Mother & Refuge

Prayer to Save Souls During the Warning

“O God the Almighty Father on behalf of your beloved Son Jesus Christ, and in commemoration of His death on the cross to save us from our sins, I beg you to save souls who cannot save themselves and who may die in mortal sin during The Warning. In atonement for the sufferings of your beloved Son, I urge you to forgive those who are unable to seek redemption because they will not live long enough to ask Jesus Your Son for mercy to free them from sin. Amen. ”

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How To Do Epiphany House Blessing| Chalking of the Doors

he traditional date of Epiphany is January 6, but in the United States it is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8.  It is a long-held Catholic tradition to bless one’s home on (or near) the celebration of the Epiphany by using chalk to write a special inscription above the home’s entrance. This weekend, we are blessing chalk at Mass for you to take home and participate in this tradition. If you are unable to attend Mass at Our Lady this weekend, you can bless chalk at home yourself! You can find the blessing to do so below. The inscription written over the door changes every year. For this year, you should write: “20 + C + M + B + 23.” The Letters C, M, and B have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They are also the first letters of the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.” The + signs represent the cross, and 2023 is the year.  Below we have included a very family-friendly Epiphany home blessing. Here is a different one, from the USCCB. Both are perfectly valid! Blessing the Chalk Priest/Adult: Our help is the name of the Lord:All: The maker of heaven and earth. Priest/Adult: The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in:All: From this time forth for evermore. Priest/Adult: The Lord be with you.All: And also with you. Priest/Adult: Let us pray.All: Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created, that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name all who use it in faith to write upon the doors of their homes the names of your saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in or visit their home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (You may sprinkle the chalk with holy water.) Instructions for Blessing the Home Optional Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-16.  Also optional, you can sprinkle holy water in each room of your house while singing hymns or praying the rosary. Then gather at the front door to your home. Using the blessed chalk, mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step, or a wall within your home) as follows: 20 + C + M + B + 23  saying: The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty-three years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen. Then say the following prayer: Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and for ever. Amen. Read more…

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Dreaming of A Co-Housing of Christ Followers in Australia?

Dreaming of A Co-Housing of Christ Followers in Australia? Have you ever considered the possibility of being part of a housing development that Lives, Glorifies and Celebrates Christ the King? A place where there is scope for private family living surrounded by opportunities for community, connection, sharing and exchanges with other families and individuals dedicated to the values of Biblical teachings living with a Love of Christ as the corner stone and core foundation of their life. Our family is interested in investigating the possibilities of creating such a community with other Christ families and individuals living in Australia or wanting to establish roots hear. We have identified a large parcel of land which includes 5 cottages and 16 Motal Units (suitable for conversion into studio apartments), a convention hall with commercial kitchen and a second Octagonal Meeting Hall waiting to be transformed and consecrated into a Church. This property located at the border of Victoria and New South Wales backs on to High Country State forests, has several water catchments, fruit orchids and organic gardens set up and ready for rejuvenation. If you are wondering how private and communal can be brought together formally under an umbrella of Christian values please see Co Housing Australia’s web site:-  https://cohousing.com.au/ and also Tasman Village Co Housing https://tasmanecovillage.org.au/ and https://www.visitecovillagefindhorn.uk/ as examples of what can be created by people coming together with common values and a common vision of ideal living. If you are inspired to commence conversations and investigations please contact Christabel via email: – [email protected]  

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Did You know the Oldest Marian Apparition?

Our Lady of the Pillar (officially in Spanish, Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza,) is recognized as the first Marian apparition in the history of Christianity and is the only one that happened while the Virgin Mary was still alive. Although it was technically a bilocation of Our Lady, because she was living with John the Apostle in Jerusalem, it is still regarded as an apparition by the tradition of the Church. According to tradition, James the Greater, brother of Saint John the Evangelist, traveled with great effort to Roman Hispania (modern-day Spain) to evangelize the local tribes.   He not only confronted great difficulties but he also saw very little apostolic fruits of conversion. Tradition says that when he was at his lowest point of discouragement, in A.D. 40, while he was sitting by the banks of the Ebro river in Zaragoza (back then known as Caesaraugusta) Mary appeared to him accompanied by thousands of angels, to console and encourage him. The Virgin Mary, with the Child Jesus in her arms and standing on a pillar, asked Saint James and his eight disciples to build a church on the site, promising that “it will stand from that moment until the end of time in order that God may work miracles and wonders through my intercession for all those who place themselves under my patronage.” The church of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, is the first church dedicated to Mary in history and it remains standing to this day, having survived invasions and wars.  During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) the Communists dropped three bombs on the church from an airplane, the bombs tore through the roof and hit the floor, but none of them exploded. The three now deactivated bombs are currently on display in one of the Basilica’s walls.  Our Lady is also said to have given the small wooden statue of the apparition to Saint James, which now stands on the pillar she arrived on. The wooden statue is a relatively simple image 15 inches high, standing on a jasper pillar 5.9 feet tall. But the crown adorning her head is a masterpiece. It was made in 44 days by 33 workmen. The sun-like crown is made of 2,836 diamonds cut triangularly, 2725 roses, 145 pearls, 74 emeralds, 62 rubies and 46 sapphires. The crown of the baby Jesus is identical in shape although not in size. The Basilica was redesigned and expanded several times during its history. The current structure was completed in the 17th century, includes 11 brightly colored tiled domes, and is the second biggest church in Spain. Nuestra Señora del Pilar is not only the patroness of Spain, but also of all Hispanic peoples since it was on Oct. 12, 1492, the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, that Christopher Columbus arrived at American land and the first Mass in the Americas was celebrated. Read more…

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Bible Facts Verified by Science

The Bible, a collection of ancient texts revered by millions around the globe, has been a subject of faith, study, and sometimes skepticism. Over the years, many stories within its pages have been scrutinized, with some dismissing them as myths. However, scientific discoveries and archaeological evidence have increasingly shed light on several biblical events, providing a fascinating convergence of faith and science. Here, we explore fifteen instances where science has verified facts mentioned in the Bible. 1. The Great Flood One of the most well-known stories from the Bible is that of Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood. Geological evidence suggests that a significant flood event did occur. Researchers have found evidence of massive flooding in the Mesopotamian region, particularly around 2900 BCE. Sediment layers indicate that a catastrophic flood could have swept through the area, supporting the notion that the story of Noah may have roots in a real historical event. 2. The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah The Bible describes the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as being destroyed by divine judgment due to their wickedness. Recent archaeological findings at the site of Tall el-Hammam in Jordan suggest that a sudden and catastrophic event did indeed obliterate a large urban center in the region. The evidence includes a layer of high-temperature destruction debris, which scientists believe could be the result of a meteoritic airburst around 1700 BCE. 3. The Exodus and the Red Sea The story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea is another cornerstone of biblical narrative. Some researchers suggest that strong winds could have created a natural land bridge through a process known as “wind setdown.” This phenomenon has been observed in modern times and could explain how the Israelites crossed safely. 4. The Fall of Jericho According to the Bible, the walls of Jericho came tumbling down after Joshua and the Israelites circled the city, blowing trumpets. Excavations at the ancient city of Jericho have revealed collapsed walls dating back to around 1400 BCE, which corresponds with the biblical timeline. Archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon’s findings indicated that the city was indeed destroyed in a sudden and violent manner, possibly by an earthquake. 5. King David’s Existence The discovery of the Tel Dan Stele in northern Israel in 1993 provided the first extrabiblical evidence of King David’s dynasty. This inscription, dating to the 9th century BCE, contains references to the “House of David,” significantly bolstering the historical credibility of the biblical narrative concerning Israel’s famous king. 6. The Hittite Empire The Bible mentions the Hittites numerous times, but their existence was doubted until the late 19th century. Archaeological excavations in modern-day Turkey uncovered the ruins of Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire, confirming their historical presence and influence in the region. 7. The Pool of Bethesda The Gospel of John describes the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem as having five porticoes. In the 19th century, archaeologists discovered the remains of this pool, complete with its five porticoes, validating the New Testament account. 8. The Assyrian Siege of Lachish The Bible recounts the Assyrian siege of Lachish in 701 BCE. Archaeological excavations at Lachish have uncovered a mass of Assyrian military artifacts and destruction layers that corroborate the biblical description of the siege by King Sennacherib. 9. The Babylonian Exile The Babylonian Exile, as described in the Bible, involved the deportation of the Jewish population to Babylon. Cuneiform tablets, such as the Babylonian Chronicle, confirm the capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II and the subsequent exile of its inhabitants. 10. Pontius Pilate Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus, was once thought to be a mythical figure. However, the discovery of the Pilate Stone in 1961, an inscription bearing his name and title, confirmed his historical existence. 11. The Existence of Nazareth Skeptics once doubted the existence of Nazareth during Jesus’ time. Archaeological excavations, however, have unearthed first-century homes and artifacts, confirming that Nazareth was indeed inhabited during this period. 12. The Cyrus Cylinder The Bible speaks of Cyrus the Great allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. The Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient clay artifact, corroborates this account, detailing Cyrus’s decree that permitted exiled peoples to return to their homelands. 13. The Tunnel of Hezekiah The Bible describes King Hezekiah constructing a tunnel to bring water into Jerusalem. In the 19th century, this tunnel was discovered, and its inscription confirms it was built during Hezekiah’s reign, around 701 BCE. 14. The Dead Sea Scrolls Discovered between 1947 and 1956, the Dead Sea Scrolls include some of the oldest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible. These scrolls have provided significant insight into the textual accuracy and history of the Bible’s transmission. 15. The Siege of Jerusalem The Bible and historical records describe the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Archaeological evidence, including remnants of siege works and destruction layers, supports the biblical account of the city’s fall and the destruction of the Second Temple. The Bible, while primarily a spiritual and moral guide, occasionally touches on themes that intersect with the natural world, from biology and chemistry to the cosmos. Here are ten intriguing instances where modern science has confirmed or supported biblical references in these fields. 1. The Life Cycle and Biology of Human Beings Biblical Reference: Psalm 139:13-16 describes the intricate formation of a human being in the womb, acknowledging the complexity and wonder of human development. Scientific Insight: Advances in embryology and genetics have revealed the astonishing complexity of human development, from conception through birth. The precise orchestration of genetic material, cellular differentiation, and developmental stages aligns with the psalmist’s awe at the formation of life. 2. The Origin of Elements Biblical Reference: Genesis 2:7 states that God formed man from the dust of the ground. Scientific Insight: Modern chemistry confirms that the human body is composed of elements such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, all of which are found abundantly in the…

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Need a Miracle? Here’s St. Jude’s Powerful Prayer for Desperate & Hopeless Cases

Prayer to St. Jude, Patron of Impossible, Desperate, & Hopeless Cases Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus,the Church honors and invokes you universally,as the patron of difficult cases,of things almost despaired of.Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for methat He bring visible and speedy helpwhere help is almost despaired of.Come to my assistance in this great needthat I may receive the consolation and help of heavenin all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly…(make your request here) …and that I may praise God with youand all the saints forever.I promise, O Blessed St. Jude,to be ever mindful of this great favorgranted me by Godand to always honor youas my special and powerful patron,and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.Amen. Prayer May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and loved in all the tabernacles until the end of time. Amen. May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen St. Jude, pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen. Blessed be the Sacred Heart of JesusBlessed be the Immaculate Heart of MaryBlessed be St. Jude Thaddeus, in all the world and for all Eternity. (say this prayer, followed by the Our Father and the Hail Mary) Dear Apostle and Martyr for Christ,you left us an Epistle in the New Testament.With good reason many invoke youwhen illness is at a desperate stage.We now recommend to your kindness (name of patient), who is in a critical condition.May the cure of this patient increase his/her faith and love for the Lord of Life,for the glory of our merciful God.Amen. Source: EWTN

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Official prayer requesting the intercession of future Saint Carlo Acutis

Oh God, our Father, thank you for giving us Carlo,a model of life for young peopleand a message of love for all.You have made him fall in lovewith your son Jesus,making the Eucharisthis “highway to heaven.” You have given him Maryas a very beloved Mother,and you have made him,with her Rosary,become a singer of her tenderness.She welcomes his intercession for us.He looks above all at the poor,whom he loved and helped. [Grant me also, through his intercession, the grace I need…] And make our joy full,leading Carlo among the saintsof the universal Church,so that his smile continuesto shine for us and for the glory of your name. Amen Pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be. Imprimatur + Domenico Sorrentino Bishop of Assisi Nocera Umbra Gualdo Tadino Foligno

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Padre Pio vs. the Devils: Unseen Battles

St. Padre Pio, one of the most beloved and mystic saints of the 20th century, was known for his profound spiritual experiences and battles with demonic forces. His life and struggles have been documented in numerous books, providing a detailed account of his encounters with the supernatural. The Reality of Demonic Attacks In his biography, “Padre Pio: The True Story” by C. Bernard Ruffin, it is detailed how Padre Pio experienced frequent attacks from demonic entities. These assaults were both physical and spiritual, manifesting as sounds, visions, and physical harm. Ruffin recounts how Padre Pio would often be found bruised and battered, evidence of the nightly battles he endured. Personal Accounts Padre Pio himself spoke of these experiences, as documented in “The Agony of Jesus” by Padre Pio. He described the devils as relentless, stating, “These devils don’t stop striking me.” He detailed how they would disturb his sleep, appearing as hideous creatures and causing him great physical pain. In “Secrets of a Soul: Padre Pio’s Letters to His Spiritual Directors,” his letters reveal a personal glimpse into these spiritual battles. He wrote to his spiritual directors about the intense struggles, asking for their prayers and support as he faced these supernatural trials. Witness Testimonies In “Padre Pio: Man of Hope” by Renzo Allegri, testimonies from those close to Padre Pio provide additional insight into his battles. Friars and laypeople who lived alongside him recounted hearing strange noises coming from his cell, sounds of struggles, and seeing inexplicable injuries on his body. These witnesses affirmed the reality of the demonic attacks he described. Spiritual Resilience Despite the ferocity of these attacks, Padre Pio’s faith remained unshaken. In “Padre Pio: The Stigmatist” by Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty, it is highlighted how his deep prayer life and unwavering trust in God’s protection served as his main defense. Padre Pio’s reliance on the Eucharist and the intercession of the Virgin Mary were crucial elements in his spiritual arsenal against these dark forces. A Legacy of Strength Padre Pio’s enduring faith and resilience in the face of demonic onslaughts are further chronicled in “Saint Padre Pio: In the Footsteps of Saint Francis” by G. A. Caridi. His legacy is one of immense spiritual strength, offering inspiration to those who face their own spiritual battles. Caridi emphasizes how Padre Pio’s life demonstrates the power of prayer, the sacraments, and unwavering faith in overcoming the forces of evil. The accounts from these books paint a vivid picture of St. Padre Pio’s unseen battles with demonic forces. His experiences and the testimonies of those around him underscore the profound truth that through steadfast faith and spiritual resilience, even the most formidable adversities can be overcome.   According to Fr. Gabriele Amorth, a leading Vatican exorcist, “Padre Pio’s real enemies were the demons who besieged him. […] The great and constant struggle of Padre Pio’s life was with those enemies of God and human souls, the devils who tried to capture his soul.” Even in his youth, St. Padre Pio would enjoy incredible celestial visions, but also suffer demonic attacks. Fr. Amorth explains: “The devil would appear to him as an ugly black cat, or in the shape of a truly repugnant animal. The obvious intent was to fill him with terror. Other times demons came as young girls, nude and provocative, performing obscene dances, to test the young priest’s chastity. But Padre Pio sensed his greatest danger when the devil tried to deceive him by taking on the form of one of his superiors (his provincial superior or his spiritual director) or in a sacred form (the Lord, the Virgin, or St. Francis).” This last tactic – of the devil appearing as someone good and holy – was a particular problem. Here’s how St. Padre Pio would discern a vision: “He noticed a certain timidity when the Virgin or the Lord first appeared, followed by a sense of peace when the vision departed. On the other hand, a devil in sacred form provoked an immediate feeling of joy and attraction, replaced afterwards by remorse and sadness.” Satan would even sometimes attack St. Padre Pio physically. He describes this in one letter he wrote to a priest confidant: “These devils don’t stop striking me, even making me fall down from the bed. They even tear off my shirt to beat me! But now they do not frighten me anymore. Jesus loves me, He often lifts me and places me back on the bed.” Indeed, if we are close to the Lord, we should have no fear of demons.

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Faustina Gorham Releases Music Album! On Earth As It Is In Heaven!

It’s been a dream of mine to be a songwriter for as long as I can remember, yet I could never come up with anything good… But after I gave Jesus my whole heart and freedom to live his Life in me, all of a sudden these songs started coming to me without my even trying. By that point, I had long forgotten about this childhood dream of mine, but He was quite stubborn and He couldn’t let it go. I’m not kidding when I say that Jesus and I wrote this music together. – Faustina The Album is now available on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube Music!  https://open.spotify.com/album/6DkW08aI2UtE5we2mjNJZu?si=BszBg_sDQZGBQRjDwE7sAg – Spotify  https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mziky7VBjaYDvIVmZabKg9ihAYKVRA-X8&si=ndArLrUVBn3_hVYT – YouTube Music 

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