MEMORIAL OF SAINT NICOMEDES OF ROME, MARTYR ON THE VIA NOMENTANA AND ST CATHERINE OF GENOA, WIDOW

MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 15, 2025

MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

MEMORIAL OF SAINT NICOMEDES OF ROME, MARTYR ON THE VIA NOMENTANA AND ST CATHERINE OF GENOA, WIDOW | SEPTEMBER 15TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Nicomedes of Rome, and Saint Catherine of Genoa | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-15th/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 15, 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-191/

FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-14th/

https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-sorrows/

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

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, Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, is the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.

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 of Our Lady of Sorrows, 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/

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/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows | September 15, 2025
Reading 1: 1 Timothy 2:1–8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 28:2, 7, 8–9
Gospel: John 19:25–27 or Luke 2:33–35

Gospel Reading ~ John 19:25–27

“How that loving mother was pierced with grief and anguish when she saw the sufferings of her Son (Stabat Mater)”

“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.”

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 2:33-35

“And you yourself a sword will pierce”

“Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Today’s Gospels gives accounts of Jesus and His Blessed Mother’s sufferings and sorrows. The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows is always the day after the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The sufferings and sorrows of Mary are intertwined with the sufferings and sorrows of her Son. Simeon highlights this intertwining of the life of Mary and the life of her Son in today’s Gospel reading from the Gospel of St. Luke. He says of Mary’s son that He is destined to be a sign that is rejected and immediately says of Mary that a sword will pierce her own soul too. She is not a distant observer but a mother pierced by the sword of sorrow, as Simeon had foretold. In her silent strength, she accepts her role in God’s plan of salvation. Jesus, even in His agony, gives us the priceless gift of His mother: “Behold, your mother.” In those words, Mary becomes the Mother of all believers, entrusted to us as a source of comfort, intercession, and guidance. Her sorrows unite her with the suffering of the Church and with every human heart that endures pain, loss, or grief. Standing at the cross with Mary teaches us that sorrow embraced with faith can become a channel of grace and hope. Because Mary was so close to Jesus, she suffered when He did. Just as it is said of Christ in the first reading that ‘He offered up prayer and entreaty aloud and in silent tears’, the same could be said of Mary. Mary was faithful to her Son even though it meant sharing in His way of the cross. As disciples of Jesus, we look to Mary to inspire us to be as faithful to Jesus as she was even when that means the way of the Cross. Like her we are ready to have a sword piece our own soul when faithfulness to the values of the Gospel requires it.

Our Gospel reading from the Gospel of St. John, brings us to the foot of the Cross, where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, stood in sorrow yet with unwavering faith. This moment of profound suffering reveals Mary’s participation in her Son’s redemptive mission. When Jesus was dying on a Roman cross, Mary was keeping vigil, in the company of some other women and the beloved disciple, who is usually identified as John. Keeping vigil as a loved one is dying is never easy. Watching your son die in agony on a Roman cross at the age of thirty three is literally heart-breaking. When a loved one suffers, we suffer with them. If their suffering is physical, ours will be emotional and mental. Mary at the foot of the cross was indeed Our Lady of Sorrows. No one was closer to Jesus than His mother, Mary, and, therefore, she felt His suffering in a way no one else could. There is a unique bond between a mother and her child. Yet, according today’s Gospel reading, from the cross Jesus gave His mother to us as our mother. Like the beloved disciple, we are invited to make a place for her in our home, in our lives. She is our spiritual mother, and just as she was with Jesus in His passion and death, she is with us when we have to travel our own way of the cross. There is an ancient prayer to Mary which begins, ‘At the cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last’. Mary is close to us all especially when we find ourselves burdened by some cross or other. With confidence, we can turn to her at such times and ask her, as we do in the Hail Mary, to pray for us now and at the hour of our own death.

In today’s first reading, St. Paul exhorts us to a life rooted in prayer interceding for all, even leaders and rulers, so that we may live in peace and dignity. He reminds us that Christ is the one Mediator who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Mary, who stood beneath the Cross of her Son, mirrors this call to intercession. Her sorrows are not passive; they lead her to unite her maternal heart with the prayers and sufferings of the whole Church.

Reflecting on the responsorial psalm, the psalm proclaims: “Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my prayer.” Mary’s sorrow did not end at the Cross but was transformed into hope through the Resurrection. Her steadfast trust in God reminds us that even when our prayers seem unanswered, God is our strength and shield. With Mary, we learn to pray with perseverance, confident that the Lord hears the cries of our hearts.

When I face sorrow or suffering, do I allow it to draw me closer to Christ, as Mary did at the Cross? How can I welcome Mary more deeply into my spiritual life as a mother and intercessor? Do I cultivate a spirit of prayer and intercession for others, especially in times of trial? On this memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we are reminded that sorrow is not the end but a path to deeper union with Christ. Mary’s fidelity at the Cross invites us to remain steadfast in our own trials, trusting that God transforms suffering into redemption. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to take Mary into our lives, just as the beloved disciple did, and walk with her as she leads us to her Son. 🙏🏽

O Lord Jesus, as You gave us Your Blessed Mother at the Cross, help us to welcome her into our hearts and homes. Teach us, through Mary’s sorrows, to embrace our own crosses with courage and faith. May her intercession strengthen us in moments of pain and lead us always to You, the source of life and salvation. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS: Today, the Church honors the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, recalling the Blessed Mother’s profound participation in the suffering and Passion of her Son, Jesus Christ. On this day, through her powerful intercession, we pray for couples longing for the gift of children, for healing in difficult marriages, and for widows and widowers. We entrust to her care the sick and the dying, especially those battling cancer, mental illness, and other terminal conditions. We pray for peace, unity, and love in our families and communities, for the poor and needy, for the souls in Purgatory, and for the repose of all the faithful departed. We remember our Holy Father, the bishops, priests, and religious, praying for holy vocations, for persecuted Christians, and for the conversion of sinners. May Our Lady of Sorrows, who shared so closely in the sufferings of Christ, console us in our trials and lead us ever closer to her Son. 🙏🏽

HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE: The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, also known as Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows) or the Feast of the Seven Dolors, highlights Mary’s intimate sharing in the suffering of her Son. Placed on September 15, immediately after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, it reminds us of the inseparable bond between the sacrifice of Christ and the sorrows of His Mother.

This devotion has roots as early as the 11th century and became widespread in the 14th century, promoted especially by the Servite Order. In 1817, Pope Pius VII extended the feast to the universal Church in thanksgiving for his release from exile through Mary’s intercession. The devotion centers on the “Seven Sorrows of Mary,” drawn from Scripture and Tradition, which reflect her spiritual martyrdom as she united her heart to her Son’s suffering.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary are:

• The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)
• The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)
• The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
• Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:27–31; John 19:17)
• The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25–30)
• The Body of Jesus Placed in Her Arms (Luke 23:50–54; John 19:31–37)
• The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:55–56; John 19:38–42)

Through these sorrows, Mary shows us that to love deeply often means to suffer deeply, but with faith, sorrow is transformed into redemptive grace.

SPIRITUAL REFLECTION: Mary’s tears remind us of the cost of sin and the depth of God’s love. She stood beneath the Cross not in despair, but in steadfast faith, offering her maternal heart in union with the sacrifice of her Son. Her sorrows teach us compassion for others’ sufferings, courage in our trials, and the grace of redemptive love. Just as Christ gave Mary to us as our Mother, so too does she stand at our side in every cross we carry. To walk with Mary in her sorrows is to learn how to follow Jesus faithfully, even when the path is marked by suffering.

PRAYER: O most sorrowful Virgin Mary, Mother of our Redeemer, you stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross, sharing in your Son’s sufferings with unwavering love. Intercede for us in our sorrows, strengthen us in our trials, and draw us ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May your maternal compassion inspire us to bear our crosses with faith, until we too share in the joy of the Resurrection. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT NICOMEDES OF ROME, MARTYR ON THE VIA NOMENTANA AND ST CATHERINE OF GENOA, WIDOW ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 15TH: On this feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Church also commemorates Saint Nicomedes of Rome, Martyr (Patron of Roman Clergy & the Faithful of the Via Nomentana), and Saint Catherine of Genoa, Widow (Patron of Widows, Difficult Marriages, the Sick, and the Holy Souls in Purgatory).

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 15th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Nicomedes of Rome, and Saint Catherine of Genoa | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-15th/)

SAINT NICOMEDES OF ROME, MARTYR (1st–4th century): St. Nicomedes was an early Roman martyr, venerated since ancient times though the exact details of his life remain uncertain. He was buried along the Via Nomentana, where a cemetery basilica was later built in his honor. A titular church in Rome also bore his name, and his cult endured for centuries as a witness to his faith and courage. Though little is known of his death, his steadfastness stands as a silent testimony to the countless unnamed martyrs who gave their lives for Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, through the intercession of St. Nicomedes, grant us steadfast courage in times of trial and fidelity to You until the end. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT CATHERINE OF GENOA, WIDOW (1447–1510): Born into nobility in Genoa, Catherine married young but endured a difficult and painful marriage. After a profound conversion through the Sacrament of Confession, she devoted herself to a life of prayer, penance, and charity. She and her husband later reconciled, together serving the sick and poor in Genoa’s hospital, where Catherine eventually became administrator. Favored with mystical visions, she authored the famous Treatise on Purgatory, offering deep insights into God’s mercy and the purification of souls. She is honored as the patroness of widows, those in difficult marriages, and victims of infidelity.

PRAYER: O God of mercy, You filled Saint Catherine of Genoa with compassion for the poor and with wisdom about Your purifying love. Grant that through her intercession we may serve others with charity and long for the eternal joy of Your presence. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Nicomedes of Rome, and Saint Catherine of Genoa ~ 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: On this Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we entrust to God’s mercy all who carry heavy crosses in life. We pray for families in distress, for widows, widowers, and couples longing for children. We remember those who are sick, especially those battling cancer, mental illness, and terminal diseases, asking that Mary, our Sorrowful Mother, console them in their trials. We lift up our Holy Father, the bishops, priests, and religious, praying for holy vocations and strength in their ministry. We intercede for peace in the world, unity in our families, and healing for those wounded by brokenness or sin. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Nicomedes, and Saint Catherine of Genoa, may we find the courage to stand firm in faith, to embrace our crosses with hope, and to serve others with compassion and love.

LET US PRAY:

My Immaculate and Sorrowful Mother, you stood at the foot of the Cross of your Son with the perfection of a mother’s love. Your heart was filled with a sorrow that was mixed with every holy virtue. Pray for me that I may understand this love more fully, so that I may also open up my own heart to your love. As I do, I pray that I will become an instrument of the love in your heart toward those in my life who suffer and are in most need of tender compassion and mercy. Sorrowful Heart of Mary, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

O God, who willed that when Your Son was lifted high on the Cross, His Mother should stand close by and share in His suffering, grant that Your Church, united with the Virgin Mary in the Passion of Christ, may share in the glory of His Resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Nicomedes, and Saint Catherine of Genoa ~ 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, Monday 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