How do you try to help a friend who keeps changing their mind about staying Catholic after converting? Just looking for ideas. It has to come from within them, and through others’ prayers, I know, but if you have found anything that works please share.
The rich man who Jesus invited to join him is one example of being attached which prevents the following of Jesus.
Young people get wrapped up in their lives and find it too difficult to continue.
Just plain Jane hard to give up sin, lost weekends, pot, and don’t feel like it.
The consolations from God stop comming.
Never committed to begin with, just sort of went along.
Didn’t believe is some things that they should have and didn’t bother to find out.
They believe in catholicism, but the tradition they were rased in holds more attraction for them.
They get lazy and drift. Not worth effort.
No encouragement from family and friends, or maybe just the opposite.
The teachings they once found a delight, are now becomming dim with little or no follow up.
Mortal sins pile up and confusion sets in.
Did it for the kids just to find out what they were being taught, with no deep conviction.
Someone wounded their feelings.
Weak marriage, discouragement.
Their faith is new and fragil, and must be pampered.
And there is more.
But for answers to all the above, is the following.
The Green Scapular is for everyone, faith or no faith, saint or sinner.
Ten years after the manifestation of the Miraculous Medal to Sister Catherine Laboure in 1830, the Blessed Mother entrusted the Green Scapular of her Immaculate Heart to
Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, likewise a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
How to use it.
Wear or carry the green scapular for yourself.
To help another, place it in their vicinity (i.e. their room, wallet, purse, or all over; lamp, house,car, chair, bed).
Pray, at least daily: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.”
This prayer should be said for oneself and separately for each person to whom it has been given.
Scapular(s) should be blessed.
Have the strongest possible trust in Mary’s promise.
Mary’s own words were:
“The GREATEST graces come from using the scapular but these graces come
in direct proportion to the degree of CONFIDENCE IN ME which the user has.”
The user is you, not the one to whom you give it to.
Confidence means that you believe Mary will keep her promises. (How could she not do so?)
It just means you do your part and she will do hers.
Promises of Mary:
… Conversion of those who do not have the faith
… Reconciliation to the Church for those who have lost/strayed from the faith
… Assurance of a happy death
… Strengthening of the faith for those already in the Church <=================
… Protection from Satan for those who wear or promote the scapular
Be faithful to the prayer every day.
She didn’t say when, just that she promised it would happen.
“Great graces are often attached to what seems trifling.” St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Remember it was Mary’s request to give this to others. We are doing her a favor.
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=544742&page=3
My father, a fallen-away Catholic, passed away several years ago. When he first became ill and was hospitalized, one of the Vincentian priest pinned a Green Scapular to his pillow. I know my mother was especially worried about his salvation, as he had not awakened following emergency surgery. He did awaken many days later, and that same Vincentian asked if he wished to receive the sacraments. He was on a ventilator, so he could not speak, but he could indicate “yes” or “no”, so the priest simply asked if he was sorry for any and all sins he committed, then he was given Extreme Unction. This was 2 years to the day of my auto accident, August 3rd. He died 2 days later, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows on August 5th. There is a promise attached to the Green Scapular that Our Lady will obtain the conversion of those who have fallen away from the True Faith. I’m convinced she did so with my father, the day of his death was clearly Providential.
