WE CAN sensibly greet our departed "Happy birthday in Heaven" on Facebook probably only after this November, depending on us. In the meantime, there are chances we are merely self-indulging at the expense of our dearest departed when assuming they died saints and therefore flew directly to Heaven. Picking up from revelations from Marian apparitions, they are likely still lingering in Purgatory and are being extremely annoyed by our heavenly birthday greetings.
What's offing this November? A not-so-ordinary chance to make sense of that familiar Facebook birthday missive.
The Vatican News has reported that "by the special mandate of His Holiness Pope Francis," the Apostolic Penitentiary has released some changes to the normal practices this November, the month of all saints and all souls' days.
The Decree containing these modifications was signed on 22 October, the liturgical memorial of Pope St John Paul II and grants every one the chance to grant plenary indulgence for their departed anytime throughout November.
Remember plenary and partial indulgences taught in our religion or catechism classes? We were taught that every sin, even those already forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, demands retribution or punishment either in this earthly life or in Purgatory or both. Plenary indulgence cancels all due punishment, while partial erases, well, part of the due retribution.
Every sin leaves some stain and no stain, which is imperfection, can enter perfect Heaven, so there is need for purgation or, to put it another way, a Zonrox.
But the Catholic Church provides indulgences that can apply to us or to our departed who are still facing retribution in Purgatory.
This month, as per fresh decree of the Vatican, we can resort to plenary indulgence for our departed and thus hasten their release from Purgatory. Only then could we greet the departed birthday celebrant, "Happy birthday in Heaven" on Facebook without causing them anguish.
To know more about the decree, I quote Vatican News as follows:
"Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the need to avoid large groups from forming where prohibited, the Plenary Indulgence applicable to the deceased by those who visit a cemetery has been extended beyond the normal dates of 1 to 8 Novembehr. This year, the indulgence can be obtained by anyone who visits a cemetery, even if only mentally, on any day in November, and devoutly prays for the faithful departed.
"Regarding the Plenary Indulgence attached to All Souls' Day, 2 November, this year, it can be obtained not only on the preceding or succeeding Sunday, or on the actual Feast day, but on any other day of the month chosen by each member of the faithful. In this case, the indulgence is obtained by "devoutly visiting a church or an oratory," along with the recitation of the Our Father and the Creed, and the other requirements associated with a Plenary Indulgence.
"For anyone who cannot leave their home for various reasons, including anti-Covid restrictions, they too can obtain the Plenary Indulgence by "uniting themselves spiritually to other members of the faithful". In this case, the condition of being "completely detached from sin" and the intention of completing the other requirements for obtaining a Plenary Indulgence remain. These conditions are Sacramental Confession, reception of Holy Communion and a prayer for the Holy Father's intentions.
"The Decree suggests that such prayer take place before an "image of Jesus or the Blessed Virgin Mary". Among the various prayers that are recommended are "prayers for the deceased, Morning or Evening Prayer from the Office of the Dead, the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, meditating on various Gospel passages proposed for the liturgy of the Dead, or completing a work of mercy by offering to God the suffering and discomforts of one's own life."
"Directing a word to priests, the Decree asks that they make the Sacrament of Confession generously available and that they make Holy Communion available to the sick. In addition, all priests are invited to offer three Masses on All Souls' Day." (End of quote.)
Meanwhile, well known evangelists, such as Mark Mallett, share my view that mystic Fr. Michel Rodrigue prophecy earlier this year was fulfilled with Pope's Francis' recent declaration of support for gay civil unions.
What exactly were the prophetic words of Fr. Michel (who speaks primarily French and grapples with the English language, thus at times using inexact English words)? Again, here are his words: "My dear people of God, we are now passing a test. The great events of purification will begin this fall. Be ready with the Rosary to disarm Satan and to protect our people. Make sure that you are in the state of grace by having made your general confession to a Catholic priest. The spiritual battle will begin. Remember these words: THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY WILL SEE GREAT [meaning substantial] THINGS!"
Indeed, the Pope's declaration on gay civil unions has started to dig a chasm in the Church. Since Fr. Michel used the plural "things," will some other significant events occur before the end of October? Perhaps, even without our knowing them. Still, no one is obliged to believe Fr. Michel. It is always enough to live according to the Decalogue, with guidance from the Church's traditional catechism.
And now I also share with readers more recent prophecies relayed to mystics of our times.
Last October 21, our Blessed Mother told mystic Valeria Copponi as follows:
"My daughter, it is I, Most Holy Mary of Sorrows. How can I be happy at this time when my children are suffering incredibly?! Never have I been so close to you as in these times, but for each of you there are great trials to overcome. Pray and do not let yourselves be intimidated by all of this; think that at the end of the tribulations you will have uncontainable joy. Fight this battle as true heroes, as true children of God, and everything will turn out in your favor. We will never abandon you: continue believing in God's unique love, and walk along the path that He himself will show you moment by moment. You know very well that it will bring you close to Him forever. Who is like God? Be strong, pray and offer up your trials, as precisely your victory over the trials that will bring you to eternal joy.
"I never leave you: entrust me with your families, the entire church and the whole world; simply think about doing good and every trial will be easier for you to overcome. The world is being turned upside-down; what is good and beautiful is becoming impossible and unliveable, but I am always with you and I will not allow you to be harmed more than you can bear. Jesus is closer than ever to you in these days; He loves you and it is precisely because of the Passion that He himself suffered that He will not allow you to be harmed beyond what you can face and bear. I am close to you; entrust yourselves to Me with all your heart and you will have the strength that I myself had at the moment of the Crucifixion. I bless you, I love you and I will give you the strength you need."