FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE; MEMORIAL OF SAINT JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR | SEPTEMBER 19TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of La Salette, and Saint Januarius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-19th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 19, 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-195/
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, Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time.
We joyfully welcome the gift of this month, September and thank God for the gift of life! 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, Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time | September 19, 2025
Reading 1: 1 Timothy 6:2c–12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 49:6–7, 8–10, 17–18, 19–20
Gospel: Luke 8:1–3
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 8:1–3
“Accompanying them were some women, who provided for them out of their resources.”
“Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.”
In today’s Gospel, we see the heart of Jesus’ mission: Jesus traveled tirelessly, bringing the message of God’s Kingdom to every town and village, proclaiming the good news everywhere, leaving no place untouched. According to the Gospel, while on His journeys in Galilee to preach the Gospel Jesus was accompanied not only by the Twelve but signifucantly also by a group of women who provided for Jesus and the Twelve out of their own personal resources. Today’s Gospel reading shows us that women played a very important role in Jesus’ ministry. This large group of women, three of whom are named, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others who had been healed and who supported His mission with their resources. These were clearly women of some financial means. One of the women mentioned, Joanna, was the wife of a high ranking official at Herod’s court. Joanna’s husband was Herod’s steward, which was a very important position to hold in the royal court. Another of the women was Mary Magdalene, who had experienced Jesus’ healing power in her life. These women used their material resources to support the work of Jesus. The presence of women among His followers shows the radical inclusivity of Christ’s ministry. In a culture that often marginalized women, Jesus acknowledged their dignity and entrusted them with vital roles in the spread of the Gospel. Their faithful service foreshadows the many ways disciples throughout history would sustain the Church not only through preaching but also through prayer, generosity, and hidden sacrifices. We are reminded that everyone has a role in Christ’s mission, regardless of status or background. This reminds us that the Gospel is advanced not only by preaching but also by the faithful witness, generosity, and service of both men and women. The Kingdom of God is built by all who allow Christ to transform their lives and then place their gifts at His service.
Today’s Gospel points ahead to the vital role women were to play in the church and continue to play today. The Gospel reading reminds us that Jesus was not only a giver but a receiver. He once spoke of Himself as the Son of Man who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus gave everything, His very life, so that we might all come to share in His risen life. Yet, Jesus also knew how to receive from others. He may have come to serve rather than to be served, but He also needed the service of others, such as the service of the women in today’s Gospel reading, and He allowed Himself to be served by others. The risen Lord continues to serve us today, in all sorts of ways, but He also continues to need our service. He needs our willingness to serve Him, if His own service is to be effective in our world today. We too are called both to serve and to be served. We each have much to give to others and also much to receive from others. We can each bring the Lord into the world in a way that is unique to each of us, and we each need others to bring the Lord to us. Today, in the light of the Gospel reading, we might thank God for all who have brought the Lord to us in the course of our lives. We thank Him, in particular, for the women who performed that service for us.
In the first reading, Saint Paul speaks about those who long to be rich and who love money. The first reading warns us against false teachings, greed, and the love of money, which lead only to ruin. Instead, St. Paul urges Timothy and us to “pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.” The Gospel is not about wealth or self-gain, but about self-giving love and the pursuit of eternal life. True discipleship demands that we resist the temptations of materialism and competition, focusing instead on living out the virtues that bear witness to Christ.
The greed and love of money warned in the first reading could not be said of the generous women, who willing gave of their resources in the service of the Lord in the Gospel. As Jesus once said that He came not to be served but to serve. However, from time to time, He needed to be served. He needed people to provide Him with hospitality so that He could have somewhere to lay His head. He needed practical, material, support, the kind provided by this group of women. Just as Jesus needed the service of others from time to time, the risen Lord continues to need our service today. He needs us to give generously of ourselves to Him in love, so that He can serve others through us. The Lord needs us to serve Him if He is to serve others in the way He desires.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm echoes this wisdom: wealth cannot save us or follow us beyond the grave. All that endures is the life of faith. The psalmist reminds us that those who put their trust in riches are deceived, for “when he dies, he shall take none of it.” Blessed instead are the poor in spirit, those who depend wholly on God.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, let us ask ourselves: Do I measure success by wealth, power, or recognition, or by faithfulness to Christ? Am I willing to use my gifts and resources to support the mission of the Church, like the women who followed Jesus? Do I live with contentment, trusting in God’s providence, or am I easily drawn into envy, rivalry, and greed? May the Lord grant us hearts that seek His Kingdom above all, content with His daily provision, and eager to serve Him with what we have. May we, like those who walked with Jesus, remain faithful disciples who proclaim His Gospel by both word and deed. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we remain steadfast in faith and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth.🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You journeyed through towns and villages to bring the Good News of the Kingdom. Help me to walk with You daily, resisting the temptations of greed and pride, and embracing the path of humility, faith, and love. Teach me to use my resources, talents, and life for the service of Your Gospel. May I find contentment in You alone, and may my witness draw others to the joy of Your Kingdom. Amen🙏🏾
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE; MEMORIAL OF SAINT JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 19TH: Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of La Salette (Patroness invoked for reconciliation and conversion) and the Memorial of Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr (Patron of Naples, blood banks, and protection against volcanic eruptions). These commemorations remind us of God’s constant call to repentance and faith, as well as the courage of martyrs who bore witness to Christ even unto death. Through their intercession, and with the help of our Blessed Mother Mary, we lift up prayers against natural disasters, for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancer, terminal illnesses, and both physical and mental afflictions. We remember the poor, widowed, and needy; we pray for peace and unity in our marriages, families, and the world. We entrust to God our Holy Father, bishops, priests, religious, and all Christians, asking for strength, perseverance, and renewal of faith. May the souls in Purgatory and all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 19th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of La Salette and Saint Januarius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-19th/)
OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE (Apparition in 1846): On September 19, 1846, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to two children, Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat, in the mountains of La Salette, France. She was weeping, clothed in light, and wore a crucifix adorned with a hammer and pincers, symbols of sin and redemption. Her message was a call to repentance, fidelity to God’s commandments, and conversion of heart. She lamented the profanation of Sundays, blasphemies against God’s holy name, and warned of famine and suffering if people did not turn back to God.
Her appearance, like that at Fatima decades later, was a plea for reconciliation between God and His people. After investigation, the Church approved the apparition and devotion to Our Lady of La Salette in 1851. Today, she is venerated as a patroness of reconciliation and conversion, reminding us that God’s mercy is always greater than our sins.
PRAYER: O Mary, Reconciler of sinners, Mother of mercy and compassion, who wept for our sins at La Salette, obtain for us the grace of true repentance and conversion of heart. May we be faithful to God’s commandments, honor His holy day, and live as witnesses of His mercy. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR (D. 305 A.D.): Saint Januarius, also known as San Gennaro, was Bishop of Naples during the fierce persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. He was imprisoned while visiting fellow Christians and condemned to death for refusing to deny Christ. Miraculously preserved from flames and wild beasts, he was eventually beheaded in 305 A.D., along with companions who shared his courage and faith.
His most famous relic is a vial of his blood, preserved in Naples Cathedral. Miraculously, this blood liquefies several times a year, most notably on his feast day, an enduring sign of God’s presence and protection over Naples. This phenomenon has no scientific explanation and is seen as a symbol of God’s mercy and protection, particularly against plagues, disasters, and volcanic eruptions from nearby Mount Vesuvius. Saint Januarius remains a powerful intercessor, remembered not only for his martyrdom but for the miracle that continues to inspire faith and hope in God’s people.
PRAYER: O God, who gave Saint Januarius strength to witness to the Gospel even unto death, grant that through his intercession we may remain steadfast in faith, courageous in trials, and confident in Your saving power. Protect us from harm, and guide us safely to eternal life. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of La Salette, and Saint Januarius ~ 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, through Your Word today You remind us that true wealth is not found in possessions, but in faith, love, and righteousness. We pray for deliverance from greed, selfishness, and every attachment that draws us away from You. Like the holy women who supported the ministry of Jesus, may we learn to use our resources generously for the building of Your Kingdom. Through the intercession of Our Lady of La Salette, we ask for hearts of repentance and fidelity to Your commandments, that we may honor You with our lives. Through Saint Januarius, give us courage to remain faithful in trials and to bear witness to Christ in a world that often rejects Him. We lift up the sick, the dying, and all suffering in body or spirit, asking for Your healing mercy. We remember families in distress, widows, orphans, the poor, and the marginalized. Lord, protect us from natural disasters and calamities, guard our communities, and grant peace in our marriages, families, and in our world. May all our departed brothers and sisters, and the souls in Purgatory, rest eternally in Your love.
LET US PRAY:
My divine Lord, You are on a mission to save souls and to build up Your glorious Kingdom. I thank You for inviting me to not only become transformed by Your holy Word but to help spread that Word to others. My life is Yours, dear Lord. Please enter into every part of my daily life and use me for Your glory. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen🙏🏽
Almighty God, You call us to seek what is eternal and not to place our trust in passing riches. Grant us the grace to live with humble hearts, to pursue righteousness and godliness, and to serve You with joy. May the message of Our Lady of La Salette inspire us to deeper repentance, and may the witness of Saint Januarius strengthen us in courage and faith. Help us to be generous disciples, like the women who supported the ministry of Christ, so that our lives may proclaim the Gospel. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of La Salette, and Saint Januarius ~ 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, Friday, relaxing weekend 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