MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 1, 2025

ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELIGIUS, BISHOP; SAINT FLORENCE OF POITIERS, LAYWOMAN; SAINT EDMUND CAMPION, PRIEST AND BLESSED CHARLES EUGENE DE FOUCAULD, PRIEST AND MARTYR | DECEMBER 1ST | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Eligius, Saint Florence of Poitiers, Saint Edmund Campion, and Blessed Charles de Foucauld | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-1st/)

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 1, 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-december-1-2025/

POPE LEO XIV ON HIS FIRST FOREIGN TRIP AS PONTIFF TO TURKEY AND LEBANON | TRIP BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-on-his-first-foreign-trip-as-pontiff/

NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION | DAY 3: Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Immaculate Conception Starts, November 29 – December 7th. Traditionally prayed in preparation for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-the-blessed-virgin-mary-the-immaculate-conception/

SAINT ANDREW’S CHRISTMAS NOVENA: [The Saint Andrew’s Christmas Novena prayer below is traditionally prayed 15 times a day from November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew, through Christmas Eve]

Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy New Month!

Thanking God for the gift of this new day and the beginning of a new month, we step into December with hearts full of hope and anticipation. On this Monday of the First Week of Advent, the Church invites us to spiritual vigilance, as we reflect on the words of Isaiah, the psalmist’s joyful longing for the house of the Lord, and the centurion’s profound faith in the Gospel of Matthew. Today, we also honor the Memorial of Saint Eligius, Bishop; Saint Florence of Poitiers, Laywoman; Saint Edmund Campion, Priest; and Blessed Charles Eugène de Foucauld, Priest and Martyr, holy servants of God whose lives exemplify fidelity, charity, courage, and selfless service. As we begin this Advent season, may the examples of these saints inspire us to live with integrity, compassion, and prayerful watchfulness, while the Scripture readings remind us to remain attentive to God’s presence in our lives. May this new month, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, draw us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ, and may our hearts be filled with hope, peace, and readiness to receive the Lord who comes to save, heal, and transform us. 🙏🏽

We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the month of December. 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 inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. May this 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 December 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 Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of December. 🙏🏽

ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/

Advent is the sacred four-week season that opens the Church’s Liturgical Year, inviting us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ and to look forward with hope to His Second Coming. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” reminding us that this season is marked by both joyful expectation and spiritual readiness. Traditionally, Advent is represented by the wreath and its four candles symbols of hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us week by week as we reflect on the unfolding mystery of our salvation.

As we enter this holy season, the Church calls us to step back from the noise and hurry that often fill this time of year. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a grace-filled invitation to renew our relationship with God, deepen our prayer life, and open our hearts to the transforming light of Christ. Through Scripture, quiet reflection, and acts of charity, we are encouraged to grow in faith and to make room for the Lord who desires to dwell within us. This season also reconnects us with the longings of God’s people throughout history, those who waited in hope for the Messiah and trusted in God’s promises even in times of darkness.

As we journey through these weeks, may Advent help us rediscover what truly matters: the gift of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ. May it inspire us to embrace a spirit of watchfulness, simplicity, and gratitude, allowing Christ’s light to shine through our words and actions. And as we prepare to celebrate His birth, may our hearts be renewed with the hope that He who came once in humility will come again in glory.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, as we begin this season of Advent, open our hearts to Your presence and fill us with the hope, peace, joy, and love that only You can give. Teach us to wait for You with faith, to prepare for You with sincerity, and to welcome You with humility and gratitude. May Your light guide our steps and renew our spirits as we journey toward Christmas. Amen 🙏🏾

ADVENT PRAYER – FIRST WEEK: The following prayer should be repeated each day during the first week. After the prayer, the family’s youngest child lights the first purple candle. (Family members can also take turns lighting and blowing out the candles on each night.)

LEADER: O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, and come, That by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Through Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen🙏🏽

(The candle is allowed to burn during evening meals for the first week.)

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Monday of the First Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the First Week of Advent | December 1, 2025
Reading 1: Isaiah 4:2–6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1–9
Gospel: Matthew 8:5–11

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 8:5–11

“Only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

“When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.’ He said to him, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The centurion said in reply, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come here,” and he comes; and to my slave, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, ‘Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.’”

In today’s Gospel reading, the words of the centurion have made their way into our Holy Mass in a slightly altered version, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be healed’. It is strange that the words of a pagan, a representative of the occupying power in Israel at the time of Jesus, should come to be on the lips of believers during our most important liturgical gathering, the Eucharist. As we continue our Advent journey, today’s Gospel places before us one of the most striking examples of faith in all of Scripture, the humble, confident, unwavering faith of the centurion. Though a Roman soldier, a man of authority, and an outsider to the covenant of Israel, he approaches Jesus with a heart that is profoundly open, respectful, and trusting. In his simple but powerful declaration, the centurion reveals a faith rooted not in entitlement or status, but in humility and deep belief in the authority of Christ. Jesus is moved so much so that He publicly praises this man’s faith, declaring it greater than any He has found in Israel. The centurion teaches us the essence of Advent readiness: approaching Jesus with humility, trust, and an expectant heart that believes His word is enough.

Jesus is amazed by the faith of a man who stands outside the usual boundaries of religious expectation. While many who witnessed Christ’s miracles struggled to believe, this centurion understood what it meant to surrender in trust. His faith was not based on seeing a miracle first; it arose from recognizing who Jesus truly is Lord, Healer, and One whose authority extends beyond all human power. Advent is a time when we try to attend to the Lord’s word more fully, allowing it to enter our hearts and release its life giving power there. During this season of Advent, we are invited to entrust ourselves to the Lord’s word, like the centurion in today’s Gospel reading. In the words of Saint Paul, it is a time when we allow the Lord’s word to dwell in us richly. Jesus invites us to the same posture of trust as the centurion: to let go of self-reliance, to surrender the need for control, and to believe that His word has the power to heal, restore, and transform. The Lord moves most powerfully in hearts that approach Him with humility and absolute confidence in His love.

In the First Reading from Isaiah, we are given a beautiful prophetic vision of restoration and holiness. The “Branch of the Lord,” radiant in glory and splendor, symbolizes the coming Messiah Jesus Christ, who brings honor and life to His people. Isaiah speaks of purification, cleansing, and divine protection: the Lord washing away sin, healing Jerusalem, and covering His people with His glory like a shelter of cloud and fire. This imagery echoes the Exodus, the God who guided Israel by cloud and fire is the same God who now prepares His people for the coming of Christ. Advent invites us into this work of purification. God desires to cleanse our hearts, renew our spirits, and place His protective presence over every part of our lives. He prepares us not only to see His glory but to dwell within it.

The Responsorial Psalm “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord” is a song of joyful pilgrimage. The psalmist’s heart is glad because he is approaching the holy city, the place of God’s dwelling, the center of peace. This psalm becomes our Advent prayer: a longing to draw near to God, to enter His presence, and to experience His peace. The call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem mirrors our call to pray for peace in our hearts, our families, our nations, and our world. Advent is a journey of hope, a journey toward the One who is our peace. As we walk through this season, may we cultivate hearts that rejoice in drawing near to the Lord and seek His peace in every area of life.

As we reflect and meditate on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to ask ourselves: Do I approach Jesus with the same humility and trust as the centurion, believing that His word is enough for my healing, my needs, and my hopes? Am I allowing God to purify my heart, cleanse what needs to be healed, and prepare me for the glory He desires to reveal? Do I long for His presence with joyful expectation, or do distractions and worry weaken my desire to draw near? Am I praying for peace, in my heart, in my home, and in the world, and am I open to being an instrument of that peace? Advent calls me to deeper trust, greater humility, and renewed hope. How am I responding to these invitations today? As we begin this first Monday of Advent, let us walk forward with the humility of the centurion, the hope promised by Isaiah, and the joyful longing echoed in the Psalm. Christ desires to “come under our roof,” to dwell within our hearts, our homes, and our daily lives, but He asks us to welcome Him with faith. In these early days of Advent, may we choose watchfulness over distraction, trust over fear, and charity over self-concern. Let every step we take this week reflect our readiness for the coming of the Lord, both in glory and in the quiet moments of grace that unfold in our ordinary days. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may our lives become places where Christ’s light rests, guides, protects, and gathers others into His peace. Amen.🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith and make my heart like that of the centurion, humble, trusting, and confident in Your power to heal and restore. Wash me clean, purify my spirit, and cover me with the shelter of Your presence. Grant me the grace to walk in Your peace and to seek Your face with joyful expectation. As I journey through this Advent season, help me to remain faithful, watchful, and open to Your transforming love. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELIGIUS, BISHOP; SAINT FLORENCE OF POITIERS, LAYWOMAN; SAINT EDMUND CAMPION, PRIEST; AND BLESSED CHARLES EUGÈNE DE FOUCAULD, PRIEST AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 1ST: Today, the Church joyfully commemorates the Memorial of Saint Eligius, Bishop (Patron of Craftspeople, Metalworkers, Mechanics, Horses, and Coin Collectors); Saint Florence of Poitiers, Laywoman (model of purity, prayer, and perseverance); Saint Edmund Campion, Priest (English Martyr and Defender of the Catholic Faith); and Blessed Charles Eugène de Foucauld, Priest and Martyr (Apostle of the Sahara and Witness of Universal Brotherhood). Each of these holy men and women embodied heroic faith in their unique states of life—through craftsmanship and charity, ascetic devotion, intellectual courage, and radical Gospel witness. Their stories remind us that holiness is possible anywhere: in the workshop, the hermitage, the classroom, the mission field, and even in the desert of martyrdom. As we honor them today, may their lives inspire us to embrace humility, steadfastness, and a deeper love for Christ. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 1st https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Eligius, Saint Florence of Poitiers, Saint Edmund Campion, and Blessed Charles de Foucauld | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-1st/)

SAINT ELIGIUS, BISHOP: Saint Eligius (588–660), born in Chaptelat, France, was a master goldsmith whose exquisite craftsmanship and integrity elevated him to the royal court of King Clotaire. When asked to fashion a golden throne, he produced two from the materials of one—revealing a rare honesty that astonished the king. Despite the temptations of court life, Eligius lived with deep humility, constant prayer, and profound charity. His compassion for the suffering led him to free captives at great personal sacrifice—selling his own possessions and even working miracles to break chains and open prison doors. His skill in crafting reliquaries and sacred objects revealed his love for the saints and the beauty of God’s house. Though a layman, his holiness led to his appointment as Bishop of Noyon, where he preached the Gospel, worked miracles, and guided souls with gentleness and wisdom.

PRAYER: O God, who filled Saint Eligius with skill, humility, and zeal for the salvation of souls, grant that through his intercession we may use our gifts for Your glory and serve others with generous hearts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT FLORENCE OF POITIERS, LAYWOMAN: Saint Florence (d. 366) was a young woman of Asia Minor whose life was transformed through the witness of Saint Hilary of Poitiers during his exile. Moved by his holiness, she requested baptism and later followed him to Poitiers, embracing a life of solitude, penance, and prayer. Florence lived as a hermit in Comblé, France, where she battled spiritual trials with unwavering faith and communion with God. Her short but fervent life—marked by purity, sacrifice, and perseverance, made her a bright flame of holiness in her time. Her relics were later honored in the Cathedral of Poitiers.

PRAYER: Lord God, You strengthened Saint Florence to live in purity, prayer, and holy perseverance. Grant that through her intercession, we may grow in charity and remain steadfast in our journey toward Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT EDMUND CAMPION, PRIEST: Saint Edmund Campion (1540–1581), one of England’s greatest martyrs, was a brilliant scholar and Oxford-orator whose intellect won even Queen Elizabeth’s admiration. Though ordained an Anglican deacon, his conscience drew him back to the Catholic faith. After joining the Jesuits, he felt called to return to England to strengthen persecuted Catholics during the height of the Elizabethan suppression.

Disguised and constantly hunted, Edmund preached, celebrated the sacraments, and encouraged wavering believers. His courage and eloquence shook the authorities, who eventually captured and tortured him in the Tower of London. Even in trial, his words rang with prophetic truth: “In condemning us, you condemn all your own ancestors, all the ancient bishops and kings of England.” On December 1, 1581, he was hanged, drawn, and quartered, giving his life at the age of 41.

PRAYER: O God, who strengthened Saint Edmund Campion with courage in the face of persecution, grant that through his intercession we may stand firm in faith and boldly witness to Your truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

BLESSED CHARLES EUGÈNE DE FOUCAULD, PRIEST AND MARTYR: Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858–1916), once a soldier of privilege and worldly living, became one of the Church’s most radiant witnesses of conversion. His heart was moved by the sincere devotion of Muslims during his travels in North Africa, inspiring him to utter the prayer that changed his life: “My God, if You exist, let me know You.”

Returning to the faith, Charles embraced a life of radical imitation of Jesus of Nazareth—first as a Trappist monk, then as a hermit near the Poor Clares, and finally as a missionary among the Tuareg people of the Sahara. He sought to be a “universal brother,” welcoming all with respect, charity, and the silent witness of holiness. His dream of forming a community to live the “hidden life of Nazareth” was fulfilled only after his death, when his writings inspired many congregations. He was martyred outside his desert hermitage on December 1, 1916, offering his life as a seed of grace.

PRAYER: O Lord, You drew Blessed Charles de Foucauld from worldly pursuits to the simplicity of Nazareth and the charity of the desert. Through his intercession, make us instruments of peace and witnesses of Your love to all. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Eligius, Saint Florence of Poitiers, Saint Edmund Campion, and Blessed Charles de Foucauld ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

SAINT ANDREW PRAYER: St. Andrew Christmas Novena begins on the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30th). The following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen”🙏🏾

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

Watch “HOLY MASS PRESIDED BY POPE LEO XIV IN TURKEY | LIVE FROM ISTANBUL VOLKSWAGEN ARENA | VIGIL OF THE 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT | November 29, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-november-30-2025/

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

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/

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

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 DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.

This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.

In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽

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

PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we celebrate this Monday of the First Week of Advent and welcome the grace-filled new month of December, we lift our hearts with trust in God who renews all things. Today, honoring Saint Eligius, Saint Florence of Poitiers, Saint Edmund Campion, and Blessed Charles Eugène de Foucauld, we pray for a deeper faith like the Roman centurion—faith that approaches Jesus with humility, confidence, and surrender. We pray that this new month will be blessed with peace, protection, spiritual growth, and divine favor for us, our families, and our communities. May the light of Advent draw us closer to God, inspiring conversion, charity, and hope. Through the examples of today’s saints—St. Eligius’ honesty and generosity, St. Florence’s purity, St. Edmund Campion’s steadfast courage, and Bl. Charles de Foucauld’s profound love for God—may we be strengthened in holiness. We pray for the sick, the weary, the grieving, and all who feel alone. May the Lord grant healing, mercy, safety for travelers, and peace in every troubled place. Amen. 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY:

My amazed Lord, the Roman centurion’s faith touched Your human soul. Please give me the grace I need to have this same depth of faith and to express that faith more fully every time I prepare to receive You in Holy Communion. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen🙏🏽

Lord God, as we begin this blessed season of Advent and step into the month of December, fill our hearts with Your light, Your peace, and Your renewing grace. Strengthen our faith today and throughout this month, and teach us to trust in You with the same confidence as the centurion. Through the intercession of Saint Eligius, Saint Florence of Poitiers, Saint Edmund Campion, and Blessed Charles de Foucauld, grant us purity of heart, courage in trials, compassion in service, and unwavering love for You. May Your presence overshadow us as in the prophecy of Isaiah, and may Your peace dwell richly in our homes and communities. Guide our steps, bless our work, protect our families, and keep us faithful as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Eligius, Saint Florence of Poitiers, Saint Edmund Campion, and Blessed Charles de Foucauld ~ 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 First Week of Advent, 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 the month of December, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. In this sacred season of hopeful expectation, may our Advent journey be filled with light, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ, our long-awaited Savior, walks with us always. Alleluia! May God grant journey mercies to all those traveling this week. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled December, a fruitful season of Advent, and a peaceful start to the new month. 🙏🏽

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

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