February 16, 2025

Miracles

The Apparition of St. Raphael in Córdoba, Spain (16th Century)

Mother & Refuge04 mins

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! 🙌

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The Miracle of Our Lady of Zeitoun: A Marian Apparition Seen by Thousands in Egypt

Mother & Refuge012 mins

The Miracle of Our Lady of Zeitoun: A Marian Apparition Seen by Thousands Introduction The Blessed Virgin Mary has been known to appear throughout history, often bringing messages of peace, conversion, and hope. One of the most extraordinary Marian apparitions took place in Zeitoun, Egypt, between 1968 and 1971. This remarkable event is unique because it was witnessed by people of all faiths and backgrounds, including Christians, Muslims, Jews, and even skeptics. Over the span of three years, thousands of individuals claimed to see Our Lady appear above St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, radiating light and performing signs that left an indelible mark on Egypt and the world. The Historical Context The Zeitoun apparitions occurred during a time of political and social tension in Egypt. The country had recently experienced the Six-Day War of 1967, which left it reeling from loss and uncertainty. For many, faith in the divine was a source of solace amid turmoil. Zeitoun, a bustling district in Cairo, was home to a diverse population, including a significant number of Christians who worshipped at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church. According to tradition, the church was built on a site where the Holy Family rested during their flight into Egypt, making it a spiritually significant location for Christians. Little did the world know that this small church would become the stage for a miracle that would captivate millions. The First Apparition On the evening of April 2, 1968, a group of Muslim workers noticed a luminous figure standing on the domes of St. Mary’s Church. At first, they thought it was a nun, but her radiant appearance quickly dispelled that notion. As word spread, a crowd began to gather. Among them were Christians and Muslims alike, drawn by curiosity and reverence. The figure was described as a woman bathed in light, dressed in a flowing white robe with a blue mantle. Witnesses immediately identified her as the Virgin Mary. She stood silently, her hands outstretched in a gesture of blessing, sometimes accompanied by a dove or surrounded by a halo of light. For many, this was a clear sign of divine intervention. The apparition lasted for several minutes before disappearing, leaving the onlookers in awe. This event marked the beginning of a series of appearances that would continue intermittently for three years. Eyewitness Accounts What sets the Zeitoun apparitions apart from other Marian miracles is the sheer number of witnesses. Estimates suggest that over a million people saw Our Lady during the three years of her appearances. These included Christians, Muslims, atheists, and skeptics. Unlike other apparitions, which are often limited to a select few visionaries, the phenomenon in Zeitoun was visible to anyone present. Eyewitness accounts describe the Virgin Mary as a luminous, ethereal figure who sometimes moved across the church’s domes, as if walking. She was often seen accompanied by heavenly phenomena, such as doves of light that flew without flapping their wings, bright stars, or clouds of incense-like mist. People claimed to feel an overwhelming sense of peace and joy in her presence, and many fell to their knees in prayer. One striking aspect of the Zeitoun apparitions is the consistency of descriptions across diverse groups of witnesses. Muslims referred to her as “Our Lady” or “The Blessed Virgin” and viewed her appearance as a divine sign, with some interpreting it as a message of interfaith unity and peace. For Christians, it was a powerful affirmation of Mary’s role as the Mother of God. Miraculous Healings and Conversions The apparitions were also accompanied by numerous reported miracles, particularly healings. People suffering from chronic illnesses, blindness, paralysis, and other ailments claimed to be cured after witnessing the Virgin Mary or praying at the site. These healings were often verified by doctors, adding to the credibility of the phenomenon. Additionally, many people experienced profound spiritual conversions. Skeptics who came to debunk the event left as believers, while Muslims and non-Christians reported feeling a renewed sense of faith and connection to God. The apparitions seemed to transcend religious boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life. Church and Government Responses The Zeitoun apparitions received swift recognition from the Coptic Orthodox Church. Pope Kyrillos VI, the head of the Coptic Church at the time, appointed a committee to investigate the phenomenon. After thorough examination and interviews with witnesses, the Church declared the apparitions authentic, affirming that they were a divine event. Remarkably, the Egyptian government also supported the claims. The then-President, Gamal Abdel Nasser, a Muslim, visited the site and reportedly witnessed the apparition himself. His government provided security for the crowds and facilitated media coverage of the events. State-run newspapers and television stations reported on the phenomenon, giving it unprecedented visibility. Scientific Investigations The Zeitoun apparitions attracted global attention, including that of scientists and journalists who sought to investigate the phenomenon. Photographs and videos were taken, some of which captured the luminous figure on the church’s domes. Experts examined the possibility of a hoax but found no evidence of artificial lighting or other human intervention. The apparitions remained a mystery, defying scientific explanation. The Message of Zeitoun Unlike many Marian apparitions, the appearances at Zeitoun were silent. The Virgin Mary did not deliver any verbal messages, but her presence spoke volumes. For Christians, it was a reaffirmation of Mary’s role as a mother who intercedes for her children. For Muslims, it was a sign of divine grace and a reminder of Mary’s revered status in Islam. For all who witnessed it, it was a call to unity, prayer, and faith in God. The silence of Our Lady at Zeitoun has been interpreted as a universal message of peace and reconciliation. In a world fractured by conflict and division, her radiant presence served as a reminder of the shared humanity and spiritual longing that unites us all. Legacy and Impact The apparitions of Our Lady of Zeitoun continue to inspire millions around the world. St. Mary’s Church in Zeitoun remains a pilgrimage site, attracting visitors who seek…

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Time Travelling Confirmed! Time Travel for Beginners (for Catholics only!)

Mother & Refuge09 mins

By K.V. Turley (NC Register) Who has not dreamt of time travel? My version of this came one day in an out of the way bookstore some years back. Browsing the shelves of used books is always interesting. Often, the more shabby the emporium, the rarer the gems to be found there. Such was the case that day. I spied a book on the French Revolution – a set text at school, and taking it from the shelf, looked at the cover. It was the first time I’d set eyes upon the volume in decades. A host of memories flooded back. On opening it, I noticed a name written on the inside leaf: mine. To look at the writing of one’s younger self provokes a curious cavalcade of emotions. I ran my finger over the signature. Needless to say, I bought the book and took it home and placed it on a shelf. Unsurprisingly, I have never read it, or even glanced at the text since. I have opened it, though, just to look at the signature once more. And, every time I do, I am transported back in time to a day and year when all seemed possible. It’s time travel of a sort – emotionally at least. In 1895, two events related to time travel occurred — one in the realm of literary fiction, the other in the field of scientific theory. In London, the scientist-turned-novelist H.G. Wells was putting the finishing touches to what, in speculative fiction, was to become a seminal novel: The Time Machine. At the same time, in Switzerland, oblivious of Wells’ soon-to-be-published work, there was a daydreaming student who was struggling to complete his education. Later, while working as a clerk, he continued to daydream. His were no ordinary daydreams, however. They were what the young man termed ‘thought experiments’ and one of the subjects upon which he sat thinking was the nature of space and its relationship to time. Ten years later, to the consternation of the scientific establishment, his ‘thought experiments’ crystallized into a strange new theory that seemed to turn accepted Newtonian physics on its head. The clerk’s name was Albert Einstein; and his theory, published in 1905, was on special relativity. It appeared to make viable – theoretically at least – the concept of time travel. Soon, his ideas came to the notice of others, with the first practical experiments in relativity taking place as early as 1919. So too began, for some at least, the challenge to build the world’s first time machine. Of course, no such machine has yet appeared. What is deemed theoretically possible has, to date, proved elusive outside the world of fiction and the studios of Hollywood. In any event, in the 1960 film adaptation of Wells’ The Time Machine, we see all too clearly that the initial thrill of time travel is soon replaced by a morbid sense of where mankind’s future may lie. More 1960s than 1890s, the future as depicted in that film consisted of a post-apocalyptic netherworld inhabited by a divided and joyless bunch of humans and sub-humans. To be fair, when the film was made the world did appear to be only minutes away from atomic annihilation. Perhaps the thinking then was that knowing what the future held was not such a good idea after all. Wells was famously an atheist. It may have come as a surprise to him, therefore, to learn that Catholics take to the concept of time travel not only easily but readily. Wells’ hero time traveled endlessly, backward and forward, in a materialistic universe. We, however, have another set of ‘gears’; and they can take us upwards, inwards, as well as beyond. A form of this time travel, and one central to our faith, the ‘source and summit’ of all we hold dear, is the Holy Mass. By way of explanation, let me point to some interesting passages in the best place to begin any exploration of doctrinal matters: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). The CCC states that the Holy Mass is part of a future event: 1326… by the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all. The CCC goes on to say that it also brings forth a past event: 1330 The Holy Sacrifice… makes present the one sacrifice of Christ the Savior. 1362 The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, the making present and the sacramental offering of his unique sacrifice, in the liturgy of the Church which is his Body. Returning to the beginnings of salvation history, the CCC then recalls the scriptural understanding of remembering the Passover: 1363 In the sense of Sacred Scripture the memorial is not merely the recollection of past events but the proclamation of the mighty works wrought by God for men. In the liturgical celebration of these events, they become in a certain way present and real. This is how Israel understands its liberation from Egypt: every time Passover is celebrated, the Exodus events are made present to the memory of believers so that they may conform their lives to them. The CCC adds that this recalling of the Passover assumes its full meaning in relation to Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary: 1364 In the New Testament, the memorial takes on new meaning. When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she commemorates Christ’s Passover, and it is made present the sacrifice Christ offered once for all on the cross remains ever present. Read More…

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Pray This 9-Hour Novena for an Urgent Need!

Mother & Refuge03 mins

Many Catholics are familiar with the concept of a novena, which involves praying for nine consecutive days for a particular intention. While this is often very effective, some are in need of a more urgent response from God, and turn to a 9-hour novena prayed in a single day. The novena can also be prayed for nine consecutive days, but most pray this for nine hours. There is no guarantee you will get exactly what you are praying for, but God always answers our prayers. It may not be what we expect, but we always receive a response. The key is to pray the 9-hour novena with faith and trust in God, letting God decide how best to respond to your prayer. 9-Hour Novena Prayer   O Jesus, Who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened,” through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted. (Make your request) O Jesus, Who has said, “All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you,” through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your name that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request) O Jesus, Who has said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass away,” through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request) PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and would never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life. Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands. Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honor and praise You, now and forever. Amen. Read More with Aleteia

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Catholic Man Protected His Home From L.A Wildfire Through Epiphany House Blessing

Mother & Refuge02 mins

“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” Psalm 91:7 This Bible verse emphasizes God’s protection and care for those who trust in Him. Amen Catholic man’s house in Altadena miraculously spared from fire. He gives credit to God through the gace received from the Epiphany House Blessing. A Catholic man, who is both a lawyer and a movie producer, blessed his home with Epiphany Chalk and Blessing When a wildfire struck, he evacuated with his family. The following day, he returned to his property to find that his house was the only one spared, standing untouched amidst the surrounding homes that had burned to the ground. This is a Catholic miracle. There are many people who wrongly believe that many of our traditions and prayers are just wishful thinking or even superstition. But faithful Catholics know that there is tremendous  supernatural power in these prayers and traditions. Please know that this in no way implies that everyone whose house burnt is without faith because even Catholic churches were destroyed. However, it also doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t celebrate this miracle.   Read More… https://youtu.be/Ksl_YQR8ekk?si=8WEnTQvcfctDJqH3

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Miracle! St. Padre Pio Provides Long Distance Assistance: St. Padre Pio’s Bilocation Helps a Family

Mother & Refuge014 mins

The Holiness of St. Padre Pio There are a number of reasons for this. Many might cite the fact that he received many extraordinary graces including visions, the stigmata, bilocation, and even miracles attributed to his intercession. However, it should always be noted that Holy Mother Church never raises a man or woman to the altar for extraordinary graces. As proof of that, there are countless saints who were never known to have received any of these extraordinary gifts. Instead, the Church confirms the sanctity of the saints by examining the way that the lived their lives. The primary question which is to be verified during the process of canonization is whether the man or woman lived a life of heroic virtue. In the case, of St. Pio, he certainly lived such a life. Although he spent almost his entire adult life at his friary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, he was able to impact the lives of his fellow friars, his community, and indeed the world through the ministry of his priesthood. In fact, it is through his faithfulness as a priest that St. Pio lived out his life of heroic virtue. First and foremost, he had a deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist which was the center of his day. Then, he gave himself to others through administering the sacrament of Penance. Like, St. John Vianney, he might spend double digit hours a day hearing confessions and providing wise spiritual counsel. Similar to the French saint, he was able to read souls, and he used that gift to help the penitents make good confessions. The long hours in the confessional were due to the crowds that would come to this remote monastery in order to confess their sins to the Lord through St. Pio. St. Pio was also known for his devotion to Our Lady and the Holy Rosary and his concern for the poor. Many, many rosaries were prayed by the saint, and he encouraged his spiritual children to do the same. Through his efforts, a hospital was built in the small town of San Giovanni Rotondo to help the ill and suffering with whom St. Pio was especially close as one who suffered poor health for most of his life.   Two Places at Once: Padre Pio’s Bilocation However, St. Padre Pio’s miracles have spread his repution, and I would like to share a story that demonstrates the awesome gifts that God gave him and he used for the saving of souls. The story begins when Pio was 17 years old and a student in Sant’Elia a Pianisi. At around 11:00 p.m. on the night of January 18, 1905, Pio was in choir at the seminary when he at once found himself in a distant home he had neither visited nor seen. The home was the home of a wealthy man who was dying while the wife was about to give birth. Then the Virgin Mary appeared to him and told him that she was entrusting to him the care of the child to be born. The Blessed Virgin Mary requested that Pio polish her to transform her from a diamond in the rough to be a brilliant gem. Pio replied, “How is this possible, since I am still a mere divinity student and do not yet know whether I will one day have the fortune and joy of being a priest? And even if I become a priest, how can I take care of this child, since I am so far away?” The Blessed Virgin Mary reassured him saying, “Do not doubt. She will come to you, but first you will meet her at St. Peter’s in Rome.” Then, Pio found himself back in the choir. Within three weeks of the event, Pio wrote down the details of his bilocation and gave the document to his superiors. They kept it locked away and spoke to no one about it. The actual copy of his document is preserved in the friary of Santa Marie delle Grazie. Death, Birth, and a Surprise Visitor On that same January night over 350 miles away in Udine, there was a wealthy man, Giovanni Rizanni, who was dying and whose wife, Leonilde, was in the eighth month of her pregnancy. About the time that she had become pregnant with their sixth child, her husband had become terminally ill. The man was a fervent Mason and he wanted nothing to do with the Catholic Church despite his wife’s strong Catholic faith and her imploring him to allow a priest to visit with him before he passed away. Little did she know how her prayers would be answered. When she was in the room with her husband, she looked up to see a Capuchin friar. When the friar saw her, he quickly left the room. Leonilde followed him out of the room but did not seen him again. While trying to locate the friar, she heard the family dog begin to bay which she understood as a sign that her husband’s death was nigh. Because the dog continue to bay, she decided to go outside and untie the dog. Before she could get outside she went into labor. Fortunately, she was able to call the family’s business manager who was at the home, and he helped her deliver a baby girl. As soon as she could, the wife took the baby upstairs to the nursery where she placed the child in the crib and then rejoined her husband who was indeed nearing the end. Meanwhile the business manager went outside and confronted the group of Masons who were physically preventing any priest from entering the home. Appealing to them, he convinced them to let the priest enter if not for the husband than to baptize the child who had been born a month early. The men blocking the entrance to the home stepped aside, and a priest who had been waiting patiently in the street went immediately…

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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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I met a miracle : the story of John Traynor, miraculously cured at Lourdes

Mother & Refuge09 mins

The Astonishing Miracle of John Traynor: From Broken Veteran to Lourdes Pilgrim On September 10, 1937, Reverend Patrick O’Connor, a missionary of St. Columban, found himself face-to-face with a miracle in the bustling railway station of a French town. That miracle had a name—John Traynor. Towering at five feet ten, with a strong ruddy face and a burly frame, Traynor’s presence stood out. Yet, his mere ability to stand and move, let alone his robust health, was nothing short of miraculous. Years earlier, medical science had written him off as an incurable wreck, destined to remain paralyzed, epileptic, and riddled with unhealing wounds. But by God’s grace, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, John Traynor defied the laws of nature. His story, painstakingly verified by newspaper accounts, official medical reports, and eyewitness testimonies, is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the miraculous power of Lourdes. John Traynor’s Early Life and Military Service Born in Liverpool to Irish parents, John Traynor grew up in a home steeped in Catholic faith. His mother, a devout daily communicant, left him a legacy of deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. When World War I erupted in 1914, Traynor was mobilized with the Royal Naval Reserve. During the ill-fated Antwerp expedition, he was severely injured, suffering a head wound from shrapnel. Although he miraculously recovered and returned to duty, his service took him to Gallipoli in 1915, where his life would change forever. At Gallipoli, Traynor faced one of the deadliest battles of the war. Leading men through relentless gunfire, he was struck by machine-gun bullets that wounded his chest, head, and right arm. Despite the bravery that earned him the respect of his comrades, these injuries left him permanently disabled. His right arm was paralyzed, his legs partly immobile, and his skull bore a gaping hole where shrapnel had damaged his brain. Frequent epileptic fits compounded his suffering. By 1923, eight years after Gallipoli, he was declared incurably incapacitated by no less than ten doctors. A Pilgrimage of Faith In July 1923, news of a diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes reached Traynor. Despite his critical condition, he resolved to make the journey, trusting in the Blessed Virgin’s intercession. His decision faced stiff resistance. Doctors warned he would likely die en route, and even the priest organizing the pilgrimage begged him to reconsider. Traynor, however, remained steadfast. “If I die, I’ll die in a good cause,” he said. With the help of neighbors, Traynor scraped together the funds for the trip, even pawning his wife’s few pieces of jewelry. Against all odds, and amid protests from family, friends, and doctors, he embarked on the arduous journey to Lourdes. The pilgrimage itself was grueling. Traynor, severely weakened, suffered multiple epileptic fits and hemorrhages along the way. At several points, attendants feared he wouldn’t survive the journey. Upon arrival in Lourdes, his condition remained critical. Yet, despite the odds, Traynor insisted on participating in all devotions, including being bathed in the waters of the Grotto spring. The Miracle at Lourdes On July 25, 1923, Traynor was wheeled to the baths for what seemed to be his final attempt at healing. His legs, long paralyzed, suddenly began to move violently. Those attending him feared another epileptic seizure. When he was placed in the bath, Traynor experienced a surge of strength. Later that day, during the Blessed Sacrament procession, Archbishop of Rheims blessed him with the monstrance. At that moment, Traynor realized something extraordinary. His right arm, paralyzed since 1915, began to move. The atrophied muscles regained life, and he was able to make the sign of the cross for the first time in years. He stood up, walked unaided, and felt his body restored. His wounds healed, his strength returned, and the epileptic fits ceased completely. The paralytic, the man declared incurable by doctors, was whole again. Medical Verification and the Testimony of Faith Traynor’s healing wasn’t just a matter of personal testimony. His case was thoroughly examined by six doctors, including specialists from England, France, and Belgium. Their official report confirmed the permanence of his cure. The Catholic Medical Bureau in Lourdes declared it a genuine miracle, attributing his recovery to divine intervention through the intercession of Our Lady. What makes Traynor’s story even more compelling is his character. Far from seeking fame, he remained humble, deeply devoted to his faith, and committed to living as a fearless Catholic. His miraculous healing inspired countless others, becoming a beacon of hope for those who suffer and a testament to the power of prayer. Legacy of a Miracle John Traynor’s journey from a broken veteran to a living miracle is a story of unwavering faith and God’s boundless mercy. It reminds us of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s loving intercession and the grace available through the sacraments and devotions of the Church. Today, Traynor’s story continues to inspire Catholics worldwide, a powerful reminder that no matter how dire our circumstances, God’s healing hand can work wonders when we trust in Him. As the Reverend Patrick O’Connor, who documented Traynor’s story, aptly said: “It was a grace to hear and a duty to recall.” Indeed, the miracle of John Traynor remains a profound testament to the enduring power of faith.  

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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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Michael H. Brown on the Vatican’s Historic Medjugorje Approval!

Mother & Refuge01 mins

Join Michael Brown live to breakdown the latest on the momentous Medjugorje approval. ‘The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, with the assent of Pope Francis, grants approval for devotion linked to Medjugorje, recognizing the abundant spiritual fruits received at the Sanctuary of the Queen of Peace without making a declaration on the alleged supernatural’

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