January 17, 2025

Catholic Motivation

200,000 Hearts for Mary: A Community of Faith and Hope! Thank You, Faithful Subscribers!

Mother & Refuge02 mins

Thank You for 200,000 Subscribers! Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, With hearts full of gratitude, we are overjoyed to announce a truly humbling milestone: Mother & Refuge of the End Times has reached 200,000 subscribers! This journey has been nothing short of miraculous. What started as a small seed of faith has grown into a beautiful, worldwide community of prayer warriors, Marian devotees, and believers united in love for our Lord and His Blessed Mother. Each of you has played a vital role in making this possible. Every video watched, every prayer whispered, every comment shared, and every subscriber added has strengthened our mission to spread the message of hope, love, and preparation for these times. We are deeply inspired by your unwavering faith and the testimonies of how Our Lady has touched your lives. As we celebrate this milestone, we dedicate this achievement to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus, trusting in their guidance as we continue to grow. Let us remain steadfast in prayer, especially for the conversion of hearts and the salvation of souls. We thank you from the depths of our hearts for being part of this mission. Together, let us continue to shine the light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it. May Our Lady, the Mother and Refuge of the End Times, bless you and your families abundantly! With prayers and gratitude,The Mother & Refuge of the End Times Team

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Two Places, One Mission: The (10)Saints Who Bilocated for God’s Glory

Mother & Refuge08 mins

Profiled Saints and Beati Known to Have Bi-Located The Catholic Church has long been a treasure trove of mystical phenomena, from incorruptible bodies to miraculous healings. Among these wonders is the extraordinary gift of bilocation—being present in two places at once. While this phenomenon remains rare, it has been documented in the lives of several saints and blesseds. Below is a detailed account of some of these remarkable individuals. Saint Angelus of Acri (1669–1739) Saint Angelus, a Capuchin friar from Italy, was renowned for his fiery preaching and deep humility. Though known primarily for his missionary zeal, Angelus was also gifted with bilocation. On several occasions, he was reported to be simultaneously preaching in different towns. Witnesses described him as appearing in two places with identical fervor and clarity. This miraculous gift allowed him to spread the Gospel more effectively across regions where he was deeply loved and revered. Saint Catherine de’ Ricci (1522–1590) A Dominican tertiary, Saint Catherine de’ Ricci is celebrated for her mystical experiences, including the stigmata and bilocation. Her gift of bilocation was often exercised to counsel people in distant locations. One famous instance involved her simultaneous presence in her convent in Prato and with a sick relative far away, offering comfort and prayers. Catherine’s extraordinary ability drew admiration from many, including prominent figures in the Church, who testified to her spiritual gifts. Saint Drogo (1105–1186) Saint Drogo, the patron saint of shepherds and the physically afflicted, led a life of extreme penance and solitude. Despite his reclusive lifestyle, accounts of his bilocation surfaced when he was seen tending sheep in two distant locations simultaneously. His humility and detachment from worldly concerns allowed him to live fully in service to God, making him a vessel for such miraculous phenomena. Saint Felice of Nicosia (1715–1787) Felice of Nicosia, another Capuchin friar, was known for his profound humility and dedication to serving the poor. Eyewitnesses claimed to see him working in the friary while also visiting the sick in nearby villages at the same time. His bilocation was a reflection of his intense love for the suffering and his desire to serve wherever he was needed most. Saint Gerard Majella (1726–1755) Saint Gerard, the patron saint of mothers and unborn children, was a Redemptorist brother with numerous miraculous gifts, including bilocation. He was once seen simultaneously attending to the sick in one location while assisting in the construction of a monastery in another. His bilocation highlighted his ceaseless dedication to helping others, regardless of physical limitations. Saint John Joseph of the Cross (1654–1739) A Franciscan friar, Saint John Joseph of the Cross, was known for his ascetic lifestyle and mystical experiences. Reports of his bilocation often involved him assisting his fellow friars during times of need, appearing to them to provide spiritual guidance and comfort. His supernatural ability underscored his deep union with God and his commitment to the Franciscan community. Saint Padre Pio (1887–1968) Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, perhaps the most well-documented case of bilocation in modern times, exhibited this gift throughout his life. Numerous testimonies recount him appearing in distant locations while physically remaining in his monastery. For example, during World War II, soldiers reported seeing him on battlefields, urging them to repent and seek God. His bilocation often served as a means to bring comfort, conversion, and faith to those in need. Saint Peter Regalatus (1390–1456) A Franciscan reformer and mystic, Saint Peter Regalatus was gifted with bilocation during his tireless work of renewing the Franciscan Order. Witnesses claimed he appeared simultaneously in his monastery and in a nearby church, engaging in prayer and spiritual counsel. This miraculous phenomenon was seen as an extension of his deep spiritual life and profound commitment to his vocation. Saint Verolus of Marcenay (6th Century) Though less known than others on this list, Saint Verolus of Marcenay is remembered for his holiness and miraculous abilities, including bilocation. Accounts from his contemporaries describe his simultaneous presence at the monastery and in distant villages, where he ministered to the poor and sick. His life serves as a testament to God’s power working through humble servants. Reflection on Bilocation The gift of bilocation remains a profound mystery, often associated with intense sanctity and selflessness. These saints and blesseds remind us of the limitless possibilities of God’s grace. Their lives demonstrate that divine intervention can manifest in extraordinary ways to further the mission of the Church and inspire the faithful. May these saints intercede for us, that we too may grow in holiness and serve others with unwavering dedication, even if only in one place at a time.

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How to bless your home with Epiphany chalk

Mother & Refuge011 mins

ach year around the feast of the Epiphany many parishes throughout the world participate in an annual blessing of chalk. It is an ancient tradition that not only places God at the entrance of your home, it places your entire family under his protection.   The Epiphany blessing of chalk and homes is a centuries old tradition where priests would visit each home in their parish after the Feast of the Epiphany. Over time it became more difficult to accomplish such a feat as parishes became larger and larger and priests were stretched thin. For this reason it became an accepted tradition that a member of the household is able to lead this blessing in place of the priest. The blessing has biblical roots, deeply tied to the Passover in the book of Exodus. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt … “take some of the blood [of the lamb], and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat them. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it … The blood shall be a sign for you, upon the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall fall upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:1-13 It is no coincidence that the Epiphany blessing is traditionally written on the lintel of the main doorway and even some of the prayers echo God’s words of protection that he gave to Moses. While the Epiphany blessing was not given in the same manner as it was to Moses, the Church provides it for our own spiritual benefit. The Church desires our salvation and so gives us beautiful sacramentals to assist us along the path to Eternal Life.   Traditionally a priest blesses chalk on the Feast of the Epiphany by saying the following prayer (from the Roman Ritual): Bless, + O Lord God, this creature, chalk, and let it be a help to mankind. Grant that those who will use it with faith in your most holy name, and with it inscribe on the doors of their homes the names of your saints, Casper, Melchior, and Baltassar, may through their merits and intercession enjoy health in body and protection of soul; through Christ our Lord.   The chalk is then distributed after Mass. If your local parish does not administer such a blessing, inquire around and see if any neighboring parishes do. Parishioners then take the chalk home and use it while invoking God’s blessing upon their home. It is a beautiful blessing, one that brings many graces upon those who practice it in faith and is an added protection against any spiritual enemies that may be lurking around.   How to bless your home with Epiphany chalk Once you acquire the blessed chalk, either a priest or another member of the household can bless the home in the following manner (adapted from the Roman Ritual): Upon entering the house [or at the front door]: Priest/Head of Household: Peace be to this house.All: And to all who dwell herein.Priest: From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts: gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial.   During the Magnificat, the room is sprinkled with holy water and incensed. All: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Saviorfor he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed:the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear himin every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm,he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israelfor he remembered his promise of mercy,the promise he made to our fathers,to Abraham and his children forever. After this is completed:   All: From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts: gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Priest: Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead and lead us not into temptation,All: But deliver us from evil.Priest: All they from Saba shall comeAll: Bringing gold and frankincense.Priest: O Lord, hear my prayer.All: And let my cry come unto Thee. Priest:Let us pray. O God, who by the guidance of a star didst on this day manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we who know Thee by faith may also attain the vision of Thy glorious majesty. Through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.Priest: Be enlightened, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee– Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary.All: And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light and kings in the splendor of thy rising, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee. Priest: Let us pray. Bless, O Lord God almighty, this home, that in it there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness and mercy, the fulfillment of Thy law, the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein. Through Christ our Lord.All: Amen. After the prayers of the blessing are recited, walk through the…

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Is sleep paralysis a spiritual attack? How to Overcome it?

Mother & Refuge06 mins

Sleep paralysis can be a very scary thing. In it, you know you’re asleep, you try to wake up, but you can’t. It’s often accompanied by an irrational feeling of utter terror, and sometimes images of figures in black cloaks. Many cultures have developed supernatural explanations for sleep paralysis. In China, it’s called mèng yǎn, “ghost pressing on body.” In some Muslim countries, it’s associated with an evil djinn. In Africa, it’s called “the witch riding your back.” However, there is an entirely physiological explanation for the phenomenon known as sleep paralysis. As we fall asleep, our minds may enter a hypnagogic state. It’s what happens when the sleeper’s still-aware mind is faced with dream images. As some people wake up, they experience a hypnopompic state, which is the dreaming mind faced with stimuli from the real world. In both cases, the dreams can seem very real, taking on a vivid, hallucinatory feeling. Often these images are of black smudges, which the confused mind interprets as human figures, sometimes called “shadow people.” The hallucinations can also take the form of sounds like a loud bang or a child’s cry. These episodes frequently begin with a falling feeling followed by a “hypnic jerk” where the body’s muscles violently contract. One of the scarier experiences with sleep paralysis is the inclusion of lucid dreaming and false awakening. The sleeper recognizes he’s asleep and tries to wake up. He opens his eyes in relief, but soon realizes he’s still asleep. This can go on for some time, sometimes resulting in an actual awareness of his real surroundings—the pressure of the covers, the light of the room beyond his eyelids—but still the inability to fully waken. That awareness can slip away again, returning the sleeper to the hallucinations. Muscle paralysis in sleep is a necessary thing. People who act out their dreams on a regular basis are prone to accidental injury—even jumping out of windows. Knowing that you’re asleep and paralyzed, however, can be frightening. You tell yourself to open your eyes, just to get caught in another false awakening. One theory is that sleep paralysis affects the larger parts of the body more completely. You can try to wake up by wiggling your toes or fingers. It’s also possible to pray during this time. This will often give comfort that lets you fall back into unconsciousness. You may be able to avoid sleep paralysis by getting sufficient rest and avoiding drugs and alcohol. In probably the vast majority of cases, sleep paralysis is just a quirk in a person’s REM cycle, not a spiritual attack. At the same time, there is no denying that demons can and do attack us. It seems plausible, then, that demons can and do attack us while we sleep. In the Gospels, several instances of demonic attack involved clear physical symptoms. So, it is possible that a demonic attack could result in symptoms resembling sleep paralysis. Whatever the case, we have a God who watches over us, whether we are awake or asleep (1 John 4:4). “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).   Read more… https://youtu.be/ibvjxIQQLJs

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Couldn’t you watch with me one hour? How to Pray a Holy Hour, a Minute-by-Minute Guide

Mother & Refuge07 mins

To pray a holy hour, all you need is a tabernacle with a lit sanctuary lamp, a Bible, and perhaps a Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (available online). Three Rules 1.  Be Silent. Don’t rattle prayers or silently review stresses. Be still exteriorly and interiorly. 2.  Be Attentive. It’s not simply a reading hour — reading should be an entry-point to prayer. 3.  Be Alert. Sit, stand, or kneel respectfully. Quick tip: If you get sleepy, stand up! Minute-by-Minute There is no one way to pray a holy hour. The following might help if you get lost in the hour, but feel free to reconfigure it to suit your needs. :00-:05 – Begin First 5 Minutes: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you, then make acts of faith, hope and charity. Tell God how you believe, trust and love him. Ask for more faith, hope and love. Quick tip: There are great prayers to the Holy Spirit and Acts of Faith, Hope and Love in the Compendium. :05-:15 – Adoration Next 10 Minutes: Adore God. He holds the universe like a seed in the palm of his hand. He is all powerful, all good, more beautiful than we can imagine, and more real than the small things that we grasp so easily. Imagine Christ sitting with you. Tell him: “Oh my God, I adore your divine greatness from the depths of my littleness; you are so great, and I am so small.” or “Glory be …” Repeat as long as necessary. Quick Tip: Try the Te Deum in the Compendium. Scriptural helps for adoration—Exodus 33:18-23; Song of Songs 2:8-17;  Matthew 2:1-11; John 1:1-18;  Colossians 1:15-20; Philippians, 2:6-11. :15-:25 – Contrition Next 10 Minutes: Offer reparation. It’s not your love for God, but his for you that saves. Examine your conscience. Offer reparation for the sins of the world. Pray: “Oh my Jesus, I am so sorry. Forgive me.” (Imagine Jesus on the cross; kiss each wound.) Quick tip: Scriptures for contrition—1Corinthians 13:4-7; Colossians 3:5-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; James 3:2-12; 1 John 1:5-2:6; Penitential Psalms: 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 142. :25-:40 – Meditation Next 15 Minutes: Contemplate God’s action. You may wish to meditatively pray the Stations of the Cross or a Rosary. Or: Scriptural meditation. Read a brief Gospel passage. Imagine the scene. Notice Christ’s reactions. Think of three ways the passage applies to your own life. Meditate on each line. Doctrinal meditation. Read Scripture or Catechism passages that apply to a doctrine of the Church. Appreciate God’s plan and find ways it applies to you. (Perhaps: Sun, Resurrection; Mon, Incarnation; Tues, Mercy/con­fession; Wed, Holy Spirit; Thurs, Eucharist; Fri, Passion; Sat., Mary). Life meditation. Or, deepening your examination of conscience, look at your own life. Which kind of pride do you most fall into? Selfishness (valuing yourself most), Vanity (valuing others opinions most), Sensuality (valuing comforts most). Pray for the opposite virtues: Charity (serving others first), Fidelity (putting Christ’s opinion first), Discipline (accepting your crosses). :40-:50 – Thanksgiving Next 10 Minutes: Express gratitude for all God’s gifts. He didn’t just create you, he sustains your existence out of love in every moment. Thank him for literally everything, and be specific: food, shelter, clothing, health, family, friends, teachers, coworkers, home, and most of all spiritual gifts — faith, hope, love, this time of prayer, the Catholic faith, the disciples who reached you. Thank God for answers to prayer. Thank him for crosses. Thank him for creating you and caring so much for you that he died for you. Quick tip: Scriptures for thanksgiving – Genesis 1; Genesis 8:15-22; Job 1:13-22; Daniel 3:46 ff.; Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 17:11-19; Psalms: 8, 65, 66, 100, 111. :50-:55 – Petition God Next 5 Minutes: Ask God for what you and others need. He is the king of the universe. He’s in control, even when it isn’t obvious. Pray for: The Church, the pope’s intentions, for those who are suffering, for priests and bishops, for religious, for vocations, for your country, your family, for what you need most in the spiritual life. Pray for peace and the protection of the institution of the family. Pray for those who have asked for prayers. :55-1:00 Final 5 Minutes: Make a resolution to act on a light of the Holy Spirit you received: something doable and checkable. Read more…

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Is 11.11 Wishing a Form of Idolatry?

Mother & Refuge01 mins

Basically, the definition of wish is a desire for something. Under that definition, even Jesus Christ expressed wishes at times: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!” (Lk 13:34). Sometimes people express the hope that they have that certain wishes will be granted by stating the wish while doing some specific act (e.g., blowing out candles, watching a shooting star, pitching coins into a fountain). Unless there is a belief that the action will magically bring about the wish, which most people do not entertain, there is no superstition involved (cf. CCC 2111). Certainly, there is no idolatry.

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An Essential Guide to Catholic Meditation

Mother & Refuge026 mins

What Is Meditation and How Does It Benefit Catholics? At its most basic definition, meditation is a method that helps people relax. When you meditate, you intentionally breathe deeper and relax your muscles. Your racing thoughts will calm down, and for a moment, the busyness of life comes to a halt. It’s just you and the peace of the moment. Let’s face it — life can be pretty hectic at times. Some people are unaware of how stressed they are until they finally have a moment of peace and quiet. But the truth is that you’re only human. It’s only through engaging in a healthy dose of self-care that you can care for others. Meditation is a way that people around the world care for themselves. Meditation deactivates the sympathetic nervous system, one of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is the part of you that controls unconscious operations like sweating and other functions that prepare your body for physical activity. Of these functions, the most noticeable when it kicks in is what’s called the “fight or flight” response. Your body can enter fight or flight mode for various reasons. It can result from perceived dangers, which are dangers that only exist in your mind. These can stem from past traumas or self-made worries. Your body can also enter a state of fight or flight from actual, present circumstances that happen unexpectedly. The purpose of meditation is to help you exit from this state of fight or flight. Your body and mind will calm down, and you’ll be able to think more clearly again. But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll see in the next section how Catholic meditation differs from traditional meditation. For now, know that meditation is a means of calming down and finding peace during life’s stressful moments. Catholics are susceptible to the stresses of life like everyone else. Meditation has many benefits for Catholics, including the following: Reduced anxiety: Whether your anxiety stems from a real or perceived threat, Catholic meditation can help you regain your confidence. Remember that God’s will for you is good, as He promises in Jeremiah 29:11. He is with you every step of the way. Greater awareness of the present moment: Meditation can help recenter you. Life is busy and can have you going from one thing to the next without a moment’s pause. Eventually, you could feel like your life is out of control. Carving out time to meditate can help ground you so you’re more invested in your current moment. Trust that God has control over your circumstances, according to Proverbs 19:21. Increased sense of peace and wellbeing: When you meditate in a way that draws you closer to God, you can feel greater peace knowing that you’re spending time with Him. Be thankful for your relationship with God and let the peace of Christ found in Colossians 3:15 guide your heart. But are there different types of Catholic meditation? What is Catholic meditation like compared to other forms of meditation? To reap the benefits listed above, you need to be sure you’re meditating properly and understand how it differs from traditional meditation. How Does Catholic Meditation Differ From Traditional Meditation? When talking about religion in a broad sense, the topic of meditation will likely come up. Even non-church-goers will sometimes mention meditation in passing, but it could leave you wondering what they are talking about. Couple this with your priest mentioning meditation during mass, and you could be left wondering if he’s talking about the same thing. Can anyone meditate, and does everyone who practices meditation do it the same way? The act of meditation may even carry some negative connotations in specific contexts. Perhaps you’ve heard that meditation is a bad thing, that it empties your mind and moves you further from God. Maybe you’ve heard that only new-age religions allow meditation and that Catholics avoid meditation. This is traditional meditation — meditation that causes the meditator to look inward and close themselves off from other forces, including God. Catholic meditation is different. When you hear your priest talk about meditation, he’s talking about a form of prayer meditation that fills the mind with thoughts of God and your relationship with Him. Catholic meditative prayer brings you closer to God. It fills your mind with thoughts of Christ and His work in your life instead of emptying your mind from all thoughts. Catholic meditation encourages engagement. It demands concentration and intention. It fosters divine inspiration and prayers that you can offer up to your Heavenly Father. And the Bible even talks about it, so you know the practice is rooted in scripture. Psalm 1:2 says blessed is the person who meditates on the law of the Lord instead of walking in the counsel of the wicked. When you meditate, you’re shielding yourself from evil thoughts and instead focusing on God and what He wants to say to you at that moment. Catholic meditation helps you grow as a believer and spend time with God, investing in your relationship with Him. 6 Steps to Meditating as a Catholic Now that you know what Catholic meditation is, you may be wondering how to practice it yourself. Like other disciplines, it will take practice and time to become experienced. Catholic meditation may feel challenging at first, but you can become more comfortable with it the more you practice it. Here are six steps to help get you started meditating as a Catholic.   1. Prepare and Open in Prayer It’s essential to prepare for your time of meditation. If you can, give yourself plenty of time to prepare before beginning. Try to leave the worries and cares of life behind as you approach this sacred time between you and God. And be sure to bring your Bible, as your time in meditation should be rooted in the Word of God. Pick the passage you intend to read before meditating to limit time spent leafing through the pages looking for something to read. Approach the experience…

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Why Sr. Lucia did not see the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima

Mother & Refuge02 mins

While a large group of people witnessed the sun “dance” on October 13, 1917 near Fatima, Portugal, the three shepherd children did not see the miracle. Sr. Lucia explains in her memoirs that the visionaries saw a different apparition. After our Lady had disappeared into the immense distance of the firmament, we beheld St. Joseph with the Child Jesus and Our Lady robed in white with a blue mantle, beside the sun. St. Joseph and the Child Jesus seemed to bless the world, for they traced the Sign of the Cross with their hands. When, a little later, this apparition disappeared, I saw Our Lord and Our Lady; it seemed to me to that it was Our Lady of Sorrows (Dolors). Our Lord appeared to bless the world in the same manner as St. Joseph had done. This apparition also vanished, and I saw Our Lady once more, this time resembling Our Lady of Carmel.   This vision was only seen by the children, while the crowd was witnessing the sun “dance.” It is believed that the “dancing sun” was meant to inspire belief in the unbelieving crowd, while Our Lady had a different message for the visionaries. Read more…  

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