Importance of the Devotion to the Holy Wounds for our Times
Although devotion
to the Holy Wounds has a long tradition in the Church and in the lives of the
saints, never before has it been more important than now. Several mystics have
stressed the urgency of this devotion for our times.
A 20th German Carmelite mystic, Sister Maria of the Crucified Love, was given the following revelations about the devotion to the Holy Wounds:
-“Where will you turn to, when in the coming time, the difficulties grow still greater? My Sacred wounds will be your surest refuge. Nowhere are you better protected.” (p.16)
-“Implore now the special graces that I have reserved for this
age. They are incalculable treasures that my heart wishes to distribute,
especially when you pray to Me for grace and mercy for the sake of my Holy
Wounds and My Sacred, Precious Blood.” (p.17)
-“I desire devotion to My Sacred Wounds to be promoted in
prayer and in writing. Time presses ever more urgently, and for mankind
salvation through My Sacred Wounds is indispensable.” (p.25)
-“My Sacred Wounds are the remedy for the future. Pray, pray
that people will accept this remedy, for there is nothing else that can save
them.” (p. 73).
(The above quotes
taken from the revelations given to Sr. Maria of the Crucified Love, from the
book "By His Wounds You Are Healed". Wurzburg: 2003. Book can be
purchased from JMJ
Religious Books)
Next,
from the prophecies of mystic Marie Julie-Jahenny,
Our Lord asked us to remain devoted to His Precious Blood and not to forget the pious practice of offering all our prayers and works in union with the Divine merits and graces of His most Precious Blood.
Our Lord asked us to remain devoted to His Precious Blood and not to forget the pious practice of offering all our prayers and works in union with the Divine merits and graces of His most Precious Blood.
Words of Our Lord (date?): “Never forget to renew
persistently the offering of Precious Blood. You will be consoled, all you who
honor My Precious Blood, nothing will happen to you.”
Those devoted to Our Lord’s Wounds will also be
shielded from punishments like a ‘lightning rod’. (date?) “The devotion to the Holy Wounds will be a lightning rod for the Christians who will have kept it.”
(i.e. kept faithful to it.)
Next we have an entry from the Diary of Anneliese Michel, a victim soul who was possessed by the devil.
This entry is dated October 15, 1975:
Lucifer:
“The snotnose (ie- Anneliese)
blurt out everything. Now she also receives suggestions from that One (Virgin
Mary)…By her order (the Virgin Mary), the
five holy wounds should be venerated in a special manner. The Holy Face should be venerated.”
(LeBlanc, Lawrence, "Anneliese Michel: A True Story of a Case of Demonic Possession" ebook: Location, 737)
And more recently in an alleged message from the Virgin Mary on May 19. 2012 to Mario D’Ignazio in the apparitions of "Contrada di Santa Teresa" in Brindisi, Italy, the Virgin Mary reportedly said:
(LeBlanc, Lawrence, "Anneliese Michel: A True Story of a Case of Demonic Possession" ebook: Location, 737)
And more recently in an alleged message from the Virgin Mary on May 19. 2012 to Mario D’Ignazio in the apparitions of "Contrada di Santa Teresa" in Brindisi, Italy, the Virgin Mary reportedly said:
“I
am here. Listen to me. I desire that you adore and immerse yourself in the
Wounds of Jesus, making sacrifices for love. They are the remedy for the evil
in this world. Call upon them so that they may heal the heart of man, a heart
that forgot God, a heart incapable of loving and giving itself. Love is
manifested in the donation of self. Pray the Chaplet of the Holy Wounds every
day because it is very powerful. Teach it to your brothers so that they may
practice it and this devotion may be made known. In the Wounds of My Son there
are graces concealed from the Divine Clemency of the Father Most High.”
Bl. Anne Catherine
Emmerich’s visions of the Church and the Holy Wounds:
“...Again I saw St. Peter’s with its lofty cupola on whose top
stood Michael shining with light. He wore a blood-red robe, a great banner in
his hand. A desperate struggle was going on below – green and blue combatants against
white, and over the latter, who seemed to be worsted, appeared a fiery blood
red sword. None knew they fought. The church was all red like the angel, and I
was told that it would be bathed in blood."
"The longer the combat lasted, the paler grew the color of the Church, the more transparent it became. Then the angel descended and approached the white troops. I saw him several times in front of them. Their courage was wonderfully aroused; they knew not why or how, and how the angel struck right and left among the enemy who fled in all directions. Then the fiery sword over the victorious whites disappeared. During the engagement the enemy’s troops kept constantly deserting to the other side; once they went in great numbers. Numbers of saints hovered in the air over the combatants, pointing out what was to be done, making signs with the hand, etc., all different, but impelled by one spirit. When the angel had descended, I beheld above him a great shining cross in the heavens. "
"The longer the combat lasted, the paler grew the color of the Church, the more transparent it became. Then the angel descended and approached the white troops. I saw him several times in front of them. Their courage was wonderfully aroused; they knew not why or how, and how the angel struck right and left among the enemy who fled in all directions. Then the fiery sword over the victorious whites disappeared. During the engagement the enemy’s troops kept constantly deserting to the other side; once they went in great numbers. Numbers of saints hovered in the air over the combatants, pointing out what was to be done, making signs with the hand, etc., all different, but impelled by one spirit. When the angel had descended, I beheld above him a great shining cross in the heavens. "
"On it hung the Savior from whose wounds shot brilliant rays
over the whole earth. These glorious wounds were red like resplendent doorways,
their center golden-yellow like the sun. He wore no crown of thorns, but from all the wounds of His head
streamed rays. Those from His hands, feet, and side were fine as hair and shone
with rainbow colors; sometimes they all united and fell upon villages, cities,
and houses throughout the world. I saw them (the rays) here and there, far and
near, falling upon the dying, and then souls entering by the colored rays into
the Savior’s wounds."
"The rays from the side (of Jesus) spread over the Church like a mighty current lighting up every part of it; and I saw that the greater number of souls enter into the Lord by these glittering streams. I saw also a shining red heart floating in the air. From one side flowed a current of white light to the Wound of the sacred side, and from the other a second current fell upon the Church in many regions; its rays attracted numerous souls who, by the Heart and the current of light, entered into the side of Jesus. I was told that this is the Heart of Mary."
"Besides these rays, I saw from all the wounds about thirty ladders let down to the earth, some of which, however, did not reach it. They were not all alike but narrow and broad, with large and small rounds, some standing alone, others together. Their color corresponded to the purification of the soul, first dark, then clearer, then gray, and, at last, brighter and brighter. I saw souls painfully climbing up. Some mounted quickly, as if helped from above, others pressed forward eagerly but slipped back upon the lower rounds, while others fell back entirely into the darkness. Their eager and painful efforts were quite pitiful. It seemed as if they who mounted easily as if helped by others, were in closer communication with the Church. I saw, too, many souls of those that fell on the battlefield taking the path leading into the body of the Lord."
"Behind the cross, far back in the sky, I saw multitudes of pictures representing the preparation begun ages ago for the work of Redemption. But I cannot describe it. It looked like the stations of the way of Divine Grace from the Creation to the Redemption. I did not always stand in the same place. I moved around among the rays, I saw all. Ah, I saw inexpressible, indescribable things!"
"The rays from the side (of Jesus) spread over the Church like a mighty current lighting up every part of it; and I saw that the greater number of souls enter into the Lord by these glittering streams. I saw also a shining red heart floating in the air. From one side flowed a current of white light to the Wound of the sacred side, and from the other a second current fell upon the Church in many regions; its rays attracted numerous souls who, by the Heart and the current of light, entered into the side of Jesus. I was told that this is the Heart of Mary."
"Besides these rays, I saw from all the wounds about thirty ladders let down to the earth, some of which, however, did not reach it. They were not all alike but narrow and broad, with large and small rounds, some standing alone, others together. Their color corresponded to the purification of the soul, first dark, then clearer, then gray, and, at last, brighter and brighter. I saw souls painfully climbing up. Some mounted quickly, as if helped from above, others pressed forward eagerly but slipped back upon the lower rounds, while others fell back entirely into the darkness. Their eager and painful efforts were quite pitiful. It seemed as if they who mounted easily as if helped by others, were in closer communication with the Church. I saw, too, many souls of those that fell on the battlefield taking the path leading into the body of the Lord."
"Behind the cross, far back in the sky, I saw multitudes of pictures representing the preparation begun ages ago for the work of Redemption. But I cannot describe it. It looked like the stations of the way of Divine Grace from the Creation to the Redemption. I did not always stand in the same place. I moved around among the rays, I saw all. Ah, I saw inexpressible, indescribable things!"
"When the combat on earth was over, the church and the angel
became bright and shining, and the latter disappeared; the cross also vanished
and in its place stood a tall, resplendent lady extending over it her mantle of
golden rays. There was a reconciliation going on inside, and acts of humility
were being made. I saw Bishops and pastors approaching one another and
exchanging books. The various sects recognized the Church by her miraculous
victory and the pure light of revelation they had seen beaming upon her… When I
saw this reunion, I felt that the kingdom of God was near. I felt so sensibly
the approach of the kingdom of God that I was forced to run to meet it crying
tears of joy.”
~Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich – December 30, 1819
Consecration of our
children to the Holy Wounds
There has been a pious practice of consecrating one’s children or loved ones to each of the Holy Wounds. This has produced many saints such as St. Veronica Giuliani. Before Veronica’s mother, Benedetta Mancini, died, she consecrated each of her five children to each of the Five Holy Wounds of Jesus. Ursula (St. Veronica) was consecrated to the wound of Jesus’ side. Throughout her diary it is clear that St. Veronica had a great devotion to the Holy Wounds.
There has been a pious practice of consecrating one’s children or loved ones to each of the Holy Wounds. This has produced many saints such as St. Veronica Giuliani. Before Veronica’s mother, Benedetta Mancini, died, she consecrated each of her five children to each of the Five Holy Wounds of Jesus. Ursula (St. Veronica) was consecrated to the wound of Jesus’ side. Throughout her diary it is clear that St. Veronica had a great devotion to the Holy Wounds.
Father Giuseppe also
advised the following, “It is good that everyone wear a crucifix and kiss
often during the day the Holy Wounds. The practice of those good mothers or
good religious daughters in which they place a soul into the Wounds of Christ
is praiseworthy. For example, a mother could say: ‘I have 5 children: I place
each one of my five children in a specific Wound of Jesus. Those who, for
example, have other sinners, can place one or more sinners into each Wound in order
for the Wounds of Jesus to save many souls.”
Lux, Cristiana. "Don
Giuseppe Tomaselli: Grande Mistico, Grande Guaritore, Grande Esorcista"
pp.16-17
Sister Mary Martha Chambon and
Devotion to the Holy Wounds of Jesus Christ
Sister Mary Martha Chambon (1841-
March 21, 1907), a nun of the Religious of the Visitation of Chambery, could be
called the apostle of the Holy Wounds. Like St. Margaret Mary, a saint from the
same religious order, whom Jesus entrusted with the Devotion to the Sacred
Heart; Sister Mary Martha Chambon was entrusted with the Devotion to the Holy
Wounds.
One
year on the Feast of the Visitation, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her
together with St. Margaret Mary and the Founders of the order to confirm her
mission. The Blessed Virgin Mary told her: “Blessed
Margaret Mary reproduced the Sacred Heart of my Son in order to give Him to the
world…and you, my daughter are chosen to arrest the justice of God in making
known the merits of the Passion and of the Holy Wounds of my unique and beloved
son, Jesus.”
“My daughter, each time you offer to My Father the merits of My
divine Wounds, you gain an immense fortune.”
"Behold wherewith to pay all debts. Fear not to show My Wounds to souls. The way of My Wounds is an easy and simple way of going to heaven.”
"Behold wherewith to pay all debts. Fear not to show My Wounds to souls. The way of My Wounds is an easy and simple way of going to heaven.”
“I will grant all that is asked of Me through devotion to the Holy
Wounds. Those who will honor them will have a true knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
“There will be no death for the soul that expires in My Wounds, They
give true life.”
Then, Jesus taught her these two
aspirations:
“My Jesus, pardon and
mercy through the merits of Thy Holy Wounds.”
Jesus indicated that this
aspiration should be repeated often near the sick as it is promised to bring
solace to soul and body. The second prayer that Jesus taught her was:
“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, to heal the wounds of our souls.” Jesus promised the conversion of the sinner who would make this offering.
The sisters in this convent arranged these two aspirations into the Chaplet of the Holy Wounds, also called the Chaplet of Mercy, in order to facilitate its recitation. These aspirations, which are indulgenced, can be said on any rosary or chaplet, or may be said as single invocations during work. The Chaplet of the Holy Wounds can be found at the end of this article.
Sister Martha Chambon had great zeal for souls, especially the dying. Jesus told her:
“You must offer the merits
of the Holy Wounds for persons who die in the night or during the course of the
day.” Jesus told her of this great gift He had given to her community: “Behold
your treasure. The treasure of the Holy Wounds encloses crowns which you should
take and give to others. One day these souls for whom you shall have obtained a
holy death by your prayers, will turn towards you to thank you. All men shall
appear before Me on the judgment day, and I shall then point out My privileged
Spouses, who shall have purified the world by My Holy Wounds.”
Another practice of Saint Mary Martha was offering her actions in union with the Holy Wounds for the conversion of sinners and for the souls in purgatory. In this way, she obtained the release of many souls. The chaplet of the Holy Wounds is a very efficacious way of helping the poor souls. Jesus told her once:
“My daughter, look at my
Wounds, offer them for the souls in Purgatory. The sufferings of My Holy
Passion, behold the great remedy for these souls; but its merits must be
applied to them.”
The sisters in the convent of Sister Mary Martha in Chambery have received many letters of graces that have been obtained through the chaplet of the Holy Wounds and the intercession of Sister Mary Martha Chambon.
“At each word that you
pronounce of the Chaplet of Mercy I let a drop of My Blood fall on the soul of
a sinner.”
Sister Mary Martha was granted a
vision in which she saw Jesus holding a cup full of His Precious Blood and how
He placed a drop of His Blood in different souls, including the souls of her
mother and father. This brought great consolation to Sister Mary Martha. Jesus
then told her:
“The graces that I bestow
in this manner are never lost.”
St. Andre Bessette, the wonder worker of Montreal, Canada had a great devotion
to the Holy Wounds because he had read the life of Sister Mary Martha Chambon.
He did his best to propagate this devotion. .He received this book from a nun
who frequently came to visit him. He attached such great importance to this
devotion that the next time this nun came to visit him, he asked her for 18
more copies of the book, “to convert 18 sinners.”
That sister answered, “You surely
do not mean that Brother Andre. I do not have them, and they are not to be
found in Montreal.”
“That does not matter,” he replied, “I must have them.”
Then a miracle of Divine Providence
happened. When that sister returned to her convent and went to the library,
she found two dozen copies of that book carefully wrapped up. No one in the
house could tell her where the books came from.
(Bergeron, Henri-Paul. "Brother
Andre:The Wonder Worker of Mount Royal", Montreal, Canada: St.
Joseph Oratory, 1997. P.125.)
Jesus told Sister Mary of the
Crucified Love: “To Sister Mary Martha Chambon, I
entrusted the devotion to My Sacred Wounds and its promotion as a mission of
atonement. Yes, I entrusted this task to her heart. She still bears it there
today as a most profound duty of love, in the complete union with My Heart, in
the betrothal of the Cross. Come to her with your intentions. Bring her with
you in prayer and intercession. She has been permitted to be your advocate in
the many difficulties and sufferings that can and may be healed through the
merits of My Sacred Wounds. Yes, commit yourselves entirely, as she did, to the
apostolate of My Sacred Wounds. Consecrate your entire life to this mission and
follow the way of Love that Marie Martha walked as an example for you.”
Currently, the beatification cause
for Sister Mary Martha Chambon is underway.
(The above quotes from Sr. Chambon
are taken from: Religious of the Visitation of Holy Mary of Chambery, "Sister
Mary Martha Chambon", Saint Louis, MO: Monastery of the
Visitation, 1930, and also the aforementioned book, "By His Wounds
You Are Healed", p. 106. )
For those drawn to the spirituality
of the Passionists, it is noteworthy to point out that the Passionist Order
celebrates the Feast of the Holy Wounds on the Friday after the Octave of
Easter.
______________________________________________________________________
Prayers of devotion to the Holy Wounds of Jesus
ROSARY OF THE HOLY WOUNDS
Revealed to Sister Mary Martha Chambon
To be recited on regular Rosary beads
On the Crucifix:
O Jesus Divine Redeemer, be merciful to us and to the whole world.
Amen.
Strong God, Holy God, Immortal God, have mercy on us and on the
whole world. Amen.
Grace and mercy, O my Jesus, during present dangers; cover us with
Your Precious Blood. Amen.
Eternal Father, grant us mercy through the Blood of Jesus Christ,
Your only Son; grant us mercy, we beseech You. Amen, Amen, Amen.
On the large beads:
V. Eternal Father, I offer You the Wounds of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
R. To heal the wounds of our souls.
On the small beads:
V. My Jesus, pardon and mercy.
R. Through the merits of
Your Holy Wounds.
