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Illumination of Conscience

The Warning and God’s Great Mercy

Conversion of St. Paul - Carravaggio - 1600
Conversion of St. Paul - Carravaggio - 1600
Table of Contents

A Note on the Source

Throughout this article, reference are  made to “the messages.” The background material comes from the messages known as the Warning Second Coming or The Book of Truth. They claim to contain prophetic words from Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and God the Father about the Illumination of Conscience.

It is important to acknowledge that the Church has expressed concern about these writings and about the anonymous author who published them. To date, however, I have not found evidence that the full body of messages has been formally examined in detail by the Church. Catholics are therefore reminded that private revelations—even widely circulated ones—are never binding on the faithful (Catechism, 67).

For this reason, references to the messages in this article are offered for reflection, not as definitive teaching. The purpose is to highlight themes of repentance, prayer, and trust in God’s mercy. What matters most is what the Church has always taught: stay close to the sacraments, pray daily, and live in readiness for Christ, who is our only Savior.

A Universal Moment of Mercy

The Catholic faith teaches that God is both just and merciful. Justice gives every soul what it has chosen. Mercy offers a chance to turn back before it is too late. In every age, the Lord has shown His people extraordinary signs of His care. At Mount Sinai, He gave the Law to guide Israel. At Fatima, He sent His Mother to call the world to conversion. Through Saint Faustina, He raised up the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for these times. Each intervention was both a warning and a consolation—God bending to rescue His children.

The Illumination of Conscience, often called The Warning or The Great Illumination, is described in many modern prophetic writings as the greatest act of mercy before Christ’s return. It is presented not as a punishment but as a gift: a moment when every person alive will see their soul as God sees it. Hidden sins will be brought to light, virtues will shine, and the reality of eternity will become undeniable. 

“Therefore, judge not before the time; until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

The Great Illumination is said to touch every soul who has reached the age of reason (or seven). For some, it will be the first time they truly grasp sin and the depth of divine love. For others, it will be confirmation of what faith has always taught. Still others, hardened in pride, may resist even when the truth blazes before them. Yet the mercy is the same for all: God, who 

“will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4)

offers every child a final chance to turn toward Him.

Private revelations are never required for salvation; the Church is careful to remind the faithful that the Gospel is already complete (CCC 67). Yet the Church also teaches that such messages, when consistent with faith and morals, can help us live the Gospel more fully. The Illumination, whether understood as prophecy or as spiritual meditation, invites us to conversion.

To speak of the Great Illumination is to speak of mercy. It is a universal confession offered freely, so that countless souls might be saved. It is a reminder that the Father never ceases to pursue His children, even when they wander far away. Above all, it is a call to readiness, because the day of mercy is may not be far  from the day of justice.

Understanding the Great Illumination

To understand the Great Illumination, we must first recognize what it is not. It is not the Last Judgment, nor is it the end of the world. It is described instead as a merciful pause in history, when God allows every soul to see itself in His light. In that moment, the veil will be lifted and the reality of sin, grace, and eternity will become unmistakable. The Great Illumination Second Coming messages often call it “a personal judgment before death,” given while there is still time to repent. Scripture gives us a glimpse of this mystery: “And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment” (John 16:8, Douay-Rheims). For some, this experience will be like a fire that purifies; for others, it will be a wound of conscience that calls them home. The Illumination is presented as a universal act of mercy, extended to believers and unbelievers alike, so that none can say they were left without warning. It is, in essence, God’s way of awakening a world that has grown deaf to His voice and blind to His law, before the days of trial and judgment draw near.

A Global Event for Every Soul

The Great Illumination is a moment that no one on earth will escape. Every man, woman, and child who has reached the age of reason will experience it, no matter their faith, culture, or nation. It will not be a private vision given to a few but a universal event. Some messages speak of a radiant cross appearing in the sky, visible to all, followed by a profound inner revelation in which each person sees their soul as God sees it. But details can be sketchy.

This global reach shows the justice and mercy of God. No one will be excluded, and no one will be able to claim ignorance. For the atheist and the lukewarm, it will be undeniable proof that God is real. For believers, it will be a confirmation of faith and a call to deeper conversion. For those hardened in sin, it will be a final chance to turn their life around before the time of justice.

In a fractured world where people argue about truth, religion, and morality, the Illumination stands out as an act of divine clarity. All masks will fall. All excuses will end. For a brief time, every conscience will be illuminated, every heart exposed to God’s gaze. It will be a universal moment of truth and, for those willing to accept it, a doorway to mercy.

Mercy Before Justice

The Illumination of Conscience is often called the Lord’s final act of mercy before the days of justice begin. God, who is a loving Father, desires that no one be lost. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I desire not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live” (Ezechiel 33:11, Douay-Rheims). Through this extraordinary grace, He bends time itself to offer His children another chance.

In the messages, Jesus describes the Illumination as a preparation for His Second Coming. He does not come first with judgment but with mercy, giving each soul an opportunity to repent. For the humble, it will be a healing light that strengthens faith. For the proud, it may be a shattering confrontation that reveals how far they have strayed. Yet even then, the invitation will be the same: return, believe, and be saved.

Mercy before justice also reflects the rhythm of salvation history. Before the Flood, Noah preached. Before Nineveh was struck, Jonah warned. Before Jerusalem fell, Christ wept. And before the final trials of the world, God sends this universal warning. It is mercy first, so that justice may not be final for those who accept His grace.

Prophetic Voices

From the earliest days of the Church, God has raised up voices to call His people back to Him. The prophets of Israel warned of sin and spoke of mercy. John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lamb of God. In more recent times, the Blessed Virgin has appeared at Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe, repeating the Gospel’s call to repentance. In each age, the purpose of prophecy has remained the same: not to satisfy curiosity about the future, but to stir conversion of heart.

The Great Illumination is no exception. The messages that speak of it claim to come from Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and God the Father. Their tone is urgent but tender, filled with both warning and love. They call the faithful to prayer, to the sacraments, and especially to trust in Divine Mercy. Though private revelation can never add to the deposit of faith, the Church teaches it may help the faithful live more deeply what has already been revealed (CCC 67).

In these prophetic voices, one hears the same melody repeated: God is offering His children a universal moment of grace before the time of trial. Whether through Christ’s own words, Mary’s pleading, or the Father’s call, the message is simple—prepare your hearts, pray for the lost, and be ready to receive the light that will shine on every soul.

Jesus, Mary, and the Father

The prophetic messages about the Great Illumination come with one voice but three distinct tones.

Jesus speaks most often with urgency and tenderness. He warns that the time is short and that souls must be ready, yet His words overflow with mercy. He promises that the Illumination will be like a universal confession: each person will see the state of their soul, not to be condemned, but to be healed. He pleads with His followers to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, to offer sacrifices for sinners, and to live in a state of grace. For Him, the Illumination is the next great act of His mercy before the final judgment.

Mary, the Blessed Mother, speaks with maternal love and deep sorrow. She grieves that so many of her children live in indifference to her Son. She calls for prayer, especially the Rosary, and urges her children to prepare others by telling them what is coming. She describes the Illumination as a miracle of hope, a chance for the lost to be gathered back into Christ’s  arms.

God the Father speaks with authority and paternal compassion. He reminds His children that He desires all to be saved, even those who reject Him. He frames the Illumination as a “last chance” offered to humanity before chastisements fall. With fatherly urgency, He pleads for prayers of intercession so that hardened hearts may  taste this grace.

Taken together, these voices form a harmony: the Son offering mercy, the Mother urging preparation, and the Father extending His hand before justice. Each calls humanity to the same end—conversion of heart, prayer for souls, and readiness to receive God’s light.

Common Themes

Though spoken in different tones, the messages about the Illumination of Conscience repeat certain themes.  They are worth listing below.

Divine Mercy is central. Again and again, Jesus pleads for His followers to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, given through Saint Faustina, as a shield for themselves and for souls who are unprepared. The Illumination itself is described as an extension of Divine Mercy—God giving the world one last chance to repent before judgment.

Prayer and sacrifice save souls. The faithful are urged to form prayer groups, to intercede for nonbelievers, and to offer their sufferings in union with Christ. Every Rosary, every Chaplet, every act of reparation is said to draw souls closer to mercy and lessen the weight of chastisements.

A visible sign will appear. Several messages describe a great cross shining in the sky, seen by all, announcing the Illumination. This external sign will prepare hearts for the inward revelation of conscience.

The event will shake the world. For some, it will be like a first true confession, filling them with peace and gratitude. For others, it will be almost unbearable, as the reality of sin becomes clear. Some may resist or deny it, even explaining it away as a natural phenomenon, yet billions will be converted.

Time is short. The voices stress that this mercy is being given now because the world has grown cold to God. The Illumination is a warning and a preparation for Christ’s return, reminding humanity that earth is only a passage, and eternity awaits.

These repeated themes weave one message: pray, repent, and be ready. The Illumination is not meant to inspire fear, but trust—trust that God loves every soul and is willing to go to great lengths to win them back.

Transfiguration - Raphael - 1516
Transfiguration - Raphael - 1516

Scripture and the Church

Every prophecy must be measured against the light of Scripture and the teaching of the Church. Though Scripture never names the Great Illumination directly, it reflects the many passages where God unveils hearts, uncovers sin, and offers mercy before judgment. The prophets of old spoke of days when the Lord would pour out His Spirit, convict the world, and bring hidden things to light. The Gospels themselves record Christ’s words that nothing concealed will remain hidden when the Lord comes in glory.

The Catechism reminds us that conscience is “man’s most secret core and his sanctuary” where he is alone with God, whose voice echoes in his depths (CCC 1776). The Illumination, as it is described, would be an extraordinary act of that same grace—a moment when God speaks to every conscience at once. And just as the Divine Mercy devotion was confirmed by the Church as a timely help for our age, so too these prophecies can be read as a call to return more faithfully to what has already been revealed.

In Scripture and tradition, the pattern is clear: before God allows judgment, He first offers mercy. The Illumination is presented as another such act of love, meant to draw every soul into the light of Christ before the trials of the final age.

Biblical Prophecy

Though Scripture does not use the phrase “Illumination of Conscience”, it gives us many images of a moment when God reveals hearts, convicts souls, and calls His people to repentance. The prophets, the Gospels, and the letters of the apostles all echo the same truth: before judgment, God shines His light.

The prophet Joel speaks of a day when the Spirit will be poured out on all flesh: “And it shall come to pass, after this, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28, Douay-Rheims). This universal outpouring hints at an event that touches everyone, revealing God’s presence across the whole world.

Christ Himself promised that the Holy Spirit would convict the world: “And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment” (John 16:8). The Illumination is often described in this very way—an inward conviction, a moment when each soul is confronted with truth, not to condemn but to invite repentance.

Saint Paul also foresaw a time when God would uncover what is hidden: “Therefore judge not before the time; until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5). That verse describes perfectly what the Illumination is said to be—a shining of divine light into the most secret corners of conscience.

Finally, the Book of Revelation offers images of heavenly signs visible to all. The messages describing a cross in the sky before the Illumination resonate with Saint John’s visions of cosmic signs that prepare the world for God’s action. These parallels remind us that prophecy is not a novelty, but a continuation of the same story God has always told—mercy offered before judgment, light before darkness, and grace before the end.

The Conscience and the Catholic Church

The Church has always taught that conscience is sacred. It is not simply a personal feeling, but the place where God Himself speaks within the human heart. The Catechism describes it this way: “Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey. Its voice, ever calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in his heart at the right moment… For man has in his heart a law inscribed by God” (CCC 1776).

To follow conscience faithfully is to listen to God’s voice. But conscience can also be dulled, ignored, or deformed. The Catechism warns that “conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened” (CCC 1783). This requires prayer, formation in the Word of God, and obedience to the Church’s teaching.

The Great Illumination, as described in the messages, would be an extraordinary grace connected to this ordinary truth. In a single moment, God would awaken every conscience, reminding each soul of His law written in the heart. It would be a universal act of what happens in every Confession: the sinner sees his faults in the light of God’s mercy and is invited to repentance.

This sheds light on why the Illumination is often called a “universal confession.” It is not meant to replace the sacrament but to stir souls to seek it. For many, it may be the first time they truly understand that conscience is not their own invention but God’s gentle voice calling them home.

Why God Grants this Grace

Every act of God in history has sprung from His desire to save. From the covenant with Noah to the call of Abraham, from the Law given through Moses to the coming of Christ, the pattern is always the same: mercy before judgment, invitation before consequence. The Great Illumination, if it comes as described, would be another expression of this same divine pattern. It is not given to frighten but to awaken, not to condemn but to convert.

Scripture tells us that God “will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4, Douay-Rheims). Yet He respects human freedom, never forcing His love on unwilling hearts. The Illumination is portrayed as a final and universal appeal—a father’s urgent plea to His children to turn back before they destroy themselves. In this sense, it is both justice and mercy together. Justice, because each soul will face the truth of its deeds. Mercy, because it comes while there is still time to repent.

When read alongside the history of salvation, the Illumination fits a familiar rhythm: before punishment, God sends warning; before exile, He offers a way home; before judgment, He opens the door of mercy.

Chaplet of Divine Mercy - Divine Mercy - Adplf Hila - 1930s
Chaplet of Divine Mercy - Divine Mercy - Adplf Hila - 1930s

How to Prepare

The Illumination of Conscience of as a sudden and unexpected grace, but preparation for it is simple: live as a faithful Catholic today. The messages do not tell us to store supplies or to run from the world. Instead, they echo the timeless call of the Gospel—repent, pray, and stay close to Christ in the sacraments. In many ways, preparing for the Illumination is the same as preparing for a holy death. We are urged to be in a state of grace, to cultivate prayer, and to live in charity so that when the Lord shines His light into our hearts, we will not be afraid.

The means are familiar: Confession and the Eucharist, daily prayer, the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and acts of love offered in union with Christ. Families are invited to prepare together, teaching children to trust in Jesus and to live their faith with joy. What God asks is not complicated, but it requires perseverance. By making these practices part of daily life now, the soul will be ready for whatever God permits, whether the Illumination comes soon or whether it is met at the moment of death.

Confession and the Eucharist

The heart of preparation for the Illumination is the same as preparation for meeting Christ at any time: live in a state of grace. The Sacrament of Penance is the ordinary means God has given us to cleanse the soul. The Catechism calls it “the sacrament of conversion” because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to repent and return to the Father (CCC 1423). Through Confession, sins are forgiven, wounds are healed, and the conscience is restored to peace.

The messages repeatedly urge the faithful to confess regularly so they will not be caught unprepared. If the Illumination suddenly reveals every sin, how much lighter will the soul be if those sins have already been absolved in the confessional? Frequent Confession also trains the heart to humility and honesty, making it easier to welcome the truth when God shows it.

The Eucharist, too, is central. Jesus said, “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day” (John 6:55, Douay-Rheims). To receive Him worthily in Holy Communion is to carry His life within us. At Mass we are united to the same Lord who will one day reveal Himself in glory. The Illumination is described as an encounter with Christ’s light; those who already meet Him daily in the Eucharist will recognize Him as a friend.

To prepare, Catholics are called to make Confession a regular habit—not only in grave sin, but as a rhythm of spiritual life—and to approach the Eucharist with reverence, gratitude, and love. These sacraments are not just preparation for an extraordinary event; they are preparation for heaven itself.

Daily Prayer and Scripture

Prayer is the daily breath of the soul. It keeps the heart turned toward God and makes space for His grace to work. The messages surrounding the Illumination urge the faithful to set aside time each day, even half an hour, to be still before the Lord. This simple act—pausing from the noise of the world to lift the mind and heart to God—becomes an anchor of peace when everything else is shaken.

Scripture, too, is emphasized as a guide. The Psalms, in particular, are recommended for reflection, along with Christ’s parables. In them the soul discovers lessons that never grow old: God is merciful, the proud are humbled, the humble are lifted up, and the righteous are rewarded. By asking, “Does this lesson apply to my life today?”, a person allows the Word of God to pierce the heart and form the conscience.

Daily prayer and Scripture study are not complicated. They do not require advanced theology or perfect eloquence. They require only a willing heart. A Rosary prayed quietly, a Psalm read slowly, a few moments of silence before the crucifix—these prepare the soul to meet Christ’s light with trust. When the Illumination comes, those who are already listening for His voice will recognize it. For them, it will not be the beginning of a conversation, but the deepening of one that has already begun.

Family and Daily Faith

Preparation for the Great Illumination is not only a personal task but a family calling. The home is the first school of prayer and faith. Parents have the privilege—and responsibility—of teaching their children how to love God, to pray with trust, and to understand the difference between right and wrong. The messages encourage families to pray together, so that when the moment of illumination comes, even the youngest will recognize it as an act of love rather than a cause for fear.

Daily faith in the family does not need to be complicated. A Rosary said in the evening, a blessing before meals, a few minutes with Scripture, or a crucifix placed in a prominent spot all remind children that Christ is at the center of life. These simple habits form the conscience, so that when God reveals the truth, the soul is not startled by an unfamiliar voice but comforted by a familiar Friend.

For adults, too, daily faith means weaving prayer and virtue into ordinary tasks: patience in conversation, honesty in work, charity toward the poor, forgiveness in the home. The Illumination will show how these small choices either build love or wound it. By practicing them now, families prepare to welcome Christ’s light with peace.

Fruits of the Illumination

If the Great Illumination comes as foretold, its fruits will be immense. It will not be a passing vision but a turning point for countless souls. Many of the messages describe it as the greatest act of mercy since the Cross—an event that will awaken faith, ignite prayer, and bring billions to conversion. For some, it will be the first time they realize that God exists; for others, it will be the moment their lukewarm faith bursts into flame. Even for those already striving to live the Gospel, it will deepen humility and strengthen trust.

Like Pentecost in the early Church, the Illumination is said to unleash a wave of grace across the world. Prayer groups will grow, sinners will seek Confession, and ordinary Catholics will find themselves emboldened to witness to Christ. The faithful will see not only their own souls more clearly but also the urgent need to intercede for others. Out of the pain of self-knowledge will come joy, because mercy will no longer be an abstract truth but a lived experience.

Incredulity of St. Thomas - Caravaggio - 1601
Incredulity of St. Thomas - Caravaggio - 1601

Challenges and Opposition

While the Great Illumination is described as a moment of mercy, it will not be welcomed by all. History shows that whenever God intervenes, some respond with faith while others turn away. At Fatima, many believed after the miracle of the sun, yet others mocked and denied it. The same will be true of the Illumination. Though billions may convert, many will resist, explain it away, or even lead others into doubt.

The messages warn that some will dismiss the event as a natural phenomenon—perhaps a cosmic shift or a rare alignment of the heavens. Others, even within the Church, may deny that it happened at all. Human pride makes it hard to admit sin, and the enemy of souls will work to sow confusion. As Christ said, “And this is the judgment: because the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light” (John 3:19, Douay-Rheims).

For the faithful, these challenges are a call to perseverance. Opposition is not a sign that the event is false but that the battle for souls is fierce. Just as the Cross was contradicted by unbelief, so too will mercy be resisted. In such a time, believers are called to stand firm, to pray for those who struggle, and to witness with humility and courage to the truth they have seen.

Role of the Virgin Mary

Whenever God prepares a great work of mercy, He sends His Mother to help gather souls to her Son. The Great Illumination is no different. In the messages, Mary speaks as a mother—gentle yet urgent, sorrowful over sin but filled with hope for her children’s return. She reminds the world that indifference to Jesus wounds His Heart and places souls in danger. Yet she also assures us that no one is beyond His mercy.

Mary’s role is to prepare hearts. She calls for the daily Rosary, urging her children to intercede for those who are far from God. She asks the faithful to spread the truth of the coming event, so that when the cross appears in the sky, people will not be terrified but will recognize it as a sign of love. Above all, she promises her protection for those who entrust themselves to her care.

Her presence in these messages echoes her role at Cana, at Calvary, and in every apparition approved by the Church: she points always to Christ. By her prayers, she helps soften hardened hearts, so that when the Illumination comes, more souls will have the courage to accept mercy. To walk with Mary now is to walk the surest path of preparation, for she leads every willing child to Jesus.

Living in Hope

The Great Illumination is often described in dramatic terms, but its heart is not fear—it is hope. God does not reveal sin in order to crush His children but to heal them. Like a physician who shows the wound so it can be treated, the Lord allows each soul to see itself clearly so that it may seek His mercy. This is why the messages call the Illumination a “gift” and a “miracle”.

For the faithful, this means living not with dread but with confidence. Christ assures us, “Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a kingdom” (Luke 12:32, Douay-Rheims). Those who already pray, confess, and receive the Eucharist can expect the Illumination to strengthen their faith, not weaken it. For those who have wandered, it will be an invitation to come home. And for those who reject it, the faithful are called to pray with even greater love.

Hope also means living each day as if ready. Whether the Illumination comes soon or whether we meet Christ at the hour of death, the call is the same: stay close to Him now. Daily prayer, fidelity to the sacraments, and acts of love keep the heart awake. In this way, the Illumination is not only a future event but a reminder of a present duty—to live in grace, trusting that God’s mercy is always greater than sin.

Conclusion – “Be Ready, Children”

The Great Illumination is spoken of as one of the greatest mercies God will ever grant to the world. It is a universal call to repentance, a moment when every soul will see itself through God’s eyes. Far from being a cause for fear, it is a cause for gratitude.  The Lord, who “is patient with you, not willing that any should perish, but that all should return to penance” (2 Peter 3:9, Douay-Rheims), offers one more chance for His children to turn back before the final trials unfold.

The message is simple: live ready. The way to prepare is not complicated or hidden. It is the same call given by Christ in the Gospel—repent, believe, and follow Him. Stay close to the sacraments, pray daily, and live with charity. Entrust yourself to Mary, who leads every willing heart to her Son. Pray especially for those who are far from God, that when the light of truth pierces their souls, they will accept mercy rather than turn away.

Above all, do not lose hope. The Illumination is not meant to terrify but to heal. It is God’s reminder that earth is passing and eternity is near. For those who welcome His mercy, it will be the beginning of new life. In the words of the messages: “Be ready, children, at all times. Keep in a state of grace and keep your hearts open to My teachings of love and peace”.

Let us pray, then, with trust:

“Jesus, I beg for Mercy for all those who reject You and who are in most need of Your help. Amen.”

Frequently Asked Questions

The Illumination of Conscience, or The Warning, is described as a global event where each soul will see its life as God sees it—a merciful chance for repentance.

While not named directly, Scripture foreshadows such an event when it says the Lord will “bring to light the hidden things of darkness” (1 Cor. 4:5, Douay-Rheims).

By living in a state of grace through Confession, frequenting the Eucharist, praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet, and practicing daily charity.

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