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The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The meditations in this book will probably rank high among many similar works which the contemplative love of Jesus has produced; but it is our duty here plainly to affirm that they have no pretensions whatever to be regarded as history. They are but intended to take one of the lowest places among those numerous representations of the Passion which have been given us by pious writers and artists, and to be considered at the very utmost as the Lenten meditations of a devout nun, related in all simplicity, and written down in the plainest and most literal language, from her own dictation. To these meditations, she herself never attached more than a mere human value, and never related them except through obedience, and upon the repeated commands of the directors of her conscience.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2014
607 people are currently reading
1640 people want to read
About the author
Anne Catherine Emmerich
189 books60 followersBlessed Anne Catherine Emmerich was a Roman Catholic Augustinian nun, stigmatic, mystic, visionary and ecstatic.
The daughter of a peasant couple, Anne Catherine Emmerich worked as a seamstress and servant before entering an Augustinian convent in 1802 at age 28. Frail and pious, she became known for her ecstasies, visions of the supernatural and "conversations" with Jesus.
After she became bedridden in 1813 she developed the stigmata -- bleeding wounds corresponding to those of the crucified Christ. A church investigation pronounced the wounds genuine. Ill for many years until her death at age 49, she offered up her suffering for the souls in purgatory. She was beatified on October 3, 2004 by Pope John Paul II.
Anna Katharina Emmerick
The daughter of a peasant couple, Anne Catherine Emmerich worked as a seamstress and servant before entering an Augustinian convent in 1802 at age 28. Frail and pious, she became known for her ecstasies, visions of the supernatural and "conversations" with Jesus.
After she became bedridden in 1813 she developed the stigmata -- bleeding wounds corresponding to those of the crucified Christ. A church investigation pronounced the wounds genuine. Ill for many years until her death at age 49, she offered up her suffering for the souls in purgatory. She was beatified on October 3, 2004 by Pope John Paul II.
Anna Katharina Emmerick
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
May 1, 2009
An excellent book, in line with the gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Our Lord. It helps me to appreciate more what Jesus did for us and to love him more. Aside from the first few chapters, full of descriptions of buildings, scenery, etc., it is very interesting and inspiring of deep love. Many of the details and explanations are very intriguing. My only "complaint," for lack of a better word, is that Mary is continually spoken of as fainting, or almost fainting (which is probably because I had previously read another mystic's account which said on the contrary that she was very much outwardly strengthened... but is not my say- such was the vision granted to Anne Catherine Emmerich!
For any who might shy away from contemplation of the crucifixion, on account of how awful it was, Anne Catherine says:
“We ought, indeed, to be ashamed of that weakness and susceptibility which renders us unable to listen composedly to the descriptions, or speak without repugnance, of those sufferings which our Lord endured so calmly and patiently for our salvation. The horror we feel is as great as that of a murderer who is forced to place his hands upon the wounds he himself has inflicted on his victim. Jesus endured all without opening his mouth; and it was man, sinful man, who perpetrated all these outrages against one who was at once their Brother, their Redeemer, and their God. I, too, am a great sinner, and my sins caused these sufferings. At the day of judgment, when the most hidden things will be manifested, we shall see the share we have had in the torments endured by the Son of God; we shall see how far we have caused them by the sins we so frequently commit, and which are, in fact, a species of consent which we give to, and participate in, the tortures which were inflicted on Jesus by his cruel enemies. If, alas! we reflected seriously on this, we should repeat with much greater fervor the words which we find so often in prayer-books: ‘Lord, grant that I may die, rather than ever willfully offend thee again by sin.’” p.177
On Our Lord's great Love for us:
“The day was beginning to dawn- the day of his Passion, our Redemption- and a faint ray penetrating the narrow vent-hole of the prison, fell upon the body of the holy and immaculate Lamb, who had taken upon himself the sins of the world. Jesus turned towards the ray of light, raised his fettered hands, and, in the most touching manner, returned thanks to his Heavenly Father for the dawn of that day, which had been so long desired by the prophets, and for which he himself had so ardently sighed from the moment of his birth on earth, and concerning which he had said to his disciples, ‘I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized, and how am I straitened until it be accomplished?...’ I was quite overwhelmed with feelings of love and compassion when I looked upon him thus welcoming the first dawn of the great day of his Sacrifice, and that ray of light which penetrated into his prison might, indeed, be compared to the visit of a judge who wishes to be reconciled to a criminal before the sentence of death which he has pronounced upon him is executed.” p.177-178
On Confidence at the time of death:
“Jesus then offered to his Eternal Father his poverty, his dereliction, his labours, and, above all, the bitter sufferings which our ingratitude had caused him to endure in expiation for our sins and weaknesses; no one, therefore, who is united to Jesus in the bosom of his Church must despair at the awful moment preceding his exit from this life, even if he be deprived of all sensible light and comfort; for he must then remember that the Christian is no longer obliged to enter this dark desert alone and unprotected, as Jesus has cast his own interior and exterior dereliction on the Cross into this gulf of desolation; consequently he will not be left to cope alone with death, or be suffered to leave this world in desolation of spirit, deprived of heavenly consolation.” p. 288-289
Jesus' regard and love for his Holy Mother:
At his resurrection, Jesus "showed [his mother:] his wounds; and Mary prostrated to kiss his sacred feet; but he took her hand, raised her, and disappeared.” p. 361
On Thanksgiving after Holy Communion:
Judas “left [after receiving Holy Communion from our Lord:] without praying or making any thanksgiving, and hence you may perceive how sinful it is to neglect returning thanks either after receiving our daily food, or after partaking of the Life-Giving Bread of Angels.” p.85
For any who might shy away from contemplation of the crucifixion, on account of how awful it was, Anne Catherine says:
“We ought, indeed, to be ashamed of that weakness and susceptibility which renders us unable to listen composedly to the descriptions, or speak without repugnance, of those sufferings which our Lord endured so calmly and patiently for our salvation. The horror we feel is as great as that of a murderer who is forced to place his hands upon the wounds he himself has inflicted on his victim. Jesus endured all without opening his mouth; and it was man, sinful man, who perpetrated all these outrages against one who was at once their Brother, their Redeemer, and their God. I, too, am a great sinner, and my sins caused these sufferings. At the day of judgment, when the most hidden things will be manifested, we shall see the share we have had in the torments endured by the Son of God; we shall see how far we have caused them by the sins we so frequently commit, and which are, in fact, a species of consent which we give to, and participate in, the tortures which were inflicted on Jesus by his cruel enemies. If, alas! we reflected seriously on this, we should repeat with much greater fervor the words which we find so often in prayer-books: ‘Lord, grant that I may die, rather than ever willfully offend thee again by sin.’” p.177
On Our Lord's great Love for us:
“The day was beginning to dawn- the day of his Passion, our Redemption- and a faint ray penetrating the narrow vent-hole of the prison, fell upon the body of the holy and immaculate Lamb, who had taken upon himself the sins of the world. Jesus turned towards the ray of light, raised his fettered hands, and, in the most touching manner, returned thanks to his Heavenly Father for the dawn of that day, which had been so long desired by the prophets, and for which he himself had so ardently sighed from the moment of his birth on earth, and concerning which he had said to his disciples, ‘I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized, and how am I straitened until it be accomplished?...’ I was quite overwhelmed with feelings of love and compassion when I looked upon him thus welcoming the first dawn of the great day of his Sacrifice, and that ray of light which penetrated into his prison might, indeed, be compared to the visit of a judge who wishes to be reconciled to a criminal before the sentence of death which he has pronounced upon him is executed.” p.177-178
On Confidence at the time of death:
“Jesus then offered to his Eternal Father his poverty, his dereliction, his labours, and, above all, the bitter sufferings which our ingratitude had caused him to endure in expiation for our sins and weaknesses; no one, therefore, who is united to Jesus in the bosom of his Church must despair at the awful moment preceding his exit from this life, even if he be deprived of all sensible light and comfort; for he must then remember that the Christian is no longer obliged to enter this dark desert alone and unprotected, as Jesus has cast his own interior and exterior dereliction on the Cross into this gulf of desolation; consequently he will not be left to cope alone with death, or be suffered to leave this world in desolation of spirit, deprived of heavenly consolation.” p. 288-289
Jesus' regard and love for his Holy Mother:
At his resurrection, Jesus "showed [his mother:] his wounds; and Mary prostrated to kiss his sacred feet; but he took her hand, raised her, and disappeared.” p. 361
On Thanksgiving after Holy Communion:
Judas “left [after receiving Holy Communion from our Lord:] without praying or making any thanksgiving, and hence you may perceive how sinful it is to neglect returning thanks either after receiving our daily food, or after partaking of the Life-Giving Bread of Angels.” p.85
October 26, 2012
To read this book without falling deeper into His love is impossible. Broke my heart and made it new.I absolutely recommend it , with it you go through the passion of our lord with the spiritual eyes that allow you to see all the visible and invisible torments that he underwent for our sake. Please read it.
Un libro impresionante sobre la pasión de nuestro Señor. Desgarra el corazón y lo inflama. Vamos viendo con ojos espiritualizados todos los tormentos visibles e invisibles que Jesús soportó por amor a nosotros. Me marcó profundamente, léanlo.
Un libro impresionante sobre la pasión de nuestro Señor. Desgarra el corazón y lo inflama. Vamos viendo con ojos espiritualizados todos los tormentos visibles e invisibles que Jesús soportó por amor a nosotros. Me marcó profundamente, léanlo.
February 13, 2013
Reportedly, this book served as the inspiration for Mel Gibson to produce the film, The Passion of the Christ. This is a recitation of visions granted to Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich of the last days of Jesus, from His Last Supper, through his passion, death, descent into hell and resurrection.
The visions closely track the Gospels, and further give insight into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This recitation collapses the four Gospels into one narrative, and adds details omitted from the Gospels themselves. There was some controversy concerning this book, as it was alleged that the poet Brentano took liberty with the narrative and freely rewrote portions. This has never been proven, nor disproven. Accordingly, no consideration was given to the memoirs of Blessed Anne Catherine during her consideration for sainthood. Also, some of the works attributed to her are said to be highly anti-semitic, although I did not percieve such a perspective in this work.
Notwithstanding these cautions, this work is highly edifying and enlightening. It gives a deeper perspective into the Gospels, but most particularly, of course, into the Passion of Jesus Christ. One can see that Jesus was wholly God and wholly human at the same time.
The horrific corporal punishments borne by Jesus are evident, and the agony they called forth. The torture was on many levels, but most especially the involvement of the devil and the temptation and despair that he sowed. The patience and tenderness and love that Jesus displayed when in the darkest and deepest depths of His Passion demonstrate a level of love beyond human capacity.
The book is followed by an appendix which is a hagiography of Anne Catherine Emmerich which traces quickly through her life and shows her to have been one of God's favorites from a very early age. She lived in a time of great cynicism and sin, not unlike the modern age - although in truth, it must be noted that it does not go as far as that of current times. In that light, it is interesting that she noted that the reign of Satan on Earth was to begin "50 to 60 years before the year 2000." That would, of course, put Satan's reign on Earth starting around the same time as Hitler's rise to power, which could not have been forseen in a book written a full century earlier. Cf. her visions with those of Pope Leo XIII, approximately a decade following her death.
The Church does not require acceptance of private visions, bu there is nothing in this work contrary to the revealed Word of God in the Bible, and there is much that is edifying.
The visions closely track the Gospels, and further give insight into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This recitation collapses the four Gospels into one narrative, and adds details omitted from the Gospels themselves. There was some controversy concerning this book, as it was alleged that the poet Brentano took liberty with the narrative and freely rewrote portions. This has never been proven, nor disproven. Accordingly, no consideration was given to the memoirs of Blessed Anne Catherine during her consideration for sainthood. Also, some of the works attributed to her are said to be highly anti-semitic, although I did not percieve such a perspective in this work.
Notwithstanding these cautions, this work is highly edifying and enlightening. It gives a deeper perspective into the Gospels, but most particularly, of course, into the Passion of Jesus Christ. One can see that Jesus was wholly God and wholly human at the same time.
The horrific corporal punishments borne by Jesus are evident, and the agony they called forth. The torture was on many levels, but most especially the involvement of the devil and the temptation and despair that he sowed. The patience and tenderness and love that Jesus displayed when in the darkest and deepest depths of His Passion demonstrate a level of love beyond human capacity.
The book is followed by an appendix which is a hagiography of Anne Catherine Emmerich which traces quickly through her life and shows her to have been one of God's favorites from a very early age. She lived in a time of great cynicism and sin, not unlike the modern age - although in truth, it must be noted that it does not go as far as that of current times. In that light, it is interesting that she noted that the reign of Satan on Earth was to begin "50 to 60 years before the year 2000." That would, of course, put Satan's reign on Earth starting around the same time as Hitler's rise to power, which could not have been forseen in a book written a full century earlier. Cf. her visions with those of Pope Leo XIII, approximately a decade following her death.
The Church does not require acceptance of private visions, bu there is nothing in this work contrary to the revealed Word of God in the Bible, and there is much that is edifying.
April 2, 2013
Written around 1823, this book is the visions a nun had of the Passion. It was an extraordinary book to read during Lent. Warning: It is filled with gruesome, gory, stomach-turning and detailed descriptions of Our Lord's torture and crucifixion. You will come away with a greater appreciation of the sacrifice Jesus made. I highly recommend this any time of the year, but especially as a Lenten discipline.
Read
February 26, 2010This was given to me by a parishoner, Lloyd yesterday. He recommended it as a good Lenten read. I've always meant to read it...
April 20, 2022
Vote: 3,75
Class: L-A3 (FP)
(from these revelations about the Passion of Christ comes the Mel Gibson movie (2004) "The Passion")
In these book are collected the private revelations concerning the passion of Christ, shown in the 18th century to Anna Katharina Emmerick, an Agustinian nun beatified on 2004.
Even for non believing people, in this book is a clear and realistic recollection of what was done to Jesus Christ during his agonising final days on Earth.
For us Christian here is the touching and ultimate gift of his life by the Son of God, a gift given for our eternal salvation and to let us become a part of God's "family".
The book is a collection of Emmerick's visions ("I saw Mary...", "I saw Jesus...") about the passion, death, resurrection and some of the apparitions to his disciples. The scenes of the passion and the crucifixion are depicted with many particulars (too many for young readers), and much devotion by the author.
I was greatly moved by this book and recommend it to all who want to know and understand more about the Passion of Christ.
Class: L-A3 (FP)
(from these revelations about the Passion of Christ comes the Mel Gibson movie (2004) "The Passion")
In these book are collected the private revelations concerning the passion of Christ, shown in the 18th century to Anna Katharina Emmerick, an Agustinian nun beatified on 2004.
Even for non believing people, in this book is a clear and realistic recollection of what was done to Jesus Christ during his agonising final days on Earth.
For us Christian here is the touching and ultimate gift of his life by the Son of God, a gift given for our eternal salvation and to let us become a part of God's "family".
The book is a collection of Emmerick's visions ("I saw Mary...", "I saw Jesus...") about the passion, death, resurrection and some of the apparitions to his disciples. The scenes of the passion and the crucifixion are depicted with many particulars (too many for young readers), and much devotion by the author.
I was greatly moved by this book and recommend it to all who want to know and understand more about the Passion of Christ.
November 12, 2012
If there is one book other than the Bible I could have a Christian read, it'd be this one. It is from a mystic that experienced His life with Him. Grace of God is so inspiring! Oh how this book made me lament. Worth every second. I will reread over and over just as I do my Bible. Jump on this if you want to know some of what He went through not written in Bible.
April 4, 2021
Excellent book full of amazing details concerning the particular parts of the Lord’s Passion and the layout of its events and locations. Writing style leaves something to be desired, but the book acts as fuel enough to maintain a feeling of reverence for the Passion for days to come.
It’s a shame such a blessed soul has yet to be formally canonized a Saint!
It’s a shame such a blessed soul has yet to be formally canonized a Saint!
April 8, 2014
This book is for anyone wishing to feel closer to are Savoir. This book is a very real and touching story of the passion of our Lord. This book has moved me to the core of my entire being. Makes you look the the passion of our Lord in a whole new way! A must read.
April 3, 2017
This should be required reading for anyone looking for insight into their Faith. Simply eye opening and an incredible insight into our Faith.
June 28, 2020
Grievingly Beautiful!
February 3, 2025
"But there are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written."
-- St. John the Evangelist (John 21:25)
If anything, St. John's conclusive statement in his gospel should act as a reminder and may suffice to forerun Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich's verbose musings, dreams and recollections -- the true feeling and experience of which can never fully be replicated in explanation, no matter how many words are used, for the faithful, curious, or disenchanted. The gifted nun’s visions only serve to paint for the reader a clearer picture of holy events, their in-betweens and a fleshing out of scripture so as to assist readers in comprehending the meaning and fulfillment of that which has been written through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Frankly, in spite of the book’s verboseness, the desire to learn more of what she had been allowed to see remains heightened, as her visions are unequivocally too vast to be contained within the world's confines. St. John’s verse is even posted, in significant view, before the preface. However, not to mention more prominently, the utmost merited assurances by the Abbé de Cazalès regarding the French translation of Blessed Anne's visions:
The instinct from many -- including the faithful -- might lean towards the notion of this book as a brew of "simple hallucinations", and that's where a lack of faith and reason only dwells. A few paragraphs later come this next pertinent statement from the abbot, which is just one of a few ways for readers to discern between spirits of good and evil:
Of course, these quotes of the passages sampled here are a minute fleck of the preface. A mere retelling of all the abbot's words will not be satisfactory in recreating his truthful expression and staunch encouragement for readers to think and discern, never once insulting their intelligence. Therefore, the Abbé de Cazalès' preface should NEVER be skipped prior to venturing into the determined and detailed account of Our Lord's Passion, spoken from February 18th to April 6th 1823 by Blessed Anne, and then written by M. Clement Brentano for the masses.
Of judging between visions and documented fact, one must know that a saint's private revelation and the historical details of Roman methods of torture don't necessarily coincide, as spoken by Catholic priest Fr. Andrew Dalton, L.C., certified scholar of the Shroud of Turin. Same too, for stigmatists such as Blessed Anne herself, St. Francis of Assisi, or St. Teresa of Avila, they dictate that the location of their wounds must not interfere with our or their connection to Christ's suffering. For instance, Roman crucifixions required the nails to penetrate the wrists, not the palms, as seen in sculptures, ancient paintings, or films like Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, which took some inspiration from this very book. Henceforth come the blessed nun’s vivid descriptions of Jesus carrying the entire cross over his shoulder, when in reality studies have shown that only the patibulum was hoisted on the shoulder and carried to the vertical beam already set in its place. The reason as to why stigmatists do not bear Christ's wounds in the exact location or why Blessed Anne gives descriptions of her visions in such a way would not be to mislead the faithful or those seeking truth, but are for the purpose of our benefit; to draw us closer into full communion with the Divine and to become lost in Christ's reasons for choosing to suffer in the utmost gruesome ways that He did. This is to be done so that we, hopefully, can near ourselves to the precious mystery of it, rather than take it for granted. Such ways to explain this phenomenon can even be attributed to the fact that art itself is an expression of truth -- whether it be found in paintings, sculpture, literature or film. To explain the beautiful inner life of human beings is found in that medium itself. And therefore, this piece of literature has been written to show that Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich herself had inched closer to full communion in Christ. Having perused everything in this book, it is only appropriate to conclude that she truly has.
A little over half a year in reading, it is only true to admit that my delay in finishing the book, aside from not yet mastering the balance of work and leisure, has been a result from me persistently returning to certain passages of Brentano illuminating Blessed Anne's visions related to him. Or rereading some chapters once, twice… maybe even thrice. Why? Not only is each vision of the Augustinian canoness so vivid in detail, but so engaging. So much so that the immersion is not just strong enough, maybe causing some readers to forget their surroundings, but utterly hefty that rereading is demanded in order to make as much sense of it all visibly and spiritually. To call it stark fascination is an understatement, and sadly there is no way around it. But that’s par for the course as no verbal expression of Christ’s detailed sufferings and actions can amount to their true eminence. But the smidgeon of sanctity that can be found in Blessed Anne’s verbal expression is quite large and must be cherished.
If there is any question of the details regarding the events before, during and after Christ's Passion, it is more than likely to be answered here. The lead-up to the Last Supper, the design of the table and the seating arrangement of the disciples are laid out here. The preparation and the slaughter of the lamb for Passover as the precursor to the Lamb of God's ultimate sacrifice are written in such solemn tones, leading up to His installation of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The degree as to which Jesus sweated blood at the Garden of Gethsemane is saddening. His receiving a clear visual of each and every sin of the world from the past, present and future acts as the initial taste test for the Everlasting Man before actually bearing the colossal burden laid out in front of His eyes via never ending beatdowns, whippings, insults, and the eventual crucifixion. As the priest says during consecration at Mass, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to His supper." In the instant that Blessed Anne describes with words such as Our Lord witnessing “… the scandals of all ages, down to the present day and even to the end of the world — every species of error, deception, mad fanaticism, obstinacy, and malice…” during His extended suffering in the garden, one has to be reminded that He saw our sins as well, alongside the sheer heresies and lies that have deliberated through time, even in today’s religious debates that mostly emit from misunderstanding, pettiness, selfishness, stubbornness and “holier than thou” zeal of some new converts who blur the line between humility and hubris.
If anything the visions of the stigmatist nun can only lead to not just allurement for many or doubt for some, but selflessness. Besides the intensely clear imagery that she expounds through her relation of Christ’s Passion to the reader and the total inundation of information like the formatting of Caiphas’ temple, Ancient Jerusalem's geography, the excruciating details of the scourging of Our Lord, the carrying of the cross on the path towards Golgotha... all the way up to the details of Christ’s Harrowing of Hell (who accompanied Him as His soul plunged through the Earth, who He met with and spoke to, the resulting effects on those who condemned Him above ground, etc.), the Resurrection, and the aftermath of those on earth… what is left for the reader is a clear vision of the most radical love that existed. A radical love that would have caused a normal man, who wasn't Jesus, to have died very early on in his suffering possibly even before he was chained to the pillar. From that radical love was set, before the eyes of those who lived then and for the faithful who are alive now, the most perfect manifestation of selflessness in bodily form who endured all that He could for the sake of ourselves as lowly human beings in need of Him.
More can be discussed, such as Golgotha's origin, the reason as to why Jesus is declared the New Adam and why Our Blessed Mother is the New Eve, but there is just too much information to discuss that the only way in which the faithful, or those seeking to be baptized Catholic, can quench their desires of wanting to know more about why the Son of Man decided to suffer for mankind is to read The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. And maybe with as much discernment of what is written here, those seekers can find the open gates welcoming them to fall into a deeper love with Christ.
-- St. John the Evangelist (John 21:25)
If anything, St. John's conclusive statement in his gospel should act as a reminder and may suffice to forerun Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich's verbose musings, dreams and recollections -- the true feeling and experience of which can never fully be replicated in explanation, no matter how many words are used, for the faithful, curious, or disenchanted. The gifted nun’s visions only serve to paint for the reader a clearer picture of holy events, their in-betweens and a fleshing out of scripture so as to assist readers in comprehending the meaning and fulfillment of that which has been written through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Frankly, in spite of the book’s verboseness, the desire to learn more of what she had been allowed to see remains heightened, as her visions are unequivocally too vast to be contained within the world's confines. St. John’s verse is even posted, in significant view, before the preface. However, not to mention more prominently, the utmost merited assurances by the Abbé de Cazalès regarding the French translation of Blessed Anne's visions:
"The writings of many Saints introduce us into a new, and, if I may be allowed the expression, a miraculous world. In all ages there have been revelations about the past, the present, the future, and even concerning things absolutely inaccessible to the human intellect. In the present day men are inclined to regard these revelations as simple hallucinations, or as caused by a sickly condition of the human body."
The instinct from many -- including the faithful -- might lean towards the notion of this book as a brew of "simple hallucinations", and that's where a lack of faith and reason only dwells. A few paragraphs later come this next pertinent statement from the abbot, which is just one of a few ways for readers to discern between spirits of good and evil:
"... the revelations themselves must be very closely examined into; it must be seen whether there is anything in them contrary to faith; whether they are conformable to Scripture and Apostolical tradition; and whether they are related in a headstrong spirit, or in a spirit of entire submission to the Church. Whoever reads the life of Anne Catherine Emmerich and her book, will be satisfied that no fault can be found in any of these respects either with herself or with her revelations. Her book resembles in many points the writings of a great number of Saints, and her life also bears the most striking similitude to theirs."
Of course, these quotes of the passages sampled here are a minute fleck of the preface. A mere retelling of all the abbot's words will not be satisfactory in recreating his truthful expression and staunch encouragement for readers to think and discern, never once insulting their intelligence. Therefore, the Abbé de Cazalès' preface should NEVER be skipped prior to venturing into the determined and detailed account of Our Lord's Passion, spoken from February 18th to April 6th 1823 by Blessed Anne, and then written by M. Clement Brentano for the masses.
Of judging between visions and documented fact, one must know that a saint's private revelation and the historical details of Roman methods of torture don't necessarily coincide, as spoken by Catholic priest Fr. Andrew Dalton, L.C., certified scholar of the Shroud of Turin. Same too, for stigmatists such as Blessed Anne herself, St. Francis of Assisi, or St. Teresa of Avila, they dictate that the location of their wounds must not interfere with our or their connection to Christ's suffering. For instance, Roman crucifixions required the nails to penetrate the wrists, not the palms, as seen in sculptures, ancient paintings, or films like Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, which took some inspiration from this very book. Henceforth come the blessed nun’s vivid descriptions of Jesus carrying the entire cross over his shoulder, when in reality studies have shown that only the patibulum was hoisted on the shoulder and carried to the vertical beam already set in its place. The reason as to why stigmatists do not bear Christ's wounds in the exact location or why Blessed Anne gives descriptions of her visions in such a way would not be to mislead the faithful or those seeking truth, but are for the purpose of our benefit; to draw us closer into full communion with the Divine and to become lost in Christ's reasons for choosing to suffer in the utmost gruesome ways that He did. This is to be done so that we, hopefully, can near ourselves to the precious mystery of it, rather than take it for granted. Such ways to explain this phenomenon can even be attributed to the fact that art itself is an expression of truth -- whether it be found in paintings, sculpture, literature or film. To explain the beautiful inner life of human beings is found in that medium itself. And therefore, this piece of literature has been written to show that Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich herself had inched closer to full communion in Christ. Having perused everything in this book, it is only appropriate to conclude that she truly has.
A little over half a year in reading, it is only true to admit that my delay in finishing the book, aside from not yet mastering the balance of work and leisure, has been a result from me persistently returning to certain passages of Brentano illuminating Blessed Anne's visions related to him. Or rereading some chapters once, twice… maybe even thrice. Why? Not only is each vision of the Augustinian canoness so vivid in detail, but so engaging. So much so that the immersion is not just strong enough, maybe causing some readers to forget their surroundings, but utterly hefty that rereading is demanded in order to make as much sense of it all visibly and spiritually. To call it stark fascination is an understatement, and sadly there is no way around it. But that’s par for the course as no verbal expression of Christ’s detailed sufferings and actions can amount to their true eminence. But the smidgeon of sanctity that can be found in Blessed Anne’s verbal expression is quite large and must be cherished.
If there is any question of the details regarding the events before, during and after Christ's Passion, it is more than likely to be answered here. The lead-up to the Last Supper, the design of the table and the seating arrangement of the disciples are laid out here. The preparation and the slaughter of the lamb for Passover as the precursor to the Lamb of God's ultimate sacrifice are written in such solemn tones, leading up to His installation of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The degree as to which Jesus sweated blood at the Garden of Gethsemane is saddening. His receiving a clear visual of each and every sin of the world from the past, present and future acts as the initial taste test for the Everlasting Man before actually bearing the colossal burden laid out in front of His eyes via never ending beatdowns, whippings, insults, and the eventual crucifixion. As the priest says during consecration at Mass, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to His supper." In the instant that Blessed Anne describes with words such as Our Lord witnessing “… the scandals of all ages, down to the present day and even to the end of the world — every species of error, deception, mad fanaticism, obstinacy, and malice…” during His extended suffering in the garden, one has to be reminded that He saw our sins as well, alongside the sheer heresies and lies that have deliberated through time, even in today’s religious debates that mostly emit from misunderstanding, pettiness, selfishness, stubbornness and “holier than thou” zeal of some new converts who blur the line between humility and hubris.
If anything the visions of the stigmatist nun can only lead to not just allurement for many or doubt for some, but selflessness. Besides the intensely clear imagery that she expounds through her relation of Christ’s Passion to the reader and the total inundation of information like the formatting of Caiphas’ temple, Ancient Jerusalem's geography, the excruciating details of the scourging of Our Lord, the carrying of the cross on the path towards Golgotha... all the way up to the details of Christ’s Harrowing of Hell (who accompanied Him as His soul plunged through the Earth, who He met with and spoke to, the resulting effects on those who condemned Him above ground, etc.), the Resurrection, and the aftermath of those on earth… what is left for the reader is a clear vision of the most radical love that existed. A radical love that would have caused a normal man, who wasn't Jesus, to have died very early on in his suffering possibly even before he was chained to the pillar. From that radical love was set, before the eyes of those who lived then and for the faithful who are alive now, the most perfect manifestation of selflessness in bodily form who endured all that He could for the sake of ourselves as lowly human beings in need of Him.
More can be discussed, such as Golgotha's origin, the reason as to why Jesus is declared the New Adam and why Our Blessed Mother is the New Eve, but there is just too much information to discuss that the only way in which the faithful, or those seeking to be baptized Catholic, can quench their desires of wanting to know more about why the Son of Man decided to suffer for mankind is to read The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. And maybe with as much discernment of what is written here, those seekers can find the open gates welcoming them to fall into a deeper love with Christ.
April 3, 2008
These visions consist only of Holy Week and Easter. They are at times painfully detailed (think 380 pages for something that takes about 6 in the Bible), outlining the layout of Jerusalem, the construction of Pilate's palace, and sometimes pages of backstory for seemingly insignificant characters. In the midst of such detail there's also ample room for vagueness, and repetition, particularly in phrases such as, "Jesus uttered kind words," or "The archers committed many atrocities against him." If the vague and repetitive phrases would have been cut, this book could have been 100 pages shorter. But I guess it's important for us to continuously know that Jesus spoke kind words and suffered a lot of pain and humiliation leading up to the crucifixion.
The place where these visions are really satisfying lies in Anne Catherine's treatment of the supporting cast in the passion story: Pilate, Judas, Peter, Veronica, the other disciples. She zooms in close and paints intimate, complex portraits of these characters that are fascinating to read. The places which include dialog not present in the Bible are also a treat, but happen rarely (usually she forgoes real dialog for "they spoke quietly," and other such descriptors). This book didn't have nearly the sense of ridiculous piety as I'd expected (i.e.: The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics), which was refreshing. For the most part, she portrayed even the holiest characters (Jesus and Mary) as people, only dabbling in the supernatural when talking about angels or Jesus and Mary's psychic connection.
I'd like for a historian to read this book and see how accurately Anne Catherine portrayed the politics and setting. There were a few very obvious bits of Catholic propaganda in here, such as the assertion that all the angels admire the One Catholic Church (come on, they're angels -- what do they care for what is essentially a political institution?). And while I do believe that Anne Catherine truly did have visions, she lost credibility in their "accuracy" when she described Jesus as "fair in complexion."
The place where these visions are really satisfying lies in Anne Catherine's treatment of the supporting cast in the passion story: Pilate, Judas, Peter, Veronica, the other disciples. She zooms in close and paints intimate, complex portraits of these characters that are fascinating to read. The places which include dialog not present in the Bible are also a treat, but happen rarely (usually she forgoes real dialog for "they spoke quietly," and other such descriptors). This book didn't have nearly the sense of ridiculous piety as I'd expected (i.e.: The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics), which was refreshing. For the most part, she portrayed even the holiest characters (Jesus and Mary) as people, only dabbling in the supernatural when talking about angels or Jesus and Mary's psychic connection.
I'd like for a historian to read this book and see how accurately Anne Catherine portrayed the politics and setting. There were a few very obvious bits of Catholic propaganda in here, such as the assertion that all the angels admire the One Catholic Church (come on, they're angels -- what do they care for what is essentially a political institution?). And while I do believe that Anne Catherine truly did have visions, she lost credibility in their "accuracy" when she described Jesus as "fair in complexion."
April 19, 2014
I read this book for lent (2014) after it had been highly recommended to me by my dad and many of my friends. It was... breathtaking. Descriptions were so powerful, gruesome and moving. Moved me to tears at least twice; what's even more amazing is that this was all true. I think this book really helped me follow the passion this year. It's absolutely astonishing to see how Jesus suffered for each one of us; this part of his humanity is often hidden by society who like to focus on the touchy-feely. There are so many little facts and stories that are untold from the gospel that christians are allowed to believe in this book. And thank goodness for Mel Gibson for following this true account in his movie The Passion of the Christ. That man has my respect!
So, will reread. Sr. Emmerich is so lovely; thank God for her too. The story of the passion is all of our stories.
So, will reread. Sr. Emmerich is so lovely; thank God for her too. The story of the passion is all of our stories.
March 19, 2022
from ppld.org: Anne Catherine Emmerich was born in Germany in 1774. As a child she believed that angels, saints, and the Holy Family visited and talked with her as she worked in the fields. At 24, she had her first mystic vision of the sufferings of Christ, accompanied by stigmata and bleeding as if from the crown of thorns. At 29, she became an Augustinian num and continued to have visions and stigmata. In her visions she recounted scenes from the life of Christ, which she seemed to have witnessed. This book, one of the sources for motion picture The Passion of the Christ, is taken from the 18th century journals of Anne. do this book again and again...incredible detail.
April 27, 2015
I don't think I have EVER been so in tune with Lent and Easter before in my life. I knew the book was Mel Gibson's inspiration for The Passion, but it is so so much more. You really feel like you are there with the disciples and Mary, one with them, and more so, getting an interior knowledge of what they are each going through as well.
It's a thick book to get through during just Lent but it moves like a fast story and for the most part you can't wait to read what's next. And to shorten it up a bit we can skip all the biography about Anne Catherine herself which honestly was kind of boring, and just focus on the meat of the book which are her visions, which are spectacular.
It's a thick book to get through during just Lent but it moves like a fast story and for the most part you can't wait to read what's next. And to shorten it up a bit we can skip all the biography about Anne Catherine herself which honestly was kind of boring, and just focus on the meat of the book which are her visions, which are spectacular.
January 25, 2010
Unbelievable suffering for one person to endur to be close to Jesus Christ. She took on the suffering of others in her compassion for them. She experienced the true suffering of Jesus Christ's passion and death on the cross. Amazing detail. She suffered- the stigmata of the wounds of Christ until her natural death and never complained. Hell, I stub my toe and complain!
March 31, 2013
This was an amazing personal account of Christ's Passion. While it may be considered fallible it is absolutely worth reading. This is the second book of visions by Venerable Ann Catherine Emmerich that I have read. Her book on the Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also one I would highly recommend. These books have been available on Amazon in e-format for little or no cost.
September 2, 2011
Everything that took a little effort to believe from the light of faith...after reading about the passion of Christ and God's plan of salvation, etc....I believe in it now more than the physical realities I see with my eyes.
June 22, 2018
I hope that every believer will read this book. The path of the cross reflected in this book is truly enlightening.
This is a meditative book and ought to be used to draw you closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This is a meditative book and ought to be used to draw you closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
April 16, 2012
Accurate and haunting to the real Passion of the Lord.
September 19, 2012
Esplendida lectura. 110% recomendable.
March 31, 2013
Incredibly passionate and detailed account of our Lord's passion based on meditation.
February 11, 2014
This book will strengthen your faith to Jesus and Mary. Please read. Thanks and God bless.
March 27, 2024
2020,2021,2023, 2024: 5/5
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April 1, 2024I read this book during the Lenten Season. The read was remarkable yet heart-rending.
March 9, 2015
I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful this book is. Everyone Gould read this - plus it's positively perfect for Lent. The whole thing is the recounting of personal revelations to mystic Anne Catherine Emmerich of accounts of the Passion. Nothing goes against Church teaching and it provides incredible insight to how things probably happened on Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday. It gives all the details you've always wondered about from hearing the Scripture stories. It's great reading to encourage prayer and bringing people closer to God, and is also very easy to read. I can't recommend it enough.
January 10, 2013
I love the movie spawned by this book. But I was less impressed with the source material itself. It was reverent to Our Lord and at times it offered some interesting anecdotes, such as a very convincing explanation as to why Christ had to carry a complete cross instead of only the patibulum (the horizontal piece) as was usual. However, the at times questionable historical accuracy and the portrayal of Our Lady as weak and rather helpless were major turn-offs for me.
April 8, 2015
Pretty Gruesome. Perseveration on unspeakable tortures. Hard to imagine Jesus surviving to the time of his crucifixion. Portraying an extremely hateful and, from my perspective, distorted picture of the Jewish population, who also made up most of Christ's disciples and followers at the time of his sojourn on earth. Other than that, appreciative of the extraordinary love that Jesus/Christ had for humanity, even for his persecutors and executioners.
March 31, 2017
A perfect read during the Lent season, this book brings to life the suffering of Jesus Christ. Anne Catherine Emmerich describes in intimate detail every step of His journey to the Cross. I no longer have trouble imagining the passionate sacrifice Jesus made for us, because through Emmerich's vivid descriptions we are allowed to watch it all unfold. A must read not just for Christians, but for all of humanity.
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