During the early week I got word that my old friend Henry had killed himself by the use of gas at his home, not far from where I lived. After he died his home caught fire, but Henry had long since succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Henry would have been the very last person in the world I would have thought to have taken his own life. A grandfather and fitness fanatic he looked twenty years younger than his sixty years,. One of his tricks was to walk on his hands, a regualar runner and cyclist and someone who had never smoked or drank alcohol and of course drugs were anaethma to him. In the past Henry would not have been a religious man but in recent years his mind and heart had turned more and more to God. When I met him in the park he would stop on his bike of from his running and we would talk about God and the things of God. I was always so touched how eagerly he listened to me , rather like a child or a thirsty man in the desert. One of the last things I recall saying to Henry is that if there were no such thing as God I could not imagine what point life or the whole world around us had. To which poor Henry gave whole hearted assent. He was always such a very happy, enthusiastic person. But, most touchingly for me in all the years I knew Henry he never hurt me or said an unkind word. Every meeting with him was an affirmation. Why then given this did the poor guy kill himself? Well I can point to several reasons. He lost his wife who was his soul companion to cancer about twenty years ago and he never really got over this. More recently he had gone guarantor for his daughter in a buisness venture which went bust and the bank took Henry's house away from him, leaving him enormous bills. As well as this he had recntly had a terribble beating from several British policemen who also threatened his life. Henry was involved in politics , very much so. Often a dangerous and incertain trade in this part of Ireland. But who knows? I think some people remind me of a beautiful crystal bowl . Perfect and sound on the outside but within some little hairline crack which over time deepens and spreads so that the whole structure falls apart into a million little sad diamonds.
Thank God for the Sacraments Padraig. I got a lot more than hairline cracks to hold together... View attachment 3447
I was, of course, mostly concerned for Henry's soul and prayed at once for him , hoping for word on how he fared on the other side of Eternity given that he had killed himself. Sure enough Henry turned up almost at once, large as life. He was in Purgatory and fairly deep there in and in great pain, actions having conseqences . But despite the enormous pain full of joy and wonder, rather like a child who found himslef in some Christmas wonderland. Henry had discovered that God and heaven really did exist, that there really was a Spritual Life and reality and his many , many questions had and were been answered by a loving God. In a wonderful way Henry reminded me in death of the Henry I knew in life , full of eagerness and energy, with the deepest quest for knowledge and a huge buring longing for heaven, where every question would be answered , every tear be wiped away. He asked for my prayers and I promised never to forget. These poor , poor souls with their hunger and need of rpay, like little children.
But still I wondered..Henry had killed himself and still he had gottne to Purgatory..I wondered. Yesterday I went to Henry's funaeral. It was a huge affari. Henry was one of fourteen children and children himself and several grand children. Most unusually though a very holy old Passionist priest preached a most unusual sermon . He talked about Marian Appartions and then moved on to the promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. That anyone who wore the Brown Scapular of Carmel owuld be prmised to taken into heaven on the Saturday after their death . He said that Henry had a great devotion to the Brown Scapular and they had found it on his body after his death.... Today is Friday, Henry. Will you see heaven tomorrow? I believe so . With all my heart I do . Call and see me when you get there and let me know all is well. In the mean time pray for Henry and al lthe Henry's of the world who find the pain down here much too much to bear. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabbatine_Privilege ;The Blessed Virgin is said to have asked that Pope John, should ratify the indulgences which Jesus Christ had already granted in heaven for the members of the Carmelite Order and for the members of the confraternity). She herself would graciously descend on the Saturday (Sabbath, hence 'Sabbatine') after their death to liberate and conduct to heaven all who were in Purgatory. Then follow the conditions which the confratres and consorores must fulfill. These conditions include: to observe chastity according to their state of life, recite daily the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or abstain from meat on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or accomplish faithfully some other similar sacrifice. [1];
2 Corinthians 4:7 Treasures in Jars of Clay 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;…
Im glad to hear he wore the Scapular. I was talking to my wife just the other day about the Sabbatine privilege. Honestly , who says the little office? The Sabbatine Privilege The Scapular even extends to Purgatory. The Sabbatine Privilege is based on the Papal Bull issued on March 3, 1322 by Pope John XXII. This Privilege was approved and confirmed by many popes including St. Pius V. It essentially says that those who wear the Scapular and fulfill two other conditions can obtain early liberation from Purgatory, through the special intercession of the Virgin Mary, on the day consecrated to her, Saturday. The other two conditions are: 1) Observe chastity according to one’s state in life and 2) Recite the Little Office of Our Blessed Mother (the Rosary, with permission from a priest, can be substituted for the office). The other two conditions are: 1) Observe chastity according to one’s state in life and 2) Recite the Little Office of Our Blessed Mother (the Rosary, with permission from a priest, can be substituted for the office). Our Lady revealed to Venerable Dominic of Jesus and Mary: "Although many wear my Scapular, only a few fulfill conditions for the Sabbatine Privilege." We maintain the majority don't know them. It is an act of charity to make the Sabbatine Privilege known to all. A soul from Purgatory was asked by a Sister: "What is the average stay of the souls in Purgatory?" The Poor Soul answered: "From thirty to forty years!" Can you see the importance of making Our Lady's Privilege known – if you consider that the flames are the same as the fires of Hell! I had not heard of the fasting requirement, Not so sure about that one. But who has had permission from a priest to change the little office to the rosary? Not me. That Im aware of. Will have to ask
Sorry for your loss Padraig. In the bad old days the remains of victims of suicide were not laid to rest in consecrated ground. My grandmother fought the local bishop on this and won. May God have mercy on the soul of your friend Henry and may he soon be united with his beloved wife. May he, by God's grace, let you know of his presence in heaven.
Yeah, nicely said Joe. Sorry for my cold response Padraig. I am sorry for the tragedy of your friend. May Henry rest in peace.
It is the first time suicide has flown so close to me. I amc onsoled by all the Holy Father has spoken written on the subject of mercy...and it teaches me to be a bit more merciful myself. Together let us pray to the Virgin Mary that she helps us ... to walk in faith and charity, ever trusting in the Lord's mercy; He always awaits us, loves us, has pardoned us with His Blood and pardons us every time we go to Him to ask His forgiveness. Let us trust in His mercy! — Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2013
Together let us pray to the Virgin Mary that she helps us ... to walk in faith and charity, ever trusting in the Lord's mercy; He always awaits us, loves us, has pardoned us with His Blood and pardons us every time we go to Him to ask His forgiveness. Let us trust in His mercy! Im wondering if anyone doesnt trust in this? I assumed everyone here does?
Include Henry every day in your prayers, I will add him to my list. Jesus is Mercy and Love and Peace. Henry will be so grateful to you! My condolences for your friend . . .
