Any of us could well come to our personal "end time" (death) at any moment.  It is important, as well as HOPEFUL however, to bear in mind the following Message received in San Nicolas, Argentina:

July 4, 1988: Mary To Gladys (r. 310/#1,454)

                    ++++++++++

"The Lord gives you His Cross! Do not fear death; it is not death but life, the life that He promises you. Glory be to the Lord."

                    ++++++++++

One might also say that, technically speaking, we reach the end of a certain era of time at any given moment.  For instance, the 1000-year era that began at nine in the evening  on April 16th, 1001, ended at 9:00 P.M.  04/16 /2001.

................................  3, 2, 1,  mark.

Even so, when I write on the subject I refer to as Marian Visions/End Times, there are inevitably those who think I'm half-baked  (and I swear I sat in that dang oven for a full 45 minutes at 375 degrees!  You'd think I'd be done by now!)

Of course,  the *general" "end times", as described below, are a matter of significant *global* change.  Not just personal, and not just the marking of the passage of a period of time.
                        *********

I'm mostly writing via modemization these days.  I still send some stuff by "snail mail". I'm not the Unabomber, although I have been known to send a few cans of exploding Starkist (Tunabomber).

What!!??  You don't know what modemization means?  Well maybe that's because it's a noun I made up from a root verb (also contrived):

MODEMIZE [moh'-dehm-ize], vt, to communicate electronically via modem,-izes, -ized, -izing.

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Subject: Marian Visions/End Times

Information has also been made available at the following website:
 
"End Time Speculation",
http://www.crosswinds.net/~endtimespeculate/

                        ...........

Some of the topics may appear to be "dated" (suggested timeframes having seemingly "expired").  I surely don't claim to always (if ever) be right in some of the conclusions I've drawn in these speculations (and certainly any dates offered are highly subjective, although I feel the issue in general is timely).
 
                        ***********
 
PLEASE understand that this subject is NOT meant to be "frightening" but, rather, *informative*.  When the context of all material presented taken together is considered, I believe this conclusion can be safely reached.

Any predicted events are Biblically based and in no way intended to create "worry".   Rather, the apparitions and any associated speculation should ENRICH one's spirituality.  As we are *reminded* of the possible imminence of such events, the key is *preparedness*.

NO ONE has said that we should WORRY about the future.  What has been prophesied is that we should PREPARE OUR SOULS AND BODIES for approaching "End Time" events.

And PLEASE don't consider that what I have speculated on *will definitely* happen.  It is simply hypothesis based on available evidence; an extrapolation of clues.  Allow me to emphasize that I am IN NO WAY a prophet (or anything close to one) myself.  I'm far (VERY FAR) from being infallible.

Please be assured that I claim no degree of pious-ity nor to be on a deeper spiritual level than anyone else.  I am simply reporting on matters I have studied, and reiterating information obtainable from the Bible, the Religious community, and visionaries in contact with Heavenly Intercessors.

Although manifestations of the past and present seemingly (CLEARLY, to me) indicate that End Time issues are rapidly approaching, I'd better invoke my standard caveat of - *I could be wrong* - in the interpretations to follow.

Not that they're *my* interpretations so much as they are those based on  private revelation received through, Catholic for the most part, visionaries and other cited sources.  I deem the information to be reliable, but that is my viewpoint.  Although I believe in this theory, it may or may not come to pass in the near future.

(As a freelance writer, 97% of the time I use my own words, with the notable exception of imported material in the compilations, and except when I run across non-copyrighted material that's extremely well written, although most is *based* on topics I've researched.)

Not that I'm comparing myself to him AT ALL, but I could end up going  the way of Jonah.  Come to think of it, I think I'll go plant a few gourd seeds right now.  Maybe even get a little insecticide to keep the worms off.

Should anyone care to, they are free to reprint anything I have posted.  The material is not Coppi-righted.  (It's a good thing the Bible isn't copyrighted, and that Matthew/Mark/Luke/John, et al, didn't complain of infringement).  Not that I'm comparing myself in ANY WAY to the writers of the Gospel. I'm far (VERY FAR) from being infallible.

I'm sorry about the length of this "preamble".  I guess I should have started it with "four score and...".  The disclaimers are not meant to protect *me* so much as they are meant to prevent anyone *else* from being led astray by "undue" expectations.

Here are a few examples of a proper approach to this line of speculation:
------------->>
...I do believe that something is in the works for our time.  All the visionaries say the same thing.  I am very interested in prophecy.  I try not to take it to heart but a wait and see attitude...
<<--------
                        .............
-------------->>
...As you should know, there are many different interpretations of Second Coming Prophecy being offered on and off line.  Who's right?  In all probability, almost everyone is right about some things, wrong about others. The wise thing is not to make any interpretation a matter of faith.  If you do, you may set yourself up for a terrible surprise.

Out of intellectual honesty, I always admit that I could be wrong about anything I say relevant to Prophecy.  I consider my views to be educated guesses.

I believe Christians need to know them.  I don't even ask anyone to believe what I say, but just to know about it.  If you do, the day may come when you will be glad you did...
<<----------
                        ............
---------->>
The purpose...is not to generate fear, provoke readers to violently shaking their heads, or create an unhealthy *obsession* with the "end times".   [These postings are] a call to watchfulness and attentiveness, both exterior and interior...
<<--------------

                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With that said, our discussion has concerned the end times, which we are surely in/approaching (in my opinion, that of numerous theologians, and in the opinion of multitudinous Christians).  There is currently available material INEVITABLY pointing out that the reign of Mary's Immaculate Heart is near.

I do not profess to be a prophet nor an expert, but there are numerous indications that we are living in end times (certainly the end of an era, if not the very LAST DAYS referred-to in the Bible).

Sister Bertina Bouquillon of the early 1800's also said that "the end of time is nearing..."the beginning of the end will not come in the 19th century but CERTAINLY IN THE 20th CENTURY."

IT MUST BE UNDERSTOOD THAT IT'S NOT THE "END OF THE WORLD" THAT WE ARE APPROACHING, IT IS "THE END OF TIME" - the end of this era ("the end of times" - the end of the world's present way of existence [sinful, Godless, materialistic - worse than in the days of Noah - see Matt:24 36-39]).

It does not in any way mean the end of mankind, but to the ending of an old "style" of life.  The "end of time" doesn't mean the end of existence.

Simply put (and coming from me that means it's as well as I understand it), "the end of times" is the end of the "Marian Age" which will usher in Christ's peace in the world through the Triumph of Mary's Immaculate Heart (as she predicted at Fatima).  Sister Lucia herself has referred to our present era as "...these last times in which we live..."

Even when the Last Judgment Day eventually comes, it will not be an "end", but a "change" (to "glorified bodies").

As for a *literal* "end of the world", that hypothetical event seems to be precluded by the "Glory be..." prayer which concludes with:  "world without end..."
                        ..............

"The end of times", then, refers to the end of the current *state* of the world (*conditions*) - these materiaistic, worldly, satanic times - the time between the First and Second Coming of Christ - what the Blessed Virgin Mary herself has recently called "...this century of yours, so ensnared and in the possession of the Spirit of Evil..."

----------->>
Jesus sent His Mother to Fatima early this century with pleas and warnings of what might happen if man did not turn back to God.  Arguably, the 20th century will go down as one of the bloodiest and war filled in the history of mankind.

...reports of messages from heaven and visions of Jesus and His mother are being reported all over the world.  The theme is always the same - Put Jesus back at the center of our lives.  The return of God is near.

Pray more.  Ask for God's mercy.  Make sacrifices and reparations for the ways man has offended God.  AND HOPE!  If we listen, and do these things, our merciful God stands ready to embrace us.  Great sufferings can be averted.  Could these be our final warnings?
<<-----------
 
It is admittedy difficult to step outside *today*, say in one's backyard, and sense that end times may be rapidly approaching.  There are 6 points to consider here:

1)  To reiterate, the "End of the World" is not what is being dealt with, but rather the "End of Time" [the end of the current satanically influenced age of materialism and consumerism].

2)  We need to bear in mind that any of us could well come to our personal "end time" (death) at any moment.

3)  Our Lord and Our Lady have told us repeatedly, that those who make the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, have NOTHING TO FEAR.

4)  Prayer has the power to mitigate, postpone, or even cancel certain forecasts.

5)  World conditions can change very rapidly.

6)  One might say that, technically speaking, we reach the end of a certain era of time at any given moment.  For instance, the 1000-year era that began midnight, January 1st, 1001, ended at 12;00 A.M. on 01/01/01.

While it may be difficult to envision tribulations occurring "close to home", it must be remembered that the benefits foreseen far outweigh the necessary "purifications".  The Warning for instance, which will illuminate *all* earthly souls to the Light of God, should be highly anticipated.
                        **********

There is currently a plethora of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary around the world, with a compelling sense of urgency.   She is pleading with, and calling her children back to God, as never before in history.

For the last several years, Our Lady has spoken of a special time which She is waiting impatiently for.  An extraordinary and particular time of world history unlike any since Adam's time.  On Christmas Day, 1995, the Virgin Mary revealed that we have entered that time.

There has been another important message allegedly received through a Marian priest, Father Stefano Gobbi, on December 5, 1994 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico:

                        +++++++

"I CONFIRM TO YOU THAT, THROUGH (or by means of) (or on Account of) THE GREAT JUBILEE OF THE YEAR 2000, THE TRIUMPH OF MY IMMACULATE HEART WILL COME TO PASS OF WHICH I FORETOLD YOU AT FATIMA, WITH THE RETURN OF JESUS IN GLORY, TO ESTABLISH HIS REIGN IN THE WORLD.  THUS YOU WILL AT LAST BE ABLE TO SEE WITH YOUR OWN EYES THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH."

                        +++++++++

(Corrected translation - "Marian Movement of Priests" Message #532; National Cenacle of the M.M.P.; "The Apple of My Eye".)

Allusions to the "glorious return of Christ [circa the year 2000] *might* refer to worldwide acknowledgement of his presence in the Eucharist.

This goes along with a few of the many predictions that have been made about these apparent "end times" including one by Saint John Bosco that peace will come upon the earth before the end of "2 full moons in the month of flowers"  (May of 2026?  A full moon in May of 2 entirely separate years?)

There have been many other predictions indicating that we are now living in the end times - these materialistic, worldly, satanic times - the time between the 1st and 2nd Coming of Christ.

The "Warning" will probably be the first event to come - the event that will signal the beginning of great prodigies to come - the beginning of the end of this era of time.

John Paul II is supposedly to be the last Pope before the end of time (although St. Malachy has predicted that 2 will follow him - 1 of these *MAY* be an antipope.  Other alleged messages from Our Lady indicate that the Antichrist will not hesitate in assuming power after the Warning.

What is commonly referred as the "Warning" is a moment of enlightenment due to be sent upon the earth.  The Warning will be a revelation of our sins before God.  Everyone would be well advised to anticipate this event and therefore be as prepared as possible.

                        ..........

To the unsuspecting and to the non-believers, the Warning could indeed befrightening.  At the least, it will leave many people shocked and confused as to what has happened.  That is why so many people will seek answers, and hopefully return permanently, to the Church.

Here is a reference to the Warning:

"...I ANNOUNCE TO YOU THAT WHICH YOU WILL PASS THROUGH IS NOW UPON YOU...THE CONVERSION OF MY APOSTLE PAUL WAS A PRECEDENT SET IN MY WORD.  IT WAS HIS EXPERIENCE OF PRIVATE REVELATION.  AS HE WAS BLINDED BY MY LIGHT HE KNEW HE COULD NO LONGER DENY THE ONE WHOM HE PERSECUTED.  AND NOW ALL WILL BE CAUGHT IN THIS MOMENT OF MERCY AS MY LIGHT REVEALS ONCE AGAIN THE PERSECUTION OF ME!  ..."

Obviously, everyone will know it when this happens.  Recent messages indicate that it is *IMMINENT* (possibly before the end of 2000 [if so, then the Miracle of Garabandal would follow on April 12, 2001]).   This particular event has been predicted for many years, and there is EVERY reason to believe that the time of fulfillment has arrived.

Here are some definitions of the Warning (based on messages allegedly received by our Heavenly Mother by various visionaries throughout the world)...............
 
As originally described (in 1961 at Garabandal, Spain):

"The warning comes directly from God and will be visible to the whole world and from any place where anyone may happen to be.  It will be like the revelation of our sins and will be seen and felt by everyone, believer and unbeliever alike, irrespective of whatever religion they may belong to..."
                        -------

Compare this to an message received more recently (within the past 7 years) at Scottsdale, Arizona:

"The time is coming when every man, woman, and child on this earth will know that God exists.  All will have a glimpse at the state of their soul.  These seconds will seem like an eternity......."

                        --------

And with what Maria Esperanza of Betania has said:

"There is coming a great moment, a great day of light. The conscience of this people must be violently shaken..."

                        -------

And with what Christina Gallagher of Ireland has said:

"There will come a sign when everyone in the world will experience an interior awareness and will know that this is of God and will see themselves as they really are..."

                        --------

And Theresa Lopez of Denver's statement:

"The Warning Our Lady calls the moment of silence.  And in the moment of silence our inner selves will be revealed.  Its purpose is to stir the soul to conversion."

...........like the conversion of Saul/Paul.

                        +++++++

Also by Our Lady to Fr. Gobbi:

"A new fire will come down from heaven and will purify all humanity, which has again become pagan.  It will be like a judgement in miniature and each one will see himself in the light of the very Truth of God.

Finally, compare also to a message from an anonymous visionary:

                        +++++++
JESUS:

"This will be the one time, as never before in the history of mankind, when man will be given the same realization that is given at the hour of his death.  This will be My greatest act of Mercy!........."

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A summary of other items to be discussed:

1)  The "End of Time", not the "End of World"
 
"End Times" do not refer to the "end of the world" (last judgment & resurrection of the dead) per se, although it *is* possible that these events will follow the "End Times" within a short period of time... Possibly, time will no longer have meaning, or we will simply lose "time consciousness" (this doesn't necessarily mean time will not continue to pass universally as it always has).  Thus, the passage that "no one knows the day or hour" will hold...

2)  Awakening to the Signs

...Mary is preparing us, just as John the Baptist paved the way for Christ's initial entrance into the world.  She is affording us an
opportunity to return to God in ways that no generation has ever been privileged to.  But, then again, no other generation has needed it as much...

3)   Millennial Perspectives

...From the accounts of many visionaries, prophets, and mystics, we are left with the impression that, soon after the year 2001, the reign of the Two Hearts will be in place, a Golden Age of the Church will ensue (which accounts for the fact that the Virgin continually asks that basilicas, churches and chapels be built), and there will be great happiness and cooperation in the world - a time when human decency and respect will transcend all of our shortcomings...

4)   An Approaching New Era

...So what will the "new era" bring?  No one knows for sure, but Mary's words at Fatima spoke of a "period of peace", insinuating a beginning and 0an end.  That is to say that after the Era of Peace, the world may once again enter into hard times, leading possibly to the final Apocalypse...Physically speaking, the earth will be miraculously renewed and mankind
will be blessed by God in every way (according to many messages).  This necessarily seems to indicate that we will have undergone a chastisement by God after which we will "awaken to a new dawn"...

5)  Divine Justice Withheld

...We are God's creatures, but have drifted away from our creator.  If we don't make the necessary changes (even in spite of the Warning - God's final "remedy" to alert people to their sinfulness), He will send a chastisement, not so much as punishment, but to encourage, in no uncertain terms, His children to return to Him.  God permits tribulation & chastisement to perfect and save souls...

6):   Likely Future Scenarios

...Certainly, at least one date *has* been definitely set.  At Garabandal in the early 1960's, a precise date for the Miracle *was* given.  But overall, God is "managing" the timeframe - preordained events that are to
transpire before and after the "set" Miracle may be "changed" (timewise and intensity-wise.  All time intervals are "flexible", however the Miracle *may* come on April 11th, 2002).
 
7)  Seeking Spiritual Refuge

...So devotion to Mary - veneration, confidence and love - especially through the Brown Scapular and the Rosary, is how we mystically seek refuge in Mary's Immaculate Heart. St. Louis de Montfort tells us that such devotion "is a sure means of going to Jesus, because the attribute of the Blessed Virgin is to lead us surely to Christ, just as Jesus Christ's attribute is to lead us surely to the Eternal Father..."...

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Regarding such speculatory matters, it should be remembered, paraphrasing from the dogmatic costitution on the Church, #67 paragaph 4:
---------------->>
[Since such speculation is not a *tenet* of the Catholic faith, it is not to be regarded as part of the] true doctrine of the Church.   ...true devotion consists [not in speculatory matters, but]... Rather it proceeds from true faith, by which we are led to know the excellence of the Mother of God, and are moved toward a filial love toward our mother and toward the imitation of her virtues.
<<--------------

In other words, end time speculation must not be a vehicle by which one's Faith might be weakened.  But it *can* lead to a strengthening of Faith for those who already have a solid foundation.

Furthermore, I have attempted, to the maximum extent possible, to blend-in traditional teachings, and not to step *too* far beyond Scripture (although in these times, I think *some* "bending" of the "rules" may be necessary) per CCC 67:
------------>>
"Throughout the ages, there have been so-called "private" revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authorities of the Church.  They do not belong, however, to the deposit of the faith.  It is not their role to improve or complete Christ's definitive Revelation,  but to help live more fully by it in a certain period of history...

Christian faith cannot accept "revelations:  that claim to surpass or correct Revelation of which Christ is the fulfillment,  as is the case in certain non-Christian religions and also in certain recent sects which base themselves on such "revelations."
<<--------------
                        ...........

CCC 66 states that although:
---------------->>
"...no new public revelation is to be expected before the glorious manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Yet even if Revelation is already complete,  it has not been made completely explicit;  it remains for Christian faith gradually to grasp its full significance over the course of the centuries.
<<----------

...........which perfectly describes what this line of speculation is all about - an analysis of current views, including those from private revelation, that might lead us to a better understanding and realization of what Biblical scenarios we might expect to transpire.

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Editorial note:  As always, imported quotes & comments are included between "------->>" and "<<--------".  Topics are separated by "~~~~~~", sub-topics by "*******", sectors within subtopics by ".........", subtopical inclusions by "------", and Biblical/Apparition/Locution messages are encased by "+++++++".)

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

- Mike Coppi, Michael_J_Coppi@compuserve.com
 
                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~
Addendum:
----------->>
"'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came"

copyright (C) 1993 Bethany Farms, Carrollton, IL
Copyright (C) 1996 InfoMedia. All rights reserved worldwide.
[Slightly revised, Mike Coppi, 1998]

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying - not I, kids nor spouse.
The Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with babe on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! - Returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without sound
While all of the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing quite near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
<<------------
                        ~~~~~~~~~~~

- Mike Coppi, Michael_J_Coppi@compuserve.com     See also...............
 
"End Time Speculation", http://www.crosswinds.net/~endtimespeculate/