Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 22, 2025| https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | July 22, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | July 22, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
FEAST OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE OF THE APOSTLES ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 22ND: Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, Apostle of the Apostles. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Mary Magdalene on this feast day, we humbly pray for all women, the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for those going through difficulties especially during these challenging times, for the poor and the needy, for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽
SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE OF THE APOSTLES: St. Mary Magdalene (1st c.) is sometimes called Mary of Magdala; Magdalene or Madeleine. Her name comes from the town of Magdala in Galilee, where she was born. She was a close friend and devoted follower of Jesus Christ who lived during the 1st century in Galilee (then part of the ancient Roman Empire and now part of Israel). St. Mary Magdelene is one of the most prominent women mentioned in the New Testament. According to the four canonical gospels, she traveled with Jesus as one of the closest woman collaborators of the Lord, travelled together with the other disciples and was present during the important moments especially surrounding the Lord’s Passion, His suffering, death and resurrection. St. Mary Magdalene was also known as the first witness to His resurrection among the disciples after He was risen from the dead. In that way therefore, she was the one to deliver the truth of this Good News to the disciples. Hence, that is why the Church has always treated St. Mary Magdalene as an equal to the Apostles or Isapostolos, counted among the great saints whose prominence and honour in the Church are considered equivalent to those given to the Twelve Apostles and the other Apostles.
Formerly she had been a woman of ill repute out of whom Jesus exorcised seven demons. She was dramatically transformed during her life from a person who was possessed by demons to someone who became a close friend of the person whom Christians believe was God Himself. St. Mary Magdalene has a special place among the Lord’s disciples and is mentioned several times in the Gospels. She stood at the foot of the Cross with St. John and the Blessed Mother, and went the next morning to Christ’s tomb to anoint his body. As a reward for her great love and faithfulness, she is the first recorded witness of Jesus’ Resurrection. It was Mary Magdalene who informed the twelve Apostles that Jesus rose from the dead—for this she is called “Apostle to the Apostles.” Pope Francis, our current Pope raised the celebration of St. Mary Magdalene from a Memorial rank to that of a Feast a few years ago, in order to reflect this nature, and he also referred to her by her well-known title of Apostola Apostolorum, or the ‘Apostle to the Apostles’. St. Mary Magdalene was the one to bring the Good News of the Resurrection to the Apostles.
Scripture introduces St. Mary Magdalene as a woman “who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out” (Lk. 8:2). Some scholars identify Mary Magdalene with the sinful woman who anointed the feet of Christ with oil in the house of Simon the Pharisee (Lk. 7:36-50). Others associate her with Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Lk. 10:38-42, Jn. 11). Some believe the three figures to be one person, while others believe them to be three distinct individuals. What the Scriptures make certain about Mary Magdalene is that she was a follower of Christ, who accompanied and ministered to him (Lk. 8:2-3). The Gospels record her as being one of the women present at Christ’s crucifixion. In addition, she was the first recorded witness of the Resurrection. The Gospels all describe Mary Magdalene going to the tomb on Easter morning. When she saw that the tomb was empty, she stood outside, weeping. Jesus appeared to her and asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” (Jn. 20:15). She did not recognize him, however, and thought he was the gardener, until he said her name, “Mary!” (Jn. 20:16) Upon hearing this, Mary recognized him. She returned to the grieving disciples to announce to them the message of the Resurrection. After Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, St. Mary Magdalene continued her mission as an evangelist, contemplative, and mystic in the heart of the Church. According to the Eastern tradition, she went to Ephesus with the Virgin Mary and died there.
Pope Benedict XVI spoke about Mary Magdalene in his address before the Angelus on July 23, 2006. He referred to her as “a disciple of the Lord who plays a lead role in the Gospels.” The Pope recalled Mary Magdalene’s presence “beneath the Cross” on Good Friday, as well as how “she was to be the one to discover the empty tomb” on Easter morning. “The story of Mary of Magdala reminds us all of a fundamental truth,” Pope Benedict said. “A disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him and has set out following closely after him, becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love that is stronger than sin and death.”
The feast of St. Mary Magdalene is celebrated by the Greeks as well as the Latins on this date. However, in the instructions given with the latest edition of the Roman Calendar, the Latin Church has stipulated that the feast is solely that of the woman to whom Christ appeared and not that of the sister of Lazarus or the penitent woman. On June 10, 2016, the liturgical celebration honoring St. Mary Magdalene was raised from a memorial to a feast, putting her on par with the apostles. St. Mary Magdalene is the Patron Saint of women, converts to Christianity, people who enjoy contemplating God’s mysteries, people who are persecuted for their piety, people who are penitent about their sins, people who struggle with sexual temptation, apothecaries, glove makers, hairdressers, perfume makers, pharmacists, reformed prostitutes, tanners, and various places and churches worldwide. Her feast day is July 22nd.
PRAYER: O God, whose Only Begotten Son entrusted Mary Magdalene before all others with announcing the great joy of the Resurrection, grant, we pray, that through her intercession and example we may proclaim the living Christ and come to see him reigning in your glory. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever… Amen 🙏🏽
Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 21, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | July 21, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | July 21, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
MEMORIAL OF SAINT LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT VICTOR OF MARSEILLES, SOLDIER AND MARTYR AND SAINT PRAXEDES, VIRGIN ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 21ST: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church; Saint Victor of Marseilles, Soldier and Martyr and Saint Praxedes, Virgin. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for those going through difficulties especially during these challenging times, for the poor and the needy, for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world🙏
SAINT LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: St. Lawrence’s name was Julius Caesar, and he was born Caesar de Rossi at Brindisi, in the kingdom of Naples, Italy, on July 22, 1559. As a boy, he studied with the Conventual Franciscans and later went to study in Venice. There he discerned a call to enter the Capuchin Franciscans at Verona at the age of 16 and took the name Lawrence. Educated in Venice at the College of St. Mark and finishing his studies at the University of Padua, he showed a flair for languages, mastering Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish, and French, and showed an extraordinary knowledge of the text of the Bible. Fluent in Hebrew and expertly versed in the Bible, he worked as a diplomat for the secular powers in Europe and as a missionary. While a deacon, St. Lawrence became well-known for his powerful preaching of the Word of God, and after his ordination to the priesthood startled the whole of northern Italy with his sermons.
In 1598, St. Lawrence was sent with eleven other Capuchins to establish Capuchin community throughout Germany and Austria which were threatened by Lutheranism at that time. While in the imperial realm, the fame of his holiness, wisdom, and administrative ability led the Emperor Rudolf II, to appoint him to organize the Catholic princes against the invading Turks. At the Battle of Stuhlweissenburg, though the Christians were outnumbered four to one, St. Lawrence roused the low spirits of the soldiers with a powerful oration, mounted a horse and rode before the army with a crucifix held high. The Turks repulsed and Europe was saved. In 1596, he became a Superior in his order, he was commissioned by Pope Clement VIII to work for the conversion of the Jewish people and to combat the spread of Protestantism. He was a great preacher and refused a second term as minister general of his order in favor of preaching. Five years later went to Germany with Benedict of Urbino. They founded several priories throughout Europe. At the successful conclusion of his other German projects, the Saint returned to seek seclusion in Italy, only to find that he had been elected the Minister General of the Order in 1602. He worked, preached and wrote to spread the Gospel. He also went on important peace missions to Munich and Madrid. The rulers of those places listened to him and his missions were successful. Eventually St. Lawrence was worn out by constant travel in difficult conditions and by strain of his ministry. He became ill and died in 1619 at Lisbon, Portugal, while on mission to present the grievances of the people of Naples to their sovereign, King Philip III of Spain. Though he was a very active person, St. Lawrence was also a man of prayer as well as of deep learning. He lived and died for the Lord, and through his faithfulness many embraced the saving Gospel. Saint Lawrence was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1881 and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII in 1959. He was canonized in 1881 by Pope Leo XIII, and in 1960 he was made a Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII.
PRAYER: God, for the glory of Your Name and the salvation of souls, You favored St. Lawrence, Your Priest, with the spirit of wisdom and fortitude. Grant that the same spirit we may recognize our obligations and with his help carry them our. Amen 🙏
SAINT VICTOR OF MARSEILLES, SOLDIER AND MARTYR: St. Victor of Marseilles (d. 290 A.D.) was a Christian soldier serving in the Roman imperial army in Marseilles, France. Christianity was thriving there, until Emperor Maximian arrived with the intention of putting the Christians to death. This caused the Christians to fear, and St. Victor would go from house to house under the cover of night to admonish them to stand strong in their faith. This behavior drew attention, and during one of his nightly rounds he was arrested. The Roman prefects tried to dissuade him from following a “dead man” (Jesus), but St. Victor testified boldly for the truth of the Christian faith. Enraged, the prefects had him bound and dragged through the streets. Victor was undeterred and continued to denounce the Roman gods.
His tortures were renewed until his torturers grew tired, after which he was thrown into a dungeon. That night he was visited by angels, and his three guards were converted and baptized that same night. The next morning the Emperor had the guards beheaded, while St. Victor was kept alive for fresh torments. After three days of abuse, the Emperor commanded Victor to burn incense to the gods. Instead, St. Victor walked up to the altar and kicked it over with his foot. In retaliation, his foot was cut off. Seeing that his efforts to cause Victor to apostatize were useless, the Emperor finally had him crushed to death on a grindstone. His body was thrown into the sea before being recovered and buried by Christians. His tomb became a place where many miracles occurred and became one of the most popular pilgrimage centers in Gaul. He is the Patron Saint of cabinetmakers, millers, torture victims, sick children; invoked against lightning. St. Victor of Marseilles’ feast day is July 21st.
Saint Victor of Marseilles, Soldier and Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏
SAINT PRAXEDES, VIRGIN: St. Praxedes was daughter of Pudens, a Roman senator, and sister to Saint Pudentiana, and in the days of Pope Pius I and the emperor Antoninus Pius, edified the church of Rome by the bright lustre of her virtues. All her great riches she employed in relieving the poor and the necessities of the church. By the comfort and succours which she afforded the martyrs she endeavoured to make herself partaker of their crowns, and she lived in the assiduous exercise of prayer, watching, and fasting. She died in peace and was buried near her sister on the Salarian road. Bede and other martyrologists style her a virgin. An old title or parish church in Rome bearing her name is mentioned in the life of Pope Symmachus. It was repaired by Adrian I and Paschal I and lastly by Saint Charles Borromeo, who took from it his title of cardinal.
The primitive Christians lived only for heaven, and in every step looked up to God, regardless of all lower pursuits or meaner advantages that could interfere with their great design of knowing and loving him. This constant attention to God awed them in their retirements; this gave life and wings to their devotions, and animated them to fervour in all their actions; this carried them through the greatest difficulties and temptations, and supported them under all troubles and afflictions.
Saint Praxedes, Virgin ~ Pray for us 🙏
SATURDAY OF THE FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 19, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT AUREA OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR; SAINT EPAPHRAS OF COLOSSAE, MARTYR; SAINT SYMMACHUS, POPE AND SAINT MACRINA THE YOUNGER, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Aurea, Saint Epaphras, Saint Symmachus, and Saint Macrina the Younger| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-19th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 19, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-133/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time! We give thanks to God for the gift of life and the grace to see this month. During this month of July, may the Precious Blood of Jesus cover and protect us, heal our wounds, and strengthen our faith. We pray for all those celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, new beginnings, and special moments in this month of July. May God’s blessings overflow in their lives. May this month bring peace to troubled hearts, direction to the lost, comfort to the grieving, and strength to the weary. In all things, may His will be done and His name be glorified. Amen🙏🏽
PRAYER AND APPRECIATION FOR THE CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS:
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” ~ 1 Timothy 5:17
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
We thank God for the gift of life and especially thank Him for blessing us all with the special gift of the Clergy, who have sacrificed their lives to serve in the Lord’s Vineyard.
We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, all religious men and women, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We thank them for their faithful, dedicated, and loving service to the people of God. Praying for God’s wisdom, knowledge, and good health of body and mind upon them. Amen 🙏🏽
With special intention for all Priests who are going through mental health challenges. May the good Lord heal them and grant them peace, and may our Blessed Mother Mary comfort them as they go through challenging times. May we, the faithful, also be instruments of God’s peace and comfort to them, offering our understanding and support in tangible ways. Amen 🙏🏽
For the repose of the gentle soul of Rev. Fr. Matteo Balzano and souls of all the faithful departed. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
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 & the Holy Spirit forever & ever. Amen 🙏🏽
A 35 Year Old Italian Catholic Priest Takes His Own Life – A Letter to Fr. Matteo Balzano | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMi5ZGUzYY4
Italian priest’s suicide underscores humanity of priests https://share.google/vEgHP9SgeFYaIEXEH
‘You were, above all, a friend’: Eulogy for Italian priest who died by suicide https://share.google/RPPfYIlJcOEowuvr2
PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS: We join our prayers to the prayers of others throughout the world, for the victims of natural disasters which have brought destruction and disaster to so many countless lives. We particularly pray for the victims of the recent flooding in Central Texas, may God restore what was lost and console all those who are grieving, injured, or have lost loved ones. Eternal rest grant unto those who lost their lives and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we humbly pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our divided and conflicted world today. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world. We pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
We continue to pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of their gentle souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of the Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of July.🙏🏽
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of July | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-july/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings for Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time | July 19, 2025
Reading 1: Exodus 12:37–42
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 136:1 and 23–24, 10–12, 13–15
Gospel: Matthew 12:14–21
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 12:14–21
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight.”
“The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death. When Jesus realized this, He withdrew from that place. Many people followed Him, and He cured them all, but He warned them not to make Him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon Him, and He will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, a smoldering wick He will not quench, until He brings justice to victory. And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”
In today’s Gospel reading, the Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy Him’. Jesus had just healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, and this was their reaction. Because Jesus worked on the Sabbath, He was considered to be acting contrary to God’s Law. To protect the integrity of God’s Law, they decided that Jesus needed to be destroyed. There are certain forms of religious zeal which can be quite destructive of others, as we know too well from our own times. Jesus was also zealous to do God’s will. In John’s Gospel, He declares that His food is to do the will of the one who sent Him. Yet, Jesus’ religious zeal always brought life and healing to others, never death. In response to His opponents’ deadly plotting against Him, the Gospel reading says that Jesus withdrew from the district and cured many of those who followed Him. There would come a time when Jesus would face His enemies and suffer the consequences, but this was not the time. He still had God’s life-giving work to do. Sometimes, the right response to hostility is a dignified withdrawal. The evangelist Matthew interprets this life-giving ministry of Jesus through the long quotation from the prophet Isaiah that he inserts into his Gospel at this point. This quotation depicts someone whom God has chosen as His servant. There is a gentle quality to this servant; ‘he will not brawl or shout’. His primary concern is for those who are afflicted and vulnerable, the ‘crushed reeds’ and the ‘smouldering wicks’ of this world. Matthew sees Jesus as the embodiment of this servant figure. Jesus had spoken of Himself as ‘gentle and humble of heart’ and His primary ministry is to those in greatest need, both physically and spiritually. Jesus is the human face of God’s zeal for us, a zeal that works to bring a greater fullness of life to all. It is a zeal that embraces us all and which we are all called to give expression to in our dealings with others.
Jesus finds Himself in increasing danger, as the Pharisees begin to conspire against Him in today’s Gospel. Instead of confronting them with retaliation or resistance, He quietly withdraws a move not of fear, but of divine meekness and trust. Even in retreat, Jesus does not cease His mission: “Many people followed Him, and He cured them all.” This is the paradox of Christ’s power, it is hidden in humility, silent in strength, and healing in gentleness. The Gospel of Matthew then tells us that all this was to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah: the Servant of the Lord will bring justice, not with loud proclamations or force, but with tenderness. “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench.” What a comfort these words are for those of us who feel broken, bruised, or near burnout. Jesus does not discard the fragile He restores them. The bruised reed and the smouldering wick refer to those who are broken in body and depressed in spirit. It is very easy to break a bruised reed and put out a smouldering wick. Those who are broken in body or depressed in spirit tend to be very vulnerable. The Gospel reading presents Jesus as one who is sensitive to those who are vulnerable. He can recreate the bruised reed and fan into a living flame the smouldering wick. There are times when we need to come before the Lord in our brokenness and vulnerability and ask him to renew and strengthen us. That prayer to the Lord could take the form of that wonderful prayer to the Holy Spirit we say on Pentecost Sunday, ‘Come thou Father of the poor… Heal our wounds, our strength renew, on our dryness pour thy dew’. When we are touched by the power of the Life-giver we in turn can then become life-givers for others. Jesus is the Servant chosen by the Father, filled with the Spirit, proclaiming justice not with contention, but with compassion. In this portrait of Christ, we meet the Heart of God: patient, tender, merciful. The Lord does not silence or crush those struggling with weakness; instead, He comes close and brings hope. He leads not with coercion, but with mercy. And in Him, “the Gentiles will hope” He is the hope of all nations, the Savior of every soul.
In the first reading, we witness Israel’s miraculous departure from Egypt. After 430 years of bondage, God’s people are finally set free. It is a moment of awe and solemnity: a night of vigil, a sacred remembrance of God’s mighty deliverance. The Israelites leave hastily, without even time to leaven their bread. This urgency underscores the immediacy of God’s saving action when He moves, we must be ready to respond. The “night of vigil” becomes a perpetual ordinance, a remembrance not just of freedom from slavery, but of God’s enduring faithfulness. And just as Israel was commanded to keep watch, we too are called to keep vigil to stay spiritually awake, attentive to God’s movements in our lives, and ready to walk in freedom.
The Responsorial Psalm proclaims a repeated, resounding refrain: “His mercy endures forever.” Each act of deliverance from remembering us in our lowliness to parting the Red Sea is not merely an event in history, but a testament to God’s eternal mercy. It is a litany of faithfulness, inviting us to recognize that every victory, every liberation, every blessing is rooted in divine mercy. The Psalm reminds us that even the most extraordinary miracles are born of God’s consistent and compassionate love for His people.
As we sit with today’s readings, we are invited to reflect deeply: Are there areas in my life where I am bruised or nearly extinguished like a smoldering wick? Do I believe that Jesus sees me, heals me, and will not abandon me? Am I keeping a spiritual “vigil” for God’s movement in my life, or have I grown complacent in my walk of faith? Can I recognize that every deliverance from sin, from fear, from past wounds is an echo of God’s enduring mercy? Today, Jesus invites us to step out of the shadows and into His gentle light. His justice is not harsh it’s healing. His power is not oppressive it’s tender. The same God who led Israel out of Egypt and calmed the fear of fragile souls walks with us today. He calls us to trust in His mercy, walk in His light, and extend His compassion to a hurting world. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to strive to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Lord God of mercy and justice, You are our Deliverer and our Rest. Thank You for the saving power of the true Paschal Lamb, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice frees us from sin and death. Cleanse our hearts from legalism and pride, and teach us to walk in compassion, not condemnation. Help us to remember with gratitude the many ways You have redeemed, protected, and sustained us. Strengthen our faith to leave behind all that enslaves us, and give us the courage to follow You with ready hearts. May we never lose sight of Your mercy, and may our lives reflect the love You desire more than sacrifice. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT AUREA OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR; SAINT EPAPHRAS OF COLOSSAE, MARTYR; SAINT SYMMACHUS, POPE AND SAINT MACRINA THE YOUNGER, RELIGIOUS ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 19TH: Today, the Church honors four remarkable saints whose lives spanned centuries and continents, yet all bore witness to the unshakable truth of the Gospel: Saint Aurea of Córdoba (patroness of converts and those facing religious persecution), a hidden believer who emerged from secrecy to die a fearless martyr under Islamic persecution; Saint Epaphras of Colossae (patron of pastors and intercessors), one of the earliest bishops and a close companion of Saint Paul, whose ministry and prayers strengthened the infant Church; Saint Symmachus (patron of unity in the Church and defenders of the papacy), a courageous Pope who defended the Church against schism and heresy during turbulent times; and Saint Macrina the Younger (patroness of spiritual formation, caregivers, and contemplative religious), a brilliant and holy woman whose quiet strength helped raise a family of saints and transformed her home into a monastery of prayer. Through the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these radiant saints, we lift our hearts today for all who suffer persecution for their faith, especially hidden Christians and those pressured to deny Christ. We pray for bishops and Church leaders facing division and opposition, for women and caregivers who quietly form the next generation of saints, and for all who seek the courage to bear quiet, faithful witness in the face of fear. May these holy ones inspire us to follow Christ more fully no matter the cost. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 19th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Aurea, Saint Epaphras, Saint Symmachus, and Saint Macrina the Younger| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-19th/)
SAINT AUREA OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR: Born into a noble Muslim family in 9th-century Spain, Saint Aurea became a secret Christian after the death of her husband. She entered the monastery of Cuteclara near Córdoba, where she lived in peace for over twenty years. But peace gave way to persecution: under Islamic rule, Christians were forbidden to convert Muslims or for Muslims to convert to Christianity. Aurea was denounced by her Muslim relatives, brought before a sharia court, and out of fear, temporarily renounced Christ. Yet her repentance was swift and sincere—she returned to the faith and was arrested again. This time, she stood firm and was beheaded in 856. Saint Aurea reminds us that Christ’s mercy can restore us after failure, and that the grace to persevere comes from a heart truly turned toward Him.
Saint Aurea of Córdoba ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
SAINT EPAPHRAS OF COLOSSAE, MARTYR: Saint Epaphras was a beloved coworker of Saint Paul and the founder of the Church in Colossae. Described by Paul as a “faithful minister of Christ,” Epaphras preached in the cities of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. He later visited Paul in prison and may have shared his chains, as noted in the letter to Philemon. Epaphras is remembered for his deep prayer life and pastoral zeal, always striving “so that you may be perfect and fully assured in all the will of God” (Col 4:12). Tradition holds that he was martyred in Colossae. His life is a call to intercessory prayer and to courageous discipleship even behind prison walls.
PRAYER: Lord God, You raised up Saint Epaphras to shepherd Your people and encourage them in holiness. May we, like him, live in constant prayer, bringing strength to the Church and light to the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT SYMMACHUS, POPE: Elected Pope in the year 498, Saint Symmachus led the Church during a time of great division and theological unrest. He was challenged by an antipope, Laurentius, and endured a long period of conflict, even being accused and attacked by his opponents. Yet he responded not with violence, but with patience, generosity, and service. He supported persecuted African bishops, provided relief for victims of war and famine, and built churches and hospices for the poor. Saint Symmachus died in 514 after faithfully guiding the Church through stormy seas. His pontificate reminds us that leadership in the Church is rooted in humility, charity, and fidelity to truth.
PRAYER: Lord, You gave Saint Symmachus wisdom and courage to shepherd Your Church in turbulent times. May our pastors today be strengthened by his example, and may Your Church be united in truth and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT MACRINA THE YOUNGER, RELIGIOUS: Born into a family of saints in 4th-century Cappadocia, Saint Macrina the Younger was the sister of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory of Nyssa. After the death of her betrothed, she consecrated her life to Christ and became a pillar of faith and strength for her entire family. She helped raise and spiritually form her siblings, many of whom became bishops and saints. Later, Macrina converted the family estate into a monastery where she lived a life of prayer, simplicity, and charity. Her brother Gregory wrote a moving account of her death, describing her deep theological insight and radiant peace. Saint Macrina teaches us that holiness in the home can change the world.
PRAYER: Lord, You filled Saint Macrina with wisdom, humility, and a heart for contemplation. May we be inspired by her life to foster holiness in our families and to embrace a life of simplicity, prayer, and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Aurea, Saint Epaphras, Saint Symmachus, and Saint Macrina the Younger ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JULY: For formation in discernment. Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JULY | MONTH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS: July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ a profound devotion that honors the redeeming power of Christ’s Blood shed for our salvation. Flowing from His Sacred Heart, this Blood is the price of our redemption, the source of grace in the sacraments, and the seal of the New Covenant. It reminds us that salvation was not won lightly, but through the ultimate sacrifice of love. This month, the Church invites us to meditate on the infinite value of Christ’s Blood poured out during His Passion from Gethsemane to Calvary and in every celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We are called to offer acts of reparation for the sins of the world and to intercede for the conversion of souls. Devotions such as the Litany of the Precious Blood, the Chaplet of the Precious Blood, and daily consecration to the Precious Blood help deepen our union with Christ crucified.
As Saint John Chrysostom once said, “The Precious Blood is the salvation of souls; it purifies, sanctifies, and strengthens.” In our trials, let us take refuge beneath the cross, trusting in the Blood that speaks of mercy, victory, and eternal life.
“Precious Blood of Jesus, save us and the whole world.”
O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, fountain of salvation, we adore You. Wash us clean of sin, protect us from evil, and draw us into deeper love and union with You. Amen. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we reflect on God’s enduring mercy and the quiet strength of Christ who brings justice without violence, we pray today for all who are persecuted for their faith, especially those who must practice their beliefs in secret or face hostility in their communities. May the courage of Saint Aurea and Saint Epaphras embolden those who suffer for the name of Christ. We pray for the unity and integrity of the Church, especially for our bishops and the Holy Father, that the intercession of Saint Symmachus may shield them from division and lead them with wisdom. We lift up caregivers, educators, and religious women whose hidden sacrifices shape the faith of future generations, inspired by the life of Saint Macrina. May all of us learn to trust God’s providence as the Israelites did in the desert, remembering with gratitude the daily miracles of deliverance and love.
LET US PRAY
My Suffering Servant, I thank You for Your suffering and death and for the redemption that flows from Your sacrifice of love. Help me to shed all false expectations that I have of You, dear Lord, so that I will be guided by You and Your mission of salvation alone. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
God of steadfast love and mercy, You raised up holy men and women to bear witness to the truth of Your Gospel even in the face of persecution, conflict, and obscurity. As we walk through the deserts of our lives, help us to remember Your mighty deeds and trust in Your faithful presence. Through the prayers of Saint Aurea, Saint Epaphras, Saint Symmachus, and Saint Macrina, grant us courage in suffering, fidelity in leadership, and grace in the quiet service of others. May we never grow weary of doing good, but continue to hope in the victory of Christ, who will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoldering wick. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Aurea, Saint Epaphras, Saint Symmachus, and Saint Macrina the Younger ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and as we now enter the gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, grace-filled and safe Saturday and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missons Now Awards |
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 20, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | July 20, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | July 20, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
LIVE from Castel Gandolfo: Angelus Prayer with Pope Leo XIV | July 20, 2025
LIVE from Albano Cathedral | Holy Mass with Pope Leo XIV | July 20, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT APOLLINARIS, BISHOP AND MARTYR; SAINT MARGARET OF ANTIOCH, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT ELIAS THE PROPHET ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 20TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr; Saint Margaret of Antioch, Virgin and Martyr and Elias the Prophet. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for all expectant mothers and those seeking for the fruit of the womb; for the the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for those going through difficulties especially during these challenging times, for the poor and the needy, for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏
SAINT APOLLINARIS, BISHOP AND MARTYR: St. Apollinaris is a Syrian saint, born in Antioch and became a disciple of St. Peter. He was ordained by the St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles himself and sent as a missionary bishop to Ravena during the reign of the emperor Claudius (who ruled from 41 to 54). Renowned for his powers to heal in the name of Christ, he was frequently exiled, tortured and imprisoned for the faith, and finally martyred. He’s described as “a bishop who, according to tradition, while spreading among the nations the unsearchable riches of Christ, led his flock as a good shepherd and honoured the Church of Classis near Ravenna by a glorious martyrdom.”
According to a legend, stemming from the 7th century, Apollinaris cured an official’s wife, resulting in the couple’s conversion, cured a man who could not speak, and gained a good many adherents to the faith. As a result, he was scourged and sent away from Ravena. Going to Bologna, he converted the family of Rufinius, a patrician, leading to his ouster from that city. The holy man went to preach in Dalmatia and ended up being sent away from there also. St. Apollinaris returned to his See on three separate occasions, and each time he was subjected to torture and cast out again. On his fourth return, he was forced to go into hiding from the Emperor Vespasian (69-79), who issued a decree banishing all Christians. Ultimately, the Saint was recognized by a mob at Classis, a suburb of Ravena, beaten, and left for dead. He was carried away by the Christians, and seven days after, while exhorting them to constancy in the faith, he passed away from this life, to be crowned with the glory of martyrdom. His body was buried near the city walls. St. Peter Chrysologus (d. 450), one of the Saint’s successors at Ravena, called him a Martyr and said that God did not permit the persecutors to take his life. So St. Apollinaris may have been a Martyr solely by the torments he endured for the Lord. St. Apollinaris is the Patron Saint of epilepsy; gout; Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) Aachen, Burtscheid, Düsseldorf, Ravenna, Italy, Remagen.
PRAYER: Lord, direct Your faithful in the way of eternal salvation, which St. Apollinaris Your Bishop pointed out by both his teaching and his martyrdom. By his intercession enable us to persevere in Your commandments so that we may merit to be crowned with him. Amen 🙏
SAINT MARGARET OF ANTIOCH, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: St. Margaret (289-304 A.D.) is also called “Marina”. St. Margaret is one of the “Fourteen Holy Helpers” and one of the saints that appeared and spoke to St. Joan of Arc. She was born in Antioch, the daughter of a pagan priest in Pisidian Antioch, Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Her mother died when she was an infant, and she was raised by a Christian nurse who baptized her and gave her a Christian education. St. Margaret grew into a pious and virtuous young woman under her nurse’s care, to the delight of her father. When she came of age, Margaret returned to live with her father. She quickly angered him, however, when she refused to take part in offering sacrifices to idols. Furious at her steadfast refusals, he drove her out of his home. Margaret then returned to live with her nurse as a household servant.
One day, while she was engaged in watching the flocks of her mistress, a lustful Roman prefect named Olybrius caught sight of her, and attracted by her great beauty sought to make her his concubine or wife. St. Margaret declined, citing that she had consecrated her virginity to Jesus Christ, a reply for which she was severely persecuted. When neither cajolery nor threats of punishment could succeed in moving her to yield to his desires, he had her brought before him in public trial at Antioch to be tried for her Christian faith, scourged, tortured, and thrown into prison by her suitor. In her moment of weakness, the devil appeared to her in the form of a dragon to intimidate her and break her faith. An attempt was made to burn her, she was left unharmed. She was then bound hand and foot and thrown into a cauldron of boiling water, but at her prayer her bonds were broken and she stood up uninjured. St. Margaret trusted in God and made the Sign of the Cross, and the dragon fled defeated. At this triumph over her enemy, St. Margaret’s cell was filled with light and her wounds were miraculously healed. Enraged to find her healed, her suitor had new tortures applied to her body, which did her no harm and caused many witnesses to convert to the Christian faith. Finally the prefect ordered her to be beheaded.
The Greek Church honors her under the name Marine on July13, and the Latin, as Margaret on July 20. Her Acts place her death in the persecution of Diocletian (A.D. 303-5), but in fact even the century to which she belonged is uncertain. St. Margaret is represented in art sometimes as a shepherdess, or as leading a chained dragon, again carrying a little cross or a girdle in her hand, or standing by a large vessel which recalls the cauldron into which she was plunged. Relics said to belong to the saint are venerated in very many parts of Europe; at Rome, Montefiascone, Brusels, Bruges, Paris, Froidmont, Troyes, and various other places. Curiously enough this virgin has been widely venerated for many centuries as a special patron of women who are pregnant. She’s Patron Saint against sterility; childbirth; dying; escape from devils; exiles; expectant mothers; falsely accused people; kidney disease; loss of milk by nursing mothers; Lowestoft, Suffolk, England; martyrs; nurses; peasants; people in exile; Queens College Cambridge; women; pregnancy; women in labour; and childbirth. Her feast day is July 20th.
Saint Margaret of Antioch, Virgin and Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏
SAINT ELIAS THE PROPHET: St. Elias [also known as Elijah in English] of great fame was from Thisbe or Thesbe, a town of Galaad (Gilead), in what is now the country of Jordan. He was of priestly lineage, a man of a solitary and ascetical character, clothed in a mantle of sheep skin, and girded about his loins with a leather belt. His name is interpreted as “Yah is my God.” His zeal for the glory of God was compared to fire, and his speech for teaching and rebuke was like a burning lamp. From this too he received the name Zealot. Aflame with such zeal, he spoke against the impiety and lawlessness of Israel’s King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. By his prayers he shut up heaven and it did not rain for three years and six months. Ravens brought him food for his need when, at God’s command, he was hiding by the river of Horrath. He multiplied the little flour and oil of the poor widow of Sarephtha of Sidon (Lebanon) who had given him hospitality in her home, and when her son died, he raised him up. He is revered as the spiritual Father and traditional founder of the Catholic religious Order of Carmelites. In addition to taking their name from Mt. Carmel where the first hermits of the order established themselves, the Calced Carmelite and Discalced Carmelite traditions pertaining to Elijah focus upon the prophet’s withdrawal from public life. St. Elias brought down fire from Heaven upon Mount Carmel, and it burned up the sacrifice offered to God before all the people of Israel so they might know the truth.
At the river of Kisson, St. Elias, the Prophet killed 450 false prophets and priests who worshipped idols and led the people astray. He received food miraculously at the hand of an Angel, and being strengthened by this food he walked for forty days and forty nights. He saw God on Mount Horeb, as far as this is possible for a human. He predicted the destruction of the dynasty of Ahab, and the death of his son Ohozias. He divided the waters of the river Jordan, and he and his disciple Elisha passed through as if on dry land; and finally, while speaking with him, St. Elias was suddenly snatched away by a fiery chariot in the year 895 B.C., and ascended as into heaven, where God most certainly translated him alive, as He did Enoch (Gen. 5:24; IV Kings 2: 11). But from there also, after seven years, by means of a message he reproached Joram, the son of Josaphat, as it is written: “And there came a message in writing to him from Elias the Prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father, “Because thou hast not walked in the way,” and so forth (II Chron. 21:12). Interpreters believe this happened either through his disciple Elisha, or through another Prophet when Elias appeared to them, even as he appeared on Mount Tabor to the disciples of Christ. It was widely believed that St. Elias would appear before the arrival of the Messiah and Jesus himself was identified by some as being Elias returned. However, Jesus identified St. John the Forerunner (Baptist) as the Elias that was to come and proceed Him. St. Elias the Prophet is the Patron Saint of the Carmelite Order and vehicle blessings.
PRAYER: O great Prophet Elijah,/ seer of God’s mighty works,/ who didst halt the torrential rain by thy word,/ pray for us to the Lover of Mankind. Amen🙏
Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 19, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | July 19, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | July 19, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |