Our Lady of Ransom

In the thirteenth century, Spain was conquered by a Muslim group of fundamentalists known as the Almohads. This allowed the Berbers to extend their power base from North Africa to the portals of Spain, which would bring untold misery to many.

But things would take a turn for the worse, for the Islamic invaders when many Christian nations united to defeat this formidable foe. It was the decisive battle at Las Navas de Tolosa, which led to the defeat of Islamic rule in Europe.

But though the Spanish nation suffered much under the harsh rule of the Berber's still they prayed to God to save them from their enemies.

And it was in 1218, that our Lady appeared before Peter Nolasco, and his confessor Raymund of Pennafort and requested that a Religious Order be instituted for the release of Christians being held captive by the Berber invaders.

Our Lady requested that this Order would venerate her mercy towards all those who were in captivity. This would touch both Peter and Raymund deeply and they both undertook the duty of spreading this devotion to all the peoples.

These two holy men were also very willing to take the place of those who had been kidnapped in order for the release of the poor prisoners, who had been taken hostage by the Moor's.

It would be Pope Gregory IX who would approve this Order which would become known as Our Lady of Mercy, and it was then that Peter Nolasco, took his Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

Raymund also spoke with great love and devotion to all who would listen to him of our Lady's appearance to him, and of our Lady offering two bags of coins to pay the ransom for the imprisoned people. He spoke so eloquently and with such conviction that it moved the crowds to tears and also touched the hearts of Kings.

But it was Fr. Peter Nolasco who would be chosen as the Commander General of this Divine Mission to save those who were imprisoned by the cruel Moors, and who were suffering under terrible conditions.

And as the Muslim invaders were pushed further and further back, this meant more young men joining this Order from which they would be known as 'Mercedarians'. And it was these brave Priests who would engage the Moor's to pay ransoms for the freedom of their brothers held in captivity.

Unfortunately the founder of this Order Fr. Peter died in 1256, but his Mission lived on through the Grace of God and the guidance of our Lady.

The Mercedarians would reach countries such as, France, Germany, America, Mexico and many other nations.

Our Lady of Ransom teaches us all to be merciful to those kept in captivity and exhorts all to help and aid those who are wrongfully imprisoned.

I would encourage all to read more about Our Lady of Ransom, also known as Our Lady of Mercy.

Peace of Christ to you ALL

Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

The Prophecies of Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser

Bartholomew Holzhauser was born in the year 1613 in the region of Bavaria Germany. He belonged to a poor but devout family, his father, Leonard was a shoe maker and his mother, Catherine was a home maker in charge of raising her large brood of 11 children.

So from the beginning there was nothing auspicious about Bartholomew that would bring him to the notice of anyone. But even at an early age he desired to enter the Priesthood, something his parents encouraged. He went to school for a time till ill health intervened and upon recovering the Jesuits allowed Bartholomew to continue his studies with them.

Even though there was nothing grand about Bartholomew, he took the notice of many by his truly humble and meek manner, his courtesy to everyone he met and obvious piety as he continued his studies. So it was that in 1636 Bartholomew earned his degree in Philosophy and theology this was followed by acceptance to the Priesthood and he was ordained in 1639.

And as Fr Bartholomew continued his Priestly duties few were aware of this heroic soul being the recipient of Divine revelations, for Father Bartholomew never drew attention to himself but rather continued to serve others for the love of God.

During these visions Father Bartholomew was told, "The fifth period of the Church, which began circa 1520, will end with the arrival of the holy Pope and of the powerful Monarch who is called 'Help From God' because he will restore everything. The fifth period is one of affliction, desolation, humiliation, and poverty for the Church. Jesus Christ will purify His people through cruel wars, famines, plagues, epidemics, and other horrible calamities. He will also afflict and weaken the Latin Church with many heresies. It is a period of defections, calamities and exterminations. Those Christians who survive the sword, plague and famines, will be few on earth."

These visions troubled the young Priest as he continued to receive them as it continues, "During this period, many men will abuse of the freedom of conscience conceded to them. It is of such men that Jude the Apostle spoke when he said: 'These men blaspheme whatever they do not understand; and they corrupt whatever they know naturally as irrational animals do... They will ridicule Christian simplicity; they will call it folly and nonsense, but they will have the highest regard for advanced knowledge, and for the skill by which the axioms of law, the precepts of morality, the Holy Canons and religious dogmas are clouded by senseless questions and elaborate arguments."

This message to the world finally ended with this warning if man did not amend his ways, "These are the evil times, a century full of dangers and calamities. Heresy is everywhere, and the followers of heresy are in power almost everywhere...But God will permit a great evil against His Church: Heretics and tyrants will come suddenly and unexpectedly; they will break into the Church...They will enter Italy and lay Rome waste; they will burn down churches and destroy everything."

Though Father Bartholomew was upset at what had been revealed to him, this did not affect his Faith, if anything it strengthened his great love for God and Church. This devout son of the Church went on to found an Order known then as the 'Bartholomistes', and though he founded it Bartholomew did not live to see it gain recognition by Pope Innocent XI.

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser died in 1658.

But in all things let us look to the Traditions of our Church and its Teachings and the study of Scripture.

I encourage all to read further on the life and prophecies of Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.