The Immaculate Heart of Mary as the New Ark of Noah

Mary's mantle protects all who take refuge in her love.

Source By Fischer.H - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46105885

 

The Immaculate Heart of Mary as the New Ark of Noah

By: A Carmelite Brother, June 2023

Case Study: The Jesuit Presbytery of Hiroshima, 1945

 

At Fátima, the Virgin Mary said, My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God. (June

13, 1917) As though to provide a proof of this promise, she sheltered eight priests from certain death—priests who were faithful to the counsels she gave at Fátima.

 

These priests lived in Hiroshima, Japan, as missionaries, only eight blocks (one kilometer) from the hypocenter of the atomic bomb that fell on August 6, 1945. Miraculously, the presbytery remained standing amid flattened buildings. The priests escaped with only minor injuries and had no lasting effects from the radiation. They lived out a full number of years.

 

The superior of the community, Fr. Hubert Schiffer, was reportedly examined over 200 times by scientists and doctors

—he had zero radiation in his body. What was the secret of their survival? Fr. Schiffer explains, We were under the special protection of God. We survived because we were living the message of Fátima. We lived and prayed the Rosary daily in that home.

 

The 'message of Fátima' refers to the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fátima, Portugal in 1917. She requested acts of penance and prayer, particularly the Rosary, as a means to soften Divine Justice. These priests believed that their survival was due to their devotion to Our Lady. Her Heart was their ark of refuge amid the devastation.

The Jesuit presbytery (in red) remained intact during the atomic bomb explosion at Hiroshima      Source: Public domain

 

 The Genesis Flood as a Lesson for Our Times

 

According to the Genesis account, God sent the Flood because corruption enveloped the earth. While the Flood was a response of his infinite justice, the Ark was a result of his mercy. Afterward, He promised never again to destroy mankind with water. (Gen. 9:15) But, will He again purify it by some other means?

 

According to Scripture (2 Peter 3:7, 10), and several modern mystics, God will once more purify the earth, not with water but with fire. Whoa! Fire? Why? Because corruption once again envelops the Earth. As the Blessed Virgin said to Blessed Elena Aiello, "The whole world is in turmoil because it has become worse than at the time of the Deluge." (Dec 8, 1956)

 

But wait—will God also provide an ark to survive this future deluge as He did for Noah's family? Yes, He mercifully provides the Immaculate Heart of Mary as the safe refuge to sail through the coming conflagration. How can this be? With the help of Scripture, private revelations, and life examples, let us learn more. Above all, let us secure our ticket and climb aboard God's new Ark—the Heart of Mary.

 

Symbolic Comparisons of the Virgin Mary with Noah's Ark 

 

Noah the Righteous—Noah (his name means 'rest,' or 'comfort'), is a Christ-like figure. He was found "blameless in his generation," and "walked with God." (Gen. 6:9) So also, Noah modeled Christ as the savior of his family and as a preserver of life. As the Ark enclosed Noah, so Mary protected Jesus the Savior of humanity in her womb. The Chaldean liturgy puts it this way, "Mary is the ark of flesh which sheltered the true Noah, who was to free our nature from slavery to Satan."

 

Perfection of Dimensions—God instructed Noah to build the ark according to certain dimensions: 300 cubits long,

50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. A cubit is about 20" in length. The width-to-height ratio of the Ark was 5 to 3, or

1.666, which is as close to the golden ratio (1.618) as can be achieved with simple numbers. In like manner, God fashioned Mary to be the perfect dwelling place for his Son.

 

Daubed with Pitch—According to God's instruction, Noah saturated the wood of the Ark on both sides with pitch. This was not bitumen pitch (tar), which is thought to be a by-product of the Flood itself, but a resinous liquid, such as sap from a cypress tree. Once the sap polymerized, the wood was preserved from the damaging effects of water. In like manner, Mary is "full of grace," symbolized by tree sap, which preserved her from the deadly waters of sin and death.

By Lucie - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107448027

 

  

Self-abandon to God's will—the Ark had no rudder and was directed simply by the will of God. Mary said, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word." She allowed her life to be steered by God's Spirit.

 

Three Levels—The Ark had three decks or levels. This corresponds to Mary's unique relationship with each member of the Holy Trinity. She is the beloved daughter of the Eternal Father; she is the Mother of Jesus, the Incarnate Logos, and she is the spouse of the Holy Spirit.

 

Refuge for Animals—The Ark enclosed not only righteous Noah and his family but lowly animals as well. Similarly, Mary not only housed Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, but she is a sheltering mother for repentant sinners. As will be explained further on, Mary is the "Refuge of Sinners."

 

By the Spirit's Urge 

 

Critics of a Global Flood and Noah's Ark, in particular, cite the impossibility of Noah gathering the animals of the Earth. To hunt and trap so many creatures boggles the mind. However, two matters made the task very simple for Noah.

 

In the first case, the animals and birds came to the Ark of their own volition. (Gen. 6:20) This is understandable, as even in our day, one hears of animals sensing danger and seeking a safer location. For example, whole groups of animals, such as elephants and flamingos sought safety before the deadly tsunami of 2004. Their "sixth sense" detected danger and urged them to escape.

 

Secondly, even secular scientists acknowledge that the Earth was formerly one massive supercontinent, known as Pangea. Hence, the pre-Flood geography enabled animals from long distances to come to the Ark. There was no need for the marsupials of Australia, for example, to miraculously traverse the ocean. The land was one.

 

As the wild creatures accepted the urgings of God's Spirit and came of their own accord, so the same Spirit urges souls to take refuge in Mary's Heart before the storm breaks. Souls go to her volitionally, drawn by love and trust. While the impending deluge will be an exercise of God's justice, He mercifully provides a safe refuge ahead of time.

 

Yet, the time of mercy is limited—once Noah entered the Ark under God's command, "the Lord shut him in." (Gen.7:16). The rains began seven days later. In like manner, the window of opportunity to enter Mary's Heart is limited; it's best to find a spot before the storm begins.

 

A Deluge of Fire?

 

The forecast appears ominous indeed. If it were some isolated prophecy, who should be alarmed? As it is, many and diverse mystics say the same thing: God intends to purge the Earth with fire unless it repents. This fire is not man- made, such as from a nuclear holocaust, but sent directly from heaven. Mystics refer to it as the Chastisement.

 

Here are only a few prophecies (from among many) that foretell this event. The following message is from the Blessed

Virgin to the Italian stigmatist and mystic, Blessed Elena Aiello (1895-1961)

 

A tempest of fire shall fall upon the world. This terrible scourge, never before seen in the history of humanity, will last seventy hours. Godless persons will be crushed and wiped out. (April 16, 1954)

 

 

From the approved apparitions at Akita, Japan, comes this message of the Virgin to Sister Agnes Sasagawa:

 

If man does not repent, the Heavenly Father will inflict a punishment worse than the Deluge, such as one will never have seen before. Fire will fall from the sky, wiping out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priest nor faithful (October 13, 1973).

 

 

"A great part of humanity?" Before one loses confidence in God, it is well to remember that God's infinite justice is tempered by mercy. As in the days of Noah, He now provides a means of escape before trouble comes. The refuge He has prepared is nothing other than the ark of Mary's Heart. But, how exactly does this happen? Can she save us from the flames? If so, how can one enter into the Ark of her Heart and be safe? 

 

"A tempest of fire shall fall upon the world."     | Source: Pixabay

           

Refuge of Sinners 

 

"How can someone as brutish as I dwell in Mary's Heart?" If one feels unworthy to dwell in such a holy sanctuary, it is necessary to recall that Mary has been venerated through the ages as the "Refuge of Sinners." Just as Noah's Ark sheltered animals, so Mary protects lowly sinners.

 

Saint Gertrude once had a vision of Mary with her mantle spread open. Wild beasts, such as leopards, lions, and bears were hiding under her mantle. Gertrude saw that not only did the Blessed Mother not drive them away, but that she received them charitably and caressed them with her benign hand. The Saint understood that these wild beasts were miserable sinners, who are welcomed by Mary with sweetness and love the moment they have recourse to her.

 

Her Heart is open to all and refuses none, as she explained to St. Bridget of Sweden:

 

However much a man may have sinned, if he returns to me with a genuine intention of repentance, I’m ready at once to receive him. I don’t pay attention to the sins with which he’s burdened, but only to the good disposition in which he comes. And then I don’t refuse to anoint and heal his wounds, for I am called, and truly am, the Mother of Mercy.

 

 

In the following video, Fr. Ignatius Manfredonia, F.F.I., explains more of how Mary is the Mother of Mercy.

 

 

How Do We Enter The Ark of Mary's Heart?

 

Noah's Ark had one door only. The safety of the vessel would have been compromised otherwise. In like manner, the single entryway to Mary's Heart is the act of consecration to her. By this act of entrustment and through living it faithfully, a person becomes Mary's special property, her cargo, as it were. However, as the animals ascended a ramp before entering the ark, so one must prepare before entering the door.

 

The ramp that leads to Mary's Heart is meditation and prayer. Simply by taking the first step, one proves the willingness to rise above the earth. Then, through reading and prayer, one easily ascends higher and enters the door.

 

By living the consecration with devotion, one advances and eventually dwells as in the womb of a ship. Please note: consecration to Mary always ends in God. This is why the Greek Church calls her, "Hodegitria," or "she who knows the way." She leads the way to God.

 

Nonetheless, to remain in Mary's Heart goes beyond reciting a formula. It involves a transformation of one's values and willingness to heed her advice, as at Fátima. In practical terms, this means acquiring purity of heart and devotion, which is the result of penance and prayer. These dispositions enable a person to enter into the recesses of her Heart and be safe.

 

Remaining in Mary's Heart also implies the avoidance of worldliness and dissipation. As Jesus himself indicates, the persons of Noah's day were focused on worldly concerns: "In the days of Noah...They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." (Luke 17:27)

 

Is There Enough Room in Mary's Heart? 

 

While Noah's Ark was vast enough to hold the types of animals we see today, space was still a commodity. Not so

with Mary—her Heart is large enough to gather as many souls who come to her. As Pope Benedict says, "Mary, totally united to God, has a heart so big that all creation can enter this heart, and ex-votos in every part of the world show it. Mary is close, she can hear us, she can help us, she is close to every one of us."

 

In a beautiful vision of Blessed Elena Aiello, Mary reveals the spaciousness of her Heart. She says,

 

"My Heart is so big for poor sinners and I make use of every possible means that they may be saved. Look at this mantle, how big it is. If I were not bent over the earth to cover all with my maternal love, the tempest of fire would have already broken upon the nations of the world!"

 

Blessed Elena exclaimed, "My lovely Mother, never before have I seen thee with such a large mantle." The Blessed Virgin, holding her arms wide, answered: "This is the mantle of mercy for all those who, having repented, come back to My Immaculate Heart. See? The right hand holds the mantle to cover and to save poor sinners, while with the left hand, I hold back the Divine Justice, so that the time of Mercy may still be prolonged."

 

 

Finally, St. Alphonsus Liguori notes, "Mary has been called an ark more spacious than that of Noah. For only two animals of every kind were brought into the ark of Noah. But under the mantle of Mary, the righteous and sinners all find their place.

 

 

By AndyScott - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75718217

  

The Ark of Mary's Heart in the Messages to Fr. Stefano Gobbi

 

Don Stefano Gobbi (1930-2011) was an Italian priest and founder of the international Marian Movement of Priests. On a pilgrimage to Fátima in 1972, he unexpectedly started receiving interior "locutions," or spoken messages, from the Virgin Mary. In consultation with his spiritual director, he began writing these messages down which often amplify on themes first mentioned at Fátima. In several messages, Mary urges all to seek refuge in her Heart:

 

You must now all enter right away into the safe refuge of my Immaculate Heart. Just as Noah, in the name of the Lord, called into the Ark those who were to be saved from the Flood, so now must you, my littlest child, in the name of your heavenly Mother, call into the refuge of my Immaculate Heart those who must be protected, defended and saved from the great trial which has now come for the Church and for all humanity. (message 489)

 

Enter into the Refuge which your Heavenly Mother has prepared for you, for your salvation and that you may be able to pass in safety, in my Immaculate Heart, the terrible days of the great tempest which is already at hand.

 

At the time of Noah, immediately before the flood, those whom the Lord had destined to survive his terrible chastisement entered into the Ark. In these your times, I am inviting all my beloved children to enter into the Ark of the New Covenant which I have built in my Immaculate Heart for you. (message 328)

 

A Stockpile of Trust 

 

The prospect of a global conflagration is chilling indeed. Great trust is necessary even to cope with the thought. Just as some people stockpile provisions during uncertain times, it is of greater advantage to gather a large reserve of trust.

 

Trustful abandon keeps one safe from sinking into despair. To trust that Mary is the Mother of Mercy and Refuge of Sinners is the ticket to climb aboard God's new ark. The Servant of God, Fr. Bartolomé Xiberta, O. Carm., puts it this way, "The important thing is to remain always in a spirit of trustful repose in the hands of the Lord and of our Blessed Mother so that sentiments of anguish do not dominate our souls."

 

After Noah's Ark rested on the mountains of Ararat, God blessed the new times with peace, symbolized by the rainbow. So, also, the future beyond the coming storm looks bright. The Virgin said at Fátima, In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph...and a period of peace will be granted to the world.

_______________________________

A Simple Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary: 

https://pearlbede.wordpress.com/2023/05/03/a-simple-act-of-consecration-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary/

 

References

 

To The Priests, Our Lady's Beloved Sons, 17th Edition, published by The Marian Movement of Priests, 1996

 

An article on animal's "sixth sense"

 

The prophecies of Blessed Elena Aiello

 

The prophecies of Our Lady at Akita, Japan

 

The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus de Liguori, published by Helicon Press, Inc., 1963