THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: OCTOBER 2, 2025
MEMORIAL OF THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS | OCTOBER 2ND | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Holy Guardian Angels | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-october-2nd/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | October 2, 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-october-2-2025/
OCTOBER IS MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY | THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
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/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels!
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Holy Guardian Angels (Patrons of protection, guidance, children, and travelers), we lift our prayers for God’s constant guidance and protection.
Welcome to October! May this new month bring you God’s blessings, peace, and joy in abundance. We pray for eternal repose of our loved ones who recently passed. May this month bring peace to troubled hearts, direction to the lost, comfort to the grieving, and strength to the weary. In all things, may His will be done and His name be glorified. Amen🙏🏽
Today, Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time, we joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us into the new month of October. Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past month. As we begin this new month, we entrust every day into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace in our lives and families. May October be for us a season of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter October with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, 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, 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 of the Holy Guardian Angels, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. 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 October. 🙏🏽
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🙏🏽
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
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 October | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-october/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels | October 2, 2025
Reading 1: Nehemiah 8:1–4a, 5–6, 7b–12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
Gospel: Matthew 18:1–5, 10
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 18:1–5, 10
“Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven; Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father”
At that time the disciples approached Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed him in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus overturns worldly ideas of greatness by pointing to the humility of a child. While society often associates greatness with power, status, or achievement, Jesus teaches that true greatness in the Kingdom is found in simplicity, humility, and trust. A child depends completely on others, is free of pride, and is open to receive. These are the very attitudes that disciples must cultivate if they are to enter heaven. Jesus also reveals the dignity of every person, especially the “little ones.” He warns us not to despise them because each has a Guardian Angel who beholds the face of the Father. This passage is both comforting and challenging: comforting because it assures us of God’s protection through His Angels, and challenging because it calls us to treat others, especially the weak and vulnerable, with reverence and love. To receive a child in Jesus’ name is to receive Him; to disregard or harm them is to wound the Lord Himself.
The Feast of the Guardian Angels reminds us that we are never alone. God, in His providence, has appointed His Angels to watch over us, guide us, and protect us on our journey. They are heavenly companions who silently assist us in times of danger, temptation, or difficulty. Jesus’ words invite us to live with childlike trust, knowing that God’s loving presence surrounds us always through the ministry of His Angels. According to late Pope Francis in one of his homilies some years ago said, ‘the Angel accompanies us and is a link between us and God the Father. The Angel helps me to go forward because he looks upon God the Father, and he knows the way. Let us not forget these companions along the journey’. Today’s feast reminds us to acknowledge the presence of our Guardian Angel, the purely spiritual creatures and to ask their help in prayer, in the words of the prayer many of us learned as children, ‘Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen’.🙏🏽
Reflecting on the first reading, in Nehemiah, the people gather to hear the law proclaimed. As the Word of God is read, they weep, moved by its power and truth. Yet they are told not to be sad, for “rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength.” God’s Word does not condemn us to despair but lifts us into joy and renewal. When we allow God’s truth to penetrate our hearts, it brings both conversion and consolation.
Reflecting on the responsorial psalm, Psalm 19 celebrates the beauty and power of God’s law. It refreshes the soul, enlightens the eye, and gives joy to the heart. Just as the angels guide us toward God, so His Word instructs and strengthens us for the journey. It is sweeter than honey and more precious than gold, reminding us to treasure God’s will above all else.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ask ourselves, do I approach God with childlike humility and trust, or do I cling to pride and self-sufficiency? How do I treat the “little ones” around me, children, the poor, the marginalized, or those who depend on others? Am I attentive to God’s Word like the Israelites in Nehemiah’s time, allowing it to move my heart and strengthen me? Do I live with awareness that I am never alone, that my guardian angel is near, guiding me closer to God? Beloved in Christ, today’s feast of the Holy Guardian Angels is a reminder that we are never left to walk the journey of faith alone. God, in His infinite love, has entrusted His angels to watch over us, guide us, and protect us from danger. As we strive to follow Christ with the humility of a child, let us be mindful of their silent but powerful presence in our lives. May we rejoice in the Lord, drawing strength from His Word, and treat every person, especially the little ones and the vulnerable, with reverence and love. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we go forth with confidence, knowing that as long as we remain faithful, the Angels of God accompany us, leading us safely toward the eternal Kingdom. Amen🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your holy angels who guard and protect us. Teach us to live with humility and childlike trust, that we may always seek Your Kingdom above all else. May Your Word refresh our souls and give us joy in every season. Help us to respect and care for the little ones in our midst, seeing in them the face of Christ. May our guardian angels guide us in truth, shield us from harm, and lead us safely to eternal life with You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS ~ FEAST DAY: OCTOBER 2ND: Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels (Patrons of protection, guidance, children, and travelers). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Holy Guardian Angels, we lift our prayers for God’s constant guidance and protection. We pray for the sick and the dying, especially those who suffer from cancer, mental illness, and other terminal diseases. We remember the souls in Purgatory and all the faithful departed, as well as widows and widowers. We pray for the poor and needy, for peace, love, and unity in our marriages, families, and in the world. We also pray for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the bishops, clergy, and seminarians, asking the Lord to bless the Church with more vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. May persecuted Christians be strengthened, sinners converted, and all believers remain steadfast in faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | October 2nd | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Holy Guardian Angels | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-october-2nd/)
FEAST OF THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS: The psalmist declares: “For He has given His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “from infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession” (CCC 336). Guardian Angels are pure spirits created by God, endowed with intelligence and will, who serve Him as messengers and defenders of souls. Each person has been entrusted with a Guardian Angel whose mission is to protect, guide, and inspire them to salvation. Though unseen, they assist us in daily life strengthening us in temptation, protecting us from physical and spiritual dangers, and interceding before the throne of God.
Scripture gives us many examples of their mission: Jesus was strengthened by an angel in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43); St. Peter was freed from prison by an angel (Acts 12:7); and Christ Himself affirms, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). The devotion to Guardian Angels was present in the early Church and was extended as a universal feast in 1670 by Pope Clement X. On this day, the Church thanks God for the angels who guard us on earth and lead us toward heaven.
QUOTES FROM THE WAY ON DEVOTION TO THE GUARDIAN ANGELS:
☆“Have confidence in your guardian angel. Treat him as a very dear friend – that’s what he is – and he will do a thousand services for you in the ordinary affairs of each day.” (no. 562)
☆“Win over the guardian angel of the one you want to draw to your apostolate. He is always a great ‘accomplice’.” (no. 563)
☆“If you would remember the presence of your guardian angel and those of your neighbors, you would avoid many of the foolish things you let slip into your conversation.” (no. 564)
☆“You seem amazed that your guardian angel has done so many obvious favors for you. But you shouldn’t be: that’s why our Lord has placed him at your side.” (no. 565)
☆“You say there are many occasions of going astray in such surroundings? That’s true, but aren’t there any guardian angels as well?” (no. 566)
☆“Turn to your guardian angel at the moment of trial; he will protect you from the devil and bring you holy inspirations.” (no. 567)
PRAYERS TO THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS
Traditional Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. 🙏🏽
Prayer for Protection: O God, in Your providence You have given each of us a Guardian Angel to watch over our soul. Grant that, under their constant care, we may be kept safe from sin and led on the path of holiness until we reach eternal life in heaven. Amen. 🙏🏽
Personal Invocation: O holy Guardian Angel, protect me from every evil, inspire me with good thoughts, and strengthen me in virtue. Guide me always in the ways of Christ and never cease to intercede for me until I dwell with you in eternal glory. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary and Holy Guardian Angels ~ 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 OCTOBER: For collaboration between different religious traditions. Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF OCTOBER | MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, a powerful prayer that draws us into the heart of the Gospel through the eyes of Mary. The Rosary is more than repetition, it is a meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, united with the loving presence of His Blessed Mother. As Pope St. John Paul II reminded us, the Rosary is “a compendium of the Gospel,” helping us to contemplate Christ’s face with Mary.
The twenty mysteries of the Rosary, Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous, invite us to journey with Christ from His Incarnation to His Passion and His triumph over death. Each mystery opens us to God’s saving love, strengthens our faith, and leads us to imitate the virtues of Jesus and Mary in our daily lives. This month, the Church invites us to renew our devotion to the Rosary by praying it daily, whether alone, in families, or in community. Through it, we find peace in times of trial, strength against temptation, and deeper trust in God’s providence. Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, intercedes for us and leads us always to her Son.
“O Mary, our Blessed Mother and Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, teach us to pray with a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. As we meditate on the mysteries of Christ, help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Intercede for us before your Son, that our families, our Church, and our world may be filled with peace and the light of the Gospel. Amen.” 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, we entrust ourselves and our world to God’s loving care. We pray for the grace to be humble like children, as Christ teaches in the Gospel, so that our hearts may remain open to His Kingdom. May the Word of God, which brings joy to the heart as proclaimed in today’s readings, continue to guide our daily lives and renew our spirits. Through the intercession of the Holy Guardian Angels, we pray for protection over our families, travelers, children, and all who are vulnerable. We lift up the sick, the dying, and those who suffer in silence, asking the Lord to grant them healing and peace. We remember the poor, the lonely, and those who feel forgotten, that they may experience God’s tender presence. We pray for the Church, especially our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, bishops, priests, seminarians, and religious, that they may be strengthened in their mission. May persecuted Christians remain steadfast in faith, and may peace, unity, and justice flourish in our homes, our nation, and throughout the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. Guardian angel, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Loving Father, You have given each of us a Guardian Angel to guide and protect us on our journey to You. May we remain attentive to their inspirations and follow their gentle promptings that lead us closer to Christ. Help us to live with childlike humility and trust, rejoicing in Your Word and walking always in Your light. Grant us the strength to resist sin, the courage to embrace holiness, and the grace to persevere until we come to share eternal life with You and all the angels and saints in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed and Holy Guardian Angels ~ 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. As we begin this new month of October, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. May this month be filled with hope, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and fruitful Thursday, and a grace-filled beginning to the month of October. 🙏🏽
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