APPARITIONS IN MONTICHIARI-FONTANELLE (IN ITALY) (NÃO PUBLICAR AINDA)

The seer Saint Pierina Gilli

Image of Our Lady Rosa Mystica and of Saint Pierina Gilli in the Sanctuary of Jacareí:

APPARITIONS OF MONTICHIARI

Apparition of Spring, 1947

While she was praying in the chapel of the local hospital in Montichiari, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to nurse Pierina Gilli, dressed in mauve, very sad and with tears in Her eyes. Her heart was pierced by three swords.

The first sword symbolized the unworthy celebration of Holy Mass and Communion unworthily received; the second sword symbolized those who were unfaithful to, or gave up, their vocation as a priest or a religious; the third sword symbolized the betrayal of the Faith. Our Lady asked for “Prayer, Sacrifice, and Penance.” These were her only words.

Apparition of July, 1947

Our Lady appeared to Pierina in a white dress. She was adorned with three beautiful roses: white, red and yellow, which Pierina was allowed to see in place of the three swords. The white rose represented the spirit of prayer, the red one represented the spirit of sacrifice, and the yellow rose the spirit of penance and conversion. Pierina had not yet recognized the Mother of God, and she asked the apparition, “Please tell me, who are you?”

In reply to this question She smiled and said:

“I am the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of all of you. Our Lord sends me to bring a new Marian Devotion to all religious orders and institutes, male and female, and to the priests of this world. I promise to protect those religious orders and institutes who will venerate me in this special way, increase their vocations, and achieve a greater striving for saintliness among the servants of God.

I wish that the 13th of each month be celebrated as a Marian Day. Special prayers are to be said during the proceeding twelve days.”

With an expression of great joy, She continued:

“On this day I shall pour out vocational holiness and abundant graces on those religious orders and spiritual institutes who have honoured me especially.

I wish that the 13th of July be celebrated each year in honor of the Rosa Mystica (the Mystical Rose)”

Pierina asked whether a miracle would follow. Our Lady replied:

“The most evident miracle will be this: Those who have given their souls to God—the religious who, for a long time now, have become indifferent, thus betraying their vocation, and as a result of their offenses have brought about the punishments and persecutions which are raging against the Church at the present time—will stop offending Our Lord. They will again lead a life according to the original spirit of their saintly founders.”

The seer, Pierina, interpreted the words “Mystical Rose” as follows: “Mary is the master teacher of the innermost, mystical life and the Mother of the mystical body of Christ; in other words: She is the Mother of the Church.”

This interpretation by Pierina was magnificently confirmed by Pope Paul VI in his final speech during the third meeting of the council, on 21st November, l964, when he declared Mary as the Mother of the Church.

Apparition of October 22, 1947

Pierina saw Our Lady again in the chapel of the hospital, in the presence of many staff members, doctors, and people from the town. This time, Our Lady requested that the desired devotion be realized, and said:

“I have placed myself as the Mediatrix between my Divine son and mankind, especially for the soul consecrated to God. Tired of the continuous offenses, He already wanted to dispense His justice.”

Pierina thanked Our Lady in the name of all present. Our Lady finished Her dialogue with the words:

“Live out of love!”

Apparition of November, 16, 1947

Our Lady appeared in the Basilica of Montichiari in the presence of some people. Among them were several priests. Pierina heard the words:

“Our Lord can no longer watch the many grievous sins against purity. He wants to send a flood of punishments. I have interceded that He may be merciful once more! Therefore, I ask for prayer and penance to atone for these sins.”

Pierina replied to Our Lady’s request with a willing “Yes.” The Blessed Virgin added:

“I lovingly ask the priests to express their great love and stop the people from committing those sins. Whoever will atone for those sins, will receive my blessing and graces.”

In reply to the seer’s question on whether we may hope for forgiveness, Our Lady said:

“Yes, as long as these sins are no longer committed.”

With these words She went away.

Apparition of November 22, 1947

Our Lady appeared once more to Pierina in the Basilica of Montichiari in the presence of several people, and demanded that the seer make the Sign of the Cross four times with her tongue on the tiles in the center of the church. Our Lady then descended onto the spot and said:

“I descend on this place, for many great conversions will happen here.”

And in a sad voice She continued:

“The Christians of your Italian nation belong to those who offend most my Divine Son Jesus through their sins of unchastity. Our Lord demands, therefore, prayer, generous sacrifices, and penance.”

Pierina asked: “What do we have to do to fulfill your demands for prayer and penance?” Our Lady replied full of tenderness:

“Prayer.”

After a short, silent pause, She explained:

“Penance means to accept every day all the little crosses, and the duties too, in the spirit of penance.”

Thereupon She promised solemnly:

“On the 8th of December, at noon, I shall appear again here in the Basilica. It will be the Hour of Grace.”

Pierina asked: “Please explain to me the meaning of Hour of Grace.”

“This Hour of Grace will produce great and numerous conversions. Hardened and cold hearts resembling this marble will be touched by divine Grace, and they will become faithful to Our Lord in loyal love.”

This was the only time that Our Lady announced Her next appearance. All other apparitions came unannounced.

Apparition of December 7, 1947

Our Blessed Virgin appeared once more at the Basilica of Montichiari. Three people were present including the father confessor of the seer. Our Lady, the Mystical Rose, wore a white cloak which was held by a boy at the right-hand side, and by a girl on the left-hand side.

Our Lady said:

“I shall show my heart tomorrow of which the people know so little. In Fatima I asked that the devotion to my heart be spread.”

And with an ever sweeter voice She went on:

“I wanted to bring my heart into Christian families in Bonate (near Bergamo, Italy).”

After a brief pause She added:

“Here, in Montichiari, I wish to be venerated as the Rosa Mystica, as already indicated so often, together with the devotion to my heart which must be specially practiced in religious institutes so that they may obtain more graces through my motherly heart.”

Our Lady then confided a secret to Pierina with the promise that She would tell her the time for the secret to be made public. Pierina also wanted to know who the children were. 

Our Lady replied:

“Jacinta and Francisco; they will help you in your trials and suffering. They too, suffered. I wish from you the simplicity and goodness of these two children.”

Our Lady then spread out Her arms as a sign of Her protection, lifted Her eyes to Heaven and disappeared with the words:

“Praised be the Lord!”

Apparition of December 8, 1947

On this great feast countless priests were present. It was only with a great deal of effort that Pierina was able to get into the Basilica. She knelt in the center of the church, just where the other apparitions had taken place. During the recitation of the Holy Rosary, Pierina called out: “O, Our Lady!”

Great silence ensued! Our Lady appeared on a large white staircase, decorated with a white, red and yellow rose. She said with a smile:

“I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Descending several steps with great majesty She continued:

“I am Mary, full of grace, Mother of My Divine Son Jesus Christ.”

Descending even more, She said:

“Through my coming to Montichiari, I which to be known as the Rosa Mystica. It is my wish that every year, on 8th of December, at noon, the Hour of Grace for the world be celebrated. Many divine and bodily graces will be received through this devotion. Our Lord, my Divine Son Jesus, will send His overflowing mercy if good people will pray continuously for their sinful brother.

One should very soon notify the Holy Father of the Church, Pope Pius XII, that it is my wish that the Hour of Grace for the world be made known and spread throughout the world. If anyone is unable to visit his church, yet will pray at noon at home, he will also receive graces through me. Whoever prays on these tiles and weeps tears of penance, will find a secure heavenly ladder and receive protection and grace through my motherly heart.”

Then Our Lady showed Pierina her heart and said:

“Look at this heart which loves mankind so very much, but most people only shower offenses upon it. If the good and the bad unite in prayer they will obtain mercy and peace through this heart. The Lord is still protecting the good and is holding back a great punishment because of my intercession.”

Our Lady smiled again and went on:

“Soon one will recognize the greatness of this Hour of Grace.”

When Pierina saw that Our Lady was going to depart, she said: “Dear Lady, I thank you! Bless my homeland Italy and the whole world, but especially the Holy Father, the priests, the religious, and the sinners.”

Our Lady replied:

“I have already prepared a flood of graces for all the children who listen to my words and keep them in their hearts.”

She assured Pierina that she would return at a suitable time when the secret entrusted to her would be made public through the Ecclesiastical authority. Our Lady then said “good-bye.”

APPARITIONS OF MONTICHIARI

Pierina withdrew to a convent where, hidden from the world, she served in the kitchen and where she waited in silence for the hour which, as promised, came after 19 years, on White Sunday (the Sunday after Easter), 17th of April, 1966, in Fontanelle, a settlement of only a few houses spread around and situated about 2-3 km outside Montichiari. Our Blessed Lady kept her promise.

Apparition of April 17, 1966

The Most Blessed Virgin said:

“My Divine Son is total love, and he is sending me to give miraculous powers to this spring. As a sign of penance and purification kiss the top step.

Steps made of stone led down from the path to the spring.

Then descend a few steps and kiss the stone again.”

Our Lady followed the seer.

“Now, for a third time, kiss the bottom step and have a crucifix placed there.”

With Her left hand Our Lady indicated the spot.

“The sick and all my children must kiss the crucifix and ask my Divine Son for forgiveness before they take the water, or drink from it.”

Our Lady approached the spring and said:

 “Take mud into your hands. Wash yourself with water! This is to teach the sinners that sin makes the soul dirty, yet the soul will be cleansed again through the water of grace. Thus, the sinner will once more be pleasing to God.”

What a clear symbol of the sacramental grace of God!

Our Lady bowed down and touched the water of the spring in two places. She added the following words:

“The wishes expressed by my Son Jesus in 1947, are to made known to all my children. Then I gave you His messages and mine in the Basilica (Montichiari). It is my wish, and I repeat: the sick should come to this miraculous spring and many of my children should come with them.”

Apparition of May 13, 1966

On 13th May, Our Lady’s anniversary of Her apparition at Fatima, Our Lady brought great joy to Pierina when She appeared once again at the spring, in the presence of about 20 people. It was 11:40 am. Our Lady said, amongst other things:

“One should make known my appearance at this spring. My Divine Son is all love. The world is walking the road to perdition. Once again I have been able to obtain mercy, and Jesus has sent me, therefore, again to Montichiari to bring you the grace of His love… It requires prayer, sacrifice and penance in order to save mankind.”

Our Lady, pointing to the water at Her right-hand side which She had touched on April 17, 1966, said:

“It is my wish that a comfortable basin is built here, in order to immerse the sick in the water… The other part of the spring (She pointed to Her left-hand side) is to be used for drinking.”

Pierina wanted to know from the Blessed Virgin what to call the spring. Thereupon Our Lady replied:

“The Spring of Grace.”

And in reply to a further question: “What is your name?”, Peirina was told:

“Rosa Mystica.”

At these words, the Mother of God spread out Her arms, spread open Her wide cloak, and said with a smile:

“I have come to bring love, unity and peace to the souls of my children. I ask you, do not throw any mud on the love for your fellow-man.”

The seer questioned the meaning of the wide cloak. Our lady answered:

“This is the meaning of my love which embraces the whole of mankind.”

Pierina asked: “What would you like us to do here at Fontanelle? Our Lady replied:

“Do acts of charity for the sick who will come here.”

Apparition on the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 9, 1966

About 100 people were present at the spring on this Day of Obligation. Pierina came to the Shrine after 3 pm and asked all those present to recite the Holy Rosary. Suddenly, in the middle of the recitation, Pierina called out: “Look up to the sky!” This time, Our Lady appeared five to six metres above the spring over a wheat field. Those present noticed that, in the direction of the seer’s eyes, Our Lady seemed to touch the ears of the wheat with Her feet. Our Lady said:

“My Divine Son Jesus Christ has sent me here today, on the Feast of the Body of Our Lord, on the Feast of Unity and Love. Spreading out Her hand She continued: I should like very much that this wheat be transformed into the Eucharistic bread, into countless penitential communions.”

Majestically, lifting Her eyes to Heaven, Our Lady went on:

“It is my wish that the Hosts made of this wheat be taken to Rome, and to Fatima for the 13th of October.”

Pierina asked: “Should all this wheat be used for it?”

Our Lady replied:

“May noble hearts fulfill my wish. I wish that a chapel be built here with a statue facing the spring.”

Pierina said: “Dear Blessed Virgin, I do not understand.”

Our Lady showed her an image and said:

“The statue is to be carried here in a procession on the 13th of October, but prior to it, it is my wish that the people of Montichiari consecrate themselves to my heart. Montichiari is the place which my Divine Son has chosen for me to distribute His graces.”

Pierina saw that Our Lady was going to leave, so she asked Her to stay a little longer. Our Lady lingered, and Pierina was allowed to commend several petitions and to request Our Lady’s blessing for the priests, the faithful, and the sick.

Apparition on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, August 6, 1966

Pierina came to the spring at about 2:30 pm. About 200 people had gathered there. At 3 pm the seer asked all to recite the Holy Rosary. During the fourth mystery she stopped, and called out: “Our Lady is here.” Everyone was silent, and they all listened with emotion to the dialogue with Heaven.

The Mother of God said:

“My Divine Son Jesus has sent me again, in order to request the World League of Penitential Communion, and this is to be done on the 13th of October. This Day of Penitential Communion should be spread throughout the world. It is to be held first in 1966, and them to be repeated every year. Those priests and faithful who will spread this devotion will be given the wealth of my graces.”

Pierina inquired again about the wheat. Our Lady instructed her:

“One should take this wheat to my beloved son Pope Paul VI, with the instruction that it has been blessed by Our Presence. It is the wheat of his homeland, of Brescia, of Montichiari. Tell him the wishes of my Divine Son… also those concerning Fatima.”

Pierina wanted to know what to do with the remaining wheat.

Our Lady answered:

“Have small bread rolls baked of the remaining wheat. These rolls are to be distributed here at Fontanelle on certain days in memory of my coming. This is to be the sign of gratitude of my sons, who till the soil. After my ascension into Heaven I have always acted as Mediatrix between my Son Jesus and the whole of mankind. How many graces I have been able to obtain in all these centuries! How may graces were shown. How much punishment was prevented. How many dialogues did I hold with souls. How often have I visited earth to bring my messages to the people, but people continue to offend Our Lord. I have chosen this place of Montichiari because there is still the humility of poor Bethlehem among my sons who till the soil. Furthermore, this place, where so many prayers are said continuously, will be transformed into a source of rich blessings.”

After these revelations of Our Lady, Pierina withdrew once more into a life of peaceful retirement.

Our Lady also asked Pierina to do "THE TREZENA", the seer Marcos Tadeu of the Apparitions of Jacareí recorded many Trezenas.

APPARITION IN KNOCK (IRELAND)

Saint Joseph, Our Lady and Saint John the Evangelist.

Apparition of the Virgin Mary at KNOCK 

IRELAND, 1879 

On August 21, 1879, Mary McLoughlin, 45-year old housekeeper of the church administered by the Archdeacon Bartholomew Kavanagh, went to the nearby cottage of Mary Byrne at about 7 PM. Along the way, on the south side of the church she saw the figures of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist dressed as a Bishop, mistaking them for statues, and also an altar with a red cross and a lamb, traditional image of Jesus, with Angels in adoration. Mrs. McLoughlin thought that the Archdeacon had himself acquired those images in Dublin. After half an hour the two women returned to lock the main door, and saw there again the figures, and realized that it was instead an apparition. Then Mary called her brother Dominick, her mother and her sister, both named Margaret, and informed also the people of the surrounding area. Her cousin Dominick Sr., his son Patrick, their servant John Durkan and little six-year old Curry John rushed there. Meanwhile, Mary Byrne had run to the house of her friend Judith Campbell and the seventy-five-year old Bridget Trench, who later gave a detailed account of the apparition. On the evening August 21, fifteen people between the ages of five and seventy-five and of both genders, were thus witnesses of an apparition at the south side of the small parish church of the town, the church of Saint John the Baptist. The Virgin Mary was described as being life-size, slightly elevated from the ground, dressed in white, with a rose on her bright crown. Patrick Hill reported of having seen her eyes, with iris and pupils. She was described as "immersed in prayer", with her eyes turned towards Heaven. Bridget Trench stated: "I went immediately to kiss the feet of the Blessed Virgin, but in my embrace I did not grasp anything but the wall, and was left amazed that it was not possible to touch the figures which I had seen and identified so clearly". Saint Joseph was described to be in white garments at the right of the Vligin, with his head inclined towards her, with grizzled hair and beard. Saint John the Evangelist was in prayer at the left of the Virgin, with a long robe and a Bishop's miter, slightly turned towards the others and with a large book resembling a Bible in his hands. Those present recited the Rosary under the unceasing rain, for more than two hours. The witnesses reported that the ground had remained completely dry during the event, despite the rain. After about two hours the apparition suddenly ceased, with the figures never having moved nor spoken. An ecclesiastical commission of inquiry was formed by the Archbishop of Tuam, John MacHale. In 1936 the apparition was recognized worthy of belief and devotion to it was authorized. In 1979, on the occasion of its centennial, Pope John Paul II went to visit the Shrine. 

APPARITION IN GENOA (ITALY)

Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Genoa

ITALY, 1940

The story of the apparition which is at the origin of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Guard has reached us through popular tradition and a "memory" of 1530, written forty years after the mysterious event, that begins like this: "In 1490 Benedetto Pareto, farmer of Livellato, had climbed Mount Figogna to collect hay for his animals. He must have had with him perhaps part of his small flock and also a sickle, which a fanner uses still today to cut the grass at the margins of bushy areas and in narrow places. While he was attending to his work, he suddenly saw in front of him a woman who immediately did not appear to him as of this world, who addressing him in a gentle tone, said: «Benedetto, come near me and do not fear, for I am the Queen of Heaven and the Mother of Jesus Christ». Then she asked Pareto, reassured by the friendly tone in which the mysterious lady visitor had spoken to him, to build a chapel dedicated to her. Benedetto replied that he was ready to do what he had been asked, but his poverty, the labor, Monte Figogna being far from inhabited places... The Virgin exhorted Benedetto Pareto not to be afraid: he would be helped in the endeavor and he would not lack anything. The man promised and the vision disappeared going towards Heaven with a glow and he seemed to see many Angels accompanying her... After returning to the village, Pareto recounted what happened and made known to his wife his intention to immediately begin the construction of the chapel, but the woman dissuaded him and Benedetto forgot his promise. Some time later Benedetto climbed a fig tree, but the branch gave away due to the weight of his body and it snapped. His fall left severe consequences that made him think the worst. Infirm in bed, Benedetto received again a visit of the Virgin Mary who, gently reproaching him, invited him anew to build the chapel, and she healed him immediately. The Virgin encouraged him with these words: «You will be helped and assisted by everyone for this construction». It was in this way that Benedetto Pareto some time later helped by the inhabitants of Livellato and the people of Val Polcevera, who immediately hastened at the news of the apparition, built the first chapel, with great participation and devotion of the people...". The meek figure of Benedetto Pareto is remembered at Livellato in the parish church with frescoes recalling the mysterious "adventure" and the construction of the first chapel on Mount Figogna, that dominates from high over the scattered houses of this unusual village. 

APPARITIONS IN MONTE BERICO (ITALY)

Apparition of the Virgin Mary in MONTE BERICO ITALY, 1426-1428 

The origins of the Shrine of Monte Berico are tied to the two apparitions of the Blessed Mother to Vincenza Pasini, a woman who was bringing food to her husband who was working on the hill: the first was on the 7th of March in 1426, the second was on the 1st of August 1428. The Madonna promised the end to the plague and asked that in that place a church be dedicated to her. Thus, in 1428, in a few months, rose the first little church and a small monastery to lodge a religious community committed to the welcoming reception of the pilgrims. In the first decades of 1400 a persistent pestilence reaped victims in the whole area around the city of Vicenza. Toward the middle of March 1426 a woman of advanced age, a certain Vincenzo Pasini, went to the Bishop of Vicenza to tell him the story that, a few days earlier, on the 7th of March, while she was on her way to her husband, who was laboring in his little vineyard on Monte Berico, in the place where today the Shrine is situated, a most beautiful woman appeared to her and said: “Be not afraid, Vincenza. I am the Mother of Jesus, who died crucified for the salvation of mankind. Go and advise the people of Vicenza that I want in this location a church consecrated to my name; only then will they be liberated from the scourge that beats them. You will tell the people my commands: if they do not obey, the plagues will not cease. As proof of my volition, dig amongst these arid stones and a copious spring of water will gush forth.” And she added: “You will say also that all those who will visit this church during Feasts dedicated to me and on the first Sunday of every month, will have abundant graces, and they will receive my maternal benediction.” The Bishop did not believe her, as the Magistrates of the City did not believe her, those to whom Vincenza also turned. The visionary explained that she had traced with an olive branch the perimeter of the church to be built in her honor. Only two years later, on the 1st of August 1428, Vincenza had a second vision; and this time she went down to the city, starting to shout in a loud voice that which happened to her. And the people — who meanwhile were continuing to die because of the plague — began to believe her: and so it was that, on the 25th of that month, the authorities and people decided to initiate the construction of a primitive church, the early nucleus of that which, with successive expansions, would have become the most beautiful and important Marian Shrine in the Veneto region: that of "Our Lady of Monte Berico." The Basilica Shrine is now composed of the combination of two churches: one of the Gothic style, completed in the second half of the 1400s; the other of the Baroque style, enlarged and completed by Carlo Borella (1688-1703), after the first extension based upon the design by Andrea Palladio (1576). The High Altar, with the highly venerated image of the Madonna, a statue sculpted in marble in 1430 and polychromatic, who under her mantle protects all the faithful who have recourse to her, is a masterpiece completed only in 1928. From the City of Vicenza one can access Monte Berico by using the walkway of stairs, a series of porticos, built in the second half of the 1700s, formed by 150 arches, as many as the beads of the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries of the Rosary, and every tenth arch, from a Chapel in which are painted the single Mysteries of the Rosary. Officiated by the Servile Order, also known as the Servants of Mary, the Shrine of the Madonna of Monte Berico is an uninterrupted destination of pilgrimages. 

APPARITIONS IN CAMPINAS (BRAZIL)

MESSAGES FROM OUR LADY OF TEARS AND OF JESUS TIED UP, TO THE SEER AMALIA AGUIRRE.

En español clic aquí.

HISTORY

Sister Amalia of the Scourged Jesus was one of the first eight sisters and co-founders of the Institute of Missionaries of the Crucified Jesus, founded by Msgr. Count Francisco de Campos Barreto, Bishop of Campinas, Brazil. Like her contemporary, Therese Neumann, and in company with Saint Francis and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Amalia was graced with the singular but dreadful privilege of bearing the marks of the Passion of Christ upon her own body, the stigmata. It was to this young woman that both Our Divine Lord and His Blessed Mother spoke, revealing a beautiful devotion focused on the Tears of Sorrow. The Lord Jesus spoke and instructed her, and Our Lady further encouraged her to conquer the devil and even hell itself through the devotion of this rosary. ‘Get ready for this great battle’ were the parting words of Our Lady.

Sister Amalia Aguirre (1901- 1977)

The future nun was born in Rios, Spain on 22nd July 1901 and received her baptism eight days later. She made her First Communion and was Confirmed in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Rios and was noted at the time to be a girl with the character of obedience; the first indication of her virtue. Amalia exhibited a propensity at this time for both goodness and charity towards others and also a care for the things of God. A closeness with Him was evident in her young life. Jesus became a great ‘book’ from which her eyes were never averted. Her spiritual growth and her practice of charity were learned from her parents, Andres and Emerita. Her home had been a fertile ground in which the seed of her vocation was able to grow to maturity. Amalia’s parents emigrated from Spain to Brazil in search of a better life and, after a period in which she remained behind caring for the sick of the Great Flu Pandemic, Amalia came to join them on 16th July 1919.

The Establishment of The Institute

In the late 1920s Amalia became involved with an Association of Missionaries of the Crucified Jesus. She was inspired by and strongly identified with the devotion of this group to the Passion of Jesus and to charitable work. In 1928, Msgr. Count Francisco de Campos Barreto convened some eight members of this Association, including Amalia, and between them founded a Congregation. Though the Order was to be both contemplative and active, the members retained secular dress in order to be accessible to ordinary folk. Called to the Contemplative Life and living the ‘Paschal Mystery’ the new Order was also dedicated to announcing the Gospel in the most difficult places where people lived. At this time Sister Amalia is described as having that same generous nature and sacrificial character she exhibited as a child. She made her Temporary Vows on 8th December 1927 – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and then on 8th December 1931, exactly four years to the day, took Perpetual Vows. Thus Amalia became a nun consecrated to Christ and His Church, taking the name in religion ‘Sister Amalia of the Scourged Jesus.’ She continued to live in community in Campinas until 1953 when she was transferred to Cassa de Nossa Senhora Aparecida (House of Our Lady of the Apparition) in Taubate, San Paulo. Her life was dedicated to the poor and needy and she developed a special concern for both children and widows. At some point Amalia received a vision in which she saw a home that should be constructed where poor children might find refuge, and promptly vowed to carry out this project. She began by seeking to assist twenty poor children who she fed.  So the work began which continues to this day. The vision of a ‘house of safety’ eventually came to fruition in 1969 when a home for Children was opened in the Village of Saint Gerald. The seed had been planted and watered by sacrifice; it was now seen to blossom. Here children would be able to receive instruction, be provided with food, clothes and shawls. Sewing, hygiene and religious education were taught and the house expanded due to the generosity shown by many well-wishers. Though Amalia was not to see the completed work as she died in 1977, new land was acquired and a large, spacious Home of Sr Amalia was opened on 18th June 1981. The practical love of this nun continuing to bear fruit when, in 2001, on the occasion of the anniversary of her birth, a center for alcoholics was opened. But in another way, her gift to the whole Church is only beginning to be discovered, for the events which occurred shortly after she joined the Order have led to a beautiful devotion which continues to spread through the Church.

I. The Vision of Our Lord on 8 November 1929

On 8 November 1929 Sister Amalia received a visit from a distressed relative whose wife was seriously ill and had been pronounced incurable by several doctors. With tears in his eyes the poor husband asked; ‘What will become of the children?’ His distressed state and desperation regarding the loss he and his children would shortly sustain, grieved Sister Amalia in her heart. At once she turned to God in prayer as she listened to the sad tale. She recounts an inner compunction calling her to make an immediate visit to the Lord, and went straight to the chapel where she laid these concerns before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Kneeling on the steps before the Altar and Tabernacle, she extended her arms and offered herself as a substitute for her relative. ‘If there is no longer any possibility of recovery for the wife of T… then I am prepared to offer my own life for the mother of the family.  What do You want me to do?’ 

It was then that Amalia reported Jesus Himself spoke: ‘If you wish to receive this grace, ask Me for the sake of My Mother’s tears.’ 

Amalia inquired: ‘How must I pray?’ 

Thereupon Jesus told her the following invocations: ‘O Jesus, hear our prayer for the sake of the tears of Your Most Holy Mother!’ ‘O Jesus, behold the tears of the one who loved You most on earth and who loves You most ardently in heaven!’ 

Sister Amalia reports that after giving these words to her, Jesus said: ‘My daughter, whatever people will ask of Me for the sake of the tears of My Mother, I shall lovingly grant them. Later, my Mother will hand over this treasure to Our beloved Institute as a Magnet of Mercy.’

II. The Vision of Our Lady on 8 March 1930

Four months to the day, on 8th March 1930, Sister Amalia was again on her knees before the tabernacle when the promise of the Redeemer was granted to her. In her own words we hear: “I was in the chapel kneeling on the steps on the left side of the altar, when suddenly I felt myself raised up. Then I saw a woman of indescribable beauty approach. She was dressed in a garment of purple, a blue cloak and a white veil that draped to her breast and was drawn across her shoulders. She glided towards me smiling, and holding in her hand a rosary, which she called ‘corona’ (that is ‘crown’ or rosary). Its pearls shone like the sun and were as white as snow.

‘Do you know why I wear a blue mantle? To remind you of heaven, when you are feeling weary from your labors, and carrying the cross of your tribulations. My mantle reminds you of heaven, to give you indescribable joy and eternal happiness, and this will give courage to your soul and peace to your heart, to continue the struggle until the end!’ 

‘Do you understand the significance of my purple-violet tunic? I will tell you that you should remember, as you stand before the image of Tears, of the colors I wear, purple signifies pain. The pain that Jesus felt when they beat him, barbarically, on his body. My mother's heart and my soul were also lacerated by pain, on seeing Jesus.’

‘My child, I will explain to you why I wear this white veil, around my breast and covering my head. White signifies purity, and being the white flower of the Holy Trinity, I could not appear without this whiteness. The sweet smile you see traced on my lips is for the immense happiness to be able to give mankind such a precious treasure!’

‘My child, I will tell you about the rosary in my hands. I have named it the Crown (chaplet) of Tears. When you are near me, seeing this chaplet in my hands, remember that it signifies mercy, love, and pain... this chaplet of my blessed tears signifies that your Mother loves you. Use all its privileges, resort to it with confidence and love.’

Handing me the rosary, she said: ‘This is the rosary of my tears, which is being entrusted by my Son to His beloved Institute as a portion of His inheritance. The invocations have already given you by My Son. My Son wants to honor me especially with these invocations; and therefore, He will gladly grant all graces that are asked for the sake of my tears. This rosary will provide for the conversion of many sinners, especially those possessed by the devil. To the Institute of the Crucified Jesus is reserved a special honor; that is the conversion of many members of a wicked sect to the ‘flowering tree’ of the Church. Through this rosary the devil will be conquered and the power of hell will be destroyed. Get ready for this great battle.’

‘I will explain to you the reason I appear with my eyes inclined downward. Inspired painters have recorded my eyes looking upward to sing the glory of my Immaculate Conception. Then why are my eyes inclined downward in this apparition, into which you entrust yourself to my blessed tears? It signifies my compassion towards humanity, because I have come from heaven to alleviate your suffering. My eyes will always be directed to your sorrows and afflictions, whenever you ask my Son through the tears I shed. And as you are near my image, see that I gaze at you with eyes of compassion and tenderness.’” 

When the Blessed Virgin had finished speaking, she was seen no more.

III. The Vision of Our Lady on 8 April 1930

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*Medal of Our Lady of Tears given to Sr. Amalia of the Scourged Jesus at Campinas, Brazil.

(In front) Our Lady of Tears as in the apparition with the inscription:

“O Virgin Most Sorrowful, Your Tears Have Destroyed the Infernal Empire.”

(At the back) The image of Jesus bound & scourged (Ecce Homo) with the inscription:

“By Your Divine Meekness, O Jesus Bound, Save the World from the Error which Threatens It.”

Bishop Francisco was travelling in Europe at the time of these visions. He attended the Passion Play at Oberammergau and also visited the German mystic and stigmatic Therese Neumann. Whilst on this journey he spread the knowledge of the revelations and the devotion of the Chaplet. He also spoke of a third vision on 8 April 1930, in which the Blessed Mother revealed a Medal of the Tears to be worn. Reports began to emerge of innumerable conversions as a result of wearing this Medal. Furthermore news came of requests granted and healing occurring as a result of the Chaplet of Tears. The practice of reciting the Chaplet for nine days, receiving the Sacraments and performing works of charity has indeed led to many blessings.

In 1934 Bishop Francisco wrote: “Innumerable graces have been received through the praying of the rosary to honor the tears of our dear Lady. The reason lies in the promise of the holy Savior, 'no favor will be refused, when asked of Him for the sake of the tears of His most holy Mother.'

It is well known, that the holy Savior rewards in a special way the sincere reverence for the sorrows of His most holy Mother, which alone are the cause of her tears. Also from Germany, Holland, and Belgium many report of extraordinary favors and graces. They prayed the rosary of our Lady of the Tears daily for nine days, received the holy sacraments and performed works of mercy.

From religious, we understand, that the praying of this rosary is a very dear habit to which they attribute extraordinary graces. For that reason, they pray it daily often to ask graces for themselves and others, the conversion of sinners, heretics, and atheists, to obtain graces for priests and missionaries, to help the dying, and to free the poor souls from Purgatory.

A believing, pious soul, for whom the good of the holy Church, and the honor of God is close at heart, knows without special guidance, what it can and will obtain from our gracious Redeemer through the tears of His most holy Mother.

When sorrow and suffering fill our heart, we direct our thoughts to God. Through the tears of Mary, His most holy Mother, we soften the heart of God, even though it is ever ready to grant us kindness, graces and blessings.

 At the present, so it seems to us, the blessed tears of the Mother of Jesus are especially powerful to win the heart of God.”

There exist other examples of visions of Our Lady shedding tears including; La Salette, 1846, and the incidents at Syracuse, 1953. At La Salette the Virgin was seen weeping for humanity while at Syracuse a terra-cotta image of Our Lady exhibited tears. Enormous crowds bore witness to the miracle leading Pope Pius XII to declare in wonder, ‘O the Tears of Mary!’

How to Pray the Rosary of Our Lady of Tears

The rosary transmitted to Sister Amalia by the Mother of God consists of forty-nine white beads, which is divided into seven parts by seven larger beads of the same color -- similar to the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Blessed Virgin which can be used if the Rosary of Tears is not available. At the end, there are attached three more small beads and a medal of our dear Lady of Tears.

Through these instructions we are obviously directed to honor Mary our Mother on account of her sorrows, for which she shed many tears. The Medal of our Lady of Tears is an essential part of the rosary, but it must be the way it was revealed to Sister Amalia by the Mother of God on April 8, 1930. In Germany, this medal is made with the specified inscription in all the European languages. The rosary beads are recommended but not required in praying.

On the Medal of Jesus

O crucified Jesus, we fall at Your feet and offer You the tears of the one, who with deep compassionate love accompanied You on Your sorrowful way of the Cross. O good Master, grant that we take to heart the lessons which the tears of Your most holy Mother teach us, so that we may fulfill Your holy will on earth, that we may be worthy to praise and exalt You in Heaven for all eternity. Amen.

In the large beads (instead of the “Our Father”):

V. O Jesus, look upon the tears of the one who loved You most on earth,

R. And loves You most ardently in heaven.

In the small beads (instead of the “Hail Mary”):

V. O Jesus, listen to our prayers,

R. For the sake of the tears of Your most Holy Mother.

On the final three beads:

V. O Jesus, look upon the tears of the one who loved You most on earth,

R. And loves You most ardently in heaven.

On the Medal of Mary

O Mary, Mother of Love, Sorrow and Mercy, we beseech you to unite your prayers with ours so that Jesus, your Divine Son, to whom we turn, may hear our petitions in the name of your maternal tears, and grant us, not only the favors we now ask, but the crown of everlasting life. Amen.

With your tears, O sorrowful Mother, destroy the rule of Satan. Through Your divine tenderness, O Jesus bound and fettered, defend the world from the errors that threaten it. Amen.