TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT CORNELIUS, POPE AND CYPRIAN BISHOP, MARTYRS; SAINT NINIAN, BISHOP; SAINT EUPHEMIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, AND BLESSED POPE VICTOR III | SEPTEMBER 16TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Saint Ninian, Saint Euphemia, and Blessed Pope Victor III | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-16th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 16, 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-192/
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, Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time.
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, 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, Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs | September 16, 2025
Reading 1: 1 Timothy 3:1–13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 101:1b–2ab, 2cd–3ab, 5, 6
Gospel: Luke 7:11–17
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 7:11–17
“Young man, I tell you, arise!”
“Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.”
Today’s Gospel reveals Jesus’ deep compassion and His Divine authority over life and death. The widow of Nain had not only lost her son but also her security and support in society. At the time of Jesus, widows were considered very vulnerable; they no longer had their main provider, their husband. Widows often had to depend on their children, particularly their sons, to support them. A widow who lost her only son through death was, therefore, the most vulnerable of all. It is such a widow that Jesus encounters in today’s Gospel. According to the Gospel reading, Jesus was moved with compassion by this woman’s plight. That inner movement of compassion resulted in action on His part, as He restores her son to life and gives him back to his mother. With just a word, “Young man, I tell you, arise,” Christ restored life, hope, and dignity to this grieving mother. This miracle shows us that Jesus does not remain distant from our pain; He draws near, He’s moved with pity, and acts powerfully on our behalf. In our own losses and moments of despair, He speaks life into our hearts, reminding us that God has truly visited His people. His presence transforms mourning into joy and despair into hope.
According to the Gospel, the widow did not take any initiative towards Jesus; she did not cry out to Him for help. Without waiting to be asked, Jesus simply responded to a situation of human grief and loss. The same risen Lord reaches out to us today in our situations of grief and loss. When we are at our most vulnerable, his compassion is at its strongest. We are not asked to carry our grief and our loss on our own; the Lord carries it with us; He suffers with us. ‘To suffer with’ is the literal meaning of compassion. The Lord also calls on us to be channels of His compassion to each other in our hour of need, to help carry each other’s burdens, as He carries ours. The Gospel reminds us that the Lord’s initiative in our regard is not dependant on our having a certain level of faith. He comes towards us as we are, and the greater our need the stronger his coming. The Lord graces us with his presence and His gifts. Having been surprisingly and undeservedly graced by the Lord’s compassionate presence, we cannot but respond to such a grace in the way that the crowd did in today’s Gospel reading, praising God for the gift of His Son.
In our first reading today, in his letter to Timothy, St. Paul outlines the qualities required of bishops and deacons: integrity, self-control, gentleness, good reputation, and faithfulness in managing their households. Leadership in the Church is not about power or privilege but about service rooted in holiness. This passage is a reminder to all of us whether leaders or members of the Church that our lives should reflect the Gospel. Holiness begins in the home and extends outward into the wider community. Just as Church leaders are called to model Christ’s character, so too are all Christians called to embody dignity, humility, and fidelity in daily living.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist proclaims, “I will walk with blameless heart.” True integrity is not merely outward but must flow from the heart. God desires sincerity, not hypocrisy. To walk with a blameless heart means choosing truth over deceit, humility over pride, and mercy over judgment. It is a daily decision to let our hearts be purified so that our words and actions glorify the Lord.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to meditate and ask, am I open to Christ’s compassionate gaze in my struggles and grief? Do I allow Him to speak life into areas of my soul that feel dead or hopeless? In my daily life, do I strive to live with integrity and sincerity, whether in my home, workplace, or community? Do I honor God with a blameless heart, walking in humility and love? As we meditate on today’s Word, let us open our hearts to the compassionate presence of Christ, who draws near to our sorrow with mercy and speaks life where there is death. Let us also strive to live with integrity, as children of light, so that in word and deed we may glorify God. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may our lives proclaim with joy, “God has visited His people!” 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life. Just as You raised the widow’s son and restored joy to her heart, breathe new life into the places of despair within us. Teach us to trust in Your compassion and to walk with a blameless heart before You. Strengthen our leaders to be faithful shepherds, and may our own lives reflect Your mercy and truth. Renew our hope each day and help us to live with gratitude, integrity, and love. Amen. 🙏🏾
MEMORIAL OF SAINT CORNELIUS, POPE AND CYPRIAN BISHOP, MARTYRS; SAINT NINIAN, BISHOP; SAINT EUPHEMIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, AND BLESSED POPE VICTOR III ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 16TH: Today, the Church commemorates a host of holy men and women: Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs (companions in faith and defenders of mercy during the persecutions of the 3rd century), Saint Ninian, Bishop (the first apostle of Christianity in Scotland), Saint Euphemia, Virgin and Martyr (who bore heroic witness under Diocletian), and Blessed Pope Victor III (the reluctant yet holy pontiff of the 11th century). Through their intercession, we pray for the sick and the dying especially those suffering from cancer and other grave illnesses for the poor and needy, and for peace, unity, and love in our families and the world. We also lift up the Church and her shepherds, for persecuted Christians, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and for the conversion of sinners. May these holy witnesses inspire us to remain steadfast in faith, courageous in suffering, and generous in charity. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 16th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Saint Ninian, Saint Euphemia, and Blessed Pope Victor III | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-16th/)
SAINT CORNELIUS, POPE (d. 253): Pope St. Cornelius, the 21st successor of St. Peter, guided the Church during the turbulent Decian persecution. Elected after a 14-month vacancy, he defended the Church’s authority to forgive the lapsi (those who denied Christ under duress) through true contrition and penance. Opposed by the rigorist Novatian, who declared himself anti-pope, Cornelius convened a synod to affirm mercy and unity. He was later exiled by Emperor Gallus and died a martyr in 253. He is invoked against epilepsy, fever, and ear ailments.
PRAYER: O God, through the steadfast witness of Pope St. Cornelius, grant us the courage to uphold the truth of mercy and unity in Your Church. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT CYPRIAN, BISHOP OF CARTHAGE (c. 190–258): St. Cyprian, once a renowned rhetorician, converted at mid-life and became Bishop of Carthage. A friend and ally of Pope Cornelius, he defended the unity of the Church against schisms and guided his flock through plague and persecution. His writings, especially On the Unity of the Catholic Church, remain treasures of ecclesial teaching. He was martyred by beheading in 258 under Emperor Valerian. He is honored as a Father of the Church and patron of North Africa.
PRAYER: Lord, by the prayers of St. Cyprian, strengthen us to love Your Church as our Mother and to bear witness with courage in times of trial. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT NINIAN, BISHOP (c. 360–432): St. Ninian, born in Britain, was educated in Rome and consecrated bishop before returning to evangelize Scotland. At Whithorn, he built Candida Casa (“White House”), the first stone church in the region. Known as the apostle of Scotland, his mission sowed the seeds of faith among the Picts and Britons. He died around 432, leaving a legacy of missionary zeal.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, through the prayers of St. Ninian, inspire us with missionary courage to share the light of Christ in our own time and place. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT EUPHEMIA: Saint Euphemia of Chalcedon, honored as “Euphemia the All-Praised,” was a young Christian woman who gave her life for Christ during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian around 303. When ordered to sacrifice to the pagan god Mars, she bravely refused, declaring that it would be shameful to abandon the true God for lifeless idols. Enraged, the Proconsul subjected her to cruel torments—racks, wheels, fire, and scourging—but each time she was miraculously preserved by God’s power.
At last, she was thrown to the wild beasts, and with the bite of a bear, she peacefully gave her soul to Christ. Even her executioners, moved by her courage and the miracles surrounding her, converted to the faith and embraced martyrdom themselves.Her relics became a source of countless miracles and played an important role in the Council of Chalcedon (451), where the Church defended the truth of Christ’s two natures. Today, she is venerated in Constantinople and Rovinj, Croatia, where she is patron saint. Euphemia’s name means “well-spoken of,” and her life remains a testimony that God’s grace is stronger than any suffering.
Prayer: O Lord, through the intercession of Saint Euphemia, strengthen our faith in times of trial and give us courage to witness boldly to Christ, that we too may share in the victory of the saints. Amen. 🙏🏽
BLESSED POPE VICTOR III (1027–1087): Born Dauferius of Benevento, Victor became a Benedictine abbot of Monte Cassino. Despite reluctance, he was elected pope in 1086 during turbulent times. Known for holiness and learning, he guided the Church briefly before dying in 1087. Beatified in 1887, he is remembered for his devotion to prayer and reform.
PRAYER: Almighty God, who gave Blessed Pope Victor III the grace to shepherd Your Church with humility, grant that we may seek holiness above all earthly honors. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, St. Ninian, St. Euphemia, and Blessed Pope Victor III ~ 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: Heavenly Father, we bring before You our heartfelt prayers on this day as we honor Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, faithful shepherds who defended Your Church with courage, and the other holy men and women who bore witness to Your truth. Strengthen us, like them, to stand firm in faith amidst trials and to serve with humility and love. We pray for leaders in the Church, that they may be guided by the wisdom and virtues described in today’s Scriptures, living lives of integrity and devotion. May we, inspired by the Gospel, bring compassion to those who suffer and be instruments of Your mercy to the brokenhearted. We remember all who carry heavy burdens, those persecuted for their faith, the poor, the sick, and the lonely, and ask for Your healing and peace upon them. May we, like Saint Ninian, bring the light of Christ to new places, and like Blessed Pope Victor III, persevere in faith despite weakness and trial.
LET US PRAY:
Most compassionate Lord, You are always attentive to our needs and our sorrows. Your Heart is filled with compassion for all. Please give me a truly empathetic heart so that I will see those in need. As I do, fill me with hope and faith that You will pour forth Your mercy upon them so that I will become an intercessor for all. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, source of all holiness, You raise up men and women in every age to lead, comfort, and guide Your people. As we remember the courage of the martyrs, the zeal of the missionaries, and the charity of the humble, grant that we may walk faithfully in their footsteps. May our lives reflect the hope of the Gospel, our hearts remain steadfast in love, and our words proclaim Your truth with joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, St. Ninian, St. Euphemia, and Blessed Pope Victor III ~ 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, Tuesday 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