TUESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 2, 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 2, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT SILVERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR AND SAINT BIBIANA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR | DECEMBER 2ND | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Silverius, and Saint Bibiana | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-2nd/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 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-december-2-2025/
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 4: 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] | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-dayfeast-day-november-30th/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
With grateful hearts, we welcome this new day and another day of our Advent journey. As we step into the month of December, a season filled with expectation and holy longing, may the gentle light of Christ guide our thoughts, words, and actions. Advent invites us to slow down, to listen, and to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior who draws near with peace, mercy, and renewal. On this Tuesday of the First Week of Advent, may the Holy Spirit open our eyes to God’s quiet movements in our lives and grant us the grace to walk in hope, humility, and trust. Wishing you a peaceful, grace-filled, and blessed new day. 🙏🏽
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, Tuesday of the First Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the First Week of Advent | December 2, 2025
Reading 1: Isaiah 11:1–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17
Gospel: Luke 10:21–24
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 10:21–24
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.”
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
In today’s Gospel, we encounter a deeply intimate moment, Jesus Himself rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is filled with joy by the Holy Spirit and in the power of that Spirit prays to God, blessing His Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children. His joy flows from the Father’s mysterious and merciful way of revealing divine truth: not to the proud, the self-sufficient, or the intellectually accomplished, but to the childlike, those who are humble, receptive, trusting, and open. Advent invites us into this same spiritual posture. In a world that often values complexity, strength, and self-reliance, Jesus praises the heart that is simple enough to receive God, quiet enough to listen, and free enough to be filled with wonder. The disciples are blessed not because of status or knowledge, but because they recognize God’s presence in Jesus and receive His revelation with openness.
Jesus’ words remind us that faith is not merely learned, it is revealed. It is a gift granted to those who approach God with humility. Advent is a time of revelation, a season when God draws near and speaks through silence, Scripture, and grace. The Lord gently invites us to rediscover the beauty of a childlike heart: trusting, teachable, joyful, and eager to see God’s hand in daily life. Those who cultivate such simplicity encounter Christ more deeply and experience the joy that filled His Sacred Heart in today’s Gospel.
In the First Reading, Isaiah prophesies the coming of the Messiah, the shoot from the stump of Jesse, the One upon whom the Spirit rests in fullness: wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and holy fear. This vision is rich with hope, painting a world transformed by the reign of the Messiah: justice flourishing for the poor, harmony replacing hostility, and the whole earth filled with the knowledge of God. It is an image of the peace humanity longs for but cannot create on its own. Advent reminds us that this peace is not merely symbolic, it is a promise fulfilled in Christ, and a reality we are called to prepare for in our hearts.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this theme beautifully: “Justice shall flourish in His time, and fullness of peace forever.” The psalmist’s vision of a righteous King who rescues the poor, defends the oppressed, and brings peace to the ends of the earth aligns perfectly with Isaiah’s prophecy. It teaches us that God’s Kingdom is marked by justice and mercy, and that every act of compassion, every prayer for peace, and every choice to love becomes a participation in Christ’s mission. In Advent, we pray with longing for this peace, peace in our hearts, in our homes, in the world, and we ask the Lord to make us instruments of it.
As we reflect and meditate on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to ask ourselves: Am I cultivating a childlike heart, simple, trusting, open, and ready to receive God’s revelation? Do pride, self-reliance, or spiritual complacency hinder my ability to see God’s presence in my life? Do I long for the peace of Christ, and do I work toward justice and mercy in the places where God has planted me? How is the Lord calling me to deeper humility, deeper wonder, and deeper openness during this Advent season? Jesus reminds us today that many longed for what we have been given: His Word, His presence, His revelation. How am I honoring this gift? As we journey through this first week of Advent, may we walk with hearts open to God’s gentle whisper, ready to recognize His presence in ordinary moments. May the Spirit of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and holy fear, rest upon us as we seek to grow in holiness. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may Christ’s peace, promised through Isaiah and praised in today’s Psalm, take root in our lives and radiate to those around us. Amen. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace of a childlike heart, simple, trusting, humble, and open to Your revelation. Fill me with Your wisdom and understanding as I journey through this Advent season. Let Your peace reign in my heart and guide my steps in justice and charity. May I recognize Your presence each day and receive Your Word with joy. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT SILVERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR; AND SAINT BIBIANA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 2ND: Today, the Church commemorates Saint Silverius, Pope and Martyr (model of steadfast truth and heroic endurance) and Saint Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr (Patroness of the Diocese of Los Angeles; patron of epileptics, those with mental illness, single laywomen, and victims of torture). Their witness marked by fidelity, purity, courage, and unwavering love for Christ reminds us that holiness can flourish in every circumstance, whether in the trials of leadership or the quiet strength of personal sacrifice. As we honor these heroic saints today, may their devotion inspire us to persevere in faith, uphold truth with humility, and remain faithful to Christ even in times of adversity. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 2nd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Silverius & Saint Bibiana | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-2nd/)
SAINT SILVERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR: Saint Silverius (d. 537), son of Pope Hormisdas, was unexpectedly elevated to the papacy while he was still a subdeacon. His short pontificate, lasting barely a year, became a shining witness of truth defended at great personal cost. When political and theological pressures erupted during the reign of Emperor Justinian, Silverius resisted the Empress Theodora’s demand to support the heretical reinstatement of Anthimus as Patriarch of Constantinople. His refusal cost him everything.
Through political intrigue, he was unjustly deposed, exiled, and replaced by Vigilius. Though Emperor Justinian later ordered his restoration, Silverius was intercepted and imprisoned on the island of Palmaria, where he suffered starvation and mistreatment until his holy death. His unwavering commitment to orthodoxy, even unto martyrdom, stands as a timeless example of courage, integrity, and fidelity to the Gospel.
PRAYER: Almighty God, You strengthened Saint Silverius to uphold truth in the face of injustice and persecution. Through his intercession, grant us the courage to defend our faith with humility and perseverance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT BIBIANA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Bibiana (d. 363), also known as Viviana or Vibiana, was born in Rome to devout Christian parents who were martyred during the persecution under Julian the Apostate. Left with her sister Demetria, she endured imprisonment, poverty, and relentless pressure to renounce her faith. When all temptations and threats proved ineffective, Bibiana was handed over to a cruel pagan woman, Rufina, who sought to corrupt her purity. Yet the young saint remained steadfast, refusing every attempt to turn her from Christ.
Enraged by her unshakable faith, the authorities scourged her with whips weighted with lead until she died. Her body, left exposed to wild beasts, remained untouched—another sign of God’s favor. Eventually, Christians retrieved her remains, and a church was built over her tomb in her honor. She is one of the three great virgin martyrs particularly honored in Rome, along with Saints Cecilia and Agnes.
PRAYER: Lord God, You filled Saint Bibiana with purity, courage, and unwavering devotion. Through her intercession, grant us the grace to remain faithful in trials and to radiate the light of Christ in all we do. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Silverius, and Saint Bibiana ~ 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 continue our Advent journey on this second day of December, we lift our hearts in prayer, asking for the grace to live in the spirit of hope proclaimed in today’s readings. May the peace-filled vision of Isaiah inspire us to long for the reign of justice and harmony that Christ brings. We pray for the courage to welcome God’s wisdom with childlike humility, just as Jesus praises in today’s Gospel. Through the intercession of Saints Silverius and Bibiana, may the persecuted, the oppressed, and those suffering for their faith find strength, protection, and consolation. We remember all who are enduring unjust accusations, exile, or rejection, that God may defend them as He defended His faithful servants. We pray for the sick, especially those battling mental illness, fear, or discouragement may the gentle light of Christ bring healing and peace. We also pray for travelers, workers, students, families, and all who begin this new month with hope in their hearts; may the Lord make December a season of grace, safety, spiritual renewal, and open doors.
LET US PRAY:
My humble Lord, You rejoiced as You saw Your Father reveal hidden and divine mysteries to those who were humble of heart and childlike. Please bestow Your grace upon me so that I will also grow in divine wisdom, remaining humble and childlike, to fill Your human soul with the deepest joy. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
O God of wisdom and eternal light, You reveal Your wonders to the humble and lowly. As we meditate on Your Word today, fill our hearts with the same childlike trust praised by Your Son. May the righteous peace foretold by the prophet Isaiah take root within us, guiding our thoughts, decisions, and actions. Through the steadfast witness of Saint Silverius, strengthen us in times of trial; through the purity and courage of Saint Bibiana, make us unwavering in faith and fidelity to Christ. Bless us in this new month of December—protect our steps, sanctify our efforts, and deepen our longing for the coming of our Savior. May our Advent journey lead us closer to Your heart, where justice, mercy, and peace reign forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Silverius, and Saint Bibiana ~ 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 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/