Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls Saturday, 25 January 2025
Jesus arrives at the home of his friends Martha and Mary four days after the death of their brother Lazarus. Having apparently lost all hope, Martha’s first words express her grief and her regret that Jesus had arrived too late: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (Jn 11:21). At the same time, however, Jesus’ presence kindles the light of hope in Martha’s heart and leads her to a profession of faith: “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him” (v. 22). It is an attitude of always leaving the door open, never closed! Jesus speaks to her about the resurrection of the dead not only as an event that will take place at the end of time, but as something already present, because he himself is the resurrection and the life. And then he asks her a question: “Do you believe this?” (v. 26). That question is also meant for us, for you, for me: “Do you believe this?
Let us also consider this same question: “Do you believe this?” (v. 26). It is a short but challenging question.
This tender encounter between Jesus and Martha from the Gospel teaches us that even in times of desolation, we are not alone and we can continue to hope. Jesus gives life even when it seems that all hope has vanished. Hope can falter following difficult experiences such as a painful loss, an illness, a bitter disappointment or a sudden betrayal. Although each of us may experience moments of despair or know people who have lost hope, the Gospel tells us that Jesus always restores hope because he raises us up from the ashes of death. Jesus always raises us up and gives us the strength to go on, to begin anew.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us never forget that hope does not disappoint! Hope never disappoints! Hope is like a rope anchored on the shore that we cling to; it never disappoints. This is also important for the life of Christian communities, our churches and our ecumenical relationships. At times, we are overwhelmed by fatigue and discouraged by the results of our labours. It can even seem as if the dialogue and the efforts made on both sides are hopeless, almost doomed to failure. All of this makes us experience the same anguish as Martha, but the Lord comes to us. Do we believe this? Do we believe that he is the resurrection and the life? That he rewards our efforts and always gives us the grace to continue our journey together? Do we believe this?
This message of hope is at the heart of the Jubilee we have begun. The Apostle Paul, whose conversion to Christ we commemorate today, declared to the Christians of Rome, “hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom 5:5). We have all received the same Spirit, all of us, and this is the foundation of our ecumenical journey. The Spirit guides on this journey. There are no practical things that help us understand it better. No, there is the Spirit, and we have to follow the Spirit’s lead.
The Jubilee Year of Hope celebrated by the Catholic Church coincides with an anniversary of great significance for all Christians: the 1700th anniversary of the first great ecumenical council: the Council of Nicaea. This Council sought to preserve the unity of the Church at a very difficult time, and the Council Fathers unanimously approved the Creed that many Christians still recite each Sunday at the celebration of the Eucharist. This Creed is a common profession of faith that transcends all the divisions that have riven the Body of Christ over the centuries. The anniversary of the Council of Nicaea is therefore a year of grace, an opportunity for all Christians who recite the same Creed and believe in the same God. Let us rediscover the common roots of the faith; let us preserve unity! Let us always move forward! May the unity we all are searching for be found. What comes to mind is something that the great Orthodox theologian Ioannis Zizioulas used to say: “I know the date of full communion: the day after the final judgment! In the meantime, we must walk together, work together, pray together, love together. And this is something very beautiful!
Dear brothers and sisters, this faith we share is a precious gift, but it is also a task. The anniversary should be celebrated not only as a “historical memory”, but also as a pledge to bear witness to the growing communion between us. We must take care not to let it slip away, but rather to build solid bonds, cultivate mutual friendship, and be instruments of communion and fraternity.
In this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we can also draw from the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea a call to persevere in the journey towards unity. This year, the celebration of Easter coincides in both the Gregorian and Julian calendars, a circumstance that proves providential as we commemorate the anniversary of the Ecumenical Council. I renew my appeal that this coincidence may serve as an appeal to all Christians to take a decisive step forward towards unity around a common date for Easter (cf. Bull Spes Non Confundit, 17). The Catholic Church is open to accepting the date that everyone wants: a date of unity.
I am grateful to Metropolitan Polycarp, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to Archbishop Ian Ernest, who represents the Anglican Communion and is concluding his valuable service for which I am very appreciative – I wish him the best as he returns to his home country – and to the representatives of other Churches who are participating in this evening sacrifice of praise. It is important to pray together, and your presence here this evening is a source of joy for everyone. I also greet the students supported by the Committee for Cultural Collaboration with the Orthodox and the Oriental Orthodox Churches at the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, the students from the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Institute at Bossey and the many other ecumenical groups and pilgrims who have come to Rome for this celebration. I thank the choir, who provided us with a very beautiful atmosphere for praying. May each of us, like Saint Paul, find our hope in the incarnate Son of God and offer it to others wherever hope has been lost, lives broken or hearts overwhelmed by adversity (cf. Homily Opening of the Holy Door and Midnight Mass, 24 December 2024).
In Jesus, hope is always possible. He also sustains our hope as we journey towards him in unity. And so we return again to the question asked of Martha and asked of us this evening: “do you believe this?”. Do we believe in communion with one another? Do we believe that hope does not disappoint?
Dear sisters, dear brothers, this is the time to confirm our profession of faith in the one God and to find in Christ Jesus the way to unity. As we wait for the Lord to “come again in glory to judge the living and the dead” (Nicene Creed), let us never grow tired of bearing witness, before all peoples, to the only-begotten Son of God, the source of all our hope.
LIVE Pope Francis’ Second Vespers on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul from St. Paul’s Basilica for the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Pope Francis presides over the Second Vespers on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul at St. Paul’s Basilica, marking the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This significant event brings together Christians worldwide, emphasizing unity, reconciliation, and a shared commitment to faith. The liturgy reflects on the transformative journey of St. Paul and renews the call for ecumenical dialogue and collaboration among Christian communities.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLY MASS AND VESPERS: Mass and vespers are both Christian services that involve prayer and community worship. Mass is a Eucharistic celebration that commemorates Jesus’ death and resurrection. Vespers is an evening prayer service that gives thanks for the day and asks for God’s mercy. The name Vespers comes from vesperum which is Latin for evening. It marks the close of one day and the start of a new one since in a day in the Church ends at Sundown. It is not a communion service- that would be called Mass in the Western Tradition and Divine Liturgy in the Eastern.
Purpose:
Mass: A celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection
Vespers: A prayer service that gives thanks for the day and asks for God’s mercy.
Structure:
Mass: Has four parts: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites.
Vespers: Has an introductory verse, hymn, psalmody, responsory, gospel canticle, intercessions, Lord’s Prayer, and concluding prayer.
Holy Mass, as the National Prayer Vigil for Life comes to an end | live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Holy Mass on the eve of the March for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Presided by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Each day’s intention for the 9 Days Novena for the protection of human life is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. We continue to pray for the protection of human life. We particularly pray for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children. May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
“Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.” ~ Isaiah 44:2
PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: Lord, Creator of Life, You have blessed us with the privilege of bringing new life into the world. Open our hearts and minds to recognize Your special gift of children and Your great love for each of us created in Your image and likeness. Through love, You sent your Son Jesus to redeem us, and through love, He entered our world as an unborn child in the womb of Mary, His mother. We now turn to Mary for her prayers and intercession as we struggle to protect innocent unborn children from decisions that seek to destroy them. Following Mary’s example as mother and disciple, let us proclaim the truth of our faith, assist those in crisis, and protect those most vulnerable, unwanted, and unloved. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
Today is day eight and the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we conclude this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Holy Mass, as the National Prayer Vigil for Life comes to an end | live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Holy Mass on the eve of the March for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Presided by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Today is day seven of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Holy Mass on the eve of the March for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Presided by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Watch “CLOSING MASS OF THE NATIONAL PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE | JANUARY 24, 2025
Holy Mass, as the National Prayer Vigil for Life comes to an end | live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Whoever lives in love in this creation breathes the life coming from God. While yet in this world, he breathes the air of rebirth. In this air the righteous will delight at resurrection. Love is the kingdom whereof our Lord mystically promised the disciples that they would eat in his kingdom: “You shall eat and drink at the table of my kingdom.” What should they eat, if not love? Love is sufficient to nourish a man instead of food and drink. This is the wine that gladdens the heart of man. Blessed is he who drinks of this wine! –Isaac of Nineveh [7th century], First Collection, 43
For reflection:
Love will be the reality of the Kingdom of God. Concrete actions of charity make this Kingdom present in our lives.
Living in expectation of the Kingdom of God, how do we embody signs of the coming Kingdom in the world today?
We are called to be ready for the second coming of the Lord. How do we prepare ourselves for it?
For reflection in the Canadian context: Many question the place of religion in the future in Canada. One study addresses many of these concerns: https://biblesociety.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2023/02/The-Shifting-Landscape-of-Faith-in-Canada-Final.pdf. “We do not propose a roadmap back to the previous role of religion in Canada, but rather suggest that in building a greater, more nuanced understanding of the journey of faith of our congregants, communities, and fellow Canadians, perhaps we can be better prepared in finding our footing as models and ministers of the common good among institutions, government, and society.”
Prayer
R/ Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
O Christ the Lord, who for our sakes became poor and who promise that the poor will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, you fill us with your riches. R/
O Lord Jesus, meek and humble of heart, who reveal a new world to those who trust in you, you give us your fullness. R/
O Christ the Lord, who knelt and prayed with your face to the ground, you who in sadness traced a way of consolation, you are the joy that nothing and no one can take away from us. R/
O Lord Jesus, who cast down rulers and powers and who clothe peacemakers with a glorious robe, you transform us into your image. R/
O Christ the Lord, merciful and compassionate who on the Cross forgave the thief who died with you we beseech you: Remember us when you come into your kingdom. R/
Let us pray.
O Lord, hasten the coming of your great and glorious day!
In our darkness, many men and women no longer dare to hope. Protect the flame of faith in the hearts of the weak and the suffering.
May the Church be a faithful herald of the victory of Christ your Son over death and a beacon of expectation for his return in glory. He is the Living One, with you and with the Holy Spirit. now and forever and ever. AMEN.
Alternative Patristic Readings
From the Greek tradition
You, O Lord, have freed us from the fear of death. You have made the end of this life the beginning for us of true life. You, for a season, let our bodies rest in sleep and awake them again at the last trumpet. You give our earth, which you have fashioned with your hands, to the earth to keep in safety. One day you will take back what you gave, transfiguring with immortality and grace our mortal and unsightly remains … You showed us the way of resurrection, having broken the gates of hell, and brought to nought him who had the power of death. –Gregory of Nyssa [c. 335-395], Life of St Macrina, 24
From the Latin tradition
By hope God breastfeeds us, nourishes us, strengthens us, and give us consolation in this life of toil. In this hope we sing “alleluia”. Just look what joy there is in hope! What can the reality be? You ask: “What can it be?” Listen to what is said: “They shall get drunk on the plenteousness of your house.” That is the reality that hope is about. We are thirsty. We are hungry. It must be that we shall be satisfied. Hunger while on the road, satisfaction when we come home. When shall we be satisfied? “I shall be satisfied when your glory is revealed.” … Then it will be “alleluia” in reality, while now it is just in hope.
–Augustine of Hippo [354-430], Sermons, 255:5
Alternative Canadian Readings Life in the age to come is pictured in the Bible in different ways: an eternal kingdom, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, an unending day, the father’s house, and the joy of God’s presence. God will triumph over all opposition and everything that disrupts creation.[1]
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time!
Today is day nine and the final day of the novena for the protection of human life, and day seven of the week of prayer for Christian Unity. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, and complete the novena for life, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for the safety, well-being and protection of the life of every human person, from conception to natural death and for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth.
We pray for God’s grace and mercy upon us through this Ordinary Time, and may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth🙏
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: Started Saturday, January 18, 2024 and ends Saturday, January 25, 2025 [Reflections and Prayer links below]
9 DAYS FOR LIFE: PRAY TO PROTECT HUMAN LIFE 9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. January 16-24, 2025 [Prayer and Novena link below]
OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]
Watch “CLOSING MASS OF THE NATIONAL PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE” | JANUARY 24, 2025 |
Holy Mass, as the National Prayer Vigil for Life comes to an end | live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Watch “OPENING MASS AND HOLY HOUR OF THE NATIONAL PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE” | JANUARY 23, 2025 |
Holy Mass on the eve of the March for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Presided by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | January 24, 2025” |
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 24, 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 24, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 24, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries VIRTUAL🌹JOYFUL🌹LUMINOUS🌹SORROWFUL🌹GLORIOUS” oùn YouTube |
Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) |
Today concludes our 9 Days Novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. We continue to pray for the protection of human life. We particularly pray for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children. May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
“Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.” ~ Isaiah 44:2
PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: Lord, Creator of Life, You have blessed us with the privilege of bringing new life into the world. Open our hearts and minds to recognize Your special gift of children and Your great love for each of us created in Your image and likeness. Through love, You sent your Son Jesus to redeem us, and through love, He entered our world as an unborn child in the womb of Mary, His mother. We now turn to Mary for her prayers and intercession as we struggle to protect innocent unborn children from decisions that seek to destroy them. Following Mary’s example as mother and disciple, let us proclaim the truth of our faith, assist those in crisis, and protect those most vulnerable, unwanted, and unloved. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: January 18-25, 2025
Theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
DAY 7: BAPTISM INTO THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF THE LORD | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/24/2025-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-3-day-7/
Today is day seven of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build
Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: The Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
On this special feast day, as we complete the 9 Days Novena for the protection of human life, and continue the week of prayer for Christian Unity, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Savior Jesus Christ! For the safety and well-being of all our children and children all over the world. 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🙏
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 🙏
PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF WILDFIRES AND DISASTERS: We continue to pray for the victims of the current wildfires in the United States (Los Angeles, California) and victims of natural disasters across the world. We especially pray for those that have lost their lives and their families.
“Most Merciful God, Be “our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress” (Psalm 46:1). You created us and sustain us by Your almighty power. Your mercy knows no bounds. At this time of great suffering, we entrust all victims of the wildfires to You. Comfort them, fill them with Your grace, and provide for their needs. We entrust all who have died to Your merciful Heart. Cleanse them of their sins and welcome them into Your heavenly Kingdom. Give wisdom and prudence to those managing this disaster. Give courage and resolve to those on the front lines. Keep them safe and successful in their efforts. Command the winds and the flames to obey You, Lord, as You once calmed the stormy seas. Pour the water of Your grace upon these destructive fires. Stay them with Your powerful hand. Angels of God, come to the aid of those most in need of God’s mercy. Protect them, guide them, and reveal to them God’s holy will. St. Florian, patron of firefighters, pray for those bravely battling the flames. St. Michael the Archangel, defend them in their peril. Saints in Heaven, we beseech your prayer. Intercede for those most in need. From this tragedy and chaos, bring hope and peace. Turn sorrow into compassion. Turn confusion into faith. Turn despair into divine hope. We place all our trust in You, Most Merciful God, knowing that You will bring forth new life and healing from the ashes of this trial. May Your name be glorified now and forever. Amen” 🙏🏽
FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE | MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 24TH: Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Queen of Peace and the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.
OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE: The Feast of Our Lady Queen of Peace is celebrated annually on January 24. The memorial feast celebration has two dates: July 9 and January 24.This feast commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is often represented holding a dove and an olive branch, that are the symbols of peace. Our Lady of Peace, Mother of Peace, Queen of Peace or Our Lady Queen of Peace is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The traditional story holds that in the early 1500s in France, a certain Jean de Joyeuse presented the statue as a wedding gift to his young bride, Françoise e Voisins. The statue was known as the “Virgin of Joyeuse”, and became a cherished family heirloom. Around the year 1588, Jean’s grandson, Henri Joyeuse, joined the Capuchin Franciscans in Paris and brought the statue with him, where it remained for many years. With the olive branch in her hand and the Prince of Peace on her arm, the statue was called Our Lady of Peace. In 1657 the Capuchin community erected a larger chapel to accommodate the growing number of faithful who sought her intercession. On July 9 that year, before a large crowd which included King Louis XIV, the papal nuncio to France blessed and solemnly enthroned the Virgin’s statue. Pope Alexander VII would later designate this date for the Capuchin community to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Peace.
During the French Revolution, which erupted in 1789, the Capuchins were driven from their monastery. They took the image with them to prevent its destruction by the atheistic rebels. When peace was restored in the land, the statue was brought out of hiding and entrusted to Peter Coudrin, a priest in Paris. In 1800, Coudrin and Henriette became co-founders of a community of sisters, brothers and priests — the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The congregation was particularly successful in the Kingdom of Hawaii. They consecrated the Hawaiian Islands under the protection of Our Lady Queen of Peace who has been the patroness of the Catholic Church in Hawaii since 1827. The first Catholic missionaries to the Hawaiian Islands arrived at Honolulu Bay on July 7, 1827. These missionaries were members of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of Perpetual Adoration and upon their arrival in the islands dedicated their labors to the patroness of the Congregation, Our Lady Queen of Peace and placed the Islands under her protection. It was in her honor that these missionaries erected the first Catholic Church.
Our Lady Queen of Peace, is the Patron Saint of El Salvador. In the parish church of St Michael, in the city of San Salvador, there is an ancient statue of the Virgin Mary holding an olive branch which, according to some accounts, was brought there from a shipwreck. In September 1787 the inhabitants of the city attributed to the statue their safety when threatened by a volcanic eruption. The Virgin was also held up as a model of peace among warring factions in the country at the time of the war of independence. The statue was solemnly crowned in November 1921, in the presence of the country’s president. The original statue of Our Lady of Peace in France, was ceremonially crowned on July 9, 1906 by the Archbishop of Paris in the name of Pope Pius X. Every July 9 since then, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary have celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Peace. While January 24th is the feast day in Hawaii and in some churches of the United States. During World War I Pope Benedict XV added the title Our Lady Queen of Peace to the Litany of Loreto (Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
PRAYER TO MOTHER MARY FOR PEACE OF MIND: Kneeling at your feet, sweet Mother of God and Queen of Peace, I, your loving child, confidently turn to you in my need, seeking your intercession for peace of mind and comfort to my troubled heart. (Mention your petition here.) O listen to me, dear heavenly mother. Come to my aid and refuse me not as I cry to you. For you are my mother, and you fail no one who has recourse to you, O Consoler of the afflicted, O Queen of Peace. Amen🙏
SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: St. Francis, son of the Count de Sales was born on August 21, 1567 in the family castle of Sales, in Thorens in the duchy of upper Savoy. He was the firstborn child of Francis and Frances De Boisy. His father was forty-four, and his mother fifteen. There were twelve children born to the family, five of whom died soon after their birth. Showing an early inclination for the ecclesiastical state he received tonsure at eleven years of age. St. Francis’ studies were lengthy and were accomplished in three stages: college studies at la Roche and Annecy (where his priestly vocation was born); Soon afterward, he was sent to Paris to study Philosophy and Theology at the Jesuit college in Paris; and finally he went on to the University of Padua where he was honored with a Doctorate in both Canon and Civil Law in 1591. He was a gifted young man: of brilliant intellect, persevering, purposeful, serene, affable, irresistibly charming, and above all, consumed with the love of God. On his return home, with the reluctant consent of his parents who had envisioned other things for him, St. Francis entered the priesthood and was ordained to the priesthood in 1593. A little later, he took upon himself the arduous mission of Chablais, where Calvinism had obtained a stronghold. From 1594 to 1598 he labored at the difficult and dangerous task of preaching to the Protestants of Chablais and effected the return of some 70,000 souls to the Catholic faith. In the midst of the most enormous difficulties, he pursued his labor with apostolic heroism, and was rewarded with the most wonderful fruits of conversion.
While engaged in this work he received his appointment as coadjutor to the Bishop of Geneva, whom he succeeded as Bishop on December 8, 1602. St. Francis became the good shepherd amongst his people and began to labor zealously in his diocese for the clergy and people. He was tireless in visiting his 450 parishes; he organised the further formation of his clergy, proclaiming that learning was the eighth sacrament for a priest. He concerned himself with the reform of monasteries, and the catechesis of the young. He extended his labor elsewhere, preaching the Lenten sermons at various places outside of the diocese. He spent hours in the confessional, dialogued with the Calvinists, preached the Advent and Lenten homilies in many cities in Savoy and France, undertook spiritual direction both viva voce and in correspondence, took part in theological discussions, and with his friend Senator Antonio Favre founded the Florimontane Academy. In 1610, he founded the Order of the Visitation, with the help of the Baroness de Chantal, now St. Jane Frances. And in the midst of his constant pastoral work and multitude of activities, he also composed several instructive works for the edification of the faithful. He found time to write the book that has made him known to succeeding ages: “Introduction to a Devout Life ( Philothea) published in 1609. It shows how ordinary life can be sanctified and in 1616 his Treatise on the Love of God (Theotimus). His one concern is how to lead the reader to the love of God and the imitation of Christ. His zeal for souls is attested in 21,000 extant letters and 4,000 sermons which exemplify how he applied St. Paul’s words: “I have become all things to all men.” You may epitomize his character in two words, kindliness and lovableness — virtues that were the secret of his success. His writings reflect his kindheartedness and sweet disposition. Although not born a Saint, St. Francis developed a gentle and amiable disposition over time. By nature his temperament was choleric, fiery; little was needed to throw him into a state of violent anger. It took years before he mastered his impatience, his unruly temper. Even after he became bishop, there were slips, as for instance, when someone rang a bell before he had finished preaching. The important point, of course, is that by constant perseverance he did in time attain perfect self-mastery. Wherein lies a lesson.
In an age when fanaticism was the rule in controversies, St. Francis manifested an exceptional restraint and meekness. His pastoral zeal, which was anxious for the sanctification of the laity and the adaption of the religious life to the new needs, marks a turning point in the history of spirituality. Out of love for his own poor diocese, he refused opportunities for advancement, including the cardinalate. St. Francis died of a stroke on December 28, 1622, with the words “Jesus” on his lips. His funeral was solemnised at Annecy on January 24th following, and his remains transferred to the Visitation Convent. St. Francis was canonized on 19 April 19, 1665 by Pope Alexander VII; many years later in 1877, in recognition of the Introduction and his other writings, Pius IX declared him a Doctor of the Church, the first French-speaking member of that august assembly. He’s Patron Saint of writers; authors; educators; journalists; teachers; deaf people; deafness; Diocese of Baker, Oregon; Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio; Catholic press; Diocese of Columbus, Ohio; confessors; Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware.
PRAYER: Father in heaven, You prompted St. Francis de Sales to become all things to all for the salvation of all. May his example inspire us to dedicated love in the service of our brothers and sisters. Amen🙏
“Jesus summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him”
“Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus calls twelve from among the larger group of disciples He has been gathering since the beginning of His public ministry. There were two elements to the Lord’s call. Firstly, He called these twelve to be His companions, to be with Him, and, secondly, He called them to be His representatives, to be sent out to preach and to heal, to share in His own work. The number twelve was significant; it is a reminder of the twelve tribes of Israel. This group of twelve were to symbolize the renewed Israel that Jesus was working to form. The Gospel reading says that Jesus chose those whom He wanted; He chose these twelve very deliberately. They were to receive intensive training and instruction so as to share in His ministry in a special way. They would first need to be with Him before they could go out on His behalf. They needed to get to know the Lord of the work before they could take up the work of the Lord. The pattern that applies to the twelve in our gospel reading applies to all of us, to some degree or another. We too are called to share in the Lord’s work, to witness to Him, to bring His Gospel into the world by our lives. Yet, prior to that, we are called to become the Lord’s companions, to be with Him. One of the primary ways we spend time with the Lord is prayer. In prayer we attune ourselves to the Lord’s presence to us, we become present to Him as He is to us. That is true of all prayer, whether it is the public prayer of the church, like the Eucharist, or our own personal and private prayer. Our prayerful presence with the Lord creates space for the Lord to work in and through us. The Gospel reading suggests that we need to grow in our relationship with the Lord by spending time with him, before we can go forth in His name, as His ambassadors.
Despite the deliberate and careful choosing of the Twelve disciples, yet, by the end of St. Mark’s Gospel, everyone of this group had deserted Jesus. The first mentioned of the group, Simon Peter, the leader of the Twelve, would publicly deny any association with Jesus three times, at the very hour when Jesus most needed his support most, and worst of all, the last mentioned, Judas Iscariot, had betrayed Him to His enemies with a kiss. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asked Jesus for the two best seats in His kingdom, one on His right and one on His left. Jesus said to them in reply, ‘You do not know what you are asking’. Presumably, the remaining eight of the Twelve had their own flaws and failings. Yet, Jesus remained faithful to them all, including Judas. In spite of the fact that these twelve had spent more time in His company than others, listening to Him, seeing what He did, they failed Him when the cross came into view. They were not faithful to their calling. Although Jesus calls people, calls each one of us, He cannot force us to respond to His call. Although He has a purpose for our lives, He is helpless before our refusal to co-operate with His purpose for us. Yet, in the Gospel of St. Mark, the failure of the twelve was not the end of their relationship with Jesus. Eventually, with the exception of Judas, they all opened themselves up to the Lord’s faithful love and it transformed them. The risen Lord appeared to them again in Galilee and renewed His relationship with them, bringing their following of Him to life again. The Lord may be helpless before our failure but He remains faithful to us in spite of our unfaithfulness to Him by our failure to walk in His way and He is always at work to bring some good out of our failures. In the words of today’s responsorial psalm, in h Him ‘mercy and faithfulness have met’. He will always respond to the prayer at the beginning of the psalm, which we can all make our own, ‘Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help’. The tragedy of Judas was that he gave up on himself, even though the Lord had not given up on him. The Lord never gives up on us. He always stands ready to welcome us whenever we return to Him, and to give us a new heart and a new spirit so that we can be His faithful followers today.
Our first reading today is the continuation of the Epistle to the Hebrews, we continue to hear again the focus and emphasis by the author of this Epistle on the role that Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant between God and mankind had taken in the fulfilment of everything that God has promised to us. The author emphasised in the parts of the Epistle that we heard today on the New and Eternal Covenant which God has made with His people, mediated by none other than His own Beloved Son, sent into the world to be the Mediator of this New Covenant. Through Christ, our Lord and Saviour, God sealed and established this firm and everlasting promise, and guaranteed for all those who have faithfully committed themselves to His path, the fullness of His grace, love and blessings. This Covenant is one that surpasses all the other prior covenants and contracts between God and His people. While the previous covenants had been broken and had to be constantly renewed because of the disobedience of God’s people, symbolised and shown by the frequent regular offerings of sin offerings and sacrifices at the Temple of God, the One, True and Eternal Covenant which the Lord has brought upon us and sealed with none other than His own Precious Blood, through His Passion, His suffering and death on the Cross, by which He has established and made firm this Covenant, which is not just merely an empty promise or assurance without fulfilment. God Himself showed His faithfulness through action, and the Cross of Christ, with our Lord shown hanging on it, is a constant reminder of the price that our Lord has paid for us. This is something which the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews wanted to highlight to the Jewish community, many of whom have not yet believed in the Lord and refused to listen to His truth, or doubt the authenticity of His teachings and works, as through Christ, there is no more need for anymore sacrifices and offerings, all which have been replaced by the one sacrifice that Christ has made on our behalf, to atone for all the multitudes of our many and innumerable sins and faults, once and for all. This was also an explanation of the sufferings which the Lord had endured on His Cross, which to those who did not understand the significance, might seem like a defeat or humiliation. On the contrary, it was through this suffering and death that the Lord has established His New and Eternal Covenant.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded of the calling that each and every one of us have as Christians, that is as those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord, Saviour and King, that we must always proclaim Him in all of our words, actions and deeds, in every interactions that we have with our fellow brothers and sisters around us. Each and every one of us as the members of the Church of God are partakers of the Covenant which God has made with us all through His Son, and we are the ones to be His witnesses and missionaries to the people of every nations, to all those whom we encounter in our lives each day. We are all reminded to listen to the Lord and to His words being spoken in our hearts and minds, so that each and every one of us may continue to walk faithfully in His Presence, and that we will continue to grow ever stronger in faith and dedication to Him, and not be easily swayed by the many temptations and falsehoods, wickedness and evils present all around us in this world. As long as we remain receptive to God’s words, and allow Him to touch our lives, we will continue to grow in faith and strength, holiness and grace. We are all called to be the role models and inspirations for one another in faith. Let us all therefore seek to be more faithful to God just as St. Francis de Sales whose feast we celebrate today and many other Saints, Holy men and women of God had done before us. Through the examples of Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Francis de Sales, we all can see clearly how God had done so many wonderful works through His servants who have responded and answered His calling well. Each and every one of us as Christians have also been called to follow the Lord in our own ways, and we have been entrusted with the various missions and vocations in our respective parts of life, for us to follow through. We are all called to answer God’s call and to do what we can so that we can inspire all those around us with our exemplary life and faith. Let us all discern carefully our path in life so that in whatever we do, we will always strive to glorify God and to put Him first and foremost in all things. And through the intercession of our Mother Mary as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Queen of Peace today, we are reminded to do our best in our daily lives and at every moments to listen to the Lord’s call and His will, and be humble in obeying all that He had told and asked us to do. May all of us be ever more obedient and committed in our faith, and draw ever closer to the Lord and His path. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace, bless us, and may He empower us all to live ever more faithfully in His Presence, and let us all as Christians, as God’s holy and beloved people, be filled with the courage and strong desire to love the Lord and to commit ourselves to Him, to be the shining beacons of God’s love, truth and Good News to everyone around us. May God bless each one of us, 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 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.
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: 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.
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, on this feast day, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! And as we begin the Ordinary Time, may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 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 sick with heart diseases, strokes, mental illness, and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. 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:
My all-powerful Lord, I thank You for the grace You have given me to proclaim the truth of Your saving message to those whom I encounter every day. Help me to fulfill my mission to preach in both word and deed and to do so with the gentle yet powerful authority given me by You. I offer myself to Your service, dear Lord. Do with me as You will. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady Queen of Peace and Saint Francis de Sales ~ Pray for us🙏
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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 as we begin this Ordinary Time. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous,.and grace-filled New Year and relaxing weekend. Amen🙏
