MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC, PRIEST AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS, SAINT CHRYSOGONUS, MARTYR AND SAINTS FLORA AND MARY, MARTYRS | NOVEMBER 24TH |

MONDAY OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 24, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC, PRIEST AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS, SAINT CHRYSOGONUS, MARTYR AND SAINTS FLORA AND MARY, MARTYRS | NOVEMBER 24TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions, Saint Chrysogonus, and Saints Flora and Mary | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-november-24th/

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | November 24, 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-24-2025/

PRAY FOR NIGERIA, THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA AND ALL KIDNAPPED CHILDREN | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pray-for-nigeria-and-the-continent-of-africa/

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

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

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/

PURGATORY: WHAT IS PURGATORY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/15/purgatory-and-limbo/

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and his Companions, Martyrs, together with Saint Chrysogonus and Saints Flora and Mary, heroic witnesses who sealed their love for Christ with their blood. On this Monday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, as we draw closer to the end of the liturgical year, the Scriptures invite us to examine the depth of our faith, the sincerity of our offering, and the courage with which we live the Gospel. The example of today’s martyrs calls us to remain steadfast in truth, generous in sacrifice, and unafraid to profess Christ in a world that often resists His light. May their intercession strengthen us as we enter today’s reflection. 🙏🏽

We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely in this 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 healthcare professionals, 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 November. 🙏🏽

PRAY FOR NIGERIA AND THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pray-for-nigeria-and-the-continent-of-africa/

As we rejoice in Christ’s kingship and Annual Global Youth and Young Adults celebration today, our hearts remain deeply troubled by the ongoing kidnappings of innocent children across Nigeria. Many young ones remain missing, separated from their families, deprived of safety, and exposed to unimaginable fear. We unite our voices with grieving parents, distressed communities, and all Nigerians longing for peace.

At the same time, we remember the wider continent of Africa, where many nations continue to face violence, instability, hardship, and insecurity. We ask Christ the King, our Shepherd, Protector, and Prince of Peace, to stretch out His mighty hand over Nigeria and all of Africa: to defend the vulnerable, free the captives, heal wounded lands, and restore the dignity and safety of every child, every family, and every community.

May this celebration of Christ’s reign inspire us to work relentlessly for justice, healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace throughout our nation and across the African continent.

A PRAYER FOR NIGERIA, AFRICA, AND ALL KIDNAPPED CHILDREN

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, You who welcomed children with tenderness and defended the vulnerable, we place before You all the kidnapped children across Nigeria and every nation in Africa where insecurity, conflict, and violence endanger Your sons and daughters. Surround them with Your protection, preserve their lives, and swiftly bring them back to their families unharmed.

Comfort the parents whose hearts are breaking, strengthen communities living in fear, and guide leaders and authorities across Africa to act with wisdom, courage, and integrity.

Lord, stretch forth Your hand over Nigeria and the entire African continent. Cast out every spirit of violence, corruption, and evil. Let Your peace reign in our homes, schools, roads, nations, and communities. Guard our youth and young adults, shield every family, and renew Africa with Your justice, mercy, and truth.

O Christ our King, restore safety to Nigeria and to all of Africa, that justice may flourish, peace may return, and Your light may shine in every land. Amen. 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Andrew Dŭng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs | November 24, 2025
Reading 1: Daniel 1:1–6, 8–20
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Gospel: Luke 21:1–4

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 21:1–4

“He noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.”

“When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus turns our attention to a quiet, hidden gesture, a widow who places two small coins into the temple treasury. To others, her offering is insignificant. But Jesus sees what others do not: the depth of her trust, the sincerity of her sacrifice, and the generosity of her heart. While the wealthy give from their surplus, she gives from her scarcity, ‘the widow’s mite’. Her offering is not measured by amount but by love, trust, and surrender. The widow’s act becomes a powerful teaching: in God’s eyes, true generosity is not about the size of the gift but the disposition of the heart. God values the offering that costs us something—our comfort, our pride, our security. Her example challenges us today: Do I give to God only when it is convenient, or am I willing to give, serve, and love even when it stretches me? The widow reminds us that God sees the hidden sacrifices, the prayers whispered in secret, the kindness shown when no one is watching, the quiet faithfulness in the daily burdens of life. These offerings are precious in His sight.

The widow who gives all she had to live on to the temple treasury could be understood as an image of Jesus who gave all he had, his life, for others. Today’s Gospel reading reminds us that there is often more to people than meets the eye and more to their giving than we might think. We might pray today for the gift of seeing others as the Lord sees them.

In the First Reading from Daniel, we encounter four young men, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, whose fidelity to God is tested in a foreign land. Taken into Babylon, trained in its language and culture, and offered luxurious food from the king’s table, they face the subtle temptation to compromise their identity. Yet Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” and courageously requested a different diet. God blesses their fidelity, making them healthier, wiser, and more discerning than all the others. Their story shows us that holiness is not shaped by environment but by conviction. Even in hostile or worldly settings, God sustains those who remain faithful. Daniel’s courage invites us to reflect: Do I compromise my faith to fit in? Do I allow culture, pressure, or fear to shape my decisions? His example encourages us to choose God even in small daily matters, trusting that He rewards fidelity, strengthens integrity, and illuminates the mind of those who walk in His ways.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm today is a hymn of praise: “Glory and praise forever!” Each verse exalts the majesty, holiness, and eternal reign of God. Amid persecution, exile, and cultural pressure, the psalmist does not focus on fear or hardship but on God’s sovereignty. This teaches us that praise is not a reaction to circumstances but a declaration of faith. When we praise, we proclaim that God is above all, above our struggles, uncertainties, and trials. Daniel and his companions embodied this spirit: even in exile, they remained rooted in praise. The Psalm invites us to elevate our hearts beyond the pressures of life and fix our eyes on the God who reigns forever. It reminds us that worship strengthens the soul, cleanses the heart, and draws us into communion with the God who never abandons His own.

As we reflect and meditate on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to examine the depth of our faith and generosity. Am I willing to give to God even when it feels small or costly, like the widow? Do I live with trust that God sees and values the hidden sacrifices of my heart? Do I compromise my convictions like Daniel could have, or do I stand firm in what is right even when it is difficult? Am I shaped more by my environment or by my commitment to God? Do I cultivate a spirit of praise, acknowledging God’s sovereignty even in trials? And do I allow the witness of faithful believers, past and present, to strengthen my resolve to live with courage, integrity, and total trust in God? Today’s readings invite us to deepen our commitment to God with the same fidelity we see in Daniel and his companions, and with the humble generosity of the poor widow. In a world that often rewards compromise, comfort, and external appearances, Scripture reminds us that God looks at the heart. Daniel teaches us that holiness begins with daily decisions, choosing purity over convenience, obedience over pressure, and faithfulness over fear. The poor widow teaches us that true generosity is not measured by how much we give, but by how much we trust. As we honor Saint Andrew Dŭng-Lạc and his companion martyrs, we are reminded that courage, fidelity, and sacrifice mark the path of authentic discipleship. Let us carry their witness into our own lives, standing firm in truth, offering our all to God, and living each day with unwavering trust in His providence. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace as we remain steadfast in faith and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Lord God, You who strengthened Daniel and his companions with wisdom, integrity, and courage, grant me the grace to remain faithful to You in all circumstances. Purify my heart from every attachment that pulls me away from Your will, and help me to honor You in my choices, my relationships, and my sacrifices. Like the poor widow, teach me to give not from abundance but from love, trusting that You see every offering made in sincerity. Through the intercession of Saint Andrew Dŭng-Lạc and his fellow martyrs, fill me with boldness to witness to Christ, even when it is difficult, and with humility to walk in Your ways with a joyful heart. Strengthen my faith, deepen my trust, and make my life a pleasing offering before You. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANDREW DŨNG-LẠC, PRIEST, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS; SAINT CHRYSOGONUS, MARTYR; AND SAINTS FLORA AND MARY, VIRGIN MARTYRS – FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 24TH: Today, the Church joyfully commemorates the Memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and His 116 Companion Martyrs of Vietnam (Patrons of persecuted Christians, steadfast faith, and evangelization); Saint Chrysogonus, Martyr (Patron of prisoners and those wrongfully accused); and Saints Flora and Mary, Virgin Martyrs (Patrons of purity, courage, and victims of violence). These holy witnesses spanning Asia, Rome, and medieval Spain embody unwavering fidelity to Christ even in the face of cruelty, torture, betrayal, and death. Their stories reveal how God’s grace transforms ordinary men and women into radiant beacons of faith. Today, through their intercession, we entrust to God all impossible situations, the sick and dying, especially children, those suffering mentally or physically, victims of war and torture, widows and widowers, the poor and vulnerable, all families, and the souls of the faithful departed. May their witness strengthen our courage, deepen our trust in God, and inflame our love for Christ. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | November 24th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions, Saint Chrysogonus, and Saints Flora and Mary | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-november-24th/)

SAINT ANDREW DUNG-LAC, PRIEST AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS: The 117 Martyrs of Vietnam are an extraordinary testament to the power of faith in the midst of violent persecution. Canonized together by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1988, they include bishops, priests, religious, catechists, parents, lay leaders, and even a seminarian, each offering their life for Christ with courage and serenity.

At the heart of this group stands Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, born Dung An Trân in 1795, who rose from poverty to become a devoted priest of heroic virtue. He served tirelessly, preaching the Gospel with gentleness, fasting regularly, and living with deep humility. Arrested multiple times during the ruthless persecutions of Emperor Minh Mạng, he continued ministering to the faithful even after changing his name to avoid capture. Eventually arrested again with Father Peter Thi, he endured brutal torture before being beheaded on December 21, 1839. Their martyrdom planted seeds of faith that continue to bear abundant fruit in the Church of Vietnam today. Their feast, celebrated worldwide on November 24, commemorates their triumphant witness.

PRAYER: O God, Father of all mercies, You strengthened Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his Companions to remain faithful to Christ even unto death. Through their intercession, grant us courage in trials, perseverance in faith, and charity toward all. May their example inspire us to live as true disciples of Your Son. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT CHRYSOGONUS, MARTYR: Saint Chrysogonus, honored in the Roman Canon, is remembered for his steadfast courage during the Great Persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Though imprisoned for two years, he remained a source of consolation and strength to fellow Christians, including Saint Anastasia, who visited and supported him. Brought before the emperor and tempted with honors if he renounced Christ, Chrysogonus boldly professed his faith, declaring that he would adore only the true and living God. Angered by his courage, Diocletian ordered him beheaded on November 24, around the year 304. His body, cast into the sea, was later recovered and reverently buried. A station church in Rome and his inclusion in the Eucharistic Prayer testify to his honored place in the early Church.

PRAYER: Lord God, You filled Saint Chrysogonus with unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution. Through his intercession, strengthen us to stand firm in truth, to reject all forms of idolatry, and to live with integrity and boldness. Grant that we may witness to Christ in our daily lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINTS FLORA AND MARY, MARTYRS: Saints Flora and Mary were two young virgins of Córdoba who embraced martyrdom with radiant courage during the 9th-century persecutions. Saint Flora, raised secretly in the Christian faith despite her Muslim father, endured severe beatings and threats from her own family. After escaping captivity, she later returned publicly to the faith and met Saint Mary, sister of the martyred deacon Valabonsus. Together, the two resolute virgins presented themselves before the judge, boldly declaring their allegiance to Christ. Imprisoned in harsh conditions, they received encouragement from Saint Eulogius, who wrote to them from a nearby prison. After multiple interrogations, they were beheaded on November 24, 851, winning the crown of martyrdom. Their purity, courage, and joyful surrender to Christ shine brightly as an example to all who face trials and spiritual warfare.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You granted Saints Flora and Mary the grace to remain pure, steadfast, and joyful even in the face of death. Through their intercession, protect all young people, strengthen those who suffer for their faith, and fill us with holy courage to love You above all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc and His Companion Martyrs, Saint Chrysogonus, and Saints Flora and Mary ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

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

2025 NATIONAL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE | POPE LEO XIV’S FIRST LIVE DIGITAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE UNITED STATES YOUTH | NOVEMBER 21, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-first-live-digital-encounter-with-the-united-states-youth-november-21-2025/

MOTHER OF THE FAITHFUL PEOPLE OF GOD (MATER POPULI FIDELIS) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/mother-of-the-faithful-people-of-god-mater-populi-fidelis/

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/

PURGATORY: WHAT IS PURGATORY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/15/purgatory-and-limbo/

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/

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

Individuals who cannot travel to Rome can participate in the Jubilee by making a pilgrimage to a local designated site. For a complete list of local pilgrimage sites, check with your local diocese. 

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/

PURGATORY: WHAT IS PURGATORY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/15/purgatory-and-limbo/

PURGATORY: The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven,” which is experienced by those “who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC 1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031). The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27) and, while we may die with our mortal sins forgiven, there can still be many impurities in us, specifically venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven.

What Happens in Purgatory?: When we die, we undergo what is called the particular, or individual, judgment. Scripture says that “it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27). We are judged instantly and receive our reward, for good or ill. We know at once what our final destiny will be. At the end of time, when Jesus returns, there will come the general judgment to which the Bible refers, for example, in Matthew 25:31-32: “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. In this general judgment all our sins will be publicly revealed (Luke 12:2–5).

November is a month when we remember our dead in a special way. It is a month when we are prone to reflecting on death, not in a morbid way but in the hopeful way that is rooted in our faith. On this special Feast day, as we continue to remember the faithful departed, please let us remember to pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory this month of November and always. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and all the Saints, we humbly pray for the souls of our faithful departed loved ones, for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed.🙏🏽

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

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: Today, as we honor Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his Companions, Saint Chrysogonus, and Saints Flora and Mary, we lift our hearts to God with profound trust. We pray for the grace to remain steadfast in faith, just as these holy martyrs remained faithful even unto death. We remember all who suffer persecution for their beliefs, all who live in fear, and all who strive to witness to Christ with courage. We pray for the sick and dying, especially children battling severe illnesses, those suffering from cancer, stroke, heart disease, and every kind of physical or mental affliction. We pray for widows, widowers, the poor, the vulnerable, and victims of torture, war, or injustice. We commend to God all students and young people seeking wisdom, that like the faithful youths in the Book of Daniel, they may excel in virtue and understanding. We pray for generous hearts like the poor widow in today’s Gospel, that we may give not from our surplus but from love. We remember all families, especially those experiencing hardship, asking God for unity, healing, and deeper peace. Finally, we entrust the souls in Purgatory and the faithful departed to God’s mercy, especially those who have no one to pray for them. May today’s martyrs intercede for all who are burdened, sorrowful, or in impossible situations.

LET US PRAY:

My wealthy Lord, Your riches are all that matter in life. You bestow the riches of eternal salvation and countless other graces upon those who have given all to You. I do give my life to You, dear Lord. I give all that I have and all that I am. Please receive the offering of my life and use me in accord with Your holy will. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord our God, You strengthened Your servants Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his companions, Chrysogonus, Flora, and Mary with courage that no suffering could overcome. Through their intercession, pour Your grace upon us, that we may love You with undivided hearts and offer our lives generously, like the humble widow who gave all she had. Grant healing to the sick, comfort to the sorrowful, protection to the vulnerable, and peace to our families, communities, and nation. As You granted wisdom and favor to Daniel and his companions, grant us purity of heart, clarity of mind, and steadfast faith. May the witness of the martyrs inspire us to remain faithful in trials and joyful in hope. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions, Saint Chrysogonus, and Saints Flora and Mary ~ 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 Monday of the Thirty-fourth 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 Monday, a fruitful week 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