I was sitting around in my room a couple of days ago, reflecting on events that occurred in the world and in the Church this past year... when it slowly dawned on me that 2013 was really a year of immense prophetic and mystical significance; the biggest event, of course, being the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis on March 13, 2013. I think most of us Catholics were surprised and left a little apprehensive when this unexpected event occurred.
Two Pontiffs for our times: Pope Emeritus
Benedict XVI (left) and Pope Francis, our
current Holy Father.
In regards to this historical development with the Papacy, it was made even more intriguing with the release of statements purportedly made by the Pope Emeritus, Benedict, claiming he had stepped down because "God told him to" after a personal "mystical experience" that wasn't elaborated on (read one of the news articles here). What quickly followed was the election of Pope Francis, who himself admitted to having his own special moment of enlightenment before he accepted the sublime office of Bishop of Rome. The fact that he was elected on the 13th day of the month - a day that figures prominently in Marian Devotion - also struck me, as symbolic, because the man apparently loves the Virgin Mary.
The choice of the name "Francis", itself, was highly prophetic, as the new Pope has an evident affinity with the poor, like his namesake - the great St. Francis of Assisi (d. 1226)... and there seems to be a general sense of excitement and hopeful anticipation that Pope Francis will reinvigorate the Church - like how St. Francis did in his own lifetime - and lead the Church in the direction that she needs to go in this day and age.
The new Pope easily, and comfortably, displays
public affection towards all his spiritual
children in Christ, young and old.
So far, the Pontiff seems to be doing a great job - preferring to forego elaborate traditions and ceremonial etiquette - for a humble, hands-on approach in his public ministry with the Faithful. Yes, he has his detractors... but in the short time he has been in office, Pope Francis has already endeared himself to many Catholics and even non-Catholics, and garnered lots of media coverage for his public displays of paternal love and affection, especially towards those who are most ostracized in the world. Personally, I love the man - as a Catholic, I can easily relate to him as my spiritual "papa" because he behaves like a loving father; what a Pope should be to all God's people. Plus, Pope Francis' style of doing, rather than just merely talking, is quite frankly - refreshing and inspiring - and exactly what we need right now in a leader; he's bringing credibility back to the Church, as the institution truly founded by Jesus Christ to deliver his Gospel Message of LOVE, MERCY, CHARITY, JUSTICE, and PEACE to all nations. But it's still early on into this new Papacy so we'll see if these positive developments continue. I'm hoping and praying they do.
... and does anyone recall the "great vision" of St. John Bosco (d. 1888) concerning these modern times? The Saint envisioned the embattled barque of the Catholic Church sailing through enemy-filled waters until it was safely anchored between the protective pillars of the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin (right photo). As already mentioned, Pope Francis has a strong and highly visible devotion to Our Lady; he even consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary this past October 13, 2013 using the official Fatima statue as a focal point... but it's also clear that he has a deep love for the Mass and the Eucharist. Positive signs, indeed.
In addition, another thing that struck me about last year was the unusual number of Mystics - 6 Stigmatized women (read about the significance of the Stigmata/Stigmatics here) - whose Causes for Canonization were either opened by their respective dioceses or advanced in some way. They died decades ago and lived in relative obscurity, but it's as though the Lord is now trying to draw attention to them at this particular time in history; more precisely, to the urgent, prophetic messages that their lives represented. True Stigmatics are heaven-sent during eras when the world is especially distant from God and evil appears to have the upper hand. Isn't that the situation today?
Anyhow, I don't believe anything ever happens by chance... so perhaps now is the God-appointed time for these exceptional individuals to be recognized for their sanctity, while at the same time leading more lost souls out of darkness and to Christ, via their shining faith-witness. Below is a list of the Mystics who were in the spiritual spotlight in 2013. It was truly a year for Stigmatics!
Two Causes for Canonization opened in 2013
The new Servant of God, Anna Tomanova...
and a close view of her hands, wounded with
the Stigmata of Christ.
+ Anna Tomanova (d. 1957) ~ Paralyzed lay-mystic from the Czech Republic who was not only favored with Stigmata... but she also received the spiritual gifts of Healing and Prophecy. Her tiny cottage was visited by many pilgrims who sought her prayers and advice. Anna Tomanova's Cause for Canonization was opened in December 2013.
The Servant of God, Sr. Marie Margaretha
of the Angels; a Discalced Carmelite nun
from the Netherlands.
+ Sr. Marie Margaretha of the Angels (d. 1658) ~ Foundress and member of the Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Oirschot, Netherlands. After her death, her body remained miraculously preserved and issued a fragrant oil (manna), which effected cures. Sr. Marie Margaretha's Cause for Canonization was opened in March 2013.
Three Beatifications advanced in 2013
The recently Beatified lay-mystic, Bl. Maria
Bolognesi, of Rovigo, Italy. To the right is a
photo of the ring she received fr0m Christ,
himself.
+ Bl. Maria Bolognesi (d. 1980) ~ Layperson of the diocese of Adria-Rovigo; she was physically harassed and possessed by the devil in her teen years before she was completely liberated by an exorcism. The Lord later invited her to become a victim-soul for sinners, which she generously accepted. Jesus favored her with the Mystical Marriage during which this mystic received a visible gold ring bearing the image of the Holy Face. Bl. Maria Bolognesi was Beatified by the Catholic Church on September 14, 2013.
The soon-to be Beatified foundress,
Madre Maria Esperanza of Jesus.
+ Ven. Madre Maria Esperanza of Jesus (d. 1983) ~ Foundress of the Congregations of the Handmaids of Merciful Love and the Sons of Merciful Love, based in Collevalenza, Italy. She was stigmatized in just one hand and received other mystical gifts, including Levitation. A miracle attributed to Madre Maria Esperanza's intercession was approved in July 2013 and her Beatification is yet to be scheduled.
The soon-to-be Beatified nun, Sr. Miriam
Teresa Demjanovich; an American girl,
which I find quite refreshing!
+ Ven. Sr. Miriam Teresa Demjanovich (d. 1927) ~ Professed religious of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, based in Convent Station, New Jersey, USA. Favored with heavenly graces from her youth, she also wore an invisible crown of thorns; her edifying spiritual writings are compiled under a book called, "Greater Perfection". A miracle attributed to Sr. Miriam Teresa's intercession was approved in December 2013 and her Beatification is yet to be scheduled.
A Mystic's Special Canonization in 2013
The recently Canonized lay-mystic,
St. Angela of Foligno.
+ St. Angela of Foligno (d. 1309) ~ Lay-member of the Secular Franciscans; this holy woman lived a deeply penitential life that was favored with visions of our Lord and other sublime mystical gifts, including the Stigmata and Miraculous Fasting. Her many spiritual experiences and teachings were recorded, via dictation by her confessor, and compiled into a document called the "Book of Visions and Instructions". Significantly, in October 2013, Pope Francis approved the extension of Bl. Angela's cultus for the entire Church, thus effectively Canonizing her without the need for a verified miracle (an "Equipollent Canonization").
Lastly, in the past year, there appeared to have be an increase in reported "miraculous" occurrences. Not so much new Marian Apparitions, but more so of alleged weeping statues/images and Eucharistic Miracles (look at the one below). Even the phenomenon of "Escarchas" seems to have increased around the world in 2013, as evidenced by the growing number of reports. Check out this interesting website - www.visionsofjesuschrist.com - with its large volume of collected information about weeping images and Escarchas. It's mind-boggling the multitude of signs that Heaven is manifesting in these modern times... but more importantly, all these mysterious events invite us to seriously reflect on their meaning - God's urgent messages and warnings to us - and to respond positively.
A representation of the face of Christ,
allegedly appeared miraculously on a Host
in Vilakkanoor, India, in November 2013.
So what a very interesting year 2013 has been; exciting and full of wonders! Winds of change are blowing upon the earth. Whether the changes will prove to be good or bad - or a bit of both - we'll just have to wait and see. But at the same time, I can't help but feel the presence of the Holy Spirit powerfully moving throughout the Church and the rest of the world, which gives me great hope for 2014... and beyond. Above all things, may the Lord's Divine Will be accomplished and God bless us all.
Last night's gathering of Our Lady Fatima Prayer Group was very emotional, yet invigorating and filled with hopeful anticipation. One of our regular members - "Auntie Lita" - recently learned that a cancer she had returned after she was in remission for 18 months. Heartfelt prayers were offered for healing and I ask readers to please pray for her, too.
Our Saint of the Month also left an impression on us. For January, I chose to share about Bl. Maria Repetto (d. 1890), a little-known Italian nun from Genoa, who served as her convent's humble doorkeeper. I love her "brand" of holiness because it's the type that any one of us can easily aspire to. Bl. Maria attained sanctity through the consistent practice of charity and love, fortified by a deep prayer life, which she joyfully displayed towards the Genoese community; sometimes it was through the simple act of lending an ear to their concerns... or offering a prayer on their behalf; little gestures that eventually added up to a lasting legacy of holiness. Very inspirational!
