Memorial of Sts. Jacinta & Francisco of Fatima February 20-The face that gazed on Our Lady is incorrupt!

The Heroic Virtues of

Sts. Jacinta and Francisco 

The beatification process for the Fátima seers Francisco and Jacinta Marto began in 1952 and was finished in 1979. On 15 February 1988 the final documentation was presented to John Paul II and to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. They were declared "venerable" on 13 May 1989 and Beatified by Pope John Paul on May 13, 2000. Their long awaited Canonization also took place at Fatima on  May 13, 2017 by Pope Francis.

Their memorial is on the day of Jacinta's death February 20. Most of this post after giving background information will detail the Heroic Virtues of the two  but especially Jacinta our little victim soul for poor sinners. What she suffered grown men would find difficult to endure. It is trough the Immaculate Heart of Mary that she completed the mission Our Lady gave to her at Fatima. This little soul sets an example for all of us in humble submission of sufferings and the trial of life.

Above photo taken after the children saw the vision of Hell in July

The Vision of Hell

This experience Our Lady gave them deeply impressed them and changed their lives. This vision became the motivation for Jacinta's Heroic Sacrifices for the conversion of poor sinners who may end up there. Jacinta often separated from the others and alone by herself would fall to her knees to pray for sinners. Then calling Lucia and Francisco she would ask: "Are you praying with me? It is necessary to pray much to save souls from hell!... How sorry I am for sinners! If I could only show them hell!" Even after she was taken sick, which eventually led to her death, she would get out of bed to bow her head to the floor, and pray as the Angel had taught for the glory of God, Jesus in the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifference by which God is offended and to beg for the conversion of poor sinners. A priest finally had to tell her, as she would fall over at times doing this, that she should say the prayer in bed.

The Vision of the Holy Father

John Paul II after assassination attempt 

Jacinta's vision recorded by Sr. Lucia in her memoirs is connected to the third part of the secret revealed on May 13, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. Jacinta said "I cannot say how, but I saw the Holy Father in a very large house, kneeling beside a table with his hands on his face. He was crying. Many people were outside the house. Some were throwing stones at him; others were cursing him and saying foul words to him. Poor Holy Father, we have to pray much for him!"  

Benedict XVI @ Fatima May 2010

Some experts believed that Jacinta's mysterious visions applied to Pope Pius XII. But it is more probable that this prophetic vision also concerned future popes. Including Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI! No pope in the history of the Fatima Revelation has suffered such revilement by the press to the point of publishing articles that libel him and asking for his resignation also see the following link for the Fatima Messages embraces Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in prayer with a section concerning The Unprecedented Media Attacks On the Pope Fueled by the Devil? "Strike the shepherd the Sheep will Scatter" Zechariah 13:7

Another time in  August of 1917, while sitting on the boulders of the knoll of Cabeço, Jacinta suddenly began to say the prayer the angel had taught them and, after a deep silence, said to her cousin: "Do you not see so many thoroughfares, roads, and fields full of people weeping with hunger and having nothing to eat? And the Holy Father praying in a church before the Immaculate Heart of Mary? And many people praying with him?" Sister Lucia adds: "Some days later, she asked me: "'Can I say that I saw the Holy Father and all those people?'' Lucia answered her: "No. Don't you see that this is part of the secret?!  That would give it away!"  
                                                                                

Bl. Jacinta Marto Last Visions

At the end of October 1918, Francisco and Jacinta fell ill, almost at the same time. When Lucia visited them, she found Jacinta elated she said;"Our Lady came to see us and said that she is coming to take Francisco to heaven very soon. She asked me if I still wanted to convert more sinners. I told her I did. She told me I would be taken to a hospital and that I would suffer greatly there, but that I should suffer for the conversion of sinners, in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and for the love of Jesus. This is what hurts me most. She said to Lucia: "My mother will take me there, and after that I will remain there all alone!"

Surgery Without General Anesthetic

Dr. Castro Freire who received Jacinta at the hospital diagnosed "purulent pleurisy of the large left cavity, with fistula; osteitis of the seventh and eighth ribs of the same side." On February 10, 1920 Jacinta was operated on. She had much to suffer, for they could not give her a general anesthetic, because of her extreme weakness, and they had to be content with a local anesthetic, a method which was still imperfect at the time.  She suffered greatly from it, and the pain was revived each time it was necessary to bandage the wound.  But the result was clinically rather good, with two ribs being extracted from her left side, leaving a wound into which a grown-ups hand could be comfortably inserted. Jacinta was an accommodating and stoic patient, and though the required daily dressings of the great wound in her side were a frightful agony, her only cries were repetitions of her beloved Lady's name. The doctor in Lisbon who operated on Jacinta considered her a saint Jacinta never complained even when the local anesthesia did not work. The doctor heard her say to Our Lord: "Now Jesus You can save many souls because I suffer very much."

Jacinta's Last Sacrifice

Her Request for Viaticum

On the evening of that 20th of February, at about 6 o'clock, Jacinta said that she felt worse and wished to receive the Sacraments. The parish priest was called and he heard her confession about 8 o'clock that night. Jacinta was convinced that she would die and asked for Viaticum, but the priest thought she looked fairly well, and so he promised to bring her Holy Communion in the morning. She died that night, all alone, as Our Lady had told her, and without having received Holy Communion. But she died in peace, in perfect conformity to the Divine Will. She has much to teach us on how to accept the misfortunes of our lives in the spirit of sacrifice. Bl. Jacinta Victim Soul for poor sinners, pray for us so that we may be made worth of the promises of Christ.

 Father John De Marchi,I.M.C. 

  On Jacinta's Last Comments 

Fr. DeMarchi is an author of numerous articles and books on Fatima, in particular Fatima Today, and Fatima the Full Story. He lived in Fatima from 1946 until his death in 2003. He Established a seminary for the Consolata Priests and a Convent for the sisters at Fatima. The museum of Fatima in 1990 and the Blessed Nuno Hotel for pilgrims.  He became close to Sr Lucia interviewing her many times on the events of Fatima as well as her family, friends and other witnesses. His books especially Fatima the Full Story are considered to be authentic historical documents.

I was blessed to know him and have him as a spiritual friend, father and "brother" as he appended his notes and cards to me. I made acquaintance with him over the years as He often visited my parish on his mission appeals for Ethiopia. Whenever I went to Fatima he would meet me there show me the sacred spots and take me to wherever he was offering Holy Mass often at the convent of the Alianca de Santa Maria. The last time I saw him was at the Beatification of Bl. Jacinta and Francesco in 2000. He was sick then but filled with great joy at seeing the fulfillment of his spiritual aspirations as the shepherd children were raised to the honors of the altar. I never wanted to leave Fatima. Each time I went I left a part of my heart behind. Fr. De Marchi told me: "You must return to America and bring the Fatima Message to your country."

Speramus-We Hope  

Fulfillment of Fr. De Marchi's Directives: 
"Go Bring the Fatima Message to America!"

Fr. De Marchi entered Eternal Life on January 1, 2003, after suffering a long illness in the spirit of Jacinta of Fatima. His spirit still lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him. May he rest in peace and continue to pray for us in the Divine Liturgy of Heaven until we reach with him the heavenly home land with Our Lord, Our Lady and the Shepherds.  Requiescat in pace! (Note: I still pray for him and to him leaving the judgement to the church but I believe Father De Marchi is at home in Heaven!)

                                                                        

Jacinta's Last Words 

Compiled by Fr. John De Marchi, I.M.C.

In Lisbon Jacinta was also attended by Mother Maria da Purificaçao Godinho, who wrote down her last words - though not always verbatim. Many, imbued with a prophetic tone and full of unction. During her short stay in the hospital, Jacinta was favored with new visits of Our Lady, who told her the day and hour she would die. Her conversations with Mother Godiñho were filled with instructions on the spiritual life, as well as with prophecies which are still being fulfilled.

On Priests and Rulers

+   "My godmother, pray much for sinners! Pray much for priests! Pray much for religious! Priests should only occupy themselves with the affairs of the Church. Priests should be pure, very pure. The disobedience of priests and religious to their superiors and to the Holy Father greatly offends Our Lord.

+   "My godmother, pray much for those who govern! Woe to those who persecute the religion of Our Lord! If the government left the Church in peace and gave freedom to the holy Faith, it would be blessed by God."

  On Sin

+ "The sins of the world are very great."
+ "Many marriages are not good; they do not please Our Lord, and they are not of God."
+ "If men knew what eternity is, they would do everything to change their  lives."
+ "The sins that lead more souls to hell are the sins of the flesh."
+ "Fashions that will greatly offend Our Lord will appear. People who serve God should not follow fashions. The Church has no fashions. Our Lord is always the same."
+ "Men are lost because they do not think of the death of Our Lord and do not do penance.

On Christian Virtue

+   Talking in Church: Noticing that many visitors chatted and laughed in the chapel of the orphanage, Jacinta asked Mother Godinho to warn them of the lack of respect for the Real Presence this represented. When this measure did not bring about satisfactory results, she asked that the cardinal be advise that "Our Lady does not want people to talk in church."

+  "My  godmother, do not walk in the midst of luxury. Flee from riches. Be very fond of holy poverty and silence."
+   "Have much charity even for those who are bad. Speak ill of no one and flee from those who do so. Be very patient, for patience leads us to heaven. Mortification and sacrifices greatly please Our Lord."
+   "Confession is a sacrament of mercy. Therefore, one must
approach the confessional with confidence and joy. Without confession there is no salvation."
+   "The Mother of God wants more virgin souls who bind themselves to her by the vow of chastity."
+    "To be a woman religious, it is necessary to be very pure in soul and body."
+    "Do you know what it means to be pure?" asked Mother Godinho. "I do. I do. To be pure in body is to keep chastity. To be pure in soul is not to commit sins, not to look at what one should not see, not to steal, never to lie, always to tell the truth however hard it may be."
+    "Those who do not keep the promises they make to Our Lady will never succeed in their affairs."
+    "Doctors do not have light to cure the sick properly because they do not have love of God."
+    "Who taught you all these things?" asked Mother Godinho. "It was Our Lady, but some I think of myself. I very much like to think."

 On War

+   "Our Lady said that there is much war and dissension in the world."
+   "Wars are nothing but punishments for the sins of the world."
+   "Our Lady can no longer hold back the arm of her beloved Son from the world. It is necessary to do penance. If people change their ways, Our Lord will still spare the world; but if they do not, the chastisement will come."
+   "Our Lord is profoundly indignant at the sins and crimes committed in Portugal. For this reason,  a terrible social cataclysm threatens our country, particularly the city of Lisbon. It seems that a civil war of anarchic or communist character will break out, accompanied by sackings, assassinations, fires, and devastation of all kinds. The capital will be changed into a veritable image of hell. When Divine Justice, outraged, inflicts so frightful a punishment, all who can should flee from this city. This punishment now predicted should be announced gradually and with due discretion."
+   "If men do not change their ways, Our Lady will send the world a punishment the like of which has never been seen. It will fall first, …upon Spain." 
+ Jacinta also spoke of "great world events that would take place around 1940.

A Sign from Heaven
The Face that Gazed on
Our Lady is Incorrupt

The Little Miracles 

Father Ludwig Fischer who was present at the The first exhumation of Jacinta’s body, on September 12, 1935 Fr. Fischer wrote: "The expression on Jacinta's face was that of great peace, and all who saw her could not help feeling that they were greatly privileged to have been granted such a favor." This was all the more extraordinary because lye was poured into the tomb to hasten disintegration of the body of Francisco who was "buried in 1919. Jacinta was buried in the family plot on top of her brother. Her Nurse Nadeja Silvestre said: In her extreme suffering before she died, Jacinta's face had looked worn and emaciated. But in death, her cheeks had filled out and had taken on a healthy color. "She did not look the same child; she had become radiant and beautiful." When Mother Godinho held vigil beside the coffin, she glanced at the little lamp nearby. She was astonished to see that the lamp contained no oil but still burned brightly. Her body which at times before death did not exude a pleasant odor, because of infection and open sores, and the extreme sufferings which afflicted her, after death exuded the scent of sweet perfume. When her body was carried into the Lisbon Church, the church bells rang while no one was at the ropes, and the tower door was locked. It was thought they were rung by angels. Jacinta once said she had heard the angels sing but "angels do not sing as men sing."
 

Francisco Contemplative
Consoler of the Hidden Jesus

  Bl. Francisco Marto was born on 11 June 1908 in Aljustrel. He died a holy death on 4 April 1919 at his family home. Deeply sensitive and contemplative, he offered all his spiritual life and penance to "console the Lord".  Knowing he was going to die soon he felt it useless to go to school. He would pass the church on the way to school and tell Lucia you and Jacinta go ahead I am going to stay her to console Our Lord!" His mortal remains were buried in the parish cemetery until 13 March 1952, when they were taken to the basilica at the Cova da Iria and placed in the chapel to the right of the main altar.


What Francisco wanted most was to console our Lord offended by the sins of men. For this reason, on the eve of his death, he said to Lucy: "Look! I am very sick; in a little while I will go to heaven. "Then, when you are there, make sure not to forget to pray for sinners, for the Holy Father, for me and Jacinta. said Lucia.  "Yes, I will. replied Francisco but look, you had better ask Jacinta to do these things, because I fear I will forget when I see Our Lord!  I want to console Him first."On April 4, 1919, Francisco exclaimed at a certain moment: 'Oh my mother, what a beautiful light, over there, next to our window!' And a while later in sweet perplexity: 'I can see no longer'  his face became illuminated with an angelic smile. Around 10 o'clock in the morning, without any agony, or groan, he died." Francesco is in  Heaven Loving the Lord. Nothing else matters. 

Bl. Francisco of Fatima: Ora pro Nobis Teach us also how to Love and Console Our Lord

As Pope Francis Celebrated his name day! Let us embrace him with prayer! Say 3 Ave's!

 

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis called for an end to armed conflict and clarified the notion of Franciscan peace during the Mass he presided for the feast of St. Francis on Friday in Assisi. A few thousand gathered for the late morning Mass in St. Francis Square, before the world-famous shrine dedicated to the patron saint of the poor.

The Pope celebrated at a simple altar, behind which stood a giant two-bar wooden cross and on which hung a representation of the San Damiano Cross. St. Francis was praying before the San Damiano Cross when Jesus commissioned him to rebuild the Church.

Preaching his homily from the ambo, the Pope underlined the relevant witness St. Francis continues to offer. “His first and most essential witness is this: that being a Christian means having a living relationship with the person of Jesus; it means putting on Christ, being conformed to him,” he said.

“Where did Francis’ journey to Christ begin? It began with the gaze of the crucified Jesus,” he said. “With letting Jesus look at us at the very moment that he gives his life for us and draws us to himself. …When we let the crucified Jesus gaze upon us, we are re-created, we become ‘a new creation’.”  Read more: Text from page of the Vatican Radio website

”

Remember that Pope Francis asked for our prayers when he visited St. Mary Majors

Please say Three “Ave’s” for me!

 

 

[After leaving the basilica the Holy Father addressed these words to the many faithful gathered in the piazza outside:]

Brothers and sisters,

Good evening! Thank you for your presence in the house of the mother of Rome, our Mother. Hurrah (viva) the “Salus Populi Romani.” Hurrah for Our Lady. She is our Mother. Let us entrust ourselves to her because she protects us like a good mother. I will pray for you, but I ask you to pray for me, because I need it. Three “Ave’s” for me. I wish you a good Sunday tomorrow. Goodbye. Now I will give you the blessing – to you and to all your families. May the almighty Father bless you. Have a good Sunday. Read more....

Fatima Message embraces the Pope in Prayer  Jacinta’s Vision of the Pope He was Weeping, Insulted and Persecuted Poor Holy Father 

We must Pray much for him! 

One day, Lucy said, we spent our siesta down by my parents' well. Jacinta sat on the stone slabs on top of the well. Francisco and I climbed up a steep bank in search of wild honey among the brambles in a nearby thicket. After a little while, Jacinta called out to Lucia: "Didn't you see the Holy Father?"  "No I did not see him." Lucia said   "I saw the Holy Father!" Jacinta continued. "He was in a very big house, kneeling by a table, with his head buried in his hands, and he was weeping. Outside the house, there were many people. Some of them were throwing stones, others were cursing him and using bad language. Poor Holy Father, we must pray very much for him." 

 

 

This vision can be applied to all the popes since 1917.  See Fatima Message also embraces Benedict XVI in prayer

The Pope asked Our Lady to help him and also for the prayers of all Christians! Prayer for the Pope by Leo XII

"I implore the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Sts. Peter & Paul, and Saint Francis, that the Holy Spirit may accompany my ministry, and I ask all of you to pray for me! Amen"-Pope Francis Inaugural Mass

A Prayer for the Pope 

-by Pope Leo XII 

 O Lord, we are the millions of believers, humbly kneeling at Thy feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every other day, he is praying for us also, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervor the sacred Victim of love and peace.
  
Wherefore, O Lord, turn thyself toward us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and are praying above all for him. Do Thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savor of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee this day, we too ask it of Thee in unison with him.

Whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his.

Of Thy great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind and his heart in the hour that he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in His hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that Thy sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power. Amen.

The Fatima Message Embraces
 the Pope with Prayer & Sacrifice!

"We must Pray very much for the Holy Father!"
 -Bl. Jacinta

 One day, Lucy said, we spent our siesta down by my parents' well. Jacinta sat on the stone slabs on top of the well. Francisco and I climbed up a steep bank in search of wild honey among the brambles in a nearby thicket. After a little while, Jacinta called out to Lucia: "Didn't you see the Holy Father?"  "No I did not see him." Lucia said.

 "I saw the Holy Father!" Jacinta continued. "He was in a very big house, kneeling by a table, with his head buried in his hands, and he was weeping. Outside the house, there were many people. Some of them were throwing stones, others were cursing him and using bad language. Poor Holy Father, we must pray very much for him."

VIVA LA PAPA! Today,with the feast of Saint Joseph, we are celebrating the beginning of the ministry of the Successor of Peter!

The pontificate of Pope Francis begins under the sign of St. Joseph, father and protector of  the Holy Family and the Church. And also under the sign of St. Francis, the protector of the earth, and all who are on the earth, the man of peace.

The essential message in the homily given by Pope Francis to open his pontificate draws on the image of St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, head of the Holy Family. And that message is to "protect." This message is important at a time when the figure of the person who "protects," be he or she a father, a mother, a priest, a scholar, a leader, is under attack -- in a time when the "protection" is entrusted to others, or to none, when the "protectors" are anonymous, or hidden, or when they simply don't exist. To "protect" means to make sure what one protects is not harmed, not hurt. Click to see St. Joseph's Humble Appearance at Fatima Announces A Crisis of Fatherhood in Society and the Church!

Only those like St Joseph, who serve with love are able to protect!

"He must be inspired by the lowly, concrete and faithful service which marked Saint Joseph and, like him, he must open his arms to protect all of God’s people and embrace with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important, those whom Matthew lists in the final judgment on love: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison (cf. Mt 25:31-46). Only those who serve with love are able to protect!"

Follow link: "ITE AD JOSEPH!" -"GO TO JOSEPH!"

"How does Joseph respond to his calling to be the protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church? By being constantly attentive to God, open to the signs of God's presence and receptive to God's plans, and not simply to his own. This is what God asked of David, as we heard in the first reading. God does not want a house built by men, but faithfulness to his word, to his plan. It is God himself who builds the house, but from living stones sealed by his Spirit. Joseph is a "protector" because he is able to hear God's voice and be guided by his will; and for this reason he is all the more sensitive to the persons entrusted to his safekeeping. He can look at things realistically, he is in touch with his surroundings, he can make truly wise decisions. In him, dear friends, we learn how to respond to God's call, readily and willingly, but we also see the core of the Christian vocation, which is Christ! Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation!"

"....Whenever human beings fail to live up to this responsibility, whenever we fail to care for creation and for our brothers and sisters, the way is opened to destruction and hearts are hardened.   Tragically, in every period of history there are “Herods” who plot death, wreak havoc, and mar the countenance of men and women."

This emphasis on "protecting" also seems to recall a passage in the Book of Revelation which focuses on "not hurting," that is, protecting.
In Chapter 7 of Revelation, an angel ascends from the east, bearing "the seal of the living God."  The angel cried out in a "loud voice" to the other "angels," who had been "hurting" the earth. Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Rev.7:3 

"To protect Jesus with Mary, to protect the whole of creation, to protect each person, especially the poorest, to protect ourselves: this is a service that the Bishop of Rome is called to carry out, yet one to which all of us are called, so that the star of hope will shine brightly. Let us protect with love all that God has given us!"--Pope Francis

St. Joseph Hoped against Hope!

"ITE AD JOSEPH!" -"GO TO JOSEPH!" -St.Theresa of Avilia

Did You know that St Joseph was also present at the last Apparition of Fatima on October 13, 1917?  The children saw him Blessing the world with the Child Jesus in his arms as the crowds beheld the Miracle of the Sun. 

Follow links: 

St. Joseph's Humble Appearance at Fatima Announces A Crisis of Fatherhood in Society and the Church!

St Joseph Protector of Church- Vatican II-Conversion of Russia & Timeline Leading to end of Soviet Union!

"Like Saint Joseph, the hope that we bring is set against the horizon of God, which has opened up before us in Christ."-Pope Francis

"In the second reading, Saint Paul speaks of Abraham, who, "hoping against hope, believed" (Rom 4:18). Hoping against hope! Today too, amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope; it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the warmth of hope! For believers, for us Christians, like Abraham, like Saint Joseph, the hope that we bring is set against the horizon of God, which has opened up before us in Christ. It is a hope built on the rock which is God.

The Pope asked Our Lady to help him during his pontificate and also for the prayers of all Christians
 

 

"I implore the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Sts. Peter & Paul, and Saint Francis, that the Holy Spirit may accompany my ministry, and I ask all of you to pray for me! Amen"-Pope Francis Inaugural Mass 

See: A prayer for the Pope by Leo XIII

Pope Francis also mentioned Benedict XVI who was celebrating his name day. (name days are celebrated in Italy almost like a birthday). He was baptized Joseph Ratzininger. "I thank the Lord that I can celebrate this Holy Mass for the inauguration of my Petrine ministry on the solemnity of Saint Joseph, the spouse of the Virgin Mary and the patron of the universal Church. It is a significant coincidence, and it is also the name-day of my venerable predecessor: we are close to him with our prayers, full of affection and gratitude."

 Pope Francis Papal Coat of Arms 

Are the same that he used as bishop. The shield has a bright blue background, at the centre top of which is a yellow radiant sun with the IHS christogram on it representing Jesus (it is also the Jesuit logo). The IHS monogram, as well as a cross that pierces the H, are in red with three black nails directly under them. Under that, to the left, is a star representing Mary, Mother of Christ and the Church. To the right of the star is a nard flower representing Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. With these symbols the Pope demonstrates his love for the Holy Family.What distinguishes his coat of arms as pontiff is that, instead of the wide-brimmed, red cardinal's hat atop the shield, it is now crowned by the papal tiara and crossed keys.

                                       

His motto—“miserando atque eligendo”

(because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him)—is taken from the Venerable Bede's homily on the Gospel account of the call of Matthew. It holds special meaning for the Pope because—when he was only 17-years-old, after going to confession on the Feast of St. Matthew in 1953—he perceived God's mercy in his life and felt the call to the priesthood, following the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

 VIVA LA PAPA!

The Fatima Message Embraces Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with Prayer and Sacrifice!

Benedict XVI announced with simple solemnity before a group of cardinals, from February 28 at 8pm the episcopal See of Rome will be vacant, and immediately after a conclave will be convoked to elect a Successor of the Apostle Peter. The Pope specified this in the brief text he composed directly in Latin and read in the consistory. Full text of popes declaration

Benedict XVI's renunciation of the papacy is an event without precedent that, went around the world. Pope Benedict has not decided to "resign" his office, but to renounce it. The distinction is important. He will not be a "retired Pope," but he will be, simply "Cardinal Ratzinger" once again. There will be no danger of "two Popes" -- this present Pope will no longer be a Pope, not even a retired one. 

 

According to Vatican Spokesman Federico Lombardi, the pope's Fishermans ring, the symbol of the papacy will likely be broken after he officially steps down February 28, but he stressed that experts were working to determine proper etiquette.

"The Celestine Sign"

According to Dr Robert Moynihan in his Reflections on Pope Benedict's Decision to Resign at the End of February, He stated in his reflections in  The Moynihan Report Letter #7  he stated that "We already knew three years ago that the Pope might do what he announced, On February 11. We knew that he might do it, but no one knew he would do it now!" Also see article by Robert Moynihan tiltled the Celestine Sign published June 30, 2010

"....on April 29, 2009, Benedict did something unusual. He left his own "pallium," the sign of his episcopal authority and his connection to Christ, on a tomb in Aquila, Italy. The tomb held the remains of a medieval Pope, Celestine V (1209-1296).  Celestine V  who was the first pope to formalize the resignation process and is said to have been the first to resign. "

"In fact several popes had previously resigned under pressure to do so, including Pontian (235) and Benedict IX (1045). As noted above, Celestine's own decision was brought about by mild pressure from the Church establishment. His re institution of Gregory X's conclave system has been respected ever since.

IN 1966  Pope Paul VI  visited Celestine's place of death in Ferentino. His speech in homage of Celestine prompted speculation back then that the pontiff was also considering retirement.  Celestine's remains survived the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake and  one Italian spokesman said it was "another great miracle by the pope". While inspecting the earthquake damage during a 28 April 2009 visit to the Aquila, Pope Benedict XVI visited Celestine's remains in the badly damaged Santa Maria di Collemaggio and left the woolen pallium he wore during his papal inauguration in April 2005 on the glass casket as a gift. To mark the 800th anniversary of Celestine's birth, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed the Celestine year from 28 August 2009 through 29 August 2010."  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A SIGN FROM GOD?

"What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful." - Pope Benedict XVI  Apostolic Letter "Motu Proprio data" 

Just hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced his surprise resignation as pontiff, photos taken from Monday evening showed the top of St Peter's Basilica being struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm over the Vatican. Is it a sign from God if so what or is it just a coincidental  impressive display of the force of nature? Time will tell!

After his papal installation April 19, 2005 Benedict XVI Requested our Prayers

                                                    

“Pray for me, that I may not flee for fear of the wolves. Let us pray for one another, that the Lord will carry us and that we will learn to carry one another.”

On his first Apostolic Visit to the United States in 2008, Pope Benedict at the end of his homily in the Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 19th, referred to himself as “the poor successor of Saint Peter.” He then continued, “I will try to do all that is possible to be a worthy successor of the great Apostle [Peter], who also was a man with faults and sins, but remained in the end the rock for the Church.”

The pope movingly acknowledged his need for our  assistance in fulfilling his divine duties as head of the Catholic Church by concluding “It is also your prayers and your love which give me the certainty that the Lord will help me in this my ministry. I am therefore deeply grateful for your love and for your prayers.”

 On Ash Wednesday  

Benedict XVI, Looked calm and serene, and led his first public appearance, after announcing his resignation. Before a full crowd, he once again said he made the decision with complete liberty.  He echoed Monday's statement by saying that he  does not have the strength to carry out the office of the papacy.

February 13, 2013. (Romereports) “I thank you all for the love and prayers that have accompanied me. Thank you," said the Pope. "In these difficult days, I've felt almost physically, the power of prayer that comes through the love for the Church and your personal prayers. Continue to pray for me, for the Church and the future Pope. The Lord will guide.”

February 14, 2013 Benedict XVI, speaking to priests from the diocese of Rome 3 days after announcing his resignation,The pope stated that the Media disfigured Vatican II and centered his talk with the priests on his experience at the council, and ended his comments with a simple promise:

"We hope that the Lord will help us. I, retired in prayer, will always be with you, and together we will move ahead with the Lord in certainty. The Lord is victorious. Thank you " Click for more details and video

A Prayer for the Pope

  Written by Pope Leo XIII

Pope Benedict XVI  visits Fatima May 2010

O Lord, we are the millions of believers, humbly kneeling at Thy feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every other day, he is praying for us also, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervor the sacred Victim of love and peace.

Wherefore, O Lord, turn thyself toward us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and are praying above all for him. Do Thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savor of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee this day, we too ask it of Thee in unison with him.

Whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his.

Of Thy great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind and his heart in the hour that he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in His hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that Thy sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power. Amen.

Jacinta’s Vision of the

Pope He was Weeping,

Insulted and Persecuted 

Is Pope Benedict XVI the Pope BL. Jacinta saw in vision who was weeping while people threw stones and insulted him?

One day, Lucy said, we spent our siesta down by my parents' well. Jacinta sat on the stone slabs on top of the well. Francisco and I climbed up a steep bank in search of wild honey among the brambles in a nearby thicket. After a little while, Jacinta called out to Lucia: "Didn't you see the Holy Father?"  "No I did not see him." Lucia said  
"I saw the Holy Father!" Jacinta continued. "He was in a very big house, kneeling by a table, with his head buried in his hands, and he was weeping. Outside the house, there were many people. Some of them were throwing stones, others were cursing him and using bad language. Poor Holy Father, we must pray very much for him."

                                                                                                                                                                                              

Some experts believed that this mysterious vision applied to Pope Pius XII. But it is more probable that this prophetic vision also concerned the future popes. I believe Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as well.  No pope in the history of the Fatima Revelation has suffered such revilement by the press to the point of publishing articles that libel him and asking for his resignation!

The Unprecedented Media Attacks
On the Pope since 2010

 Fueled  by  the  Devil?

"Strike the shepherd the Sheep will Scatter" Zechariah 13:7

April 12, 2010:  'Journalists abandon standards to attack the Pope'. Damian Thompson is Editor of Telegraph Blogs and a journalist specializing in religion. There are times when another blogger says something so much better than I could that I reproduce a whole post. Here is Phil Lawler, distinguished American Catholic commentator and director of CatholicCulture.org.  "We're off and running once again, with another completely phony story that purports to implicate Pope Benedict XVI in the protection of abusive priests. The 'exclusive' story released by AP yesterday, which has been dutifully passed along now by scores of major media outlets, would never have seen the light of day if normal journalistic standards had been in place. Careful editors should have asked a series of probing questions, and in every case the answer to those questions would have shown that the story had no 'legs' "

April 12, 2010:  What Next! Unbelievable but it is a true story! Pope Benedict XVI faces a legal ambush by two leading atheist campaigners who are planning to have him arrested during his state visit to England  for 'crimes against humanity'. Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens - have both written books promoting atheism - and have asked human rights lawyers to produce a case for charging Pope Benedict XVI over his alleged cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic church.

April 12, 2010: The Catholic Herald Britain's Leading Catholic Newspaper publishes a narrative account of the furor that engulfed Pope Benedict XVI after claims that he covered up clerical abuse 

March 30, 2010,  National Catholic Register Blog  Cardinal Ratzinger an Evil Monster? The level of vitriol being directed at Pope Benedict by the mainstream media right now is truly extraordinary. It’s primarily drive by desire for cash (scandal sells), followed closely by hatred, along with a hefty dose of ignorance.


  It is very trying to see the atheists, agnostics, homosexuals and devil worshipers on their social media Blogs and Twitter  railing our faith and the Holy Father what can we do? Listen and observe the requests of Our Lady!

"He who is not with the Pope is not with God, he that wants to be with God, must be with Pope."  Sr.Lucia of Fatima

                      

By April 16th  Benedict the VXI will turn 87.  Benedict moves forward as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI . However we can take hope in the knowledge that he is still a spiritual father to us and his prayers and sufferings will be for the good of the Church for the rest of the time God has allotted him to be with us in this vale of tears. We remember fondly his visit to Fatima in May of 2010 and our prayers of Love and gratitude will always be with him and the new pope that God will raise to follow him. Viva la Papa!--Long live the Pope!

    

Pray for me and for the future pope!

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