SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST | SEPTEMBER 27TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Vincent de Paul | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-27th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 27, 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-september-27-2025/
Jubilee of Catechists | Pope Leo XIV’s Jubilee Audience | LIVE from the Vatican, St. Peter’s Square on the occasion of the Jubilee of Catechists | September 27, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-september-27-2025/
NOVENA TO SAINT THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX – THE LITTLE FLOWER: DAY 6: The 2025 Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 22nd, and end on September 30th in preparation for her Feast day on October 1st. | Link to Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux – The Little Flower | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-therese-of-lisieux-the-little-flower/
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, Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. We joyfully thank God for the gift of this month, September, and thank Him for the gift of life! Lord Almighty, we thank You for granting us your grace and favor 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.
On this special feast day, the Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest, through the intercession of the Saint(s) we celebrate today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, 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 lift charitable organizations, particularly the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, asking God’s blessing upon their mission. 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 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏾
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/
SAINT 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, Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest | September 27, 2025
Reading 1: Zechariah 2:5–9, 14–15a
Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10, 11–12ab, 13
Gospel: Luke 9:43b–45
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 9:43b–45
“Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men; They were afraid to ask Him about this saying.”
“While they were all amazed at His every deed, Jesus said to His disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying;
its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.”
In today’s Gospel reading, just at the time when everyone was full of admiration for all He did, He began to speak of Himself in a way that would not have endeared Him to many. ‘The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men’. Jesus did not allow other people’s admiration of Him to go to His head, He was looking ahead to His passion and death. No one would admire Him when He hung from a Roman cross. At that moment, it was mockery and scorn that He mostly received. Yet, God would have been full of admiration for Jesus in that dark hour, not because He wanted His Son to suffer, but because Jesus on the cross was revealing God’s love for the world to the full. It was Jesus’ message of God’s merciful love for all that put Him on the cross. He remained faithful to preaching and living that message, even though He knew it would result in His being handed over to death. No one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. It was this greater love, this divine love, that shone through Jesus on the cross. It was only in the light of Jesus’ resurrection that people of faith would become full of admiration not only for the way He lived but for the way He died. Until that Easter moment, all Jesus’ talk about His coming passion and death made no sense to His disciples. In the words of the Gospel reading, ‘it was hidden from them’. We who live in the light of Easter can be full of admiration, not only for all Jesus did during His earthly life, but especially for His passion and death and for the tremendous love that it revealed.
In the Gospel, we see a moment of both glory and mystery. While the disciples are filled with amazement at the mighty works of Jesus, yet in the same breath He speaks to them about His impending Passion. The contrast is striking while the people rejoice in miracles, Jesus prepares His followers for the suffering that will bring salvation. Still, the disciples cannot comprehend; fear and confusion hold them back from asking deeper questions. Their silence reflects our own hesitations when confronted with the mystery of suffering, sacrifice, and the Cross. Jesus reminds us that discipleship is not only about glory but also about sharing in His Passion. The human instinct is to avoid suffering, to focus only on blessings and victories. Yet the Gospel shows us that the path to resurrection runs through the Cross. To “pay attention” to His words is to realize that true greatness in the Kingdom comes not through power, but through surrender and sacrificial love. Later, the disciples would come to understand these hidden words when they witnessed His death and resurrection. Like them, we are invited to trust even when we do not fully understand, to follow even when the road ahead seems difficult. Faith calls us not to avoid the mystery of the Cross but to embrace it, believing that God’s glory shines even in suffering.
In the first reading, the prophet Zechariah offers a vision of hope for God’s people: Jerusalem will be a city without walls, filled with life, abundance, and the presence of the Lord Himself. God promises to be “an encircling wall of fire” and “the glory in her midst.” This image reminds us that our ultimate security is not in human defenses or worldly strength, but in God’s abiding presence. As Christians, we too are God’s dwelling place, temples of the Holy Spirit. His glory dwells among us, not in walls of stone, but in hearts open to His love.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.” This psalm overflows with God’s tender care: He gathers, redeems, consoles, and turns mourning into joy. Even in exile and suffering, God’s people are not abandoned. He is the Good Shepherd who never loses sight of His flock. This assurance strengthens us to face trials, knowing that Christ, who suffered and died for us, also leads us to the fullness of joy.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, let us ask ourselves: Do I resist the Cross in my own life, seeking only comfort and ease in following Christ? When I do not understand God’s plan, do I allow fear and silence to keep me from asking Him for light? Do I trust that God is truly my protection, my “wall of fire,” even when I feel vulnerable or weak? Brothers and sisters, today’s readings remind us that the glory of God is inseparable from the mystery of the Cross. Like the disciples, we may not always understand, but we are called to trust, to persevere, and to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. Let us walk with confidence, knowing that God Himself is our protector and that His love will turn our mourning into joy. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to remain steadfast in faith and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth and may we embrace both the Cross and the Resurrection, living as witnesses of His glory in our midst. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You invite me to pay attention to Your words, even when they challenge me. Teach me not to fear the mystery of the Cross but to trust that in You, suffering is transformed into glory. Be my strength and my protection, my wall of fire and my joy. Like the disciples, help me to grow from confusion to deeper understanding, from fear to faith, and from silence to bold witness. May my life proclaim that You dwell in our midst and shepherd us with unfailing love. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 27TH: Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul (1581–1660), Patron of charitable societies, hospitals, leprosy patients, prisoners, and volunteers. A man of deep faith and tireless service, he became known as the “Father of the Poor” for his dedication to the suffering and marginalized. Through his intercession, we pray for the poor and abandoned, for the sick and dying, especially those with cancer or other terminal illnesses, for widows and widowers, and for all who dedicate themselves to works of mercy. We lift charitable organizations, particularly the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, asking God’s blessing upon their mission. We remember the souls in Purgatory, the faithful departed, persecuted Christians, and the conversion of sinners. We also pray for the Holy Father, bishops, priests, seminarians, and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. May Saint Vincent inspire us to serve with humility, love, and perseverance. Amen. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 27th| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Vincent de Paul | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-27th/)
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST: Saint Vincent de Paul was born on April 24, 1581 in Pouy, France, into a poor farming family. Gifted with intelligence and perseverance, he pursued studies with the Franciscans and was ordained a priest at the age of 19. At first, he sought a comfortable life within the priesthood, but a profound encounter with a dying peasant’s confession awakened in him a lifelong compassion for the poor. In 1605, during a sea voyage, Vincent was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in Tunis. His captivity lasted two years until his eventual escape after converting his master to Christianity. This experience deepened his faith and sense of mission. Returning to France, he began ministering to galley slaves, impoverished peasants, and the sick.
In 1625, he founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) to preach the Gospel in rural areas and train clergy. With Saint Louise de Marillac, he co-founded the Daughters of Charity, a revolutionary community of women dedicated to serving the poor outside cloistered walls. Together, they established hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the elderly, bringing dignity and hope to countless lives. Vincent became a key reformer in the Church of 17th-century France, opposing the heresy of Jansenism and renewing priestly formation. He embodied the Gospel mandate of charity, turning faith into action with remarkable humility. At his death on September 27, 1660, he left behind a spiritual legacy that transformed the Church’s approach to charity and pastoral care. Canonized in 1737, he was later proclaimed patron of charitable works by Pope Leo XIII. His example continues to inspire works of mercy worldwide, particularly through the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, founded in 1833 by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.
Motto of Saint Vincent de Paul: “God sees you. Let us love God; but at the price of our hands and sweat of our face.”
PRAYER: Loving God, You raised up Saint Vincent de Paul as a faithful servant of the poor and a reformer of Your Church. Through his intercession, grant us hearts of compassion and hands eager for service. Strengthen those who work among the suffering and inspire us to see Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters. May we imitate his humility, zeal, and charity, and one day share in the joy of Your eternal kingdom. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Vincent de Paul ~ 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 thank You for the gift of Your abiding presence, promised through the prophet Zechariah, that You Yourself will be our protection and dwell among us. We rejoice in Your love that gathers and restores Your people, as Jeremiah proclaimed, and we ask for the grace to recognize Your hand guiding us even in suffering. As Your Son revealed the mystery of the Cross, help us to embrace trials with faith, knowing that they lead to the fullness of Your glory. Through the intercession of Saint Vincent de Paul, inspire us to live out true charity serving the poor, comforting the sick, and uplifting the forgotten. We pray for the Church and her leaders, that they may shepherd with wisdom and compassion; for families and communities, that they may be strengthened in unity and love; for the poor, the lonely, and the marginalized, that they may experience Your care through our hands; and for the souls of the faithful departed, that they may share in the joy of Your eternal kingdom.
LET US PRAY:
My revealing Lord, You opened Your divine heart to Your Apostles and invited them to understand and choose Your suffering and death. And though they hesitated and struggled, You continued to invite them to embrace the Father’s will. Give me the grace I need, dear Lord, to embrace every spiritual truth first and foremost and to allow that Truth to free me from fear and fill me with the gift of understanding. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, source of every good gift, You dwell among Your people and draw us into the mystery of the Cross where love is perfected. Through the example and prayers of Saint Vincent de Paul, make us instruments of Your mercy and compassion in a world hungering for hope. Strengthen us in faith, increase our courage, and help us to see Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters. May our lives bear witness to Your kingdom, where justice and charity meet, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed and Saint Vincent de Paul ~ 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, Saturday, a 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