SECOND WEEK OF LENT
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 22, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT NICHOLAS OWEN OF LONDON; SAINT LEA OF ROME, WIDOW AND BLESSED CLEMENS AUGUST VON GALEN, BISHOP OF MÜNSTER | Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Greetings, and blessings, beloved family, and Happy Saturday, Second Week of Lent!
We thank God for His mercy and the gift of faith. May God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey and may this Lenten season lead us to deeper conversion, greater love, and unwavering trust in His divine will. Wishing us all a love-filled and spiritually enriching Lenten journey. Amen🙏🏽
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/2025/03/22/catholic-daily-tv-mass/
DAY 16: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/22/day-16-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/
LENT: | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/lent/
STATIONS OF THE CROSS | A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/stations-of-the-cross/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/26/world-prayers-for-pope-francis/
PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer, during this time of his hospitalization after a prolonged respiratory crisis. We thank God as his health continues to improve and we continue to pray for our Holy Father, 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🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTER: We join our Holy Father, Pope Francis to pray for the people of Bahía Blanca, in Argentina, affected by the recent floods the area is suffering. We specifically pray for those who have lost their lives due to this natural disaster and their families and all those who are missing and displaced from their homes. May the good Lord grant them all peace and comfort during this challenging time.
On this day, with special intention, we pray for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved Late Bishop, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria (former Pastor of St. Finbar Parish, Rayfield Jos, Plateau State), MOST REVEREND MALACHY JOHN GOLTOK on the 10th memorial anniversary of his passing to eternal glory. We thank the good Lord for blessing us all with the special gift of Late Bishop Malachy, for his faithful, selfless, generous, dedicated and loving service in the Lord’s vineyard. We are all consoled knowing that he’s now resting in the bosom of the Lord, where there is neither pain nor sorrow. He’s an Angel watching over us all. We continue to keep Late Bishop Malachy’s family, Catholic Diocese of Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria and the entire Churh in our thoughts and prayers as we celebrate his 10th year rememberance.
On this special feast day, as we continue our Lenten journey, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and celebrate their memorial anniversary today. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, for the victims of the recent flood in Argentina and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle soul of Bishop Malachy 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 labors 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 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH – For families in crisis: Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences. (https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
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/
DAILY SAINTS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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/
A PRAYER TO WALK HUMBLY THROUGH LENT: Father, In Micah 6:8, You say, “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Today we choose to walk humbly with You. We choose to live by Your Holy Spirit and to follow Your lead. Help us to hear You clearly, for we do not want to walk by pride or self-sufficiency, we want to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen 🙏🏽
God of goodness and mercy, hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you. Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you. Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love. May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you and live forever in your abundant grace. Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father. Give me the strength to commit myself to grow closer to you each day. Amen 🙏🏽
LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE (Lenten Fast and Abstinence regulations from the USCCB): Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards
Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. 🙏🏽
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT NICHOLAS OWEN OF LONDON; SAINT LEA OF ROME, WIDOW AND BLESSED CLEMENS AUGUST VON GALEN, BISHOP OF MÜNSTER: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 22ND: Today, we honor and celebrate the memorial of Saint Nicholas Owen of London, Martyr; Saint Lea of Rome, Widow, and Blessed Clemens August von Galen, Bishop of Münster. Saint Nicholas Owen of London, Martyr, Jesuit lay brother, a secret builder of hiding places for priests. He risked his life constructing secret hiding places for priests during the English Reformation, ultimately giving his life as a martyr; Saint Lea of Rome, Widow, once a woman of noble birth and status, who renounced her wealth and embraced a life of prayer, humility, and service; and Blessed Clemens August von Galen, Bishop of Münster, who fearlessly opposed the atrocities of the Nazi regime. He’s known as the fearless “Lion of Münster,” stood against the oppression of the Nazi regime, boldly defending the dignity of every human life. These three holy figures stood as faithful witnesses and lived lives of sacrifice, courage, and unwavering devotion to God. Their lives remind us that holiness often requires great sacrifices whether through hidden service, deep humility, or courageous resistance against injustice. Each of them sought not their own glory but the will of God, even when it demanded suffering and loss. Through their intercession, may we receive the grace to uphold our faith with unwavering devotion, to serve God with humility, and to defend truth and justice with courage.
Today’s readings invite us to trust in God’s plan, embrace sacrifice, and stand firm in faith, just as these holy men and women did. The first reading speaks of obedience to God’s commands bringing life, while the Gospel calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. Do we trust in God’s providence as they did? Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments and embrace a life fully centered on Christ? As we continue our Lenten journey, may the example of these saints inspire us to deepen our faith, live with courage, and become instruments of peace in our world. Through their intercession, may we remain steadfast in faith, devoted to prayer, and fearless in our witness to Christ.
Saint Nicholas Owen, Saint Lea of Rome, and Blessed Clemens August von Galen ~ Pray for us! 🙏🏽
Visit website for detailed history of the Saints | Saint(s) of the Day | March 22nd | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SAINT NICHOLAS OWEN OF LONDON, MARTYR: Saint Nicholas Owen (c. 1562–1606) was a devout Catholic and a lay brother of the Jesuits during a time of severe persecution in England. Born into a family of recusant Catholics those who remained loyal to the Church despite its suppression under Queen Elizabeth I he was trained as a carpenter and used his skills in a remarkable way: he constructed hidden rooms and passageways to shelter Catholic priests from capture and execution. These ingenious hiding places, known as priest holes, saved countless lives, allowing the clergy to continue ministering to the faithful in secret.
For nearly two decades, Nicholas Owen worked alongside Jesuit missionaries, including Saint Edmund Campion, moving from house to house to construct these concealed sanctuaries. His mastery in deception was unparalleled; he designed these hideouts with such precision that even the most thorough searches by the Queen’s priest-hunters often failed to uncover them.
Despite the dangers, Nicholas remained steadfast in his mission, enduring imprisonment and interrogation multiple times. However, in 1606, following the failed Gunpowder Plot, he was captured, suspected of being a mastermind behind the Jesuit underground network. Though he had taken no part in the plot, he was subjected to brutal torture in the Tower of London. Even under excruciating suffering, he refused to betray his fellow Catholics. Unable to extract any information from him, his captors intensified their torture, ultimately leading to his death on March 2, 1606. He was canonized as a martyr by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Patronage: Catholic builders, covert workers, persecuted Christians
PRAYER: O God, who strengthened Saint Nicholas Owen to endure suffering for the sake of Your Church, grant that, through his intercession, we may remain steadfast in faith and always trust in Your divine providence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT LEA OF ROME, WIDOW: Saint Lea of Rome (d. 384 AD) was a noblewoman who, after the death of her husband, renounced her wealth and status to dedicate her life entirely to God. Instead of seeking another marriage, she chose to live a life of humility, prayer, and asceticism, joining a community of consecrated women under the guidance of Saint Jerome, one of the great Church Fathers.
Saint Jerome described Lea as a woman of exceptional virtue, emphasizing how she exchanged her luxurious lifestyle for the simplicity of a monastic life. She practiced severe austerity, wearing rough garments and spending her days in fasting and prayer. She became the superior of the monastic community, serving as a spiritual mother to many women who sought to deepen their faith.
Despite her lowly appearance, Saint Lea’s wisdom and holiness shone brightly. Saint Jerome praised her in a letter, contrasting her life with that of a wealthy Roman nobleman who pursued worldly pleasure. He declared that, in God’s eyes, Lea was truly exalted, while the nobleman, despite his riches, was spiritually impoverished.
Saint Lea died peacefully around 384 AD, and her memory is cherished as a model of Christian humility, detachment from worldly vanity, and dedication to prayer.
Patronage: Widows, contemplative women, those seeking humility
PRAYER: Lord God, who called Saint Lea from wealth and comfort to a life of humility and devotion, grant that we may learn from her example to seek You above all things, renouncing pride and worldly attachments for the sake of Your kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
BLESSED CLEMENS AUGUST VON GALEN, BISHOP OF MÜNSTER: Blessed Clemens August von Galen (1878–1946) was a German bishop renowned for his fearless opposition to the Nazi regime during World War II. Born into a noble Catholic family, he was ordained a priest in 1904 and later became Bishop of Münster in 1933, just as Adolf Hitler was rising to power.
From the beginning, Bishop von Galen recognized the dangers of Nazi ideology, particularly its anti-Christian policies, suppression of religious freedoms, and euthanasia programs that targeted the disabled and mentally ill. He used his pulpit to speak out boldly against these crimes, delivering powerful sermons that were secretly circulated throughout Germany.
In his most famous sermons of 1941, he publicly condemned the T4 euthanasia program, which authorized the murder of those deemed “unworthy of life.” His courageous stand sparked outrage among the Nazi leadership, and Hitler considered arresting him. However, fearing backlash from the Catholic population, the Gestapo did not act against him directly, though many of his supporters were persecuted.
Even after the war, Bishop von Galen continued to advocate for justice, denouncing the abuses committed by Allied forces against German civilians. Pope Pius XII made him a Cardinal in 1946, recognizing his unwavering faith and moral courage. However, just a month after receiving this honor, von Galen fell ill and passed away. His fearless defense of human dignity earned him the title “The Lion of Münster.” He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.
Patronage: Human rights defenders, persecuted Christians, those who speak truth against oppression
PRAYER: Almighty God, You strengthened Blessed Clemens August von Galen to proclaim truth in the face of tyranny. Grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith, to defend the dignity of all human life, and to proclaim Your Gospel with boldness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Saturday of the Second Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Second Week of Lent | March 22, 2025
*Reading 1, Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
*Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
*Gospel, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
“This son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
“Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable. “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’“
In today’s Gospel reading, the aspect of God as a loving and forgiving Father, is revealed to us in the famous parable of the prodigal son, a perfect parable for this time and season of Lent. In the parable of the prodigal son, the father of two sons represents the Lord Himself, and the elder and ‘good’ son being a representative of those who have lived their lives virtuously and righteously in accordance with God’s ways, while the younger, ‘prodigal’ son is a representation of all those who have sinned against God by their disobedience and refusal to follow the Law and commandments of God, in doing what is evil and wicked in God’s sight. Jesus’ depiction of the father in the story of the prodigal son is really a portrayal of God the Father, as well as being a portrayal of His own ministry. Jesus portrays a God who welcomes those who turn back to Him when they stray. Indeed, Jesus reveals a God who seeks out the lost and the straying, just as the Father sought out his lost son by running to him while the son was still a long way off. Jesus was saying to His critics, ‘if God is like the father in this story, then I must seek out tax collectors and sinners and eat with them’. Yet, the story does not end with that memorable moment of the father’s welcome of his rebellious son. There is a second son. He is the dutiful son, but his sense of duty has also made him resentful. Why should his father show such hospitable love to a son who has brought shame and dishonour on the family? The subsequent meeting between the father and this older son is a much more tense affair than the father’s earlier meeting with his younger son. It is the same father reaching out in love towards a son. Whereas the younger son, in his brokenness, received his father’s love, we are left to wonder whether the older son, in the end, received the father’s love. The parable suggests that God the Father’s love is never in doubt. What is in doubt is our openness to receive this love which transcends all human loves. We are called to allow ourselves to be found by God who never gives up searching for us in love.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading, the parable of the Prodigal Son is a powerful story of repentance, mercy, and the boundless love of the Father. The younger son, driven by selfish desires, demands his inheritance early and wastes it on reckless living. It is only when he is utterly destitute that he realizes his mistake and humbles himself to return home. The father’s reaction is not one of judgment or anger but of overwhelming compassion. Before the son can even finish his confession, the father embraces him and restores him to his rightful place. This story mirrors our relationship with God. Often, we turn away from Him in pursuit of worldly pleasures, believing we can find fulfillment apart from Him. But just as the father in the parable eagerly awaited his son’s return, so too does God wait for us with open arms. No matter how far we stray, His mercy is always greater than our sin. He does not just forgive—He restores us, clothing us in grace and love. Yet, the parable also includes the elder son, who represents those who struggle with self-righteousness and resentment. He cannot comprehend why his wayward brother is celebrated rather than punished. His reaction warns us against harboring jealousy and pride. Like the elder son, we may sometimes resist God’s mercy when we believe others are less deserving. But God’s love is not earned; it is freely given to all who seek Him.
In our first reading today, from the Book of the Prophet Micah, he speaks of God’s great love and mercy, reminding the people of God of everything that He had done for them, all the kindness and mercy that He has shown them, in leading them out of their slavery in Egypt, in the care and love He has shown them in each step of the way, even when they had rebelled and disobeyed against Him time and again. God never ceased to love His people. Prophet Micah also uttered the prayer on behalf of the people of God, those who sought to be reconciled with God, asking Him to be merciful upon them and to give them His forgiveness and kindness. They had sinned a lot against Him and they had wandered off far away from His path, but that should not have prevented them from coming back to God if they so decided for it. God has always patiently cared for them all, for their descendants and everyone that He had loved. He truly desired for all of them to return to Him, penitent and repentant, regretting their sinful ways and wickedness and with the desire to be reconciled with Him and to live once again in His grace and fullness of love. God has given us many avenues and means to reach out to Him and to find His mercy and forgiveness, and He has done so again and again, over all the time, until this very day.
Our first reading from the book of Micah beautifully complements the Gospel by reflecting on God’s mercy and faithfulness. “Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin… Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency?” (Micah 7:18). The prophet reminds us that God’s mercy is limitless. He does not hold grudges or recall our sins once we repent. Instead, He casts them into the depths of the sea, offering us a fresh start.
In the Responsorial Psalm, we echo this truth, proclaiming, “The Lord is kind and merciful.” This psalm is a song of praise for God’s forgiveness, His steadfast love, and His patience with our weaknesses. It reassures us that He does not deal with us according to our sins but rather with compassion and grace.
Reflecting on today’s readings, we are challenged to examine our own hearts. Do we see ourselves in the prodigal son—turning away from God, only to return in need of His mercy? Or do we resemble the elder son—resentful of the mercy shown to others? Lent is a time for deep self-reflection and conversion. It calls us to let go of pride, selfishness, and the belief that we must earn God’s love. Instead, we are invited to trust in His mercy, return to Him with a contrite heart, and extend that same mercy to others. Are there areas in our lives where we have strayed from God? Do we hesitate to seek His forgiveness, fearing we are unworthy? Do we rejoice in the repentance of others, or do we struggle with resentment like the elder son? Today, we are reminded that no matter how far we have fallen, God is always ready to welcome us home with joy. Lent is a journey of reconciliation, a time to return to God with trust and humility. Let us embrace this call to repentance, knowing that no sin is too great for His mercy. May we strive to live in the joy of His forgiveness and share His love with all we encounter. The Father is always waiting with open arms—let us run back to Him.
Lord, help us to recognize Your boundless mercy and to return to You with contrite hearts. Remove from us any pride, bitterness, or doubt that keeps us from embracing Your love. May we learn to rejoice in the repentance of others and extend the same forgiveness that You so freely give. Help us, O Lord, to always seek Your grace and live in the joy of Your presence. Amen 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded of God’s ever enduring and persistent love for us in this season of Lent, let us all keep in mind what we have been given all these times, the many opportunities and chances for us to turn away from sinful paths and from all the things that had separated us from the fullness of God’s love and grace. During this time of Lent, let us all turn away from our sins and our disobedience from God, and once again discover the love that we all should have for our loving Father and Creator. Let us all humble ourselves before Him, realising just how sinful we have been, and how we are in need of God’s forgiveness and mercy, and resist the temptations of our pride and ego, our greed and ambition, and the many other things that separate us from God and His love. Therefore, having been reminded of God’s ever generous love and mercy, let us all hence be grateful and thankful that God has shown His great love, compassion and mercy. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women, and all the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, Saint Nicholas Owen, Saint Lea of Rome, and Blessed Clemens August von Galen. Let us all strive to commit ourselves ever more to Him and do our best especially during this time and season of Lent, to return to Him once again with repentance and contrite hearts. May the good Lord, our most loving and forgiving Father, continue to be with us and guide us in our journey of faith towards Him, that we, His prodigal sons and daughters, may come back to Him with faith. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and help us all in our journey especially during this Lent, that we may come ever closer to Him, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MARCH | MONTH OF ST. JOSEPH: The month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ. “His was the title of father of the Son of God, because he was the Spouse of Mary, ever Virgin. He was our Lord’s father, because Jesus ever yielded to him the obedience of a son. He was our Lord’s father, because to him were entrusted, and by him were faithfully fulfilled, the duties of a father, in protecting Him, giving Him a home, sustaining and rearing Him, and providing Him with a trade”. “This patronage must be invoked as ever necessary for the Church, not only as a defense against all dangers, but also, and indeed primarily, as an impetus for her renewed commitment to evangelization in the world and to re-evangelization,” wrote St. John Paul II in Redemptoris Custos (Guardian of the Redeemer). St. John Paul II further said, “Because St. Joseph is the protector of the Church, he is the guardian of the Eucharist and the Christian family. Therefore, we must turn to St. Joseph today to ward off attacks upon the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and upon the family. We must plead with St. Joseph to guard the Eucharistic Lord and the Christian family during this time of peril.”
As the weeks of Lent progress let us not be tired of doing our good works and penance, but continue with the enthusiasm of the catechumens on their way to Easter and Baptism. May our Lenten observance be a joyful journey and not a forced march. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we reflect on today’s readings, we pray for the grace to trust in God’s boundless mercy and to return to Him with sincere repentance. May we recognize our own failings, humbly seek His forgiveness, and embrace the love He so generously offers us. Like the Prodigal Son, may we always remember that no sin is too great for God’s mercy, and may we never hesitate to return to His loving embrace.
On this Memorial of Saint Nicholas Owen of London, Saint Lea of Rome, Widow, and Blessed Clemens August von Galen, Bishop of Münster, we seek their intercession to strengthen our faith, deepen our humility, and inspire us to stand courageously for the truth. May Saint Nicholas Owen, who risked his life to protect priests and the Sacraments, teach us to value our faith above all worldly comforts. May Saint Lea’s example of sacrifice and prayer remind us to trust in God’s providence and serve others selflessly. May Blessed Clemens August von Galen’s unwavering stand against injustice inspire us to defend truth and righteousness in our own lives.
We pray for all who feel distant from God, that they may find the courage to return to Him and experience the joy of His forgiveness. We also pray for those who struggle with self-righteousness and resentment, that they may be freed from pride and embrace the fullness of God’s mercy.
Joining Pope Francis in his March prayer intention, we pray for families in crisis, that they may experience healing, restoration, and the peace of Christ in their homes. May struggling marriages be strengthened, and may children find love and security in their families. 🙏🏽
Let Us Pray
My most generous Lord, You are compassionate beyond what I can fathom. Your mercy and goodness far exceed what any of us deserve. Help me to be eternally grateful for Your goodness and help me to offer that same depth of mercy to those in most need. Jesus, I trust in You 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You are rich in mercy and slow to anger. In moments when we stray, give us the grace to return to You with humility, trusting that Your love never fails. May we always remember that You do not treat us according to our sins but with infinite compassion and grace.
Lord Jesus, help us to rid our hearts of pride and resentment. May we never begrudge the mercy You extend to others but instead rejoice in every soul that finds its way back to You. Fill us with Your spirit of forgiveness so that we may extend the same love and kindness to those around us.
Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas Owen, Saint Lea of Rome, and Blessed Clemens August von Galen, may we grow in faith, courage, and selfless love. Strengthen us to live as true witnesses of the Gospel, bearing good fruit for Your Kingdom. Jesus, we trust in You 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Nicholas Owen, Saint Lea of Rome, and Blessed Clemens August von Galen ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
May this Lenten season lead us to deeper conversion, renewed faith, and a heart open to God’s transforming grace. Wishing us all a blessed, fruitful and grace-filled Second Week of Lent and a relaxing weekend. Amen. 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖