Apostolate of Suffering

Details: 03 August 2012

We are truly blessed to have the national headquarters of the Apostolate of Suffering located at the St. Joseph Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. What is the Apostolate of Suffering? What is its purpose? When was it founded and by whom?

The Apostolate of Suffering was founded by Miss Clara Tiry on October 4, 1926 under the direction of Archbishop Sebastian Messmer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the index of her book entitled Comfort of the Sick, Clara stated that the purpose of the apostolate is to "Unite all sufferers of the wide world in a spiritual union; its purpose is to assure the sick and the afflicted that their lives are not useless, that by the patient bearing of pain they can do wonderful work for the spread of God’s Kingdom here on earth." She further stated that "sickness is a blessing in disguise; that suffering is a gift and a privilege that Christ bestows on his dearest friends." This of course only makes sense when our sufferings are united to the cross of Jesus Christ.

Archbishop Messmer further elaborated on this point in his introductory remarks of the above mentioned book by saying, "The great idea of such an Apostolate of Suffering was already clearly expressed by St. Paul when he said, ‘I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh for His Body, which is His Church’ (Col 1:24). Now comes the Apostolate of Suffering and brings a wonderful, heavenly consolation and comfort to them. It tells them that far from being useless members of the human family, they are able, through the merits of Christ and the mystery of the Communion of Saints, to be the greatest benefactors to their fellowmen, true apostles of Christ bringing the blessings of His divine passion and death to untold multitudes of immortal souls." Powerful words these! This means, when we offer our sufferings to Christ as members of His mystical body for others, we have the singular privilege of helping to save souls and assist those in Purgatory!

The spiritual benefits of membership include a Mass offered for members and their intentions monthly, a Mass offered for deceased members monthly and on All Souls Day, a share in the annual novena of Masses, and having the benefit of the prayers of fellow members and those offered daily at the national office.

The annual cost of membership has risen from 25 cents in 1926 to $5, with a lifetime membership of $25 available. In addition, all members receive a subscription to Our Good Samaritan, the Apostolate newsletter. Membership is open to the sick or to those who care for someone who is. All those interested in joining can simply mail the enrollment fee to The Apostolate of Suffering c/o Catholic Social Services, PO Box 30425, Lincoln, NE 68503-0425. Please spread the word! St. Lidwina, the patroness of the Apostolate, pray for us!!