” … You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

 

 

I. Ana Maria Taigi: A Great Chastisement And The Three Days of Darkness

By Margaret C. Galitzin (Tradition in Action)

As both the Old Testament and New Testament confirm (here and here), in the Latter Times there will be a great chastisement, so great it is called the Judgment of Nations. During these times of anguish, the enemies of Christ will be destroyed and many Jews will be converted. The world, led by a “righteous doer of justice, an innocent one” (Hildegard von Bingen), will lead the Church into a new period where she will shine in her justice until the time of the Antichrist.

This sequence of events is also foretold by Blessed Ana Maria Taigi (1769-1837), a housewife and mother of 7 children in Rome who was gifted with extraordinary visions and revelations about the Latter Times and the future chastisement.

From age 24, Ana Maria Taigi often had before her eyes a “mystical sun,” a supernatural orb-shaped light that allowed her to see state of consciences, the revolutions and wars, the aims of secret societies, the rewards of the good and punishments of the bad. In it various times she saw the Latter Times, the great chastisement that would cleanse the earth and the Church, the destruction of the Revolution, and the “restorer” who would lead a victory more splendid than has ever been achieved before.

In his work The Latter Times, Fr. Martin Sánchez notes that in her times Blessed Ana Maria was consulted by Kings, nobles, Bishops and even Popes. He lists several of the multitude of fulfilled prophecies made by Ana Maria Taigi to assure us of the confidence we can place in those regarding the Latter Times: [1]

She predicted the abdication of Charles IV, King of Spain, the fall of Napoleon, the date of the liberation of Pope Pius VII, the assassination of the Father General of the Trinitarian Order (she was a member of its Third Order). She knew about the time and date of the death of Napoleon; Czar Alexander I converted before he died, seen by Blessed Taigi in her orb.

She announced a terrible plague that would break forth in Rome as a chastisement from God on the day after her death. She foretold the death of the Czar Alexander I to a Russian general who visited her one day before the news came to Rome; she also said that his soul had been saved because he had died a Catholic and protected the Pope and the Church. In fact, shortly before he died in 1825, Alexander I converted to the Catholic Faith.

During the last 25 years of her life, Msgr. Raffaele Natali, a trusted priest and secretary of the Chambermaster of Pius VII, recorded her prophecies and ecstasies in more than 4,000 handwritten pages.

This document was carefully analyzed in the beatification process, which was introduced by Pope Pius IX in 1863.

In 1906, Pope Pius X declared the heroicity of her virtues, and on May 30, 1920, Pope Benedict XV placed Ven. Ana Maria Taigi among the Blessed. The Decree of her Beatification calls her “a marvel in the splendor of holiness.” [2]

Predictions of a great chastisement

When Ana Maria Taigi spoke of the continuing disorder in the Church and society, she used the word Revolution. She warned that when iniquity would parade openly and the Revolution would triumph, there would be a great chastisement that would come unexpectedly and destroy the impious and the enemies of the Church.

In the testimony of Msgr. Natali in the beatification process, he relates the words of the Seer about the Latter Times:

“Things will be so convulsed that man would no longer be able to put things in order, but the omnipotent Arm of the Lord will remedy everything. She told me that the great scourge of the earth had been mitigated, but not that of Heaven, for it would be horrible, shocking and universal.” Truly, the universal nature of the coming chastisement makes it a “Judgment of Nations.”

That great Chastisement would occur long after the holy people of her epoch had been buried, he continued. “It will arrive unexpectedly and in it the wicked will be destroyed. I saw the earth enveloped in flames, many buildings crumbling, the earth and Heaven seemed to be in agony.

“Many millions of men will die by steel, some in wars, others in conflicts, and millions more by unforeseen death, and this throughout the whole world. As a result, entire nations will return to the unity of the Catholic Church, many Turks, Gentiles and Hebrews will be converted in a way that will surprise Catholics, who will be amazed by the fervor and observance they will show in their lives.

“In short, she told me that the Lord wanted to purge the world and His Church, and for that He had prepared a new crop of souls who, unknown, would appear to perform great works and surprising miracles. She told me that after the Lord had cleansed the earth with wars, revolutions and other calamities, Heaven would begin [its chastisement].

“For, at the end of this scourge, there would be a general convulsion of shocking meteorological phenomena with many deaths. The Servant of God told me several times that the Lord showed her in the mysterious sun the universal triumph of the renewed Church, by a manner so great and surprising that she could not describe it. ” [3]

Three days of darkness

Blessed Ana Maria Taigi also describes the “Three Days of Darkness” that she saw in her “mystical sun:”

“There shall come over the whole earth an intense darkness lasting three days and three nights. Nothing will be able to be seen, and the air will be laden with pestilence which will claim mainly, but not only, the enemies of Religion. It will be impossible to use any man-made light during this darkness, except blessed candles.

Convulsions of the earth and signs in the sky

“He, who out of curiosity, opens his window to look out, or leaves his home, will fall dead on the spot. During these three days, people should remain in their homes, praying the Holy Rosary and begging God for mercy. All the enemies of the Church, known and unknown, will perish over the whole earth during that universal darkness, with the exception of a few whom God will soon convert. The air shall be infected by demons who will appear under all sorts of hideous forms.”

She goes on to tell how the three days will end with a triumph of Heaven:

“After the three days of darkness, Saints Peter and Paul, having come down from Heaven, will preach throughout the world and designate a new Pope. A great light will flash from their bodies and will settle upon the future Pontiff. … There shall be innumerable conversions of heretics, who will return to the bosom of the Church; all will note the edifying conduct of their lives, as well as that of all other Catholics. Russia, England and China will come to the Church.” [4]

For those who understand the extremity of evil we are witnessing today, it makes full sense that God should open the doors of the Reign of Mary in an unexpected and marvelous way, as Ana Maria Taigi predicts.

In the previous article, we saw that Blessed Ana Maria Taigi (1769-1837) predicted a great Chastisement in the Latter Times, which would end with a surprising victory of Heaven and the restoration of our Holy Church and Catholic Civilization. She also foretold Three Days of Darkness that would descend on the world, in which the only light and safety for Catholics would be in the presence of a blessed candle. Since this is private prophecy, Catholics are not obliged by Faith to believe what Ana Maria Taigi saw in the “mystical sun” that was always before her eyes.

However, since the Seer’s prophecies, handwritten during her lifetime by Msgr. Raffaele Natali, were judged praiseworthy and worthy of belief in her Beatification process, it seems unwise to hastily ignore them, particularly since the same warning of a descending darkness was made by other Church-approved Saints and mystics.

Let us not forget that Scriptures (here and here), also confirm a Judgment of Nations that will occur in the Latter Times, a sudden and tremendous chastisement followed by a long period of peace on the earth.

Also, the opening of the sixth seal in the Apocalypse foretells a sensible darkness when it says that, after a great earthquake, the sun became as black as sackcloth of hair. (Apocalypse 6: 12) For, if the sun is darkened over, there will be no light on the earth. Just as the Lord chastised the Egyptians with darkness, He can punish the more guilty modern world with an even greater universal darkness. [5]

For those Catholics who insist we are in the End Times, let them note that the terrible scene described here in the Apocalypse does not refer to the upheaval at the end of the world, because it is followed by a grand religious restoration at the opening of the sixth seal and the sound of the sixth trumpet.

This chastisement of the Latter Times, then, does not represent the Last Judgment at the end of the world, but, as notes Fr. Gaudentius Rossi in The Christian Trumpet, it will be “a kind of ante-judgment of the living,” [6] the Judgment of Nations that precedes the Reign of Mary.

The triumph of the Church and the Restorer

The purification made by God by these means will have a single objective: the restoration of the Catholic Church with all the honor due to her and the restoration of Christian Civilization.

From the notes taken by Msgr. Natali, we read what Our Lord told her:

‘When the renewed Church takes shape, only few will remain, very few, and they will be extremely surprised and filled with fear seeing all that was done by God, how they should love God and what they have suffered for God. (…) It is not for you [Maria Taigi] to see this.”

After the terrible chastisement, a great victory

She also spoke of the Reign of Mary, when all the religions will convert to Catholicism. She said that, after the chastisement ends, amid great convulsions of nature and loss of life, a heavenly era will start, a triumph so great and astounding that she was left dumbfounded.

The following were words of Jesus Christ to Blessed Ana Maria, as she saw a man in the future who will play a key role in her Restoration:

“Do you see him? Observe. Contemplate him. Behold the apostolic soul, the man who fights for the vineyard, the one equal to those who fought so much for My glory. His efforts, his sweat, his works will be rewarded in Paradise with such a glory that no human mind can imagine. The love I have for this person is so great that it will only be known in Paradise. He is a truly zealous man. A man with no stain. He has no human ends, no self interest, and, since his earliest youth, the vice of flattery never touched him. ” [7]

Here I note that this prophecy supports what St. Hildegarde saw, “the innocent one” who would direct the restoration of the Church and Christian Civilization.

Some counsels for the ‘definitive day’

Blessed Ana Maria knew that she would never see this “definitive day” when God would triumph over all the enemies of the Church. On September 13, 1831, Our Lady herself, addressing those good ones who would be suffering in those terrible days, told the seer:

“Now is not the time for miracles, because the hour for the Church to return to her first state still has not arrived. My children, behold your Mother. I bless you, My Father blesses you, but you must be good, be good, be good. You should suffer with a good disposition until the Holy Spirit comes to set you afire with love and bring an end to this iniquitous world. They will have reached the end. They will have suffered almost everything. All the kingdoms, cities, peoples, castles, provinces will find themselves suffering, with problems, tribulation and torments until the definitive day. [8]

Once she asked God who would resist this terrible trial. He answered: “Those to whom I will grant the spirit of humility.”

For this reason Ana Maria Taigi established in her own family the custom of praying after the Rosary (a terço), three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glory be with the intention of asking for the mercy and infinite goodness of the Most Holy Trinity to mitigate the scourge that His justice has reserved for those calamitous times. She saw this chastisement numerous times in her “mystical sun.”

Blessed Ana Maria counseled the faithful to procure blessed candles, which alone shall give light during the darkness; also, to remain in prayer, to recite the holy Rosary, and not to attempt to leave the light of the candle or look out for idle and vain curiosity.

These are simple things to prepare and keep in mind, even for those who have doubts about private revelations. As Dr. Plinio once noted when commenting on the custom of keeping a blessed candle for the coming Chastisement:

“I have a blessed candle for this purpose in my home. My thinking is quite simple: I am not concerned about investigating whether the original revelation is true or false. To have a blessed candle is a good thing, therefore, I have one. Then, if the three days of darkness come, I am prepared. If they do not take place, I do not lose anything by having a blessed candle with me. On the contrary, I can only benefit from having it. I can use the candle when I die, or give it to someone else who may die at my home.”

 

FOOTNOTES

[1] Benjamín Martin Sánchez, The Last Times: Public and Private Prophecies, TOP, 1st ed., Imprimatur: Bishop Eduardus Zamorensis, 1968, p. 14., pp 45-47.
[2] Ibid., p. 45
[3] Testimony of Msgr. Raffaele Natali, Beatification process (Proc. Ord. Fol. 695-696), apud Mgr. Carlo Salotti, La Beata Anna Maria Taigi secondo la storia e la critica, Rome: Libreria Editrice Religiosa, 1922, pp. 340-342.
[4] Anna Maria Taigi, Private Prophecies, Rome, 1863; Fr. Sánchez, The Last Times, p. 47-48.
[5] Testimony of Mgr. Raffaele Natali, Beatification process (Proc. Ord. Fol. 695-696), apud Mgr. Carlo Salotti, La Beata Anna Maria Taigi secondo la storia e la critica, Rome: Libreria Editrice Religiosa, 1922, pp. 340-342
[6] Gaudentius Rossi [alia Pellegrino], The Christian Trumpet: Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, The Universal Triumph of the Church, The Coming of Antichrist, The Last Judgment and The End of the World, Boston: Thos. B Noonand & Co.,.1873, pp. 61-67
[7] Testimony of Mgr. Raffaele Natali, Beatification process, Vol. IX, apud ibid., p. 118; Vol. VII, p. 380;
[8] Fr. Gabriel Bouffier S.J., La Vénérable Servante de Dieu Anna-Maria Taigi d’après les documents authentiques du procès de sa béatification, Paris: Ambroise Bray, 1865, pp. 251-252.

 

 

II. Preservation and Renewal. Instructions from Our Lord to St. Pio of Pietrelcina

The following are excepts from a translation of an alleged personal letter written by Padre Pio requested by a Commission appointed by the Vatican. The document gives details on the Three Days of Darkness allegedly given by Our Lord to Padre Pio, now canonized as St. Pio of Pietrelcina. Some have questioned the authenticity of the document on the basis that Padre Pio received instructions not to write letters to anyone while the matter of his stigmata was being investigated. I believe this letter was produced by request of Vatican authorities but I have not been able to confirm it. In general, I find nothing in it that is contrary to the Catholic faith.

January 28, 1950
“Keep your windows well covered. Do not look out. Light a blessed candle, which will suffice for many days. Pray the rosary. Read spiritual books. Make acts of Spiritual Communion, also acts of love, which are so pleasing to Us. Pray with outstretched arms, or prostrate on the ground, in order that many souls may be saved. Do not go outside the house. Provide yourself with sufficient food. The powers of nature shall be moved and a rain of fire shall make people tremble with fear. Have courage! I am in the midst of you.”

February 7, 1950
“Take care of the animals during these days. I am the Creator and Preserver of all animals as well as man. I shall give you a Few signs beforehand, at which time you should place more food before them. I will preserve the property of the elect, including the animals, for they shall be in need of sustenance afterwards as well. Let no one go across the yard, even to feed the animals–he who steps outside will perish! Cover your windows carefully. My elect shall not see My wrath. Have confidence in Me, and I will be your protection. Your confidence obliges Me to come to your aid.

The hour of My coming is near! But I will show mercy. A most dreadful punishment will bear witness to the times. My angels, who are to be the executioners of this work, are ready with their pointed swords! They will take special care to annihilate all those who mocked Me and would not believe in My revelations.

Hurricanes of fire will pour forth from the clouds and spread over the entire earth! Storms, bad weather, thunderbolts and earthquakes will cover the earth for two days. An uninterrupted rain of fire will take place! It will begin during a very cold night. All this is to prove that God is the Master of Creation. Those who hope in Me, and believe in my words, have nothing to fear because I will not forsake them, nor those who spread My message. No harm will come to those who are in the state of grace and who seek My mother’s protection.

That you may be prepared for these visitations, I will give you the following signs and instructions: The night will be very cold. The wind will roar. After a time, thunderbolts will be heard. Lock all the doors and windows. Talk to no one outside the house. Kneel down before a crucifix, be sorry for your sins, and beg My Mother’s protection. Do not look during the earthquake, because the anger of God is holy! Jesus does not want us to behold the anger of God, because God’s anger must be contemplated with fear and trembling.
Those who disregard this advice will be killed instantly. The wind will carry with it poisonous gases which will be diffused over the entire earth. Those who suffer and die innocently will be martyrs and they will be with Me in My Kingdom.

Satan will triumph! But after three nights, the earthquake and fire will cease. On the following day the sun will shine again. angels will descend from Heaven and will spread the spirit of peace over the earth. A feeling of immeasurable gratitude will take possession of those who survive this terrible ordeal-the impending punishment-with which God has visited the earth since creation.

I have chosen souls in other countries too, such as Belgium, Switzerland. Spain, who have received these revelations so that other countries also may be prepared. Pray much during this Holy Year of 1950. Pray the Rosary, but pray it well, so that your prayers may reach Heaven. Soon a more terrible catastrophe shall come upon the entire world, such as never before has been witnessed, a terrible chastisement never before experienced! The war of 1950 shall be the introduction to these things.

How unconcerned men are regarding these things! which shall so soon come upon them, contrary to all expectations. How indifferent they are in preparing themselves for these unheard of events, through which they will have to pass so shortly!

The weight of the Divine balance has reached the earth! The wrath of My Father shall be poured out over the entire world! I am again warning the world through your instrumentality, as I have so often done heretofore.

The sins of men have multiplied beyond measure: Irreverence in Church, sinful pride committed in sham religious activities, lack of true brotherly love, indecency in dress, especially at summer seasons… The world is filled with iniquity.

This catastrophe shall come upon the earth like a flash of lightning at which moment the light of the morning sun shall be replaced by black darkness! No one shall leave the house or look out of a window from that moment on. I Myself shall come amidst thunder and lightning. The wicked shall behold My Divine Heart. There shall be great confusion because of this utter darkness in which the entire earth shall be enveloped, and many, many shall die from fear and despair.

Those who shall fight for My cause shall receive grace from My Divine Heart; and the cry: “Who is like unto God!” shall serve as a means of protection to many. However, many shall burn in the open fields like withered grass! The godless shall be annihilated, so that afterwards the just shall be able to stand afresh.

On the day, as soon as complete darkness has set in, no one shall leave the house or look from out of the window. The darkness shall last a day and a night, followed by another day and a night, and another day–but on the night following, the stars will shine again, and on the next morning the sun shall rise again, and it will be springtime!

In the days of darkness, My elect shall not sleep, as did the disciples in the garden of olives. They, shall pray incessantly, and they shall not be disappointed in Me. I shall gather My elect. Hell will believe itself to be in possession of the entire earth, but I shall reclaim it!
Do you, perhaps, think that I would permit My Father to have such terrible chastisements come upon the world, if the world would turn from iniquity to justice? But because of My great love, these afflictions shall be permitted to come upon man. Although many shall curse Me, yet thousands of souls shall be saved through them. No human understanding can fathom the depth of My love!
Pray! Pray! I desire your prayers. My Dear Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Elizabeth, Saint Conrad, Saint Michael. Saint Peter, the Little Therese, Your Holy Angels, shall be your intercessors. Implore their aid! Be courageous soldiers of Christ! At the return of light, let everyone give thanks to the Holy Trinity for Their protection! The devastation shall be very great! But I, Your God, will have purified the earth. I am with you. Have confidence!” — [End  of Padre Pio’s Message]