2nd Part of Therese Neumann

All these occurrences around Therese could not be kept in a private sphere. The interest of the public was aroused. Especially on Fridays, large crowds of visitors would come. The Bishop of Regensburg, Antonius von Henle, had been very cautious concerning the occurrences in Konnersreuth. Public discussions got stormier all the time, so the Bavarian Conference of Bishops decided to get a scientific basis for the philosophical-theological examination of the phenomenon. By order of the Diocesan Authorities, Therese had to undergo medical observation from July 14 - 28, 1927, headed by Dr. Seidl from Waldsassen and Prof. Dr. Ewald from Erlangen. Especially the phenomenon of living without taking any food should be watched and scrutinized by checking her weight, temperature, pulse frequency, and laboratory examinations of her secretions and blood. Four sworn in nurses watched over Therese around the clock, following strict orders of the two Doctors. To check the process, the Doctors themselves came in from time to time, without prior notice. The results of the examinations verified, that "in spite of the intense observation ... not even this could be observed, that Therese Neumann, who was not a second alone, ate anything..."

In October 1927, the Bavarian Conference of Bishops passed a resolution concerning Therese Neumann, to admonish the public "not to form a final judgment on the matter of Konnersreuth, until the Church Authority had decided about this case, and to refrain from visits." The Diocesan Authorities explained in a circular letter "Oberhirtliches Verordnungsblatt" for the Diocese of Regensburg, no. 10, 1927, the necessity for this decision: "This decision was necessary to prevent something like a pilgrimage, even before the basis for this has the attestation of the Church; but even more so, to keep evil-minded people away, who refer to their personal visit in Konnersreut and disseminate untrue reports,... false information, blaspheme all that is supernatural and holy". Furthermore, in this report the process and the results of the fifteen days of strict watch were made known. Referring to the investigational examination it was verified, that not the smallest amount of food had been taken. After this decision of the Diocese, a written permission of the Diocese was required to enter the house of the Neumann family. But even this step could not stop the crowds, so it was given up.

When the National Socialists came to power between 1933 and 1945, a difficult time of plight began for Therese. The National Socialistic Press published sarcastic articles about her person all over Germany. State authorities never missed a chance to put her to shame, cause her inconvenience or threaten her with prosecution or arrest. However, she never had to take any physical reprisal. She made no secret of the fact, that she rejected the political course and the person of Hitler. After Word War II had ended, crowds of visitors came again, among them many American soldiers. Over the years, many people received help, advice and comfort. Many found their faith anew or their faith was strenghtend. Although she never wanted to be the centre of publicity, she did not withdraw from visitors. People lusting for sensation, however, met a harsh rejection from Therese. The visitors were a burden to the Neumann family; it meant considerable restrictions in their daily life. Despite of all this, they continued to live a simple life. Also, the place Konnersreuth was nothing but a village, it did not take advantage of the situation for a profitable tourist attraction.

Therese died on September 18, 1962, after she had suffered from Angina Pectoris for some time. Before she was burried on September 22, 1962, four medical Doctors examinated the corpse und verified, that, even 4 days after death, no rigidity of death (rigor mortis) and no cadaverous smell could be noticed. The corpse was so flexible that some feared an apparent death (suspended animation). Up to this day, many people honour Therese and visit her grave. The Rectory of Konnersreuth alone has received over 40.000 motions from around the world, calling for her Beatification.

Therese has been venerated since her death, her life was obviously virtuous and many miracles have occured during her life time and since her death. Countless people wish her saintliness to be authorized by the Church. Alone to the Rectory of Konnersreuth, more than 40.000 motions have been submitted for a process of Beatification, coming from all over the world. In 2005, Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Bishop of Regensburg, formally opened the proceedings for her beatification.

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Therese Neumann

Therese Neumann
von Konnersreuth

Mystic and Stigmatist

April 8, 1898 - September 18, 1962

Therese Neumann was born on April 8, 1898, during the night of Good Friday/Holy Saturday in Konnersreuth in Bavaria (Oberpfalz) Germany. She was the first child of 11 of Ferdinand Neumann, a tailor, and his wife Anna Grillmeier. As it was the custom, soon after birth, she was baptized, on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1898, in the parish church St. Laurentius in Konnersreuth. Therese grew up in a modest home. Work in the house was a main task. There was not much of an opportunity for children's play, because each of the children had to do some work on the small farm or in the tailor´s shop, according to their strength and ability. The parents raised their children consistently Christian. She attended elementary school from 1904 - 1911. She was known as a diligent and good pupil.

The small income of the parents made it necessary for the children to earn some money for the daily living of the family, as soon as possible. For that reason, Therese worked already in the afternoons during the last half year of Elementary school (1910-11) in the Castle of Fockenfeld. By age 14 (1912) she worked full time as a maid on a rather large property in Konnersreuth. Therefore, during the years 1911 - 1914, she attended only Sunday school. According to her final report card, she earned good and very good grades for the subjects of Religion, Science, Reading, Arithmetic, Essay and Penmanship. Therese was an intelligent and healthy child. During her school years, nothing extraordinary was noticed. She was known for her cheerful mind and showed great responsibility at an early age. On July 12, 1908, she was confirmed by the Bishop Antonius von Henle in Waldsassen. On April 18, 1909, she received First Holy Communion.

At the age of fifteen Therese began thinking about becoming a missionary Sister to Africa. But in 1914, the First World War prevented her entry into that Order. When her father was drafted in 1914, she promised her parents to postpone entering the convent until her father returned from the war. Because the owner of the estate was drafted to serve in World War I, Therese took over the position of the head-servant. Because she was physically very strong, the work on the farm and in the fields went well. She loved plants and animals, the change of seasons as well as natural events. As a soldier on leave in World War I, her father came home and brought a devotional picture of the French Therese of Lisieux (Thérèse Martin) of the Carmelite Order for his daughter. At age 16, Therese Neumann became interested in the biography of "Little Therese", venerated her and prayed for her beatification.

In 1918 a tragic injury changed her life. During a fire, Therese was helping to pass buckets of water to put it out when she injured her back. This injury led her to fall uncontrollably to the ground on succeeding days. These falls brought on paralysis and blindness. She developed pneumonia, digestive problems, abscesses formed in her ears causing a loss of hearing and bed sores developed. These physical sufferings continued for six years until she developed appendicitis. Her family and doctors expected imminent death.

She miraculously regained her sight in 1923 through prayers to St. Teresa, "The Little Flower." Later Therese Neumann's limbs were instantaneously healed. From 1923 onward, Therese has abstained completely from food and drink, except for the daily swallowing of one small consecrated wafer. February 16, 1926 was a new decisive turning point in Therese's life. She fell ill again, in addition, an ear abscess developed, and at times bloody water and pus trickled out of her eyes. Often the pain gave her sleepless nights, i.e. on the night of Thursday/Friday March 4/5, 1926 she couldn't sleep. Suddenly, she had a vision. She saw Jesus kneeling in the Garden of Gethsemane. At the same time, she experienced a pain on the left side of her breast, of such intensity that she thought she would die. Then blood started to run down from this place. The trickling of blood lasted until the next midday.

The other signs of illness remained. The ear abscess broke open on Holy Saturday, but she was bedridden until 1927. On the night of Thursday she had a second vision - substantially the same, yet extended by the scene of the scourging of Jesus. On the following Friday, March 19, 1926, she saw also the crown of thorns put on, and on Friday, March 26, 1926, the carrying of the Cross and the fall under the Cross. On Good Friday, April 02, 1926, she saw the complete Passion, and in the early morning of Easter, the Resurrection of Christ. The visions were accompanied by blood-wounds, which appeared not only in the heart area, but by the end of the year, in all places of the wounds of Christ, the Stigmata.

Therese had this vision of the Passion again and again until her death, during 36 years each time in over 30 separate visions every Friday, except on those Fridays from Christmas to Lent, Easter to the Feast of the Sacred Heart and on any Fridays which coincided with a high feast or an octave of a feast. During her visions, her eyes, heart and head bled; during Lent, her hands, feet, knees and right shoulder also bled...on Good Friday, bleeding would occur on her chest and back too. The Stigmata on her heart, hands and feet stayed visible, but never became inflamed or festering ...unless a remedy was applied.

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Pope: the Future Needs Stout-Hearted Priests Addresses Students of Pontifical Filipino College

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 20, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is encouraging priests to seize the opportunities to grow in "spiritual and theological maturity" so that they can be "stout-hearted" enough for whatever the future holds.
The Pope said this on Saturday when he received in audience a group of students and faculty from the Pontifical Filipino College. Blessed Pope John XXIII founded the college 50 years ago and the papal audience was commemorating the anniversary.
The German Pontiff encouraged the students to "grow in faith" and to "strive for excellence in your studies." He also told them to "grasp every opportunity afforded you to attain spiritual and theological maturity, so that you will be equipped, trained, and stout-hearted for whatever awaits you in the future."
Complete gift
Speaking about the martyrs of Rome, the Pope assured: "I am confident that each of you will be inspired by their union with the mystery of Christ and embrace the Lord's call to holiness which demands from you as priests nothing less than the complete gift of your lives and labors to God."
The Holy Father also gave practical counsel regarding the students' use of time. He suggested a "healthy balance between local pastoral concerns and the academic requirements of your stay here, to the benefit of all."
The Pontiff's final reflection regarded the special opportunity afforded the priests by their studies in Rome.
"[D]o not forget the affection of the Pope for you and for your homeland," he said. And he urged them to return to the Philippines with an "unshakeable affection of your own for the Successor of Peter."
The Holy Father encouraged the "desire to strengthen and maintain the communion which binds the Church in charity around [the Pope]."
"In this way," he said, "having completed your studies, you will surely be a leaven of the Gospel in the life of your beloved nation."

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A DIRTY TRICK

A naughty boy entered a crowded train. He played a trick to get a seat. He cried aloud, "Snake, snake!" The frightened passengers left the coach in a hurry and boarded other coaches on the train. The boy was very happy and easily occupied a wide vacant seat. The liar stretched himself out on the seat comfortably and soon fell asleep. After an hour, he opened his eyes and checked if he has reached his destination. He was surprised to find that the train was still at the station where he had boarded it. Confused, he came out and enquired. He was informed that the coach was disconnected for a detailed search for the snake. The rest of the train had left the station an hour ago. The liar was stranded on the isolated carriage.

We should not tell a lie even if telling the lie may give us money, power or pleasure. St. Paul advises, "No more lying, then! Everyone must tell the truth to his fellow-believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ" {Ephesians 4: 25}. Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" {John 8: 32}.

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A DREADFUL DREAM

There was a wealthy man who lived without principles. He was reluctant to offer any help to poor people. He owned a palatial house and a large estate. A cruel gate-keeper was posted to prevent the entry of beggars and other poor people into the premises.

He was haughty and controlled every action of his wife and children. He did not permit them to perform any act of charity or spend any money without his consent. Poor beggars who approached his house for help were ruthlessly sent away. Even in an emergency, he did not show any mercy or sympathy to poor people. He did not have any contact with poor neighbours or relatives as he feared they might seek his help in their financial difficulties.

One day, the gate-keeper was sick and could not come for duty. A family of poor refugees from a flood-hit area came to his house and begged for some food as they were hungry and tired. He permitted them to take a jack fruit fallen from a tree in his estate. They thankfully went away carrying the fruit with them. He gave the fruit as the trees had yielded a large number of jack fruits and the fruits could not be sold in the market due to low demand. He was worried about his inability to utilise the fruits profitably. Fruits were falling down and causing pollution. His gift was part of cleaning and not an act of mercy.

That night, he had a dreadful dream. He dreamt that he was cast into hell along with several similar souls. There was fire all around. He cried aloud to God, who was seen seated in a distant throne in heaven: “Help me, Oh my loving Lord, I have been a Christian throughout my life. I have recited my prayers regularly and attended the Church on every Sunday without fail. You have put me in this hell of horror by error. Please raise me to heaven.”

God replied, “Name any one act of charity that you did with a loving heart in your life-time and I will help you.”

He thought thoroughly. The images of the poor and sick persons he ignored or rejected marched through his memory. He felt sorry for wasting all chances for charity. Suddenly the family who ate the jack fruit came to his mind. He shouted jubilantly, “Yes, my God, I have given a jack fruit to a hungry family. Kindly lift me from this fire, my Lord!”

God said, “You didn’t give it with love. Still I will give you a chance. I will lower a jack fruit tied to a rope towards you from here. You may hold on to the fruit and I will pull you up from the flames and fire.”

He jumped with joy, seeing the approaching fruit and embraced it as soon as it reached him. As it began to rise up to heaven, several souls caught hold of his legs hoping to escape . He kicked them away with all his skill. Suddenly a sportsman’s soul jumped high and caught the fruit. He raised a hand to punch him and push him away. “This is my fruit, Go away, you fool!” he shouted. Suddenly he lost his grip and fell down flat, back into the flames of fire.

With a shock he opened his eyes. He was lying flat on the floor having fallen from his bed in his sleep. He confessed his sins and started a new life of charity. His Christianity became a reality.

                  

Jesus has announced the basic rules and essential qualifications for entrance into heaven: “…..I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me…..I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me” {Matthew 25: 31-46}.

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A SINKING SHIP

A ship was sailing towards a port carrying a large number of passengers. The shore could be seen in the distant horizon and all on board were gladly getting ready for the end of the journey. Suddenly the ship struck against a rock and broke its hull. Water rushed into the ship and it was sinking fast. Everyone tried to escape, abandoning their baggage. Some boarded life-boats, others jumped into the sea to swim ashore.

But one of the passengers was busily engaged in stealing valuable materials from the luggage of the passengers. He broke open the bags, trunks and suitcases in the sinking ship and collected all the jewelery and gold coins in a cloth bag and tied the bag safely to his waist. Then he jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore. But the weight of the stolen jewelery made him sink. He tried his best to swim as he was an expert swimmer. But the heavy load dragged him down into the deep sea. No one could save him.

“Robbery always claims the life of the robber” {Proverbs 1: 19}. “It is better to have a little, honestly earned, than to have a large income gained dishonestly {Proverbs 16:8}.

Jesus said, “No one can be a slave of two masters; he will hate one and love the other; he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” {Matthew 6: 24, Luke 16: 13}.

“Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because a person’s true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be” {Luke 12: 15}.

“Will a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his life” {Matthew 16: 26}.

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