Maria de Agreda (Life of the Venerable) by Bishop Jose Ximenez Samaniego

Download the "Life of the Venerable Mary of Jesus of Agreda" (English Version) written by Bishop Jose Ximenez Samaniego in Spanish and translated from the French of Abbe Joseph A. Boullan at:

1) http://archive.org/details/LifeOfVenMariaOfAgredaByFrJoseXimenezSamaniego

2) http://www.scribd.com/doc/146477796/Life-of-Venerable-Mary-of-Jesus-of-Agreda-by-Fr-Jose-Ximenez-Samaniego

Ven. Mary is the author of the masterpiece "The Mystical City of God: The Divine History and Life of the Virgin Mother of God"





Tags: Venerable, Mary of Agreda, Maria of Agreda, Maria de Agreda, Jose, Ximenez Samaniego, Jimenez Samaniego, Boullan, Mystical City of God, Mistica Ciudad de Dios

Raising of the Dead by Venerable Maria of Agreda

In one extraordinary report that her prayers were instrumental in the restoration of life to a dead man, the humble nun swore the witnesses to secrecy until after her death. The following account derives from witnesses’ sworn testimony in official records documenting the apostolic process in her cause for canonization. 

In 1660, with the bulk of writing [her visions] behind her and a certain slowing in the intensity of correspondence with the king [Philip IV] due to each of their increasing ages and health concerns, Sor María frequently retreated in quiet devotions. On one such day, she knelt in prayer in the lower choir adjacent to the church. Unbeknownst to her, or any of the other nuns, two workmen approached the minor sacristan who assisted the priest in caring for the church. The men asked for and received permission to set a large chest just inside the church door, indicating only that it contained merchandise for safekeeping. 

Deep in meditative prayer, Sor María heard “sad moans and profound lamentations.” In the report, she indicated that she had been frightened and disturbed because the sighs sounded horrible and seemed hopeless. She told how she approached the church doorway and saw the chest. The crying, she realized, came from there. Then she realized that the chest was a coffin harboring an anguished soul, one that had died impenitent. To Sor María there could be no worse fate. She prayed for God to put new life into the soul, so it could repent before facing judgment. In struggling for more understanding, Sor María said she realized not only that the coffin had been placed in the church in secret, but that a more astounding secret lay within: the body inside was none other than that of her brother, Padre Francisco Coronel. He had at one time held a position of authority at a Franciscan college in Madrid, but in later years he had felt that his efforts were not sufficiently rewarded and had returned to Ágreda, discontented, ambitions thwarted, bitter toward God and the church. 

Sor María grieved for her brother. She called upon God’s “infinite omnipotence and divine justice” to concede “new life for a brief time and space,” so her brother could confess his sins. In response, she felt prompted to arrange for a confessor to hear her brother’s confession. She left immediately to do so and did not return to the church. 

A neighboring priest responded to the call, almost frightened to death himself, he later reported, at the prospect of attending to a dead person. He was accompanied by another—perhaps the sacristan—who later served as a witness. 

Coronel, they attested, stepped out of his coffin and prostrated himself cruciform before the altar. After some time, he “came to the feet of the confessor, and made a painful confession.” The witness, who had left during the confession and penance, returned and saw Coronel reenter his coffin, arms raised toward the choir platform in gratitude to his sister. Then he reclined, the lid was closed, and the same two workmen carried it away. 

The priest who took Coronel’s confession made a complete record of the event, including his initial death and the witness’s testimony. Then he sealed the record. It remained a secret throughout the lifetimes of the three remaining participants. Finally, over a century later, church officials broke the seal and added the amazing account to Sor María’s growing file for sainthood.

From:
María of Agreda: Mystical Lady in Blue
by Marilyn H. Fedewa

Angelica Zambrano Mora and Catholic Resurrection Miracles

This is to compare Angelica Zambrano Mora's "Prepare to Meet Your God (23 Hours Dead)" experience and Catholic Resurrection Miracles.

These are the Numerous Resurrection Miracles in the Catholic Church

1) http://bit.ly/XKsNuw (Virgin Mary of Czestochowa)
2) http://bit.ly/uTHE9Q (St. Vincent Ferrer)
3) http://bit.ly/ZTLdD3 (Venerable Mariana de Jesus Torres of Quito, Ecuador)
4) http://bit.ly/ZTLiqq (St. Patrick of Ireland)
5) http://bit.ly/Ym1P7h (St. Francis Xavier)
6) http://bit.ly/17N5Tl9 (St. Francis of Paola)
7) http://bit.ly/ZiizjG (St. Anthony of Padua)

and many more...

Angelica claims that Devotion to Mary doesn't please her and breaks her heart.
And yet from the above, Our Lord was pleased to raise the dead through the people's devotion to Mary at Czestochowa.



Tags: Angelica Zambrano Mora, Prepare to Meet Your God, 23 Horas Muerta

Our Lady of Tears & Sr. Amalia of the Scourged Jesus

[Updated 08-19-2013: A Fuller Vision of March 8, 1930]

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

*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.

The following says that this devotion was only ‘Approved for Faith Expression’:

http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/campinas/index.html

From Various Internet Sources
All Photos do not belong to the webmaster except (*) which can be used freely for non-profit purposes.

The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception

Apparitions to Venerable Ursula Benincasa

In the year 1583, the Venerable Ursula Benincasa (1547-1618), founded the Congregation of the Oblates of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. At this period, having created much popular excitement by her visions, her ecstasies, and the loftiness of her teaching, and having attracted enthusiastic admiration and envenomed calumny, she was accused of being possessed by a devil and was therefore summoned to Rome. By the Pope's authority she was placed under the spiritual direction of St. Philip Neri, who subjected her to the most severe trials; he was constantly astonished by her piety and humility. In 1583 the foundation proper took place, under the protection of the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Peter.

On February 2, 1617, in Naples, Italy, on the Feast of the Purification of Our Lady, Ursula, having received Holy Communion, had a vision of the Blessed Mother clothed in a white garment over which she wore another garment of azure blue. In her arms, Mary held the Infant Jesus. Our Lady was surrounded by many persons, all similarly attired. 

The Blessed Mother spoke to Ursula with these words: “Cease weeping, Ursula, and turn your sighs into heartfelt joy. Listen closely to what Jesus, whom I am holding in my lap, will say to you.”

Then Jesus revealed to Ursula that she would found a convent where thirty-three nuns, dressed in the same attire as the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of her vision, would live a life of solitude and seclusion. The Savior promised special graces and many spiritual gifts to those who would zealously follow this way of life. 

The Venerable Servant of God besought the Lord to extend these favors also to such people who, living in the world, would have a special devotion to the mystery of the Immaculate Conception, observe chastity according to their station in life, and wear a small sky-blue Scapular. As a sign that her prayer had been heard, Jesus showed Ursula in a vision a multitude of angels distributing scapulars over the earth. He promised Mother Ursula the following for those who wear the scapular:

1. they will be covered by Our Lady’s Sacred Mantle

2. they will have Her defense against all the snares of the enemy that lead us to sin

3. plenary and partial indulgences, both in life and in death

4. cure of diseases

5. fortress of faith in the face of difficulties

6. a good death assisted by the Sacraments of Anointing and Reconciliation

7. light and wisdom of God in difficult times

8. the defense of Our Lady on the day of final judgment

9. a shield of graces against all the dangers

10. her eternal intercession before Jesus and many graces.

The Blue Scapular with
Our Lady of Lourdes as the
Immaculate Conception on front
and at the back, the Miraculous Medal.

Overwhelmed with joy, Ursula personally made scapulars similar to the ones she saw in her vision, had them blessed, and distributed them among the faithful. The practice of wearing the Blue Scapular began to spread quickly already during Ursula's lifetime. She founded what was later called the Theatine Hermitesses (Romite Teatine) as prophesied. As Venerable Ursula wished to completely withdraw from the world she took thirty-three companions, in memory of the thirty-three years of Christ upon earth, and retired to a hermitage. The rules of the Hermitesses are much like those of the Oblates as regards works of piety; but the former religious follow the contemplative life of St. Magdalene. In addition to their solemn vows, their constitution imposes on them great austerities. They are bound to perpetual abstinence from flesh meat except in case of illness, to fast on the vigils of feasts of the Blessed Virgin and with still greater rigour on the vigils of the Immaculate Conception, the Ascension, and Corpus Christi. They also fast every Saturday and on the last two days of Carnival, besides the ordinary fasts of the church. The rules of the Hermitesses and those of the Oblates were approved by Gregory XVI in 1623.

Another version of the Blue
Scapular with the image
of the Immaculate
Conception on front
and at the back,
the initials A and M for Ave
Maria. This one is distributed
by the Marians of the
Immaculate Conception.

Oblates and Hermitesses practiced fervent and incessant prayer to avert from mankind the terrible chastisements which Ven. Ursula by Divine Providence foresaw in her ecstasy. The life of the Oblates is active, that of the Hermitesses contemplative. After her death, her spiritual daughters undertook the promotion of this scapular as their Order's special mission. On August 7, 1793, Pope Pius VI recognized the heroic virtues of Ursula, and proclaimed her a Venerable Servant of God. 

In 1633, the Theatine Fathers founded by St. Cajetan, in their General Chapter, recognized the Oblates of the Immaculate Conception and the community of contemplative nuns whose inception was rooted in the vision of Venerable Ursula as branches of their order. From that time on, these two communities took on the title of Theatines Nuns of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM.

In January 1671, Pope Clement X approved the blessing and investing of this scapular. Several years later, Clement XI, endowed this scapular with more indulgences, which he mentioned in his apostolic letter dated May 12, 1710. The indulgences were confirmed and amplified by Pope Gregory XIV in 1845 and by Blessed Pius IX in 1850. These two Popes also declared that the indulgences of the Blue Scapular could be applied to the souls of the faithful departed. Those who are enrolled pray daily 6 Our Fathers, 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glory Bes in honor of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Only the sky blue woolen cloth is essential and necessary in the scapular. The scapular usually bears on one portion a symbolization of the Immaculate Conception and on the other the name of Mary.

The Blue Scapular and the Holy Souls in Purgatory

The Old 433 Plenary Indulgences

“And let it be particularly made known that, besides many particular indulgences, there are annexed to the scapular of the Immaculate Conception, which is blessed by the Theatine Fathers, all the indulgences which are granted to any religious order, pious place, or person. And particularly by reciting "Our Father," "Hail Mary," and "Glory be to the Father," six times, in honor of the most holy Trinity, and of the immaculate Mary, are gained each time all the indulgences of Rome, Portiuncula, Jerusalem, Galicia, which reach the number of four hundred and thirty-three plenary indulgences, besides the temporal, which are innumerable.” 

~ St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, “The Glories of Mary” (Original Edition)

“They who become invested with the blue scapular of the Immaculate Conception ought to have it in view to honour this glorious privilege of the Mother of God, and to apply themselves to pray for the reformation of those who are leading a sinful, disorderly life, and straying from the paths of salvation... Those invested with the blue scapular can gain all the [plenary and partial] indulgences attached to a visit paid to the seven Roman Basilicas, to the church of the Portiuncula at Assisi, of St. James, at Compostella, and of the holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, each time (toties quoties) they devoutly recite in any place whatever, six Paters, Aves, and Glorias, in honour of the Most Holy Trinity, and of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, praying for the exaltation of Holy Church, the extinction of heresies, and for peace and concord amongst Christian princes. To gain these indulgences, nothing more is necessary than simply to recite the six Paters, Aves, and Glorias. All the above-named indulgences are applicable to the souls in Purgatory.”

~ From “The Book of Holy Indulgences compiled from the Decrees of The Sacred Congregation of Indulgences” by Rev. Michael Comerford

These old plenary indulgences is granted without the necessity of approaching the Sacraments, the only conditions are that one must be in the state of grace and free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin.

Although the Church's regulations on indulgences, which is publicly approved, have changed, we may still hope to obtain these old indulgences from God at least privately if we ask Him for them with confidence. As stated above, Our Lord promised privately to Ven. Ursula plenary and partial indulgences both in life and in death. This is also the case with the Rosary. Although the Church publicly granted specific indulgences to it, the Blessed Mother privately promised Blessed Alan de la Roche (1428-1475):

“I want you to know that, although there are numerous indulgences already attached to the recitation of my Rosary, I shall add many more to every five decades for those who, free from serious sin, say them with devotion, on their knees. And whosoever shall persevere in the devotion of the holy Rosary, with its prayers and meditations, shall be rewarded for it; I shall obtain for him full remission of the penalty and the guilt of all his sins at the end of his life. And let this not seem incredible to you; it is easy for me because I am the Mother of the King of heaven, and he calls me full of grace. And being filled with grace, I am able to dispense it freely to my dear children.”

~ From “The Secret of the Rosary,” 28th Rose, by St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort

St. John Massias
praying for the
souls in
purgatory

Saint John Massias (1585-1645), the Dominican lay brother, had a wonderful devotion to the Souls in Purgatory. He obtained by his prayers (chiefly by the recitation of three Rosaries on his knees every evening) the liberation of one million four hundred thousand souls!  In return, they obtained for him the most abundant and extraordinary graces and came at the hour of his death to help and console him and accompany him to Heaven.  This fact is so certain that it was inserted by the Church in the bull of his Beatification.

This is also similar to the plenary indulgence of Divine Mercy Sunday  promised by Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska in a private revelation:

“On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity.” (Diary of St. Faustina, 699)

The Feast of the Divine Mercy, as requested by Our Lord, was established in 2000 but it was only on June 29, 2002 that the Church publicly granted a plenary indulgence to be gained by the faithful on the Feast. That does not mean that all that time before 2002, no one received the plenary indulgence promised privately. So, while the promise seems easier to fulfill, the indulgence is more certain. By seeking to satisfy the stricter conditions of the indulgence, we would certainly satisfy the conditions of the promise, as well. Keep both intentions in mind, in other words, while doing what is required to gain the indulgence. What is most intrinsic to the promise is the generosity of the Lord in forgiving on this day, and so we may reasonably count on Him to provide the actual graces necessary to do what is required for the indulgence. 

It is also the same with other prayers offered for the deliverance of the souls in purgatory to which the Church did not grant any indulgence, plenary or partial. We cannot say that these cannot completely deliver the poor souls, as for example, the novenas for the dead. It is also said that St. Gertrude the Great's “Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory” deliver one thousand souls, but some aver that this promise only applies to the saint because of her disposition, Our Lord having said of her during her lifetime:

“... there is no creature on earth so dear to Me as Gertrude, because there is no one at this present time amongst mankind who is closely united to Me by purity of intention and uprightness of will.”

In the end, it is the Lord who decides and responds according to His will:

“... and I will have mercy on whom I will, and I will be merciful to whom it shall please me.” 

~ Exodus 33:19b

“For he saith to Moses: I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy; and I will shew mercy to whom I will shew mercy. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” 

~ Romans 9:15-16

Recommended Daily Blue Scapular Prayers

Pray the following once during the start of the day:
O Lord my God, Immaculate Virgin Mary, I offer the following prayers this day in honor of the Mysteries of the Most Holy Trinity and the Immaculate Conception; and (1) I beg of You the exaltation and restoration of the Holy Catholic Church and the defeat of all her enemies, visible and invisible, internal and external; (2) I beg for peace and concord among Christian leaders and in the whole world; (3) I beg for the destruction of all heresies and all errors against the Catholic Faith and the traditions of the Catholic Church that the whole world may be made one people and one Church in the One True Catholic Faith; (4) I beg for the propagation of the Holy Catholic Faith; (5) I beg for the conversion of all sinners especially those who are in the state of mortal sin and affect the majority of the people in our country and the world; (6) I beg for the complete deliverance of as may souls from purgatory as it used to be freed in plenary and partial indulgences granted by the Church in the old times, as attested by St. Alphonsus Liguori, for this devotion. (You can mention here specific names of the faithful departed whom you desire to be released)

Dear Holy Souls, which had passed from this world into purgatory and who are awaited eagerly in heaven, pray for me and ask for all the graces I need, and for which I beg the Divine Majesty. 
(Mention here your petitions to the souls in purgatory so that they can pray for it)

Pray the following as many times as you can during the day to pray for the above intentions and to gain as much the 433 plenary indulgences:
Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity who created all things and governs them, now and always, forever and ever. I believe in the Threeness, I confess the Oneness, of the Creator of creation.
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine.
Blessed be the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
6 Our Fathers, 6 Hail Marys, 6 Glory Bes (The length of these is about two decades of the Rosary)

Blessing and Investiture of the Blue Scapular of The Immaculate Conception

From The Roman Ritual

This blessing was formerly reserved to the Theatines, Clerks Regular, and they gave the Marians of the Immaculate Conception authority to invest the Blue Scapular.

But the No. 77 of Instruction “Inter Oecumenici” (September 26, 1964)  of the Sacred Congregation of Rites now also says:

“77. The blessings in the Rituale Romanum tit. IX, cap. 9, 10, 11, hitherto reserved, may be given by any priest, except for: the blessing of a bell for the use of a blessed church or oratory (cap. 9, no. 11); the blessing of the cornerstone of a church (cap. 9, no. 16); the blessing of a new church or public oratory (cap. 9, no. 17); the blessing of an antemensium (cap. 9, no. 21); the blessing of a new cemetery (cap. 9, no. 22); papal blessings (cap. 10, nos. 1-3); the blessing and erection of the stations of the cross (cap. 11, no. 1). reserved to the bishop.”

~ o ~

The one who is to receive the scapular is kneeling. 

The priest, vested in surplice and white stole, says:

Priest: Our help is in the name of the Lord

All: Who made heaven and earth.

P: The Lord be with you.

All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, who condescended to clothe yourself in our mortal nature, we humbly beg you in your boundless goodness to bless † this garment, designed in honor and memory of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and as a reminder for those who wear it to pray for the conversion of sinners. May this servant of yours, who is to wear it, by the merits and prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, likewise put on you. We ask this of you who live and reign forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The priest sprinkles the scapular(s) with holy water, without saying anything; and then invests the person(s) with it, saying to each one:

Take, dear brother (sister), this scapular of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so that by her intercession you may divest yourself of the old man, and be cleansed from every stain of sin. May you keep it spotless and thus attain everlasting life; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

The priest continues:

By the faculty granted me, I make you a partaker of all the spiritual benefits which the Congregation of Clerks Regular enjoys by God's grace and the privilege of the Holy See; in the name of the Father, † and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Then he kneels, and together with the person(s) just enrolled he 

says the following prayers facing the altar:

Let praise and thanksgiving be offered at every moment to the Holy and Godly Sacrament. (3x)

Blessed be the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. (3x)

Nihil obstat for the Blessing: 

REV. HUGO C. KOEHLER 

Censor deputatus

Imprimatur for the Blessing: 

JOHN P. TREACY, S.T.D. 

Bishop of La Crosse

September 1, 1964

Sources:

1. Catholic Encyclopedia 1917, Topics: Theatines and Scapular
2. “Read Me or Rue It” by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan, O.P.

3. EWTN: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/indulgence.htm

4. Saint Gertrude the Great: Herald of Divine Love, TAN Books

5. The Roman Ritual: http://www.sanctamissa.org/en/resources/books-1962/rituale-romanum/60-blessings-formerly-reserved-to-religious-orders.html

6. Other Internet Sources

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Exercises to Remain Celibate

This post was deleted. Because the author was informed that this is an unorthodox way of becoming chaste