A casual perusal of the most recent headlines coming from Rome–even by the most uninformed Catholic reader– would cause a reaction of great concern and above all, confusion.
For those who have a bit more information at their disposal – and who may be aware of other news and machinations coming from the World Economic Forum, the various corrupt governments in Europe and our beloved United States, the ramblings of crazed oligarchs like Bill Gates, Soros, and other Davos criminals, or the day to day Five Eye propaganda coming from the typical mass media outlets – they might say:
“Confusion now hath made its masterpiece.”
But amidst the haze and fog of spiritual war that is all around us are sparks of light, small fires of truth and smoldering hope that must be fanned into larger flames of holy charity and apostolic zeal. The time to strike is again at hand.
Last year, we thought it fitting to launch an inaugural First Responder Crusade, consisting of a 54 day Rosary Novena for specific intentions regarding the First Responders of our beloved country: law enforcement, EMS, firefighters, soldiers. We are determined to raise the rallying cry yet again.
Marxism, Communism, Globalism, the Revolution, the conspiracy of Antichrist; call it what you will, our country as we once knew it has been decimated. What previously (in the 1950s) seemed to be on the brink of its “Catholic moment” (at least superficially) is now as far from being Catholic as one could imagine. The Great Confusion is as thick here as it is anywhere. Not only that, but our country seems to be the primary exponent of the Confusion to other lands near and far. Isn’t it strange, then, that our country also seems to be the greatest bastion of Tradition, boasting the most numerous traditional priests, parishes and faithful? Isn’t interesting that it still has potential to be a place from which truly fruitful reform within the ecclesiastical and temporal spheres emanates? How can this be?
“Where sin hath abounded, grace did more abound” (Romans 5:20)
We must be able to see through the smoke and the clouds that God is preparing a great victory for the Church and for His glory. We can be assured that between here and there will be much trial and suffering, but we must be confident in triumph, and that He has a part for each of us to play in it.
So many of the evils that occur today are because of a tacit toleration of evil, a willingness to rationalize and compromise, and a pusillanimity in the face of conflict that is unbecoming a Christian. This is especially true with regard to First Responders and others in authority, as we have a greater impact and greater responsibility towards the common good. But armed with confidence in God this need not be so any longer. The greatest means by which to obtain this true confidence in God, an unshakable confidence that can only solidly exist in the humble and pure soul, are prayer and the Sacraments. The particular (but not exclusive) weapon we have chosen is the Rosary.
We imagine that the readers of OnePeterFive are likely frequent, if not daily, Rosary-sayers. Like us then, you may find it easy to forget some of the promises Our Lady made to those who devoutly recite her Rosary, a few of which are very apt for our Crusade:
- I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
- The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
- The Rosary will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire for eternal things.
- You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.
As First Responders we face many and great trials, risks, and temptations every day. We are foolish if we believe we can face them uncompromisingly without the aid of divine light and grace. Along with the other working classes, we help form the backbone of the country. The current corrupt regime relies in no small part on our cooperation to advance their agenda. We must not allow this status quo to continue, and for that to be the case, we must become no less than saints. Join us in our crusade for the following intentions:
- For the conversion and sanctification of all First Responders and soldiers in our country, along with the authorities over them
- For the preservation and advancement of the traditional Mass and Sacraments
- For deliverance of our country from the heresies, errors, and sins plaguing it
- For God to raise up saints both in the ecclesiastical and temporal spheres for the restoration of Christendom
- For the strengthening of communities, parishes, monasteries, shrines, convents, and other groups centered around the traditional Faith, Mass, and Sacraments
- For the conquest of the enemies of Jesus Christ
Here is the link to the programme for the 54 day Rosary Novena. Like us, we hope you will also make the firm resolution to devote yourself during this time period especially to more frequent and fervent Holy Communions, and a daily minimum of 15 minutes of mental prayer. Numerous saints laud both practices, and we cannot but encourage them as well, as only close union with the will of Our Lord Jesus Christ can overcome every adversity. We march to war starting January 31st, the final day being March 25th, the feast of the Annunciation.
The feast of the Annunciation; wherein Our Lord, the stronger man of the Gospel (Matthew 12:24-30) was first conceived in the Immaculate Womb, coming to dislodge the devil, the strong man, in his captive stronghold: our human nature. It was His first step onto the battlefield. Let us now follow Him!
If you are yourself a member of law enforcement, we also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining us in our newly founded apostolate, the Patrolman’s Fraternity of St. Michael. We will be participating in this Rosary novena as a unit. See the website for more.
As final words of encouragement, we leave you with the immortal words of St. Bernard of Clairveaux, and a last quote from Holy Scripture:
How can you not know that we live in a period of chastisement and ruin? The enemy of mankind has caused the breath of corruption to fly over all regions; we behold nothing but unpunished wickedness. Neither the laws of men nor the laws of religion have sufficient power to check the depravity of customs and the triumph of the wicked. The demon of heresy has taken possession of the chair of truth, and God has sent forth His malediction upon His sanctuary.
Oh, ye who listen to me, hasten then to appease the anger of Heaven. But no longer implore His goodness by vain complaints; clothe not yourselves in sackcloth, but cover yourselves with your impenetrable bucklers. The din of arms, the dangers, the labors, the fatigues of war are the penances that God now imposes upon you. Hasten then to expiate your sins by victories over the infidels, and let the deliverance of holy places be the reward of your repentance.
Fly then to arms! Let a holy ire animate you in the fight, and let the Christian world resound with these words of the prophet, ‘Cursed be he who does not stain his sword with blood!’ If the Lord calls you to the defense of His heritage, think not that His hand has lost its power. Could He not send twelve Legions of Angels or breathe one word and all His enemies would crumble away into dust? But God has considered the sons of men, to open for them the road to His mercy. His goodness has caused to dawn for you a day of safety by calling on you to avenge His glory and His name.
Christian warriors, He who gave His life for you, today demands yours in return. These are combats worthy of you, combats in which it is glorious to conquer and advantageous to die. Illustrious knights, generous defenders of the Cross, remember the example of your fathers, who conquered Jerusalem, and whose names are inscribed in Heaven. Abandon then the things that perish, to gather unfading palms and conquer a Kingdom that has no end.
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31)