St. Seraphim of Sarov: "The fact that I am a monk ..."

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Saint Seraphim of Sarov says:

“The fact that I am a monk and you are a layman is of no importance. The Lord listens equally to the monk and to the man of the world provided both are true believers. 

“The Lord looks for a heart full of true faith into which to send His Spirit. For the heart of a man is capable of containing the Kingdom of God. 

“The Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God are one.”

Our Lady of Kibeho: "The world rushes toward its ruin"

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Our Lady of Kibeho (The Mother of the Word) gave to the late Marie-Claire -- a Church approved visionary -- the following message on 27 March A.D. 1982 which still speaks to the state of every nation in the world right now at this very moment:

If I am now turning to the parish of Kibeho it does not mean I am concerned only for Kibeho or for the diocese of Butare or for Rwanda, or for the whole of Africa. 

The world is bad. 

The world rushes toward its ruin. 

It’s about to fall into an abyss. 

The world is in rebellion against God. 

Many sins are committed. 

There is no love and no peace. 

If you don’t repent and convert your hearts, all will fall into an abyss.

Turn to Jesus. +

Recalling a Message to Saint Faustina

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Near the end of each October this message given to Saint Faustina comes to my mind.  This year after the eclipse that passed across the USA, I have been thinking about the message below a very great deal.

Let us pray that our good Lord will cleanse our sight and ready us to behold whatsoever signs He may choose to place in the Heavens.

The Lord Jesus said to St. Faustina: 

Before I come as the just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. 

Before the day of justice arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this sort: 

All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time. This will take place shortly before the last day. 

Message given to St. Faustina Diary of Divine Mercy, n. 8

Saint Faustina Kowolska, pray for us.

St. Louis Marie de Montfort's "Hail Joseph"

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Among the versions of "Hail Joseph" most widely known is that written by St. Louis Marie de Montfort. I am not aware of the saint writing anything else with regard to St. Joseph, but in this one prayer he packs tremendous insights:

     Hail Joseph the just, 

     Wisdom is with you; 

     blessed are you among all men 

     and blessed is Jesus, 

     the fruit of Mary, your faithful spouse. 

     Holy Joseph, 

     worthy foster-father of Jesus Christ, 

     pray for us sinners 

     and obtain divine Wisdom for us from God, 

     now and at the hour of our death. 

     Amen.

     

     

Hail Joseph

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Saint Joseph, Shadow of the Father 

written by the hand of Fr Wm Hart McNichols

The following is my personal version of the prayer edited together from many sources:

       Hail Joseph, Son of David.

       Chosen of the Father, Guardian of the Son,

       Wisdom is with you:

       Blessed art thou amongst men

       And most blessed is thy beloved JESUS.

       Holy Joseph,

       Righteous among the righteous,

       Spouse of Mary and Guardian of the Redeemer,

       Intercede for us

       That we may be granted Wisdom and Peace

       In this life 

       And at the hour of our death.

       Amen.