One could tie oneself in knots reading about catastrophes which may or may not occur to the extent that it might effect mental health. For me the way forward is not to dwell on these things but to trust in The Lord in the sure and certain knowledge that His will will be done. I will stay close to the sacred and immaculate hearts and live my life as a Christian to the best of my ability, caring for myself and those around me in a kind and gentle way.
If only you realised how terrifying the sight of our sinful souls are in the sight of God, you might not find this so amusing. Here is a ten minute video about the Warning or Illumination expected by end of this year by a Roman Catholic man. Not scary, but expected. The Portiuncular pardon for sin and punishment is available on Sunday 2nd August, Confession and Holy Communion, a good preparation.
Julia, this “ Portiuncular “ pardon that you referred to here is new to me so I googled it: https://www.stanthony.org/pardon-of-assisi-portiuncula-indulgence/ Is it possible to receive this pardon at a local church in our respective dioceses? Perhaps if you are unaware, someone on this forum might know? It certainly seems a valuable spiritual opportunity for all of us. I personally feel as though I do not know how my soul will be viewed in light of God at the illumination of conscience. This may give me comfort to know that I’ve done everything that is spiritually available to me...and all of us. Thank you...
Hi, Beth. I just checked into it. Since 1967, Pope Paul VI has extended the indulgence to parish churches. Confession may be made within 20 days prior to August 2 or within 20 days after. Mass and Holy Communion and prayers for the Pope, intentions to be completely free of sin and desires to remain in the state of grace are the usual conditions.
oh...thank you HH! I really appreciated you checking into this....it seems like a great opportunities for everyone! What a gift!
Well I am living that life right now. I am the living envying the dead. Since the coronvirus we have had no visitors, no one calls on the phone. Nothing. I have been working on genealogy and wish I was living 100 years ago when people had a real life. Our neighbors won't speak to us because we are Yankees. The neighbors on the other side won't speak to me bacause I mentioned a bible quote. No one from my church has called us to check on us or even say hello. I don't go to church because it is too dangerous, we are in our 70's with health issues. We only sneak out once a week for groceries to mask up and stay away from everyone else. I must say, the Catholic church has always been unfriendly, they say hi at the door and that's it. But I don't really go there for the people. We have no friends, no groups to hang out with because it is too dangerous. One son pops in every two weeks or so for an hour, doesn't want to give us covid. The other son never calls. So, I just stay in my room, mind my own business and wait until God wants to take me home. The prophesy has come to pass.
Oh Katfalls my heart just breaks hearing this. This is a terrible fulfillment of Jesus's words of "love growing cold." Why are you in this place? For health reasons? The South in my experience is a cross cultural experience but your neighbors sound very cold. Are you stuck there? Can you move? The Catholic Church for all its social outreach push does a bad job often in helping isolated members. Small protestant churches are much better at it.
I'm just now reading this. I definitely miss the 1970s/80s, when "The Greatest Generation" were still alive and only middle-aged, and people in general were happier, upbeat, positive. Will keep you in prayer. I'm used to a semi-hermit life with husband (not by choice), went through a lot of emotional pain before coming to terms with it. Let's pray this time passes, it's only a "rough patch," and we're nearing "the end of the tunnel." I have to keep a level of optimism.
Maybe some of us are called to depend on him alone. In my case I once had lots of friends. As soon as I became somewhat religious in that I attended mass every week, defended Catholicism, wore Scapular etc I find I'm more isolated now. Although a new member here, I've been around a long time and find it comforting that others here share the journey. Not going back .... committed to this journey regardless. I have to say the rebel in me refuses to wear the mask and so I carry it in case I'm challenged and then I'll wear it to leave! I have not been asked to wear it other than at the doctors surgery so far.....
I too have found my social contacts greatly reduced. It seems as if they fall away from you when you begin to live your faith seriously. And now the shutdown isolation just increases the hermit like existance.
Praying for Our Lord to put the right people around you to help you. There is no one place on earth that is a perfect place to live. Hopefully this isolation will lift as the pandemic hopefully goes away. I get the impression that most of us on this forum are carrying heavy crosses. I just thank God for our health and I praise Him for healing your brain cyst. When all is said and done, we have a lot to be thankful for. My Dad always told me that in his view, if we had only a few good friends throughout our whole lives, we would be blessed. People come into our lives for “a reason and a season”. You are at ebb tide right now. We are praying for you you have helped many people. I hope you cheer up soon.
I am so sad to hear this Katfalls. Since the pandemic our personal worlds have become much smaller, and quieter. Even though we may have escaped the virus, we cannot escape the emotional stressors and feelings of isolation. I am so sorry that your neighbors and your church let you down. I don't know anything about Alabama, but I have always wanted to visit Mother Angelica's Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, are you anywhere near Hanceville? It seems like such a peaceful, and beautiful place. My prayers are with you Katfalls, and please don't envy the dead, God isn't finished with you yet, and people around here care about you.
Dearly beloved sister, is there anyone to whom you can reach out eg Legion of Mary, St Vincent De Paul Society, Knights of Columbus? Such organisations would be happy to befriend you. Have you contacted your priest to make him aware of your situation? I'm sure other forum users can also think of practical ideas.
