St. Francis Mary of Camporosso (20 September): The Holy Face of Jesus: Cure for Our Darkest Times

About this sermon

St. Francis Mary of Camporosso offered himself to God through the Immaculate Virgin as a victim of expiation during the deadly epidemic of 1866. He died on September 17, and according to the account presented in this sermon, the epidemic ceased that very day. His heroic offering raises an urgent question for our times: Where are the generous and spiritually courageous souls willing to sacrifice themselves for Christ and the salvation of others? Following the fear, isolation and church closures experienced in 2020, the world still needs healing. People need encouragement, consolation and the assurance that God remains close to us. Christians are called to become messengers of that hope—to reflect the loving face of the Blessed Virgin Mary and bring the light of Christ into a world enveloped in darkness. This sermon explores devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, particularly the image associated with the Shroud of Turin, the veil of St. Veronica and the Holy Face of Manoppello. To contemplate the Holy Face is to stand spiritually before Jesus Christ, meditate upon His Passion and allow His image to become impressed upon the heart. St. Thérèse of Lisieux understood the importance of this devotion. Her full religious name was St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Contemplation of Christ’s suffering face can awaken generosity, strengthen us during trials and inspire souls to become victims of divine love. The sermon also warns about a spiritual pandemic more destructive than any bodily disease: the widespread plague of impurity and pornography. Images contrary to purity poison the mind, weaken the will and draw countless souls into sin. The remedy begins by turning our eyes away from darkness and toward the Holy Face of Jesus. Let the face of Christ replace every impure image. Carry His Holy Face within your heart while praying the Rosary—at home, while walking, on a bus or train, or wherever daily life takes you. Ask Our Lady to make your countenance reflect her tenderness, strength and reassuring smile. In this sermon: • The victim offering of St. Francis Mary of Camporosso • Why the modern world needs generous victim souls • Bringing Our Lady’s smile to those who despair • Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus • The Shroud of Turin and Holy Face of Manoppello • St. Thérèse and the Holy Face • The spiritual pandemic of impurity and pornography • Purifying the imagination through contemplation • Praying the Rosary before the Holy Face • Becoming a messenger of hope and light St. Francis Mary of Camporosso, pray for us. Our Lady of the Holy Face, pray for us. Most Holy Face of Jesus, have mercy on us. 0:00 Opening prayer 0:38 St. Francis Mary of Camporosso 1:02 His offering during the epidemic of 1866 1:13 A victim of expiation through the Immaculate Virgin 1:28 The epidemic ceases after his death 1:43 Why we need victim souls today 2:09 The world after the 2020 lockdowns 2:39 Helping the world rise again 3:03 We need to see the face of Our Lady 3:27 Bringing Mary’s reassuring smile to others 4:01 Becoming ambassadors of God 4:17 Bringing hope and light into the darkness 4:35 The Holy Face appearing throughout Ireland 4:58 The Holy Face and the Shroud of Turin 5:15 Impressing the face of Jesus upon our hearts 5:32 The Holy Face of Manoppello 6:04 St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face 6:22 Contemplation and generosity 6:34 Becoming a victim of divine love 6:50 A spiritual pandemic more damaging than disease 7:07 The pandemic of impurity and pornography 7:47 The Holy Face as a remedy for poisoned hearts 7:56 Praying the Rosary while contemplating Jesus 8:37 Carry the Holy Face within your heart 8:50 Prayer to St. Francis Mary of Camporosso 9:06 Let the smile of Our Lady be upon your lips For more please visit https://www.themarianfranciscans.org/ Please sign up at this link https://lifecrusade.org/ #Catholic #BlessedFrancisMary #HolyFace #Capuchins #CatholicHomily #Rosary #Saints #SpiritualHealing #CatholicFaith #JesusChrist #OurLady #SaintTherese #PadrePio #CatholicChurch #ChristianFaith 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Holiness
• Jesus Christ