THIRD WEEK OF LENT

FEAST AND SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 25, 2025

SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/25/solemnity-of-the-annunciation-of-the-lord-2/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT DISMAS, THE GOOD THIEF AND SAINT MARGARET CLITHEROW, MARTYR: | Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/

DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/

Greetings, and blessings, beloved family. Happy Tuesday, Third Week of Lent and Happy Feast of Annunciation!

Today, March 25th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. On this day, nine months before Christmas, the Angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her she would be the mother of Jesus. Today, we honor our Blessed Mother Mary and ask for her intercession as we pray:

“O Mary, Blessed Mother of God, when the angel greeted you, you were surprised and fearful; yet, in wonder you listened and opened your heart to the divine message. Mother of Our Savior, help me to open my heart to the Father’s will in my life. Pray for me to the Lord God as I pray, O God, prepare my heart for it is hard for me to trust your ways. Give me clarity of vision that I may see your way. Open my ears, that I may hear your words. Place your hand on my shoulder, that I may feel your guidance. Enlighten the darkness of my soul that I may be filled with your life. Generous and loving God, like your daughter Mary, help me to know and do your will in this life and in the next. Grant me a grateful heart and help me to always pray as Mary prayed. Mary Mother of God, Pray for us! Amen 🙏🏽

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/2025/03/25/catholic-daily-mass-21/

DAY 18: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/25/day-18-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/

Pope Francis’ First Public Appearance Since Hospitalization | Live from the Gemelli Hospital of Rome | The Holy Father gave his greeting and blessing to the faithful | Sunday, March 23, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/23/pope-francis-angulus-live-from-the-gemelli-hospital-sunday-march-23-2025/

WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/26/world-prayers-for-pope-francis/

PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS

“Loving God, we thank you for the unwavering faith and leadership of Pope Francis. As he recovers from his hospitalization, we humbly ask for your healing touch upon his body, your peace upon his mind, and your comfort for his spirit. Grant him strength, renewed energy, and a continued ability to serve your flock with compassion and wisdom. We entrust him to your loving care, and we pray that he may soon be restored to good health, if it be your will. 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 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 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/

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. 🙏🏽

Today, we celebrate the great Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, marking the moment when the Archangel Gabriel came to Nazareth, to the then periphery of the Jewish world and community, to a young woman named Mary, whom God had chosen to be the one to bear the Saviour of the whole world, His promised Messiah or Christ, the One Whom we would come to know as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Lord, Saviour and Master. On this day of the Annunciation, the Archangel Gabriel came to Mary to proclaim the long-awaited Good News of salvation which the Lord had promised His people, all of us, from the very beginning of time. It was truly the end of the long wait for the coming of the fulfilment of God’s many wonderful promises and assurances that He has made through His many prophets and messengers.Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, we humbly pray for the forgiveness of our sins and for God’s grace and mercy during this season of Lent.

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the Angel departed from her. ~ Luke 1:38

HAIL MARY: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.”… Amen 🙏🏽

THE MEMORARE: “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but, in your mercy, hear and answer me”… Amen 🙏🏽

SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD: Today, March 25th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The feast of the Annunciation is celebrated to honor the profound meeting between the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary, as recorded in St. Luke’s Gospel. On this day, exactly nine months before Christmas, the Angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her she would be the mother of Jesus. 

The feast of the Annunciation began to be celebrated on March 25th during the fourth and fifth centuries, soon after the date for celebrating Christmas was universalized throughout the Church. This feast celebrates the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity and the salvation of all mankind. This day on which the Church celebrates the Incarnation of Jesus Christ in the womb of His Blessed Mother is exactly nine months before the Feast of the Nativity on December 25th. On this day the Church commemorates the coming of the Archangel Gabriel to announce to the Blessed Virgin that she was to be the Mother of the promised Redeemer. On this same day, God the Son, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, by the power of the Holy Spirit, assumed a human body and a human soul and became the Son of Mary. This date is, therefore, a double feast, the Annunciation of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. The Angel of the Incarnation was sent to that maiden of Nazareth who, deeming herself least worthy among the daughters of Zion, had been chosen by her Creator to be the most blessed among women.

“The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. Upon arriving, the Angel said to her: ‘Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply troubled by his words, and wondered what his greeting meant. The Angel went on to say to her: ‘Do not fear, Mary. You have found favor with God. You shall conceive and bear a Son and give Him the name Jesus. . . . The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; hence, the holy offspring to be born will be called the Son of God. . . .’ Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the Angel departed from her. ~ Luke 1:38

Mary bowed her head and will to the Divine decree, and at that instant the great fact of the Incarnation was accomplished. A Virgin of the House of David had become the Mother of God. The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity had become Man, like unto us in all things save sin. The fact of the Incarnation proves that Mary is the Mother of God. He Who was born Man of her is God, and Mary is His Mother. She is the Mother of the Divine Redeemer of the world; she is the Mother of the Savior and our Perfect Friend; she is the Mother of the Savior Who shed His Precious Blood for us on Calvary. Next after His Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, there was no one whom Jesus venerated and loved as He venerated and loved His Blessed Mother. He who has not love and veneration for the Mother of Jesus is unlike our Divine Savior in that particular perfection of His character which comes next after His piety toward the Eternal Father and the Holy Spirit. But, besides all this, love and veneration are due to Mary for her own sake, because she is the Mother of mankind; because above all other mere creatures she has been sanctified by the Holy Spirit; and because in being chosen the Mother of the Incarnate Son, she is the Mother of us all.

“As soon as man receives into his heart the full meaning of the Annunciation and the full light of the Incarnation, two self-evident truths arise upon his reason: the one, the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; the other, the love and veneration of His Blessed Mother” (Cardinal Manning). We are continually reminded of the importance of this feast to our salvation in various devotional prayers. Two examples that highlight the importance of this feast are the joyous mysteries of the Rosary and the Angelus.

PRAYER: God, You willed that Your Word should truly become Man in the womb of the Virgin Mary. We confess that our Redeemer is both God and Man. Grant that we may deserve to be made like Him in His Divine Nature. Amen 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord | Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Reading 1, Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 11
Reading 2, Hebrews 10:4-10
Gospel, Luke 1:26-38

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 1:26–38

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son”

“The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.”

In today’s Gospel reading, on this great feast of the annunciation celebrates the moment when Mary said ‘yes’ to God’s call to be the mother of God’s Son. The Gospel reading suggests that her ‘yes’ did not come without a struggle. When God first approached her through the Angel Gabriel, Mary was ‘deeply disturbed’. When Gabriel went on to announce God’s purpose for Mary’s life, Mary was full of questions, ‘How can this be?’ It was only when Gabriel spoke for the third time that Mary surrendered to what God was asking her through Angel Gabriel, ‘Let what you have said be done to me’. Mary’s ‘yes’ to God’s call did not come effortlessly; it was not a foregone conclusion. Yet, because of her ‘yes’ we have all been greatly blessed, and, so, today, on the feast of her annunciation, we give thanks for her generous response to God’s call, which has been a source of grace for us all. The portrayal of Mary in today’s Gospel reading suggests that our own response to the Lord’s call will never be easy; it will always involve something of a struggle. The reading also suggests that, as in the case of Mary, our saying ‘yes’ to the Lord will be a source of blessing for others. Mary has been described as the first and the model disciple of the Lord; we look to her to inspire us as we seek to take the Lord’s call to heart; we ask her to pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

This Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord must be understood as the moment when the Lord became Incarnate in this world, just as the Archangel Gabriel himself mentioned that the Lord would send the Holy Spirit to overshadow Mary, and through that, the Son of God would be conceived in her womb, taking up the nature, appearance and existence of our humanity, becoming the Son of Man, the Divine Word Incarnate. That is why this Solemnity of the Annunciation is celebrated this day, exactly nine months to the date of Christmas, signifying the nine months of the period of pregnancy that happened to Mary, as she bore the Son of God within her, as the bearer of the Messiah and the Mother of God. It is on this day that the hope and light of this world came into the world, Incarnate in the flesh, amidst still veiled within the holy womb of Mary, His mother.

Reflecting on today’s Gospel, when the angel Gabriel visits Mary, announcing that she has been chosen to bear the Son of God, although initially troubled, Mary listens with faith. Angel Gabriel reassures her, revealing that nothing is impossible for God. With deep trust, the Blessed Virgin Mary responds, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Her ‘yes’ becomes the gateway for Christ to enter the world. The Annunciation is a moment of divine intervention and human cooperation. God’s plan for salvation unfolds not through power and force but through the humility and obedience of a young woman. Mary’s response, filled with faith and surrender, contrasts with the hesitation often found in our own hearts when God calls us to trust Him. Like Mary, we may face moments when God asks us to step into the unknown. It may be a call to greater holiness, a new challenge, or a change in life’s direction. The question is: Do we respond with fear and resistance, or do we, like Mary, say, “Let it be done to me according to Your word”? True faith requires surrender, trusting that God’s plans are always greater than our own.

Isaiah prophesies the coming of Emmanuel—God with us. The sign of a virgin bearing a son reveals God’s promise to dwell among His people. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose Incarnation changes history forever. Just as Ahaz hesitated to trust God, we, too, can struggle with doubt. Yet, God invites us to believe in His providence. The Annunciation reminds us that God’s plans often unfold in unexpected ways, requiring our faith and openness.

The Letter to the Hebrews highlights Christ’s perfect obedience to the Father. The old system of sacrifices could not take away sin, but Jesus, through His Incarnation, came to fulfill the Father’s will. “Behold, I come to do your will.” His sacrifice replaces the old covenant, bringing salvation to all. Mary’s fiat her “yes” mirrors Christ’s perfect submission to the Father’s will. Just as Jesus was obedient even unto death, Mary’s obedience allowed salvation to take root in the world. Her example challenges us to ask: Do we truly seek to do God’s will in our lives? Or do we cling to our own plans, resisting His call?

“Here I am, Lord; I come to do Your will.” This response echoes Mary’s own words at the Annunciation. It is an invitation for us to reflect: Are we willing to do God’s will, even when it requires sacrifice? True obedience is not just about following commands but about surrendering our hearts to God’s loving plan. Are we open to God’s call in our lives, even when it challenges our expectations? Do we trust that nothing is impossible for God? Like Mary, are we willing to say yes to God’s will, even when we don’t fully understand His plan? As we celebrate the Annunciation, let us renew our commitment to trust in God’s plan. Mary’s fiat changed the course of history, and our own ‘yes’ to God can transform our lives. May we follow her example, embracing God’s will with faith and surrender, knowing that His grace is always sufficient.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today on this Feast of Annunciation, we are all reminded not to succumb to the temptations to sin, but instead be inspired by our Blessed Mother Mary, the Mother of Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, and Our Lord Himself, who as the New Eve and New Adam respectively have shown us all the path out of the darkness of sin and evil, into the light of righteousness and faith. They have shown us that sin and death do not have the final say or power over us, as long as we have faith in God, walk in His path and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to Him. On this great Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord therefore, let us all reflect on these and discern carefully our path forward in life. Let us all follow the obedience showed by Mary, the Mother of God as she obeyed the will of God so perfectly, entrusting herself to the care of her Lord, and followed Him in all things. And let us all also follow the example of her Son, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in His faith and total obedience to the will of His heavenly Father. May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen us in our faith and life, and may His blessed Mother Mary, our role model and our loving mother, continue to inspire us and intercede for us on our behalf, so that the Lord may be moved to help and guide us in our various challenges and the many trials that we may have to face and overcome amidst this journey of life we have in this world. May she continue to watch over us as she has always done, and help us to come ever closer to her Son. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to draw ever closer to God and may He strengthen us all to live ever more worthily in His presence, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, You chose Mary to bring Your Son into the world through her humble obedience. Grant us the grace to say “yes” to You in our daily lives, even when Your plan is beyond our understanding. Help us to trust in Your love, knowing that nothing is impossible for You. May our hearts be open to Your will, just as Mary’s was. Amen 🙏🏽

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord | Feast Day, March 25th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/25/solemnity-of-the-annunciation-of-the-lord-2/

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT DISMAS, THE GOOD THIEF, AND SAINT MARGARET CLITHEROW, MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 25TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Dismas, the Good Thief (Patron of prisoners, condemned criminals, and repentant thieves) who was crucified alongside Jesus and received the promise of Paradise through his profound act of repentance. We also honor Saint Margaret Clitherow, Martyr (Patroness of businesswomen, converts, and the Catholic Women’s League) an English martyr known for her unwavering defense of the Catholic faith during a time of severe persecution. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these holy Saints, may we receive the grace of true repentance, unwavering faith, and the courage to stand firm in our devotion to Christ.

Saint Dismas and Saint Margaret Clitherow ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | March 25th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to detailed history of the lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/ )

SAINT DISMAS, THE GOOD THIEF: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” – Luke 23:42 Saint Dismas, also known as the Good Thief or the Penitent Thief, was one of the two criminals crucified beside Jesus on Good Friday. While the other thief mocked Christ, St. Dismas, in a moment of profound humility and faith, rebuked him, acknowledging the justice of their punishment and the innocence of Jesus. Turning to the Savior, he made a simple yet powerful plea: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” In response, Jesus, in His infinite mercy, granted him the promise of salvation: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Though little is known about his life, Saint Dismas stands as a powerful witness to God’s mercy. His story reminds us that no matter how great our sins, sincere repentance opens the doors of Heaven. He is the Patron Saint of prisoners, those condemned to death, repentant sinners, and funeral directors. His life assures us that God’s mercy is greater than our failures, and it is never too late to turn back to Him.

PRAYER: My Crucified Jesus, wash me with Your most Precious Blood. Look upon me as You looked upon the Good Thief, who, though a sinner, recognized Your divinity and begged for mercy. With a heart full of contrition, I, too, cry out: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Lord, grant me the grace of a repentant heart, that I may live and die in Your friendship. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT MARGARET CLITHEROW, MARTYR: “Jesu, Jesu, Jesu, have mercy upon me.” Saint Margaret Clitherow, known as the Pearl of York, was a courageous English laywoman and martyr who lived in the 16th century during the fierce persecution of Catholics under Queen Elizabeth I. A convert to the faith, she risked her life to shelter Catholic priests and provide a safe haven for the Holy Mass.

Born in 1556 into a Protestant family, Margaret married John Clitherow, a successful butcher. Despite her husband’s Anglican faith, she converted to Catholicism in 1574. She became a devoted mother and businesswoman, known for her charity and hospitality. As persecution against Catholics intensified, she secretly allowed priests to say Mass in her home and helped many return to the faith.

Margaret’s courage shone brightest when she was arrested for harboring priests—an act considered a capital crime. Refusing to enter a plea to avoid implicating her family and friends, she was sentenced to death by pressing, a brutal form of execution. On Good Friday, March 25, 1586, she was crushed to death under heavy weights, dying with the name of Jesus on her lips. At the time of her martyrdom, she was pregnant with her fourth child.

Her legacy of faith bore great fruit: her children all entered religious life her sons became priests, and her daughter became a nun. Saint Margaret was canonized in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. She is the Patron Saint of businesswomen, converts, martyrs, the Catholic Women’s League, and the Latin Mass Society. Her unwavering faith and sacrificial love remind us that Christ is worth every cost.

PRAYER: Saint Margaret, fearless defender of the faith, pray that we may have the courage to stand for Christ in all circumstances. Inspire us to love the Mass as you did and to defend the Church even in the face of opposition. Intercede for all who suffer persecution today, that they may remain steadfast in their faith. Through your example, may we strive for holiness and trust in God’s providence. Amen. 🙏🏽

The lives of Saint Dismas and Saint Margaret Clitherow remind us that God’s mercy is boundless and that courage in faith leads to eternal reward. May we learn from Saint Dismas the humility to repent sincerely and trust in God’s mercy, and from Saint Margaret Clitherow, the strength to defend our faith, no matter the cost. May these holy saints intercede for us, that we may live each day with repentance, courage, and unwavering trust in Christ. 🙏🏽

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 celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, we rejoice in Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan, which brought forth the Incarnation of Christ. Her obedience reminds us that true discipleship requires trust in God’s will, even when the path ahead is uncertain. We also honor Saint Dismas, the Good Thief, who found redemption in his final moments, and Saint Margaret Clitherow, who courageously gave her life for the faith. Their examples call us to repentance, courage, and unwavering trust in God’s mercy.

We pray for the grace to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives, just as Mary did, embracing His plans with faith and humility. May those struggling with doubt find the courage to surrender to His divine purpose. We lift up all who seek forgiveness and conversion, that they may experience the mercy of Christ as Saint Dismas did on the cross. For those suffering persecution for their faith, especially in places where Christianity is oppressed, may they be strengthened by the witness of Saint Margaret Clitherow and remain steadfast in their love for Christ. We also pray for prisoners, the condemned, and those who feel abandoned, that they may find hope in God’s boundless compassion. Finally, we bring before the Lord our personal intentions and the needs of those who have asked for our prayers. 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY

Father in Heaven, You sent Your Son to become incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Your glorious Archangel Gabriel brought forth this Good News. May I always be attentive to the messages You send forth to me as You invite me to join in Your divine mission of bringing Your Son into the world. I say “Yes” this day, dear Lord, to serve Your most holy will. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, in Your divine wisdom, You chose Mary to bear Your Son, and through her humble obedience, the world received its Savior. As we reflect on the mystery of the Annunciation, grant us the grace to respond to Your call with the same openness and trust. May we, like Mary, embrace Your will even when it challenges us. In Your infinite mercy, You welcomed the repentance of Saint Dismas and strengthened Saint Margaret Clitherow in her courageous witness. Through their intercession, grant us the gift of true conversion, the strength to endure trials, and the faith to remain close to You always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save us, Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Dismas, the Good Thief and Saint Margaret Clitherow, Martyr ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

May this Lenten season deepen our trust in God’s providence and open our hearts to His transforming grace. Wishing us all a blessed and grace-filled Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent. Amen. 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

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