FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

MEMORIAL OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY AND THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT GUY OF ANDERLECHT, HERMIT | SEPTEMBER 12TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of The Most Holy Name of Mary and Saint Guy of Anderlecht | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-12th/)

MEET THE NEW SAINTS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/canonization-of-carlo-acutis-pier-giorgio-frassati/

SAINT CARLO ACUTIS (1991–2006): a teenager from Milan, passionate about computer science, he used new media to spread the faith and love for the Eucharist. Beatified in 2020, he is a model of digital evangelization. | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-carlo-acutis/

PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI (1901–1925): a young man from Turin, sportsman and mountain enthusiast, he stood out for his charity towards the poor and his joyful witness to the Gospel. Beatified in 1990, he is the patron of young people and students. | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-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/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 12, 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-188/

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, Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time and Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary.

We joyfully welcome the gift of this 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. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of children all over the world, especially those beginning the new school year. 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 on this special Feast Day, the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary, we ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, 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, through the intercession of the Saints we celebrate today, we humbly pray for the poor and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for those who fight for truth, peace, justice, 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 continue to 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.

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. 🙏🏽

We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may 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 and the Holy Spirit forever and 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 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

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/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time | September 12, 2025
Reading 1: 1 Timothy 1:1–2, 12–14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1b–2a, 5, 7–8, 11
Gospel: Luke 6:39–42

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 6:39–42

“Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?”

“Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus asks, ‘Can one blind man lead another?’ The answer to that question is clearly, ‘No’. Jesus calls on us to be more attentive to the plank in our own eye than to the splinter in our neighbour’s eye. It is a humorous image. Jesus is reminding us that we all have our blind spots; we all have something that blocks our vision. We do not see clearly. The conclusion He draws from that is that we should be slow to criticize or to judge others. In the first reading St. Paul looks back on his life, on the time he was a persecutor of the church. He says, ‘I use to be a blasphemer and did all I could to injure and discredit the faith’. In retrospect he can see clearly the plank that was in his eye back then, even though at the time he couldn’t see it. He was judging the followers of Jesus, trying to take the splinter out of their eye, while all the time blind to the plank in his own eye. It took that moment of grace on the road to Damascus to open his eyes to his own level of blindness. ‘Mercy was shown me’, he says. It was ultimately the Lord who took the plank out of his eye and healed his blindness. It is the Lord who heals our blindness too. He wants to show us mercy, as He showed mercy to St. Paul. For that to happen, we need to come before Him acknowledging our blindness or, at least, asking for the grace to see our blindness. It is only in opening ourselves in this way to the Lord’s healing and merciful presence that we can begin to see others clearly. As St. Paul says in the 1st reading, ‘I had been acting in ignorance’. St. Paul allowed the risen Lord to open his eyes to his own blindness. We too need to keep asking the Lord to help us to see the areas of blindness in our own lives. We need the Lord to heal us of our blindness so that we can begin to see others as the Lord sees them. For that to happen, we need to say in the words of today’s Psalm, ‘I keep the Lord ever in my sight’. If we keep the Lord in our sight, focusing on His person, His words, His whole life, we are more likely to see others more clearly, as the Lord Himself sees them.

Today’s Gospel speaks to the importance of humility, self-awareness, and integrity in our discipleship. Jesus uses simple but powerful images: a blind guide leading another blind person, and someone noticing the splinter in another’s eye while ignoring the wooden beam in their own. These warnings are not only about hypocrisy but about the importance of inner transformation. Before correcting or judging others, we must first allow God’s truth and light to penetrate our own hearts. A disciple who desires to lead or help others must first be formed by the Teacher Himself, Christ so that their words and actions spring from authenticity, not pride. True spiritual vision begins with acknowledging our faults, seeking forgiveness, and growing in grace. Only then can we become reliable guides and instruments of healing for others.

In the first reading, St. Paul testifies to God’s incredible mercy in his life. Once a blasphemer and persecutor, he was transformed by grace into a faithful servant of Christ. His story reminds us that no one is beyond God’s mercy, and that humility comes from recognizing that everything we are and everything we have comes from the Lord. Like Paul, we are called to gratitude, knowing that it is God who strengthens us and entrusts us with His mission, despite our unworthiness.

The responsorial psalm beautifully complements these themes, reminding us that the Lord is our inheritance and our portion. True joy and peace come not from judging or controlling others but from walking closely with God, keeping Him always before us. When we rest in His presence, our hearts are undisturbed, our steps are steady, and our vision is clear.

As we reflect on these Scriptures, we are invited to examine our lives with honesty: Am I quick to point out the faults of others while ignoring my own weaknesses? Do I seek Christ’s guidance so that I may lead others with clarity and compassion rather than blindness? Do I live with gratitude for God’s mercy, like St. Paul, or do I rely on my own self-righteousness? Am I resting in the Lord as my true inheritance, allowing His presence to shape my vision, words, and actions? The path of discipleship requires humility, repentance, and constant renewal in God’s grace. By removing the beams in our own eyes through prayer, confession, and self-examination, we become instruments of peace and truth in a world clouded by judgment and division. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may the good Lord teach us to see clearly with the eyes of mercy, so that we may reflect His light to others.

Heavenly Father, You know our weaknesses and see the hidden beams in our hearts. Give us the humility to recognize our faults and the courage to seek Your mercy. Help us to walk in the footsteps of Christ, our Teacher, so that our words and actions may reflect Your truth and love. May Your presence be our inheritance, our refuge, and our joy, guiding us on the path of life. Strengthen us with gratitude, patience, and compassion, that we may help others with clarity and kindness, never with pride or judgment. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽

OPTIONAL MEMORIAL OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY:

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary | September 12, 2025
Reading 1: Galatians 4:4–7
Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:46–47, 48–49, 50–51, 52–53, 54–55
Gospel: Luke 1:39–47

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 1:39–47

“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled”

“Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ And Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”

On this memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary, the Gospel presents Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, a moment filled with joy, faith, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Mary is greeted not only as the Mother of the Lord but also as the woman of faith “Blessed are you who believed.” Her response, the Magnificat, reveals her heart: one of humility, gratitude, and praise to God. Her very name, Mary, evokes sweetness, hope, and intercession for all who call upon it. The Holy Name of Mary reminds us of her closeness to Christ and her role in salvation history. By honoring her name, we honor the God who chose her to bear His Son.

The first reading from Galatians emphasizes that through Mary, God’s plan of salvation was fulfilled. “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman.” This woman is Mary, whose “yes” made possible our adoption as children of God. Because of her obedience, we are no longer slaves but heirs through Christ. Her cooperation with God’s will opened the door of redemption for all humanity.

The responsorial psalm, the Magnificat itself, continues Mary’s song of praise: “The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name.” Her canticle is not just about her own blessings, but about God’s mercy across generations, His justice for the lowly, and His faithfulness to His promises. The psalm invites us to join Mary in magnifying the Lord, recognizing His hand at work in our own lives.

As we reflect on these Scriptures, we are invited to ask ourselves: Do I honor the name of Mary, not just with words but by imitating her faith, humility, and obedience? Do I, like Mary, magnify the Lord in my daily life, giving thanks for His blessings and trusting His promises? Do I allow Mary’s example to guide me closer to her Son, Jesus, especially in moments of doubt or trial? The Most Holy Name of Mary is a name of comfort and refuge for the faithful. It reminds us that in every trial, we can turn to her, confident that she intercedes for us before her Son. Her name, full of grace, is a light for those who seek hope, and a reminder that God’s mercy and love are always near.

O God, we rejoice today in the Most Holy Name of Mary, Your chosen handmaid and the Mother of our Savior. Through her humility and faith, You brought forth Your Son to redeem the world. Teach us to imitate her trust, her obedience, and her love, so that our lives may magnify Your greatness. May her holy name be our refuge in times of need, our comfort in times of sorrow, and our inspiration in times of trial. Through her intercession, draw us closer to Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. 🙏

MEMORIAL OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY AND THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT GUY OF ANDERLECHT, HERMIT  ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 12TH: Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary and honors Saint Guy of Anderlecht, Hermit. On this day, we entrust ourselves to the loving intercession of our Blessed Mother and these holy witnesses of faith. Through their prayers, we lift intentions for all who long for holy marriages and life partners, for the sick and the dying, especially those burdened with cancer, mental illness, and terminal diseases, for the souls in Purgatory and the faithful departed, and for the poor and needy throughout the world. We also pray for peace, love, and unity in our families and communities, for persecuted Christians, for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and for the strengthening of the Church and her shepherds. May Mary, our Mother, and St. Guy of Anderlecht intercede for us, that we may persevere in faith and charity. 🙏🏾

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 12th |https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of The Most Holy Name of Mary and Saint Guy of Anderlecht | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-12th/)

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY: The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary venerates the name of the Blessed Virgin as a source of grace, honor, and hope. Mary, the Mother of God, is the holiest of creatures, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, and the Mother of Mercy. Instituted in 1513 and extended to the Universal Church in 1683 after the miraculous victory at Vienna, this feast recalls that her name alone inspires confidence, consolation, and love in the hearts of the faithful. Over centuries, the Church Fathers and theologians have attributed many meanings to her name: “Exalted One,” “Star of the Sea,” “The Light Giver,” and “Mother of the Lord.” When we invoke the name of Mary, we affirm her role as our Mother, implore her aid, and place ourselves under her protection. Her name is one of honor, holiness, maternity, and refuge for the faithful. Just as the Name of Jesus carries saving power, the Name of Mary leads us to Him, glorifying God through her unique role in salvation history.

PRAYER: O God, who willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be called by so sweet and powerful a name, grant that, through her intercession, all who celebrate her holy name today may receive the abundance of Your mercy and grace. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT GUY OF ANDERLECHT, HERMIT (950–1012): St. Guy, known as the “Poor Man of Anderlecht,” was born in humble circumstances near Brussels. From childhood, he was deeply devoted to the poor and to prayer, often serving at church and giving generously despite his own poverty. He became sacristan at Laeken, where his life of simplicity and charity was well known. Tempted by worldly gain, he once left his post to join a merchant venture, but after its failure and deep remorse, he embraced a life of penance and pilgrimage. For seven years, he journeyed to Rome, the Holy Land, and other shrines, seeking holiness in humility and sacrifice. Returning home weak and exhausted, he died in Anderlecht around 1012, where miracles were soon reported at his tomb. Venerated as the patron of sacristans, farmers, and laborers, he is invoked for protection against epilepsy, rabies, and dangers to animals. His shrine became a site of pilgrimage, and he remains a witness to the joy of serving God in humility and steadfast faith.

PRAYER: Lord God, You raised up Saint Guy of Anderlecht as a humble witness of charity, prayer, and penitence. Through his intercession, grant us the grace to seek not earthly riches, but the eternal treasure of Your Kingdom, and to serve You with joy in simplicity of heart. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Guy of Anderlecht ~ 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: Today, as we honor the Most Holy Name of Mary and the memory of Saint Guy of Anderlecht, we lift our hearts in prayer with deep trust and humility. Through the powerful intercession of Mary, whose name brings hope and consolation, we pray for peace in the world, for the conversion of sinners, and for strength in times of trial. May all who carry heavy burdens find refuge in her maternal care and be led closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. Through the witness of Saint Guy, the “Poor Man of Anderlecht,” we pray for all who live in poverty, the marginalized, and those who struggle to find work or stability, that they may be strengthened with dignity and divine provision. Guided by today’s Scriptures, we pray for the grace to examine our hearts honestly, removing the “wooden beams” of pride, selfishness, and judgment so that we may see others with compassion and mercy. May we, like Mary, live with faith that magnifies the Lord, and like Paul, remain grateful for God’s mercy that transforms weakness into strength. We entrust to God our Holy Father, the bishops, priests, religious, and all who serve the Church, asking for holy vocations and steadfast perseverance in ministry. We pray for the sick, the suffering, and the dying, especially those with no one to comfort them. Finally, we commend all families, marriages, and nations to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that unity, peace, and love may flourish. 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY:

My merciful Jesus, may I build a humble and true habit of gazing upon You in Your splendor and beauty. As I see You, day in and day out, please also help me to see myself through Your eyes of mercy so that I will also grow in humility. Please remove all judgment from my heart so that I will be free to know and love all people as You know and love them. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, we praise You for sending Your Son, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so that we might become Your children and share in the joy of salvation. As we honor the holy name of Mary today, may her example of humility and her song of praise inspire us to magnify Your mercy in our lives. Like Saint Paul, help us to remain grateful for Your mercy even in our weakness, and like the psalmist, may we keep our eyes fixed on You, our inheritance and guide. Grant us the grace to see clearly, love humbly, and serve faithfully, removing every spirit of pride and judgment from our hearts. Through the intercession of Mary and Saint Guy of Anderlecht, make us instruments of Your peace and joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Guy of Anderlecht ~ 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 and grace-filled Friday and a fulfilling month of September🙏🏽

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