December 17, 2024

Meditations

The Miracles of Saint Nicholas: A Testimony of Faith and Compassion

Mother & Refuge08 mins

Saint Nicholas of Myra, beloved bishop and wonderworker of the early Church, is celebrated not only for his profound acts of generosity but also for the miracles that attest to his sanctity. Known as a defender of the poor, protector of the innocent, and intercessor for the faithful, his life and deeds have inspired countless generations. Below, we delve deeper into some of the most remarkable miracles attributed to this holy man, accompanied by prayers and reflections to honor his memory. The Miracle of the Dowry In the ancient city of Patara, where Nicholas was born, there lived a once-wealthy man who had fallen into poverty. Unable to provide dowries for his three daughters, the man despaired, fearing they would be forced into servitude or worse. Learning of their plight, Nicholas resolved to help without drawing attention to himself. Under the cover of night, he secretly tossed a bag of gold through their window—enough for the eldest daughter’s dowry. On subsequent nights, he repeated the act for the second and third daughters. This miracle exemplifies Saint Nicholas’s humility and his dedication to aiding those in need. It also serves as the foundation for the tradition of secret gift-giving in his honor. Prayer: O holy Nicholas, patron of the poor and defender of the downtrodden, teach us to give with a generous and humble heart. May we, through your intercession, find joy in aiding others and spreading God’s love. The Calming of the Storm As the patron saint of sailors, Saint Nicholas is credited with numerous miracles at sea. One of the most famous occurred when sailors caught in a terrible storm invoked his name, praying for deliverance. Nicholas appeared to them, either in a vision or in person, and calmed the raging seas, guiding their ship safely to port. This miracle reflects not only his power as an intercessor but also the trust the faithful place in him as a protector. Prayer: Holy Father Nicholas, protector of those who traverse the waters, calm the storms of our lives as you did the seas. Guide us safely through the tempests of this world to the eternal harbor of Christ’s love. The Resurrection of the Innocent One of the more harrowing tales associated with Saint Nicholas involves his miraculous intervention in the case of three children who had been murdered by a wicked innkeeper. According to tradition, the man had killed the children and preserved their remains in barrels of brine. Nicholas, guided by divine insight, exposed the crime and prayed over the children, restoring them to life. This miracle solidified his reputation as a guardian of children and protector of innocence, themes that resonate deeply in his veneration. Prayer: Blessed Nicholas, champion of the innocent, guard the hearts of all children and deliver them from harm. Through your prayers, may justice and mercy prevail in our lives. The Miracle of the Grain During a severe famine in Myra, Saint Nicholas interceded on behalf of his starving flock. He approached sailors docked in the city’s harbor, who were transporting grain to the Emperor in Constantinople. Though they initially refused his request, fearing imperial punishment, Nicholas assured them that their cargo would remain intact. Remarkably, after sharing their grain with the townspeople, the sailors discovered that their shipment was undiminished. This miracle not only reveals Saint Nicholas’s compassion but also his ability to inspire faith and courage in others. Prayer: Saint Nicholas, provider for the hungry and advocate for the poor, help us to trust in God’s providence. May we, like you, be instruments of His abundance. The Legacy of Intercession Beyond these well-known miracles, Saint Nicholas’s intercessions have been invoked for countless other needs. Pilgrims visiting his relics in Bari, Italy, often report miraculous healings and spiritual renewal. His incorrupt relics exude a fragrant myrrh, known as “Manna of Saint Nicholas,” believed to have healing properties. Such wonders remind the faithful of his continued presence and advocacy in the heavenly court. Liturgical Hymn (Troparion): The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved. Reflections on the Life of Saint Nicholas The miracles of Saint Nicholas, deeply rooted in acts of compassion and justice, offer timeless lessons. His life encourages us to: Embrace Humility: Like Nicholas, we are called to serve others without seeking recognition. Act with Courage: Whether calming storms or confronting wrongdoing, Nicholas showed that faith emboldens us to act righteously. Trust in Divine Providence: The miracle of the grain reminds us that God provides for all needs when we act in faith. Closing Prayer O glorious Saint Nicholas, faithful servant of Christ and fervent intercessor, we turn to you in prayer. Inspire us to live lives of charity and faith, as you did. Be our advocate before the throne of God, that we may one day rejoice with you in His eternal kingdom. Amen.  

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Make a ‘Good’ Confession This Christmas: A Confession Guide for Adults | Preparing Your Heart for Christ’s Nativity

Mother & Refuge017 mins

1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before me.-Do I give God time every day in prayer?-Do I seek to love Him with my whole heart?-Have I been involved with superstitious practices or have I been involved with the occult?-Do I seek to surrender myself to God´s word as taught by the Church?-Have I ever received communion in the state of mortal sin?-Have I ever deliberately told a lie in Confession or have I withheld a mortal sin from the priest in Confession?-Are there other “gods” in my life? Money, Security, Power, People, etc.? 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.-Have I used God´s name in vain: lightly or carelessly?-Have I been angry with God?-Have I wished evil upon any other person?-Have I insulted a sacred person or abused a sacred object? 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord´s Day.-Have I deliberately missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation?-Have I tried to observe Sunday as a family day and a day of rest?-Do I do needless work on Sunday? 4. Honor your father and your mother.-Do I honor and obey my parents?-Have I neglected my duties to my spouse and children?-Have I given my family good religious example?-Do I try to bring peace into my home life?-Do I care for my aged and infirm relatives? 5. You shall not kill.-Have I had an abortion or encouraged or helped anyone to have an abortion?-Have I physically harmed anyone?-Have I abused alcohol or drugs?-Did I give scandal to anyone, thereby leading him or her into sin?-Have I been angry or resentful?-Have I harbored hatred in my heart?-Have I mutilated myself through any form of sterilization?-Have I encouraged or condoned sterilization?-Have I engaged, in any way, in sins against humanlife such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization?-Have I participated in or approved of euthanasia? 6. You shall not commit adultery.-Have I been faithful to my marriage vows in thought and action?-Have I engaged in any sexual activity outside of marriage?-Have I used any method of contraception or artificial birth control in my marriage?-Has each sexual act in my marriage been open to the transmission of new life?-Have I been guilty of masturbation?-Do I seek to control my thoughts and imaginations?-Have I respected all members of the opposite sex, or have I thought of other people as mere objects?-Have I been guilty of any homosexual activity?-Do I seek to be chaste in my thoughts, words,actions?-Am I careful to dress modestly? 7. You shall not steal.-Have I stolen what is not mine?-Have I returned or made restitution for what I have stolen?-Do I waste time at work, school, and home?-Do I gamble excessively, thereby denying my family of their needs?-Do I pay my debts promptly?-Do I seek to share what I have with the poor?-Have I cheated anyone out of what is justly theirs, for example creditors, insurance companies, big corporations? 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.-Have I lied? Have I gossiped?-Do I speak badly of others behind their back?-Am I sincere in my dealings with others?-Am I critical, negative or uncharitable in my thoughts of others?-Do I keep secret what should be kept confidential?-Have I injured the reputation of others by slanders? 9. You shall not desire your neighbor´s wife.-Have I consented to impure thoughts?-Have I caused them by impure reading, movies, television, conversation or curiosity?-Do I pray at once to banish impure thoughts and temptations?-Have I behaved in an inappropriate way with members of the opposite sex: flirting, being superficial, etc.? 10. You shall not desire your neighbor´s goods.-Am I jealous of what other people have?-Do I envy the families or possessions of others?-Am I greedy or selfish?-Are material possessions the purpose of my life? A GUIDE TO CONFESSION How to go to Confession 1. You always have the option to go to confession anonymously, that is, behind a screen or face to face, if you so desire. 2. After the priest greets you in the name of Christ, make the sign of the cross. He may choose to recite a reading from Scripture, after which you say: “Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been (state how long) since my last confession. These are my sins.” 3. Tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest. You might even want to discuss the circumstances and the root causes of your sins and ask the priest for advice or direction. 4. Listen to the advice the priest gives you and accept the penance from him. Then make an Act of Contrition for your sins. 5. The priest will then dismiss you with the words of praise: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. You respond: “For His mercy endures forever.” The priest will then conclude with:”The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.” And you respond by saying: “Thanks be to God.” 6. Spend some time with Our Lord thanking and praising Him for the gift of His mercy. Try to perform your penance as soon as possible. PRAYER BEFORE CONFESSIONO most merciful God! Prostrate at your feet, I implore your forgiveness. I sincerely desire to leave all my evil ways and to confess my sins with all sincerity to you and to your priest. I am a sinner, have mercy on me, O Lord. Give me a lively faith and a firm hope in the Passion of my Redeemer. Give me, for your mercy´s sake a sorrow for having offended so good a God. Mary, my mother, refuge of sinners, pray for me that I may make a good confession. Amen. AN ACT OF CONTRITION Oh my God,I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.In choosing to do wrongAnd failing to do good,I have sinned against youwhom I should love above all things.I firmly intend, with your help,to do penance,to sin no more,and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.Our Savior Jesus Christsuffered and died for us.In His name, my God, have…

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5 Steps To Prepare Yourself For a Holy Advent Season

Mother & Refuge013 mins

5 Steps to Prepare Yourself for a Holy Advent The Season of Waiting, Hope, and Preparation As we approach the holy season of Advent, the Church invites us into a time of waiting, reflection, and spiritual preparation. Advent is not simply the countdown to Christmas, but a sacred journey of prayer and purification, where we prepare our hearts to welcome the Lord, who comes to us in many forms—through His Word, through His people, and in His second coming. Let us, then, take up the call to prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally, so that when the Christ Child arrives, our hearts are ready to receive Him. Here are five steps, each with meditations, prayers, and Scripture to guide you on your way to a holy Advent. 1. Re-Examine Your Heart: A Time of Repentance and Purification Advent invites us to examine our hearts and to cleanse ourselves of sin and distractions. Just as the Israelites longed for the Messiah, so too should we yearn for Christ’s presence in our lives. This first step is to prepare the way by purifying our hearts through repentance. Scripture Meditation“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (Matthew 3:3)This call from John the Baptist reminds us that we must clear away any obstacles in our lives that hinder us from fully embracing God’s love. Through repentance, we make room for the Lord to enter our hearts more deeply. Prayer of RepentanceLord, as we prepare for Your coming, help us to see where we have strayed from Your path. Forgive us for our sins, heal our brokenness, and give us the strength to walk in Your ways.“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) Homily ThoughtAdvent calls us to a deeper self-awareness, where we recognize our need for God’s mercy and grace. Just as we clean our homes in preparation for guests, so too must we purify our hearts, allowing the light of Christ to shine more brightly within us. Repentance is not only about acknowledging sin but making a conscious decision to turn back to God, to make space for Him once again. 2. Renew Your Prayer Life: A Time of Deepening Communion with God Advent is a time to renew our commitment to prayer. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to neglect our time with God. This season calls us back to the practice of prayer, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal devotion, or meditation on the Scriptures. Scripture Meditation“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7)This verse reminds us that prayer is our connection to God and our means of remaining vigilant as we await His coming. Prayer keeps our hearts focused and our spirits prepared. Prayer for Strength in PrayerLord, help me to make time each day to be with You. In the busyness of this world, teach me to listen to Your voice and to keep my heart in constant communion with You.“Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) Homily ThoughtAdvent is a time of expectant waiting, but it is also a time for deepening our relationship with God through prayer. As we await the coming of Christ, we are reminded that prayer is not just about asking for things, but about sitting with the Lord in silence, allowing His presence to fill our hearts. 3. Cultivate a Spirit of Hope: Trust in God’s Promises Advent is a season of hope. The word “Advent” itself means “coming,” and we are called to anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises—both His coming in history, when He was born in Bethlehem, and His future coming in glory at the end of time. It is a time to renew our hope in Christ. Scripture Meditation“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2)This prophecy is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest of times, God’s light breaks through, offering hope and salvation. We are called to live in that light, trusting that Christ will return to bring about the fullness of His Kingdom. Prayer of HopeLord, as I wait for Your coming, fill my heart with hope. Help me to trust in Your promises, even when the world around me seems dark and uncertain.“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) Homily ThoughtAdvent is a time to awaken our hearts to the light of Christ. The darkness of the world, filled with uncertainty, can tempt us to despair. But Advent reminds us that Christ is our hope, and His coming is the light that drives out the darkness. May we wait in hope, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. 4. Practice Charity: A Time to Serve Others During Advent, we are invited to make room for others, especially the poor, the lonely, and the suffering. Charity—both spiritual and corporal—is an essential part of our preparation for Christ’s coming. Our acts of love and service to others prepare us to receive Christ, who came to serve and save. Scripture Meditation“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)In this famous passage, Jesus teaches us that serving others is a way to serve Him. Advent is an opportunity to practice this kind of radical love, reaching out to those in need, especially during the Christmas season. Prayer for CharityLord, teach me to love as You loved, to give without counting the cost, and to serve those in need with a joyful heart.“Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty? When did we see You a stranger and welcome You?” (Matthew 25:37) Homily ThoughtIn the Incarnation, Christ shows us that love is not abstract; it is concrete, manifested in acts of service. During Advent,…

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St. Michael’s Lent: A Guide to Prayer and Devotion During St. Michael’s Lent

Mother & Refuge09 mins

Introduction St. Michael’s Lent is a lesser-known but deeply spiritual tradition within the Catholic Church, observed from August 15th (the Feast of the Assumption) to September 29th (the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel). This 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and penance is modeled after the more widely known Lenten season leading up to Easter. It provides an opportunity for Catholics to deepen their spiritual lives, seek the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, and prepare themselves for the spiritual battles they may face. Origins of St. Michael’s Lent St. Michael’s Lent is believed to have originated with St. Francis of Assisi, who had a profound devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. St. Francis would retreat to Mount La Verna during this time, fasting and praying in solitude. He sought to imitate Christ and prepare himself for greater spiritual challenges. This tradition gradually spread and became a way for the faithful to honor St. Michael and seek his protection. How to Participate in St. Michael’s Lent Participating in St. Michael’s Lent is a powerful way to grow in faith, resist temptation, and draw closer to God. Here’s how you can observe this holy season: 1. Prayer Prayer is the cornerstone of St. Michael’s Lent. Begin each day with a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, asking for his protection and guidance. You can use the traditional prayer or one of the following: Traditional Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Morning Offering for St. Michael’s Lent Heavenly Father, as I begin this day of St. Michael’s Lent, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings. I ask for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, that he may protect me from all evil and guide me on the path of righteousness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer of Protection St. Michael, mighty warrior of God, protect me this day. Shield me from the temptations of the enemy, and strengthen my resolve to follow Christ faithfully. In your powerful name, I pray. Amen. 2. Fasting and Abstinence Like the Lenten season before Easter, St. Michael’s Lent encourages fasting and abstinence as a means of penance and spiritual discipline. You may choose to fast from certain foods, such as meat or sweets, or abstain from particular activities that distract you from your spiritual goals. The key is to make a sacrifice that is meaningful and challenging for you. Example of a Fasting Resolution “During St. Michael’s Lent, I will fast from [specific food or activity] on Wednesdays and Fridays, offering my sacrifice for the purification of my soul and the protection of the Church.” 3. Penance and Almsgiving Use this period to perform acts of penance and charity. Confession is an important part of this, allowing you to cleanse your soul and receive God’s grace. Additionally, consider giving to the poor or supporting a charity that aligns with your faith. Prayer Before Confession Lord, grant me the grace to see my sins clearly and the courage to confess them sincerely. Through the intercession of St. Michael, may I be cleansed of all unrighteousness and made worthy to stand in Your presence. Amen. 4. Spiritual Reading and Reflection Enhance your spiritual life by reading the Scriptures, the lives of the saints, or other Catholic spiritual works. Reflect on the themes of spiritual warfare, the power of angels, and the role of St. Michael in defending the Church. Suggested Reading: “The Life of St. Michael the Archangel” by Anne Catherine Emmerich “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis (focuses on spiritual warfare) Daily Bible reading, especially passages related to angels and spiritual battle 5. Daily Examination of Conscience Each evening, take a few moments to reflect on your day. Consider your thoughts, words, and actions. Have you been faithful to your Lenten commitments? Where have you succeeded, and where have you fallen short? End with an Act of Contrition. Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You. I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen. 6. Attend Mass Regularly If possible, attend daily Mass during St. Michael’s Lent. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and receiving Christ’s Body and Blood strengthens us in our spiritual battles. Conclusion St. Michael’s Lent is a beautiful opportunity to renew your commitment to God, strengthen your spiritual life, and seek the powerful intercession of St. Michael the Archangel. By dedicating yourself to prayer, fasting, penance, and spiritual reflection, you can prepare your soul for the challenges ahead and grow in holiness. May St. Michael defend you in battle and lead you ever closer to Christ. Amen.

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50 Messages of the Little Mexican Girl! The Servant of the Sacred Hearts

Mother & Refuge0105 mins

Powered By EmbedPress 1- 10 2016 1) The way the lord is going to speak to us on the day of the warninggiven on July 29, 2016 at 8:30 pm.The Lord is going to speak to us through the light of heaven.Referring to lightning in the sky when it rains,when the sky lights up He is going to tell us our sinsthe little girl said, this is the way it has to be so that we realize how much He loves us2) How we should prepare ourselves in our actionsSunday August 14, 2016 three o’clock in the afternoonwe have to live in the truth, and leave the lies behind to obtain the love of God invite mother Mary to praise Jesus, that way we can activate true love3) What it is to live in the divine will?saturday, september 3, 2016 at a catholic retreat in the northern side of mexicoWho wants to live the divine will?on earth as it is in heaven? it is the our father say it this way our father who art in heaven the little girl prayed it with much love and at the end she said take refuge in the heart of Jesus.4) The deception of the enemy to prevent us from preparing for the warning given on Thursday, September 8, 2016 during Holy Mass at 6 o’clock pmThe little one says… I am angry with the serpent because it is a liar.A liar. It says that Jesus is not coming. We have to step on it’s head, like mama Mary because we are her children. The light is coming, there we will see our sins, in our mind and we have togo and confess them, in order to have God’s forgiveness.5) How to be filled with divine Love given on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 11:00 pm while praying the Holy RosaryAt night praying the Holy Rosary the girl said… you must let Jesus touch your heart, that wayHe will come in, He will come in and resurrect in you, so that you can have the love of God.6) Those who will believe and those who will not believe in the warningOctober 6th, 2016the little girl says… The time is almost here, when we will see the light of heaven. We will ALL see our sins, we will see it in our hearts but not all will believe, many will make fun of Jesus on the cross and others will believe and love Jesus even more, and we will be able to go toheaven. Jesus told me so and mother Mary7) How to save familiesgiven on Thursday, October 13, 2016The girl affirms that many fathers and mothers are going to die with their children.We must pray the Holy Rosary with our families for the forgiveness of sins.This causes me much pain8) What will happen after the warninggiven on tuesday, november 8th, 2016 at 2:30 in the afternoonThe little girl said… I drew the planet. There are the good guys and there are bad guys.The bad ones are going to make fun of us and tell us that we have no sins.Because of the Virgin everyone will humble themselves9) The angels who will guide the soulsgiven to the little girl on Tuesday, November 15, 2016she said not to be afraid of the guardian angels when they come10) Jesus speaks in heaven received on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at six o’clock in the evening the little girl is looking up to heaven and says…Little by little the crown of Jesus is forming. When you are able to see Him, He will have his crown of thorns and His Mother Mary will be right next to HimJesus speaks to me in heaven 11- 24 2017message number 11 what is going to happen when the planet comesgiven on the first of January, 2017 at 3 in the afternoonThe girl says “The time is getting closer, the planet will come, there will be a time when we won’t be able to go outside, we will just have to stay inside. We are going to see the sins, our sins.It was raining, the Water falls, it was like holy water from God,, the time is approaching.message number 12– Jesus will arrive as king of kings, He will take away our sins given on Sunday, March 26, 2017 God created life on earth so that we would always be united, and this, what God has given us isforever. God is always with us. He will arrive as king of kings, that is why it is necessary that we see our sins. There are sooo many sins. Sons and daughters who hit their mothers and mothers who hit their children and dads who beat the moms and moms who beat the dads… brothers against brothers The priests fight with each other, But even so, they continue confessing because Jesus is there in them. Babies are not born, men kill the babies in the moms tummies, babies that were goingto be born. What a grave sin! Jesus and mother Mary cry for them, for those who do not have God in their heart. Man’s sin is that he allows himself to be deceived by the enemymessage number 13-This is how the cities will lookThursday, March 30, 2017The girl says “Jesus came and took me to a city where there was no one. It was like a big desert, the houses were messy, destroyed,He told me, my little girl, don’t be afraid,And then He said I will take you to Heaven where Mother Mary is at, together with all the saints I cried with joy when I saw her, I hugged her and I was no longer afraid, I did not want to come back home, I wanted to stay there because it is very beautiful, there is so much peace and lots of lovemessage number 14-God knows the timeGiven on Sunday April second, 2017 God knows the time, there is one, two, three, four, five, six, seven eight, left the lord knows…

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The Road to Easter | Guide From Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will

Mother & Refuge02 mins

  We’ve heard it said that the forty days of fasting during Lent are meant to prepare us for the fifty days of feasting during the Easter season.  At the surface, this seems to simply imply that we deprive ourselves so that we can eventually indulge.  But the exact opposite is actually true.  We deprive ourselves, we enter into a greater acknowledgement of our littleness, and we open ourselves to a deeper conversion of heart not to fall back into our old ways, but to enjoy the glorious freedom of the children of God.  We are called to live the redemption Christ won for us to the fullest!  As St. Paul says, it is “for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Gal 5:1).  This is not a freedom to indulge ourselves, but a freedom to choose the good and to love.  It is a freedom to become a gift to God and our neighbor.  It is the freedom we need to give the Divine Will free reign in our lives.  Powered By EmbedPress

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The Prophecy of St. Nilus about Our Days

Mother & Refuge06 mins

Realizing that St. Nilus is scarcely known to a large part of the Church, a brief sketch of his life, taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1911 copyright edition), is related below: St. Nilus was one of the many disciples and fervent defenders of St. John Chrysostom. He was an officer at the Court of Constantinople, married, with two sons. While St. John Chrysostom was patriarch, before his exile (398-403), he directed Nilus in the study of Scripture and in works of piety. St. Nilus left his wife and one son and took the other, Theodulos, with him to Mount Sinai to be a monk. The Bishop of Eleusa ordained both St. Nilus and his son to the priesthood. The mother and other son also embraced the religious life in Egypt. From his monastery at Sinai, St. Nilus was a well-known person throughout the Eastern Church. Through his writings and correspondence, he played an important part in the history of his time. He was known as a theologian, Biblical scholar and ascetic writer, so people of all kinds, from the Emperor down wrote to consult him. His numerous works, including a multitude of letters, consist of denunciations of heresy, paganism, abuses of discipline and crimes. He also wrote about rules and principles of asceticism, especially maxims on the religious life. He warns and threatens people in high places, Abbots and Bishops, Governors and Princes, even the Emperor himself, without fear. He kept up a correspondence with Gaina, a leader of the Goths, endeavoring to convert him from Arianism. He denounced vigorously the persecution of St. John Chrysostom both to the Emperor Arcadius and to his courtiers. St. Nilus must be counted as one of the leading ascetic writers of the 5th century. His feast is kept on November 12th in the Byzantine Calendar; he is commemorated also in the Roman Martyrology on the same date. St. Nilus probably died around the year 430, as there is no evidence of his life after that. The Prophecy of St. Nilus After the year 1900, toward the middle of the 20th century, the people of that time will become unrecognizable. When the time for the Advent of the Antichrist approaches, people’s minds will grow cloudy from carnal passions, and dishonor and lawlessness will grow stronger. Then the world will become unrecognizable. People’s appearances will change, and it will be impossible to distinguish men from women due to their shamelessness in dress and style of hair. These people will be cruel and will be like wild animals because of the temptations of the Antichrist. There will be no respect for parents and elders, love will disappear, and Christian pastors, Bishops and priests will become vain men, completely failing to distinguish the right-hand way from the left. At that time, the morals and traditions of Christians and of the Church will change. People will abandon modesty, and dissipation will reign. Falsehood and greed will attain great proportions, and woe to those who pile up treasures. Lust, adultery, homosexuality, secret deeds and murder will rule in society. Apostasy At that future time, due to the power of such great crimes and licentiousness, people will be deprived of the grace of the Holy Spirit, which they received in Holy Baptism and equally of remorse. The Churches of God will be deprived of God-fearing and pious pastors, and woe to the Christians remaining in the world at that time; they will completely lose their faith because they will lack the opportunity of seeing the light of knowledge from anyone at all. Then they will separate themselves out of the world in holy refuges in search of lightening their spiritual sufferings, but everywhere they will meet obstacles and constraints. And all this will result from the fact that the Antichrist wants to be Lord over everything and become the ruler of the whole universe, and he will produce miracles and fantastic signs. Read more…

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