The Wonders of Divine Faith

How much I love you, dearest Mother, the universal holy Church of GOD—you who reign in Heaven, dwell in the flames original: "degis in flammis"; a reference to the Church Suffering in Purgatory, and struggle on earth This refers to the three states of the Church: the Church Triumphant (Heaven), the Church Suffering (Purgatory), and the Church Militant (Earth)—I openly demonstrate by as many witnesses as there are words contained in this modest volume. I love You, my sweetest Mother, with all my heart, my voice, and my deeds; for you are most worthy of all love on account of your infinite excellence and immense goodness. All that is yours—and oh, how great those things are!—which you possess in the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth, these ineffable goods are mine, and they remain my greatest benefits, because all things are held in common by our mutual love. And since Divine Faith is the substance and the evidence A reference to Hebrews 11:1, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." of all these things, this little work of mine cannot but be most acceptable to You. Receive, therefore, this pledge of our most sincere love, because all that is mine is entirely yours, and all that is yours is entirely mine. This Book worthily hopes to receive from You a splendor joined with protection, for upon its front The title page your venerable Name is seen inscribed. Nevertheless, may you consider this not as the result of a compelling demand, but of humble supplication. Grant that, while it borrows brilliance from your Name, it may obtain from that same Name a defense against Momus Momus: In Greek mythology, the god of satire and mockery; here used to represent harsh or unfair critics. You will surely give a secure sign of your acceptance and of my hope, if by the grace of your protection you deign to count among the lesser ✓ members: