III. Preface from the Author

To My Readers:

As I write, it is Fifteen years passed after my experience and I was still undecided as to how to express my visions. I have had time to reflect on some of my experiences in Africa. I wnat to share them with you -- to help you have a better understanding of the Church in another land.

The social and political situation in South Africa affects the spiritual and religious life of the people in very concrete ways.

In Umzimjulu, where I served as a Brother novice, the apartheid system of government affects the life of the people in a specific way. Umzimkulu is situated in a land called Transkei. This is one of the areas reserved for the black Africans. One might compare it to the Indian reservations in the United States. The black population is the largest and their home lands cover small areas that are usually over-populated.
It is also least productive land for farming. As a result, the men have to find work elsewhere. There are no industries in or around the home lands, so this means that ehey have to leave home and travel great distances to find work. As a result, the husband and father is absent for all but perhaps 3 to 5 weeks in a year. Therefore, athe people that the priest deals with are mainly women and little children.

There are also local customs of the people that have an affect on the missionaries ministry. One of these areas is marriage.

The Africans have an ancient custom that decrees when a young man wishes to marry a young woman, he must pay "lobolo," or the bird price. The father of the bird demands so many cattle for the payment of the young woman. Even though now many young men pay cash from their wages that they receive from their work, the custom is still very much entrenched. Often the young man is allowed to bring the girl home to his family before the full "lobolo" is paid; however, the father will not allow his daughter to be legally married until "lobolo" is paid in full. By that time, they might have two or three children.

The mother usually comes alone with the child to have it baptized; but one must always look into this matter and often see to it that they are married in the Church before one can baptize the child. If the mother is not Catholic, there is an added problem. Several times we had to wait until the husband came for his home visit in order to resolve the situations.

Another major problem for ministering in South Africa involves witchcraft. People still believe in it, even Christians. A young African brother told me it is on the rise. The truth of the Catholics is still very much on the level of fear -- and fear is the reason many continue to practice witchcraft, (to cover all the bases, so to speak).

The natives' ancestral religion centers around a vast world of spirits. They believe in the life hereafter. In the past they would always bury their dead right in the cattle "kraal" (the yard where they keep the cattle)in order to keep the ancestral spirits present. They would offer sacrifices to these ancestral spirits, so that they would give them blessings. But if the ancestral spirits frowned upon the family, they could work harm -- and this is where witchcraft practice if rife.

But witchcraft is more than this. There also were doctorswho practiced medicine prescribing roots and herbs for different diseases. So the witch-doctor was in a sense both preist and doctor to the people. It would seem that the way to draw Catholics away from these practices is to convice them of God's total love and power over all creatures.

These practices and customs have to be taken into consideraiton when ministering to the African people. Only when a missionary is aware of this -- when he tries to see the good in it -- can he more effectively minister to these people.

It seems one mistake in the past was to totally ignore the local customs. They were simply described as "pagan."

But the African people are a very religious people. Even though they practice a religion which acknowledges many spirits, they also believe in a Supreme Being -- the one true God who created all and is over all. One can easily look at externals and miss the vast richness of a culture -- a people -- a nation.

A true missionary learns to become aware of these things. And he is humbel enough to learn from the local people, to build on the fertile soil of their own culture. That is what the Chruch did in its early years. That is what makes it Catholic --which means universal.

I believe this gave me strength through the suffering that I went through during my sojourn in Hell. Having seen all the lost souls before me and then the beauty and excellence of Paradise that is incomparable to anything on earth. At the same time all these visions were before me and would not depart my memory. On the contrary, they seemed to grow clearer as the weeks followed the months. One night, I felt a presence near my pillow, I tried to call my nurse, who was sleeping nearby and my arms would not move, then in terror I tried to call out, but all in vain, so I murmured a prayer. Then I heard the same gentle voice of my heavenly companion, who said, "Why don't you give witness to men of what you have seen? Fear God and do not provoke his anger. From today, you must start to write down everything so that the eternal existence may be made known."

IV. My Brief Experience in Eternity and What I Saw

PART I

Life of the Soul after the Death of the Body

On the Physicians orders, I was obliged to be hospitalized during March 1979 in a Catholic Hospital in the township of Zimbabwe to rest. On the fifth day of hospitalization I suffered a very painful setback and then fainted. When I revived, I begged the doctor for help. He calmed me with medication. But that evening the maid came to bring in my supper and found that I was immobile, as if dead. She reported this to the ward nurse who called the doctor on night duty and on his examination declared me dead and I was wheeled to the mortuary. After being washed, I was laid on a table and covered with a sheet. The African attendant found some flowers and placed them by my side. The next day the physician was informed of my death and he went to the morgue. He lifted my eyelids and concluded that I was not really dead and he ordered that I should be placed in a well heated room. Three days elapsed without my body showing any signs of change and this indicated that I was in a coma.

This state of coma lasted 3 months during which time I had neither nourishment nor medication, I had no pulse nor heart beat and my breathing was inert.

They sent me to America for further treatment. I was sent to the hospital in Dearborn Heights, Michigan,where they took off all live support equipment and gave me only the fluids to keep me alive.

At about seven in the evening of the 5 Month, I awoke and stretched my arms and legs, I noticed that I was in a small room curiously being watched by the hospital staff. I did not feel any pain and just felt as though I had awakened from a normal sleep. However, I felt a certain weakness throughout my body. When the attendants saw me sit up, they ran out of the room in a scramble. Not knowing what was happening I thought perhaps there was a fire, So I ran after them into the corridor and being so very weak I had to support myself on the window sill. Then I made signs that I was thirsty because I had lost my voice, but nobody came to my aid, they just peeped at me from half closed doors. Being weak and shaky I could not understand why they had moved me from the large ward into this small room. I must have had a very deep sleep. By this time the news had reached the ward sister who arrived to find me sitting on the window sill in a feeble condition. Then the doctor was notified and put me into a warm bed to assist my condition. By the grace of God Almighty I was delivered from being buried alive.

Some time went by after the doctor, who attended me during my setback, left, when he ascertained that I was out of danger and resting. Then a strange somnolence seized me and I slept, but it could not be called a sleep. I felt a particular apathy of physical relaxation and a strange feeling of duplicity of my being. I cannot explain exactly how it was, but distinctly I felt this doubling of my being and I was scared.

Never have I experienced such a strange sensation, thoughts succeeded rapidly like the waves of a tempest moving on ever further. My body started to disobey me, my arms were paralyzed, despite all this I resisted and tried hard to fight for life. I could not move nor even breathe. This is the end I thought, when suddenly a strange chill ran down my back and I felt a separation and reduced to nothing, as though I did not exist any more.

I cannot say how long this lasted, when all of a sudden I found myself in the middle of the ward. Transformed by an unknown force into a light and ethereal being from what I was when a little earlier I was in bed. I sensed I had been liberated from a heavy clothing that I had been wearing. Involuntarily I lowered my eyes and saw myself standing completely naked. Then lifting my eyes I saw all the other patients asleep, I was ashamed and turned to my bed to lie down and cover myself, but to my uttermost stupor, I saw myself lying there immobile and presumably dead. This surprised me to see myself standing and at the same time lying immovable on the bed.

Immediately my conscience told me that I had started another existence and the word "death" sounded stupid and inconsequential. I felt clearly and know that death does not exist and that life continues and does not stop. My body seemed dead, but I did not lament it at all, only the pity and fear for myself of what I had been. Where will I go? How will I spend my eternity? I also felt my hearing sharper, sensitive to the least noise. My sight was keen and piercing. I saw everything in a new light very distinctly.

From the window I saw luminous young persons flying, clothed in white and their heads surrounded by a golden light. They surrounded me -- waiting for something. At the same time a multifude of malignant spirits, repulsive and ugly appeared in the ward. Their disagreeable faces reflected perversity with contortions filling the ward with their crude muttering. Then with horror I saw their piercing eyes glare at me as they advanced towards me. I screamed in terror. All at once the ward was filled with light and someone covered me with a habit that was light and scented. Then taking me by the hand, he said, "Fear not, while you are with me, they will not touch you." Wherefore, they had already disappeared as soon as the light entered -- not knowing how. The voice continued, "You are of our family, while they have none of ours. I have come to you to show you the truth of what exists and what will come to pass."

I. Satan rebelled against God.

Then as in a globe we started to ascend. In an instant the city disappeared and my companion said, "Now you have seen how life passes from the world to that of eternity, the souls of the just and those of sinners." I saw how the evil spirits fought for the souls of the poor miserable sinners who were trembling with fear, while the good Angels stood at a distance, the poor souls stretching out their miserable arms towards them, but it was in vain. On the contrary, I saw amidst jubilant hymns and canticles, the Angels conducting to Heaven the souls of the just.

"Why are these in the world, the good and the wicked spirits? I asked my companion. And he explained to me that in the beginning God created the Spirit world, with immortal Angels and gave them the free will to live happily with Him or to abandon Him if they willed. Some of them revolted against God with ingratitude for all He had done, which aroused God's anger and so they were driven out of His presence because they were not worthy to enjoy heavenly bliss with Him and He cursed the Archangel who started the revolt calling him, Devil, Satan".

Once driven out of Paradise, the fallen Angels lost their holiness and assumed an ugly and horrible nature and took refuge on different planets deprived of God's grace. Some fell on the earth, eternal enemies of God, they started to teach disobedience and all the wickedness to all God's creatures. I am telling you the Divine universal truth, God saw the difficulties of the men on earth, who were completely under the Satanic influence without hope of ever entering Heaven. Then for the salvation of the human race God sent upon earth, His only Begotten Son, (the Invisible God and the Holy Ghost, as the Sun renders invisible the light and the heat.)"

II. Sinners always fear death

As we spoke, we approached a big city and a little later we were in the house of a dying sinner. For three days he was tormented in his death agony and his soul would not separate from his body. Without any pity for the dying man in the adjoining room was a drunken party emitting blasphemies and sacrileges. I saw a group of sad Angels standing afar hoping that the dying man would call on the mercy of God. But alas, no, the hope of the Angels was in vain. They vanished, then the evil spirits took over completely and my companion said, "The hour of death of this sinner has arrived. Rooted in sin, as he is, he does not understand the terrible situation he is in and does not think where his soul will be, and thinks of himself only. Always in a hurry, always seeking something, pursuing his futile dreams and committing all kinds of sins. But if he considered his sinful life, he would know it would separate him from God and he would die in sin taking with him to eternity his disobedience and continuous revolt against God."

The sinner died murmuring horrible and insensible words. His eyes fixed far away, not knowing what he lived for in the world. Suddenly I saw a horrible evil spirit approach the dying man with a most malicious voice, who said, "You are mine." The dying man with a frightful cold shiver and convulsion breathed his last and became inanimate. He was dead and the devil departed with his soul.

Involuntarily, I thought at that moment if I resembled that soul which had just separated from his body. I looked at my hands and feet and they only had the corporal form, but of a substance inconceivable to the human being.

There was then complete silence, the drunkards within the house stopped rousing , approached the dead man, called to him, but he was dead. Their faces fell and with an air of terror, fled the house into the street, leaving the dead alone. I asked my companion, "Why are people afraid of the dead, even of a parent or loved one?" He answered, "Because death to all men means a terrible and impenetrable mystery, and they think at the moment of death, the dead is no more part of this world, also instinctively they sense his spirit might still be present near to his dead body and they fear the apparition of his soul might accuse them and consequently they fear death, which few people understand. Also if there is the existence of the immortality of one's soul, then they fear that they will have to face their own sins, and their own death, which will be inevitable and so deserve punishment. And the fear of death is the fear of God."

"On the contrary, the good do not fear death because they love God in their heart. Now you see the soul is immortal and continues to exist and how wrong are those who doubt the immortality of the soul. On the other hand, apparitions of the souls of dead persons are not rare. There have been many apparitions of Saints and miracles performed by them, for this reason they should believe in the immortality of the soul. Come, let us leave this house."

"Why is not everyone happy in the world?" I asked him, "And why are there very rich people and others in dire poverty?" and he answered, "The life on earth is only a temporary place and the aids given man are to help him in the world. God in His infinite wisdom has given man the intelligence and the will to profit as he wills by choosing the good or the bad, for which he will be responsible. The rich must not be troubled by the Gospel, in which is said, "It is more difficult for a rich man to enter into paradise than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle."

Undoubtedly the rich are forcibly tempted to sin by the pleasures and comforts surrounding him and so the Commandments of his Creator are more and more ignored, from which the poor are not tainted. Whether the rich are good or whether they are pious and practice their faith, it is certain that those who are grateful to God for his omnipotent generosity towards them, will be well received in Heaven. So it was with Abraham, who was blessed with opulence, servants and sheep and all the goods of his time. He enjoyed them and also was faithful to the commandments. God was pleased with him and blessed him, favoring him above other men, by showing him the apparition of the Holy Trinity in the form of three pilgrims.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in one of his parables related how the Angels carried the poor and pious Lazarus to Abraham's bosom. God was very pleased with Abraham for he was a good and virtuous man and was received in the Kingdom of Heaven. Being poor does not merit paradise either, unless one practices charity towards one's neighbors. Then they can contemplate the joys of Heaven.

III. A true scientist is never an atheist

While we flew over a big city, I noticed people of different nationalities and also of different colors and races. "What was the origin of this diversity of humans?" and he answered, "After God created the three kingdoms of animals, birds and fish, he created in his own image and likeness Adam and Eve. From their descendants, different parts of the world were populated. Since the creation of the world, many changes took place by the will of God. Many continents went under water and certain sea beds rose to the surface. All these changes reflected on the people living in different parts, gradually, some thinking they were the only human beings on earth. Separated by seas and oceans they had forgotten others existed. The climate also changed and those living in torrid zones preserve them, God made their skins black, red or yellow according to the climatic conditions in which they lived, and also differences in their ideas and languages. God desired that they all know Him and obey Him."

Flying over a big cathedral I noticed a shaft of golden light emanating from the cupola. "What is it ?", I asked. He said, "It is the prayers offered during the elevation of the Consecrated Host and Sacred Wine. The most solemn moment of the Mass the prayers ascend direct to the Lord and bring down much good for the souls so dear to God. No action or words can compare with that solemn moment when glory and praise ascend to the Holy Trinity and benefit simultaneously, the living and the dead."

"If one person loves another vision, non-Christians who believe in a Supreme Being and practice the Lawhe naturally desires all the goods for there friend. But we are imperfect, and no matter how much good we desire for our friend, especially if he or she is far away, we invoke God's grace, and God being all goodness and love will accord it to our friend, depending on the way we beg these graces. God grants them through prayers especially offered at the elevation of the sacred species. Prayer leads us to the right path, it encourages and saves us, in fact prayer is indispensable for the soul. It strengthens our faith and helps us in our battles against adversity. Prayer inspires hope and trust in God and the eyes of those who pray, see God's goodness in everything, everywhere."

"Those who do not pray and do not aspire to the necessity of prayer nor heavenly blessings, are deprived of the Holy Ghost. Then the spirit of evil takes possession of him, blinding him so that the goodness of grace does not penetrate him and he loses his own dignity, which brings him hatred and fear of an angry God. He forgets or never thinks of his death nor of the divine judgement. The evil spirit tempts men to his ways and the very mention of God is distasteful to him. In which case he thinks there is no God and the world is sufficient in itself. Do not believe the atheists, leave them to their own opinions, but know that they are the suggestions of the evil one."

"Actual cities have been unearthed, after being buried for thousands of years. This proves that God has punished them for their ingratitude, showing at the same time His almighty power. Scientists, while unearthing and studying the laws of nature, are astounded at the grandeur of creation, and with clarity at their disclosure are filled with awe by the greatness and power of God's omnipotence. That is why a true scientist is never an atheist, investigating with his genius all the findings, he recognizes the great Creator with all his heart and soul. Hence, God seing the development and intelligence of these creatures who search for a better knowledge of things and an amelioration of their short existence, will aid their efforts with His grace. But God also wants the perfection of their souls, thus leading them to a greater recognition of Him. Therefore, man, arriving at a high degree of culture, sometimes believes himself wholly responsible for it. Ungrateful men who do not recognize the Divine assistance deserve God's anger and punishment. And God destroys all their undertakings and allows another generation to perfect it, hence in this way man must realize that nothing is achieved without God."

IV. Sufferings come from God

After a brief pause he continued, "Now for example, certain people undergo illnesses and sufferings, which God in his goodness allows for the purification of their souls, especially when their sojourn in this world comes to an end. Many are ignorant of the fact that their sufferings come from God. Providentially, however, if they would call on His mercy and His Holy Name He would show pity on them. He desires the salvation of all. Each sign and mention of the Lord's Name is a prayer and draws the soul nearer to God."

"We must be generous and charitable and give to the poor and needy, and also pray, because without prayer and good works there is no salvation for the soul. For this reason all those who torment the unfortunate will be punished. If you want to do something, do it, without tempting others and never blame God for any misfortune which He in His love for your salvation allows you. " I asked, "But, how can an atheist or agnostic be illumined to receive God's grace ?".He said, "By uniting to the Church which is the stairway to Heaven. In her they will find the grace, because she gives glory to the Lord in all she does. When an atheist enters a church and lifts his mind to God and says; "Lord, show me Thy will, give me faith and I will obey." For our Lord has said . "I will not will not send those who come to me away." And faith will enter his heart and he will revolt against his sins. The stronger he revolts the greater will be his faith and comprehension. Every soul on earth is endowed with the germ of faith and the atheist will encounter the spiritual without warning. He will find consolation in Jesus Christ and will rejoice the more when he searches the deeper. Preserve your faith, put God in your heart. Incredulity will come to harm, it is a moral disease, flee it like the pestilence. What is an existence without God's grace? For without God there is no consolation, and never complain about God's justice in His creation. Who are we to judge Almighty God. At every instance we should bow our heads in gratitude. The evil spirits know Gods existence but they wish to disobey and remain evil. Never blame everything on fate and destiny, these do not exist, for if your life has been predestined, how can God judge your good or reward you, or punish you for your transgressions. For man's actions are the product of his own will. Life is a battle and we must invoke God's help at every instant. How many difficult problems have been solved through God's intervention. Many have such experiences and should be grateful. When at other times man finds himself in disgrace he must make a better effort to invoke God's help to overcome it. He must never despair and help will come. Everything is governed by God's universal wisdom. All creation comes from the superior intelligence of God and for this reason man is given the intelligence to sense the great work of creation. Man is not deprived of this sensation."

"There are happenings in the lives of certain people that assume an extraordinary significance, when they can feel and see the hand of God. Let us remember the prophecy of the Annointed One, 'From the root of David the Savior of the world will be born.' Let us remember the prophecy of the earthly life of Jesus Christ. In the fulfilment of these prophecies is seen the great design of God, therefore it would be wrong to compare this with the human concept of destiny. Destiny does not exist, this word and this concept is an invention of man. The life of each one is designed according to his will and his good or bad actions. Man is the lord and master of his own life, and precisely for this reason he has been given intelligence. That is why he must answer to God for all he has done during his life on earth. If he is suffering for his sins, he must see that the fault is entirely within himself. Another great error is to attribute to destiny all the help God gives, when for example, God gives his grace to those who firmly believe that he loves them. The Divine grace always descends on mankind, but more especially is the most difficult and painful moments, as when one suffers or is in need of help, urgently. Life is a battle and therefore, in the decisive moments man must combat with his initiative and overcome the obstacles which are intended to help him reach the definite satisfaction of his desires. However when the will and intelligence of man are not capable of supporting the happenings of life, and when man is incapable of fighting or cannot defend himself, God comes to his aid in a wonderful manner, which is clear for all to see. In particular, when he experiences the horror of a situation which seems insurmountable. With some people this happens more than once in life."

"Many believe that marriages are fixed in heaven, I repeat, destiny does not exist, but certain marriages happen through the will of God. Some unions are the reward for a pious life and then the life of the couples are peaceful and happy. Other marriages are sent as a trial and God judges through them the firmness or weakness of man. Destiny then, does not exist, however, in the life of every man there are periods of happiness granted by heaven. Then, in his peace of soul, in his work, business, and relations with other men and in all things he is accompanied by success."

In some cases such happiness does not last long and changes for the worst, often when one least expects it. Man must adapt his will and accept it. Happiness exists, but in the life of each one there is also tragedy, and misfortune. Man must remember that these periods do not last forever. For this reason, in times of trial, man must force his will and his spirit to overcome the misfortune, not lose courage and become desperate or lose his peace of mind. Remember that the Divine Wisdom reigns over all the universe. Every tear, every disgrace, every suffering, every joy of your s is necessary to God for the realisation of man's desires and ideas. All the creations of God are the fruit of an infinitely higher intelligence, therefore,1ife of man cannot be deprived of meaning. They during their life, should realize the express Will of God and be grateful. See the genius of the world as created by God, so also is the life of man meaningful.

PART II

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The End Days

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Created July 16, 1996. Tenth Update July 16, 1997 Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Eleventh Update March 11, 1998 Twelth Update Friday, 29 May, 1998

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