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Yes, Virginia, there is a Purgatory!

      In preparation for All Saints Day and All Souls Day in less than two weeks we begin a three-part series on IN COMMUNION WITH THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS with an explanation of the cycle of the Communion of Saints. There are many who try to debunk the concept of Purgatory just as there are those who don't believe in the existence of hell. Padre Pio said it best for those who don't believe such a place exists: "You'll know it's true when you get there!" But as members of the Church Militant we still have the chance to right things here so we can either bypass Purgatory all together or spend as little time as possible there before graduating to the summa cum laude of eternity! For the Eighty-first installment of this on-going megaseries, click on WHERE IS HOLY MOTHER CHURCH HEADING AS WE NEAR THE MILLENNIUM?.

INTRODUCTION
      The Feature Article, begun in the inaugural issue two years ago, deals with the state of the Church. We continue probing the question that has perplexed the Magisterium and the laity for the past 30 years as the liberal element has left its mark, effecting changes that have seemingly watered down the "Roman Catholic" traditions. Yet, God in His Infinite Wisdom, has allowed this to happen for a specific purpose. He has been preparing us in a special way by sending His very Own Blessed Mother to guide us and remind us of our roots. Through perseverance, prayer and loyalty to Holy Mother Church headed by the Holy Father John Paul II and adhered to by the faithful who will not compromise, the pendulum is beginning to swing back toward the conservative side. In the eighty-first installment of this on-going feature series, we bring you a short series on the Communion of Saints in preparation for All Saints Day and All Souls Day in two weeks. We point out that in the Circle of Hope of the Communion of Saints God has created a cycle which guarantees a "win-win" situation as we continue to alert the reader to what is happening and sound the call to arms, to enlist in Mary's army and take up the battle cry. God said it, we believe it, that settles it! Too many Catholics are going their own way with little regard to what their spiritual shepherd - the Vicar of Christ says. Sin is whitewashed. If we're not careful there will be a tremendous backwash and who among us wants to get caught in the vortex of that swirling whirlpool of Justice? This series is a set blueprint for Catholics everywhere to take up the banner of truth in defending Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as we prepare for this glorious event.

      With November just around the corner we want to focus on the month when the Church Militant acknowledges and honors the full Communion of Saints. On Sunday November 1st we honor all the blessed in Heaven, who are true saints whether they are on the Liturgical calendar or not. They are called the Church Triumphant. And we recognize and remember the Church Suffering - all the souls in Purgatory - on the next day, All Souls Day for they are closely linked with the saints in Heaven as are with us on earth. While they wait in painful longing to behold the Beatific Vision someday, we struggle here in our earthly exile to achieve our eternal reward.

      There is confusion today about Purgatory. There are many Catholics who no longer believe in the existence of this place of purgation, of being purified of all stain of sin and punishment due to sin before we are worthy to stand in the unveiled presence of Almighty God. But Scripture tells us that it is a good and merciful practice to pray for our faithful departed, and the great Doctors of Holy Mother Church, and many mystics such as Padre Pio, confirm this belief and practice.

      Our eyes cannot see nor can our minds understand the suffering of the Holy Souls. How can a soul suffer since it is not made of flesh and bone? This is for God to know, and for us, as His children, to believe. But, for a moment, consider the many times that you have seen a particular item which you desire. It might be a new car, a new television, some particular garment or a home that is beyond your financial means...But you've seen it, and the memory lingers on long after you've at least recognized that you'll never possess this thing. How painful is the loss, and even more painful the recurring memory of that which will not be in this earthly life? We've all experienced the shattering of earthly dreams. We can attest to that being Padre fans after this cruel World Series when defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory, but that's only a game. We're talking about eternity! Big, big difference!!!

      If we can relate to finite things, then for a moment ponder upon the fact that at death your soul is taken into the presence of Almighty God for its particular judgment. And in that instant of eternity, your soul beholds the magnificence, the splendor and beauty of God! And then, in less time than the beat of a butterfly's wing, you are whisked off by your guardian angel to a place of purification, which Holy Mother Church calls Purgatory where atonement is to be made for all transgressions which have not been expiated for here on earth.

      Your soul has seen God! For a brief, fleeting moment an everlasting memory is indelibly impressed on our heart and soul. It is an everlasting understanding of God that has never been permitted to you in your earthly life. And with this memory and knowledge, the soul knows that it is deprived of the Beatific Vision, and must remain in this place of suffering aided by the intercession in Heaven of the saints, and more importantly by those of us on earth who, by our sufferings, charitable works, and offerings of Holy Masses, are the only ones able to assist these poor holy souls, and release them from suffering into the unending splendor of the Beatific Vision. Would you not be grateful for all eternity to have been freed from suffering, so that you might forever rejoice in the presence of God? If we, in our humanity, would be grateful if someone gave to us a magnificent gift of that thing which we could never afford, so that we might know its pleasure on earth, how much more should we be grateful to have eternal joy as our ultimate reward? Take this week to contemplate that in preparation for All Saints Day and All Souls Day in two weeks and next week we will continue with this short series on the Communion of Saints.

"Far too many respond only with their lips, allowing their hearts to become silent tombs."

     Those are the words from the Blessed Mother Mary in message 245 to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart, which we bring you today and which, for one of the few times during the year coincides with the same time of year six years ago. Our Lady in both messages assures us no matter how steep our Calvary is, she will be there with us just as she was there for her Divine Son Jesus but we have to pray with the heart and keep our mouths closed and our ears open. For messages 244 and 245, click on "I SOLEMNLY TELL YOU..."

Messages Two Hundred Forty-four and Two Hundred Forty-five

      Beloved Hidden Flower, how I love and cherish you. In these sorrowful times I come to tell my little ones how much God loves them, how He seeks their eternal salvation and does not wish even one of His children to suffer damnation.

      Yet, my little ones, how I weep! Many of you witnessed my tears, just as I wept at the moment of my Divine Son's Passion.

      O! You do not understand how perfect and infinite is His Love and how much He has suffered for all men even to the end of time. I weep because far too many of my little ones are deceived, and many who are now in the light shall yet be led into the abyss.

      Therefore, my little children, I am here to be a beacon of light because that is a sure way to find the Sacred Heart of my Son.

      My children, when you pray, will to pray from your hearts. When you pray know that I pray with you, offering your prayer and all that your heart contains to the Most Blessed Trinity.

      I remain with you for yet a little while for you have come to the Hour of Great Sorrow.

      God's signs have been given in abundance, and still you have refused to open your hearts. Blinded by your swollen pride, your souls are dying because your consciences are dead. You prefer your materialistic world, and you cannot untangle your snares from satan's claws.

      Thus, God's chastisement is upon you and only by your response to Him can these sorrowful times be mitigated; only then can the dreadful purification be held in abeyance.

      O! These moments are occurring all over your world. Many of my little ones would yet seek a way out, so they are excused from the sufferings of these next years.

      Beloved children, you again are deluded by the evil one, for there is no one who will be exempt. All of my little ones will suffer, to some degree, because if you are my Divine Son's disciples you must carry your cross.

      Now the world faces Calvary. I have come to walk the way with you, and as I remained with my Son so shall I remain with you to continually guide you.

      Therefore, pray. Pray! Pray! I love and bless you. Thank you for responding to my Call!

      Beloved Hidden Flower, how I love and cherish all of my children, even those who have gone far from me! O! My little ones, I have been among you for a long time. How your souls thirst for God. How quickly, how surely you close your hearts and believe the evil one's lies.

      Therefore, I solemnly tell you, the moment of your conversion must be now! I shall not remain among you for much longer, and you must be strong, secure in the doctrines, dogmas and traditions of your faith.

      I solemnly tell you that in these days there will be unparalleled evil everywhere, for satan shall use all of his power to capture your souls for all eternity.

      Light the lamp of your faith with humility. Let its flame grow bright through loving obedience.

      I tell all of my little ones that in these days one shall open their heart to God, and satan shall strike at all within the family. He, the evil one, shall oppress the children, from infancy on. He shall pit husband against wife, parents against children, brother and sisters against one another. He is able to do this because you are still filled with pride. Once you root out pride through humility, then you are gathered beneath my Immaculate Mantle, secure in my Divine Son's Heart.

      O! My children, I am calling each one to great holiness. I ask each of you to pray for unity of mind and heart through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

      I solemnly tell you Heaven weeps because so many of my children have not responded. Far too many respond only with their lips, allowing their hearts to become silent tombs.

      God's Justice shall come in an instant. Therefore, watch and wait for the moment approaches. God gives to you many signs, many warnings.

      Will you remain proud. O! How God loves you. Be strong! Persevere! The Hour of Great Sorrow strikes, and all of my children shall feel its bitterness.

      Pray! Fast! Keep your eyes fixed on my Divine Son and walk the way of Calvary. This is the hour of mankind's Calvary. Prepare your faith with the balms of obedience and humility.

      Pray! Pray! Pray! I love and bless you. Thank you for responding to my Call!

LITURGY OF THE DAY

     Today and tomorrow we observe the Twenty-ninth Thursday and Twenty-ninth Friday in Ordinary Time, plus the Feast of Saint John of Capistrano, priest, religious and missionary. For today and tomorrow's liturgies, meditations and vignettes on Friday's saint, click on LITURGY FOR THE DAY.

Thursday October 22:
Twenty-ninth Thursday in Ordinary Time

Green vestments

First Reading: Ephesians 3: 14-21
Psalms: Psalm 33: 1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 49-53

Friday October 23:
Twenty-ninth Friday in Ordinary Time and
Feast of Saint John of Capistrano, Priest, Religious and Missionary

Green or White vestments

First Reading: Ephesians 3: 14-21
Psalms: Psalm 33: 1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 49-53

      Born in Capistrano, Italy near Abruzzi in 1386, Saint John of Capistrano he entered law school at Perugia where he was appointed governor there in 1412 at the age of 26. Married, he became enmeshed in the war between Perugia and Malatesta and was captured. While in prison, he had a life-changing conversion through a purported vision of Saint Francis of Assisi who invited John to join him in his Order. When John was finally released , was able to obtain a dispensation to enter the Friars Minor, despite the fact he was married. In 1420 he was ordained and began to preach throughout Italy, bringing in thousands to hear him wherever he spoke. His life would be one of preaching the true faith in the midst of great schism and defending Holy Mother Church and Europe from the threatening Turkish infidels. He would become known as the "Apostle of Europe" for his prayers, devotion and staunch defense of the faith not only saved Europe, but saved the Franciscan Order as well and strengthened the Church during dire times. Along with Saint Bernardine of Siena John endeavored to heal the split within the order, drawing up plans that were approved by the general chapter in 1430 at Assissi. That same year John, who was commissary general of the Franciscans, was instrumental in getting his dear friend St. Bernardine appointed Vicar General of the Observants. Almost immediately after that he journied to France where, in cooperation with Saint Colette, helped reform the Poor Clares. John was also a great aid to the pontiffs. Pope Eugene IV appointed John inquisitor in the proceedings against the Fraticelli vs. the Franciscans and John also ruled over the charges leveled against the Gesuats. In 1439, Eugene IV sent him on a papal diplomatic mission as papal legate to Milan and Burgundy to successfully make a stand against the antipope Felix V. Six years later the Holy Father, so pleased with John's diplomacy and firmness in backing Holy Mother Church, sent him to France to meet with the king as the papal legate to France. Rulers were so impressed with John that in 1451, the Emperor Frederick strongly recommended that the new pontiff Pope Nicholas V send John as commissary and inquisitor general to fend off the Hussites. Along with twelve Franciscans John again was successful. John preached throughout Europe, specifically Bavaria, Poland and Saxony, effecting countless conversions and tremendous revivals of faith. When the Turks captured Constantinople in 1453 John concentrated all his energies and faith into denouncing the infidels, forming a crusade against the Turks. Though he was unsuccessful in Austria and Bavaria, he teamed up with Hungarian leader Janos Hunyady to rally the Hungarians to resist the Turkish invasions. After capturing Constantinople, the Turks set their goal in capturing Belgrade in Serbia, at that time gateway to the west. Rallying the people against the infidels, John led the left wing of the Christian army to triumph at the Battle of Belgrade in 1456. His victory stalled the Turkish invasion which in turn saved all of Europe. To commemorate the significance of this event Pope Callistus III instituted the Feast of the Transfiguration. That same year both he and Hunyady contracted the bubonic plague from the filthy conditions of the battlefield, and both subsequently were claimed by the Black Death, Hunyady one week before John who died on October 23, 1456 at Villach, Austria. John was canonized by Pope Alexander VIII in 1690. This faithful Franciscan is most remembered here in the United States for the mission of the same name located in southern Orange County, California along the Pacific coast where, for decades, the swallows always return to the Mission of San Juan Capistrano on the feast of St. Joseph.

PRAYERS & DEVOTION

     Today's prayer is in honor of the poor souls in Purgatory. When one prays this prayer from the heart countless souls are released from Purgatory at God's will. It is an excellent way as members of the Church Militant to fulfill our role in the Communion of Saints:

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son Jesus in union with all the Masses said throughout the world today; for the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, in my home and in my family. Amen.

   Dear children! Today, I call you to become my witnesses by living the faith of your fathers. Little children, you seek signs and messages and do not see that, with every morning sunrise, God calls you to convert and to return to the way of truth and salvation. You speak much, little children, but you work little on your conversion. That is why, convert and start to live my messages, not with your words but with your life. In this way, little children, you will have the strength to decide for the true conversion of the heart. Thank you for having responded to my call

For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE AND MORE

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October 22, 1998 volume 9, no. 207   DAILY CATHOLIC