My mum got the book,"Get Us Out Of Here" Its about a German mystic clled Maria Simma. The souls of Purgatory have been visiting her and she has been given the task of making known why we need to help the souls in Purgatory by praying for them. I find that she has made no statemenst contardictory to the Catholic Catechism.

What do you think?

P.S. No arguements over hether she is true or not... just say your opinion without derogatory remarks.

-- Andrew Swampillai (andyhbk96@hotmail.com), May 09, 2003

Answers

While I am not familiar with either the person or the book, I would say that the idea that the souls in Purgatory are free to leave and travel back to earth to meet with people is contradictory to Catholic teaching. Also, the Church's teaching on helping the souls in Purgatory is well established and clearly defined. It doesn't need to "be made known" by a private "visionary". And therein lies one of the major criticisms of such "visionaries". If they are "revealing" things the Church has never said before, then they are highly suspect from the start. On the other hand, if they are simply repeating what the Church has always taught, one must ask "why would God send someone to tell us what is already widely known?".

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), May 09, 2003.

I just read the book of the "Interview" and I am totally convinced that it is an authentic case of private revelations.

Of course the souls in the purgatory don't tell us anything about themselves that the Church hasn't already taught us, moreover, this is the proof of the authenticity of the phenomenon, but if we use this argument to disqualify them, it is as though we refuse to hear one more homily or read the Gospels because we already know what is in there.

The clarity and simplicity of the explanations of this wonderful mistery are truly striking and it is impossible to remain the same after reading them.

It is of course strongly suggested to first read the doctrine about the purgatory contained in the Catechism.

-- Alejandro Berganza (alex@fidentia.com), May 14, 2003.

Having read the book "Get Us Out Of Here", I feel the book is an important reminder of the absolute necessity of praying for the poor souls in Purgatory constantly. The current teaching on Purgatory in the church is sadly inactive and often neglected. I was not properly taught about Purgatory in my schools. I don't see the book being contradictory to the Church teaching. I strongly feel Maria Simma is genuine. I very highly recommend this book. I am currently studying for Catholic Certificate in Religous Studies.

God Bless

-- Niall McCormack (CrystalNMc@aol.com), May 22, 2003.

In cases of private revelations it is good to firstly ask two questions. Firstly does anthing that she says go against the teachings of the Church. The simple answer is no. What is said here is totally traditional. Some of what she says is pretty startling and some modern theologians might say it is 'old fashioned' but then again the truth never goes out of fashion. Secondly and dovetailing into the first question; does anything that she says go against scripture? Once again her revelations appear, at least from a Catholic perspective totally orthodox. Going on from these two crucial questionswe must ask if Maria Simma leads a Christian life herself and if she is profiting from her writings. The answer here too appears positive. She is leading a holy and devout life of Christian poverty. I believe in her. When something springs from Satan or delusion it causes worry, concen and turbulence in the soul. Maria's only bring fruits of peace and grace. Of course one can, subject to the authority of the Church, believe or not as one chooses. I do believe.

-- Padraig Caughey (padraigcaughey@hotmail.com), May 22, 2003.

Jmj

Hello, Padraig.
You offer some good advice on fundamental matters involved in discernment.

However, neither you nor Andrew have answered a very basic question:
Does Maria Simma's book, "Get Us Out Of Here," have an "imprimatur"?
If it does, it is not an absolute guarantee of orthodoxy, but it is a good sign that the author would submit it for her bishop's judgment.
But if it does not, I wouldn't waste time reading it. There are too many approved books -- and our lives are too short -- to allow us to waste time on unapproved speculations and claims.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), May 22, 2003.

I found Marie's book very comforting. Our parish priest held a workshop with a large group. He shared some very thought provoking concepts that were right in line with Marie's book. I for one am a believer. However the question did come up in one of the e-mail comments regarding the " imprimatur" . Yes , I would like to know what the Church feels on this book.

We are so blessed to share such a rich and beautiful faith. God's blessing to all. Glenda Bueche

-- glenda Bueche (glebue@msn.com), May 23, 2003.

In response to the question of the 'Impimatur' and 'Nihil Obstat'

In 1966 Pope Paul VI abolished the canon 1399 and 2318 of the canonical code in the AAS 1186 (Basically the abolition of the Imprimatur), saying dogmaically and infallibly that publications about new appearanes, revelations, miracles, etc are allowed to bebeieved, distributed and read by the faithful without express permission of the Church, provided they contain nothing that contradicts the morals,teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church

Accordng to the 'Decree of the Congregation for the Teaching of the Faith' 7th March 1875, entitled "Decree concerning the supervision of the Bishops of the Church over the Matter" an ecclesiastical imprimatur is only required for editions of the Bible and Literature concerning the liturgy and religous instruction.

The book "Get Us Out Of Here" does not have the imprimatur under these conditions and if you read the book you will find, it has abosolutely nothing contradictory to the fiath. Also Maria Simma has submitted herself to church authorities for investigation into her vsions.

I hope that answers your questions.

-- Andrew Swampillai (anyhbk96@hotmail.com), May 25, 2003.

Dear Andrew,

I think you miss the point of an Imprimatur. You say that the Church allows the distribution of books about supposed apparitions, "provided they contain nothing that contradicts the morals,teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church". That is precisely the point of an Imprimatur! It is an AUTHORITATIVE statement that a given work "contains nothing that contradicts the morals,teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church". It is true that such formal approval is no longer required for such popular publications. But that doesn't change the fact that an Imprimatur is the ONLY way an average Catholic can possibly know that what they are reading "contains nothing that contradicts the morals,teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church".

You claim "if you read the book you will find, it has abosolutely nothing contradictory to the faith". No, in fact you will not be able to make any such evaluation unless you possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of Church doctrinal teaching and Catholic theology. How many people reading such books are qualified to make such assessments of orthodoxy? Very few. I have not personally read the book in question. Therefore I am in no poisition to offer a specific opinion. I am only commenting in a general way on the possible harm such unapproved publications can do, and the role of official Church approval in preventing such harm. However, the fact is, in this day and age there are far too many such books being produced to expect that each of them will be read and evaluated by Church authorities. All the more reason to be extremely careful about what we allow to be absorbed into our minds and spirits. The fact that a person reads something and "sees nothing wrong with it" does not mean that there was nothing wrong with it, and that spiritual damage has not been inflicted on them.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), May 26, 2003.

The following is from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and taken from the Chinese Regional Bishops Conference page: http://www.catholic.org.tw/vntaiwan/pope/doctrine.htm

--------------------- II. Regarding the circulation of texts of alleged private revelations, the Congregation states:

1) The interpretation given by some individuals to a decision approved by Paul VI on October 14, 1996 and promulgated on November 15 of that year, in virtue of which writings and messages resulting from alleged revelations could be freely circulated in the Church, is absolutely groundless. This decision actually referred to the "Abolition of the Index of Forbidden Books," and determined that - after the relevant censures were lifted - the moral obligation still remained of not circulating or reading those writings which endanger faith and morals.

2) It should be recalled however that with regard to the circulation of texts of alleged private revelations, canon 823, 1 of the current Code remains in force: "the pastors of the Church have the... right to demand that writings to be published by the Christian faithful which touch upon faith or morals be submitted to their judgment."

3) Alleged supernatural revelations and writings concerning them are submitted in first instance to the judgment of the diocesan bishop, and, in particular cases, to the judgment of the episcopal conference and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. December 4, 1996 Joannes Paulus II ------------------------------

“Wheresoever the bishop appears, there let the people be, even as wheresoever Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” (St. Ignatius of Antioch - from his letter to the church of Smrna)

-- R. Spanier (rhspanier@pacificcoast.net), June 09, 2003.

I'm in the process of reading this book "Get Us Out of Here" by Nicky Eltz - an interview with Maria Simma. I have found this book so far to be quite inspirational and a positive reminder of our faith that can at times be taken for granted and sometimes even forgotten. Being Catholic affords us many treasures towards the journey to Eternal Rest. If we embrace Scripture, attend Mass as often as possible - (along with Sunday's attendance), making ample time for prayer, giving an Hour to the Lord through weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and so many other means/methods. We discover the road is not always easy and there is need of those chosen by God to lend us by their private revelations. Through all of these means/methods we have the instructions of living good and righteous lives. But from time to time we need gentle reminders to pull us back. I believe this book is one of God's many graces to nudge us by the gifts of this chosen channel to remind us. When reading any given book I have found that that the Holy Spirit is generally the one that has drawn me to reading it. I am extremely careful of the books I read. I agree that there are many books out there that could do tremedous harm to a novice reader. Maria has not voiced anything contrary to the Catholic teachings, nor has she disclosed information that is private and confidential. There were a few questions asked of her to possibly reveal names and she gently said NO I can not. I am extremely grateful to God for His chosen vessel - Maria - and that she said yes to be interviewed. I am so enjoying this book and may all who led by the Holy Spirit enjoy it as well. May we all continue in praying for the Souls in Purgatory and join the choir of Angels around the Throne of God. God Bless!

-- D. Lamothe (dal.afford@att.net), June 09, 2003.

Here is an answer from the interview conducted by Sister Emmanuel of Medjugorje, with Maria Simma. This interview took place before the ones in _Get Us Out of Here!_.

< My bishop told me that as long as there are no theological errors, I should continue: he has okay'd it. My parish priest, who is also my spiritual guide, confirms these things too.>>

I hope that will answer questions. If you do a google search on the name

Maria Simma

You will find this interview in the first result on the first page. Hope that helped.

I personally believe Maria Simma to be valid and genuine.

-- K (noemailplease@no.com), June 27, 2003.

Part of the quotation did not print. I will resend it, this time instead of quotation marks I will use dashes to separate the quoted text.

Here is an answer from the interview conducted by Sister Emmanuel of Medjugorje, with Maria Simma. This interview took place before the ones in _Get Us Out of Here!_.

-------------------------------------

(Sr. Emmanuel): Maria, is there official recognition by the Church of this particular charism that you practice with regard to the souls in Purgatory, and also with regard to those who are touched by your apostolate?

(Maria Simma): My bishop told me that as long as there are no theological errors, I should continue: he has okay'd it. My parish priest, who is also my spiritual guide, confirms these things too.

-----------------------------

I hope that will answer questions. If you do a google search on the name

Maria Simma

You will find this interview in the first result on the first page. Hope that helped.

I personally believe Maria Simma to be valid and genuine.

-- K (noemailplease@no.com), June 27, 2003.

This is in response to Maria Simma’s "Book Get Us Out Of Here"

I am almost done reading Maria Simma's book "Get Us Out Of Here" and I love what I have read so far. Without going into many details I must say that all those people who strive to be holy and go to heaven should make an attempt to read this book. I have not seen anything in that book that contradicts any teaching of the Catholic Church or the scripture. In fact, it only confirms what we have known all along and have tried to get away from. It is a reminder that death here on earth is not the end of the story and that God has a plan for each one of us because our Spirits live forever. It also reminds us that we MUST pray for the SOULS DEPARTED and never forget them as though they are non-existent.

The poor Souls messages coming to Maria Simma should not be looked at negatively. They are a reminder of God’s absolute act of MERCY for all His creatures. If Satan is allowed to come and visit us in all forms, why should God not allow some kind of revelation from the poor Souls in Purgatory? After all, they are on their way to heaven and surely God loves them too just as He loves all His children.

No true child of God is always going to be popular here on earth because they are not of this world. Our Lord Jesus Himself was ridiculed and accused of so many things and was hated because of telling the truth. He was murdered because man always hates the truth; e it makes him uncomfortable. In this case, also, those who are modernists and hate the truth will rush to condemn Maria Simma’s writings and would not want the truth to come out at all. They are comfortable where they are, and anything that will interfere with such comfort will be attacked. For example, modernists who stretch their hands out to receive Holy Communion and disrespect our Lord will be outraged at Maria' book. I am not here to judge anyone because I am one of the most sinful creatures of God, but should we not be grateful to the revelations which bring us an awareness of what will lead us closer to God? Maria's book touches on many areas of sins and surely that has to create pain and hate and embarrassment in those who truly do commit the sins that Maria reveals. Naturally the people concerned will react negatively to Maria's book.

Everyone is not given the gift of being visited by the poor Souls in Purgatory; it is given to those whom God chooses, as He pleases and when He pleases. He did not die to return to heaven leaving us orphans; because of His love for us and His endless Mercy, He continues to teach us through special people. God knew that Maria could handle the visitation from these poor Souls and so he chose her. He could not choose someone like me because I could probably be crying every day with fright. Maria is not getting these messages from God's enemy, or they would not be full of truth and love for God. Why not think twice before jumping into condemning her message? Saint Padre Pio had encounters with the poor Souls in Purgatory, do you disregard that too?

In conclusion, I must say that I wish I had read this book a long time ago. I would have done many things differently and probably I would have been much closer to God. However, better late than never. I pray for you my brothers and sisters to see light and stop persecuting God through His messengers. He has given us the Holy Spirit to consult with and clear your doubts. Why not check with Him first before you react negatively toward God's messengers?

I am ready for whatever reaction you have toward my thoughts. I am God's child and will fight for Him to my last breath because I love Him so much that anything said against Him creates my deepest concern. That does not mean to say that I am holy at all; if anything, I am far from it. However, I want to be close to God, and I want to know as much as possible about Him as I would my best friend. He is my best friend, and I want to hear what He is communicating to me through His specially chosen people.

Do not worry. When in doubt, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you; He will not lie to you. Do not let the enemy take away what God has given us: he hates us so much and envies us so much that he is prepared to do anything to keep us away from God's loving messages. We have to pray and stay focused on God's word.

I have written a lot, but this happens to be the topic that pleases me the most while I still dwell in this temporary world. I could talk about God all day long and still not get tired.

Take care and God bless you all who are reading my e-mail

-- Genny Mamai (gmamai@yahoo.com), August 15, 2003.

I have just finished this beautiful book and I find that it strengthens my resolve in the Catholic faith. It is also full of good common sense. I Have gone to Catholic schools all my life and was taught that satan strives to create doubt in the belief in God. After reading Maria's book I believe that it only brings me closer to God and my family.

-- joan mcqueen (tmcqueen1@starpower.net), August 22, 2003.

I really struggle with someone's "opinion," especially if they have never read the text itself! There are a lot of fine books on the market that we as Catholics need to be aware of that have never been "rubber-stamped" as "approved." To argue otherwise, is the same kind of thinking I find in evangelical fundamentalists circles. I left that so-called "orthodoxy" of protestantism for the more "intelligent" and "open-minded" theology of the Catholic Church. I just finished "The Amazing Secret of the Souls in Purgatory." I found it thought provoking and worthy of consideration. I took it all with a grain of salt. Like a fish, I tend to keep the meat and disregard the bones. I find a lot of her testimony to be meat. Nevertheless, I am willing to learn more about the poor souls. Also, I did not find any of her "private" visitations to be unsettling or in stark contradiction to the CCC. I don't believe that we have to park our brains at the door to learn from this or any other private charism. I think that we should keep reading and discussing what we find. I personally don't believe that our "ideas" about purgatory will be a priority once we're there. I'm just going to be very, very thankful to those who pray for my release.

-- Jack K. Hansen (jkhsfo@yahoo.com), September 11, 2003.

Les ames du purgatoire, is the book Maria simma wrote that was one of the books I read that helped me come back to the church. I actually decided to give one mass every month to help the souls in Purgatory. Before reading this book I used to be afraid of the deceased, now I pray for them . Beleive me I often ask the souls of Purgatory not to forget me when they arrive in Heaven. Besides do not forget that everyone in Heaven is grateful so by praying for them we make sure to have a lot of friends praying in return for us. If one day I could write to Maria Simma I would tell her how grateful I am .If you decede to pray for the souls in Purgatory you will see. they also in return will pray for you. Although they cannot help themself, they can watch over you

-- Dominique Thebaud (dominiquethebaud@hotmail.com), December 31, 2003.

After reading Maria Simma's book "The Amazing Secret of the Souls in purgatory", I feel the urge to pray more and more to the Holy souls. This is something from God. We are so blessed to have Maria Simma. I say, this is real.

-- Judy M (sm_judy@yahoo.com), February 10, 2004.

I too have read this book and it inspired me to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory more and more. I also registered many at the Friends of the Holy Souls for additional Masses.

-- Ramanie Weerasinghe (lilanw@yahoo.com), February 11, 2004.