyone will recognize it as coming directly from God, though some may deny it to themselves.
The Miracle
-Before the Miracle occurs, many people will have stopped believing in the Garabandal apparitions. It will occur within 12 months of The Warning (but not necessarily in the same year) on a Thursday on the feast day of a saint devoted to the Eucharist, coinciding with a great event in the Church, at 8:30 in the evening, and will last for about one quarter of an hour. Conchita will announce the date 8 days beforehand. It will be the greatest miracle that has ever happened.
-The sick present will be cured, unbelievers converted.
-As a result of the Miracle, Russia will be converted.
-A permanent, indestructible sign will be left at the pines that can be seen, photographed, televised, and touched, but not felt. It had been compared to a column of smoke and a ray of light but is neither. It will appear clearly that it is something not of this world, but of God.
The Great Chastisement
-When it was first announced, Our Lady said it could be averted by conversion and prayer. Conchita has gone back and forth over the years as to whether she personally thinks it will happen or not. It will occur an unknown amount of time after the Miracle.
-It will be worse than a world war. Conchita hopes her children are dead before it happens.
-”We saw rivers change into blood . . . Fire fell down from the sky. . . And something much worse still, which I’m not able to reveal now.”
-“There will come a time when all motors and machines will stop; a terrible wave of heat will strike the earth and men will begin to feel a great thirst. In desperation they will seek water, but this will evaporate from the heat . . . Then almost everyone will despair and they will seek to kill one another . . . But they will lose their strength and fall to the earth. Then it will be understood that it is God alone Who has permitted this.
Then we saw a crowd in the midst of flames. The people ran to hurl themselves into the lakes and seas. But the water seemed to boil and in place of putting out the flames, it seemed to enkindle them even more.”
On June 18, 1961, four
girls, Conchita Gonzalez (12), Mari Cruz Gonzalez (11) Jacinta
Gonzalez (12), and Mari Loli Mazon (12) were playing on the outskirts
of the village when they heard a sound like thunder.
Suddenly,
there stood before them a dazzling angel. He said nothing and quickly
disappeared. Pale and visibly shaken, they ran to the village church
and the apparition became known.
Over the next several days,
the girls saw the angel again and then on July 1st he spoke: "Do
you know why I have come? It is to announce to you that tomorrow the
Blessed Virgin will appear to you as Our Lady of
Mount Carmel."
"On this day we saw [the angel] had a sign beneath him. The first line had the word 'Hay–it is necessary that' and on the second line were some Roman numerals. We asked him what it meant but he only smiled and didn't say anything." –Conchita's Diary
News spread quickly. On
July 2, many priests were among the numerous visitors who joined the
villagers to witness the great event.
At about 6:00 p.m., the
girls were on their way to the calleja (a rock filled lane leading up
a hill from the village) where they had been seeing the angel when
the Blessed Virgin appeared with the Infant Jesus and two angels, one
on each side.
One of the angels they recognized as the one
who had been appearing to them, later identified as St. Michael the
Archangel, and the other looked identical. Above and to the right was
a large eye that the girls called the eye of God.
Without the slightest fear the girls spoke to the
Lady of their vision. They spoke about their families, the priests
who were there and the work they did at home or in the fields –and
the Lady smiled.
Conchita said she was like their mother who
had been away on a trip and had just come back. At her bidding, they
said the rosary in her presence and she helped them to say it
correctly.
Over the next year and a half she would appear to
the four girls hundreds of times.
"The Blessed
Virgin was smiling as usual.
The first thing she said was, 'Do
you know the meaning of the sign that was beneath the angel?'
'No
we don't,' we exclaimed together.
'It has a message that I am
going to give you so you may announce it publicly on October 18th,'
she said." –Conchita's Diary
The girls' visions were preceded by three interior calls (llamadas) each becoming stronger than the last. After the third call they ran off to the place where they were to see the vision and upon arrival, abruptly fell to their knees entering into an ecstatic rapture.
The ecstatic rapture was complete. The girls' eyes were dilated and their faces became transformed with an unearthly beauty that could not adequately be captured on film or in photos.
"I have seen the photos but even the photos
can't compare to the real thing." –Witness Clinio Sans
Lopez
They could not see or hear anything except their Vision
and themselves and they showed no response to pin pricks, burns with
the tips of hot matches and bright spotlights shone directly into
their eyes.
And while the girls moved easily and gracefully
in ecstasy, others found them rigid to the touch and were not able to
turn their heads or change the position of their arms.
The weight factor of the visionaries changed so
much that two men had great difficulty in lifting one 12-year-old
from the ground while the girls themselves were able to lift each
other with surprising ease to offer a kiss to their Vision.
August began with new phenomena. As the girls
knelt in ecstasy, they could at any time suddenly flop over backwards
until their heads were touching the ground.
Sometimes they
fell in perfect unison forming beautiful sculptures, but their
clothing was never immodestly ruffled or unbecoming.
At other
times they fell straight over backwards hitting the floor with a thud
to the horror of onlookers. But they were never hurt and would get up
without the support of their hands or arms.
Also in August of 1961, the girls began
walking in ecstasy either forward or backward throughout the village
with their eyes fixed above the whole time.
Notice in the
picture on the far right how Mari Loli's foot carefully avoids a
protruding stone.
Sometimes they moved so fast that not even
the young men of the village running full speed could keep up with
them. Afterwards they were neither tired nor perspiring and their
pulse rates were normal.
During these ecstatic flights, they
were able to come to a dead stop defying the laws of physics, whereas
those trying to keep up, carried by momentum, went running right past
them.
The girls in ecstasy always carried a crucifix
which they offered to the bystanders for veneration. They never knew
who was kissing the crucifix because in ecstasy they couldn't see
anyone except their vision and themselves.
At the Virgin's
command they would hold out the crucifix to whomever Mary wanted to
kiss it.
After one ecstasy, Conchita learned that everyone who
had kissed the crucifix was a priest dressed in civilian clothes.
In the early days of the apparitions, to amuse
the Infant the Lady of their visions carried in her arms, the girls
offered Him small stones.
The Infant did not take the stones
but the Lady did and kissing them, told the girls to give them to
certain people once the ecstasy was over.
When the spectators
heard that the Vision had kissed stones they gave their rosaries and
medals to the girls to see if the Lady would kiss these religious
articles. The Lady did accept to kiss them and this practice
continued throughout the apparitions. There were notable
characteristics of this phenomena.
People often gave their
religious articles to the girls through a third party, or placed them
on a table set aside for this purpose in the girls' homes when the
girls were not present.
There was no way the girls could
possibly have known to whom each of the articles belonged, yet in
ecstasy, guided by their Vision, they never made a mistake in the
thousands of times they returned rosaries, medals, wedding rings or
other religious articles to the rightful owners.
The Virgin
told Conchita that those who wear these objects with faith and
devotion would do their purgatory on earth, and that through these
objects her Son would perform prodigies.
"Through the kiss I have bestowed on these objects, my Son will perform prodigies." –Our Lady to Conchita, November 13, 1965
Among the many priests who went up to Garabandal
to study the events was a Jesuit, Father Luis Andreu. He was a
brilliant young theology professor who also had the reputation for
being a saintly priest.
Father Andreu was skeptical on his
first visit but after closely studying the girls in ecstasy he
realized something serious was happening to them.
On August 8, 1961, Father Andreu made another
visit to the village.
That night he was among the crowd
observing the girls in ecstasy at the pine grove where the visions
often took place. Suddenly his face became tense. Beads of
perspiration formed on his brow and he cried out: "Miracle,
miracle, miracle, miracle!"
"I was very close to the
girls in ecstasy and Father Andreu. I heard him say, 'Miracle,
miracle!' Afterwards, as we were coming down from the Pines, Father
Arroyo and I both heard him say, 'I don't have to come to Garabandal
anymore because for me, this is supernatural.' At Loli's house before
leaving, Father Andreu said, 'This is the happiest day of my
life.'"–Clinio Sans Lopez
On the drive home with
friends during the early hours of the next morning, Father Andreu
said, "What a gift the Virgin has given me. How lucky we are to
have a mother like that in heaven. This is the happiest day of my
life."
He then made a slight coughing sound and lowered
his head to his chest. Father Andreu was dead.
In a later
vision, the Blessed Virgin told the girls that on August 8th, Father
Andreu had not only seen her but he saw a vision of the great future
Miracle as well.
October 18th finally
arrived, the day the girls were to announce the long-awaited message
from the Blessed Virgin.
It was a day of apocalyptic
overtones with thunder and lightning, cold and rain. Nonetheless,
hundreds of people made the sacrifice to be there on this all
important day.
Time wore on. Many left. Finally, the message was read aloud at the Pines to the crowd that still remained.
October 18, 1961
We must make many sacrifices, perform much penance and visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently. But first we must lead good lives. If we do not, a chastisement will befall us. The cup is already filling up and if we do not change, a very great chastisement will come upon us.
Beginning in the summer of 1961, the Archangel
Saint Michael gave the visionaries Holy Communion, however, he only
did this when there was no priest in the village from whom they could
normally receive. During these Communions, the Host could be seen by
the girls in ecstasy but were invisible to onlookers.
The
angel taught them how to receive with reverence. Preparation came
first then Communion and finally thanksgiving. But priests were
skeptical about these invisible Communions. How could they receive
Communion from an angel when only a priest had the power to
consecrate? The girls asked the angel. He told them he took the Hosts
from tabernacles on earth.
For some time, the girls pleaded with the Blessed
Virgin and Saint Michael to perform a miracle to convince those who
still did not believe.
Finally, Saint Michael told Conchita
that on a certain date indicated by the Virgin, the invisible
Communion which he had been giving her would on that day become
visible on her tongue. Conchita called that a small miracle because
she thought the Host could always be seen by the onlookers whenever
she received It.
When the day arrived that had been announced
by Conchita 15 days in advance, several hundred people were in the
village but the wait proved long and tiresome. Many became
discouraged and left.
Then about 1:30 in the morning of the 19th,
Conchita came out of her house in ecstasy, turned a corner and as the
crowd pressed around her, dropped to her knees in an adjacent street.
She then put out her tongue. Those just inches away affirmed that it
was bare.
Suddenly, faster than the human eye could detect, a
brilliant white Host appeared on the girl's tongue.
A
Barcelona businessman with a borrowed movie camera and only
flashlight illumination took several frames of film showing the Host
on Conchita's tongue.
By the end of January, 1963, the visions had ceased for Mari Loli, Jacinta and Mari Cruz. Only Conchita continued to have visions but they were fewer and farther apart. However, at this time, Conchita and Mari Loli began to experience locutions. A locution is an interior voice without any accompanying vision.
June 19, 1962
The Virgin told us a message for the whole world and it is this: The Virgin has said to us that we are not expecting the Chastisement; Because we are disregarding her first message by the way we live but without expecting punishment, it will come. Because the world has not changed and now, with this message she has said it twice and we do not heed her, because the world is worse and must change much but has not changed at all.
June 23, 1962
"The Virgin has told us(Maria Dolores
Mazon and Jacinta Gonzalez):
The world continues the same...That
it has not changed at all. FEW WILL SEE GOD. They are so few that it
causes The Virgin much sorrow. What a pity that it does not change.
The Virgin told us that the Chastisement is coming seeing that the
world is not changing. The cup is filling up. How sad the Virgin was
although She didn't let us see it because She loves us so much and
She suffers alone. She is so good! Be good everyone so that The
Virgin will be happy. She told us that We who are good should pray
for those who are bad. Let us pray to God for the world for those who
do not know Him. Be good...be very good everyone"
There are three great prophesied events coming
from the Garabandal events, the Warning (Aviso in Spanish), the great
Miracle and the conditional Chastisement which will come if the world
does not change after the Warning and Miracle.
The first of
these three events to occur is the Warning. It will be seen in the
sky and then felt interiorly by everyone on earth. No one will escape
it.
At a moment in the not too distant future, when the world
is in the midst of a great turmoil, everything will be held in
suspension. At that moment, everyone will see the wrong they have
done and the good they have failed to do. It will be extremely
painful; people would prefer to die rather than go through it. But it
will cause no physical harm. If a person should die, it will only be
from the shock of the experience. The Warning will serve as a
purification to "correct the conscience of the world" and
prepare it for the great Miracle.
The Miracle will take place at the grove of the
nine pine trees. It will occur on a Thursday evening at 8:30 on or
between the 8th and 16th of March, April or May. Conchita knows the
date and will announce it 8 days in advance. It will be on the feast
day of a young martyr and will coincide with a great ecclesiastical
event in the Church.
All those either in the village or on
the surrounding mountains will see it and the Pope will see it from
wherever he is. The sick who are present will be cured, sinners will
be converted and the incredulous will believe. It will be the
greatest miracle that Jesus will have ever performed for the world.
As a result of the Miracle, Russia will be converted. After the
Miracle, a permanent, visible, supernatural sign will remain at the
Pines until the end of time.
If after the Miracle the world
still does not change, then God will send the chastisement. It will
be far worse than anything man could bring upon himself. It will be
in keeping with what he deserves for his crimes.
On January 1, 1965, Conchita saw the Blessed
Virgin at the Pines. During this apparition the Virgin told the
teenager that because the world has not paid any attention to her
first message, she would give a second and last one to be delivered
on her behalf by Saint Michael the Archangel on June 18, 1965.
When
the day arrived, thousands of people filled the village to witness
Conchita's ecstasy and learn of the Virgin's message. Late at night,
Conchita went into ecstasy. Saint Michael then gave her the Blessed
Virgin's final message . . .
June 18, 1965
"As my Message of October eighteenth [1961] has not been complied with and has not been made known to the world, I am advising you that this is the last one. Before the cup was filling up. Now it is flowing over. Many cardinals, many bishops and many priests are on the road to perdition and are taking many souls with them. Less and less importance is being given to the Eucharist. You should turn the wrath of God away from yourselves by your efforts. If you ask His forgiveness with sincere hearts He will pardon you. I your mother, through the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel, ask you to amend your lives. You are now receiving the last warnings. I love you very much and do not want your condemnation. Pray to Us with sincerity and We will grant your requests. You should make more sacrifices. Think about the passion of Jesus."
November 13, 1965, was a day mixed with joy and
sadness for Conchita. The Virgin appeared with her Child to the
teenager but it was to be for the last time at Garabandal. As Mary
had already indicated this was to be a special apparition for kissing
religious objects and Conchita had many with her.
After
kissing the articles, the Virgin said: 'Through the kiss I have
bestowed on these objects, my Son will perform prodigies. Distribute
them to others. Talk to me, Conchita, talk to me about my children. I
hold them all beneath my mantle. This will be the last time you will
see me here but I shall always be with you and with all my children.
Conchita, why don't you go and visit my Son in the
tabernacle? He waits for you night and day." Conchita said to
the Virgin, "I am so happy when I see both of you. Why don't you
take me now to heaven with you?" She replied, "Remember
what I told you on your patronal feast day? When you present yourself
before God, your hands must be filled with good deeds done for your
brothers and for His glory. At the present time, your hands are
empty."
It was all over. The happy moments when Conchita
had been with her heavenly Mother and the Child Jesus had passed
although she still felt Their presence. She said, 'They have left my
soul filled with peace and joy and a great desire to overcome my
faults and to love with all my strength the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
who love us so much."
And what does medical science have to say about
the Garabandal events? More than 40 doctors examined the girls at
different times.
Pediatrician Dr. Celestino Ortiz studied them
for 22 consecutive days. Outside of ecstasy, he found them to be
normal and well balanced. And of their ecstasies he said, "To
keep silent would be true scientific cowardice. We do not find any
convincing explanation for such phenomena."
Dr. Ricardo
Puncernau was an internationally known neuropsychiatrist right at the
top of his profession. He performed the most extensive series of
tests on the girls over a 12 day period. His conclusions? The
quantity and the quality of the phenomena ruled out any natural
explanation. He said, "From a strictly scientific point of view,
one cannot deny the possibility of a supernatural cause in all these
phenomena."
Another prominent psychiatrist connected
with the events was Dr. Luis Morales. In 1961 he had his own clinic
in Santander and the Bishop appointed him chief medical examiner of a
commission formed to study the reported apparitions. At the time, he
did not believe the events to be of supernatural origin.
Later,
this same Dr. Morales made headlines when he reversed his original
position. On May 30, 1983, he gave a public lecture with the Bishop's
permission in Santander's largest conference hall. To the overflow
crowd he gave his reasons why he believed the Garabandal apparitions
were genuine.
The Church has always taken the events of
Garabandal seriously. Principal visionary, Conchita Gonzalez, twice
has been summoned to Rome. The first time was in January, 1966, when
she was called there by Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani, prefect of the
Holy Office (now called the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of
the Faith) where she was interrogated by members of the Holy Office.
It was during this trip that she was received by His Holiness Pope
Paul VI in a private audience. And it is an incontrovertible fact
that he told the visionary, "I bless you and with me the whole
Church blesses you."
It was also during this trip to
Italy for Conchita that she went to San Giovanni Rotondo where she
was warmly received by Padre Pio.
In December, 1967, Conchita
was again summoned to Rome this time by Cardinal Franjo Seper, who
succeeded Cardinal Ottaviani as Prefect of the Sacred Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith, and she made the journey in February,
1968. Little is known of what transpired because Conchita was not
permitted to speak about it, however, the fact that she was there
from the fifth to the nineteenth indicates its significance.
{This next passage only has one source and it's not a very credible looking site, though it does cite its sources. I know that the story of Conchita suddenly deciding the apparitions weren't real then changing her mind again is true from a video interview with her I saw.}
One of the first prophecies came early in the events in 1961 and was somewhat enigmatic. After the visionaries came out of ecstasy, the onlookers wanted to know, as usual, what the Vision had said to them: "What did the Virgin tell you this time?" The girls looked at each other as if in consultation. Their interrogators pressed them, "Well, tell us!"
"We don't understand very well," they replied.
"Well tell us just the same."
The girls said that the Virgin has told them: "A time will come when all four of you will contradict yourselves about the visions; when your families will have doubts about them; when you too will doubt and even deny them."
"Is that all?"
"No. The Virgin added, 'In this way you will establish among yourselves the same confusion that now exists in the Church.'"
A
priest present strongly protested: "This isn't the Virgin who is
appearing. There is no confusion in the Church. It is the Devil
speaking."[Tout le Peuple l'Ecoutait by Robert Francois.]
The prophecy concerning the visionaries' doubts and denials came to pass as foretold. By January of 1963, Mari Cruz, Jacinta and Mari Loli, were no longer having visions, and almost immediately they began to doubt. Mari Cruz was the first to actually deny having seen the Virgin.
But August 15, 1966, was a landmark day in the progression of the
visionaries' doubts for on this day Conchita and Mari Loli began to
be assailed by "deep doubts." Pictures taken of the two on
that day show them with forlorn faces. Conchita was suddenly
overwhelmed with the belief that she was deceiving everyone and felt
compelled to confess to the new parish priest Father Jose Olano (who
asked her to say 15 rosaries for a penance).[THE CALL OF GARABANDAL,
April-June 1983.] She asked to see the Bishop.
Bishop Vicente Puchol, Ordinary of the Santander Diocese, went with three priests to the convent school in Pamplona, where Conchita was enrolled at the time, and interrogated her for several hours. She denied having seen the Virgin but said the calls (llamadas) and Messages were true and that the Miracle would happen. Conchita was wearing a ring kissed by the Virgin which the Bishop asked to venerate just in case it was true. Despite these contradictions, Bishop Puchol issued a devastating statement to the press. In 1978, Fr. Francis Benac, S.J. asked Conchita: "Didn't the Bishop know that Our Lady had already told you long before that one day all of you would deny everything that you were seeing and hearing?" She replied: "Surely not, because had he known about this he would never have published what he did."[Ibid.]
Are these doubts experienced by the visionaries viewed as a negative aspect of the apparitions? Not at all. Jeanne-Marie Lebosse, one of the visionaries of Pontmain (officially recognized by the Church) made a formal retraction on December 15, 1920, in which she said that she did not see the Blessed Virgin who appeared at Pontmain on January 17, 1871.[Pontmain, Histoire Authentique, R. Laurentin, A. Durand.] And Saint Teresa of Avila in her autobiography recounts that the day arrived "when all the graces the Lord had bestowed on me were blotted out of my memory." [Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, Chapter 30.]
Regarding confusion in the Church, no explanation is necessary as this confusion announced by Our Lady in 1961 openly manifested itself just one year later with the opening of the Second Vatican Council and all that followed.
"The warning comes directly from God and will be visible to the whole world and from any place where anyone many happen to be. It will be like the revelation of our sins and it will be seen and felt by everyone, believer and unbeliever alike irrespective of whatever religion he may belong to. It will be seen and felt in all parts of the world and by every person."
What about the many people who do not know Christ; how will they understand the warning?
“For those who do
not know Christ (non-Christian) they will believe it is a warning
from God.”
We have heard that some say the warning may be a natural phenomenon but will be used by God to speak to mankind.
“The warning is something supernatural and will not be explained by science.”
“we could suffer
it by night as well as by day.” In this same conversation,
Conchita said: “It is better to die than to suffer just five
minutes of what is to happen to us.”
The Blessed Virgin told me (during a two-hour apparition at the pines January 1, 1965) that a warning would be given before the miracle. The warning is a thing that comes directly from God. No one can escape it. It will be visible all over the world. We will feel it bodily and interiorly. The warning is like a chastisement, a terrifying thing for the good as well as for the wicked. It will be like a revelation of our sins. We shall see the consequences of the sins we have committed. God will send the warning to purify us so that we may better appreciate the miracle by which He clearly proves His love for us and hence His desire that we fulfill the message. The warning will draw the good closer to God and it will warn the wicked that the end of time is coming.
The "extremely great" Miracle which Conchita mentions in her Diary is more fully discussed in the notes she gave Francisco Sanchez-Ventura, author of The Apparitions of Garabandal: "I am the only one to whom the Blessed Virgin spoke of the Miracle. She forbade me to say what it will consist of. I can't announce the date either until eight days before it is due to occur. What I can reveal is that it will coincide with an event in the Church and with the feast of a saint, martyr of the Eucharist; that it will take place at 8:30 on a Thursday evening; that it will be visable to all those who are in the village and surrounding mountains; that the sick who are present will be cured and the incredulous will believe. It will be the greatest miracle that Jesus will have performed for the world. There won't be the slightest doubt that it comes from God and that it is for the good of mankind. A sign of the Miracle—un señal del milagro—which it will be possible to film or televise, will remain forever—para siempre—at the pines."
On September 14, 1965, Conchita said: "The sign that will remain forever at the pines is something we will be able to photograph, televise and see, but not touch. It will be evident that it is not a thing of this world but from God." At another time, concerning the great Miracle, she added that, "it would last about 15 minutes." On August 10, 1971, while talking to a group of Americans, she offered this revealing information: "It will take place on or between the eighth and sixteenth of March, April or May. It will not happen in February or June."
"I cannot reveal what kind of punishment it is except that it will be a result of the direct intervention of God, which makes it more terrible and fearful than anything we can imagine. It will be less painful for innocent babies to die a natural death than for those babies to die because of the punishment. All Catholics should go to confession before the punishment and the others should repent of their sins. When I saw it (the punishment), I felt a great fear even though at the same time I was seeing Our Blessed Mother. The punishment, if it comes, will come after the miracle."
"The Chastisement is conditional and depends on whether or not mankind heeds the messages of the Blessed Virgin and the Miracle. If it should take place, I know what it will consist of because the Blessed Virgin told me about it, but I am not permitted to say what it is. Moreover, I have seen the Chastisement. I can assure you that if it comes, it will be worse than being enveloped in fire, worse than having fire above and beneath you. I do not know how much time will elapse between the Miracle and the Chastisement."
1973
Q. What is going to happen on that day (of the Miracle)?
A. I will tell you all that I can just as the Virgin told it to me. She told me that God was going to perform a great Miracle and that there would be no doubt about the fact that it was a miracle. It will come directly from God with no human intervention. A day will come-and she told me the day, the month and the year so I know the exact date.
Q. When is that day?
A. It is coming soon but I can't reveal it until eight days before the date.
Q. What exactly is going to happen on that day?
A. I am not permitted to say exactly what is going to happen. What I can reveal is that the Virgin said that everyone who would be there (in Garabandal) on that day would see it. The sick who are there will be cured no matter what their disease or religion. However, they have to be there.
Q. On the day of the Miracle, did you say that those present would be converted?
A. The virgin said that everyone present would believe. They would see that this was coming directly from God. All sinners present would be converted. She also said that you would be able to take pictures and televise it. Also, from that moment on there would be a permanent sign at the pines that everyone will be able to see and touch but not feel. I can't explain it.
Q. On the day of the Miracle there will be an extraordinary sign not made by human hands?
A. Yes. And this sign will remain until the end of time.
Q. Did you say that this sign could be televised and photographed but not felt by touching?
A. It will be like smoke. You can touch it but not feel it.
Q. With respect to the sick people. The virgin mentioned one particular person, a blind man called Joe Lomangino, what did she say about him?
A. She said that on the day of the great Miracle he will recover his sight. She also talked about a paralytic boy whose parents came from my town (Garabandal). This boy will also be cured. these are the only two people she mentioned.
Q. Can you tell us something about Fr. Luis Andreu?
A. Yes. This priest came frequently to the village to see if the apparitions were real or not. After a while he believed in them. Once, while we were in ecstasy at the pines, he began to shout, "Miracle, miracle, miracle." When this happened the Virgin said, "At this moment the priest is seeing me and the Miracle that will occur."
Q. Fr. Luis was actually seeing the Miracle?
A. Yes. That same day on his trip back home he said to his friends, "This is the happiest day of my life. What a great mother we have in heaven. The apparitions are true. " As he said these words he died.
Q. Didn't the Virgin say that something would occur on the day of the Miracle concerning Fr. Andreu?
A. Yes, she said that on the day of the Miracle his body would be found incorrupt.
February 7, 1974
Q. Will you take the baby * to the Miracle.
(*Conchita was expecting her first child when this interview was conducted and gave birth to little Conchita (Conchitina) the following April.)
A. I don't even know if I'm going. (Asked to expand on her answer, Conchita said): Surely I want to go, but I don't know if circumstances will permit. It is not necessary (for the occurrence of the Miracle) that I be there.
Q. You have said that the Miracle of Garabandal will coincide with a great event within the Church. Did Our Lady tell you what that event will be, and can you add anything to what you have already said about this matter?
A. Yes, I know what the event is. It is a singular event in the church that happens very rarely, and has never happened in my lifetime. It is not new or stupendous, only rare, like a definition of a dogma- something like that in that it will affect the entire church. It will happen on the same day as the Miracle, but not as a consequence of the Miracle, only coincidentally.
Q. How will you announce the Miracle?
A. I don't know exactly. Most definitely at midnight (eight days before the Miracle) I will call Joey (Lomangino), radio, television, and anyone else in the world that I feel can help to spread the world rapidly. I am not worried. I know that if the Blessed Mother wants you there, you will be there.
Q. Joey has said he will go to Garabandal immediately after the Warning. do you know how much time will pass between the Warning and the Miracle?
A. For Joey to go to Garabandal is a good idea, but I don't know how long will pass between the Warning and the Miracle.
Q. Do you think of the day of the Miracle often, and are you anxious for the Warning and the Miracle to come?
A. Sometimes I think of it as so imminent, sometimes far away. It seems so near when I think that people are not answering the Message, because after the Miracle there may come the punishment. I am anxious, yes. I wait. The blessed Mother never lies. For the words of the Blessed Mother to be complete, there must be the Warning and the Miracle. It is all one message.
Q. During the two occasions that Our Lady spoke to you about Joey, did she say anything in addition to the prophecy about his eyes?
A. Concerning Joey, the only thing I remember now is that the Blessed virgin said to me that at the moment of the Miracle Joey will have new eyes, and he will see permanently after that.
February, 1977
Q. When did you learn about the Warning and from whom?
A. The only thing that I remember well is that it was the Virgin who told me of it.
Q. Would you repeat for us what you know about the Warning?
A. What I remember now is that the Virgin told me that before the Miracle God will be sending us a Warning so as to purify us or prepare us to see the Miracle and in this way we may draw enough grace to change our lives toward God. She told me what the Warning will consist of but not the date. I am not able to say what it consists of but I am able to say what it will be like, more or less. It is a phenomenon which will be seen and felt in all the world and everywhere; I have always given as an example that of two stars that collide. This phenomenon will not cause physical damage, but it will horrify us because at that very moment we will see our souls and the harm we have done. It will be as though we were in agony but we will not die by its effects but perhaps we will die of fright or shock to see ourselves. May the Virgin forgive me if I do not explain it the way it is, but I am trying to tell you ...after knowing what the Warning will be like that day.
Q. Did you 'see' or 'hear' about the Warning?
A. The Virgin told me of its coming.
Q. If the Warning only last a short time, will the world remember it as coming from God or will it only appear to have been a dream or an illusion?
A. I have never said that the Warning will be a short moment. What I have said is that even if it were a moment it will be very impressive and terrible. No one will have doubts of it being from God, and of its not being human. I, who know what it is am very much afraid of that day.
Q. Many years ago you told us the event of the Warning begins with the letter"A." Since Our Lady never told you not to reveal it, can you now mention it?
A. She did not forbid it, but I don't know why I haven't said it and I don't feel as though I should say it now.
Q. You once said to Fr. Marcelino Andreu, "When you see the Warning you will know we have opened up the end of time." Can you explain what you meant by this?
A. The Virgin told us that the Warning and Miracle will be the last warnings for public spectaculars that God will give us. This is why I believe that after them we will be near the end of time.
Q. Do you have any words of advice for the people in order that they might prepare for this event?
A.We must all ways be prepared with our souls in peace and not tie ourselves down so much to this world. Instead, we must think very often that we are here to go to heaven and to be saints.
Q. Did you 'see' the Miracle or were you told about it?
A. The Virgin told me of it and made me understand exactly what it will be
Q. Were you alone or with the other girls when Our Lady told you about the Miracle?
A. I don't remember.*
(*Ed. note: According to the notes of Fr. Valentin Marichalar, pastor of Garabandal during the time of the events, Conchita was alone when she received this communication.)
Q. What will the Miracle be like?
A. Even if I would try to explain it, I wouldn't be able to do it well. It is better that you wait and see it.
Q. Would you please restate the information covering the span of months during which we may expect the Miracle?
A. March to May.
Q. It is said by some people that the way you will announce the Miracle will be a "miracle" in itself. Can you explain this?
A. I believe that the way in which it will be said will be another miracle because it is a very great responsibility for me and I will need a miracle to say it.
Q. If I am situated far from the village in the mountains, but I am able to see the pines, will I see the Miracle clearly? If I am sick will I be cured at that distance?
A. You will be able to witness the Miracle clearly, and if God wills it you will be cured.
Q. Some people have said that in other places in the United States and Europe people could visit Marian shrines and be cured on that day. What do you know about this?
A. The Virgin didn't tell us anything about this.
Q. Will those who are firm believers in the coming Miracle but are unable to attend because of their state in life, for example, cloistered priests and religious, receive any special graces on that day?
A. I don't know, personally. It depends on these people; of their wishes, or their faith, or their sacrifice or their obedience.
Q. Did Our Lady ever say anything about the vast sea of people who plan on being in Garabandal several days beforehand? Many are concerned as to how they will manage for their food and toilet facilities. do you have any comment?
A. Leave that in God's hands. Do what you can and for the rest remember, "God performs miracles.'
Interview by Dr. Jeronimo Dominguez, May 1973
Doctor Dominguez: What did you feel when you saw the Virgin? Were you afraid or was she like a friend?
Conchita: Whenever she came we felt a great joy. It was as though she had been away on a trip and had just come back.
Doctor: So how
did you feel toward her as to a friend?
Conchita: I
felt toward her as to a friend, or just as if she were my mother.
Doctor: Did
she always appear with a white dress and blue mantle or did she
sometimes appear dressed another way?
Conchita: She
always wore a white dress and blue mantle. I remember once we asked
her why she dressed this way since the statues we were used to seeing
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel showed her dressed in brown. On the next
day, or perhaps it was several days later, I don't remember exactly,
she came dressed in brown. After that she always appeared with a
white dress and blue mantle.
Doctor: Did
the Virgin wear the scapular on her wrist all the time or just
sometimes?
Conchita: Always! She always wore it.
Doctor: Do
you remember if the Virgin asked you to bring religious objects for
her to kiss?
Conchita: Yes, she used to ask us to bring
her religious objects so she could kiss them. She said that those who
wore these objects would do their purgatory here on earth. She also
said that through these objects miracles or prodigies would be
performed. I think she said prodigies not miracles.
Doctor: Do
you recall any miracle or prodigy that resulted from a rosary that
the Virgin kissed?
Conchita: I remember one regarding a
medal. A little girl was in a coma and everyone was just waiting for
her to die. A lady brought the girl a piece of pine from the tree
where the Virgin appeared, and the medal. The girl was completely
cured between that night and the following morning. She is now
married, has children of her own, and is completely normal.
Doctor: Did
the Virgin ever talk about the rosary?
Conchita: Every
time we saw the Virgin we would say the rosary with her. She taught
us how to say it.
Doctor: How
did she teach you? Did she take the lead in praying it?
Conchita:
Yes, she would lead us in praying it and we would repeat her
words.
Doctor: Did
she pray it slowly or quickly?
Conchita: Slowly, very
slowly.
Doctor: Is that
the right way to say it?
Conchita: We thought it was
the right way at the time.
Doctor: Do
you remember the rings? Did the Virgin ask for wedding rings to
kiss?
Conchita: Yes. People would give us wedding rings
for the Virgin to kiss. Sometimes we would have rings on every
finger, then when we saw the Virgin we would give them to her to
kiss. She would tell us to put each ring on each owner's finger. She
would say: "This ring is for this person." We wouldn't see
the rings or the persons, but we followed her directions.
Doctor: That's
unusual because you are in ecstasy looking up. How could you tell if
you had the right ring since yours hands were full of them?
Conchita:
She would say to us, "not this ring but the one on your little
finger" and so on. Let me tell you of a case involving the
rings. A couple gave me two rings for the Virgin to kiss. I presented
them to the Virgin, but she didn't kiss them. Instead, she gave me a
message to be delivered privately to the couple.
Doctor: What
was the message?
Conchita: The message was that they
were not married, but just living together. When I told them they
cried. Later they got married.
Doctor: (Showing
Conchita a picture of herself in ecstasy giving the crucifix to a
man.) Do you remember these events such as this one with you
holding out the crucifix?
Conchita: I do remember very
well that we held out the crucifix for people to kiss. I never knew
the people who kissed it. The Virgin would say, "Extend your
arm" and the crucifix would be kissed by whomever the Virgin
wanted.
Doctor: Wasn't
there something that once happened with a small crucifix?
Conchita:
Yes. One day a man gave me a very small crucifix about the size of a
fingernail. When I went to give it to the Virgin to kiss, it fell to
the ground and I lost it. When the man came to ask me for the
crucifix I told him that I'd lost it, but not to worry because I
would ask the Virgin to help me find it again. Several nights later I
found it. [During an ecstasy] the Virgin said to me, "Bend down
and pick up that object." So I bent down and picked up something
that was covered with mud, and it was the crucifix that I had lost.
Doctor: What
did you do with it?
Conchita: I gave it back to the
man.
Doctor: What
do you remember about priests during the time of the
apparitions?
Conchita: I remember that many priests
came to the village [to see the events] and many were dressed in
civilian clothes. I don't know how, but we always knew who the
priests were even if there were a lot of people. One night in
particular when we were seeing the Virgin there were a lot of people
present. The Virgin told us to hold out our arms [with the crucifix]
which we did. When it was over, we learned that all those to whom we
had given the crucifix to kiss were priests dressed in civilian
clothes.
Doctor: (Showing
Conchita a picture of the girls in ecstasy at the village church
closed door) How come you were at the church door?
Conchita:
In the beginning [of the apparitions] we used to enter the church.
But then because of the disturbance made by people who wanted to be
first when we held out the crucifix for veneration, the bishop said
we could no longer go inside while in ecstasy. From then on, the
Virgin never led us inside.
Doctor: You
mean from then on the Virgin only led you up to the door?
Conchita:
Yes.
Doctor: Was
this her way of saying the bishop had to be obeyed?
Conchita:
Yes, I think it was an example of the obedience we owe to the bishop
and also to each person to whom we owe obedience.
Doctor: At
what time of the day did the Virgin appear, when there were people
present?
Conchita: She appeared at all hours of the day
or night: 11:00 or 12:00 at night, or 1:00 or 5:00 in the morning.
There was no definite time. Sometimes there were many people even at
five in the morning, or just a few. Sometimes she appeared to us when
we were alone with no one else there.
Doctor: How
did you know when she was going to appear at night?
Conchita:
She would alert us by three calls, but please don't ask me about
them. It's something I have never been able to understand; that's all
I can say.
Doctor: Was
it something you felt inside?
Conchita: I have never
been able to explain it. It was like an immense joy that brings you
to a place without your knowing where you are going, only that you
have to go there.
Doctor: During all these spectacular events there were messages. There was one in 1961. Can you repeat what the Virgin said in that first Message?
Conchita: Yes. The words of the Virgin are: "We have to do much penance and make many sacrifices. We have to visit the Blessed Sacrament often. Above all, we must be very good. The cup is already filling up. If we don't change a great punishment will come upon us." This is the way I understand it, although the Virgin didn't say it this way. With respect to penance and sacrifice, penance is what we impose on ourselves; sacrifice is giving up things as a situation suggests. For example, when a person scolds us, not to answer them back. Or if we receive a blow, to offer it to God. For me this is self imposed penance and sacrifice.
Doctor: On
the subject of penance and sacrifice, wasn't there an incident
regarding a piece of gum?
Conchita: Yes. The day of the
last apparition on November 13, 1965, I had a piece of gum in my
mouth. The moment I saw the Virgin, I stopped chewing it and lodged
it against the inside of my cheek. But she said, "Why don't you
get rid of that gum and offer it as a sacrifice for me?" (Note:
In an account of this apparition much closer to the actual event
itself that Conchita wrote for Father Jose Maria Alba, S.J., on
December 10, 1965, the words of Our Lady are more accurately
recounted: "Why don't you get rid of your chewing gum and offer
it up as a sacrifice for the glory of my Son.")
So I
took the gum out of my mouth. I understood from this that the Virgin
was not asking for big sacrifices, but small ones so that we can
continually offer them out of love for her.
Doctor: So
little sacrifices are good when made in the presence of God. After
all, gum is not bad, right?
Conchita: Not at all, but
giving it up is an act of love for God.
Doctor: The
Virgin also said in the Message that above all we have to be good.
What do you think she meant by that?
Conchita: I don't
know what the Virgin meant. I understand it to be a life lived moment
by moment offering everything to God. Living like a Christian the way
our conscience tells us is what I think she meant.
Doctor: So
everyone can be good.
Conchita: Sure. Everyone in
the practice of their religion, in their environment, in their
family, their job, knows how to be good because each person has his
own conscience and God speaks to each one through their conscience.
Doctor: Each
man and woman knows what is right or wrong whether it's here [in New
York] or a little village like Garabandal.
Conchita: I
am sure that each person knows when they do something good or bad.
Doctor: The Message then was the important thing in all these apparitions. What have you done or what have you tried to do to live the Message?
Conchita: What would give the Virgin great happiness is a very difficult thing for me. That is to live each moment of the day doing everything for God.
Doctor: Do
you think you and I are living the Message?
Conchita: I
think I am, but you have to answer for yourself.
Doctor: You
work as a nurse. (Note: At the time of this interview, Conchita
was a nurse in Dr. Dominguez's clinic in New York.) Do you fulfill
the Message in that capacity and if so how?
Conchita: I
try to by doing my work to the best of my abilities and by treating
the patients the way I should.
Doctor: How
about a housewife with three or four children who is busy all
day? Can she fulfill the Message?
Conchita: Surely,
according to the perfection in which she accomplishes her duties
offering all her actions to God.
Doctor: Offering
to God all the little things she does during the day. So it's not
what you do but how you do it.
Conchita: How you do it,
that is true.
Doctor: How
about a person working in an office?
Conchita: You can
fulfill the Message anywhere. You can always be good and offer praise
to God.
Doctor: One
of the things you have done in New York is give out scapulars. Why do
you do that? Do you like giving out scapulars in the office and on
the streets?
Conchita: Ever since I was a little girl
I've worn the scapular. It's a devotion my mother taught me. But more
than that, I wear it because whenever the Virgin appeared, she had
the scapular on her wrist.
Doctor: All that you have said so far deals with the first Message. Wasn't there another Message on June 18, 1965? Can you tell us about that one?
Conchita: Certainly. The Virgin's Message delivered by Saint Michael said: "Because my Message of October 18, 1961, had not been fulfilled and that the world didn't know about it, I'm telling you that this is the last one. Before the cup was filling up. Now it is flowing over. Many priests, bishops and cardinals are on the road to perdition and are taking many souls with them. Each day less and less importance is being given to the Eucharist. You should use all your efforts to avoid God's wrath. If you sincerely ask for pardon, He will forgive you. I your mother, through the mediation of Saint Michael the Archangel, ask you to correct your ways. You should sacrifice more. Think of the passion of Jesus.
Doctor: What
do you think about the statement that cardinals, bishops and priests
are on the road to perdition?
Conchita: I think every
day the Virgin appeared she mentioned priests and that we should pray
for them. We never understood why. For us priests were like saints
because we never had many come to our village. It was considered a
privilege whenever one came.
Regarding bishops and cardinals, we
thought it very strange, but we would repeat it the way she said it.
Doctor: (Showing
Conchita a picture of her receiving Communion from Saint Michael)
Here you are, but we are not able to see the Host. The angel
brought you Communion many times, isn't that right? Do you remember
how many times?
Conchita: Not that many, maybe forty
times. Usually there was a priest in the village and the angel only
gave us Communion when there was no priest. Regarding Communion, the
Virgin taught us the value and the importance of the Eucharist. After
the apparitions started, we never missed a day without receiving.
Doctor: Since
only priests can consecrate, did you ever ask the Virgin where the
angel got the Hosts?
Conchita: Yes, we did ask because
a priest told us to. The Virgin said that the angel took the
already-consecrated Hosts from tabernacles on earth.
Interview by Father Francis Benac, S.J., June 1978
Father Benac: How high was the Virgin when
she appeared to you?
Conchita: At times we could give her
the crucifix to kiss, but we always had to look up to see her.
Benac: In some photographs you are
seen lifting one another.
Conchita: Yes, because
sometimes we couldn't reach her when she was above the level of our
faces.
Benac: Were you aware of what you
were doing?
Conchita: Yes, we were quite aware and
when doing this the other one was weightless.
Benac: Is it true that Our Lady
kissed you before her departure? Did you feel her kissing
you?
Conchita: Surely we felt it, just as one feels
when kissed by another person.
Benac: Our Lady often appeared to
all four of you at night. Do you think she chose that time for any
special reason?
Conchita: I would say that there was
no special motive other than, as she said, it was during the
nighttime that so many sins were committed.
Benac: Did Our Lady ask all four of
you to offer sacrifices?
Conchita: For us, we were
already making sacrifices. We had to work the whole day in the
fields, and then when it came time for bed, we couldn't sleep because
the Virgin had already given us the Hamadas [call that preceded her
appearances]. It was the same for all the people in the village and
our own families. Surely those were years of much sacrifice, laboring
by day and spending the night waiting for Our Lady.
Benac: Regarding penance, did she
refer to anything specific?
Conchita: I remember the
first day I put on a penitential belt; she told me that this was not
what she wanted, but rather that we should accept daily all things as
they came to us and offer them up with love and faith, especially
with regard to the obedience we owed to our mother and all other
things, you see, which children are expected to do.
Benac: During Our Lady's many
visits, what did she request most frequently from the four of
you?
Conchita: She always insisted that we pray for
priests. We couldn't understand why. It sounded so strange to hear
her make this request because one day she had told us: "If you
ever see a priest and an angel, greet the priest first and then the
angel." It was by this, that we understood that it was God
[represented by the priest] who came, and so we could not understand
her persistent request for prayers for priests.
Benac: When did you know that Fr.
Luis Andreu had a sort of share in your ecstasies and the vision of
the miracle?
Conchita: (in a soft voice) I don't
remember.
Benac: But you said later that the
Virgin had told you that he had died of joy?
Conchita: I
know she said this, but I don't remember when.
Benac: Is it true that Our Lady told
you that Fr. Luis (after his death) would come with her and that he
would talk to all four of you?
Conchita: Yes, and we
could hear him speak in his natural voice.
Benac: Did he tell you anything
personal for his brother Ramon?
Conchita: I
don't remember. What I do remember is that he taught us the Hail Mary
in Greek. We immediately repeated it and the people heard us say it.
Benac: Do you still remember it? Can
you recite something?
Conchita: (Without hesitation,
Conchita recited the first sentence of the Hail Mary) Hcdre Maria
Keharitomene, O Kirios Metasu eulogemene... I don't remember any
more.
Benac: You have also been quoted as
having said that Fr. Luis Andreu's body would be found incorrupt
after the Miracle.
Conchita: Yes. The Virgin said
that after the Miracle Father's body would be found incorrupt. I know
that when his grave was opened to transfer the remains to Loyola, the
body was decomposed.
Benac: What was your reaction to
that?
Conchita: Let me say again that it was the
Virgin who told me that after the Miracle his body would be found
incorrupt. Now how that will happen I don't know.
Benac: But, when Our Lady said this,
she would have known that the body had already decomposed.
Conchita:
Yes, for she knows everything. Perhaps his brother [Father
Ramon Andreu] knows more.
Benac: Regarding your visits to
Rome, who called you there the first time?
Conchita: I
don't quite remember, but I'm sure it was Cardinal Ottaviani. I know
that some messages were delivered to our house saying that I had an
invitation from Rome. I think the invitation was from Cardinal
Ottaviani.
Benac: So, you met Cardinal
Ottaviani in Rome?
Conchita: I think it was Cardinal
Ottaviani and other bishops, but I don't remember exactly.
Benac: There has been much
speculation about your meeting with the Holy Father and I have the
words of Canon Porro about it. Could you tell us if his statement is
accurate?
Conchita: I cannot speak about that (Note:
Conchita was sworn to secrecy about what was discussed in her meeting
with Paul VI.).
Benac: On the cover of Sanchez
Ventura's book, THE APPARITIONS OF GARABANDAL, Pope Paul VI is quoted
as having said: "I bless you and with me the whole Church
blesses you." Are those words correct?
Conchita: Oh
yes! He said exactly those words.
Benac: Could they be heard all
around?
Conchita: Oh yes. Everyone around us could
hear them.
Benac: Was any cardinal or bishop
close to the Holy Father when he passed in front of you?
Conchita:
Yes, there was a bishop by the name (N.N.) who I felt did his
very best to prevent the Holy Father from coming close to me. As we
stood watching the Pope advance on his gestatoria (chair
mounted on two parallel, horizontal poles carried on the shoulders of
men), the Holy Father noticed a friend of his standing by me, but
that bishop tried to stand between the Pope and us. Eventually he did
come closer to us and then spoke those words to me.
Benac: Regarding the Pope, I
understand that Our Lady said he would see the Miracle from wherever
he was. Is that correct? Did she refer to the present Pope?
Conchita:
No. When I said that, Pope John XXIII was reigning. She did not
say which Pope, just simply "the Pope."
Benac: Referring to the Second
Message, where did you receive it and when did you write it
down?
Conchita: I received the Message at la
calleja [the sunken lane leading up to the Pines where the first
apparitions took place]. After St. Michael gave it to me, I went home
with all the people following me. While everyone waited outside, I
went in and I don't think it took me more than a minute to write it
down. I would like to add something here. At the time of our denials
(the Blessed Virgin told the visionaries in advance (1961) that they
would doubt and deny their visions once they stopped seeing her) I
remember when I met with the bishop to tell him that the apparitions
were not true, I did tell him: "I am sure the Message was given
to me by the angel." Even when I felt the apparitions were not
true, the Message was engraved in my mind.
Benac: Do you remember this very
well?
Conchita: Oh, yes! It's what impressed me most
even after the denials, when I would ask myself: If the apparitions
weren't true then who gave me that Message?
Benac: I understand there are two
versions of the Message. How many copies did you make?
Conchita:
In the first version I wrote "many priests are on the
way to perdition."
Benac: Why didn't you mention
cardinals, bishops and priests?
Conchita: For me to
add cardinals and bishops was too strong and I didn't dare say it. As
I was writing the Message, I said to myself: I don't feel that I am
disobeying the angel since bishops and cardinals are priests. Later,
when I wrote out the Message again, I felt I should write it as St.
Michael told me, with cardinals and bishops as well. I know I made
two copies, but on the first one I only wrote "priests."
Benac: I understand that Father
Marcelino Andreu made the first translation into English. Did he
write the complete version or did he say only priests?
Conchita:
I don't know, but I feel that he wrote only priests and I think
Father Luna made the translation into French.
Benac: Do you recall any
ecclesiastical authorities reproaching you because of that
sentence?
Conchita: Oh yes, many, but only
individually and not officially. One priest told me I would be
canonically excommunicated for having spoken about priests that way.
Benac: But an ordinary priest
obviously has no power to do this.
Conchita: Perhaps
he said it to frighten me. And well, yes, it was terrible since the
people in my village used to identify a priest with something divine.
When one came to the village it was as if God Himself came. This was
how we thought of our priests and it was hard for me to write that
[part in the] Message. Back in the village in those days, nothing of
what is happening with priests today was heard of. This is why they
called me a liar and said they were going to kill me.
Benac: Did the Blessed Virgin, or
Saint Michael on her behalf, specifically ask you on any occasion to
spread the Message?
Conchita: As far as I'm
concerned, this is the only reason for the apparitions: the Message —
for me and for everyone.
Benac: Wasn't that why the Virgin
complained at the beginning of her second Message that her first
Message had not been made known?
Conchita: Yes,
exactly.
Benac: Then, could we say that this
is your special mission, to practice and help others to practice the
Message?
Conchita: Surely, otherwise why would she
have come from heaven to earth.
Benac: Are you happy to hear the
news of the extraordinary way the Message is spreading all over the
world in spite of so many difficulties?
Conchita: Yes,
and I receive very encouraging letters from people saying how they
practice the Message and try to spread it.
Benac: There is one delicate
question I would like to ask you and it's about the chapel in honor
of St. Michael. Did Our Lady ever ask for this?
Conchita:
Yes, Our Lady told us that she wanted a chapel to be built at
the Pines but after the Miracle. Perhaps Our Lady may not have been
pleased at the present chapel which was put up before the Miracle
(Note: the present pre-fabricated structure was literally put up over
night around 1968).
Benac: Did Our Lady ever ask, as she
did at other apparitions, that a shrine be built in her
honor?
Conchita: No. She only asked that a chapel be
built in honor of St. Michael.
Benac: How would you interpret this
gesture of Our Lady?
Conchita: I didn't interpret it
in any way. I always accepted all that she said, but now I realize
and think that because St. Michael is God's defender against Satan,
the Blessed Virgin thinks people should have much devotion to him —
but I really don't know.
Benac: Did the Virgin ever tell you
anything about your future?
Conchita: No. I often
asked her but she never spoke to us about our private lives. If I
asked her any questions in that regard, she did not answer. I
repeatedly told her that when I became 15 years old I would go to the
convent and become a nun at 16, but she never answered me or the
other girls.
Benac: But you did feel an urge to
join the religious life.
Conchita: Yes, I wanted to
enter a convent thinking that after having seen the Virgin the normal
thing to do was become a nun (here she smiled sweetly).
Benac: How was it then that you
followed a different course?
Conchita: After a
locution with Our Lord [at a convent school in Pamplona], I don't
remember the entire locution, but I do remember Him telling me that I
was there doing my own will and not His. From this and the rest of
what He said to me then, I thought my vocation was not in a convent.
After that, thinking that perhaps Our Lord meant that my place was
not there at that particular convent, I thought of joining some
cloistered nuns. I used to go for 15 days or even a month for
recollection and had felt a strong attraction to that way of life.
Strangely however, each time I thought of joining, an afterthought
followed telling me that, I would not be able to persevere.
Benac; Why?
Conchita: I
would presume that because I did not have a true vocation as Our Lord
had indicated.
Benac: After this did you feel
attracted to the married life?
Conchita: No, I never
thought of marriage either.
Benac: You told me that Patrick,
your husband, has helped you a great deal in your spiritual life. How
is that?
Conchita: I can think of no other person in
the world who has given me such a fine example. And I'm not saying
that just because he's my husband but because he is that.
Interview by Monsignor Francisco, early 1980s
Bishop Garmendia: Among those who love you — and everybody loves you, Conchita! (and as Christians we should all love one another) — there is a very dear gentleman in Santander who knows you and who works very hard for Garabandal and who has all the data on the apparitions. His name is Placido. Do you remember him?
Conchita: I love him very much. I remember that he defended Garabandal and now is an important witness. He is one of those chosen by the Virgin. There are not many that from the beginning have persevered with Garabandal. Therefore, I say to Placido: "Congratulations, because you still persevere with the Virgin."
Bishop: How did you like the audio tape sent to you by your friend Placido? Did you understand it? (Editor's note: Placido Ruiloba was a Santander businessman who frequently went up to Garabandal to witness the apparitions. He always brought with him a tape recorder and has some forty audio tapes that he recorded during the time of the apparitions of the visionaries praying, singing, and speaking with their Vision while in ecstasy. It was a copy of one of these tapes that Placido sent to Conchita.)
Conchita: I understood about the rosaries, but not the conversation with the Virgin. I understood only a few things but it brought back good memories.
Bishop: It brought back good memories to you?
Conchita: Yes, and I plan to listen to it several more times to see if I can understand more.
Bishop: It takes you back to your younger days, eh? How beautiful the old days must have been. They no doubt rekindle your interior life and I suppose you begin to recall many things.
Conchita: When I listened to it, it was like listening to another Conchita talking to the Virgin. It didn't feel like it was me.
Bishop: Didn't you recognize your own voice?
Conchita: No, it didn't seem like me. It sounded like a different Conchita. I don't know why.
Bishop: Would you like to hear some more of the tape?
Conchita: Of course.
Bishop: Very well.
Conchita: I believe the Virgin is all love, the greatest and most beautiful. She lovingly comes from heaven to tell us what we must do and to remind us to do it. She is a Mother and she shows it by coming to see us.
Bishop: Does the general public have doubts about the apparitions?
Conchita: The Virgin told us that before the Miracle many people will stop believing.
Bishop: Have you thought much about people stopping believing?
Conchita: No, I haven't thought about it.
Bishop: So you believe in the Virgin blindly and you always refer us to what she told you. There's another subject I'd like to bring up, Conchita, and that is Holy Communion. I understand that the Virgin told you girls that if there were priests present the Angel would not give you Communion; that the Angel would only give Communion when there were no priests present. However, I understand that on the day of the Miracle of the [Visible] Communion there were some thirty priests in Garabandal. Can you clarify this?
Conchita: The Virgin never told us that the Angel would not come if there were priests in the village. It is the Angel who did not come when there were priests in the village. Only that day, the Angel came even though there were priests in the village. I can't explain why.
Bishop: So, the Virgin did not categorically tell you the Angel will give you Communion only when there are no priests in the village, did she?
Conchita: No. Because whatever the Virgin says happens just as she says it.
Bishop: Can you tell us, Conchita, who ordered you to write your diary?
Conchita: The Bishop of Leon.
Bishop: So it was the Bishop of Leon.
Conchita: The Bishop was in the house of Señor [Emilio] del Valle, and through this gentleman he told me to begin to write my diary. He bought me a bunch of notebooks.
Bishop: The Bishop bought you the notebooks?
Conchita: No, Señor del Valle did.
Bishop: Oh, a layman.
Conchita: Yes, this gentleman was a close friend of the Bishop of Leon.
Bishop: And what did the Bishop of Leon have to do with all of this?
Conchita: I don't know.
Bishop: How did he come to appear on the Garabandal scene?
Conchita: I don't know. The Bishop came to the house of Señor del Valle.
Bishop: Was Mr. del Valle from Garabandal?
Conchita: No, Emilio del Valle was from Reinosa, but lived in Leon.
Bishop: So the Bishop ordered you to write the diary. Is there only one diary or several others?
Conchita: The one that has been published is the one the Bishop ordered me to write. Then I have my own private diary and the nun from the school I went to has another.
Bishop: Mother Nieves?
Conchita: Yes, Mother Nieves. I think something was published from that diary, but it was meant to be private.
Bishop: As for the present Bishop of Santander, is he going to have a special sign before the Miracle? Will it be something that happens in nature or something in general?
Conchita: The Virgin said that she was going to send proof to the Bishop of Santander so that he will allow priests to go to Garabandal.
Bishop: What kind of proof?
Conchita: She didn't say. This sign of the truth of the apparitions will be something private for whomever is the Bishop of Santander at the time of the Miracle.
Bishop: So, it will be for the one who is Bishop at the time of the Miracle?
Conchita: Yes, he will receive a sign.
Bishop: So the Bishop will receive a sign and he will know that Garabandal is true. This is clear now. You know, Conchita, that we are attracted to Garabandal because we love the Virgin. We know she utilizes humble people and means like at Lourdes and Fatima and other apparitions. It has been said that the Virgin told you the Miracle will be on a Thursday. Is this true?
Conchita: Yes. The Virgin said it will be on a Thursday, and she also gave the day, month and year.
Bishop: Are you sure? Did you check it on the calendar?
Conchita: No, I didn't have to, because she told me the Thursday, the day, month and year.
Bishop: I am so glad to hear this. I had been told that you knew it was to be a Thursday, and began to guess at the dates. But the Virgin told you the exact date, the exact month and the exact year. No one need have any doubts now. If everything in life were so perfectly clear there would be no problems. I heard you were in Rome.
Conchita: Cardinal Ottaviani sent me a letter through Princess Cecilia de Bourbon-Parma and I went to Rome with my mother.
Bishop: I don't want to press you, but what happened?
Conchita: They interviewed me for two hours and told me that it would be better to keep secret all that was said. I don't remember now all the questions they asked me, but I remember it was for two hours.
Bishop: Can you tell us your impressions of Rome? I imagine a girl from Garabandal, a remote mountain village, would have a lot to say about Rome, right?
Conchita: No, not really. I went there because they called me. They asked me questions and I answered them; that was all. After seeing the Virgin I find it difficult to be impressed by Rome.
Bishop: So the Virgin is more beautiful than all Rome.
Conchita: Yes, that is true. However, now I would like to return and see the sights. I'm somewhat more curious now.
Bishop: Would you like to visit the Holy Father?
Conchita: Yes.
Bishop: I hope someday you can return to Rome and visit the Holy Father. Nothing is impossible. We all have unfulfilled wishes, but if you want to go to Rome perhaps it will happen. Are there any other relationships between Rome, the Holy Father and the Miracle that you would like to talk about?
Conchita: Yes. The Virgin told us something related to the Holy Father, and it was that before the Miracle there would be only three more Popes. {This is the only place I've found that she says this. Usually it's just that there would be 3 more before “the end of the times.” Maybe she's not counting the one who is pope during the miracle, or maybe she was confused and this was an assumption on her part}
Bishop: I want this to be very clear to all who hear this tape. Conchita was very precise. The Virgin told you that before the Miracle...?
Conchita: At the time, Pope John XXIII was living. The Virgin said, "Three more Popes are left; there will be only three more Popes." She was then speaking about the end of the times.
Bishop: So the Virgin spoke to you about the end of the times? (Editor's note: This is not to be confused with the end of time, but rather refers to the end of our times. How that will happen, what it entails, and what will follow is not known at this time.)
Conchita: Yes.
Bishop: So after John XXIII came Paul VI, John Paul I and then John Paul II. So look out, the noose is tightening! It's the Virgin who is speaking.
Conchita: The Virgin was talking about the end of the times. She also spoke to us about France. I don't know if you remember but it was being said that a world war would break out in 1962. At the time everyone was afraid including me. Then the Virgin appeared and addressing our concern said: "Don't be afraid, there will not be another world war."
Bishop: So she said there would not be another world war. There have been local conflagrations, and much has been said about a coming world war. The situation is very tense, but a world war would be the end of nations.
Conchita: I don't remember any more. I would like to add, however, with reference to Rome, that some priests or people are putting too much pressure on the Church to approve Garabandal. I believe it would be better that this be left in the hands of God. Let them speak about and spread the Message of the Virgin, but leave the rest in the hands of God.
Bishop: You caution against rushing things and speculating. You prefer that all be left in the hands of God. You have complete confidence in Him.
Conchita: Yes. Before, when I was so concerned about whether Rome would believe me or not, the Lord Himself told me: "Don't worry about being believed, especially in Rome. I will do everything." I would like to tell this to all those who want the Bishop and Rome to hurry ahead in this matter.
Bishop: People are always looking for new things. I agree with you; let God and the Blessed Virgin handle it in their own way. You aren't searching for great things, you are simply living a Christian life just as the Blessed Virgin said to.
Conchita: Yes, every day, and waiting for the Miracle.
Bishop: Each day you live it.
Conchita: Yes.
Bishop: That is what the Gospels and Our Lady say; to live the Christian life every day. This is what you mean, right?
Conchita: Yes. Live every moment of the day with true faith and devotion.
June 19-20, 1962
Oh!—exclaimed the
girl—That was horrible to see. We were really frightened. And I
know no words that will explain it. We saw rivers change into blood .
. . Fire fell down from the sky. . . And something much worse still,
which I’m not able to reveal now.
The message that we gave
at the time said that we don’t expect the Chastisement, but
that, without expecting it, it will come . . . The Virgin asked
everyone to confess and receive Communion.
In spite of continuing to see the Virgin, [during the first night of screams] we saw a great multitude of people who were suffering intensely and screaming in terror. The Blessed Virgin explained to us that this great tribulation, which was not even the Chastisement, would come because a time would arrive when the Church would appear to be on the point of perishing. It would pass through a terrible trial. We asked the Virgin what this great trial was called and she told us it was "communism." [SHE WENT IN HASTE TO THE MOUNTAIN by Eusebio Garcia de Pesquera, O.F.M. Cap.]
Then she showed us how the great Chastisement for all mankind would come, and that it would come directly from God ...
There will come a time when all motors and machines will stop; a terrible wave of heat will strike the earth and men will begin to feel a great thirst. In desperation they will seek water, but this will evaporate from the heat . . . Then almost everyone will despair and they will seek to kill one another . . . But they will lose their strength and fall to the earth. Then it will be understood that it is God alone Who has permitted this.
Then we saw a crowd in the midst of flames. The people ran to hurl themselves into the lakes and seas. But the water seemed to boil and in place of putting out the flames, it seemed to enkindle them even more.
It was so horrible that I asked the Most Holy Virgin to take all the young children with her before all this happened. But the Virgin told us that when it would come, they would all be adults...
July
27, 1975
Q. You have said
that you know the year of the Warning. Can you tell us if it will
occur in the next few years or is it still in the distant future?
A. No. I can't say anything.
Q. Did the
Blessed Mother tell you not to speak about the Warning?
A.
No, she didn't , but, because the Warning and the Miracle are within
the same year, I feel it inside not to say anything.
Q.
How do you know the Warning and the Miracle are within the same year"
A. During an apparition-I don't remember just when- the
Blessed Virgin told me.
Q. Reportedly, you have said
that when the Warning occurs everything will stand still, even planes
in the sky. Is this true?
A. Yes, but just for a few
moments.
Q. You mean that everything will stop at a
given moment and at that moment the Warning will occur?
A.
Yes.
Q. When was this information revealed to you?
A. During an apparition the Blessed Virgin told me all
this.
Q. Was all the information given you during one
apparition, or did Our Lady tell you this over several apparitions?
A. She told me all of this during one apparition. I don't
remember now if she spoke about the Warning during any other
apparition.
Q. Do you know how long the Warning will
last?
A. Jest a few minutes.
Q. Are you
afraid of the Warning?
A. Yes. Like everyone else, I
have faults, and the warning will show me my faults and this makes me
afraid.
Q. Can you tell us anything else about the
Warning?
A. All I can say is that it is very close and
that it is very important that we prepare ourselves because it will
be a terrible thing. It will make us feel all the wrong we have done.
February, 1977
Q. Have you ever
discussed with Conchita the dates of the Warning of which you know
the year, and the Miracle which she knows?
A. I have
never talked to Conchita about these dates.
Q. Have you
any words of advice for the people in order that they might prepare
for this event?
A. To do much penance, make
sacrifices, visit the Blessed Sacrament every day that we are able
to, and to pray the holy rosary daily.
September 29, 1978
Q. Since you
are the one who knows the most about the Warning will you tell us if
this event is to take place before the Miracle promised through
Conchita Gonzalez?
A. ...Everyone will experience it
wherever they may be, regardless of their condition or their
knowledge of God...It will be an interior personal experience. it
will look as if the world has come to a standstill,...however, no one
will be aware of that as they will be totally absorbed in their own
experience.
Q. About the nature of the Warning, how do
you sense it:
A. It is going to be something like and
interior feeling of sorrow and pain for having offended God. God will
help us to see clearly the harm we are causing Him and all the evil
things we do. He will help us to sense this interior pain because
often when we do something wrong we just ask the Lord's forgiveness
with our lips, but now (through the Warning) He will help us sense
physically that deep sorrow.
FATHER BENAC: Did the Blessed Virgin speak of communism?
MARI LOLI: Our Lady spoke several times about communism. I don't remember how many times, but she said that a time would come when it would seem that communism had mastered or engulfed the whole world. I think it was then that she told us that priests would have difficulty saying Mass, and talking about God and divine things.
FR. BENAC: Did Our Lady ever speak of people being put to death?
LOLI: What Our Lady said was that priests would have to go into hiding but I didn't see whether they were being killed or not. She didn't exactly say they would be killed, but I'm sure they would be martyred.
FR. BENAC: Your mother told me that one night you were upstairs with your father and that you cried and cried for one hour. Afterwards your father said to her: "I have just seen the most touching sight. Loli was crying the whole time while saying, 'Oh, it's going to be like that? People are going to suffer like that? Oh, make me suffer!'" Do you remember what you said at the time?
LOLI: It was all related to communism and what is going to happen in the Church and to the people because all these things are to have repercussions amongst the people. When the Church suffers confusion, the people are going to suffer too. Some priests who are communists will create such confusion that people will not know right from wrong.[THE CALL OF GARABANDAL, Apr-Jun 1984.]
October 19, 1982
Q. Do you remember
what the Blessed Mother said about the communist tribulation that is
to precede the Warning?
A. It would look like the
communists have taken over the whole world and it would be very hard
to practice the religion, for priests to say Mass or for the people
to open the doors of the churches.
Q. Is that what you
meant when you said that it would seem as though the Church had
disappeared?
A. Yes.
Q. It would be
because of the persecution and not because the people would stop
practicing their religion?
A. Yes, but I guess a lot
of people will stop. Whoever practices it will have to go into
hiding.
Q. Will this only be in Europe or do you think
it will be here in the United States as well?
A. I
don't know because for me at that time, Europe was the whole world. I
just assumed it was that way. The Blessed Mother didn't specify in
what place. To me it looked like it was everywhere.
Q.
Approximately 67% of the earth's land is now dominated by communism.
Do you think that's sufficient to fulfill Our Lady's prophecy?
A. I really don't know. It sounded to me like it would be
more that.
Q. In other words you think it will be worse
that it is now?
A. That's what I thought from what she
said but I really don't know exactly. To me it looked more like it
was every place out there, the places I saw in my mind. In a lot of
countries in Europe you can still practice your religion.
Q.
So, the situation in the world is not bad enough for the Warning to
happen?
A. The Warning is not going to happen yet so
it's probably going to get worse.
Q. You said that it
would be very difficult for priests to say Mass. Was this something
that the Blessed Mother told you or was it something that you thought
yourself because of the communist tribulation?
A. From
what I remember, it was something she said.
Q. And the Virgin
said that it would seem as though the Church had disappeared?
A.
Yes.
Q. Did the Blessed Mother ever say anything about
the Holy Father having to leave Rome at the time of the Warning?
A. No, But what it looked like to me-maybe at this time I
was confusing in my mind what I was seeing and what the Blessed
Mother was saying to me because it's been so many years- but what it
looked like to me was that the Pope couldn't be in Rome either, you
know what I mean, out in the open. He was being persecuted, too, and
had to hide just like everybody else.
Q. You said that
when the Warning comes, the planes would stop in the air and that all
engines would stop. is this what the Blessed Mother told you?
A.
She said that everything, everywhere, for a moment would stop and the
people would just think and look inside themselves.
Q.
Will there be any noise with the Warning like a wind blowing?
A.
The way I saw it at the time, it was more like a big silence, like a
sense of emptiness. Everything was very silent. That's the way I saw
it.
Q. Seven years ago you said that the Warning was
soon. Many people thought it would have happened by now. What would
you say today?
A. It is soon. Everything looks soon to me
because time goes by so fast.
Q. You're the only one who
knows the year of the Warning. Did you ever tell it to anyone else,
like a priest for example?
A. No.
Q. Will
people be fighting with one another when the warning comes?
A.
(no answer)
February, 1977
Q. Can you tell us what the Warning will be like?
A. The Warning is something that is first seen in the air everywhere in the world and immediately is transmitted into the interior of our souls. It will last for a very little time, but it will seem a very long time because of its effect within us. It will be for the good of our souls, in order to see in ourselves our conscience, the good (*) and the bad that we've done. Then we'll feel a great love toward our heavenly parents and ask forgiveness for all our offenses. Conchita says that we will only see the bad.
Q. Will the Warning be felt by all people regardless of their beliefs?
A. The Warning is for everybody because God wants our salvation. The Warning is in order for us to draw closer to Him and to increase our faith. Therefore, one should prepare for that day, but not awaiting it with fear because God doesn't send things for the sake of fear but rather with justice and love and He does it for the good of all His children that they might enjoy eternal happiness and not be lost.
August, 1979
Q. Do you recall anything about a great tribulation, communism...?
A. Yes , it was an invasion, well, something that seemed to me like an invasion; something that was a great evil in which communism played a great part, but I no longer remember which countries or what region was stricken. The Blessed Virgin insisted in telling us to pray (that it be averted). These difficult events will take place before the Warning because the Warning itself will take place when the situation will be at its worst.
April 16, 1983
Q. In a 1979 interview (above), you said in describing the communist tribulation that "it was like an invasion. " Did you see scenes of this invasion?
A. The Virgin said that the Warning would come when conditions were at their worst. It wouldn't be just the persecution either because many people will no longer be practicing their religion.
Q. When the Warning comes it will be seen and felt by everyone on earth. Does this include little children who have not yet reached the age of reason?
A. Yes. that's why we felt sorry for them because it was such a terrifying experience.
Q. Can you tell us anything about what the world will be like when the Warning comes?
A. Bad.
{Starting in 1981 and continuing to the present day, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing in a small village named Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina to 6 children (now middle-aged adults) and giving messages to the world through them.
This is the most disputed of the major apparitions, so I suppose I should provide some information on that. The church has not yet reached a decision on their authenticity. The first investigation was formed in 1991 by the Bishopric Conference of Yugoslavia, but ruled that nothing supernatural was taking place. Then, in an unprecedented move, the Vatican declared that it would reserve judgment for itself and form its own investigation, superseding the Bishop. A book claiming to have researched documents from the US State Department (publicly available) confirms what was already widely known: that the Bishop of Mostar had formed a bias investigation because of a personal bias against the apparitions, and the Vatican acted once this became clear. Unfortunately the Balkans War interrupted the second investigation, after which the Vatican declared that it would wait until the apparitions ended to make the call. But then in 2006 they said they were forming a new commission. Results are not expected any time soon.
Pope John Paul II was an ardent supporter. One telling quote was "If I were not Pope, I would be in Medjugorje a long time ago. I know everything, I have been following everything. Ask pilgrims to pray for my intentions. And take good care of Medjugorje because Medjugorje is the hope for the entire world...” Benedict XVI has been much less pronounced on the matter, but has spoken and acted favorably toward it.
To those who claim they’re lying or crazy, I offer both reason and science. First of all, they were in the middle of a Communist occupation. Religion was heavily oppressed. In fact, some people got arrested over these apparitions. This was not a good time to tell people that you were seeing the mother of God. Second, organizing 6 visionaries ages 10-16 and making sure their testimony remained as consistent as it did would be an unnecessarily difficult undertaking. Whoever orchestrated it would surly have chosen less kids, and probably of a more reliable age. I’d also be surprised if, after almost 30 years, none of them came forward about it. Thirdly, there are thousands of miracle stories from people of all walks of life, Christian and Atheist, ranging from rosary beads changing colors to cancer cures to the sun flying around the sky. They are too many and too varied to dismiss outright.
As far as science, a number of investigations have been done. Their findings were similar to Garabandal, that the visionaries were physically unresponsive during ecstasy, psychologically healthy and balanced, etc. You can look it up, but one test that I think is unique was a brain wave scan from 1998:}
6) Electroencephalographic (EEG) tests confirm that the alleged visionaries' brain functioning is normal and healthy. EEG tests rule out the possibility of epilepsy or psychotic hallucinations. The alleged visionaries are not asleep or dreaming either. Hysterical neurotic reaction or pathological ecstasy is also ruled out by the EEG testing. What EEG testing showed was that before the apparition, the brain waves are predominantly beta rhythm interspersed by alpha rhythm (normal conscious attentiveness). At the start of the apparition, the beta rhythm remains for a short time and then is replaced by an almost uninterrupted alpha rhythm. Alpha rhythm is most often observed during relaxation, in a state of expectation, or engaged in meditation. It also usually requires practice to achieve such a diffuse response. Because most of the brain is devoted to visual processing, it is noteworthy that the alpha rhythm over the entire cranium was exhibited while the alleged visionaries had their eyes wide open throughout the apparition. Closed eyes would be expected with alpha rhythm because visual stimulation usually produces interference with alpha rhythm.
9) In summary, the unique aspects of the results of the scientific investigations point to the conclusion that nothing in the physical realm is allowed to interfere with the apparition experience. Scientific experts have defined the phenomena "as a state of active, intense prayer, partially disconnected from the external world, a state of contemplation with a separate person whom they alone can see, hear, and touch."
{To those who say it’s the work of the devil, I offer the common response, “then the devil has converted!” I don’t think I even need to give the quote, but “By their fruits you will know them.” Conversion stories, both from other religions and from varying levels of laxity in Catholicism, number in the hundreds of thousands. Several people have been called to holy orders through it. They have eucharistic adoration and many daily masses, in several languages, attended by thousands. They have an international team of priests who hear confessions all day, every day, sometimes until midnight. It’s revived frequent fasting, a powerful practice that’s all but vanished over the last 60 years. How many people have begun to pray more, or more attentively, because of its call? What end would be so worthwhile to the devil as to consider the raising of this massive army of grace an acceptable side effect? The ones who make this claim generally point to one or two obscure messages and claim that something in them goes against some dogma. It’s reminiscent of the charges the Pharisees brought against the Christians, and the response is the same: “If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself; how, then, will his kingdom stand?”
The messages are fantastic, and I highly recommend reading them (get the regular ones from http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/ and the special ones from http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/messages/special/). Growing up I’d always wished that God would give us some message, some imperative, pertaining specifically to our day and I was delighted to find out he’s been doing so for my whole life. Admittedly, I wouldn’t have given them the time of day if God hadn’t pointed me to this. I regard any unapproved apparition within the last century with skepticism, and when I first saw the date on this and the repetitive messages I decided I had better things to read about first and quickly forgot about it. In order to profit from them, you have to treat them like the word of God, which indeed they are. If you read them looking for prophecy or sensationalism or easy answers you’ll be disappointed, but if you read them slowly (I did the monthly ones one a day), and you hang on every word and ponder their implications, you’ll find some sublime stuff. Their repetitive nature has earned them skepticism, but you know what? The first couple of times I read her ask for 3 rosaries a day and fasting twice a week, I kind of convinced myself she wasn’t serious. Like any mother, she gently nags us because it’s what we need. Specific practices that have been recommended are daily Mass as often as possible (with at least an hour of spiritual preparation beforehand), monthly confession, adoration, praying the full rosary daily (her exact words were “every day to pray at least one Rosary: the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries.” She's never mentioned the Luminous mysteries John Paul II introduced, but the visionaries pray them. The request is generally understood as 15 decades a day), fasting (specifically on Wednesdays and Fridays, bread and water having been mentioned as “the best fast”), daily reading of scripture, daily conversion of heart (deciding to direct every thought, word, and action to the service and glory of God), praying “with the heart,” making prayer a joyful meeting with God, family prayer and scripture reading, reviving the use of holy water, and carrying blessed objects on our person.
Medjugorje is primarily an instructive apparition, not prophetic. In fact, the whole 10 secrets thing is sort of a sidebar; we know next to nothing about their contents. I've never found any raw text from an apparition concerning the little bits that we DO know about them. Everything seems to be given through interviews, as at Garabandal. There are several details that are disputed, such as whether the first two secrets will happen before the apparitions stop, whether the 7th has been diminished or averted, etc, so keep in mind that there may be some small inaccuracies.}
Summary
-Once all 6 visionaries have received all 10 secrets, Our Lady will stop appearing (currently 3 have 10, 3 have 9).
-Ten days before these Mirjana will tell Father Petar Ljubicic, who will then fast and pray with Mirjana for seven days. Then, three days before it is to take place, Fr. Petar will announce to the world what, where, and when the secret will happen. After the first, the others will follow quickly.
-The first 3 secrets are warnings/admonishments. Mirjana will witness the warnings and they will occur on the Earth. Mirjana has said the first secret is something like a regional disaster (possibly involving multiple regions, but not a worldwide event) and that the people of Medjugorje will instantly recognize it as connected to the secrets.
-The third secret involves a visible, permanent, indestructible, supernatural sign that will be left at the place of the first apparition on the hill Podbrdo at the conclusion of the apparitions (this parallel with Garabandal has led some to hypothesize that such signs will appear at many holy places on the same day).
-There will be a short time to convert after the first two secrets. After the third secret, conversion will be difficult if not impossible.
-Secrets 4-6 will bring joy to those who have converted [only have one source on this].
- The 7th secret, a chastisement, has been diminished by our prayers and fasting (early reports say averted, but I think it was a mistake).
-The 8th, 9th, and 10th secrets are chastisements. They cannot be averted, perhaps not even diminished.
(taken from http://www.medjugorje.ws)
In the early days of the apparitions, Our Lady, called "Gospa" in Croatian, started to entrust to the six visionaries ten secrets which contain information on future events. These ten Medjugorje secrets, which will affect the Church and the world. To date, three visionaries, Mirjana, Ivanka, and Jakov report they have received all ten Medjugorje secrets, while Ivan, Marija and Vicka say they have received nine secrets. The six visionaries would eventually each know all ten Medjugorje secrets, but none has fully disclosed them except to announce that Medjugorje secrets include also chastisements for the world and that they will begin during the lifetimes of the visionaries. The seventh secret is said to be a punishment for humanity that has been diminished because of the response to Our Lady’s requests for prayers, fasting and conversion.
The third of the Medjugorje secrets involves a visible and permanent sign that is described as beautiful and indestructible and not of this world, which will be left on Apparition Hill, the site of her first appearance. Our Lady gave the following message about this sign: "This sign will be given for the atheists. You faithful already have signs and you have become the sign for the atheists. You faithful must not wait for the sign before you convert: convert soon. This time is a time of grace for you. When the sign comes, it will be too late. As a mother I caution you because I love you. The secrets exist. My children! Nothing is known of these now, but when they are known, it will be too late. Return to prayer, nothing is more important than this. I would like it if the Lord allowed me to reveal some of the secrets to you, but that which He is doing for you is already a Grace which is almost too much."
None of the visionaries has disclosed the other Medjugorje secrets, which are said to include blessings as well as chastisements for the world. The secrets may be different for each visionary. They say that no amount of prayer, fasting, or good works can entirely prevent some of the events forecast in the Medjugorje secrets. Ten days before the first and second events contained in secrets, Mirjana says she will reveal what is about to happen to Franciscan priest Father Petar Ljubicic of Medjugorje. He will fast and pray for seven days. Then, three days before the event, Father Petar will make a public announcement as to what is to happen and where. Mirjana says that after the events occur, those who are alive will have little time to convert. She insists that the painful events for humanity are very near, and that the important thing is to pray, to pray in the family, and to pray for the young who do not believe.
Ten Medjugorje Secrets by Father Tomislav Vlasic
All the visionaries say they have seen Heaven and Purgatory, four of them have seen Hell and two girls prayed Our Lady not to let them see it because they were afraid. These visionaries say that, from the very beginning, Our Lady told them she would confide ten secrets to them for the whole of humanity : up to now (1984), eight secrets have already been confided to Vicka, ten to Mirjana, and nine to the others. (As at 31/1/03 - Ten secrets have been confided to Mirjana, Ivanka and to Jacov, and nine to the rest). I that you know the names of all the children who have the visions : Vicka Ivankovic, Ivanka Ivankovic, Jacov Colo, Ivan Dragicevic, Mirjana Dragicevic and Marija Pavlovic
These visionaries say that the ten secrets refer to the whole world and are linked together in a chain. There are also other secrets, personal secrets for the children or for certain people who are connected with these future world events. Among the ten secrets there is the promise of Our Lady to leave a visible sign on the site of the apparitions here in Medjugorje. The visionaries say they have seen this sign in a vision. It is very beautiful, permanent and indestructible. It will be given here in Medjugorje for all humanity and many miracles will be connected with it. Five of the children know the date on which the sign will occur : all of them stress that this period until the appearance of the visible sign, is a period of grace and for the strengthening of faith.
Mirjana tells us something more about the secrets and the future of the world. As from Christmas 1982, Mirjana no longer has daily apparitions, on that date she received the last of the ten secrets for humanity and the dates of all the secrets to come. On that day Our Lady said :" Now turn to God by faith as everybody else. I will appear for your birthday and when there are difficulties in your life." After this, Our Lady has appeared twice on her birthday on 18th March 1983 and 1984. (Since 1984 Our Lady has appeared each 18th March, and also Mirjana now sees Our Lady on the 2nd of each month, where she prays for unbelievers)
Mirjana says that before the visible sign appears, three secrets will be revealed to the world. These three secrets will be three admonishments to the world and will be revealed by her three days before they are to occur. She will tell a priest what should happen. After the three admonishments, the visible sign will appear and after the sign, if the world is not converted, the punishment will come. Mirjana says that the punishment will surely come because it is no use expecting the conversion of the whole world, but it can be diminished. She tell us that the seventh secret has already been cancelled. This was an evil one, which was coming to the world for its sins, but it has been cancelled because many people have fasted and prayed. From this we can see that punishment can be diminished by penance, fasting and prayer. This is why Our Lady always urges us :"Pray, fast and be converted."
I asked Mirjana if there is a long or rather short time before these things come to pass and she replied that, for her, it is a short time. What is meant by short I do not know ; does it mean months, years or decades ? I do not know. However, she said "This period is short." Then I asked her another question, "What do you want to tell the world of today ?" She replied,"Be converted as quickly as possible and open your hearts to God."
Excerpts of letter of Father Tomislav Vlasic to Pope John Paul II related to Medjugorje secrets
The Blessed Virgin has promised to disclose ten secrets to us. So far, Vicka Ivankovic has received eight. Marija Pavlovic received the eight one on December 8, 1983. Jakov Colo, Ivan Dragicevic and Ivanka Ivankovic have each received nine. Only Mirjana Dragicevic has received all ten.
The ninth and tenth secrets are serious. They concern chastisements for the sins of the world. Punishment is inevitable, for we cannot expect the whole world to be converted. The punishment can be diminished by prayer and penance, but it cannot be eliminated. Mirjana says that one of the evils that threatened the world, the one contained in the seventh secret, has been averted, thanks to prayer and fasting. That is why the Blessed Virgin continues to encourage prayer and fasting: "You have forgotten that through prayer and fasting you can avert war and suspend the laws of nature."
After the first admonition, the others will follow in a rather short time. Thus, people will have some time for conversion.
That interval will be a period of grace and conversion. After the visible sign appears, those who are still alive will have little time for conversion. For that reason, the Blessed Virgin invites us to urgent conversion and reconciliation.
The invitation to prayer and penance is meant to avert evil and war, but most of all to save souls.
According to Mirjana, the events predicted by the Blessed Virgin are near. By virtue of this experience, Mirjana proclaims to the world: 'Hurry, be converted; open your hearts to God.'
In addition to this basic message, Mirjana related an apparition she had in 1982, which we believe sheds some light on some aspects of Church history. She spoke of an apparition in which Satan appeared to her, and asked Mirjana to renounce the Madonna and follow him. That way she could be happy in love and in life. He said that following the Virgin, on the contrary, would only lead to suffering. Mirjana rejected him, and immediately the Virgin arrived and Satan disappeared. Then the Blessed Virgin gave her the following message in substance:
"Excuse me for this, but you must realize that Satan exists. One day he appeared before the throne of God and asked permission to submit the Church to a period of trial. God gave him permission to try the Church for one century. This century is under the power of the devil; but when the secrets confided to you come to pass, his power will be destroyed. Even now he is beginning to lose his power and has become aggressive. He is destroying marriages, creating divisions among priests and is responsible for obsessions and murder. You must protect yourselves against these things through fasting and prayer, especially community prayer. Carry blessed objects with you. Put them in your house, and restore the use of holy water."
Some people believe that Medjugorje apparitions are the "Last apparitions of the Virgin Mary on Earth". There are some people internet pages and printed material with such claims. One of documents where this claim appear is a letter of Tomislav Vlasic's letter to Pope John Paul II. In this letter, on December 2, 1983, Vlasic wrote:
All of the youngsters
basically agree that:
... These apparitions are the last
apparitions of the Blessed Virgin on earth. That is why they are
lasting so long and occurring so frequently."
There is also a message of May 2, 1982, that can be found e.g. in the book of René Laurentin and René LeJeune: Messages and Teachings of Mary at Medjugorje, that could be used to support this claim.
“I have come to
call the world to conversion for the last time.
Later, I will not
appear any more on this earth.” ( May 2nd 1982 )
In the same book, we
can find alleged answer from Our Lady for the day Wednesday, June
23rd 1982
... They have said that these would be the last
apparitions on earth? Is it true?
These apparitions are the last
in the world.
However the visionaries had clarified this matter:
Mirjana responded at a meeting with pilgrims, September 2005, to a question about reports claiming that the Medjugorje apparitions is the last time Our Lady will appear on earth:
"That was a misinterpretation in certain books and newspapers. That was the desire of some people, to make some sensation. But that is not what Our Lady said. She says that this is the last time I am on this earth in this way, but no books have given the interpretation where Our Lady said ‘in this way’. The way I understand is that she will not appear again for such a long time and to so many people – and not that she would never come again."
Mirjana at the question and answer session at the National Conference on Medjugorje, Notre Dame University, May 30, 2004:
Question: Has Mary said that these are Her last apparitions on earth?
Answer: Like I said, she said these are the last apparitions on earth in this way. And I think that she thinks so many years, so many visionaries, but I think that she never meant that she will never again appear on the earth.
Excerpts from an interview with Mirjana
In an interview conducted by a priest a day after a vision in which she was shown the first secret, Mirjana, the first seer to obtain all ten secrets, said the first occurrence "will be something that [people] hear [about] very far" and added that people would not race to the place where the first one occurs because "surely no one wishes to watch disasters, distress, and misfortune. I don't think that this sort of thing attracts people at all. Why would people go to see something of that sort? It is one thing to go and see a sign, quite another to go and see suffering or a disaster. Who would, for example, go to Italy to see a dam collapse?" She said the first secret needs nothing to precede it and will "abundantly speak for itself." She said that people in Medjugorje "will know immediately that it is in connection with the secrets." It will be something, she said, "that everyone, everywhere, will immediately hear about."
"[Our Blessed Mother] told me that it is necessary to pray a great deal until the first secret is revealed," Mirjana said. "But in addition to that it is necessary to make sacrifices as much as possible, to help others as much as it is within our abilities, to fast -- especially now before the first secret. She stated that we are obliged to prepare ourselves. She not only asks but pleads with everyone to convert, to pray, to fast. They have no idea what awaits them, and that is why, as their Mother, she is in deep anguish for them. It is not enough to just simply pray. It is not enough to just quickly say some prayers so that one can say that they prayed and did their duty. What she wants from us is to pray from the depths of our souls, to converse with God. That is her message."
"The manifestation
of that secret, will it only be a momentary thing or will it be
something that will last for an extended period?"
"It
will last for a little while"
"Something
like a catastrophe?" asked Ljubicic another time.
"No,"
replied Mirjana, "it will not be anything as huge as that. That
will come later. These first two secrets are not all that severe and
harsh. What I mean is, yes, they are severe, but not as much as the
remaining ones."
"And after that,
will there be anyone who will say, 'This is some sort of a natural
phenomenon' or something along those lines?" asked the
priest.
"Perhaps some staunch unbelievers might say something
like that after the first and second."
{Only one source on these}
In an interview with Vicka in January 2, 2008 by Fr. Livio of Radio Maria, the following was addressed about the Ten Secrets:
Question: “…when the time of the secrets comes, the fourth through the tenth secrets, secrets which are evidently rather arduous, it means that in any event, in the time of the secrets, we will always have the sign of the Madonna which will comfort us. But you also said the last time, last year, that during the time of the ten secrets one of the seers will still have the daily apparitions of the Madonna.
Vicka: “Yes, it is certain, it is something I repeat now. We will see who it is, there is still me, Marija, and Ivan, afterwards we will see who the Madonna has chosen, who of us three remains with the apparitions. Or maybe it will be someone else that the Madonna has chosen.
Question: “…So you, Marija and Ivan…one of you three. Someone said something to Mirjana like, ‘Vicka said that during the time of the ten secrets there will be one seer who will continue to have the daily apparitions,’ but Mirjana said that she didn’t know anything about this. What does that mean? That this was told to you personally by the Madonna?
One of the paths leading up to the top of Apparition Mountain
Vicka: “Yes, the Madonna told me personally. Afterwards we shall see, the Madonna didn’t say, ‘Vicka, it will be you.’ Now we just wait to see who it will be. She said that when the time comes, to the person who will continue to have the apparitions, She will explain every ‘how and what’ to that person.
Question: “The Madonna also spoke of false prophets saying, ‘Those who make catastrophic predictions are false prophets.’ They say: ‘in that particular year, on that particular day, there will be a catastrophe.’ I have always said that the chastisement will come if the world does not convert. Therefore I invite everyone to conversion. Everything depends on your conversion. So now I ask you, if we convert will there still be the Ten Secrets, or no?
V: “No, no, the Ten Secrets will take place for sure. The Madonna has already given them. She has described nine of them to me and now I am waiting for the last one. I can only tell about the secret which is the sign on the mountain which I already spoke about and now I only want to say this about the seventh secret: that the Madonna said that half of the seventh secret has been cancelled because of our prayers. She recommends that we continue praying because with our prayers we can mitigate also other secrets.”
The following interview with Vicka was conducted by Fr. Janko Bubalo, the author of the book, A Thousand Encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary in Medjugorje:
Janko: “Usually, Vicka, when one speaks of the Virgin’s apparitions, secrets are associated with them. This is the case here in Medjugorje, also.
Vicka: “I don’t
know anything about that. Would you believe that I knew nothing about
the apparitions of the Virgin in Lourdes, and I’ve been meeting
with the Virgin at Podbrdo and Medjugorje more than a year. I even
knew, somehow, to sing the song ‘From that Grotto’
without having any notion of what it is about. And to be honest, I
don’t want to speak of any other secrets except those of
Medjugorje.
Janka: “How many secrets did the Virgin say
She would impart to you?
Vicka: “She told us that She
would impart ten secrets.
Janko: “To each of the six of
you?
Vicka: To each of us, as far as I know?
Janko: “And
are those secrets the same for each of you?
Vicka: “They
are and they aren’t
Janko: “And how is
that?
Vicka: “Just so. The main secrets are the same,
but perhaps some of us have a secret which applies to us
alone.
Janko: “Do you have such a secret?
Vicka:
“I have one. It is for me alone, since it concerns me
only.
Janko: “Do the others have any such
secrets?
Vicka: “That I don’t know. It seems to me
that Ivan does.
Janko: “I know that Mirjana, Ivanka, and
Marija don’t have any since they told me. I don’t,
however, know for little Jakov. He didn’t want to answer me on
that point, while Ivan said that he had three which concern him
only.
Vicka: “So, alright, I told you what I
know.
Janko: “But tell me, in their order, which secret
is only for you?
Vicka: “Let’s let that be! That
is important only to me.
Janko: “But, can’t you at
least tell me that much without revealing your secret?
Vicka:
“Well, it’s the fourth. And now be satisfied!
The following is from a series of interviews by Fr. Janko Bubalo with Vicka in which she describes certain apparitions where Our Lady revealed one of the secrets to different visionaries.
Janko: “On the Immaculate Conception, you once told me – and I read the same in one of your notebooks – that the Virgin was less happy on that first feast day than you had expected. And, immediately upon appearing, She began to pray for the forgiveness of sin. You also told me that at the time, there was a fog-like definition beneath Her feet – as though the Virgin hovered above some sort of cloud of ashes and darkness. And that when you put questions to Her, She did not respond but continued to pray. It is also noted in that journal, that the Virgin smiled only lightly upon Her departure, but that even the smile was not as joyful as usual…It is also interesting as noted in that journal, that the Virgin spoke to you only about sin that following day and the day after…But it is a bit strange that the Virgin associated that [sin] with so great a feast day.
“…And this too: in conjunction with that feast, last
year, 1982, She revealed to Ivanka and to Jakov that awful ninth
secret. That was on the first day of the novena in honor of the
Immaculate Conception. And on the very day of the feast, She revealed
to you, that sad eighth secret. And this year, 1983, on the very
feast itself, She revealed to Marija the already mentioned ninth. It
is interesting that I, both last year and this year, was at the
apparition and that I took note of how unhappy and awkward you were
on both occasions at the revelation of the secrets – last year
on Ivanka and you, and this year on Marija. We already mentioned
somewhere what it was that Ivanka told me at the time, and Marija
told me the same this year. For, when, in jest, I told her that she
seemed frightened, she, quite seriously, told me that I, too, would
have been frightened had I heard…
Vicka: “And she
told you well!
Janko: “…it is a bit strange to me
that the Virgin always associated such sad and heavy things along
with this feast day.
Vicka: “I told you that I know
nothing of why.
Janko: “And I, still less! But, as I
said, perhaps God and the Virgin wish to stress, in conjunction with
that feast in particular, the special purity that They are calling us
to at this moment – and how we, through sin, become
impure.
Vicka: “Perhaps. They (God and Our Lady) know
what They are doing!
Janko: “It was on the 29th of
November of last year (1982). That night the novena in honor of the
Immaculate Conception was beginning. There were four of you, and when
you went to the chapel for your encounter with the Virgin, I also
entered. I took my place, as is my custom, so that I could
contemplate you during the apparition…During the time of the
encounter, I noticed two different moods in you, the Seers. You were
smiling and bright-eyed as usual, even though you were seriously sick
at the time. Marija was bright-eyed, if serious, as she usually is.
But on Ivanka and Jakov’s faces it appeared as though they were
experiencing something painful. I notice some sort of spasm on Ivanka
– as though she were about to cry. And the Virgin behaved in a
manner that She usually doesn’t.
Vicka: “How’s
that?
Janko: “Well, She appeared after the very first
word of the Our Father. And the silence of which I am speaking of
began…And then you, after a few minutes with the Virgin, again
continued the interrupted Our Father, and announced your “She’s
gone!” The Virgin usually doesn’t work in that manner
with you…After you all stood up and little Jakov asked each of
you: “Did the Virgin give you a secret? Ivanka acknowledged
that She had, while you and Marija said She had not done so for
you.
Vicka: “At that time, the Virgin gave them the
ninth secret and did not do so to Marija and me.
Janko: “Well,
I heard that also at the time. I later asked Ivanka as to whether or
not the Virgin showed her any glimpse of the secret. And, almost
through tears, she said: ‘Why, I would have died had She shown
it to me!’…Did you sense that the Virgin was telling
them something special?
Vicka: “Yes, I did. But, I
didn’t know what She was telling them. I saw that it was
something serious because the Virgin was very serious herself. More
serious than usual. Otherwise, nothing.
Janko: “I
experienced something on the very day of the Immaculate Conception.
Exactly when the novena had finished…I was with you then also,
at your encounter with the Virgin. Again, something interesting,
namely, on that occasion you, who normally look happy at the
encounters, seemed somehow serious.
Vicka: “Perhaps. At
the time, I also received the eighth secret.
The following is part of Padre Livio’s interview with Vicka on January 2, 2008 on Radio Maria:
Question: “I was really struck by what the Madonna said about the third secret, which concerns the sign on the mountain. You seers said that it will be a visible sign, an indestructible sign that comes from God. However, She also added, ‘Hurry and convert yourselves. When the promised sign on the hill will be given, it will be too late.’ Another time, She also said, ‘And even after I’ve left this sign on the hill which I have promised to you, many will not believe. They will come to the hill, they will kneel, but they won’t believe.’ Why is it, in your opinion, that people will see the sign, but they won’t convert?
Vicka:
“The third secret is about a sign that She will leave here
[Medjugorje] on the Mountain of the Apparitions. This sign will
remain forever. It is given above all for those people who are still
far away from God. The Madonna wishes to give these people who will
see the sign a chance to believe in God. I was able to see this
sign.
Question: “You have already seen the sign?
Vicka:
“Yes, I saw it in a vision.
Question:
“Jakov once said, in an interview with Radio Maria, that in
order to see the sign it will be necessary to come here to
Medjugorje, is that true?
Vicka:
“Yes, it’s true. The sign will remain on Podbrdo, and one
will have to come here to see it. This sign will be indestructible
and will remain in that place forever. I want to say about those
people who will see it and not believe, the Madonna leaves everyone
free to believe or not, but those are ones whose hearts are too
closed. It’s the same thing as the Madonna said to us,
‘If one wants to go to Heaven, he will go to Heaven. If one
wants to go to hell, he will go to hell.’ Those people who are
far away from God and do not want to believe, they will not believe
in the sign. For those who do not know God, but have good intentions
and a desire to love, they will be benefitted by the sign. But I
think that those who do everything against God, they will run away
from the sign. They will not believe.
Question: “So,
this is a time of grace. This is the time of conversion. The Madonna
said, ‘Don’t wait for the sign in order to convert
yourselves.’ So why leave a sign like some last extreme help:
is it in order to move the Church to recognize the apparitions as
authentic?
Vicka: “Yes,
certainly it will be for the Church, so that they will have no doubt
that the Madonna had been among us, and it is also for those who are
still far away from God. So the Madonna is thinking about both groups
of people, and then it is up to us how to be ready to respond to Her
call through the sign. Everyone who comes, who will see, you know,
you can say, ‘I don’t believe it’ and that is your
personal idea, that’s what you believe, but that the Madonna is
here, that She is present, that She leaves this sign, a sign that no
man can make; it is something only God can make and so nobody will be
able say that it is a small thing or something else. This arrives in
such a way that they won’t have words to say what it
is.
Question: “So, in essence, the discourse is this:
the Madonna urges us to convert. She tells us not to wait for the
sign on the mountain in order to convert, and in any event, ‘all
the secrets that I have confided will be realized and also the
visible sign will be made manifest. When the sign comes, for many it
will already be too late.’ What does that mean?
Vicka:
“The Madonna did not explain why it will be too late and I did
not ask, She only said that we are now living in a time of
grace.
Question: “So, it is important to convert before
the sign is made manifest?
Vicka: “Every day the Madonna
calls us to conversion, to the conversion of our hearts, you
understand? And 27 and a half years later the Madonna is still among
us and our hearts are still too closed, too distant. I don’t
know. I don’t know what it could be, but ‘too late’
seems right.”
{Only one source on this}
Question: “For clarification purposes, the great sign for all non-believers, will it take place on Apparition Mountain behind us or where will it take place?
Marija: “Our Lady
told us that She will leave the sign on the Hill of the
Apparitions.
Question: “Is there anything you can tell
us about the sign the Blessed Mother has promised to leave
us?
Marija: “It will be a visible sign for all the
unbelievers to see. But, for those that already believe, they do not
need a sign.”
Question: “You and the other
visionaries have indicated that there will be advanced signs [signs
preceding the great sign] in many places in the world to warn the
world. When will these advanced signs begin?
Marija: “There
are signs in many places in the world now. Many people see luminary
signs. Many experience personal healings, both physical and
spiritual, and also psychological. Many have private signs. People
have come here from all over the world. Often they have or have had
extraordinary signs in their lives.
Question: “Will all
people on earth believe in God, in the Blessed Mother when the
permanent sign occurs?
Marija: “The Blessed Mother has
said that those who are still alive when the permanent sign comes
will witness many conversions among the people because of the sign,
but She also says blessed are those who do not see but who
believe.
Question: “Mirjana told me that there will
still be some unbelievers even when the permanent sign
comes.
Marija: “The Blessed Mother has said there will
always be Judases.
Question: “Vicka told me that there
is great urgency in the Blessed Mother’s call to immediate
conversion. She said that for those who only marginally believe, who
choose to wait for the great sign to believe, it will be too late. Do
you know why it will be too late for them?
Marija: “This
is a time of great grace and mercy. Now is the time to listen to
these messages and to change our lives. Those who do will never be
able to thank God enough.”
{Only one source}
Question: “Do you know when the permanent sign is coming, Jakov?
Jakov: “Yes. When
the permanent sign comes, people will come here from all over the
world in even larger numbers. Many more will believe.
Question:
“Will all people believe because of the permanent sign,
Jakov?
Jakov: “The Blessed Mother said that there will
still be some who will not believe even after the permanent sign
comes.
Question: “Do you know what the permanent sign
is, Jakov?
Jakov: “Yes.
Question: “Can you
tell us anything about it?
Jakov: “It will be something
that has never been on the earth before.
Question: “Jakov,
why will some still not believe?
Jakov: “They will not
put themselves in a position to be converted.”
{Only one source}
Question: “Do you know when the permanent sign is going to come?
Ivan: “Yes.
Question:
“Is it going to be in your lifetime?
Ivan:
“Yes.
Question: “When the permanent sign comes,
will everybody in the whole world believe because of the sign?
Ivan:
“I don’t know.
Question: “What happens to
those people who don’t really believe enough right now to
convert and want to wait until the permanent sign comes?
Ivan:
“For those people, it will be too late. The Blessed Mother says
that is why God is giving so much time for these apparitions, so that
all may come to conversion. She wants to make certain that all people
have this opportunity. She can’t help anybody who doesn’t
want to change, who doesn’t come back to God, who doesn’t
put God first. If you don’t do this now, it will be too late.”
{Note that the messages prior to March 1984 were directed specifically at the visionaries or the parish, not the world, and apparently were not recorded or translated with great accuracy. It’s almost exclusively where its opponents get their ammunition. A lot of websites don’t host them. They contain some prophetic stuff so I’m including them (and you can get them all at http://www.medjugorje.eu/messages/), but they’re generally considered non-cannon.}
October 1981
In response to a
question posed by the seers: "What will become of Poland?"
There will be great conflicts but in the end, the just will
take over.
With respect to Russia:
It is the people
where God will be most glorified. The West has made civilization
progress, but without God, as if they were their own creators.
July 12, 1982
Will there be a third
world war?
The third world war will not take place.
November 6, 1982
Frightened by the eighth secret, Mirjana prayed to the Blessed Virgin to preserve humanity from this calamity:
I have prayed; the punishment has been softened. Repeated prayers and fasting reduce punishments from God, but it is not possible to avoid entirely the chastisement. Go on the streets of the city, count those who glorify God and those who offend Him. God can no longer endure that.
August 15, 1985
My angel, pray for unbelievers. People will tear their hair, brother will plead with brother, he will curse his past life, lived without God. They will repent, but it will be too late. Now is the time for conversion. I have been exhorting you for the past four years. Pray for them.
October 25, 1985
Mirjana: "When she
appeared, the Blessed Virgin greeted me, 'Praised be Jesus.' Then she
spoke of unbelievers;"
They are my children. I suffer
because of them. They do not know what awaits them. You must pray
more for them.
"We prayed with her for the weak, the
unfortunate, the forsaken. After the prayer, she blessed us. Then she
showed me, as in a film, the realization of the first secret. The
earth was desolate.
It is the upheaval of a region of the
world. "She was precise. I cried."
"Why so
soon," I asked?
In the world, there are so many sins. What
can I do, if you do not help me. Remember, that I love you.
"How
can God have such a hard heart?"
God does not have a hard
heart. Look around you and see what men do, then you will no longer
say that God has a hard heart. How many people come to church, to the
house of God, with respect, a strong faith, and love of God? Very
few! Here you have a time of grace and conversion. It is necessary to
use it well.
July 25, 1991 "Dear Children! Today I invite you to pray for
peace. At this time peace is being threatened in a special way,
and I am seeking from you to renew fasting and prayer in your
families. Dear children, I desire you to grasp the seriousness of
the situation and that much of what will happen depends on your
prayers and you are praying a little bit. Dear children, I am
with you and I am inviting you to begin to pray and fast
seriously as in the first days of my coming. Thank you for having
responded to my call."
August 25, 1991 "Dear Children! Today also I invite you to prayer, now as never before when my plan has begun to be realized. Satan is strong and wants to sweep away my plans of peace and joy and make you think that my Son is not strong in His decisions. Therefore, I call all of you, dear children, to pray and fast still more firmly. I invite you to self-renunciation for nine days so that, with your help, everything that I desire to realize through the secrets I began in Fatima, may be fulfilled. I call you, dear children, to now grasp the importance of my coming and the seriousness of the situation. I want to save all souls and present them to God. Therefore, let us pray that everything I have begun be fully realized. Thank you for having responded to my call."
January 25, 1993 "Dear children! Today I call you to accept and
live my messages with seriousness. These days are the days when
you need to decide for God, for peace and for the good. May every
hatred and jealousy disappear from your life and your thoughts,
and may there only dwell love for God and for your neighbor.
Thus, and only thus shall you be able to discern the signs of the
time. I am with you and I guide you into a new time, a time which
God gives you as grace so that you may get to know him more.
Thank you for having responded to my call."
August 25, 1997 "Dear children! God gives me this time as a gift
to you, so that I may instruct and lead you on the path of
salvation. Dear children, now you do not comprehend this grace,
but soon a time will come when you will lament for these
messages. That is why, little children, live all of the words
which I have given you through this time of grace and renew
prayer, until prayer becomes a joy for you. Especially, I call
all those who have consecrated themselves to my Immaculate Heart
to become an example to others. I call all priests and religious
brothers and sisters to pray the rosary and to teach others to
pray. The rosary, little children, is especially dear to me.
Through the rosary open your heart to me and I am able to help
you. Thank you for having responded to my call."
March 25, 2000 "Dear children! Pray and make good use of this
time, because this is a time of grace. I am with you and I
intercede for each one of you before God, for your heart to open
to God and to God's love. Little children, pray without ceasing,
until prayer becomes a joy for you. Thank you for having
responded to my call."
October 25, 2000 "Dear children! Today I desire to open my
motherly heart to you and to call you all to pray for my
intentions. I desire to renew prayer with you and to call you to
fast which I desire to offer to my Son Jesus for the coming of a
new time – a time of spring. In this Jubilee year many hearts
have opened to me and the Church is being renewed in the Spirit.
I rejoice with you and I thank God for this gift; and you, little
children, I call to pray, pray, pray – until prayer becomes a joy
for you. Thank you for having responded to my call."
March 25, 2001 "Dear children! Also today I call you to open
yourselves to prayer. Little children, you live in a time in
which God gives great graces but you do not know how to make good
use of them. You are concerned about everything else, but the
least for the soul and spiritual life. Awaken from the tired
sleep of your soul and say yes to God with all your strength.
Decide for conversion and holiness. I am with you, little
children, and I call you to perfection of your soul and of
everything you do. Thank you for having responded to my call."
October 25, 2006 "Dear children! Today the Lord
permitted me
to tell you again that you live in a time of grace.
You are not
conscious, little children, that God is giving you a
great
opportunity to convert and to live in peace and love. You
are so
blind and attached to earthly things and think of earthly
life.
God sent me to lead you toward eternal life. I, little
children,
am not tired, although I see that your hearts are heavy
and tired
for everything that is a grace and a gift. Thank you
for having
responded to my call."
{This apparition, approved by the local bishop (which is all you need for Church approval) John Shojiro Ito in 1984 and judged worthy of belief by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) in 1988, echoes parts of Fatima, Garabandal, and The 3 Days Darkness. There were some miracles, the most noteworthy ones being stigmata and a solid wood statue of Mary crying, sweating, and bleeding on several occasions (I'm not including a summary of the events surrounding the apparitions for this one because they aren't especially interesting, instructive, or pertinent to the prophecies). Mary appeared 3 times to a deaf Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa, who was afterward cured.}
Summary
-If man does not repent, a chastisement worse than the deluge will occur.
-"Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by My Son."
-"The work of the devil will infiltrate even the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against other bishops. The priests who venerate Me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres.... churches and altars sacked, the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord."
July 5, 1973
"My daughter, my novice, you have obeyed me well in abandoning all to follow me. Is the infirmity of your ears painful? Your deafness will be healed, be sure. Be patient. It is the last trial. Does the wound of your hand cause you to suffer? Pray in reparation for the sins of men. Each person in this community is my irreplaceable daughter. Do you say well the prayer of the Servant of the Eucharist? Then, let us pray it together.
"Jesus present in the Eucharist..." Our Blessed Lady interrupted, adding "Truly present" And to impress this all the more... She said: "From now on you will add Truly."
"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, I consecrate my body and soul to be entirely one with Your Heart, being sacrificed at every instant on all the altars of the world and giving praise to the Father pleading for the coming of His Kingdom."
"Please receive this humble offering of myself. Use me as You will for the glory of the Father and the salvation of souls."
"Most Holy Mother of God, never let me be separated from Your Divine Son. Please defend and protect me always as Your special child."
On conclusion of the prayer Our Blessed Lady continued:
"Pray very much for the Pope, Bishops and Priests. Since your Baptism you have always prayed faithfully for them. Continue to pray very much... very much. Tell your superior all that passed today and obey him in everything that he will tell you. He has asked that you pray with fervor."
August 3, 1973
"My daughter, my novice, do you love the Lord? If you love the Lord, listen to what I have to say to you."
"It is very important. You will convey it to your superior."
"Many men in this world afflict the Lord. I desire souls to console Him to soften the anger of the Heavenly Father. I wish, with My Son, for souls who will repair by their suffering and their poverty for sinners and ingrates."
"In order that the world might know His anger, the Heavenly Father is preparing to inflict a great chastisement on all mankind. With My Son I have intervened so many times to appease the wrath of the Father. I have prevented the coming of calamities by offering Him the sufferings of the Son on the Cross, His Precious Blood, and beloved souls who console Him forming a cohort of victim souls. Prayer, penance and courageous sacrifices can soften the Father's anger."
"I desire this also from your community... that it love poverty, that it sanctify itself and pray for the ingratitude and outrages of so many men. Recite the prayer of the Handmaids of the Eucharist with awareness of its meaning; put it into practice; offer in reparation (whatever God may send) for sin. Let each one endeavor, according to capacity and position, to offer herself entirely to the Lord."
"Even in a secular institute, prayer is necessary. Already souls who wish to pray are on the way to being gathered together. Without attaching too much attention to the form, be faithful and fervent in prayer to console the Master."
A silence followed, then Our Lady added:
"Is what
you think in your heart true? Are you truly decided to become the
rejected stone? My novice, you who wish to belong without reserve to
the Lord, to become the spouse worthy of the Spouse make your vows
knowing that you must be fastened to the Cross with three nails.
These three nails are poverty, chastity and obedience. Of the three,
obedience is the foundation. In total abandon, let yourself be led by
your superior. He will know how to understand you and to direct you."
October 13, 1973
"My dear daughter, listen well to what I have to say to you. You will inform your superior."
After a short silence:
"As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never have seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by My Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary. With the Rosary, pray for the Pope, the bishops and the priests.
"The work of the devil will infiltrate even the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against other bishops. The priests who venerate Me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres.... churches and altars sacked, the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord."
"The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of My sadness. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them."
"With courage, speak to your superior. He will know how to encourage each one of you to pray and to accomplish works of reparation."
The voice became
silent. Sister Agnes asked: "Who is my superior?"
The
voice answered:
"It is Bishop Ito who directs your community." Then She went on: " You have still something to ask? Today is the last time I will speak to you in living voice. From now on you will obey the one sent to you and your superior. Pray very much the prayers of the Rosary. I alone am able still to save you from the calamities which approach. Those who place their confidence in me will be saved."
{Aside from the Marian prophecies, the one I find most credible is the prophecy of The Three Days Darkness. Prophesies with this theme have supposedly been repeated through the centuries by various saints and mystics, and even by non-Christian cultures (I personally have very few credible examples).
If you've read about this before, you've probably encountered something about proximate/impending and immediate signs. This is a hypothesis written in the 70s by Yves Dupont, an author who studied and tried to interpret Catholic prophecy, based not just on prophecies explicitly about The Three Days Darkness but on a number of other prophecies that he considered related to or occurring near it. I found an allegation showing that he'd once manipulated some quotes from Sister Catherine Emmerick to make it sound like she was supporting his argument that the new Mass is invalid in his book “Catholic Prophecy,” and found another (much smaller) case of context manipulation in his summary of the prophecy of The Great Monarch. Not that everything in his summary is wrong, but to be prudent I'd ignore anything with his name on it. He didn't include the raw source material anyway.
I've included Bl. Anna-Maria Taigi and St. Padre Pio's visions, the most famous accounts, and Bl. Elizabeth Canori Mora, one that doesn't explicitly mention 3 days of darkness but seems to be talking about the same thing.}
Summary
-It will be proceeded by wars, and the Sun, moon, and stars will appear "unduly disturbed and restless" shortly before it.
-"It will begin during a very cold night." The wind will roar, and after a time thunderbolts will be heard.
-Get inside, lock the doors, cover all windows and openings so no light from outside will penetrate, leave food out for pets or livestock ("I will preserve the property of the elect").
-Intense darkness will cover the earth for 3 days and 3 nights. Only a blessed candle will provide light (some say it has to be beeswax, like the church uses, but I've found no prophet that makes that distinction). Somehow, no other sources of light will provide illumination.
-"Hurricanes of fire will pour forth from the clouds and spread over the entire earth! Storms, bad weather, thunderbolts and earthquakes will cover the earth for two days." The wind will carry poisonous gas/pestilence.
-Anyone who steps outside will instantly die. Anyone who looks outside will instantly die. Those who suffer and die innocently will be martyrs.
-Demons will pour forth from Hell in visible form. "Hell will believe itself to be in possession of the entire earth"
-"Talk to no one outside the house." No reason is given, but logically speaking no human being could be outside and still alive. Don't let familiar voices fool you.
-Stay awake (yes, the whole 3 days) and pray incessantly. Recommendations are the rosary, spiritual communion, spiritual reading, and acts of love. "Those who hope in Me, and believe in My words, have nothing to fear because I will not forsake them, nor those who spread My message. No harm will come to those who are in the stated of grace and who seek My mother's protection."
-"The devastation shall be very great! But I, your God, will have purified the earth.", "The Godless shall be annihilated, so that afterwards the just shall be able to start afresh."
-Once it's over the sun comes up, angels spread peace over the earth, St. Peter and St. Paul descend from heaven, preach, and choose the new pope. Most of what's left of humanity will be converted to Catholicism.
Bl. Anna-Maria Taigi (1769-1837)
"God will send two punishments: one will be in the form of wars, revolutions and other evils; it shall originate on earth. The other will be sent from Heaven. There shall come over the whole earth an intense darkness lasting three days and three nights. Nothing can be seen, and the air will be laden with pestilence which will claim mainly, but not only, the enemies of religion. It will be impossible to use any man-made lighting during this darkness, except blessed candles. He, who out of curiosity, opens his window to look out, or leaves his home, will fall dead on the spot. During these three days, people should remain in their homes, pray the Rosary and beg God for mercy."
"All the enemies of the Church, whether known or unknown, will perish over the whole earth during that universal darkness, with the exception of a few whom God will soon convert. The air shall be infected by demons who will appear under all sorts of hideous forms."
"After the three days of darkness, St. Peter and St. Paul, having come down from Heaven, will preach in the whole world and designate a new Pope. A great light will flash from their bodies and will settle upon the cardinal who is to become Pope. Christianity, then, will spread throughout the world. He is the Holy Pontiff, chosen by God to withstand the storm. At the end, he will have the gift of miracles, and his name shall be praised over the whole earth. Whole nations will come back to the Church and the face of the earth will be renewed. Russia, England, and China will come into the Church."
From translation of a copy of a personal letter written by Padre Pio addressed to the Commission of Heroldsbach appointed by the Vatican that testifies to the truth and reality of these revelations on the Three Days of Darkness given by Our Lord to Padre Pio, a Capuchin priest who bore the stigmata.
NEW
YEAR'S EVE 1949
My son, My son, I have been longing for this hour
in which I again shall reveal to you the great love of My heart. My
love for man is very great, especially for those who give themselves
to Me. They are My refuge and My consolation in the many and terrible
irreverence which I receive in the Sacrament of My love.
Pray and make reparation to Me. Admonish others to do the same because the time is near at hand in which I shall visit my unfaithful people because they have not heeded the time of My grace. Persevere in prayer, so that your adversary shall have no dominion over you. Tell My people to be prepared at all times, for My judgment shall come upon them suddenly and when least expected-and not one shall escape My hands, I shall find them all! I shall protect the just. Watch the sun and moon and the stars of the Heavens-when they appear to be unduly disturbed and restless, know that the day is not far away. Stay united in prayer and watching until the angel of destruction has passed your doors. Pray that these days will be shortened.
My beloved, have confidence. I am in the midst of you. My Kingdom shall be glorified and My Name shall be blessed from the rising of the sun unto the setting thereof; and to My Kingdom there shall be no end.
JANUARY 23, 1950
Pray! Make reparation! Be fervent and practice mortifications. Great things are at stake! Pray! Men are running toward the abyss of Hell in great rejoicing and merry-making, as though they were going to a masquerade ball or the wedding feast of the devil himself! Assist Me in the salvation of souls. The measure of sin is filled! The day of revenge, with its terrifying happenings is near -- nearer then you can imagine! And the world is sleeping in false security! The Divine Judgment shall strike them like a thunderbolt! These Godless and wicked people shall be destroyed without mercy, as were the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorra of old. Yes, I tell you their wickedness was not as great as that of our human race today!
JANUARY 28, 1950
Keep your windows well covered. Do not look out. Light a blessed candle, which will suffice for many days. Pray the Rosary. Read spiritual books. Make acts of Spiritual Communion, also acts of love, which are so pleasing to Us. Pray with outstretched arms, or prostrate on the ground, in order that many souls may be saved. Do not go outside the house. Provide yourself with sufficient food. The powers of nature shall be moved and a rain of fire shall make people tremble with fear. Have courage! I am in the midst of you.
FEBRUARY 7, 1950
Take care of the animals during these days. I am the creator and preserver of animals as well as man. I shall give you a few signs beforehand, at which time you should place more food before them. I will preserve the property of the elect, including the animals, for they shall be in need of sustenance afterwards as well. Let no one go across the yard, even to feed the animals-he who steps outside will perish! Cover your windows carefully. My elect shall not see My wrath. Have confidence in Me, and I will be your protection. Your confidence obliges Me to come to your aid.
The hour of My coming is near! But I will show mercy. A most dreadful punishment will bear witness to the times. My angels, who are to be the executioners of this work, are ready with their pointed swords! They will take special care to annihilate all those who mocked Me and would not believe in My revelations.
Hurricanes of fire will pour forth from the clouds and spread over the entire earth! Storms, bad weather, thunderbolts and earthquakes will cover the earth for two days. An uninterrupted rain of fire will take place! It will begin during a very cold night. All this is to prove that God is the Master of Creation.
Those who hope in Me, and believe in My words, have nothing to fear because I will not forsake them, nor those who spread My message. No harm will come to those who are in the stated of grace and who seek My mother's protection.
That you may be prepared for these visitations, I will give you the following signs and instructions: The night will be very cold. The wind will roar. After a time thunderbolts will be heard. Lock all the doors and windows. Talk to no one outside the house. Kneel down before a crucifix, be sorry for your sins, and beg My Mothers protection. Do not look during the earthquake, because the anger of God is holy! Jesus does not want us to behold the anger of God, because God's anger must be contemplated with fear and trembling.
Those who disregard this advice will be kill instantly. The wind will carry with it poisonous gases which will be diffused over the entire earth. Those who suffer and die innocently will be martyrs and they will be with Me in My Kingdom.
Satan will triumph! But in three nights, the earthquake and fire will cease. On the following day the sun will shine again, angels will descend from Heaven and will spread the spirit of peace over the earth. A feeling of immeasurable gratitude will take possession of those who survive this most terrible ordeal, the impending punishment, with which God will visit the earth since creation.
I have chosen souls in other countries too, such as Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, who have received these revelations so that other countries also may be prepared. Pray Rosary, but pray it well, so that your prayers may reach Heaven. Soon a more terrible catastrophe shall come upon the entire world, such as never before has been witnessed, a terrible chastisement never before experienced!
How unconcerned men are regarding these things which shall so soon come upon them, contrary to all expectations. How indifferent they are in preparing themselves for these unheard of events, through which they will have to pass so shortly!
The weight of the Divine balance has reached the earth! The wrath of My Father shall be poured out over the entire world! I am again warning the world through your instrumentality, as I have so often done heretofore.
The sins of men have multiplied beyond measure: irreverence in Church, sinful pride committed in sham religious activities, lack of true brotherly love, indecency in dress, especially at summer resorts . . . The world is filled with iniquity.
This catastrophe shall come upon the earth like a flash of lightning, at which moment the light of the morning sun shall be replaced by black darkness! No one shall leave the house or look out a window from that moment on. I Myself shall come amidst thunder and lightning {as you will read further on, the Three Days Darkness is not the end of the world. This coming could be meant in a non-physical way, but there are some who believe that Christ will have an earthly reign for some time after his second coming. The Church generally doesn’t believe that, but I can’t find a dogma on the matter}. The wicked shall behold My Divine Heart. There shall be great confusion because of this utter darkness in which the entire earth shall be enveloped, and many, many shall die from fear and despair.
Those who shall fight for My cause shall receive grace from My Divine Heart; and the cry: "WHO IS LIKE UNTO GOD!" shall serve as a means of protection to many. However, many shall burn in the open fields like withered grass! The Godless shall be annihilated, so that afterwards the just shall be able to start afresh.
On that day, as soon as complete darkness has set in, no one shall leave the house or look from out of the window. The darkness shall last a day and a night followed by another day and night, and another day-but on the night following, the stars will shine again, and on the next morning the sun shall rise again, and it will be SPRINGTIME!!
In the days of darkness, My elect shall not sleep, as did the disciples in the garden of olives. They shall pray incessantly, and they shall not be disappointed in Me. I shall gather My elect. Hell will believe itself to be in possession of the entire earth, but I shall reclaim it.
Do you, perhaps, think that I would permit My Father to have such terrible chastisements come upon the world, if the world would turn from iniquity to justice? But because of My great love, these afflictions shall be permitted to come upon man. Although many shall curse Me, yet thousands of souls shall be saved through them. No human understanding can fathom the depth of My love!
Pray! Pray! I desire your prayers. My dear Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Elizabeth, Saint Conrad, Saint Michael, Saint Peter and the little Therese, Your Holy Angels, shall be your intercessors. Implore their aid! Be courageous soldiers of Christ! At the return of light, let everyone give thanks to the Holy Trinity for their protection! The devastation shall be very great!
But I, your God, will have purified the earth. I am with you, have confidence!
Again and again I have warned men, and often have I given them special opportunities to return to the right path; but now, wickedness has reached its climax, and the punishment can no longer be delayed. Even though My Heart does suffer and bleed, yet for My Name's sake, I must deal this blow. Tell all that the time has come in which these things shall be fulfilled.
Bl. Elizabeth Canori-Mora (1813-1821)
{I have two versions of this one that say basically the same thing. I’m actually not too sure of their credibility.}
{Version 1}
On
Christmas Eve 1813, Elizabeth was transported in ecstasy to a place
refulgent with light. There she saw countless saints in adoration
before a humble manger. The Infant Jesus signaled her sweetly to
approach, but on drawing near she saw that He was soaking with His
own Blood. “Just the thought of it fills me with horror”
she wrote. “But at the same time I understood the reason for
such shedding of blood was the bad habits of many priests and
religious who do not behave according to their state in life and the
bad education given to children by their fathers, mothers and others
entrusted with this duty. They, who should increase the spirit of the
Lord in the hearts of others by their good example, instead mortally
persecute Him with their bad conduct and teachings.”
Blessed
Elizabeth received many other revelations concerning the devastating
chaos and decadence into which Catholics, both lay and clerical,
would fall. She relates that on February 24, 1814, she “…saw
many ministers of the Lord who rob each other and furiously tear off
the sacred vestments. I saw the sacred altars despoiled by the very
ministers of God.”
Likewise,
on March, 22, 1814, while praying for the Holy Father she “…saw
him surrounded by wolves who plotted to betray him…I saw the
Sanhedrin of wolves which surrounded the Pope (Pius VII), and two
angels weeping…when I asked them why they were sad and
lamenting, looking upon Rome with eyes full of compassion they
responded, ‘Wretched city, ungrateful people, the justice of
God will chastise you.’”
On
January 16, 1815, angels showed her “many ecclesiastics who
persecute Jesus Crucified and His holy Gospel under the guise of
doing good…Like furious wolves they scheme to pull the Church
leader down from his throne.” Then she was allowed to see the
terrible indignation these wolves aroused in God. “In terror I
saw the blazing lightening bolts of Divine Justice fall about me. I
saw buildings collapsing in ruins. Cities, regions and the whole
world fell into chaos. One heard nothing but countless weak voices
calling out for mercy. Countless people will be killed.”
What
terrified her the most was God’s anger. She saw Him “extremely
angry with those who persecute Him. His omnipotent hands were holding
bolts of lightening, His face was resplendent with indignation and
His gaze alone was enough to incinerate the whole world.” The
vision lasted but an instant, whereupon she recalled, “had it
continued for another moment I surely would have died.”
Concerning
her vision of June 7, 1815 she wrote of, “fierce wolves in
sheep’s clothing, relentless persecutors of Jesus Crucified and
His spouse the Holy Church…I saw the whole world convulsed,
especially the city of Rome. How can I possibly relate what I saw of
the Holy College? Because of contrary doctrines, together with the
secular clergy, they were scattered, persecuted and murdered by the
impious…The regular clergy had not suffered a total
dispersion, but were also decimated. Countless men of all conditions
died in the massacre, but not all were condemned, for among them were
those of decent customs and others of holy life.”
On Christmas, 1816
Blessed Elizabeth saw Our Lady, who appeared extremely sad. Upon
inquiring why, Our Lady answered, “Behold, my daughter, such
great ungodliness.” Blessed Elizabeth then saw “apostates
brazenly trying to rip her most holy Son from her arms. Confronted
with such an outrage, the Mother of God ceased to ask mercy for the
world, and instead requested justice from the Eternal Father. Clothed
in His inexorable Justice and full of indignation, he turned to the
world.
“At
that moment all nature went into convulsions, the world lost its
normal order and was filled with the most terrible calamity
imaginable. This will be something so deplorable and atrocious that
it will reduce the world to the ultimate depths of desolation.”
On
the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29, 1820, she saw St. Peter
descending from heaven, robed in papal vestments and surrounded by a
legion of angels. With his crosier he drew great cross over the face
of the earth, separating it into four quadrants. In each of these
quadrants, he then brought forth a tree, sprouting with new life.
Each tree was in the shape of a cross and enveloped in magnificent
light. All the good laity and religious fled for protection
underneath these trees and were spared from the tremendous
chastisement. “Woe! Woe to those inobservant religious who
despise their Holy Rules. They will all perish in the terrible
chastisement together with all who give themselves to debauchery and
follow the false maxims of their deplorable contemporary
philosophy!
“The
sky took on a morbid blue color which terrified everyone who looked
at it. A dark wind blew everywhere. An impassioned and mournful
shrieking filled the air, like the terrible roar of a fierce lion,
and resounded all over the earth in blood curdling echoes.
“All
men and animals brimmed with terror. The entire world convulsed and
everyone pitilessly slaughtered one another…
“When
this bloody fight will arrive, the vengeful hand of God will weigh
upon these fated ones and with His omnipotence He will chastise the
proud for their rashness and shameless insolence. God will use the
powers of darkness to exterminate these sectarian, iniquitous and
criminal men, who plot to eradicate the Catholic Church, our Holy
Mother, by tearing Her up by Her deepest roots, and casting Her on
the ground.
“God
will laugh at their malice, and with a mere wave of His almighty
right Hand, He will punish the wicked. The powers of darkness will be
allowed to leave Hell and enormous crowds of devils will invade the
whole world. They will wreak great destruction and thus execute the
orders of Divine Justice, to which they are also subjected. They will
chastise man’s goods, families, towns, wretched cities,
palaces, houses and everything else that exists on the face of the
earth to the exact degree that God decrees…
“God
will allow wicked men to be cruelly chastised by fierce demons,
because they voluntarily subjected themselves to the devil and joined
in his attack of the Holy Catholic Church…
“I
saw the horrible prison, Hell. There I saw the devils that would be
released on earth to carry their wicked destruction everywhere. They
will decimate every place that idolatry was practiced to such an
extent, that no trace of them will remain.”
However,
all will not end in this death and destruction. After these purifying
punishments, she saw St. Peter return on a majestic papal throne
together with St. Paul, who went through the world shackling the
devils and bringing them before St. Peter, who cast them back into
the dark caverns from where they had come. “Then a beautiful
splendor came over the earth, to announce the reconciliation of God
with mankind.”
The
small flock of faithful Catholics who had taken refuge under the
trees will be brought before St. Peter, who will “choose a new
pope. All the Church will be reordered according to the true dictates
of the holy Gospel. The religious orders will be reestablished and
the homes of Christians will become homes imbued with religion.
“So
great will be the fervor and zeal for the glory of God that
everything will promote love of God and neighbor. The triumph, glory
and honor of the Catholic Church will be established in an instant.
She will be acclaimed, venerated and esteemed by all. All will
resolve to follow Her, recognizing the Vicar of Christ as the Supreme
Pontiff.”
Early
in 1821 Our Lord said to her, “I will reform my people and my
Church. I will send zealous priests to preach my Faith. I will form a
new apostolate and send the Holy Ghost to renew the world. I will
reform the religious orders by means of new holy and learned
reformers. They will all have the spirit of my predilect son Ignatius
of Loyola. I will provide my Church with a new pastor, who is
learned, holy and full of My Spirit. With holy zeal he will reform My
flock.”
“He
told me many other things about this renovation. Many sovereigns will
support the Catholic Church and be true Catholics, placing their
scepters and crowns at the feet of the Holy Father and Vicar of Jesus
Christ. Many kingdoms will abandon their errors and return to the
bosom of the Catholic Faith. Entire peoples will convert, recognizing
the Faith of Jesus Christ as the true religion.”
{Version 2}
1) "All men shall rise one against the other, and they shall kill one another without pity. During this sanguinary conflict the avenging arm of God will strike the wicked, and in His mighty power He will punish their pride and presumption."
2) "God will employ the powers of Hell for the extermination of these impious and heretical persons who desire to overthrow the Church and destroy it to it's very foundation."
3) "These presumptuous men in their mad impiety believe that they can overthrow God from His throne; but the Lord will despise these artifices, and through an effect of His Mighty Hand He will punish these impious blasphemers by giving permission to the infernal spirits to come out from Hell."
4) "Innumerable legions of demons shall overrun the earth, and shall execute the orders of Divine Justice by causing terrible calamities and disasters; they shall attack everything; they shall injure individual persons and entire families; they shall devastate property and alimentary productions, cities and villages. Nothing on earth shall be spared."
5) "God will allow the demons to strike with death those impious men because they gave themselves up to the infernal powers and had formed with them a compact against the Catholic Church."
6) "Being desirous of more fully penetrating my spirit with a deeper sentiment of His Divine Justice, God showed to me the awful abyss; I saw in the bowels of the earth a dark and frightening cavern, whence an infinite number of demons were issuing forth, who under the form of men and beasts came to ravage the earth, leaving everywhere ruins and blood."
7) "Happy will be all true and good Catholics! They shall experience the powerful protection of the holy Apostles, St Peter and St Paul, who will watch over them lest they may be injured either in their persons or property."
8) "Those evil spirits shall plunder every place where God has been outraged, despised and blasphemed; the edifices they profaned will be pulled down and destroyed, and nothing but ruins shall remain of them."
9) "After this frightful punishment I saw the Heavens opening and St Peter coming down again upon earth; he was vested in his pontifical robes, and surrounded by a great number of angels, who were chanting hymns in his honor, and they proclaimed him as sovereign of the earth."
10) "I saw also St Paul descending upon the earth. By God's command he traversed the earth and chained the demons whom he brought before St Peter, who commanded them to return into Hell whence they had come."
11) "Then a great light appeared upon the earth which was the sign of the reconciliation of God with man. The angels conducted before the throne of the prince of the Apostles the small flock that had remained faithful to Jesus Christ."
12) "These good and zealous Christians testified to him the most profound respect, praising God and thanking the Apostles for having delivered them from the common destruction, and for having protected the Church of Jesus Christ by not permitting her to be infected with the false maxims of the world."
13) "St Peter then chose the new pope. The Church was again organized; religious orders were reestablished; the private families of ordinary Christians, through their great fervor and zeal for the glory of God, became like the most exemplary communities."
14) "Such is the glorious triumph reserved for the Catholic Church; she shall be praised, honored and esteemed by all men. All men shall become Catholics, and shall acknowledge the Pope as Vicar of Jesus Christ."
{This isn't here so much because it's especially credible as because it's widely known even outside Catholic circles and I thought I'd include an explanation. As the Catholic Encyclopedia describes it:}
“In 1139 he {St. Malachy} went to Rome to give an account of the affairs of his diocese to the pope, Innocent II, who promised him two palliums for the metropolitan Sees of Armagh and Cashel. While at Rome, he received (according to the Abbé Cucherat) the strange vision of the future wherein was unfolded before his mind the long list of illustrious pontiffs who were to rule the Church until the end of time. The same author tells us that St. Malachy gave his manuscript to Innocent II to console him in the midst of his tribulations, and that the document remained unknown in the Roman Archives until its discovery in 1590 (Cucherat, "Proph. de la succession des papes", ch. xv). They were first published by Arnold de Wyon, and ever since there has been much discussion as to whether they are genuine predictions of St. Malachy or forgeries. The silence of 400 years on the part of so many learned authors who had written about the popes, and the silence of St. Bernard especially, who wrote the "Life of St. Malachy", is a strong argument against their authenticity, but it is not conclusive if we adopt Cucherat's theory that they were hidden in the Archives during those 400 years.
“These short prophetical announcements, in number 112, indicate some noticeable trait of all future popes from Celestine II, who was elected in the year 1143, until the end of the world. They are enunciated under mystical titles. Those who have undertaken to interpret and explain these symbolical prophecies have succeeded in discovering some trait, allusion, point, or similitude in their application to the individual popes, either as to their country, their name, their coat of arms or insignia, their birth-place, their talent or learning, the title of their cardinalate, the dignities which they held etc.”
{You can easily find the complete list if you’re interested. Here are the last 3:}
|
Pope No. |
Name (Reign) |
Motto No. |
Motto (and explanation) |
|
266 |
John Paul II (1978-2005) |
110 |
De labore Solis |
|
267 |
Benedict XVI (2005-) |
111 |
Gloria olivæ (Glory of the Olives) |
|
|
|
112 |
In persecutione extrema S.R.E. sedebit Petrus
Romanus, qui pascet oves in multis tribulationibus: quibus
transactis civitas septicollis diruetur, & Judex tremêdus
judicabit populum suum. Finis. |
“It has been noticed concerning Petrus Romanus, who according to St. Malachy's list is to be the last pope, that the prophecy does not say that no popes will intervene between him and his predecessor designated Gloria olivæ. It merely says that he is to be the last, so that we may suppose as many popes as we please before "Peter the Roman".”
{It should also be noted that some claim that the original list did not include the last pope, suggesting that Petrus Romanus was added (or that the entire thing was made up) in the 1500s by the Olivetan monks. On a side note, the popular notion that the final pope will be the antichrist seems to have originated with Martin Luther. The only Catholic material I've found supporting it is an alleged, dubious, widely condemned secret from the apparitions at LaSalette.}
{Some random prophetic quotes from saints and mystics. These first two I pulled from their works myself (very well known works), so I can verify their authenticity.}
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Chapter 59 - Some words on Christ’s descent into Hell
Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich, ~1823
In the centre {of Hell} was an abyss of darkness. Lucifer was cast into it, chained, and thick black vapor mounted up around him. This took place by Divine Decree. I heard that Lucifer (if I do not mistake) will be freed again for awhile fifty or sixty years before the year 2000 A.D. I have forgotten many other dates that were told me. Some other demons are to be freed before Lucifer, in order to chastise and tempt mankind. I think some are let loose now in our own day, and others will be freed shortly after our time.
“Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”
St Louis Marie de Montfort, 1711~1716
I said that this will happen especially towards the end of the world, and indeed soon, because Almighty God and his holy Mother are to raise up great saints who will surpass in holiness most other saints as much as the cedars of Lebanon tower above little shrubs. This has been revealed to a holy soul whose life has been written by M. de Renty.
These great souls filled with grace and zeal will be chosen to oppose the enemies of God who are raging on all sides. They will be exceptionally devoted to the Blessed Virgin. Illumined by her light, strengthened by her food, guided by her spirit, supported by her arm, sheltered under her protection, they will fight with one hand and build with the other. With one hand they will give battle, overthrowing and crushing heretics and their heresies, schismatics and their schisms, idolaters and their idolatries, sinners and their wickedness. With the other hand they will build the temple of the true Solomon and the mystical city of God, namely, the Blessed Virgin, who is called by the Fathers of the Church the Temple of Solomon and the City of God. By word and example they will draw all men to a true devotion to her and though this will make many enemies, it will also bring about many victories and much glory to God alone. This is what God revealed to St. Vincent Ferrer, that outstanding apostle of his day, as he has amply shown in one of his works.
…
As she was the way by which Jesus first came to us, she will again be the way by which he will come to us the second time though not in the same manner.
…
They will be true apostles of the latter times to whom the Lord of Hosts will give eloquence and strength to work wonders and carry off glorious spoils from his enemies. They will sleep without gold or silver and, more important still, without concern in the midst of other priests, ecclesiastics and clerics.
…
Lastly, we know they will be true disciples of Jesus Christ, imitating his poverty, his humility, his contempt of the world and his love.
{This third one is widely known and circulated, but might be an urban legend. The date that it gives for its occurrence, at least, is very unlikely as the pope didn't release the prayer to St Michael until two years afterward. Regardless of who wrote it or what details might have been changed over time, it does correspond to a vision Mirjana had in Medjugorje so I'm including it.}
Pope Leo XIII
Exactly 33 years to the
day prior to the great Miracle of the Sun in Fatima, that is, on
October 13, 1884, Pope Leo the 13th had a remarkable vision. When the
aged Pontiff had finished celebrating Mass in his private Vatican
Chapel, attended by a few Cardinals and members of the Vatican staff,
he suddenly stopped at the foot of the altar. He stood there for
about 10 minutes, as if in a trance, his face ashen white. Then,
going immediately from the Chapel to his office, he composed the
prayer to St. Michael, with instructions it be said after all Low
Masses everywhere. When asked what had happened, he explained that,
as he was about to leave the foot of the altar, he suddenly heard
voices - two voices, one kind and gentle, the other guttural and
harsh. They seemed to come from near the tabernacle. As he listened,
he heard the following conversation:
The guttural voice, the
voice of Satan in his pride, boasted to Our Lord:
"I can
destroy your Church."
The gentle voice of Our Lord: "You
can? Then go ahead and do so."
Satan: "To do so, I
need more time and more power."
Our Lord: "How much
time? How much power?
Satan: "75 to 100 years, and a
greater power over those who will give themselves over to my
service."
Our Lord: "You have the time, you will
have the power. Do with them what you will."
{Here is a more credible version published in 1999 in the book “An Exorcist Tells His Story” written by the Chief Exorcist of Rome Fr. Gabriele Amorth.}
Here is what the magazine Ephemerides Liturgicae reported in 1995 on pages 58-59:
Father Domenico Pechenino writes: "I do not remember the exact year. One morning the great Pope Leo XIII had celebrated a Mass and, as usual, was attending a Mass of thanksgiving. Suddenly, we saw him raise his head and stare at something above the celebrant's head. He was staring motionlessly, without batting an eye. His expression was one of horror and awe; the color and look on his face changing rapidly. Something unusual and grave was happening in him."
"Finally, as though coming to his senses, he lightly but firmly tapped his hand and rose to his feet. He headed for his private office. His retinue followed anxiously and solicitously, whispering: 'Holy Father, are you not feeling well? Do you need anything?' He answered: 'Nothing, nothing.' About half an hour later, he called for the Secretary of the Congregation of Rites and, handing him a sheet of paper, requested that it be printed and sent to all the ordinaries around the world. What was that paper? It was the prayer that we recite with the people at the end of every Mass. It is the plea to Mary and the passionate request to the Prince of the heavenly host, beseeching God to send Satan back to hell."
Pope Leo XIII instructed to kneel during those prayers. What we just reported was published in the newspaper La settimana del clero, March 30, 1947, but it does not give the source of the information. However, we were able to verify that the prayer was indeed sent to the ordinaries in 1886, under unusual circumstances. A reliable witness, Cardinal Nasalli Rocca, in his 1946 Lenten Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Bologna, wrote: "Leo XIII himself wrote that prayer. The sentence 'The evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls' has a historical explanation that was many times repeated by his private secretary, Monsignor Rinaldo Angeli. Leo XIII truly saw, in a vision, demonic spirits who were congregating on the Eternal City (Rome). The prayer that he asked all the Church to recite was the fruit of that experience. He would recite that prayer with strong, powerful voice: we heard it many a time in the Vatican Basilica. Leo XIII also personally wrote an exorcism that is included in the Roman Ritual (1954 edition, XII, C. Ill, p. 863 and following). He recommended that bishops and priests read these exorcisms often in their dioceses and parishes. He himself would recite them often throughout the day."
{The rest of these have no discernible source. I don't even know who half of these people are. I think some of them come from Yves (see my intro to The Three Days Darkness), so take them with a hefty measure of salt. They paint a picture of what older Catholic prophecies were probably like.}
John of Vitiguerro (13th Century)
The pope will change his residence and the Church will not be defended for twenty-five months or more because, during all that time there will be no Pope in Rome... After many tribulations, a Pope shall be elected out of those who survived the persecutions.
Johannes Friede (1204-1257)
When the great time will come, in which mankind will face its last, hard trial, it will be foreshadowed by striking changes in nature. The alteration between cold and heat will become more intensive, storms will have more catastrophic effects, earthquakes will destroy great regions, and the seas will overflow many lowlands. Not all of it will be the result of natural causes, but mankind will penetrate into the bowels of the earth and will reach into the clouds, gambling with its own existence. Before the powers of destruction will succeed in their design, the universe will be thrown into disorder, and the age of iron will plunge into nothingness.
When nights will be filled with more intensive cold and days with heat, a new life will begin in nature. The heat means radiation from the earth, the cold the waning light of the sun. Only a few years more and you will become aware that sunlight has grown perceptibly weaker. When even your artificial light will cease to give service, the great event in the heavens will be near.
John of the Cleft Rock (14th Century)
Towards the end of the world, tyrants and hostile mobs will rob the Church and the clergy of all their possessions and will afflict and martyr them. Those who heap the most abuse upon them will be held in high esteem. At that time, the Pope with his cardinals will have to flee Rome in tragic circumstances to a place where they will be unknown. The Pope will die a cruel death in his exile. The sufferings of the Church will be much greater than at any previous time in her history. But God will raise a holy Pope, and the Angels will rejoice. Enlightened by God, this man will rebuild almost the whole world through his holiness. He will lead everyone to the true Faith.
Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (17th Century)
The fifth period of the Church, which began circa 1520, will end with the arrival of the holy Pope and of the powerful Monarch who is called "Help From God" because he will restore everything. The fifth period is one of affliction, desolation, humiliation, and poverty for the Church. Jesus Christ will purify His people through cruel wars, famines, plagues, epidemics, and other horrible calamities. He will also afflict and weaken the Latin Church with many heresies. It is a period of defections, calamities and exterminations. Those Christians who survive the sword, plague and famines, will be few on earth.
During this period, many men will abuse of the freedom of conscience conceded to them. It is of such men that Jude the Apostle spoke when he said, "These men blaspheme whatever they do not understand; and they corrupt whatever they know naturally as irrational animals do." They will ridicule Christian simplicity; they will call it folly and nonsense, but they will have the highest regard for advanced knowledge, and for the skill by which the axioms of law, the precepts of morality, the Holy Canons and religious dogmas are clouded by senseless questions and elaborate arguments.
These are the evil times, a century full of dangers and calamities. Heresy is everywhere, and the followers of heresy are in power almost everywhere. but God will permit a great evil against His Church: Heretics and tyrants will come suddenly and unexpectedly; they will break into the Church. They will enter Italy and lay Rome waste; they will burn down churches and destroy everything.
Venerable Mary of Agreda (17th Century)
It was revealed to me that through the intercession of the Mother of God, all heresies will disappear. This victory over heresies has been reserved by Christ for His Blessed Mother... Before the Second Coming of Christ, Mary must, more than ever, shine in mercy, might and grace in order to bring unbelievers into the Catholic Faith.
The Ecstatic of Tours (19th Century)
Before the war breaks out again, food will be scarce and expensive. There will be little work for the workers, and fathers will hear their children crying for food. There will be earthquakes and signs in the sun. Toward the end, darkness will cover the Earth. When everyone believes that peace is ensured, when everyone least expects it, the great happening will begin. Revolution will break out in Italy almost at the same time as in France.
For some time the Church will be without a Pope.
Pope Pius IX (1878)
Since the whole world is against God and His Church, it is evident that He has reserved the victory over His enemies to Himself. This will be more obvious when it is considered that the root of all our present evils is to be found in the fact that those with talents and vigor crave earthly pleasures, and not only desert God but repudiate Him altogether. Thus it appears they cannot be brought back in any other way except through an act that cannot be ascribed to any secondary agency, and thus all will be forced to look to the supernatural...
There will come a great wonder, which will fill the world with astonishment. This wonder will be preceded by the triumph of revolution. The church will suffer exceedingly. Her servants and her chieftain will be mocked, scourged, and martyred.
{This is not a prophecy! It’s more of a relevant theological observation that I thought was neat. Have you read the 18 prophetic books of the Bible recently? There’s a striking similarity between Israel’s situation just before the Babylonian exile and the situation of the Church today. Jeremiah in particular frequently felt like it was speaking directly to us.
Israel had fallen headlong into the vice it could never seem to shake: idolatry. The gods of the surrounding nations had infiltrated their culture. They worshiped sculptures of wood and stone (not beings they believed the sculptures represented; they actually believed the statues themselves, that they made with their own hands, were conscious individuals that had the power to help them), some at the same time as professing belief in the one God. They even sacrificed their children to these dead gods, a detestable practice often highlighted as their worst offense. Their priests shared in this sin and added to it the defilement of their holy office, ignoring the law they had been taught and teaching their own ideas. False prophets were rampant, proclaiming peace and prosperity to a society where general immorality was rampant. Ritual prostitution was practiced in the temples of the idols, and the very temple of God in Jerusalem had idols erected within it. When the Lord’s patience finally ran out, he allowed them to destroy themselves. The nation rebelled against its overlord Nebuchadnezzar, who responded by sacking their fortified cities, robbing the temple of its holy vessels, carrying away the Ark of the Covenant, burning everything to the ground, slaying the princes and nobles, and deporting the survivors to Babylon.
Our idols are made of plastic and glass. We don’t believe they’re cognizant beings with magical powers, but we worship them anyway, in a sense worshiping ourselves, rendering to them the attention that God alone is deserving of, sacrificing to them all of our time, talent, and treasure, leaving God with one hour a week, if that. We sacrifice our children by the millions on the altar of abortion, praying to the gods of convenience, money, and casual sex to continue to bless us. Our cult prostitutes are all around us, glorifying decadent and deviant sexuality as the summit of human existence. And all the while we call on the name of Jesus Christ, a name we each ascribe to a god we each make up, and walk in complacent surety that because we’re better than the people we hear about on the news we won’t go to Hell. We’re as willfully ignorant of the divine Word as the Israelites were of the Law of Moses. Our priests have become a byword of immorality, their teaching ranging from ignorant to openly heretical, lukewarmness dominating all but a blessed few. As I’ve learned during my research, false prophets are innumerable. This parallel persists even to the defilement of the temple, which recalls the worship of pagan idols on a Catholic altar during an interreligious event at the Fatima Shrine in Portugal in 2004 (ok, that one was kind of a stretch).
The Babylonian exile may come to be seen as a prefigure of the coming chastisement. The country from the north (Communism), will sack our cities, rob our churches of their vessels (relics?), take away our Ark of the Covenant (the Eucharist, by suppressing the mass?), slay our priests and send the faithful into exile (hiding). Some of the prophecies can even be seen as describing the three days darkness more than the events that they really concerned.
I encourage you to read them yourself (and the entire Bible, for that matter), but here are a few of my favorite quotes.}
Why does the way of the godless prosper, why live all the treacherous in contentment? You planted them; they have taken root, they keep on growing and bearing fruit. You are upon their lips, but far from their inmost thoughts ... How long must the earth mourn, the green of the whole countryside wither? For the wickedness of those who dwell in it beasts and birds disappear, because they say, "God does not see our ways." (Jer 12, 1-4)
Go, my people, enter your chambers, and close your doors behind you; Hide yourselves for a brief moment, until the wrath is past. See, the LORD goes forth from his place, to punish the wickedness of the earth's inhabitants; The earth will reveal the blood upon her, and no longer conceal her slain. (Is 26, 20-21)
Listen! the rumble on the mountains: that of an immense throng! Listen! the noise of kingdoms, nations assembled! The LORD of hosts is mustering an army for battle.
They come from a far-off country, and from the end of the heavens, The LORD and the instruments of his wrath, to destroy all the land. Howl, for the day of the LORD is near; as destruction from the Almighty it comes. Therefore all hands fall helpless, the bows of the young men fall from their hands. Every man's heart melts in terror. Pangs and sorrows take hold of them, like a woman in labor they writhe; They look aghast at each other, their faces aflame.
Lo, the day of the LORD comes, cruel, with wrath and burning anger; To lay waste the land and destroy the sinners within it! The stars and constellations of the heavens send forth no light; The sun is dark when it rises, and the light of the moon does not shine.
Thus I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their guilt. I will put an end to the pride of the arrogant, the insolence of tyrants I will humble. I will make mortals more rare than pure gold, men, than gold of Ophir. For this I will make the heavens tremble and the earth shall be shaken from its place, At the wrath of the LORD of hosts on the day of his burning anger. (Is 13, 4-13)
The earth is utterly laid waste, utterly stripped, for the LORD has decreed this thing.