Saturday, September 3, 2011

What Does Jesus Say About Ecumenism?

Our Blessed Lord gives us here a model for true ecumenism...

This is the only novena which the Church has received directly from Christ, Himself .

Novena to the Divine Mercy
Fifth Day

Verbatim the words of Christ (Diary, 1218):

"Today bring to me the souls of heretics and schismatics
[aka the separated brethren], and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart; that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate My Passion.

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics [aka those who have separated from Your Church]. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Even for those who have torn the garment of Your unity,
A fount of mercy flows from Your Heart.
The omnipotence of Your mercy, Oh God.
Can lead souls also out of error.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics [aka those who are separated from Your Son's Church], who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they too are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen."

2 comments:

  1. The term "separated brethren" was not part of the original message. It was sanitized as the original version used "heretics and schismatics". :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Non Catholic here albeit with very Catholic leanings. I long admired the late Pope, for (among other things) his ecumenical spirit.

    ReplyDelete