URGENT| A Call to Prayer: Pray for Pope Francis
With the news this morning of Pope Francis being in the hospital, we invite all of our readers to pray for the Holy Father. The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word — founded by EWTN’s foundress, Mother Angelica — wrote this prayer so we may all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer today. We thank you for the loving service of Pope Francis and the hope he has inspired in so many in your great mercy. Have mercy on him in his illness now, we pray, and guide the medical staff in his care. Grant him peace and healing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
5 Catholic-Inspired Activities to Celebrate St. Valentine’s Day ❤️✝️
St. Valentine’s Day is more than just chocolates and flowers—it’s a beautiful opportunity to celebrate love as God intended! As Catholics, we can honor this day with faith-filled activities that strengthen our relationships with God and others. Here are five Catholic-inspired ways to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day: 1. Attend Mass or Pray Together at a Church ⛪🙏 Begin the day by attending Holy Mass with your spouse, family, or friends. If Mass isn’t possible, visit a church to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Offer a special prayer for your loved ones, asking St. Valentine to intercede for you. 👉 Suggested Prayer: “St. Valentine, patron of love, intercede for us, that we may love as Christ loves.” 2. Exchange Love Letters with a Spiritual Touch 💌📖 Instead of typical Valentine’s Day cards, write heartfelt letters inspired by Scripture. Express gratitude, encouragement, and Christ-centered love. You can also include a saint quote or a short prayer for your loved one. 📖 “Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 3. Perform an Act of Charity ❤️🤲 Love is not just about words but actions! Honor St. Valentine by performing a charitable act: Visit the sick or elderly Donate to a food pantry Offer your time to someone in need These acts reflect Christ’s selfless love, making your celebration truly meaningful. 4. Cook a Special Meal & Pray as a Family 🍽️🕊️ Prepare a meal together and set a beautiful table with candles to symbolize Christ’s light. Before eating, say a prayer of thanksgiving and read a passage from the Bible about love. Consider a reading from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7—the famous passage on love! 5. Renew Your Love & Commitment in Marriage 💍✝️ For married couples, St. Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to renew your commitment. Pray together, revisit your wedding vows, or read the Prayer of Spouses to the Holy Spirit. If possible, go to Confession and receive the Eucharist to strengthen your marriage in Christ. 💡 Bonus: Give your spouse a religious gift—like a Rosary, a blessed medal, or a spiritual book! St. Valentine lived a life of love, sacrifice, and faith. This February 14, let’s celebrate the true meaning of love—rooted in Christ and strengthened by the sacraments. ❤️✝️ How will you celebrate St. Valentine’s Day this year? Share your thoughts below! 👇😊
The Apparition of St. Raphael in Córdoba, Spain (16th Century)
The Apparition of St. Raphael in Córdoba, Spain (16th Century) ✨ A Heavenly Messenger in Troubled Times In the heart of Córdoba, Spain, during the 16th century, a miraculous event took place that reaffirmed the city’s deep Catholic faith. St. Raphael the Archangel, known as the angel of healing and divine guidance, appeared to a humble priest, bringing a message of protection and hope. This apparition left a lasting impact on the city, leading to widespread devotion that continues to this day. 📖 The Apparition to Father Andrés de las Roelas During the late 1500s, Córdoba was suffering from devastating plagues and unrest. In this time of distress, Father Andrés de las Roelas, a devout priest, began receiving supernatural visions of a radiant figure. The heavenly visitor identified himself as St. Raphael, the Archangel. The saint spoke these reassuring words to the priest: 👉 “I swear to you by Jesus Christ crucified that I am Raphael, whom the Lord has placed as guardian of this city.” This divine revelation brought immense consolation to the people of Córdoba. They believed that St. Raphael had been sent by God to protect their city from further calamities. 🏛 The Lasting Impact Following this apparition, the city of Córdoba grew in devotion to St. Raphael. Many miracles were attributed to his intercession, and the people built shrines and statues in his honor. The most famous among them is the Triumph of St. Raphael, a majestic monument that still stands in Córdoba today. To this day, the people of Córdoba continue the tradition of praying to St. Raphael, especially in times of illness and need. The city’s love for their angelic guardian remains unshaken, a testimony to the power of faith and divine protection. 🙏 Prayer to St. Raphael, Guardian of Córdoba “Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, protector of Córdoba, guide and heal us in body and soul. Defend us from harm and lead us to the peace of Christ. Amen.” 🌟 Conclusion The 16th-century apparition of St. Raphael in Córdoba is a powerful reminder that God sends His angels to watch over His people. Just as St. Raphael protected the city then, we too can call upon his intercession for healing, guidance, and protection in our daily lives. St. Raphael, Guardian of Córdoba, pray for us! 🙌
Fr. Gabriele Amorth’s Deliverance Prayer
O Jesus our Savior, my Lord and my God, my God and my all, with your sacrifice on the Cross you redeemed us and defeated the power of Satan. I beg you to deliver me from every evil presence and every evil influence. I ask you in your name, I ask you for the sake of your wounds, I ask you for the sake of your blood, I ask you for the sake of your Cross, I ask you through the intercession of Mary, Immaculate and Sorrowful. May the blood and the water that flow from your side wash over me to purify me, deliver me, heal me. Amen.
A Prayer to Be Spared Purgatory
O Mary, I ask thee for one more grace: Obtain from thy Divine Son that I may die, but that I may die with thee, and that I may fly to Heaven along with thee. O merciful Mother, grant that when my soul is liberated from this wretched body I may go immediately to find thee in Heaven, there to commence that life which will be my occupation for all eternity. Requiem aeternam dona mihi, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat mihi. Requiescam in pace. Amen.
Save This! Powerful Morning prayer before starting work
My heavenly Father, as I enter this work place, I bring your presence with me.I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy and your perfect order into my work.I acknowledge your power over all that will be done, spoken, thought and decided within these walls.Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with.I commit to use them responsibly in your honor.Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.Anoint my projects, ideas, and energy, so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring you glory. Lord, when I am confused, guide me.When I am weary, energize me.When I am burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit.May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy and a smile to all that I come in contact with today.And oh Lord, when I leave this place, give me traveling mercy.Bless my family and home to be in order as I left it.Lord, I thank you for everything you’ve done, everything you are doing, and everything, you are going to do.In the name of Jesus I pray, with much love and thanksgiving.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
4 Simple Ways to Become Friends With Padre Pio
How to Build a Spiritual Friendship with Padre Pio When Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968, believers across the world were certain that the Capuchin friar would one day be declared a saint. His holiness, suffering, and supernatural gifts left a deep imprint on the faithful. Yet, it wasn’t until 1982 that the official investigation into his cause for sainthood began, and he was not canonized until 2002. By then, however, thousands of people already felt a deep spiritual connection with him—fulfilling a desire that he once expressed in prayer: “If only I could help you to help others, Jesus.” Even today, millions continue to turn to him for intercession, guidance, and inspiration. But how does one cultivate a true friendship with a saint? Here are four steps to developing a personal relationship with Padre Pio. 1. Learn About His Life Just as we get to know a friend by learning about their life, we can do the same with saints. Padre Pio’s life was filled with extraordinary events—miracles, stigmata, battles with the devil, and deep spiritual wisdom. Learning about his life will help you understand his mission and how he continues to help souls today. Some excellent books include: Padre Pio: The True Story – A well-regarded biography. Padre Pio Under Investigation: The Secret Vatican Files – A fascinating look at the scrutiny he endured from Church authorities. Additionally, many online resources share his writings, quotes, and teachings, which offer valuable insights into his spirituality. 2. Ask for His Intercession True friendship is built on trust, and a relationship with a saint is no different. Padre Pio was a powerful intercessor in his lifetime, and he continues to be one today. Many miracles have been attributed to his prayers. St. John Paul II, who met Padre Pio as a young priest, later wrote a beautiful prayer asking for his help. It begins: “St. Pio, teach us, we ask you, humility of heart so we may be counted among the little ones of the Gospel, to whom the Father promised to reveal the mysteries of His Kingdom.” Through prayer, ask Padre Pio to help you grow in faith, love, and holiness. Ask for his intercession in your trials and struggles. He once promised, “I will stand at the gates of Heaven until all my spiritual children have entered.” He is eager to help you! 3. Imitate His Virtues Friendship leads to admiration and imitation. As you deepen your bond with Padre Pio, strive to live as he did—with love, faithfulness, and total trust in God. Some key virtues he embodied include: Prayer – He prayed constantly, especially the Rosary. Humility – Despite his fame, he remained a humble friar. Sacrifice – He bore the stigmata and suffered greatly, yet always united his pain with Christ’s. Charity – He founded a hospital and cared deeply for the sick and suffering. A powerful example of his heart for others comes from his words to doctors and nurses at his hospital: “You have a mission to look after the sick, but if to the sick bed you do not bring love, I don’t believe that medicine will help much. Bring God to the sick.” In your own life, try to imitate this love—whether by being more patient with others, offering your sufferings to God, or deepening your prayer life. 4. Share Padre Pio with Others A true friendship is not meant to be hidden. If you experience Padre Pio’s help and intercession, share his story with others—especially those who are suffering, lost, or searching for faith. Ways to share include: Gifting a Padre Pio prayer card to someone in need. Sharing a book or article about him. Inviting a friend to pray at a church with a Padre Pio statue. Even a simple conversation about his miracles and teachings could spark someone’s faith. Conclusion Padre Pio is not just a saint of the past—he is a friend and intercessor for us today. By learning about his life, asking for his prayers, imitating his holiness, and sharing his devotion with others, you can build a real spiritual friendship with him. As he often reminded his spiritual children: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” May Padre Pio intercede for us all!
VIDEO! Pets Receive Catholic Blessing
https://motherandrefuge.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6a650ed2-dd44-48bc-bd3a-a75bb9e8bd89_3400.mp4
How to Deal with Anger as a Catholic: A Guide from Scripture and the Saints
Anger is one of the seven deadly sins when left unchecked, but it can also be a righteous emotion when properly directed. As Catholics, we are called to imitate Christ, who showed anger against sin but never allowed it to consume Him. This article explores what the Bible, Church teachings, and the wisdom of the saints teach about managing anger in a holy and virtuous way. 1. Understanding Anger: When Is It Sinful? The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2302) teaches: “If anger reaches the point of a deliberate desire to kill or seriously wound a neighbor, it is gravely against charity; it is a mortal sin. Anger is a desire for revenge. ‘To desire vengeance in order to do evil to someone who should be punished is illicit.’ But it is praiseworthy to impose restitution to correct vices and maintain justice.” This means anger is not always sinful—it depends on its cause and how we react. Righteous Anger vs. Sinful Anger 🔹 Righteous Anger: When Jesus overturned the tables in the Temple (John 2:13-17), He was angered by sin and disrespect toward God. This anger was controlled and directed at restoring holiness.🔹 Sinful Anger: When Cain was angry at Abel (Genesis 4:3-8), he let his wrath turn into envy and murder. Saint Francis de Sales, known for his patience, taught: “There is nothing so strong as gentleness, and nothing so gentle as true strength.” We must learn to master our anger rather than let it master us. 2. What Does the Bible Say About Controlling Anger? Scripture provides clear advice on how to handle anger: ✅ “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26) – It’s okay to feel anger, but we must not let it fester.✅ “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) – Gentleness calms conflict.✅ “Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19) – We must practice patience before reacting. Jesus’ Example of Dealing with Anger When insulted, He remained silent (Matthew 26:63). When wronged, He forgave (Luke 23:34). When seeing injustice, He acted with love, not hatred (Mark 3:5). 3. Practical Ways to Overcome Anger 1. Pause Before Reacting Saint Philip Neri advised, “The best remedy for anger is silence.” If something upsets you, take a moment to pray before responding. 2. Offer Up Your Anger to God Turn your frustration into a prayer:“Lord, I offer You my anger. Purify my heart so that I may respond with love instead of wrath. Help me to be patient and kind, even when I feel wronged.” 3. Practice Humility Pride fuels anger. Saint John Vianney said, “If a tiny spark of anger arises, do not let it grow. Strangle it while it is still small.” Humility allows us to let go of offenses. 4. Forgive as Christ Forgave Jesus told us: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27) Holding onto anger poisons the soul. Forgiveness brings freedom. 5. Seek the Sacraments Confession: Anger is often linked to pride, envy, or resentment. Confession helps cleanse these. Eucharist: The grace from receiving Jesus strengthens us to love as He loves. 4. Powerful Prayers to Overcome Anger Prayer for Patience and Self-Control “Heavenly Father, I struggle with anger. Give me the grace to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Teach me to love as You love, to be patient as You are patient. Help me to reflect Christ’s peace in my words and actions. Amen.” Prayer of Saint Francis (for Inner Peace) *”Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;Where there is hatred, let me sow love;Where there is injury, pardon;Where there is doubt, faith;Where there is despair, hope;Where there is darkness, light;And where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekTo be consoled as to console,To be understood as to understand,To be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive,It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life , Amen.” 5. Wisdom from the Saints on Overcoming Anger 1. Saint Francis de Sales – The Gentle Saint Saint Francis de Sales was known for his calm temperament, but he struggled with anger in his youth. Through prayer and self-discipline, he became one of the most patient saints. He advised: “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrel of vinegar.” This means kindness and patience are more powerful than anger in resolving conflicts. 2. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux – Turning Irritation into Love Saint Thérèse struggled with a sister in her convent who constantly annoyed her. Instead of reacting with frustration, she made small acts of love toward her. Over time, her heart changed, and she found peace. She wrote: “It is not enough to tolerate people; we must learn to love them.” This teaches us that patience and humility help transform anger into love. 3. Saint Augustine – Conquering Anger with Charity Saint Augustine, once a man of deep passions, warned: “Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.” Holding onto anger only harms us. Instead, we should forgive and let God handle justice. 6. Steps to Take When You Feel Anger Rising 1. Pray Immediately Before reacting, whisper: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.” 2. Count to 10 or Walk Away Give yourself time to calm down before speaking or acting rashly. 3. Examine the Root of Your Anger Ask yourself: Am I angry because of pride? Am I seeking justice or revenge? How would Christ respond in this situation? 4. Offer a Small Act of Kindness Overcoming anger is not just about suppressing it—it’s about replacing it with love. Try: Saying a kind word to the person who upset you. Praying for them. Offering up your frustration for the salvation of souls. 7….