Expert: Padraig Caughey - 9/18/2007

Question
Dear Padraig,

                   Hello, I have a few questions to ask if you dont mind. Stigmata is the mark of Christ Jesus cruxificion, I only hear the truth of what the holy spirit has to say. Some people doubt this and I am much to curious to know if I have invisible stigmata? I feel five wounds from Jesus when he was on the cross. Some say are you sure I say I know so. I seen Jesus Christ he looked as Sr. Maria Faustina of Poland saw him. Others only have the sufferings, without any outward marks, and these phenomena are called invisible stigmata.

The phenomenon is known to many mystics and involves pain in the areas where Jesus suffered His wounds. It is the unification of suffering with those of the Lord and often intensifies during Lent that is what's happening to me -- though some mystics have been known to experience it throughout the year. I had started this in Pentecost then it stopped now as the holidays approach such pain in my  hands, my feet, and head -- even breast of the right side I feel as a spear has gone through me.I had 140 visions that started as a child seeing St. Michael the archangel of virtues, then Our lady of the Roses, even Jesus Christ himself telling me to warn America to turn back to purity and Jesus -- or suffer "unprecedented" consequences. These are more words of the Virgin Mary "I ask greater suffering of the most favored and beloved of my children," the Virgin once told me. "I ask in the Name and for the love of my Son, Who so desires this. O my small, one my little flower, beloved of my Son's Heart, prepare yourself by prayer, penance, and suffering for what is to come." There are so many female and male saints of the catholic religion that bore this. If I am a mystic why did Jesus chose me for this?  

Answer
Hi again Jacqueline,

A good definition of the word, 'Mysticism' is to explore the mystery of Christ'. This exploration is the mark of all who follow Christ in the Pilgrim path of prayer. Not, the few, the special or the chosen, but all. As saint Paul tells us, we are all of us being transformed from one degree of glory into the next into the image of Christ.

As Saint John of the Cross tells us, "We are all of us being transformed, from one degree of glory into the next into the image of Christ'.


The hidden ways are the best ways, without special graces, or stigmata or visions, or whatever, the important thing is love.

In my opinion your stigmata and visions are entirely false and will arise from one of three sources, the devil, delusion or mental illness. But whatever I have no doubt that your pride is being acted upon here because you want to feel special, important and better than everyone else.

I advise you to seek out a good Spiritual Director, who, even at this late stage of grand deception may be able to drag you out of the pit of hopeless prideful delusion into which you have fallen.

But' whatever, you're in my prayers,

God Bless

Padraig