November 22, 2024

Mother & Refuge

Saint Therese: Herald of the Apocalypse?

Mother & Refuge03 mins

Who could describe as “sweet” the reading of a book that gives an account of the rise of the Anti-Christ, the tribulations that will mark the end times, followed by meditations on death, judgment, Heaven and Hell? “Reading this book was one of the greatest graces of my life …The impression I received from it is too sweet to express. All the great truths of religion and the mysteries of eternity plunged into my soul a happiness not of this earth.” So wrote Saint Thérèse in her autobiography about End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life, a book she cherished for preparing her for the trials of monastic life as well as the happiness of Heaven. Here we might be inclined to dismiss Saint Thérèse. We might say: “Sure—Saint Thérèse would enjoy a book like that! She’s a great saint in Heaven who had a high tolerance for pain and suffering in this life!  She was confident in the glory that awaited someone with her sanctity—but what about the rest of us?” Such statements, I believe, misread Therese, misread the book, and misunderstand the sovereignty of God. Thérèse had no illusions about either the trials or the brevity of life; she was no stranger to physical and interior suffering; her discipleship shielded her from no cross. What made the book “sweet” for her was its account of Christ’s inevitable triumph—the victory won at Calvary, a victory confirmed by the Resurrection, a victory we are offered a share in by grace. More than that: Saint Thérèse was sure, in a way that I think most of aren’t, that Christ the King—crucified, risen and returning—is our King who is reigning right now. Read More with Aleteia  

Read More

43rd Anniversary Novena – A Gift for Our Lady |A Novena to the Queen of Peace

Mother & Refuge055 mins

Powered By EmbedPress Powered By EmbedPress 43rd Anniversary Novena – A Gift for Our LadyA Novena to the Queen of Peace – Starts June 15 !!Medjugorje 1981 – 2024© Informativni Centar “Mir” -MedjugorjeWhat to offer to Our Lady for the 43rd Anniversary of Her apparitionsWhat could we offer to Our Lady for the anniversary of Her apparitions?This is the question many pilgrims ask, and we answer with another question:Wouldn’t the dearest gift be if we would really start to live Her messages?The main theme of Our Lady’s messages is the call to peace and reconciliation, but She underlines very often that we can obtain them only through prayer. This is why She calls us unceasingly to pray, to renew prayer until it becomes a joy for us, to pray with the heart….We have composed a simple novena with the deep desire to offer something special to Our Lady for this Anniversary, something that unites all Her children in the whole world, something that helps us to live Her messages.Why a Novena?The idea for the Novena comes from the New Testament, when Mary and the Apostles, 40 days after the Resurrection of Jesus, remained in prayer for nine consecutive days. They prayed with one heart and persevered in prayer, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, that was promised them, and that filled them “when the time of Pentecost was fulfilled” (Ac 2,1). Since then, Novenas have become a frequent practice in the tradition of the Church. Also in Medjugorje, Our Lady calls us: “Dear children, offer novenas, making sacrifices wherein you feel the most bound.” (July 25, 1993)How to pray this Novena?One special intention is devoted to each day. We pray for this intention, meditating on the texts that are proposed, through the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. The first text is a passage from the Gospel, the second – a message of Our Lady from one of the previous anniversaries, and the third – a passage from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These have been chosen to give a threefold insight into the prayer intention: A Gospel, a Marian (through the messages of Medjugorje) and an Ecclesiastical insight, to help the person who is leading the prayer and introducing the Mysteries. The passages from the Catechism on prayer show us the richness, the depth and the immensity of the experience of Christian prayer, of which Our Lady reminds us here in Medjugorje. The concluding prayer unites all the intentions of prayer regarding the intention for the day.Together towards something newWe believe that this unity in prayer will bring a new experience of the love of God, which has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. This experience is always a new beginning, a passage to a new level of existence. Real wars, wars of our doubt and our incredulity can be stopped, and even natural laws can be changed through prayer. We sincerely hope that our common prayer, united in the Heart of Mary for the victory of Her Immaculate Heart, will obtain a conversion in our hearts and in our lives and bring forth the most pleasing and dearest gift to Our Lady.1st dayWe pray for the Visionaries1. Prayer to the Queen of Peace2. Veni Creator Spiritus3. Glorious Mysteries of the RosaryTexts for MeditationJesus said to his disciples: “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them: “thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with the power from on high.” (Lk 24,44-49)“Dear children! Today I thank you for living and witnessing to my messages with your life. Little children, be strong and pray so that prayer may give you strength and joy. Only in this way will each of you be mine and I will lead you on the way of salvation. Little children, pray and with your life bear witness to my presence here. May each day be a joyful witness for you of God’s love. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (Message, June 25, 1999)“Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or “out of the depths” of a humble and contrite heart? He who humbles himself will be exalted; humility is the foundation of prayer, only when we humbly acknowledge that “we do not know how to pray as we ought,” are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. “Man is a beggar before God.” (CCC: 2559)4. The Litany of the Blessed VirginConcluding prayer: Lord, You call all Christians to be real witnesses of Your life and of Your love. Today, we thank You in a special way for the visionaries and for their mission in witnessing to the messages of theQueen of Peace. We present to You all of their needs. We pray for each one of them personally, that You may be near them, so that they may grow unceasingly in the experience of Your strength. We pray that You guide them to a deeper and more humble prayer in further witnessing to the presence of Our Lady in Medjugorje. Amen.2nd dayWe pray for all Priests who Minister at the Sanctuary1. Prayer to the Queen of Peace2. Veni Creator Spiritus3. Glorious Mysteries of the RosaryTexts for MeditationJesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen I say…

Read More

The Holy Hero Who Halted the Lava!

Mother & Refuge04 mins

St. Francis Xavier Bianchi, Apostle of Naples, miraculously stopped a lava flow after the eruption of Vesuvius, and predicted the fall of Napoleon. Armed with God-given power, the miracle-working hand of St. Francis Xavier Bianchi (1743-1815) of the Barnabite order triumphed over the destructive power of Vesuvius. In 1804, the volcano awoke with a fury like a hungry beast. From May to August, huge clouds of smoke rose from it. Then, at sunset on November 22, an earthquake shook the earth with long, dark rumblings. Streams of lava covered the hills around the town of Torre del Greco. Stopping lava in God’s name Fr. Francis Bianchi was in Torre del Greco as a guest of the retreat house. When the danger was at its greatest, the saint prayed. He was surprised to see the residents running around trying to save what they could. So, he came out of his room, serenely asked everyone to remain calm, and ordered them to place the image of Sr. Mary Francis of the Five Wounds on the roof. He climbed to the terrace at the top of the house with all the other people, and joined his hands in prayer. Then, he raised his right hand and, in the name of God, ordered the lava to stop flowing. Everyone was amazed to see the lava stop immediately: Torre del Greco was safe! He worked an identical miracle on two other occasions in 1805. Again at Torre del Greco, the saint asked to be led to the place where the lava was flowing. He prayed with all the people, raised his hand in blessing, and the flow stopped and the lava turned into hard stone.   Then, there was another eruption, and people came to Portici to beg the saint for help. St. Francis Xavier didn’t waver. He took the image of Sr. Mary Francis of the Five Wounds and ordered the people to place it in front of the oncoming flow. They did so, and the lava—which had already reached the house—stopped in front of the image, which was hanging on a tree. To commemorate this miracle, Cardinal Guglielmo Sanfelice had a chapel built on the site and dedicated it to the saint. Read More with Aleteia   

Read More

Do Catholics worship saints?

Mother & Refuge06 mins

Often non-Catholics will claim that “Catholics worship saints.” This statement usually comes from the fact that Catholics often pray to saints, performing various devotions to them. While it may appear to some people that Catholics are worshiping saints, what they are doing is far from it. Catholics firmly believe that adoration and worship is due to God alone. Only God is divine and so only God can be the object of worship. Since the very beginning of the Church, Catholics have prayed to saints, honoring them and asking for their heavenly intercession. This arose from the belief that the Church is much larger than the physical buildings and people we see with our eyes on earth.   Catholics believe that there are three states of the Church, as explained by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. But at the present time some of [Jesus’] disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory, contemplating “in full light, God himself triune and one, exactly as he is.” (CCC 954) The Church has described these three states as a “communion,” meaning that members of the Church are united by a spiritual bond that is difficult to describe with words. This is expressed in several places in the New Testament. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) [S]o we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. (Romans 12:5) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1) Jesus himself confirms this reality when conversing with Elijah and Moses at his transfiguration (see Matthew 17:3-5). He shows us that death does not separate us and that we are able to speak with those who have died before us. With this in mind, Catholics then pray to the saints as one person asks for someone else’s prayers on earth. This is possible because of the communion which exists in the body of Christ. One of the reasons why Catholics ask saints for prayers is because the saints are united with God and are able to present our petitions in a way that is most fitting and acceptable to our heavenly Father. Just as we ask holy people on earth to pray for us, we seek the prayers of the saints, who clearly displayed their holiness on earth and are now residing with God in heaven. In the end, Catholics believe that the world is much more than the eye can see and the spiritual realm is real. We are connected to people who have gone before us in a spiritual way and are able to converse with them. While we may not always be able to hear their responses, the reality of this phenomenon is a basic tenet of the Catholic faith and is rooted in scripture and tradition. It requires faith and a belief that prayers have an ability to open us up to a spiritual world much larger than we could possibly imagine.   Read more…

Read More

A prayer to keep from feeling that you suffer alone

Mother & Refuge03 mins

Give everything to God, your Heavenly Father. He is with you.We should never suffer alone because we can place all our pains and sorrows into the loving hands of God, our Heavenly Father! He has the power to comfort us in our time of need and bring spiritual consolation, even when the rest of our body aches. Below is a prayer from the book, Short Meditations and Prayers for the sick and afflicted, that can be used to place our sickness in the hands of God, asking him to help us endure our trials. Lord, I accept this sickness from your hands, and entirely resign myself to your blessed will, whether it be for life or death. Not my will, but yours be done; your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Lord, I submit to all the pains and uneasiness of this my illness. I desire to join my heart and voice with the whole Church of heaven and earth, in blessing you forever. I give you thanks from the bottom of my heart, for all your mercies and blessings bestowed upon me and your whole Church. O sweet Jesus, receive me into your arms in this day of my distress; hide me in your Wounds, bathe my soul in your precious Blood.   I love you, O my God, with my whole heart and soul, above all things: at least I desire so to love you. O come now and take full possession of my soul, and teach me to love you forever.

Read More

God’s Presence in Loneliness: 10 Powerful Bible Quotes

Mother & Refuge03 mins

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Matthew 28:20 “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:5-6 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Read More

Navigating Life’s Storms: Finding Peace in Catholic Faith Amidst Turbulent Seas

Mother & Refuge05 mins

Welcome, dear friends, to this journey through the stormy seas of life. Just as sailors face turbulent waters, so too do we encounter trials that test our mettle. But fear not, for in the Catholic faith, we find an anchor amidst the waves, a guiding light to lead us through the darkness. Join me as we explore how to navigate life’s storms with grace and courage. Navigating the Waves: Riding Life’s Challenges with FaithPicture yourself on a boat with the apostles, the winds howling and the waves crashing around you (Matthew 8:23-27). It’s a vivid reminder that life’s storms are inevitable. Yet, in these moments, we turn to our faith as our compass. Just as Christ calmed the storm, so too does He calm our fears and doubts. Through prayer and trust in God’s providence, we find the courage to face each wave with unwavering resolve. Anchoring in Faith: Cultivating Inner Peace Through Catholic SpiritualityImagine your soul as a ship seeking refuge amidst the storm. The sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, are like safe harbors where we find solace and strength. Our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints becomes our guiding star, leading us to the calm waters of inner peace. By immersing ourselves in Catholic traditions and deepening our prayer life, we anchor our souls in faith, finding serenity amidst life’s chaos. Navigating with Purpose: Finding Meaning in Catholic Wisdom Amidst Life’s ChaosIn the Catholic tradition, suffering takes on a deeper meaning when united with Christ’s passion (Colossians 1:24). Like navigators charting a course, we discern the purpose behind life’s trials. Through the wisdom of spiritual directors and the teachings of the Church, we find meaning in the midst of chaos. The Cross becomes our compass, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy. Embracing the Journey: Thriving in Catholic Faith Amidst Life’s TurmoilAs we journey through life’s storms, let us embrace the virtues of faith, hope, and charity (1 Corinthians 13:13). Like a crew working together on a ship, we find strength in community and support. The communion of saints surrounds us with love and encouragement, reminding us that we are never alone on our voyage. With Christ as our captain and the Church as our vessel, we navigate the seas of life with confidence and hope. Inspirations from Catholic Saints:– St. Therese of Lisieux, in her autobiography “The Story of a Soul,” teaches us to find joy in the little things and to trust in God’s providence, even amidst life’s trials.– St. Francis de Sales, in his work “Introduction to the Devout Life,” encourages us to cultivate a deep interior life through prayer and meditation, finding peace in God’s presence.– St. Teresa of Avila, in her classic “The Interior Castle,” invites us to journey inward, exploring the depths of our souls where God’s peace resides. Dear friends, as we navigate life’s storms together, may we find comfort in the arms of our loving God. Let us hold fast to our faith, trusting in His providence and mercy. With hearts full of prayer and souls anchored in Christ, we sail forth with courage and hope, knowing that calmer waters lie ahead. Fair winds and following seas, dear friends, as we journey onward together.

Read More

Daily Consecration to the Holy Spirit

Mother & Refuge01 mins

Most holy Spirit receive the consecration that I make of my entire being today to you. From this moment on, come into every area of my life and into each of my actions. you are my Light, my Guide, my Strength, and the sole desire of my heart. I abandon myself without reserve to your Divine directions and action, and I desire to be ever docile to your inspirations. O Holy Spirit, transform me, with and through Mary, into another Christ Jesus, for the glory of the Father and the salvation of the world. Amen.

Read More

She Prayed the Rosary; the Wound Healed! Read the Story Here..

Mother & Refuge04 mins

Marian Helper Angela Wagner, a parishioner at St. Adalbert’s Parish in Maspeth, New York, wrote to share her testimony to the power of the Rosary to bring healing to the sick. Mary is my “go-to person” whenever I need an intercessor with God, especially where my children are concerned. I was blessed with a mother who said several Rosaries a day, and I have been praying the Rosary for many years. Several years ago, my daughter Regina Maria underwent back surgery for a disc problem. It was supposed to be routine; she would be out of the hospital in three days. Three days became one month in the hospital because the incision would not heal. It constantly filled up, and she needed two more surgeries to clean out the incision. After each surgery, Regina would become weaker and run high fevers. Then, we were told she would need a third surgery. We went to the hospital on Friday night, and she was to have surgery early Saturday morning. When we left, the infectious disease doctor told the hospital staff to leave the infected area undressed and open. That night I was so frightened for my daughter, feeling that she might not survive another surgery. I was on my knees most of the night, praying the Rosary, beseeching Mary for her help, reminding her that Regina Maria was named after her and that she could not turn her back on her. We arrived at the hospital early the next morning. Just as they were ready to wheel Regina into the operating room, I remembered my prayers! I asked the intern to please ask the surgeon to come to Regina Maria’s room. When the doctor came in, I asked him to please check her back. He smiled and placated me. When he checked, the wound was completely closed and healed! There was no sign of infection, and the sheets were clean and dry. The doctor just looked at me in disbelief. Through my tears, I told him how I had prayed through the night, and I believed this was a miracle. He said, “I do believe in God.” I replied, “Yes, and you are His instrument!” Then he said, “I guess I will go back home and attend my son’s ballgame. There is nothing for me to do here.” My family and I will forever be grateful to Mary for Regina’s healing and for all her motherly love.Read more…

Read More