by Jim O’Shea
While doing research on End Time prophecies for my recently released thriller, “The Linen God”, I discovered the writings of a little known, twelfth century Irish monk named Maolmhaodhog ua Morgair. Born in Armagh, Ireland, Morgair (who became known as Saint Malachy), was canonized the first Irish Saint in the Catholic Church by Pope Clement III in 1190 A.D. He died on November 2, 1148 in Clairvaux, France….just as he had predicted!
Unlike Bible prophecies, which vividly describe vivid circumstances leading up to the End Times, Malachy’s “Prophecy of the Popes” described a singular event that would trigger those times, an event that has just recently taken place!
While on a pilgrimage to Rome in 1139, Malachy had a prophetic vision for all remaining pontiffs in the history of the Roman Church, 112 in all. He used enigmatic phrases to describe each pope, phrases that have proven to be incredibly accurate for almost 900 years.
Examples from recent history include the 107th pope (John XXIII, 1958-1963), who Malachy referred to as “Pastor et Nauta” or “Pastor and Mariner”. John was obviously not just a pastor to Roman Catholics around the world, but also the Patriarch of Venice. The connection to “mariner” is thus remarkable.
Malachy named John’s successor, Paul VI (1963-1978), “Flos Florum” or “Flower of Flowers”. The primary feature of Paul’s coat of arms was three fleurs-de-lis (iris blossoms). The 109th pope, John Paul I (1978 -1978), was referred to as “De Medietate Lanae,” or “From the half moon”. John Paul I was elected on August 26, 1978 and that night, the moon appeared exactly half full,
Malachy dubbed the 110th pontiff “De Medietate Lunae”, or “Labor of the Sun”. Amazingly, Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) was the only pope who was both born the day of an eclipse of the sun, and entombed the day the sun was eclipsed.
The 111th entry in the “Prophecy of the Popes” was Benedict XVI (2005 – 2013), who was described as “Gloria Olivae” (The Glory of the Olive). Benedict’s choice of papal name came from Saint Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictine Order, of which the Olivetans are one branch.
Malachy referred to the 112th and final pope as Petrus Romanus, or “Peter of Rome”, and eschatologists around the world were confused with the election of Francis I in March. At first glance, there was no obvious connection between Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina and Peter of Rome, but one did not have to look far!
Francis I named himself after St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian, or Roman, priest whose original name was Francesco di Pietro (Peter) di Bernardone. And incredibly, although Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born and raised in Argentina, he’s actually the son of Italian parents!
Bizarre coincidence, or is Francis I actually “Peter the Roman”? If so, what follows? My new novel, “The Linen God”, examines such a frightening scenario, providing a chilling view of what we could all witness in our lifetimes.
Jim O’Shea is a long-time resident of St. Louis, Missouri. After traveling the world for twenty-five years in the computer software industry, he now spends his time crafting novels of suspense that tackle the complex relationship between science and religion, stories designed to take the reader places he or she may not have previously considered.
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I’ve been quite interested in those propechies as well, Jim. Though I haven’t tried my hand at end-times thrillers (yet), it seems I’m continually drawn to prophecy as well as an almost obsessive scanning of news headlines several times a day. I keep hearing that end-times writing isn’t the “in” thing any more. I don’t know who made that decision, but I devour such books. I hope we get a chance to chat at the conference.
Won’t be at the conference, Ron, but I hope it is productive for you! And best of luck on your writing career!