SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 13, 2025 |

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 13, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT LUCY OF SYRACUSE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR | DECEMBER 13TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Lucy of Syracuse | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-13th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 13, 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-13-2025/

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/

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!

Today, Saturday of the Second Week of Advent, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Lucy of Syracuse, Virgin and Martyr, a radiant witness to Christ whose life and sacrifice proclaim the triumph of divine light over darkness. As we continue our Advent journey, today’s Scripture readings call us to remain attentive to God’s saving work, to long for His restoration, and to recognize the fulfillment of His promises in Christ. Inspired by Saint Lucy’s steadfast faith and courage amid persecution, may we allow the light of Christ to strengthen our hope, purify our hearts, and prepare us to welcome Him with joyful readiness. 🙏🏽

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 months. 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 – SECOND WEEK: The prayer that follows is to be repeated each day of the second week. After the prayer, the oldest child lights the first and second purple candles.

LEADER: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen. 🙏🏽

(The two candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the second week.)

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr | December 13, 2025
Reading 1: Sirach 48:1–4, 9–11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2ac and 3b, 15–16, 18–19
Gospel: Matthew 17:9a, 10–13

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 17:9a, 10–13

“Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.”

“As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them of John the Baptist.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals a profound truth about God’s work in history: God often fulfills His promises in ways that are quiet, unexpected, and easily overlooked. The disciples struggle to understand how Elijah has already come, because they were looking for something dramatic and unmistakable. Yet Elijah came in the person of John the Baptist, a humble, fiery prophet calling hearts to repentance, unrecognized and rejected by many. Jesus reminds us that God’s messengers are not always welcomed, and that faith requires spiritual attentiveness to recognize God’s action when it appears in unfamiliar forms.

This Gospel invites us to examine our own hearts. How often does God speak to us through ordinary circumstances, gentle warnings, or challenging truths we would rather ignore? Like John the Baptist, faithfulness to God may bring misunderstanding, resistance, or even suffering. Yet Advent teaches us that God’s plan unfolds not through human power but through obedience, courage, and perseverance. The words of Jesus also prepare us for the mystery of the Cross, reminding us that rejection does not mean failure, and suffering does not cancel God’s purpose. In recognizing John as the promised Elijah, we learn that God is always faithful to His Word, even when we fail to recognize it at first.

The First Reading from Sirach paints a vivid portrait of the prophet Elijah burning with zeal, fearless in proclaiming God’s truth, and powerful in his obedience to the Lord. Elijah’s life reminds us that God raises up witnesses in every generation to call His people back to Himself. His mission was not only one of judgment but of restoration: “to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons.” This reading echoes Advent’s call to conversion, reconciliation, and renewal of relationships, both with God and with one another. Elijah’s fiery witness also prepares us to understand John the Baptist and, by extension, the call placed upon every believer. God’s work often requires courage, spiritual boldness, and unwavering trust. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, this reading challenges us to ask whether our lives reflect a holy zeal for God, or whether fear and comfort have dulled our witness. Advent is a time when God stirs His people again, awakening hearts that have grown cold and calling us to live with renewed purpose.

The Responsorial Psalm becomes the prayer of a longing and repentant people: “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.” It captures the cry of the human heart that recognizes its need for God’s mercy and restoring presence. The image of the vine cared for by the Lord speaks of God’s tender love for His people, even when they have wandered or grown weak. This psalm invites us into humility and trust. Salvation does not come from our own efforts alone but from allowing God to turn our hearts back to Him. Advent is a season of reorientation of letting God restore what is broken, revive what is weary, and renew what has grown distant. When we allow God to “shine forth,” life begins again, and hope is reborn.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to ask ourselves: Am I attentive enough to recognize God’s voice when it speaks through unexpected people or situations? Do I resist God’s call to repentance and renewal because it challenges my comfort or expectations? Like John the Baptist and Elijah, am I willing to stand for truth even when it is misunderstood or rejected? Do I sincerely pray for God to “turn my heart back to Him,” or do I cling to habits that keep me distant from His grace? As Advent continues, am I preparing my heart not only to celebrate Christ’s coming, but to truly welcome Him with conversion, courage, and trust? As we continue our Advent journey on the Memorial of Saint Lucy, let us allow today’s Word to sharpen our spiritual vision and strengthen our resolve. Like Elijah and John the Baptist, we are called to prepare the way of the Lord with courage, faithfulness, and a heart turned fully toward God. Saint Lucy, whose very name means light, reminds us that even in suffering and darkness, Christ’s light cannot be extinguished. Let us not fail to recognize God’s presence when He comes quietly through His messengers or challenges us to conversion. May we respond with repentance, trust, and perseverance, allowing the Lord to restore our hearts, renew our lives, and make us instruments of His saving light in the world. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we await the coming of Christ, may we walk in hope, live in truth, and shine with the light that leads others to salvation. 🙏🏽

Lord God, You send Your prophets to awaken our hearts and prepare the way for Your saving presence. Grant us the grace to recognize Your voice, even when it comes in ways we do not expect. Turn our hearts back to You, restore what is broken within us, and strengthen us to walk in truth and faithfulness. As we journey through Advent, help us to live with courage, humility, and readiness for the coming of Your Son, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. 🙏🏾

MEMORIAL OF SAINT LUCY OF SYRACUSE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 13TH: Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Memorial of Saint Lucy of Syracuse, Virgin and Martyr (Patron Saint of the blind, those suffering from eye diseases, and against hemorrhages). A radiant witness of faith, purity, and courage, Saint Lucy remained steadfast in her love for Christ even unto death. As we honor her during this Advent season, we pray through her intercession for the grace to walk as children of light, to remain faithful amid trials, and to bear witness to Christ with courage, hope, and unwavering trust. 🙏🏾

Saint of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 13th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Lucy of Syracuse | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-13th/)

SAINT LUCY OF SYRACUSE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Lucy of Syracuse (283–304 A.D.), also known as Lucia, was born into a noble Christian family in Sicily during a time of fierce persecution against the Church. After the early death of her father, she was raised by her mother, Eutychia, who nurtured her in the Christian faith. Inspired by her devotion to Christ and the witness of the martyrs, Lucy consecrated her virginity to God at a young age and resolved to devote her life and wealth to the service of the poor. When her mother suffered from a long and severe illness, Lucy accompanied her to pray at the tomb of Saint Agatha in Catania. Through this prayer, her mother was miraculously healed. Strengthened by this miracle, Lucy revealed her vow of chastity to her mother, who consented and supported her decision to dedicate her life fully to God. Lucy distributed her inheritance to the poor and secretly assisted persecuted Christians hiding in the catacombs, often wearing a wreath of candles to light the dark passageways—an act that later became a powerful symbol of her association with light.

Her refusal to marry a pagan suitor led to her betrayal and arrest during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Attempts to force her into a life of shame failed when God rendered her body immovable, even against great force. She endured brutal tortures with remarkable serenity and courage. According to tradition, after her eyes were removed during her suffering, they were miraculously restored at her burial. She was ultimately martyred by the sword in the year 304 A.D. Saint Lucy’s name means “light,” and her life continues to shine as a testimony of faith, purity, and fearless devotion to Christ. Her name is honored in the Roman Canon of the Mass, and she is venerated as a powerful intercessor for those suffering from eye ailments, blindness, and various illnesses.

PRAYER: O God, who crowned Saint Lucy with the glory of martyrdom for her steadfast faith and radiant purity, grant that through her intercession we may walk as children of light, remain faithful in trials, and bear courageous witness to Christ in our daily lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Lucy of Syracuse ~ 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/

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/

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 the Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, and reflect on today’s readings, we lift our hearts to the Lord in humble trust. We pray for the Church, that she may continue to shine as a light in the world, courageously bearing witness to Christ amid trials and opposition. We pray for all who suffer persecution, injustice, or misunderstanding because of their faith, that, like Saint Lucy, they may be strengthened with steadfast courage and hope. We remember those living in spiritual or physical darkness, especially the sick, the blind, and all who struggle with fear, discouragement, or uncertainty, that the light of Christ may restore their vision and renew their strength. We pray for God’s people, that our hearts may be revived, as the psalm proclaims, and that we may recognize His saving work in our midst. Finally, we entrust our personal intentions to the Lord, confident that He who once sent prophets and prepared the way for His Son continues to guide His people with mercy and power.

LET US PRAY:

Lord of true Wisdom, You are Truth Itself. As I grow in my faith and as my faith is challenged in daily life, help me never to doubt but to seek You all the more. Grant me the gifts of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge so that I may become ever more fervent in following You. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, You raised up Saint Lucy as a radiant witness to faith, purity, and courageous love, even unto martyrdom. As we listen to Your Word today, ignite within us the same holy fire that consumed her heart, that we may live as children of the light in a world often shadowed by fear and doubt. Strengthen us to remain faithful, revive us when we grow weary, and help us to recognize Your saving presence at work in our lives. Through the intercession of Saint Lucy, may we walk boldly in faith and reflect the light of Christ to all we encounter. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Lucy of Syracuse ~ 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 Saturday of the Second 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 Saturday, a relaxing weekend, a fruitful season of Advent, a fulfilling week ahead and a peaceful month of December 🙏🏽

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! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/