There speaks a Christian. We can see now how the Church will have to go underground. That pastor will be disciplined by his bishop for speaking out. He may have to have clandestine masses in secret locations. The times of the mass rocks are almost upon us again.
It is so difficult. One the one hand we owe obedience to Lawful Church authority, for they are our Spiritual Fathers. But what happens when they order us to do something that they shouldn't? It poses a real dilemma. I listened to a film on St Bernadette lest night. 'The Passion of Bernadette' (which can be watched on Utube). Poor Bernadette did not want to be dragged out as an exhibit when visitors came calling, but sometimes they did try to drag her out, though she was promised this would not happen. I admired the way St Bernadette tried to put her foot down about it. One time Padre Pio's Superiors came and tried to force him to hand over the money he had collected for a hospital. But he refused to do so saying that people had given the money for the hospital, not for them. But it is often how to know when obedience goes to far and is not lawful. We want to be obedient, but we do not want to be forced to do something that we believe to be wrong. This is very, very difficult at times like these. But it is far, far, far worse for poor priests. Saint Padre Pio and Saint Bernadette had loads and loads of country common sense to help them, I suppose that is what we will need; lots and lots of common sense.
Today is Padre Pio's feast day. Saint Padre Pio, pray for your spiritual children, for the people on this forum and their family members, for the Holy Catholic Church and for the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart!
Every time I think of Padre Pio it lights a fire in my heart and lights my way. it is like getting a long distance big hug from heaven. Padre Pio, good Faithful Son of the Church, light our way in the growing darkness. Sometimes I think to myself, 'If only Padre Pio were alive today to give us good advice on all that is happening!! But of Course Padre Pio is alive, more alive and more with us than ever! Just a prayer away! Padre Pio come to the aid of the Church! Guide us! Show us the way!
I read the most beautiful conversation St Bernadette Soubirous had with one of her Religious Superiors. Bernadette mentioned to the Mother that some of the other nuns had grave doubts about whether or not she had actually seen Our Blessed Lady. To which the nun replied, 'I believe , because every time I look in your eyes, I see Mary there!' Wouldn't that be wonderful if people could say the same of us? That every time they look at us , they see Our Blessed Mother standing there?
The "bad place" is a horrible place to be. Praying for a return of joy and hope. (I have battled through this myself from time to time. It is a true suffering)
I will dedicate a Rosary decade for you daily for the next week. Nothing like having the Queen of Heaven and earth on our side! O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
In times of Trial nothing has ever comforted me more than to hold a Crucifix in my hand, to look at it and stroke it. ..and a good long visit to the Blessed Sacrament for a big hug, and comfort from the one who waits there. The one who always, always, always waits...
