FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 19, 2025 |
CHRISTMAS NOVENA | DECEMBER 16TH –24TH | Day 4 | Pray the Christmas Novena for 9 consecutive days, from Tuesday, December 16th. This novena is prayed in conjunction with the “O Antiphons,” of Advent | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/christmas-novena-december-16-24/
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 19, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT NEMESION OF ALEXANDRIA, AND THE OTHER CHRISTIANS OF THE SAME PERSECUTION, MARTYRS AND BLESSED URBAN V, POPE | DECEMBER 19TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Nemesion of Alexandria and the other holy martyrs, and Blessed Urban V | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-19th/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 19, 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-19-2025/
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, Friday of the Third Week of Advent, the Church invites us to reflect on God’s faithfulness as we commemorate Saint Nemesion of Alexandria and the other Christians of the same persecution, Martyrs, and Blessed Urban V, Pope. As we draw closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth, today’s readings reveal a God who hears the cries of the righteous, brings life where there is barrenness, and remains present even amid suffering and silence. The witness of the martyrs and the perseverance of a faithful shepherd of the Church remind us that hope in God is never in vain, even when fulfillment seems delayed.
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 ŕ 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, during 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 – THIRD WEEK PRAYER: The joyful Sunday in Advent (known as “Gaudete”) is represented by rose (or pink) instead of the penitential purple color. Each night during the third week the mother of the family lights the pink, as well as the two previously burned purple candles, after the following prayer has been said.
LEADER: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen 🙏🏾
(The three candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the third week.)
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Third Week of Advent | December 19, 2025
Reading 1: Judges 13:2–7, 24–25a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71:3–4a, 5–6ab, 16–17
Gospel: Luke 1:5–25
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 1:5–25
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.”
“In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah;
his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”
Today’s Gospel presents us with the moving story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a righteous couple who had walked faithfully with God for many years, yet carried the silent pain of childlessness. Though advanced in age and burdened by what society considered a disgrace, they did not abandon prayer or lose their devotion to God. In His perfect time, God breaks into their long waiting with a message of hope: their prayer has been heard.
Zechariah’s encounter with the angel Gabriel reminds us that God’s promises often come when hope seems most unlikely. However, Zechariah struggles to believe, allowing doubt to overshadow the miracle unfolding before him. His temporary loss of speech becomes a powerful lesson for us during Advent, a season that invites quiet trust, attentive listening, and patient waiting. God’s silence is not absence; it is often preparation.
The birth of John the Baptist, announced in this Gospel, is not just a personal blessing but part of God’s greater plan of salvation. John is chosen even before birth, consecrated from the womb to prepare the way for the Lord. His life reminds us that God has a purpose for each of us, often long before we recognize it ourselves.
The First Reading from the Book of Judges echoes this theme of divine intervention. Like Elizabeth, the wife of Manoah was barren, yet God intervened and gave her a son, Samson, consecrated from the womb. This parallel teaches us that God’s saving work often begins in hidden places, through unlikely people, and in situations that seem impossible by human standards.
The Responsorial Psalm becomes the response of a trusting heart, a song of lifelong dependence on God. From the womb to old age, the psalmist proclaims God as refuge, strength, and hope. It reflects the faith that Advent seeks to awaken in us: a faith that praises God not only after miracles happen, but even while waiting for them.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today as we draw closer to Christmas, today’s readings invite us to reflect on our own waiting. Where have we grown weary? Where has doubt crept into our faith? Advent reassures us that God is at work, even when His promises seem delayed. Like Elizabeth, may we recognize His grace when it arrives. Like Zechariah, may we learn to trust His word more deeply. And like John the Baptist, may our lives help prepare a way for Christ to enter the hearts of others. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may this season teach us patience, renew our faith, and help us recognize that no prayer is ever forgotten before God. In His time, He acts faithfully, lovingly, and powerfully. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You are faithful to Your promises and attentive to the cries of Your people. Strengthen our faith when we struggle with doubt and teach us to trust in Your perfect timing. As we journey through this Advent season, help us to wait with hope, listen with humility, and rejoice in the quiet ways You work in our lives. Prepare our hearts to welcome Your Son, Jesus Christ, who comes to save and restore us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT NEMESION OF ALEXANDRIA AND THE OTHER CHRISTIANS OF THE SAME PERSECUTION, MARTYRS; AND BLESSED URBAN V, POPE – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 19TH: Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Nemesion of Alexandria and the other Christians of the same persecution, martyrs, as well as Blessed Urban V, Pope. These holy men bore witness to Christ in very different ways—through the shedding of blood in times of violent persecution and through faithful pastoral leadership amid political turmoil. As we continue our Advent journey, their lives remind us that fidelity to Christ often demands courage, perseverance, and sacrifice. Whether through martyrdom or humble service, their witness calls us to remain steadfast in faith as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Through their intercession, may we be strengthened to endure trials with hope and unwavering trust in God. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 19 https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Nemesion of Alexandria and the other Christians of the same persecution, and Blessed Urban V | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-19th/)
SAINT NEMESION OF ALEXANDRIA AND THE OTHER CHRISTIANS OF THE SAME PERSECUTION, MARTYRS: Saint Nemesion was an Egyptian Christian who suffered martyrdom during the persecution under Emperor Decius in the third century. Initially accused of theft, he successfully cleared himself of the charge, only to be falsely accused again—this time for being a Christian. Refusing to renounce his faith, Nemesion endured severe torture and was ultimately condemned to death by burning. Like Christ, he was executed between two criminals, offering his life as a powerful witness to the Gospel.
During this same persecution, several other Christians boldly confessed their faith before the authorities. Some were soldiers who encouraged fellow believers under torture, while others endured brutal suffering and death rather than deny Christ. Their joy in martyrdom astonished their persecutors and stands as a testimony to the strength of faith sustained by grace. Their heroic witness continues to inspire the Church to remain faithful even in the face of suffering and opposition.
PRAYER: Saint Nemesion and all holy martyrs who bore witness to Christ through suffering and death, pray for us, that we may remain steadfast in faith and courageous in our witness to the Gospel. Amen. 🙏🏾
BLESSED URBAN V, POPE: Blessed Urban V, born Guillaume de Grimoard in France in 1310, was a Benedictine monk, canon lawyer, and one of the most respected popes of the Avignon period. Elected pope in 1362, he was known for his personal holiness, love of learning, and desire to reform the Church. He founded and supported several universities, strengthened ecclesiastical discipline, and worked tirelessly for peace and unity within Christendom.
One of the defining moments of his papacy was his courageous attempt to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome, seeking to restore the Church’s spiritual center. Although political unrest forced his return to Avignon, his efforts reflected deep pastoral concern and obedience to God’s will. Blessed Urban V died in 1370, remembered as a humble shepherd and a lover of truth. His example continues to inspire Church leaders to govern with integrity, humility, and faith.
PRAYER: O God, who guided Blessed Urban V in shepherding Your Church with wisdom and humility, grant that pastors and leaders may serve Your people faithfully in truth and charity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Nemesion of Alexandria and the other holy martyrs, and Blessed Urban V ~ 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/
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 reflect on God’s faithfulness revealed in today’s Scriptures and the courageous witness of Saint Nemesion, the martyrs of Alexandria, and Blessed Urban V, we lift our hearts in prayer. We pray for the Church throughout the world, that she may remain steadfast in faith amid trials and persecution, drawing strength from the testimony of the martyrs. We pray for those who suffer for their Christian faith, that they may be sustained by hope and never lose trust in God’s promises. We remember married couples and families longing for the gift of children, that they may find comfort and assurance in God’s perfect timing, as seen in the lives of Manoah and Elizabeth. We pray for the sick, the elderly, and those burdened by long seasons of waiting, discouragement, or silence from God, that they may experience His nearness and healing grace. We commend to God the poor, the oppressed, victims of injustice, and all who feel forgotten by society. We also pray for our Holy Father, the bishops, clergy, and all religious, that they may shepherd God’s people with wisdom, humility, and courage. Finally, we pray for the souls of the faithful departed and for the conversion of hearts, as we prepare with hope for the coming of Christ our Savior. 🙏🏾
LET US PRAY:
Most merciful Lord, You chastise those whom You love so as to redirect them to Your holy will. When I sin, please help me to accept the consequences with humility and as a motivation to turn back to You in fidelity and love. Please make me holy in imitation of Zechariah, Saint Joseph, and our Blessed Mother. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God of promise and fulfillment, You are faithful to Your word in every generation. You strengthened the martyrs in their suffering and guided Your Church through faithful shepherds. Grant us patient trust when Your plans unfold slowly, courage when faith is tested, and hope when the way seems uncertain. As we journey through Advent, prepare our hearts to welcome Your Son with faith, humility, and joy. May we, like the saints we honor today, remain steadfast in love and confident in Your saving power. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Nemesion of Alexandria and the other holy martyrs, and Blessed Urban V ~ 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 Friday of the Third 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 Friday, 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/