Several years ago I attended an evening mass where the celebrant looked right at me and said "What if this is your last lent?" This direct question to me freaked me out...I thought well is it my last lent? And if it is my last lent, what exactly does that mean for me?
It's been many years since then, but the question still lingers...what if this is my last lent? In that case, I want it to be the most prayerful, reflective, restorative, blessed and well 'deep' experience that it can be. Each year the ideal lent in my head doesn't quite evolve into reality, but I do try to go deeper into the passion and death of Our Lord.
This year ladies my sweet husband and I are going into battle and not just for lent, but right on through until May 13. Some of you will immediately understand that it is on that day that 100 years exactly will have passed since the last Marian apparition in Fatima.
Fatima-the city in Portugal where Mary appeared to the 3 peasant children is also the name of Mohammed's favorite daughter. Coincidence? I don't think so. I think it's a God-moment.
https://www.romancatholicman.com/100th-anniversary-fatima-approaches-time-nineveh-thing/ has all the information about a special program that many of us have begun in order to prepare for whatever might be coming our way. And make no mistake, something is headed for us. Will it be a blessing our a curse? We're hoping for a blessing, but I understand completely that we deserve a curse. And yet, the tide is turning...at least politically for now...pro-life is winning.
In our church there is so much clarity right now, but there's also the death throws of the 'spirit of Vatican II'. It won't go out without a fight, but no matter how much the beast yowls, the Holy Spirit will win that fight.
Nineveh 90 is asking us to go deeper than I've ever gone. The program is for 90 days until the May 13 anniversary of Fatima. I'll be blogging about our progress here...if you are planning to join the challenge, let me know and we can help keep each other accountable. The Ninevites were able to turn from their wickedness and their contrition pleased the Lord...can we do the same?
Going deep this Lent ladies...pray that I might be able to sustain this intensity. All for love of the Lord!
Here are the basics of the the challenge:
THE NINEVEH 90 CHALLENGE BEGINS FEBRUARY 13
“Consecration Day” will be on May 13, the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima.
Nineveh 90 – Ten Elements
- For these 90 days, resolve to let go of repetitive sin you struggle with (e.g., masturbation, over-eating, alcohol, etc.)
- Wear Brown Scapular (Scapular Medal allowed) – Akin to Sackcloth
- Confession (at least once a month … immediately following grave sin)
- Support System: Create or join a “Nineveh 90 Squad” of 3-8 people. Meet 1-3 times per week (in person or online). Join together with an “Accountability Buddy.” Meet daily or, at least, 3 times a week.
- Join Angelic Warfare Confraternity
- Daily Prayer
- Morning Offering
- Angelus (6,Noon,6)
- Rosary
- Holy Hour (or at least 20 minutes)
- Bedtime Prayers
- For 90 Days, Commit to …
- Regular and intense exercise (this may be one of the greater challenges for many)
- Seven hours of sleep is essential
- No alcohol
- No desserts & sweets
- No eating between meals
- No soda or sweetened drinks
- No television or movies (news allowed)
- Only music that lifts the soul to God
- No televised sports (one per week allowed)
- Limit computer time (only use for personal needs and fulfillment. May be needed for Nineveh 90 too)
- 54 Day Rosary Novena (Basic Training in Holiness) – February 13 to April 7
- 33 Day Preparation for Consecration – April 10 (Monday of Holy Week) to May 12
- Marian Consecration – May 13, 2017. 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima
Prayer Intention for 54 Day Rosary Novena: Personal Holiness and for the Roman Catholic Church.
Sundays and Solemnities: may be a day of relaxed discipline, but not abandoned. (Sleep in an extra hour, cream in your coffee, a dessert, a beer, a warmer shower, etc.)
Fasting: Wednesdays and Fridays (Water and Juice and bread only, if medically allowed)
NOW, is a wonderful time to, in essence, “warm up” for Nineveh 90. For example, maybe take this time to ease into your exercise program that will begin on February 13.
Please join our “Special Forces Training” FB group to receive instructions and form Nineveh 90 squads and buddies: SPECIAL FORCES TRAINING
UPDATE: From Michelle Linn Fallon: “I want to encourage everyone thinking about this to do it. I did this in a way without calling it this beginning in September when we did the first novena for our nation. I got up before 6am and worked up to 11 workouts a week. I’ve lost 40 pounds. I look great. I feel great. I’ve lost my taste for sweets. Broken my addiction to soft drinks from childhood. I have little sugar, little dairy and don’t want it. I am no longer considered obese and only slightly overweight according to my doctor. In 10 pounds my BMI will be normal again. My prayer life is more consistent. I hardly miss a day on this second novena so I rarely have days to make up prayers. I’ve joined a lay apostolate. Amazing things happen when you offer the discipline to God. Amazing prayers have been answered for me and I’ve witnessed miracles in my life. I can’t fast on bread because I can’t eat bread. But I can deny myself other things. I have health issues that keep me from some of the fasting things. But I can deny myself sleeping in when I want to and pray instead. It’s all habits. Do what you can do and focus on that. Let God do the rest. He will!”
Taken from :https://www.romancatholicman.com/100th-anniversary-fatima-approaches-time-nineveh-thing/
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