MEMORIAL OF SAINT PHILOGONIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP AND SAINT DOMINIC OF SILOS, ABBOT | DECEMBER 20TH

SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 20, 2025 |

CHRISTMAS NOVENA | DECEMBER 16TH –24TH | Day 5 | 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 20, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PHILOGONIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP AND SAINT DOMINIC OF SILOS, ABBOT | DECEMBER 20TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Philogonius of Antioch, and Saint Dominic of Silos | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-20th/

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 Third Week of Advent, the Church draws us closer to the mystery of God’s saving promise as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. As the days of Advent near their fulfillment, today’s readings invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and humble obedience, virtues that open the door for God to act powerfully in our lives. In quiet anticipation, we are reminded that God remains faithful to His word, working through those who listen, believe, and surrender themselves to His will.

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, Saturday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Third Week of Advent | December 20, 2025
Reading 1: Isaiah 7:10–14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1–2, 3–4ab, 5–6
Gospel: Luke 1:26–38

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 1:26–38

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.”

Today’s Gospel places us at the heart of the mystery of the Incarnation, the moment when heaven touches earth through the humble “yes” of the Virgin Mary. The angel Gabriel’s greeting reveals Mary’s unique place in God’s plan, yet her response is not pride or self-assurance, but holy fear and deep reflection. She listens, questions with humility, and ultimately surrenders herself entirely to God’s will. In her obedience, God’s promise begins to take flesh.

Mary’s question, “How can this be?” is not born of doubt but of trust seeking understanding. Unlike Zechariah, she does not ask for proof but opens herself to God’s explanation. Her faith allows space for mystery. When she hears that nothing is impossible for God, she entrusts her whole life to His plan. Advent invites us to learn from Mary this posture of faith, one that does not demand control, but yields to God with confidence and love.

The First Reading from the prophet Isaiah reinforces this mystery with the promise of a sign given by God Himself: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” This ancient prophecy finds its fulfillment in Mary. Emmanuel—God with us—is not a distant idea, but a living reality entering the world through her obedience. God does not wait for human readiness; He acts in mercy, choosing humility as the doorway of salvation.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes today’s call to purity of heart and readiness to welcome the Lord. “Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord?” The answer points not to power or status, but to clean hands and a sincere heart. Mary embodies this psalm perfectly. She becomes the living temple through whom the King of Glory enters the world. As we pray this psalm, we are reminded that Christ seeks hearts prepared by faith, humility, and openness.

As Advent draws very near to its fulfillment, today’s readings invite us to reflect on our own response to God’s invitation. Where is God asking us to trust Him more deeply? Where do fear, uncertainty, or hesitation hold us back? Like Mary, we may not see the full picture, but we are called to say “yes” anyway. God’s grace is sufficient, and His promises never fail. May God in His infinite mercy grant us the grace to echo Mary’s words with sincerity and faith. May God in His infinite grace and mercy grsnt us His grace and as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, may our hearts become dwelling places for Emmanuel, the God who comes to save, to remain, and to transform us by His love. 🙏🏽

Lord God, You chose the humility and obedience of the Virgin Mary to bring salvation into the world. Grant us hearts that listen attentively to Your word and courage to say “yes” to Your will, even when the path is unclear. As we draw closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth, prepare us to welcome Him with faith, trust, and joyful surrender. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PHILOGONIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP; AND SAINT DOMINIC OF SILOS, ABBOT – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 20TH: Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Philogonius of Antioch, Bishop, and Saint Dominic of Silos, Abbot—two holy shepherds who bore courageous witness to Christ through fidelity to the truth, pastoral leadership, and sacrificial service. Though they lived in different centuries and contexts, both saints defended the faith with integrity, stood firm amid opposition, and guided God’s people with wisdom and humility. As we journey through the final days of Advent, their lives remind us that holiness is forged through perseverance, obedience to God’s will, and steadfast trust in His grace. Through their intercession, may we be strengthened in faith and renewed in our commitment to Christ. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 20 https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Philogonius of Antioch and Saint Dominic of Silos | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-20th/)

SAINT PHILOGONIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP: Saint Philogonius served as Bishop of Antioch from 314 to 324 during a turbulent period in the early Church. Originally trained in law, he was renowned for his eloquence, integrity, and deep concern for the poor, widows, and orphans. Widowed later in life, he entered ecclesiastical service and, because of his exemplary holiness and theological insight, was chosen bishop even without prior priestly ordination—an extraordinary decision reflecting the Church’s trust in his virtue.

As bishop, Saint Philogonius became one of the earliest and most courageous opponents of Arianism, firmly defending the divinity of Jesus Christ at a time when the Church was deeply divided. He suffered persecution and imprisonment under hostile emperors, earning the title of Confessor of the Faith. His fearless defense of orthodox teaching preserved unity within the Church of Antioch. Saint Philogonius died peacefully around the year 324, leaving a legacy so inspiring that Saint John Chrysostom later preached a celebrated eulogy in his honor.

PRAYER: O God, Light and Shepherd of souls, You raised Saint Philogonius to guide Your Church with wisdom and courage. Through his intercession, help us to remain steadfast in the true faith and faithful in witness, even amid trials. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT DOMINIC OF SILOS, ABBOT: Saint Dominic of Silos (c. 1000–1073) was born into a humble peasant family in Navarre, Spain. As a shepherd in his youth, he developed a deep love for solitude and prayer, which eventually led him to the Benedictine monastic life. His fidelity to monastic discipline and justice brought him into conflict with King García III, who unjustly seized monastery lands. Refusing to compromise the rights of the Church, Dominic accepted exile with humility.

Later welcomed by King Ferdinand I of León, Saint Dominic was appointed Abbot of the monastery of San Sebastián in Silos, which he transformed from decay into a flourishing center of prayer, learning, and charity. Under his leadership, the monastery became renowned for ransoming Christian captives, aiding the poor, and restoring monastic discipline. Known as a miracle worker both in life and after death, Saint Dominic was especially devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and was forewarned of his death by her gentle promise. He died peacefully in 1073, and his shrine became a place of great devotion.

Saint Dominic of Silos is patron of prisoners, shepherds, and expectant mothers, and his intercession has been sought for centuries with great trust.

PRAYER: Saint Dominic of Silos, humble abbot and servant of God’s mercy, pray for us, that we may grow in perseverance, charity, and trust in God’s providence. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Philogonius of Antioch, and Saint Dominic of Silos ~ 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: In the light of today’s readings and the witness of Saint Philogonius of Antioch and Saint Dominic of Silos, we lift our hearts to God with trust and humility. We pray for the Church, that she may remain steadfast in proclaiming the truth of Christ with courage and fidelity, even amid opposition and confusion. We pray for bishops, priests, and all pastors, that like Saint Philogonius, they may defend the faith with wisdom, integrity, and love. We pray for those who suffer persecution, imprisonment, or injustice for their beliefs, that they may be strengthened by God’s presence and delivered in His mercy. We pray for families, expectant mothers, and all who carry silent fears or uncertainties, that like the Blessed Virgin Mary, they may trust God’s promises and surrender their lives to His will. We also remember the poor, the sick, prisoners, and all who feel forgotten, asking that through our charity and compassion, they may encounter Christ’s healing love. Finally, we pray for our own hearts, that as Christmas draws near, we may be purified, attentive to God’s voice, and ready to welcome Emmanuel, God-with-us.

LET US PRAY:

Immaculate Mother of God, you were called “full of grace” by the Archangel Gabriel. You humbly listened to all that was spoken to you and accepted it with faith, surrender, and humility. Please pray for me, that I will imitate your pondering Immaculate Heart so that I will be better prepared for the great Solemnity of Christmas Day. Mother Mary, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, You are faithful to Your promises and mighty in mercy. Through the intercession of Saint Philogonius, grant us courage to defend the truth of the Gospel with humility and conviction. Through the prayers of Saint Dominic of Silos, teach us to trust in You, to serve generously, and to bring hope to those in need. As we reflect on Mary’s “yes” to Your will, help us to surrender our fears and place our lives entirely in Your hands. Purify our hearts during this holy season of Advent, that we may joyfully receive Your Son, Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Philogonius of Antioch, and Saint Dominic of Silos ~ 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 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 Saturday, 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 |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs

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/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PHILOGONIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP AND SAINT DOMINIC OF SILOS, ABBOT | DECEMBER 20TH |

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