For the Triumph of the Immaculate
For the Triumph of the Immaculate
For the Triumph of the Immaculate
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A journal <strong>of</strong> Catholic patriots<br />
for <strong>the</strong> kingship <strong>of</strong> Christ and Mary<br />
in <strong>the</strong> souls, families, and countries<br />
<strong>For</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Triumph</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong><br />
Pilgrims <strong>of</strong> Saint Michael<br />
1101 Principale Street, Rougemont QC, Canada J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601<br />
Publications Mail Reg. N° 40063742. (PAP) reg. N° 09929<br />
website: www.michaeljournal.org Printed in Canada<br />
<strong>For</strong> a Social Credit economy<br />
in accordance with <strong>the</strong> teachings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church<br />
through <strong>the</strong> vigilant action <strong>of</strong> heads <strong>of</strong> families<br />
and not through political parties<br />
Edition in English. 55th Year. No. 358 January-February 2010 4 years: $20.00<br />
Let us consecrate ourselves to <strong>the</strong> Holy Family<br />
Capitalism vs.<br />
Communism<br />
Freedom vs. tyranny<br />
see pages 3 to 5<br />
The Sacrament<br />
<strong>of</strong> mercy<br />
Bl. Anna Maria<br />
Taigi: wife,<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r, mystic<br />
pages 15 to 17 see pages 10-11<br />
St. Faustina Kowalska<br />
Apostle <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy<br />
pages 12 to 14<br />
Respect God’s creation<br />
and <strong>the</strong> human person<br />
Why<br />
Pope<br />
John<br />
Paul II<br />
is a<br />
saint<br />
page 13<br />
see page 7
Let us consecrate our families<br />
to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph<br />
Pope Benedict XVI<br />
Here is <strong>the</strong> address Pope Benedict XVI delivered<br />
Dec. 27, 2009, feast <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Family,<br />
before praying <strong>the</strong> Angelus toge<strong>the</strong>r with those<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red in St. Peter’s Square:<br />
Dear Bro<strong>the</strong>rs and Sisters, today is Holy<br />
Family Sunday. We can still identify ourselves<br />
with <strong>the</strong> shepherds <strong>of</strong> Bethlehem who hastened<br />
to <strong>the</strong> grotto as soon as <strong>the</strong>y had received <strong>the</strong><br />
Angel’s announcement and found “Mary and Joseph,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Babe lying in <strong>the</strong> manger” (Lk 2:<br />
16). Let us too pause to contemplate this scene<br />
and reflect on its meaning. The first witnesses <strong>of</strong><br />
Christ’s birth, <strong>the</strong> shepherds, found <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
not only before <strong>the</strong> Infant Jesus but also a small<br />
family: mo<strong>the</strong>r, fa<strong>the</strong>r and newborn son.<br />
God had chosen to reveal himself by being<br />
born into a human family and <strong>the</strong> human family<br />
thus became an icon <strong>of</strong> God! God is <strong>the</strong> Trinity,<br />
he is a communion <strong>of</strong> love; so is <strong>the</strong> family<br />
despite all <strong>the</strong> differences that exist between<br />
<strong>the</strong> Mystery <strong>of</strong> God and his human creature, an<br />
expression that reflects <strong>the</strong> unfathomable Mystery<br />
<strong>of</strong> God as Love. In marriage <strong>the</strong> man and<br />
<strong>the</strong> woman, created in God’s image, become<br />
“one flesh” (Gen 2: 24), that is a communion <strong>of</strong><br />
love that generates new life. The human family,<br />
in a certain sense, is an icon <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Trinity because<br />
<strong>of</strong> its interpersonal love and <strong>the</strong> fruitfulness<br />
<strong>of</strong> this love.<br />
Today’s Liturgy presents <strong>the</strong> famous Gospel<br />
episode <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 12-year-old Jesus who stays<br />
behind in <strong>the</strong> Temple in Jerusalem unbeknown<br />
to his parents who, surprised and anxious, discover<br />
him three days later conversing with <strong>the</strong><br />
Contents<br />
““Michael” January-February 2010<br />
Pages<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Holy Family. Benedict XVI 2<br />
What will 2010 be? Benedict XVI 2<br />
Capitalism vs. communism. Louis Even 3-4<br />
The Church on capitalism 5<br />
Money in its proper place. Louis Even 6<br />
Respect God’s creation. Benedict XVI 7<br />
Don’t take God’s place. Cardinal Ouellet 7<br />
No to <strong>the</strong> legalization <strong>of</strong> euthanasia 8<br />
The Manhattan Declaration 9<br />
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi 10-11<br />
St. Faustina and Divine Mercy 12 to 14<br />
Why Pope John Paul II is a saint 13<br />
Little Audrey Marie Santo. Yves Jacques 15<br />
The sacrament <strong>of</strong> mercy. M.A. Jacques 16 to18<br />
The power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> St. Benedict medal 18<br />
The destruction <strong>of</strong> a society. Fr. Euteneuer 19<br />
Socialism in <strong>the</strong> United States 20<br />
Bill C-6 in action. Dr. Eldon Dahl 21<br />
2 million Americans protest Obama 21<br />
Saved at <strong>the</strong> threshold <strong>of</strong> Hell 22-23<br />
Elephants attack Orissa 23<br />
Prayer to <strong>the</strong> Infant Jesus <strong>of</strong> Prague 24<br />
teachers. Jesus answers his Mo<strong>the</strong>r who asks<br />
for an explanation that he must “be in his Fa<strong>the</strong>r’s<br />
house” that is God’s house (cf. Lk 2: 49). In<br />
this episode <strong>the</strong> boy Jesus appears to us full <strong>of</strong><br />
zeal for God and for <strong>the</strong> Temple.<br />
Let us ask ourselves: from whom did Jesus<br />
learn love for his Fa<strong>the</strong>r’s affairs? As Son he certainly<br />
had an intimate knowledge <strong>of</strong> his Fa<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
<strong>of</strong> God, and a pr<strong>of</strong>ound and permanent relationship<br />
with him but, in his own culture he had <strong>of</strong><br />
course learned prayers and love for <strong>the</strong> Temple<br />
and for <strong>the</strong> Institutions <strong>of</strong> Israel from his parents.<br />
We may <strong>the</strong>refore say that Jesus’ decision to<br />
stay on at <strong>the</strong> Temple was above all <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong><br />
his close relationship with <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r, but it was<br />
also a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> education he had received<br />
from Mary and Joseph.<br />
Here we can glimpse <strong>the</strong> au<strong>the</strong>ntic meaning<br />
<strong>of</strong> Christian education: it is <strong>the</strong> fruit <strong>of</strong> a collaboration<br />
between educators and God that must<br />
always be sought. The Christian family is aware<br />
that children are a gift and a project <strong>of</strong> God.<br />
Therefore it cannot consider that it possesses<br />
<strong>the</strong>m; ra<strong>the</strong>r, in serving God’s plan through<br />
<strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong> family is called to educate <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest freedom, which is precisely that <strong>of</strong> saying<br />
“yes” to God in order to do his will. The Virgin<br />
Mary is <strong>the</strong> perfect example <strong>of</strong> this “yes”. Let<br />
us entrust all families to her, praying in particular<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir precious educational mission.<br />
And I now address in Spanish all those who<br />
are taking part in <strong>the</strong> Feast <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Family in<br />
Madrid. I cordially greet <strong>the</strong> Pastors and faithful<br />
who have ga<strong>the</strong>red in Madrid to celebrate joyfully<br />
<strong>the</strong> Sacred Family <strong>of</strong> Nazareth.<br />
How is it possible not to remember <strong>the</strong> true<br />
meaning <strong>of</strong> this feast? Having come into <strong>the</strong><br />
world, into <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> a family, God shows<br />
that this institution is a sure path on which to<br />
encounter and come to know him, as well as an<br />
ongoing call to work for <strong>the</strong> unity <strong>of</strong> all people<br />
centered on love.<br />
Hence one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> greatest services that we<br />
Christians can render our fellow human beings<br />
is to <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong>m our serene and unhesitating witness<br />
as a family founded on <strong>the</strong> marriage <strong>of</strong> a<br />
man and a woman, safeguarding and promoting<br />
<strong>the</strong> family, since it is <strong>of</strong> supreme importance<br />
for <strong>the</strong> present and future <strong>of</strong> humanity. Indeed,<br />
<strong>the</strong> family is <strong>the</strong> best school at which to learn to<br />
live out those values which give dignity to <strong>the</strong><br />
person and greatness to peoples. In <strong>the</strong> family<br />
sorrows and joys are shared, since all feel en-<br />
veloped in <strong>the</strong> love that prevails at home, a love<br />
that stems from <strong>the</strong> mere fact <strong>of</strong> belonging to<br />
<strong>the</strong> same family.<br />
I ask God that in your homes you may always<br />
brea<strong>the</strong> this love <strong>of</strong> total self-giving and<br />
faithfulness which Jesus brought to <strong>the</strong> world<br />
with his birth, nurturing and streng<strong>the</strong>ning it with<br />
daily prayer, <strong>the</strong> constant practice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> virtues,<br />
reciprocal understanding and mutual respect.<br />
I <strong>the</strong>n encourage you so that, trusting in <strong>the</strong><br />
mo<strong>the</strong>rly intercession <strong>of</strong> Mary Most Holy, Queen<br />
<strong>of</strong> Families, and under <strong>the</strong> powerful protection <strong>of</strong><br />
St. Joseph, her spouse, you may dedicate yourselves<br />
tirelessly to this beautiful mission which<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lord has placed in your hands.<br />
Pope Benedict XVI<br />
What will 2010 be ?<br />
Here are excerpts from <strong>the</strong> address Pope<br />
Benedict XVI delivered January 3, 2010, before<br />
praying <strong>the</strong> midday Angelus with <strong>the</strong> pilgrims<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red in St. Peter’s Square:<br />
Dear Bro<strong>the</strong>rs and Sisters, on this Sunday,<br />
<strong>the</strong> second after Christmas and <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
New Year, I am glad to renew to all my wishes for<br />
every good in <strong>the</strong> Lord! Problems are not lacking<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Church and in <strong>the</strong> world, as well as<br />
in <strong>the</strong> daily life <strong>of</strong> families, but thanks be to God<br />
our hope is not based on improbable predictions<br />
or financial forecasts, however important <strong>the</strong>se<br />
may be. Our hope is in God, not in <strong>the</strong> sense <strong>of</strong><br />
a generic religiosity or a fatalism cloaked in faith.<br />
We trust in God who revealed completely and<br />
definitively in Jesus Christ his desire to be with<br />
human beings, to share in our history, to guide<br />
us all to his Kingdom <strong>of</strong> love and life. And this<br />
great hope enlivens and at times corrects our human<br />
hopes. (…)<br />
Dear friends, this is <strong>the</strong> true reason for humanity’s<br />
hope: history has meaning because it<br />
is “inhabited” by <strong>the</strong> Wisdom <strong>of</strong> God. And yet<br />
<strong>the</strong> divine plan is not automatically implemented<br />
because it is a plan <strong>of</strong> love, and love generates<br />
freedom and requires freedom. The Kingdom <strong>of</strong><br />
God certainly comes, indeed it is already present<br />
in history and, thanks to Christ’s coming, has already<br />
conquered <strong>the</strong> negative power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Evil<br />
One.<br />
However, all men and women are responsible<br />
for welcoming him into <strong>the</strong>ir own lives,<br />
day after day. Therefore even <strong>the</strong> year 2010 will<br />
be “good” to <strong>the</strong> extent that each <strong>of</strong> us, according<br />
to his or her own responsibilities, can work<br />
with God’s grace.<br />
Thus let us turn to <strong>the</strong> Virgin Mary to learn<br />
this spiritual disposition from her. The Son <strong>of</strong><br />
God did not take flesh from her without her consent.<br />
Every time <strong>the</strong> Lord wants to take a step<br />
forward with us toward <strong>the</strong> “promised land”, he<br />
first knocks at our hearts. He waits, so to speak,<br />
for our “yes”, in small decisions as in important<br />
ones. May Mary help us always to accept God’s<br />
will with humility and courage, so that <strong>the</strong> trials<br />
and suffering <strong>of</strong> life may help to hasten <strong>the</strong> coming<br />
<strong>of</strong> his Kingdom <strong>of</strong> justice and peace.<br />
Pope Benedict XVI<br />
Page “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org
Adam Smith,<br />
considered as<br />
<strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong><br />
capitalism<br />
by Louis Even<br />
One hears <strong>of</strong>ten: “Capitalism is not better<br />
than Communism. The Church has condemned<br />
both with <strong>the</strong> same vigour. So <strong>the</strong> capitalist system<br />
deserves no more consideration than <strong>the</strong><br />
communist system.”<br />
This is completely false. To say so is to attribute<br />
to <strong>the</strong> capitalist system evils that come not<br />
from <strong>the</strong> system itself, but from <strong>the</strong> abuse <strong>of</strong> individuals<br />
who behave more like tyrants (like leaders<br />
<strong>of</strong> Communist countries) than like citizens <strong>of</strong> a<br />
country that is genuinely capitalist.<br />
Pope Pius XI wrote this about Communism:<br />
“Communism is intrinsically evil, and no one<br />
who would save Christian civilization may collaborate<br />
with it in any undertaking whatsoever”<br />
(Encyclical letter Divini Redemptoris, n. 58).<br />
However in ano<strong>the</strong>r encyclical letter (Quadragesimo<br />
Anno) Pope Pius XI wrote: “Capitalism<br />
itself is not to be condemned. And surely it is not<br />
vicious <strong>of</strong> its very nature, but it has been vitiated.”<br />
One will see how it happened in this article.<br />
Communism is intrinsically wrong, not only<br />
because it divides man from God, but also because<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> little importance it attaches to <strong>the</strong> in-<br />
January-February 010<br />
January-February 2010<br />
Date <strong>of</strong> issue: February 2010<br />
Capitalism versus Communism<br />
“Communism is intrinsically evil”,<br />
wrote Pope Pius XI<br />
Capitalism responds to <strong>the</strong> aspirations<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> human person, but it has been<br />
vitiated by <strong>the</strong> current financial system<br />
dividual, even in <strong>the</strong> temporal area. Communism<br />
degrades <strong>the</strong> human person. It does not take into<br />
consideration <strong>the</strong> nature <strong>of</strong> man, created by God.<br />
It tramples on <strong>the</strong> individual’s freedom <strong>of</strong> choice.<br />
<strong>For</strong> Communism, man is nothing but a tool that<br />
can be used for <strong>the</strong> goals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Party, a tool that<br />
must abide by those goals or be crushed ruthlessly.<br />
Communism is tyrannical to <strong>the</strong> highest degree.<br />
Once in power, <strong>the</strong> Communist Party allows<br />
nothing that could jeopardize its ideal. It exercises<br />
absolute control over everything and everybody.<br />
It orders what to do or not to do: you must accept<br />
what <strong>the</strong> State decides for you or it will make your<br />
life miserable.<br />
The capitalist system has not reached this<br />
point. The flaws for which it is blamed are not inherent<br />
to capitalism itself and do not come from<br />
its nature but from <strong>the</strong> financial system it utilizes.<br />
It is a financial system that dominates instead <strong>of</strong><br />
serves. It is <strong>the</strong> financial system that vitiates capitalism.<br />
The capitalist<br />
system is, by definition,<br />
a system that<br />
answers to <strong>the</strong> aspirations<br />
<strong>of</strong> human nature.<br />
In fact, capitalism<br />
can be defined<br />
as a system that<br />
recognizes and protects<br />
private property,<br />
free enterprise,<br />
freedom <strong>of</strong> choice<br />
for <strong>the</strong> human person,<br />
<strong>the</strong> sovereignty<br />
<strong>of</strong> consumers over<br />
<strong>the</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong><br />
production through<br />
free markets — <strong>the</strong><br />
products: chosen or<br />
ordered by <strong>the</strong> consumers, guide <strong>the</strong> programs<br />
<strong>of</strong> production.<br />
Some will object: “Things do not exactly happen<br />
like that in our capitalist countries. Private<br />
property is being given a rough time, especially in<br />
<strong>the</strong> means <strong>of</strong> production, which is being enjoyed<br />
by an increasingly small minority <strong>of</strong> people. The<br />
majority must enter <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> minority,<br />
for fear <strong>of</strong> starvation through lack <strong>of</strong> purchasing<br />
power. The lack <strong>of</strong> purchasing power kills or reduces<br />
<strong>the</strong> freedom <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> choice <strong>of</strong> goods and<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore suppresses <strong>the</strong> sovereignty <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> consumers<br />
over <strong>the</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong> production. Do not<br />
conflicts between employers, who constitute a<br />
minority, and employees, who constitute <strong>the</strong> majority,<br />
show that <strong>the</strong> present system has difficulties<br />
in answering <strong>the</strong> aspirations <strong>of</strong> people and<br />
that even capitalism attaches little importance to<br />
<strong>the</strong> freedom <strong>of</strong> choice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> majority?”<br />
The answer to this objection is precisely in<br />
<strong>the</strong> fact that capitalism is restricted to <strong>the</strong> minority<br />
and is not distributed to be enjoyed by <strong>the</strong> majority.<br />
One cannot say that a country lives under a<br />
capitalist system when capitalism concerns only<br />
5 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population and that 95 percent<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people only live thanks to <strong>the</strong> permission<br />
or goodwill <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r five. Such a system is<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore only five percent capitalist and 95 per-<br />
cent slavery. It is getting closer to Communism, as<br />
<strong>the</strong> power to dominate <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs is being<br />
concentrated into fewer hands.<br />
It is <strong>the</strong>refore not <strong>the</strong> capitalist economy in<br />
itself that must be blamed. One must not wish<br />
for <strong>the</strong> destruction <strong>of</strong> capitalism, but for its widespread<br />
diffusion. If <strong>the</strong>re is only 5 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
population <strong>of</strong> a nation that enjoys <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> a<br />
capitalist, one must strive to increase this percentage<br />
to 100 percent, instead <strong>of</strong> wishing to bring it<br />
down to zero percent.<br />
Through Social Credit<br />
This is exactly what a Social Credit financial<br />
system would do, in replacement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> present<br />
financial system that dominates, intoxicates and<br />
slowly destroys, genuine capitalism. Social Credit<br />
would turn every citizen into a capitalist by right. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> economic field, man would be re-established<br />
in his liberty and be given <strong>the</strong> right to organize<br />
his life according to his own choice, provided he<br />
respects this same right for o<strong>the</strong>r people.<br />
Also economically<br />
speaking,<br />
<strong>the</strong> greatest benefit<br />
<strong>of</strong> being a capitalist,<br />
when man<br />
knows how to<br />
put a limit to <strong>the</strong><br />
pursuit <strong>of</strong> ever increasing<br />
material<br />
wealth, is his freedom<br />
<strong>of</strong> choice.<br />
Ins<strong>of</strong>ar as his capitalist<br />
income allows<br />
him to live<br />
decently, he is<br />
free to accept or<br />
refuse any project<br />
that is being<br />
proposed to him.<br />
His income is not conditioned by personal participation<br />
in production, so he can use his free time<br />
as he wishes. He may certainly still accept a job,<br />
but he may also do activities <strong>of</strong> his own choosing<br />
— and <strong>the</strong>se activities may well contribute to <strong>the</strong><br />
enrichment <strong>of</strong> society, with wealth that is not necessarily<br />
material. Free labour is generally more<br />
creative and fruitful than hard labour.<br />
Families cannot have access to God-given plenty<br />
because governments bow down to Mammon<br />
This capitalist income is called a dividend.<br />
This dividend brings unconditional economic security<br />
or “absolute economic security”, to use <strong>the</strong><br />
words <strong>of</strong> Douglas, <strong>the</strong> founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Social Credit<br />
school <strong>of</strong> thought. As for <strong>the</strong> wages and salaries,<br />
even though <strong>the</strong>y are sufficient for a decent living,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can only <strong>of</strong>fer a limited and conditioned economic<br />
security, a security conditioned by a job,<br />
employment or a type <strong>of</strong> bondage.<br />
Those who praise wages and discredit dividends<br />
are praising bondage and discrediting freedom.<br />
Trade unions and o<strong>the</strong>r groups who advocate<br />
full-employment policies associate <strong>the</strong> right<br />
to live with bondage. As for <strong>the</strong> Social Crediters,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y advocate <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> a social dividend<br />
to each and every individual. They want an<br />
economic system <strong>of</strong> freedom for everyone, <strong>the</strong><br />
right to live tied to <strong>the</strong> human person and not to<br />
<strong>the</strong> fact that this person is hired in production or<br />
(continued on page 4)<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Karl Marx,<br />
thought <strong>of</strong> as<br />
<strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong><br />
communism<br />
Page
Capitalism vs. Communism<br />
(continued from page 3)<br />
not. This social dividend would be given to all, to<br />
those who are employed as well as those who are<br />
not. Therefore, it would not prevent appropriate<br />
remuneration for those who are employed in production<br />
in any way.<br />
All capitalists<br />
What basis has Social Credit for saying that<br />
every human being is a capitalist by right? This<br />
has been explained several times in back issues <strong>of</strong><br />
“Michael”, so we will only summarize it here.<br />
Today’s production is <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong> several<br />
factors: first, <strong>the</strong> existence <strong>of</strong> raw material, natural<br />
resources which have been created by God,<br />
without which nothing would be possible; second,<br />
from knowledge that has been acquired and<br />
passed on from generation to generation, inventions<br />
and discoveries <strong>of</strong> new sources <strong>of</strong> energy<br />
and <strong>the</strong> improvement <strong>of</strong> production processes;<br />
third, human labour (even though this would decrease)<br />
and fourth, investments and financial capital,<br />
which consists <strong>of</strong> mere figures that allow <strong>the</strong><br />
mobilization <strong>of</strong> material and manpower.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong>se four factors, <strong>the</strong> most important<br />
ones are obviously <strong>the</strong> first two. The natural resources<br />
are not earned but given by God, <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
real capital created for all people <strong>of</strong> all generations<br />
to be used for <strong>the</strong>ir normal needs and to be maintained<br />
(if it is inert goods like ore) and not foolishly<br />
wasted as it is done on a world scale today.<br />
Then <strong>the</strong>re is ever-increasing progress in <strong>the</strong><br />
means and methods <strong>of</strong> production; progress<br />
realized by past generations as well as <strong>the</strong> present<br />
generation; a progress <strong>of</strong> which <strong>the</strong> growth<br />
and transmission are due to life in society and <strong>of</strong><br />
which no individual or group can pretend to be<br />
<strong>the</strong> exclusive heir. It is this common heritage, a<br />
real capital <strong>of</strong> great value that allows society to<br />
produce even more, even with less people employed<br />
in production.<br />
Suppress this community heritage and today’s<br />
production will not reach one-hundredth <strong>of</strong> what<br />
it is at present, even if you would hire all available<br />
manpower and invest a lot <strong>of</strong> money.<br />
This is why we say that each and every member<br />
<strong>of</strong> society is born an heir and <strong>the</strong> owner <strong>of</strong> real<br />
capital, <strong>the</strong> preponderant factor in today’s production.<br />
Everyone must have capitalist rights over a<br />
growing part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fruits <strong>of</strong> production, without<br />
eliminating wages and salaries for those who personally<br />
take part in this community capital.<br />
And we add that, according to Douglas’<br />
teaching, <strong>the</strong> increase in productivity should be<br />
translated into an increasing percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
purchasing power.<br />
This would be due to <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community<br />
heritage and not to <strong>the</strong> personal contribution<br />
<strong>of</strong> producers. Then it could be distributed in<br />
<strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> dividends to all and a (slowly decreasing)<br />
percentage in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> wages for jobs that<br />
are becoming unnecessary.<br />
In keeping with God’s plan<br />
This method <strong>of</strong> distribution for continually<br />
growing production would kill any communist or<br />
socialist propaganda at its base. It would also be<br />
<strong>the</strong> most effective way to recognize what Pope<br />
Pius XII called <strong>the</strong> fundamental right <strong>of</strong> every human<br />
being to <strong>the</strong> goods <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earth in his famous<br />
radio address <strong>of</strong> June 1, 1941:<br />
“Material goods have been created by God<br />
to meet <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> all men, and must be put at<br />
<strong>the</strong> disposal <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, as justice and charity<br />
require.<br />
“Every man indeed, as a reasonable gifted<br />
being, has, from nature, <strong>the</strong> fundamental right<br />
to make use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> material goods <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earth,<br />
though it is reserved to human will and <strong>the</strong> juridical<br />
forms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> peoples to regulate, with more<br />
detail, <strong>the</strong> practical realization <strong>of</strong> that right.”<br />
What juridical forms or laws have ever proposed<br />
a method as effective as a dividend to each<br />
and every person, a basic income to apply in practice<br />
<strong>the</strong> right <strong>of</strong> every man to make use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> material<br />
goods <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earth? This could be done so<br />
easily, at least in developed countries where <strong>the</strong><br />
most serious economic problems are not about<br />
production but about <strong>the</strong> sale <strong>of</strong> goods.<br />
The Pope added: “Such an individual right<br />
cannot, by any means, be suppressed, even by<br />
<strong>the</strong> exercise <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r unquestionable and recognized<br />
rights over natural goods.”<br />
These o<strong>the</strong>r unquestionable and recognized<br />
rights obviously include <strong>the</strong> right to property<br />
— property <strong>of</strong> land, production concerns, means<br />
<strong>of</strong> transportation, stores, etc. All <strong>the</strong>se goods are<br />
legitimately managed by <strong>the</strong>ir owners,` who can<br />
legitimately draw pr<strong>of</strong>it from <strong>the</strong>m, which is for<br />
<strong>the</strong>m what wages are for <strong>the</strong> employees. However,<br />
<strong>the</strong> fact remains that only God is <strong>the</strong> absolute<br />
owner <strong>of</strong> everything. He is <strong>the</strong> first author <strong>of</strong><br />
any possibility <strong>of</strong> production and He wants every<br />
human being — all <strong>of</strong> His children — to enjoy <strong>the</strong><br />
fruits <strong>of</strong> His work. This is why His Church reminds<br />
us that any private property has a social function<br />
to fulfill. In o<strong>the</strong>r words, it must not be used for<br />
<strong>the</strong> sole pr<strong>of</strong>it <strong>of</strong> its owner but be useful for all,<br />
and to be used for <strong>the</strong> common good <strong>of</strong> all.<br />
The fall <strong>of</strong> Marxism in Eastern Europe<br />
does not necessarily mean <strong>the</strong> triumph <strong>of</strong><br />
capitalism, which has to be corrected <strong>of</strong> its<br />
financial flaws.<br />
Today, this social function has become difficult<br />
to fulfill because many private owners must<br />
fight to save <strong>the</strong>ir properties from ruin, in a world<br />
<strong>of</strong> unrestrained competition, <strong>of</strong> financial privileges<br />
for <strong>the</strong> powerful and <strong>the</strong> ever-growing taxes levied<br />
by all levels <strong>of</strong> government.<br />
The social function <strong>of</strong> private property would<br />
be wonderfully and automatically fulfilled through<br />
a social dividend which would give a claim to <strong>the</strong><br />
fruit <strong>of</strong> all production to each person. And this<br />
would happen without impoverishing <strong>the</strong> owners,<br />
instead it would do <strong>the</strong>m a service, since <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
products (if <strong>the</strong>y are necessary) will be easily sold<br />
on a market where consumers have enough purchasing<br />
power to provide for <strong>the</strong>ir basic needs.<br />
An answer to two accusations<br />
One accuses <strong>the</strong> concentration <strong>of</strong> wealth in <strong>the</strong><br />
hands <strong>of</strong> a few as leading to Communism. This is<br />
true, because this concentration leaves <strong>the</strong> mass<br />
<strong>of</strong> have-nots easily open to communist or socialist<br />
propaganda. Or because <strong>the</strong> State intervenes<br />
with <strong>the</strong> goal to break <strong>the</strong> monopoly and nationalize<br />
big industry and this leads to State Socialism.<br />
But one should not conclude from this that sound<br />
capitalism is wrong. Indeed, it is <strong>the</strong> present financial<br />
system that leads to <strong>the</strong> concentration <strong>of</strong> capital<br />
in <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> a few, thus vitiating capitalism<br />
and opening up <strong>the</strong> way to Communism.<br />
One also accuses <strong>the</strong> present capitalist system<br />
<strong>of</strong> creating new artificial needs in order to sell<br />
its abundant production and thus leading to consumerism<br />
and materialism, just as efficiently as<br />
<strong>the</strong> a<strong>the</strong>istic and materialistic laws <strong>of</strong> Communist<br />
countries would do.<br />
Here again, one must not accuse <strong>the</strong> capitalist<br />
economy in itself, but <strong>the</strong> financial system, <strong>of</strong><br />
which <strong>the</strong> controllers refuse to distribute purchasing<br />
power in o<strong>the</strong>r ways than employment in production:<br />
no job, no money. Progress, which should<br />
be a blessing by freeing man from <strong>the</strong> need for<br />
employment becomes on <strong>the</strong> contrary, a curse, a<br />
problem, when <strong>the</strong> income disappears along with<br />
employment. Then one will look for solutions in<br />
<strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> new material goods. Yet, <strong>the</strong>se<br />
new goods have to be sold and to this end, artificial<br />
needs must also be created. People must be<br />
convinced that <strong>the</strong>y need <strong>the</strong>se new products,<br />
which contributes to outright materialism. The<br />
dignity <strong>of</strong> man is ruthlessly sacrificed to <strong>the</strong> necessity<br />
<strong>of</strong> keeping production going, even though<br />
<strong>the</strong> production already made is more than sufficient<br />
to meet <strong>the</strong> basic needs <strong>of</strong> all. It is certainly<br />
a drive towards materialism. (Editor’s note: And it<br />
also contributes to <strong>the</strong> unnecessary waste <strong>of</strong> resources<br />
and destruction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment.)<br />
In a Social Credit financial system, human<br />
greed — one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> consequences <strong>of</strong> original sin<br />
— would still exist, but it would not be stimulated<br />
or imposed by <strong>the</strong> necessity <strong>of</strong> purchasing<br />
power tied to employment. The social dividend to<br />
all would dissociate — in an ever-growing part —<br />
purchasing power from employment in production<br />
and would lead society in <strong>the</strong> way opposite<br />
<strong>of</strong> materialism.<br />
Pope Paul VI, in his encyclical letter Populorum<br />
Progressio on <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> peoples,<br />
wrote that <strong>the</strong> pursuit <strong>of</strong> development called for,<br />
“<strong>the</strong> deep thought and reflection <strong>of</strong> wise men<br />
in search <strong>of</strong> a new humanism, one which will<br />
enable our contemporaries to enjoy <strong>the</strong> higher<br />
values <strong>of</strong> love and friendship, <strong>of</strong> prayer and contemplation.”<br />
This reminds us <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> remark <strong>of</strong> a French<br />
Christian philosopher named Maritain, who said<br />
that progress that is used wisely, should not lead<br />
to a civilization <strong>of</strong> work, but to a civilization <strong>of</strong> contemplation.<br />
Would not this new humanism, wished for by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Pope, allow man to free himself from materialism<br />
and to “enjoy <strong>the</strong> higher values <strong>of</strong> love and<br />
friendship, <strong>of</strong> prayer and contemplation?” Would<br />
it not be well served by <strong>the</strong> adoption <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Social<br />
Credit financial proposals? These proposals were<br />
conceived in 1917 by a genius, Scottish engineer<br />
Clifford Hugh Douglas, but were persistently refused<br />
and fought, even by university pr<strong>of</strong>essors<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> elite.<br />
Catholic and Social Crediter<br />
The Catholic who is also a Social Crediter has<br />
all <strong>the</strong> tools needed to face <strong>the</strong> communist and<br />
socialist propaganda on both spiritual and temporal<br />
fields.<br />
A Catholic who, out <strong>of</strong> ignorance, complicity<br />
or abdication, only knows or admits <strong>the</strong> present<br />
financial system in economics, may possess<br />
solid spiritual arguments against Communism.<br />
However, he will be pitifully empty-handed when<br />
<strong>the</strong> time comes to present a Christian solution to<br />
<strong>the</strong> scandal <strong>of</strong> an abundance <strong>of</strong> goods being destroyed<br />
in front <strong>of</strong> human needs that are never<br />
satisfied.<br />
How can a Catholic condone <strong>the</strong> submission<br />
<strong>of</strong> real possibilities <strong>of</strong> public or private production<br />
to <strong>the</strong> conditions <strong>of</strong> a financial system that has become<br />
an end instead <strong>of</strong> a means, a master instead<br />
<strong>of</strong> a servant; a financial system that consents to<br />
function only by dictatorship and debt? How can<br />
a Catholic not prefer to this tyranny, a flexible financial<br />
system that fits <strong>the</strong> physical possibilities<br />
<strong>of</strong> production with a guarantee to cover <strong>the</strong> basic<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> each and every human person without<br />
humiliating inquiries, conditions, or debt?<br />
Fa<strong>the</strong>r Thomas Landry 0.P. said to a group <strong>of</strong><br />
Social Crediters in a homily on March 7, 1937:<br />
“How good it is to be a Catholic when one is a<br />
Social Crediter and how good it is to be a Social<br />
Crediter when one is a Catholic.” Yes, Fa<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Pilgrims <strong>of</strong> Saint Michael are convinced <strong>of</strong> it,<br />
through personal experience.<br />
Louis Even<br />
Toronto monthly meetings<br />
February 14, April 11, 2010<br />
Lithuanian Hall, 1573 Bloor St. W.<br />
(One block west <strong>of</strong> Dundas Subway Station)<br />
Rosary at 2:00 p.m. – Meeting at 2:30 p.m.<br />
Information Roger: (416) 749-5297<br />
Page “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org
Catholic social teaching<br />
on capitalism<br />
Capitalism must be corrected<br />
The social doctrine <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church stands above<br />
existing economic systems, since it confines itself to<br />
<strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> principles. An economic system is good<br />
only to <strong>the</strong> extent that it applies <strong>the</strong> principles <strong>of</strong><br />
justice taught by <strong>the</strong> Church. As Pope John Paul II<br />
wrote in 1987, in his encyclical letter Sollicitudo Rei<br />
Socialis: “The tension between East and West<br />
is an opposition... between two concepts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
development <strong>of</strong> individuals and peoples, both<br />
concepts being imperfect and in need <strong>of</strong> radical<br />
correction... This is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reasons why <strong>the</strong><br />
Church’s social doctrine adopts a critical attitude<br />
towards both liberal capitalism and Marxist<br />
collectivism.”<br />
We may understand why <strong>the</strong> Church condemns<br />
Communism or Marxist collectivism which, as Pope<br />
Pius XI wrote, is “intrinsically evil” and anti-Christian,<br />
with its avowed goal being <strong>the</strong> complete destruction<br />
<strong>of</strong> private property, family and religion. But<br />
why would <strong>the</strong> Church condemn capitalism?<br />
In his encyclical letter Centesimus<br />
Annus (n. 34), John Paul II<br />
recognizes <strong>the</strong> merits <strong>of</strong> free enterprise,<br />
private initiative and pr<strong>of</strong>it:<br />
“It would appear that, on <strong>the</strong><br />
level <strong>of</strong> individual nations and<br />
<strong>of</strong> international relations, <strong>the</strong><br />
free market is <strong>the</strong> most efficient<br />
instrument for utilizing resources<br />
and effectively responding<br />
to needs. But this is true only for those needs<br />
which are ‘solvent’, ins<strong>of</strong>ar as <strong>the</strong>y are endowed<br />
with purchasing power, and for those resources<br />
which are ‘marketable’, ins<strong>of</strong>ar as <strong>the</strong>y are capable<br />
<strong>of</strong> obtaining a satisfactory price. But <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are many human needs which find no place on<br />
<strong>the</strong> market. It is a strict duty <strong>of</strong> justice and truth<br />
not to allow fundamental human needs to remain<br />
unsatisfied and not to allow those burdened by<br />
such needs to perish.”<br />
A little fur<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> same encyclical (n. 42), <strong>the</strong><br />
Pope explains what is acceptable and what is not,<br />
in capitalism:<br />
“Returning now to <strong>the</strong> initial question: can<br />
it perhaps be said that, after <strong>the</strong> failure <strong>of</strong> Communism,<br />
capitalism is <strong>the</strong> victorious social system<br />
and that capitalism should be <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> countries now making efforts to rebuild <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
economy and society? Is this <strong>the</strong> model which<br />
ought to be proposed to <strong>the</strong> countries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Third World which are searching for <strong>the</strong> path to<br />
true economic and civil progress?<br />
“The answer is obviously complex. If by<br />
‘capitalism’ is meant an economic system which<br />
recognizes <strong>the</strong> fundamental and positive role <strong>of</strong><br />
business, <strong>the</strong> market, private property and <strong>the</strong><br />
resulting responsibility for <strong>the</strong> means <strong>of</strong> production,<br />
as well as free human creativity in <strong>the</strong><br />
economic sector, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> answer is certainly in<br />
<strong>the</strong> affirmative, even though it would perhaps<br />
be more appropriate to speak <strong>of</strong> a “business<br />
economy”, “market economy” or simply “free<br />
economy”. But if by “capitalism” is meant a<br />
system in which freedom in <strong>the</strong> economic sector<br />
is not circumscribed within a strong juridical<br />
framework which places it at <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> human<br />
freedom in its totality, and which sees it as<br />
a particular aspect <strong>of</strong> that freedom, <strong>the</strong> core <strong>of</strong><br />
which is ethical and religious, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> reply is<br />
certainly negative.”<br />
Even if Marxism has collapsed, this does not<br />
mean <strong>the</strong> triumph <strong>of</strong> capitalism. Even after <strong>the</strong> fall<br />
January-February 010<br />
John Paul II<br />
<strong>of</strong> Communism <strong>the</strong>re are still millions <strong>of</strong> poor people<br />
and situations <strong>of</strong> injustice in <strong>the</strong> world:<br />
“The Marxist solution has failed, but <strong>the</strong> realities<br />
<strong>of</strong> marginalization and exploitation remain<br />
in <strong>the</strong> world, especially <strong>the</strong> Third World, as does<br />
<strong>the</strong> reality <strong>of</strong> human alienation, especially in <strong>the</strong><br />
more advanced countries. Against <strong>the</strong>se phenomena<br />
<strong>the</strong> Church strongly raises her voice.<br />
Vast multitudes are still living in conditions <strong>of</strong><br />
great material and moral poverty. The collapse<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Communist system in so many countries<br />
certainly removes an obstacle to facing <strong>the</strong>se<br />
problems in an appropriate and realistic way,<br />
but it is not enough to bring about <strong>the</strong>ir solution.<br />
Indeed, <strong>the</strong>re is a risk that a radical capitalistic<br />
ideology could spread which refuses even<br />
to consider <strong>the</strong>se problems, in <strong>the</strong> a priori belief<br />
that any attempt to solve <strong>the</strong>m is doomed to failure<br />
and which blindly entrusts <strong>the</strong>ir solution to<br />
<strong>the</strong> free development <strong>of</strong> market forces.” (Centesimus<br />
Annus, 42.)<br />
The fault that <strong>the</strong> Church finds with present capitalism<br />
is thus nei<strong>the</strong>r private property nor free enterprise.<br />
Far from wishing <strong>the</strong> disappearance <strong>of</strong> private<br />
property, <strong>the</strong> Church ra<strong>the</strong>r wishes its widespread<br />
availability so that all may become real owners <strong>of</strong><br />
capital and be real “capitalists”:<br />
“The dignity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> human<br />
person necessarily requires <strong>the</strong><br />
right <strong>of</strong> using external goods in<br />
order to live according to <strong>the</strong><br />
right norm <strong>of</strong> nature. And to this<br />
right corresponds a most serious<br />
obligation, which requires<br />
that, so far as possible, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
be given to all an opportunity<br />
John XXIII<br />
<strong>of</strong> possessing private property... Therefore, it<br />
is necessary to modify economic and social life<br />
so that <strong>the</strong> way is made easier for widespread<br />
private possession <strong>of</strong> such things as durable<br />
goods, homes, gardens, tools requisite for artisan<br />
enterprises and family-type farms, investments<br />
in enterprises <strong>of</strong> medium or large size.”<br />
(Pope John XXIII, encyclical letter Mater et Magistra,<br />
May 15, 1961, nn. 114-115.)<br />
Social Credit, with its dividend to every individual,<br />
would acknowledge every human being as<br />
a capitalist, a co-heir <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> natural resources and<br />
progress, some <strong>of</strong> which are human inventions and<br />
technology.<br />
Capitalism has been vitiated<br />
by <strong>the</strong> financial system<br />
The fault that <strong>the</strong> Church finds with <strong>the</strong> capitalist<br />
system is <strong>the</strong> fact that each and every human<br />
being living on <strong>the</strong> planet does not have access to a<br />
minimum <strong>of</strong> material goods. So <strong>the</strong>y are not allowed<br />
to have a decent life and even in <strong>the</strong> most advanced<br />
countries <strong>the</strong>re are thousands <strong>of</strong> people who do not<br />
eat <strong>the</strong>ir fill. It is <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> destination <strong>of</strong><br />
human goods that is not fulfilled: <strong>the</strong>re is plenty <strong>of</strong><br />
production, it is <strong>the</strong> distribution that is defective.<br />
And in <strong>the</strong> present system <strong>the</strong> instrument that<br />
makes possible <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> goods and services,<br />
<strong>the</strong> symbol that allows people to get products,<br />
is money. It is <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong> money system, <strong>the</strong> financial<br />
system that is at fault in capitalism.<br />
Pope Pius XI wrote in Quadragesimo Anno in<br />
1931: “Capitalism itself is not to be condemned.<br />
And surely it is not vicious <strong>of</strong> its very nature, but<br />
it has been vitiated.”<br />
What <strong>the</strong> Church condemns is not capitalism as<br />
a producing system, but, according to <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong><br />
Pope Paul VI, “<strong>the</strong> calamitous system that accompanies<br />
it,” which is <strong>the</strong> financial system:<br />
“This unchecked liberalism led to dictatorship<br />
rightly denounced by Pope Pius XI as producing<br />
‘<strong>the</strong> international imperialism <strong>of</strong> money’.<br />
One cannot condemn such abuses too strongly,<br />
because — let us again recall solemnly — <strong>the</strong><br />
economy should be at <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> man. But if<br />
it is true that a type <strong>of</strong> capitalism has been <strong>the</strong><br />
source <strong>of</strong> excessive suffering, injustices and<br />
fratricidal conflicts whose effects still persist, it<br />
would be wrong to attribute to industrialization<br />
itself evils that belong to <strong>the</strong> calamitous system<br />
that accompanied it. On <strong>the</strong> contrary, one must<br />
recognize in all justice <strong>the</strong> irreplaceable contribution<br />
made by <strong>the</strong> organization and <strong>the</strong> growth<br />
<strong>of</strong> industry to <strong>the</strong> task <strong>of</strong> development.” (Paul<br />
VI, encyclical letter Populorum Progressio, on <strong>the</strong><br />
development <strong>of</strong> peoples, March 26, 1967, n. 26.)<br />
The defect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> system: money<br />
is created by <strong>the</strong> banks as a debt<br />
It is <strong>the</strong> financial system that does not accomplish<br />
its purpose; it has been diverted from its end<br />
that is to allow <strong>the</strong> goods to meet <strong>the</strong> needs. Money<br />
should be nothing but an instrument <strong>of</strong> distribution<br />
and a symbol that gives a claim, in o<strong>the</strong>r words, a<br />
simple accounting system.<br />
Money should be a servant, but <strong>the</strong> bankers<br />
in appropriating <strong>the</strong> control over its creation, have<br />
made it an instrument <strong>of</strong> domination. Since people<br />
cannot live without money, everyone: this includes<br />
governments, corporations and individuals; must<br />
submit to <strong>the</strong> conditions imposed upon <strong>the</strong>m by <strong>the</strong><br />
bankers to obtain money. Money means having <strong>the</strong><br />
right to live in today’s society. This establishes a real<br />
dictatorship over economic life and so <strong>the</strong> bankers<br />
have become <strong>the</strong> masters <strong>of</strong> our lives. Pope Pius<br />
XI was quite right when he said in Quadragesimo<br />
Anno (n. 106):<br />
“This power becomes particularly<br />
irresistible when exercised<br />
by those who, because <strong>the</strong>y hold<br />
and control money, are able also<br />
to govern credit and determine<br />
its allotment, for that reason supplying,<br />
so to speak, <strong>the</strong> lifeblood<br />
to <strong>the</strong> entire economic body, and<br />
grasping, as it were, in <strong>the</strong>ir hands Pius XI<br />
<strong>the</strong> very soul <strong>of</strong> production, so<br />
that no one dare brea<strong>the</strong> against <strong>the</strong>ir will.”<br />
There is no way any country can get out <strong>of</strong> debt<br />
in <strong>the</strong> present system, since all money is created as<br />
a debt: all <strong>the</strong> money that exists comes into circulation<br />
only when it is lent by <strong>the</strong> banks with interest.<br />
And when <strong>the</strong> loan is paid back to <strong>the</strong> bank, <strong>the</strong><br />
money being withdrawn from circulation ceases to<br />
exist. In o<strong>the</strong>r words new money is created every<br />
time banks make a loan and this same money is<br />
destroyed every time loans are paid back.<br />
The fundamental flaw in this system is that<br />
when banks create new money in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> loans,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y ask <strong>the</strong> borrowers to pay back more money<br />
than what was created. The banks create <strong>the</strong> principal,<br />
but not <strong>the</strong> interest. And since it is impossible<br />
to pay back money that does not exist, debts pile<br />
up or you must also borrow <strong>the</strong> amount to pay <strong>the</strong><br />
interest. This does not solve your problem because<br />
you fall even deeper into debt.<br />
This creation <strong>of</strong> money as debt by <strong>the</strong> international<br />
bankers is <strong>the</strong> means <strong>of</strong> imposing <strong>the</strong>ir will<br />
upon individuals and <strong>of</strong> controlling <strong>the</strong> world:<br />
“Among <strong>the</strong> actions and attitudes opposed<br />
to <strong>the</strong> will <strong>of</strong> God, <strong>the</strong> good <strong>of</strong> neighbour and <strong>the</strong><br />
‘structures’ created by <strong>the</strong>m, two are very typical:<br />
on <strong>the</strong> one hand, <strong>the</strong> all-consuming desire<br />
for pr<strong>of</strong>it, and on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> thirst for power,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> intention <strong>of</strong> imposing one’s will upon<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs.” (John Paul II, encyclical letter Sollicitudo<br />
Rei Socialis, n. 37.)<br />
Since money is an instrument that is basically<br />
social, <strong>the</strong> Social Credit doctrine proposes<br />
that money be issued by society and not by private<br />
bankers for <strong>the</strong>ir own pr<strong>of</strong>it. Pope Pius XI stated in<br />
Quadragesimo Anno:<br />
“There are certain categories <strong>of</strong> goods for<br />
which one can maintain with reason that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
must be reserved to <strong>the</strong> community when <strong>the</strong>y<br />
come to confer such an economic power that it<br />
cannot, without danger to <strong>the</strong> common good, be<br />
left to <strong>the</strong> care <strong>of</strong> private individuals.”<br />
Alain Pilote<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Page
Louis Even<br />
founder <strong>of</strong> “Michael”<br />
Today when <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is no money, everyone<br />
stops producing.<br />
Even if <strong>the</strong>re are still urgent<br />
needs to be met,<br />
people are laid <strong>of</strong>f and<br />
do nothing.<br />
Today, when <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is no money, municipalities<br />
lay aside ur-<br />
gent services requested by <strong>the</strong> population even<br />
though <strong>the</strong>re is everything needed — men and<br />
materials — to accomplish all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se projects.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> money is not <strong>the</strong>re, construction<br />
slows down or stops, even if <strong>the</strong>re are still homeless<br />
families trying to makes ends meet. Even<br />
though bricklayers, carpenters and plumbers are<br />
impatiently waiting to be employed.<br />
Social Credit would change all <strong>of</strong> this radically.<br />
Social Credit rejects this subjection <strong>of</strong> man to<br />
finance. It proclaims to <strong>the</strong> whole world:<br />
“It is money that should be issued in keeping<br />
with actual and potential production; and<br />
not production which should get in step with<br />
money.”<br />
Money according to goods<br />
Production is something concrete and real<br />
— houses, food, clothing, shoes and transportation.<br />
Production is also water systems, sewers,<br />
streets, sidewalks, as well as schools, hospitals<br />
and churches.<br />
But what is money? It is just an abstraction<br />
or unit <strong>of</strong> measurement. It is not a reality or commodity.<br />
Money is figures on metal discs, pieces<br />
<strong>of</strong> paper or in a bank ledger. It is figures which<br />
are accepted as a means <strong>of</strong> payment.<br />
Since <strong>the</strong>y are a means <strong>of</strong> payment, figures<br />
should be issued as production is made, if one<br />
wants production to advance and not let it be restricted<br />
due to <strong>the</strong> scarcity <strong>of</strong> figures.<br />
Lacking workers or materials to produce<br />
could be understandable. But lacking figures to<br />
mobilize workers and materials is incomprehensible<br />
and inadmissible in a society made up <strong>of</strong><br />
intelligent beings.<br />
Money as a servant<br />
Social Credit tears away <strong>the</strong> veil which has<br />
kept money as something almost sacred and untouchable.<br />
It makes money a servant and not a<br />
master — a god who dictates, permits and forbids.<br />
Social Credit maintains that: All that is physically<br />
possible and legitimately requested must,<br />
by this very fact, be made financially possible.<br />
If it is possible to build houses, roads and<br />
sewage systems, it must be financially possible<br />
to pay for <strong>the</strong> necessary work and materials to<br />
build <strong>the</strong>se things.<br />
If this is not possible, <strong>the</strong>n one must admit<br />
that it is <strong>the</strong> monetary system that masters man<br />
and not man who masters <strong>the</strong> monetary system.<br />
Since money consists <strong>of</strong> nothing more than<br />
engraved or printed figures, or handwritten figures<br />
in a bank ledger, it is stupid, criminal and<br />
absurd to let families go homeless and towns go<br />
without public utilities, simply because <strong>of</strong> a lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> figures.<br />
A just bookkeeping system<br />
Under a Social Credit system, all new production<br />
would be financed by new credits and<br />
not by credits tied to production that is already<br />
created. The credits issued according to <strong>the</strong><br />
needs <strong>of</strong> production would be withdrawn and<br />
cancelled as consumption takes place.<br />
In o<strong>the</strong>r words, <strong>the</strong> money system would be<br />
a mere bookkeeping system. However, it would<br />
also be a just system, in keeping with existing<br />
conditions. Money would come into being as<br />
production is made and money would disappear<br />
as production disappears.<br />
Social Credit puts money in its proper place<br />
Under a Social Credit system, public debt<br />
would be unthinkable. What a country provides<br />
is real wealth: why <strong>the</strong>n should this wealth be<br />
represented as a debt? How is it possible for a<br />
country to be burdened with debt for such production,<br />
unless its roads, sewers and public<br />
buildings were built by foreign countries?<br />
Depressions and privations in front <strong>of</strong> possibilities<br />
are <strong>the</strong> fruits <strong>of</strong> a false financial system<br />
which dominates instead <strong>of</strong> serves. And <strong>the</strong>se<br />
bad fruits would disappear under a sound financial<br />
system, under a Social Credit system.<br />
Financing distribution<br />
Financing production is not enough. Goods<br />
and services must also reach those who need<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. In fact, <strong>the</strong> only reason for <strong>the</strong> existence <strong>of</strong><br />
production is that <strong>the</strong> goods meet <strong>the</strong> needs.<br />
Production must be distributed. How is it distributed<br />
today and how would it be distributed<br />
under a Social Credit system?<br />
Today, goods are put up for sale at a certain<br />
price. People who have money buy <strong>the</strong>se goods<br />
by paying <strong>the</strong> required sum. This method allows<br />
those who have money to buy <strong>the</strong> goods which<br />
<strong>the</strong>y want and need.<br />
Money<br />
must<br />
become an<br />
instrument<br />
<strong>of</strong> service,<br />
not <strong>of</strong><br />
poverty,<br />
slavery<br />
and debt<br />
Now, Social Credit would in no way change<br />
this method <strong>of</strong> distributing goods. The method<br />
is flexible and good — provided, <strong>of</strong> course, that<br />
<strong>the</strong> individuals who have needs also have <strong>the</strong><br />
purchasing power to choose and buy <strong>the</strong> goods<br />
which fill <strong>the</strong>se needs.<br />
Purchasing power in <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> those who<br />
have needs and wants: it is precisely here that<br />
<strong>the</strong> present system is defective. And it is this defect<br />
that Social Credit would correct.<br />
When production is financed, it functions.<br />
When it functions, it distributes money which is<br />
used to finance it. The money is thus distributed<br />
in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> wages, pr<strong>of</strong>its and industrial dividends<br />
constituting purchasing power for those<br />
who receive <strong>the</strong> allotments. But <strong>the</strong>re are a few<br />
flaws in <strong>the</strong> present system:<br />
Purchasing power adjusted to prices<br />
In <strong>the</strong> first place, industry never distributes<br />
purchasing power at <strong>the</strong> same rate that it generates<br />
prices.<br />
When a finished good is put on <strong>the</strong> market,<br />
it comes with a price attached to it. But part <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> money included in this price was distributed<br />
perhaps six months to a year ago, or even<br />
more. Ano<strong>the</strong>r part will be distributed only once<br />
<strong>the</strong> good is sold and <strong>the</strong> merchant takes out his<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>it. Ano<strong>the</strong>r part will perhaps be distributed in<br />
ten years, when worn<br />
machinery — <strong>of</strong> which<br />
wear is included as an<br />
expense in <strong>the</strong> price<br />
— is replaced by new<br />
machinery, etc.<br />
Then <strong>the</strong>re are those individuals who receive<br />
money and who do not spend it. This money is<br />
included in <strong>the</strong> prices but it is not in <strong>the</strong> purchasing<br />
power <strong>of</strong> those who need goods.<br />
The repayment <strong>of</strong> short-term bank loans and<br />
<strong>the</strong> present fiscal system fur<strong>the</strong>r increase <strong>the</strong> gap<br />
between <strong>the</strong> prices and <strong>the</strong> purchasing power.<br />
Hence <strong>the</strong> accumulation <strong>of</strong> goods, unemployment,<br />
and all that ensues from it.<br />
Social Credit would bring order into this<br />
chaos. Since it considers money as a bookkeeping<br />
system, it would constantly adjust <strong>the</strong> sum<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> prices and <strong>the</strong> purchasing power so that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would balance. This would involve simple<br />
accounting procedures and a balance would be<br />
achieved.<br />
A dividend for progress<br />
In <strong>the</strong> second place, <strong>the</strong> production system<br />
does not distribute purchasing power to everyone.<br />
It distributes it only to those who are employed<br />
in production. And <strong>the</strong> more <strong>the</strong> production<br />
comes from <strong>the</strong> machine, <strong>the</strong> less it comes<br />
from human labour. Production even increases,<br />
whereas required employment decreases. So<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a conflict between progress, that eliminates<br />
<strong>the</strong> need for human labour, and <strong>the</strong> system,<br />
that distributes purchasing power only to <strong>the</strong><br />
employed.<br />
Yet everybody has <strong>the</strong> right to live. And<br />
everybody is entitled to <strong>the</strong> basic necessities <strong>of</strong><br />
life. Earthly goods were created by God for all<br />
men and not only for those who are employed,<br />
or employable.<br />
That is why Social Credit would do what<br />
<strong>the</strong> present system is not doing. Without in any<br />
way disturbing <strong>the</strong> system <strong>of</strong> reward for work,<br />
it would distribute to every individual a periodical<br />
income, called a “social dividend” — an income<br />
tied to <strong>the</strong> individual as such and not to<br />
employment.<br />
And as progress would liberate people<br />
more and more from employment, <strong>the</strong> dividend<br />
would take a larger part in <strong>the</strong>ir purchasing<br />
power. The dividend would allow everybody<br />
to enjoy <strong>the</strong> fruits <strong>of</strong> progress. This would be<br />
considering all citizens as shareholders, entitled<br />
to a share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> abundant production resulting<br />
from progress — which is a common capital —<br />
and no longer resulting from individual labour,<br />
which is rewarded by wages and salaries.<br />
From this would stem freedom, <strong>the</strong> freedom<br />
for individuals to develop as human beings, without<br />
being constantly obliged to seek employment,<br />
to produce superfluous goods, or to make<br />
those things which serve only to destroy, such as<br />
<strong>the</strong> war industry.<br />
It would put an end to <strong>the</strong> perpetual worries<br />
about <strong>the</strong> future, in a country where one is certain<br />
that goods will be as abundant tomorrow as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are today. What a relief in <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> individuals<br />
and families!<br />
Louis Even<br />
Moving?<br />
Make sure “Michael” moves with you<br />
If you are about to move or have just<br />
moved, it is very important to give your new<br />
address to your post <strong>of</strong>fice so that <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
inform us. O<strong>the</strong>rwise, Canada Post returns<br />
your “Michael” Journal to our <strong>of</strong>fice with<br />
<strong>the</strong> notation “moved, address unknown,”<br />
and charges 95 cents for each paper thus<br />
returned.<br />
Page “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org
“If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation”<br />
The ecological balance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> planet is threatened<br />
by pollution and <strong>the</strong> waste <strong>of</strong> resources<br />
— problems which, as <strong>the</strong> attentive students<br />
<strong>of</strong> Social Credit know, are directly caused by<br />
<strong>the</strong> present financial system. This brings about,<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>r things, <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> useless needs<br />
to create jobs that are not really necessary. Douglas<br />
(<strong>the</strong> founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Social Credit school) justly<br />
pointed out that once <strong>the</strong> necessities <strong>of</strong> life are<br />
guaranteed, most people will content <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
with a simpler lifestyle which in turn will reduce<br />
<strong>the</strong> destruction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment by far.<br />
Pope Benedict XVI has made several statements<br />
recently on <strong>the</strong> environment issue, which<br />
shows that he is taking this problem seriously. He<br />
even chose for <strong>the</strong> 43rd World Day <strong>of</strong> Peace on<br />
January 1, 2010, <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me: “If You Want to Cultivate<br />
Peace, Protect Creation.” Here are some excerpts<br />
from this message, as well as o<strong>the</strong>r recent<br />
statements from <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r:<br />
Message for <strong>the</strong> World Day <strong>of</strong> Peace<br />
“Respect for creation is <strong>of</strong> immense consequence,<br />
not least because ‘creation is <strong>the</strong> beginning<br />
and <strong>the</strong> foundation <strong>of</strong> all God’s works’, and<br />
its preservation has now become essential for<br />
<strong>the</strong> pacific co-existence <strong>of</strong> mankind.<br />
“Prudence would thus dictate a pr<strong>of</strong>ound,<br />
long-term review <strong>of</strong> our model <strong>of</strong> development,<br />
one which would take into consideration <strong>the</strong><br />
meaning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy and<br />
its goals with an eye to correcting<br />
its malfunctions and<br />
misapplications. The ecological<br />
health <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> planet calls for<br />
this, but it is also demanded<br />
by <strong>the</strong> cultural and moral crisis<br />
<strong>of</strong> humanity whose symptoms<br />
have for some time been<br />
evident in every part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
world.<br />
“Humanity needs a pr<strong>of</strong>ound<br />
cultural renewal; it<br />
needs to rediscover those values<br />
which can serve as <strong>the</strong> solid<br />
basis for building a brighter<br />
future for all. Our present<br />
crises — be <strong>the</strong>y economic,<br />
food-related, environmental<br />
or social — are ultimately also<br />
moral crises, and all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
are interrelated. They require<br />
us to rethink <strong>the</strong> path which<br />
we are travelling toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Specifically, <strong>the</strong>y call for a lifestyle<br />
marked by sobriety and<br />
solidarity, with new rules and<br />
forms <strong>of</strong> engagement, one<br />
which focuses confidently and courageously on<br />
strategies that actually work, while decisively rejecting<br />
those that have failed. Only in this way<br />
can <strong>the</strong> current crisis become an opportunity for<br />
discernment and new strategic planning.<br />
“Human beings let <strong>the</strong>mselves be mastered<br />
by selfishness; <strong>the</strong>y misunderstood <strong>the</strong> meaning<br />
<strong>of</strong> God’s command and exploited creation out<br />
<strong>of</strong> a desire to exercise absolute domination over<br />
it. But <strong>the</strong> true meaning <strong>of</strong> God’s original command,<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Book <strong>of</strong> Genesis clearly shows, was<br />
not a simple conferral <strong>of</strong> authority, but ra<strong>the</strong>r a<br />
summons to responsibility. The wisdom <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
ancients had recognized that nature is not at our<br />
disposal as ‘a heap <strong>of</strong> scattered refuse’. Biblical<br />
Revelation made us see that nature is a gift <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Creator, who gave it an inbuilt order and enabled<br />
man to draw from it <strong>the</strong> principles needed<br />
to ‘till it and keep it’ (cf. Gen. 2:15). Everything<br />
that exists belongs to God, who has entrusted<br />
it to man, albeit not for his arbitrary use. Once<br />
man, instead <strong>of</strong> acting as God’s co-worker, sets<br />
himself up in place <strong>of</strong> God, he ends up provoking<br />
a rebellion on <strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> nature, ‘which is more<br />
tyrannized than governed by him’. Man thus has<br />
a duty to exercise responsible stewardship over<br />
creation, to care for it and to cultivate it.<br />
January-February 010<br />
The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council reminded<br />
us that ‘God has destined <strong>the</strong> earth and<br />
everything it contains for all peoples and nations’.<br />
The goods <strong>of</strong> creation belong to humanity as a<br />
whole. Yet <strong>the</strong> current pace <strong>of</strong> environmental exploitation<br />
is seriously endangering <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong><br />
certain natural resources not only for <strong>the</strong> present<br />
generation, but above all for generations yet to<br />
come.<br />
“The ecological crisis <strong>of</strong>fers an historic opportunity<br />
to develop a common plan <strong>of</strong> action<br />
aimed at orienting <strong>the</strong> model <strong>of</strong> global development<br />
towards greater respect for creation and<br />
for an integral human development inspired by<br />
<strong>the</strong> values proper to charity in truth. I would advocate<br />
<strong>the</strong> adoption <strong>of</strong> a model <strong>of</strong> development<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> centrality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> human person, on<br />
<strong>the</strong> promotion and sharing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> common good,<br />
on responsibility, on a realization <strong>of</strong> our need for<br />
a changed life-style, and on prudence, <strong>the</strong> virtue<br />
which tells us what needs to be done today in<br />
view <strong>of</strong> what might happen tomorrow.”<br />
Angelus, January 1, 2010<br />
In his address before <strong>the</strong> angelus prayer in St.<br />
Peter’s Square on January 1, 2010, Pope Benedict<br />
said:<br />
“One objective that may be shared by everyone,<br />
an indispensable condition for peace, is <strong>the</strong><br />
administration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earth’s natural resources fairly<br />
and wisely. ‘If You Want to<br />
Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation’,<br />
is <strong>the</strong> timely <strong>the</strong>me to<br />
which I have dedicated my<br />
Message for today’s 43rd<br />
World Day <strong>of</strong> Peace...<br />
“At this moment, however,<br />
I would like to stress<br />
<strong>the</strong> importance that <strong>the</strong> decisions<br />
<strong>of</strong> individuals, families<br />
and local administrations<br />
also have in <strong>the</strong> preservation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment.<br />
‘We can no longer do without<br />
a real change <strong>of</strong> outlook<br />
which will result in new lifestyles’<br />
(cf. Message, n. 11).<br />
In fact we are all responsible<br />
for <strong>the</strong> protection and care<br />
<strong>of</strong> creation. Therefore in this<br />
field too, education is fundamental;<br />
to learn to respect<br />
nature, to be increasingly<br />
disposed; to begin building<br />
peace ‘with far-reaching decisions<br />
on <strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> individuals,<br />
families, communities<br />
and states’ (ibid.).<br />
“If we must care for <strong>the</strong> creatures that surround<br />
us, what consideration we should have for<br />
people, our bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters! What respect for<br />
human life!”<br />
Address to <strong>the</strong> Diplomatic Corps<br />
In his address to <strong>the</strong> ambassadors <strong>of</strong> 178<br />
countries accredited to <strong>the</strong> Holy See on January<br />
11, 2010, <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r said:<br />
“If we wish to build true peace, how can we<br />
separate, or even set at odds, <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> environment and <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> human life,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unborn? It is in man’s respect<br />
for himself that his sense <strong>of</strong> responsibility<br />
for creation is shown. As Saint Thomas Aquinas<br />
has taught, man represents all that is most noble<br />
in <strong>the</strong> universe (cf. Summa Theologiae, I, q. 29,<br />
a. 3). Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, as I noted during <strong>the</strong> recent<br />
FAO World Summit on Food Security, ‘<strong>the</strong> world<br />
has enough food for all its inhabitants’ (Address<br />
<strong>of</strong> November 16, 2009, No. 2) provided that selfishness<br />
does not lead some to hoard <strong>the</strong> goods<br />
which are intended for all.”<br />
Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate<br />
Pope Benedict XVI did not forget about <strong>the</strong><br />
environment issue in his latest encyclical, Caritas<br />
Pope Benedict XVI<br />
in Veritate, released in July, 2009:<br />
“Nature is at our disposal not as ‘a heap <strong>of</strong><br />
scattered refuse’, but as a gift <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Creator who<br />
has given it an inbuilt order, enabling man to draw<br />
from it <strong>the</strong> principles needed in order ‘to till it and<br />
keep it’ (Gen 2:15). (n. 48.)<br />
“On this earth <strong>the</strong>re is room for everyone:<br />
here <strong>the</strong> entire human family must find <strong>the</strong> resources<br />
to live with dignity, through <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> nature<br />
itself — God’s gift to his children — and through<br />
hard work and creativity. At <strong>the</strong> same time we<br />
must recognize our grave duty to hand <strong>the</strong> earth<br />
on to future generations in such a condition that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y too can worthily inhabit it and continue to<br />
cultivate it… One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> greatest challenges facing<br />
<strong>the</strong> economy is to achieve <strong>the</strong> most efficient use<br />
— not abuse — <strong>of</strong> natural resources.” (n. 50.)<br />
To save and care for nature and <strong>the</strong> animals<br />
is good. However, to save human beings is even<br />
more important. Benedict XVI explains:<br />
“It is contrary to au<strong>the</strong>ntic development to<br />
view nature as something more important than<br />
<strong>the</strong> human person. This position leads to attitudes<br />
<strong>of</strong> neo-paganism or a new pan<strong>the</strong>ism — human<br />
salvation cannot come from nature alone, understood<br />
in a purely naturalistic sense. (Like transforming<br />
<strong>the</strong> earth into a god such as Gaia, <strong>the</strong><br />
Greek mo<strong>the</strong>r-earth goddess.) This having been<br />
said, it is also necessary to reject <strong>the</strong> opposite<br />
position, which aims at total technical dominion<br />
over nature, because <strong>the</strong> natural environment is<br />
more than raw material to be manipulated at our<br />
pleasure; it is a wondrous work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Creator<br />
containing a ‘grammar’ which sets forth ends and<br />
criteria for its wise use, not its reckless exploitation.”<br />
(n. 48.)<br />
On this matter, Pope John Paul II wrote in his<br />
Encyclical Letter Centesimus Annus (n. 38):<br />
“In addition to <strong>the</strong> irrational destruction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
natural environment, we must also mention <strong>the</strong><br />
more serious destruction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> human environment,<br />
something which is by no means receiving<br />
<strong>the</strong> attention it deserves. Although people<br />
are rightly worried — though much less than<br />
<strong>the</strong>y should be — about preserving <strong>the</strong> natural<br />
habitats <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> various animal species threatened<br />
with extinction, because <strong>the</strong>y realize that each <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se species makes its particular contribution to<br />
<strong>the</strong> balance <strong>of</strong> nature in general, too little effort<br />
is made to safeguard <strong>the</strong> moral conditions for an<br />
au<strong>the</strong>ntic ‘human ecology’.”<br />
Rougemont monthly meetings<br />
House <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong><br />
1101 Principale St.<br />
Ferbuary 28, March 28, April 25<br />
Simultaneous translation into English<br />
10:00 a.m.: opening; 5:00 p.m.: Holy Mass<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Page
Let us not take <strong>the</strong> place <strong>of</strong> God to decide<br />
<strong>the</strong> final hour <strong>of</strong> those who are dying and handicapped!<br />
Marc Cardinal Ouellet<br />
These extracts are taken from <strong>the</strong> homily<br />
<strong>of</strong> Cardinal Marc Ouellet, primate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Roman<br />
Catholic Church in Canada. He spoke at <strong>the</strong> Notre-<br />
Dame Ca<strong>the</strong>dral in Quebec City on December 8th,<br />
2009, <strong>the</strong> feast <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong> Conception, Patroness<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> archdiocese:<br />
At <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> apparitions in Lourdes<br />
in 1857, when Bernadette asked <strong>the</strong> beautiful<br />
Lady her identity, she replied by raising her eyes<br />
to Heaven and humbly crossing her arms on her<br />
breast: “I am <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong> Conception.” Three<br />
years later, <strong>the</strong> dogma <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong> Conception<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mary was solemnly proclaimed at St.<br />
Peter’s Basilica in Rome.<br />
I would like to remind you <strong>of</strong> this providential<br />
occurrence in a moment when Quebec’s society<br />
questions its cultural identity and fundamental<br />
values. Who are we, Quebecers, to whom <strong>the</strong><br />
source <strong>of</strong> immigration is more or less recent?<br />
We respond partially to this question in celebrating<br />
<strong>the</strong> Solemnity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong> Conception,<br />
as primary patroness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Archdiocese <strong>of</strong> Quebec.<br />
Our historical and cultural Quebec identity is<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>oundly religious and even Catholic. And we<br />
should be proud!<br />
Letter asking Members <strong>of</strong> Parliament and all <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> Canada to<br />
reflect on <strong>the</strong> possible consequences <strong>of</strong> Bill C-384.<br />
The Parliament <strong>of</strong> Canada is soon expected to debate private member’s<br />
Bill C-384, an Act to amend <strong>the</strong> Criminal Code (right to die with dignity),<br />
which aims at legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada.<br />
Those wishing to re-open this debate are no doubt motivated by concern<br />
for <strong>the</strong> sufferings <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs. An unfortunate understanding <strong>of</strong> compassion<br />
has led <strong>the</strong>m to suggest euthanizing <strong>the</strong> most vulnerable instead<br />
<strong>of</strong> providing <strong>the</strong>m with proper care, effective pain control, and social,<br />
emotional and spiritual support until <strong>the</strong>ir natural death. It is always important<br />
to be as clear as possible about intentions and possible consequences<br />
when we consider human acts, so as to assure <strong>the</strong> greatest good<br />
and limit any harm to <strong>the</strong> persons directly affected and also to <strong>the</strong> wider<br />
community.<br />
Unfortunately, some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> terms being proposed for this debate are<br />
misleading or unclear. This can only lead to discussions that are confusing<br />
and unhelpful, and also makes it difficult to find common ground from<br />
which to assess <strong>the</strong> risks and impact <strong>of</strong> proposals for new legislation.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> Catholic perspective, it is legitimate to use medication and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r means to alleviate suffering, even if a side effect can be <strong>the</strong> shortening<br />
<strong>of</strong> life expectancy. It is also legitimate for someone to refuse medical<br />
procedures that are found to be especially burdensome. But what<br />
is never acceptable is <strong>the</strong> direct and intentional killing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> depressed,<br />
handicapped, sick, elderly or dying (Catechism <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholic Church,<br />
nrs. 2276-77).<br />
It is hard to see how any legislation legalizing euthanasia and assisted<br />
suicide would protect <strong>the</strong> most vulnerable in our society. What confidence<br />
and trust could <strong>the</strong>y possibly have that <strong>the</strong>ir lives would continue<br />
“Who are we?” if not <strong>the</strong> daughters and sons<br />
<strong>of</strong> this <strong>Immaculate</strong> Virgin, our Mo<strong>the</strong>r who has<br />
watched over our baptism since <strong>the</strong> beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> Quebec City. Who are we, if not <strong>the</strong> men and<br />
women who are blessed by God since <strong>the</strong> foundation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world to be saints in Her presence <strong>of</strong><br />
love.<br />
Who are we, if not sinners, children <strong>of</strong> Adam<br />
and Eve, authors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first sin, <strong>of</strong> whom <strong>the</strong> consequences<br />
affected all human beings until <strong>the</strong><br />
present time. We are not proud to be sinners, but<br />
it is an advantage to know and above all to recognize<br />
it through <strong>the</strong> confession <strong>of</strong> our faults that<br />
liberates our conscience and leave it free through<br />
mercy and pardon.<br />
Quebec’s society does not willingly recognize<br />
<strong>the</strong> values <strong>of</strong> its religious identity. Its people have<br />
certain unhappy and confused memories <strong>of</strong> this<br />
identity, that handicap <strong>the</strong>ir hope and motivation<br />
for <strong>the</strong> future. Similarly, <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> life and<br />
death over someone else extends its empire beyond<br />
<strong>the</strong> unborn children and is now threatening,<br />
through <strong>the</strong> imminent legalization <strong>of</strong> euthanasia,<br />
<strong>the</strong> security and dignity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sick and those<br />
who are most vulnerable.<br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters, we are fortunate enough<br />
to know who we are: <strong>the</strong> creatures <strong>of</strong> a God <strong>of</strong><br />
Love, <strong>the</strong> only Master <strong>of</strong> life and death. We do<br />
not want, at any price, to take His place in deciding<br />
<strong>the</strong> final hour <strong>of</strong> our dying and handicapped<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters.<br />
Let us thank God for illuminating our consciences<br />
with <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> His Word and for fortifying<br />
our will with his grace, so that we may have<br />
<strong>the</strong> courage to help our society rediscover its most<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ound identity, that is, its covenant with God.<br />
The more our baptismal identity is lost in <strong>the</strong> common<br />
conscience, <strong>the</strong> more we should cultivate it<br />
and <strong>of</strong>fer ourselves as missionaries <strong>of</strong> Divine Love<br />
that gives joy and peace.<br />
In raising our eyes towards Mary, who is totally<br />
consecrated to Christ, in contemplating her fullness<br />
<strong>of</strong> grace that she pours on <strong>the</strong> Church and<br />
<strong>the</strong> world, do we not have <strong>the</strong> feeling <strong>of</strong> being<br />
blessed and privileged? Do we not sense at <strong>the</strong><br />
same time <strong>the</strong> responsibility <strong>of</strong> being even more,<br />
missionaries in this society? Let us not be afraid,<br />
we are for this society as an inner compass that<br />
to be protected by health-care providers, family and friends, or society at<br />
large? Euthanasia and assisted suicide, by <strong>the</strong>ir very nature, mean <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is no longer a common duty for all to protect <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs. There is<br />
also <strong>the</strong> well-founded fear that euthanasia and assisted suicide can be imposed<br />
on individuals as a way to save costs and lessen demands on caregivers.<br />
Inevitably, <strong>the</strong> result would be a society even more fragmented,<br />
with its members living in greater isolation and anxiety.<br />
As this debate resumes in our country on such an important question,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Catholic Bishops <strong>of</strong> Canada invite:<br />
1. The members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Parliament <strong>of</strong> Canada — elected representatives<br />
in <strong>the</strong> House <strong>of</strong> Commons as well as Senators — to use clear definitions<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir upcoming debates, and also to consider <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ound impact<br />
that such legislation would have on <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> individuals and on<br />
<strong>the</strong> wider community;<br />
2. All Canadians to become better informed about euthanasia and assisted<br />
suicide, and to promote instead palliative and home care to help<br />
those in need and <strong>the</strong>ir care-givers;<br />
3. Catholics, our bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters who belong to o<strong>the</strong>r Christian<br />
communities or o<strong>the</strong>r faiths, and all who appreciate <strong>the</strong> beauty and dignity<br />
<strong>of</strong> life, to engage in this debate civilly and respectfully, so as to witness a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ound reverence for <strong>the</strong> inherent dignity <strong>of</strong> each and all human life.<br />
September 21, 2009<br />
The <strong>Immaculate</strong> Conception, Patroness<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Archdiocese <strong>of</strong> Quebec City<br />
keeps <strong>the</strong> course towards <strong>the</strong> north pole <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Divine Eucharist.<br />
May <strong>the</strong> Virgin Mo<strong>the</strong>r obtain for us this grace,<br />
she who we contemplate with a living faith as <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Immaculate</strong> Heart. The holy Cure <strong>of</strong> Ars nourished<br />
a filial devotion to her, so much so that in 1836,<br />
before <strong>the</strong> proclamation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dogma <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong><br />
Conception, he had already consecrated<br />
his parish to Mary as “conceived without sin.”<br />
Dear bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters, may <strong>the</strong> Blessed<br />
Virgin, our Mo<strong>the</strong>r, accompany us in this year for<br />
priests that we are celebrating, so that we, priests,<br />
may be solid and enlightened guides for <strong>the</strong> faithful<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Lord has confided to our pastoral care.<br />
May she support our steps in this mission and obtain<br />
for us <strong>the</strong> grace to stay faithful to who we are:<br />
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Body <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />
“I am <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong> Conception.” May this<br />
intimate revelation <strong>of</strong> Our Lady to <strong>the</strong> Church and<br />
to St. Bernadette Soubirous touch us pr<strong>of</strong>oundly<br />
and rejoice our heart “to <strong>the</strong> praise <strong>of</strong> God’s glory,<br />
this grace that we receive through His beloved<br />
Son.” Amen!<br />
Marc Cardinal Ouellet<br />
No to <strong>the</strong> legalization <strong>of</strong> euthanasia and assisted suicide !<br />
Most Reverend V. James Weisgerber<br />
Archbishop <strong>of</strong> Winnipeg<br />
President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Canadian Conference <strong>of</strong> Catholic Bishops<br />
(Note: Since October, 2009, <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> CCCB is now Most<br />
Reverend Pierre Morissette, Bishop <strong>of</strong> Saint Jerome.)<br />
Page “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org
The “Manhattan Declaration”:<br />
The Manifesto That’s Shaking America<br />
“We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar<br />
what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances<br />
will we render to Caesar what is God’s.”<br />
Here are excerpts from an article taken from<br />
<strong>the</strong> excellent website <strong>of</strong> Italian Catholic journalist<br />
Sandro Magister, http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/?eng=y<br />
The manifesto has been endorsed by Catholic,<br />
Protestant and Orthodox leaders, united in<br />
defending life and <strong>the</strong> family. They put <strong>the</strong> White<br />
House in <strong>the</strong> crosshairs. In Europe, <strong>the</strong>y would’ve<br />
branded it political “interference” by <strong>the</strong> Church.<br />
by Sandro Magister<br />
ROME, November 25, 2009 — On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Atlantic, <strong>the</strong> news passed almost without<br />
notice: <strong>the</strong> news about a strong public appeal<br />
in defense <strong>of</strong> life, marriage, religious freedom and<br />
objection <strong>of</strong> conscience, launched jointly — a rarity<br />
— by top-level representatives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholic<br />
Church, <strong>the</strong> Orthodox Churches, <strong>the</strong> Anglican<br />
Communion, and <strong>the</strong> Evangelical communities <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> religious leaders who presented<br />
<strong>the</strong> appeal to <strong>the</strong> public on Friday, November<br />
20, at <strong>the</strong> National Press Club in Washington (in<br />
<strong>the</strong> photo above), were <strong>the</strong> archbishop <strong>of</strong> Philadelphia,<br />
Cardinal Justin Rigali, <strong>the</strong> archbishop <strong>of</strong><br />
Washington, Donald W. Wuerl, and <strong>the</strong> bishop <strong>of</strong><br />
Denver, Charles J. Chaput. And among <strong>the</strong> 52 first<br />
signatories <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> appeal were 11 o<strong>the</strong>r Catholic<br />
archbishops and bishops <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States…<br />
The 4700-word appeal is entitled “Manhattan<br />
Declaration: A Call <strong>of</strong> Christian Conscience,” and<br />
takes its name from <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> New York in which<br />
its publication was discussed and decided last<br />
September.<br />
The final drafting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> text was entrusted to<br />
Robert P. George, a Catholic pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> law at<br />
Princeton University, and to Evangelical Protestants<br />
Chuck Colson and Timothy George, <strong>the</strong> latter<br />
a pr<strong>of</strong>essor at <strong>the</strong> Beeson Divinity School at Samford<br />
University in Birmingham, Alabama.<br />
The “Manhattan Declaration” has not emerged<br />
in a vacuum, but at a critical moment for American<br />
society and politics: precisely while <strong>the</strong> administration<br />
<strong>of</strong> Barack Obama is pushing hard for<br />
passage <strong>of</strong> a health care reform plan in <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States.<br />
Defending life from <strong>the</strong> moment <strong>of</strong> conception<br />
and <strong>the</strong> right to objections <strong>of</strong> conscience, <strong>the</strong><br />
appeal contests two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> points endangered by<br />
<strong>the</strong> reform project currently under discussion in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Senate.<br />
The complete text <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> declaration, as well<br />
as <strong>the</strong> following summary, can be read on this<br />
web page: www.manhattandeclaration.org.<br />
January-February 010<br />
Manhattan Declaration Summary<br />
Christians, when <strong>the</strong>y have lived up to <strong>the</strong><br />
highest ideals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir faith, have defended <strong>the</strong><br />
weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect<br />
and streng<strong>the</strong>n vital institutions <strong>of</strong> civil society,<br />
beginning with <strong>the</strong> family.<br />
We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical<br />
Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm<br />
fundamental truths about justice and <strong>the</strong> common<br />
good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers<br />
and non-believers alike, to join us in defending<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. These truths are (1) <strong>the</strong> sanctity <strong>of</strong> human life,<br />
(2) <strong>the</strong> dignity <strong>of</strong> marriage as <strong>the</strong> conjugal union <strong>of</strong><br />
husband and wife, and (3) <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> conscience<br />
and religious liberty. Inasmuch as <strong>the</strong>se truths are<br />
foundational to human dignity and <strong>the</strong> well-being<br />
<strong>of</strong> society, <strong>the</strong>y are inviolable and non-negotiable.<br />
Because <strong>the</strong>y are increasingly under assault from<br />
powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled<br />
today to speak out forcefully in <strong>the</strong>ir defense, and<br />
to commit ourselves to honoring <strong>the</strong>m fully no<br />
matter what pressures are brought upon us and<br />
our institutions to abandon or compromise <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
We make this commitment not as partisans <strong>of</strong> any<br />
political group but as followers <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ,<br />
<strong>the</strong> crucified and risen Lord, who is <strong>the</strong> Way, <strong>the</strong><br />
Truth, and <strong>the</strong> Life.<br />
Human Life<br />
The lives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unborn, <strong>the</strong> disabled, and <strong>the</strong><br />
elderly are ever more threatened. While public<br />
opinion has moved in a pro-life direction, powerful<br />
and determined forces are working to expand<br />
abortion, embryo-destructive research, assisted<br />
suicide, and euthanasia. Although <strong>the</strong> protection<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> weak and vulnerable is <strong>the</strong> first obligation<br />
<strong>of</strong> government, <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> government is today<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten enlisted in <strong>the</strong> cause <strong>of</strong> promoting what<br />
Pope John Paul II called “<strong>the</strong> culture <strong>of</strong> death.” We<br />
pledge to work unceasingly for <strong>the</strong> equal protection<br />
<strong>of</strong> every innocent human being at every stage<br />
<strong>of</strong> development and in every condition. We will<br />
refuse to permit ourselves or our institutions to<br />
be implicated in <strong>the</strong> taking <strong>of</strong> human life and we<br />
will support in every possible way those who, in<br />
conscience, take <strong>the</strong> same stand.<br />
Marriage<br />
The institution <strong>of</strong> marriage, already wounded<br />
by promiscuity, infidelity and divorce, is at risk <strong>of</strong><br />
being redefined and thus subverted. Marriage is<br />
<strong>the</strong> original and most important institution for sustaining<br />
<strong>the</strong> health, education, and welfare <strong>of</strong> all.<br />
Where marriage erodes, social pathologies rise.<br />
The impulse to redefine marriage is a symptom,<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> cause, <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> erosion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> marriage<br />
culture. It reflects a loss <strong>of</strong> understanding <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> meaning <strong>of</strong> marriage as embodied in our civil<br />
law as well as our religious traditions. Yet it is critical<br />
that <strong>the</strong> impulse be resisted, for yielding to it<br />
would mean abandoning <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> restoring<br />
a sound understanding <strong>of</strong> marriage and, with it,<br />
<strong>the</strong> hope <strong>of</strong> rebuilding a healthy marriage culture.<br />
It would lock into place <strong>the</strong> false and destructive<br />
belief that marriage is all about romance and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
adult satisfactions, and not, in any intrinsic way,<br />
about <strong>the</strong> unique character and value <strong>of</strong> acts and<br />
relationships whose meaning is shaped by <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
aptness for <strong>the</strong> generation, promotion and protection<br />
<strong>of</strong> life. Marriage is not a “social construction,”<br />
but is ra<strong>the</strong>r an objective reality — <strong>the</strong> covenantal<br />
union <strong>of</strong> husband and wife — that it is <strong>the</strong> duty <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> law to recognize, honor, and protect.<br />
Religious Liberty<br />
Freedom <strong>of</strong> religion and <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> conscience<br />
are gravely jeopardized. The threat to<br />
<strong>the</strong>se fundamental principles <strong>of</strong> justice is evident<br />
in efforts to weaken or eliminate conscience protections<br />
for healthcare institutions and pr<strong>of</strong>essionals,<br />
and in anti-discrimination statutes that<br />
are used as weapons to force religious institutions,<br />
charities, businesses, and service providers<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r to accept (and even facilitate) activities<br />
and relationships <strong>the</strong>y judge to be immoral, or<br />
go out <strong>of</strong> business. Attacks on religious liberty<br />
are dire threats not only to individuals, but also<br />
to <strong>the</strong> institutions <strong>of</strong> civil society including families,<br />
charities, and religious communities. The<br />
health and well-being <strong>of</strong> such institutions provide<br />
an indispensable buffer against <strong>the</strong> overweening<br />
power <strong>of</strong> government and is essential to <strong>the</strong><br />
flourishing <strong>of</strong> every o<strong>the</strong>r institution — including<br />
government itself — on which society depends.<br />
Unjust Laws<br />
As Christians, we believe in law and we respect<br />
<strong>the</strong> authority <strong>of</strong> earthly rulers. We count it<br />
as a special privilege to live in a democratic society<br />
where <strong>the</strong> moral claims <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> law on us are<br />
even stronger in virtue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> all citizens<br />
to participate in <strong>the</strong> political process. Yet even in<br />
a democratic regime, laws can be unjust. And<br />
from <strong>the</strong> beginning, our faith has taught that civil<br />
disobedience is required in <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> gravely<br />
unjust laws or laws that purport to require us to<br />
do what is unjust or o<strong>the</strong>rwise immoral. Such<br />
laws lack <strong>the</strong> power to bind in conscience because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can claim no authority beyond that <strong>of</strong><br />
sheer human will.<br />
Therefore, let it be known that we will not<br />
comply with any edict that compels us or <strong>the</strong><br />
institutions we lead to participate in or facilitate<br />
abortions, embryo-destructive research,<br />
assisted suicide, euthanasia, or any o<strong>the</strong>r act<br />
that violates <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ound, inherent,<br />
and equal dignity <strong>of</strong> every member <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> human family.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r, let it be known that we will not<br />
bend to any rule forcing us to bless immoral<br />
sexual partnerships, treat <strong>the</strong>m as marriages or<br />
<strong>the</strong> equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming <strong>the</strong><br />
truth, as we know it, about morality, marriage,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> family.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r, let it be known that we will not be<br />
intimidated into silence or acquiescence or <strong>the</strong><br />
violation <strong>of</strong> our consciences by any power on<br />
earth, be it cultural or political, regardless <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
consequences to ourselves.<br />
We will fully and ungrudgingly render<br />
to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances<br />
will we render to Caesar what is<br />
God’s.<br />
Springfield monthly meetings<br />
Lucie Boulrice, 1133 Liberty St.<br />
Springfield, MA 01103<br />
(413) 737-3080<br />
First Sunday <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> month at 2 p.m.<br />
February 7, March 7, 2010<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Page
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi<br />
Wife, Mo<strong>the</strong>r and Mystic<br />
Early life<br />
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi was born in Siena,<br />
Italy, on May 29, 1769. Her parents, Luigi Giannetti<br />
and Maria Masi were <strong>of</strong> a poor, working class family,<br />
and Anna was <strong>of</strong> Italian and Tuscan blood. She was<br />
baptised Anna Maria Antonia Gesualda on <strong>the</strong> day<br />
after her birth. Due to <strong>the</strong> collapse <strong>of</strong> her fa<strong>the</strong>r’s<br />
business when she was six years old, she moved<br />
with her parents to Rome, where she remained <strong>the</strong><br />
rest <strong>of</strong> her life.<br />
In Rome, Anna Maria (she was nicknamed “Annette”)<br />
attended for two years <strong>the</strong> parochial school<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Filippini Sisters, <strong>the</strong> “good Mistresses” as <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were called. Following her schooling, she worked as<br />
a household maid and several o<strong>the</strong>r non-skilled occupations<br />
in an effort to help with <strong>the</strong> family finances.<br />
Throughout her childhood and teenage years,<br />
she seemed to be <strong>of</strong> average piety and spirituality.<br />
At age 20, on January 7, 1790, she married<br />
Domenico Taigi, who was a poor porter or “servant”<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chef for Prince Chigi. Domenico’s morals and<br />
piety were very good, but he had a terrible temper.<br />
Or, as <strong>the</strong> decree for Anna’s beatification puts it “his<br />
(Domenico) manners were rough and uncultured,<br />
and his temperment undesirable.” His brusque and<br />
turbulent manner and quick temper caused Anna<br />
much suffering, but it also caused her to exercise<br />
her virtue <strong>of</strong> patience, meekness, humility and forgiveness.<br />
She learned that a smile and silence <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
appeased his wrath.<br />
He never was physically abusive to her, but he<br />
certainly was a tyrant at times. Never<strong>the</strong>less, he<br />
loved her deeply, as one can easily detect <strong>the</strong> frank<br />
and sincere testimonies that he gave during <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
process <strong>of</strong> her beatification. As <strong>the</strong> years progressed,<br />
Anna Maria bore seven children, three <strong>of</strong><br />
whom died in childhood. The remaining two boys<br />
and two girls grew to maturity with her ever-attentive<br />
concern for both <strong>the</strong>ir religious and moral upbringing,<br />
along with <strong>the</strong>ir secular education.<br />
The call <strong>of</strong> God — her deep conversion<br />
Describing her life as a young wife, one source<br />
states, “Chaste in morals, attached to her wifely duties,<br />
Anna Maria yet lived more for <strong>the</strong> world than<br />
for God.” However, an increasing sense <strong>of</strong> spiritual<br />
disturbance began to mingle with Anna’s frivolities<br />
and worldliness. One day she went to <strong>the</strong> Basilica<br />
<strong>of</strong> St. Peter’s. There was a great throng. She was<br />
leaning on <strong>the</strong> arm <strong>of</strong> her husband, all radiant and<br />
decked with her prettiest necklaces. They were in<br />
<strong>the</strong> piazza, surrounded by Bernini’s colonnade. The<br />
jostling <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> crowd threw her against one Fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Angelo, a Servite. He had never seen <strong>the</strong> young<br />
woman before, but he heard an interior voice say:<br />
“Notice that woman, for I wiII one day confide her to<br />
your care and you will work for her transformation.<br />
She shall sanctify herself, for I have chosen her to<br />
become a saint.”<br />
(...) There followed a period <strong>of</strong> discouragement.<br />
After having savored humiliations, Anna returned to<br />
pray in <strong>the</strong> church <strong>of</strong> St. Marcellus, where she had<br />
been married. Entering one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> confessionals in<br />
trepidation, she found herself in <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
curate, a religious <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Servite Order, Fa<strong>the</strong>r Angelo<br />
Verandi. It was he who in <strong>the</strong> piazza in front <strong>of</strong><br />
St. Peter‘s had heard <strong>the</strong> Lord’s voice say to him:<br />
“Take notice <strong>of</strong> that woman... I am calling her to<br />
sanctity.”<br />
Now, our Lord enabled him to recognise her: “So<br />
you have come at last, my daughter,” he said. “Our<br />
Lord loves you and wants you to be wholly His,” and<br />
he told her <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> message he had received before<br />
at St. Peter’s. Anna had spent three years in vain<br />
worldly triflings and now a new life was to begin.<br />
Concerning Anna’s spiritual direction, Fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Angelo needed great discernment to undertake a<br />
task so infinitely delicate. <strong>For</strong> Anna Taigi was nei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
a Carmelite nun nor a devout widow, but <strong>the</strong> young<br />
wife <strong>of</strong> Domenico, by whom she was to have seven<br />
children in a dozen years. There lay her essential<br />
duty. Everything else: penances, prayers, miracles,<br />
ecstasies, could play <strong>the</strong>ir part only ins<strong>of</strong>ar as <strong>the</strong><br />
obligations <strong>of</strong> her state would allow. Consequently<br />
it was no good for Fa<strong>the</strong>r Angelo just to re-read<br />
St. Teresa; he had to have, toge<strong>the</strong>r with mystical<br />
learning, a robust common sense and a pr<strong>of</strong>ound<br />
humility to guide this young mo<strong>the</strong>r and wife.<br />
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (1769-1837) was<br />
given an extraordinary and unique gift <strong>of</strong> a sunglobe<br />
wherein she saw past, present and future<br />
happenings<br />
The first demand <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Master was purification:<br />
to that end, God immediately gave Anna a keen conscience<br />
<strong>of</strong> her own weaknesses and misery... This<br />
spirit <strong>of</strong> penance, so far as Anna was concerned,<br />
dated from <strong>the</strong> moment <strong>of</strong> her confession at St. Marcellus<br />
and was never to leave her. Upon returning<br />
home, she prostrated herself before <strong>the</strong> new little<br />
altar that she had made in her room, gave herself a<br />
pitiless scourging and beat her head severely many<br />
times on <strong>the</strong> floor till <strong>the</strong> blood came. Fa<strong>the</strong>r Angelo<br />
soon had to check this thirst for penance and austerity<br />
and remind her that she was a wife and mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and that such extraordinary penances were not her<br />
duty — her duty must lie in <strong>the</strong> holy fulfillment <strong>of</strong> her<br />
state in life.<br />
The ever-present difficulty was that her husband<br />
Domenico was no St. Joseph. The first <strong>of</strong> Anna’s<br />
miracles was to get him to consent to forgo all those<br />
luxuries in which he led <strong>the</strong> way and sought her participation.<br />
Wonderful to say, he surprisingly became<br />
resigned to <strong>the</strong> holy will <strong>of</strong> his wife.<br />
“About a year after our marriage,” he says in his<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial deposition, “<strong>the</strong> Servant <strong>of</strong> God, while yet in<br />
<strong>the</strong> flower <strong>of</strong> her youth, gave up, for <strong>the</strong> love <strong>of</strong> God,<br />
all <strong>the</strong> jewelry she used to wear — rings, ear-rings,<br />
necklaces, and so on, and took to wearing <strong>the</strong> plainest<br />
possible clothing. She asked my permission for<br />
this and I gave it to her with all my heart, for I saw<br />
she was entirely given to <strong>the</strong> love <strong>of</strong> God.”<br />
Anna begins to hear an inner Voice<br />
Not long after her fervent coming to God, Our<br />
Lord pointed out <strong>the</strong> first step in her ascent to Him<br />
— <strong>the</strong> enormous value <strong>of</strong> simplicity and charity towards<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs:<br />
“Remember that you must be prudent in everything.<br />
The devil, My daughter, is a spirit <strong>of</strong> contradiction.<br />
He who is under <strong>the</strong> devil’s influence cannot<br />
rest ei<strong>the</strong>r day or night. My spirit, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand,<br />
is a spirit <strong>of</strong> love and peace, full <strong>of</strong> condescension<br />
for everything that is not sin. Who possesses My<br />
peace, possesses all things: Many souls do severe<br />
penance in order to reach this great good. None can<br />
reach <strong>the</strong> peace <strong>of</strong> my elect unless <strong>the</strong>y strive to<br />
become as simple as a child and to acquire, from<br />
<strong>the</strong> start, true charity. Who possesses charity, My<br />
daughter, possesses patience. Charity works with<br />
zeal and love. It speaks evil <strong>of</strong> no one, for it fears<br />
to lose <strong>the</strong> precious pearl <strong>of</strong> My friendship. It understands<br />
all, sees all, notices all, but it covers all with<br />
its mantle. It excuses <strong>the</strong> faults <strong>of</strong> its neighbors, and<br />
sympathizes with his sorrows and says to itself:<br />
‘Truly, I would be even worse, if You did not come to<br />
rescue me.’<br />
“You must know,” said Jesus to her, “that when<br />
I speak to you I produce in you tenderness, peace,<br />
compunction for your sins and above all, humility.<br />
Know well, My daughter, that no matter how much<br />
he desires to love Me, if a man enter not <strong>the</strong> straight<br />
path <strong>of</strong> humility, he will keep on stumbling. Man has<br />
within himself a dust that settles round his heart; it<br />
is called self-love... Man is full <strong>of</strong> pride, and I have<br />
nothing to do with <strong>the</strong> proud. Only <strong>the</strong> humble find<br />
favor in My sight. He who wishes to taste My delights<br />
must despise <strong>the</strong> world and expect to be despised<br />
by it in turn.”<br />
The Blessed Virgin Mary also became her guide<br />
and helped her to prepare for <strong>the</strong> mission that God<br />
had called her to:<br />
“Know well, My dear daughter, that here below<br />
you will have for every one good day a hundred bad<br />
ones, because you must be like My Son Jesus. You<br />
must be devoted, above all, to doing His will and<br />
submitting your own constantly to His in <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong><br />
life to which it has pleased Him to call you; <strong>the</strong>rein<br />
lies your special vocation. Later on, when people<br />
come to examine your conduct closely, every individual<br />
must be able to convince himself that it is<br />
possible to serve God in all states and conditions <strong>of</strong><br />
life, without <strong>the</strong> performance <strong>of</strong> great exterior penances,<br />
provided only one fights vigorously against<br />
one’s passions and conforms oneself in all things<br />
to <strong>the</strong> holy will <strong>of</strong> God. Remember: it is far more<br />
meritorious to renounce one’s own will and submit<br />
oneself entirely to <strong>the</strong> will <strong>of</strong> God, than to perform<br />
<strong>the</strong> greatest bodily mortifications.”<br />
Jesus told Anna Maria that by being a simple<br />
wife and mo<strong>the</strong>r she was to be a sign that holiness<br />
and union with God is available to everyone. He fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
described her mission: “I destine you to convert<br />
sinners, to console people <strong>of</strong> all sorts and conditions<br />
— priests, prelates, My very Vicar himself. All<br />
who listen to your words will be granted signs and<br />
graces at My hands... But you will also meet with<br />
false and treacherous people; you will be submitted<br />
to ridicule, scorn and calumny, but you will endure it<br />
all for love <strong>of</strong> Me.”<br />
This frightened her. “My God, whom are You<br />
choosing for this task? I am a creature unworthy<br />
to tread <strong>the</strong> earth.” “I see that also,” answered <strong>the</strong><br />
Voice. “It is I who will guide you by <strong>the</strong> hand, as a<br />
lamb is led by <strong>the</strong> shepherd to <strong>the</strong> altar <strong>of</strong> sacrifice.”<br />
As she was praying one day in <strong>the</strong> church <strong>of</strong><br />
St. Andrew della Valle, before <strong>the</strong> crucifix she heard<br />
this question from <strong>the</strong> lips <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Crucified: “What<br />
is your wish? To follow Jesus poor and naked and<br />
stripped <strong>of</strong> all, or to follow Him in His triumph and<br />
glory? Which do you choose?” “I embrace <strong>the</strong><br />
Cross <strong>of</strong> my Jesus,” she answered. “I will carry it,<br />
like Him, in pain and ignominy. I await at His hands<br />
triumph and glory in <strong>the</strong> hereafter.”<br />
Anna Maria is given <strong>the</strong> extraordinary<br />
miracle <strong>of</strong> a mystic sun globe<br />
It was in 1790, <strong>the</strong> very year <strong>of</strong> her call, that<br />
Anna was <strong>the</strong> object <strong>of</strong> a most unique and remarkable<br />
favour. The decree <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> beatification thus refers<br />
to it:<br />
“Among o<strong>the</strong>r gifts, <strong>the</strong> most remarkable was<br />
that, for a space <strong>of</strong> forty-seven years, she saw a kind<br />
<strong>of</strong> sun in whose light she descried things at hand<br />
and things afar <strong>of</strong>f, foresaw future events, scrutinized<br />
<strong>the</strong> secrets <strong>of</strong> hearts and <strong>the</strong> most hidden and<br />
most inward impulses.” Suddenly, <strong>the</strong>n, in her humble<br />
home, Anna saw a little above her head, as it<br />
were, a blazing sun crowned by a circle <strong>of</strong> thorns;<br />
two long thorns clasped it round; in <strong>the</strong> centre was<br />
<strong>the</strong> Eternal Wisdom (presumably), represented by<br />
a young woman seated in contemplation. Films <strong>of</strong><br />
cloud dimmed <strong>the</strong> dazzling light, but an interior voice<br />
told her that <strong>the</strong> clouds would disappear according<br />
Page 10 “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org
to <strong>the</strong> increasing measure <strong>of</strong> her purification. In this<br />
light she was to see, until her death, not only everything<br />
that might conduce her to perfection but also<br />
everything that could help win o<strong>the</strong>rs for God and<br />
allow her to help <strong>the</strong> Church militant or suffering.<br />
Cardinal Pedicini, who knew Anna Maria for over<br />
30 years, and whose position in <strong>the</strong> great Roman<br />
congregations shows a man little given to credulity<br />
or wild assertions, speaks at great length in his judicial<br />
depositions concerning this prodigious gift:<br />
“<strong>For</strong> forty-seven years, day and night, at home,<br />
at church, in <strong>the</strong> street, she saw in this sun, which<br />
became increasingly brilliant, all things on this<br />
earth both physical and moral; she penetrated to<br />
<strong>the</strong> depths and rose up to heaven, where she saw<br />
<strong>the</strong> eternal lot <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dead. She saw <strong>the</strong> most secret<br />
thoughts <strong>of</strong> persons nearby or far <strong>of</strong>f;<br />
events and personages <strong>of</strong> bygone days...<br />
She had only to think <strong>of</strong> a thing and it presented<br />
itself in a clear and complete manner...<br />
A mere glance at this mystic sun, and<br />
she entered at will into <strong>the</strong> most secret<br />
council-rooms <strong>of</strong> kings.”<br />
Princes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church, kings, queens,<br />
Popes and saints came to ask this humble<br />
woman to teach and enlighten <strong>the</strong>m to <strong>the</strong><br />
secrets <strong>of</strong> heaven. She enlightened <strong>the</strong>m<br />
to <strong>the</strong> extent demanded by obedience, putting<br />
far from her all spirit <strong>of</strong> curiosity, not<br />
even asking an explanation <strong>of</strong> those things<br />
she failed to understand.<br />
“A prodigy unique” in <strong>the</strong> annals <strong>of</strong><br />
sanctity is <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong> decree <strong>of</strong> beatification<br />
speaks <strong>of</strong> it, and it is to be explained<br />
by <strong>the</strong> unique circumstances in which <strong>the</strong><br />
world and <strong>the</strong> Papacy <strong>the</strong>n were. At a time<br />
when Pope Pius VII is made prisoner by<br />
Napoleon, she declares that Pius VII will<br />
return to his seat in Rome. She sees even<br />
beyond <strong>the</strong> reign <strong>of</strong> Pius IX. She is God’s answer to<br />
<strong>the</strong> challenge <strong>of</strong> unbelief.<br />
She touched <strong>the</strong> sick and <strong>the</strong>y were cured; she<br />
warned o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir approaching end and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
died holy deaths. She endured great austerities for<br />
<strong>the</strong> souls in Purgatory, and <strong>the</strong> souls, once set free,<br />
came to thank her... She suffered in body and soul...<br />
She realized that her role was to expiate <strong>the</strong> sins<br />
<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs, that Jesus was associating her with His<br />
sacrifice, and that she was to be a victim in union<br />
with Him.<br />
Along with receiving <strong>the</strong> extraordinary ongoing<br />
vision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sun, Anna Maria began to be drawn<br />
into ecstasies along with hearing <strong>the</strong> inner Voice.<br />
Most <strong>of</strong>ten, she was <strong>of</strong>ten drawn into ecstasy while<br />
receiving Holy Communion, but also even during<br />
<strong>the</strong> most humble tasks <strong>of</strong> washing clo<strong>the</strong>s or even<br />
while eating.<br />
After Holy Communion, when she felt ecstasy<br />
overwhelming her, she cut matters short and hastened<br />
back to her kitchen, but <strong>the</strong> Spirit <strong>of</strong>ten overcame<br />
her in <strong>the</strong> road, so much so that she had to<br />
have a companion. The sight <strong>of</strong> a cross, <strong>of</strong> a flower,<br />
or <strong>of</strong> a statue <strong>of</strong> Our Lady, would halt her, ravished<br />
in <strong>the</strong> love <strong>of</strong> God. Naturally <strong>the</strong> gossipers missed<br />
nothing and she suffered on account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir uncharitable<br />
tongues and calumnies.<br />
Her extraordinary charity<br />
One day in winter, when she came out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Pieta church with Mgr. Natali, she met in <strong>the</strong> street<br />
a young man who was almost naked; his eyes were<br />
haggard; he was crying with cold and hunger, a<br />
veritable spectre covered with filth, from whom <strong>the</strong><br />
passers-by drew aside as from one smitten with<br />
<strong>the</strong> plague. Anna ran to him, took him by <strong>the</strong> hand,<br />
led him to her home, warmed him, washed him,<br />
dressed him, restored and consoled him, gave him<br />
alms, and sent him away with a thousand expressions<br />
<strong>of</strong> regard, so that he wept and could find no<br />
word to answer.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r day, she had reached <strong>the</strong> church <strong>of</strong> Our<br />
Lady <strong>of</strong> Consolation when she came upon a poor<br />
woman stretched on <strong>the</strong> road, foaming at <strong>the</strong> mouth,<br />
in a fit <strong>of</strong> epilepsy. The passers-by shunned her with<br />
averted heads. Anna drew near, wiped away <strong>the</strong><br />
slaver, lifted her up and went to a neighboring shop<br />
to buy her a cordial. Charity is contagious. The crowd<br />
stopped; a voluntary collection was organized and<br />
given to <strong>the</strong> poor woman. Once she had restored her,<br />
Anna effaced herself and went to <strong>the</strong> church. There<br />
an ecstasy awaited her. Like St. Martin <strong>of</strong> old, who<br />
had just shared his cloak with a poor man <strong>of</strong> Amiens,<br />
she heard Our Savior say to her: “Thank you, My<br />
daughter, for <strong>the</strong> care you have given to Me.”<br />
January-February 010<br />
She is given <strong>the</strong> grace to obtain cures<br />
The grace <strong>of</strong> healing was bestowed upon this<br />
humble woman, as it was formerly upon <strong>the</strong> Apostles<br />
in an <strong>of</strong>ficial manner. Soon after her conversion,<br />
when she was gravely ill in her humble home, she<br />
was preparing herself for death when our Saviour<br />
appeared to her, dressed in a great blue cloak; He<br />
took her by <strong>the</strong> left hand and told her He took her for<br />
His spouse and granted to that hand <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> curing<br />
<strong>the</strong> sick. Then he said: “You may get up. You are<br />
cured.” She cried out aloud and got up.<br />
Sometimes Anna was content with touching a<br />
sick person with this sore hand which bore <strong>the</strong> invisible<br />
mark <strong>of</strong> her power. More <strong>of</strong>ten, so as to avoid<br />
admiration, she made use <strong>of</strong> a statue <strong>of</strong> Our Lady or<br />
St. Philomena, <strong>of</strong> a relic or oil from <strong>the</strong> votive-lamp.<br />
The incorrupt body <strong>of</strong> Blessed Anna Maria Taigi<br />
lies in state in <strong>the</strong> Basilica <strong>of</strong> San Chrysogono in Rome<br />
And here are scenes that are <strong>the</strong> Gospel over<br />
again. Jesus had just cured <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r-in-law <strong>of</strong><br />
St. Peter at Caparnaum. The sick heard <strong>of</strong> it and<br />
flocked to Him by every road, and even by way <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> ro<strong>of</strong>. So also Anna, with Mgr. Natali, went to <strong>the</strong><br />
house <strong>of</strong> a woman whose daughter was dying <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> croup. The doctors had given her up, only <strong>the</strong><br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r pleaded with Anna in <strong>the</strong> tones <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Chananite<br />
woman. Anna consoled her, saying: “It will be<br />
nothing.” She made <strong>the</strong> sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross upon <strong>the</strong><br />
swollen throat. The little girl was cured. The whole<br />
neighborhood was stirred.<br />
We owe to <strong>the</strong> Princess <strong>of</strong> Palestrina <strong>the</strong> account<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cure <strong>of</strong> her bro<strong>the</strong>r-in-law, Cardinal<br />
Barberini. “I used to love to confer with Anna. When<br />
I could not see her, I wrote to her. She prayed to<br />
God for me and for all that concerned me, and <strong>the</strong><br />
result was always as she foretold. She was frank<br />
and friendly. If my children were ill, I turned to her.<br />
My bro<strong>the</strong>r-in-law, Msgr. Barberini, was stricken with<br />
a fatal disease a little before his promotion to <strong>the</strong><br />
cardinalate, and I told <strong>the</strong> holy woman this. The terrible<br />
illness grew worse, and yet she bade me fear<br />
nothing and not to be troubled but to have recourse<br />
to St. Philip Neri. She also sent a relic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> saint.”<br />
It was an unhoped for cure, and actually from<br />
<strong>the</strong> moment <strong>the</strong> Beata began to pray, Our Lord said<br />
to her: “The prelate’s death is decreed by <strong>the</strong> divine<br />
counsel.” Yet Anna only insisted <strong>the</strong> more for this<br />
impossible cure and obtained it. Our Lord told her<br />
no one would attribute it to her, and in fact it was<br />
credited to St. Philip Neri. That, however, was fresh<br />
reason for insistence. Anna never believed in patenting<br />
her good deeds.<br />
The Luigeto Antonini, whom I have just named,<br />
<strong>the</strong> knight and servant <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Beata and <strong>the</strong> agent<br />
<strong>of</strong> her miracles, deposed that he assisted at a great<br />
number <strong>of</strong> cures. “Oftentimes I accompanied her<br />
on such errands. When she could not go in person,<br />
she sent me with a little cotton soaked in <strong>the</strong> oil <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> lamp that burned before her statue <strong>of</strong> Our Lady.”<br />
And <strong>the</strong> good young fellow was no more astonished<br />
at being <strong>the</strong> agent <strong>of</strong> cures than were <strong>the</strong> little Indians<br />
sent on similar errands to <strong>the</strong> sick by St. Francis<br />
Xavier. He himself, when attacked by sciatica, which<br />
tied him to his bed, or constrained him to walk with<br />
crutches, spoke to <strong>the</strong> Beata, who cured him with a<br />
Sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross. From <strong>the</strong>n onwards, he could go<br />
limping but alert here and <strong>the</strong>re through <strong>the</strong> town at<br />
all times. If he caught a cold or a catarrh in doing<br />
<strong>the</strong> Beata’s errands, it was enough for him to tell his<br />
“Mamma” and a Sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross put all to rights.<br />
Headaches or pains in <strong>the</strong> chest, swellings and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r miseries which he contracted in <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> saint fled at a Sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross.<br />
Here is a moving incident. In Anna’s last illness,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Abbe, worn out with going for <strong>the</strong> doctor, <strong>the</strong><br />
priest, her friends, fell ill <strong>of</strong> congestion. The Beata<br />
beckoned him to come near, and tracing on his<br />
breast <strong>the</strong> Sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross, said: “Go to bed. Go to<br />
sleep for half-an-hour and all will be well. I have too<br />
much need <strong>of</strong> you at this moment to allow you to be<br />
ill.” Half-an-hour later, he was cured, but Anna was<br />
in her agony.<br />
Her death — Blessed Anna Maria Taigi<br />
is found to be an incorruptible<br />
Anna Maria Taigi died at 4 a.m. on <strong>the</strong> morning <strong>of</strong><br />
June 9, 1837, after having received <strong>the</strong> Sacrament<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sick given by <strong>the</strong> local parish priest. Our Lord<br />
had promised Anna that <strong>the</strong> cholera would spare<br />
Rome until her death. She had scarcely<br />
brea<strong>the</strong>d her last when <strong>the</strong> scourge broke<br />
out amidst scenes <strong>of</strong> indescribable panic.<br />
The death <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Beata at first passed<br />
unnoticed, but piety recovered quickly,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> body was left exposed for two<br />
days for <strong>the</strong> veneration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> faithful in<br />
<strong>the</strong> church <strong>of</strong> Santa Maria, in Via Lata.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Sunday evening, a devout cortege<br />
conducted it to <strong>the</strong> new cemetery, in <strong>the</strong><br />
Campo Verano, where, conformably to<br />
<strong>the</strong> instructions <strong>of</strong> Gregory XVI, it was enclosed<br />
in a leaden sepulchre, with seals<br />
affixed, near <strong>the</strong> chapel. Mgr. Natali had<br />
caused a mask <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> face to be taken before<br />
<strong>the</strong> body was placed in <strong>the</strong> c<strong>of</strong>fin.<br />
The fame <strong>of</strong> her sanctity increased<br />
day by day. Cardinal Pedicini, while drawing<br />
up his voluminous memoirs <strong>of</strong> her,<br />
went <strong>of</strong>ten to pray at her tomb. Cardinal<br />
Micara, <strong>the</strong> Capuchin, dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sacred<br />
College and Prefect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Congregation<br />
<strong>of</strong> Rites, always carried a picture <strong>of</strong> her<br />
about his person. The Venerable Bernard Clausi, <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Minim Order <strong>of</strong> Franciscans, who <strong>of</strong>ten asked for<br />
her prayers, said to all who came his way: “If she is<br />
not in heaven, <strong>the</strong>re is no room <strong>the</strong>re for anybody.”<br />
Saint Vincent Pallotti called Anna “his secretary,<br />
his plenipotentiary, charged with all <strong>the</strong> interests <strong>of</strong><br />
his congregation in <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Most Holy<br />
Trinity.”<br />
Blessed Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, foundress <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Good Shepherd Congregation, confided to her<br />
<strong>the</strong> thorny questions she had to deal with in Rome.<br />
The number <strong>of</strong> miracles increased and <strong>the</strong><br />
people deplored <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Beata<br />
rested so far from Rome. By order <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cardinal-<br />
Vicar, it was brought to <strong>the</strong> church <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Peace. The c<strong>of</strong>fin, sealed for eighteen years, was<br />
re-opened and <strong>the</strong> body was found as fresh as if it<br />
had been buried <strong>the</strong> day before.<br />
Learning that she had expressed a wish to be<br />
buried in <strong>the</strong> church <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Trinitarians, Pope Pius<br />
IX had <strong>the</strong> body brought on August 18, 1865 to <strong>the</strong><br />
Basilica <strong>of</strong> San Chrysogono. Three years later, <strong>the</strong><br />
c<strong>of</strong>fin was again opened and though <strong>the</strong> clo<strong>the</strong>s <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Beata had decayed, her body was still intact.<br />
The sisters <strong>of</strong> St. Joseph took <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> poor clothing<br />
and replaced it by new. <strong>For</strong> eight days <strong>the</strong> body was<br />
exposed for <strong>the</strong> veneration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> faithful.<br />
Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> Process took its course. After <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial enquiry entrusted to Mgr. Natali, <strong>the</strong> juridical<br />
enquiry was begun in 1852. Thirty witnesses upon<br />
oath were heard — Cardinals, bishops, nobles, servants,<br />
two daughters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Beata and finally, leaning<br />
on his stick, with hunched shoulders, an old<br />
man <strong>of</strong> ninety-two years. The man who, after God,<br />
had <strong>the</strong> most to do with making Anna Maria a saint<br />
— Domenico. In 1863, Pope Pius IX introduced <strong>the</strong><br />
Cause <strong>of</strong> Beatification; on March 4, 1906, Pope Pius<br />
X declared <strong>the</strong> heroism <strong>of</strong> her virtues. On May 30,<br />
1920, Pope Benedict XV ranked Anna Maria Taigi,<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> a family, amongst <strong>the</strong> Blessed. A little<br />
while later, he made her <strong>the</strong> special protectress <strong>of</strong><br />
mo<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>of</strong> families.<br />
The incorrupt holy remains <strong>of</strong> Blessed Anna<br />
Maria Taigi lie in state in <strong>the</strong> Chapel <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Madonna<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Basilica <strong>of</strong> San Chrysogono in Rome. Her memorial<br />
feastday is celebrated in <strong>the</strong> Church on June<br />
9. Blessed Anna Maria Taigi, pray for us!<br />
This article is taken from <strong>the</strong> website www.<br />
mystics<strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>church.com and is reproduced with <strong>the</strong><br />
kind permission <strong>of</strong> its webmaster, Glen Dallaire. The<br />
main source for this article is <strong>the</strong> book “Wife, Mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and Mystic” by Albert Bessieres, S.J., translated<br />
from <strong>the</strong> French by Rev. Stephen Rigby, Tan Books,<br />
1970.<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Page 11
The third <strong>of</strong> ten children, Saint Maria Faustina<br />
Kowalska was born into a pious peasant family<br />
in 1905, in Glogowiec, Poland. She was christened<br />
Helena. At <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> seven years, she first heard an<br />
interior call to <strong>the</strong> religious life. Thirteen years later<br />
she was to knock on many a convent door, before<br />
finally, on August 1, 1925, gaining admittance to <strong>the</strong><br />
Convent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Congregation <strong>of</strong> Sisters <strong>of</strong> Our Lady<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mercy in Warsaw, where she took <strong>the</strong> name Sister<br />
Maria Faustina. After a five-year-long novitiate in<br />
Krakow, she made her perpetual vows <strong>of</strong> chastity,<br />
poverty and unselfish love. Being a natural, cheerful<br />
person, Sister Faustina served as cook, gardener<br />
and doorkeeper at convents in Krakow, Pock and<br />
Vilnius. It was during <strong>the</strong>se years that Jesus commissioned<br />
her to write her Diary. This extraordinary<br />
record reveals <strong>the</strong> depth and richness <strong>of</strong> her mystical<br />
life and union with God. She enjoyed great graces<br />
and a host <strong>of</strong> spiritual gifts: contemplative prayer,<br />
revelations, visions, prophecy, mystical espousals,<br />
invisible stigmata, <strong>the</strong> ability to read human souls,<br />
and a pr<strong>of</strong>ound knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mystery <strong>of</strong> God’s<br />
mercy.<br />
The Apostle <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy<br />
St. Faustina Kowalska, first saint <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> third millenium<br />
During her lifetime, Faustina was virtually unknown,<br />
even to many sisters <strong>of</strong> her congregation.<br />
Only a few <strong>of</strong> her superiors and her confessor and<br />
spiritual director, were ever aware <strong>of</strong> her visions<br />
and revelations. She died <strong>of</strong> tuberculosis, mystically<br />
united with Christ, at <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 33, on October 5,<br />
1938, having been a religious for 13 years.<br />
Faustina’s mission to spread <strong>the</strong> message <strong>of</strong><br />
Divine Mercy began on February 22, 1931. Having<br />
appeared to her in a vision, Christ commissioned<br />
her to paint an image <strong>of</strong> Him with red and pale rays<br />
radiating from His heart. The image was to bear <strong>the</strong><br />
subscription: Jesus, I trust in You!<br />
In her Diary, Faustina writes: “I saw <strong>the</strong> Lord Jesus<br />
clo<strong>the</strong>d in a white garment. (...) After a while,<br />
Jesus said to me; ‘Paint an image according to<br />
<strong>the</strong> model you see, with <strong>the</strong> motto below: Jesus<br />
I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated,<br />
first in your chapel, and <strong>the</strong>n throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> world’ ” (47).<br />
“I promise that <strong>the</strong> soul that venerates this<br />
image will not perish. I also promise victory over<br />
its enemies already here on earth, especially at<br />
<strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> death. I Myself will defend it as My<br />
own glory” (48).<br />
When Faustina’s spiritual director learned <strong>of</strong><br />
her visions, he had her submit to a psychiatric assessment.<br />
Having determined <strong>the</strong> soundness <strong>of</strong><br />
her mental faculties, he placed an artist under <strong>the</strong><br />
saint’s direction with a view to producing a true copy<br />
<strong>of</strong> her vision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Merciful Savior.<br />
St. Faustina receives a vision <strong>of</strong> Jesus<br />
Jesus asked Faustina that <strong>the</strong> first Sunday after<br />
Easter be declared Mercy Sunday, <strong>the</strong> “Feast <strong>of</strong><br />
Divine Mercy”, a day when His graces would flow<br />
in an extraordinary way to all those who asked for<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. He told Faustina: “I desire that priests proclaim<br />
this great mercy <strong>of</strong> Mine toward <strong>the</strong> souls<br />
<strong>of</strong> sinners. Let no sinner be afraid to approach<br />
Me” (50).<br />
Mercy Sunday is now celebrated in thousands <strong>of</strong><br />
Catholic parishes across <strong>the</strong> United States. It has<br />
already been designated a liturgical Feast Day <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Catholic Church in Poland. St. Faustina’s Diary<br />
describes <strong>the</strong> promise Jesus made to those who<br />
solemnly participate in <strong>the</strong> Feast <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy:<br />
“Have mercy on us and on <strong>the</strong> whole world!”<br />
Jesus said to St. Faustina: “Let no sinner<br />
be afraid to approach Me.” In Faustina’s “Diary,”<br />
Jesus invites each one <strong>of</strong> us to yield to<br />
His infinite mercy, to trust in His compassion<br />
and forgiveness. Great graces are promised<br />
to those who proclaim His great mercy.<br />
“I shall protect <strong>the</strong>m Myself at <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong><br />
death, as My own glory. And even if <strong>the</strong> sins<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> soul are as dark as night, when <strong>the</strong><br />
sinner turns to My mercy, he renders Me <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest praise, and becomes <strong>the</strong> glory <strong>of</strong> My<br />
Passion. When a soul praises My goodness,<br />
Satan trembles before it and flees to <strong>the</strong> very<br />
bottom <strong>of</strong> hell” (Diary, 378).<br />
Christ is always knocking at <strong>the</strong> door <strong>of</strong> our<br />
hearts to remind us that if we have recourse to<br />
His Divine Mercy, He will free our souls from evil,<br />
restore our ability to love and purify our intentions.<br />
Sin is our greatest tragedy since it leads<br />
us into <strong>the</strong> horrible reality <strong>of</strong> death and eternal<br />
condemnation. Trusting in Jesus, praying to Him,<br />
relying on Him – this is our one avenue <strong>of</strong> salvation.<br />
Jesus assures us that His wounded heart<br />
will not abandon us in <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> death. It is<br />
never too late to renounce evil and start walking<br />
in <strong>the</strong> path <strong>of</strong> salvation. Having chosen Faustina,<br />
a simple, uneducated nun, who trusted Him<br />
boundlessly, Christ assigned her <strong>the</strong> critically<br />
important task <strong>of</strong> proclaiming His Merciful Love<br />
to <strong>the</strong> world: “Today – Jesus told her – I am<br />
sending you with My mercy to <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> whole world. It is not my desire to punish<br />
hurting mankind, but to heal it, press it to<br />
My merciful Heart (Diary, 1588). You are <strong>the</strong><br />
secretary <strong>of</strong> My mercy. I have chosen you<br />
for that <strong>of</strong>fice in this and <strong>the</strong> next life (Diary,<br />
1605) (...) to make known to souls <strong>the</strong> great<br />
mercy that I have in store for <strong>the</strong>m, and to<br />
exhort <strong>the</strong>m to trust in <strong>the</strong> bottomless depth<br />
<strong>of</strong> My mercy” (Diary, 1567).<br />
Jesus, I trust In You<br />
“I promise that <strong>the</strong> soul that venerates this image will<br />
not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already<br />
here on earth, especially at <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> death. I<br />
Myself will defend it as My own glory.”<br />
The Hour <strong>of</strong> Mercy<br />
Jesus asked Saint Faustina to celebrate <strong>the</strong><br />
Hour <strong>of</strong> great Mercy, which is <strong>the</strong> hour when Our<br />
Lord died on <strong>the</strong> cross. He promised that from<br />
this prayer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chaplet <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy, said<br />
during this hour, tremendous graces would be<br />
given to all. This can be applied to o<strong>the</strong>r people<br />
as well, especially for <strong>the</strong> dying and <strong>the</strong> suffering<br />
souls in purgatory.<br />
At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially<br />
for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment,<br />
immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly<br />
in My abandonment at <strong>the</strong> moment<br />
<strong>of</strong> agony. This is <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> great mercy...<br />
In this hour I will refuse nothing to <strong>the</strong> soul<br />
that makes a request <strong>of</strong> Me in virtue <strong>of</strong> My<br />
Passion. (Diary, 1320).<br />
As <strong>of</strong>ten as you hear <strong>the</strong> clock strike <strong>the</strong><br />
third hour, immerse yourself completely in<br />
My mercy, adoring and glorifying it. Invoke<br />
it’s omnipotence for <strong>the</strong> whole world, and<br />
particularly for poor sinners, for at that moment,<br />
mercy was opened wide for every<br />
soul. In this hour you can obtain everything<br />
for yourself and for o<strong>the</strong>rs for <strong>the</strong> asking; it<br />
was <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> grace for <strong>the</strong> whole world<br />
– mercy triumphed over justice.<br />
Try your best to make <strong>the</strong> Stations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Cross in this hour, provided that your duties<br />
permit it; and if you are not able to make <strong>the</strong><br />
Stations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross, <strong>the</strong>n at least step into<br />
<strong>the</strong> chapel for a moment and adore, in <strong>the</strong><br />
Most Blessed Sacrament, My Heart which is<br />
full <strong>of</strong> mercy. Should you be unable to step<br />
into <strong>the</strong> chapel, immerse yourself in prayer<br />
<strong>the</strong>re where you happen to be, if only for a<br />
very brief instant. (Diary, 1572)<br />
Page 1 “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
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“Whoever approaches <strong>the</strong> Fount <strong>of</strong> Life on this<br />
day will be granted complete remission <strong>of</strong> sins<br />
and punishment” (300).<br />
“I desire that <strong>the</strong> Feast <strong>of</strong> Mercy be a refuge<br />
and a shelter for all souls, especially poor sinners.<br />
On that day, <strong>the</strong> very depths <strong>of</strong> My tender<br />
mercy will be opened. I will pour out an entire<br />
ocean <strong>of</strong> graces upon those souls who approach<br />
<strong>the</strong> Fount <strong>of</strong> My Mercy. The soul that goes to<br />
Confession and receives Holy Communion will<br />
obtain complete forgiveness <strong>of</strong> sins and a remission<br />
<strong>of</strong> all punishment. (...) Let no soul fear to<br />
approach Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.<br />
(...) Humanity will not enjoy peace until it turns<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Fount <strong>of</strong> My Mercy” (699).<br />
Pope John Paul II at <strong>the</strong> shrine <strong>of</strong> Divine<br />
Mercy in Krakow on June 7, 1997, in front<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tomb <strong>of</strong> Sister Faustina and <strong>the</strong><br />
image <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Merciful Jesus<br />
On being asked by Faustina about <strong>the</strong> significance<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two rays on <strong>the</strong> image, Jesus<br />
replied: “The two rays denote Blood and Water.<br />
The pale ray stands for <strong>the</strong> Water which makes<br />
souls righteous. The red ray stands for <strong>the</strong><br />
Blood which is <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> souls. These two rays<br />
poured forth from <strong>the</strong> very depths <strong>of</strong> My tender<br />
mercy when My agonized Heart on <strong>the</strong> Cross<br />
was opened by <strong>the</strong> lance” (299).<br />
Faustina’s mission consisted in: reminding <strong>the</strong><br />
world <strong>of</strong> God’s merciful love towards every human<br />
being, even <strong>the</strong> greatest sinner; conveying new<br />
forms <strong>of</strong> devotion to <strong>the</strong> Divine Mercy; launching<br />
a great movement <strong>of</strong> devotees and apostles <strong>of</strong> Divine<br />
Mercy, who would lead people to a renewal <strong>of</strong><br />
Christian life in <strong>the</strong> spirit <strong>of</strong> this devotion; i.e. in <strong>the</strong><br />
gospel spirit <strong>of</strong> childlike confidence in God and love<br />
<strong>of</strong> neighbour.<br />
Divine Mercy and St. Faustina’s Diary<br />
The essence <strong>of</strong> Christ’s message to St. Faustina<br />
is that we are living in a time <strong>of</strong> mercy. The present<br />
age, more than any o<strong>the</strong>r in history, calls for a<br />
great outpouring <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mercy <strong>of</strong> God. As a result,<br />
<strong>the</strong> revelations to Faustina have become known as<br />
“The Message <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy” with Jesus receiving<br />
<strong>the</strong> new title, “The Divine Mercy”, not unlike His<br />
earlier title <strong>of</strong> “The Sacred Heart”. Many times Jesus<br />
reveals to Faustina how deep His mercy is.<br />
“I have opened My Heart as a living fountain<br />
<strong>of</strong> mercy. Let all souls draw life from it. Let <strong>the</strong>m<br />
approach this sea <strong>of</strong> mercy with great trust. Sinners<br />
will attain justification, and <strong>the</strong> just will be<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>ned in goodness. Whoever places his<br />
trust in My mercy will be filled with My divine<br />
peace at <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> death” (1520).<br />
“I am <strong>of</strong>fering people a vessel with which <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are to keep coming for graces to <strong>the</strong> fountain <strong>of</strong><br />
January-February 010<br />
Why Pope John Paul II is a saint<br />
ROME, JAN. 28, 2010 (Zenit.org) Pope<br />
John Paul II was <strong>the</strong> same in public and in private:<br />
“transparent, sincere, integral,” according<br />
to <strong>the</strong> postulator <strong>of</strong> his canonization cause.<br />
Monsignor Slawomir Oder made this reflection<br />
Tuesday when he presented<br />
a volume that<br />
he has written in collaboration<br />
with Saverio<br />
Gaeta. It presents more<br />
than 100 testimonies<br />
related to <strong>the</strong> Polish<br />
Pontiff’s cause for canonization.<br />
“Why He Is a Saint:<br />
The True John Paul II<br />
Explained by <strong>the</strong> Postulator<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cause <strong>of</strong><br />
Beatification” was presented<br />
in Rome with a<br />
presentation from <strong>the</strong><br />
leader <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vatican’s<br />
saint congregation,<br />
Cardinal Jose Saraiva<br />
Martins.<br />
The details in <strong>the</strong><br />
book that grabbed international attention are<br />
regarding <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r’s practices <strong>of</strong> mortification,<br />
including flagellation and sleeping on<br />
<strong>the</strong> floor.<br />
Cardinal Saraiva Martins, however, highlighted<br />
<strong>the</strong> depth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pontiff’s prayer. He<br />
confessed how overwhelmed he was by <strong>the</strong><br />
pr<strong>of</strong>undity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pope’s recollection when he<br />
invited someone to dine and <strong>the</strong> visit began<br />
with a silent prayer in <strong>the</strong> private chapel.<br />
“He was as though absorbed in God,” <strong>the</strong><br />
cardinal said. “He was a man <strong>of</strong> God and his<br />
intense prayer was a true evangelization.”<br />
The prelate also pointed out <strong>the</strong> Pope’s<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ound devotion to Mary and mentioned<br />
<strong>the</strong> “joy,” <strong>the</strong> “happiness” that John Paul II felt<br />
in <strong>the</strong> year 2000, after <strong>the</strong> beatification <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
shepherds <strong>of</strong> Fatima, Francisco and Jacinta<br />
Marto, on May 13.<br />
A witness stated that when asked, “Do you<br />
see <strong>the</strong> Virgin?” <strong>the</strong> Pope answered, “No, but I<br />
hear her.” Ano<strong>the</strong>r witness, though, said John<br />
Paul II confided that he “saw” her.<br />
The book notes that <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r had<br />
a sweet tooth and has o<strong>the</strong>r insights into <strong>the</strong><br />
Pope’s personality: He once answered a religious<br />
who expressed her “concern” for “Your<br />
Holiness”: “I am also concerned about my holiness!”<br />
Monsignor Oder highlighted <strong>the</strong> Pope’s<br />
“humanity” and his ability to perceive in all<br />
persons “<strong>the</strong> imprint <strong>of</strong> God.” And Cardinal<br />
Saraiva Martins noted that humanity and holiness<br />
are one thing: The more holy one is, <strong>the</strong><br />
more “human” one is.<br />
A cure<br />
Though John Paul II has already been proclaimed<br />
venerable – Benedict XVI approved <strong>the</strong><br />
recognition <strong>of</strong> his heroic virtues in December<br />
– a miracle still needs to be confirmed before<br />
his beatification. That means rumors that <strong>the</strong><br />
mercy. That vessel is this image bearing <strong>the</strong> inscription:<br />
Jesus, I trust in You” (327).<br />
“I am Love and Mercy itself. When a soul<br />
approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an<br />
abundance <strong>of</strong> graces that it cannot contain <strong>the</strong>m<br />
within itself, but radiates <strong>the</strong>m to o<strong>the</strong>r souls”<br />
(1074).<br />
Faustina’s Diary tells us that it is not enough to<br />
trust Jesus. We must show mercy to our neighbours<br />
in deed, in word, and in prayer (742). Jesus says to<br />
Faustina: “If a soul does not exercise mercy in<br />
one way or ano<strong>the</strong>r, it will not obtain My mercy<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Day <strong>of</strong> Judgment” (1317).<br />
“The Lord said to me, ‘It should be <strong>of</strong> no concern<br />
to you how anyone else acts; you are to be<br />
beatification is coming in October are still just<br />
that: rumors.<br />
Monsignor Oder explained that a case<br />
studied by <strong>the</strong> Vatican was <strong>the</strong> now well-known<br />
cure <strong>of</strong> Sister Marie Simon-Pierre. The young<br />
French nun <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Little<br />
Sisters <strong>of</strong> Catholic<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>rhood suffered<br />
Parkinson’s disease (as<br />
did John Paul II).<br />
Monsignor Oder<br />
said this case was<br />
chosen due to, among<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r things, its “simplicity.”<br />
He fur<strong>the</strong>r noted<br />
how <strong>the</strong> nun suffered<br />
from <strong>the</strong> same illness<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Pope and, finally,<br />
how her cure enabled<br />
her to take up her activities<br />
again at <strong>the</strong> service<br />
<strong>of</strong> nascent life, a<br />
cause that was dear to<br />
John Paul II.<br />
What’s new<br />
What <strong>the</strong> book contributes as a novelty are<br />
unpublished documents from 114 testimonies<br />
related to <strong>the</strong> canonization cause.<br />
There are documents from <strong>the</strong> Polish secret<br />
service, mentions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Italian secret service,<br />
a letter <strong>of</strong> resignation in case <strong>of</strong> incapacity<br />
due to illness (in Italian), an open letter to Ali<br />
Agca in Polish (never published) and testimonies<br />
on his mystical life.<br />
The book notes how <strong>the</strong> Polish secret service<br />
spied on Karol Wojtyla even before his<br />
ordination, <strong>the</strong>n as a priest and bishop. In <strong>the</strong><br />
60’s, a whole structure was dedicated to his<br />
vigilance.<br />
The volume reveals how it was his chauffeur,<br />
Jozef Much, who informed Archbishop<br />
Wojtyla <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> John Paul I, which<br />
greatly affected him. A strong migraine forced<br />
him to cancel an appointment.<br />
Before taking <strong>the</strong> plane to Rome, his chauffeur<br />
expressed <strong>the</strong> hope that he would return<br />
soon. “I don’t know,” <strong>the</strong> next Pope would<br />
answer, “in a serious tone with an air <strong>of</strong> sadness.”<br />
Suspicions that <strong>the</strong> Polish prelate would<br />
one day be <strong>the</strong> Bishop <strong>of</strong> Rome had surfaced<br />
as many as two decades before.<br />
When he was appointed auxiliary bishop<br />
<strong>of</strong> Krakow, his bishop, Eugeniusz Baziak, took<br />
him by <strong>the</strong> arm and led him to some priests in<br />
<strong>the</strong> waiting room, saying: “Habemus Papam”<br />
(we have a Pope).<br />
Co-author Saverio Gaeta pointed out that<br />
<strong>the</strong> subtitle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> book (“The True John Paul<br />
II Explained by <strong>the</strong> Postulator <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cause <strong>of</strong><br />
Beatification”) does not mean that o<strong>the</strong>r biographies<br />
are not “true,” but that <strong>the</strong> John Paul<br />
II described in <strong>the</strong> book is <strong>the</strong> one known personally<br />
by witnesses.<br />
The book was published in Italian by Rizzoli.<br />
My living reflection, through love and mercy.’ I<br />
answered, ‘Lord, but <strong>the</strong>y <strong>of</strong>ten take advantage<br />
<strong>of</strong> my goodness.’ ‘That makes no difference, My<br />
daughter. That is no concern <strong>of</strong> yours. As for<br />
you, be always merciful toward o<strong>the</strong>r people,<br />
and especially toward sinners’ ” (1446).<br />
“Oh, how painful it is to Me that souls so seldom<br />
unite <strong>the</strong>mselves to Me in Holy Communion.<br />
I wait for souls, and <strong>the</strong>y are indifferent toward<br />
Me. I love <strong>the</strong>m tenderly and sincerely, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
distrust Me. I want to lavish My graces on <strong>the</strong>m,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y do not want to accept <strong>the</strong>m. They treat<br />
Me as a dead object, whereas My Heart is full <strong>of</strong><br />
love and mercy. In order that you may know at<br />
(continued on page 14)<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Page 1
Saint<br />
Faustina<br />
and Divine<br />
Mercy<br />
(continued from page 13)<br />
least some <strong>of</strong> My pain, imagine <strong>the</strong> most tender<br />
<strong>of</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>rs who has great love for her children,<br />
while those children spurn her love. Consider<br />
her pain. No one is in a position to console her.<br />
This is but a pale image and likeness <strong>of</strong> My love”<br />
(1447).<br />
Throughout <strong>the</strong> Diary we encounter magnificent<br />
prayers addressing God’s mercy, prayers that urge<br />
us to venerate God’s infinite mercy and compassion<br />
toward any soul that seeks to be joined with Him.<br />
“Praise <strong>the</strong> Lord, my soul, for everything, and<br />
glorify His mercy, for His goodness is without<br />
end. Everything will pass, but His mercy is without<br />
limit or end. And although evil will attain its<br />
measure, in mercy <strong>the</strong>re is no measure. Oh my<br />
God, even in <strong>the</strong> punishments You send down<br />
upon <strong>the</strong> earth I see <strong>the</strong> abyss <strong>of</strong> Your mercy, for<br />
by punishing us here on earth, You free us from<br />
eternal punishment. Rejoice, all you creatures,<br />
for you are closer to God in His infinite mercy<br />
than a babe is to its mo<strong>the</strong>r’s heart. O God, You<br />
are compassion itself for <strong>the</strong> greatest sinners<br />
who sincerely repent. The greater <strong>the</strong> sinner, <strong>the</strong><br />
greater his right to God’s mercy” (423).<br />
The family <strong>of</strong> St. Faustina Kowalska<br />
St. Faustina reminds us <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meaning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Eucharist and <strong>the</strong> Holy Trinity. “Jesus, when (…)<br />
in Holy Communion (…) You (…) condescend to<br />
dwell in <strong>the</strong> little heaven <strong>of</strong> my heart, I try to keep<br />
You company throughout <strong>the</strong> day. I do not leave<br />
You alone for a moment, even though I am in <strong>the</strong><br />
company <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r people or those entrusted to<br />
my care. My heart is always united to Him. When<br />
I sleep, I <strong>of</strong>fer Him every beat <strong>of</strong> my heart. When<br />
I am awake, I immerse myself in Him in silence.<br />
On awaking, I make a brief act <strong>of</strong> adoration to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Holy Trinity and thank God for allowing me<br />
to live yet ano<strong>the</strong>r day, that <strong>the</strong> mystery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
incarnation <strong>of</strong> His Son may once more be repeated<br />
in me, and once again His sorrowful Passion<br />
may unfold before my eyes. I try to make<br />
it easier for Jesus to pass through me to o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
souls. I go everywhere with Jesus. His presence<br />
accompanies me everywhere” (486)<br />
The Chaplet <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy<br />
On September 13, 1935, Sister Faustina had<br />
a terrible vision <strong>of</strong> a destroying Angel (“<strong>the</strong> agent<br />
<strong>of</strong> divine wrath”) about to strike some place on <strong>the</strong><br />
planet. She began praying, begging him to put <strong>of</strong>f<br />
<strong>the</strong> punishment until <strong>the</strong> world did penance. At first,<br />
her pleas seemed in vain, but presently she saw <strong>the</strong><br />
Holy Trinity and felt <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> Christ’s grace in<br />
her soul. Again she began to plead for <strong>the</strong> world in<br />
words that welled up out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> silence <strong>of</strong> her soul:<br />
“Eternal Fa<strong>the</strong>r, I <strong>of</strong>fer You <strong>the</strong> Body and<br />
Blood, Soul and Divinity <strong>of</strong> Your dearly beloved<br />
Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for our sins and<br />
those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> whole world; for <strong>the</strong> sake <strong>of</strong> His sorrowful<br />
Passion, have mercy on us” (475).<br />
Her prayer was answered and <strong>the</strong> angel was<br />
prevented from carrying out <strong>the</strong> chastisement. The<br />
following morning, Sister Faustina heard <strong>the</strong>se interior<br />
words: “Every time you enter <strong>the</strong> chapel,<br />
start reciting <strong>the</strong> prayer which I taught you yesterday”<br />
(476).<br />
Later, she was instructed in <strong>the</strong> recitation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Chaplet <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy: “This prayer will serve<br />
to appease My wrath. You will recite it for nine<br />
days, on <strong>the</strong> beads <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rosary, in <strong>the</strong> following<br />
manner: first <strong>of</strong> all, you will say one Our<br />
Fa<strong>the</strong>r and Hail Mary and <strong>the</strong> I Believe in God.<br />
Then, on <strong>the</strong> Our Fa<strong>the</strong>r beads, you will say <strong>the</strong><br />
following words: ‘Eternal Fa<strong>the</strong>r, I <strong>of</strong>fer You <strong>the</strong><br />
Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity <strong>of</strong> Your dearly<br />
beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for our sins<br />
and those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> whole world.’ On <strong>the</strong> Hail Mary<br />
beads you will say <strong>the</strong> following words: ‘<strong>For</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
sake <strong>of</strong> His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on<br />
us and on <strong>the</strong> whole world.’ In conclusion, three<br />
times you will recite <strong>the</strong>se words: ‘Holy God,<br />
Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy<br />
on us and on <strong>the</strong> whole world’ ” (476).<br />
Jesus Himself tells us why it is so important to<br />
recite this prayer: “Recite <strong>the</strong> chaplet unceasingly<br />
that I have taught you. Whoever recites it will receive<br />
great mercy at <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> death. Priests<br />
will recommend it to sinners as <strong>the</strong>ir last hope <strong>of</strong><br />
salvation. Even in <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most hardened<br />
sinner, if he were to recite this chaplet only once,<br />
he would receive grace from My infinite mercy.<br />
I desire that <strong>the</strong> whole world know My infinite<br />
mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to<br />
those souls that trust in My mercy” (687).<br />
“Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls<br />
that say this chaplet; <strong>the</strong> very depths <strong>of</strong> My tender<br />
mercy are stirred for <strong>the</strong> sake <strong>of</strong> those who<br />
say <strong>the</strong> chaplet” (848). “At <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir death,<br />
I defend as My own glory every soul that will say<br />
this chaplet; or when o<strong>the</strong>rs say it for a dying<br />
person, <strong>the</strong> indulgence is <strong>the</strong> same” (811).<br />
“Through <strong>the</strong> chaplet you will obtain everything,<br />
if what you ask is compatible with My will”<br />
(1731).<br />
After Faustina’s death, <strong>the</strong> message <strong>of</strong> God’s<br />
mercy began to spread throughout <strong>the</strong> world. However,<br />
owing to <strong>the</strong> political situation prevailing in<br />
Poland during and after <strong>the</strong> war, <strong>the</strong> Church found<br />
it difficult to verify <strong>the</strong> au<strong>the</strong>nticity <strong>of</strong> Faustina’s writings.<br />
As a result, <strong>the</strong> Vatican was forced to impose a<br />
temporary ban on <strong>the</strong> spreading <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> revelations.<br />
Eventually, however, <strong>the</strong> writings were subjected to<br />
a thorough scrutiny. Since <strong>the</strong>n, scholars and <strong>the</strong>ologians<br />
have been staggered by <strong>the</strong> ability <strong>of</strong> a simple<br />
nun, with barely two winters <strong>of</strong> formal education,<br />
to write so pr<strong>of</strong>oundly and so clearly on <strong>the</strong> mystical<br />
life. Her writings were found to be entirely free <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ological error. They are now numbered among<br />
<strong>the</strong> masterpieces <strong>of</strong> mystical literature.<br />
Lagiewniki – Capital <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy<br />
The chief purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r’s pilgrimage<br />
to Poland on August 2002 was to visit <strong>the</strong> Shrine <strong>of</strong><br />
Divine Mercy in Krakow-Lagiewniki. At <strong>the</strong> Eucharistic<br />
celebration, John Paul II dedicated a new church,<br />
solemnly entrusted <strong>the</strong> world to <strong>the</strong> Divine Mercy,<br />
and declared Lagiewniki to be <strong>the</strong> capital city <strong>of</strong> Divine<br />
Mercy. After all, had not Jesus promised that<br />
“<strong>the</strong> spark preparing <strong>the</strong> world for His final coming”<br />
(Diary, 1732) would fly forth from here?<br />
Until World War II, <strong>the</strong> Convent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Congregation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sisters <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Mercy in Krakow-Lagiewniki<br />
remained a private institution, serving<br />
<strong>the</strong> sisters and those entrusted to <strong>the</strong>ir care.<br />
Today, it houses <strong>the</strong> sanctuary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Divine Mercy<br />
with its famous, grace-working image <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Merciful<br />
Jesus and <strong>the</strong> relics <strong>of</strong> Sister Faustina. Thousands<br />
<strong>of</strong> pilgrims regularly converge on this spot from all<br />
over <strong>the</strong> world. Here <strong>the</strong> message <strong>of</strong> mercy is proclaimed.<br />
Prayers are <strong>of</strong>fered up for God’s mercy for<br />
<strong>the</strong> world. Acts <strong>of</strong> mercy are rendered to those in<br />
need. Here also apostles <strong>of</strong> God’s Mercy receive<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir spiritual formation.<br />
The Mercy Message<br />
The message <strong>of</strong> mercy is simply this: that God<br />
loves us, all <strong>of</strong> us, no matter how great our sins. He<br />
wants us to turn to Him so that He may bless us.<br />
He wants us to recognize His mercy and allow it to<br />
flow through us to o<strong>the</strong>rs. In this way, all will come<br />
to share in His joy. To repeat: it’s as simple as ABC:<br />
Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him,<br />
repent <strong>of</strong> our sins and ask for His Mercy. Be Merciful.<br />
God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow<br />
through us to o<strong>the</strong>rs. Completely Trust. God wants<br />
us to know that <strong>the</strong> graces <strong>of</strong> His mercy are dependent<br />
upon our trust.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> first Sunday after Easter, April 18, 1993,<br />
at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope John Paul II<br />
declared Sister Faustina a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> blessed. She was canonized in <strong>the</strong> Jubilee<br />
Year 2000 on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 30th. She<br />
is, <strong>the</strong>refore, <strong>the</strong> first saint <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Third Millennium.<br />
In his canonization-Mass homily, <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
pointed out that by Divine Providence, <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> this<br />
humble daughter <strong>of</strong> Poland was inextricably linked<br />
with <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recently ended 20th century.<br />
“In fact, it was between <strong>the</strong> First and Second World<br />
Wars that Christ entrusted His message <strong>of</strong> mercy to<br />
her. Those who remember, who witnessed or participated<br />
in <strong>the</strong> events <strong>of</strong> those years and <strong>the</strong> horrible<br />
sufferings <strong>the</strong>y caused for millions <strong>of</strong> people, know<br />
well how necessary was <strong>the</strong> message <strong>of</strong> mercy.<br />
(...) What will <strong>the</strong> years ahead bring us? What will<br />
man’s future on earth be like? We are not given to<br />
know. However, it is certain that in addition to new<br />
progress, <strong>the</strong>re will unfortunately be no lack <strong>of</strong> painful<br />
experiences. But <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy, which<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lord wished to return to <strong>the</strong> world through Sister<br />
Faustina’s charism, will illumine <strong>the</strong> way for <strong>the</strong> men<br />
and women <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> third millennium.<br />
“Sister Faustina’s canonization has a particular<br />
eloquence: by this act I intend today to<br />
pass this message on to <strong>the</strong> new millennium. I<br />
pass it on to all people, so that <strong>the</strong>y will learn to<br />
know even better <strong>the</strong> true face <strong>of</strong> God and <strong>the</strong><br />
true face <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir brethren. (...) Sister Faustina<br />
Kowalska wrote in her Diary: ‘I feel tremendous<br />
pain when I see <strong>the</strong> sufferings <strong>of</strong> my neighbors.<br />
All my neighbors’ sufferings reverberate in my<br />
own heart; I carry <strong>the</strong>ir anguish in my heart in<br />
such a way that it even physically destroys me.<br />
I would like all <strong>the</strong>ir sorrows to fall upon me, in<br />
order to relieve my neighbor’ (Diary, 365). This<br />
is <strong>the</strong> degree <strong>of</strong> compassion to which love leads,<br />
when it takes <strong>the</strong> love <strong>of</strong> God as its measure! (...) It<br />
is this love which must inspire humanity today, if it is<br />
to face <strong>the</strong> crisis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meaning <strong>of</strong> life, <strong>the</strong> challenges<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most diverse needs and, especially, <strong>the</strong><br />
duty to defend <strong>the</strong> dignity <strong>of</strong> every human person.<br />
Thus <strong>the</strong> message <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy is also implicitly<br />
a message about <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> every human being.<br />
Each person is precious in God’s eyes; Christ gave<br />
his life for each one; to everyone <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r gives<br />
his Spirit and <strong>of</strong>fers intimacy (...)<br />
This consoling message is addressed, above all,<br />
to those who, afflicted by a particularly harsh trial or<br />
crushed by <strong>the</strong> weight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sins <strong>the</strong>y committed,<br />
have lost all confidence in life and are tempted to<br />
give in to despair. To <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> gentle face <strong>of</strong> Christ<br />
is <strong>of</strong>fered; those rays from His heart touch <strong>the</strong>m and<br />
shine upon <strong>the</strong>m, warm <strong>the</strong>m, show <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> way,<br />
and fill <strong>the</strong>m with hope. How many souls have been<br />
consoled by <strong>the</strong> prayer “Jesus, I trust in you”, which<br />
Providence intimated through Sister Faustina! This<br />
simple act <strong>of</strong> abandonment to Jesus dispels <strong>the</strong><br />
thickest clouds and lets a ray <strong>of</strong> light penetrate every<br />
life. “Jezu, ufam tobie” (...) And you, Faustina, a<br />
gift <strong>of</strong> God to our time, a gift from <strong>the</strong> land <strong>of</strong> Poland<br />
to <strong>the</strong> whole Church, obtain for us an awareness <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> depth <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy; help us to have a living<br />
experience <strong>of</strong> it and to bear witness to it among our<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters. May your message <strong>of</strong> light and<br />
hope spread throughout <strong>the</strong> world, spurring sinners<br />
to conversion, calming rivalries and hatred, and<br />
opening individuals and nations to <strong>the</strong> practice <strong>of</strong><br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. Today, fixing our gaze with you on <strong>the</strong><br />
face <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> risen Christ, let us make our own your<br />
prayer <strong>of</strong> trusting abandonment and say with firm<br />
hope: Christ Jesus, I trust in you! Jezu, ufam tobie!”<br />
(Homily <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r, April 30, 2000).<br />
Robert Kasza<br />
Reprinted with permission <strong>of</strong> www.loveoneano<strong>the</strong>r.com<br />
Page 1 “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org
Every so <strong>of</strong>ten, God<br />
sends to <strong>the</strong> world that special<br />
soul that demonstrates<br />
more clearly His infinite love<br />
and mercy for mankind. Audrey Marie Santo was<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se special little souls.<br />
“Little Audrey” was born in <strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> Worcester,<br />
Massachusetts on December 19, 1983. On August<br />
9, 1987, when she was only three years old, she fell<br />
into <strong>the</strong> family swimming pool and nearly drowned.<br />
She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was<br />
stabilized and <strong>the</strong>n taken to U-Mass Medical Center<br />
where she was accidentally overmedicated with<br />
750 mg. <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> drug Phenobarbital. The overdose<br />
caused her to lapse into a coma-like state called<br />
Akinetic Mutism, which meant that she had very limited<br />
body movement. Medical pr<strong>of</strong>essionals told <strong>the</strong><br />
family that <strong>the</strong>y needed to place her in an institution<br />
where she could live out <strong>the</strong> remaining days <strong>of</strong> her<br />
life. Her mo<strong>the</strong>r’s faith-filled response to <strong>the</strong>m was<br />
simply: “I shall place her in my arms.” They predicted<br />
that “she would not live more than two weeks”. Thus<br />
began a labor <strong>of</strong> love which lasted for twenty years.<br />
Audrey came home from <strong>the</strong> hospital in November<br />
1987, four months after her accident. Her family<br />
immediately set about working around <strong>the</strong> clock with<br />
relatives and medical staff keeping close watch that<br />
all <strong>of</strong> Audrey’s needs were met and that she receive<br />
only <strong>the</strong> very best <strong>of</strong> care. There was such a tremendous<br />
outpouring <strong>of</strong> love from all those around<br />
Little Audrey that it was no wonder that God chose<br />
to dispense His special blessings upon her family<br />
and anyone else who came in contact with her.<br />
What merely began as a labor <strong>of</strong> love for a helpless<br />
little girl had now grown into an apostolate that<br />
would spread throughout <strong>the</strong> whole world.<br />
Miracles began to happen; statues <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Virgin<br />
Mary began to weep tears <strong>of</strong> blood, oil began to exude<br />
from statues and holy images and many people<br />
were even healed <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir illnesses. On five different<br />
occasions, while <strong>the</strong> Holy Mass was being celebrated<br />
in Audrey’s home, many people witnessed <strong>the</strong><br />
Host in <strong>the</strong> celebrant’s hands beginning to bleed.<br />
(An interesting side-note is that Audrey received her<br />
First Holy Communion from <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> Most Rev.<br />
Bernard Joseph Flanagan, bishop emeritus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
diocese <strong>of</strong> Worcester, MA (1959-1983). When we<br />
recall that Audrey was unable to swallow because <strong>of</strong><br />
her condition and was being fed via feeding tubes, it<br />
is remarkable that on <strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> her First Holy Communion<br />
and every day after that, she was able to<br />
receive Our Lord in <strong>the</strong> Holy Eucharist without any<br />
difficulty. It was also during Bishop Flanagan’s Mass<br />
in Audrey’s home that <strong>the</strong> first Eucharistic Miracle <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> bleeding Host took place. Audrey’s family had<br />
been given permission to have <strong>the</strong> Blessed Sacrament<br />
in a Tabernacle in her room, thus she was in<br />
<strong>the</strong> continuous presence <strong>of</strong> Our Lord in <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />
Eucharist. But, <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong>se phenomena, by far <strong>the</strong><br />
most wonderful <strong>of</strong> all was that hearts were changed<br />
and conversions began taking place. Little Audrey<br />
had clearly become one <strong>of</strong> God’s special instruments<br />
and her mission seemed to be two-fold: to<br />
bring souls to Jesus and to be a statement <strong>of</strong> life in<br />
a culture <strong>of</strong> death.<br />
Pope Benedict XVI, in <strong>the</strong> introduction to his<br />
encyclical, Charity in Truth, states that: “Charity is<br />
love received and given.” It is “grace” (cháris). It’s<br />
source is <strong>the</strong> wellspring <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r’s love for <strong>the</strong><br />
Son, in <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit. Love comes down to us from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Son. It is creative love, through which we have<br />
our being; it is redemptive love, through which we<br />
are re-created. Love is revealed and made present<br />
by Christ (cf. Jn 13:1) and “poured into our hearts<br />
through <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5).<br />
As <strong>the</strong> objects <strong>of</strong> God’s love, men and women<br />
become subjects <strong>of</strong> charity. They are called to make<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves instruments <strong>of</strong> grace, so as to pour forth<br />
God’s charity and to weave networks <strong>of</strong> charity. And<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r on, in chapter one, we read: “Only through<br />
an encounter with God are we able to see in <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r something more than just ano<strong>the</strong>r creature<br />
[17], to recognize <strong>the</strong> divine image in <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, thus<br />
truly coming to discover him or her and to mature<br />
in a love that “becomes concern and care for <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r.” [18]<br />
January-February 010<br />
A Statement <strong>of</strong> Life in a Culture <strong>of</strong> Death<br />
In <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> Little Audrey, we have <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />
“Little Audrey” Marie Santo<br />
model for this teaching. We see a community coming<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r, recognizing <strong>the</strong> “jewel” that <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
in this little person and treating her with <strong>the</strong> dignity<br />
that she deserves as a child <strong>of</strong> God, thus enabling<br />
her to develop to her full potential in <strong>the</strong> family <strong>of</strong><br />
God despite all her handicaps. At <strong>the</strong> same time, we<br />
see Little Audrey, in an extraordinary way through a<br />
very special grace from God, reciprocating all this<br />
love by giving it back to all those around her according<br />
to each person’s individual needs. Letters<br />
came from all over <strong>the</strong> world asking Little Audrey for<br />
her prayers. These letters were individually read to<br />
her by her mo<strong>the</strong>r, a family member, or one <strong>of</strong> her<br />
nurses. Audrey would listen attentively to each letter<br />
as it was read, and many claim that <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
healed ei<strong>the</strong>r physically or spiritually because <strong>of</strong> her<br />
prayers.<br />
Audrey’s bedroom after her death and her<br />
gravesite (right) in Worcester, Massachusetts<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> world’s standards, Audrey’s life<br />
was <strong>of</strong> very little worth or even <strong>of</strong> no value at all. She<br />
could not work, she could not speak and she could<br />
not even eat without <strong>the</strong> aid <strong>of</strong> feeding tubes. She<br />
needed constant care and could even be considered<br />
a “burden” to her family and to society. But God<br />
has made use <strong>of</strong> “<strong>the</strong> weak to confound <strong>the</strong> strong”<br />
(Cor.1:28), and “He has exalted <strong>the</strong> lowly.”(Luke 1: )<br />
Pope Paul VI in his encyclical letter, Populorum Progressio,<br />
reminds us that: “…in <strong>the</strong> design <strong>of</strong> God, every<br />
man is called upon to develop and fulfill himself,<br />
for every life is a vocation.” Little Audrey’s vocation<br />
was truly that <strong>of</strong> a witness in this life, that we are all<br />
We just made a new 8-page leaflet (Divine Mercy) with pages 12 to 18 <strong>of</strong><br />
this issue (plus <strong>the</strong> testimony <strong>of</strong> Gloria Polo). Order copies to distribute around<br />
you! Please list which subjects you want to order with <strong>the</strong> quantity indicated next to it:<br />
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precious in God’s eyes, and that every human being<br />
has a particular place and purpose in society. What<br />
she was unable to provide physically to society, God<br />
made up for in a most extraordinary way, manifesting<br />
how great His love is for all <strong>of</strong> mankind.<br />
Little Audrey died on April 14, 2007. On September<br />
11, 2008, Most Rev. Robert J. McManus,<br />
Bishop <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diocese <strong>of</strong> Worcester, MA, recognized<br />
<strong>the</strong> Foundation for <strong>the</strong> Promotion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cause <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> beatification and canonization <strong>of</strong> Audrey Marie<br />
Santo. We can now plead to her to intercede for us<br />
in Heaven before <strong>the</strong> throne <strong>of</strong> God, that He deliver<br />
our beautiful country <strong>of</strong> America from <strong>the</strong> “culture<br />
<strong>of</strong> death”, and that all may live <strong>the</strong>ir lives with <strong>the</strong><br />
dignity that <strong>the</strong>y deserve as children <strong>of</strong> God, having<br />
been created in His image and likeness. Little<br />
Audrey Santo, pray for us!<br />
Order our free new leaflet on Divine Mercy<br />
and/or subscribe to <strong>the</strong> MICHAEL Journal<br />
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Yves & Annie Jacques<br />
Prayer for <strong>the</strong> Beatification <strong>of</strong> Audrey<br />
Eternal Fa<strong>the</strong>r, we thank you for <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> Audrey<br />
Santo and for her extraordinary witness to <strong>the</strong><br />
world that all life, no matter how small, broken, or<br />
wounded, remains precious in Your eyes. Grant that<br />
she may be venerated as a saint for <strong>the</strong> glory <strong>of</strong><br />
God. Hear <strong>the</strong> requests <strong>of</strong> all those who seek her<br />
intercession, especially <strong>the</strong> grace for which we now<br />
ask… We ask this through Our Lord, Jesus Christ.<br />
Amen.<br />
(Prayer taken from Little Audrey’s website, www.littleaudreysanto.org)<br />
Page 1
The sacrament <strong>of</strong> mercy<br />
“Whose sins you shall forgive, <strong>the</strong>y are forgiven <strong>the</strong>m” (John 20:21-23)<br />
God’s mercy manifests itself in a dramatic<br />
way in <strong>the</strong> sacrament <strong>of</strong> Reconciliation (also<br />
called <strong>the</strong> Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Penance or Confession).<br />
The example <strong>of</strong> mercy that it demonstrates,<br />
tells us that God loves us – all <strong>of</strong> us<br />
– no matter how great our sins. He wants<br />
us to recognize that His mercy is greater<br />
than our sin, so that we will put our trust in<br />
Him. Thus, all will come to share His joy. The<br />
graces <strong>of</strong> His mercy are dependent upon our<br />
trust, so that <strong>the</strong> more we trust in Jesus, <strong>the</strong><br />
more graces and blessings we will receive.<br />
He gave us one example <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> depth <strong>of</strong> His<br />
mercy in <strong>the</strong> parable <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> prodigal son.<br />
In this parable, a man with two sons gave<br />
to <strong>the</strong> youngest his inheritance. The young<br />
man went out and wasted his fortune on riotous<br />
living. Soon afterwards, <strong>the</strong>re was a<br />
famine in <strong>the</strong> country and he lost all he had.<br />
He found employment with a swine<br />
farmer, but such was his fate that even <strong>the</strong><br />
swine were given better nourishment than<br />
he was. So he said to himself, “How many<br />
hired men in my fa<strong>the</strong>r’s house have bread<br />
in abundance, while I am perishing here with<br />
hunger! I will get up and go to my fa<strong>the</strong>r, and<br />
will say to him, ‘Fa<strong>the</strong>r, I have sinned against<br />
God and against you. I am no longer worthy<br />
to be called your son; take me as one <strong>of</strong> your<br />
hired men.’ ” And he rose and went to his<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
While he was yet a long way <strong>of</strong>f, his fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
saw him and was moved with compassion,<br />
and ran and fell upon his neck and kissed<br />
him. And <strong>the</strong> son said to him, “Fa<strong>the</strong>r, I have<br />
sinned against God and against you. I am<br />
no longer worthy to be called your son.” But<br />
<strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r said to his servants, “Fetch quickly<br />
<strong>the</strong> best robe and put it on him, and give him<br />
a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet;<br />
and bring out <strong>the</strong> fattened calf and kill it. Let<br />
us eat and make merry; because my son<br />
was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost,<br />
and is found.” And <strong>the</strong>y had a great feast in honour<br />
<strong>of</strong> his return. (Lk 15:11-32)<br />
This is only a comparison <strong>of</strong> what occurs in<br />
Heaven when one sinner returns to God after, perhaps,<br />
many years <strong>of</strong> living in sin. “I tell you, <strong>the</strong>re will<br />
be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting<br />
than over ninety-nine upright people who have<br />
no need <strong>of</strong> repentance.” (Lk 15:7)<br />
The institution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sacrament<br />
Christ instituted <strong>the</strong> Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Penance when<br />
he appeared to <strong>the</strong> Apostles after <strong>the</strong> Resurrection.<br />
He gave <strong>the</strong>m authority to forgive or retain sins when<br />
He pronounced <strong>the</strong>se words: “As <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r hath<br />
sent Me, I also send you. When He had said this, He<br />
brea<strong>the</strong>d on <strong>the</strong>m; and He said to <strong>the</strong>m: ‘Receive<br />
<strong>the</strong> Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are forgiven <strong>the</strong>m; and whose sins you shall retain,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are retained’ ”(John 20:21-23).<br />
Christ gave <strong>the</strong> Apostles <strong>the</strong> power to forgive sins,<br />
but this did not end with <strong>the</strong>ir death. It was given to<br />
<strong>the</strong>m in view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir capacity as bishops and priests<br />
and because <strong>of</strong> this, as a permanent institution in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Church – just as <strong>the</strong>y had a mission to teach and<br />
baptize all nations. Christ foresaw that His people<br />
would fall into sin; <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong>y would need forgiveness<br />
in order to be saved. As long as <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
sinners in <strong>the</strong> Church (until <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> time) <strong>the</strong>re<br />
will be a need for <strong>the</strong> sacrament. From <strong>the</strong> judicial<br />
character <strong>of</strong> this sacrament it follows that not every<br />
member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church is qualified to forgive sins;<br />
<strong>the</strong> administration <strong>of</strong> penance is reserved to those<br />
who are invested with <strong>the</strong> proper authority.<br />
The sacrament produces certain effects: <strong>the</strong><br />
power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> keys exercised by a minister (confessor)<br />
who must possess <strong>the</strong> proper qualifications, <strong>the</strong><br />
effects on <strong>the</strong> soul <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recipient, i.e., <strong>the</strong> penitent<br />
who with <strong>the</strong> necessary disposition must perform<br />
certain actions and/or satisfaction due to <strong>the</strong> sin<br />
committed.<br />
Jesus, through <strong>the</strong> sacrament <strong>of</strong> Reconciliation,<br />
draws us from <strong>the</strong> darkness <strong>of</strong> sin into <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> grace<br />
According to St. Thomas (Summa Theologiæ<br />
III.74.2) “<strong>the</strong> acts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> penitent are <strong>the</strong> proximate<br />
matter <strong>of</strong> this sacrament”. Regarding <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
sacrament, both <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> Florence and <strong>the</strong><br />
Council <strong>of</strong> Trent teach that it consists in <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong><br />
absolution. “The form <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sacrament <strong>of</strong> penance,<br />
wherein its force principally consists, is placed in<br />
those words <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> minister: ‘I absolve <strong>the</strong>e, etc.’; to<br />
<strong>the</strong>se words indeed, in accordance with <strong>the</strong> usage<br />
<strong>of</strong> Holy Church, certain prayers are laudably added,<br />
but <strong>the</strong>y do not pertain to <strong>the</strong> essence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> form<br />
nor are <strong>the</strong>y necessary for <strong>the</strong> administration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
sacrament” (Council <strong>of</strong> Trent, Sess. XIV, c. 3).<br />
“The effect <strong>of</strong> this sacrament is deliverance from<br />
sin” (Council <strong>of</strong> Florence). The same definition in<br />
somewhat different terms is given by <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong><br />
Trent (Sess. XIV, c. 3): “So far as pertains to its force<br />
and efficacy, <strong>the</strong> effect (res et effectus) <strong>of</strong> this sacrament<br />
is reconciliation with God, upon which <strong>the</strong>re<br />
sometimes follows, in pious and devout recipients,<br />
peace and calm <strong>of</strong> conscience with intense consolation<br />
<strong>of</strong> spirit.” This reconciliation implies first <strong>of</strong> all<br />
that <strong>the</strong> guilt <strong>of</strong> sin is remitted and consequently,<br />
eternal punishment due to mortal sin. As <strong>the</strong> Council<br />
<strong>of</strong> Trent declares that <strong>the</strong> sacrament requires <strong>the</strong><br />
performance <strong>of</strong> satisfaction “not indeed for <strong>the</strong> eternal<br />
penalty which is remitted toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> guilt<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r by <strong>the</strong> sacrament or by <strong>the</strong> desire <strong>of</strong> receiving<br />
<strong>the</strong> sacrament, but for <strong>the</strong> temporal penalty which,<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Scriptures teach, is not always forgiven entirely<br />
as it is in baptism” (Sess. VI, c. 14).<br />
Why we confess our sins<br />
The Catechism <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catholic Church states<br />
that, “All mortal sins <strong>of</strong> which penitents after a diligent<br />
self-examination are conscious must be recounted<br />
by <strong>the</strong>m in confession, even if <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
most secret and have been committed against <strong>the</strong><br />
last two precepts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Decalogue (<strong>the</strong> Ten Commandments);<br />
for <strong>the</strong>se sins sometimes wound <strong>the</strong><br />
soul more grievously and are more dangerous than<br />
those which are committed openly.” 1456<br />
A penitent that wilfully conceals a mortal sin,<br />
derives no benefit but makes void <strong>the</strong> sacrament<br />
and incurs <strong>the</strong> guilt <strong>of</strong> sacrilege. If, however,<br />
<strong>the</strong> sin be omitted, not through any fault<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> penitent, but through forgetfulness, it is<br />
forgiven indirectly; but it must be declared at<br />
<strong>the</strong> next confession.<br />
The Catechism continues, “After having<br />
attained <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> discretion, each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
faithful is bound by an obligation to faithfully<br />
confess serious sins at least once a year.”<br />
Anyone who has a mortal sin on his soul<br />
must not receive Holy Communion, even if<br />
he experiences deep contrition, without first<br />
having received sacramental absolution,<br />
unless he has a grave reason for receiving<br />
Communion and <strong>the</strong>re is no possibility <strong>of</strong> going<br />
to confession. Children must go to <strong>the</strong><br />
sacrament <strong>of</strong> Penance before receiving Holy<br />
Communion for <strong>the</strong> first time. 1457<br />
Without it being strictly necessary, confession<br />
<strong>of</strong> everyday faults (venial sins) is<br />
never<strong>the</strong>less strongly recommended by <strong>the</strong><br />
Church. Indeed <strong>the</strong> regular confession <strong>of</strong> our<br />
venial sins helps us form our conscience,<br />
fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be<br />
healed by Christ and progress in <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Spirit. By receiving more frequently through<br />
this sacrament <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r’s mercy,<br />
we are spurred to be merciful as He is merciful.<br />
1458<br />
Return into God’s family<br />
After <strong>the</strong> reception <strong>of</strong> absolution, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
usually remains some temporal debt to be<br />
discharged by works <strong>of</strong> satisfaction. “Venial<br />
sins by which we are not deprived <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
grace <strong>of</strong> God and into which we very frequently<br />
fall are rightly and usefully declared<br />
in confession; but mention <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m may, without<br />
any fault, be omitted and <strong>the</strong>y can be<br />
expiated by many o<strong>the</strong>r remedies” (Council<br />
<strong>of</strong> Trent, Sess. XIV, c. 3). An act <strong>of</strong> contrition<br />
suffices to obtain forgiveness <strong>of</strong> venial sin and <strong>the</strong><br />
same effect is produced by <strong>the</strong> worthy reception <strong>of</strong><br />
sacraments o<strong>the</strong>r than penance, eg., by Holy Communion.<br />
Once <strong>the</strong> sinner is reconciled with God, he experiences<br />
<strong>the</strong> revival <strong>of</strong> all those merits which he<br />
had obtained before committing grievous sin. Good<br />
works performed in <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> grace deserve a reward<br />
from God, but this is forfeited by mortal sin, so<br />
that if <strong>the</strong> sinner should die unforgiven all <strong>the</strong> good<br />
that he did in his life will avail him nothing. As long<br />
as he remains in <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> serious sin, he cannot<br />
merit from any good works. But after his sin is cancelled<br />
by penance, he regains <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> grace and<br />
also <strong>the</strong> entire store <strong>of</strong> merit that he had before.<br />
The only obstacle to obtaining <strong>the</strong> reward <strong>of</strong><br />
God’s grace is sin and once this is removed, we<br />
are brought back into God’s grace. If <strong>the</strong> merit lost<br />
through our sin would not be returned upon our reception<br />
<strong>of</strong> confession, this loss could almost be <strong>the</strong><br />
equivalent to an eternal punishment, which is not<br />
compatible with <strong>the</strong> forgiveness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sacrament. A<br />
generally accepted opinion is that <strong>of</strong> Francisco Suarez<br />
(De reviviscentia meritorum), who stated that<br />
<strong>the</strong> recovery <strong>of</strong> grace is complete, in o<strong>the</strong>r words,<br />
<strong>the</strong> forgiven penitent has regained all <strong>of</strong> his merit<br />
back, as if he had never sinned.<br />
Unbaptized persons<br />
The Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Penance was instituted by<br />
Christ for <strong>the</strong> remission <strong>of</strong> sins committed after baptism.<br />
No unbaptized person can be validly absolved,<br />
however deep and sincere his sorrow for his sins<br />
may be. This does not mean that <strong>the</strong> sins committed<br />
by unbaptized persons are worse than that <strong>of</strong> anyone<br />
else, but that one must first be a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Church before he can submit himself and his sins to<br />
<strong>the</strong> judicial process <strong>of</strong> sacramental Penance.<br />
Contrition<br />
Without sorrow for sin <strong>the</strong>re is no forgiveness.<br />
Hence <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> Trent states that (Sess. XIV,<br />
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c. 4): “Contrition, which holds <strong>the</strong> first place among<br />
<strong>the</strong> acts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> penitent, is sorrow <strong>of</strong> heart and detestation<br />
for sin committed, with <strong>the</strong> resolve to sin no<br />
more”. The Council (ibid.) fur<strong>the</strong>rmore distinguishes<br />
perfect contrition from imperfect contrition, which is<br />
called attrition and which arises from <strong>the</strong> consideration<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> evil <strong>of</strong> sin or from <strong>the</strong> fear <strong>of</strong> hell and<br />
punishment.<br />
He who repents <strong>of</strong> his sin out <strong>of</strong> love for God<br />
must acquiescence to <strong>the</strong> divine ordinance regarding<br />
penance, i.e., that he would confess if <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
a priest available. He is obliged to confess when<br />
he has <strong>the</strong> next opportunity. (This applies to serious<br />
sins.) But this does not mean that <strong>the</strong> penitent<br />
has <strong>the</strong> choice between two methods <strong>of</strong> receiving<br />
forgiveness, because one cannot obtain contrition<br />
independently from <strong>the</strong> sacrament <strong>of</strong> Confession.<br />
So it is clear <strong>the</strong>n, that not even a heartfelt sorrow<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> highest motives can dispense with <strong>the</strong><br />
power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sacrament.<br />
“<strong>For</strong> those who after baptism have fallen into sin,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Penance is as necessary unto salvation<br />
as is baptism itself for those who have not yet<br />
been regenerated” (Council <strong>of</strong> Trent, Sess. XIV, c.<br />
2). It is important to understand that <strong>the</strong> sacrament<br />
<strong>of</strong> Penance is not an institution <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> which is<br />
left to <strong>the</strong> option <strong>of</strong> each sinner. The penitent must,<br />
within <strong>the</strong> sacrament, secure forgiveness by telling<br />
his sins to <strong>the</strong> priest who will <strong>the</strong>n give absolution.<br />
The power given by Christ to <strong>the</strong> Apostles is tw<strong>of</strong>old;<br />
a priest may forgive or retain sins according to<br />
<strong>the</strong> circumstances and dispositions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> penitent.<br />
Through <strong>the</strong> sacrament, God forgives or retains sin,<br />
through <strong>the</strong> intermediary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> priest.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church, <strong>the</strong> founding fa<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
knew well that one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> greatest difficulties a penitent<br />
has is overcoming shame, but <strong>the</strong>y exhorted<br />
and encouraged frequent confession despite this.<br />
St. John Chrysostom (d. 347) pleads eloquently<br />
with <strong>the</strong> sinner: “Be not ashamed to approach (<strong>the</strong><br />
priest) because you have sinned, nay ra<strong>the</strong>r, for<br />
this very reason approach. No one says: Because I<br />
have an ulcer, I will not go near a physician or take<br />
medicine; on <strong>the</strong> contrary, it is just this that makes<br />
it needful to call in physicians and apply remedies.<br />
We (priests) know well how to pardon, because we<br />
ourselves are liable to sin. This is why God did not<br />
give us angels to be our doctors, nor send down<br />
Gabriel to rule <strong>the</strong> flock, but from <strong>the</strong> fold itself he<br />
chooses <strong>the</strong> shepherds, from among <strong>the</strong> sheep He<br />
appoints <strong>the</strong> leader, in order that he may be inclined<br />
to pardon his followers and, keeping in mind his own<br />
fault, may not set himself in hardness against <strong>the</strong><br />
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flock” (Homily “On Frequent Assembly”<br />
in P.G., LXIII, 463).<br />
Absolution and penance<br />
The sacrament has many powerful reminders<br />
<strong>of</strong> how God has shown us how His mercy and forgiveness<br />
is without limit, and this has been proven<br />
throughout our salvation history. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> our<br />
confession, <strong>the</strong> priest traces <strong>the</strong> sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cross<br />
in <strong>the</strong> air and says to <strong>the</strong> penitent, “I absolve you<br />
from your sins in <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r, and <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Son, and <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit.” This is to remind us that<br />
Jesus forgave all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sinners <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world who<br />
participated in His crucifixion, when He said: “Fa<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
forgive <strong>the</strong>m, for <strong>the</strong>y know not what <strong>the</strong>y do.”<br />
(Lk 23:34) A short while later, He forgave <strong>the</strong> good<br />
thief: “Amen, I say to you, this day you shall be with<br />
me in paradise.” (Lk 23:43) Thus, <strong>the</strong> symbol <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
cross becomes for each Christian, <strong>the</strong> sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
unwavering forgiveness <strong>of</strong> God.<br />
As stated previously, <strong>the</strong> absolution given by <strong>the</strong><br />
priest to a penitent who confesses his sins with <strong>the</strong><br />
proper dispositions remits both <strong>the</strong> guilt and <strong>the</strong> eternal<br />
punishment (<strong>of</strong> mortal sin). There remains, however,<br />
some indebtedness to Divine Justice which<br />
must be cancelled. In order to have it cancelled<br />
here, <strong>the</strong> penitent receives from his confessor what<br />
is usually called his “penance”, usually in <strong>the</strong> form<br />
<strong>of</strong> certain prayers which he is to say, or <strong>of</strong> certain<br />
actions which he is to perform, such as visits to a<br />
church, <strong>the</strong> Stations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross, etc. Giving alms,<br />
fasting, and prayer are <strong>the</strong> chief means <strong>of</strong> satisfaction,<br />
but o<strong>the</strong>r penitential works may also added.<br />
In <strong>the</strong>ological language, this penance is called<br />
satisfaction and is defined by St. Thomas as: “The<br />
payment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> temporal punishment due on account<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fence committed against God by sin”<br />
(Summa Theologicæ Supplement.12.3). It is an act<br />
<strong>of</strong> justice whereby <strong>the</strong> injury done to <strong>the</strong> honour <strong>of</strong><br />
January-February 010<br />
God is required, ins<strong>of</strong>ar at least as <strong>the</strong> sinner is able<br />
to make reparation; it is also a preventive remedy,<br />
meant to hinder <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r commission <strong>of</strong> sin.<br />
Seal <strong>of</strong> confession<br />
Regarding <strong>the</strong> sins revealed to him in sacramental<br />
confession, <strong>the</strong> priest is bound to inviolable secrecy.<br />
From this obligation he cannot be excused<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r to save his own life or good name, to save <strong>the</strong><br />
life <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r, to fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> ends <strong>of</strong> human justice,<br />
or to avert any public calamity. No law can compel<br />
him to divulge <strong>the</strong> sins confessed to him, or any<br />
oath which he takes – eg., as a witness in court. He<br />
cannot reveal <strong>the</strong>m ei<strong>the</strong>r directly – i.e., by repeating<br />
<strong>the</strong>m in so many words – or indirectly – i.e., by<br />
any sign or action, or by giving information based on<br />
what he knows through confession. The only possible<br />
release from <strong>the</strong> obligation <strong>of</strong> secrecy is <strong>the</strong><br />
permission to speak <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sins given freely and formally<br />
by <strong>the</strong> penitent himself. Without such permission,<br />
<strong>the</strong> violation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seal <strong>of</strong> confession would<br />
not only be a grievous sin, but also a sacrilege.<br />
Misrepresentations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sacrament<br />
By way <strong>of</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r explanation it is needful to correct<br />
certain erroneous views regarding this sacrament<br />
which not only misrepresent <strong>the</strong> actual practice<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church but also lead to a false interpretation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ological statement and historical evidence. It<br />
should be clear:<br />
• That penance is not a mere human invention<br />
devised by <strong>the</strong> Church to secure power over consciences<br />
or to relieve <strong>the</strong> emotional strain <strong>of</strong> troubled<br />
souls; it is <strong>the</strong> ordinary means appointed by<br />
Christ for <strong>the</strong> remission <strong>of</strong> sin. Man indeed is free to<br />
obey or disobey, but once he has sinned, he must<br />
seek pardon, not on conditions <strong>of</strong> his own choosing<br />
but on those which God has determined and <strong>the</strong>se<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Christian are embodied in <strong>the</strong> Sacrament <strong>of</strong><br />
Penance.<br />
• No Catholic believes that a priest, simply as an<br />
individual man, however pious or learned, has power<br />
to forgive sins. This power belongs to God alone;<br />
but He can and does exercise it through <strong>the</strong> ministration<br />
<strong>of</strong> men. Since He has seen fit to exercise it by<br />
means <strong>of</strong> this sacrament, it cannot be said that <strong>the</strong><br />
Church or <strong>the</strong> priest interferes between <strong>the</strong> soul and<br />
God; on <strong>the</strong> contrary, penance is <strong>the</strong> removal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
one obstacle that keeps <strong>the</strong> soul away from God.<br />
• It is not true that for <strong>the</strong> Catholic <strong>the</strong> mere “telling<br />
<strong>of</strong> one’s sins” suffices to obtain <strong>the</strong>ir forgiveness.<br />
Without sincere sorrow and purpose <strong>of</strong> amendment,<br />
confession avails nothing, <strong>the</strong> pronouncement <strong>of</strong><br />
absolution is <strong>of</strong> no effect, and <strong>the</strong> guilt <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sinner<br />
is greater than before.<br />
• While this sacrament as a dispensation <strong>of</strong> Divine<br />
Mercy facilitates <strong>the</strong> pardoning <strong>of</strong> sin, it by no<br />
means renders sin less hateful or its consequences<br />
less dreadful to <strong>the</strong> Christian mind; much less does<br />
it imply permission to commit sin in <strong>the</strong> future. In<br />
paying ordinary debts, as eg., by monthly settlements,<br />
<strong>the</strong> intention <strong>of</strong> contracting new debts with<br />
<strong>the</strong> same creditor is perfectly legitimate; a similar<br />
intention on <strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> him who confesses his sins<br />
would not only be wrong in itself but would nullify <strong>the</strong><br />
sacrament and prevent <strong>the</strong> forgiveness <strong>of</strong> sins <strong>the</strong>n<br />
and <strong>the</strong>re confessed.<br />
• Strangely enough, <strong>the</strong> opposite charge is <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
heard, viz., that <strong>the</strong> confession <strong>of</strong> sin is intolerable<br />
and hard and <strong>the</strong>refore alien to <strong>the</strong> spirit <strong>of</strong> Chris-<br />
tianity and <strong>the</strong> loving kindness <strong>of</strong> its Founder. But<br />
this view, in <strong>the</strong> first place, overlooks <strong>the</strong> fact that<br />
Christ, though merciful, is also just and exacting.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, however painful or humiliating confession<br />
may be, it is but a light penalty for <strong>the</strong> violation<br />
<strong>of</strong> God’s law. Finally, those who are in earnest about<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir salvation count no hardship too great whereby<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can win back God’s friendship.<br />
Both <strong>the</strong>se accusations, <strong>of</strong> too great leniency<br />
and too great severity, proceed as a rule from those<br />
who have no experience with <strong>the</strong> sacrament and<br />
only <strong>the</strong> vaguest ideas <strong>of</strong> what <strong>the</strong> Church teaches<br />
or <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> power to forgive sins which <strong>the</strong> Church received<br />
from Christ.<br />
Here is a simple examination <strong>of</strong> conscience<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> Ten Commandments, given to help<br />
those who frequent <strong>the</strong> sacrament very seldom or<br />
for those who are going for <strong>the</strong> first time. One also<br />
may simply ask <strong>the</strong> priest for help in making a good,<br />
sincere confession.<br />
Examination <strong>of</strong> Conscience<br />
1. You shall worship <strong>the</strong> Lord your God and<br />
Him only shall you serve.<br />
Do I truly put God first in my life? Are <strong>the</strong>re o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
elements <strong>of</strong> my life – money, possessions, habits,<br />
relationships, career, hobbies, desires – that are<br />
more important to me than my relationship with<br />
God? Do I truly put my faith in God – not merely<br />
faith that He exists, but faith that He is truly taking<br />
care <strong>of</strong> me? Do I ever doubt God’s existence or His<br />
love for o<strong>the</strong>rs or myself? Do I believe that God<br />
speaks, acts, governs and sanctifies through <strong>the</strong><br />
Church? Do I doubt what God has revealed through<br />
<strong>the</strong> Church? Do I neglect it, or refuse it? Do I give<br />
God <strong>the</strong> proper worship? How is my prayer life? Do<br />
I engage in works <strong>of</strong> charity and justice? How am I<br />
living up to my baptismal promises to reject sin and<br />
to refuse to be mastered by <strong>the</strong> glamour <strong>of</strong> evil? Am<br />
I engaged in any superstitious beliefs which weaken<br />
my faith in God?<br />
2. You shall not take <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lord<br />
your God in vain.<br />
Do I have reverence for God’s name? Do I ever<br />
speak His name in anger? If I make an oath by God’s<br />
name, am I truly living up to what I swore to do in His<br />
name? Since I am a child <strong>of</strong> God, how am I living up<br />
to my name? Am I faithful to all my promises? Am I<br />
a person <strong>of</strong> my word?<br />
3. Remember <strong>the</strong> Sabbath day, to make it<br />
holy.<br />
Am I faithful to Sunday Mass? Do I participate in<br />
<strong>the</strong> liturgy with my full heart? Am I truly in communion<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Church when I worship? Am I conscious<br />
<strong>of</strong> any ways in which I have broken communion by<br />
engaging in serious sin? Have I truly repented <strong>of</strong><br />
all <strong>of</strong> my sins before approaching <strong>the</strong> altar for <strong>the</strong><br />
Eucharist? Have I availed myself <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sacrament<br />
<strong>of</strong> Reconciliation regularly in conjunction with my reception<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eucharist? When worshipping, am I<br />
judgmental or critical <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong> assembly – <strong>the</strong><br />
priest, musicians, lectors, o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong> pews? Do<br />
I regularly take Sabbath-time for prayer, reflection,<br />
rest and recreation, or am I constantly pursuing a<br />
goal o<strong>the</strong>r than that <strong>of</strong> my salvation and <strong>the</strong> salvation<br />
<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs?<br />
4. Honour your fa<strong>the</strong>r and mo<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
<strong>For</strong> those with living parents: Do I regularly call<br />
or visit my parents? Do I give thanks for <strong>the</strong> good<br />
things <strong>the</strong>y have given and forgive <strong>the</strong> wrongs <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have done? If <strong>the</strong>y are elderly, ill in body, mind or<br />
spirit, or suffering from any o<strong>the</strong>r circumstance, do<br />
I give <strong>the</strong>m aid, comfort and support? When I disagree<br />
with <strong>the</strong>m, do I still respect <strong>the</strong>m? Do I seek to<br />
settle any disagreements in a civil, just manner?<br />
<strong>For</strong> those whose parents are deceased: Do I<br />
honour <strong>the</strong> memory <strong>of</strong> my parents? Do I help that<br />
memory to live on, especially to <strong>the</strong> next generation?<br />
Am I living <strong>the</strong> virtues <strong>the</strong>y have taught me?<br />
Have I forgiven wrongs <strong>the</strong>y have done to me?<br />
Have I forgiven myself for any conflicts which were<br />
left unresolved at <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir death?<br />
<strong>For</strong> all: Do I encourage o<strong>the</strong>rs to honour <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
parents, especially in times <strong>of</strong> family conflict? Do I<br />
honor <strong>the</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> my friends, showing <strong>the</strong>m due<br />
respect and honour? Do I contribute to a culture<br />
which promotes <strong>the</strong> family and parental respect?<br />
(continued on page 18)<br />
“The greater <strong>the</strong> sinner, <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong> right he has to My mercy.” – Our Lord to Sister Faustina<br />
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Page 1
6. You shall not commit adultery.<br />
<strong>For</strong> married persons: Am I faithful to my spouse,<br />
not just in sexual relations, but in everything? Are<br />
<strong>the</strong>re o<strong>the</strong>r people or activities in my life which take<br />
away time and attention due to my spouse? Do I<br />
respect my spouse as an equal partner, not an object<br />
to an end? Am I attentive and responsive to <strong>the</strong><br />
needs <strong>of</strong> my spouse? Do I contribute to an effective<br />
communication in my marriage? Do I contribute to<br />
a sound prayer life and spiritual foundation in my<br />
marriage? Do I live my marriage as a sacrament,<br />
a sacred covenant whose purpose is to image <strong>the</strong><br />
covenant between Jesus and <strong>the</strong> Church and to<br />
contribute to <strong>the</strong> salvation <strong>of</strong> each spouse?<br />
<strong>For</strong> unmarried persons: Am I living a chaste life,<br />
respecting God’s gift <strong>of</strong> sexuality and its true purpose<br />
and place in his creation? Do I engage in any<br />
kind <strong>of</strong> sexual activity which is contrary to God’s purpose<br />
<strong>of</strong> sexuality? If I sense a possible call to marriage<br />
in <strong>the</strong> future, am I preparing myself now to be<br />
a good spouse, cultivating virtues which will serve<br />
well in marriage? Do I contribute to a culture which<br />
promotes <strong>the</strong> proper understanding <strong>of</strong> marriage?<br />
7. You shall not steal.<br />
The sacrament <strong>of</strong> mercy<br />
“Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.”<br />
(continued from page 17) Have I told lies in general, or particularly about<br />
A formula for Confession<br />
5. You shall not kill.<br />
anyone? Have I participated in gossip?<br />
After examining your conscience and telling God<br />
Have I let my anger reach <strong>the</strong> point <strong>of</strong> vengeance<br />
and hatred where I desire not merely justice, but that<br />
harm be done to ano<strong>the</strong>r person? Have I contrib-<br />
9. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife.<br />
Am I inordinately attracted to ano<strong>the</strong>r person’s<br />
spouse? If so, have I engaged in any speech or be-<br />
<strong>of</strong> your sorrow, go into <strong>the</strong> confessional. You may<br />
kneel at <strong>the</strong> screen or sit to talk face-to-face with<br />
<strong>the</strong> priest.<br />
uted – by any act <strong>of</strong> omission or commission, direct haviour which could lead to an inappropriate end? Begin your confession with <strong>the</strong> sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cross,<br />
or indirect, formal or informal cooperation – to <strong>the</strong> Have <strong>the</strong> same circumstances applied to any per- “In <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r, and <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Son, and<br />
destruction <strong>of</strong> innocent human life? Have any <strong>of</strong> my son who, for various reasons, is an inappropriate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit. My last confession was ............<br />
thoughts, words, deeds, things I have done or things subject for my romantic/sexual interest? Do I enter- weeks (months, years) ago.”<br />
I have failed to do, contributed to a culture <strong>of</strong> death tain fantasies involving inappropriate sexual behav-<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>of</strong> life? Have I failed to respond to any iour? Do I view pornographic materials or o<strong>the</strong>r titil-<br />
need in my community to help promote a culture <strong>of</strong> lating media, distorting my appreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> true<br />
life?<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> sexuality?<br />
Have I taken anything that does not belong to<br />
me, no matter how small? Have I accepted anything<br />
under false pretences – through ano<strong>the</strong>r’s mistake<br />
or some o<strong>the</strong>r circumstance – something to which I<br />
am not truly entitled? Do I contribute to <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> poor? (Heed <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong> St. John Chrysostom:<br />
“Not to enable <strong>the</strong> poor to share in our goods is to<br />
steal from <strong>the</strong>m and deprive <strong>the</strong>m <strong>of</strong> life. The goods<br />
we possess are not ours, but <strong>the</strong>irs.”)<br />
8. You shall not bear false witness against<br />
your neighbour.<br />
10. You shall not covet your neighbour’s<br />
goods.<br />
Am I inordinately attached to material objects,<br />
including money? Am I envious <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r’s possessions<br />
– material or o<strong>the</strong>rwise – instead <strong>of</strong> being<br />
thankful for what God has provided for me?<br />
The priest may read a passage from holy Scripture.<br />
Say <strong>the</strong> sins that you remember. Start with <strong>the</strong><br />
one(s) that is most difficult to say. (In order to make<br />
a good confession <strong>the</strong> faithful must confess all mortal<br />
sins, according to kind and number.) After confessing<br />
all <strong>the</strong> sins you remember since your last<br />
good confession, you may conclude by saying, “I<br />
am sorry for <strong>the</strong>se and all <strong>the</strong> sins <strong>of</strong> my past life.”<br />
Listen to <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> priest. He will assign<br />
you some penance. Doing <strong>the</strong> penance will diminish<br />
<strong>the</strong> temporal punishment due to sins that have<br />
already been forgiven. When invited, express some<br />
prayer <strong>of</strong> sorrow or Act <strong>of</strong> Contrition.<br />
Listen to <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong> absolution, <strong>the</strong> sacramental<br />
forgiveness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church through <strong>the</strong> ordained<br />
priest. As you listen to <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong> forgiveness you<br />
may make <strong>the</strong> sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cross with <strong>the</strong> priest.<br />
Give thanks to God for forgiving you again. If you<br />
recall some serious sin you forgot to tell, rest assured<br />
that it has been forgiven with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs, but<br />
be sure to confess it in your next Confession.<br />
Do your assigned Penance and resolve to return<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Reconciliation <strong>of</strong>ten. We Catholics<br />
are fortunate to have <strong>the</strong> Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Reconciliation.<br />
It is <strong>the</strong> ordinary way for us to have our sins<br />
forgiven. This sacrament is a powerful help to get<br />
rid <strong>of</strong> our weaknesses, grow in holiness and lead a<br />
balanced and virtuous life.<br />
Act <strong>of</strong> Contrition<br />
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having <strong>of</strong>fended<br />
You. I detest all my sins, because I dread <strong>the</strong><br />
loss <strong>of</strong> heaven and <strong>the</strong> pains <strong>of</strong> hell. But most <strong>of</strong> all<br />
because I have <strong>of</strong>fended You, my God, who are all<br />
good and deserving <strong>of</strong> all my love. I firmly resolve<br />
with <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> Your grace, to confess my sins, to<br />
do penance and to amend my life. Amen.<br />
Marie Anne Jacques<br />
The Power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Medal <strong>of</strong> St. Benedict<br />
St. Benedict was <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>of</strong> Western monasticism.<br />
He was born in Nursia, Italy,<br />
in 480. Beginning in 520, he<br />
founded twelve monasteries<br />
in <strong>the</strong> region <strong>of</strong> Subiaco. The<br />
foundation at Monte Cassino<br />
(529) became <strong>the</strong> cradle <strong>of</strong> his<br />
Order. His twin sister was St.<br />
Scholastica. Benedict died on<br />
March 21, 542.<br />
St. Benedict had a pr<strong>of</strong>ound veneration for <strong>the</strong> Holy Cross and for our<br />
Saviour Crucified. In virtue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross, he wrought many miracles<br />
and exercised great power over <strong>the</strong> spirits <strong>of</strong> darkness. In consequence<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> great veneration in which St. Benedict was held from <strong>the</strong> early Middle<br />
Ages, it followed that a medal was struck. His medal has exceptional powers<br />
against <strong>the</strong> demons <strong>of</strong> Hell.<br />
The medal <strong>of</strong> Saint Benedict is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sacramentals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church.<br />
The value and power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> medal must be ascribed to <strong>the</strong> merits <strong>of</strong> Christ<br />
Crucified, to <strong>the</strong> efficacious prayers <strong>of</strong> St. Benedict, to <strong>the</strong> blessing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Church, and especially to <strong>the</strong> faith and holy disposition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> person using<br />
<strong>the</strong> medal.<br />
The front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> medal shows St. Benedict holding a cross in one hand<br />
and <strong>the</strong> book <strong>of</strong> his Rule in <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. Flanking him on ei<strong>the</strong>r side are <strong>the</strong><br />
words: Crux S. Patris Benedicti (The Cross <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r Benedict).<br />
Below his feet are <strong>the</strong>se words: Ex S M Casino MDCCCLXXX (From <strong>the</strong><br />
Holy Mount <strong>of</strong> Cassino, 1880). On that date, Monte Cassino was given <strong>the</strong><br />
exclusive right to produce this medal.<br />
Inscribed in <strong>the</strong> circle surrounding Benedict are <strong>the</strong> words: Ejus in obitu<br />
nostro presentia muniamur (May his presence protect us in <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong><br />
death).<br />
The o<strong>the</strong>r side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> medal is where <strong>the</strong> real exorcistic force reveals itself.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> center is <strong>the</strong> Cross. Benedict loved <strong>the</strong> Cross and used it to drive<br />
away demons.<br />
The vertical beam <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross has five letters: C.S.S.M.L., meaning<br />
Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (May <strong>the</strong> holy Cross be for me a light). The horizontal<br />
beam <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross also has five letters: N.D.S.M.D., meaning Non Draco<br />
Sit Mihi Dux (Let not <strong>the</strong> dragon be my guide).<br />
The four large letters at <strong>the</strong> angles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross: C.S.P.B. stand for Crux<br />
Sancti Patris Benedicti (The Cross <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Fa<strong>the</strong>r Benedict).<br />
Encircling <strong>the</strong> Cross in a circle around <strong>the</strong> right margin are <strong>the</strong>se letters<br />
V.R.S.N.S.M.V., meaning Vade retro Satana; nunquam suade mihi vana<br />
(Begone Satan! Suggest not to me thy vain things).<br />
Around <strong>the</strong> left margin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> circle are <strong>the</strong>se letters: S.M.Q.L.I.V.B.,<br />
meaning Sunt mala quae libas; ipse venena bibas (The drink you <strong>of</strong>fer is<br />
evil; drink that poison yourself). At <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> circle is <strong>the</strong> word PAX<br />
(Peace).<br />
No special way <strong>of</strong> carrying or applying <strong>the</strong> medal is prescribed. It may<br />
be worn around <strong>the</strong> neck, attached to <strong>the</strong> Scapular or <strong>the</strong> Rosary, or simply<br />
carried in one’s pocket.<br />
Often it is placed in <strong>the</strong> fields, <strong>the</strong> foundations <strong>of</strong> buildings, or attached to<br />
automobiles to call down God’s blessing and <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> St. Benedict.<br />
No particular prayer is prescribed, as <strong>the</strong> devout wearing itself is a continual<br />
silent prayer.<br />
Page 1 “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org
The destruction<br />
<strong>of</strong> society<br />
Here are some excerpts <strong>of</strong> an interview with<br />
Fr. Thomas Euteneuer in Rome with LifeSite-<br />
News reporter Hilary White on January 6, 2010.<br />
Fr. Euteneuer gives a very through explanation<br />
<strong>of</strong> how our world is going through a great spiritual<br />
battle and why it may well cause <strong>the</strong> destruction<br />
<strong>of</strong> society.<br />
LSN: We see <strong>the</strong> crisis <strong>of</strong> abortion sometimes<br />
in isolation. We look at individual problems like <strong>the</strong><br />
health care bill in <strong>the</strong> US, or <strong>the</strong> threat to national<br />
sovereignty presented by <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Treaty, or we<br />
look at a particular political party or candidate and<br />
we focus our attention on those things, but we need<br />
also to look at <strong>the</strong> larger picture. What does <strong>the</strong> abortion<br />
and moral crisis, presage in <strong>the</strong> larger realm?<br />
TE: A moral degradation precedes social and<br />
political degradation. And we see a take-over <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
financial system. We see a dismantling <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> free<br />
market as we know it, which is a hallmark <strong>of</strong> western<br />
democracy. We see a socialization <strong>of</strong> huge industries,<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> health care industry, even <strong>the</strong><br />
insurance industry is part <strong>of</strong> this process <strong>of</strong> socialization.<br />
I say it is not remarkable that it is happening<br />
now. You mention that it has already happened in<br />
Europe and we’re now catching up. Of course, because<br />
Europe legalized abortion, Europe had <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
moral degradation prior to us. And now <strong>the</strong>y’re seeing<br />
a rapid systematic dismantling <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir economies.<br />
LSN: Can a line between legalized abortion and<br />
<strong>the</strong> financial crisis be drawn clearly?<br />
TE: The line to me is <strong>the</strong> spiritual and moral<br />
dimension <strong>of</strong> it. The spiritual and moral affect everything<br />
that we do. But usually because <strong>the</strong>re is a<br />
greater accountability in <strong>the</strong> financial and economic<br />
realm <strong>of</strong> things, it takes longer for that to degrade.<br />
When people start losing money, <strong>the</strong>y begin to wake<br />
up. And God allows that because when people do<br />
not recognize <strong>the</strong> demands <strong>of</strong> morality and <strong>the</strong> demands<br />
<strong>of</strong> God, <strong>the</strong> only thing <strong>the</strong>y’re willing to listen<br />
to <strong>of</strong>tentimes is <strong>the</strong>ir pocketbook. There’s a great<br />
possibility in all <strong>the</strong>se structural changes that are<br />
happening now, that people could turn around and<br />
become moral again, because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> financial crisis.<br />
Also, any type <strong>of</strong> disaster turns people back to<br />
God, as we saw after 9-11. We didn’t sustain that<br />
because we got back on our feet economically.<br />
LSN: Do you anticipate a social crisis similar to<br />
that <strong>of</strong> Britain in <strong>the</strong> US?<br />
TE: The social crisis happens when we elect people<br />
to rule over us who are immoral. That is not an<br />
isolated incident anymore. We have immoral activists<br />
at every branch <strong>of</strong> government and everywhere<br />
we turn around <strong>the</strong> pagans are in charge <strong>of</strong> our institutions.<br />
So people who don’t have a moral bearing<br />
to elect o<strong>the</strong>r moral people, elect immoral politicians<br />
and people to serve over <strong>the</strong>m, eventually end up<br />
reaping <strong>the</strong> fruit <strong>of</strong> those immoral decisions. So immoral<br />
lifestyles produce immoral leaders.<br />
LSN: This should come as a surprise to no one,<br />
though.<br />
TE: It’s not. It’s happened in every society that<br />
has reached its pinnacle <strong>of</strong> civilization and <strong>the</strong>n collapsed.<br />
Look at Carthage, <strong>the</strong> Phoenician empire<br />
was much more powerful than Rome for a period<br />
<strong>of</strong> time. But Carthage had a religion that <strong>of</strong>fered human<br />
sacrifice <strong>of</strong> babies. Eventually it degraded from<br />
within and collapsed on itself.<br />
LSN: What do you anticipate <strong>the</strong>n, with our global<br />
culture?<br />
TE: We’ve got a serious crisis on <strong>the</strong> horizon. I’m<br />
not a prophet <strong>of</strong> doom but I don’t see this going any<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r way but a serious political crisis that’s going to<br />
affect <strong>the</strong> globe.<br />
January-February 010<br />
LSN: You don’t think <strong>the</strong>re is going to be a backlash?<br />
A natural return to moral sanity? In Britain,<br />
even if most people don’t understand why <strong>the</strong> situation<br />
is so bad, <strong>the</strong>y are clearly fed up with Blairism<br />
and are going to kick <strong>the</strong> Labour Party out. Do you<br />
think that people will say “enough” before a global<br />
social disaster?<br />
TE: The only way we can avert a global collapse<br />
is by a moral conversion. Once again, we have to<br />
reverse <strong>the</strong> process. We have to turn back to God.<br />
And if people get fed up and just elect ano<strong>the</strong>r political<br />
party that is just as bad as <strong>the</strong> previous political<br />
party, it does nothing to stem <strong>the</strong> global crisis that’s<br />
going to come upon us. What we need is a conversion<br />
<strong>of</strong> heart.<br />
LSN: How is this going to come about, barring a<br />
massive disaster?<br />
TE: It’s going to be <strong>the</strong> natural result <strong>of</strong> suffering.<br />
People turn back to God when <strong>the</strong>y suffer. People<br />
can turn back to God because <strong>the</strong>y listen to reason.<br />
Or because <strong>the</strong>y hear good preaching or because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have good moral leadership. It could also happen<br />
that way, where if <strong>the</strong> Church were living up to<br />
its vocation – and I mean mainly Church leadership<br />
– <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> people have a fighting chance <strong>of</strong> turning<br />
this back.<br />
A good example <strong>of</strong> where it’s not happening was<br />
this summer. Many <strong>of</strong> us were happy that people<br />
were attending <strong>the</strong> townhall meetings and tea parties<br />
and yelling and screaming, but it was all about<br />
<strong>the</strong> economics. Where were <strong>the</strong>se people when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were killing babies? Where are <strong>the</strong>se people<br />
since <strong>the</strong>y are continuing to kill babies. Where is this<br />
kind <strong>of</strong> anger generated by that? Biblically, we see<br />
Nineveh, as a sign that this kind <strong>of</strong> thing can happen.<br />
They responded to God’s grace.<br />
LSN: So where’s our Jonah?<br />
TE: (Pope) Benedict, and John Paul before him,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are true prophets. We have witnesses such as<br />
Terri Schiavo who was a victim. They are victim witnesses.<br />
We have <strong>the</strong> witnesses <strong>of</strong> holiness in <strong>the</strong><br />
lives <strong>of</strong> sanctity that we see proposed to us by <strong>the</strong><br />
Church throughout <strong>the</strong> ages, but in <strong>the</strong> modern age<br />
we are not lacking at all.<br />
LSN: But we’ve had martyrs, modern martyrs, so<br />
where’s <strong>the</strong> miracle? Where’s <strong>the</strong> big conversion?<br />
TE: I think because <strong>the</strong> seriousness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> shedding<br />
<strong>of</strong> innocent blood through <strong>the</strong> 20th century into<br />
<strong>the</strong> 21st century, <strong>the</strong> spiritual deficit is too great. The<br />
scales are tipped too low, and I really believe that<br />
we’re going to need a great martyrdom in order to<br />
return <strong>the</strong> balance. Abraham Lincoln, believe it or<br />
not, said that <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> slavery was all <strong>the</strong> blood<br />
shed in <strong>the</strong> Civil War. And I believe... how will we pay<br />
back <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> abortion? Our trillion-dollar debt in<br />
<strong>the</strong> United States isn’t anything in comparison to <strong>the</strong><br />
actual debt that we owe to reality and to God and to<br />
<strong>the</strong> human race even, for <strong>the</strong> killing <strong>of</strong> innocents. 50<br />
million is what is killed every year around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
It’s a global genocide and it’s totally unrepented.<br />
And with contraception and abortion, we’re basically<br />
committing mass suicide on a global scale.<br />
LSN: Lots <strong>of</strong> people have been sounding <strong>the</strong><br />
trumpet <strong>of</strong> warning for a long time...<br />
TE: It’s human nature. Human nature doesn’t<br />
listen. My mo<strong>the</strong>r always says those who do not listen<br />
must feel. You get <strong>the</strong> message when you feel<br />
it hurting you and striking you back. I believe that is<br />
very much <strong>the</strong> way human nature operates. It’s <strong>the</strong><br />
law <strong>of</strong> nature that we are slothful until we’re woken<br />
up. The Gospels have so many messages saying<br />
not only ‘stay awake’ but ‘wake up!’ and see what is<br />
happening around you and if you don’t <strong>the</strong>n death<br />
happens.<br />
LSN: Death happens?<br />
TE: The principle is that what happens under <strong>the</strong><br />
surface eventually comes out into <strong>the</strong> open. So <strong>the</strong><br />
killing <strong>of</strong> babies eventually leads to <strong>the</strong> euthanizing<br />
<strong>of</strong> elderly and sick people. That’s <strong>the</strong> law. It happens<br />
infallibly. It’s part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> moral law <strong>of</strong> nature,<br />
<strong>the</strong> moral dimension <strong>of</strong> nature, that if you don’t see<br />
something that is so necessary to see on a personal<br />
scale, eventually it becomes social, so that you<br />
can’t miss it.<br />
LSN: Where is <strong>the</strong> leadership? Here we are,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re’s <strong>the</strong> dome <strong>of</strong> St. Peter’s right out that window...<br />
TE: We have individual leaders that are stellar.<br />
Such as here, in Archbishop (Raymond) Burke. I<br />
think <strong>the</strong> man is just a modern saint. And his leadership<br />
does not go unnoticed. However as just one individual<br />
bishop <strong>the</strong>re’s only so much he can do. We<br />
don’t have conferences <strong>of</strong> bishops that are giving<br />
us leadership as a body <strong>of</strong> bishops. When will that<br />
come? It will probably only come when [<strong>the</strong> secular<br />
governments] start forcing <strong>the</strong> bishops to pay for<br />
abortions. Those who do not listen must feel.<br />
LSN: People are saying that <strong>the</strong>re has been a<br />
surprisingly strong reaction from <strong>the</strong> US bishops to<br />
abortion funding in <strong>the</strong> American health care bill.<br />
Where’s that coming from?<br />
TE: I think <strong>the</strong>re are more bishops who are seeing<br />
it for what it is. There are more bishops who<br />
have less <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> liberal agenda and are just more<br />
Catholic. When <strong>the</strong>ir number increases <strong>the</strong>n we<br />
have more leadership in <strong>the</strong> body <strong>of</strong> bishops.<br />
Pro-abortion forces in <strong>the</strong> US government are<br />
becoming more aggressive against [<strong>the</strong> bishops].<br />
That’s where I think <strong>the</strong> bishops as a body will stand<br />
up and make stronger statements as time goes on<br />
because more is going to be threatened. Not just <strong>the</strong><br />
tax-exempt status but Catholic institutions, Catholic<br />
identity and <strong>the</strong>y will have to defend that or <strong>the</strong>y will<br />
not be Catholic.<br />
LSN: I’ll give you <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government <strong>of</strong><br />
Britain forcing <strong>the</strong> closure or secularization <strong>of</strong> Catholic<br />
adoption agencies. When <strong>the</strong> British Labour<br />
government, in <strong>the</strong> person <strong>of</strong> Tony Blair, refused to<br />
give a religious exemption to <strong>the</strong> Sexual Orientation<br />
Regulations, <strong>the</strong> bishops shrugged and secularized<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir adoption agencies. So <strong>the</strong>y’ve lost <strong>the</strong> Catholic<br />
service <strong>of</strong> adoption in Britain.<br />
TE: And <strong>the</strong>y may lose more. As <strong>the</strong> attacks<br />
against our values and institutions get more militant,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’re going to have to make those very hard decisions.<br />
I’ve always said, and I’ll continue to say it, for<br />
a bishop to be a real bishop, he has to be willing to<br />
go to war. That is a war not only with <strong>the</strong> secular<br />
culture but <strong>of</strong>ten times <strong>the</strong> most difficult part <strong>of</strong> that<br />
is <strong>the</strong> war with his own people. To make <strong>the</strong>m truly<br />
Catholic and to witness to <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
LSN: Are <strong>the</strong>re signs that <strong>the</strong> tide is turning?<br />
TE: No. I don’t think <strong>the</strong> tide is turning. I don’t<br />
think we’ve reached that point yet. I think <strong>the</strong> crisis<br />
we were talking about earlier will be <strong>the</strong> way in<br />
which <strong>the</strong> tide turns. Again, I’m not predicting anything,<br />
I just have this intuition that <strong>the</strong> way things<br />
are going, <strong>the</strong>y’re getting worse, <strong>the</strong>y’re declining,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’re dismantling, and that can only mean some<br />
form <strong>of</strong> major destruction down <strong>the</strong> road. The ones<br />
who are now presently on <strong>the</strong> side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> angels are<br />
<strong>the</strong> ones who are going to get through that. And to<br />
bring o<strong>the</strong>rs along with <strong>the</strong>m back to God.<br />
And we have to keep in mind that Obama<br />
doesn’t define life. I’m an exorcist, and I tell all <strong>the</strong><br />
people who I work with that <strong>the</strong> demons do not define<br />
your life. They are painful and terrible, however<br />
long it may take to remove <strong>the</strong>m and get you back<br />
to health, you have to keep this message in mind.<br />
That you are not defined by evil. You are defined by<br />
God, by Jesus Christ. And <strong>the</strong> return that some <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se people have to make after living terrible lives,<br />
and paying <strong>the</strong> price for that, is part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reason<br />
why God allows evil in <strong>the</strong> world. It serves a purpose<br />
in <strong>the</strong> overall work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kingdom. He allows evil<br />
in order to bring something good out <strong>of</strong> it. In fact<br />
something even better than it would have been had<br />
evil not been present.<br />
LSN: So this unimaginably huge evil, 50 million<br />
people being killed a year...<br />
TE: ...will produce an unimaginably marvelous<br />
good, if we are men and women <strong>of</strong> faith and we look<br />
for it.<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Fr. Thomas Euteneuer<br />
Reprinted with permission: www.lifesitenews.com<br />
Page 1
The Pilgrims <strong>of</strong> St. Michael from Quebec, Canada<br />
have been fighting corruption in <strong>the</strong> economic<br />
systems for <strong>the</strong> last 70 years. The new health care<br />
bill just signed by President Barack Obama is one<br />
step fur<strong>the</strong>r towards a New World Order, now so <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
talked about and promoted by our government<br />
leaders. This bill has been passed with very little<br />
knowledge on <strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> general public. In fact,<br />
many such bills are passed during <strong>the</strong> Christmas<br />
season, when most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> representatives are on<br />
holiday vacation and <strong>the</strong> public are busy with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
families. The health care bill that we will discuss in<br />
this article was passed on Christmas Eve <strong>of</strong> 2009.<br />
* * *<br />
The sections in this bill state that new taxes and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r impositions will crush small businesses and<br />
local commerce. This is really a diabolical piece <strong>of</strong><br />
legislation. It is ano<strong>the</strong>r step taken by <strong>the</strong> government<br />
to implement a socialistic society in <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States.<br />
Many in <strong>the</strong> medical pr<strong>of</strong>ession are aware <strong>of</strong><br />
what is going to happen with this bill and are very<br />
concerned. These clarified excerpts written by Dr.<br />
Stephen Fraser, M.D. drawn from <strong>the</strong> health care<br />
bill, will inform us more about what is going to happen<br />
in <strong>the</strong> medical field and o<strong>the</strong>r areas.<br />
“As a practicing physician I have major concerns<br />
with <strong>the</strong> health care bill before Congress.<br />
I actually have read <strong>the</strong> bill and am shocked by<br />
<strong>the</strong> brazenness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government’s proposed<br />
involvement in <strong>the</strong> patient-physician relationship.<br />
The very idea that <strong>the</strong> government will<br />
dictate and ration patient care is dangerous and<br />
certainly not helpful in designing a health care<br />
system that works for all. Every physician I work<br />
with agrees that we need to fix our health care<br />
system, but <strong>the</strong> proposed bills currently making<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir way through congress will be a disaster if<br />
passed. I ask you respectfully and as a patriotic<br />
American, to look at <strong>the</strong> following troubling lines<br />
that I have read in <strong>the</strong> bill. You cannot possibly<br />
believe that <strong>the</strong>se proposals are in <strong>the</strong> best interests<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country and our fellow citizens.”<br />
Health Care Bill<br />
Page 22: Mandates that <strong>the</strong> government will audit<br />
books <strong>of</strong> all employers that self-insure.<br />
Page 30, Section 123: There will be a government<br />
committee that decides what treatments and/<br />
or benefits you get.<br />
Page 29, Line 4-16: Your health care is limited to<br />
a quota set by <strong>the</strong> government.<br />
Page 42: The Health Choices Commissioner will<br />
choose your health care benefits for you. You have<br />
no choice!<br />
Page 50, Sec. 152: Health care will be provided<br />
to ALL non-US citizens, illegal or o<strong>the</strong>rwise.<br />
Page 58: The government will have real-time<br />
access to individuals’ finances and a “National ID<br />
Health Card” will be issued!<br />
Page 59, Line 21-24: The government will have<br />
direct access to your bank accounts for elective<br />
funds transfer.<br />
Page 65, Sec. 164: Is a pay<strong>of</strong>f subsidized plan<br />
for retirees and <strong>the</strong>ir families in unions & community<br />
organizations such as ACORN. (ACORN is a<br />
government body that has been caught dealing in<br />
prostitution, fraud, embezzlement, etc. ACORN has<br />
received $53,000,000 in funds from <strong>the</strong> US government.<br />
It is only one <strong>of</strong> many government-controlled<br />
community organizations. As <strong>of</strong> now, many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
have gotten away with serious illegal activity without<br />
so much as a fine.)<br />
Page 84, Sec. 203: The<br />
government mandates ALL<br />
benefit packages for private<br />
health care plans in <strong>the</strong> “exchange.”<br />
Page 85, Line 7: Specifications<br />
<strong>of</strong> benefit levels for<br />
plans. The government will<br />
ration your health care!<br />
Page 91, Line 4-7: The<br />
government mandates linguistic<br />
appropriate services.<br />
(Translation: services for illegal<br />
aliens.)<br />
Page 95, Lines 8-18: The<br />
government will use groups<br />
(i.e. ACORN & Americorps)<br />
Socialism<br />
in <strong>the</strong> United States<br />
to sign up individuals for government health care<br />
plan.<br />
Page 85, Line 7: Specifications <strong>of</strong> benefit levels<br />
for plans. (AARP members – your health care WILL<br />
be rationed!)<br />
Page 102, Line 12-18: Medicaid eligible individuals<br />
will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. (No<br />
choice.)<br />
Page 124, Line 24-25: No company can sue<br />
government on price fixing. No “judicial review” will<br />
exist against government monopoly.<br />
Page 127, Line 1-16: <strong>For</strong> doctors affiliated with<br />
<strong>the</strong> American Medical Association. The government<br />
will now tell you what salary you can make.<br />
Page 145, Line 15-17: An employer must autoenroll<br />
employees into public option plan.<br />
Page 126, Line 22-25: Employers MUST pay for<br />
health care for part-time employees and <strong>the</strong>ir families.<br />
(Employees shouldn’t get excited about this as<br />
employers will be forced to reduce its work force,<br />
benefits and wages/salaries to cover such a huge<br />
expense.)<br />
Page 149, Line 16-24: ANY employer with payroll<br />
401k & above who does not provide public option<br />
will pay 8% tax on all payroll.<br />
Page 150, Line 9-13: A business with payroll between<br />
$251K & $401K who doesn’t provide public<br />
option will pay 2-6% tax on all payroll.<br />
Page 167, Line 18-23: ANY individual who<br />
doesn’t have acceptable health care according to<br />
government will be taxed 2.5% <strong>of</strong> income.<br />
Page 170, Line 1-3: Any nonresident alien is exempt<br />
from individual taxes. (Americans will pay.)<br />
Page 195: Officers & employees <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government<br />
Health Care Administration will have access to<br />
all Americans’ finances and personal records.<br />
Page 203, Line 14-15: “The tax imposed under<br />
this section shall not be treated as tax.” (Yes, it says<br />
that!)<br />
Page 239, Line 14-24: The government will reduce<br />
physician services for Medicaid seniors.<br />
Page 241, Line 6-8: Doctors will all be paid <strong>the</strong><br />
same. This is really socialism!<br />
Page 253, Line 10-18: The government sets <strong>the</strong><br />
value <strong>of</strong> a doctor’s time, pr<strong>of</strong>ession, judgment, etc.<br />
(Literally – <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> humans.)<br />
Page 265, Sec. 1131: The government man-<br />
dates and controls productivity for “private” health<br />
care industries.<br />
Page 272, Sec. 1145: Treatment <strong>of</strong> certain cancer<br />
hospitals – cancer patients – welcome to rationing!<br />
Page 280, Sec. 1151: The government will penalize<br />
hospitals for whatever <strong>the</strong> government deems<br />
preventable (i.e. re-admissions.)<br />
Page 298, Line 9-11: Doctors: If you treat a patient<br />
during initial admission that results in a re-admission<br />
– <strong>the</strong> government will penalize you.<br />
Page 317-318, Line 21-25, Sec. 1-3: Prohibition<br />
on expansion. (The government is mandating that<br />
hospitals cannot expand.)<br />
Page 321, 2-13: Hospitals have <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />
to apply for exception BUT community input is required.<br />
Is this ACORN again?<br />
Page 335-339, Line 16-25: The government<br />
mandates establishment <strong>of</strong> two outcome-based<br />
measures. (Health care <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y want – rationed.)<br />
Page 341, Lines 3-9: The government has<br />
authority to disqualify Medicare Advance Plans,<br />
HMOs, etc. (Thus forcing people into <strong>the</strong> government<br />
plan.)<br />
Page 354, Sec. 1177: The government will restrict<br />
enrollment <strong>of</strong> “special needs people!” Unbelievable!<br />
Page 379, Sec. 1191: The government creates<br />
more bureaucracy via a “Tele-Health Advisory Committee.”<br />
This means health care by phone<br />
Page 425, Line 4-12: The government mandates<br />
“advance-care planning consultations.” (Think<br />
senior citizens end-<strong>of</strong>-life patients.)<br />
Page 425, Line 17-19: The government will instruct<br />
and consult regarding living wills, durable<br />
powers <strong>of</strong> attorney, etc. (And it’s mandatory!)<br />
Page 425, Line 22-25, Page 426, Line 1-3: The<br />
government provides an “approved” list <strong>of</strong> end-<strong>of</strong>life<br />
resources and guiding you in death. (Also called<br />
“assisted suicide.”)<br />
Page 427, Line 15-24: The government mandates<br />
a program for orders on “end-<strong>of</strong>-life.” (The<br />
government has a say in how your life ends!)<br />
Page 429, Line 1-9: An “advanced-care planning<br />
consultant” will be used frequently as a patient’s<br />
health deteriorates.<br />
Page 429, Line 10-12: An “advanced care consultation”<br />
may include an order for end-<strong>of</strong>-life plans.<br />
In o<strong>the</strong>r words, promotion for euthanasia.<br />
Page 429, Line 13-25: The government will<br />
specify which doctors can write an end-<strong>of</strong>-life order.<br />
Page 430, Line 11-15: The government will decide<br />
what level <strong>of</strong> treatment you will have at end<strong>of</strong>-life.<br />
Page 469: Community-based home medical services<br />
will be run by non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizations.<br />
Page 489, Sec. 1308: The government will cover<br />
marriage and family <strong>the</strong>rapy. (Which means <strong>the</strong> government<br />
will also insert itself into your marriage.)<br />
Page 494-498: The government will cover mental<br />
health services including defining, creating and<br />
rationing those services.<br />
Dr. Stephan Fraser, M.D.<br />
Page 0 “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org
Dr. Eldon Dahl is a naturopathic<br />
doctor whose home was<br />
raided by <strong>the</strong> Royal Canadian<br />
Mounted Police (RCMP) and<br />
Health Canada about a year<br />
ago. This is just one example<br />
<strong>of</strong> what Bill C-6 will allow <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> Health Canada to<br />
do, under <strong>the</strong> pretext <strong>of</strong> “saving”<br />
us from so-called harmful<br />
Dr. Eldon Dahl<br />
natural products. Bill C-6 is not<br />
about protecting us, but allowing <strong>the</strong> government to<br />
intrude upon <strong>the</strong> privacy <strong>of</strong> our home. Dr. Dahl explains<br />
what happened:<br />
2 Million Americans protest Obama administration<br />
On September 12, 2009, two million people from every State in <strong>the</strong> U.S. congregated in Washington D.C. to protest against <strong>the</strong> new health care reform.<br />
The crowd marched towards <strong>the</strong> Capitol building, chanting and carrying signs: “End <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve”, “Obama Lies, Freedom Dies”, “2 Many Taxes”, and<br />
“Liberty from Debt”. The American people were showing <strong>the</strong>ir displeasure at <strong>the</strong> agenda taken on by <strong>the</strong> socialistic Obama administration. Clearly, <strong>the</strong>y are not<br />
interested in a government that borrows billions from <strong>the</strong> International Monetary Fund, <strong>the</strong>n pours money into <strong>the</strong> market through bailouts. The economy <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> United States is in serious trouble, even though <strong>the</strong> media is making a big effort to cover it up. Both <strong>the</strong> financial crisis and <strong>the</strong> new health care reform are<br />
indications that President Obama does not have <strong>the</strong> welfare <strong>of</strong> his country, or its people, in mind.<br />
The new health care reform that has been implemented by Obama did not mention abortion, as he was afraid that his health care bill would not be accepted<br />
if he included this controversial issue. However, <strong>the</strong> ban <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> “conscience clause” now being promoted, could force doctors to kill babies even if it goes against<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir faith. They will be at risk <strong>of</strong> losing <strong>the</strong>ir jobs. Senator Tom Coburn <strong>of</strong> Oklahoma, an obstetrician who has delievered over 4,000 babies, has stated that he<br />
“will go to jail ra<strong>the</strong>r than perform one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se (abortion) procedures”. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> bishops <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. have stated <strong>the</strong>y will close all Catholic-run hospitals<br />
if this gets passed. Needless to say, this will create chaos in <strong>the</strong> country and bring great maledictions upon <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
The news <strong>of</strong> this rally is very encouraging because it means that <strong>the</strong> American people are waking up and are ready to stand up for justice and truth. Obviously,<br />
<strong>the</strong> media has been silenced on <strong>the</strong>se issues, because not one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major television stations or newspapers talked about this rally. We must continue<br />
to strive for justice in our country, <strong>the</strong>re is much work to be done and great battles to be fought!<br />
– Editorial Staff<br />
January-February 010<br />
WARNING! Bill C-6 in action<br />
Health Canada raided my loving family – at gunpoint<br />
– and kept us prisoners in our own home for 11<br />
hours while <strong>the</strong>y confiscated both business and personal<br />
property. I am a naturopathic doctor who sells<br />
100% safe natural products. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> excuses for<br />
<strong>the</strong> raid was that <strong>the</strong> totally harmless folic acid (a<br />
vitamin) that I sell, did not conform to regulations. Instead<br />
<strong>of</strong> informing me by letter or phone call, Health<br />
Canada used SWAT team tactics, which caused us<br />
extreme emotional distress as well as irrecoverable<br />
financial loss. This unreasonable search and seizure<br />
is pro<strong>of</strong>-positive that Health Canada cannot be<br />
trusted with <strong>the</strong> powers it already has.<br />
The Food and Drug Act gives Health Canada <strong>the</strong><br />
power to “seize and detain for such time as may be<br />
necessary any article by means <strong>of</strong>, or in relation to,<br />
which <strong>the</strong> inspector believes on reasonable grounds<br />
any provision <strong>of</strong> this Act or <strong>the</strong> regulations has been<br />
contravened.” Health Canada has for many years<br />
been using this clause as an excuse to remove from<br />
<strong>the</strong> market entirely safe products which are incapable<br />
<strong>of</strong> harming anyone, and in our case are products<br />
that many count on to build and maintain <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
health. By means <strong>of</strong> Bill C-6, Health Canada intends<br />
to extend its confiscatory powers to every industry<br />
that sells consumer goods <strong>of</strong> any kind. If Bill C-6<br />
becomes law, <strong>the</strong>n every consumer in Canada will<br />
be affected by this runaway bureaucracy.<br />
All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> products that I sell are totally 100%<br />
safe. All are freely available for sale in health food<br />
stores in <strong>the</strong> U.S. There has never been a single<br />
documented fatality nor even one documented case<br />
<strong>of</strong> harm caused by any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> products I sell, not<br />
ever, not in <strong>the</strong> entire history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> planet. Clearly,<br />
Health Canada has for many years been using safety<br />
as a smokescreen to hide its true agenda. What<br />
is worse, now Health Canada is using safety as <strong>the</strong><br />
banner <strong>the</strong>y wish you blindly to follow.<br />
What happened to me and my family on January<br />
15th is shocking and incredible, especially given<br />
that it happened in Canada and in 2009. My wife<br />
and I are still affected adversely by its impact. I wish<br />
I were able to tell you about it face-to-face ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />
than through <strong>the</strong> written word.<br />
My True Story – Bill C-6 in Action<br />
On January 15, 2009, at our home in Calgary, my<br />
wife answered <strong>the</strong> door. Four RCMP <strong>of</strong>ficers, one<br />
with his gun drawn and finger on <strong>the</strong> trigger burst<br />
through. The sheer force <strong>of</strong> entry damaged <strong>the</strong> locking<br />
mechanism, which lay on <strong>the</strong> floor. I will never<br />
forget <strong>the</strong> terrified look on <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> my wife; I have<br />
never seen her so afraid. To describe <strong>the</strong> panic that<br />
I felt is nearly impossible. My wife raised her hands<br />
over her head in surrender, as an armed RCMP <strong>of</strong>ficer<br />
pointed his gun to her chest yelling, “That is<br />
not cool, that is not cool!” I thought she was going<br />
to be killed.<br />
Unbeknown to us, at our daughter’s house<br />
across town, our daughter’s roommate was experiencing<br />
<strong>the</strong> same treatment. The RCMP and Health<br />
Canada broke into our daughter’s house without her<br />
name appearing on any warrant. This is her private<br />
residence, totally unrelated to our business. The<br />
raiding party forced <strong>the</strong>mselves into my daughter’s<br />
house and even kicked in her bedroom door.<br />
That day’s events have permanently scarred my<br />
memory, and I live with <strong>the</strong> terror that it may happen<br />
again. I heard my wife say, “Please put <strong>the</strong> gun<br />
away! We are no harm to any <strong>of</strong> you. We are humanitarians,<br />
not criminals.” The RCMP kept us confined<br />
for <strong>the</strong> “protection” <strong>of</strong> Health Canada agents<br />
who arrived shortly <strong>the</strong>reafter, under <strong>the</strong> supervision<br />
<strong>of</strong> drug inspector Kim Seeling.<br />
I was handed a search warrant and told <strong>of</strong> our<br />
right to remain silent, because anything said could<br />
be used against us in a court <strong>of</strong> law. The search<br />
warrant was for Folic Acid, <strong>the</strong> amino-acid L-carnitine,<br />
plant-based progesterone cream and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
ultra safe supplements that are available over <strong>the</strong><br />
counter in <strong>the</strong> U.S.A. or for export. I asked <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficer<br />
for clarification, “You raided our home at gunpoint<br />
for common vitamins?” He answered, “We have a<br />
search warrant for <strong>the</strong>se products.”<br />
My wife asked <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficers for <strong>the</strong>ir names and<br />
badge numbers; <strong>the</strong>y refused her request. My wife,<br />
daughter and I were sequestered to sit in our living<br />
room for 11 hours. I asked <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficer if I could photograph<br />
or film <strong>the</strong> investigative proceedings. He said,<br />
“You need to sit where you are. We are treating you<br />
very low key. We could place you in a holding cell<br />
till <strong>the</strong> search and investigations are concluded, but<br />
we don’t think it’s necessary if you cooperate.” Next<br />
I was supervised by two RCMP <strong>of</strong>ficers who forced<br />
me to open our home safe. Once opened, Kim Selling<br />
photographed its contents.<br />
Whenever washroom breaks were needed, a<br />
male RCMP <strong>of</strong>ficer went with us and stood at <strong>the</strong><br />
door and listened. Having my wife and daughter<br />
victimized in our own home clearly violated our Canadian<br />
Charter Rights. And why? Everyone has <strong>the</strong><br />
right to be secure against unreasonable search and<br />
seizure.<br />
Stormtrooper tactics were never required. The<br />
decent and humane thing would have been for<br />
Health Canada to notify me in writing or by phone<br />
call that <strong>the</strong>y suspected some <strong>of</strong> my products may<br />
not have been in compliance, <strong>the</strong>n let me respond<br />
and make good on any alleged non-compliance. After<br />
all, my products are 100% safe, as Health Canada<br />
well knows.<br />
Present Day<br />
November 15, 2009, marks 11 months since this<br />
happened. No charges have been laid against me.<br />
My entire finished products inventory (not only those<br />
listed in <strong>the</strong> search warrant) continues being seized,<br />
my case files are sealed, <strong>the</strong> RCMP Incident Report<br />
refused, and our Access <strong>of</strong> Information report has<br />
been denied. My ability to make an income remains<br />
severely restricted because I am unable to conduct<br />
any business.<br />
Health Canada also seized my family’s personal<br />
computers plus a tax refund cheque that was in my<br />
desk. I am an author, and two <strong>of</strong> my books that were<br />
to be published are on <strong>the</strong> hard drives that were<br />
confiscated. Thus, I am also unable to earn an income<br />
from my writing. In seizing my entire inventory,<br />
Health Canada violated Section 37 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Food<br />
and Drugs Act, which exempts products that are not<br />
manufactured or sold for consumption in Canada.<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> products I sell are destined for foreign<br />
countries and fully comply with <strong>the</strong> regulations in<br />
those countries.<br />
Health Canada also went way beyond its authority<br />
by deliberately damaging my international trade<br />
reputation. Health Canada is already destroying<br />
businesses and livelihoods.<br />
Bill C-6 would give <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> power to escalate<br />
and expand <strong>the</strong>ir police powers exponentially,<br />
across many industries, including every retail store<br />
in Canada. Since Health Canada has a history <strong>of</strong><br />
abusing <strong>the</strong> powers given to it (<strong>the</strong> armed raid on<br />
my home being only one example), <strong>the</strong>re is reason<br />
to believe that <strong>the</strong>y will also abuse <strong>the</strong> even greater<br />
powers given <strong>the</strong>m by Bill C-6.<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Dr. Eldon Dahl<br />
Page 1
Saved at <strong>the</strong> threshold <strong>of</strong> Hell (Part 2)<br />
In <strong>the</strong> last issue <strong>of</strong> MICHAEL, we published <strong>the</strong><br />
first part <strong>of</strong> this testimony written by a woman, who<br />
was a prisoner <strong>of</strong> Ravensbruck Concentration Camp<br />
for women in Germany, during World War II.<br />
Not long afterwards, Lisa left <strong>the</strong> camp and was<br />
replaced by ano<strong>the</strong>r SS nurse. An order went out<br />
that every woman <strong>of</strong> Roma (Gypsy) origin between<br />
<strong>the</strong> ages <strong>of</strong> ten and sixty should be sterilized. One<br />
by one <strong>the</strong>y shuffled into <strong>the</strong> ward. Minutes later,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y ran out, screaming and clutching <strong>the</strong>ir bellies. I<br />
was horrified; <strong>the</strong> more so as <strong>the</strong> word was out <strong>the</strong><br />
Polish women were also slated for <strong>the</strong> same procedure.<br />
They wanted to make sure we would never<br />
have children. “Not to bear children?” I thought.<br />
“Why live <strong>the</strong>n? How can one live without children,<br />
without hope?”<br />
<strong>For</strong>tunately, <strong>the</strong> camp thugs would not succeed<br />
in executing <strong>the</strong>ir criminal plan, for <strong>the</strong> Germans began<br />
losing <strong>the</strong> war. Their armies began to retreat<br />
from Russia. Allied air raids became more and more<br />
frequent. The lights would go <strong>of</strong>f, and we could doze<br />
<strong>of</strong>f, if only for a while. “They’re going for Berlin”, we<br />
would guess. An hour later, sometimes less, we<br />
would hear <strong>the</strong> bombers flying back overhead. At<br />
last we felt our suffering was coming to an end. The<br />
war was drawing to a close.<br />
The camp commandant ordered his staff to carry<br />
out a selection. They marched <strong>the</strong> women inmates<br />
before a commission consisting <strong>of</strong> himself and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
SS <strong>of</strong>ficers. The cripples, <strong>the</strong> old, and <strong>the</strong> weak<br />
were selected for transport. The commandant told<br />
us that in view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> imminent end to <strong>the</strong> war, <strong>the</strong><br />
enemy could not be allowed to find sick and enfeebled<br />
women in <strong>the</strong> camp, and so <strong>the</strong>se would be<br />
transferred to ano<strong>the</strong>r camp. That day we were able<br />
to rescue Helen, a young dispatch runner from Kalisz,<br />
who was weak and unable to walk. The women<br />
concealed her inside a straw mattress, which <strong>the</strong>y<br />
<strong>the</strong>n laid out on an evenly made bed. Later Helen<br />
told me: “I was lying still inside <strong>the</strong> mattress when<br />
I heard an SS guard enter <strong>the</strong> room with a dog. I<br />
froze in terror, but <strong>the</strong>y passed me by, and <strong>the</strong> dog<br />
did not scent a thing.” Perhaps it was Our Blessed<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r, to whom I was constantly praying, who protected<br />
her?<br />
Late one evening, after <strong>the</strong> siren signal, I went<br />
outside to seek solitude and a few intimate moments<br />
with God. I looked up at <strong>the</strong> sky and began<br />
to pray. Suddenly I heard a strange creaking noise.<br />
Going to where <strong>the</strong> sound was coming from, I saw<br />
two women pushing <strong>the</strong> same cart we had used to<br />
convey dead bodies to <strong>the</strong> crematorium. Lying in<br />
a disordered heap on <strong>the</strong> cart was a pile <strong>of</strong> naked<br />
women’s bodies. Their heads lolled to and fro; <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
mouths and eyes gaped open. The mouths seemed<br />
to cry out Hitler’s barbarities to <strong>the</strong> world. Their arms<br />
and legs hung limply from <strong>the</strong> sides <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wagon.<br />
One body, draped over <strong>the</strong> tailboard, seemed to<br />
be pushing <strong>the</strong> cart, as if it were helping <strong>the</strong> pair in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir grim and heavy task. These were <strong>the</strong> bodies<br />
<strong>of</strong> women prisoners who had been transported to<br />
Ravensbruck after <strong>the</strong> Warsaw Uprising. Because<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> space in <strong>the</strong> barracks <strong>the</strong>y had been<br />
quartered throughout <strong>the</strong> winter in makeshift tents.<br />
And so I watched that dismal caravan pass by. Never<br />
will I be able to wipe it from my memory! “Do not forget<br />
us!” those lifeless, pain-contorted faces seemed<br />
to cry out. How much evil Hitler had committed! But<br />
had he been alone in this? How frequently man succumbs<br />
to Satan!<br />
<strong>For</strong>tunately, not all Germans succumbed to Nazi<br />
propaganda. The family I lived with in Berlin never<br />
said, “Heil Hitler!” Instead <strong>the</strong>y saluted each o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with a “Gruss Gott!” [God greet you – ed.] They<br />
were people <strong>of</strong> strong faith, and Satan is powerless<br />
in such cases.<br />
One day we became aware <strong>of</strong> an eerie silence<br />
hanging over <strong>the</strong> camp. No SS guards in sight. Not<br />
a dog to be heard. “Girls”, I said to my sister inmates,<br />
“<strong>the</strong>re’s some evil in <strong>the</strong> air. Come, let’s pray!” We<br />
knelt down in front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> barrack and raising our<br />
arms, concluded our fervent prayer by singing <strong>the</strong><br />
hymn, “Under Thy Protection.” We had barely finished<br />
when <strong>the</strong> barking <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dogs broke out. A<br />
group <strong>of</strong> SS female guards ran up, shouting “Los!<br />
Los!” They led us to <strong>the</strong> square where <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r prisoners standing. Each <strong>of</strong> us was handed a<br />
Bodies <strong>of</strong> people murdered in <strong>the</strong> camps<br />
The author meets Pope John Paul II<br />
three-kilogram food package from <strong>the</strong> Red Cross.<br />
At last, <strong>the</strong>y formed us in a column five-persons<br />
wide and, late that evening, marched us out through<br />
<strong>the</strong> gate that had once greeted us with its infamous<br />
slogan, Arbeit macht frei! [Work brings freedom<br />
– ed.] Three years before, I had entered through<br />
that same gate. The cynical slogan meant heavy<br />
labour carried out under conditions <strong>of</strong> unbearable<br />
cold and hunger. The work brought “freedom” only<br />
on <strong>the</strong> high-tension fence wires or in <strong>the</strong> ovens <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> crematorium.<br />
Now, after three years, I was saying goodbye to<br />
this place where so many women had perished; and<br />
it was seeing me <strong>of</strong>f with what had lately become<br />
a particularly dark and dense plume <strong>of</strong> smoke rising<br />
from <strong>the</strong> crematorium stacks. The thick smoke<br />
seemed to hold us back, for it sank earthward and<br />
clasped us in a farewell embrace so that we might<br />
never forget <strong>the</strong> stench <strong>of</strong> smouldering human flesh,<br />
bones and hair. Goodbye, our sisters in misery!<br />
Goodbye!<br />
The moon, emerging from behind <strong>the</strong> clouds, revealed<br />
a pr<strong>of</strong>ound stupor on our faces. It seemed<br />
intent on seeing which one <strong>of</strong> us would be <strong>the</strong> first<br />
to break down, collapse by <strong>the</strong> roadside, and await<br />
a lethal volley from an automatic weapon. “What<br />
now? Where are <strong>the</strong>y taking us? Where is that long<br />
yearned-for freedom?” Such were <strong>the</strong> thoughts that<br />
tormented us. I walked in a trance and kept pace<br />
with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs only because I had to. I ceased to<br />
feel sorrow, anger, or hatred for what had happened<br />
to me. I could not even cry.<br />
The monotony <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> march deepened my<br />
trance-like state to <strong>the</strong> point <strong>of</strong> delirium. I thought<br />
I could hear <strong>the</strong> strains <strong>of</strong> “Under Thy Protection”<br />
reaching me from a faraway place. I turned to see<br />
who was singing, but <strong>the</strong> women trudging behind<br />
me were all looking down. Some appeared to be<br />
deep in thought; o<strong>the</strong>rs muttered prayers. No one<br />
was singing. Only I could hear <strong>the</strong> music. Suddenly<br />
I became aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> powerful presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Creator. The thought came to me that we were safe<br />
in His hands, and my spirits rose. The sun peeped<br />
out from behind <strong>the</strong> village we had just passed; and<br />
still I could hear <strong>the</strong> strains <strong>of</strong> that hymn. Our march<br />
slowed as we trudged up a steep hill. Necks bent to<br />
<strong>the</strong> ground, we walked on at a slower pace; and all<br />
<strong>the</strong> while we struggled with our cruel lot.<br />
Then I recalled my mo<strong>the</strong>r telling me how Jesus<br />
had also walked uphill dragging His heavy cross.<br />
The closer He got to Golgotha <strong>the</strong> heavier <strong>the</strong> cross<br />
became. He would stumble, fall, <strong>the</strong>n pick Himself<br />
up and trudge on. Though <strong>the</strong>y beat Him, mocked<br />
Him, and spat on Him, He never opened His mouth<br />
in protest and continued to carry His enormous burden.<br />
“Why?” I asked myself. “Why did Jesus, Son<br />
<strong>of</strong> God, have to bear that great cross? Why did <strong>the</strong><br />
Almighty God, His loving Fa<strong>the</strong>r, permit this?” Then<br />
I saw a figure coming up to us from <strong>the</strong> distance.<br />
He was dragging a great cross. From its transverse<br />
beam <strong>the</strong>re hung sacks bearing people’s names.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m had my own name – Adela – written<br />
on it. I shuddered. “Is that me?” I asked. But Jesus,<br />
bearing my portion <strong>of</strong> sins, merely smiled and replied,<br />
“Follow me!” Weighed down by <strong>the</strong> sacks, He<br />
overtook me, though His shoulders were gored and<br />
lacerated, bruises and stripes covered his calves,<br />
his feet bled, and a crown <strong>of</strong> thorns pressed cruelly<br />
into His head.<br />
“Los! Los! Weiter!” The SS women’s shouts<br />
stirred me from my reverie. I stopped; <strong>the</strong>n, stepping<br />
back, I looked for Jesus. There He was – at <strong>the</strong> head<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> column. “Follow me!” He called with a smile.<br />
Nina, an older friend <strong>of</strong> mine, took my arm and drew<br />
me forward, but I called after Jesus, “Wait! Wait for<br />
me!” “What’s <strong>the</strong> matter with you?” <strong>the</strong> marchers<br />
cried out. “What are you pulling away for?”<br />
At that moment I seemed to wake from my trance.<br />
I no longer saw Jesus. I tore myself free from Nina’s<br />
grasp. “Let me go!” I cried. “Why are you pulling at<br />
me? I can manage on my own.” – “I thought you<br />
were feeling weak and needed help,” Nina replied.<br />
After a while, I regained my strength and was able<br />
to keep up with <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> column.<br />
The sun was rising higher. We begged for a rest,<br />
for we were bone-weary and hungry. But our SS<br />
guard said, “I’m hungry too, but that accursed Greta<br />
hasn’t relieved me yet!” When we continued to beg<br />
for a moment’s rest and <strong>of</strong>fered her food from our<br />
Red Cross packages, she screamed, “I don’t need<br />
your shitty food! Weiter! Los! Los!” “Keep moving,<br />
keep moving!” But our pace was constantly slowing,<br />
for we had been on <strong>the</strong> road for twelve hours. <strong>For</strong>tunately,<br />
after a few more hours, we received good<br />
news. In an hour we would be stopping for a rest<br />
near a large barn. This gave me strength. I hoped<br />
Jesus would be waiting for me <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
Alas! The rest at <strong>the</strong> barn proved to be a brief<br />
one, for <strong>the</strong> Russians were close by and <strong>the</strong> Germans<br />
were loath to run into <strong>the</strong>m. We had to douse<br />
our fires quickly and march back, but by a different<br />
route. By now it was three nights since we had left<br />
<strong>the</strong> camp. We trudged on, taking only short breaks<br />
to eat. It was spring and <strong>the</strong> sun felt warm. Nature<br />
was stirring from her winter sleep. But we did not<br />
smell her scents or hear <strong>the</strong> birdsong. Dirty and<br />
starving, we stared dully at <strong>the</strong> road in front <strong>of</strong> us.<br />
But still I soldiered on, for it seemed to me that Jesus<br />
was again encouraging me with a smile, saying,<br />
“Follow me!”<br />
On <strong>the</strong> fifth day <strong>of</strong> our march, we ran into a train<br />
<strong>of</strong> wagons and carts on <strong>the</strong> road. German civilians<br />
were fleeing with <strong>the</strong>ir precious belongings toward<br />
<strong>the</strong> American zone. Pr<strong>of</strong>iting from <strong>the</strong> confusion, I<br />
along with four companions broke away from our<br />
hated escort. We joined <strong>the</strong> crowd <strong>of</strong> refugees. But<br />
we had no idea what to do next and so when, on<br />
<strong>the</strong> following day, we saw ano<strong>the</strong>r column <strong>of</strong> prisoners<br />
– ours, from Ravensbruck, as it seemed to<br />
us – emerging from a side road, we joined up with<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. Once again we marched in every direction,<br />
depending on <strong>the</strong> vagaries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> front.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> tenth day, I became so weak that noth-<br />
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January-February 010<br />
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ing concerned me anymore except for <strong>the</strong> crashing<br />
noise inside my head. I had reached <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> my<br />
rope. But my companions took turns in supporting<br />
me under each arm and made me go on. They would<br />
never leave me behind, <strong>the</strong>y insisted. What physical<br />
effort that required! What pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> love on <strong>the</strong>ir part!<br />
Who gave <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> strength – wasted and worn out<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y were?<br />
Suddenly, we heard a loud clatter, <strong>the</strong>n a whistle<br />
and an expulsion, as something dropped from <strong>the</strong><br />
skies. People screamed and we all dived for <strong>the</strong><br />
ditch. That action saved my life. How long we lay<br />
<strong>the</strong>re I have no idea, but when I opened my eyes I<br />
saw a mass <strong>of</strong> overturned carts, dead horses, and<br />
refugees sobbing over <strong>the</strong> bodies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir loved<br />
ones. The air raid allowed me to regain my strength,<br />
and I was able to march on again. Finally a squadron<br />
<strong>of</strong> American and Russian tanks came rumbling<br />
up in our direction and <strong>the</strong> SS guards took to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
heels in panic.<br />
At last we were free to return to Poland. Her<br />
border was now on <strong>the</strong> Oder River. We traveled for<br />
many days, spending <strong>the</strong> nights in deserted German<br />
houses. After a week or so, we reached a<br />
small town. We went to <strong>the</strong> railway station. Unable<br />
to board <strong>the</strong> train, three <strong>of</strong> us climbed into <strong>the</strong> locomotive<br />
with <strong>the</strong> engineer despite his protests. In this<br />
way we managed to reach <strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> Lodz. There<br />
we separated.<br />
Finding myself alone on <strong>the</strong> crowded platform,<br />
I felt lost and listless. <strong>For</strong>tunately, I managed to<br />
board a train to Warsaw. When we arrived <strong>the</strong>re,<br />
people poured out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cars and ran <strong>of</strong>f in various<br />
directions. I could hear laughter and people calling.<br />
I stood in a numbed state, gazing at <strong>the</strong> city around<br />
me – a vast pile <strong>of</strong> rubble. Somehow I managed to<br />
get to <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r station – or at least <strong>the</strong> place where<br />
<strong>the</strong> building had stood. The waiting train was packed<br />
with passengers: inside, outside, on top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cars,<br />
in <strong>the</strong> stairwells, but I managed to secure a spot on<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> entry/exit platforms and in this way succeeded<br />
in reaching Nowy Dwor. I had come home!<br />
Quickly I walked – or ra<strong>the</strong>r ran – down <strong>the</strong> familiar<br />
road by which, after an absence <strong>of</strong> seventeen<br />
years, I was returning home. Stopping to bless myself<br />
at <strong>the</strong> crossroads chapel, I automatically turned<br />
right toward <strong>of</strong> my parents’ home.<br />
I saw <strong>the</strong> old whitewashed thatched cottage.<br />
Outside in <strong>the</strong> clean-swept yard sprinkled with white<br />
sand stood an old woman chopping sticks on a treestump.<br />
“Who could that be?” I wondered. The answer<br />
came to me at once: “It’s mo<strong>the</strong>r!” she did not<br />
see me approach and replied to my greeting without<br />
looking up. Pain and love infused her heavily<br />
wrinkled face. I stopped to wonder what this woman,<br />
whose love my uncle’s affection had replaced,<br />
meant to me. To my uncle I owed my later childhood<br />
and happy youth. This noble man had naively<br />
believed in Hitler’s propaganda and taken me to a<br />
country that hated <strong>the</strong> Poles and Poland. I survived<br />
only thanks to God and Our Blessed Mo<strong>the</strong>r’s care.<br />
Now I felt cheated and deprived <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> greatest <strong>of</strong><br />
treasures – a mo<strong>the</strong>r’s love and a family home. I<br />
looked at <strong>the</strong> little rosary cross that hung from <strong>the</strong><br />
patched pocket <strong>of</strong> her apron. Then I knew that <strong>the</strong><br />
Crucified Jesus had brought me home to my family.<br />
Breaking my prolonged silence, I asked her,<br />
“Does Mr. Orlikowski live here?” Still without looking<br />
at me, mo<strong>the</strong>r replied in <strong>the</strong> affirmative. Ano<strong>the</strong>r moment<br />
<strong>of</strong> silence. Finally, unable to endure <strong>the</strong> growing<br />
tension, I cried out, “Mo<strong>the</strong>r, do you not recognize<br />
me?” It was <strong>the</strong>n that she made eye contact<br />
with me. Astonished, she cried out, “O My God! It’s<br />
Adela! Renia! Adela’s come home!” My sister came<br />
running out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> hose. My mo<strong>the</strong>r’s embrace instantly<br />
soo<strong>the</strong>d my wounds and eased my pain.<br />
After my first proper bath and meal in years, I fell<br />
asleep almost at once and slept through <strong>the</strong> whole<br />
day, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> whole night, <strong>the</strong>n again through <strong>the</strong><br />
following day. My bro<strong>the</strong>r Stasiek came in to wake<br />
me. It was he who had insisted on saying good-bye<br />
to me upon my departure to Latvia. My fa<strong>the</strong>r also<br />
entered <strong>the</strong> room. “So”, he said, “you have come<br />
back to our poor Poland!” Not long afterwards I got<br />
married and wrote a book about those terrible years<br />
spent in <strong>the</strong> concentration camp. I entitled it, In<br />
Search <strong>of</strong> God, Happiness, and Country. In recent<br />
years a priest friend <strong>of</strong> mind has been inviting me to<br />
speak at youth meetings. There I describe my camp<br />
experiences and, in this way, give public witness to<br />
what I became convinced <strong>of</strong> in such a palpable way:<br />
that God exists – and so does Satan.<br />
January-February 010<br />
A LOA reader<br />
Reprinted with <strong>the</strong> permission <strong>of</strong> Love One Ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Elephants attack Orissa<br />
after one year <strong>of</strong> persecution<br />
In July 2008, a severe persecution <strong>of</strong> Christians<br />
broke out in <strong>the</strong> Indian state <strong>of</strong> Orissa. A 22 year<br />
old nun was burnt to death when angry mobs burnt<br />
down an orphanage in Khuntpali village in Barhgarh<br />
district, ano<strong>the</strong>r nun was gang-raped in Kandhamal,<br />
mobs attacked churches, torched vehicles and<br />
houses <strong>of</strong> Christians destroyed. Fr. Thomas Chellen,<br />
director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pastoral center that was destroyed<br />
with a bomb, had a narrow escape after a Hindu<br />
mob nearly set him on fire. The end result saw more<br />
than 500 Christians murdered, and thousands <strong>of</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs injured and homeless after <strong>the</strong>ir houses were<br />
reduced to ashes. Recently a strange and dramatic<br />
event took place in Orissa, which has many people<br />
talking and wondering.<br />
In recent months, herds <strong>of</strong> wild elephants have<br />
begun to storm villages that are home to some <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> worst persecutors <strong>of</strong> Christians during <strong>the</strong> troubles.<br />
In one village, where in July a year ago <strong>the</strong><br />
Christians had to run for <strong>the</strong>ir lives while <strong>the</strong>ir homes<br />
were being destroyed by rioters, a herd <strong>of</strong> elephants<br />
emerged from <strong>the</strong> surrounding jungle exactly one<br />
year later, in July 2009, at <strong>the</strong> same time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> attack.<br />
These elephants first attacked a rock crusher<br />
machine owned by a key leader <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> persecution<br />
movement. They <strong>the</strong>n went on to destroy his house<br />
and farms.<br />
Hundreds <strong>of</strong> villagers have been forced to take<br />
shelter in camps in <strong>the</strong> Indian state <strong>of</strong> Orissa after<br />
repeated attacks by <strong>the</strong> herd <strong>of</strong> elephants.<br />
Seven people have been killed and several o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
injured in attacks by a herd <strong>of</strong> 12-13 elephants<br />
over <strong>the</strong> past few weeks in Kandhamal district.<br />
Over 2,500 people living in 45 villages have been<br />
affected by <strong>the</strong> attacks, district chief Krishen Kumar<br />
said.<br />
It is, however, unclear why this herd <strong>of</strong> elephants<br />
migrated from <strong>the</strong> Lakheri sanctuary, which is in a<br />
neighbouring district. He said <strong>the</strong> herd had travelled<br />
some 300 kilometers into Kandhamal, and even<br />
entered a town in <strong>the</strong> district. Wildlife <strong>of</strong>ficials were<br />
camping at <strong>the</strong> site <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> attacks and trying to find<br />
out why <strong>the</strong> elephants had come out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir sanctuary.<br />
The villagers say elephants attack <strong>the</strong>ir areas in<br />
herds, causing heavy destruction.<br />
Gaining momentum, <strong>the</strong>y rampaged through<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r non-Christian homes, demolishing gardens<br />
and singling out <strong>the</strong> home <strong>of</strong> persecutors, leaving<br />
Christian homes untouched.<br />
These strange attacks have spread, and according<br />
to a report, <strong>the</strong> elephants have already destroyed<br />
more than 700 houses in 30 villages, and<br />
killed five people. Nobody in this area has seen or<br />
even imagined <strong>the</strong> unique appearance <strong>of</strong> a herd <strong>of</strong><br />
wild elephants such as this. The elephants are not<br />
ordinary elephants; <strong>the</strong>y appear to be on a mission.<br />
Typically, smaller elephants enter a village first,<br />
appearing to survey <strong>the</strong> community. They <strong>the</strong>n rejoin<br />
<strong>the</strong> larger herd, and larger elephants soon follow<br />
and get <strong>the</strong> job done.<br />
The ministry partner in India stated, “We think<br />
that it might have something to do with avenging <strong>the</strong><br />
blood <strong>of</strong> martyrs. In fact <strong>the</strong> fear <strong>of</strong> God has fallen on<br />
<strong>the</strong> local people, who have labeled <strong>the</strong>se elephants<br />
“Christian elephants.”<br />
With little help coming from <strong>the</strong> administration,<br />
<strong>the</strong> villagers have taken to road blockades. “The elephants<br />
have destroyed crops and selected houses.<br />
But <strong>of</strong>ficials too express helplessness. “There is<br />
no permanent habitat <strong>of</strong> elephants in Sundargarh.”<br />
They come from Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand<br />
where <strong>the</strong>ir habitats have shrunk. But is not clear<br />
how and why <strong>the</strong>se elephants reached Orissa.<br />
The Montana Supreme Court ruled on December 31, 2009, that state law does not prevent physicians<br />
from assisting patients in killing <strong>the</strong>mselves, making it <strong>the</strong> third U.S. state after Oregon and Washington<br />
where doctor-assisted suicide is now legal.<br />
“Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org<br />
Page
The Pope’s prayer to <strong>the</strong> Infant Jesus <strong>of</strong> Prague<br />
On September 26, 2009, during his<br />
apostolic journey to <strong>the</strong> Czech Republic,<br />
Pope Benedict XVI visited <strong>the</strong> celebrated<br />
image <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Infant Jesus <strong>of</strong> Prague.<br />
There, in <strong>the</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Victories<br />
in <strong>the</strong> nation’s capital, he solemnly<br />
crowned this world-famous image,<br />
and pronounced <strong>the</strong> following prayer:<br />
Picture www.ourmo<strong>the</strong>r<strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>eucharist.org<br />
“When we are baptized,<br />
Mary is <strong>the</strong>re with <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />
Spirit to generate Christ’s<br />
presence within us.” — John<br />
Paul II<br />
O my Lord Jesus, we gaze on You as<br />
a child and believe that You are <strong>the</strong> Son <strong>of</strong><br />
God, who became Man through <strong>the</strong> working<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit in <strong>the</strong> womb <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Virgin Mary.<br />
Just as in Bethlehem, we too adore<br />
You, with Mary, Joseph, <strong>the</strong> angels and<br />
<strong>the</strong> shepherds and acknowledge You as<br />
our only Savior.<br />
You became poor to enrich us with<br />
Your poverty. Grant that we may never<br />
forget <strong>the</strong> poor and all those who suffer.<br />
Protect our families, bless all <strong>the</strong> children<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world and grant that <strong>the</strong> love<br />
You have brought us may always reign<br />
amongst us and lead us to a happier life.<br />
Grant, O Jesus, that all may recognize<br />
<strong>the</strong> truth <strong>of</strong> Your birth, so that all may know<br />
that You have come to bring to <strong>the</strong> whole<br />
human family light, joy and peace.<br />
You are God, who live and reign with<br />
God <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r, in <strong>the</strong> unity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />
Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.<br />
« « «<br />
The image <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Infant Jesus <strong>of</strong> Prague<br />
is believed to have been a gift from St. Teresa<br />
<strong>of</strong> Avila to a Spanish noblewoman. The<br />
noblewoman <strong>the</strong>n gave it as a wedding gift<br />
to her daughter, who brought it to Prague<br />
in 1556. From 1628 onwards, <strong>the</strong> image<br />
has been kept in <strong>the</strong> Carmelite Church <strong>of</strong><br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Victories in <strong>the</strong> historic Mala<br />
Strana district <strong>of</strong> Prague.<br />
Our next week <strong>of</strong> study on Social Credit<br />
March 13-20, 2010 in Rougemont, Que.<br />
House <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Immaculate</strong>, 1101 Principale St.<br />
The social doctrine <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church and its<br />
application, Social Credit explained in 10 lessons<br />
A Siege <strong>of</strong> Jericho in Rougemont<br />
March 21-27, 2010<br />
Seven days and six nights <strong>of</strong><br />
adoration and prayer before<br />
<strong>the</strong> Blessed Sacrament<br />
exposed in <strong>the</strong> Monstrance<br />
In our chapel <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> House <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Immaculate</strong>, 1101 Principale St.<br />
Rougemont, QC, Canada<br />
Opening: Sunday, March 21, 10 a.m.<br />
Mass at 5 p.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m.<br />
on weekdays. Confessions before each<br />
Mass. Lectures at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.<br />
Adoration day and night.<br />
Page “Michael” Journal, 1101 Principale St., Rougemont, QC, Canada — J0L 1M0<br />
January-February 010<br />
Tel.: Rougemont (450) 469-2209; Montreal area (514) 856-5714; Fax (450) 469-2601; www.michaeljournal.org