Anne Catherine Emmerich

Today’s guest post is by Brandon Rappuhn, a Logos marketing copywriter.

 Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, born in Germany in 1774, was a mystic and visionary. She had poor health and lived in poverty most of her life, but was ecstatic to join the convent and take vows as a nun when the opportunity presented itself to her. Ten years later, she was bedridden with stigmata.

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich’s mysterious visions have been a subject of interesting discussion in the Catholic Church. When she was beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II, the authenticity of the transcriptions of her visions was brought into investigation, but her beatification was based on grounds completely apart from the writings associated with her.

The poet Clemens Brentano wrote down all the visions and stories Emmerich told him. Although these visions may or may not be authentic, they are incredibly inspiring. It is said that Emmerich, as a child, had visions of Purgatory and of the core of the Trinity, and that she had conversations with Jesus. Most notable were her visions of the Passion of Jesus, which are recorded in The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the life of Mary, which were allegedly revealed to her in her spiritual visions.

These visions have gone on to inspire generations—even the 2003 film The Passion of the Christ was inspired by Emmerich’s vivid visions of Jesus’ crucifixion. Authentic or not, these accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion and Mary’s life are powerful stories that will inspire you to a closer devotion to the Holy family.

The Anne Cateherine Emmerich Collection ships on Monday, February 11. Save 20% when you pre-order today!