DailyReflections

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANDRÉ BESSETTE, RELIGIOUS

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Monday after Epiphany of the Lord!

FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 6, 2025

SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

[Depending upon the practice of the local diocese or territory, the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is widely celebrated on January 6th, or on the first Sunday after January 1st in countries where this feast is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Roman Catholic dioceses in many countries celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, some countries including the dioceses of the United States celebrated this feast on Sunday, January 5, 2025].

HOLY MASS ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD WITH POPE FRANCIS | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN, ST. PETER’S BASILICA| JANUARY 6, 2025 [Link below]

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]

On this special Feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and all the Saints, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Savior Jesus Christ! For the safety and well-being of all our children and school children as they return to school this new year after the Christmas holiday. We pray for God’s guidance and protection upon them. We continue to pray for peace all around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine-Russia and other parts of the world. We pray for an end to the wars and conflicts, and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. For the gentle repose of 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 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 abors 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🙏

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | January 6, 2025 on EWTN” |

Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 6, 2025 |

Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD WITH POPE FRANCIS | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN, ST. PETER’S BASILICA| JANUARY 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/05/solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-pope-francis-live-from-the-vatican-january-6-2025/

LIVE from St. Peter’s Basilica | Holy Mass presided over by Pope Francis on the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord on January 6, 2025.

Pope Francis Homily on Epiphany of the Lord | January 6, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/06/homily-of-the-holy-father-francis/

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |

Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 6, 2025 |

Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 6, 2025 |

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: Monday after Epiphany, January 6, 2025
Reading 1, First John 3:22-4:6
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 2:7-8, 10-11
Gospel, Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Or

Today’s Bible Readings: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Monday, January 6, 2025
Reading 1, Isaiah 60:1-6
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Reading 2, Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel, Matthew 2:1-12

Refer to the Reflections on Epiphany Sunday | January 5, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door Ushering in the Jubilee of Hope | ‘Hope is Alive’ | Vatican News | December 24, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/25/pope-francis-opens-the-holy-door-ushering-in-the-jubilee-of-hope-hope-is-alive-vatican-news-december-24-2024/

These last three Holy Doors will be closed on Sunday, 28 December 2025.

SAINTS OF THE DAY: SAINT ANDRÉ BESSETTE, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY: JANUARY 6TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint André Bessette (celebrated January 7th in Canada).

SAINT ANDRÉ BESSETTE, RELIGIOUS: St. André Bessette (1845–1937), a French Canadian is known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal”. Brother André was born Alfred Bessette to a poor Quebec family,  a French Canadian couple near Montreal in 1845. He was the eighth of twelve children. He was weak and sickly from his birth. His father died in a work (Lumber) accident when he was nine and his mother died three years later. His large family was split up after the death of both parents and he was adopted at twelve, he became a farmhand. The future Bro. André, barely literate and physically weak from birth, moved from job to job for years. Various trades followed: shoemaker, baker, blacksmith-all failures. He was a factory worker in the United States during the boom times of the Civil War. Returning to Canada, in 1870 he presented himself as a candidate for the novitiate of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal as a Brother. He came to the Brothers of the Holy Cross with a note from his pastor saying “I am sending you a saint”. The Brothers are a teaching order and Andre at age 25, still could not read or write because of poor health as a child, St. André had been unable to attend school regularly and could not read or write and had stomach problems (that he had for his whole life). They did not wish to accept him due to his sickness, but at the request of the Bishop of Montreal, he was ordained a consecrated religious Brother, and assigned a very humble job. He was assigned a position as doorkeeper/porter at Notre-Dame College in Montreal (A position he had for 40 years, perfect for praying with the people). Here daily he performed the tasks of infirmarian, janitor – washing floors and windows, cleaning lamps, carrying firewood, lamplighter, gardener, barber, and working as a messenger. His piety and willingness to help others charmed the students and their parents. He remained in that capacity for over forty years. Bro. André use to say, “When I joined this community, the superiors showed me the door, and I remained forty years.”  “It is with the smallest brushes that the artists paint the most beautiful pictures.”

Bro. André also developed a great devotion and expressed a saint’s faith by a lifelong devotion to Saint Joseph and the poor and afflicted. He welcomed and prayed for the sick and heartbroken, inviting them to pray to St. Joseph. People flocked to his cell to ask his opinion and his prayers for some favor or some cure, and he complied, while entrusting all to St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Virgin Mother of God and foster-father of the Divine Infant. When an epidemic of sickness broke out, St. Andre demonstrated the gift of healing. He gave all the credit to St. Joseph, whom he had a great devotion. Over the years, when word of his sanctity spread, tens of thousands of people came to St. André Bessette for prayer and healing. He worked all day to receive them in person or answer their letters. His reputation grew as people reported that their prayers had been answered. He received visitors regularly for twenty-five years. In time, out of devotion to St. Joseph, he was able to build a chapel with help from friends and money he earned from giving haircuts to students. In 1904, he started building the St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal with nickels and dimes he had collected. It was completed in 1955 as a basilica. When his Order wanted to purchase land on Mt. Royal, St. André Bessette buried St. Joseph medals on the property. The owners yielded, the land was sold to the Order, and St. André worked to have a chapel dedicated to St. Joseph built on the property. It is still in use to this day. Larger versions of the chapel were constructed as more and more pilgrims came. Bro. André died on January 6, 1937 at the age of ninety one and he is buried at the Oratory. Over a million people attended his wake and burial. After his death, the shrine grew into the great basilica known as St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, which is visited by pilgrims from all over the world. Bishop Pierre Morissette of Saint-Jérôme, on Feb. 19, 2010, said “Brother André lived his life with great humility.” “Guided by a deep faith and devotion to St. Joseph, he dedicated his life to praying, serving the poor, welcoming strangers, healing the sick and comforting the suffering,” the bishop commented. St. André was beatified in 1982 by Pope John II and canonized on October 17, 2010, by Pope Benedict XVI in Saint Peter’s Square. Millions of people were and still are, cured through his prayers and the intercession of St. Joseph. Today Saint André Bessette is known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal”. St. André Bessette’s feast day is January 6th.

PRAYER: O God, friend of the humble, You inspired Brother Andre with great devotion to St. Joseph and singular dedication to the poor and afflicted. Grant us, through his intercession, to follow his example of prayer and charity, so that with him we may attain the splendor of Your glory. Amen🙏

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings and Holy Mass for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Monday, January 6, 2025

Refer to the Reflections on Epiphany Sunday | January 5, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD WITH POPE FRANCIS | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN, ST. PETER’S BASILICA| JANUARY 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/05/solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-pope-francis-live-from-the-vatican-january-6-2025/

Pope Francis Homily on Epiphany of the Lord | January 6, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/06/homily-of-the-holy-father-francis/

Or

“Bible Readings for today | Monday after Epiphany | USCCB” | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen”

“When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.”

In today’s Gospel reading, ‘when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.’ Jesus’ entry into the Galilean territory brings light to a people who lived in darkness, even as He withdrew from the darkness of some people’s negative response to God’s presence in John and in Him. Jesus came into our midst by becoming one like us. We need to recognize that presence and welcome Him so we may become one with Him, for that is why He came. This is accomplished only by obeying His commandments and living by the example He gave us; by loving God above all else and by loving our neighbor. As stated in our first reading today, ‘those who keep His commandments remain in Him, and He in them, and the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit whom He gave us.’

According to the Gospel, Jesus began His public ministry by teaching, healing, and gathering disciples from all walks of life. Galilee, a region often marginalized and with a mixed population of Jews and Gentiles, became the launching ground of His mission. His ministry in Galilee fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated that Jesus’ mission was intended to bring light to all people, not just the Jews. Large crowds from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan followed Him, highlighting the universal appeal of His message and ministry. The fulfillment of prophecy reminds us that Jesus brings hope and guidance to those in spiritual and physical darkness. His concern for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs reflects God’s holistic care for humanity. As a lit torch represents guidance and safety during the night. Similarly, Jesus is the lit torch that illuminates the path of life, guiding individuals and communities out of darkness into God’s marvellous light. Just as a torchbearer shares light with others, Christians are called to reflect Jesus’ light in a world yearning for hope. As followers of Christ, through the gift of the Holy spirit, we are invited to receive this light, be transformed, and share His message of hope and restoration with the world. The Gospel reassures us that Jesus came to heal, reconcile, renew, proclaim God’s goodness, and to lead us to God. Let us be guided by His path as light of the world and salt of the earth, so that we may continue that mission in our own time, and thus bring an end to the darkness of evil and cruelty that envelops our world today.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, Monday after Epiphany, we are reminded as Christians to reflect on God’s light in our world by bringing hope and healing to those in darkness around us. Evil things take place in the darkness, that is why Christ made us children of God’s light. Our world today needs our light of Christ, which we must give with humility. Being that light does not afford us the opportunity to walk around with pride, but rather, Christ’s light in us girds our loins and puts strength and steadiness in our steps. A lamp on a lampstand cannot be hidden. Let our light of Christ shine. According to the scripture, Jesus calls on us to repent and believe in the Gospel, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. When we repent, our faith is boosted and we feel the miracles, mercy and grace of God more abundantly. Repentance and faith are the two conditions for inheriting the kingdom of God. We are called to imitate Jesus by doing good, and becoming instruments of God’s love. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women, and Saints of God, especially Saint André Bessette, Religious, who we celebrate today. During this time and season of Christmas, we are all constantly being reminded of the fact and truth that each and every one of us as Christians, are all entrusted with the knowledge of truth, that Christ our Lord and Saviour, Who has been born for us at Bethlehem, the city of David through His mother Mary, is truly the Son of God, the Divine Word Incarnate, and we have seen, witnessed and known this truth because He Himself has revealed all those things to us, through His disciples, the Apostles and innumerable Saints, who have passed down the faith and the truth to us through the Church of God. Let us all therefore, as Christians continue to proclaim the Good News and salvation in Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord, the same Holy Child born for us at Bethlehem two millennia ago, Who revealed to us through the three testimonies of Water, Blood and Spirit, of the light of hope and truth, love and compassion of God, continue to bless us all. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to be as open to the Lord’s light and path and may He guide us in our journey always, now and forevermore. Amen🙏

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph and told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2024: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY – FOR THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION: Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.

https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025

PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

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 🙏

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

PRAYER INTENTIONS: Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, on this special feast day, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Lord Christ! We pray for the safety and well-being of everyone and for all those traveling during this season of Christmas and new year. We pray for peace, love and unity in our marriages, our families and our world today, as we face these incredibly challenging times. We 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 an end to wars, political and religious unrest. We pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and 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 vocations to the priesthood and religious life, 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:

Lord, I repent of the sin in my life and pray that You give me the grace to become free from all that keeps me from You. May I not only turn from sin but also turn to You as the source of all mercy and fulfillment in my life. Help me to keep my eyes on the Kingdom of Heaven and to do all I can to share in that Kingdom here and now. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint André Bessette ~ Pray for us 🙏

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines:

DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

FOUNDATION | https://gliopiepehe.org

SIR G.L.I OPIEPE’S HEALTH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION |

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

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/

Thanking God for the gift of this new year 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.  Journey mercies for all those traveling during this Christmas season and new year. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous and grace-filled New Year! Amen🙏

Blessings and  love always, Philomena💖

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