Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1872-02-09


The Roman Catholics, especially such 8
aie inclined to be supersltious, here, as well
as elsewhere throughout the world, are
somewhat excited oytra prophecy LETT by an
aged and plous nun, Anna Maria Taigi, who
died some years ago, which has f)und
universal publication 10 religious as Wel as
secular papers, the time for the iulallment
OF which being now near at hand. The re.
nlarkable prophecy reclles that The present
Pope shall live to complete the 27lh year OF
lis poptifcate, and that he shall be encircled
in the Vatican by iron as a prisoner, before
LIS death. Previous to his departure for the
new life there shall he made manifest sud
den terrible signs Of Gods wrath in the
heavens, preceded by plaques, epidemics
and wars and general disturbance OF
society. For three days and three nights
zimmerman darkness will rest over the earth
hiding every object 10 the world from view
from which no relief can be obtained, as
nothing but things that are blessed, candles
blessed by the Church we suppose, will burn
10 give the iantest ray OF light.
The people are exhOrted by the prophecies
not TO endeavor to scan the heavens curl.
ously during this darkness, for whomsoever
shall 60 and look out a window or leave his
house, for the purpose OF describing what 10
passing 10 the armament, will be Immediate
ly struck down dead. The whole time that
this judgment shall last, says tie prophecy,
ought 10 be employed in prayer, and, above
all, in recting The holy Rosary, hoping that
amid oil this trial aud humiliation the Lord
may show mercy 10 US. The director Of this
holy woman said, In 1904: ut is most true
that the venerable servant OF God announced
the scouTge Of ihTRe days darkness extend.
nE over the whole earth. While il lasts the
windows must be kept closed, all persons
must avoid appearing al them, and ought TO
recite the holy Rosary and pray"
Now, we submit that II is Tatser lard on
the people who do not know how 10 Iect
the Rosary TO await the coming Of tbs
plague of darkness. The faithful who take
stock in the prophecy argue that wars have
occurred RS ioreiold. that the Pope is gi;dled
with the iron OF Italian musketCers who
suuouud the Vatican, that he Promises TO
live until lie shall have passed tho n b
anniversary ofhs reign, that epidemics and
plaques have fallen in the shape Of small
pox, cholera and lamlnes on the people oil
The world, and that all that now remains 10
fulfil the prophecy 10 tue letter is tue terrible
visitation Of darkness.
Tie conformation In some circles oil the
Roman Catholic element, following tue pub.
llcalion OF the prediction iu Philadelphia,
was so great as TO cause Bishop Wood 10
issue a circular regarding it. lie advises
tue faithful 10 quiet their fears, aud states
that after examining the Lie oil the holy per
son 10 whom the prediction Is ascribed Ne
One whom the church las declared venei-
able, nothing has yet been found 10 authen.
ticate the prophecy which has been asso
ciated with her name. He also reminds the
faithful Il al they are required 10 believe only
that which is promulgated by the church,
and that by obeying her precepts and avoid
ing Gin, they may be prepared 10 receive
Wlaeyer judgments God 10 His wisdom may
impose.
None Of tie Catholic CLERGY Of this diocese
that we know take any stock In the pio-
phecy, although many Of tue laity are con-
sideraDly frightened on tue subject. With
all due reverence for holy tEings, we would
suggest that some tallow candle menuiac.
turer, who fnds his stock in trade large AMI
unsaleable, since petroleum has been 30
universally adopted for Illuminating pur-
oses, has promulgated this terrible pro-
phecy In order TO bull The ma. ket' and
effect sales 10 the iaituiu', who Will get
candles blsssed on Condemns day, 10 shine
aud give Hight, even when the sun plays out.
We feel sure, however, here in Pittsburgh,
as we imagine that our gas will shine
through any darkness, b. 1t ever 20 intense,
Tor il certainly has been blessed frequently
enough by tue consumers-when their bills
bad to be paid. Joking aside, howeye-, this
remarkable prophecy had occasionCd much
talk and speculation, even among the 10.
telligsnt people, and there are Thousands OF
superslitlOus persons, wh) believe that be.
tween Juae aad August the dark days will
come TO cast the Inhabitants oil the earth in
terror aud repentance. WAX and see.