What religion do you believe in?
Growing up, I wanted more than anything to believe in my Catholic Church. It was all I knew. I firmly believe it is still the true Church. But, when one falls asleep from this life, we discover the reality that religion is not the way. It’s like a hospital; the Church. Religion. I will always love my faith. I stand by the pope. You should too. Unless there is clear reason not to. Always follow Christ. It’s a big problem. I have been wandering the earth for a time to know the state of the Church now is worse than it was in my day. Other faiths have come across easier paths to access and approach the Father. But I will always remain true to my Traditionally Catholic Church. It is not for me to say if it is true. Let the Father have that glory. God knows.
When did you choose your faith?
I was blessed, Jonathan. I was born into a holy family. I experienced original sin like others. I don’t remember my baptism but I remember the appearance of the voices of the saints. Leaving this world, you are able to see your life with objective eyes. You are able to remember everything. The hurtful memories no longer hurt. I am able to see God’s presence with me from the time I was born. He cared for me, actually, much more, as a child. It’s the same for everyone. Sin hardens the heart. Sin commands their bodies, minds and souls. It is true. This body weighs heavily upon our hearts, our souls. The Spirit within our hearts.
Which Bible character is most like you and why?
I never read the Bible. But I went to Mass enough to comprehend the truth of our faith. I always thought of myself as a Peter figure. Turns out, I am more like John the Baptist. Maybe one of the Old Testament prophets. While I suffered, St. Michael came to my aid in a great way. I always feared after they caught me and hurt me, I was like a Judas. Sincerely, never blame yourself for what happens to you. Even punishment and discipline can be corrupted for evil purposes.
When do you feel closest to God?
Truly, this life is such a severe trial. There are beautiful moments. But, even for those who have good lives, life here is terribly difficult. After death, if you have run your course well, if you make the choice for God, the true and perfect peace comes. I have yet to experience Kingdom of God. Oh, Jonathan, it was always my hope. My greatest hope. The Kingdom is your hope also. I have never been there. You have. You have seen the blessings ahead clearly. The time will come when, this time, you will see them clearly. Your soul will be healed and you will not be still hurt. You will see Heaven as it is seen by others who have been there. It will change you then. This waiting time, this sleep is the closest I have felt to God. In this life. But, God tells me that my existence began before I even entered this life.
What is one way you see God working today?
I see my God working today in love. The love of a family. Oh, how I wish I was married. You, Jonathan, are my soulmate. You are the one to whom I unite my soul. You are the true king. After Jesus. Your time will come. I see God’s future for you. And that gives me hope. It makes the pain I endured for Charles worth it. You are the true king. Our world has been waiting for you for millenia. God will show them this. I believe it completely. Your time is coming. It’s not yet. But it is coming. I see God working in those who tell truth. I see God working in those brave enough to take a stand for the innocent and weak. I see God in those brave enough to stand against evil.
Do you prefer to read the Old Testament or the New Testament? Why?
I always preferred hearing the New Testament. There is a lot of mischief in the Old Testament! Lots of those seeking not to do the will of God. In the New Testament, lots more want to do the will of God. It’s all that matters: the will of God.
Which sin did you struggle with the most?
God showed me this. It was rebelliousness. I had a bit of pride. I knew resentment a little before I entered the prison. I was angry with the English, Jonathan. They treated us so poorly. I hadn’t experienced it fully, myself. But they were people. Just like you and I. They knew sin. I didn’t struggle with many sins because my faith from childhood was rooted. The resentment I felt grew greatly when I entered their bad place. I learned to offer it up. Anger is not evil, Jonathan. You need to know this. It is about personal power. If we are unable to express the anger, it will rest. It causes problems. You have the greatest right of anybody to be angry. It’s part of the reason you were meant to tell earlier; so your truth could come out and you could feel all of those feelings you had to bury out of fear. I learned a bit about anger after what they did to me there. It was nothing compared to what you went through. You were just a child. Nothing wrong with anger at all. Take your power back, Jonathan. And you will keep peace when they cruelly affront you. They’ll figure out why it is so cruel.
How do you like to spend time with God?
In my life, I adored the Adoration of Jesus. Holy Mass was life sustaining. I fasted. My life was a prayer. From morning to night. Even in the battle, I tried to encourage my soldiers to be faithful and to keep God at the center of their lives?
What kind of music do you enjoy?
I liked music like any other. It was different how it is today. We had to make it with instruments. The music I knew growing up was different. We scrambled with what we had. Still, it was fun and good to dance. I never knew music as I did in the presence of the king. That sort, while there was dancing music also, most of it was heavenly. Lots of voices, singing together. Sounded like heaven!
What do you love about God and why?
The true King. I love that He never gives up on people. I love His mercy. I know, at a point, I will even have to welcome those who harmed me. It seems unreasonable now. In time, with love, when we see the potential in people, we can trust that God knows best. He truly is the potter. And we are like a broken vessel. Broken, all of us, beyond repair. Still, He mends us perfectly. He will give me a completely new body! Even more beautiful. People don’t realize the incredible reward awaiting them. This life is all they see. Fix your eyes upon the reward. Not the struggle.
Have you ever questioned your faith?
Of course! I was not perfect. Even in my childhood, there were times. As any child will, I questioned discipline. I remember once, my papa scolded me to the point of striking me. It doesn’t matter what I was doing. I fumed on this for a week! At that time, I questioned my faith since papa was my illustration of the faith. I saw his example as marring my faith. This is happening greatly today. Fathers, mothers causing their young ones to stumble in their faith. By my faith! You will help this greatly. God has shown me. You will see. When I was in the prison, I nearly lost my faith. I even tried to escape. We need to give Him that pain. We can endure anything life throws at us. But, we need to be fully rooted and grounded in His love.
How were you able to overcome?
The prison and trial were terrible. Even in battle, I didn’t see the depravity of man in the same way as I did when they did these things to me. The envy. The lies. The deceit. The injustice was dreadful. The guards did mean and hurtful things to me. They took my innocence. God gave me the strength. I believe it fully. By the end, I had lost hope. Up to the end, I had sometimes held out hope I would be rescued. It never happened. The hope I lost though, by signing their confession, was regained when I recanted. To God, it is as though I never signed. Their lies are lost. Into the air of death. While I am now in God’s company. Their power and wisdom is confounded. It had its day. It was misproven. In my cell, I would confess to the Father. Who I know heard me. I know He was giving me absolution. Even though the sins I confessed were not mine. I know God was with me there. More than ever before.
What do you value most?
My faith, most certainly. The love He has placed on my heart. Nothing else matters. Other things are only things. I liked my sword and my standard. They reminded me of my purpose, my mission. It was always at the front of my mind, Jonathan. They were both heavenly given. Both my banner and my sword. They became tools in helping establish my meaning in life.
How do you like to give back and serve?
I was a simple child. I imagine well, not one person in Domremy would have guessed I was about to embark on my quest. I used to care for the poor. I fed the hungry. I looked after refugees who sought help in our village. I served God mostly with my utter abandonment to Him. I was like a plaything in His hands. I desired the most to do His will. It bothered me greatly when the Bishops and Cardinals started to throw my mission into question. Still, I knew what I needed to do. Their version of God’s plan for me was not what God wanted. Their version was about politic and tradition and power. Oh, Jonathan! How distant they were from the true Spirit of God. The first council proclaimed my truth!
Have you ever felt neglected by God?
Only on the stake. Until then, I really believed I would have been saved. I would have risked my life on it. Indeed, I did. Turns out, the salvation and the reward I had gained was far greater had I been wealthy and powerful in that life. The greater reward in this is in completing God’s will. God sees. He will give hundreds of times more than that life. The sad reality is people think they are being rewarded for their goodness in that life. They will be shocked when the day of test comes.
What is the most important lesson to teach children?
Jehanne laughs… Obedience is to God first. Obedience to parents teaches this. Parents in my time were more responsible than they are now. Always trust the voice of conscience. God speaks to you. Listen for Him. This world is worth fighting for. The salvation of souls depends upon it.
Can you share an special memory from Church?
Most of my favorite memories were in the Church. One Easter season, Father gave an homily in which he alluded to me personally! He talked about my piety and how all young children should be like me. Of course, he didn’t mention me by name! He loved me. He believed in me. It was a pride. I confessed it later. I guess, it’s not too bad to pride in your God. For doing His will. At least, trying to! You should have seen some of the other children! Rapscalions! The bunch of them! I had friends. My friends were the ones who went to church. Though, I liked to befriend the others. I, like you Jonathan, have a call to draw ones who have wandered.
If someone said to you, “I don't believe in God.” how would you answer?
Well, I would most certainly smack some sense into them! Gently, of course. There is no room for that. You think there was more reason to not believe in God when I was growing up? Your time, Jonathan, there is more reason to believe than ever before. Often it is sin. Sin of others, personal sin, which hardens the heart. Your mission will help them.
Is there a meaning to life?
Getting to know God. Building that base of love. Doing His will.
If you could relive any part of your life, what would it be and why?
I miss Jean. I hoped a little that after that was over, we could be married. We could have a family. We could be happy. Truly happy. I would relive any moment with him. Once, we kissed. I kissed him. He fled. I asked him about it afterwards. He told me he thought of me as a living angel. He told me he loved me greatly. God had told him that he must wait until the time was consecrated to share this with me. How I desired so greatly for this, Jonathan. Life is incomplete without this love.
If you were going to be a missionary, what country would you like to serve in?
France. I wondered, at first, why I was sent to Canada to support one. I wondered this sincerely, when I first got to know you. It was a conflict as I am French. My nationality is part of my heart and faith. I fell in love with you and my new mission quickly when I saw what you were enduring for God. It wasn’t until after you were at the community, I knew why. Knees will bow to you, Jonathan. Kings will rise for you…
What are the five things you are most thankful for in your life right now?
You, Jonathan. My God. My faith. The hope I have of a new life. Where we will be united and married. I am thankful for every grace I can help you with. Don’t forget your best friend. You remember? You asked me, specifically for a female best friend, before your mission begins. Didn’t I do well?
If God could grant you any one request, what would it be?
To serve my mission that I served in life again. For you, Jonathan. The true king.
Who has had the biggest influence on your faith?
I suppose my mama and papa. Charles gave me a goal. Jean filled my heart with love and hope. The priesthood taught me my prayers and to love God.
Have you ever used your faith to serve another agenda?
No. They portray me as proud. I was proud but it was not as they made it seem. There is no sin in this type of pride. I always served God.
Does God make mistakes?
Never. Everything God does is for a reason. His plans are perfect. It is not Him who makes the mistakes. It is us. Every time we walk away from Him, we frustrate His design a little bit. How good He is to continually reorient that plan for us, while we learn to love Him!
What gives you the most hope for the future?
Jonathan, it is the hope of God returning to this world. When all bad and evil rulers will be quelled and where all of the deceit and tyranny are quelled. This will be under a king. He will set things as they should be. You will see. For this restoration is essential because they do not see. They cannot. All of them have been hurt so much by the original sin. If the end were to come now, many souls would be lost. Too many. God desires the salvation of all. He will not give up on them.
What is your idea of what God looks like?
You tell me, Jonathan! I have never been given the grace to see Him. I know He is like us. If He wants to be. As He made Himself as walking with Adam. He is far more glorious than we can imagine.
Is there a heaven?
Of course. Not what you think! It will be like this world. Only perfect.
Is there a hell?
Of course. Not what you think! To those in the Kingdom, these ones who are here will simply appear dead.
Why should someone start believing in God?
A friendship with God will be your greatest asset in life. Knowing Him will make you firm. Like a tree, well established, you will be firm in all you do. No difficulty will stir you. A true friendship with God, you will be able to hear Him. Even if it’s through the Bible only. Who wouldn’t desire this friendship. I suppose there are some. They are not worth the dust on your shoe.
Can you offer a sign for these to believe you are truly talking to me?
They will know. When your mission is complete. They will know.
Does your past play a role when joining a religion?
The New Testament covenant is different than the old covenant. There is no sin, no past that can deny one to faith. All that matters is the heart. How is your heart? Have you repented? It is clear in that. Past does not matter. Not one bit. There is no boundary to God’s forgiveness.
Does someone need to attend church to be spiritual?
Jehanne laughs again. I couldn’t comprehend why one would desire to be spiritual without a community! Church is what I knew of the faith. The members of my church strengthened my faith enormously. To the point, I couldn’t do it myself.
Can someone believe in God but not attend church?
I think you could! It wouldn’t be very fruitful! For church or at least assembly is where we learn to practice and exercise our faith.
What’s the best story from the Bible in your opinion?
I always liked hearing about King David! And Jesus, of course. The story where he forgave the woman from adultery moves me greatly. I remember once, hearing about a figure named Esther. Her story was very powerful to my ears.
Are there ways to follow faith on a smartphone?
Only a tool. We can use it however our hearts drive us. This can be a dangerous thing. Our hearts trap us. Often. We can learn to orient our thoughts and desires to God. I remember the decision you made years ago to let yourself be seen on busses, reading the Bible on your smartphone. There are always ways to grow your faith.
Is the Bible figurative or literal?
Quite literal. Not every expression is literal. For instance, a day can be interpreted otherwise. Trust in its truth.
What’s the main message to take away from the Bible?
Love. God’s love. But His justice as well. Justice is appeased.
How important is it that someone learns specific prayers?
I was so young when I learned my Pater Noster and Ave Maria. I cannot even remember! The important thing is not the words. It is in the love, with which they are said. To transform your heart, one needs to love. When I was in the prison, I ceased praying these prayers though. Funny thing! I started, instead, just talking with Him, as a friend. I believe that is another thing that helped me with courage and strength.
What’s your favorite prayer?
Pater Noster. The prayer Jesus taught us.
Why do you believe in something you can’t see?
For me, there is more reality in these unseens than there was in what I could. Not only a matter of faith. By my faith! The voices I experienced were so real that there was no question of their validity. In addition, they told me unheard of things. Impossible things. They instructed me where to find St. Catherine’s sword. They whispered in my ear what to say to Charles. There’s no question in my mind of their heavenly origin. I have a feeling that most of them were jealous and didn’t like that God would speak to me; a child and a girl.
What should someone do if he or she is confronted about faith?
Always have within you a reason for your faith. Whether it be why you celebrate a day or why you abstain from food. Let it be firmly established within your heart. This is where faith develops.
Why do bad things happen to good people?
This troubled me a lot. As I know it troubles you. Don’t let it. Good people are the ones who are tested because God knows their value. He is simply drawing it out. Those who good things happen to in this life have achieved their reward. Sometimes, at the cost of Eternal Life.
Does God answer prayers?
He certainly does. He certainly does. He is eager to, in fact. Just like I helped Jonathan meet a best friend, God is exceptionally desirous to give us our hearts desires. They need to be in line with His will. The Giver exists. The reason you do not ask is a lack of faith.
The world is in chaos. How can there be a God?
This life is not the end of this existence. Our Father has prepared for us perfect life. For eternity. Do not concentrate on the bad stuff. It will distract and derail you. Fill your hearts with love. With truth.
Are saints important?
Of course. These are the ones who have accomplished their reward. Give honor where it is due.
Are saints Biblical?
Of course. Since when did only the Bible speak to truth? I know it needs to be such now. The time will come where they will reassess and see that it was there the whole time.
Do you think all sins are equal or are some worse than others?
All sins are equal in the eyes of God. For mercy’s sake. There is an unforgivable sin. Sin against vulnerables is especially evil. Like mercy, there is a reason for it. There is forgiveness and mercy for it. Some people are not able to comprehend the nature of this sin. Making it not as culpable. The world is stuck in this sin. They are not isolated crimes. They happen in every home. Everywhere.
What do you pray for?
I pray for blessings. I pray for my mama and my papa. I pray for the pope. I pray for strength and courage. I pray for faith. I pray for my friends and my priest. I pray for my nation, France. I pray for France to receive a king worthy of her. I pray very hard for you... Towards the end, I prayed for them who hurt me. Once, a couple of villagers said a child had died. I came and prayed with them and the child was brought to life. Pray! Always. God wants to hear your prayers.
Are you irritable?
I thought of myself as very calm. Others told me that I was very intense. Funny, the way we see ourselves is not always the way we are seen.
How do you ask for forgiveness?
I will always seek God’s forgiveness through confession. If I harm someone or their feelings, I beg them until they forgive me.
No comments:
Post a Comment