SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELEUTHERIUS, ABBOT AND BLESSED BERTRAND OF GARRIGUES, PRIEST | SEPTEMBER 6TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Eleutherius, and Blessed Bertrand of Garrigues | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-6th/)
PLEASE NOTE: THE CANONIZATION OF BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS AND BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI | SEPTEMBER 7, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/canonization-of-carlo-acutis-pier-giorgio-frassati/
NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS: REMINDER – The 2025 Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows is scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 6, and end on September 14 in preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15th. Novena Link | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-sorrows/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/01/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/
FIRST FRIDAYS DEVOTION: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 6, 2025 | “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/catholic-daily-mass-182/
JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time is First Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 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.
We joyfully welcome the gift of a new month, September! Lord Almighty, we thank You for granting us the grace to see this new beginning, and we entrust every day of this month into Your loving hands. May September be a season of renewal, hope, and abundant blessings for us and our families. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and be near to those who carry heavy burdens in their hearts. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, we ask for healing for the sick, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
On this feast day, we humbly pray for the poor and those in need, for persecuted Christians, for those who fight for truth, peace and justice, and we continue to pray for justice, peace, love, and unity in our families and our divided and conflicted world. With special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we continue to humbly pray for the well-being and safety of all parents, grandparents and the elderly. For the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world, especially those beginning the new school year. May God grant them the courage to face new challenges and wisdom to make good choices. We pray for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and for God’s guidance and protection upon them during this school year and always. We pray for safe travels, to and from school. We also pray for all teachers, staff and parents, and guardians. May the good Lord provide for those in need. For all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for those who fight for truth, peace and justice. And we continue to pray for justice, peace, love, and unity in our families and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died, that the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
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 & the Holy Spirit forever & ever. Amen🙏🏽
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of September. 🙏🏽
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of September | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-september/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
PRAYER FOR THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/prayer-for-the-beginning-of-a-new-school-year/
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 links below 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/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time | September 6, 2025
Reading 1: Colossians 1:21–23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 54:3–4, 6 & 8
Gospel: Luke 6:1–5
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 6:1–5
“Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?; The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath”
“While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions?’ Then He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’”
In today’s Gospel reading the Pharisees criticize the disciples of Jesus for breaking the Sabbath Law. Jesus disputes with the Pharisees as to what people can and cannot do on the Sabbath. The Jewish Sabbath, is a Saturday. To satisfy their hunger, the disciples were picking ears of corn, rubbing them in their hands and eating them. This was a form of reaping, as far as the Pharisees were concerned, and reaping was forbidden on the Sabbath. In His response, Jesus defends the actions of His disciples and turns to a similar situation in the Jewish Scriptures in support of His position. Jesus insists that legal prescription has to yield before human need. King David recognized this when he allowed his followers to eat bread that had been set aside for sacrifice to God, because his followers were hungry. If David can make such a decision, how much more so can Jesus do so, the Son of David, the Jewish Messiah, the Lord of the Sabbath. Law, including religious Law, is at the service of human need. If human regulations prevent basic human needs from being met, such as the need for food, then such regulations must yield before those needs. Jesus always gave priority to meeting the needs of others, especially their basic human needs for food, clothing, shelter and health. He came that we may have life and have it to the full.
Today’s Gospel reading suggests that no set of human regulations should stand in the way of the basic needs of people being met, and being met without delay. The heart of God’s commandments is mercy, compassion, and the dignity of the human person. Jesus’ teaching urges us to move beyond a faith reduced to rules and rituals, and to embrace the deeper purpose behind God’s law: love of God and neighbor. True holiness is not measured by external observance but by hearts transformed by grace. The Gospel challenges us to reflect: Do we sometimes cling to outward practices while neglecting the needs of those around us? Do we allow God’s commandments to bring freedom and life, or do we use them to judge and exclude others?
In the first reading, St. Paul reminds the Colossians that they were once alienated from God but have now been reconciled through Christ’s death. This reconciliation makes them holy and blameless if they remain steadfast in the faith. His words echo the Gospel’s message: Christ alone is the source of our salvation, and in Him we find new life and freedom. Paul urges perseverance, for faith is not a one-time choice but a lifelong journey of holding fast to the hope of the Gospel.
The Responsorial Psalm proclaims, “God Himself is my help.” It is a prayer of trust and confidence in God’s saving power. Just as Jesus freed His disciples from unnecessary burdens, so too does the psalmist affirm that the Lord sustains life, hears prayers, and delivers His people. It invites us to rely on God’s goodness and to respond with gratitude and praise.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to examine our own lives: Do I let rules and routines overshadow love and mercy? Do I recognize Jesus as the true Lord of my time, my choices, and even my rest? Am I rooted firmly in the hope of the Gospel, or do I allow distractions and self-reliance to pull me away? The Gospel challenges us to put Christ at the center of everything for only in Him do we find freedom, reconciliation, and life. May we learn to live the Sabbath not merely as an obligation, but as a gift: a day for worship, rest, and renewal in the Lord. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to remain steadfast in faith and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Sabbath and the source of true rest. Free us from rigid hearts and help us to see Your law as a gift of love. Teach us to live with compassion, mercy, and joy, always placing people before rules and love before ritual. Strengthen our faith so that we may remain firmly rooted in Your Gospel, and help us to find our rest in You alone. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELEUTHERIUS, ABBOT AND BLESSED BERTRAND OF GARRIGUES, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 6TH: Today, the Church honors two holy men who lived in different times but shared the same burning love for Christ: Saint Eleutherius, Abbot (a sixth-century Italian monk and miracle worker, known for his simplicity, penance, and friendship with Pope St. Gregory the Great) and Blessed Bertrand of Garrigues, Priest (one of the earliest companions of St. Dominic and a co-founder of the Order of Preachers). Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Eleutherius, and Bl. Bertrand, we pray for the sick and the dying, especially those battling cancer and terminal illnesses. We lift up the poor, the abandoned, and those who feel forgotten. We pray for peace, love, and unity in marriages, families, and communities. We entrust to God our Holy Father, bishops, priests, and all religious; we pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life; for persecuted Christians; for the conversion of sinners; and for all who long for God’s mercy and healing. 🙏🏾
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 6th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Eleutherius, and Blessed Bertrand of Garrigues | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-6th/)
SAINT ELEUTHERIUS (d. 585): Saint Eleutherius was a monk near Spoleto, Italy, in the sixth century, later chosen as abbot of St. Mark’s Monastery. He was known for his deep humility, simplicity of heart, and spirit of compunction. God favored him with the gift of miracles, including exorcisms and even raising the dead to life. His story teaches a powerful lesson in humility: after once boasting that a child freed from demonic possession was safe in the monastery, the boy was possessed again. Deeply repentant, Eleutherius and his monks fasted and prayed until the child was finally delivered. From then on, Eleutherius became a model of humility, careful never to take credit for God’s works. He was a close friend of Pope St. Gregory the Great, who once asked him to pray for healing when he was too weak to fast. Through Eleutherius’ tearful intercession, the Pope was strengthened and able to continue his Lenten penance. After resigning as abbot, Eleutherius retired to a monastery in Rome, where he died around 585. He is remembered as a man of prayer, humility, and miraculous intercession.
PRAYER: Saint Eleutherius, humble servant of God, obtain for us the grace to grow in humility and to rely only on God’s power, not our own. Amen. 🙏🏾
BLESSED BERTRAND OF GARRIGUES (c. 1195–1230): Blessed Bertrand was born in southern France and grew up in a time when the Albigensian heresy was spreading throughout the region. Drawn to holiness from a young age, he entered the priesthood and was initially associated with the Cistercians. When he met St. Dominic, he recognized in him a true man of God and became one of his first six companions in founding the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in 1215. Bertrand shared Dominic’s vision of preaching the Gospel through prayer, poverty, study, and zeal for souls. He founded houses of the Order in Paris and Bologna, recruited many disciples, and later served as Prior Provincial in Provence. Known for his austerity, humility, and great zeal, he spent his final years preaching across southern France and founded the Priory of Marseille. He died in 1230 while giving sermons at a convent of Cistercian nuns. Those who knew him said he so closely imitated St. Dominic in holiness, fasting, and prayer that people would remark: “The disciple is like the master; there goes the image of St. Dominic.”
PRAYER: Blessed Bertrand, faithful companion of St. Dominic, pray that we too may burn with zeal for the Gospel, live in simplicity, and be tireless in serving Christ and His Church. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Eleutherius, and Blessed Bertrand of Garrigues ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
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/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER: For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER | MONTH OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS: September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting us to unite our hearts with Mary in her profound sharing of Christ’s Passion. As Simeon foretold, “a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35), and throughout her life Mary endured deep sorrows that culminated at Calvary. In her silent strength and unwavering faith, she became the compassionate Mother of all Christians, offering her suffering with Christ for the salvation of the world.
This month, the Church calls us to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary: Simeon’s prophecy, the Flight into Egypt, the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, standing at the foot of the Cross, receiving His lifeless Body, and placing Him in the tomb. By reflecting on these sorrows, we learn patience in trials, compassion for the suffering, and a deeper love for Jesus who suffered for us.
Prayers such as the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, the Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows help us to walk with Mary in her suffering and to discover hope and consolation in her maternal heart.
“Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, teach us to stand with you at the Cross, sharing in Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice.”
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏾
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Trusting in the Lord who reconciled us through the death of His Son and made us holy and without blemish before Him, we bring our prayers with confidence. We pray for the Church, that she may remain firmly grounded in faith and never waver from the hope of the Gospel. We pray for our Holy Father, bishops, priests, and religious, asking the Lord to bless them with humility, zeal, and perseverance in their mission, just as He blessed St. Eleutherius and Bl. Bertrand. We remember the sick and the dying, especially those battling cancer and terminal illnesses, that they may find strength and healing in Christ, who is our help. We pray for peace and unity in marriages, families, and communities, and for the poor, the abandoned, and the persecuted. We pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, that more hearts may be open to the new wine of the Spirit. Finally, we pray for our own conversion, that like the saints, we may live in humility, be ready to embrace change, and remain steadfast in our walk with Christ. 🙏🏾
LET US PRAY:
Lord of all Truth, You and You alone are the guide of my life. You and You alone are the Truth. Help me to be humble, dear Lord, so that I can recognize any error in my convictions and turn to You and Your divine Law as the one and only guide for my life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Sabbath and the reconciler of our souls. Through the intercession of Saint Eleutherius and Blessed Bertrand, grant us humility of heart, steadfast faith, and openness to Your Spirit’s renewing work. Strengthen the sick and the suffering, comfort the poor and forgotten, and guide Your Church in truth and love. Teach us to find our rest in You and to live as new wineskins, ready to receive the joy and power of Your presence. Keep us grounded in the hope of the Gospel and faithful to Your call, until we are presented holy and blameless in Your sight. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Eleutherius, and Blessed Bertrand of Garrigues ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and during this gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled and fulfilling month of September and a relaxing weekend🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards | https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html