Month: January 2025

WEEKDAY OF CHRISTMAS TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 4, 2025

FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS [Please see details and prayer links below]

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

Tomorrow, January 5, 2025 is the opening of the 5th Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, in Rome, for the Jubilee of Hope 2025 (link below)

Today, the 1st Saturday of the month of January is the devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. The Five First Saturdays devotion originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (see details and prayer link below).

On this special Feast day, as we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious [The first native-born American Saint], through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, and all the Saints, on this feast day, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Savior Jesus Christ! We pray for widows, those who have lost parents or children, seafarers, those with in-law problems, against the death of children, the death of parents, and opposition of Church authorities. 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 “Catholic Daily Holy Mass and Holy Rosary – Daily TV Mass – EWTN | January 4, 2025 on YouTube |

Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 4, 2025 |

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

Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 4, 2025 |

Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 4, 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: Christmas Weekday | Saturday, January 4, 2025
Reading 1, First John 3:7-10
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 98:1, 7-8, 9
Gospel, John 1:35-42

FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:

The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion. 

Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:

• Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion 
• Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row 
• Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament 
• Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father 

The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:

• Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
• Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
• Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
• Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death

The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.

Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion:
* On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart.
* Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion.
* Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven.
* Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.

These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.

Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:

First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES

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/

• On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the First Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica | Jubilee 2025 Inauguration | December 24, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/24/pope-francis-opening-of-the-holy-door-and-christmas-eve-mass/
• On Christmas Day, Pope Francis delivered his Urbi et Orbi message to the people of the city of Rome and the world from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at noon | https://youtu.be/jP2UZHtDjFg?si=tOfXdzrZ2vLPXRT3
• On 26 December, for the first time in the Jubilee tradition, Pope Francis opened a fifth sacred portal in a Roman prison – Rebibbia Prison, a gesture of hope that shows his ongoing closeness to detainees | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/26/watch-pope-francis-opens-the-holy-door-at-rebibbia-prison-and-presides-holy-mass-jubilee-2025-december-26-2024/
• On Sunday, 29 December, the Pope opened the Holy Door of his cathedral, Saint John Lateran, which on November 9, 2024 celebrated the 1700th anniversary of its dedication | Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/29/full-rite-opening-of-the-third-holy-door-of-the-basilica-of-st-john-lateran-and-holy-mass-on-the-feast-of-the-holy-family-of-jesus-mary-and-joseph-rome-jubilee-of-hope-2025-december-29-2024/
• Then, on 1 January 2025, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major was opened | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/01/opening-of-the-holy-door-of-basilica-of-st-mary-the-major-january-1-2025/
• Lastly, Sunday, 5 January 2025, will mark the opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/04/opening-of-the-holy-door-basilica-of-saint-paul-outside-the-walls-jubilee-2o25-live-from-rome-january-5-2025/

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

SAINT (S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 4TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious [The first native-born American Saint – celebrated in the Dioceses of the United States].

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774–1821) was born in New York City to a wealthy, virtuous, and influential family. She was the first native-born American citizen to be canonized as a saint. She was raised Episcopalian (Anglican), but later converted to Catholicism. Through the struggles and tragedies she faced in life, she remained devout. She is the founder of the first Catholic schools in the United States and is the Patron Saint of Catholic schools, widows, and seafarers. She was born on August 28, 1774 to a prominent Wealthy Episcopalian (Anglican) family in New York City. Her grandfather was the rector of St. Andrew’s Church on Staten Island, and Elizabeth grew up with a strong faith and prayer life. Her father, Dr. Richard Bayley, was a doctor and the first anatomy professor at Columbia, one of the first health officials in NewYork. Her mother, Catherine, died in 1777 when St. Elizabeth was three years old. Her father remarried Charlotte Roosevelt-Barclay, who took Elizabeth with her in her social ministry in the Church. Together they fed the poor and nursed the sick and dying among family, friends, and needy neighbors. At age nineteen, St. Elizabeth married William Magee Seton (25) a  wealthy businessman, an importer on January 25, 1794 and together they lived on Wall Street. They attended an Episcopalian church where Elizabeth was very active in charitable works to the poor. Together they had five children, Anna Maria, William, Richard, Catherine, and Rebecca. And when her father-in-law, William’s father died, she became like a mother to her husband’s six younger siblings, they took in William’s six younger siblings in addition to her own five children. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton enjoyed a full life of loving service to her family, care for the underprivileged, and religious development in her Episcopal faith. 

In the late 1700s, a double tragedy visited Seton. Events moved quickly from there with devastating effect. Both William’s business and health failed. He was finally forced to file a petition of bankruptcy and the Seton family’s life took a turn when her husband William became ill. He suffered from tuberculosis and continued to grow worse. Hoping to improve his health, the couple and their eldest daughter Anna Maria decided to go to Italy in a final attempt to save William’s health, the Setons sailed for Italy, where William had business friends. On November 19th, they arrived in Leghorn and were placed in quarantine. They were released from quarantine on December 19th. William died 8 days later on December 27, 1803. Waiting to return to the United States, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Anna Maria spent several months with the Filicchi brothers who were business associates of her husband. While in Italy, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton learned about Roman Catholicism for the first time. She was especially drawn to the doctrine of the Eucharist as the real body of Christ.

She returned to New York in June 1804. After her return, she continued to feel conflicted between the Episcopal and Catholic faiths. After almost a year, she officially converted to Roman Catholicism on March 14, 1805. She was confirmed in 1806 and chose Mary as her confirmation name. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton admired the Virgin Mary and chose her as a saint to continue to guide her spiritually. St. Elizabeth’s favorite prayer was the 23rd Psalm and she developed a deep devotion to the Eucharist, Sacred Scripture, and the Virgin Mary. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s choice to convert resulted in three years of financial struggle and social discrimination. After losing her family fortune, St. Elizabeth spent her life working to improve education and provide for the poor, as well as the needs of her family. She opened a boarding house for boys. When the student’s parents discovered that she was Catholic, they removed their children from the home. St. Elizabeth and her family were invited by several priests to move to Baltimore, Maryland. They moved in June 1808 to open a school for girls, the first Catholic school. Catholic women from around the country came to join her work and, over time, they created a convent. The women soon moved to Emmitsburg, Maryland, where they formally began their religious life as Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s on July 31, 1809. This was the first sisterhood in the United States. The first American congregation of Religious Sisters, the Sisters of Charity. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was named first Superior and given the title of “Mother.” She served in that role for the next twelve years. Mother Seton saw her small community of teaching sisters grow expand from Emmitsburg (1809) to New York (1814), Cincinnati (1829), Halifax (1849), New Jersey (1859), Greensburg (1870), and St. Louis (1909). As the community took shape, St. Elizabeth directed its vision.

On July 19, 1813, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and eighteen other sisters made vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and service to the poor. They would renew these vows annually. In 1814 the community accepted its first mission outside Emmitsburg, an orphanage in Philadelphia. By 1817 sisters had been sent to staff a similar work in New York. While in Emmitsburg, two of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s daughters died from tuberculosis, Anna Maria in 1812 and Rebecca in 1816. By that time, she herself was weak and increasingly subject to poor health. She spent the last years of her life directing St. Joseph’s Academy and her growing community. She died January 4, 1821, at 46 years old. Although she passed away at a young age, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s legacy lived on. She was declared holy (beatified) by Pope John XXIII on on March 17, 1963. She was canonized, or officially made a Saint, September 14, 1975, by Pope Paul VI. She was the first native-born Saint of the United States. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the Patron Saint of Catholic schools, widows, those who have lost parents or children, seafarers, those with in-law problems, against the death of children, the death of parents, and opposition of Church authorities.

PRAYER: Lord God, You blessed St. Elizabeth Seton with gifts of grace as wife and mother, educator and foundress, so that she might dedicate her life to the service of Your people. Through her example and prayers may we learn to express our love for You in love for others. Amen🙏

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today~ Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Gospel Reading ~ John 1:35-42

“We have found the Messiah”

“John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.”

Our Gospel reading today suggests that our coming to Jesus is often in and through each other. John the Baptist directs two of his disciples to Jesus, with the words, ‘Look, there is the Lamb of God’. Jesus goes on to personally call these two disciples, saying, ‘Come and see’, but it was John the Baptist who put them in the way of that call. According to the Gospel reading, one of these two disciples of John the Baptist was Andrew. He directs his brother, Simon, to Jesus with the words, ‘We have found the Messiah’. Jesus goes on to personally call Simon with the words, ‘You are to be called Cephas’, but it was Andrew who put Simon in the way of that call. As a result, the fisherman became the leading member of the twelve. The Lord uses all of us in different ways to put others in the way of the call of Jesus. He uses us as intermediaries to bring people to Him. We cannot make people respond to the call of Jesus, no more than John the Baptist could have made his disciples respond to the call of Jesus or Andrew could have made Simon respond to Jesus’ call. We can only do so much. We can find ourselves very frustrated at how little we can do. Yet, we can all do something. As we strive to grow in our faith and in living that faith to the full we will inevitably put people in the way of the call of Jesus. We then have to step back and allow the mysterious dialogue between the Lord and others to unfold and take its course. The Lord calls each of us by name; He invites each one of us to come and see. He wants to personally meet with us and for us to have a personal encounter with Him. We can facilitate that personal encounter for one another as John did for his two disciples and Andrew did for Simon Peter. We cannot be the Lord for others in the full sense, but we can be the gate through which others come to encounter the Lord in all His fullness. There is no more loving service we could render one another than that.

In our first reading today, from the Apostle St. John in his Epistle to the faithful people of God regarding the reminder that all the faithful must always hold on to the faith which they have in the Son of God, the Saviour born unto us through Mary, His blessed Mother. Today’s first reading begins with the call, ‘Do not let anyone lead you astray’. We all have the potential to lead others astray when it comes to our shared journey towards the Lord. For even at the time of the Apostles, of St. John and the other earliest leaders of the Church, there had been significant troubles and divisions affecting the Church and the faithful due to those selfish, wicked and unscrupulous people seeking to mislead and misguide the people of God down the wrong paths. Even since the earliest days of the Church there had been those who subverted and changed the teachings of the Lord to suit their own desires and wishes, their own ambitions and purposes. As such, the Apostles and the other leaders of the Church, and then their successors, the Popes and bishops all throughout the past two millennia of the history of the Church has to contend and oppose all those who seek to divide and mislead the flock of the Lord’s faithful. Everyone has always ever been reminded of their obligation and faith in the One and only True God, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all, Who has shown unto us the Love of God manifested in the flesh, appearing before us that we all may know that whatever we are believing in is not just a bluff or myth, unlike the many other beliefs and faiths in the pagan idols and gods. Our faith in God, in the one and only True God, is the foundation of our lives and existence in this world. It is very important therefore that we all take our faith in God seriously.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures, we are all reminded of the calling which all of us have received as Christians to be faithful followers of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in all things and at all times. We are all reminded that as Christians we are all God’s called and chosen people, and we have received from Him the assurance of joy and eternal life that will be ours if we keep our faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. He shall never abandon us, and everything will be fine for us if we continue to walk in the path that He has shown to us. We are all reminded that the very reason why we celebrate Christmas season that we are still very well within, is indeed Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. Without Christ, there can be no Christmas, and our Christmas celebrations would have been meaningless and without purpose. Let us all therefore commit ourselves to a new life and existence in Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour, putting Him back at the centre and as the main focus of our lives. Let us all remember the faith that the Lord’s Apostles, His countless saints and martyrs, who had given their all in following and serving the Lord. Let us all walk in their footsteps and be inspired to continue carrying out whatever missions and vocations that the Lord had called us to do, in our own respective lives. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with us always, and may He continue to bless us and empower us all so that we may always be filled with His Wisdom, strength and the Holy Spirit, in enduring the challenges and trials of life, and in being ever faithful and committed to Him, and not being swayed by worldly temptations and the allures of worldly glory. 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, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious, the first native-born American Saint we celebrate today and all the Saints, on this feast day, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Savior Jesus Christ! We pray for widows, those who have lost parents or children, seafarers, those with in-law problems, against the death of children, the death of parents, and opposition of Church authorities. For he 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 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, You continuously invite me to come to You, to be with You and to sit with You in Your divine presence. Please help me to hear this gentle invitation of Your love. As I do, please open the eyes of my soul to see You, know You and love You more fully. And as I see You, give me grace and strength to follow You wherever You lead. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton ~ 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 | https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGsY

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, fruitful, and grace-filled New Year and relaxing weekend! Amen🙏

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2025!!!

Blessings and  love always, Philomena💖

WEEKDAY OF CHRISTMAS TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 3, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT GENEVIEVE OF PARIS, VIRGIN

FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS [Please see details and prayer links below]

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Friday, Weekday of Christmas time!

Today, on this special feast day, the 1st Friday of the month of January is the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

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.

On this special Feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, we humbly 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. We continue to pray for the safety and well-being of all children and 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🙏

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 “Catholic Daily Holy Mass and Holy Rosary – Daily TV Mass – EWTN | January 3, 2025 on YouTube |

Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 3, 2025 |

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

Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 3, 2025 |

Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 3, 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: Friday, January 3, 2025
Reading 1, First John 2:29-3:6
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 98:1, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel, John 1:29-34

FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:

The First Fridays Devotion is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion. 

Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:

• Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion 
• Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row 
• Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament 
• Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father 

The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:

• Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
• Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
• Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
• Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death

The Five First Saturdays devotion originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. The First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.

Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:

First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES

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/

• On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the First Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.
• On Christmas Day, Pope Francis delivered his Urbi et Orbi message to the people of the city of Rome and the world from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at noon.
• On 26 December, for the first time in the Jubilee tradition, Pope Francis opened a fifth sacred portal in a Roman prison, a gesture of hope that shows his ongoing closeness to detainees.
• On Sunday, 29 December, the Pope opened the Holy Door of his cathedral, Saint John Lateran, which on November 9, 2024 celebrated the 1700th anniversary of its dedication.
• Then, on 1 January 2025, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major was opened.
• Lastly, Sunday, 5 January 2025, will mark the opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

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

SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS | MEMORIAL OF SAINT GENEVIEVE OF PARIS, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 3RD: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and Memorial of Saint Genevieve of Paris, Virgin.

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The Church reveals to us the wonders of the Incarnate Word by singing the glories of His name. The name of Jesus means Savior or God Saves; it had been shown in a dream to Joseph together with its meaning and to Our Lady at the annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel. According to the Gospel of St. Luke 2:21-24: “When eight days were completed for his circumcision, the child was named Jesus, the name given Him by the Angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.​”

The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is historically associated with the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus. According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was circumcised and received his name, thus becoming a full member of God’s covenant people. Circumcision was a sign of belonging to the people. It gave the person an identity. On this occasion each child received his name (cf. Lk 1:59-63). Following the Jewish custom, the child Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day after His birth (cf. Gen 17:12). On the day of the Circumcision, the Son of God made Man received the name of Jesus, which signifies Savior—a name that should inspire us with reverence, praise, confidence, and love. He receives the name of Jesus that had been given Him by the angel before His conception. The angel had said to Joseph that the name of the child had to be Jesus, as “He is the one who is to save His people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). The name of Jesus is the transliteration of the name “Yehoshua”, or Joshua, and means Yahweh saves. Another name that will gradually be given to Jesus is Christ, which means Anointed or Messiah. Jesus is the awaited Messiah. A third name is that of Emmanuel, which means God with us (Mt 1:23).

St. Paul promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, he writes in Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Devotion to the Holy Name is deeply rooted in the Sacred Scriptures, especially in the Acts of the Apostles. It was promoted in a special manner by St. Bernard, St. Bernardine of Siena, St. John Capistrano and by the Franciscan Order. This devotion became popular because of 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns but especially through the preaching of Saint Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan. Bernardine used devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus as a way of overcoming bitter and often bloody class struggles and family rivalries or vendettas in Italian city-states. The devotion grew, partly because of Franciscan and Dominican preachers. The emblem or monogram representing the Holy Name of Jesus consists in three letters—the first three letters of the word written in Greek: IHS. Through the particular efforts of St. Bernardine of Siena, devotion to the Holy Name was promoted through the inscription of this monogram. It spread even more widely after the Jesuits began promoting it in the 16th century. In 1530, Pope Clement V approved an Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscans. In 1721, Pope Innocent XIII extended this feast to the entire Church. Since the Name of Jesus is the holiest, sweetest, and most powerful of all names, the Church devotes a special day to its solemn veneration.  The month of January has traditionally been dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. Today the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is celebrated on January 3rd.

PRAYER: O God, You founded the salvation of the human race in the Incarnation of Your Word. Grant to Your people the mercy they request so that all may know that there is no other name to be invoked except the name of Your Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen.

Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love, and strength! You are the refuge of those who repent, our banner of warfare in this life, the medicine of souls, the comfort of those who mourn, the delight of those who believe, the light of those who preach the true faith, the wages of those who toil, the healing of the sick. To You our devotion aspires; by You our prayers are received; we delight in contemplating You. O Name of Jesus, You are the glory of all the Saints for eternity. Amen 🙏

On this special feast day, we also celebrate the Memorial of Saint Genevieve of Paris, Virgin.

MEMORIAL OF SAINT GENEVIEVE OF PARIS, VIRGIN

SAINT GENEVIEVE, VIRGIN: St. Genevieve (422-512) was a fair and courageous peasant girl who was born around 422 in Nanterre, a small village outside Paris, France, to a respectable family, a man named Severus and a woman named Gerontia. When Genevieve was only seven-years-old, a famous bishop, St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre visited Nanterre on his way to Britain. While he was there, many people flocked to receive his blessing. The young Genevieve stood amid a crowd which had gathered around the man of God who spotted and singled her out and foretold her future sanctity. At her request, the holy Bishop led her to a church, accompanied by all the faithful, and consecrated her to God as a virgin. The next day, Germanus asked Genevieve if she had remembered the promise she made to God. She did and proclaimed she would always fulfill it faithfully. He presented her with a cross engraved brass medal to always wear around her neck, as a reminder of the consecration she made of herself to God. He ordered her to never wear any other bracelets, necklaces or jewelry, to avoid falling into vanity. Encouraged by Germanus, Genevieve dedicated her life to prayer, practices of devotion and a acts of penance. When she was only 15-years-old, she met with the Bishop of Paris and asked to become a nun. In her teens she received the religious veil and lived a devout life of prayer, charity, and austerity. From this moment, she also began praying continuously and fasting, eating only twice a week, as a sign of her complete dedication to the Lord. She was especially known for her gifts of prophecy and reading consciences. When her parents died she lived with her grandmother in Paris, often traveling and visiting other cities where she would perform miracles, sharing the faith, performing acts of charity, praying for the sick and prophesying.

Her dedicated Christian way of life was filled with the signs of the Holy Spirit working through her. The signs of the working of the Holy Spirit accompanying this holy young woman included miracles and spiritually inspired predictions. She frequently had visions of heavenly angels and saints. However, when she shared those visions and experiences of the Lord, people began to turn against her. They called her a hypocrite and accused her of being a false visionary. This led to her persecution, with a plot against her life. In fact, they were determined to drown her in a lake of fire. However, the Bishop Germanus intervened and silenced those who were accusing her of false statements, and persecuting her. When St. Germain came to her defense she was afterwards greatly revered by the people.

St. Genevieve was appointed by the Bishop to look after the welfare of the consecrated virgins. She did so faithfully and helped to lead them into a greater degree of holiness as they grew closer to the Lord Jesus. St. Genevieve had a great influence over Childeric, the King of Gaul who overtook Paris. During a time when Paris suffered with great famine, St. Genevieve traveled by boat to Troyes and brought back several boats full of corn. Although he was a pagan, Childeric respected her and spared the lives of several prisoners on her behalf. She also had an effect on King Clovis. He listened to her advice and under her request, he granted freedom to several of his prisoners. When Attila and his army of Huns came upon Paris, the Parisian Christians were prepared to run, but St. Genevieve spoke to them and convinced them to stay within their homes, fast and pray to the Lord. She assured them they would have the protection of Heaven. Her prediction came true as Attila suddenly changed his path and turned away from Paris. St. Genevieve died at 89-years-old on January 3, 512. St. Genevieve became venerated as the Patron Saint of Paris after she helped avert an attack against the city by Attila the Hun, and for saving the city from famine during a siege, when a boatload of grain overcame a military blockade due to her intercession. St. Genevieve is also the Patron Saint against fever, plague, and disasters. Protector of Paris, young girls, and French security forces. Her feast day is January 3rd.

Saint Genevieve of Paris, Virgin ~ Pray for us 🙏

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today, Christmas Weekday | Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Gospel Reading ~ John 1:29-34

“Look, there is the Lamb of God”

“John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

In today’s Gospel reading, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The words of John the Baptist, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world’ are more or less the words the celebrant speaks at Mass just before communion, when he holds up the host. Jesus came among us, according to John’s Gospel, to take away the sin of the world, the sin of us all. Yet, John’s Gospel shows that Jesus could not take away the sin of those who had no awareness of their sin. The Lamb of God has come to take away the sin of the world. We need to acknowledge the ways in which we have been tainted by the sin of the world, if we are to experience the enlightenment and the freedom that Jesus has come to give. Jesus is the expression of God’s love working to reconcile all of humanity to Himself. Jesus is the fullest human revelation possible of God’s love for the world. The closest we can come to seeing God as Love in this life is to look upon Jesus, especially as he comes to us in the Gospels. In eternity, we will become like God, as loving as God is loving, but each day we are called to grow more fully into Jesus, God’s love in human form, through looming upon Jesus with the eyes of faith. Something of our eternal destiny can become a present reality when we grow up into Christ and allow Him to live in and through us. According to the Gospel reading, Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God’s love. Jesus gives us His own Spirit to empower us to become as loving as He is and, thereby, to anticipate in the here and now our glorious destiny to be like God, as loving as God is loving.

On this special feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, we are all reminded that we all should appreciate and use the Name of Jesus with proper respect, honor and decorum, and not to utter or call His Name in vain. We must not be misusing the Lord’s Name or taking Him for granted, just as how many of us often take His Name lightly, and in some cases, even using His Name in curses and profanities, which are definitely not appropriate at all. One of the reason why people are losing their faith in God is because we have lost the sense of sanctity of God in our lives today, and this happened exactly because we have chosen to treat Him with disdain and did not honor and respect Him as we should have, and when we treat His Name without proper decorum and understanding just how powerful His Name is. Let us all therefore put our hope and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, ever being reminded that in Him alone there is hope in the darkness of our world, and in His Name alone there is healing, liberation and freedom from the darkness of evil and sin.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures on this special feast of The Most Holy Name of Jesus, as we continue to celebrate the joyful season and time of Christmas, let us all reflect carefully upon the role that our Saviour, Jesus Christ has in the history of our salvation that by His coming into this world which we celebrate at this Christmas season, He had made Himself approachable and tangible for us, to make God’s love within our reach, dwelling in our midst as God Who is always ever present among His people, Emmanuel. This Christmas we are reminded yet again that Christ has manifested Himself before us, and gave us His Name as the assurance for a new hope and light that illuminates our path towards the future with Him. Let us not forget about Christ in our Christmas joy and festivities, and let us return Him to the rightful position at the heart of our every celebrations, and also enthrone Him within our hearts, always ever keeping His Holy Name with the utmost honour and respect. May the Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose Name we have been saved, be with us always, and may He continue to guide us and strengthen us in our journey of faith, so that we may continue to persevere in faith and do our very best to commit ourselves to a life fully dedicated to Him and worthy of His love and grace. Let us all hence continue to keep our focus firmly in Christ our Lord, and put our trust in the Holy Name of Our Lord, Jesus, the Saviour of all, through Whom we shall be strengthened and healed from all of our predicaments. Let us all invoke His Name from now on with faith, and strive to be ever more worthy of uttering His Name, at all times. May the Lord continue to bless us all and strengthen us through the many challenges and trials that we may encounter in our lives. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and bless us always and may He empower us all, to live in His Presence, entrusting ourselves to His Most Holy Name, now and forevermore. Amen🙏

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS:
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!

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

Let us pray:

Father in Heaven, You have revealed to me Who You are and Your plan for my life in many ways. And though You are always speaking to me, I acknowledge that I do not always listen. Please open my soul to You more fully so that I may come to faith and be certain of Your love and Your perfect will in my life. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Genevieve ~ 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, fruitful, and grace-filled New Year! Amen🙏

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2025!!!

Blessings and  love always, Philomena💖

WEEKDAY OF CHRISTMAS TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 2, 2025

Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Thursday, Weekday of Christmas time!

On this special feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, we humbly 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. We continue to pray 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🙏

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 “Catholic Daily Holy Mass and Holy Rosary – Daily TV Mass – EWTN | January 2, 2025 on YouTube |

Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 2, 2025 |

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

Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 2, 2025 |

Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 2, 2025 |

Pray “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries VIRTUAL🌹JOYFUL🌹LUMINOUS🌹SORROWFUL🌹GLORIOUS” oùn YouTube |

Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) |

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES

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/

• On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the First Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.
• On Christmas Day, Pope Francis delivered his Urbi et Orbi message to the people of the city of Rome and the world from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at noon.
• On 26 December, for the first time in the Jubilee tradition, Pope Francis opened a fifth sacred portal in a Roman prison, a gesture of hope that shows his ongoing closeness to detainees.
• On Sunday, 29 December, the Pope opens the Holy Door of his cathedral, Saint John Lateran, which on 9 November this year celebrated the 1700th anniversary of its dedication.
• Then, on 1 January 2025, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major will be opened.
• Lastly, Sunday, 5 January 2025, will mark the opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

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

SAINTS OF THE DAY: SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN, BISHOPS AND DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 2ND: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church.

SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN, BISHOPS AND DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH: In the revision of the calendar the Church has seen fit to honor these two great Doctors of the Church and friends on the same day. Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen were among the most devoted defenders of the faith in the fourth century. Both were bishops and both are now saints and doctors of the Church. These two men met while studying in Caesarea Cappadocia and strengthened their tight friendship in Athens. After Basil’s death, Gregory wrote of their bond, “We seemed to have one soul, inhabiting two bodies.” Both saints came from families of saints.

SAINT BASIL THE GREAT: St. Basil (330 – 379 A.D.) was born to wealthy and pious parents in Caesarea of Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) in 330. His family was renowned for their great sanctity. St. Basil’s grandfather was martyred under the persecution of Roman Emperor Diocletian, and his maternal grandmother was a martyr; his paternal grandmother, both of his parents and several of his siblings are honored and numbered among the Saints. He attended school in Caesarea, as well as Constantinople and Athens, where he became acquainted with St. Gregory Nazianzen in 352. A little later, he opened a school of oratory in Caesarea and practiced law. Eventually, St. Basil decided to become a monk and founded a monastery in Pontus which he directed for five years. He wrote a famous monastic Rule of life that has proved to be the most lasting of those in the East. St. Basil studied under the finest teachers and was a respected man of great learning, as well as a zealous defender of orthodoxy against many heresies that threatened the Catholic faith, especially Arianism. After founding several other monasteries, he was ordained and, in 370, made Bishop of Caesarea and in this role became one of the most influential saints in Church history. In this post as Bishop (until his death in 379) he constituted to be a man of vast learning and constant activity, genuine eloquence and immense charity. His life of deep prayer, austerities, and humility, combined with his uncommon preaching and teaching gifts, guided him in leading one of the most politically and ecclesiastically important Sees of the day, for which he earned the title of “the Great” during his life and Doctor of the Church after his death. He is a Doctor of the Church, and one of the group of three saints called the Cappadocian Fathers, together with his brother, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and his lifelong friend, St. Gregory of Nazianzus. St. Basil is the Patron Saint of monks, hospital administrators, reformers, monks, and Russia. St. Basil’s feast day is celebrated on January 2nd, a shared feast day with his close friend St. Gregory of Nazianzus.

SAINT GREGORY: St. Gregory Nazianzen (c. 329–389) was born at Arianzen in Cappadocia of parents who both honored among the Saints. St. Gregory’s father was converted to Catholicism by his wife. After his conversion, he was ordained a priest and then consecrated as Bishop of Nazianzen. He served as bishop for about 45 years, living into his 90s. These saintly parents had three children, all of whom became saints. St. Gregory studied at Caesarea, Alexandria, and Athens, in which latter city he had as fellow pupils St. Basil and Julian the Apostate. On his return to Nazianzen he was baptized by his father and began to lead a most holy life. In 358, he joined St. Basil in the solitude of Pontus and remained until his father (who was Bishop of Nazianzen) recalled him shortly after and ordained him a priest, much against his wishes. He was appointed Bishop of Sasima, a small town, in 372 by St. Basil. St. Gregory preferred a life of quiet solitude and reflection, but circumstances always conspired to call him away from it. In 379, he was made Bishop of Constantinople and remained there until 381 when he was finally able to resign and return to his solitude up to his death in 389. The depth of his theological knowledge and the vastness of his eloquence have made him one of the greatest Doctors of the Greek Church. St. Gregory is the Patron Saint of harvests and Christian Poets.

At the time that Saints Gregory and Basil lived, the Church, the body of Christ, was suffering from the pandemic of Arianism, a heresy that denied the divinity of Christ. This heresy was like a disease infecting the Church. Arianism entered the bloodstream of Christ’s body and weakened every limb and muscle, causing convulsions, violent outbursts, and deep divisions among both bishops and the faithful. The clear teaching and brave episcopal leadership of Saints Basil and Gregory helped the Church to heal, to eradicate this heresy, and to restore unity of faith in the East. But not all warmly welcomed their efforts. They both suffered greatly. From the emperor, many bishops, and other clergy and laity, they received many abuses, calumnies, physical attacks, and threats. Through it all, they remained faithful to their preaching and calm and focused in their resolve, restoring a deeper and more ancient unity to Christ’s faithful. Today, their voluminous writings are among the most inspiring, insightful, and convincing teachings of the early Church, particularly as they pertain to Christ’s divinity and the Most Holy Trinity. These two men did not become saints simply because they were smart, they were also holy. And their holiness came from a life of deep prayer. After they both received an excellent education at the finest universities, they mutually sought to live as hermits, with Basil leading the way by forming what would become the model for monasticism in the East. They both spent years in solitude and prayer at different stages of their lives. Their interior communion with God through prayer, more than anything else, prepared them for their common mission.

PRAYER: Saints Gregory and Basil, you were called by God to be a light in the midst of darkness during a time of great turmoil within the Church. Please pray for me, that I will never live enveloped in the darkness of this world but will always carry the light of Christ to scatter falsehood and sin, so that God may be glorified and souls may be saved.

Lord God, You desired to enlighten Your Church by the life and teachings of Sts. Basil and Gregory. Grant that we may learn Your truth with humility and faithfully put it into practice with love… Amen. Saints Basil and Gregory, ~ Pray for us 🙏

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today, Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Gospel Reading ~ John 1:19-28

“There is one who is coming after me”

“This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”

In today’s Gospel reading, the priests and Levites ask John the Baptist two questions, ‘Who are you?’ and ‘Why are you baptizing?’ The more fundamental of the two questions is the first one, because the answer to the first question determines the answer to the second question. It is because of who we are that we do what we do. ‘Who are you?’ is one of the really important questions of life, John the Baptist is asked. We can spend most of our lives trying to answer the question, ‘Who am I?’ It is not a question that lends itself to a quick and easy answer. There is a sense in which we never really come to know ourselves fully. A first step in knowing ourselves is knowing who we are not, so that we don’t try to be someone we are not. John the Baptist comes across in the Gospel reading today as knowing who he is not. He is not the Messiah, he is not Elijah, and he is not the prophet. John does not claim to be someone he is not. He not only knows who he is not, he knows who he is – the voice crying in the wilderness preparing people for the Lord’s coming. He is the witness, the person who points to Jesus and leads others to Him. In a very real sense, that is what we are all called to be. Even though we might have difficulty fully answering the question, ‘Who are you?’ we can all give the answer, ‘I am a witness’. That is our calling, to point towards the Lord and to lead others to Him by our lives. We are all called to be the voice to the Word, the lamp to the Light and the friend to the Bridegroom. This is how we can answer the question, ‘Who are you?’ Our calling is to point to Jesus with our lives, to proclaim His presence by our way of being present to others and to reflect the light of His love by the way we relate to others.

In our first reading today, from the Epistle of St. John to the faithful people of God and the Church, details a lot of those who threatened to derail our path towards the Lord, how there were antichrists and false prophets, false teachers and messengers, all those who taught different messages and Gospels from what has been delivered and taught by the Apostles. St. John warned the faithful against all of those, the heresies which had risen even as early as the beginning of the Church, as those who sought to subvert and change the Church teachings and doctrines to suit their own desires and wishes, caused divisions among the faithful and confusion, which led to some of the faithful falling into heretical ways. Among those heresies were those that denied the Divinity of Christ, or even denying the existence of Christ Himself, and those who considered the Lord Jesus as a false Messiah, and claiming to be the Messiah themselves. Those false leaders and teachers harmed the unity of the Church and led many to the wrong paths, which then caused many to fall away from the path of righteousness and truth. It is really easy for all of us to fall astray and to be misled into the path towards our downfall, which was indeed the intention of the evil one and all of his wicked forces, that had led to this proliferation of lies and falsehoods, of salvation and joy that do not have their origin in Christ, Our Lord. That is why as Christians all of us ought to take a firm stand in defending our faith and in remaining true to our calling at all times, to proclaim the truth of God and to keep our focus in Christmas on Christ. St. John reminded all the faithful and us all of everything that they had received from the Lord, the gift of the Holy Spirit and the anointing which has been given to them and us through baptism and chrism, and the Wisdom and strength which they had received so that they might all persevere amidst all the challenges, trials and all the false leads that they had to face.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, as we are still progressing through the season and time of Christmas, we’re continuously being reminded of the Lord and His coming into this world, the salvation and truth that He has brought into our midst among other things. The Lord and His coming into this world has brought upon us all a new hope and renewal, as Christ assured us all that if we have faith in Him, we shall receive the guarantee of eternal life and grace. May the Lord continue to guide us all to Himself, and through the good examples of all the Saints, especially St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen who we celebrate today. Let us all always be inspired by the great faith, commitment and humility which they have shown us, and do our best that our lives will always be centred and focused on the Lord as well. Let us all live a more devoted and holy Christian living at all times, drawing ever closer to God in all things. Let us all continue to renew our faith in the Lord and keep our focus in God as we continue to progress through this season of Christmas, as we keep reminding ourselves Who it is that we are celebrating for, that is for Christ our Lord and Saviour, and not for ourselves. May the Lord be with us all and may He continue to lead us down the path of righteousness, in the path of His servants, especially St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and bless us always and may He empower all of us to live ever more faithfully in His presence. May the Lord continue to bless us all and guide us in our journey of faith and life so that we may be the shining beacons of God’s light, truth and love, now and always. 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 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!

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

Let us pray:

Lord, I give all glory and praise to You and You alone. You are the source of all good; without You I am nothing. Help me to continually humble myself before You so that I may share in the glory and greatness of Your life of grace. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Our Lord Jesus Christ…have mercy on us. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen ~ 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 | https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGsY

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, fruitful, and grace-filled New Year! Amen🙏

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2025!!!

Blessings and  love always, Philomena💖

THE OCTAVE DAY OF CHRISTMAS

SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 1, 2025

SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

THE 58TH WORLD DAY OF PEACE

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOOR OF BASILICA OF ST. MARY THE MAJOR | JANUARY 1, 2025 | Today, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary the Major will be opened [Link below]

Greetings, and blessings beloved family, and Happy New Year!

THANKSGIVING: We thank God for the gift of life and most especially thank Him for blessing us all with the special gift of another year! Praying for God’s abundant grace and blessings, favors, health, peace, and a prosperous New Year, 2025! 🙏

Today in our calendar is the first day of the Gregorian Year, the New Year’s Day of the Year of Our Lord 2025. On this day while we rejoice with many other people all around the world celebrating the arrival of the new year, and looking ahead with great hope and jubilation, the Church also celebrates the very important occasion of the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, or in the original Greek, ‘Theotokos’ which means ‘God-bearer’. This most honourable title of our Blessed Mother Mary. Today as we rejoice greatly during this celebration honouring Mary as the Mother of God, let us all also remember her great examples in faith and dedication, her love for each and every one of us, her companionship towards us where she journeyed and guided us through difficult and challenging moments in life. Let us all follow in her examples and do our best so that all of us may be good examples, role models and inspirations ourselves in our own respective lives. And as we begin this New Year and continue to rejoice still in this Christmas season, let us always remember that Christ must always be at the centre and heart of everything that we do in our lives, with Mary, His mother and our mother ever close by our side, guiding and strengthening us in our journey. May Mary, the Holy Mother of God continue to intercede for us all sinners and help us so that we may remain firm in our commitment to follow the Lord and to be good and worthy of God’s grace and love. May she continue to show us all her maternal love and tender care as she has always shown us, guiding us all to the path towards salvation and eternal life through her Son, Our Lord and Saviour. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen 🙏🏽

Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD | POPE FRANCIS | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN, BASILICA OF ST. PETER | JANUARY 1, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/01/watch-holy-mass-on-the-solemnity-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-the-holy-mother-of-god-pope-francis-live-from-the-vatican-january-1-2025/

Watch “Vespers and Te Deum | Pope Francis | LIVE from the Vatican | December 31, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/01/live-from-the-vacation-pope-francis-vespers-and-te-deum-december-31st-2024/

Watch “OPENING OF THE HOLY DOOR OF BASILICA OF ST. MARY THE MAJOR | ROME | JANUARY 1, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/01/opening-of-the-holy-door-of-basilica-of-st-mary-the-major-january-1-2025/

LIVE from Rome | The Opening of the 4th Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary the Major, in Rome, for the Jubilee of Hope 2025.

Watch “Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God” – Catholic Daily Mass and Rosary – Daily TV Mass – EWTN | Wednesday, January 1, 2025 on YouTube |

Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 1, 2025 |

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

Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 1, 2025 |

Watch “Angelus with Pope Francis | LIVE from the Vatican” | January 1, 2025 |

Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 1, 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: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God | Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Reading 1, Numbers 6:22-27
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Reading 2, Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel, Luke 2:16-21

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 58TH WORLD DAY OF PEACE | JANUARY 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/01/message-of-his-holiness-pope-francis-for-the-58th-world-day-of-peace-january-1-2025/

Each year, the Holy Father marks this day with a special message. The theme for this year, 2025, Forgive Us Our Trespasses: Grant Us Your Peace, encourages us to take three concrete actions to make peace among us. May the Lord help us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in our families and our divided and conflicted World. Amen 🙏🏽

On this special feast day, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God and today being the World Day of Prayer for Peace, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, we pray for all mothers, children, families and 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. We continue to pray 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🙏

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/

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES

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/

• On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the First Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.
• On Christmas Day, Pope Francis delivered his Urbi et Orbi message to the people of the city of Rome and the world from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at noon.
• On 26 December, for the first time in the Jubilee tradition, Pope Francis opened a fifth sacred portal in a Roman prison, a gesture of hope that shows his ongoing closeness to detainees.
• On Sunday, 29 December, the Pope opens the Holy Door of his cathedral, Saint John Lateran, which on 9 November this year celebrated the 1700th anniversary of its dedication.
• Then, on 1 January 2025, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major will be opened.
• Lastly, Sunday, 5 January 2025, will mark the opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

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

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, our Lady’s greatest title. This feast is the Octave Day of Christmas. In the current liturgical calendar, only Christmas and Easter enjoy the privilege of an octave.

SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD: Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, our Lady’s greatest title. This feast is the final day of the Christmas octave and a Holy Day of Obligation (However, when a feast falls on either a Monday or a Saturday, the obligation is removed). In the current liturgical calendar, only Christmas and Easter enjoy the privilege of an octave. Our Mother Mary is honored as the mother of Jesus Christ, God incarnate, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity and was declared to be Mother of God at the council of Ephesus towards the end of the fifth century and adopted from Constantinople at the start of the 7th century, January 1st began to be celebrated simply as the octave day of Christmas, the “eighth day” on which, according to Luke 2:21, the child was circumcised and given the name Jesus, which means ‘God Saves’. This was as much a declaration about Jesus as it was about Mary. It is because Jesus is both human and divine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, can be declared to be the Mother of God or in the language of the Council, the Theotokos, the God bearer.

This feast takes the place of the Maternity of Mary formerly kept on October 11, which was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1931, as a commemoration of the 15th centenary of the Council of the Ephesus in 431. In the 13th or 14th century, January 1st began to be celebrated in Rome, as already in Spain and Gaul, as the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and the Octave of the Nativity, while still oriented towards Mary and Christmas, with many prayers, antiphons and responsories glorifying the maternity of Mary. Pope John XXIII’s 1960 rubrical and calendrical revision removed the mention of the circumcision of Jesus and called January simply the Octave of the Nativity.

The title ‘Mother of God’ is one of Mary’s more exalted titles, the source of all her other privileges. One of the four Marian Dogmas, the Dogma of the Divine Motherhood of Mary, stating that Mary is truly the Mother of God by her being the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world and the Son of God. Because we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, therefore it is only natural that Mary should also be the Mother of God, as the Mother who brings forth into this world God Himself, incarnate in the flesh. From all eternity, God thought of the Virgin of Nazareth as the future Mother of His Son. At the Annunciation, Mary became the Mother of God. On Calvary, Christ gave His mother to all men to be their spiritual Mother, so that through her they might come to God as through her He came to them. Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation and because His Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where His Son and His Spirit could dwell among men. In this sense, the Church’s Tradition has often read the most beautiful texts on wisdom in relation to Mary. Mary is acclaimed and represented in the liturgy as the “Seat of Wisdom.” On this new year’s day, this feast fits well with the beginning of the New Year so that we may consecrate our year to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of all Christians. Our Blessed Mother Mary’s life was instrumental in ushering in not only a new year but a new age.

PRAYER TO MARY: O Mother of God, you birthed the one who created all. How beautiful the mystery. How exalted your vocation that precedes and makes possible the Apostles’ own vocations. At home you bounced on your knee the one who spins the world on His finger. Help us start this new year with wonder more than resolutions, with eternal gratitude more than mundane goals.🙏

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.🙏

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

PRAYER: God, through the fruitful virginity of Mary, You bestowed the blessings of eternal salvation on mankind. Grant that we may enjoy her intercession, for through her we received Your Son, the Author of Life. Amen 🙏

VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS: A plenary indulgence may be gained by reciting or singing the hymn Veni Creator Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest) on the first day of the year. This hymn is traditionally sung for beginnings of things, calling on the Holy Spirit before endeavoring something new. See link below: Veni, Creator Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest) | EWTN https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/veni-creator-spiritus-come-holy-spirit-creator-blest-11897

VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O comforter, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God Most High, O fount of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above.

Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known; Thou, finger of God’s hand we own; Thou, promise of the Father, Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue.

Kindle our sense from above, and make our hearts o’erflow with love; with patience firm and virtue high the weakness of our flesh supply.

Far from us drive the foe we dread, and grant us Thy peace instead; so shall we not, with Thee for guide, turn from the path of life aside.

Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest.

Now to the Father and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given, with Thou, O Holy Comforter, henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let Us Pray:

O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost: give to us, in the same Spirit, to know what is right, and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who with Thee livest and reignest in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God. World without end… Amen🙏

SAINT OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH MARY TOMASI, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 1ST: On this special Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, we also celebrate the Memorial of Saint Joseph Mary Tomasi, Religious.

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH MARY TOMASI, RELIGIOUS: St. Joseph Mary Tomasi (1649-1713) was born in Sicily to noble and virtuous parents. He received a good Christian education and was drawn to the things of God from an early age. He renounced his inheritance and titles, transferring them to his brother, and entered religious life in the Order of the Clerics Regular Theatine founded by St. Cajetan. When their children were grown, his parents also entered religious life. St. Joseph Tomasi became so well known for his sanctity and learning that his advice and friendship was widely sought. He was a master of several languages, including Hebrew, and converted his teacher, a Jewish Rabbi, to Christianity. He is known for his writings on theology and love of the Roman liturgy, earning him the name “Liturgical Doctor.” Some of the liturgical reforms he sought were adopted in 20th century. He was famous for teaching catechism to the children of his titular church, and its congregants Gregorian chant. He was appointed a Cardinal, and not long after suffered from pneumonia and died. St. Joseph Mary Tomasi is the patron saint of liturgy. His feast day is January 1st.

Saint Joseph Mary Tomasi, Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today, The Octave Day of Christmas, Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 2:16–21

“They found Mary and Joseph and the infant. When the eight days were completed, He was named Jesus”

“The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

In today’s Gospel reading, our Mother Mary marvels at what has happened, treasuring the events of Christmas in her memory and pondering them in her heart. The image of Our Mother Mary put before us in today’s Gospel reading is that of the contemplative woman who ponders the marvels the Almighty has done for her and for all people. She ponders in response to what the shepherds said to her. The shepherds had preached the Gospel to her. They repeated to her what had been told to them by the Angels, ‘Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord’. This is the good news of great joy, the Gospel. It is this good news that she treasured and pondered over. The same Gospel has been preached to us, and we are invited to treasure it, to ponder on it and to respond to it, as Our Blessed Mother Mary did. Today is new year’s day, a day to make resolutions. What better new year’s resolution could we make today than that of adopting Mary’s stance before the Gospel? Today’s feast invites us to share in Mary’s sense of awe and wonder before God’s merciful love, made known to us in Jesus, Mary’s son. As we look towards the new year, which begins today, we ask our Mother Mary to help us to treasure the Gospel as she did, so that Jesus might come to others through us as He came to us through Our Blessed Mother Mary.

In our first reading today from the Book of Numbers 6:22-27, the LORD said to Moses: “Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.” We are called to always pray the prayer of blessing in today’s first reading for us and for others. It was above all through the birth of Jesus, Mary’s child, that the Lord blessed us and kept us, made his face to shine upon us and was gracious to us. Today we celebrate Mary as mother, mother of Jesus, mother of God’s Son, mother of God. It was because of her ‘yes’ to God’s call that God blessed us so abundantly through Jesus, her son, and revealed the light of His face to us, displaying His gracious love.

In our Second Reading taken from the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians 4:4-7.  “Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.” In the words of Saint Paul in today’s second reading, it was because God sent His Son, born of a woman, born of Mary, that the Spirit of God’s Son has been poured into all our hearts, drawing us into a share in Jesus’ own relationship with God, enabling us to cry out ‘Abba, Father’, alongside Jesus. There is much to treasure and ponder here, and that is what we find Mary doing in today’s Gospel reading.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, in the new year and rejoice at the glorious Divine Motherhood of God, Mary, Blessed Mother ever-Virgin, let us all hence spend some time to reflect on our way of life and actions, and what we plan to do for this coming year ahead of us. If we have been spending a lot of time the past year and also this Christmas season mostly on worldly things and matter, and in our pursuit of worldly glory, fame, achievements, then perhaps we should reconsider our path and direction in life. We should reconsider once again why we rejoice and celebrate in this season and time of celebration. We should think of why we rejoice and celebrate this new year too. The Lord has entrusted His own Mother to us from His Cross, as He entrusted her to His trusted disciple St. John the Apostle. Similarly, He has also entrusted us all to her, that we all become her own children, to be loved and cared for by this same Mother of God, who has loved her Son so thoroughly. Can we follow our loving Mother in her ways and entrust ourselves to her and to her Son? Can we love the Lord more through His mother Mary, by ensuring that our lives and actions are truly worthy and appropriate of those who call ourselves as Christians? We are reminded again and again this Christmas season of what we are celebrating and what our Christian faith is all about, and hence, let us all begin our new year with the right mindset and spirit, and ensure that we conform ourselves once more to the Lord and His ways. And also, today being the World Day of Prayer for Peace, let us also 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 wars and conflicts. May the Lord continue to guide us and bless us in the year ahead, bless our world and all its peoples with peace and harmony, and with the guidance of His blessed Mother, Mary, the Holy Mother of God, let us all draw ever closer to Him and commit ourselves ever more wholeheartedly to Him, in all of our actions and lives. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace and bless our works and efforts, our endeavours in this coming year, and may He bless all of us and our loved ones, at all times. Have a blessed New Year, brothers and sisters! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. 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 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-2024

PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

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 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Mother of God,  we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of another year! We pray for all mothers, 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:

Dearest Mother Mary, you were graced with a grace beyond any other. You were preserved from all sin and remained perfectly obedient to the will of God throughout your life. As a result, you became the perfect instrument of the Savior of the World by becoming His mother, the Mother of God. Pray for me that I may ponder this great mystery of our faith this day and ever more deeply rejoice in the incomprehensible beauty of your motherly soul. Mother Mary, the Mother of God, pray for us.  Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Our Lord Jesus Christ…have mercy on us. Our Blessed Mother Mary, the Holy Mother of God; Saint Joseph Mary Tomasi, Religious ~ 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 | https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGsY

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 day, the beginning of the 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, fruitful, grace-filled, and prosperous New Year! Amen🙏

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2025!!!

Blessings and  love always, Philomena💖