and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
MARCH
The Holy Father’s Intentions for the Month of MARCH 2024
For the new martyrs: We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm. (See also https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2024)
VIDEO:
Fr.Joseph Whalen, M.S.World Healing Prayer – YouTube
Most Recent Article on the St. Raphael oil from the Catholic Free Press
Prayer to St. Joseph over 1900 years old
O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O’ St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O’ St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen
Say for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may desire. It has seldom been known to fail if in accordance with God’s will.
This prayer was found in the fiftieth year of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1500’s, it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle.
Whoever reads this prayer or hears it or carries it, will never die a sudden death, nor be drowned, nor will poison take effect on them. They will not fall into the hands of the enemy nor be burned in any fire, nor will they be defeated in battle.
Make this prayer known everywhere.
Imprimatur
Most Rev. George W. Ahr Bishop of Trenton
Lent: March 19th
Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Joseph
St. Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although descended from the royal house of David. In the designs of Providence he was destined to become the spouse of the Mother of God. His high privilege is expressed in a single phrase, “Foster-father of Jesus.” About him Sacred Scripture has little more to say than that he was a just man-an expression which indicates how faithfully he fulfilled his high trust of protecting and guarding God’s greatest treasures upon earth, Jesus and Mary.
The darkest hours of his life may well have been those when he first learned of Mary’s pregnancy; but precisely in this time of trial Joseph showed himself great. His suffering, which likewise formed a part of the work of the redemption, was not without great providential import: Joseph was to be, for all times, the trustworthy witness of the Messiah’s virgin birth. After this, he modestly retires into the background of holy Scripture.
Of St. Joseph’s death the Bible tells us nothing. There are indications, however, that he died before the beginning of Christ’s public life. His was the most beautiful death that one could have, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Humbly and unknown, he passed his years at Nazareth, silent and almost forgotten he remained in the background through centuries of Church history. Only in more recent times has he been accorded greater honor. Liturgical veneration of St. Joseph began in the fifteenth century, fostered by Sts. Brigid of Sweden and Bernadine of Siena. St. Teresa, too, did much to further his cult.
At present there are two major feasts in his honor. On March 19 our veneration is directed to him personally and to his part in the work of redemption, while on May 1 we honor him as the patron of workmen throughout the world and as our guide in the difficult matter of establishing equitable norms regarding obligations and rights in the social order.
—Excerpted from The Church’s Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
St. Joseph is invoked as patron for many causes. He is the patron of the Universal Church. He is the patron of the dying because Jesus and Mary were at his death-bed. He is also the patron of fathers, of carpenters, and of social justice. Many religious orders and communities are placed under his patronage.
Patronage: against doubt; against hesitation; accountants; attorneys; barristers; bursars; cabinetmakers; carpenters; cemetery workers; children; civil engineers; confectioners; craftsmen; dying; educators; emigrants; exiles; expectant mothers; families; fathers; furniture makers; grave diggers; happy death; holy death; house hunters; immigrants;
interior souls; joiners; laborers; lawyers; married people; orphans; people in doubt; people who fight Communism; pioneers; pregnant women; social justice; solicitors; teachers; travellers; unborn children; wheelwrights; workers; working people
Church declarations: Catholic Church (proclaimed on 8 December 1847 by Blessed Pope Pius IX);
Oblates of Saint Joseph; protection of the Church; Universal Church (proclaimed on 8 December 1847 by Blessed Pope Pius IX); Vatican II
Countries: Americas; Austria (given in 1675); Belgium; Bohemia (proclaimed in 1654 by Pope Innocent X; 14 May 1914 by Pope Pius X; 11 December 1935 by Pope Pius XI); Canada (given in 1624); China; Croatian people (in 1687 by decree of the Croatian parliment); Korea; Mexico (given in 1555); New France; New World; Papal States; Peru (given in 1828); Philippines (given in 1565); Vatican City (given in 2013); Viet Nam
See Catholic Saints Info for more listings of patronages.
Symbols and Representation: bible; branch; carpenter‘s square; carpenter‘s tools; chalice; cross; hand tools; infant Jesus; ladder; lamb; lily; monstrance; man holding a lily and a carpenter‘s tool such as a square; man holding the infant Jesus; plane; rod
Highlights and Things to Do:
- Read more about St. Joseph:
- CatholicSaints.info has an amazing list of prayers, articles, books, and other information on St. Joseph.
- Watch or listen to the Catholic Culture podcast with Elizabeth Lev on St. Joseph in Art History.
- For the Year of St. Joseph in 2021, there are several Catholic Culture audiobooks dedicated to St. Joseph:
- Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet—St. Joseph: A Man after God’s Own Heart
- Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet—St. Joseph: Guard What Has Been Entrusted to You
- Pope St. John Paul II—Redemptoris Custos: On the Person and Mission of St. Joseph in the Life of Christ and of the Church
- Pierre-Thomas Dehau, OP—Family and Holy Family: The Father
- A table overflowing with good Italian food honoring St. Joseph is a traditional Sicilian custom. The feast of San Giuseppe began in the Middle Ages when Sicily was suffering from a severe drought and the desperate people begged St. Joseph for rain. When they received rainy weather in response, they held a huge “feste” in Saint Joseph’s honor. Even today, Sicilians go to Mass before their St. Joseph’s day dinner and then process to their festive tables, decked out in flowers, breads, and all sorts of Italian foods. The priest blesses the food, and everyone shouts “Viva la tavola di San Giuse!” (which your children will readily do with great gusto). After the meal is done, everyone present is given something to take home, in the generous spirit of this day. Try some of our delicious recipes linked here.
We especially recommend the traditional Minestrone. Italian sausage is always a favorite, as well.
And there should be bread of all kinds — this recipe for Italian Decorative Breads can provide the traditional shape of your choice (St. Joseph’s staff, his beard, etc).
Also a traditional must with children is St. Joseph’s Sfinge, (Cream Puffs), for which we have several recipes on this site. - Plan a St. Joseph’s potluck for this day with other Catholic families — invite a parish priest and ask his blessing over the food before you begin the meal. If you do not have the time or resources to do this, plan a smaller affair with your own family, complete with prayers to St. Joseph, a little procession with candles for the older children and your favorite hymns, and then the father of the family ought to say a special blessing over the food before you begin.
- Check out this wonderful site for a Virtual St. Joseph Altar more in detail, includes recipes, history, and allows virtual offerings. They celebrated their 25th year in 2023!
- For further reading:
- Saint Joseph Altars by Kerri McCaffety (Photographer).
- A Table for Saint Joseph: Celebrating March 19th with Devotions, Authentic Italian Recipes, and Timeless Traditions by Mary Anne Scanlan Grasso.
- The Saint Joseph’s Day Table Cookbook by Mary Ann Giordano.
- Read the section of Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy on St. Joseph.
- Read Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical on Devotion to St. Joseph.
- Interested in history? Read this article on the history of devotions to St. Joseph, Finding St. Joseph, by Sandra Miesel.
- Pray this prayer and litany in honor of St. Joseph with your family rosary tonight.
- Here is a link to several meditations on St. Joseph — choose the one that is perfect for you and your family!
- Here are some ideas for teaching children about St. Joseph.
- Young girls ought to pray to St. Joseph for their future spouse.
- See Catholic Cuisine for some food ideas for St. Joseph’s Solemnity.
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Station with Santa Maria in via Lata al Corso (Our Lady at Via Lata):
The Station in Rome was formerly the church of the martyr St. Cyriacus, and as such it is still given in the Roman missal; but this holy sanctuary having been destroyed, and the relics of the holy deacon translated to the church of St. Mary in Via lata, it is here that the Station is now held.
For more on Santa Maria in via Lata al Corso, see:
For further information on the Station Churches, see The Stational Church.
MASS READINGS
March 19, 2024 (Readings on USCCB website)
PROPERS [show]
COLLECT PRAYER
DAILY MEDITATION: MATTHEW 1:16, 18-21, 24
Joseph . . . was a righteous man. (Matthew 1:19)
Did you know that only two Gospels provide accounts of Jesus’ miraculous conception and birth? Luke tells the story from Mary’s point of view—the annunciation, the visitation, and Mary’s prayerful heart. Matthew, on the other hand, focuses on Joseph’s role. Matthew highlights how important Joseph is, not only for supporting Mary and raising Jesus, but also for his connection to Abraham, David, and all of David’s heirs (1:1-16). In fact, by calling Joseph to be the foster father of Jesus, God fulfilled a prophecy that we hear in today’s first reading. Jesus is the heir through whom God will “make his kingdom firm” (2 Samuel 7:12).
It may seem that Joseph’s connection to his ancestors is minor in the grand scheme of things. But what it shows is that God keeps his promises. God had promised Abraham that he would be the “father of many nations” (Romans 4:17), and he remained committed to the promise throughout Israel’s long and turbulent history.
Still, God’s promises aren’t automatic guarantees. Because he gave us the great gift of free will, we need to cooperate with him to make sure those promises come to pass. And that’s where faith comes in—the faith of people like Abraham, David, and St. Joseph. These men didn’t always understand what God was asking of them, and they didn’t see his promises completely fulfilled in their lifetimes. But that didn’t keep them from trusting him and seeking to obey him. In Joseph’s case, that involved not just marrying Mary, but fleeing with his family to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath, and then moving back to Nazareth when an angel told him to.
On this day when we honor St. Joseph, let’s thank him for being such a wonderful model of trust in God’s promises. Let’s also imitate his deep faith in God and willingness to take decisive action when the Lord calls us.
“Oh, St. Joseph, watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, pray for me and for all the Church! May we all follow your example of faith and trust in the Lord!”
2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Friends, today we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph.
Every episode of Joseph’s life is a crisis. He discovered that the woman to whom he was betrothed was pregnant. He resolved to divorce her quietly, but then the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream and explained the anomalous pregnancy. So Joseph understood what was happening in the context of God’s providence and took Mary as his wife.
Next, discovering that the child was in mortal danger, Joseph took mother and baby on a perilous journey to an unknown country. Anyone who has ever been forced to move to a new city knows something of the anxiety that Joseph must have felt. But Joseph went because God had commanded him.
Finally, we hear of Joseph desperately seeking his lost twelve-year-old son. Quietly taking the child home, Joseph once more put aside his human feelings and trusted in the purposes of God.
The little we know about Joseph is that he experienced heartbreak, fear unto death, and a parent’s deepest anxiety. But each time, he read what happened to him as a theo-drama, not an ego-drama. This shift in attitude is what made Joseph the patron of the universal Church.
How to recite the Holy Rosary – New Advent
Miraculous Rosary: FAMOUS ROSARY MIRACLES
For Meditation: to Jesus thru Mary
4th sorrowful mystery in the Domincan rosary Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross.
4th sorrow on the Servite Rosary Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross.
4th Station of the Cross: Jesus meets Mary
Why pray the Rosary today? Certainly, to grow in holiness and in one’s prayer life. The following are a few others reasons why the rosary should be prayed often, even daily:
“Among all the devotions approved by the Church none has been so favored by so many miracles as the devotion of the Most Holy Rosary” (Pope Pius IX).
“Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world” (Our Lady of Fátima).
“There is no surer means of calling down God’s blessings upon the family . . . than the daily recitation of the Rosary” (Pope Pius XII).
“We do not hesitate to affirm again publicly that we put great confidence in the Holy Rosary for the healing of evils of our times” (Pope Pius XII).
“No one can live continually in sin and continue to say the Rosary: either they will give up sin or they will give up the Rosary” (Bishop Hugh Doyle).
“The Rosary is a magnificent and universal prayer for the needs of the Church, the nations and the entire world” (Pope John XXIII).
“The Rosary is the compendium of the entire Gospel” (Pope Paul VI quoting Pope Pius XII).
“Meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary . . . can be an excellent preparation for the celebration of those same mysteries in the liturgical actions [i.e. the Mass] and can also become a continuing echo thereof” (Pope Paul VI).
“My impression is that the Rosary is of the greatest value not only according to the words of Our Lady at Fátima, but according to the effects of the Rosary one sees throughout history. My impression is that Our Lady wanted to give ordinary people, who might not know how to pray, this simple method of getting closer to God” (Sister Lucia, one of the seers of Fátima).
“How beautiful is the family that recites the Rosary every evening” (Pope John Paul II).
Pope John Paul II has called the Rosary his “favorite prayer,” after the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours.
St. Louis de Montfort warns us against both the ignorant and scholars who regard the Rosary as something of little importance…”the Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God.”
Pray for us, O’ Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
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- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. And the Word was made Flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
May the Divine assistance remain always with us and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
When prayed in a group setting a leader recites the verses and everyone recites both the responses and the Hail Mary’s in between each verse, as shown above.
Although the Angelus has been traditionally said three times daily, at 6 am, noon and 6 pm, you can pray it at anytime especially at NOON. It is still accompanied by the ringing of a bell (the Angelus bell) in some places such as Vatican City and parts of Germany and Ireland.
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints.
May the heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen
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PRAYER TO THE INFANT OF PRAGUEO Infant of Prague, who said, “The more you honor me, the more I will bless you,” give us the strength to bear the burden of daily life in this sinful world. Give us a firm purpose of amendment and a resolve to lead a better life. Help us endure our afflictions and sorrows with patience and courage. Finally, O beloved Infant King if it be your will grant my petition (mention petition here). But whatever you choose, give me the strength to submit to your will in all things. Amen.HEALING PRAYERLORD, JESUS CHRIST, I AM DEEPLY SORRY FOR MY SINS. HAVE MERCY ON ME. In Your name, JESUS, I ask You for the grace to forgive myself. I ask your forgiveness for hurting others. I ask for the grace to forgive all those who have hurt me in this life, and especially the one person who has hurt me the most. I renounce forever Satan, ALL the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self Lord JESUS, now and forever, you are my Lord, God, SAVIOR AND REDEEMER. Please heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, mind and spirit for my greater service in Your Kingdom. Allow me to lead other souls to You through my good example. JESUS I trust in you! Come Lord JESUS, cover me with Your most precious blood, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit, I praise You, I thank You, I glorify Your name, JESUS. I love You JESUS WITH MY WHOLE HEART, SOUL, MIND, BODY AND MY WHOLE BEING. O’ Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with Holy Raphael the Archangel and all the holy Angels and Saints, pray for us! Amen
Holy Raphael says in Chapter 12 in the
BOOK OF TOBIT 12:7-10
7 A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be declared and made known. Praise them with due honor. Do good, and evil will not find its way to you.
8 Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than abundance with wickedness. It is better to give alms than to store up gold;
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We must work in the Vineyard and not return to GOD with empty hands!
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THE CORPORAL ACTS
- To feed the hungry;
- To give drink to the thirsty;
- To clothe the naked;
- To visit the imprisoned;
- To visit the sick;
- To shelter the homeless;
- To bury the dead.
- To instruct the ignorant;
- To counsel the doubtful;
- To admonish the sinner;
- To bear wrongs patiently;
- To forgive offences willingly;
- To comfort the sorrowful;
- To pray for the living and the dead.
44 Messianic Prophecies of Jesus | |||
Prophecies of Jesus | Old Testament Scripture |
New Testament Fulfillment |
|
1 | Messiah would be born of a woman. | Genesis 3:15 | Matthew 1:20 Galatians 4:4 |
2 | Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. | Micah 5:2 | Matthew 2:1 Luke 2:4-6 |
3 | Messiah would be born of a virgin. | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 1:22-23 Luke 1:26-31 |
4 | Messiah would come from the line ofAbraham. | Genesis 12:3 Genesis 22:18 |
Matthew 1:1 Romans 9:5 |
5 | Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. | Genesis 17:19 Genesis 21:12 |
Luke 3:34 |
6 | Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob. | Numbers 24:17 | Matthew 1:2 |
7 | Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. | Genesis 49:10 | Luke 3:33 Hebrews 7:14 |
8 | Messiah would be heir to King David’s throne. | 2 Samuel 7:12-13 Isaiah 9:7 |
Luke 1:32-33 Romans 1:3 |
9 | Messiah’s throne will be anointed and eternal. | Psalm 45:6-7 Daniel 2:44 |
Luke 1:33 Hebrews 1:8-12 |
10 | Messiah would be called Immanuel. | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 1:23 |
11 | Messiah would spend a season in Egypt. | Hosea 11:1 | Matthew 2:14-15 |
12 | A massacre of children would happen at Messiah’s birthplace. | Jeremiah 31:15 | Matthew 2:16-18 |
13 | A messenger would prepare the way for Messiah | Isaiah 40:3-5 | Luke 3:3-6 |
14 | Messiah would be rejected by his own people. | Psalm 69:8 Isaiah 53:3 |
John 1:11 John 7:5 |
15 | Messiah would be a prophet. | Deuteronomy 18:15 | Acts 3:20-22 |
16 | Messiah would be preceded by Elijah. | Malachi 4:5-6 | Matthew 11:13-14 |
17 | Messiah would be declared the Son of God. | Psalm 2:7 | Matthew 3:16-17 |
18 | Messiah would be called a Nazarene. | Isaiah 11:1 | Matthew 2:23 |
19 | Messiah would bring light to Galilee. | Isaiah 9:1-2 | Matthew 4:13-16 |
20 | Messiah would speak in parables. | Psalm 78:2-4 Isaiah 6:9-10 |
Matthew 13:10-15, 34-35 |
21 | Messiah would be sent to heal the brokenhearted. | Isaiah 61:1-2 | Luke 4:18-19 |
22 | Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek. | Psalm 110:4 | Hebrews 5:5-6 |
23 | Messiah would be called King. | Psalm 2:6 Zechariah 9:9 |
Matthew 27:37 Mark 11:7-11 |
24 | Messiah would be praised by little children. | Psalm 8:2 | Matthew 21:16 |
25 | Messiah would be betrayed. | Psalm 41:9 Zechariah 11:12-13 |
Luke 22:47-48 Matthew 26:14-16 |
26 | Messiah’s price money would be used to buy a potter’s field. | Zechariah 11:12-13 | Matthew 27:9-10 |
27 | Messiah would be falsely accused. | Psalm 35:11 | Mark 14:57-58 |
28 | Messiah would be silent before his accusers. | Isaiah 53:7 | Mark 15:4-5 |
29 | Messiah would be spat upon and struck. | Isaiah 50:6 | Matthew 26:67 |
30 | Messiah would be hated without cause. | Psalm 35:19 Psalm 69:4 |
John 15:24-25 |
31 | Messiah would be crucified with criminals. | Isaiah 53:12 | Matthew 27:38 Mark 15:27-28 |
32 | Messiah would be given vinegar to drink. | Psalm 69:21 | Matthew 27:34 John 19:28-30 |
33 | Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced. | Psalm 22:16 Zechariah 12:10 |
John 20:25-27 |
34 | Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed. | Psalm 22:7-8 | Luke 23:35 |
35 | Soldiers would gamble for Messiah’s garments. | Psalm 22:18 | Luke 23:34 Matthew 27:35-36 |
36 | Messiah’s bones would not be broken. | Exodus 12:46 Psalm 34:20 |
John 19:33-36 |
37 | Messiah would be forsaken by God. | Psalm 22:1 | Matthew 27:46 |
38 | Messiah would pray for his enemies. | Psalm 109:4 | Luke 23:34 |
39 | Soldiers would pierce Messiah’s side. | Zechariah 12:10 | John 19:34 |
40 | Messiah would be buried with the rich. | Isaiah 53:9 | Matthew 27:57-60 |
41 | Messiah would resurrect from the dead. | Psalm 16:10 Psalm 49:15 |
Matthew 28:2-7 Acts 2:22-32 |
42 | Messiah would ascend to heaven. | Psalm 24:7-10 | Mark 16:19 Luke 24:51 |
43 | Messiah would be seated at God’s right hand. | Psalm 68:18 Psalm 110:1 |
Mark 16:19 Matthew 22:44 |
44 | Messiah would be a sacrifice for sin. | Isaiah 53:5-12 | Romans 5:6-8 |
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https://www.thoughtco.com/prophecies-of-jesus-fulfilled-700159
MIRACLES OF JESUS CHRIST
Healing Miracles
Other Miracles
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