Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Saturday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time!
On this Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, let us pray for the Pope and for the Church. May the good Lord bless the successor of St. Peter, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Clergy, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all ministers, religious and people of your Church, as we witness to the Lord’s presence in the world… Amen🙏
SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 22, 2025
FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER, APOSTLE
MEMORIAL OF SAINT MARGARET OF CORTONA, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/22/catholic-daily-mass-10/
PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer today. We pray for Pope Francis’ speedy recovery and God’s Divine healing and intervention.
Almighty God, we thank you for the loving service of Pope Francis and the hope he has inspired in so many in Your great mercy. Have mercy on him in his illness now, we pray, and guide the medical staff in his care. Grant him peace and healing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽
A Call to Prayer: Pray for Pope Francis | https://www.ncregister.com/features/mfva-pray-for-pope-francis-health
BLACK HISTORY MONTH | Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025
2025 Theme: African Americans and Labor
The month of February is BLACK HISTORY MONT
Black History Month: A Faith-Based Reflection on Legacy and Justice
February is recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As people of faith, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s call for justice, love, and unity while recognizing the resilience and faith of Black communities throughout history.
Read the Full Article | Black History Month | February 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/16/black-history-month/
DAILY SAINTS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the Apostle of Christ, the first Bishop of Rome, and the “rock” upon whom Jesus built His Church. This feast is an ancient feast that has been kept at Rome since the fourth century; it celebrates the role of the Bishop of Rome as a symbol of unity for all Christians. Today, we humbly pray and we thank God for Pope Francis whose teachings in their various forms have been an inspiration not only to people of faith within the Catholic church but to people of faith in other churches, in other religious traditions, and to those of no particular religious faith. We pray that we ourselves would be attentive to what this particular successor of Peter is saying to us today. Lord, on this Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, bless the successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis, and all the ministers, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, all religious and people of your Church, as we witness to your presence in the world… Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this special feast day, we humbly pray for those who are sick, we particularly pray for those suffering from headaches and sleep disorders and we also pray for those who are physically and mentally suffering from stressful life events at these incredibly challenging times and for those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, praying for God’s divine healing and intervention. We also pray for captives, prisoners, persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners and all who have fallen away from the joy of living in God’s loving presence and grace. We pray for the renewal of our spirit and a burning desire to serve God all the days of our lives. We continue to pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. Amen. We pray 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. We continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. May the Saints intercede for our children, children all over the world and us all. Amen 🙏🏽
On this feast of the Chair of St. Peter, let us pray for the Pope and for the Church. Saint Peter, Apostle and Saint Margaret of Cortona ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
We 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! May the good Lord grant us His grace during this Ordinary Time as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE | Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025 (See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/.)
We continue to pray for the intentions of our Holy Father. We pray for the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all religious, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits… Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of the recent plane crashes and 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🙏
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/
FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER, APOSTLE | MEMORIAL OF SAINT MARGARET OF CORTONA, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 22ND: Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the Apostle of Christ, the first Bishop of Rome, and the “rock” upon whom Jesus built His Church. This feast is an ancient feast that has been kept at Rome since the fourth century; it celebrates the role of the Bishop of Rome as a symbol of unity for all Christians. Today, we humbly pray and we thank God for Pope Francis whose teachings in their various forms have been an inspiration not only to people of faith within the Catholic church but to people of faith in other churches, in other religious traditions, and to those of no particular religious faith. We pray that we ourselves would be attentive to what this particular successor of Peter is saying to us today. Lord, on this Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, bless the successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis, the Clergyall the ministers, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, all religious and people of your Church, as we witness to your presence in the world… Amen🙏
On this feast of the Chair of St. Peter, let us pray for the Pope and for the Church. Saint Peter, Apostle and Saint Margaret of Cortona ~ Pray for us🙏
Saint (s) of the Day | February 22nd | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER, APOSTLE: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it” ~ Matthew 16:18
Today, the Church celebrates the glorious Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. This Feast celebrates the papacy and St. Peter as the first bishop of Rome. The seat of authority which is traditionally ascribed to St. Peter, the Prince and Chief of all the Apostles, the one whom the Lord had entrusted His Church to, as His Vicar in this world. It brings to mind the mission of teacher and pastor conferred by Christ on Peter, and continued in an unbroken line down to the present Pope. We celebrate the unity of the Church, founded upon the Apostle, and renew our assent to the Magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, extended both to truths which are solemnly defined ex cathedra, and to all the acts of the ordinary Magisterium. The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter at Rome has been celebrated from the early days of the Christian era on 18 January, in commemoration of the day when Saint Peter held his first service in Rome. The feast of the Chair of Saint Peter at Antioch, commemorating his foundation of the See of Antioch, has also been long celebrated at Rome, on 22 February. At each place a chair (cathedra) was venerated which the Apostle had used while presiding at Mass. One of the chairs is referred to about 600 by an Abbot Johannes who had been commissioned by Pope Gregory the Great to collect in oil from the lamps which burned at the graves of the Roman martyrs.
In the Papal Basilica of St. Peter, where the tomb of St. Peter and the largest and one of the most important churches of all Christendom now stands, there is a wooden chair, gilded and covered partly in gold, which according to Church and Apostolic traditions had been used by St. Peter the Apostle himself while he was in Rome, as the seat of his authority as the first Pope and Bishop of Rome. This chair is now enshrined above the Altar of the Chair at one end of the Basilica of St. Peter. The chair of the bishop of a diocese, which is a structural and administrative division in the Church, is also known as a Cathedra, and this seat represents the Divine-granted authority, power and teaching of the bishop, his leadership, guidance and shepherdhood over the people of God entrusted under his care. This Cathedra is located in the church which is then considered as the Mother Church of the whole diocese, and this church is thus also known as a Cathedral. Just as the Cathedra is the seat and the symbol of the bishop’s authority and power, thus the Cathedral is the central hub and focus of the spiritual life and a symbol of unity of the whole diocese, and all the faithful there. A particular chair or seat is not what determines the ‘Chair of the Bishop’ akin to today’s celebration of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, but rather, that authority and power have been granted to each bishops through the Holy Spirit, from God, and by the power granted and authorised to the Church and its leadership, chief of which is the Pope, the Vicar of Christ and Successor of St. Peter, this power and authority have been passed down from the Apostles to the bishops of the Church today, in what is known as the Apostolic Succession.
Thus, the Cathedra is just symbolic of the Bishop’s authority and power to rule over the flock of the faithful people of God in his respective diocese, and usually when a new bishop is consecrated and ordained, during or soon after his ordination, he is led to take his place on this Cathedra or any other equivalent chairs, in the case of auxiliary bishops, to represent this Apostolic Succession of the episcopal duty and authority entrusted to them by the Lord. And above all the bishops of the whole world, the Bishop of Rome as the Successor of St. Peter the Apostle in his unique role as the Supreme Pontiff and Vicar of Christ, as the one whom the Lord had entrusted His Church to, from St. Peter to his successors, right down to Pope Francis, our current Pope, they all have been given the duty and responsibility over the whole entire Universal Church. This Chair of St. Peter is not merely just a chair like any other chair out there. There is indeed a historic relic of the actual chair used by St. Peter the Apostle. This Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle is more than just celebrating the actual chair upon which our first Pope and Vicar of Christ had exercised his solemn God-given authority over the Church.
St. Peter’s original name was Simon. He was married with children and was living and working in Capernaum as a fisherman when Jesus called him to be one of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus bestowed to Peter a special place among the Apostles. He was one of the three who were with Christ on special occasions, such as the Transfiguration of Christ and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was the only Apostle to whom Christ appeared on the first day after the Resurrection. St. Peter, in turn, often spoke on behalf of the Apostles. When Jesus asked the Apostles: “Whom do men say that the Son of Man is?” Simon replied: “Thou art Christ, the Son of the Living God.” And Jesus said: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood have not revealed it to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to you: That you are Peter [Cephas, a rock], and upon this rock [Cephas] I will build my Church [ekklesian], and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven”. (Mt 16:13-20) In saying this, Jesus made St. Peter the head of the entire community of believers and placed the spiritual guidance of the faithful in St. Peter’s hands.
However, St. Peter was not without faults. He was rash and reproached often by Christ. He had fallen asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane instead of praying, as Jesus had asked him to do. He also denied knowing Jesus three times after Christ’s arrest. St. Peter delivered the first public sermon after the Pentecost and won a large number of converts. He also performed many miracles and defended the freedom of the Apostles to preach the Gospels. He preached in Jerusalem, Judaea, and as far north as Syria. He was arrested in Jerusalem under Herod Agrippa I, but miraculously escaped execution. He left Jerusalem and eventually went to Rome, where he preached during the last portion of his life. He was crucified there, head downwards, as he had desired to suffer, saying that he did not deserve to die as Christ had died. The date of St. Peter’s death is not clear. Historians estimate he was executed between the years 64 and 68. His remains now rest beneath the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
PRAYER: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle – Grant, we pray, almighty God, that no tempests may disturb us, for you have set us fast on the rock of the Apostle Peter’s confession of faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen 🙏
SAINT MARGARET OF CORTONA, RELIGIOUS: St Margaret of Cortona (1247-1297) penitent, was born to a peasant family in Italy in the village of Umbria in 1247. At seven her mother died and two years later, her father remarried. Unfortunately, her stepmother did not care for her. She was a very attractive girl, who thirsted for the affection denied her at home. As her stepmother turned out to be harsh and unsympathetic, Margaret tended to go her own way. She missed her mother, but always remembered a prayer she taught her: “O Lord Jesus, I beseech thee, grant salvation to all those for whom thou wouldst have me pray.”
When she was seventeen, she heard that a wealthy young nobleman from Montepulciano needed a servant in his castle. Margaret went there, knowing, that she would be free from her stepmother and, within limits, could live as she pleased. The nobleman began to take notice of the beautiful girl who had an air of independence and he paid her his attention. He gave her luxurious garments and gold chains for her hair and soon they became lovers, but although Margaret lived as his mistress for nine years and they had a son, he did not marry her, causing her great scandal. Once while her lover was absent for a few days visiting his estates, his dog returned without his master. Margaret, sensing something amiss, followed the dog to discover his murdered body in a forest. At the sight, she began to blame herself for his irregular life, and to loathe her beauty which had fascinated him. She immediately felt great remorse at her estrangement from God and her family. She gave all the possessions, the jewels, clothes and property he had given her back to his family or to the poor and returned home to attempt a reconciliation with her father. Taking her son with her, Margaret returned to her own family, wanting to live as a penitent. However, at the urging of her stepmother, her father refused to take in Margaret and her son. She then made a total commitment to Jesus, who had already begun to give her glimpses of Himself in mystical prayer.
In desperation she sought refuge with the monks of St. Francis in the town of Cortona. But arriving there, a Franciscan brother told her, “You are too young and too pretty”. She met two ladies, Marinana and Raneria, who took pity on her and took her and her son into their home and later introduced her to the Franciscan monks who counseled her. A Franciscan, Brother Giunta Bevignati, became her confessor and wrote an account of her life and visions. She made a general confession which took a week to complete. At the end, she had the joy of hearing Jesus call her his daughter. She struggled against the temptations of her prior life, alternately going through periods of exultation and despair. St. Margaret led a life of public penance, undertaking severe mortifications. She once wanted to disfigure her face with a razor, so as to destroy her beauty, but her confessor forbade it. She sought to fight temptation by exhibiting her penitence in excessive ways such as going to mass at Montepulciano with a rope around her neck, but the friars counselled her against such excesses and recommended that she try to find peace by helping others. She followed that advice and started a life of prayer and caring for the sick and poor. She devoted herself to prayer and earned her living by looking after sick ladies. Later she gave her service, without pay, to the sick poor. She moved from the house of the women who had taken her in to a small cottage, where she lived on alms which she used primarily for the poor, keeping very little for herself. In three years she was able to overcome her temptations and reach a higher plane of spirituality. Impressed with the sincerity of her conversion, the Franciscans were convinced of her sincerity, they admitted her to the third order of St. Francis. Soon after, her son entered school away from home. He was sent to school at Arezzo, and later joined the Franciscan Order and eventually became a Franciscan. She seemed to have reached a level of spirituality where she developed a deep and personal relationship with God.
In 1286 the Bishop of Arezzo granted her a charter to continue her work for the sick and poor on a permanent basis. Eventually she opened a hospital with other Franciscan women whom she formed into a congregation. With the Franciscan Tertiaries the hospital she founded looked after prisoners. She lived in a cell near the convent of St Francis and counselled penitents who began to seek her as her fame for sanctity spread. Although her fear of herself was never far away, she gradually grew in confidence because she knew that now she was loved by Jesus who would not fail her. But her trials were not over. Because of St. Margaret’s prior sinful life there were those who doubted her sincerity and began casting aspersions on her relationship with the friars. Accusations were made against her, even suggestions that she had an affair with Friar Giunta. The pressurre from these scandalous rumors were such that the Franciscans transferred her principal spriritual advisor, Fra Giunta, to a distant monastery to stop them. For a time even her ability to pray was affected. However, she bore these trials patiently and persisted in prayer, meekly and humbly accepting God’s will. One day in prayer she heard God’s call to summon others to Him by preaching. St. Margaret began to preach repentance. Her efforts were rewarded, and her fame spread. Conversions through her preaching were many, and people came from all over Italy, Spain, and France. Miracles of healing also occurred through her. Even the people of Cortona, who had distrusted her, were won over.
In 1288, however, the Franciscan authorities, alarmed by her excess of devotion and her familiarity with the brothers, asked her to leave. She withdrew to a more isolated cell near the citadel of Cortona where she devoted herself entirely to contemplation, and remaining there alone, except for the visits of her priest until her death. After 23 years of rigorous penance, in the 50th year of her life, God called the great penitent to the Beatific Vision. She died at the age of fifty on February 22, 1297. She was buried in the Church of St Basil in Cortona, where her incorrupt body still remains. St. Margaret was publically proclaimed a Saint on the day of her death, and the people of Cortona built a church in her honor. Although she was immediately venerated as a Saint, she was not officially canonized until 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII. Her feast day is celebrated on February 22.
St. Margaret of Cortona did not start life as a Saint and showed great weakness to temptation, which she overcame through prayer and good works. She is surely a Saint for our troubled times, and someone to whom we should pray for conversion for ourselves and the society in which we live. St. Margaret of Cortona ~ Pray for us 🙏
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Reading 1, First Peter 5:1-4
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Gospel, Matthew 16:13-19
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 16:13-19
“You are Peter. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven”
“When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is portrayed as giving St. Peter a very distinctive role. He is to be the foundation stone of the church, the community of believers, holding it together in unity. He is given keys, symbolic language for some kind of authoritative role in the church. The language of binding and losing suggests the nature of this authoritative role. It is a teaching role with the authority to declare which elements of Jesus’ teaching are binding and which are not. St. Peter is to interpret the message of Jesus for the church. Within our own Roman Catholic tradition, we consider this role of St. Peter to reside in a special way with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, who is understood to be St. Peter’s successor in this regard. In every age the church looks to him as the focal point of unity for all disciples of the Lord and as the authoritative interpreter of the message of Jesus for the church and the world. There have been good and bad Popes in the history of the church. In recent decades we have been very fortunate to have Popes who have been faithful to the role given to St. Peter in today’s Gospel reading. Jesus was willing to give St. Peter this role because St. Peter had displayed a deep insight into the identity of Jesus, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’. This was a God-given insight, as Jesus said to him, ‘it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven’. St. Peter’s unique understanding of Jesus was the basis of the authoritative role Jesus went on to give him. Whereas St. Peter’s role was unique, the question of Jesus is addressed to us all, ‘Who do you say I am?’ It is a very personal question addressed to each one of us, a question that calls us to renew our faith in Jesus, recognizing him as Son of God and Lord of our life. Such a faith insight into Jesus is always God given; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is the Spirit who leads us to the complete truth about Jesus. Insofar as we come to know Jesus as he truly is, our own faith will be authoritative, in that it will empower others to believe. As our own relationship with the Lord deepens, the Lord will work through us to lead others to Him. We look to Pope Francis, and to each Pope, to proclaim the teaching of Jesus in a way that speaks to the issues and concerns of our times. Jesus was aware that His words, His teaching, would need to be re-interpreted continually for every age. Today we ask for the grace to listen to Pope Francis who, we believe, is especially inspired to interpret the teaching of Jesus for us for this age.
In our first reading today, from the First Epistle of St. Peter, St. Peter, the chief of the Apostles and leader of the Church spoke to the elders of the Christian communities equivalent of the present days bishops of the Church, reminded them that as shepherds of the flock of God’s people, all of them are responsible for the well-being of the people of God, and they were reminded as shepherds and leaders that they should be good and faithful in the exercise of their ministry so that in everything that they do and carry out, in their works and efforts they would always be good role models and inspirations for others around them all to follow in their own lives. They should not seek glory and fame for themselves, but rather they should strive to be the faithful servants of the Lord’s will, so that in the end, they shall all share in the glory of God. This set of reminders is an important one for all of us as Christians, especially so for those who have been entrusted with the responsibility over the faithful but at the same time is also applicable for everyone else who call themselves as Christians, as God’s holy and beloved people. This is because all of us as Christians must also live our lives worthily in the Lord’s path such that we may become the shining beacons of God’s light and truth, His Good News and salvation to everyone else around us. After all, how can we expect others to believe in the Lord as well, if we ourselves have not shown good examples in our own lives and in how we ourselves live our lives as Christians, or worse still, if we cause scandal to our faith and the Church due to the wickedness and sins that we have committed?
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, as we celebrate this Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, it is important that we all reaffirm our unity, obedience and adherence to the teachings and the rules and ways of the Church as contained within its laws and precepts, and as governed and guided by the Pope, united with all of his brother bishops all throughout the world, who as the successors of the Apostles, had been tasked with keeping faithfully the teachings of the Lord, His Good News and truth, and this important deposit of faith, all of our Christian beliefs and practices, through which, many of us can come ever closer to the Lord, to His grace and love. We must always support the good works of the Church, and pray for our Pope in particular, as well as for the other bishops who help to guide and steer the Church in often turbulent and difficult times. On this feast of the Chair of St Peter, we are all called to emulate the Holy men and women, and all the Saints, particularly Saint Peter, Apostle and Saint Margaret of Cortona, Religious who we celebrate today. Let us all continue to support the Church, especially to all those who have been entrusted with the leadership of the Church, like the Pope and the many bishops, our own diocesan bishops and others entrusted with the guidance of the flock of the faithful people of God. Let us all strive to do our part as the Christian faithful, holy people of God so that we may continue to glorify God by our lives, and contribute in whichever areas we have been called and entrusted to by the Lord. Let us all do our best that our every words, actions and deeds will continue to proclaim God’s truth and Good News, in all things. May the Lord continue to bless and guide us in our path, strengthening and encouraging us in our journey of faith and life, as part of the Universal Church, and may He continue to bless our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Successor of St. Peter. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY FAMILY The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ’s public life the Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation of the Christian family. The Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice.
The Saints that we will focus on this month and try to imitate are:
St. Blaise and St. Ansgar (February 3); St. Agatha (February 5); St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Josephine Bakhita (February 8); St. Scholastica (February 10); Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11); Sts. Cyril and Methodius (February 14); Seven Founders of the Orders of Servites (February 17); St. Peter Damian (February 21); Chair of St. Peter (February 22) and St. Polycarp (February 23). The Optional Memorial of Polycarp (February 23), is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.
From Feast to Fast: Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter). The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save His people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In addition, the faithful may receive in February two of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats. “The Light of Revelation” shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday, falls on March 5, 2025, marking the beginning of the Lenten season and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary. She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12539
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We thank God for the gift of His Son and pray for His grace as we serve Him in truth and love. During this Ordinary Time, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the Saints we honor today, we pray for the sick and suffering, especially children and those battling epilepsy, strokes, heart disease, cancer, and other terminal illnesses. May God restore them to health and bring them comfort and peace. Every life is a gift.
We pray for the safety of our families and loved ones, for healing in marriages, and for unity in a world divided by violence and conflict. May God deliver us from hopeless situations and impossible causes.
We remember the souls in Purgatory, asking for God’s mercy upon them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
We pray for widows, widowers, and all who are grieving. May the Lord strengthen them in their trials.
We continue to pray for Pope Francis, the Clergy, and all those spreading the Gospel. May God bless vocations to the priesthood and religious life and protect persecuted Christians worldwide. We pray for peace in our families and throughout the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
Let us pray:
My glorious Bridegroom, You have instituted the Church upon the rock foundation of Peter’s faith. Peter and all of his successors are Your precious gift to us all. Help me to see beyond the sins of others, the scandals and divisions, and to see You, my Lord, leading all people to salvation through Your bride the Church. I renew my faith, this day, in the gift of this One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Peter, Apostle and Saint Margaret of Cortona, Religious ~ Pray for us🙏
With gratitude for the gift of this new year, we pray for justice, peace, love, and unity within our families and throughout the world. May God’s Divine Mercy and Grace be upon us all during this Ordinary Time. Wishing us all a blessed, safe, grace-filled and relaxing weekend. May God keep us all safe and well. Amen 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖