The American apparition we reported upon years ago to Ohio nun Mildred Mary Neuzil [see stories] included a prayer to the Immaculate Conception. It won the imprimatur of late Cincinnati Archbishop Paul Leibold and the nihil obstat of Daniel Pilarczyk, S.T.D., who was Cincinnati’s archbishop at the time of the Spirit Daily reports. By the new Vatican standards for apparitions, which now only go to the level of a nihil obstat to be considered officially approved, does this mean the American visions are now top-tier? The prayer was composed at the behest of the Blessed Mother on October 5, 1956, and we repeat it because it is so directly relevant to the U.S.–especially as September 11 approaches–and because (as seen in those archived stories), it links in a truly astonishing way to an ancient and hidden apparition in South America. The prayer as presented by Sister Neuzil goes like this:
“O Immaculate Mother, Queen of our country, open our hearts, our homes, and our Land to the coming of Jesus, your Divine Son. With Him, reign over us, O heavenly Lady, so pure and so bright with the radiance of God’s light shining in and about you. Be our Leader against the powers of evil set upon wresting the world of souls, redeemed at such a great cost by the sufferings of your Son and of yourself, in union with Him, from that same Savior, Who loves us with infinite charity.
“We gather about you, O chaste and holy Mother, Virgin Immaculate, Patroness of our beloved Land, determined to fight under your banner of holy purity against the wickedness that would make all the world an abyss of evil, without God and without your loving maternal care.
“We consecrate our hearts, our homes, our Land to your Most pure Heart, O great Queen, that the kingdom of your Son, our Redeemer and our God, may be firmly established in us.
“We ask no special sign of you, sweet Mother, for we believe in your great love for us, and we place in you our entire confidence. We promise to honor you by faith, love, and the purity of our lives according to your desire.
“Reign over us, then, O Virgin Immaculate, with your Son Jesus Christ. May His Divine Heart and your most chaste Heart be ever enthroned and glorified among us. Use us, your children of America, as your instruments in bringing peace among men and nations. Work your miracles of grace in us, so that we may be a glory to the Blessed Trinity, Who created, redeemed, and sanctifies us.
“May your valiant Spouse, St. Joseph, with the holy Angels and Saints, assist you and us in ‘renewing the face of the earth.’ Then when our work is over, come, Holy immaculate Mother, and as our Victorious Queen, lead us to the eternal kingdom, where your Son reigns forever as King. Amen. [200 days]”
Nihil Obstat: Daniel Pilarczyk, S.T.D.
Imprimatur: Paul F. Leibold, V.G.
Cincinnati, January 25, 1963
From Thomas a Kempis (Imitation of Christ, recommended by Sister Lucia of Fàtima; it is for religious but most of it pertains to us all]:
Do not open your heart to every man, but discuss your affairs with one who is wise and who fears God. Do not keep company with young people and strangers. Do not fawn upon the rich, and do not be fond of mingling with the great. Associate with the humble and the simple, with the devout and virtuous, and with them speak of edifying things. Be not intimate with any woman, but generally commend all good women to God. Seek only the intimacy of God and of His angels, and avoid the notice of men.
We ought to have charity for all men but familiarity with all is not expedient. Sometimes it happens that a person enjoys a good reputation among those who do not know him, but at the same time is held in slight regard by those who do. Frequently we think we are pleasing others by our presence and we begin rather to displease them by the faults they find in us.
[resources: Imitation of Christ]
From forward to Humility by Thomas a Kempis:
“He never gave rein to idleness, which is truly the font of all evil.”
From Kempis himself:
“Hidden pride is the most pernicious vice, the more so since it is not recognized and does not recognize itself.”
[resources: Humility]
From Manuela Strack, alleged seer in Sievernich, Germany:
“We are constantly bombarded with noise from the world. How can I hear the voice of God? Go into silence. Find peace. Have you spoken to your Savior today? Is this not possible because you are so busy? Yes, this is possible even then. When you get up in the morning, say, ‘Lord Jesus, I love you. I give you today and myself.’ Let us not underestimate the short prayers and inner prayer. Even between cooking and work, we can immerse ourselves in the name of “Jesus” with all our being: “Jesus” thought or spoken with full love. I am then connected with my Savior. He takes away all my fears and worries. Try it out. It is wonderful to be connected with the Lord. Serviam!”
+++