Anne Catherine Emmerich’s vision from November 12, 1820, as recorded in The False Church and The Communion of the Profane, describes a prophetic and allegorical scene centered on a "false church" being constructed in Rome. This church, devoid of divine inspiration, is built through human reason, pride, and the influence of "planetary spirits" (possibly demonic or worldly forces). Unlike a true church, where angels and saints collaborate, this structure is mechanical, presumptuous, and violent, drawing people, doctrines, and opinions from afar to support its creation. Emmerich sees it as a symbol of spiritual decay, spreading darkness and desolation, withering greenery, and corrupting faith.
Key elements include:
The False Church: A square, black, and dirty building with a high dome, representing a community outside Christ’s true Church. It is marked by malice, error, hypocrisy, and the "communion of the profane," driven by science separated from faith and good works without belief.
Rome’s Decline: Emmerich sees Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, oppressed internally and externally, with priests and ecclesiastics contributing to the demolition of faith. Only three churches—Saint Peter, Saint Mary Major, and Saint Michael—remain unpenetrated by this corruption.
The Black Church’s Impact: Its influence spreads like a "black rope," devouring people and turning vibrant landscapes into gloomy swamps. It appears virtuous but is fundamentally evil, leading people astray with pride and presumption.
Hope and Redemption: Amid the darkness, Emmerich is guided to a green, walled place where light persists. Three angels give her three carved stones (blue, red, and white), which, when rubbed together, emit light and restore life, symbolizing divine grace counteracting the false church’s influence. A luminous villa emerges, drawing people to truth.
The Leaking Ship: A metaphor for the endangered state of those in the false church, who reject salvation and ultimately perish, despite Emmerich’s prayers for their repentance.
Emmerich’s vision warns of a spiritual crisis where a counterfeit church, rooted in human pride and devoid of divine mystery, threatens to undermine true faith. It critiques the seduction of clergy and laity by worldly ideologies and foresees a "great devastation." Yet, it offers hope through divine intervention, symbolized by the angels, stones, and the enduring light of truth.
This text aligns with Emmerich’s broader mystical writings, which often address the Church’s trials and the battle between divine and demonic forces. It remains a subject of interest for those studying Catholic mysticism, eschatology, and critiques of secularism within religious contexts. For further context, her works, like The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, provide additional insights into her visions and their theological implications.
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