Fractious Eschatology

Posted on by charliej373

By Charlie Johnston

Mark Mallett often has profound insights into the human condition – and his work has done much to give many people heart. That is why I was never much bothered by his minority and somewhat dissenting position on eschatology. I figured that, with his good will, it ultimately might provide a new insight into such matters that was valuable to us all.

Our previously warm friendship took on a bit of a chill a few years back when he wrote an article, acknowledging what a nice fellow I am, but went on to explain how my eschatology was completely out of step with the Church Fathers and Church teaching. It condescendingly made me out to be a bit of an ill-informed bumbler. I was not offended that his take differed from mine, but I was downright angry that he failed to note that my bumbling, ill-informed position was the constant, consistent teaching of the Church for the last 1,500 years, a teaching derived from St. Augustine, both a Saint AND a Doctor of the Church – and that it was his position that was a very small, minority take. That was so lacking in candor as to be downright misleading. To his credit, after I publicly complained of it, he conceded that his is a minority position and that my take is consonant with the Church’s take on the matter.

We certainly had a lively private exchange on the matter for a while. But while this was a fundamental disagreement, I still believed he did some very useful work in heartening the faithful, so I left it alone, enjoying some of the links readers here put up to some of his better pieces. I was troubled when, on occasion, he would quote snippets from Pope Benedict or Pope St. John Paul that would leave the impression that their teaching was in agreement with his minority take – when they both were firm advocates of the Augustinian view of eschatology. But I figured it was just a bit of a hobby horse for him in an otherwise good body of work.

Mallett wrote an article a few weeks back, “Re-Thinking the End Times,” which was a response to three critics of his. One of those critics, Desmond Birch, has become a very good friend of mine over the last four years. I did not see the original Facebook argument which inspired this piece and I am glad of it – for my objection has little to do with the substance of whatever the argument was. Mallett suggested that Birch was just trying to defend a book he had written on the subject. Again, what annoyed me was that Mallett did not tell readers that Birch is one of the foremost living eschatologists in the world. He made it sound like the man is a minor crank. Mallett did not note that the little book Birch was supposedly defending, Trial, Tribulation and Triumph, was published over two decades ago and has often been used as a text on eschatology at more than a few seminaries in this country. Well it should be, for it is deeply grounded in his exhaustive knowledge of the Church Fathers. He does not shrink from prominent historical figures whose take diverges from his. Though he has a definitive slant, he acknowledges them candidly and carefully explains why he disagrees. He never cuts a quote from one who disagrees with him to make it seem they support his point. If you want to know what the Church teaches on eschatology – probably the subject most frequently talked about without reference to the Magisterium, this book is indispensable. Later in his article, Mallett asserted the absurd notion that not even St. Augustine was really an advocate of the Augustinian eschatological interpretation that the Church teaches.

Now Birch is no starry-eyed enthusiast for my work. His take is like that of another prominent friend in the Denver Archdiocese: “I’m not sure about Charlie’s prophecies – but he’s not nuts!” He is harshly critical of most modern-day prophetic voices, arguing that most make their bones by peddling the Apocalypse. We first got to know each other when some Church authorities outside my Archdiocese asked him to give an informal assessment on me. He was startled to find that, whatever misgivings he might have on the details of what I said, my eschatology was fundamentally sound – that I was most emphatically NOT in the business of peddling the Apocalypse. We hit it off and became friends, often challenging each other, arguing, refining, and enjoying each other’s company. He is intellectually honest, as am I – which makes for very fruitful discussions and, even, disputes. He has the most exhaustive and deep knowledge of the Church Fathers of anyone I know. Once, at his house, he wanted to quote something from one to me. He could only find a text in the original language – but he found the quote he wanted and translated it on the spot for my edification.

Again, it does not bother me at all when Mallett takes a dissenting minority position on a matter while not venturing into defiance of defined doctrine. Such intellectual ferment, even when mistaken, sometimes leads to a valuable refining of doctrine. I respect and am grateful for the good work of exhortation to hope and fidelity to faith in most of his work. But I resent it when he tries to portray a very serious man, respected throughout the hierarchy, as a minor crank. It is deceptive and beneath the good work Mallett otherwise does.

 

 

232 thoughts on “Fractious Eschatology”

  1. So sorry to hear this news, Charlie. Gosh, it IS important to give proper credit where it’s due and to agree and/or disagree based on fair representation of quotes, beliefs and understandings. Prayers going up for all involved in these matters.

    Liked by 10 people

    1. Beckita,

      Help me to understand. I read Mark Mallett and he wrote something about being called a heretic. Is he promoting heretical ideas? I am not very familiar with his work.

      Thank you!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Little One, I have read many a Mark Mallet piece but I have not read everything he’s written nor have I read everything that the other three men have written concerning their differences. Therefore, I’m not sufficiently informed to assess whether or not heresy has been expressed.

        So, perhaps the greatest take-away from these challenges is Charlie’s point that we must be careful not to reject Magisterial teaching. And as many have already commented, much prayer, humility, and rigorous presentation of ideas are essential in such serious discussions.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Well, by the time we all find out how the end times actually unfold, will it really matter who won best in class in the Eschatology sweepstakes?
    Maybe we need to take a deep breath with the next right step 😉

    Liked by 8 people

      1. I get that…I was just making a point in a light hearted way, that in the end it doesn’t matter what the prophecy is, we just have to acknowledge God in all of it, be a sign of hope to others and take the next right step. Someone I like very much said something like that :-). I also take seriously your many cautions about prophesy. I’ve tried to stop wondering about it all since I’m not blessed (or cursed) with the gift of prophecy. I just try to figure out what I am supposed to do right now in the moment and do the best I can. And I totally agree that we should treat those with whom we disagree with kindness and respect.

        Liked by 9 people

          1. This light tan back ground is difficult to read the black letters, change the background color.

            Like

      2. If I am understanding your comment correctly it seems that you are saying that the pursuit of truth takes a backseat to protecting the status of someone who may or may not be interpreting scripture correctly. I for one find it refreshing that Mark Mallett has opened up a new world of possibilities for the the way that the end times may unfold. This might be uncomfortable for some as it does not fit into the mold of what they have been taught and believed for most of their lives. To my knowledge, apart from true millennialism, in which Jesus returns in the flesh, there remains an open mindedness in the church about these future events, in other words, no strict dogma to adhere to.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. How in heaven’s name did you get that out of it? My objection was that Mark did not give an accurate picture. Truth NEVER takes a back seat – and my article was largely based on that premise. I do NOT have a problem with Mark’s minority position, but he ought to be candid. I made very clear I appreciate his very good work on heartening the faithful. The Church DOES have some strictures regarding eschatology, but it leaves ample wiggle room for refinement. One of the real problems is that many people get caught up in eschatological discussions without having a clue of Magisterial direction on it. I appreciate your appreciation for Mark – but I don’t appreciate you bending my clear words and making an article that emphasized a devotion to facts into a rejection of truth.

          Liked by 6 people

    2. As far as I can tell it looks like Mark Mallett is on the defensive here. I did check out Desmond Birch’s facebook page and it all looks like sour grapes to me. Emmett O Regan has a lot to say so I posted some quotes from scripture, the church fathers and the popes on their views of a hoped for coming period of peace. He doesn’t seem to agree with them or even Our Lord’s word’s…. “Thy kingdom come as it is in heaven” So maybe Sr Lucia mistook a coming “period of peace” too? Ah well I suppose it all depends upon a person’s personal opinion in the end.

      Charlie count to ten, Take The Next Right Step and delete your post. This is a playground squabble. We shouldn’t want to hold anyone’s coats while someone gets punched in the face. Calumny is not good, as you very well know from your own experience.

      It is God’s task to bring about this happy hour and to make it known to all… When it does arrive, it will turn out to be a solemn hour, one big with consequences not only for the restoration of the Kingdom of Christ, but for the pacification of… the world. We pray most fervently, and ask others likewise to pray for this much-desired pacification of society. —POPE PIUS XI, Ubi Arcani dei Consilioi “On the Peace of Christ in his Kingdom”, December 23, 1922

      But even this night in the world shows clear signs of a dawn that will come, of a new day receiving the kiss of a new and more resplendent sun… A new resurrection of Jesus is necessary: a true resurrection, which admits no more lordship of death… In individuals, Christ must destroy the night of mortal sin with the dawn of grace regained. In families, the night of indifference and coolness must give way to the sun of love. In factories, in cities, in nations, in lands of misunderstanding and hatred the night must grow bright as the day, nox sicut dies illuminabitur, and strife will cease and there will be peace. —POPE PIUX XII, Urbi et Orbi address,March 2nd, 1957;vatican.va

      God himself had provided to bring about that “new and divine” holiness with which the Holy Spirit wishes to enrich Christians at the dawn of the third millennium, in order to “make Christ the heart of the world.” —POPE JOHN PAUL II, Address to the Rogationist Fathers, n. 6, http://www.vatican.va

      If before that final end there is to be a period, more or less prolonged, of triumphant sanctity, such a result will be brought about not by the apparition of the person of Christ in Majesty but by the operation of those powers of sanctification which are now at work, the Holy Ghost and the Sacraments of the Church. —The Teaching of the Catholic Church: A Summary of Catholic Doctrine (London:Burns Oates & Washbourne), p. 1140

      This is our great hope and our invocation, ‘Your Kingdom come!’—a Kingdom of peace, justice and serenity, which will re-establish the original harmony of creation. —POPE JOHN PAUL II, General Audience, November 6th, 2002, Zenit

      Liked by 11 people

      1. As a point of clarification, Mr. Birch’s book has a whole section outlining the “Age of Peace” and it’s elements. This Age of Peace (which I believe is the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) will come after either a global internal conversion on the part of humanity or after a period of chastisement occurs (a Minor Chastisement). None of the elements of the Age of Peace are binding in faith – we are not required to believe them as Catholics.

        His sources – and I’m only naming a few – are St. Ephraem, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Jerome and St. John Chrysostom.

        After an undetermined period of time will be the Major Chastisement / Tribulation of the Antichrist – many elements of which ARE binding in faith. Elements of that are also outlined in the book as well as those elements we are required to believe as Catholics according to the Magisterium and those we are not required to believe.

        It’s a very thorough book.

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Janet, you prompt me to be forthcoming here. I frankly didn’t follow the reason behind this fractious post, especially having no knowledge of the history or back-story. Here’s a valid question: What is the relevance? We already know that division and disagreements exist among the Chosen. So apparently statements of opinion and unfair attacks were made by someone, that that person is being called out justly or otherwise, and someone’s dignity is being defended. Granted, I don’t know all the players or what was said, so perhaps I should not be commenting at all.

        In general, when I read your posts, Charlie, they uplift, edify, or create wonder for deep contemplation. But when I read this post which was written for all of us, I felt sad. It felt too close to earth and too distant from Heaven. This was simply my gut response after the first read-through, and the second.

        Of course, it’s more complicated than that at my end. I’ve established my own expectations of others, and if one doesn’t live up to my lofty expectations by demonstrating they are actually human, even for a moment, I’m disappointed. I’m not talking about anyone in particular. Hearing that negative comments were made by Mark whom I respect, or witnessing a less-than-proper absolution by a priest, or hearing a devout Catholic friend tell me gossip, I get let down. This is an observation about my judgmental response to others, nothing more. It is a flaw I need to correct.

        I also need to read and listen to words with a detached objectivity. I believe “dispassionate” is the word. When emotions creep in and color my interpretation, my ego may crowd out the truth behind what is being said.

        Thanks for listening. Take with a grain of salt.

        Liked by 10 people

        1. Lotsa wisdom here, Patrick. I especially appreciate this: “I also need to read and listen to words with a detached objectivity. I believe “dispassionate” is the word. When emotions creep in and color my interpretation, my ego may crowd out the truth behind what is being said.” Thank you.

          Liked by 4 people

        2. I think it’s an example of the “dynamic tension” CJ referenced on a couple of occasions. I’ve come to not only appreciate it amongst folks of good will, but recognize it (and try to leverage it positively) when it’s happening internally as well. Maybe especially when it’s happening internally.

          I was chuckling earlier after we both referenced “simple” in back-to-back comments. Appreciating your cat asleep on a tent cot is simple. Grinning at a curious mustang in the wilderness is simple. Heck, even Phil’s turtle fishing stories are simple enough. Cats, foals and turtles notwithstanding, our thoughts often paint a different picture, drawing back the curtain on the dynamic tension within.

          Hey, we’re working on it though, aren’t we? Yep, got here by degrees… will get There by degrees.

          Liked by 8 people

          1. Working on it every single day, MP, step by step along the narrow path. Thanks.

            I was actually going to comment on your “simple” post, too. I had just finished eating a HUGE dinner and was stuffed to the gills. Then I read your post. My mouth started watering and I was somehow hungry again! You have a gift with words, my friend.

            Liked by 2 people

  3. When truth takes a back seat to ego, problems begin.

    I know Desmond, I’ve read his book (Phenomenal – if you haven’t read it, you must!) and have reached out to him many a time on matters of eschatology and church teaching. I have nothing but admiration and respect for his knowledge and his intellectual honesty. I’ve read a few of Mallett’s blogs and was never taken with him, so I don’t follow him at all – so I won’t speak to what he alleges.

    I’m going to have to go to Desmond’s FB page and read it. Mallett’s a maroon if he thinks he can take Dez on.

    Liked by 2 people

        1. Then you should have said “not very smart” rather than use a derogatory term like “maroon”. Maroon is a play on the word “moron” and it also means “a dope, fool, idiot, or nincompoop or unbelievably stupid person.”

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Frank. If you disagreed with ERICA then you should have said “I disagree with you ERICA” and state a reason or two why you disagree. Enough said…

            Liked by 3 people

              1. This thread… wow, a microcosm of good Christians. As I read rebuttals. a favorite movie line, came to mind.

                Like

                1. Yes, all of us fall short at times, every.single.one.of.us. Our remedy is simple: own our error – if there’s something to own – repent, confess and begin again.

                  Liked by 3 people

                  1. Today’s Evening Prayer in Liturgy of the Hours:

                    Catholic Study Bible

                    1 Peter 3:8-9

                    8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind.
                    9 Do not return evil for evil or reviling (insult) for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.

                    *******
                    I think we have all proved this title “Fractious Eschatology” in one form or another. In our end, it matters not what interpretation occurs but of reconciling ourselves with God and hopefully immediately after, obtaining a Plenary Indulgence.

                    Liked by 6 people

        1. Ha, Patrick! You beat me to the punch (I was gonna look up the Bugs Bunny clip).

          Rats… Now I’m going to have “What a maroon! What a nincowpoop!” going through my head for the rest of the day. 🙂

          Liked by 4 people

        2. Thanks Patrick. That had been the source and my point of the posting the word. I considered it a silly word. I am sorry that some took offensive, but Bugs just makes me laugh. 🙂

          Liked by 5 people

    2. ERICA. I happen to like Mallett and find some/most of his articles interesting and enlightening. That doesn’t mean I believe he is infallible however. Just my 2-cents worth.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. And I get that. I heard good things and he was promoted here, so I checked him out. His message did not resonate with me so I didn’t go back. I’m glad you get more out of him than I.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Surely did read it, Frank. Read it when it was first released. As Charlie has precisely stated, it’s not the difference of interpretations that’s the problem. It’s the reducing of Mr. Birch’s contributions to a defense of his book. Further, that the book is used in seminaries speaks volumes (pun) about the worth of Mr. Birch’s views. So, yes, I think proper attribution to the stature of Mr. Birch’s work is, indeed, missing.

      I actually have read nearly everything that Fr. Iannuzzi has published. I’m also a believer in Vassula’s messages from Heaven. So, for what it’s worth from little ole me – with thoughts not at all a product of in-depth studies of eschatology – but, nevertheless, one who has read a lot and studied and discussed with many a wise one, and particularly having read all the volumes of Vassula’s messages *and* because I believe in some messages still sitting at the Holy See, I do believe there will be an intermediary coming, not corporeal, but a time when Christ imbues us with an infusion of special spiritual graces awaits us. Much of Fr. Iannuzzi’s work -but not all – has been centered on Living in the Divine Will as given in Luisa Picarretta’s volumes.

      That said, if such as this does not come to pass, I surrender to whatever God has planned for us. I think we’re ALL gonna be surprised by what actually does unfold. In the meanwhile: next right step!

      Liked by 10 people

  6. Charlie,
    Your words and articles have been such a great source of comfort, education and contemplation. I feel the same way of Mark Mallet. I imagine both of you as forces of good. It gives me solace in this battle-stricken time. With so much friction and intentional confusion in the church today, I would like to believe those “good guys” fighting for truth can always find a way to cover one another’s backs in this war.

    Never been in an actual war, but I guessing there were probably many skirmishes in the trenches. What wins, I am guessing, is keeping all eyes on the bigger enemy.

    Thank you for all you do.

    Liked by 12 people

  7. All I know, is every time I see a squirrel and lately that’s every day…I take pause and I think of Charlie and his fundamental message of taking the next right step, being a sign of hope to those of whom the Lord sets in my path, and when I take the wrong step, I run to confession get back up and begin again. I think Charlie is SPOT ON on all he has taught us and for me…he’s my “go to guy!” Don’t know how I would have even made it THIS far without all of Charlie’s heavenly insight on how to behave in these terrifying times! I get you Charlie! xoxo TNRS God Save us all!

    Liked by 7 people

    2. I agree with you Linda…Charlie is my “go to” guy also! Keep up the good work Charlie. My prayers are with you and all of the TNRS team. All of you make my day during these very difficult times.

      Liked by 4 people

  8. Hehehe..
    this is a true story and it JUST happened, So….I put that little paragraph up above on why I like Charlie’s spiritual direction, etc..take the next right step and be a sign of hope to those to whom the Lord sends in my path…etc…etc…etc.. and then I went and took a shower (don’t EVEN think about that or it will be a sin!!! (I got that from Father Larry Richards..hehehe)) and I’m talking to Jesus… I say, “Jesus…I feel like I left something out in that little paragraph I just wrote in Charlie’s piece…what is it??? soooooooooo….. I believe, unless I’m crazy, and I might be…but I believe He said..”LINDA, YOU FORGOT TO PUT DOWN THAT YOU MUST ACKNOWLEDGE ME FIRST!!! ” Hahahah.. I had a good laugh about it and I think Jesus did too,,,,so…let me rephrase…ACKNOWLEDGE GOD, TAKE THE NEXT RIGHT STEP AND BE A SING OF HOPE TO ALL YOU MEET! AMEN.. 😉

    Liked by 9 people

  9. Danielle, thank you for expressing my thoughts far better than I could have expressed them.
    Yesterday the Holy Spirit was impressing on me. “What is the most loving thing to do?”
    In these times especially I think this is number one question to keep in mind.

    Liked by 12 people

    1. Thank you for your kind words. We are all in this together for the glory of God, not our own. Charlie has reminded us and acted on that so many times.

      Honored to be in the trenches with all here!

      Liked by 7 people

  10. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!  

    Charlie, do you realize that by posting this “opinion piece” back to back with your just released, Part 2 of “The Ballad of the Ordinary Man”, rather than reading and commenting on that well written and informative post, you’ve redirected readers to Mark Mallett’s site?   What were you thinking? 

    And for what it’s worth, I pretty much agree with Mark’s take on the end times. 

    Lastly, I suggest you meditate on the following verses.  

    “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”   1 Cor. 13: 4-7

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I don’t mind at all redirecting people to Mark’s site. Why would you think that I would? And I really don’t understand why you would think giving one of the most respected eschatologists in the world his due after he was diminished is not loving.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Charlie, Rereading the first paragraph of Mark’s article, seems to me all he was doing was defending himself against three “academic intellectuals”. The accusations started with them. I’m sure they all hold PhD’s in something and we all know what that stands for. Reminds me of the verse that reads,, “The wisdom of men is foolishness to God.”

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Well actually, luvmercy, they don’t all hold PhDs. Mr. O’Regan has recently posted a GoFund Me page asking people to help him pay tuition for his further studies as he wants to earn a PhD. Stephen Walford does not even have any degree in theology. Desmond Birch is, indeed, the erudite one with great respect for the extensive work he has done.

          God bless us one and all.

          Liked by 3 people

  11. Hm. This is either the most ill-timed post (coming on the heels of “Ballad of the Ordinary Man – Part Deux”), or it just might be a bit of genius. I’ll have to give it a thorough read after I’ve eaten dinner.

    Back in the 70’s someone handed me a dogeared copy of “The Late Great Planet Earth.” I wasn’t impressed by most of it, but it sure did get me thinking seriously about eschatology. In the following decades, I did my fair share of wearing out Bibles and other books comprising a great treasure for the faithful.

    At this point (and thinking in these terms because I’m getting ready to eat), I find that my view of things is not so much a juicy prime rib as it is a simple stew. I’ll gladly take a simple, hearty stew any day. That, and maybe some good biscuits.

    Liked by 6 people

  12. Other than reading the occasional reposts of Mallet on the old NRS website (which I did enjoy), I’m not inclined to follow his take on things. I read Johnston and Hesse.

    I’m in no position to analyze the eschatology presented here, despite it being the big reason I follow this blog. Rather, I’m reassured by the solid Catholic orthodoxy of Charlie and Beckita, and in my own simple way that’s all I need to know that what is being presented here is valid and in perfect unison with our Church.

    My heart also tells me this.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Well, Patrick, I’m still chuckling over the ignoramous cartoon sharing.

      Whatever each one thinks about end times stuff, I think there’s something for each of us to sit with in self-reflection.

      See, I clearly read a lot of acknowledgement of Mark Mallett’s strengths in Charlie’s piece here. There’s no lack of love for Mark, no smearing, no denigration while, at the same time, acknowledging who Desmond Birch is and the work he’s done. In addition, I read a sincere and accurate correction of Mark’s way of writing about Mr. Birch.

      Could it be that some appreciate so much how Mark has heartened them and they agree wholeheartedly with what he writes so that it’s hard to hear him being corrected? Only each person can answer that in his/her head and heart.

      However each one self-observes, because this piece has stirred misunderstanding, I found it helpful to reread it.

      Liked by 7 people

      1. I am given to understand that Charlie is not addressing the “end times issue” as such, but rather he is addressing the way others treat one another. The way I see it, Charlie doesn’t have an issue with the arguments for or against how the end times will play out. If I may be presumptuous, Charlie is probably pointing out to us that that there is a heated battle taking place with the members of our church and not just bishop against bishop and priest against priest.

        I don’t want to be drawn into choosing who is right or wrong. But before we get critical of any of these persons, we need to be sensitive to the stress and dangers that we are all feeling in these times. Not that that excuses us from being uncharitable to each other but we should be more prayerful of these people who are on the front lines and not “take sides”. We don’t always know why people attack one another but sometimes there are circumstances that we aren’t privy to.

        I was very sadden when I read Mr. Mallett’s writing on his blog “The Now Word” dated May 4, 2018 and entitled “Rethinking The End Times”. He was upset and made mention that he has been receiving a lot of criticism from a lot of people but lately and particularly from Emmett O’Regan and Stephen Walford. But these men went so far as to write a letter to Mr. Mallett’s Bishop to have him removed from his ministry. He also made mention that Desmond Birch was also attacking him on Facebook declaring Mark as “promoting false doctrine”. What I see is a man who is in a spiritual battle with other Christians. These men are his contemporaries and colleagues, and where is their respect for Mr. Mallett? When you seek to have a man removed from his ministry that he has given most of his life to, then I see that this is not a “gentlemen’s argument” or being uncharitable or not acknowledging someones credentials but rather an attack to remove a good man who is trying to help all of us to see the light in this darkness. This is nasty stuff and must be prayed away. It is not just priest against priest and bishop against bishop but it is also ministries against ministries and christian against christian. Satan is laughing at us now.

        We need to keep those rosary beads clicking because the battle is raging on and we need to keep focused on Charlie’s message to take the next right step. We also need to keep our eyes on Jesus and love God and one onother.

        God bless everyone here.

        Catherine

        Liked by 11 people

        1. So true, Catherine, that division is everywhere… including in families and in friendships… everywhere. Amen to Rosaries being prayed! St. Don Bosco’s vision comes to mind: the Holy Eucharist and Our Lady Help of Christians will guide us safely to shore.

          Liked by 4 people

          1. I am so happy that Pope Francis established the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church:

            POPE FRANCIS
            Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of our faith*

            Mother, help our faith!
            Open our ears to hear God’s word and to recognize his voice and call.
            Awaken in us a desire to follow in his footsteps, to go forth from our own land and to receive his promise.
            Help us to be touched by his love, that we may touch him in faith.
            Help us to entrust ourselves fully to him and to believe in his love, especially at times of trial, beneath the shadow of the cross, when our faith is called to mature.
            Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One.
            Remind us that those who believe are never alone.
            Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that he may be light for our path. And may this light of faith always increase in us, until the dawn of that undying day which is Christ himself, your Son, our Lord!

            *Prayer to Mary at the conclusion of the Encyclical Lumen Fidei (29 June 2013)

            And on the day after Pentecost. no less. She who was in the Upper Room teaches us humility, faithfulness and surrender to the will of God. She intercedes for the New Wine of the Holy Spirit for us, for the Church and for the whole world.

            Liked by 7 people

        2. Spot on Catherine!! We need to build each other up.encourage each other. We are not even in height of storm yet enough pressure everywhere.please cut each other some slack!

          Liked by 4 people

  14. I like Mark Mallett.
    It was because of his site that I came here after he quoted Charlie and his message. I like the way he quotes the popes, theologians, saints, the catechism and Magesterial teaching. I like the way he defends the pope and tries to give him the benefit of the doubt or at least a favorable view of what he is trying to accomplish. I like that he has another “take” on these here times and how he uses the above authorities to make his case.
    I see him struggle very much with his message. His personality comes through in this and he is frightened by the “damed if you do, damed if you don’t” threat Charlie talks about by giving bold witness to what you believe and taking full responsibility for its accuracy or inaccuracy- the edge of the sword- exhistance of a prophet. Just through Mark’s fear and Charlie’s admonitions about not wanting to know more than I need to know about such things has given me clear sightedness into such a burden.
    If Mr. Birch’s wisdom is completely his own and his quotes are from his betters, he is not a prophet but a teacher of historical things moved by truth and truth alone as he sees it.
    But Charlie and Mark claim a “burden” to “tell us true” and tell us with conviction they do- but also with fear and trembling. So it is a different argument for each man as each sees the infinite through finite glasses. Even Aquinas gave up his take after his vision of heaven reduced all his theology to “so much straw”.
    My take is this; despite all the eschatology, we just don’t know.
    Mary of Agreda said that the whole world was in utter darkness when Christ came into the world. She claimed the three Wise Men where led by an Angel to Jerusalem and thus caused a firestorm of confusion as to why NO ONE knew about the birth of the Messiah. Everyone had a piece of the puzzle, the wise men that he was born, the priests and teachers knew where He was to be born, the shepherds knew where he was exactly, but no one knew the whole story and it’s still playing out even to this day. So for me, I like the different views of different people and their different takes in where we are going from here. Personally, I think everyone has a piece of the puzzle but no one has the whole puzzle. So, by reading all the different views of those with this charism I then get an overview of what may happen and am somewhat strengthened for what lies ahead by this wisdom.
    I like how Micheal Brown from Spirit Daily ends many of his posts with “…for your discernment”, for in the final analogy, that is exactly where it belongs.

    Liked by 16 people

    1. Thank you Philip, for this comment…it caused me to rethink some things.I like your take on everyone has a piece of the puzzle and I agree with you, although, as I said above, Charlie is my “go to guy”.

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Something for each of us indeed.

    The piece sure has struck a chord with folks here! All of these men, Charlie, Mark, and I assume Mr Birch have dedicated their lives to their calling, each with a unique and deeply personal perspective yet called by the same God. Likewise, each of us may feel drawn to follow one or the other of these men and become personally invested. I agree, Beckita, any correction or criticism of “your guy” may be difficult to hear. I admit I feel annoyed when someone criticizes Charlie because it feels like an attack on me and my judgment. But that is natural.

    Of course, God today uses many different people to spread his message since no ONE person can reach the hearts and minds of everybody. He uses Protestants and Catholics, traditionalists and charismatics, men and women, religious and laity. Just like some are drawn to one Saint over another, or this devotion over that one. Charlie reaches me, Mark reaches others (not that it’s an either/or). The important thing is both are pointing in the same direction — toward our Heavenly Father.

    I visited the Cathedral music director today to discuss performing a sung Contemplative Rosary in the near future. We were talking about the wonderful variety of musical styles the Church offers. Personally, I love the pipe organ setting, traditional hymns in four parts. This is from my classical upbringing. Others just cannot worship as well hearing, say, an operatic cantor. They need a guitar and flute with a tambourine to really praise and worship Our Lord.

    https://www.ocp.org/en-us/songs/67251

    Go to this site which has samples of the sung Rosary I want to perform at our Church. Under the picture of Bob Hurd, click on the play button. After a brief announcement, you will hear a gorgeous version of Our Father.

    Divine, right down to the last note. That’s my style.

    https://www.ocp.org/en-us/collections/dg/478

    Liked by 7 people

      1. I love it when people and choirs unwittingly play or sing the Ave Maria ~ e.g., the young cellist at the recent royal wedding as well as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Many do not stop to think that the Latin words of the Ave Maria are the words of the most holy Rosary.

        Liked by 2 people

  16. What’s a Desmond Birch? 😉😇
    – Silence is Golden in response to this article… I will research him and if interested read his little book. God bless everyone and Good night 🙏🏼

    Liked by 7 people

  17. If we were the Great Catholic Monarch we should immediately put forward an edict to convene at Versailles the Royal Estate of the Kingdom of France & all Christendom to solemnly declare a suspension from all eschatological conversation so as not to choose sides between the early Fathers & Mystics of the Church nor allow divisions amongst the people over such matters that may appear differently due to varied human perspectives & understandings. The world will be different than it is in this present day in ways none of us can truly realise nor completely understand nor accurately predict as it always was & always shall be even into eternity.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. But R.S.M. it’s just so incredibly FUN to talk about this stuff! Besides, Our Lady, Our Blessed Lord, and many seers repeatedly draw our attention to the future:

      “The war will end, but if men do not cease offending God, another and more terrible war will break out during the pontificate of Pius XI.” —Our Lady of Fatima, July 13, 1917.

      4 accurate claims about the future in one sentence. That is just irresistibly tantalizing to many of us.

      I submit that eschatology is an important part of our faith, and our Church, in fact, cautiously permits it. Scripture is packed with it. It appears that God actually WANTS us to discuss it, to consider not only the fate of mankind on earth but especially to consider our own mortality.

      But you are right, R.S.M., like anything else it does cause division among us as our egos are inclined to focus on the wrong things — the temporal over the spiritual — as Charlie as warned against repeatedly. That is the annoying part and a weakness of humans, but it is “par for the course” (to be expected).

      Liked by 7 people

    2. I will say, R. Sey, that if I am still around at that point, I will be quite pleased when the Great Catholic Monarch comes on the scene.

      Liked by 2 people

  18. I remember the uplifting video of you both on stage together…. the eternal trouble maker
    has been meddling i suspect… a family divided will always collapse….. and ‘ don’t he know it’

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Charlie,

    Respectfully, I must agree with Janet. This is a playground squabble and you did not have a dog in this fight. I will address a few things that I thing are inaccurate and wrong/

    First, eschatology is the study of the four last things, death, judgment, heaven and hell. Peter Kreeft has a marvelous discussion of these inhis book, Fundamentals of the Faith published by Ignatius Press. I recall reading the originals of these as published in the National Catholic Register in the mid 1980s. Eschatological works do come in a variety of categories, and one of the best was the old Art of Dying books, once very popuar. An example of this genre is St. Robert Bellarmine’s work the art of Dying found in the Classics of Western Spirituality Series from Paulist Press. An older form of eschatology, and the best example from a Church Father is Julian Of Toledo’s Prognosticum Futuri Saeculi that is number 63 in Paulist Press’s Ancient Christian Texts Series

    Related to Eschatology is Teleology, which studies the purpose of things and what their final end is to be.

    Second, what both Mr Mallet and Mr Birch are engaging in is what Professor Bernard McGinn has labeled as “apocalyptic spirituality.” Bernie has a whole book devoted to this in the Classics of Western Spirituality series, entitled, fittingly enough, “Apocalyptic Spirituality. It is intersting to note that Bernie see this as all stemming from the Church Father Lactantius. Bernie also observes all modern variants of apocalyptic spirituality stem from two types: (1) That of Joachim of Fiore that incorporates private revelation into an analysis derived from the Book of the Apocalypse of St. John (Revelation) and the Book of Daniel; or (2) that of Jerome Savanarola with private revelation that focuses on the Book of the Apocalypse. While neither might like being compared to Joachim of Fiore or Savanarola, both Mr. Mallet and Mr. Birch fall into this category, quoting extensivley from the Apocalypse and private visionairies The genre that both Mr. Mallet and Mr. Birch have worked in is the same as the Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius of Olympus (the story of the great king actually derives from this seventh century Syrian Orthodox work!).

    Third, these more “apocalyptic” interpretations of the Apocalypse do not necessarily derive from patristic commentary on this book. Amongst the Latin Fathers we have Victorinus of Petovium, Apringius of Beja, Caesarius of Arles, the Venerable Bede (found in Intervarsity Press’s Ancient Christina Texts series) and Tyconius of Carthage (Catholic University of America Press’s Fathers of the Church Series number 134) who commented on this. In the east, only Oecumenius (CUA FOTC # 112) and Andrew of Caesarea (CUA FOTC #123) – both are also in found in Intervarsity Press’s Ancient Christian Texts series. As for the book of Daniel, there were only three who dealt with it in Commentaries – Hippolytus, Origen (regrettably lost but for fragments), and Jerome. I would suggest people read these commentaries for themselves as they will see there is more to the Apocalypse and the Book of Daniel than the mere apocalyptic approach that seems to be the popular way of interpreting them today. I would also suggest folks read Julian of Toledo’s book for a true patristic perspective on eschatology.

    I enjoy Mark’s webstie adn while I do not agree with everything he writes, he has written much that is spiritually useful to me and I ask God to bless him and his family. Not to dismiss Birch, but he strikes me as just another EWTN talking head. I do not pay attention to him, but God bless him and his family, too. Finally, God bless you, Charlie, and your family and all of our firends and family here.

    Liked by 11 people

  20. Charlie, I deeply appreciate both you and Mark–I first learned of your writings through his site. Quick question: I’m wondering if you shared your concerns about giving proper credit to Desmond Birch privately with Mark before writing here?

    Peace and blessings to you and all here!

    Liked by 3 people

  22. This day, May 24th, Feast of Mary Help of Christians, has been dedicated to prayer for the Church in China. In solidarity, Oremus!

    PRAYER OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
    TO OUR LADY OF SHESHAN
    ON THE OCCASION OF THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
    FOR THE CHURCH IN CHINA (24 MAY 2008)

    “Virgin Most Holy, Mother of the Incarnate Word and our Mother,
    venerated in the Shrine of Sheshan under the title “Help of Christians”,
    the entire Church in China looks to you with devout affection.
    We come before you today to implore your protection.
    Look upon the People of God and, with a mother’s care, guide them
    along the paths of truth and love, so that they may always be
    a leaven of harmonious coexistence among all citizens.

    When you obediently said “yes” in the house of Nazareth,
    you allowed God’s eternal Son to take flesh in your virginal womb
    and thus to begin in history the work of our redemption.
    You willingly and generously cooperated in that work,
    allowing the sword of pain to pierce your soul,
    until the supreme hour of the Cross, when you kept watch on Calvary,
    standing beside your Son, who died that we might live.

    From that moment, you became, in a new way,
    the Mother of all those who receive your Son Jesus in faith
    and choose to follow in his footsteps by taking up his Cross.
    Mother of hope, in the darkness of Holy Saturday you journeyed
    with unfailing trust towards the dawn of Easter.
    Grant that your children may discern at all times,
    even those that are darkest, the signs of God’s loving presence.

    Our Lady of Sheshan, sustain all those in China,
    who, amid their daily trials, continue to believe, to hope, to love.
    May they never be afraid to speak of Jesus to the world,
    and of the world to Jesus.
    In the statue overlooking the Shrine you lift your Son on high,
    offering him to the world with open arms in a gesture of love.
    Help Catholics always to be credible witnesses to this love,
    ever clinging to the rock of Peter on which the Church is built.
    Mother of China and all Asia, pray for us, now and for ever. Amen!”

    Here She is, presenting Her Son as She holds Him high…

    The image is venerated in the minor Basilica of Sheshan in Shanghai, historically the most Catholic region in China. Shanghai served as the missionaries’ port of entry to China, a depot to gather supplies needed for the interior missions, a place of relaxation and safety from political strife, and a place to connect with a Chinese Catholic culture that went back to the 1600s.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. So glad to see what the feast is today, Beckita. Calling on Mama by that title as our son is in surgery for his foot injury.
      God bless Charlie and all here!

      Liked by 2 people

        1. Thank you all for the prayers. Didn’t reply sooner as we were out of town with our son. The Lord and His Mother definitely gave us a miracle!! K. was given a prescription for strong pain killers that I know you’ve heard of. After an involved surgery he never needed the painkillers!!!! Thank you for praying and thank God and his Mom and all the saints!!! The whole trip and long drive were truly blessed by the Lord SO much!

          Liked by 3 people

  23. I’m late to the party, as usual.

    After reading all the comments, some of them very mean-spirited and directed at Charlie, the Holy Scripture that popped into my mind was from St. Paul, 1 COR 3: “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

    Praise to Jesus Christ, our Sovereign Lord, Who has led us here. Remember also how the enemy can come at night to sow weeds among the wheat. I love you all and pray for you daily. Peace.

    Liked by 10 people

  24. Back in the 1990s, the End of Days crowd had hundreds of messages coming in from Jesus and Mary, God the Father. Messages from Medjugorie, Garabandal, Bay Side, Ireland, Arizona, Georgia – it was a deluge – an explosion – of apocalyptic pronouncements. My mom (I was rather younger back then) fed into many of these, along with some flim flammy whacks who got a chunk of money from her. My discernment process was immature, but I knew I had to find a reputable source that I could rely upon. So I started to look for what the Catholic Church taught about eschatology and the end times.

    I read Michael Brown’s “The Final Hour”, but was left wanting a bit on what the church about other visionaries. I found Desmond’s book and was carefully taught, chapter by chapter, what the church taught about the end times, what it’s discernment process is for alleged visionaries and then what the Magisterium, the church Fathers, Doctors and Canonized saints had to say. None of this came from Mr. Birch’s personal discernment, none of this came from personal promptings to Desmond from the Holy Spirit. It was strictly – strictly – what the church taught. He also explained in great detail that we are not required to believe in any private revelation, even the ones that were Church approved (Fatima and Lourdes for example).

    What I took away from the book was that Church approved mystics and canonized saints all pretty much said the same thing about end times. Some of them were hundreds of years apart in what they described. But the messages were similar…and more importantly to me, these were saints and Fathers and doctors of the church. St. Ephraem, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Jerome, St. John Chrysostom, St. Edward the Confessor, St. Hildegard, Venerable Marianne de Jesus Tores to name a few. I had my reputable source.

    After that, whenever I read what an alleged visionary said, I compared it to the messages of these giants in the faith. Was there obedience to ecclesiastical authority by these modern visionaries? Is the recipient open to the possibility of delusion? Were the messages inconsistent with traditional teaching of the church? Has the local Bishop made any public pronouncement on the messages given – and how does the alleged “mystic” react to that? How do those that follow the “mystic” react to that? What I mostly find is that very few of these people even have a spiritual director, let alone submit themselves in humility to a bishop. The fact that Charlie did and DOES was significant to me.

    I remember particularly one email group I was in and many of the participants had a particular affection for someone who was claiming that he was given consecrated hosts by an angel. When the story started to break down and the Bishop suggested caution, one member of the group had so much faith in this man that she wrote, “If (the visionary’s) messages don’t come true, I’ll believe that God lied.”

    God lied. It broke my heart. The ego, the hubris, the lack of discernment, but more the fact that this woman put more belief into this man than she would in God. Eventually, this man fled the United States and was wanted in Ireland for scamming people there too. Not sure if he was ever caught.

    None of this suggests any animus or judgement on Mark Mallet and his work. I don’t read him. I don’t know what he says. I’m genuinely glad that many folks here get something positive from what he writes. I just think it short sighted, (apologizing for my earlier derogatory remark) to dismiss Desmond’s book, approved for use in seminaries, as a mediocre document and that Desmond’s defense of the faith as posturing to defend his book. If you want to know what the church teaches about end times there are few books that are as thorough and easy to read and completely dedicated to the Magisterial teaching as Trial, Tribulation and Triumph.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Beautiful erica1064! ❤

      I loved the Gaudete et Exsultate excerpt I received today too:

      Thursday, May 24, 2018
      Rejoice and Be Glad – n. 22

      YOUR MISSION IN CHRIST

      22. To recognize the word that the Lord wishes to speak to us through one of his saints, we do not need to get caught up in details, for there we might also encounter mistakes and failures. Not everything a saint says is completely faithful to the Gospel; not everything he or she does is authentic or perfect. What we need to contemplate is the totality of their life, their entire journey of growth in holiness, the reflection of Jesus Christ that emerges when we grasp their overall meaning as a person.[26]

      [26] Cf. HANS URS VON BALTHASAR, “Theology and Holiness”, in Communio 14/4 (1987), 341-350.

      © LIBRERIA EDITRICE VATICANA.

      Posted by Diocese of Joliet at 2:00 AM
      https://www.ajoywhichisshared.org

      Liked by 5 people

  25. I was commenting earlier, after a quick read of “Fractured Eschatology,” that I wasn’t yet settled on whether this post was ill-timed or maybe a bit of genius (or something betwixt because there is always reading between the lines). As is often the case, I find that the comments section is most illuminating for what is shared (and what is not shared).

    As always I think the genius belongs to God alone, if there ever be any genius to recognize in our pilgrim fellows.

    I also think that we need to pick our battles more carefully, but the dust has already settled for me on this post. It’s yesterday’s news.

    I’m certain that all of our many flaws and imperfections (ego and such) will continue to be laid bare as we make our way, but let’s not make this a point of focus, rather let us bare with one another wherever we are in our day.

    A bit of an LOTR reference for you… my first impulse was to pick up a battle ax and smash the one ring of power where it lay. Good thing I didn’t or I would have ended up shattering the ax head and landing flat on my butt just like Gimli.

    God Bless,
    MP

    Liked by 2 people

        1. Phil, I know that’s an old (obscure) reference but can’t place it. Odd, I don’t often forget stuff from the archives, however obscure. For those who may be scandalized, I would like to clarify that PF is using an obscure reference, to wit a somewhat rascally (due to my bad influence) inside joke. And thus we are laid bare.

          Liked by 1 person

  26. don’t forget todayabout tomorrow 24th/25thMay, ‘ the month of Mary’ Ireland
    decides by referendum on whether or not to remove all constitutional
    protections of preborn Irish citizens so that abortions can be provided
    by the state for any(no) reason up to 12 weeks and thereafter on ‘mental health’
    grounds, and fetal abnormality health grounds…. we all know that 98%
    of abortions in Europe use the nebulous ‘ mental health’ catch all justification…
    Charlie has often referred to the spiritual battles we are not privy to so make no mistake
    this vote is a raging spiritual showdown and every single prayer however short is vital
    to secure Our Lady’s Triumph…. this can be the marker that shows the world that
    something extraordinary and celestial is in process and is only just beginning…. 25th May is also birthday of Saint Padre Pio, our not so secret weapon….. polls close 10p.m.25th, Ireland time….
    let’s make May2018 the sweetest possible for our Mother Mary…. battle stations everyone, Saint Pio is
    by your side

    Liked by 10 people

      1. As a friend said recently, this is our Lepanto. May the Right prevail tomorrow against almost overwhelming odds, with the powerful assistance of Our Lady of Victories, as in 1570.

        Our local Dominican Adoration chapel is having Adoration from opening of polls at 7 a.m.to closing at 10 p.m. Will drop in after voting at 7 a.m. Bless all, your prayers are hugely appreciated. J.

        Liked by 6 people

    4. Praying seriously and offering everything today for Ireland, BJ. For whatever reason this particular Referendum is having a big impact on God-fearing people around the world, like it is a ‘turning-point’. I eagerly await for Mother’s 25th of the month guidance when I awake tomorrow, along with the result of the vote! Lord, have mercy on the unborn, and their judges!

      Liked by 5 people

  27. I read the following passage yesterday and thought it may have some pertinence here: Romans 12:6-11 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
    6 We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7 ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8 the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord…

    Thank you Charlie! Thank you Mark! Thank you Desmond! Most of all, thank you God!!!

    Liked by 8 people

  28. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/24/anti-abortion-activists-final-push-ireland-vote-referendum-love-both

    We sometimes forget that Jesus is also The God of Justice. Today I received an email from Sister Clara asking for prayers for Ireland invoking Our Lady Help of Christians whose feast Beckita tells us is today.
    When Jesus answered the high priest and was struck by the soldier he bravely defended his stance and refused to let his truth be silenced or misrepresented. He knew he was risking further abuse. He did indeed turn the other cheek but spoke up at the same time in the name of justice. In fact his words were the turning of the cheek. This, I believe, is what Mark is doing. He too has a mission as do the others, Charlie, Emmet, Stephen, Peter etc. No man is an island.

    “No man is an island entire of itself; every man
    is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
    if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
    is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
    well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
    own were; any man’s death diminishes me,
    because I am involved in mankind.
    And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Amen, Joecro. I do believe we each have a mission… for some it is accomplished in a public way, for others the mission is achieved in a more private manner.

      May Our Lady of Sorrows pierce the hearts of the Irish people that each vote reflects the value and joy of new life.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Anen!!!! Praying, fasting! Please Lord answer our prayers! Give the Irish people the extra graces to vote against abortion!!!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Sister Clara who wrote to me earlier asking for prayers for Ireland is a Sister of the Two Hearts Alliance – The Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary whose focus is on the family. This inspired me to write to the breakfast show. I wrote it in a hurry but better in haste than not. After all “She went in haste to the mountains.”

      I copy my letter (which was ignored) just in case there is anything in it that others may find useful in the fight.

      “Dear breakfast team
      There two hearts beating at the start of an abortion. Only one heart beats at the end. Both hearts belong to a living human being. If the being in the womb is not human to what species does he/she belong. If not living how can his/her life be terminated. This living human being has no voice but ours. And yet even ours is silenced by those who see abortion as “a good cause” as it was described on your program this morning. The body of the unborn child is clearly not the body of the mother. They are separate beings with separate lives. The cry of the abortionist is “my body, my choice.” Two lies in one maxim. Two lives in one mother. Dependancy does not imply or confer ownership nor the right to impose death at will. I hope that the march of the culture of death is halted in Ireland today, that Ireland returns to her ancient Faith by a different way, better informed and better behaved but true to the principle that human life is sacred at every stage of existence.
      Sincerely”

      Liked by 10 people

      1. “The cry of the abortionist is “my body, my choice.” Two lies in one maxim. Two lives in one mother.”

        Powerful, Joe! I will share this, be sure. J.

        Liked by 2 people

  29. The breakfast show here in New Zealand is coming out very strongly in favour of the abortionists saying they are returning to Ireland by the thousands to support this “good cause.” I will send my tuppence worth into them now.

    Liked by 6 people

  30. At first glance eschatology and abortion have little to do with each other. On closer inspection the connection could not be clearer.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. You are 100% correct, Joe. Death of a child, death of the souls involved.

      I have prayed the Lorica of St. Patrick for Ireland today. My direct patrilineal lineage comes from Ballycastle in Antrim in the U.K. north, but I have plenty of ancestors from the south and the Pale. With them I pray for Ireland. God save Ireland!

      Liked by 4 people

  31. The Blessed Mother speaks of Abortion at Garabandal

    Among the fulfilled prophecies of Garabandal was one that only came to light with the publication of a German book [Garabandal — Der Zeigefinger Gottes.] on Garabandal in 1992. The author, Albrecht Weber, was in Garabandal on the day after Conchita’s last apparition at Garabandal on November 13,1965, and had a long conversation with the visionary. The following excerpt from his book deals with some of what the visionary told him:

    She [Conchita] spoke quite openly about the developments by which men in the near future would rebel against God. On the day after Our Lady’s last appearance at Garabandal, Conchita asked the author, “Can you imagine how somebody could kill children in the womb without thereby killing the mother?” The author spontaneously answered, “No! What gave you that idea, Conchita?”
    “Well, the Blessed Mother spoke about this and she let me know that this will happen with the overflowing of the chalice.” [In her second Message of June 18,1965, the Virgin said, “Before, the cup was filling up. Now it is flowing over.”]

    Conchita said this tremblingly without being able to visualize what it really implied.
    She said further that it disturbed her very much but that she felt ridiculous because she hadn’t understood at all how this killing could be effected. The Blessed Virgin had not explained it to her and up until that moment, nobody had been able to make her understand it at all.
    Conchita would learn soon enough when abortion became legalized, even in her native country.

    The Blessed Virgin had spoken about this unfortunate practice to the visionary, in terms that had left her stunned. Indeed, at the time, Conchita did not understand “how it was possible to kill a child in his (or hers) mother’s womb without killing the mother at the same time . . .!”

    [Excerpted from ‘Garabandal’ Book, page 203]

    PLEASE PRAY FOR IRELAND THIS WEEK, AS THEY VOTE ON LEGALIZED ABORTIONS.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Thanks, Joe. Once again Our Lady accurately tells of the future to add credibility to her warnings – for those who may doubt. I Love snippets from seers to serve as reminders of Her and of our mission. Of all the news going on at this moment like tensions with China, NoKo, FBI scandals, oil, collapsing economies and the like, this abortion vote in Ireland is a most critical event.

      I imagine the Angels will weep if the vote goes unfavorably. I know I will.

      Is there an English translation of Weber’s book you prefer? I understand there are more than one.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. As usual, this is well worth reading, Charlie. Would it be possible for you to sum up in one or two sentences the difference between Mark’s minority stance and your own take on events? I have read everything you and Mark write, but as I see it, albeit simplistically, is that Mark sees the future coming to pass without noticeably apocalyptic circumstances, which is in contrast to the many prophesies of Garabandal, Akita, etc.
    Many people are looking forward to the warning and miracle of Garabandal, hoping that it will be at least as spectacular as Fatima, not just to chase sensations, but something that will make the world wake up and change.
    I was disappointed when Mark wrote the article concerning you as I thought it showed a certain amount of ego, but perhaps you should both be beware of this trap from the satan.
    Finally, I hope you’re not going to retire in July, as we missed you last year!

    Liked by 2 people

  33. Hi Anaverena
    Garabandal does not deal with the end of time but the end of a time. Conchita has clarified and confirmed this. Some of her earlier comments needed this. Hope this is helpful.

    Liked by 2 people

  34. One of my favourite hymns of childhood. Still a favourite. We can believe he is interceding for Ireland today asking for every heavenly grace that the hearts and minds of Irish people will vote for life.

    Liked by 5 people

  35. St Patrick grew up near my home town in Scotland, Dumbarton, from where he was taken to Ireland. There are the Kilpatrick Hills above the town of Old Kilpatrick. May he bless Ireland today.

    Liked by 5 people

  36. Thank you, Beckita, and all.

    Just back from the Chartres pilgrimage, 2 1/2 days of gruelling walking, with prayer – Rosaries, meditations, hymns – all along the way from the almost 10,000-strong contingent, among whom are huge numbers of young people. And Mass every day, culminating with Pontifical High Mass in Notre Dame de Chartres offered by Cardinal Sarah. What a powerful sermon he gave! We in the Irish Chapter offered all the hardships, and joys, on behalf of our poor country, that it not turn from God and enshrine evil in its laws.

    At a meeting of the Chapter leaders en route I was hugely encouraged by the knowledge of our situation shown by many, their concern, and the support offered. The Polish leader said to me: “Everyone in Poland is praying for Ireland”. Now that was something else, given where it’s coming from! Lord, don’t let us let them down, who are standing so bravely against the spirit of the World and its EU and internationalist sock-puppets, the same spirit that so many in this country seem to be so willing to rush to embrace.

    In praying the Rosary (which Sr. Lucia said has been given special power in these times) I am especially thinking of our tragically misguided opponents when saying the Fatima prayer: “… lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy”. They are most in need, and may God convert them to see the Light, that none be lost.

    In Te, Domine, speravi. Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Jaykay, when I say may Chaplet and Rosary tonight (24 August), I will pray in a special way for Ireland and “Save the Eighth.”

      Liked by 7 people

        2. BD, Yes, I think you are correct. Ireland will become ‘the {spiritual} shot heard around the world’. One memory I hold dear to my heart was awakening one morning in Medjugorje to a group of Irish praying the rosary. They walked (marched, almost in formstion) just adjacent/below my window and I ‘felt’ their presence prior to hearing.

          Their quiet recitation of the rosary was awe inspiring. Imaging a group of fifty, walking in formation, praying aloud the same words of prayer…it was an awesome testament.

          Now imagine a Country, like Ireland doing the same.

          Like

  38. Bingo, erica1064. The eschatology of the Rock, those who adhere to Peter’s keys, is everlastingly true and trustworthy beyond all doubt. Anchored to the Rock no winds can loosen faith or expectation because it is rooted in truth outside of time and eschatological timelines.

    I suspect that events, these past months since the Fatima centennial, have been so mercifully constructed on a global and personal scale, through the intervention of Our Lady and the prayers and sacrifices of the saints, that everything we humans see and do is the equivalent of a spiritual Rorschach test, a mirror in which to more clearly and humbly see ourselves. My sense is that Mary is gently preparing each soul for our personal “Warning” in such a loving, motherly way that we will be best able to receive Jesus’ unfathomable graces. Let us love one another as He loves us, and with the same abandon as Our Mother’s “Fiat.”

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Thanks Jlynn. Please continue prayers for Cardinal Pell too as the persecution has stepped up for him and the church in Australia. There is another push on against the privacy of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

      The breaking into our sick world of such supernatural signs as crying, bleeding or oiling statues of Jesus and Mary should be shocking to kings, queens, bishops, sheiks, presidents, doctors, news barons, and the everyday man, woman and child!! This is not natural or normal in any way. Scientists should be scrambling to find cause and meaning. Thank goodness for the little faithfilled people who respond from the heart. I pray also for a worldwide Guadelupan moment! Come Holy Spirit.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Absolutely continuing to pray for Cardinal Pell. I noticed both the seal of confession and the gift of celibacy are under attack with the prelate just charged with covering up abuse. Anyone who looks more deeply into statistics concerning sexual abuse can see that marriage does not solve the spiritual sickness of lust. Who can count the sorrow in the many marriages which have crumbled because of this?

        With you, Karen, on praying for Our Lady of Tepeyac, Mother of Conversion, to bring to us that “Guadelupan moment.” Her heart continues to beat in Her Holy Tilma.

        Liked by 4 people

    2. Joe C has given much us much information about the statue of Our Lady in Akita which wept 101 times. When Fr Gobbi of the Marian Movement visited there Sept 15 1987 Blessed Mother explained why her statues weep:

      1. Because humanity is not accepting her motherly invitation to convert and return to the Lord.
      2. Because the Church is continuing along the road of division, of loss of the true faith, of apostasy and of errors which are being spread everywhere without anyone offering opposition to them.
      3. Because, in great numbers, the souls of her children are being lost and going to hell.
      4. Because too few are praying, making reparation, suffering and offering.
      5. Because she has spoken and not been listened to; given signs and not been believed.

      She explains much more in this reading #362 which I believe can be found online these days.

      There are many manifestations of the supernatural kind recorded in the Gospels that served to confirm the truth about Jesus as Son of God. They were important works of the Holy Spirit and not to be disdained or set aside.

      I hope I am not being fractious when I say these miraculous incidents involving the spouse of the Holy Spirit are the intensifying efforts of our tender and desperate Mother for these treacherous times, or the end of this particular era.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Tried as I might, Karen, I couldn’t find, online, the particular message given to Fr. Gobbi which you mention. We have several books of his locutions here and I have just reread it. What comes to mind for me are two maxims of prophecy: 1. Interpretation of prophecy is critical and 2. All prophecy is open to mitigation. In light of this, I’m so grateful for all the many who have responded to Our Lady’s unceasing efforts to rouse us – through Fr. Gobbi and through additional message bearers – to personal conversion and to pray for our brothers and sisters to know the Love of God and, then, convert.

        I think your closing points are well made. It’s been more than 100 years since Our Lady came to Fatima. She has worked tirelessly in what many call this Age of Mary. We now know the undue influence of our Mother’s Adversary has been broken. All around us we see and feel that things are coming to a head… to the conclusion of the “final confrontation” of which Pope St. John Paul II, as then Cardinal Wojtyla, spoke about in 1976. We know this conclusion does not bring us to the end of all time. Rather, it is the end of these times, some say “a time”, before our Mother’s Heart triumphs completely, as we now transition to reach the period of peace which She promised us at Fatima.

        It makes sense to me that Our Lady would, as you say, intensify Her efforts to bring souls back to Her Son by virtue of supernatural signs. Of course, caution must be exerted while the proper local authorities confirm that what is reported is authentic, for surely, the evil one is fuming and foaming and stirring all manner of deception and trouble before we reach the shores of the peaceful time.

        Liked by 5 people

  41. It’s now 4:20am in Ireland. The ballot boxes are open from 7am to 10pm across the country and the results will be counted on Saturday morning. That means the voting ceases at the Hour of Mercy Mountain Daylight Savings Time. Breathe.

    Liked by 10 people

    1. I got there early, just after 7:00 a.m., and then to our local Adoration chapel which is opening from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., when the Blessed Sacrament will be taken in procession into the adjacent Church and adored until 10:00 p.m. At 7:25 when I arrived there was a good amount of people, many like me on the way to work. There is Mass at 1:00 p.m. in a Church not far from me. Thank God. Only that I’m committed to singing in a concert tonight I’d be right back in my home town in the Adoration chapel – battle station! But other duties call.

      And since I mentioned our “Lepanto-moment” earlier, this seems appropriate in the context:

      “The Pope was in his chapel before day or battle broke,
      (Don John of Austria is hidden in the smoke.)
      The hidden room in man’s house where God sits all the year,
      The secret window whence the world looks small and very dear.
      …
      And may our result be like this:

      (But Don John of Austria has burst the battle-line!)
      Don John pounding from the slaughter-painted poop,
      Purpling all the ocean like a bloody pirate’s sloop,
      Scarlet running over on the silvers and the golds,
      Breaking of the hatches up and bursting of the holds,
      Thronging of the thousands up that labour under sea
      White for bliss and blind for sun and stunned for liberty.
      Vivat Hispania!
      Domino Gloria!
      Don John of Austria
      Has set his people free!”

      https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47917/lepanto

      Jesus, I trust in You.

      Liked by 5 people

  42. Hi

    Everyone just like to add my little input. When Charlie was being rigorously attacked for allegedly being wrong on 2 fronts some of us were still here as we didn’t buy it as a lot of it didn’t sit well now many have returned as in some convoluted way its playing out with the main actors still involved and the theme same.

    Many like the left will dismiss him on a minor technacility of interpreting such a hard thing that even i fail to fully interpret a warning dream until it has occurred. Sorry Charlie you didn’t get selected because from all answers we feel you didn’t answer one tiny little question well😂

    Now as a newbie i have expressed my disagreements with Charlie in economic front as the younger generation idenfies with Dr Michael Hudson. Also i have expressed my disagreement with the story of Syria/Assad but Charlie allowed it and he deserves to be heard just like us.

    Frankly speaking i could never identify with the vagnuess of Mark but I remember Charlie or someone suggesting he needed some help on the economic front but not sure if Mark was so generous when Charlie was down.

    Sometimes we all want to share our thoughts, frustrations and disagreements and why should Charlie be any exception when its ok for Mark to do so?

    On the side note I am extremely proud of one of the white hat’s who shares the same background as some of my forefathers and is watching The Presidents back among the hawks. Yes thank you Mr Devin Nunes!

    God Bless!

    Liked by 4 people

  43. When I opened up this site my attention was drawn to a realisation of the irony!
    A Sign of Hope. And Then immediately underneath. Fractious Eschatology.
    Hmm. ….. Does all of this really hearten the Faithful?

    Like

    1. Anne, this site is committed to charity, inspiration AND candor. I knew when I wrote this that very few people here would know who Desmond Birch is (more the pity that people who follow these things do NOT know hugely prominent modern orthodox thinkers who are solidly well-regarded by the Church). If we can’t deal with things as they are, there is no hope. If we can’t discuss with charity and candor, there is no hope.

      I certainly expected a little blowback. What I did not expect was to see a few who I respect, in their protests, to completely misrepresent my comments. I had one issue with Mark’s column – a significant one – but I fully acknowledged the very good work he does. If that is an attack, then I kick like a little girl. Anyone who expects me to remain silent, so as not to dishearten them, when a very good and substantial man they don’t know is diminished and miscast by one they do know and like, is going to be disappointed continually. Whether that heartens or disheartens, that is the fact.

      Liked by 8 people

      1. “Then I kick like a little girl”… Hahahahaha! Obviously, Charlie, you’ve never been kicked by my Anne-Marie! I have, and it hurt like the dickens. (It was accidental, but she once kicked me in the mouth while wearing very hard-soled shoes. Long story.) 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

        1. Wow, Mick, I’ve heard of “Open mouth, insert foot” but I think this was going too far and being wrong-footed from the start. 😀

          Liked by 4 people

        2. Okay…I don’t kick like THAT little girl. (Ha! I have, indeed, seen how willful Anne-Marie can be. When God formed that little soul, He chose which parents to send her to very well!)

          Liked by 4 people

  44. Wonderful news for the Culture of Life: U.S. bishops’ pro-life chair defends denying Communion to pro-abortion politicians. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/head-of-u.s.-bishops-pro-life-efforts-defends-denying-pro-abortion-politici

    As noted: “Canon 915 of the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law says that those “obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.”

    Many Catholic bishops ignore canon 915 and distribute Holy Communion, which the Church teaches is the literal body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ, to public officials who actively advocate for abortion while purporting to be Catholic.”

    Let us pray for Kansas City Archbishop Joseph Naumann who is leading the charge. May this movement awaken all US Bishops, for it is past time!

    Liked by 10 people

  45. Here is an excerpt from Trump’s remarks:

    “As the Lord says in Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart.” When a mother and a father hold a new baby in their arms, they are changed forever. When a child says “Mommy” or “Daddy” for the first time, there is nothing like it anywhere in the world. No matter what you do, there is nothing like it. And when parents watch their children thrive and grow, they’re filled with joy beyond words, and a love beyond measure. You know that—everybody in this room.

    “When we look into the eyes of a newborn child, there is no doubt we see the beauty of the human soul and the mystery of God’s great creation. We know that every life has meaning and that every life is totally worth protecting. Thank you. Thank you very much.

    “When we stand for life, we stand for the true source of America’s greatness. It’s our people. Our people are great. It’s the people who grace our lives, who sustain our communities, and who make America a nation, a home, and this magnificent land that we all love so much.

    “As long as we have faith in our citizens, confidence in our values, and trust in our God, then we will never, ever fail. Our nation will thrive. Our people will prosper. And America will be greater than ever before. And that’s what’s happening.

    WOW!
    Diane. Love. I do.

    Liked by 11 people

  46. Without doing extensive research I am wondering if Charlie or Beckita could put up a short summary on the differing positions on this issue. If Mark minimized the work of a serious scholar on end times that is an issue worth mentioning without denigrating Mark’s other good work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bob, I have never read Desmond’s Book and I am certainly no expert whatsoever. I have read most of Fr. Iannuzzi’s published works. But the real issue, as Charlie originally stated in this piece, is just what you have repeated: “If Mark minimized the work of a serious scholar on end times that is an issue worth mentioning without denigrating Mark’s other good work.” And that’s exactly why Charlie was so careful to, indeed, correct the error of minimizing a serious scholar without diminishing Mark’s good work. In fact, Charlie affirmed Mark’s good contributions. Charlie then explained that his own “… position was the constant, consistent teaching of the Church for the last 1,500 years, a teaching derived from St. Augustine, both a Saint AND a Doctor of the Church – and that it was his (Mark Mallett’s) position that was a very small, minority take. That was so lacking in candor as to be downright misleading. To his credit, after I publicly complained of it, he conceded that his is a minority position and that my take is consonant with the Church’s take on the matter.”

      I do not think it would be easy to make list of the opposing views. (Charlie please correct me if needed.) But here’s one review of Desmond Birch’s book which might help people make a decision about whether or not to have a read: http://www.theotokos.org.uk/pages/breviews/dfoley/tttbirch.html

      And here’s a link which poses the idea that we are living in a time of minor apostasy: http://unveilingtheapocalypse.blogspot.com/2015/09/pope-benedict-xvi-on-chronology-of.html We can recall, at TNRS, Charlie emphasized that these times in which we live may *feel* like the end of the world but we are *not* living at the very end of time. Multiple approved private revelation messages have conveyed this idea, such as Our Lady of Garabandal’s words and Our Lady of Fatima’s promise of a time of peace to follow the complete Triumph of Her Immaculate Heart.

      God’s bless us one and all.

      Liked by 4 people

    2. I read both Birch & Mallets interpretation on the end times. In my opinion (not saying much) Birch is quite the scholar and Mallet quite the spiritual discerner.

      A few years ago, I read Birch’s book when I found myself conversing with fellow prayer warriors about the ‘end times’. Birch logically lays out in a fact based manner the ‘signs of the times’, what must happen and in a specific sequence. It is an excellant read and I highly recommend all to visit.

      Mallet speaks of his thoughts where we live now. He proffers another angle, an era of peace, prior to Birchs ‘end time’ publication. As I stated I read both and felt Mark Mallet’s piece fit nicely with Birchs analysis. I do not know of the riff causing this discussion, only briefly described by Mallet in his opening comments. I figured in this age of instant communication driven by ego’s it was a previous commentator here stated “play ground” scuffle.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Irishtimes(dot)com is already projecting that Ireland has voted to repeal. Lord have mercy.
      Charlie,have projections erred much in your experience?

      Like

      1. They would, Marie, as they’re basically a wannabe NYT, although almost as old in historic terms – and these days almost as corrupt. Agenda “journalism”, stenographers of the zeitgeist, calling themselves the “paper of record”. That’d be “record”as in Pravda.

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Yes, counting begins on Saturday 26th – which it already is here but only, as I post, 00:30, so official beginning of counting is at around 9:00 or thereabouts. It won’t take long, as there were only two choices on the ballots, no or yes, the inversion being deliberate as “no” is the only sane choice.

      God bless all, J.

      Liked by 3 people

        1. Actually, I’ve distanced myself from it, Beckita, and anyway I had to get out this early evening to a concert I was scheduled to take part in, which finished after 10:00 p.m. and am only on the way home now (we had a few pints after and there was no discussion, thank God). For all of today I have kept repeating “Jesus, I trust in you” whenever doubt/fear assailed – and just closed it off with that. And attended Mass and fasted. Not making myself out to be too holy here (God knows the truth anyway 😋) but it was all one could do.

          We shall see in God’s good time. All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. J.

          Liked by 6 people

  48. God help us! I hope the exit polls are wrong! Irish Times saying landslide vote to repeal 8th Amendment. 😭

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I saw the same thing, Little One:

      http://www.newsweek.com/where-abortion-legal-ireland-votes-repeal-eight-amendment-945715

      I’m not sure I’m buying it, though. My husband is a political analyst, and he has told me repeatedly that it is extremely common for people to lie in an exit poll (remember the exit-polling debacle in the 2004 Presidential election in the US?). Maybe it’s just the cynic in me, but I was thinking: what if the pro-death forces are hedging their bets by putting out misinformation? I mean, as Jaykay has told us, the media in Ireland have been solidly behind the pro-death side. What if they are pushing the idea that they have won big so that they could have a means to challenge the results if the pro-life forces squeak out (or blow out) a victory? The deathmongers could then cry, “No way! The exit polls! Something must be amiss! They cheated!” and perhaps mount a court challenge or something.

      The exit polls are discouraging, I know. But I say we should rally the forces and keeping storming heaven. Hey, there’s nothing to stop God from “stuffing the ballot box” between now and when the votes are counted. Stranger things have happened, right? 🙂

      Liked by 8 people

        1. Well, now we know. What we know, what is laid bare for all to see, is not only the full scale of the apostasy of this country but the desertion from sheer common sense and attachment to lies of a substantial majority.

          But we on the pro-life side are not stopping for one moment. We will double the fight – we can do no less until the full scale of the shameless lying and duplicity of those responsible has been revealed and people can then once again have the choice to do the right thing without being deliberately mislead by those with seemingly bottomless resources – and bottomless immorality.

          This isn’t sour grapes, friends. I think we’ve been preparing for it from the beginning in our heart of hearts. They think we’ll just lie down now like good little sheeple, the lotus-eating, malleable sort they prefer. By the living God, the fight has only started!!

          I put quite some resources into the campaign but for the remaining few years of working life that I have I will double or triple that, and I will fight to see those deceiving, slimy *#@*”!%S in the political parties responsible (for one of which my family has voted for three generations) utterly destroyed. They are worthless NWO catspaws, not fit for any free Christian man to support.

          Not all is darkness (it never is, for Christians). Six counties of the island of Ireland are still abortion-free and we must now do all we can to help them to stay that way. The next all-Ireland anti-abortion rally is in Belfast on Saturday 7 July. It must be YUUUGE!!! I’ll be doing all I can to support it.

          MIGA! (and it’ll only be great again when it returns to the God who made it so).

          Luv yizzes all! J.

          Liked by 4 people

          1. Jaykay, my heart hurts deeply for you dear friends in Ireland. Joe Crozier thinks this makes serious chastisement certain. I think he is right. Know that all your friends grieve with you and long for the day when Irish eyes are smiling in the presence of the Lord once more.

            Liked by 5 people

          2. Oh J! So well said. You’re a true sign of hope as I see your anger being harnessed for good. Standing, and kneeling, with you, and all pro-life Irish, in prayer and sacrifice. Love, Love, Love: MIGA!

            Liked by 4 people

            1. Sincere thanks, Charlie & Beckita, and all friends here. I like to think of as a sort of Dunkirk moment. We are far from beaten, and we have many good U.S. friends at our back – and Pres. T. who genuinely does seem to see now the Evil that abortion is and, being him, is not afraid to say so. God bless him.

              What we now have to do is shine the light on the lies, and be that light ourselves, because the Darkness hates light. I am convinced that so many were truly mislead, and just caved into pressure at the last moment, not really knowing the full horror of what they were enabling.

              Wishful thinking? I think not. All the effort the pro-life side put into sheer door-to-door slog will not prove to be in vain in the long run. Because, fundamentally, people don’t like being lied to – and that’s what the other side did from the get-go, with immense resources, and in their “triumph” are now doubling-down on. Their whole premise is a false one that cannot stand before the light of Truth, ultimately. So as much as we can, bit by bit, begin to expose those lies, so will we begin to build a true foundation. As Patrick did, 1600 years ago. The pity is that we have to start all over again! Hey, it was never going to be easy… 🙄

              Heartfelt thanks to you all for your unceasing prayers. I truly come here for support, comfort, and education. There is always some new insight here, I find.

              And, as we know, “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph”.

              I’ll continue to share encouraging developments here with you. Because there will be such. Depend on it.

              Forza Irlanda! MIGA!

              In JMJ.

              J.

              Liked by 4 people

              1. Love your brave heart, J! This is so inspiring, heartening and teeming with HOPE. Your reflection brings to mind Isaiah 50:7: “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” In solidarity, may we each rise from our sorrow and do the Lord’s bidding, in whatever He asks us to do. Thus, may HIS Light ever shine the brighter.

                Liked by 2 people

              2. Jaykay, this outcome saddens me very much but doesn’t completely surprise me. I won’t give all the reasons why just now. But I am curious to know what the “lies” were ~ in other words, the well-strategized selling points to get this referendum passed.

                Liked by 2 people

                1. Marieursula: probably the most egregious example was the constant claim that the 8th amendment to our Constitution had “cost women’s” lives. It was made repeatedly in all their campaign literature. Yet, when our side got an opportunity to debate them upfront and asked them to name a single instance, they couldn’t. Of course not, because it was a deliberate lie.

                  The second was the use if the tragedy of the Indian woman who died in Galway in 2012, Savita Halapanavar, whose death was actually due to sepsis and medical mismanagement (rare here) but which they claimed was due to her having been “denied” an abortion. Of course, the mother’s life is specifically protected in the amendment ( and this was always Catholic practice anyway) but they lied about that and used her picture, despite the finding of an official enquiry that her death had nothing to do with lack of access to abortion.

                  There were many others, all of them familiar to you in the U.S. as they’re all from the same old playbook.

                  The coverage today in the media, radio, t.v. and dead-tree, is of course sickening, but that was to be expected. Let dogs return to their vomit. I never waste my money on them anyway. An anecdote:my good friend, chairman of our local pro- life group, was at the count and was asked by a young lady “journalist” for a quote, to which he responded inter alia that no unborn child is safe now in what should be the safest place on Earth (father of 4 children himself). The young lady responded that “as a woman, she felt offended by this, blahdy, blah”.

                  His frustration finally burst out and he went, as they say, medieval on her, nothing personal or insulting but in terms of how she was a disgrace to her “profession” but all too typical of what passes for journalism these days. And more. He has a way with words (parents of 4 often have, being used to dealing with childish stupidities) and apparently a much-chastened “journalist” departed rapidly. Children playing dress-up as adults, really, but dangerous children, encouraged by their poisonous “parents”. It’s what we’re up against, sadly.

                  Liked by 3 people

                    6. Yes, thanks Beckita. Melanie Phillips is good – and the Left hates her, of course, because she’s not afraid to put it up to them. I do actually subscribe to the Spectator for Kindle, and as I think I remarked recently here in another thread, there is no equivalent to it over here. The Left has indeed made the march through the corridors of media, academe etc. in this country.

                      One thing I would say about Melanie’s piece: while she’s right about the extreme lefty groupthink of what passes for the media in Ireland, the position of anti-left media in Britain is not all that strong for a country of almost 60m. For example, the only broadsheet that was anti-leftist was the Telegraph – formerly known as the “Torygraph”, for good reasons. I say “was” because it has now veered centrist-leftist-wishy-washy in recent years, and many of those who commented on articles etc. online have now gone to Breitbart London. The Daily Mail, for which Melanie writes, is a tabloid, albeit it likes to think of itself as above the standard of other UK tabloids – which are truly dreadful. And in past years it was notorious for its Little-Englander anti-irish bias. It’s a bit of a joke, frankly. So apart from the Spectator there isn’t exactly an intellectually robust anti-left media presence in the UK which, for a country with such a large population compared to ours, is pretty pathetic.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    8. Aieee – apologies, it’s Melanie McDonagh, of course, not Melanie Phillips. Anyway, both Melanies as journalists are strong women, and unafraid to state the un-pc obvious, much to the discomfiture of those who love their little safe spaces, and have no problem imposing them on others.

                      Liked by 2 people

                  2. Ah. Thanks for your response, Jaykay. So basically these are the same old flimsy rationales that people cling to often for personal reasons: Either they’ve had abortions themselves and strive to justify them, they’ve been the fathers of aborted children, or they are friends or family members of women who have had abortions whom they do not want to condemn. These are the “nice” rationales. The darker ones are truly eugenic, sexually predatory, etc.

                    I knew Ireland was in trouble in 1991 when I made a six-week prayer pilgrimage there with a backpack mostly full of powdered nutritional packets (supplemented by milk and brown bread from little grocery stores), $200 cash, a four-week bus pass, a little journal of prayer requests, and my Rosary.

                    I noticed that most people who attended Mass regularly were faithful silver-hairs and that the people of my generation (whom I chatted with on some hitchhiking rides) were mostly not practicing their Catholic faith. At one point especially I knew that the isle of saints and scholars was in trouble when I needed to use the ladies’ “loo” at The National University of Ireland, Maynooth. That institution is attached to the significant old St. Patrick’s Seminary at Maynooth. The National University has classes for lay students who (at least at the time) could also take theological, etc., classes at St. Patrick’s. Anyway, in the stall in the ladies’ “loo” was an official poster for the equivalent of Planned Parenthood products and services. God help us. That was more than a quarter century ago. I actually brought this up with the president of the seminary, a nice enough gentleman, who explained (to the effect) that the National University had rules and regulations determined by the government.

                    On my pilgrimage, I found my way to Emmanuel House of Providence in Clonfert (you can g**gle it) ~ on the same little gravel road beside the ancient cemetery where Saint Brendan is buried, next to the ancient Clonfert Cathedral which became a Church of Ireland (Protestant) cathedral during the “troubles.”

                    There, a block down the gravel road, amidst ancient religious buildings, a fairly young couple with children was carrying on the prayer and family ministry started by another couple in the 1980s. A tremendous flowering of faith was springing up there from the ancient ruins. I have visited there a few times over the years, most recently in 2012 with five Catholic friends from the wilds of Oregon and Idaho. The same couple that I met in 1991 is still managing the place. They have silver hair now, and grandchildren. They eventually had to build an ample auditorium with many confessionals for the people who come for presentations and prayer gatherings. I checked their website, and they ~ of course ~ included a strong statement opposing this latest travesty against the faith, families, and unborn children in Ireland.

                    I felt so heartened when I arrived there in 1991 on the Feast of Saint Augustine after experiencing the disheartening falling away during the first four weeks of my pilgrimage.

                    “Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would have not been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.”

                    It’s painful, but the recent vote exposes the illness to be cured. Saint Augustine, Saint Brendan, pray for us. Our Lady of Clonfert, pray for us.

                    Liked by 5 people

                    1. This sharing of your personal experiences, with knowledge and insight, Sr. Bear, certainly reflect that the repeal of the 8th is the culmination of a long path entrenched in the crumbling of faith over many years. Love your ending and invocation of the saints! There’s a time to lament and a timecto rise up and continue building a Culture of Life!

                      Liked by 2 people

                    3. Yes, Sr. Bear – it has been coming a long time. I first saw it as far back as the late 70s when a large number of those of my acquaintance who had just left school and were beginning college/work couldn’t wait to take the opportunity of being away from home to skip Mass (Sunday Mass was pretty universal in Ireland at the time!). What sickened me a little was the fact that when they returned home they hadn’t the courage of their newly acquired (lack of) convictions to dare not to attend in the face of parental disapproval. And this after 12+ years of what was still pretty orthodox Catholic education – we weren’t exposed to the crazies either at school or parish level.

                      I’ve come to the sad conclusion that despite Ireland’s reputation for solid Catholicism, in too many cases people just followed the social norm, and since Mass-going was the social norm, they went. Now that the zeitgeist has declared that it’s not – they don’t.

                      I actually liked Mass (although I have to say I did find the N.O. boring as compared to what I remembered from just 10 years previously as a young child), so it was never a conflict for me. And it wasn’t just that I didn’t want to disappoint my parents either – I respected both of them, and my teachers, many of whom were Priests, and I was convinced by their obvious belief. They were intelligent and educated people, God rest them, and while they were certainly not demonstrative or pushy about their belief you never had a doubt about it. So it was worthy of emulation. I do hope that doesn’t come across as too smug or pious sounding. God knows I gave them cause for disappointment in other areas.

                      I’m familiar with Clonfert and would love to visit. Thanks for the reminder!

                      Liked by 2 people

          3. Jaykay, I’m sorry; I know how disappointed you and your fellow pro-life warriors must be. But like you, we will not give up praying and working for the cause of life and truth. God bless Ireland.

            Liked by 3 people

  49. Over the last few weeks have been made very aware of division,division,division. It has occurred to me how this is exhausting everyone simply tryingl to llive an ordinary life. The rocky waves are so destabilizing.even small children are thrown around from pillar to post….
    Daycares,split families,and run from teacher to teacher even in early years as if they were uni students.They are taught about having an opinion rather than solid truth.this brings everyone to exhaustion.a comment earlier her is so spot on about being careful in these times of stress.people are very tired from all of this.Division has replaced unity.so no wonder we look forward to a time last of Peace! Last night I felt teary because of all this division and prayed for unity.then early this more rning I received a message from Queen of Divine Will site.very briefly said. This division has got to stop.My very thoughts of last night.
    What comes to mind are the words: let us agree to disagree for so many situations. We all need to pray for unity.How we all need the unifying force of the Holy Spirit of Truth and Love. Truth not opinion!! In these times especially we need to be united through the power and love of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise it is all to much for our fragility. The very word fractious has such meaning for me especially over the last few weeks.It opposes Hope.Quite honestly I am tired of it all.
    Hey Mick,I know someone calledAnne-Marie who often goes by Anne!!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. How cool, Anne! So is your name hyphenated, too? I guess it’s commonly written that way in France, but not so much here in the US. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Truthfully I am so tired of it all. I only have the one prayer now.Come HolySpirit and intoxicate us with Your Love and Truth. Only the Holy Spirit can heal and unite now. Thank you Beckita.please keep more in your prayers.I am so tired of it all.

        Liked by 3 people

  50. Latest message of Hope from Medjugorje:
    http://www.medjugorje.ws

    Latest Medjugorje Message, May 25, 2018 [O]
    Marija during an apparition

    “Dear children!
    In this peaceless time, I am calling you to have more trust in God who is your Father in Heaven and who has sent me to lead you to Him. You, open your hearts to the gifts which He desires to give you and, in the silence of your heart, Adore my Son Jesus who has given His life so that you may live in eternity – where He desires to lead you.

    May your hope be the joy of a meeting with the Most High in every day life. Therefore, I am calling you: do not neglect prayer because prayer works miracles. Thank you for having responded to my call.

    Liked by 5 people

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Published by charliej373

Charlie Johnston is a former newspaper editor, radio talk show host and political consultant. From Feb. 11, 2011 to Aug. 21, 2012, he walked 3,200 miles across the country, sleeping in the woods, meeting people and praying as he went. He writes on cultural, global and political issues from an orthodox Catholic perspective. He emphasizes that we find God most surely through the ordinary, doing the little things we should with faith and fidelity. His constant refrain is that, to live real joy, we must acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around us. He lives in the Archdiocese of Denver in the United States.