TUESDAY OF THE THIRTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

KIND REMINDER: Please remember to pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory from November 1st – 8th

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 4, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO, BISHOP AND SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA, MARTYRS | NOVEMBER 4TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Charles Borromeo and Saints Vitalis and Agricola | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-november-4th/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | November 4, 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-november-4-2025/

LITANY OF THE SAINTS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/litany-of-the-saints/

THE SAINTS: WHO ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY CANONISED? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-saints-who-are-they-and-how-are-they-canonised/

KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/

DR. PHILOMENA IKOWE AND HER JOYFUL CATHOLIC WITNESS | LIGHTS, CATHOLIC, ACTION! | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/

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

PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS: We join our prayers to the prayers of others throughout the world, for the victims of natural disasters which have brought destruction and disaster to so many lives. We particularly pray for the victims of the recent Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, for the people of Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and others who are facing the devastation caused by the hurricane. May God grant eternal rest to all those who lost their lives, restore what was lost, and console all those who are grieving, injured, or have lost loved ones. Amen 🙏🏽

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, Tuesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time, we joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the new month of November. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones who have gone before us inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of November, dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, invites us to pray fervently for our departed loved ones and for all who await the fullness of heavenly joy. We especially remember those who mourn, that they may find comfort and peace in the promise of resurrection. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God grant eternal rest to the faithful departed, healing to the brokenhearted, and grace to all who seek His mercy. May this new month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen. 🙏🏽

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also 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.

“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 🙏🏽

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🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past month. We entrust the days of November into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time 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 it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽

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 pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages 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 lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of educators, 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. 🙏🏽

KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/

The Jubilee began with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, and will conclude with the closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2026. The Holy Doors at the other major basilicas (St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls) will be closed on Sunday, December 28, 2025

Important notes

The holy doors at the major basilicas in Rome opened on December 24, 2024, and will remain open until the end of the Jubilee Year on January 6, 2026. 

Participating in a pilgrimage to a designated holy door can earn a plenary indulgence. 

Individuals who cannot travel to Rome can participate in the Jubilee by making a pilgrimage to a local designated site. 

Local Pilgrimage Sites

For a complete list of local pilgrimage sites, check with your local diocese. 

For those in the US, you can find a list of designated pilgrimage sites for all the Dioceses on their websites. For instance, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the Diocese of Fort Worth, Diocese of Dallas, the Archdiocese of Seattle etc all listed their local pilgrimage sites on their websites. 

For example, the Diocese of Fort Worth has assigned the following Parishes as pilgrimage churches with holy doors.  

  • St. Patrick Cathedral,
  • Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish,
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish,
  • St. Philip the Apostle Parish,
  • Sacred Heart Parish 

Plenary Indulgence

In his proclamation of the Jubilee of 2025, Pope Francis announced an indulgence would be available to the faithful during the jubilee year. The indulgence, he explained, would be “a way of discovering the unlimited nature of God’s mercy.”

A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.

“May the Jubilee be a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the ‘door’ (cf. Jn 10:7.9) of our salvation.” ~ Pope Francis

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025
Pope Francis opens the Holy Door Ushering in the Jubilee of Hope | ‘Hope is Alive’ | Vatican News | December 24, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/

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/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop | Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Reading 1: Romans 12:5–16ab
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 131:1bcde, 2, 3
Gospel: Luke 14:15–24

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 14:15–24

“Go out quickly into highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled.”

“One of those at table with Jesus said to Him, ‘Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.’ He replied to him, ‘A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, “Come, everything is now ready.” But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, “I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.” And another said, “I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.” And another said, “I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.” The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.” The servant reported, “Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.” The master then ordered the servant, “Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.”’”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the parable of the Great Banquet, revealing the generosity of God’s invitation and the tragedy of indifference. The master of the house in today’s parable is a very determined host, who was determined to have people to dinner. The people that he originally invited and who had accepted his invitation changed their minds at short notice, just as the meal was ready. The host was disappointed and, indeed, angry. However, rather than give up on the idea of having a great crowd to a banquet, he sent out his servant to gather in the most unlikely of guests in that culture, the poor, the crippled, the blind, the lame, and complete strangers from the highways and byways. Come hell or high water, this master was going to have a house full of guests. His desire to have people at his table was much stronger than the desire of some people not to be there. The master’s tenacity speaks of God’s determination to gather as many people as possible into the banquet of eternal life. God remains a willing host even when He comes up against unwilling guests.

The feast symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven, where all are invited to share in the joy of divine communion. Yet, according to the Gospel, one by one, the invited guests decline, each preoccupied with personal matters, possessions, business, or family ties. These excuses mirror the ways we, too, can become distracted by the concerns of this world and miss the call to grace. God’s invitation is generous and urgent, but it requires a response of love and readiness. When those first invited refuse, the master extends his welcome to the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame—those considered unworthy by society. This shows us that the Kingdom of God is not a privilege for the few but a gift for all, especially those humble enough to accept it. In this parable, Jesus reminds us that God’s mercy is far-reaching; He fills His banquet hall with those who are willing, not necessarily those who are first invited. The call to discipleship is ongoing and inclusive, but it demands detachment and humility. The open invitation to the highways and hedgerows speaks to God’s desire that none be excluded from His love. We are called to respond now, while the invitation still stands, not waiting until our hearts are too burdened with worldly concerns. God’s feast of grace is ready; the question is whether we will come.

In the First Reading, St. Paul beautifully teaches that we, though many, are one Body in Christ. Each member has a unique role, endowed with spiritual gifts that serve the whole body. St. Paul exhorts us to exercise these gifts with sincerity, humility, and joy, whether teaching, serving, leading, or showing mercy. His counsel to “rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer” is a timeless guide for Christian living. True discipleship involves active charity, mutual love, and a willingness to associate with the lowly. Just as the master in the parable invited the poor and forgotten, we too must extend our hearts to those on the margins.

The Responsorial Psalm declares, “In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.” The psalmist’s quiet trust and humility echo Paul’s call to simplicity of heart. Like a child resting in its mother’s arms, we are invited to find our peace not in ambition or worldly pursuits but in the stillness of God’s love. The true banquet of joy is not found in possessions or success but in communion with God, whose invitation brings lasting peace to the soul.

As we reflect and meditate on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, let us ask ourselves: Have I accepted God’s invitation fully, or do I still make excuses to delay my response? Do I use my gifts in service to others, especially those who cannot repay me? Have I learned to rest my soul in the quiet peace of God’s presence? The Lord calls us daily to His table of grace, let us not allow distractions or pride to close our hearts. The time is now to say yes to His invitation and live in the joy of His Kingdom. May our lives reflect the humility, love, and openness that fill the heart of Christ, who calls all to dine with Him in eternal joy. 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.🙏🏽

O Lord, generous and loving Father, thank You for the invitation to share in the feast of Your Kingdom. Grant me the humility to accept Your call with a willing heart and the grace to serve others selflessly. Free me from distractions that keep me from responding to Your love. Teach me to rejoice with the humble, to serve with sincerity, and to find peace in Your presence. May I use the gifts You have given me for the good of others and the glory of Your name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO, BISHOP; AND SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA, MARTYRS – FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 4TH: Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop (Patron of Bishops, Seminarians, Catechists, and Spiritual Directors), together with Saints Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs. Each of these holy witnesses of Christ revealed heroic faith and love in their own way—Saint Charles through reform and pastoral zeal, and Saints Vitalis and Agricola through steadfast courage and fidelity unto death. As we honor them today, may their intercession inspire us to renew our love for God, serve others with humility, and remain steadfast in the face of trial. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | November 4th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Charles Borromeo and Saints Vitalis and Agricola | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-november-4th/)

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO, BISHOP: Saint Charles Borromeo (1538–1584) was a nobleman turned reformer, a man of learning and deep holiness who became one of the great architects of the Catholic Reformation. Born into the illustrious Borromeo family of Milan, Charles was destined for comfort and influence. His uncle, Pope Pius IV, appointed him cardinal and papal secretary while he was still a young man. Yet, beneath the elegance of his early life, Charles nurtured a sincere desire for holiness and service.

When he became Archbishop of Milan—a diocese that had been without a resident bishop for eighty years—he undertook a monumental reform of clergy, parishes, and catechesis. He founded seminaries, revitalized pastoral care, and restored the dignity of sacred worship. Saint Charles was known for his tireless dedication, his humility, and his courage in confronting corruption within the Church. During the plague and famine that struck Milan, he became a living icon of Christ the Shepherd—selling his possessions, feeding thousands daily, visiting the sick, and even walking barefoot in public penance as he interceded for his people. His compassion was heroic and deeply sacrificial. Though of noble birth, he slept on boards, wore simple clothing, and poured his wealth into the care of the afflicted.

Saint Charles’ life was also marked by prayer and personal conversion. He taught that true reform begins in the heart of each believer, and he lived by his own words. His exhortations to bishops and priests were powerful reminders of accountability before God: “If you were the enlighteners of My Church, why have you closed your eyes? If you pretended to be shepherds of the flock, why have you suffered it to stray?” He died on November 3, 1584, at the age of forty-six, exhausted by his labors, whispering, “See, Lord, I am coming soon.” He was canonized in 1610 by Pope Paul V. Saint Charles is venerated as Patron of Bishops, Catechists, Seminarians, and Spiritual Leaders, and his example continues to inspire all who seek renewal in faith and service.

PRAYER: O God, who made Saint Charles Borromeo a faithful shepherd of Your Church through his zeal and holiness, grant that we, renewed by his example, may seek not comfort but conversion, not prestige but purity of heart. Strengthen bishops and all who teach the faith, that they may reflect Christ, the Good Shepherd, in word and deed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA, MARTYRS: Saints Vitalis and Agricola were courageous martyrs of Bologna who gave their lives for Christ around the year 304, during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Agricola, a noble Christian, converted his slave, Vitalis, to the faith, and together they became inseparable in both service and martyrdom. Vitalis was the first to suffer for Christ, enduring brutal torture with unshakable faith. Seeing his courage, Agricola’s own resolve deepened, and though subjected to terrible torments, he refused to renounce Christ. He was eventually crucified, sharing in the suffering and glory of his Redeemer. Their story moved Saint Ambrose deeply, who later discovered their relics and built a church in their honor. Their witness reminds us that Christian love and fidelity transcend social class, comfort, and even life itself. In friendship and in martyrdom, they bore radiant testimony to the unity of the Body of Christ—a master and servant made equal through faith.

PRAYER: O Lord, through the steadfast courage of Saints Vitalis and Agricola, You revealed the beauty of faith and the strength of brotherly love. Grant that, inspired by their example, we may remain faithful in trials and firm in love for You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Charles Borromeo, and Saints Vitalis and Agricola ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY (WMS) | OCTOBER 19, 2025 | Pope Leo XIV’s Message | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/world-mission-sunday-october-19-2025/

CANONIZATION OF SEVEN NEW SAINTS BY POPE LEO XIV | OCTOBER 19, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-canonization-of-seven-new-saints-october-19-2025/

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of November| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-november/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

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 NOVEMBER: For the prevention of suicide. Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER | MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS: November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, a month of prayerful remembrance for all the faithful departed who await the joy of Heaven. The Church calls us to intercede for them through our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses, trusting in God’s mercy to purify their souls and welcome them into eternal light. These souls, known as the Church Suffering, are united with the Church Triumphant in Heaven and the Church Militant on earth, one communion of love bound together in Christ.

This devotion is beautifully expressed in the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) on November 2, which follows the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1. As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church invites us to reflect on eternity, on the hope of resurrection and the promise of Heaven. Each prayer offered for the departed becomes an act of mercy that brings comfort to their souls and strengthens our own journey toward holiness.

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.” 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop, and Saints Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of this new day and the witness of these faithful saints who gave their lives in love and service of Christ. May their intercession inspire bishops, priests, and all who lead the Church to shepherd with humility, wisdom, and compassion. We pray for seminarians, catechists, and all who labor in the vineyard of the Lord, that they may find strength and joy in their mission. We remember those enduring persecution, poverty, or illness, that they may be comforted by the hope of Christ’s promise. May the Lord unite us in selfless charity, grant peace to the troubled, and renew in every heart the courage to answer His call with faith and perseverance.

LET US PRAY:

My generous Lord, You have invited me to share in the glory of Your great Feast. You invite me every day to pray, grow strong in my faith, and to share in the Holy Eucharist. May I always respond to You and never excuse myself from Your invitations. Please also use me, dear Lord, to send forth Your invitation to those most in need. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

O God, who raised up Saint Charles Borromeo to renew the Church with pastoral zeal and holiness of life, grant that through his intercession we may be strengthened in faith and tireless in love. May the courage of Saints Vitalis and Agricola deepen our fidelity to You even in trial, and may their prayers obtain for us the grace to live in humility, unity, and peace. Bless our families, our Church, and all who seek to serve You sincerely. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Charles Borromeo, and Saints Vitalis and Agricola ~ 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 on this Tuesday of the Thirty-First Week in 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 continue our journey through the month of November, 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, dedicated to praying for the Holy Souls, be filled with hope, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled, and fruitful Tuesday, and a peaceful continuation of the month of November. 🙏🏽

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 |

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