FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 6, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS EUTYCHIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE; SAINT JULIANA OF MOUNT CORNILLON, RELIGIOUS AND SAINT PHAOLO LE BAO TINH, PRIEST | Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/

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/

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/2025/04/06/catholic-daily-mass-33/

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

Today, on this Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers all over the World, we pray for all those who are gravely ill and dying. With special intention for our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Live from St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Mass on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers all over the World, presided over by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Pope Francis made a public appearance during the Holy Mass for the Sick and Healthcare Workers at the Vatican since leaving the hospital, greeting crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. His return was met with warmth and applause as he appeared in good health after his recent hospitalization. The Pope thanked the faithful for their prayers and support during his recovery. This marks a hopeful moment for the Vatican and Pope Francis’ health.

PRAYER FOR THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS

“For I will restore health to you and heal your wounds, declares the Lord” ~ Jeremiah 30:17

Almighty God, grant that we, your servants, may rejoice in unfailing health of mind and body, and, through the glorious intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, we humbly turn to you, seeking your healing touch and guidance for those who are sick, and for those who dedicate their lives to caring for them. We particularly pray for your servant, our Holy Father Pope Francis and all those who are sick and dying, that you would ease their pain, restore their health, and grant them strength and hope in this difficult time. We also pray for all healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, and caregivers, that you would bless them with wisdom, compassion, and resilience as they serve with such dedication. May they find strength in their work, and may they be protected from harm and exhaustion. We ask for your continued guidance and support for all involved in the healing process, and we pray for a world where compassion and healing prevail. Amen 🙏🏽

May Saint Joseph, Patron Saint of the Sick and dying intercede for all those who are sick, particularly those who are gravely ill and dying. Amen 🙏🏽

St. Joseph, Patron of the Sick and dying ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

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. 🙏🏽

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT | LENTEN MEDITATION & REFLECTION | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/fifth-sunday-of-lent-lenten-meditation-reflection/

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”🙏🏽

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. 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

(Note: When the Scrutinies are used at Mass, the reflection for Year A may be used in place of this one. Also, when the readings from Year A are used for this Sunday, the following Gospel and reflection may be used on Monday)

Today’s Bible Readings: Sunday of the Fifth Week of Lent | Year C | Sunday, April 6, 2025
Reading 1, Isaiah 43:16-21
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Reading 2, Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel, John 8:1-11

Gospel Reading ~ John 8:1–11

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”

“Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

In today’s Gospel reading, a group of religious leaders, brought a woman before Jesus who had been caught committing adultery. There is no mention of the man involved. These people were very familiar with the Jewish Law relating to adultery, as found in the Book of Deuteronomy. As they said, ‘Moses has asked us to condemn woman like this to death by stoning’. They asked Jesus if He would follow the Jewish Law in condemning her. According to the Gospel reading, they asked Jesus this question as a test. The scribes and Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question meant to challenge His authority and wisdom. They were really using the woman to get at Jesus, to set a trap for Him. Jesus initially responding to their question with silence, bending down and writing in the dust with his finger. It is only after they persisted with their question that He looked up at the woman’s accusers and said to them, ‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her’. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says, ‘Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned’, and went on to ask, ‘Why do you notice the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?’ Jesus did not deny that the woman had sinned, but He was suggesting that her accusers were no less sinners than she was, and, therefore, were in no position to condemn her. The fact that they were publicly humiliating her just to get at Jesus was itself sinful. Jesus returned to writing on the ground as the woman’s accusers slowly filed away.
It is only after her accusers have left that Jesus gives His full attention to the woman. From his lowly position on the ground, He looks up at her, not down on her, thereby restoring her dignity and self-esteem. Speaking for the first time to her, Jesus questions her in a way that makes it easy for her to answer, ‘Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir’, she answered, to which Jesus replies, ‘Neither do I condemn you’. Condemning may have been on the mind of her accusers; it wasn’t on Jesus’ mind. Immediately after this passage, Jesus says to His critics, ‘You judge by human standards, I judge no one’. The woman’s accusers were focused on her past, which they judged to be sinful. Jesus’ focus was on her present and future, which is why He goes on to say to her, ‘don’t sin any more’. He was more interested in restoring her life than taking it. His merciful compassion towards her was an invitation to a new way of life.
The Lord is always much more interested in our present and our future than in our past. He stands ready to forgive our past and to empower us to live in a way that is true to what is best and deepest in us, true to God’s desire for us.

Today’s Gospel reading does not encourage us to deny the reality of sin in ourselves or in others, but it does assure us that when we bring our sin to the Lord we will not hear a word of condemnation. The Lord does not deal with sin by eliminating the sinner. Jesus is much more interested in people’s present and future than in their past. While the men who brought the woman to Jesus saw her only in terms of her immediate past, while being blind to their own past. Jesus’ way of looking at her was far more generous; He saw the whole picture of her life, not just one little bit of it. Seeing the whole picture of her life, he also saw that she had a future, a future that those who brought her to Jesus would have denied her. When the Lord looks at us He sees the whole picture too; He does not become obsessed with one or two details of the picture. He hears the full story of our lives, not just a couple of lines of our story. The Lord knows that our story is unfinished, and will only be complete when He Himself comes to transfigure our lowly bodies into copies of His glorious body. In the words of the first reading, the Lord says to us, ‘No need to recall the past, no need to think about what was done before. The first reading assures us that the Lord is always doing a new deed in our lives; He is constantly creating us anew. In the words of that reading, He says to us: See, I am doing a new deed, even now it comes to light; can you not see it?’ Can we see the new deed that the Lord is always doing in our lives? Our way of seeing others and ourselves can be very limited. We can see in a way that brings down a curtain on ourselves and others, rather than in a way that opens up new horizons. It is clear from today’s second reading that Saint Paul could see the new deed that the Lord was doing in his life. He had much to regret about his past. He acknowledges in one of his letters, ‘I persecuted the church of God’. Yet, he can say to the church in Philippi in that reading, ‘I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come’. The reason he can do this is because, as he says, ‘Christ Jesus captured me’. If we allow the Lord to capture us, to take us to Himself in love, then we too will be liberated from our past and freed to keep striving towards what is still to come, what the Lord has yet to do in and through our lives. We pray today for the grace to see the new deed that the Lord is always doing in our lives.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Jesus invites us to reflect on the mercy of God and the need for self-awareness before passing judgment. His words remind us that no one is without sin, and that we are all in need of forgiveness. His act of mercy is not a dismissal of sin but a call to repentance. Jesus, in forgiving the woman, demonstrates that God’s mercy always offers a way back, a fresh start, no matter how deep the fall. This encounter shows us that God’s love is greater than our failures and that we are called to extend this mercy to others. In our own lives, we are invited to ask ourselves, “Am I quick to condemn, or do I offer mercy and forgiveness?”

In our first reading this Sunday, from the Book of the prophet Isaiah, the Lord said to His people, reminding them all of the great deeds which He had done before them and their ancestors, mentioning how He had opened the path for the Israelites through the sea, and crushing the forces of armies, chariots and horses sent to chase after them. We heard how the Lord reminded His people of everything that He had done in guiding them to the land that He has promised to them from the time of their forefathers, opening the path before them and clearing their enemies and those who sought their downfall and destruction, leading the armies of His people to triumph and victory. All those things God had done for the people that He truly cherished and loved, but unfortunately they and their descendants forgot about them and ignored the Lord. That was why He sent them these reminders and made them known His intentions and thoughts just as He had done through His prophets, like that of Isaiah. God wanted all of His people to know that He is always with them and that He will not abandon us, unlike just how unfaithful and weak our faith and obedience to Him have been. He wants all of us to know that we are all precious to Him, and none of us are to be separated from Him. God will do whatever it takes to help us to find reconciliation, healing and forgiveness through His most generous and rich mercy, calling on all of us to embrace His love and to put our trust once again in Him. If we know we are truly beloved by God, would it not indeed make us happy and hopeful knowing that we have God by our side, journeying with us together and supporting us in each and every moments of our lives?

Reflecting on our First Reading from Isaiah, God speaks of doing something new. “See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). The Lord, who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, is now promising to create a new way in the wilderness. God assures His people that even in the desolate desert, He will provide rivers of water for them. This passage is one of great hope and renewal, pointing to God’s constant provision and the transformative power of His love. Just as God led His people out of the desert, He calls us out of our struggles and sin. In this season of Lent, we are reminded that God is continually offering us new opportunities for growth, renewal, and reconciliation. This is the “new thing” God is doing, and it invites us to open our hearts to His grace and mercy.

Reflecting on our Responsorial Psalm, the psalm today is a joyful song of praise and gratitude. “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3). The psalmist recalls the joy of Israel’s restoration after exile, celebrating how God brought them back from captivity. Even in the midst of difficulty and sorrow, the psalm reflects the hope that those who sow in tears will reap with joy. This is a powerful reminder that God’s faithfulness and promise of restoration transcend our present suffering. As we reflect on this psalm, we are reminded that even in our own struggles, God’s goodness remains. We may experience seasons of hardship, but through faith and perseverance, we can trust that joy will come. This joy is rooted in the hope that God’s love will always bring us through, just as He did for His people.

In our second reading this Sunday, from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Church and the faithful people of God in the city and region of Ephesus, we are being reminded of the great love which God has given to us, and the grace that He has bestowed upon us, His beloved children and people, by the Covenant which He has established and made firm through His own only Begotten Son, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the One sent into our midst to reveal to us the manifestation of God’s most generous love and mercy, which He has freely given to all of us so that we may receive life through Him. And as St. Paul highlighted in that passage today, through Christ we have received the promise of the Resurrection, the ultimate triumph against sin and death, which we all shall share just as we have shared in His sufferings and death on the Cross. By His death and resurrection, Christ our Lord has overcome sin and the world, and broke free the chains that prevented us from coming back to the Lord, our most loving Father and Creator. Our disobedience and refusal to obey the Lord’s truth and Law prevented us all from being reunited with our God and Father, and it was by Christ’s most selfless and loving sacrifice on the Altar of His Cross that He has offered on our behalf the perfect and most worthy offering on behalf of each and every one of us, so that He may redeem all of us, bringing about healing and atonement for each and every one of our innumerable sins, which had corrupted and ruled over us, dominating us, but now by the power of God, we have been made free and worthy once again to receive the fullness of His love and grace.

Reflecting on today’s readings, let us remember that God is doing something new in our lives. Just as He brought rivers to the desert for His people, He promises to bring life and renewal to the barren areas of our hearts. Let us approach others with the same mercy that Christ extends to us, knowing that in forgiving, we become instruments of God’s love and grace. Are there moments in my life where I have been quick to judge others, instead of showing mercy and compassion? How can I open my heart more fully to God’s new work in my life, especially during this season of Lent? In what ways am I sowing seeds of joy and hope in the lives of those around me, especially in times of hardship?

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures this Sunday, we mark the occasion of the Fifth Sunday of Lent, and this reminds us how close we are to the beginning of the Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum, with the former beginning a week from now with Palm Sunday. Therefore, as we enter into this moment of contemplation and reflection, and remembering what we have just heard from our Scripture readings earlier on, the Word of God, we are all called to keep in mind how we ought to prepare ourselves well so that we may truly embody our faith and belief in our every moments in life, that we may truly bear the rich fruits of this Lenten observance and practice that hopefully we have carried out well and faithfully throughout this blessed time and season of Lent provided to us. Each and every one of us as Christians, as God’s holy and beloved people, we are all expected to live our lives in the manner that God has shown and taught us to do, to be truly inspirational and exemplary in each and every things we do in life, in our every words, actions and deeds so that our every moments in life truly embody our belief and faith in God. God has called on all of us to be a truly holy and righteous people, those whom He had called and chosen to be His own. Therefore, we should indeed heed His call and do our part so that we may truly be worthy to be called the children and holy people of God. May our Lenten observances and practices help us all to draw ever closer to God, walking ever more courageously in the path that He has shown and led us through. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with us all, and may He continue to bless our every good works, efforts and endeavours, in our desire to be reunited and reconciled with Him, so that one day all of us may enjoy forever the fullness of God’s glory and love. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, we thank you for the mercy you showed to the woman caught in sin and for the reminder that we, too, are in need of your forgiveness. Help us to extend the same mercy and compassion to others, and may we be quick to seek your forgiveness in times of weakness. Lord, transform our hearts and lead us to the newness of life that you are offering. May we always trust in your grace and never forget the joy of your restoration. Amen 🙏🏽

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINTS EUTYCHIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE; SAINT JULIANA OF MOUNT CORNILLON, RELIGIOUS AND SAINT PHAOLO LE BAO TINH, PRIEST – FEAST DAY: APRIL 6TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople, a dedicated church leader who worked to preserve the unity of the Church (Patron Saint of Constantinople); Saint Juliana of Mount Cornillon, Religious, a devout founder of the Order of the Blessed Sacrament who was known for her deep devotion to the Eucharist (Patron Saint of the Blessed Sacrament); and Saint Phalo Le Bao Tinh, Priest, a martyr who courageously gave his life for his faith in Vietnam (Patron Saint of Vietnam). Through their intercession, we pray for those who are sick, especially those suffering from terminal illnesses, that they may experience God’s divine healing and mercy. We also lift up those in need of conversion, all Christians, and those traveling in this season of Easter. May God grant them safety and peace. Amen. 🙏

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 6th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

( Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Eutychius, Juliana, and Phaolo Le Bao Tinh | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/saints-of-the-day-april-6th/ )

SAINT EUTYCHIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE: St. Eutychius (512–582), Patriarch of Constantinople from 552 to 565, and again from 577 to 582, was a humble and devoted servant of the Church. Born in Phrygia, he was destined for greatness, as revealed in his childhood when he playfully wrote his name as “Patriarch” alongside a prophetic vision of his future. After becoming the abbot of the monastery at Amasea, he was sent to the Fifth Ecumenical Council, where his wisdom shone brightly.

St. Eutychius faced significant challenges, especially when the Emperor Justinian succumbed to the Monophysite heresy. St. Eutychius stood firm in his faith, and for his opposition to heresy, he was exiled to his original monastery. During this time, he became renowned for his miracles and healing powers. After twelve years in exile, he was reinstated as Patriarch by Emperor Justin II, continuing to guide the Church in peace until his death.

PRAYER: O St. Eutychius, you exemplified humility, faith, and courage in the face of adversity. We ask for your intercession to preserve the Church from division and strife, that we may remain united in the truth. May we follow your example of steadfast devotion to God, trusting in His divine providence. Amen. 🙏

SAINT JULIANA OF MOUNT CORNILLON, RELIGIOUS: St. Juliana of Mount Cornillon (1193–1258) was born near Liege, Belgium. A mystical Norbertine canoness, she is best known for promoting the Feast of Corpus Christi, which celebrates the Blessed Sacrament. Orphaned at five, Juliana and her sister were raised by nuns at the convent of Mount Cornillon. She devoted her life to God, caring for the sick, and eventually became the Prioress of her convent.

Through visions from Our Lord, St. Juliana was called to establish a feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. Despite opposition, her efforts led to the introduction of Corpus Christi in 1246, which was later adopted by the Universal Church in 1264. Though she did not live to see the feast extended worldwide, her perseverance was instrumental in making it a part of the liturgical calendar.

PRAYER: Saint Juliana, your life was a testament to the love and devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Pray for us, that we may grow in our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and have the courage to stand firm in our faith, no matter the opposition. Amen. 🙏

SAINT PHAOLO LE BAO TINH, PRIEST: St. Phaolo Le Bao Tinh (1793–1838) was born in Trinh-Ha village, Vietnam. A devout and ascetical soul, he entered the seminary at a young age and later lived as a hermit, embracing prayer, fasting, and solitude. His life was one of prayer, penitence, and missionary work in the mountainous regions of Laos and Vietnam.

St. Phaolo was arrested in 1841 during a time of intense persecution of Christians and spent seven years in prison. Despite harsh conditions, he remained strong in his faith. After receiving a death sentence, he was exiled but was later allowed to return to his mission. He continued to preach until his final arrest, where he was executed for his priestly ministry in 1838. His last words were a testament to his unwavering belief: “The religion of the Heavenly Master is perfectly true… it will be victorious.”

PRAYER: Saint Phaolo, your life of prayer and asceticism exemplified your deep commitment to Christ. We ask for your intercession, that we may remain steadfast in our faith and unwavering in the face of persecution. Help us to live boldly for the truth, as you did. Amen. 🙏

Saints Eutychius, Juliana, and Phaolo Le Bao Tinh – Pray for us! 🙏

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 🙏🏽

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PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray for the leaders of the Church, that, like Saint Eutychius, they may guide the faithful with wisdom, humility, and devotion to God’s truth, especially in challenging times. Through his intercession, we ask for strength for all who labor in building the faith, just as Saint Eutychius worked tirelessly to defend the teachings of the Church. We lift up all religious, especially women like Saint Juliana of Mount Cornillon, who dedicated their lives to prayer and service. May their example of deep faith and love for the poor inspire all to pursue holiness with fervor. We ask for grace for all who serve the Church in religious life, that they may remain steadfast in their commitment to God’s work. We pray for all who face persecution for their faith, especially through the example of Saint Phaolo Le Bao Tinh, a martyr who died for his love of Christ. May all who suffer for their beliefs find strength in Christ’s presence and perseverance in their mission. We also pray for the people of Vietnam, that they may remain steadfast in their faith as they continue to honor the sacrifice of their martyrs. May all those who are unjustly persecuted for their beliefs be empowered by the Holy Spirit to remain faithful to Christ and trust in God’s justice. Amen 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY:

Most merciful Lord, You came to call the sinner to repentance and salvation. You offer mercy and forgiveness in superabundance. When faced with the sins of others, help me to imitate Your love for them and to show mercy and compassion to the greatest degree. I love You, Lord. Help me to love You and others with Your Heart of merciful love. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You call us to remain faithful even in the face of suffering and persecution. May we, like Saint Eutychius, be strong in our defense of Your truth and serve You with humility and wisdom. Give us the courage to follow the example of Saint Juliana of Mount Cornillon, whose life of prayer and care for the poor teaches us to live with compassion and dedication to Your mission. Through the intercession of Saint Phaolo Le Bao Tinh, who gave his life for Your name, grant us the strength to remain faithful to You, no matter the trials we face. Help us to carry our crosses with faith and trust, just as he did, and to follow You with unwavering commitment. We pray for all those suffering for their faith, that they may experience Your justice and mercy in their lives. Protect them, Lord, and empower us all to stand firm in our commitment to You. Amen 🙏🏽

Save Us Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph and Saint Eutychius, Saint Juliana of Mount Cornillon, Saint Phaolo Le Bao Tinh ~ 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 Sunday and fruitful Fifth Week of Lent. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

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