Hi all, MOG member Praetorian hasn’t been on the forum for several months, and various forum members were asking about him and concerned for his wellbeing. I tried to contact him last week and recently heard back from him. He’s going through many of the same struggles he’s voiced here in the past (especially regarding this pope), but in a particularly difficult way right now. He’s really down and I think he could use our earnest prayers on his behalf! Thanks, Brian
Thanks for the update Brian, I have wondered as well where he has been. I will make a point to keep him in my prayers and intentions at Mass. Again, thanks.
Oh well! But it's so good to hear he is still in the land of the living; I was concerned. Sean is such a truly wonderful person. I appreciate his situation. What is going on in the Church is such a huge, huge tiral for us all. It's totally forced me to my knees to pray for advice. But being on our kness is not a bad place to be. Prayers and offering up masses. As Peter said to Jesus, John 6:68 Peter's Confession of Faith …67So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” 68Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”…
Thanks Brian. I hope that Sean will return soon because so many of us here miss him. I also hope that he is lurking and will watch the following because it may help him. What helps me a lot is to think about what Our Lady of Fatima stated, "My immaculate heart will triumph".
It's strange that you sent this, because I had a strong premonition and urging to pray for him yesterday. Will continue to pray. Thank you for the confirmation Brian.
I've been think of praying for our brothers and sisters who are struggling for sometime now, with all the talk about "schism" floating around out there. (https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/why-do-pope-francis-and-his-defenders-keep-talking-about-schism) While not in the same way as Praetorian, I'm starting to learn more and more, that while the Truth sets us free it's also a cross, I'm learning more and more the importance of bearing it. I'll definitely try to keep Praetorian and those like him in my prayers.
My advice Pray the Rosary -- each day we go through the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries -- Each day we experience joyful, sorrowful and glorious moments -- When we look back on our lives we can see joyful, sorrowful and glorious events -- We rely totally on God. Some things are out of our control so all we can do is take personal responsibility for our own prayer lives - If things in the Church cause us distress IGNORE them and live a solitary spiritual life -- Each of us has to walk the path of holiness in our own unique way - God likes variety -- Focus on saving yourself in cooperation with God's grace -- and He will do the rest. I think there is a coming time of devastation -- when we will be only able to worship God in the tabernacle of our own hearts - Now is the time to prepare for those days - Praetorian is in my Rosary today.
God likes variety. I am convinced each of us is a unique work of art created by God to become holy in cooperation with Him All saints are created differently - each path is different -- God is the gardener and we are the flowers of many different colours -- he tills, ploughs and strips the sin out of our lives and this pruning can be savage -- but ultimately it is for our good. But each flower is important to Him - If we were all made holy the same way God would be bored -- He is intimately involved with our lives and making us holy -- we just need to learn to work with Him in that journey -- to see him in the joyful, sorrowful and glorious moments -- I know I will be the tiniest of flowers in heaven but I want to be the most beautiful of tiny flowers that God can delight in -- I am only scratching at the surface of what I am trying to say -- all I know is that thinking of the Goodness of God makes me cry! I am not very strong but He is my strength!
Oh this makes me sad...as Praetorian is so good and wise....I miss reading his post. Honestly,I feel as though everyone I know is dealing with so much turmoil...from every possible source and manner. Satan is on the prowl and is attacking viciously those who love the Lord. Our only refuge is prayer and the sacraments to obtain the grace we need to persevere to the end. I’ll be praying for your particular intentions Praetorian, and at daily mass for everyone here at MOG. This is the family of the MOTHER OF GOD....pray to Our Lady for everyone’s intentions to lead us to eternal life. This life is short....and hard. We all need help to carry our cross ....be the Simon, who maybe reluctantly, helped Jesus carry His. Praying for you dear, wise and faithful Praetorian. God be with you and send a His army of heavenly angels to surround and uphold you. We miss you and hope to hear from you again. Heavenly host....intercede!
I always thought of Sean as a rock of good sense. It's not surprising that someone who loves the Truth so much is likely to be more pained by the inversion of it. I'll try and remember him in my prayers. [Garabandal, that's good advice there. Sometimes things are so shocking and unsettling it would be better not to know of it and to just trust in God and pray].
I went to Mass in the Capuchin church. I didn't realise until I arrived there that it was Padre Pio's feast day. Praetorian was my main intention at Mass but I included everyone else on the forum too. A real treat at the Mass was a soloist singing Ag Chriost on tSiol unaccompanied. Our old Irish hymns are a rarity at Mass these days (I've nothing against songs like Amazing Grace but I much prefer the old Catholic hymns).
I just found this thread while catching up on my messages. Sorry I didn't say thanks sooner, but it was off the main page by the time I returned to the forum and I didn't realize it was there. Thank you to everybody who posted and everyone who prayed. Thank you also to Brian for starting this thread. And thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts as well as prayers. This is a very special place and a very special group of people. It really does have a family atmosphere and even though I have not met most of you I feel I know you all. So thanks again. And all of you will be in my prayers as well, as feeble as they may be.
