Editor’s note: The following is from Michael Matt, Editor of The Remnant. It has been republished with permission.
John asked me to do him a favor and help him notify his many, many friends all around the world that he may not live to see his birthday on Friday. He wishes everyone to know that he’s not in pain. He wishes us all to know that, as he put it, “either we believe in Divine Providence or we don’t. I believe in it, and I know that God has known for all eternity that I would be here in this hospital today, ready to die.”
After all this man has done for us, for the Church, for the Catholic cause, I don’t think I need to beg for prayers for John Vennari. All I need to do is tell you that this beautiful soul wants us to pray for him, and I know that tens of thousands of grateful Catholics will do it.
His last words to me just now were to plead that , no matter what happens, we not give up the fight for Catholic restoration. “Please, keep it going. You must keep it going.” What does it say about the caliber of this warrior for Christ that, from what his doctors are now calling his deathbed, John Vennari’s concerns are still for the Traditional Catholic cause he defended all his life.
I will share whatever updates and information I receive from John and his dear wife, Susan—who now stands faithful watch at John’s side. Also, please pray for John’s beloved young daughters, Elizabeth and Philomena, and for his loyal son, Benedict, and especially for their dad who they love and cherish and respect more deeply than I can describe.
Thank you, John, for everything. God is with you, Mary is at your side and, all over the world, thousands of your brothers and sisters in Christ are with you right now, every step of the way, united with you in prayer. You are not alone, and your unshakable faith shines like a beacon for us all. Pray for us, John. And I know you know these are the most difficult words I’ve ever written.
God bless you, and Mary keep.
St. Philomena and Our Lady of Fatima—please pray for our brother John.
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I will pray for you John! God be with you and your good family! Doctors know a lot, but I personally know of people who went on when doctors said they wouldn’t. They don’t know. But if you go home, God bless your soul. You will rejoice in heaven with the Lord you served so well. Surely you have loved ones there, who are excited about your homecoming.
We’re all right behind you dear. Look for us when we arrive!
My thoughts and prayers are with John and his family at this time and will continue. Whatever the Our Lord’s plan is for John and each of us may His will be done.
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum…Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora morte nostris.
Tears and prayers for such a stalwart soldier for Christ.
what a loss it will be for the Church, but if God wants him home…His Will be done!
Will keep you in prayer, John
If there is a miracle to be had, St. Philomena will see that it happens.
And, of course, Our Blessed Mother too!
Prayers up!
I’m pretty sure he’s going to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Thank you, Lord, for the gift who is John Vennari.
God bless you John – you have been an inspiration to many. Praying for you and your family.
I have been fasting again. I don’t eat until sundown and I’m offering my sacrifices for families and especially for the repose of the soul of my now deceased 91year old mother whose body I found lying half naked between her bed and the windows on the floor of her bedroom. She had been dead for two months since approximately December 27th, the anniversary of my father’s death. It is also the feast of St. John the Apostle. It is also the biggest day of the year for the Grand Lodge of the Scottish Rite. The room appeared to be in helter skelter condition. Unlike her habits her blanket was thrown in a neat pile 6 feet from her bed and lights were left on in the bathroom. She had apparently jumped out of bed, defecated in the middle of the room then moved back 6 feet, dropped to the floor on her back with her mouth mummified into a scream and her arms in a crouching contracted position as if defending from an attacker, while her legs were perfectly straight. And according to the medical examiner this constitutes death by natural causes, heart failure.The money she had put aside for masses after she died was missing. The police refuse to investigate in spite of the theft of the money.
We were not chatty on the phone. We didn’t speak for long periods, but that was normal for us. I shopped and cooked for her and paid her bills. When I came back here to Lancaster, NY I went to the Jesuits for confession. I understand that neglect is the partial cause for this but I also know heart attacks can be induced, especially in the elderly.
John Vennari wrote an important book about the freemasons. Cancer can be induced also. The advantage John has is that he will die in his bed and will be able to prepare for death. My poor mother hadn’t been to confession in several years and I certainly wasn’t expecting her to die, as she was fully able to function although she didn’t have control of her bowels. Mr. Vennari is here also in Western NY. For what it’s worth to Our Savior I offer my prayers, fasting and personal devastation for him and his family. Amen
I am sorry to hear about your mother. I am sure she appreciates the sacrifices that you are making for her now and even if she is already in heavenly glory and no longer needs them, they can be applied to others who might benefit. You could also have a Gregorian Mass said for her. I had Gregorian Masses said for both my father and my late husband through the Franciscans, perhaps the Franciscans of Waterford or perhaps it was through the Seraphic Mass Association, I can no longer remember.
May the soul of your mom, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Thank you for the info and your condolences. My mother wanted 50 masses said for her intention. It’s not the loss of the money that hurts, I can replace that, and make sure my mother has her masses, but what really hurts is that the police and the medical examiner are lying to me. They are corrupt and I don’t know really what happened to my mother. None of the neighbors have even offered their condolences, but I’m sure they know what happened. Maybe they are afraid. I know I am.
My neighbors believed their daughter was deliberately killed through carbon monoxide poisoning by her husband but the police told them they didn’t have enough evidence. For a while they lived in fear of their son-in-law. It is the worst thing to believe a loved one could have experienced a trauma during their last moments but thank goodness we have our faith that knows they are now comforted.
I am glad to hear John is not in pain. Our Lady will be there to greet him, as he has been a most faithful son, including all the work that he has done for her at the Fatima Center. Our Lord will reward him. I have learned so much from reading his articles and listening to his videos on Youtube. I have spent hours listening to him, it’s as if I knew him. Maybe I did since I am also from Western New York. No doubt he has enriched the lives of many people and he can be sure that we will continue the movement for Catholic restoration.
John, thank you so much and God bless you always.
I will pray my rosary for him today!
Jesus, Lord, have mercy. Hold John in your arms and do with him as you are PLEASED. Be GLORIFIED, O Lord in and through John and his life of LOVE and SERVICE.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Mary will be there for this man, and for we who pray the Rosary, with this sincere hope and blessed assurance due to those who pray the Rosary as trusting children of Mary. What a beautiful example this man and his family are setting for all of us who will follow some day in their footsteps.
in our prayers…
Will dedicate our family rosary to him.
A great man. Praying for John and the Vennari’s.
Prayers out and away and continuing.
Praying for John. May Our Lady and St Joseph strengthen him in his final hour and may Our Lord Jesus Christ welcome him into His kingdom.
Lord Jesus please cover the soul of brother John Vennari, he is in Thy hands now oh Lord, do unto him as You will whether he continue his pilgrimage here on earth or choose to bring him home to paradise, let Thy will be done, not for our sake but for the sake of thy glory and the glory of Thy kingdom- the glory of the most glorious and Holy Trinity. Mother Mary, mediatrix of all grace, please cover brother John with your mantle of protection. Saint Joseph, patron of a holy death, please cover brother John with your holy cloak. Saint Michael the Archangel, please defend the soul of brother John with thy holy sword from the assaults of the evil one and his minions. Guardian angel and patron saint of brother John, please guard and pray for thy brethren. Amen.
May he be brought to the fullness of eternal life in Christ our saviour. May we honour him in his last wishes.
So Steve, How’s John doing?