April 3, 2025

catholic news

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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Fr. Gabriele Amorth’s Deliverance Prayer

Mother & Refuge01 mins

O Jesus our Savior, my Lord and my God, my God and my all, with your sacrifice on the Cross you redeemed us and defeated the power of Satan. I beg you to deliver me from every evil presence and every evil influence. ​ I ask you in your name, I ask you for the sake of your wounds, I ask you for the sake of your blood, I ask you for the sake of your Cross, I ask you through the intercession of Mary, Immaculate and Sorrowful. ​ May the blood and the water that flow from your side wash over me to purify me, deliver me, heal me.  Amen.

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Prayer for Break Unholy Ties, Curses, Spells, Seals & Consecrations Prayer

Mother & Refuge03 mins

Prayer To Break Unholy Ties This prayer is used when the victim has had a long-standing relationship with person(s) involved with the occult or has communicated with “imaginary friends,” spirit guides, ascended masters, “elementals, ” “wandering souls,” etc. In the Name of Jesus, I break any unholy ties, links, and bondages between myself and X and all evil sources and spirits.(3 times) And I command all spirits affecting me associated with these unholy ties, links, and bondages to go immediately and directly to the foot of the cross. O Most Holy Spirit, enter into the empty spaces left by these spirits and fill me with your presence, love, and protection. Please do not allow these spirits to return. Prayer to Break Curses and Spells This prayer is used when the victim has been a target of curses and spells. In the Name of Jesus, I break all curses sent against me and all spells around me.(3 times)  And I command all evil spirits affecting me associated with these curses and spells to go immediately and directly to the foot of the cross. O Most Holy Spirit, enter into the empty spaces left by these spirits and fill me with your presence, love, and protection. Please do not allow these spirits to return.  Prayer To Break Seals and ConsecrationsRenounce all occult involvement three times. In the Name of Jesus, I break the seals around me and the consecrations upon me.(3 times) And I command all evil spirits affecting me associated with these seals and consecrations to go immediately and directly to the foot of the cross, O Most Holy Spirit, enter into the empty spaces left by these spirits and fill me with your presence, love, and protection. Please do not allow these spirits to return. (adapted from Syquia, pp. 76-80)

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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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A JUBILEE PRAYER BASED ON SCRIPTURE AND THE POPE FRANCIS BULL OF INDICTION OF THE ORDINARY JUBILEE OF THE YEAR 2025 By Fr Emil Milat

Mother & Refuge06 mins

Powered By EmbedPress A JUBILEE PRAYER BASED ON SCRIPTURE AND THE POPE FRANCIS BULL OF INDICTION OF THE ORDINARY JUBILEE OF THE YEAR 2025 By Fr Emil Milat   Heavenly Father Thank you for this Sacred Jubilee Year of Hope.  A time of greater intensity in the life of Grace where liberation is proclaimed according to your Word Jesus. (Leviticus 25:1-22). Where you command we return to our ancestral property. Jesus became incarnate to raise this grace (Isaiah 61:1-3), to the level of Spirit, so we can all return not to a physical inheritance but our true homeland- that life of grace as Sons and Daughters of God. The life lost by Adam and Eve in the ancient Garden. We pray for this return.   Thank you for this year of rest (Matt 11:28-30), Jesus said come to me all you who are burdened, we ask for a year of rest.  The Jubilee multiplies past prayers, where the prayers sown in the field of grace can produce abundance for the next two years (or more). We ask that the prayers of our Holy Catholic Church in the Eucharistic become an outpouring of Grace for this year and next. A flood drawing and sweeping us in the Ark of Peter to a full return into the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We repent of our debts of sin- where we have exploited others or neglected our own inner life with the Holy Spirit. We forgive anyone who is debt to us.   As the Holy Door was opened in Rome, by the Pope who has the keys of Peter, may our wills open to the Holy Door of your Divine Will being done on earth as in heaven, by the Redemptive merits of Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross; which this Jubilee recalls. For Jesus is the true “door” (Jn 10:7.9) of our salvation. We were reconciled to God through his death and saved by his life” (Rom 5:19).  As we set out on a deeper Pilgrimage of faith this year. We have already crossed the threshold of two millennia from the birth of Jesus Christ in the year 2000, and received the grace of mercy from the Extraordinary Jubilee in 2016. Now in this new Jubilee, may this Holy Year guide our steps towards the 2033 anniversary of the redemption won by the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The Jubilee is a new freedom from slavery, may we be free from worldly strongholds that keep our eyes on empty desires. May this 1700 anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (which preserved the Church’s unity, in proclaiming the full divinity of Jesus Christ and his consubstantiality with you His the Father) release a new encounter with the divinity of Christ. Finally may the Immaculate Heart of Mary triumph in a deeper way, as she brings to birth a deeper fullness in the Body of Christ through the Holy Spirit. We unite with all the Rosaries and prayer in the Marian shrines this year. Maybe we experience a harbinger of new heavens and a new earth (cf. 2 Pet 3:13), where men and women will dwell in justice and harmony, in joyful expectation of the fulfilment of the Lord’s promises. Let us even now be drawn to this hope! May the way we live our lives say to others: “Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!” (Ps 27:14).

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How We Know Jesus Was Actually Born On 25th December?

Mother & Refuge06 mins

How We Know Jesus Was Born on December 25 Introduction The Catholic Church, since at least the second century, has celebrated the birth of Christ on December 25. However, some argue that Jesus was not born on this date. Let us examine the usual objections to December 25 as Christ’s birthday and provide theological, historical, and scriptural responses to uphold this sacred tradition. Objection 1: December 25 Was Chosen to Replace the Pagan Festival of Saturnalia Claim: Saturnalia, a popular Roman winter festival, was replaced by Christmas to encourage conversions to Christianity. Reply: While Saturnalia celebrated the winter solstice, it was held from December 17 to December 23. The dates do not align with December 25. Thus, the claim that Christmas replaced Saturnalia is not supported by historical evidence. Objection 2: December 25 Was Chosen to Replace the Pagan Holiday Natalis Solis Invicti Claim: December 25 marks the pagan “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun,” established by Emperor Aurelian in AD 274. Reply: Historical records show that Natalis Solis Invicti is not mentioned on December 25 before AD 354, and the same manuscript also lists December 25 as the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Emperor Julian the Apostate later tried to establish December 25 as a pagan holiday to rival the Christian celebration. Thus, Christmas predates the so-called pagan holiday, and the attempt to replace it came from anti-Christian efforts, not the Church. Objection 3: Shepherds Would Not Be Herding in Winter Claim: Luke’s Gospel describes shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem, which would be unlikely in the cold of winter. Reply: Bethlehem’s climate is mild during December, comparable to modern-day Dallas, Texas, which is still comfortable for outdoor activities. Historical accounts, such as those of Cornelius a Lapide, confirm that shepherds tended their flocks in the fields during late December. Why December 25? I. Scriptural Evidence Using the Bible, we can approximate Christ’s birth date by first determining the birth of John the Baptist. Priestly Courses in the Temple Zechariah, John’s father, served during the “course of Abias” (Luke 1:5). Historical records place this service in late September. John the Baptist was conceived shortly thereafter, around late September. Adding nine months brings John’s birth to late June, aligning with the Church’s celebration on June 24. Jesus’ Birth in Relation to John The Angel Gabriel informed Mary that Elizabeth was six months pregnant at the time of the Annunciation (Luke 1:36). If John was born in late June, adding six months places Christ’s birth in late December. II. Biological Calculations From John the Baptist’s conception in late September to his birth in late June (nine months), and from June to December (another six months), the timeline confirms a late December birth for Christ. The Annunciation on March 25, nine months before December 25, further supports this calculation. III. Testimony from the Blessed Virgin Mary Sacred Tradition asserts that Mary herself provided the date of Christ’s birth. Mothers never forget the details of their children’s births, and the Virgin Mary, knowing her Son was the Messiah, would surely have shared this with the Apostles. IV. Early Church Fathers Pope St. Telesphorus (AD 126–137) established the tradition of Midnight Mass on December 25. St. Hippolytus (AD 170–240) explicitly stated: “The First Advent of our Lord in the flesh occurred…on December 25.” Church Fathers connected March 25 (Annunciation and Crucifixion) to Christ’s birth, affirming the sacred tradition. Conclusion December 25 as Christ’s birthday is rooted in Scripture, tradition, and historical evidence. The Church’s observance of this date predates any pagan celebrations, and early Christians, guided by Mary and the Apostles, commemorated it with devotion. Ultimately, whether or not Christ was born on December 25, the celebration affirms the profound mystery of God becoming man. Let us rejoice in the Light of the World! Read More…

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The Divine Origin of the Human Soul:Exploring Why DNA Reflects Parental Traits in God’s Creation?

Mother & Refuge012 mins

From a Catholic perspective, the origin of the human soul is rooted in God’s creative act. The Catholic Church teaches the following about the soul: Direct Creation by God: The soul of each human being is individually and directly created by God. It does not come from the parents or any material process. This is based on the understanding that the soul is spiritual and immaterial. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 366) states:“The Church teaches that every spiritual soul is created immediately by God—it is not ‘produced’ by the parents—and also that it is immortal: it does not perish when it separates from the body at death, and it will be reunited with the body at the final Resurrection.” At the Moment of Conception: The soul is infused into the body at the moment of conception. This belief underscores the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life from conception. Made in God’s Image: The soul reflects the image and likeness of God. This gives every person an inherent dignity and the capacity for reason, love, and a relationship with God. Genesis 1:27 supports this: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Immortal and Unique: Each soul is unique and immortal, meaning it will not cease to exist but will live eternally, either in communion with God or separated from Him, depending on one’s choices in life. To explore the Catholic understanding of the soul more deeply, let’s break it down into key themes and expand on each: 1. The Nature of the Soul Spiritual and Immaterial: The soul is not physical. It cannot be seen or touched because it belongs to the spiritual realm, which transcends the material universe. Immortality: The soul does not die. When the body ceases to function at death, the soul continues to exist and awaits the resurrection at the end of time (CCC 1020–1060). Scriptural Basis: “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7) “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36) 2. The Soul’s Origin Direct Creation by God: Each soul is a unique act of creation, emphasizing its dignity and purpose. This personal creation distinguishes humans from other creatures and highlights their role as stewards of creation (Genesis 1:28–30). Theological Reflection:St. Thomas Aquinas described the soul as the “form of the body,” meaning it animates and gives life to the physical body. Without the soul, the body is lifeless. 3. The Soul’s Purpose Union with God: The soul’s ultimate purpose is to know, love, and serve God in this life and enjoy eternal communion with Him in Heaven. Moral Responsibility: Since the soul is the seat of intellect and will, humans can freely choose good or evil. These choices affect the soul’s eternal destiny. Catechetical Teaching: “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself.” (CCC 27) 4. The Soul After Death Particular Judgment: At the moment of death, the soul faces a personal judgment based on its choices during life. The soul can enter Heaven (possibly via Purgatory), Hell, or await the resurrection of the body at the Last Judgment. Eternal Destiny: The soul’s eternal fate—whether in union with God or separation—reflects its alignment with God’s will. Scriptural Basis: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46) 5. Practical Implications for Catholics Sanctity of Life: Belief in the soul’s origin and dignity underpins Catholic teaching against abortion, euthanasia, and any act that devalues human life. Sacraments: Baptism cleanses the soul from original sin, and the Eucharist nourishes it. Reconciliation restores it when damaged by sin. Prayer and Virtue: A healthy soul is cultivated through prayer, acts of charity, and the pursuit of virtue. So why DNA build certain characteristics of our parents if soul come from God? Are such characteristics relating to body or soul? Or to behavior? This is a profound question, touching on the relationship between the physical body (shaped by genetics) and the spiritual soul (created by God). Let’s explore this from a Catholic perspective: 1. The Body and DNA: Physical Inheritance DNA is the biological blueprint inherited from parents. It determines physical characteristics (like eye color, height, and even some predispositions to behaviors or abilities). These traits relate entirely to the body, which is formed through the union of the parents’ genetic material. While DNA can influence tendencies in behavior (such as temperament or certain predispositions), these are not deterministic. Human behavior involves choices, which are guided by intellect and free will—faculties of the soul. 2. The Soul: Unique and Created by God The soul is immaterial and not a product of DNA. It is directly created by God at the moment of conception. The soul includes: Intellect (the capacity to reason and understand). Will (the capacity to choose freely between good and evil). These faculties give humans the ability to rise above purely biological or genetic influences. 3. Interaction Between Body and Soul The body and soul are deeply united in the human person, forming a single nature. The soul animates the body and allows it to think, feel, and act. The body expresses the soul. For example, a smile reveals joy, and tears express sorrow. Certain traits may seem to bridge the gap: Temperament and personality: Influenced by genetics and environment but shaped by the soul’s intellect and will. For instance, someone may inherit a short temper but learn to practice patience through moral effort. Talents and inclinations: Physical traits (like dexterity for music) come from DNA, but their cultivation and purpose depend on the soul’s choices. 4. Behavior: Body, Soul, and Free…

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