Three Days of Darkness: The Great Chastisement?
The Blessed Virgin Mary's Message to Brother David
Do not be afraid about the three days of darkness that will come over the earth, because those who are living my messages and have a life of interior prayer will be alerted by an interior voice three days to one week before their occurrence.
My children must continue with repentance for their sins and pray more as I have recommended. They should get holy water, and blessed articles, and have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, having always a vigil light in front of Him.
They must be content with satisfying the basic necessities of life and be less dependent on material goods. The priests must not only take care of their own interior prayer life, but also develop the interior prayer life of all their parishioners. The same way they should avoid anyone who speaks about revolution and rebellion. The ones who speak about revolution and rebellion are the disciples of the antichrist.
I am sad for the religious of the West who have renounced their signs of consecration. They, especially, will be tempted by Satan and will not be able to resist the spiritual and physical attacks. They must return to a life of sanctity and obedience to Christ, my Son.
Do not be afraid of anything or anybody. Be filled with God's love by praying, reading Holy Scripture, and receiving the sacraments. I will be with you during the time of anguish, and my children may call on me for secure refuge. Those who are struggling to overcome recurring personal sin should not despair because God will take into account their desires and efforts to conquer their sins. Go in the Peace of God.
Impressions of Brother David with Further Information from the Blessed Virgin Mary
During these three days of darkness, there is not going to be one demon left in hell. All are going to be on earth. Those three days are going to be so dark that we will not be able to see our own hands before our faces.
In those days, the ones who are not in the state of grave are going to die of fright because of the horrible demons that they will see. The Virgin told me to close all the doors and windows and not to respond to anyone who calls from the outside. The biggest temptation we will have is that the devil is going to imitate the voices of our loved ones. She told me, 'Please do not pay attention because those are not your loved ones; those are demons trying to lure you out of the house.'
Regarding the places where I reside. At the beginning of those three days, there are going to be people trying to cross the river (the Rio Grande) but they can't do it because they cannot see and will drown. They will be so afraid that they will kill one another; they will die in a state of sin.
The Virgin told me that God has selected some people who are going to be martyrs at the beginning of the three days of darkness, but they should not be afraid because God will give them perseverance, and, after the martyrdom, the angels are going to take them body and soul into Heaven.
She insists that we pray to the Lord that those days will not come in the winter and that there are not pregnant women about to give birth; because if they come in winter, the cold will be intense, there won't be any artificial heat, and the women about to give birth won't have any medical assistance.
She gave me two graces that I cannot reveal to anybody. She also told me, 'The people should not try to look for signs and not waste time trying to figure out the date.' She told me this because she said there was a man predicting the exact date of the three days of darkness. When I asked the Virgin about this prophesy, she only said, 'Be careful of those who set dates.' We should not pay attention to dates. If we knew the date, people would live only waiting for the date and not convert for the love of God.
She told me that the hours of darkness will be exactly 72, and the only way to count them is with mechanical clocks, because there won't be any electricity.
After this purification, there will be spring. Everything will be green, and everything will be clean. The water will be crystal clear, even the water from the faucets in houses. There will be no contamination in the water, nor the air, nor the river. The most beautiful thing in is that the people are going to live off the land and work not to survive, but for love and mutual support.
The most important way to bring about this change is to come to conversion and live charitably today. Live in a state of grace. It is very important to form communities of fraternal alliances where you can have support from your brothers. The days of darkness are going to be very hard for single people and for the parents of the families that have adult children, because they will hear their voices outside.
The parents of the family, especially the fathers, must teach their sons and daughters to pray. During the hours of darkness, the children's prayers will be miraculous.
An Added Message to Priests
I want to add to the message for the priests. They have the responsibility to tell about these occurrences to all their parishioners, to give them strength and conversion, and to tell the parishioners not to fear. They have the obligation to pass this message and not to be afraid to communicate it, because the message has been revealed before to many holy saints, and we cannot lose any more time ignoring it. They should put all their emphasis in teaching people to convert, to pray with the Holy Spirit. They should also teach them not to be preoccupied with material goods, money, power, work, etc., because it is not worth it.
In the same way, they should preach how to prepare for death. It is important to preach about the final things for human beings; death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Preach expressly on the consciousness for sin and, especially, mortal sin with its deadly consequences.
The Lord prefers that we convert for love, but if it is necessary, for fear of punishment. Nonetheless, he will accept conversion all ways and will receive us because he loves us and wants our salvation. For love or for fear, the only thing that matters is that we give ourselves to him. The priests have the obligation to guide the people, especially by example of their lives of absolute dedication to Christ.
The Great Sign Prior to the Hours of Tribulation
Before the great tribulation, there is going to be a sign. We will see in the sky one great red cross on a day of blue sky without clouds. The color red signifies the blood of Jesus who redeemed us and the blood of the martyrs selected by God in the days of darkness. This cross will be seen by everyone: Christians, pagans, atheists, etc., as well as all the prepared ones (understand for prepared ones not only the Christians, because there are people who have never heard the Gospel, but also for those who have the voice of God in the sanctuary of their consciences) who will be guided by God in the way of Christ. They will receive grace to interpret the significance of the cross.
How Brother David Finally Came to Write this Message
I wrote the message of the Virgin on the 11th of September, 1987, and for almost a month I resisted doing it. I looked for people who would discourage me about giving this message, but nobody did. So, I went to my spiritual director, and he told me to write it, but I didn't.
On September 11, I went to San Antonio, Texas. I went a few days early to prepare for the visit of Pope John Paul II. My friends took me to a Shrine of Czetochowa, where I was praying before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the chapel. About 11:40 a.m., I felt like the Lord was telling me to move from there and go to the main church (the chapel for the Blessed Sacrament is at the side of the main part of the church). So, I went and started praying the rosary before the statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It was 11:45 when, for no reason at all, I raised my eyes and perceived the statue coming alive. The statue then revealed some private things about my friends and called my attention to the fact that I had not yet done what she had asked me to do. Then she told me, 'I want you to write the message I gave you in Medjugorje before you forget, and I want you to take it to the Bishop to have it confirmed.' So, I thought, 'If what she told me about my friends is true, I will write the message, if not, no, I will remain silent.' I talked to my friends about what the Virgin had revealed to me about them and everything was true. So, I didn't have any more excuses; I decided to write.
Two weeks later, I went to the Bishop (Bishop John Joseph Fitzpatrick, now retired, Diocese of Brownsville, Texas) and I showed what I had written with the hope that he would not believe and disapprove but that didn't happen. He told me, 'David, these words are not new. This message is not yours and is not to keep. It is for the whole world, and I am not going to stop you from publishing these words, but be prudent because not everyone wants to accept nor understand. Certainly, there is no doctrinal, spiritual, nor moral error.' (Brother David expressively asks for us to understand that Bishop Fitzpatrick has not given his official endorsement to this message.)
This article is taken from the Medjugorje Newsletter, August 1992 from the Weible columns.
The Three Days of Darkness
These pages are compiled after a study of various quotations for Our Divine Lord, Our Blessed Mother, and a number of holy people such as Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (Rome), Padre Pio (Capuchin Priest, Italy), Pere Lamy (Priest, France), Elizabeth Canori-Mora (Rome), Sister Rosa Colomba Asdente (Italy), Father Nectou (Jesuit Priest, Belgium), Sister Palma D'Oria (Italy), Sister Marie Baourdi (Carmelite, France), Marie Julie Jahenny (France), Saint Hildegard (Germany), Marie Martel (Normandy), a Stigmatized Nun in Italy -- and others.
While our Holy Church gives no official pronouncement regarding these statements, yet when several people of 'proven holiness' and simplicity, widely separated, give similar prophecies, then the Church gives at least some credence to their sayings. As a certain priest has said, 'How else is God to speak to his people, except through revelation!'
What is written is not given to frighten, but only to warn so that we may prepare ourselves, sanctify our lives, and offer our good works to save souls for God. In any event, Holy Church always urges us to be in a State of Grace at all Times, to be ever prepared for a happy death so that we may be found worthy to enter Heaven and behold God face to face for eternity.
A number of people have requested that this compilation be made, therefore it is humbly offered, for the glory of God.
The Impending Signs
Increasing violent disturbances on land at sea and in the air: earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, cloudbursts, breaking of dams, overflowing of streams and seas, huge tidal waves, floods, unusual 'accidents' taking many lives, famines, epidemics, destruction, destitution, failure of crops, water and crops will change, becoming more 'polluted' and less nourishing.
Revolutions, downfall of government, dissensions, wars, confusion in high places, lack of respect for authority, treachery, corruption, brutalities, atrocities.
Breakdown of family life, immortality, adultery, infidelity, promiscuity, perversion and violence of youth, disobedience, lack of values, indecent nakedness of dress, countless sins and iniquities, people concerned only with eating, drinking, dancing, and pleasures.
Flaunting of Church laws, irreverence and immodesty in church, lack of attendance at church, neglect of holy conduct on Sundays, neglect of the sacraments, sinful pride in sham-religious activities, many 'religious' will fall away and take souls with them; enemies, persecution, suppression of the Church will increase and there will be many martyrs.
Lack of charity, heartlessness, indifference and lack of concern for our neighbor, people turning against each other, even in the bosom of their family, people proud in own knowledge and turning away from God.
Just glance at the daily newspapers to see clearly the above impending signs.
The Immediate Signs
The night will be bitterly cold, the wind will bowl and roar, then will come lightening, thunderbolts, earthquakes, the stars and heavenly bodies will be disturbed and restless. There will be NO light, but TOTAL BLACKNESS, utter dark will envelop the entire earth. This will come suddenly like a flash!
Not a single Demon will be left in Hell, hell will be emptied and every evil spirit will be released to roam over the earth and do all possible harm to souls. The evil ones will appear in the most frightening forms and will fill the air with pestilence and poisonous gases, there will be 'terrifying apparitions'. Many will die from fear and despair, the wicked people will behold the Divine Heart of Our Lord.
'My angels, who are to be the executioners of this work stand ready with pointed swords and they will take special care to annihilate all those who mock Me and would not believe in My revelations.'
Hurricanes of fires will rain forth from Heaven and spread over all the earth, fear will seize mortals at the sight of these clouds of fire, and great will be their cries of lamentation, many godless will burn in the open fields like withered grass. God's wrath will be poured out upon the whole world, the 'chastisement' will be terrible, such as never before, and will afflict the entire earth.
Satan will triumph in these awful days, and hell will appear to have gained possession of the world, but God will reclaim it, for even this chastisement is an act of God's mercy. He tells us not to pray against it, as it must come, but pray to save yourself and as many others as possible, and pray that these days may be shortened.
The Impending and the Immediate Signs
There are predicted two other occurrences, as additional and final warnings before the terror of the three-day darkness:
'A Prodigy during which time every soul will be shown exactly how they have offended God and to what extent. This will be a time of such intense personal suffering that many will 'wish' to die, but no one will.
'A Miracle similar to that at Fatima, a great wonder to convince many, predicted to take place on the Feast Day of a 'young martyr' of the 'Eucharist' but not on a holy day of Our Lady. The miracle will last for about a quarter of an hour and will be visible from Garabandal, Spain, and the surrounding mountains. Our Holy Father will see it no matter where he is at the time. This miracle will take place on a date which will be 'announced' eight days before. Afterwards, God will leave a sign in memory of it.
The Cross in the Sky
As late as 1965, the three days of darkness was spoken of again in a holy person in Europe: 'The Divine fire and the fire of hell will arrive and last during the days of darkness indicated by all the saints. My luminous cross will appear in the sky, it will be the sign that the final events are close, and will remind all of My terrible passion, so that they will have time to reflect, for I shall not punish the world without previous announcement. All will have time to comprehend the significance of that cross in the sky, and everyone shall see it. All will know, even those who 'reject' it, that this My cross will be the sign that a Redeemer came once to bring salvation and pardon. My cross will be honored as never before.
What to do for Protection During the Three Days
As soon as you perceive the disturbed signs of the very cold night: Go inside, shut and lock all doors and windows, pull down the shades, keep doors and windows well covered, go and stay away from doors and windows. Do not look out, do not go outside for any reason, and do not talk to anyone outside. ANYONE WHO LOOKS OR GOES OUT WILL DIE IMMEDIATELY! The wrath of God is holy and He does not want us to see it.
*Light your blessed candles --
All will be black, and the only thing which will give light will be blessed wax candles: even these will not burn in the houses of the godless and scoffers. Once lit, nothing will put them out in the houses of the believers. Be sure to keep a supply of blessed wax candles in your homes -- also -- Holy Water to be sprinkled freely around the house, especially at doors and windows. Bless yourself and others with it. Drink it and anoint your 'senses' with it (eyes, ears, nose, mouth) and hands, feet and forehead.
*Keep on hand --
a sufficient supply of food, water, and blankets for those of your household and any visitors. Do not count on any utilities.
*Take care of your animals by --
leaving enough food and water outside for them to last these days. God will preserve the property of the elect, including their animals. It is assumed that house pets may be kept inside. Animals which have been petted or cared for by a blessed person receive a certain protection.
*Kneel down before a Crucifix and pray incessantly.
Pray with outstretched arms, or prostrate on the floor, pleading for many souls to be saved. Make acts of contrition, of faith, hope, and love. Make acts of Spiritual Communion. Read spiritual books.
*PRAY THE ROSARY--
with meditation on its mysteries, 'You must think more of the Passion of Christ.'
*Call upon God's Mercy,
and call upon Our Blessed Mother for He has given these times into the care of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary (under that title). 'No harm will come to those who are in the state of grace and seek My Mother's protection.'
*For Your Special Intercessors,
call upon the Holy Trinity, Holy Mary, Saint Joseph, Saints Peter and Paul, Saint Therese (the Little Flower), Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint Conrad of Parzham, The Holy Angels, your own Guardian Angels, and Saint Michael the Archangel. The cry: 'Who is like unto God!' (the motto of Saint Michael) will serve as a protection to many.
Those who are caught traveling on the road and unable to get to shelter will die as martyrs and be taken to Heaven, if they are good. Some children and others will be taken to Heaven beforehand, to spare them the horror of these days.
'THOSE WHO DISREGARD THIS ADVICE WILL BE KILLED INSTANTLY'
These days of darkness have already been postponed by the increased prayers and the sacrifices of good people and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother. They may still be delayed, but in order to realize the merciful plan of God this world must be purified of its sin. It is predicted that these Three Days of Darkness will come and No one will escape the terror of these days.
'I will find them all.'
The Aftermath
After the three days of chastisement are over, there will be no ungodly persons left, the godless will be annihilated. Seventy-five percent of humanity will be destroyed, more men than women. Everyone left on earth will believe in God with all their hearts. The devastation will be astonishingly great, but the earth will be purified. The spiritual fervor of the early Christians will return, but there will be so few men left on earth. When all seems lost, then in a twinkling all will be saved, the sun will shine again and it will be as springtime, all fair and beautiful. The Holy Angels will descend from Heaven and spread the spirit of peace over the earth, and the just will be able to start life anew.
Some nations will disappear entirely and the face of the earth will be changed. There will be no more big business, huge factories and assembly lines which will sap men's souls and moralities. People will return to the land.
Our Holy Church will rise again, and religious communities will flower. A feeling of immeasurable gratitude will possess the hearts of those who survive this terrible ordeal and, upon the return of light, all should kneel down immediately and give thanks to the Holy Trinity for their protection, and Bless God. Then will follow the era of peace as promised by the Blessed Virgin at Fatima.
We Must Get and Remain in the State of Grace NOW
For we never know the day nor the hour when God may call us. We must let none of these signs turn us from our Holy Mother Church, but we must cling to our Holy Faith and Trust in God's Mercy. He has promised to protect the just. Do not offend Him by lack of trust.
'Those who believe my words and spread this message will have nothing to fear. Those who fought for my cause will receive Grace from My Divine Heart.'
There are always some who say they would rather not hear these things because they are frightening -- these people are like a person who does not want to be told when their house is burning down! Surely it is better to make the endeavor to sanctify ourselves and be saved, than to surrender our eternal happiness. God sent His Son to suffer and die for our salvation. He wants us all to behold His Holy Face for eternity.
We must be true Christians, fervent and zealous for souls. Respect and obey priests. Support our Holy Catholic Church, and not only with alms and occasional attendance, but with daily Mass and reception of Holy Communion, also with most faithful attendance at the various church devotions: Rosary, Novenas, Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Holy Hour and special devotions. We should particularly keep Our Lord company during days or nights of exposition, as prayers before the Blessed Sacrament are the most valuable of all and most beneficial to us.
We should pray wholeheartedly and steadily for our Holy Father, for priests, brothers, nuns, seminarians, postulants, and all those good people who work for our Holy Religion -- to give them courage and strength to go on in these evil times.
Love poverty, abhor possessions, relieve the poor. Jesus gave us only two commandments: Love God and Love each other. We must live these commandments in our daily lives. No one can carry hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness, ill feeling, gossip, backbiting or any such malice into Heaven. The more we truly love God and love our Neighbor, the more we shall be protected and given special graces.
Our Lord pleads for generous souls to offer themselves as victims for the salvation of many. This victimhood can be accomplished in countless ordinary ways: little mortifications, sacrifices and penances -- to curb the tongue of a curt remark, to suffer a headache or pain without speaking of it, never to complain about anything, to be silent when accused justly or unjustly, to deny our senses and appetites, etc. We are asked to make more reparation, as 'Many Souls are lost because there is no one to pray and make sacrifices for them. The prayers and reparation of faithful souls will work miracles!'
Discouragement is the finest tool of the devil, his opening wedge. Do not give in to it. Persevere in prayer, to keep your adversary from taking dominion over you. Remember that No one goes to hell unless he himself wills it. Think of that! You cannot be dragged down to hell without your own consent -- you yourself have to will to go to hell. Therefore, take courage and will to go to Heaven where God wants you.
We must have very great devotion and recourse to Mary -- especially to her Immaculate Conception and to her Immaculate Heart. Both Our Lord and Our Lady beg for many more Rosaries. 'Pray the Rosary, but pray it well, with meditation on the mysteries and with true devotion.' Our Lord said, 'Tell the people not nearly enough of them are praying the daily Rosary. They must pray the Rosary for the conversion of Russia.' Remember what the Blessed Virgin said at Fatima: 'In the end, Russia will be converted and there will be an era of peace.' Do not belittle the power of the Rosary. Gather together and pray in unison, in Christian charity. The Family Rosary, the Block Rosary, especially the Rosary in Church before the Blessed Sacrament. The Saintly Pope Pius XII said that 'Next to Mass, the Fatima Devotions are the most important.'
If you can, attend more than one Mass, have said or offer your Masses in honor of the 'Holy Spirit' and 'The Holy Angels' and 'The Immaculate Heart of Mary'.
We are urged to give much attention to the Holy Eucharist, to receive daily or frequent Holy Communion with great devotion and thanksgiving. We should keep our tongues pure and clean to receive Our Lord in a way most pleasing to Him (not stained by gossip or any malice.) Saint Teresa of Avila said, 'that we should be most careful of our tongue since it is the most privileged member of our body, the table on which we receive the True Body and Blood of Our Crucified Lord. Every effort should be made to receive Daily Communion because every Communion received in the state of grace not only strengthens you, but also strengthens the Mystical Body of Christ. Therefore, be generous in this effort, as we can easily understand that the neglect of Communion has the opposite effect.
It is best to become a 'tertiary' and thus gain the greatest spiritual benefits. The benefits of a tertiary are far above those of any association of confraternity, because the tertiary or oblate actually belongs to an established religious order of the Church. A number of orders offer this privilege: Franciscan, Dominican, Benedictine, Carmelite, Trinitarian, and others. Anyone can become a tertiary, male or female, married or single. A tertiary lives in the world, but endeavors to live a more holy life.
Let no one foolishly say that they are too bad for too ordinary to become a Saint, for this would be denying God's merciful plan. Holy Scripture tells us: 'This is the will of God: Your sanctification.' It is up to each of us, His creatures whom He created out of the love of His Heart, to seek to obey Him. Remember, those beautiful words in Holy Scripture: 'What does God ask of you, but to walk in His way and do His Holy Will.'
Have your home Blessed and Consecrated to the Holy Hearts of Jesus and Mary. And always keep on hand: Holy Water, Blessed Wax Candles, Blessed Palm, Blessed Crucifix, Images of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Holy Mother Church gives us a choice of many devotions and a great treasury of indulgences. She tells us that we should value indulgences highly and we should gain as many as possible for ourselves and others.
After Holy Mass, Holy Communion, the Sacramentals, there is the Rosary, of which we have already spoken. It is good to join the Archconfraternity of the Holy Rosary, remembering Our Blessed Mother's promise: 'I have obtained from My Divine Son that all members of the Rosary Confraternity shall have for their intercessors the entire Celestial Court during their life and at the hour of their death.'
Be enrolled in and constantly wear the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is 'Our Lady's Livery.' Every day recite the commutations prayers of seven times Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, to gain the Sabbatine Privilege (rescue from purgatory the Saturday following your death).
Be enrolled in and wear the Miraculous Medal of Our Lady, which bestows such great graces. Remember Her words when She sadly said: 'Many people do not receive graces, because they do not ask for them.' O Mary, Conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.
It is well also to wear the Saint Benedict Medal, which is the highest indulgenced Medal of the Church. Learn and recite the prayers against Satan, which are engraved on the Medal.
We should cultivate much devotion to Saint Joseph. It is revealed that wherever the Blessed Virgin is, Saint Joseph is always with Her, because it was given to him to take care of Her.
We must always draw nearer to and rely upon the Holy Angels, remembering that they are not only our guardians but also our messengers, ready to do our bidding. There is a chaplet in honor of the Angels, which contains remarkable promises for those who recite it.
We are urged to make Many more visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and make Holy Hours. If we cannot go to a Church for these things, then we should send our Angel to attend Holy Mass for us, to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, to attend to our prayers. We should make Very many spiritual communions. Our Lord asked Sister Benigna to let not even a quarter of an hour pass without making a Spiritual Communion. So desirable this is.
The 'Storm Novena' is valuable in that it brings us to the Blessed Sacrament nine times in one day. Another devotion most pleasing to Our Lord is to His Holy Face. He not only wishes us to make reparation for the insults to His Holy Face, but he wants us to behold Him face to face for all eternity. Saint Athanasius relates that the devils on being asked what verse in the Scriptures they feared the most, replied: 'That with which the 67th Psalm commences: Let God arise, and let His Enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Him flee from before His face!' They added that this verse always compelled them to take flight.
We should give special attention to Saint Michael, the Archangel, and continue to recite the prayer (by Pope Leo XIII) after each Mass. This holy Pope composed this prayer after his terrifying vision of Satan's power of destruction in these times.
Much more devotion should be given to the Holy Spirit. We should be impressed with the importance of the Holy Ghost when we recall that Our Lord said that He must go, in order that the Holy Spirit could come, and 'The Holy Spirit will teach you all things that you need to know.'
We should not forget the Poor Souls in Purgatory. We ask them for favors, and pray for their release.
The Green Scapular continues to bestow many blessings and effect many conversions and returns to Church, with the Prayer: 'Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.'
In Our Lord's revelations to Berthe Petit, He particularly asked devotion to Our Blessed Mother under the title of 'Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary.'
A prayer too much forgotten is the one which Our Lady of Fatima asked to be said when we offer sacrifices: '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.' This is a Miraculous prayer . . . please use it often.
When Sister Josefa Menendez (Called the 'second Margaret-Mary') asked Our Lady for a prayer to be said constantly while working, she gave this: 'O My Beloved, Who art also My God, make my heart a flame of pure love for Thee!'
Very great promises to save countless souls accompany this little prayer which Our Lord taught to Sister M. Consolato Betrone (Capuchin Nun):
'JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU! SAVE SOULS!'
The fifteen prayers of Saint Bridget of Sweden on the Passion of Our Lord, are most timely, since Our Lady has recently impressed upon us that we 'must think more of the Passion of Jesus.'
Booklets, leaflets, chaplets, and medals are available for any devotion of your choice. However, out of all these private devotions, we must remember that Our Blessed Mother's Rosary is the most important, according to the requests of both Jesus and Mary.
Also, the Stations of the Cross, and the Stations of our Sorrowful Mother . . . since all of these cause us to meditate upon the Passion of Our Lord and the compassion of Our Lady.
In one of our Blessed Mother's revelations to a stigmatic nun in Italy, she said: 'My daughter, the time is not far off. When men least expect it, the course of Divine Justice will be accomplished. My Heart is so big for poor sinners and I make use of every possible means that they may be saved. Look at My mantle, how big it is! If I were not bowed over the world, to cover all with My maternal love, the tempest of fire would already have broken up the nations. This is the mantle of My mercy for all those who, have repented, come back to My Immaculate Heart. See, My right hand holds the mantle to cover and save poor sinners, while My left hand holds back Divine Justice so that the time of mercy may still be prolonged. To help me in this I ask that the prayer of 'Maternal Refuge' be spread as a most useful means to obtain graces and salvation for poor sinners.
Say often, with your arms crossed:
'QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE, MEDIATRIX OF MEN TO GOD,
REFUGE OF ALL OUR HOPES! HAVE MERCY ON US!'
This article was originally printed by The Marian Army of the Latter Times, 132 Oakland Grove Ave., Elmhurst, Ill. 60126.
Our Lord to Padre Pio
Translation of a copy of a personal letter written by Padre Pio addressed to the Commission of Heroldsbach appointed by the Vatican which testifies to the truth and reality of these revelations given by Our Lord to Padre Pio, a Capuchin priest who bore the stigmata.
New Year's Eve 1949 - Jesus: '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 irreverences 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 Heaven - 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 than 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 Gomorrah of old. Yes, I tell you, their wickedness was not as great as that of our human race of 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 all 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 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 are in the state 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 Mother's 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 killed 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 the impending punishment, this most terrible ordeal since creation, with which God will visit the earth.
'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 the 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 has never been witnessed before, 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 of a window from that moment on. I Myself shall come amidst thunder and lightning. 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 form My Divine Heart; and the cry, 'WHO IS LIKE UNTO GOD!' shall serve as a means of protection to many. However, may 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 out of the window. The darkness shall last a day and a night, followed by another day and a night, and another day - but on the night following, the starts will shine again, and on the next morning the sun shall rise again, and it will be springtime!' (Not nuclear winter!)
'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, the Little Therese, Your Holy Angels, shall be your intercessors. Implore their aid! Be courageous soldiers of Christ! At the return of light, bet 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 not longer be delayed. Even though My Heart does suffer and bleed, yet for My Name's sake, I must deal this blow. Tell all men that the time has come in which these things shall be fulfilled!'
This is a reprint of the original published by The Mother of God Crusade, Inc. 1444 Janie Ave. Billings, MT 59105.