FOURTH WEEK OF LENT
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 5, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT VINCENT FERRER, PRIEST | Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy 1st Saturday, Fourth Week of Lent!
Today, the 1st Saturday of the month of April is Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Our Blessed Mother Mary. The month of April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church.
We thank God for the gift of life and for the gift of the month of April. May this month bring renewal in faith, deepening our journey through Lent and drawing us closer to Christ. May God’s grace guide and strengthen us every day and may His grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey. 🙏🏽
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/2025/04/05/catholic-daily-mass-32/
“Watch Holy Mass on the 20th Anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II | Presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 2, 2025” | Life of St. John Paul II | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/02/watch-holy-mass-on-the-20th-anniversary-of-the-death-of-saint-john-paul-ii-presided-over-by-cardinal-pietro-parolin-live-from-st-peters-basilica-in-the-vatican-april-2-2025/
DAY 28: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/05/day-28-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/
DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/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
“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”🙏🏽
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion.
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion
Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row
Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:
Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion:
* On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart.
* Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion.
* Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven.
* Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/
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, 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 APRIL: For the use of the new technologies ~ Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
PRAYER OF THE MONTH ~ POPE FRANCIS: Lord, Good Father, as I look at the world and see men and women working in it and beautifying it, a great “Thank You!” springs from my heart. The action of Your Spirit among us encourages us to grow in the progress of science and technology in the service of human dignity for integral and inclusive human development. Because we know You desire the good of all, from the heart of Your Church, Your Son calls us to ensure that technology does not replace “person-to-person” contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings. Help us develop the ability to live wisely, to think deeply, to love generously, without losing heart, promoting scientific and technological growth that increasingly aligns with human development in responsibility, values, and awareness.
Amen 🙏🏽
(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. 🙏🏽
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT VINCENT FERRER, PRIEST – FEAST DAY: APRIL 5TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest, a man of profound humility and missionary zeal. Saint Vincent is known for his tireless efforts to build up the Church during a time of great turmoil in Europe. As a preacher and confessor, he dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and calling people to penance. His missionary work, deeply rooted in his devotion to the Church, earned him the title of Patron Saint of Builders (He is also the Patron Saint of prisoners, construction workers, plumbers, fishermen, and Spanish orphanages).
Through the intercession of Saint Vincent Ferrer, may we be inspired to build up the Kingdom of God in our lives and communities, sharing the message of Christ with those around us. We pray for all who work in construction and related fields, asking that they may find meaning in their labor and use their talents for the good of society. We also pray for all those in prison, that they may experience the mercy and forgiveness of God.
“Whoever observes the practice of the Rosary is beyond the reach of adversity.” ~ Saint Vincent Ferrer
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 5th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/05/saints-of-the-day-april-5th/)
SAINT VINCENT FERRER, PRIEST (1357–1419): Saint Vincent Ferrer was born in Valencia, Spain, on January 23, 1357, into a noble family. Raised with a deep love for God and the Church, he joined the Dominican Order at the age of 18, committed to a life of preaching and service. Throughout his life, Saint Vincent was known for his great holiness, exceptional preaching skills, and a remarkable gift for miracles. He preached to large crowds across Europe, calling people to repentance and conversion during a time of spiritual and political unrest, particularly the Great Schism of the Church.
Saint Vincent’s preaching led many people to conversion, including Muslims and Jews, and he became known for his ability to speak in languages he had not studied, miraculously reaching hearts and minds. His ascetic life of poverty, penance, and charity, coupled with his dedication to the Church, earned him respect and admiration. He spent much of his life traveling, preaching, and hearing confessions, with a large group of followers accompanying him.
He is especially remembered for his ardent commitment to prepare people for the final judgment and for his prophetic vision of the end times. Saint Vincent Ferrer died on April 5, 1419, in Vannes, France, and was canonized in 1455. He continues to inspire those who seek to live a life of faith, humility, and dedication to the service of God and the Church.
PRAYER: O God, who raised up Saint Vincent Ferrer to preach the Gospel and build up the Church through his words and deeds, grant that we, inspired by his example, may always be bold in our proclamation of the truth. May we, like him, dedicate our lives to the service of others, living humbly and faithfully in Your name. Through his intercession, we ask that we may grow in holiness and be strengthened in our commitment to build Your Kingdom here on earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint Vincent Ferrer, Pray for us! 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent | Saturday, April 5, 2025
Reading 1, Jeremiah 11:18-20
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 7:2-3, 9-10, 11-12
Gospel, John 7:40-53
Gospel Reading ~ John 7:40-53
“The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he?”
“Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” Then each went to his own house.”
Today’s Gospel reading details the discord and disagreements between the members of the Sanhedrin, or the Jewish High Council with regards to the Lord Jesus, in what they were trying to decide to do about Him. Many of them were against the Lord and were skeptical about His teachings and works, while some were outright hostile in their opposition against Him, seeing Him as a great threat to the order and the influence that the members of the Sanhedrin, be it Sadducees or Pharisees, had over the community. And yet, there were also those like Nicodemus, who were sympathetic and supportive of the Lord, believing in Him. The disagreements arose because those who supported the Lord tried to defend Him and His actions, while the majority who refused to believe in Him used arguments such as the fact that the Lord Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to disprove the authenticity and the authority of the Lord as the Messiah promised by God, not knowing that the Lord Himself was born in Bethlehem, in the city of David, just as prophesied by the prophets, and all that He had done, essentially had affirmed and manifested that Jesus is truly the One Whom God had sent. He was opposed and persecuted because those religious leaders and societal elites could not bring it to humble themselves before God and listen to reason and truth.
According to Gospel, the temple police who were sent to arrest Jesus found themselves listening to Him and, against their expectations, being greatly impressed by what He said, ‘There has never been anybody who has spoken like Him’, they said. However, the chief priests and Pharisees who had sent the police to arrest Jesus were completely closed to what Jesus had to say. They had made up their minds that He was not from God. Yet, one of their number, Nicodemus separated himself out from his peers and challenged their refusal to listen with the question, ‘Surely the Law does not allow us to pass judgement on a man without giving him a hearing and discovering what he is about?’ Nicodemus was insisting that Jesus was deserving of being given a hearing before judgement was made on him. It takes courage to stand up to one’s peers and express a view that is at odds with the consensus. Nicodemus is the same one who is figured three times in the Gospel of St. John. He appears for the first time at the very beginning of the Gospel when he came to Jesus by night, under cover of darkness. There was something about Jesus that drew Nicodemus to Jesus, and yet he was not quite ready to commit to Him. Nicodemus appears for the third time at the very end of the Gospel in the company of Joseph of Arimathea, as, together, they arrange for Jesus to have a dignified burial. He is on a journey towards Jesus that spans the whole Gospel of St. John. Today’s Gospel is the middle appearance of Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisees, a group generally hostile to Jesus in St. John’s Gospel and, yet, he has the courage to challenge his fellow Pharisees who have already made up their minds about Jesus, dismissing Him because of His origins in Galilee, that remote region to the north, far from the centre, far from Jerusalem. Nicodemus was courageous by insisting that Jesus be given a hearing before coming to a judgement about Him. In doing this, he breaks with his peers, expressing a view which goes against the dominant view of his fellow Pharisees. As often happens to such people, his speaking up against the consensus meets with derision, ‘Are you from Galilee too?’ His emerging relationship with Jesus left him increasingly isolated in the world where he had been so much at home. The figure of Nicodemus reminds us that as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, there is often a price to be paid. We may find ourselves a lone voice among our peers. At such times, we know that the Lord is with us and we can say in the words of today’s responsorial psalm, ‘God is the shield that protects me’. In today’s Gospel reading, Nicodemus comes across as someone who gradually made his way towards Jesus. His story reminds us that different people journey at different paces towards the Lord. The Lord respects the uniqueness of each person’s faith journey. The Lord relates to each one of us differently, because we each relate to Him differently. Our response to the Lord’s call can be tentative at times, just as Nicodemus’ initial response was tentative. Yet, the Lord continues to call to us, and He is happy to wait until we are ready to take the next step in our relationship with Him.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading today, we see a divided crowd wrestling with their perceptions of Jesus. Some of the people are drawn to His teachings and see Him as a prophet, while others challenge His origins, unable to reconcile their expectations with the reality of Jesus’ humble background. The Pharisees, too, remain skeptical, and even when Nicodemus raises a fair point about the law’s requirement for due process, they dismiss him. The division surrounding Jesus reflects the division in our hearts—between the desire to accept His message and the resistance to let go of preconceived notions. Jesus challenges us to move beyond surface-level judgments and invites us to see the deeper truths of God’s plan. When we face opposition or misunderstanding, like Jesus, we are called to remain steadfast, trusting in the Father’s timing and justice.
In our first reading today from the Book of the prophet Jeremiah, the prophet spoke with the Lord regarding the persecutions and hardships that he had endured during his ministry among the people of the kingdom of Judah. At that time, it was during the final years of the existence of Judah as a kingdom and entity, and the people there continued to live in sin and rebellion against God despite all the efforts which the Lord had done in sending His many messengers and prophets to them to remind and guide them in their path. They chose rather to believe in the false prophets and the falsehoods propagated by their leaders rather than to believe in the prophets like Jeremiah, who were oppressed and even killed on occasion. But Jeremiah remained firm in his conviction to continue serving the Lord despite having faced such struggles and difficulties. He did grumble and complained to the Lord on occasions because of the hardships and trials that he had to face, and because of the stubborn attitude and the lack of faith among the people who continued to resist his efforts and rejected God’s generous offer of love and mercy to them. Jeremiah nonetheless kept his faith and obeyed the Lord, doing whatever he had been told to do, to proclaim God’s messages and will to the people even if it would mean suffering and hardships for him. He also brought to the people of Judah, the reassurance that while they would have to suffer the consequences for their sins against God, but God’s love for them endured nonetheless, and one day, God would lead them all towards His Presence and reconcile them with Him. The same Book of Jeremiah also contained the prophecy of what would happen to the Saviour Whom God would send to His people, in the words that the prophet Jeremiah himself said, that ‘he is like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter’ and how the people treated him badly, and ‘would plot to remove him from the land of the living’. While this firstly referred directly to what Jeremiah had himself experienced, but it was in fact also a prediction of what the Messiah, Our Lord Himself would experience during His Passion, His suffering and death on the Cross. The Lord Jesus would endure all these challenges, trials and hardships, and eventually be slaughtered and killed, as the Paschal Lamb, sacrificed for us all, for our redemption and salvation.
Reflecting on the first reading, Jeremiah finds himself a target of plots against his life, yet he does not fall into despair. Instead, he turns to God, calling Him the “just Judge” and asking Him to witness the vengeance on those who seek his harm. Jeremiah’s trust in God is unshaken, even in the face of death. His response teaches us the value of entrusting our struggles to God, knowing that He sees the truth, even when others do not. Just as Jeremiah relied on God’s justice, we are reminded that our ultimate deliverance comes not from human vindication but from the righteous judgment of God.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 7 offers a powerful meditation on God’s protection for the just. The psalmist pleads for God’s justice, calling Him a “just judge” who sees the hearts of men. In times of trial and persecution, we are encouraged to take refuge in God, knowing that He watches over us and is our shield. The psalm echoes the trust Jeremiah places in God, and it calls us to hold firm to the belief that, though the wicked may rise against us, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and will deliver us from all harm. In this, we find comfort and assurance that God will uphold us, even when it seems the world is against us.
Reflecting on all the Scripture readings today, we are prompted to ask ourselves: How do I react when I encounter opposition or when others misunderstand me? Do I, like Jesus, remain steadfast in my mission, trusting in God’s plan for my life? In what ways do I judge others based on their background or outward appearances, rather than seeing the deeper truth that God sees? How do I entrust my challenges to God, trusting in His justice and timing? And, in moments of trial, do I take refuge in God as my shield and deliverer, confident that He is near to the brokenhearted? As we continue through this Lenten season, may we be encouraged by the example of Jesus and Jeremiah. Let us not be swayed by the judgments of others but remain rooted in our faith, trusting in God’s perfect plan. May we also be mindful to take refuge in the Lord, finding strength in His promises and protection as we face life’s challenges. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded that we are drawing ever nearer to the end of the season of Lent, as we are about to enter into Holy Week in about a week. That is why we have heard of the words of the Scriptures speaking to us all about the coming of tribulation for the One Whom the Lord had sent into our midst for our salvation, namely Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour, the Son of God, Who would suffer and die for our sake, enduring bitterqw punishments and struggles, persecutions and hardships for the sake of us sinners. Through all these, God has opened the path and sure way for us leading to His salvation and the eternal life which He has promised to us. Let us all be reminded of everything that God had done for us through His Son, Our Lord and Saviour as we gradually approach Holy Week, so that first of all we can be reminded of His love and kindness, His compassion and mercy for each and every one of us, and then, that we may be able to prepare ourselves well so that we can celebrate the Holy Week and the most wonderful mysteries and events surrounding the Easter Triduum with hearts and minds that are truly attuned to the Lord, and to be filled with the strong desire and love for God, as we all should have. Let us all therefore do our part from now on, to live our lives worthily of the Lord, heeding His call and doing whatever He has asked us all to do, following the faithful example and perseverance of the prophet Jeremiah and the many other prophets and servants of God, and of course, ultimately, that of the Lord Himself, Who obeyed His Father’s will so perfectly, that He chose willingly to embrace His Cross, to suffer and die for us on that Cross, so that by His death and Resurrection, He may restore us all to new life with God. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may all of us be blessed and guided by God, during this season of Lent and in all of our whole lives, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord, help me to trust in Your justice, even when I face opposition and misunderstanding. Like Jeremiah, give me the strength to rely on You in moments of hardship, knowing that You are my refuge and my shield. May I see others through Your eyes, with compassion and understanding, and may I remain steadfast in following Your will, no matter the cost. Guide me to trust in Your perfect timing and judgment. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF APRIL | MONTH OF HOLY EUCHARIST: April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity offering Himself as the Bread of Life. This month invites us to deepen our love and reverence for the Eucharist, especially as we approach Holy Week and Easter, celebrating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper when He said, “Take and eat; this is My Body… Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the Covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). In receiving the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and His Church. It is the source of our strength and the culmination of our salvation, as Christ Himself said in John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” As we journey through Lent, we are called to renew our reverence for the Eucharist. During Holy Week, we remember that Christ instituted this sacrament on Holy Thursday, offering us a way to remain in union with Him. Let us take this opportunity to attend Mass regularly, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, and reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
In this season of penance and reflection, may our devotion to the Eucharist strengthen our commitment to living as true disciples of Christ, leading us to the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.
O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! Lord Jesus, You have given Yourself to us in the Eucharist. May we receive You with reverence and love, and let Your grace transform us this Lenten season and always. Amen 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray for Bishops and Clergy, that they may lead with wisdom and courage, just as Saint Vincent Ferrer did in boldly proclaiming the Gospel amidst opposition. Through his intercession, the Patron Saint of builders, prisoners, and those in difficult labor, we ask for strength for all who face challenges in their work and faith, that they may find the perseverance to continue in their mission. We lift up all who are persecuted for their beliefs, that, like Jesus, they may remain steadfast in their mission, trusting in God’s justice. May those who suffer from judgment and misunderstanding find solace in God’s protection and care, and may they be given the strength to continue in faith despite adversity. Amen 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My divine Judge of all, at the end of time, You will establish Your permanent Kingdom of truth and justice. You will reign over all and will bestow Your mercy and justice on all. May I live fully in Your truth and never be deterred by the attacks and lies of the evil one. Give me courage and strength, dear Lord, as I always trust in You. Jesus, I do trust in You.. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You faced rejection and division, yet You remained unwavering in Your mission. Help us to trust in Your justice and perfect timing, even when we encounter opposition. May we find strength in Your truth and remain steadfast in our faith, like Saint Vincent Ferrer, who boldly proclaimed Your word. Through his intercession, grant us the courage to proclaim Your message with conviction, even when faced with hardship. May we always seek refuge in You, our shield and deliverer, and trust that You are near to the brokenhearted. Strengthen us to follow You without hesitation, no matter the trials that lie ahead.
Save us, Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the gift of this day and praying for us all during this season of Lent, let us be renewed by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. May this Lenten season deepen our trust in God’s providence and open our hearts to His transforming grace. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times and may this season of Lent bring us all true salvation in Christ as we remain united in peace, love and faith. Have a blessed, safe and grace-filled and fruitful fourth Week of Lent and relaxing weekend ~ Amen 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
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