Pictured: Ven. Concepcion Cabrera de Armida
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“I have need of them [priests] to do My work.”
– Jesus to Ven. Louise Margaret (p. 168)
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The Influence of Holy Priests
If a priest is holy, he has the power to effect much good in the world (as do all of us). If you doubt this, read a biography on St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Francis Xavier, St. Padre Pio or St. John Vianney, to whom the Devil said: “If there were three such priests as you, my kingdom would be ruined.”
Much could be said about the dignity and duties of the priest, but let this one quote from St. John Vianney suffice for now:
“Without the Sacrament of Holy Orders, we would not have the Lord. Who put Him there in that tabernacle? The priest. Who welcomed your soul at the beginning of your life? The priest. Who feeds your soul and gives it strength for its journey? The priest. Who will prepare it to appear before God, bathing it one last time in the blood of Jesus Christ? The priest, always the priest. And if this soul should happen to die [i.e. the spiritual death of sin], who will raise it up, who will restore its calm and peace? Again, the priest… After God, the priest is everything!”
The Responsibility of Priests
“Priesthood entails the greatest responsibility. Everyone raised to this holy estate is required to give a strict account, not only of the administration of My holy mysteries and of his personal holiness too, but also of the souls that were entrusted to his charge. Woe to those who ill-perform their task in My Church! I require of them again the immortal souls that I redeemed to dearly with My Blood.”
– Our Lord to Marie Dominica Clara Moes (p. 194)
Wounded Priests
Unfortunately, many priests neither know nor love the Church; it seems that many priests have been mortally wounded by sin, and are in desperate need of help. Even in St. Bridget of Sweden’s time, Our Lord often spoke to her about the wickedness of priests.
Nowadays, it is all too common to hear of some scandal or another. Alas, many priests do not know how sublime their vocation is, nor do they appreciate the fact that they have been ordained for God’s glory, for the salvation of immortal souls!
‘In the multitude of people is the dignity of the king.’
– Prov. 14:28
What can we do about this sad state of affairs? Should we wallow in sadness and despair? Should we complain about priests and the obvious crisis in the Church? No!
Victims of Divine Love and Mercy
What can we do, then? We can be Eucharistic souls! Like St. Therese, we can offer ourselves to God to be victims of His Love and Mercy! How?
“It should be made in the form of a sacrifice; you should offer yourselves as holocausts to be consumed in the fire of love, in order that this love may be diffused throughout the world and inflame souls.”
– Jesus to Ven. Louise Margaret
Victims for Priests
In these troubled times, God is particularly calling souls to offer themselves for the sanctification of priests; He wishes to raise up more generous souls, like Sr. Gertrude Mary, Ven. Louise Margaret, and Mother Marie Dominica Clara Moes, who will spend themselves in the service of priests. A life spent in the service of priests is a life well spent!
“Very well, IF YOU WANT TO SAVE SOULS, there is only one and powerful means: holy priests.”
– Jesus to Ven. Concepcion Cabrera de Armida
The Priest Fights for the Kingdom of Love
+ “I will make from My dear priests a little army that will fight for good and make My Love reign.”
– Jesus to Ven. Louise Margaret (p. 173)
+ “I shall reform Holy Church by giving her good and holy pastors; it will not be through war and the sword and cruelty, but by peace and calm and the tears and sweat of My friends.”
– The Eternal Father to St. Catherine of Siena (p. 190)
“Nineteen centuries ago, twelve men changed the world; they were not merely men, they were priests. Now once more twelve priests could change the world.”
– Jesus to Ven. Louise Margaret (p. 167)
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References:
– ‘The Love and Service of God, Infinite Love’ by TAN Books
– ‘Divine Communications,’ by Rev. Auguste Saudreau, vol. 2
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“Give yourself entirely to priests and I will give Myself entirely to you.”
– Jesus to Ven. Louise Margaret
Littlest Souls 