from Mariavite writings
When I was reading, I heard a voice in my soul again, “like St. Francis received great grace for the people on the day of the Most Holy Virgin Mary of the Angels, to you was proclaimed great mercy for the world on that day. That day is to be the beginning of the Mariavites.” (…) The following day I began to ponder during my meditation on what had happened to me the day before: was it a dream or an illusion? (…) My life is so sinful and neglectful (…) it cannot be that this came from God (…) would God speak to a sinner like myself and give her such commands? Have mercy on me, God, and free me from Satan’s illusions. I felt strong confidence in my soul that the Lord was with me, but, having all the sins of my life before my eyes, I couldn’t think otherwise but that it was an illusion of the devil. I went to church and vowed not to ever mention it to anyone before the altar of the Mother of God. I asked Lord Jesus to erase all this from my memory for ever, and left only sins which I desire to regret and for which to repent. After the Mass I heard a voice in my soul, “get up and listen”. These words were strict and formidable, and I trembled all over. I understood each word of the Holy Gospel and it was reflected in my soul in a strange way. After the Gospel reading I heard again, “and you too do not kill the voice of God in yourself, for this is the day of the Lord’s visitation”. I understood that this regarded the vision from the day before, so I said: “Lord, do whatever you please with me, I’m ready for anything now”. I focused again and saw a new order and God’s great glory, and the whole world as though encompassed by adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament.
-- Fragment of the “Original Revelation of the Work of Great Mercy Written Down by Mateczka During the Retreat in September 1894”
-- Fragment of the “Original Revelation of the Work of Great Mercy Written Down by Mateczka During the Retreat in September 1894”
Fr Honorat Koźmiński OFM Cap.
Another fragment of the
"Original Revelation of the Work of Great Mercy":
I asked Lord Jesus in prayer to allow me to imitate him in his poverty, humiliation and suffering like St. Francis. I heard in my soul, “As St. Francis most closely imitated Lord Jesus, you will most closely imitate the Most Blessed Virgin, and you will come through everything she came through, in her likeness, but remember that as Mary was immaculately conceived, you are a great sinner. She is to be a model and a guide for you”. These words filled me with great humility and at the same time unspeakable consolation. When I presented this for the first time to Fr. H. (Honorat Kozminski), and he said he didn’t believe in my revelations, that they were only Satan’s illusions and a justification for my sins, I immediately shared this with Lord Jesus in prayer, and heard the following response after a while, “If the Father says it is an illusion, tell him everything and let him free you from it, for he is your guide”.
(There is a footnote here: “Mateczka said that Fr. Honorat smiled upon hearing those words”.)
"Original Revelation of the Work of Great Mercy":
I asked Lord Jesus in prayer to allow me to imitate him in his poverty, humiliation and suffering like St. Francis. I heard in my soul, “As St. Francis most closely imitated Lord Jesus, you will most closely imitate the Most Blessed Virgin, and you will come through everything she came through, in her likeness, but remember that as Mary was immaculately conceived, you are a great sinner. She is to be a model and a guide for you”. These words filled me with great humility and at the same time unspeakable consolation. When I presented this for the first time to Fr. H. (Honorat Kozminski), and he said he didn’t believe in my revelations, that they were only Satan’s illusions and a justification for my sins, I immediately shared this with Lord Jesus in prayer, and heard the following response after a while, “If the Father says it is an illusion, tell him everything and let him free you from it, for he is your guide”.
(There is a footnote here: “Mateczka said that Fr. Honorat smiled upon hearing those words”.)
“You will be my instrument from now on, but give me what is still yours”
Fr Felicjan M. Franciszek Strumiłło
"One day I experienced great sorrow and pain; I saw in my mind all the humiliations, persecutions and suffering that I would experience should all this come to pass, and on the other hand great Glory of God and the salvation of souls, and that God demands of me to sacrifice myself for that. So I was tensed and trembling all over, felt repulsion to people’s contempt and to suffering, but the desire for God’s glory and salvation of souls was greater. In such inner torments I waited until midnight. Only when I wholly sacrificed myself to God did I experience relief and calm, and even consolation and certainty. The First One [Mateczka refers here to Fr. Strumillo called the first Mariavite, the first priest to believe in the revelations, whose role in the history of the movement ended quickly as he fell ill and died soon thereafter.] described to me his joys and excitements in prayer, and he was wondering why I don’t write to him about myself. I asked him to wait a little longer and I would tell him everything.
On the day of St. Clara, 12 August, he came and asked me not to delay saying what I want to say to him any longer. I didn’t pay much attention to the day and was just about to tell him, but first we prayed the Veni Sancte and Pater Noster as was our custom, and when we said “Fiat Voluntas Tua”, we were told that the bishop is in the seminary and wants to see him [the First Mariavite was responsible for the spiritual development of the students of the diocesan seminary in Plock.]. We were very much surprised and at the same time glad, because we clearly learned that it is not the Will of God for me to speak then. Yet, to have greater certainty that this wasn’t an illusion, I was again begging Lord Jesus during Mass, humiliating myself as much as I could and imploring him for the sake of Dearest Blood not to doom my soul which he had redeemed, and, if all this were an illusion, to free and rescue me from it, for I desire to follow the straight path. Then I focused some more and heard a voice in my soul, “I want you to relinquish all this”. I did it most willingly and relinquished not only this but all my thoughts, emotions and desires, even the most holy ones, and stood before the Lord as an inanimate instrument… “Do you desire that God be glorified in his creature?”, I heard (by creature I understood myself). And then I was taken by such a fiery desire to glorify God and such a great understanding of my poverty that I wanted the whole world to learn how great God is and for all to see my sins, to learn what he can do in a miserable creature and to praise his omnipotence. And I heard the voice again, “You will be my instrument from now on, but give me what is still yours”. I had to ponder on it, for I didn’t call anything my own because of the three vows I took, so I was searching my soul for what I could still deem my own. Maybe an attachment to someone? But here, too, I was at peace. Finally, all the sins of my life appeared before my eyes, all flaws of my character, everything I neglected in service to God, and laziness; I understood that all this belongs to me, so I gave it to God and drowned it in Lord Jesus’ Heart. It was after the Elevation that I raised my eyes, listened to the Holy Mass to the end with thanksgiving for mercy, and since then everything that happened was so indifferent to me as though it didn’t happen to me, and I was so ready and willing to tell the First One about it as though it concerned someone else."
from the "Original Revelation of the of Great Mercy" by Mateczka
On the day of St. Clara, 12 August, he came and asked me not to delay saying what I want to say to him any longer. I didn’t pay much attention to the day and was just about to tell him, but first we prayed the Veni Sancte and Pater Noster as was our custom, and when we said “Fiat Voluntas Tua”, we were told that the bishop is in the seminary and wants to see him [the First Mariavite was responsible for the spiritual development of the students of the diocesan seminary in Plock.]. We were very much surprised and at the same time glad, because we clearly learned that it is not the Will of God for me to speak then. Yet, to have greater certainty that this wasn’t an illusion, I was again begging Lord Jesus during Mass, humiliating myself as much as I could and imploring him for the sake of Dearest Blood not to doom my soul which he had redeemed, and, if all this were an illusion, to free and rescue me from it, for I desire to follow the straight path. Then I focused some more and heard a voice in my soul, “I want you to relinquish all this”. I did it most willingly and relinquished not only this but all my thoughts, emotions and desires, even the most holy ones, and stood before the Lord as an inanimate instrument… “Do you desire that God be glorified in his creature?”, I heard (by creature I understood myself). And then I was taken by such a fiery desire to glorify God and such a great understanding of my poverty that I wanted the whole world to learn how great God is and for all to see my sins, to learn what he can do in a miserable creature and to praise his omnipotence. And I heard the voice again, “You will be my instrument from now on, but give me what is still yours”. I had to ponder on it, for I didn’t call anything my own because of the three vows I took, so I was searching my soul for what I could still deem my own. Maybe an attachment to someone? But here, too, I was at peace. Finally, all the sins of my life appeared before my eyes, all flaws of my character, everything I neglected in service to God, and laziness; I understood that all this belongs to me, so I gave it to God and drowned it in Lord Jesus’ Heart. It was after the Elevation that I raised my eyes, listened to the Holy Mass to the end with thanksgiving for mercy, and since then everything that happened was so indifferent to me as though it didn’t happen to me, and I was so ready and willing to tell the First One about it as though it concerned someone else."
from the "Original Revelation of the of Great Mercy" by Mateczka
Fragments of the "Pastoral Letter of the Archbishop of the Mariavites Concerning the Need to Pray".
1) the last photograph of Mateczka alive, 2) Bishop M.P.M. Fathome, of the Mariavite mission in France (taken after his consecration in 1938 in the chapel in Felicjanow), 3) Archbishop Kowalski in his cell.
"You may wonder, Dearest Brothers and Sisters, why scandals happen among Mariavite Brothers and Sisters, followed by abandonment of the Work of Great Mercy and the fall of previously bright and clean spirits? Why so many stars, shining with great brilliance upon the firmament of our sky, suddenly fall and turn into dust and ashes of this earth? The simple reason is that these spirits were neglectful in prayer, they got bored by it, and when it was hard for them to continue in it, they abandoned it completely; for this reason they fell from heaven and burned out, immersing in darkness.
Among the people, too, first the elders and then the youth become indifferent to Mariavitism because they are neglectful in prayer. Without prayer, Dearest Brothers and Sisters, the divine, spiritual life cannot exist in us. Even Holy Communion without prayer is not effective; it would be merely an outward reception of the Most Holy Sacrament, while the heart and the spirit would be far from love for Lord Jesus. Besides, who ceases to pray, doesn’t receive Holy Communion anymore either. Prayer cannot be separated from Holy Communion. Where there is no prayer, there can be no Holy Communion as well. And who doesn’t partake of the Lord’s body and blood, doesn’t have life in them, is dead even though it may seem they are alive.
So you see, Dearest Brothers and Sisters, how needed, how necessary prayer is.
For what is prayer? It constitutes an encounter with God himself. Who prays, encounters God, is united with God, is drawn closer to God, talks with him, implores him, beseeches him, humiliates herself before him, accuses himself before him, puts trust and hope in him, confesses her love to God, thanks him for everything, asks him for everything for himself and everyone else – in short, every man becomes a members of God’s family through prayer, feels like God’s child, son and servant. And who doesn’t pray is outside of God’s house, a stranger, and may even become God’s enemy.
…
Our Derest Mateczka gave as a perfect example of prayer. Although she was burdened with incessant work having to do with the salvation of our souls and our progress in perfection, she still continued to pray; not only during the day - even at night she would get up for prayer. She would also encourage her sisters and us all to prayer above anything else. For Lord Jesus commanded her that her house, that is the monastery, were a house of prayer and labour. Therefore I ask you, Dearest Brothers and Sisters (and I’m addressing all Mariavites, all clergy, Brothers and Sisters, and the Mariavite people), that you all may wake in yourself the slumbering spirit of prayer.
…
Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and to our Dearest Mateczka have as their purpose, however, for us - for the sake and through the mediation of these great Saints of God - to receive from God the grace of his mercy and the light we need to know, love and glorify him who is concealed in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Therefore, Dearest Brothers and Sisters, this is the chief and final goal of all our spiritual efforts and actions: to glorify our God and Saviour present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the centre, the focal point of all praise to God, rightly received by the Holy Trinity from all creatures, humans and angels. Without glorying this host, this sacrifice of love, no praise given to God sufficient, is worthy of God. For only through him, and with him, and in him all glory and honor is given to God the Father Almighty.
…
Your servant in Christ and brother,
+ Michal, Archbishop
The Temple of Mercy and Charity, 3 August 1931"
Among the people, too, first the elders and then the youth become indifferent to Mariavitism because they are neglectful in prayer. Without prayer, Dearest Brothers and Sisters, the divine, spiritual life cannot exist in us. Even Holy Communion without prayer is not effective; it would be merely an outward reception of the Most Holy Sacrament, while the heart and the spirit would be far from love for Lord Jesus. Besides, who ceases to pray, doesn’t receive Holy Communion anymore either. Prayer cannot be separated from Holy Communion. Where there is no prayer, there can be no Holy Communion as well. And who doesn’t partake of the Lord’s body and blood, doesn’t have life in them, is dead even though it may seem they are alive.
So you see, Dearest Brothers and Sisters, how needed, how necessary prayer is.
For what is prayer? It constitutes an encounter with God himself. Who prays, encounters God, is united with God, is drawn closer to God, talks with him, implores him, beseeches him, humiliates herself before him, accuses himself before him, puts trust and hope in him, confesses her love to God, thanks him for everything, asks him for everything for himself and everyone else – in short, every man becomes a members of God’s family through prayer, feels like God’s child, son and servant. And who doesn’t pray is outside of God’s house, a stranger, and may even become God’s enemy.
…
Our Derest Mateczka gave as a perfect example of prayer. Although she was burdened with incessant work having to do with the salvation of our souls and our progress in perfection, she still continued to pray; not only during the day - even at night she would get up for prayer. She would also encourage her sisters and us all to prayer above anything else. For Lord Jesus commanded her that her house, that is the monastery, were a house of prayer and labour. Therefore I ask you, Dearest Brothers and Sisters (and I’m addressing all Mariavites, all clergy, Brothers and Sisters, and the Mariavite people), that you all may wake in yourself the slumbering spirit of prayer.
…
Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and to our Dearest Mateczka have as their purpose, however, for us - for the sake and through the mediation of these great Saints of God - to receive from God the grace of his mercy and the light we need to know, love and glorify him who is concealed in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Therefore, Dearest Brothers and Sisters, this is the chief and final goal of all our spiritual efforts and actions: to glorify our God and Saviour present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the centre, the focal point of all praise to God, rightly received by the Holy Trinity from all creatures, humans and angels. Without glorying this host, this sacrifice of love, no praise given to God sufficient, is worthy of God. For only through him, and with him, and in him all glory and honor is given to God the Father Almighty.
…
Your servant in Christ and brother,
+ Michal, Archbishop
The Temple of Mercy and Charity, 3 August 1931"
from "The Kingdom of God" - "Krolestwo Boze"
Sr Maria Izabela Wilucka
Tranlated by br Lukasz Liniewicz from letters and addresses of Mariavite spiritual leaders taken from the book "Krolestwo Boze" (The Kingdom of God) published in 2009 by Felicjanow Mariavites:
One should keep silent, say only what is absolutely necessary and spend the rest of the time on talking with Lord Jesus, and he will bless you and again give you the grace that will make you able to pray. We should live by the truth, that is we should desire to be such before the people as we feel before God. We often acknowledge our poverty and nothingness before God but in the eyes of God we often desire to be seen as good. When reprimanded or humiliated, we refuse to accept that but become sad and discouraged. Strive not to let any day pass without praising God. We have something to offer to God from each day.
-- From Mateczka’s letter to a nun from January 1912
Dearest brothers and sisters, on behalf of our most precious and most holy Mateczka, who incessantly adores the Divine Body, we beseech you to revere that Body to the best of your capabilities (…) We can give true glory and praise to the Divine Body only by love, for any other form of glory and praise, without love, means nothing to God. Who doesn’t have love is only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. When they stop resounding their sound ceases but love lasts forever.
Corpus Christi processions are beautiful and it is beautiful how the Lamb of God is displayed for public worship, yet he is worshipped not by singing alone, not by lights, incense and bells, but by prayers and praises coming forth from love. That is why you, dearest brothers and sisters, who, being deprived of churches, cannot hold Corpus Christi processions, shouldn’t be saddened, for God doesn’t demand processions from his faithful people, but faithfulness.
-- From Archbishop Kowalski’s and Sister Maria Izabela Wiłucka’s (the mother superior) 1938 Corpus Christi address
One should keep silent, say only what is absolutely necessary and spend the rest of the time on talking with Lord Jesus, and he will bless you and again give you the grace that will make you able to pray. We should live by the truth, that is we should desire to be such before the people as we feel before God. We often acknowledge our poverty and nothingness before God but in the eyes of God we often desire to be seen as good. When reprimanded or humiliated, we refuse to accept that but become sad and discouraged. Strive not to let any day pass without praising God. We have something to offer to God from each day.
-- From Mateczka’s letter to a nun from January 1912
Dearest brothers and sisters, on behalf of our most precious and most holy Mateczka, who incessantly adores the Divine Body, we beseech you to revere that Body to the best of your capabilities (…) We can give true glory and praise to the Divine Body only by love, for any other form of glory and praise, without love, means nothing to God. Who doesn’t have love is only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. When they stop resounding their sound ceases but love lasts forever.
Corpus Christi processions are beautiful and it is beautiful how the Lamb of God is displayed for public worship, yet he is worshipped not by singing alone, not by lights, incense and bells, but by prayers and praises coming forth from love. That is why you, dearest brothers and sisters, who, being deprived of churches, cannot hold Corpus Christi processions, shouldn’t be saddened, for God doesn’t demand processions from his faithful people, but faithfulness.
-- From Archbishop Kowalski’s and Sister Maria Izabela Wiłucka’s (the mother superior) 1938 Corpus Christi address
