I Was Once a Catholic Priest…Here’s My Story

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  • Опубликовано: 17 дек 2024

Комментарии • 2,8 тыс.

  • @tessiekabbes13
    @tessiekabbes13 6 месяцев назад +239

    Did you get married in the Catholic Church?

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +477

      I did get dispensed from my promises and married in the Catholic Church. Thank you for asking.

    • @nancyz1828
      @nancyz1828 6 месяцев назад +70

      ​@@UniquelyMary wow I just watch this I'm so impressed with your honesty here thank you. What you have said here i will keep pounder.

    • @joane24
      @joane24 6 месяцев назад +60

      ​@@UniquelyMary I think it's important to say/emphasize that. Because there's also many former priests (at least in my country) who left the priesthood and entered the civil marriage/relationships _without_ proper dispensations. (it doesn't help that in summer places the policy is to withhold the dispensations as long as possible... that's what I've heard is the policy here at least). And it's unfortunately causing a lot of scandal. So stories like yours are even more important, so that people know that it's possible to be laicized (I hope I'm using correct terminology?) and being able to 'legally' marry, so that people are aware and not scandalized.

    • @CherubimCreations
      @CherubimCreations 6 месяцев назад

      Have you ever thought of becoming Eastern Catholic? Check out East2West Theology. May God bless.

    • @archmdc370
      @archmdc370 6 месяцев назад

      ​Agreed. This will help drive the point that there's a difference between those who leave and those who have dispensation by the Church. It's no different than those getting divorced and remarried without an annulment. Scandal is scandal
      ​@@joane24

  • @titaniumsteel9114
    @titaniumsteel9114 6 месяцев назад +590

    Quote to SHARE by St. Teresa of Avila "Behind each priest, there is a demon fighting for his fall. If we have the language to criticize them, we must have twice as much to pray for them."

    • @Theworldhatesusnetwork
      @Theworldhatesusnetwork 6 месяцев назад +6

      🙏

    • @bigc5467
      @bigc5467 6 месяцев назад +12

      100% agree

    • @eduardohoover2127
      @eduardohoover2127 6 месяцев назад +15

      So true. Just as everyone has a guardian angel, priests have a demon. Pray for our priests. We have been as Ezekiel and peered into the hole in the wall.

    • @almacyrenable
      @almacyrenable 5 месяцев назад +10

      So true we need to pray for them.

    • @ariagia1
      @ariagia1 5 месяцев назад

      Behind every priest there are legions. Latin is not holy. Hebrew is. Why don’t you go do an exorcism in Hebrew. Latin is not a Biblical language/

  • @joyinHim
    @joyinHim 6 месяцев назад +1288

    Don't ever leave the Catholic church. I left it and spent years in the protestant churches. It's the biggest mistake of my life.

    • @amyschlegel1180
      @amyschlegel1180 6 месяцев назад +59

      @@gogogolyra1340 Leaving the priesthood and asking to be laicized is not a sin. If he has been laicized then he has every right to get married in the Catholic Church, so stop judging him!

    • @LauraBeltran2024
      @LauraBeltran2024 6 месяцев назад

      Don't defend his decision pray for him! God is merciful but He is a just judge. He is His priest. You should pray and fast for him all religous that have left. ​@@amyschlegel1180

    • @raissajenna9638
      @raissajenna9638 6 месяцев назад +36

      @@amyschlegel1180 He wasn’t judging him, read again what he said.

    • @titaniumsteel9114
      @titaniumsteel9114 6 месяцев назад +12

      Perhaps not your calling. Amen

    • @tinkerbell7877
      @tinkerbell7877 6 месяцев назад +2

      🙏

  • @sshamon72
    @sshamon72 6 месяцев назад +420

    Without our beloved Catholic priests we wouldn't have the sacraments. Pray everyday for our priests, nuns and deacons. They are gifts from heaven.

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +53

      Priests need much prayer - I can definitely attest to that

    • @Charity-vm4bt
      @Charity-vm4bt 6 месяцев назад

      ​@UniquelyMary Catholic priests should be permitted to be married and have children. Luther was a victim of child abuse from a violent father that caused him to suffer mentally. He wanted to be married. He was a political pawn. Germany did not want to be under the authority of Rome. It was political, more than religious. Protestant people have been naively duped from the beginning. Look at how Germany ended up. Worshipping Hitler. You did the right thing. Blessings to you.

    • @JusticeOkoh
      @JusticeOkoh 6 месяцев назад +5

      Very true

    • @debrabeatty284
      @debrabeatty284 6 месяцев назад +8

      Sacraments go against Yah's..Father God's teachings
      Roman Catholics and I was one once upon a Time neither read the Bible and study it

    • @sshamon72
      @sshamon72 6 месяцев назад

      @@debrabeatty284 You and Satan have that in common.

  • @LouiseIzzo-g5p
    @LouiseIzzo-g5p Месяц назад +27

    Ive had a profound loss in my life. I cried everyday for 4 years and still do. Im my heart i know you are real and true to God. I enjoy your talks. They comfort me.
    For 1 second would you pray for me for i am broken......thankyou for listening to my heavy heart...........

    • @luzclara3855
      @luzclara3855 Месяц назад +12

      Please, hang in there. Seek help (spiritual, psychological, medical, financial, whatever you need). God IS with you. You are never alone. I promise I will pray for you with much, much love. 💕 🙏

    • @lucassoutherton
      @lucassoutherton 15 дней назад +4

      I will pray a rosary for you tonight.

    • @TheBlondannas
      @TheBlondannas 13 дней назад +2

      Of course I will pray for you. I know how it feels to feel despair and sadness, and I am grateful for Our Lord’s patience and eternal love.

  • @sheiladyck4768
    @sheiladyck4768 3 месяца назад +175

    I have struggled with depression, anxiety, panic attacks and OCD most of my life and I'm now 63 years old. I was born into and raised Catholic, I have fallen away - please pray for me.

    • @quinnlarnachjones
      @quinnlarnachjones 3 месяца назад +4

      🙏

    • @mont9380
      @mont9380 3 месяца назад +3

      I am Protestant born again Christian I am 61 and wanted to share this with you! I share with anyone who had attacks like that I did but do not anymore! I got filled with Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. I was on the way to ER with attacks and began to speak in tongues and it left me immediately felt the peace of God from head to toe. It’s is answer ! Thanks!

    • @a.t.c.3862
      @a.t.c.3862 3 месяца назад

      ❤️ 🙏

    • @MARINE76911
      @MARINE76911 3 месяца назад +4

      Prayers your way! Look into the carnivore diet and what it cures.

    • @albertafarmer8638
      @albertafarmer8638 3 месяца назад

      You need to turn to the living JESUS! Thank HIM for paying for your sins on the cross and HIS resurrection on the 3rd day!!! JESUS said "It is finished"! Purgatory does not exist in the Bible, it's an invention of the evil Vatican, the whore of Babylon. Read the Bible for yourself: the saved people will go to heaven with JESUS, the lost into hell and later into the Lake of Fire. Listen to real theologians like Dr. John Ankerberg and check out the Jack Chick Gospel Tracts!

  • @thehunter6915
    @thehunter6915 Месяц назад +30

    The struggle in spiritual life is real.
    - I was in the religious life before. I was in the 3rd order of the Franciscan.
    - Entered when I was 18 years old. Then left after four years of studies.
    - Life outside was harder. I got lost a couple of times. But Our Lady saved me.
    PS. Always have our Lady Mama Mary in your heart---Salve Maria!

    • @winifredikegbunam3413
      @winifredikegbunam3413 13 дней назад +1

      I'm married but I regret marrying my husband but I offered my pains and regrets to God

  • @mjeezyca
    @mjeezyca Месяц назад +43

    I left the Church for about 15 years and im so glad to be back!! God is great and i will be praying for you

    • @dasan9178
      @dasan9178 Месяц назад +3

      You made the right decision. My husband and I also left the Church for 12 years after finding out that our son had been abused many times during childhood by a priest. There’s not enough space here to describe the psychological devastation wrought on our son and the rest of our family. Even so, as hard experience taught us, it was the wrong decision. Through the timely intervention of Our Lady, Jesus brought us back, broken and despairing…and healed each one of us. Now, even if I were Jesus’ last disciple, I would not let any number of Judases chase me away again.

    • @AnneSwiss-m
      @AnneSwiss-m 18 дней назад

      @@dasan9178 I am so sorry Sister. And Yes those are Judases, not shepherds but wolves amongst us. Jesus warned that “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do it to me… and whoever misleads a little one, it would have been better if that person was never born.”
      Woe unto those who betray Jesus & His lambs•

  • @vincentdargere
    @vincentdargere 6 месяцев назад +203

    Tough topic. I also spent five years in three seminaries, but I wasn't ordained and now I see why the Lord has not made me part of the clergy in our troubled times. I wouldn't have been able to bear it and I would have sinned in a far worse way than I do. No matter what your story is, no one can judge you about it. The only thing I see and that counts is the good you do through this channel. Your videos have made me grow a deep love for the souls in Purgatory and a whole sensitivity that had to be revealed to myself. Just for that, I thank you. I pray that a lot of people be touched by them and get an epiphany about what is really at stake in this life.

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +11

      Thank you Vincent for your comment!!

    • @TriciaPerry-mz7tc
      @TriciaPerry-mz7tc 5 месяцев назад

      @@UniquelyMaryChristians DONT believe in purgatory because it doesn’t exist. I am or because born again and did bad but I KNOW Jesus never taught this garbage

    • @MDkid1
      @MDkid1 4 месяца назад +3

      God is good!

    • @dawn2508
      @dawn2508 3 месяца назад +1

      There is no purgatory

    • @vincentdargere
      @vincentdargere 3 месяца назад

      @@dawn2508 Oh yes, there is.

  • @normaavelarpalacio5337
    @normaavelarpalacio5337 Месяц назад +9

    May God bless you for having the courage to share your testimony with us. May it bring healing to you and to others.

  • @simonandthelyricalpoets
    @simonandthelyricalpoets Месяц назад +21

    'He brought down the mighty from thrones, and He exalted the lowly,' - St Luke 1:52
    I love the humility you show in your video, and for bringing your experience into the light. Shame can keep people from approaching the throne of grace, but in laying it at the feet of Jesus we experience his mercy so profoundly. May God bless you and your family 🙏🏻

  • @lisamac6661
    @lisamac6661 6 месяцев назад +102

    I pray for priest who have left the priesthood every day. Now I will include you. Beautiful to see you face your past with humility and honesty, I have seen others who react with proud arrogance and defiance. I have no doubt that God is still using your priesthood and training for his purposes in the laity. Your channel has greatly blessed me.

  • @gilbertwalker6769
    @gilbertwalker6769 6 месяцев назад +46

    "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever." Thanks for your sharing and your openness and honesty. May our Lord continue to bless you and lead you along His path. Fr. Gilbert Walker

  • @a.c.6361
    @a.c.6361 6 месяцев назад +178

    My father-in-law was brought up Catholic and was in the seminary for 6 years and left. He got married, but converted to Baptist because of his wife. My husband converted to Catholicism after our 10 years of marriage. He was a protestant growing up, became an atheist, and then through the green scapular the Blessed Mother converted him. Job lost everything and his children, but he never lost God.

    • @trueamerican7034
      @trueamerican7034 6 месяцев назад

      Anyone who subscribes to "once saved always saved" doesn't know or understand the Bible. They allow someone misguided to misguide them. THE BIBLE IS A COMPOSITION OF REPORTS OF THOSE NEAR JESUS AND LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES IN DIFFERENT CITIES(CORINTH, EPHESUS ETC) THE BELIEVERS. NOT EVERYTHING WAS WRITTEN DOWN THAT'S WHY PAUL STATED HOLD ON TO THE TRADITIONS WE HAVE LEFT YOU. NOW IN MATTHEW THERE IS A BIG LIST OF SINS OF OMISSION THAT GET YOU CONDEMNED WHERE BELIEVERS WILL BE SEPERATED LIKE SHEEP AND GOATS. AS A TRUE CHRISTIAN YOU YOU MUST BE A DOER AS WELL AS A KEEPER OF THE LAW.

    • @jacobwoods6153
      @jacobwoods6153 6 месяцев назад +1

      If you're open to would you share in more detail how he was converted through the green scapular? If not no worries. Thanks.

    • @a.c.6361
      @a.c.6361 6 месяцев назад +11

      I followed the instructions on how to use the green scapular combined with the prayer and rosary. Since my husband did not want to wear it I placed it inside his pillow case. Then one day he seeked out the process to become a Catholic and even joined a choir in a church with traditional Latin mass. I believe that the Blessed Mother worked miracles in my family as myself an instrument encouraged my 2 siblings and my husband to pray the rosary. For family conversions full trust in the Blessed Mother and faithful prayer of the rosary are effective.

    • @AcidGubba
      @AcidGubba 4 месяца назад

      Too much education is very bad for faith. It would be better to be uneducated, then belief in a god makes the most sense.

    • @greggrimer354
      @greggrimer354 4 месяца назад +2

      Sounds like a very confused man😂

  • @annmariealvey410
    @annmariealvey410 2 месяца назад +12

    Thank you for sharing. That took great courage. I'm glad you did not leave the Church. You will reach many souls through this ministry. God bless you. 🕊️

  • @TonyStark-yj6og
    @TonyStark-yj6og 7 дней назад +3

    Thanks for your honesty and courage in discussing this. Thanks for your RUclips channel. May God Bless you and your family, now and always.

  • @mikef5556
    @mikef5556 6 месяцев назад +387

    Dear Brother, as a former priest myself, I know what it's like to leave and the personal, difficult reasons we do that. I agree while we may leave ministry we can't leave Jesus or our Blessed Mother Mary. That would be the biggest mistake we could make. I'm very shy, but I know we're all called to pray for each other. I pray each day the divine mercy chaplet, a rosary and chaplet of precious blood for the souls in the world, especially those who will die soon and in most needs of God's mercy. I watched your recent video about devotion to souls in purgatory being the most important but I'm particularly focused on the souls that will fall into Hell if they're not prayed for. For anyone reading, know this you: don't want to show up for your own judgement with empty hands. While we all can't save ourselves we can corporate with Jesus and Blessed Mary in their work of saving souls. I like this channel and the work you do, keep the faith and if the numerous messages from heaven are true, Our Lord is coming very very soon. Come Lord Jesus! Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us, Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us.

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +16

      Thank you Mike!

    • @sumarianson
      @sumarianson 6 месяцев назад +13

      The fact that this channel is so successful and very much needed, you are still doing God's work and very good at it to. You obviously have many talents Alvero and you could do well in many spheres of devotion. However, God want's you happy also and I believe you are. Once a Priest always a Priest. There will come a time when you will be needed, perhaps for baptisms etc. after the illumination of Concience. You will know your calling. God Bless.

    • @userPs91victory
      @userPs91victory 6 месяцев назад +3

      Abundant blessings to you Mike and the firmer Priest. It’s OK to pull away as long as we worship, and keep Christ in your heart. Look at the Orthodox Church, and perhaps the Catholic Church should follow the same example.

    • @madelaine2734
      @madelaine2734 6 месяцев назад +3

      Thank you for your courage to post this. Vulnerability is humbling. Your ministry now in highlighting the realities of purgatory is so very needed in this world.

    • @patriciagouveia2616
      @patriciagouveia2616 6 месяцев назад +1

      @@userPs91victoryThe protestants would agree but we did not write the law nor do we have the authority to alter it

  • @blancamedina3205
    @blancamedina3205 6 месяцев назад +32

    Alvaro, God makes everything new. Thank you for all you teach us. I’ve started to attend daily mass with my three small children for the souls in purgatory because of you! I’m so thankful God is leading you to this work!

  • @jeffgriscoa8131
    @jeffgriscoa8131 6 месяцев назад +344

    I always knew you were a priest but never said anything. I went to confession with you at St. Francis De Sales. You were really good in confession. You’re still a good man. 🙏🏼

    • @andrewhatton1606
      @andrewhatton1606 4 месяца назад +3

      He's turned his back on us

    • @kathleenmeesey4795
      @kathleenmeesey4795 4 месяца назад +10

      You don't know God's plan for him. You are substituting GOD'S will for yours.

    • @EdzoaLaurent
      @EdzoaLaurent 4 месяца назад +2

      Greetings belove, it is not scriptural to confess your sins regularly to the priest. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and men and not the priest. God forgive sinners directly from a sincere heart and the priest is only responsible to baptize the individual in the name of Jesus Christ according to the book of ACTS 2:38, then the priest is also responsible to teach the word of God to that individual.
      1 Timothy 2:5-7
      [5]For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
      [6]Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
      [7]Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

    • @EdzoaLaurent
      @EdzoaLaurent 4 месяца назад +3

      The priest must not teach the lay people anything that is not scriptural or revealed according to God's word if not, he is curse by God Almighty. Read the book of (GALATIANS 1:8-10.)The priest should not be force not to marry a woman. Saint Peter has a wife.
      The priest should stop burning incense and worshiping all pagan graven images and idols because God hates them.
      Leviticus 26:1
      [1]Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God..

    • @EdzoaLaurent
      @EdzoaLaurent 4 месяца назад +1

      God has his own priest. Satan has his own priest. The priest of God obeys and keep God's word in the Complete Bible. The priest of Satan obey and keeps UNSCRIPTURAL laws and tradition of men, vain genealogies, dogmas, creeds, Praying to the death saints which is necromancy etc.
      Deuteronomy 18:10-13
      [10]There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
      [11]Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
      [12]For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
      [13]Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

  • @prayunceasingly2029
    @prayunceasingly2029 2 месяца назад +3

    Great video! Thanks for sharing. I have had my own struggles with mental illness. You have been blessed in your struggles of faith, it's inspiring to see. Please pray for me a sinner.
    Aaron

  • @eggkaris
    @eggkaris 5 месяцев назад +41

    My dad was a protestant pastor. But the church itself kicked my dad out and our whole family included😅 the moment when the evangelical church announced it, and I heard it myself... And how the pastors did to me and family... Was hurting my soul. So deep that I am still working hard on forgive them.
    My dad remaining faithful with the church, but I have extreme trust issue with protestant pastors and never ever since that day, I can see Christ's mercy come out from their sermons except for the holy communion. I keep asking Lord that I want to be closer to Him, but I can't trust protestant pastor anymore. Now I'm getting closer to Lord Jesus through our Holy Mother, because I saw Her protecting me. Although, my earthly mother disrespect Her and said that my traumatic experience is 'not a big deal'.
    Please pray for me 🙏🏼😭

    • @praveenkumar-yo1xg
      @praveenkumar-yo1xg 4 месяца назад +2

      Do not believe someone because he or she belongs to the christian community or head of the church . Make sure that you test them thoroughly before taking the step to trust.God bless u

    • @jasminnevilla3660
      @jasminnevilla3660 4 месяца назад +4

      You are in the way now, just keep believing. Study more about Mary the Mother of Christ and someday you can bring your family closer of what you believed now. Take care, God Bless🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

    • @ewaoconnor
      @ewaoconnor 4 месяца назад +4

      I appreciate priests and nuns who leave convents, etc., in order to be true to themselves. I am only saddened when I see that they have lost their faith. If we want to reform the Church, we need to do it in the way of St. Francis of Assisi. He showed people how to be true Christians. He genuinely helped to rebuild the Church instead of destroying it.

    • @Lidusia777
      @Lidusia777 3 месяца назад +2

      @@eggkarisMAY SWEET VIRGIN MARY HIDE YOU IN HER MOST LOVING HEART🙏🌹❤️

    • @photostreet2711
      @photostreet2711 2 месяца назад

      You need to forgive them so that the root of bitterness doesn't interfere with your salvation. Hebrews 12:15, which says:
      “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”
      You forgive because Christ salvation is too important to give up over their temporal issues. Don't let their flesh interrupt the things of the spirit. Read what happens to those who walk that path of bitterness in Mark K Baxter divine revelation of hell.

  • @ricardusdanisworo3086
    @ricardusdanisworo3086 6 месяцев назад +86

    Every first Saturday of each month, we pray for Priest and also Priests that already left the service..
    And ask GOD to bless them..

    • @gloriabult2967
      @gloriabult2967 6 месяцев назад

      First Saturdays are for Our Blessed Mother land the blasphemy against her.

    • @paulbastier3773
      @paulbastier3773 5 месяцев назад

      Remember the lay brothers too who left because of the chanages in their life after Vatican II. I was one of them one year before final vows.

  • @joni3503
    @joni3503 6 месяцев назад +109

    I was on the seminary for 5 years and even graduated, but I didn't want to be ordained. You can not undo an ordination, once you got it, because it is a mark on your soul forever. Years after that I got a diagnosis of autism. Life is unpredictable. I have seen some strange cults, but I gradually came to realise that it is the Traditional catholic church that I love. Did your wife have any seconds thoughts about marrying an (ex) priest?

    • @markreid8809
      @markreid8809 6 месяцев назад +2

      Truth to power brother!

    • @marccrotty8447
      @marccrotty8447 6 месяцев назад +3

      Jon. It seems like you now attend the Latin Mass. This is the sound way to salvation.

    • @joni3503
      @joni3503 6 месяцев назад

      @@marccrotty8447 yes, even to the point that I now doubt the validity of the novus ordo sacraments alltogether.

    • @joseywales571
      @joseywales571 5 месяцев назад

      @@marccrotty8447 why is the Latin Mass the sound way to salvation?

    • @marccrotty8447
      @marccrotty8447 5 месяцев назад +6

      @@joseywales571 Guessing that you are a Protestant looking at the Mass and Catholic Faith. If yes, then good.
      The Latin Mass as now said was mostly in place with Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th Century. Each prayer, word and movement has carefully developed century after century under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. This is not a "man made" rite as is the "Novus Ordo" attend by most Catholics (to their detriment). The Mass chant and sacred polyphony are inspired. Many renowned composers wrote their own Mass compositions. The Council of Trent Canonized the Mass that was in use for 1000 years. Saint Paul taught to hold fast to both the written and spoken word (2 These 2:15). The Latin Mass is like the Sacredness of God inspired Scripture. It is the highest form of worship on earth. Attend the Latin Mass.

  • @carmennavarro3535
    @carmennavarro3535 6 месяцев назад +53

    The truth will set you free! I’m very proud of your bravery. I love your Chanel and I do believe that this is your calling, to help the holy souls in purgatory. Because of you I am a much better prayer warrior for the holy souls in purgatory.
    Thank you Alvaro, May God continue a good work in you. Blessings

    • @TriciaPerry-mz7tc
      @TriciaPerry-mz7tc 6 месяцев назад

      Huh. Get out of Catholicism and their LIES
      THIS MAN IS OBSESSED with purgatory and all this foolishness
      Luther has nothing to do with born again true believers
      How is HE going to repair the sins of a Luther????

    • @mikekayanderson408
      @mikekayanderson408 6 месяцев назад

      Only Jesus can set Catholics free from the bandage they are in Jesus is truth!
      Rome is the tool of Satan to keep you all in bondage from the Truth of the True Gospel - which by the help of the Holy Spirt - Lither began to fully understand! He was set free in Jesus Christ as were the many other Catholics who left the Roman Church. The Reformers tried to speak truth to Rome - but Rome did not listen and dug its heels in deeper - deeper into its lies and false teachings,
      ,seek the truth of Scripture - please 🙏🙏 K.

  • @johannaklingener667
    @johannaklingener667 Месяц назад +3

    Thanking you for sharing. I enjoy your videos and learn so much listening to them. It has increased my understanding and prayers for the poor souls on a daily basis. God bless you and all that you do for the hoky souls in purgatory.

  • @FenixAzulPT
    @FenixAzulPT 6 месяцев назад +101

    Alvaro, as a young priest, I was hesitant to watch your video when I first saw it in your feed. It's the very first I've ever seen from your channel. Too often, every time I see testimonies like this, I just see the forces of evil we fight every day just score another victory. These men go on and make a seemingly touchy video that tries to drag as many as possible with them away from the Faith. As we probably both learned at seminary, "a priest never saves himself alone, and never damns himself alone". And too many ex-priests just cause the latter to happen.
    What I saw here was something completely different. Someone speaking with no tears or commotion, who acknowledges our fight, and still wants to do his part, even if driven away from the ministry by mental difficulties. And that's honestly worth all my respect.
    When I meet priests who left the ministry but are still faithful, practicing Catholics, I kiss their hand when we greet, as I do to all my brothers in Orders. It reminds me (and, hopefully, also reminds them) who God made them to be by their character.
    So, dear brother in the priesthood, good luck with your front in the spiritual combat and thank you for your help and your videos. Rest assured of my prayers for you, and please keep me in yours.

    • @eremitorium7797
      @eremitorium7797 6 месяцев назад +4

      Amen! Beautiful comment and I agree

    • @marisol033
      @marisol033 5 месяцев назад +4

      but what kind of punishment will god give to those who turn their back on god by leaving this most holy path?

    • @jasonhaiflich8967
      @jasonhaiflich8967 5 месяцев назад +1

      @@marisol033that’s a good question

    • @FenixAzulPT
      @FenixAzulPT 4 месяца назад +3

      @@marisol033 It depends on why and it depends on whether he or she who leaves it repents of it. But in this case, Alvaro went through the process of requesting to leave the ministry and waited for his Superiors and for Rome to approve of it. So it's rash to say that he turned his back on God. On the contrary, he remained faithful and waited to receive his leave and the relief of his vows. Unfaithfulness would be the case in which he left without leave, warning or authorisation. And yes, there are unfortunately people who have done things like that and that we should pray for their repentance and conversion.
      The disturbances that he found out later he had and that he is sharing here could've been a reason for him not to be ordained a priest in the first place if it was found out at seminary, or to be relieved from the job were he to find about it later (Canon Law c. 1041 §1). Anyone who has been a priest knows what the burden is and will not keep anyone who finds out the hard way he can't go on and humbly asks for a leave.

    • @sheltonxaviersequeira3057
      @sheltonxaviersequeira3057 3 месяца назад +1

      Fully agree with you Fr.People don't understand the amount of temptations they go through and the amount of resilience they require,which they receive from constant prayers to fight the temptations of the evil force who constantly attacks.
      I wonder what parishioners feel who have gone for confession to these Ex priest and admitted everything to them.Where is the secrecy? Are these parishioners not cheated?

  • @geltermachona
    @geltermachona 6 месяцев назад +88

    You are a priest for the souls in purgatory. And they are forever grateful to you.

    • @sergiorodriguez5220
      @sergiorodriguez5220 6 месяцев назад

      💯

    • @LauraBeltran2024
      @LauraBeltran2024 6 месяцев назад +1

      Not true. If he were he would be celebrating mass everyday to help relieve them and liberate them. No youtube channel or group of laity praying the rosary will ever equal ONE mass celebrated on there behalf! You have no idea what you are saying. We can and should pray for him and all those that have left there religious vows❤️‍🩹🙏

    • @patriciagouveia2616
      @patriciagouveia2616 6 месяцев назад

      Let Almighty God make such and all appointments.

    • @DavidVowels-co5dd
      @DavidVowels-co5dd 6 месяцев назад +1

      This channel is great info .. brother but .how does a devout catholic erase thee indeliable mark of Sacrament of holy orders ??? Either you were a priest and still are that is forever ..or you weren't ordained ... do you ever realize that all this "GOD IS TELLING ME " STUFF ??? Do you realize you can be wrong on at least somethings ..it's not a stab ....but to make a living off the poor souls ...it's a free market...and I believe your story ..and sincerity ...but as a young man I caution you to be careful with not with sharing....always assuming thee authority of God is telling you everything sometimes we can be wrong there is more then you would think that live to pray and fast year round and have no revalation...on EVERYTHING...
      As father chad ripperger says question when every feeling is divine revelation...as you challenge us to the utmost humility and deep devotion to the poor souls and with the same exchanged tell you to make sure you are letting go too 100% surrender to thee divine will ...even when all of our channels are stripped...I love the work you do ...I just as a nobody in my 40s who seen a miniature judgment as a teenager I only seen 3 mortal sins in 2 minutes but I was under thee impression that lasted 50'000 years ....I ask to be half killed to wake me up and it almost did kill me but I was given one mission get to conffesion 2 times a week and mass every day and and thousands of hours in adoration...for priest poor ,souls conversion of souls .on earth and those most in need of his mercy and then I didn't hear voices but an instinct was for to evangelize to tens of thousands ect ...the cross has been constant and almost as if I've been abandoned for 2 decades ..and hellish suffering that I true must live for or it would kill me ....life is war ...and being brought through this with no finish line I certainly welcome prayer and fasting for me but more importantly moral and maby a few physical miracles for those I serve ..
      JMJ VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL PRAY PRAY FOR US AND THIS CHANNEL 🙏

    • @patriciagouveia2616
      @patriciagouveia2616 6 месяцев назад

      @@DavidVowels-co5dd A voice in the wilderness. According to the comments, most have no biblical understanding of Almighty God.
      Almighty God gave us free choice, but if you accept Jesus Christ as your savior, you keep the decrees of the Almighty, or He will spit you out. Dare not imagine and speak about how Almighty God will do this or that concerning disobedience. As Father Chad Rippencer said, only 1% of people who say they are Christians will enter heaven. The Bible doesn't give a percentage but says few. Don't be pating each other on the back, assuring them Almighty God is okay with your sin; Heoves you instead say I will pray for your soul.
      A woman can not have a marriage nulled if he is abusive, but she can live apart from him; she is required to pray for his conversion. Imagine now, being ordained a priest, walking away and marrying someone. People pick up your Bibles and find out who Almighty God is because He is PURE.

  • @Stabu
    @Stabu 6 месяцев назад +80

    I'm an atheist (grew up Lutheran - haven't gone to church really since ca. 1995), but have been watching some Catholic videos for the last seven years due to their internal consistence (which Lutheranism definitely lacks), philosophical seriousness, and because I believe that the Catholic church was a fundamental building block in our Western civilization. Since our civilization may be our greatest treasure, I need to know as much as I can about Catholicism to better help protecting that treasure. Relatively recently my friend and tax accountant, a devout catholic man who kept his religion to himself, died - he was approaching his 80's. I once asked him what he was still hoping from life and he listed some smart goals and then added "not to spend much time in purgatory after I'm gone" and laughed. So because of your channel and your prayers, I've now started to pray for him in purgatory whenever I deal with tax issues, despite not being Catholic or even a believer. I do this to show my respect for him and to remind myself of how much he helped me in the past and how kind of a man he was.

    • @rachelelizabeth5416
      @rachelelizabeth5416 6 месяцев назад +13

      Wow you are a loving person which means God is indeed in you- thank you for your comment

    • @matthewblanchard3211
      @matthewblanchard3211 6 месяцев назад +7

      Wow! This is such love. May God bless you abundantly in His timing. ❤

    • @silencedogood2612
      @silencedogood2612 6 месяцев назад +7

      Keep praying. Ask for God's Infinite Mercy and Grace. He is a God who wants your love and He will draw you near.

    • @mu6014
      @mu6014 5 месяцев назад

      There is no such a place as purgatory - waiting place. When someone dies, this person goes directly either to heaven or hell.
      We can not get a deceased person out of purgatory through prayers or financial donations. The Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory comes from the Satan himself. It was invented to accommodate Catholicism’s denial of justification by faith alone, it offers false hope to millions and lead them to hell.
      Christians don’t believe in purgatory along with other false, devilish catholic doctrines.
      You have to be born again sir to enter the kingdom of God.
      Please watch: ruclips.net/video/N988sQc7v9c/видео.htmlsi=KwK3Yt0zMRyMsVmq

    • @kathyday3679
      @kathyday3679 5 месяцев назад +3

      You don't know if he's in purgatory. If he's not, I believe your prayer would be applied to others.
      Consider praying for him to have high glory in heaven (it will be God's will when).
      I think purgatory may only last a few seconds (in our earth time).
      I pray for loved ones who passed on, and end prayers "... for those dying this evening, especially who have no one to pray for them." (God will choose what country and which person(s)).

  • @michaelmccormick8724
    @michaelmccormick8724 6 месяцев назад +32

    What an incredible act of humility. Thank you God blesses this ministry to us about the holy souls. You helped to get a holy souls prayer group on my Parish. Please continue full of confidence as God guides you. A fellow priest Fr Michael

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +6

      Thank you Fr Michael - I was so afraid at first - should I post or not - but then I remembered a homily of a local priest - “God invites you to do challenging things that your heart desires to do but fear stops you…” reflecting on that - I knew what I needed to do

    • @RedRose-il8xj
      @RedRose-il8xj 6 месяцев назад

      @michaelmccormick8724 Please share more about the "holy souls prayer group". What prayers does the group pray? How often? etc Thank you

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +1

      Fr Michael - I ask this Favor - please each time when you lift the Blessed Sacrament and the Chalice - remember this Channel that it may truly give Glory to God!

  • @yaoleksandr
    @yaoleksandr Месяц назад +3

    Thank you Father for your courageous testimony! I pray for you from Kyiv! God bless you!

  • @Lancer-y5g
    @Lancer-y5g 5 месяцев назад +18

    A wise Bishop would always ask such priests as this when they came to him saying they’d “lost their vocation” to the priesthood.
    “When did you stop praying?”

    • @MichaelBowes
      @MichaelBowes 5 месяцев назад +1

      That IS very wise! The devil wins many wars..

  • @marypatbrosnan577
    @marypatbrosnan577 6 месяцев назад +9

    Thank you for having the courage to share. I pray more on a daily basis for the Holy Souls in Purgatory because of your channel.

  • @Sacredheart247
    @Sacredheart247 6 месяцев назад +40

    I am with you Alvaro. God is the just judge, I applaud you for being string and of good courage. I too wish to fight against the enemy. The enemy took advantage of my lack of knowledge and has a deep attachment to my son Justin, and now my son is estranged from his family, chronically mentally ill and spiritual ill. He is now sitting in a county jail and was on suicide watch. This is my 1st born child and I am extremely grieved but by God's grace and only by Divine grace I have been at peace, come what may. I too want to fight and appreciate your channel and your immense courage. If God wills it for me, see you all tonight at the Rosary prayer!

    • @rosemaryjones9464
      @rosemaryjones9464 6 месяцев назад +9

      Lord, You know what Justin needs. Surround Justin with all 9 choirs, esp the 7 Archangels who gather in Your Glory Room to praise You night & day. Bring Justin into Your Light. Protect him. Guide him. O Holy souls in Purgatory help bring Justin into the fullness of his vocation, which God gave him. From the beginning of time! Amen! Whew!

    • @Sacredheart247
      @Sacredheart247 6 месяцев назад

      Thank you for the prayers for Justin. I am trying to Pray, Hope and not worry as St Pio has said many times before his passing from this life. 🥰❤️ I love you all. God Bless you. See you tomorrow. Hey, I have a question, before I forget what is Alvaros Zoom Channel #. I wanted to help pray the Rosary live with you all.

    • @Patty-qt8se
      @Patty-qt8se 6 месяцев назад +1

      I'm so sorry about your Son Justin I will keep him in my prayers 🙏 as well as my daughter Tracy she was about the same now is just depressed and sad. God will heard our prayers 🙏 don't even doubt it 🙏 God bless you 🙏

    • @Sacredheart247
      @Sacredheart247 6 месяцев назад +2

      Aww you are all so sweet. I can't thank you enough for all of your prayers. I know God hears our prayers. Mental Illness is a disease that can make the person you love unrecognizable. Justin has become a different personality, and a few members in my family have said that he has these demonic attachments and that they have very bad intentions for me and the family. When he was living here, at home, the dogs were afraid, he would be hostile and verbally abusive towards me. One day he came up into my face and through water in my face. I just wiped off and kept moving about my day. He was so hateful on another occasion, when he had his own apartment, I went to help him complete his Psychiatric virtual visit. I have chronic lung issues and am on Oxygen and I had Mt portable Oxygen tank with me. As I entered his house he said "When are you leaving?" I explained as soon as your Psychiatric visit finishes. Within about 5 minutes, he obviously very uncomfortable got up in a combative stance snd said "YOU KNOW WHAT THESE MEDS DO TO ME?!!!" He was hostile and had a very aggressive stance and he has a boxing and wrestle sports history and out of fear for my safety and health, I got up and slowly took my Oxygen tank and things and said quietly. That it was fine I will leave. I have been in this mental health battle for about 8 years with him. The stories are straight out of a movie. I am also a former Mental health crisis worker and Case Worker. The enemy can attach to our children and so we must pray often for them and do what we can to encourage them to go to Mass as the depression can also keep them from going to Mass, part of the enemies agenda, I am sure. Let's keep praying together, especially for the mentally ill. God Bless you and your family and thank you for praying for Justin.

    • @Patty-qt8se
      @Patty-qt8se 6 месяцев назад

      My heart goes out to you and I will pray for Justin and for you.

  • @OGinthehouse-l3i
    @OGinthehouse-l3i 6 месяцев назад +170

    God has guided your steps. You might have left the priesthood, but you never left God. You’re doing,through your channel, what many of us think the Holy Spirit is directing you to do. God blesses many people through your faith, which is one of His blessings to you. Humility is courageous.🙏🏻

    • @doloresglass8881
      @doloresglass8881 6 месяцев назад +8

      I totally agree with you. I am a Catholic Mental Health Nurse. 😂

  • @greveth
    @greveth 3 дня назад +1

    Hey Alvaro...before I even saw this video...I saw your other videos, with their titles...this devotion has already started with me - just by the titles. Keep up this work. God is and will bless it. It is His work and through it, He will be unleashing a mighty weapon through the prayers of those freed. God Bless you Brother.

  • @gerardosullivan1642
    @gerardosullivan1642 6 месяцев назад +7

    The mercy of the Lord is upon you in all you say and do. Humility and the gift of faith is one of the greatest blessings from God.

  • @dixieflyer2012
    @dixieflyer2012 6 месяцев назад +64

    Thank you for sharing. Without you making this channel, I wouldn't have near the devotion I have at the moment. You are still helping people in the way you can. Even the rosary payer group you have every night is something I look forward to everyday. God's work doesn't stop and that's very apparent in you. Much respect -
    Alex

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +10

      Thank you Alex -
      This channel is such a gift for me as well

    • @cher6414
      @cher6414 6 месяцев назад +2

      Thankyou for your beautiful honesty.

    • @markreid8809
      @markreid8809 6 месяцев назад

      Is that a joke?

  • @SurrenderNovena
    @SurrenderNovena 6 месяцев назад +19

    You have given me (and many many others, I'm sure!) a much greater knowledge of and devotion to the holy souls. Thank you from the heart. God bless you, your family and all your endeavors.

  • @genuinetuffguy1854
    @genuinetuffguy1854 6 месяцев назад +40

    Thank you for sharing this personal story. I’m glad that for those years you had the utmost privilege of any human being: to be the instrument for the consecration of the bread and wine into the Holy Eucharist. I have a little understanding of the difficulties new priests face. When I was a senior in high school in the 80’s I worked in the rectory of a church in So Cal answering phones and assisting with church prep for ceremonies on Fridays. I remember when a new associate pastor fresh out of the seminary named Fr. Pat started to work at our church. I remember how gung ho he was in the beginning…so full of energy and enthusiasm. By the end of that year he was so full of stress and despair…I felt such sympathy and sorrow for him. I’m glad that you are allowing God to use you as an instrument to spread this devotion for the souls in purgatory. This is such a good use of the RUclips platform. We will keep you in our prayers 🙏🏻

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +6

      Thank you - it’s a gift to be able to share the faith with others - the spiritual for priests is very difficult indeed

  • @paulhallett1452
    @paulhallett1452 2 месяца назад +4

    God bless you! I may have heard the call but lacked courage to listen - I am a joyful Catholic husband and dad discerning the diaconate - you are right to know that God is not done with you and holds you up as a cause for hope and joy!

  • @belovedewe7738
    @belovedewe7738 Месяц назад +4

    May the Lord Bless you abundantly! My friend Fr. Nathan Cromly from the St. John Institute once spoke of an idea he had of talking to ex priests talking about the other side of mercy. I think you would find a friend with him. He is an amazing dynamic priest.

  • @jacquelineshukla919
    @jacquelineshukla919 6 месяцев назад +20

    Thank you for sharing your personal story. It was very brave and also humble. I think more of you not less. And you are where God wants you to be. And you were where God wanted you to be before.

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +8

      Thank you - it’s been hard to accept that truth - that I’m where I’m supposed to be - I always wanted my path to be perfect / I had to accept my own frailty

  • @jeffreyrodrigoecheverria2613
    @jeffreyrodrigoecheverria2613 6 месяцев назад +117

    Being a priest is such a super hard job

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +24

      More than I could ever have imagined

    • @anotherbeginning
      @anotherbeginning 6 месяцев назад +10

      Wouldn't it be hard because you think it's a job? It is not a job …

    • @evelynbare1975
      @evelynbare1975 6 месяцев назад +5

      Don't think I would consider it a job. It's a covenant with God, and a lifetime. This man was not able to keep the covenant, but if he is honest with Jesus Christ of Nazareth about it, he will be forgiven. 😊

    • @spooderdoggy
      @spooderdoggy 6 месяцев назад +1

      I don’t see where being a priest is that hard of a job. If we are called to minister to people we will do well walking in God’s grace only. This doesn’t mean a priest or minister won’t face many challenges and crises. The hardest part is dealing with people and their problems. We must trust God to do the work in people and not try to fix them ourselves. In the Bible when our Lord Jesus said his yoke is easy and his burden is light, he meant it. ✝️🙏🏻

    • @FinalLugiaGuardian
      @FinalLugiaGuardian 6 месяцев назад +2

      ​@anotherbeginning It is a job in the colloquial sense, but it is also much more than " just a job".

  • @amyschlegel1180
    @amyschlegel1180 6 месяцев назад +34

    Alvaro, thank you so much for your courage and honesty in sharing your story with us. If you suffer from BPD and OCD, you have been carrying a very heavy cross. Thank you for remaining faithful to Jesus and His Catholic Church! It’s amazing though, what God can do with those who humble themselves and trust in Him! He is so good!! Through your humility and brokenness, He may give you the grace to help bring many more sinners to heaven and many more souls out of purgatory than you would have if you had remained a priest. God bless you and your ministry. We will all be praying for you!

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +2

      Amy - sorry for the late response - I for sure not only want to help people have a devotion to the souls in purgatory but I want to help lift the heaviness of people’s crosses so that perhaps they can go further than I

  • @marklomax7452
    @marklomax7452 5 месяцев назад +39

    I have 44 yrs in the priesthood, so far. I feel your pain, but sometimes a man has to lift the load and carry on- but if you aren't happy, you'll just make others miserable, too. Maturity is acknowledging what isn't working and either fixing it or moving on to something else. God bless you on your journey.

    • @MichaelBowes
      @MichaelBowes 5 месяцев назад +3

      Congrats on the 44yrs as a Priest!!!

    • @jdosvd
      @jdosvd 5 месяцев назад +2

      Bless you Father. Daily I pray for Priests.

    • @KayJordan-z6i
      @KayJordan-z6i 5 месяцев назад

      I wanted to be a Priest in Arkansas but St Mienrad Would be to tough I am not smart enough plus I'm 53.

    • @MichaelBowes
      @MichaelBowes 5 месяцев назад

      @@KayJordan-z6i There is an order in Piffard NY for older vocations.. I have gone there for spiritual direction and the monks are very good, down to earth men. They accept older vocations: Trappist Abbey of the Genesee

  • @MaiteEvangelista-yr9wy
    @MaiteEvangelista-yr9wy 6 месяцев назад +3

    I miss you, Alvaro! I miss your thought provoking and insightful homilies. I still have the picture of my husband and I getting a blessing from you right after your ordination. I am so thankful that you have kept the faith and keep Jesus and Mama Mary close to your heart. God bless you!

  • @markwalkerrocker4Jesus
    @markwalkerrocker4Jesus 6 месяцев назад +8

    What a wonderful testimony - thank you, I too have been humbled by all the mistakes (SINS) of my past, and I go forward, singing in a Schola at our local TLM, helping the poor, visiting the imprisoned and just trying to bring God's love to everyone I can. Viva Cristo Rey!

  • @DHS9
    @DHS9 6 месяцев назад +72

    Alvaro... I just turned 70 and realised that I'd been called to pray for the holy souls in purgatory... It took me all this time to put two and two together! And it all clicked one evening when I saw and heard you for the first time. And of course, that was by accident! I was not pleased because I was surfing RUclips looking for something entertaining! Never let it be said that God does not have a sense of humour.
    After much soul searching, learning and listening, my heart was filled with great peace and purpose.
    I recite the chaplet of St Gertrude every night, for these souls and Fridays are always set aside for special prayers for them. So all that to say - thank you! I'm with you in this battle to bring praying for souls in purgatory back to its rightful place. God bless.

    • @TriciaPerry-mz7tc
      @TriciaPerry-mz7tc 6 месяцев назад

      PURGATORY DOES NOT EXIST!!!
      IT'S A LIE the Catholic church teaches. Please get out of this deceiving religion

    • @anirtakak-b4k
      @anirtakak-b4k 6 месяцев назад

      I’m in purgatory and have been for a few years. It’s interesting but painful. Luther hated the Roman Catholic Church and the money being exchanged to build St Peter’s. That’s all in the past.

    • @timmoore9736
      @timmoore9736 6 месяцев назад +2

      @@anirtakak-b4k lUther didn't hate the Church; but he hated what he saw as some of its failings. And post hoc analysis seems to indicate that Luther had some mental issues which drove him. The old phrase that wherever God is, satan is not far behind seems proved out with the deconstruction of liturgy and sacraments which have followed his attempt to right the wrong he perceived.

    • @napyrkhat_1212
      @napyrkhat_1212 4 месяца назад

      Many people breaking the church, village, countries because of spirit of leaderships and money profitability. Not because of heart and find the Spirit.

    • @shawn1869
      @shawn1869 Месяц назад

      Purgatory is not biblical

  • @marthayniguez793
    @marthayniguez793 6 месяцев назад +96

    Don't feel ashamed, you're being honest, God knows your heart and most of all you are STILL SERVING THE LORD!

    • @jeanb.5405
      @jeanb.5405 Месяц назад +1

      It is not our place to tell someone else what should or should not make them feel shame - shame often comes from the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. It can come from evil as well but we don't know their mind or heart so it is not for us to just generically advise someone not to have shame.

  • @chrisfitzmaurice7484
    @chrisfitzmaurice7484 Месяц назад +9

    Respect to all the priests who've stuck it out.

    • @johnhall-n3z
      @johnhall-n3z 24 дня назад

      And to those with the courage to leave. And to those who have the courage to leave and return wiser and stronger.

  • @jorgemerino1273
    @jorgemerino1273 5 месяцев назад +6

    Dear Alvaro, Honesty, Humility and Obedience to God makes the darkness tremble. I pray this powerful testimony will reach millions around the world.
    I rejoice with this "image" of Jesus I am having right now ...Jesus is looking at you (when you were filming this testimony) and says "well done my faithful servant".
    May God Bless your Marriage, your Fatherhood and your Ministry!

  • @raphaelpali
    @raphaelpali 6 месяцев назад +13

    I am immensely grateful to God for inspiring you to share your story. I ‘always knew I would be a priest’… till I didn’t and got married. But it always felt like I turned my back to God. I could relate to when you say ‘it is not cool to be an ex priest’ and I think it is the immense hurt of feeling we have let God down. I thank you for how you concluded in seeing the beauty that has come out of all of this. I believe the Lord has spoken to me in this your message. I praise God for you and I will keep you in my prayers. May Christ be praised forever

  • @dazylulu1832
    @dazylulu1832 6 месяцев назад +28

    Alvaro, I know this had to be a hard video to make, to bare your soul, because people can judge so harshly sometimes. I can honestly say you have helped me grow so much in my faith, in the devotion to the souls in purgatory. You are excellent in this ministry and I know you touch so many people. Thank you because you’ve touched me and helped me grow deeper in my faith than I’ve ever been before, with your guidance and you’ll never know how much I appreciate that. God bless you and your family abundantly!!! Thank for your messages and for guiding us in our devotion to the souls in purgatory. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @karasaunty9823
    @karasaunty9823 6 месяцев назад +66

    Not gonna lie - when I first saw the title coupled with the photo of you in your Roman collar, I did not want to watch this. Yet I'm glad I did. Your story is compelling and very human; we are none of us perfect or faultless. But your example has shown how God is prepared for everything and uses every and any opportunity to expand His flock, despite our faults, despite our stumbles. Trust me, you are not the only one regretting past decisions. But life isn't about falling; it's about getting back up again, and you have done that and then some. Pax Christi xx

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +16

      Thank you - in my pride - I wish I didn’t have to get back up - I wish I had been perfect - Jesus has taught me to embrace humility with him and to not be afraid

    • @oliverclark5604
      @oliverclark5604 5 месяцев назад

      @@UniquelyMary Yes, Mary uniquely in uncertainty of her belief perfectly kept the inseparability and qualitative equality of her thinking role processes at Lk 1:29, 34 and her progress in having faith in her identity at Lk 1:38 in 'finding' her "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14).

  • @LillyOfTheValley77
    @LillyOfTheValley77 6 месяцев назад +11

    “That priest Luther” this should be your introduction phrase, that was deep! Very humble and admirable brother!

  • @susanafiu7035
    @susanafiu7035 Месяц назад +4

    GOD BLESS you Brother. So proud of you GOD BLESS 🙌 You and All you do to bring back souls to CHRIST

  • @rachelelizabeth5416
    @rachelelizabeth5416 6 месяцев назад +65

    Courageous! Thank you for sharing your story and your knowledge and still using your preaching gifts by creating this channel and helping people.

  • @SpaghettiItaliano146
    @SpaghettiItaliano146 6 месяцев назад +13

    Thank you for sharing! You have a great calling in this channel. Jesus has not let go on you!!

  • @jojocundiff903
    @jojocundiff903 6 месяцев назад +15

    Thank you for spreading information on Purgatory. You have helped me so much to help them. God bless you !

  • @teresaalvarez7372
    @teresaalvarez7372 5 месяцев назад +13

    Bravo to you that you have opened your heart and soul. The changes that you have made in your life God is using you now.. and will bless you for bringing the truth of purgatory. Many people do not believe in it and they are Catholics. This work is so important to show that God has us and we need to pray. Thank you and God bless you.🙏⛪️

  • @TT1972-b4r
    @TT1972-b4r 3 месяца назад +5

    I believe you learned a lot at the seminary. All the best and keep that light of the Catholic Church burning.

  • @danielm9897
    @danielm9897 6 месяцев назад +9

    I hope for so much evangelism like this to revive the heart of the faithful in these times, it’s very needed. Thank you for sharing 🎉

    • @riferoad
      @riferoad 6 месяцев назад

      The IHM TREE of life project ruclips.net/video/Aa9OQHXR27A/видео.html a visual history of the Catholic Church from creation to present

  • @laurag7565
    @laurag7565 6 месяцев назад +104

    I love that you recognized your former pride and were able to gain that priceless pearl, humility, through “failure” as a priest. The Lord dealt with you rather severely in that he chastises those he loves. He led you on the perfect path to reveal who you are and who you are not..what an incredible blessing. And now you are blessing us with your insight, devotion and spiritual wisdom. Thank you for sharing with us. The Lord be with you.

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +12

      Thank you Laura - in my pride, I wish I hadn’t ever made any mistakes - but the Lord used those failures to humble me - praise God for how he uses all for His Glory

    • @chrispaul9454
      @chrispaul9454 5 месяцев назад +3

      I used to think that pride was a sin that I need not worry about since I have always considered myself more humble than affected with pride. After thinking about it, I came to understand why it is said that pride is the foundation of all sin. It is true. I'm am far from being pride free and have a long way to go before I can call myself humble.

    • @Multijoe84
      @Multijoe84 5 месяцев назад +2

      Hmmm. Not sure if I’m convinced by that.

    • @BellaZhimo1212
      @BellaZhimo1212 5 месяцев назад

      Hello GUYS .....Your denomination will not safe you so focus on JESUS,at the end of the day Only Our saviour will judges us so be humble and don't creat a scene..Thank you

  • @choose-kindness
    @choose-kindness 6 месяцев назад +9

    God bless you. Thank you for sharing this. My son has autism and OCD and is interested in becoming a priest. He is just beginning his journey and discernment. You have also blessed me greatly in that, as a very new Catholic, I had no idea about the souls in purgatory. You are helping me learn to pray for them. 🙏👍

  • @jeannegeigel6481
    @jeannegeigel6481 Месяц назад +2

    Thank you for sharing your journey and for your ministry. Your channel is wonderful!

  • @pegquilty592
    @pegquilty592 Месяц назад +1

    Thank you for your honesty.
    We all make mistakes but how many of us truly examine ourselves objectively, and retrospectively.
    And it then takes courage and humility to make the necessary changes.
    May God bless you and your family.

  • @okechukwuebirim4483
    @okechukwuebirim4483 6 месяцев назад +6

    Now you find direction, purpose and peace and that's the most important thing. I find myself battling OCD too. Things very few wish to ever admit. Thank you for the courage of your witness. May the Holy Souls in purgatory always intercede for you.

  • @SurrenderNovena
    @SurrenderNovena 6 месяцев назад +8

    Wow! Well, that explains why your vidoes contain such spiritual depth! Thank you for your honesty and your continued service to God and His Church - militant and above all the Church suffering!

    • @susanpritchard951
      @susanpritchard951 6 месяцев назад +1

      AMEN AND AMEN 🙏 I’VE BEEN THINKING THE SAME THING 🙏
      God’s Mercy endures FOREVER,and HE’S Never left YOU,or YOU LEAVING HIM,I’m certain His Fire 🔥 of Love consumes your Ability to REMEMBER HIS CHILDREN IN PURGATORY 💜 YOU are PRIEST forever in the order of Melchizedek 💯GLORY HALLELUJAH 🔥HEAVEN AWAITS,DO NOT FEAR😇

  • @BobSmith-vq3uo
    @BobSmith-vq3uo 6 месяцев назад +9

    Thanks for this honest sharing, brother. Many similarities to my own story. God has given me the opportunity to forge a career with the knowledge and understanding gained thru this experience to influence more people than I ever thought possible. God is so good. May He continue to bless you in your ministry and your family.

  • @michaelburgess6556
    @michaelburgess6556 Месяц назад +1

    God bless you! With deep respect, appreciation and assurance of my prayers. May God bless you and your family. Mike OFM Cap, Kilkenny, Ireland 🇮🇪 🙏 🕊

  • @marymannix3482
    @marymannix3482 4 месяца назад +2

    Thanks

  • @3172bees
    @3172bees 6 месяцев назад +12

    So because of your video I ordered “My conversations with the poor Souls “ I’m half way through it already. It’s awesome. I’m sure most Catholics have had an interaction or 2 with a Soul in Purgatory and just didn’t realize it. Im glad i found this book…on your video…and prayed more deeply for them after receiving the Eucharist at Mass. That’s Good fruit. So ease up on yourself.

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +1

      Thank you!!

    • @charlesbaehr3115
      @charlesbaehr3115 6 месяцев назад +1

      Keep up your great work. I love praying for the Good Souls in Purgatory

  • @samuelokolo9833
    @samuelokolo9833 18 дней назад +3

    I am an Ex-Seminarian and I have so many things in common with you with that pride you talked about.
    The Church is the best gift Jesus gave me right from Baptism, I realized this after I left the Seminary. I am 101% with you on the Purgatory campaign and won't stop praying for these beautiful waiting souls until I breathe my last.

    • @shekinah8475
      @shekinah8475 7 дней назад

      Hi Samuel how are you. I wanna find out from you as Ex-Seminarian is there something you need to do from your side after living. Reason am asking my uncle also left the seminary half way in training and things are not just good for him

  • @danielmealey
    @danielmealey 6 месяцев назад +30

    Such a beautiful, honest and brave account of your history. I am a doctor in Australia, a former Army doctor and Afghanistan veteran. I've walked a long journey with traumatised veterans (quite traumatised myself), and it's my observation and experience that when trauma isn't met with compassion, that trauma brews like a volcano and explodes in the form of mental illnesses like depression, PTSD and borderline PD. This trauma is worsened when shackled in shame, and the final end-state is suicide when the sole solution we provide is psych beds, and psych meds. Like you, I was humbled by the experience of being broken. By the grace of God (and through the intercession of the Mother to whom I had promised my soul as a child), I was dragged up out of homelessness, suicide and despair.
    In a world that has become so very evil, I think most people are pretty broken. It’s a great grace to be humbled, and to latch our eyes firmly onto the Heavenly, and the eternal. I can only imagine the struggles, fears and crosses you’ve carried. In a world obsessed by the sins of others, no doubt you’ve been judged and shamed by those less interested in an internal examination of conscience.
    “See Mother, how I make all things new?” - this gives me great comfort. Thank you for not giving up, and for continuing your mission of love.

    • @danielmealey
      @danielmealey 6 месяцев назад

      @@Knight-s2o What a lovely message, thank you ! Pleasure to meet you. "Doctors, nurses, religious and priests with PTSD do not get the right help" - I couldn't agree more. Even when I had pulled back from seeing patients for a year to get well, accessing mental healthcare as a doctor meant that every time I turned around, someone was re-traumatising me with their "mandatory reporting" obligations. I was repeatedly hauled before the Medical Council. They accepted anonymous complaints on the sole basis that a complaint had been raised, with no-one with the wisdom to determine "here is a guy just trying to get well, traumatised by war, and by endless anonymous complaints made about him to AHPRA and HCCC when he was a public face of the long fight for a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide." It took me a while to conclude that I wasn't the crazy one. These people have rejected God , and along with him "the Way, the Truth and the Life." Once I realised I was the sane one (and once I was given the grace to adopt Jesus' message of forgiveness), I quickly got back to work full-time as a doctor and I haven't looked back. But I worry greatly about "doctors, nurses, religious and priests" broken by their service in the front lines, who rely upon the moral courage of their colleagues to intervene when a Godless bureaucracy turns against them.

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +1

      TO both of you - what can I say - I am profoundly thankful for sharing - I pray that God bless all that you do with these people - and that our Faith can be an instrument of healing to all those that have experienced Trauma

  • @JB-ou6fl
    @JB-ou6fl 5 месяцев назад +2

    Thank you for sharing your story. I support your mission in praying for the souls in purgatory and for leading people back to the Catholic Church. Alvaro, may God bless you, your family, and everyone who support your channel.

  • @kebongo
    @kebongo 5 месяцев назад +1

    Praying for you Padre. You candour and humility and, above all, love for God is so inspiring. Love from Kenya.

  • @BoscoForge
    @BoscoForge Месяц назад +5

    Just to let you know, your videos helped me a lot with my spiritual life. I am currently writing a book about the afterlife, and your videos were a good resource for me to find resources. John Bosco is my favorite saint to go to for these things, and your read aloud was very helpful. I will be keeping you in my prayers.

  • @SingtotheLordanewsong
    @SingtotheLordanewsong 6 месяцев назад +13

    Thank you so much for sharing. You help so many of us! God bless you! 🙏

  • @mycool8184
    @mycool8184 5 месяцев назад +4

    You baptized my brother. I couldnt have asked for someone better. I am gald it was you, and when you held him up like simba from the lion king it made it even more epic.

  • @PaleTagaloa
    @PaleTagaloa 5 месяцев назад +2

    You are a priest forever brother. All the sacraments you received will always guide you at every steps.thank you for sharing your story. May our loving Lord bless you and your family. Please pray for my son doing his formation to priesthood.

  • @danamoscoso9509
    @danamoscoso9509 18 дней назад +2

    Thank you so much for sharing your story Alvaro. Thank you for your very informative videos also. 🙏

  • @carmenlewis8563
    @carmenlewis8563 6 месяцев назад +4

    Ive been with you just about from the beginning with this channel. I have a major devotion to the Holy Souls in Purgatory and it was this channel that helped and continues to help me realize this as one of my vocations. I have read several books based on your recommendation. There was always something about you that stood out to me and I was never sure what it was. Now I know. Once a priest, always a priest. I relate to disparaging my past decisions while simultaneously being thankful for where they have led me. My heart feels sadness at the loss of you practicing as a priest but I am so very thankful for this channel. I will continue to be a prayer warrior for the Holy Souls and learn from you how best I can help them.

    • @mu6014
      @mu6014 5 месяцев назад

      There is no such a place as purgatory - waiting place. When someone dies, this person goes directly either to heaven or hell.
      We can not get a deceased person out of purgatory through prayers or financial donations. The Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory comes from the Satan himself. It was invented to accommodate Catholicism’s denial of justification by faith alone, it offers false hope to millions and lead them to hell.
      Christians don’t believe in purgatory along with other false, devilish catholic doctrines.
      You have to be born again sir to enter the kingdom of God.
      Please watch: ruclips.net/video/N988sQc7v9c/видео.htmlsi=KwK3Yt0zMRyMsVmq

  • @MaryMartinish
    @MaryMartinish 6 месяцев назад +51

    😢 I have the greatest empathy for you because after 16 years as a traditional Religious Sister I had to leave the convent and it was the most painful experience of my life. I'm SO happy to hear that you are working through everything & have acknowledged the eternal priesthood & determined to keep your Faith and help others. Those who need to leave are often misjudged & often fall through the cracks.
    All the guilt, shame of a failed vocation, etc. I think it is certainly harder for a priest to leave. I now realise I needed to leave to know myself better & to mature properly.
    I too have OCD and bipolar but the full understanding of my illnesses were not understood by myself & others in the convent who did their best to help me.
    The idea of vocation in this day & age especially is broader. I love the Poor Souls!! We are a lot like them! God bless you & your wife.🙏✝️😍

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  6 месяцев назад +4

      Mary - thank you for sharing - I would love to help

    • @jdosvd
      @jdosvd 5 месяцев назад +3

      Sister, daily I strongly pray for our Priests and nuns and ex too. We need you all so much.
      Psalm 91,23,51,129,150 and of course the Rosary.
      Jesus please help our religious in today's turbulent times.

    • @anne-marielouiserey4244
      @anne-marielouiserey4244 Месяц назад

      Mary how did you manage to do that, if I may ask? You are so courageous. ❤

  • @letinese
    @letinese 6 месяцев назад +4

    May God continue to Bless you abundantly 🙏 Thank you for your courage and strength in sharing your story. You are a true Blessing to all that hear your channel. May the Holy Souls in Purgatory continue to inspire you & all of us too 🙏 Grazie Grazie

  • @thepersonalvocation
    @thepersonalvocation 6 месяцев назад +2

    This was truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey, your story, and your personal vocation. It sounds like your journey was filled with hills and valleys, but you are flourishing where you are planted and these insights are the fruits borne from that flourishing.
    Thank you and God bless you!

  • @johnnybgood5836
    @johnnybgood5836 2 месяца назад +1

    Your deep sincerity is unquestionable .... let no one cast the first stone .... I wish you could stand beside and speak for me in my judgement.....countless thousands are learning about purgatory thanks to your dedication....God Bless bro ...

  • @juliebrowne3467
    @juliebrowne3467 6 месяцев назад +4

    You have done so much to develop my Catholic faith and devotions and for many others. Thank you and God bless you. Your decisions are between you and God. But this explains so much...your depth and breadth of knowledge, faith and passion for God and the church. Wow - the principle of inversion wrt Luther.

  • @Ceciliapampii
    @Ceciliapampii 6 месяцев назад +5

    You are a Priest Forever! Thanks for sharing your experience

  • @mikemerriman7154
    @mikemerriman7154 6 месяцев назад +14

    Thank you for your honesty and candor Alvero. Blessings. mm

  • @davidramsey2566
    @davidramsey2566 Месяц назад +1

    God bless you friend. I’m so glad God put you where you are today. You are a great help to many people. Myself included. 🙏

  • @Susan-nr4lu
    @Susan-nr4lu 2 месяца назад +1

    You are an inspiration dear brother. Keep faithful to your faith. Your humility and purity is the shield around you. God bless your family. Pray for me and many.

  • @fintan3563
    @fintan3563 4 месяца назад +4

    “The priesthood beat me down.” I can relate to that so much. While I am still a priest (on indefinite medical leave for psychological issues) active ministry chewed me up and spit me out, plus my own psychological issues. I was “sent away” in the late 90s for stress and burnout. I went to “The Guesthouse” in 2011 for alcoholic treatment - (I’ve been sober almost 14 years). When the world shutdown due to coved in the spring of 2020, I went through 3 months of outpatient treatment. Anyway, the bishop has put me in my own apartment where I created my own chapel in a bedroom for daily Mass, and I am active in the local recovery community.

    • @UniquelyMary
      @UniquelyMary  4 месяца назад +2

      Wow - I truly wish people compassionately understood a story like yours to understand how difficult the priesthood can be and how much more we should support/pray for priests (both living and deceased). I think sometimes people look at the rules “They should be holy” and with very little compassion or understanding apply them to priests and can be very critical if they fail in any way - all while not being perfect themselves.

  • @Life-er6mq
    @Life-er6mq 4 месяца назад +6

    I know someone who was laicized at his request from his priestly duties and is now happily married. It is really sad the messages that he got from his former parishioners that were hurtful assuming he did something unseemly and was punished. Quite the contrary! He was such a model priest that his request was approved directly from Pope Francis in like a record six months and they wanted him to continue his ministry as a catechist because of his gift of evangelism and teaching. I believe you are a good man and appreciate your honest and unique perspective. Thank you for sharing your truth.

  • @nicholassanchez3994
    @nicholassanchez3994 6 месяцев назад +15

    Jesus said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her”.
    I believe that in these words, Jesus was identifying to each of us our true intentions. And what I feel and believe that you are a good man with good intentions for all. God bless you and keep you and your family safe and healthy 🙏 always.

  • @johantrenier1685
    @johantrenier1685 5 месяцев назад +2

    Thought about this yesterday sitting in Church post Mass, I’ve read on St. Thomas Aquinas, he’s been highly impactful on what I call my re-catechism the last 4 years. I’ve prayed his beautiful, intelligent words before, during and after Mass. At the same time, I recognized I’d not asked for his guidance directly. My point, we are all here to communicate with. I’ve made my journey as a Catholic husband and dad as my own. The more I have learned or in my case re-learned, the more I have explained to people what I have been doing the more the better. I can understand your discovery. Thank you.

  • @jenniferrosabal2499
    @jenniferrosabal2499 Месяц назад +2

    thanks for being so brave, i feel like this was not easy for you. God bless, always.

  • @commodoresfc
    @commodoresfc 6 месяцев назад +4

    I could never figure out what was special of you. I was always impressed but thank you for sharing. I believe God has touched you in a special way and your testimony proves it ! May God always be with you! Thank you for your new ministry on the Holy souls! Thank you for your wife who also serves in this endeavor!

  • @lizpaton4456
    @lizpaton4456 6 месяцев назад +11

    I think it was brave of you to share your story. I have Loved this channel since I found it. I have a very deep devotion to the Holy Souls of Purgatory. I also have a chaplet I say for priests in Purgatory.I am a secular Carmelite so praying for priests is an important prayer daily. I talk to people about prayer for the souls in Purgatory all the time. You have Nothing to be ashamed about.God blessed you with a family and a new calling for you with this channel. There is no shame in deciding the priesthood was not in fact your call. Better to follow God's call for this than to be an unhappy miserable priest. I will pray for you and your family daily for your success

  • @BigStack-vg6ku
    @BigStack-vg6ku 4 месяца назад +5

    Never had a problem with purgatory even as a current Protestant. I am learning all I can about the CC. I currently am a moderator for Catholic Answers and learning from some really great people. God bless you and your journey..

    • @anne-marielouiserey4244
      @anne-marielouiserey4244 Месяц назад

      Hello. I was on the live video with you earlier. How are you? I hope you are fine.😊❤

    • @BigStack-vg6ku
      @BigStack-vg6ku Месяц назад

      @@anne-marielouiserey4244 I’m good. I watch EWTN most of each day. I moderate for Catholic Answers Live chat. It’s on RUclips too. I’m not Catholic yet. I’m discerning currently. I’m so blessed to have good people like you who I learn from. God bless.

  • @kathleenmoncla5763
    @kathleenmoncla5763 Месяц назад +2

    Thank you for being honest about your life story. I bet you are an excellent counselor. We really need faithful Catholic therapists, so keep up the good work. 🙏⬆️‼️ You are serving the church through your counseling. ⛪🍞🍷🎁🙌