THE WATER OF THE SHRINE OF MERCIFUL LOVE
In order to use correctly the water of the Shrine at Collevalenza, it is necessary to understand its spiritual significance and the reasons why Divine Providence has given it to us through Mother Speranza.
Water, a Sign of Grace
Water is one of the material elements used in the Bible to describe spiritual and supernatural events:
the water which washes is the sign of Divine Grace, purifying our conscience from every stain of sin (Tit 3,3-7)
the water which quenches thirst is the sign of Divine Providence, satisfying our interiors thirst for truth and faith (Jn 4,5-15; 7,37-3)
the water which fertilizes is the sign of Divine Providence, renewing our hearts and enabling us to bear the "fruits of the Spirit" (Gal 5,16-25).
Water, an Instrument of Mercy
In the Bible, water is also used to perform miracles, including the healing of incurably sick persons:
the people of Israel, guided by Moses, went through the waters of the Red Sea, which parted and allowed them to pass through (Ex 14,15-31);
Naaman, a leper, was invited by the prophet Elisha to immerse himself seven times in the River Jordan in order to be healed (2 Kings 5,1-19);
the man born blind was touched over the eyes with mud by Jesus, who said to him: "Go and wash in the pool of Siloam" (Jn 9,1-41).
The Origin of the Water at the Shrine
The story of the origin of the well can be summed up as follows:
Mother Speranza wished the realization of the well, because of a clear supernatural inspiration.
In 1960 a deep hole was drilled in the ground; water was first found at a depth of 92 metres and later at 114, 120 and 122 metres.
The building of the baths was part of the same project and occurred during the same period.
The Purpose of the Water
We learn the purpose of the well and the baths from what Mother Speranza has said on this subject:
She stated that through the water miracles would be performed, that sick people would recover from "serious and also incurable illnesses".
Among the "illnesses that human science cannot treat", Mother Speranza expressly mentioned "paralysis, cancer and leukaemia".
In this sense, the water of the Shrine is to be considered as a sign of grace and an instrument of the Lord’s mercy.
The Water and the Message of the Shrine
The purpose of the water is linked to the spiritual message proclaimed at the Shrine by Mother Speranza:
The Lord cures people even of incurable diseases to remind us that his mercy can also heal every kind of spiritual sickness.
He heals us of habitual venial sin which, like paralysis, hinders us from walking on the path of virtue.
He heals us of every kind of mortal sin which, like cancer, eats us away and destroys us.
The Water and the Message of the Shrine
The following guidelines may be helpful:
Before seeking bodily healing, we should "cure the wounds of the soul" by receiving the Sacraments at the Shrine, where "the Father who forgives, forgets and takes no account of offences" is waiting for us.
The water must be used "with great faith and trust", and the request for healing must be expressed by prayer, especially by the Novena to Merciful Love, composed by Mother Speranza herself.
Should God’s will decide otherwise, we must accept our sufferings with serenity, in union with the Lord’s Passion.
The Church’s Attitude to this Apostolate
After a long period of cautious discernment by the Church authorities, during which the baths remained closed, in 1972 the Shrine was permitted to exercise this apostolate. The immersion of the sick is preceded by a penitential rite known as the Liturgy of the Waters.
Prayer for the Shrine
O my Jesus, bring to this Shrine people from every part of the world not only those who seek bodily healing but also those who seek to rid their souls of the leprosy of habitual and mortal sin. Jesus, help, console and comfort all who are in need. Let everyone see you, not as a severe judge, but as a father full of love and mercy, who takes no account of his children’s offences but forgives them and forgets.Prayer during the Immersion
My Lord and my God, through your love and mercy heals us, your children, of every illness, especially those which human science is unable to cure. Grant that with your help we can always keep our souls free from every serious sin.
[Home]
realizzazione
webmaster@collevalenza.it
ultimo aggiornamento
05 maggio, 2005