Catholic Devotional Prayers

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Do you have a busy routine and find it difficult to pray? Everyone seems to need God's help at some point in time.

With today's technology, it's very easy to stay connected with popular Catholic prayers anytime of the day by visiting www.christian-miracles.com on your iPhone or Smartphone!

PRAYER OF CONFIDENCE TO SAINT ANTHONY

Most holy St. Anthony, Beloved Friend of Jesus,
I place myself in your heavenly care.
Be with me, especially in life’s troubles and difficulties.
Intercede before the Lord for me,
so that I may confidently know I do not face my problems alone.

I join my prayers to yours, O Great Saint,
as I ask God to give me consolation in times of sorrow,
courage when I am afraid,
and healing from all the ills that afflict me.

Obtain for me from God, Most High,
the grace to accept whatever is God’s holy will
for me and my loved ones.
Strengthen my faith so that I will never despair,
but always have hope in God’s healing presence and power in my life.

Amen.


Catholic Devotional Prayers

• The Miracle Prayer
• Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
• Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help for Financial Aid
• Prayerful Healing for Children
• Unfailing Prayer to Saint Anthony
• Prayer to Saint Rita (Patroness of Impossible Causes)
• Prayer to Saint Jude
• Prayer to Saint Joseph for the Unemployed
• Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
• Prayer to Your Guardian Angel
• Prayers of Saint Padre Pio
• Prayer for World Peace
• Prayers to St. Therese of Lisieux
• The Memorare

To read prayers, please click on the above links. Many other prayers are available by visiting www.Christian-Miracles.com at the following link: Catholic Devotional Prayers

Do you believe in modern day miracles? If so, visit www.Christian-Miracles.com and read about Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael!

Caring for Creation by Pope Francis

Caring for Creation: Inspiring Words from Pope Francis 

Since his inaugural Mass in March 2013, Pope Francis has frequently reminded a global audience that care for creation is among his highest priorities. As a world leader with a background in science who heads a two-thousand-year-old Church, the pope is uniquely qualified to articulate a compelling vision and mission for the future. This book gathers the pope’s most important and inspiring words about our shared responsibility to protect, nurture, and care for “our common home.”

The planet is in peril, the pope is telling us, along with the well-being of the poor who depend on the earth’s natural resources. He chastises world leaders and challenges ordinary people, reminding us that our foolish actions and careless decisions are placing lives at risk. He decries our current assaults on the natural environment and warns of the consequences of climate change. Still, his message is always ultimately one of hope.

In Caring for Creation, Pope Francis’s words reveal that he believes we can move toward a new kind of conversion—a higher level of consciousness, action, and advocacy that will spark “a bold cultural revolution.”

Protect This Fragile World

"Small yet strong in the love of God, like St. Francis of Assisi, all of us, as Christians, are called to watch over and protect the fragile world in which we live, and all its people."  -Pope Francis

Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, 216
Sunday, November 24, 2013

***

About the Author

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, is the 266th and current pope of the Catholic Church, having been elected Bishop of Rome and absolute Sovereign of Vatican City.



Alicia von Stamwitz is an award-winning freelance author and longtime editor. Her essays and articles have appeared in The New York Times, St. Anthony Messenger, and other media. She is also the compiler of The Blessing of Family: Inspiring Words of Pope Francis.

***

Commentary

Caring for Creation is a bold collection of powerful words by Pope Francis that leads to contemplation of humanity's purpose in protecting our world's ecology.

Pope Francis reminds us that nations and people have a calling to preserve our world from environmental ruin.

In the eye of God, Our Creator, there is no excuse to ignore preservation of lakes, rivers, oceans, land and the air we breathe. The consequence of mismanagement affects all the inhabitants of our world.

The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. Psalm 24:1-2, (NRSVCE)

As caretakers of planet earth, Our Heavenly Father entrusts us to preserve this world for future generations and to honor all His creation.

-Loci B. Lenar

Did you know Mother Teresa experienced visions of Jesus?

Mother Teresa - Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5

Vatican City, Aug 27, 2016 (Excerpt from CNA/EWTN News)

Even her friend of more than 30 years, Father Sebastian Vazhakala, did not know Mother Teresa had conversations with and visions of Jesus before forming the Missionaries of Charity. It wasn't until after her death, for the vast majority of people, that this part of Mother Teresa's spiritual life was uncovered.

“It was a big discovery,” Missionary of Charity priest, Fr. Vazhakala told CNA.   When Mother Teresa's cause for canonization was opened, just two years after her death in 1997, documents were found in the archives of the Jesuits in Calcutta, with the spiritual director and another of Mother Teresa's close priest friends, and in the office of the bishop, containing her accounts of the communications.

Fr. Vazhakala, who co-founded the contemplative branch of the Missionaries of Charity alongside Mother Teresa, said he has a document handwritten by Mother Teresa where she discusses what Jesus spoke to her directly during the time of the locutions and visions.

Read more: Mother Teresa

Our Lady's Message of August 25th to Marija

Our Lady of Medjugorje: Message of August 25, 2016 to Marija

“Dear children! Today I desire to share Heavenly joy with you. You, little children, open the door of your heart so that hope, peace and love, which only God gives, may grow in your heart. Little children, you are too bound to the earth and earthly things, that is why, Satan is rolling you like the wind rolls the waves of the sea. Therefore, may the chain of your life be prayer with the heart and Adoration of my Son Jesus. Give over your future to Him so that, in Him, you may be joy and an example with your lives to others. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Our Lady of France

A painting of sympathy, peace and compassion by international artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

The Holy Mother and Infant Christ, a new tribute by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley who felt compelled to create on this day, in prayers of sympathy and for peace and compassion for the nation of France, in the aftermath of yesterday's tragic loss of life, through the insanity of terrorism during Bastille Day celebrations in Nice.

 Choosing to restrict his colours in this memorial tribute drawing in pastel, to France's national colours of blue, white and red, the artist also observed a photograph of the 1860s statue of Our Lady of France - Notre Dame de France - by Jean-Marie Bienaimé Bonnassieux (1810-1892), that stands on a hill in Le Puy-en-Velayin.

A visual prayer in solidarity with France and with hope for world peace. Vive La France! Peace.
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Mr. Whatley's Catholic tributes are displayed on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com

 

Our Lady of Orlando

Our Lady of Orlando by artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Excerpt from the website of international artist Stephen B. Whatley:

A tribute in pastel created with compassion and prayers by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, for all those murdered in Orlando, Florida in the early hours of June 12 and their loved ones - to represent the eternal and all encompassing love, mercy, compassion, hope  and peace that Christ and His Holy Mother have and offer for all communities in the world.

The artist often feels a 'Divine push' - even urgency - to make such works of prayer; and aside from this tragedy perpetrated by hate, ignorance and insanity, an inspiration in making this work was a postcard of a photograph of a statue of Mary, Queen of The Universe Shrine in Orlando, Florida, touchingly sent to him by his beloved young God-daughter Marianna.

This work of art was also created on the Feast day of St Anthony - Saint of A Thousand Miracles - which the world sorely needs.

Peace: Love will overcome hate - Light out of Darkness.

www.stephenbwhatley.com

Our Lady's Message of May 25, 2016 to Marija

The Medjugorje Web - Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje

Our Lady's Monthly Message of May 25, 2016

“Dear children! My presence is a gift from God for all of you and an encouragement for conversion. Satan is strong and wants to put disorder and unrest in your hearts and thoughts. Therefore, you, little children, pray so that the Holy Spirit may lead you on the real way of joy and peace. I am with you and intercede before my Son for you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

That time Jesus appeared in the sky of Mexico

Excerpt from Catholic News Agency (CNA)

It's a major miracle that you've probably never heard of.

On Sunday, Oct. 3, 1847, more than 2,000 people in Ocotlán, Mexico saw a perfect image of Jesus Christ crucified that appeared in the sky for more than 30 minutes.

Approved by the Archdiocese of Guadalajara in 1911, the phenomenon is known as the “Miracle of Ocotlán” and took place one day before an earthquake that killed 40 and left the town in Jalisco State in ruins.

Before the start of Mass at the cemetery of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception – presided over by the parochial vicar, Father Julián Navarro – two white clouds joined together in the northwest sky, where there appeared the image of Christ.

Those present and in nearby towns were deeply moved, made acts of contrition, and cried out begging, “Lord, have mercy!” This apparition of Christ was called “the Lord of Mercy” and in his honor, in September 1875, a new parish church was blessed, consecrated and dedicated to him.

Also among the faithful who witnessed the miracle were Father Julián Martín del Campo, pastor of the community, and  Antonio Jiménez, the town's mayor. Both of them sent letters to their respective superiors telling what had happened.

Read more: CNA

Jesus, Lord of Miracles

New Catholic Tribute by International Artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artists' website: A new 2016 tribute to the miracles of Jesus, possible through complete Trust in the Lord and faith, created by artist Stephen B. Whatley on 30 April. This was a profound date in the artist's life in 1998 when he experienced a miracle that saved the lives of himself and a friend when in potentially mortal danger. His prayer was simply "Please help us God".

Since 2000, Whatley - a convert to Catholicism - has felt what he describes as a "divine push" to create Christian tributes of faith, love and hope - through prayer. His exhibition "Paintings of Prayer" was on show in Westminster Cathedral, London in 2013.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been published in TIME, is in collections worldwide and public collections including The Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and BBC Heritage - while his series of 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London are permanently reproduced throughout the walkway outside Tower Hill Station, leading to the Tower.

Today is The Ascension of Our Lord: May there be miracles of healing, reconciliation, peace and prosperity.

Charcoal and pastel on paper.
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

More beautiful artwork by Stephen B. Whatley can be seen on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

Arizona Woman Claims Full Healing After Venerating Relics of St. Charbel

 Top Stories - Aleteia.org – Worldwide Catholic Network Sharing Faith Resources for those seeking Truth – Aleteia.org

News Excerpt and photo from Aleteia: When Dafne Gutierrez, a 30-year-old blind mother of three, stood in front of a priest for a blessing, she felt there was someone standing on her right. Her family told her later that the priest was standing on her left side.

“There was somebody [on the right] touching me,” she told her sister-in-law, who responded, “But there was nobody close to you.”

“And ever since then I was feeling my body differently,” Gutierrez said in an interview Monday.

She was at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church in Phoenix on a Saturday in mid-January for the visit of the relics of the St. Charbel Makhlouf, which were being brought around to many of the 36 Maronite parishes in the United States. Over the next couple of days her husband noticed something unusual about her. He asked her what the matter was. “You seem different,” he said.

Before dawn on Monday morning, she complained to him that it felt like her eyes were burning.

She tried opening her eyes. “I couldn’t see clearly, but I could see like shadows. I told him, ‘I can see you,’” she recalled.

Gutierrez had lived with Arnold Chiari malformation since she was 13. Two years ago she lost vision in her left eye, and then in her right eye last year. Doctors inserted a shunt to try to relieve the pressure, but that failed. Her headaches were “vise-like,” and she was afflicted with tinnitus, vomiting, dizziness and seizures. She was approved to go to a rehab/nursing facility because she couldn’t care for her children.

Her sister-in-law heard that the relics were coming and that St. Charbel had healed a blind boy in Mexico. Gutierrez is neither Maronite nor Lebanese, but as a woman of faith she prayed for the saint’s intercession. He’s had a great track record of healing, even after his death in 1898.

Not only was her vision restored, it was restored to 20/20, said Dr. Anne Borik, one of several physicians to examine Gutierrez. “The pressure in her brain got to the point where it caused damage to the optic nerve. After this happened, the optic nerve looked completely normal, with no signs of damage or atrophy,” she said in an interview “There’s nothing in the medical literature that anything like this had ever happened.”

Read more: St. Charbel Miracle 

Mother Angelica of EWTN passed away on Easter Sunday at age 92

Mother Angelica Enters Eternal Life - Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word

Our condolences and prayers are with Mother Angelica and all family members including EWTN during this time of mourning.

Eternal rest give unto Mother Angelica, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Read more: Franciscan Missionares of the Eternal Word

Wishing You a Happy and Holy Easter!

Easter is a feast celebrated by many Christians around the world. On this sacred day, Christians acknowledge the gift of salvation through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Our Lord's Resurrection on Easter Sunday is a reminder of the gift of eternal life for all who believe in Jesus. Let us pray that we may all be worthy of everlasting life when we're called home to meet Our Savior Jesus Christ. May God bless you and your family with peace on this Holy day!

The Resurrection of Jesus

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.

And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.

And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified."

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying."

"Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."

And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.  (Matthew 28:1-8)

The stained glass window of the resurrection can be seen inside the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The Catholic church is located on High Street in Hackettstown, NJ, USA.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

www.Christian-Miracles.com 

Holy Sacrifice - Jesus Christ, Good Friday

New 2016 Painting by International artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artist: A new tribute to the Crucifixion of Christ created on this poignant day in the Christian calendar, Good Friday 2016.

Darkness before the Light of Easter. Peace.

Charcoal and pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

www.stephenbwhatley.com

A New Tribute to Saint Patrick

A New Painting of Saint Patrick by International Artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artists website: A new painting of Saint Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland, painted on St Patrick's Day in 2016 by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

The 5th century missionary introduced Christianity to Ireland and the artist was moved to learn that he often used the Shamrock to represent and explain the Holy Trinity: God The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

St. Patrick is also Patron Saint of Nigeria, Puerto Rico and several states in the USA including New York, Boston & Missouri.

"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger." ~ from The Breastplate, St Patrick's poem of faith & trust in God.

Oil on canvas, 30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Falling tree misses Virgin Mary statue

News Story from abc13.com

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX -- A weather-related incident in Corpus Christi over the weekend is getting lots of attention on social media websites.

A storm Saturday blew over a large tree in a woman's yard, but it missed a statue of the Virgin Mary.

The statue was left standing upright next to the tree trunk.

The homeowner is calling it a miracle that the tree didn't hit the statue or her house. She's now working to get the tree removed and her fence repaired.

Prayer for Holy Week

Prayer for Holy Week

Jesus my Lord, let me strengthen my courage by taking on the courage of all those people who have been "centurions" for me. Many have faced disasters and hard times with great constancy. The upper hand of evil never turned them against you. They kept going. Let me be like them, Lord. No matter what the cross, let me never stop declaring you to be "truly the Son of God, the source of my hope, the reason why I will never quit on life.

(Prayer from Catholic Online)

More Catholic Prayers: http://www.christian-miracles.com/devotionalprayers.htm

Prayer for Saint Joseph's Intercession

Novena to Saint Joseph - Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

(Feast Day March 19th)

O glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to thee do we raise our hearts and hands to implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favor we now implore (state your petition).

O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that thy prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.

(Then say the following seven times in honor of the seven sorrows and joys of St. Joseph.)

V. O Glorious St. Joseph! Through thy love for Jesus Christ and for the glory of His Name,

R. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.

V. Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

R. Assist us!

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar
www.Christian-Miracles.com

Saint Peregrine the Patron Saint of Cancer Sufferers

Saint Peregrine - 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

From the website of artist Stephen B. Whatley: A new tribute painting of the Patron Saint of Cancer Sufferers, Saint Peregrine by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

Saint Peregrine is also the Patron Saint of AIDS and other illnesses as well as Cancer - so may all those who meditate upon the image, created and infused with prayers, receive light, hope, protection and ultimate healing relief. Peace.

The artist - a Catholic convert since 2011 - often gets, through prayer, what he feels a 'Divine Push' to paint such Christian tributes and felt directed to paint Saint Peregrine, with prayers for healing, light and hope for those suffering cancer in his life - and worldwide.

He had a deep feeling the day of painting - 21 February - was a significant date; and later, after painting, realised it was the day in 1935 that Jesus had appeared to the Polish nun, Sister (since 2000, Saint) Faustina, requesting she seek an artist and have a painting made depicting His Divine Mercy.

Stephen B. Whatley has painted several Divine Mercy images over the years; some of which were exhibited in his 2013 exhibition 'Paintings From Prayer' at London's Westminster Cathedral. There is a permanent walkway of his series of 30 paintings for the Tower of London, outside Tower Hill Station, London. 

Peregrine Laziosi (Italy, c.1260-1345) experienced a miracle of healing in his own life, at 60, when a cancerous growth in his leg threatened amputation. The night before the amputation he spent praying before a fresco of The Crucifixion and later in a sleep state felt Jesus descend from The Cross to touch his leg. The next day the doctors found no trace of the cancer and he was pronounced cured; word spreading quickly of the power of Trust in the Lord. 

The National Shrine of Saint Peregrine is at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago, Illinois, USA. This new painting took, alongside prayers, inspiration from a classic prayer card, acquired in New York in 2015.

More Information: stperegrine.org 

Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com   

Prayers to Saint Peregrine 

NOVENA TO OUR LADY FOR IMPOSSIBLE REQUESTS

 

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

NOVENA FOR IMPOSSIBLE REQUESTS

(This Novena honors the nine months during which Our Lady carried Our Blessed Lord in her womb.)

"Hail, Holy Queen,...
Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope!
To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy towards us;
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen."

V - Pray for us, most holy mother of God.
R - That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

"Virgin of the Incarnation,
a thousand times we greet thee,
a thousand times we praise thee
for thy joy when God was incarnated in thee.
Because thou art so powerful
a Virgin and Mother of God,
grant what we ask of thee for the love of God."

Here state your first intention.
Repeat all of above and then state your second intention.
Repeat all of above and then state your third intention.

CONCLUSION:

After the above prayers and intentions, say the Memorare.

Remember, O most Gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help
or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of Virgins,
my mother.
To thee do I cry,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.

Hail Mary...

Blessed and praised be
the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar,
in Heaven, on earth and everywhere.
AMEN.

(Pray for 9 days)

More Catholic Prayers

Prayer to Saint Dymphna For Any Special Need

St. Dymphna Patron Medal

Saint Dymphna Patroness of those afflicted with emotional and nervous disorders

In Nervous or Emotional Distress 

Lord, our God, you graciously chose St. Dymphna as patroness of those afflicted with mental and nervous disorders. She is thus an inspiration and a symbol of charity to the thousands who ask her intercession. 

Please grant, Lord, through the prayers of this pure youthful martyr, relief and consolation to all suffering such trials, and especially those for whom we pray. (Here mention those for whom you wish to pray). 

We beg you, Lord, to hear the prayers of St. Dymphna on our behalf. Grant all those for whom we pray patience in their sufferings and resignation to your divine will. Please fill them with hope, and grant them the relief and cure they so much desire. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord who suffered agony in the garden. Amen.

In Physical Illness 

I appeal to you in my illness, dear St. Dymphna. I would be so grateful for a total and happy recovery, for the blessed gift of health in every fiber of my being. May the Lord Jesus, who mercifully healed the sick during His earthly days, have pity on me and make me well again. Ask Him to command sickness to depart and grant me a full measure of health, that I may rejoice in giving Him glory and praise. Amen.

For Any Special Need

Glorious St. Dymphna, you are the patron of the nervous and emotionally disturbed. I am certain, however, that your charity embraces everyone. I am certain that you lend a listening ear to any prayer offered for any special need. You will, I am sure,take my problem to heart and pray for me that it may be happily settled. (Here mention your special problem or difficulty) You will plead for me and obtain the help I need. Already I offer you my sincere and grateful thanks, so great is my confidence that God will hear and answer your prayers. 

Amen. 

St. Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, patron of nervous and emotional illnesses, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, crowned for the glory in heaven, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, faithful to your covenant with Christ, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, precious in the eyes of the Lord, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, our helper in every need, pray for us.
St. Dymphna, our friend at heaven's court, pray for us.

More Catholic Devotional Prayers