THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B | NOVEMBER 24, 2024
THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
THE ANNUAL GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
FEAST DAY ~ NOVEMBER 24, 2024
THE SAINTS: WHO ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY CANONISED? [Please see link to the article below]
PURGATORY: WHAT IS PURGATORY? [Please see link to this article below]
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? [Please see link to this article below]
KIND REMINDER: Please remember to continue to pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory throughout the month of November
Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Feast of Christ the King!
On this special Feast of Christ the King, and Annual Global Youth and Young Adults celebration, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, We pray for God’s grace and mercy and for the safety and well-being of our youth and young adults ~ Amen 🙏
With special intentions for all the souls of the faithful departed. As we continue to remember the faithful departed, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and all the Saints, we humbly pray for the souls of our faithful departed loved ones, for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed. May God grant our departed loved ones eternal ¹rest, may they reach their full stature. We pray for all those who mourn, for widows and widowers. May our Blessed Mother Mary Intercede for all those in pain and sorrow. We particularly pray for those mourning the loss of a loved one who recently passed away and the souls in Purgatory. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏
We continue to pray for the safety and well-being of our children and for peace in our family and the whole world. 🙏
A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏
Watch “POPE FRANCIS’ HOLY MASS FOR THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING” | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | https://www.youtube.com/live/VsmQlFUNpKk?si=MjeYWTNGTDuwUJXW
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS ON THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING” | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | NOVEMBER 24, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/24/homily-of-his-holiness-pope-francis-on-the-feast-of-christ-the-king-live-from-the-vatican-november-24-2024/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN on YouTube” | November 24, 2024 |
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | November 24, 2024 |
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | November 24, 2024 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| November 24, 2024 |
Pray “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries VIRTUAL🌹JOYFUL🌹LUMINOUS🌹SORROWFUL🌹GLORIOUS” oùn YouTube |
Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) |
Today’s Bible Readings: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), Sunday, November 24, 2024
Reading 1, Daniel 7:13-14
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 93:1, 1-2, 5
Reading 2, Revelation 1:5-8
Gospel, John 18:33-37
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
THE SAINTS: WHO ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY CANONISED? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/01/the-saints-who-are-they-and-how-are-they-canonised/
PURGATORY: WHAT IS PURGATORY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/15/purgatory-and-limbo/
November is a month when we remember our dead in a special way. It is a month when we are prone to reflecting on death, not in a morbid way but in the hopeful way that is rooted in our faith. Please let us remember to pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory this month of November and always.
Today, the last Sunday in Ordinary time, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and Annual Global Youth and Young Adults day.
“The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. ~ Psalm 29:10-11
THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe ends the liturgical year, this feast of Christ the King is the last Sunday of the liturgical year before a new liturgical year begins with the first Sunday of Advent, next Sunday. Today’s feast focuses on the Authority of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each year the church celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the King to acknowledge the Kingship of Jesus Christ. For Jesus Chris is the King of All Creation and the Redeemer of Mankind. He deserves all glory, honor, and praise.
The Feast of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI for the universal Church during the Jubilee Year of 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas as an antidote in order to combat a global rise in the evils of atheism, secularism, and communism due to the majority of mankind having rejected Christ and his law, a way of life which leaves God out of man’s thinking and living and organizes his life as if God did not exist. Pope Pius XI declared that without honoring the authority of Christ as King, the world would have no hope of lasting peace. His goal was that all world leaders, governments, and nations would honor Christ the King in their civil and political affairs, as well as uphold the rights of His Church, and that the faithful would be reminded that Jesus must reign as King in each individual heart, mind, will, and body.
This feast is intended to proclaim in a striking and effective manner Christ’s royalty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations. Pope Saint Paul VI expanded its name to “King of the Universe” in 1969. Jesus is not just a King of Hearts. He is more than a Universal Coach, Teacher, or Consoler of mankind. By “King of the Universe” the Church is communicating Jesus’ metaphysical scale, that God encompasses all of reality, not just man’s reality. We say in the Nicene Creed that God created all things visible and invisible. So Jesus is King over all the planets, stars, black holes, quasars, and exploding suns in the blackest corners of remote space. He is King over the earth and all its waterfalls, rainforests, mountain peaks, desert plains, and dark sea floors. He lords over all creation because He is its source. Saint Thomas Aquinas taught correctly when he wrote that God is not the most perfect being inside of creation but Being itself. God is reality, not just the most impressive being inhabiting the reality bubble. Today’s feast calls on us to grow as disciples of Christ the King by bearing witness to the way of truth and love that Jesus embodied .
A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who piously recite the Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King. A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who on this day will:
☆Publicly recite the Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King.
☆Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the intentions of the Pope.
☆Make a Sacramental Confession within a week of (before or after) the Feast of Christ the King.
☆Receive Holy Communion.
ACT OF DEDICATION TO THE HUMAN RACE TO JESUS CHRIST KING: Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before you. We are yours, and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known you; many, too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Grant, O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever…Amen🙏
PRAYER: Christ the King, Your sovereignty over all creation is not heavy. You order all reality toward Yourself and govern Your creatures with justice and humility. Help us to be faithful and subservient to what You desire, so that we can live one day in Your heavenly kingdom… Amen🙏
Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever… Amen 🙏
THE ANNUAL GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS | NOVEMBER 23-24, 2024
On the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christ the King Sunday), we celebrate the Annual Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults. This year on November 23-24, 2024.
At the end of Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King on 22 November 2020, Pope Francis called for a renewal of the global celebration of young people in the local churches in every diocese and eparchy. He also announced that, beginning in 2021, he would “transfer the diocesan celebration of World Youth Day (WYD) from Palm Sunday to Christ the King Sunday. The center of the celebration remains the Mystery of Jesus Christ the Redeemer of Man, as Saint John Paul II, the initiator and Patron of WYD, always emphasized.”
“On this feast day… the Church proclaims the Kingdom of Christ, already present, but still growing in all its mystery towards its full manifestation … young people are indispensable bearers of the dynamics of the Kingdom of God, the hope of the Church and the world.” ~ St. John Paul II
38th Global Celebration / World Youth Day, 2023-2024 Theme: “Rejoicing in hope” (cf. Rom 12:12).
39th Global Celebration / World Youth Day, 2024-2025 Theme: “Those who hope in the Lord will run and will not be weary” (cf. Is 40:31).
This year, Pope Francis asks that we take inspiration from the prophet Isaiah, who says: “Those who hope in the Lord… will run and not be weary” (Is 40:31).”
A PRAYER FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
“Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, to you we turn in humble prayer. Look with favor upon all young people, bearers of hope for the Church and the world. Jesus Christ, companion of youth and young adults, bless the paths of discovery and discernment, through times of joy and experiences of hardship, with the constant love and support of your Church. Jesus Christ, alive in the hearts of all your people, grant that we may “journey together, young and old… to nourish our enthusiasm, cause dreams to emerge, awaken prophesies and enable hope to blossom.” * Jesus Christ, Redeemer of all humankind, open our hearts to encounter all young people, to accompany and be in community together, and as one Church, embark upon our holy mission. Jesus Christ, in the company of the Father and the Holy Spirit, graciously hear our prayer and be with us forevermore.” Amen 🙏🏽
~ Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, 199
We pray for the safety and well-being of our youth and young adults ~ Amen 🙏
The Annual Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults | November 23-24, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/24/the-annual-global-celebration-of-youth-and-young-adults/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today, The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe | USCCB | YEAR B | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Gospel Reading ~ John 18:33b–37
“You say I am a king”
“Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
This Sunday is the Thirty-Fourth and therefore the Last Sunday of Ordinary Time for this current liturgical year. Beginning next Sunday, the season of Advent will begin and it will also mark the beginning of the new liturgical year cycle. On this Sunday therefore we celebrate the great occasion of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, celebrating and honouring the Kingship of Our Lord, His Universal Dominion and Kingship, Mastery and Rule over the whole Creation and over all things.
In today’s Gospel reading, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, King of the Universe, the Gospel gives an account of the time when the Lord was going through His Passion or Suffering, when Pontius Pilate, the Governor and Procurator of Judea was questioning Him about why the chief priests handed Him over to him to be condemned to death and crucified. Then, in that conversation and exchange, Pilate’s question to Jesus, asking Him about the accusations that the chief priests had been making against Him regarding the claim that He called Himself as the King of the Jews. This false claim and accusation was made by the chief priests against the Lord because they knew that it was high treason for anyone to claim to be king and ruler when the land was under Roman dominion and rule. It was then that the Lord replied to Pilate that He is indeed a King, although not in the manner that he would think or know of. According to the Gospel, Jesus is standing before the Pontius Pilate who represented the King of Rome, Caesar. Pilate wants to know if Jesus is the kind of king who would be a threat to Rome’s power. He asks Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Jesus attempts to explain to Pilate what kind of a king He is. He is certainly not the kind of king Pilate is familiar with. As Jesus says, ‘My kingdom is not of this world’. He had earlier explained to His disciples that greatness in God’s kingdom means serving the least and most vulnerable, just as He came not to be served but to serve. Jesus gives expression to God’s kingdom in the world by His loving service of all, even to the point of giving his life for all. Now He explains to Pilate that he gives expression to God’s kingdom in the world by witnessing to the truth. He says, ‘I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth’. In what sense does Jesus bear witness to the truth? He reveals the truth about God. He shows by all he says and does, and especially by his death, that the true God is a God of perfect love. The truth that Jesus bears witness to is the truth of God’s faithful love for the world. In the words of John’s gospel, ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life’. The truth Jesus proclaims is ‘God is Love’. This is how Jesus shows Himself to be a king. Jesus’ final words to Pilate in the Gospel readings call on Pilate to turn from his earthly king, Caesar in Rome, and to stand with Jesus, the king, ‘All who are on the side of truth, listen to my voice’. Jesus calls on all of us to show that we are on the side of truth by listening to His voice, especially when He speaks to us of God who is love. We are to listen deeply to Jesus’ good news of God’s love for the world, for each one of us, so that this word of Jesus finds a home in our hearts and inspires us to love one another with the love of God. As Jesus says elsewhere in this Gospel of John, ‘As the Father has loved me, I have loved you… love one another as I have loved you’. Jesus will be king of our lives when we love one another with the Lord’s love, and then we will be witnessing to God’s truth. This is the call we receive at our baptism, and that we hear afresh at every Eucharist. Whenever we bear witness to the Lord’s love by the way we live, the kingdom of God comes closer to earth through us.
According to Pope Francis in his Homily at the end of the liturgical year, the Church as the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the universe. “This celebration invites us to look towards him, the Lord, the source and fulfilment of all things (cf. Col 1:16-17), whose “kingdom shall not be destroyed” (Dan 7:14). As we contemplate Christ the King, we are uplifted and moved. However, what we see around us is quite different, and this contrast may make disturbing questions arise in our hearts. What are we to make of so many wars, the ongoing violence and natural disasters? What can be said about the many problems that you, dear young people, must face as you look towards the future: the scarcity of job opportunities, uncertainty about the state of the economy, the rise of inequalities that polarize our society? Why is all this happening? And how can we avoid being overwhelmed? It is true that these are challenging questions but they are important ones. Today, as the Church celebrates World Youth Day, I would like to encourage you to reflect, in the light of the Word of God, on three ideas that can help us face these challenges courageously. These three ideas are: accusations, approval and truth.
First: accusations. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is being accused (cf. Jn 18:33-37). He is, as they say, “on the witness stand” in court. Pilate, an official of the Roman Empire, is questioning Jesus. This can be taken as an image representing all the powers that have violently oppressed peoples throughout the course of history. Although Pilate personally had no interest in Jesus, he also knew that the people followed him, believing him to be a guide, a teacher, the Messiah. The procurator could not allow any disturbance or turmoil threaten the “forced peace” of his district, so he resolved to placate the powerful enemies of this defenceless prophet. He put Jesus on trial and threatened to condemn him to death. The Lord, who had always preached justice, mercy and forgiveness, was not afraid. He did not allow himself to be intimidated; he did not rebel. Jesus was faithful to the truth he proclaimed, faithful to the point of sacrificing his life.”
In our first reading this Christ the King Sunday, from the Book of the prophet Daniel, the vision of Daniel was recounted to us, the vision of God on His Throne, One of a Great Age and the Son of Man, to Whom Daniel saw that the One of Great Age had granted power, sovereignty and dominion over the whole world. This vision was in fact a prelude and premonition of Christ’s coming into this world, the revelation that God would indeed send none other than His own Beloved and Begotten Son, the Divine Word of God, to be incarnate in our midst and to dwell among us, ruling over us all as our Lord and King. And as He comes upon us in the flesh, adopting our human nature and existence, He also made His Kingdom to be manifest in our midst, as something that is real and tangible. We are also reminded that ultimately, our allegiance and obedience lies and rests in God. Of course we are parts and members of our own respective countries, states and other worldly authorities that we are under and subject to, but we must always keep in mind and remember that all the authority and power they have ultimately came from God, our true Lord and King, our Master and Ruler, Who has entrusted and delegated His power and authority to those whom He had chosen and called to be the ones to exercise that power and authority on daily basis, be it in the secular world, in our states and countries, our governments and worldly rulers, as well as in the Church of God, the Pope and the many bishops all around the world, who have been entrusted with all of us, God’s flock and holy people.
In our second reading on this Feast of Christ the King Sunday, from the Book of Revelations of St. John the Apostle, St. John recounted to us his heavenly vision of the events of the end of times and the Final Judgment, the ultimate triumph of the Lord and His victory over all evil, sin and death. St. John had witnessed all those things so that he might be able to encourage and strengthen every one of us, God’s holy and faithful people, reminding us that Our Lord, He Who is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Lord, Master and Ruler of all will come again in the end of times, to gather us all and to lead us into the eternal bliss, true happiness and joy that He has promised and reassured us all these while. As long as we have faith and trust in Him, and commit ourselves wholeheartedly to Him, we will be saved.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures on this special feast of Christ the King, let us all therefore commit ourselves today to our King anew, renewing our pledge to serve Him, to follow and obey Him wholeheartedly from now on and honour and worship Him as our Lord and King, and enthrone Him in our hearts, in our homes and in our workplaces, in everywhere we are, as our true King and Master, even as we obediently continue to be good and law abiding citizens of this world, and of whichever states we belong to. On this day we glorify our Lord and King, proclaiming Him as our only Sovereign and Master, the One Who is ruling over our lives, renewing our commitments and dedication to Him, as His followers and disciples, and as His one united people, the Church of God. Today as we all listened to these words from the Sacred Scriptures and as we all ponder upon the reality of the Kingship of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, let us all therefore renew our faith and commitment in the Lord, to proclaim Him as our one true Lord and King. And if we truly believe and accept our Lord Jesus as King, then we must truly enthrone Him in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, in our whole being, and strive as always to put Him at the very centre of our existence and lives. This is what we have been invited and reminded to do, to follow and obey Our King at all times and in all circumstances. As Christians, we must always be ready to proclaim our allegiance to God and our adherence to His ways and teachings, His Law and commandments at every moments in our lives. The problem often then lies in the fact that many of us do not truly proclaim and hold fast to the fact and belief that Our Lord Jesus Christ, our God, is our Lord and King, our Master and Ruler. That is so because we often allow the temptations present all around us, the temptations of power, money, worldly desires and attachments to distract us and pull us away from God and His path. And we also end up making those things to be our idols and masters instead of the Lord. Indeed, there are plenty of false idols around us, the idol of money, possessions, ambitions and other forms of worldly pursuits and desires that can keep us away from being truly committed and faithful to the Lord, our true Master and King. May our Lord and Saviour, our King and Master, Jesus Christ, the Almighty and All-Encompassing Master and Ruler of the whole entire Universe and Creation continue to bless and guide us in all of our every endeavours, efforts and works. May all of us as His beloved and faithful people, His one flock and nation, all remain united in total obedience and commitment to Him as our Lord and King, our true Master in all things. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to work for the coming of God’s kingdom by bearing witness to the truth as courageously as Jesus did. May we grow as disciples of Christ the King bearing witness as we follow a King who is the way, the truth and the life. May the Lord bless us all in all of our good efforts, hard work and endeavours, and let us all and our devotion to our King continue to inspire many others in how we live our lives, becoming the great and shining beacons of truth, hope and love, revealing the Good News of God to all creation. Christus Vincit! Christus Regnat! Christus Imperat! Amen🙏
SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC, PRIEST AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS, SAINT CHRYSOGONUS, MARTYR AND SAINTS FLORA AND MARY, MARTYRS – FEAST DAY ~ NOVEMBER 24TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and his Companions, Martyrs; Saint Chrysogonus, Martyr and Saints Flora and Mary, Martyrs. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and all the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the sick and dying, especially sick children, those who are mentally and physically ill, strokes, heart diseases, and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and we pray for all widows and widowers. We pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. We pray for all parents and children, for peace, love, justice and unity in our marriages, our families and our world. Amen🙏
SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC, PRIEST AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS: There are 117 martyrs in this group and although they died at different times, they were all canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988. Of the group, 96 were Vietnamese, 11 were Spaniards, and 10 were French. There were 8 bishops, 50 priests and 59 lay Catholics in the group. Of the priests, 11 were Dominicans, 10 belonged to the Paris Mission Society, and the rest were diocesan priests plus one seminarian. Certain individual martyrs were mentioned by name in the process of canonization: Andrew Dung-Lac, a diocesan priest; Thomas Tran-Van-Thien, a seminarian; Emmanuel Le-Van-Pung, father of a family; the Dominican bishops Jerome Hermosilla and Valentine Berrio-Ochoa; and John Theophane Venard.
St. Andrew Dung-Lac’s name was originally Dung An Trân, and he was born about 1795 in a poor and pagan family in Bac-Ninh in North Vietnam. When he was twelve the family had to move to Hà-Nôi (Hanoi) where his parents could find work. There he met a catechist and got food and shelter from him. He also got education in the Christian faith for three years, and was baptized in Vinh-Tri with the Christian name Andrew (Andrew Dung). After learning Chinese and Latin he became a catechist, and thereafter taught catechism in the country. He was chosen to study theology, and on March 15, 1823 he was ordained a priest. As parish priest in Ke-Dâm he was tireless in his preaching. He often fasted and lived a simple and moral life, he was a good example for the people, and many were baptized. In 1835 he was imprisoned under emperor Minh-Mang’s persecutions (he was called Vietnam’s emperor Nero), but his freedom was purchased by donations from members of the congregation he served. To avoid persecutions he changed his name to Lac (Andrew Lac) and moved to another prefecture to continue his work. But on November 10, 1839 he was again arrested, this time with Peter Thi, another Vietnamese priest whom he was visiting so that he might go to confession. Once again Andrew was liberated, along with Peter Thi, in exchange for money. Their freedom was brief. They were soon re-arrested and taken to Hanoi, where both suffered dreadful torture. Finally they both were beheaded December 21, 1839. These Martyrs gave their lives not only for the Church but for their country as well. They showed that they wanted the Gospel of Christ to take root in their people and contribute to the good of their homeland. On June 1, 1989, these holy Martyrs were inscribed in the liturgical calendar of the Universal Church for November 24.
PRAYER: God, the fount and origin of all fatherhood, You enabled the blessed Martyrs Andrew and his companions to be faithful to the Cross of Your Son even unto the shedding of their blood. Grant through their intercession that we may propagate Your love among our brothers and sisters and not only be called but really be Your children. Amen 🙏
SAINT CHRYSOGONUS, MARTYR: St. Chrysogonus probably was a native of Aquileia, although he was venerated in Rome already in the fourth century. According to legend he was brought to Rome under Emperor Diocletian and thrown into prison; there he stayed two years, sustained by St. Anastasia. That pious woman was obliged to endure many hardships from her husband Publius because of the Christian faith, but she derived much comfort from these short visits and acts of mercy. When all imprisoned Christians were ordered to be executed, Chrysogonus was brought to Aquileia. There Diocletian addressed him, “I have called you before me, Chrysogonus, to load you with honors provided you are willing to adore the gods.” The saint replied, “Only the true God will I adore. Idols which neither have existence nor life and only represent devils, I hate and curse.” Embittered by such an answer, the Emperor commanded him to be beheaded on November 24. His body was submerged in the sea; when found shortly after on the shore, it was interred by the priest Zoilus in his house (c. 304). Great honor was paid Chrysogonus by the Church of Rome; his name was inserted in the Canon, and a station church in his honor was erected.
Saint Chrysogonus, Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏
SAINTS FLORA AND MARY, MARTYRS: In the reign of Abderramene II., king of the Saracens at Cordova in Spain, Flora, because she was of Muslim extraction by her father, but had been secretly instructed in the faith by her mother, was impeached by her own brother before the cadi, or judge of the city. This magistrate caused her to be scourged, and beaten on the head till in some parts her scull was bare. Then he put her into the hands of her brother, that he might overcome her resolution.
After some time she made her escape over a high wall, and took shelter with a sister at Ossaria. Having lain concealed some time, she ventured back to Cordova, and prayed publicly in the church of St. Aciclus, the martyr. There she met with Mary, sister to the deacon Valabonsus, who had lately received the crown of martyrdom. The zealous virgins agreed to present themselves in the court of the cadi, by whose order they were apprehended, and confined to a close dungeon, where no one had access to them but certain impious lewd women. St. Eulogius, who was at that time detained in another prison, wrote and sent to them his Exhortation to Martyrdom. After a third examination, the cadi commanded them both to be beheaded. The sentence was executed on the same day, the 24th of November, in 851. They are named in the Roman Martyrology.
Saints Flora and Mary, Martyrs ~ Pray for us 🙏
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER:
MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS: The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of November to praying in a special way for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. The Holy Souls (also called the Faithful Departed) are members of the Church who await the purification of their souls before joining the Saints in heaven for all eternity. Specifically, they are referred to as the Church Suffering (the Saints in heaven are the Church Triumphant, and the faithful on earth are the Church Militant).The poor souls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves or do anything to hasten their entrance into heaven, but we can and ought to pray for them as an act of charity. The feast of the Holy Souls is November 2nd.
The entire month of November falls during the liturgical season known as Tempus per Annum or Ordinary Time (formerly Time After Pentecost), which is represented by the liturgical color green. Green is a symbol of hope, as it is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. The liturgical color green is worn during the praying of Offices and celebration of Masses of Ordinary Time. The last portion of the liturgical year represents the time of our pilgrimage to heaven during which we hope for reward. As we come to the end of the Church year we are asked to consider the end times, our own as well as the world’s.
The month of November is very full of Memorials, feasts and solemnities. The main feast days are the Solemnity of All Saints (November 1), The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) (November 2), the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome (November 9), The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (November 24), and St. Andrew (November 30).
The other saint days are: St. Charles Borromeo, (November 4), Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome (November 9), St. Martin of Tours, (November 11), St. Josaphat (November 12), St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (November 13) St. Albert the Great (November 15), Sts. Margaret of Scotland and Gertrude (November 16), Presentation of Mary (November 21), St. Cecilia (November 22), Sts. Clement I and St. Columban (November 23), and
St. Catherine of Alexandria (November 25). The commemorations of St. Martin de Porres (November 3), St. Leo the Great (November 10), St. Elizabeth of Hungary (November 17), and St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions (November 24) fall on Sundays and are superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/10_1.cfm
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2024: FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER – FOR ANYONE WHO HAS LOST A CHILD: We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.
https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2024
PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/
During this Ordinary Time, please let us all continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, Nigeria, the Middle East, for an end to the current war in Israel-Palestine, and the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. Amen 🙏🏾
PRAYER INTENTIONS: During this season of the Ordinary Time, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and all the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for our children and children all over the world, we pray for their health, safety and well-being, we particularly pray for those who have no one to care for them and those who are terminally ill, we pray for God’s Divine healing upon them. We pray for all mothers, wives, those going through challenges in their marriages, Victims of verbal and spousal abuse, and we pray for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. Every life is a gift. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. For all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy, and all those who preach the Gospel. We pray for Vocation to the Priesthood and Religious life. We particularly pray for all Youths and all Seminarians. For the Church, for persecuted Christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners and Christians all over the world. Amen 🙏
Let us pray:
My glorious King of the Universe, You are perfect in all of Your ways. Your divine Law must reign in my heart and become the purpose of my life. As we honor Your kingship this day, I rededicate myself to You and submit more fully to Your sovereign control of my life. Please do with me what You will, and use me to help build Your Kingdom on earth. I pray for wisdom, prudence and courage as I am sent forth by You to help bring forth Your merciful and just reign in the lives of all people and within the entire Universe that You created. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done! Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe….have mercy on us. Our Blessed Mother Mary; Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and his Companions, Martyrs; Saint Chrysogonus and Saints Flora and Mary ~ Pray for us🙏
Thanking God for the gift of this day and praying for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world and for God’s Divine Mercy and Grace upon us all. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Sunday and fruitful week🙏
Blessings and love always, Philomena💖
Daily Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation |