FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 7, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, PRIEST; SAINT HEGESIPPUS, A PRIMITIVE FATHER OF THE CHURCH AND BLESSED HERMAN JOSEPH OF SEINFELD, PRIEST | Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family, and Happy Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent!

Today, as we celebrate the feast of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, (Patron Saint of Teachers; Educators; School Principals; and the religious); Saint Hegesippus, and Blessed Herman Joseph (Patron Saint of Children; Students; and Watchmakers). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints we celebrate today, we pray, especially for all educators, teachers, and students around the world. May they be strengthened in mind and spirit, and may their lives reflect the virtues of knowledge, humility, and faith. Amen 🙏🏽

We thank God for the  gift of life and for the gift of this day. May this season of Lent 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/2025/04/07/catholic-daily-mass-34/

DAY 29: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/07/day-29-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/

Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/

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”🙏🏽

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 sick and 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 JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, PRIEST; SAINT HEGESIPPUS, A PRIMITIVE FATHER OF THE CHURCH AND BLESSED HERMAN JOSEPH OF SEINFELD, PRIEST – FEAST DAY: APRIL 7TH: Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Priest (Patron Saint of Teachers; Educators; School Principals; the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer; and the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools – Lasallian Educational Institutions), a pioneer of modern education and founder of the Christian Brothers who dedicated his life to instructing and forming teachers for the youth, especially the poor. We also commemorate Saint Hegesippus, a Primitive Father of the Church, known for his devotion to preserving apostolic tradition and combating heresies during the second century. Additionally, we honor Blessed Herman Joseph of Steinfeld, Priest (Patron Saint of Children; Students; and Watchmakers), a mystic with deep Marian devotion whose purity, humility, and love for Our Lady guided his holy life.

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the saints we celebrate today, we pray especially for all teachers and students around the world. May they be strengthened in mind and spirit, and may their lives reflect the virtues of knowledge, humility, and faith.

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 7th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Saint Hegesippus, Blessed Herman Joseph | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/08/saints-of-the-day-april-7th/)

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE: Saint John Baptist de la Salle, was a French priest and pioneer of education for the poor. Known as the father of modern pedagogy is remembered for his pioneering contributions to Christian education. Born in 1651 in Reims, France, he came from nobility but chose to dedicate his life to educating the poor. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and established teacher training colleges, reform schools, and classrooms where students were taught in their native language. His vision laid the foundation for modern pedagogy, and his enduring influence is felt in educational institutions across the globe. Canonized in 1900, he was proclaimed patron of all teachers by Pope Pius XII in 1950. Through his tireless work and deep love for youth, he transformed countless lives and offered children of the working class access to knowledge and faith.

QUOTES OF SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE

☆”The way you behave should be a model for those you teach.”
☆“When you are at Mass, be there as if you were on Calvary. For it is the same sacrifice and the same Jesus Christ Who is doing for you what He did on the Cross for all human beings.”
☆“We must strive to place ourselves completely in God’s hands. Then He will cause us to feel the effects of His goodness and protection – which are, at times extraordinary.”

“Jesus Christ came to this earth to reign here but not, says Saint Augustine, as other kings do, to raise tribute, enroll armies and visibly do battle against his enemies, for Jesus Christ assures us that His kingdom is not of this world but to establish His reign within our souls, according to what He Himself says,
in the holy Gospel, that His kingdom is within us.”

PRAYER: Almighty God, We thank You for the gift of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, a visionary educator who dedicated his life to the instruction of young minds and the service of the poor. May his example of selfless dedication and love for children inspire all educators, parents, and students. Through his intercession, bless all teachers with wisdom, patience, and a deep love for their vocation. May they guide the youth with integrity and kindness, and may we, as a society, always value and support the education of the next generation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽

SAINT HEGESIPPUS: Saint Hegesippus, a Primitive Father of the Church (c. 110 – c. 180 AD), was a Jewish convert to Christianity who devoted his life to defending the true faith against heresies such as Gnosticism and Marcionism. Often referred to as the first ecclesiastical historian, he traced the lineage of the Popes from Saint Peter to his time and wrote five books titled Memoirs, now lost but highly praised by early Church Fathers such as Eusebius and Saint Jerome. His faithful chronicle of apostolic tradition and defense of orthodoxy helped preserve the integrity of the early Church. His life of study, travel, and witness to the Apostolic faith is a model for scholars, catechists, and defenders of truth.

PRAYER: O God, we thank You for the life and witness of Saint Hegesippus, a faithful servant who sought the truth and preserved the teachings of the Apostles. His dedication to the Church’s unity and purity inspires us to remain steadfast in our faith. Grant us the courage to follow his example of seeking truth and unity, and help us to preserve the teachings of the Church in our hearts and in our world today.
Through his intercession, may we grow in wisdom and in love for the Church.
Amen 🙏🏽

BLESSED HERMAN JOSEPH OF STEINFELD: Blessed Herman Joseph of Steinfeld was a German Premonstratensian canon and mystic priest born in Germany around 1150. From childhood had a deep, affectionate devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Known for his mystical visions and profound purity, he entered religious life at the age of twelve and embraced a life of prayer and penance. His special relationship with Mary earned him the name “Joseph,” and in a vision, she accepted him as her spiritual spouse. Despite intense sufferings, he remained joyful and faithful, offering his trials for love of God and Our Lady. Though never formally canonized, his veneration was approved in 1958, and his legacy continues to inspire those who seek childlike faith and Marian devotion.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Blessed Herman Joseph, a man of purity, devotion, and deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. We ask for his intercession to help us grow in our devotion to Mary and to imitate his humble trust in Your provision. Through his prayers, may we come to understand the beauty of a life surrendered to Your will, and may we be filled with the same fervor for holiness that he demonstrated throughout his life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽

Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Saint Hegesippus, Blessed Herman Joseph ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent | Monday, April 7, 2025
*Reading 1, Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62
*Responsorial Psalm, Psalms Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
*Gospel, John 8:12-20

Gospel Reading ~ John 8:12-20

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~ John 8:12

“Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus declares, ‘I know where I came from and where I am going’. He knows that He has come from God and that He is returning to God. There is a very real sense in which that is true of us all. We have come from God, having been created by God, and we are returning to God, who is our ultimate destiny. God is at the beginning and the end of our earthly journey. God is also at the very heart of that journey; God is with us on our journey in and through his Son. God has given us his Son as our companion on our life’s journey. He journeys with us as our light. In today’s Gospel reading Jesus declares, ‘I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in darkness but will have the light of life’. Jesus is declaring that God’s light shines through Him, the light of God’s love, a light that is truly life-giving, bringing us a share in God’s own life. The natural light of the day is not all that reliable. We can lose that light very quickly. After a bright sunny day we can have a dark gloomy day, especially in winter. However, Jesus’ light is constant and reliable. We are always in the light of His presence; the light of God’s love is always shining upon us through Him. We may find ourselves in great personal darkness, for whatever reason. Even in such moments we remain in the Lord’s light, the light of life. It is above all when we find ourselves in some darkness of spirit that we need to remind ourselves that we are enveloped in this divine light which remains undimmed, regardless of our own personal circumstances. On our journey towards God, Jesus is our way; He goes before us as our light. He promises us that if we keep Him in our sights we will never walk in darkness. In these dark days for the Church, we are called to keep the Lord in view, so that His light may enlighten and guide us and keep us hopeful.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Jesus boldly proclaims that He is the light of the world. In a world often shrouded in confusion, fear, and falsehood, Christ’s light offers clarity, truth, and direction. The Pharisees question His authority and try to trap Him in legal technicalities, but Jesus reveals a deeper truth: His testimony is not merely human; it is divine. His unity with the Father gives weight to every word He speaks. This reflection challenges us to ask: do we still walk in the light of Christ, or are there areas of our life where we still cling to the shadows?

Our first reading today from the Book of the prophet Daniel, gives an account in which the story of Susanna, an Israelite woman who was prominent in the exile community in Babylon in her predicament when she was faced with false accusation by two of the elders of the people who lusted over her and tried to force their way with her. Those elders wanted to prevent anyone from knowing their wicked deeds and therefore, they used their influence and great respect within the community to push the community to condemn Susanna to death, so that by this action, she might be silenced and then their wicked deeds would not be discovered. But before they managed to carry out such a wicked action, the Lord intervened on behalf of His faithful and righteous one, saving Susanna from certain death through Daniel. Empowered and inspired by the Holy Spirit, Daniel spoke the word of God and proclaimed His Wisdom before the people, showing how the plots and the wickedness of the two elders would be uncovered, and how the righteous would be provided for by God. According to the passage, Daniel, by the power of the Holy Spirit, unveiled the wicked intentions and lies of the two elders which led to the vindication of Susanna and for the two elders to be punished instead. This is an important reminder for all of us that we should not allow sin to have its way with us, or else, like those two elders, we will end up committing more sin, one after another. And that may lead us to destruction in the end, as those elders had experienced. In this time and season of Lent, we have been reminded and given the opportunities to reconcile ourselves with the Lord and to come back towards Him.

Reflecting on the first reading, the story of Susanna is a powerful narrative of virtue, injustice, and divine vindication. Susanna, a beautiful and God-fearing woman, becomes the target of two wicked elders who lust after her. When she refuses their sinful advances, they falsely accuse her of adultery—a crime punishable by death. What’s striking is her courageous faith. She knows the accusation could cost her life, yet she declares, “I choose not to sin before the Lord,” placing her trust entirely in God rather than compromising her integrity. This reading exposes the dangers of corruption in positions of authority. The elders were respected judges, yet they used their influence to manipulate and oppress. In contrast, Susanna’s strength lies not in power, but in purity and trust. Her silent prayer becomes a turning point: God hears her cry and inspires young Daniel to speak up. Daniel’s wisdom and fearlessness shine as he cleverly separates the accusers and exposes their lies, saving Susanna and restoring justice. This passage holds timeless lessons: that truth will ultimately triumph, that God hears the cries of the innocent, and that we are called to speak out like Daniel in the face of injustice. It challenges us to reflect on our own integrity—would we have the courage to stand firm in righteousness like Susanna, even when falsely accused or persecuted?

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 23 reassures us that no matter how dark or threatening our path may seem, the Lord is with us. “Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil.” Susanna walked that valley, facing death. Jesus, too, walked toward His Passion. Yet both held firm, knowing the Shepherd walks beside them. This Psalm invites us to rest in the nearness of God, to trust in His guidance and protection, and to believe that goodness and mercy will ultimately prevail.

Are there situations in my life where I am tempted to hide in darkness instead of standing in truth? Do I trust God to defend me when I choose to do what is right, even when it is unpopular or dangerous? Am I letting the light of Christ guide my thoughts, choices, and relationships each day? Let today be a day of renewed commitment to truth and light. Whether we face temptation, injustice, or fear, may we remember that Jesus walks with us, and His light will never be overcome by darkness.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded of the dangers of sin that can corrupt us and lead us down the wrong path of rebellion and disobedience against God, and eventually we all may fall into the eternal damnation and suffering in Hell, if we are not careful with how we carry out our lives. We are reminded that we should not easily be tempted by the temptations of the flesh, of pleasures and desires that can lead us deeper and deeper into sin. At the same time, we are also reminded that God has always been generous in His mercy and desire to forgive us all our sins and faults, and He has always reached out to us lovingly, giving us many means for us to find the way to God’s salvation. Let us all therefore continue to live our lives faithfully in the manner that the Lord had taught and shown us, and let us all be inspired by the Saints we celebrate today, St. John Baptist de la Salle, Saint Hegesippus, Blessed Herman Joseph and our many other holy predecessors in how they all devoted themselves to the Lord, doing their best such that they were truly worthy of God in all of their actions. Let us all distance ourselves from sin and from all sorts of wicked things in life. Let us embrace God’s mercy and forgiveness, humbly asking Him to forgive us our faults, trespasses and all the things which we have committed in our daily lives. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and continue to strengthen us and empower us in our lives, and may He bless us with the perseverance to endure the challenges and struggles in life, so that we may draw ever closer to Him, and make best use of this Lenten season to commit ourselves anew to God, to be more faithful to Him, to sin no more and to live a new life in God’s grace. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, Light of the world, shine into every hidden corner of my heart. Cast out fear, doubt, and compromise, and lead me in truth and love. When I am falsely accused or misunderstood, give me the courage of Susanna and the wisdom of Daniel. Help me to walk always in Your light, never returning to the shadows of sin. 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 the leaders of the Church, that they may, like Saint John Baptist de la Salle, lead with wisdom, patience, and a love for teaching the truth, especially in times of uncertainty. Through his intercession, we ask for strength and guidance for all educators and those who shape the minds of the youth, that their work may inspire hearts and transform lives. We lift up all those who dedicate their lives to education, especially those who teach the poor, that they may be empowered by God’s love and grace. We also pray for those who serve in the Church’s mission of defending the faith, like Saint Hegesippus, that their dedication to preserving the truth may continue to strengthen the Church. May the example of Blessed Herman Joseph inspire us all to live a life of devotion, humility, and purity, especially in our relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary. We pray for all those who are struggling, that they may find comfort in God’s presence, just as Susanna’s prayer was answered with justice. May we all walk in the light of Christ, trusting in His protection and truth. Amen 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY:

My glorious Lord, I glorify You for Your wisdom and power and rejoice in the perfect will of the Father in Heaven.  The Father sent You on a mission of redemption and salvation and permitted You to ultimately suffer and die.  But through this suffering He brought final victory over death and all evil.  Give me faith to know and believe this truth with my whole heart.  Bless this coming Holy Week, dear Lord, and permit me to rejoice in Your glorious victory.  Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world, and You call us to walk in Your light. Just as You revealed Your divine authority, help us to live in the truth of Your Word and to reflect Your light in every part of our lives. We pray for the courage to stand firm in righteousness, just as Susanna did, trusting in Your justice and mercy. Through the intercession of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, may all who educate the youth be filled with wisdom and love for the children they serve. Help us to learn from the courage and perseverance of Saint Hegesippus, who defended the truth in the face of challenges, and Blessed Herman Joseph, who lived a life of prayer and devotion to Your will. Give us the strength to remain faithful to You, even in times of trial, and to trust in Your light to guide us through the darkness. May our hearts be open to Your truth, and may we bring Your light to all we encounter. Amen 🙏🏽

Save us Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Saint Hegesippus, Blessed Herman Joseph ~ 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 Fifth Week of Lent. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Daily Reflections with Philomena| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation |