TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 23, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/fourth-sunday-of-advent/
CHRISTMAS NOVENA | DECEMBER 16TH –24TH | Day 8 | 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 23, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN OF KANTY, PRIEST AND SAINT SERVULUS OF ROME, INVALID AND BEGGAR | DECEMBER 23RD| Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John of Kanty and Saint Servulus of Rome | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-23rd/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 23, 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-23-2025/
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!
As we draw closer to the joyful celebration of the Lord’s Nativity, the Church invites us today, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, to pause and reflect on God’s refining work in our lives. Through the prophetic voice of Malachi, the praise-filled anticipation surrounding the birth of John the Baptist in the Gospel, and the humble witness of Saint John of Kanty and Saint Servulus of Rome, we are reminded that God prepares His people through purification, humility, and faithful endurance. In these final days of Advent, today’s liturgy calls us to open our hearts to God’s transforming grace, to trust in His timing, and to rejoice in the nearness of our redemption as we prepare to welcome Christ, the Light of the world. 🙏🏽
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, 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 – FOURTH WEEK PRAYER: The prayer that follows is to be repeated each day of the fourth week. After the prayer, the father lights all four candles.
LEADER: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy Grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.🙏🏾
(The four candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the fourth week.)
After the fourth week, the penitential season of Advent is over and the time to rejoice is at hand. The Advent wreath is transformed into a Christmas wreath. Ribbon and candles are replaced with red ribbon and long red or white tapers (to be lighted at breakfast on Christmas morning) and, if desired, other festive decorations can be added.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent | December 23, 2025
Reading 1: Malachi 3:1–4, 23–24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4–5ab, 8–9, 10 and 14
Gospel: Luke 1:57–66
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 1:57–66
“What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”
In today’s Gospel, we witness the fulfillment of God’s promise in the birth of John the Baptist, a child whose very name was chosen by God. Elizabeth’s obedience and Zechariah’s restored voice reveal a powerful truth: when God’s will is embraced, silence gives way to praise, confusion turns into clarity, and fear is transformed into awe. The naming of John is not merely a family moment; it is a declaration that God is at work, preparing His people for what is to come.
Zechariah’s journey is especially striking. Once struck mute because of disbelief, he regains his speech not through explanation or defense, but through obedience. Writing “John is his name” becomes an act of faith, and immediately his tongue is freed to bless God. This moment teaches us that faith often matures through waiting and surrender. Advent invites us, like Zechariah, to trust God’s timing and to allow Him to refine our hearts until praise flows naturally from our lives.
The First Reading from the prophet Malachi deepens this message by pointing toward purification and preparation. God promises to send His messenger to prepare the way, refining His people like silver and gold. This refining fire is not meant to destroy but to cleanse, to restore what has been dulled by sin or fear. John the Baptist will become that messenger, calling hearts back to God and turning generations toward reconciliation. As Advent nears its end, we are reminded that Christ comes not only to comfort but also to purify, inviting us to stand ready before Him with humble and sincere hearts.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this call with a gentle plea: “Teach me your paths, guide me in your truth.” It is the prayer of those who know they need direction and are willing to be led. God’s friendship, the psalm tells us, belongs to those who fear Him, not with terror, but with reverence and trust. In a world that values control and certainty, today’s psalm encourages us to walk the path of humility, confident that God’s mercy never fails those who seek Him sincerely.
As we reflect on today’s readings, we are invited to ask ourselves: Am I open to God’s refining work in my life? Do I listen when He speaks, even when His plans challenge my expectations? Like the neighbors of Elizabeth, may we learn to recognize the hand of the Lord at work in ordinary moments. As Christmas draws ever closer, may our hearts be prepared, purified, and ready to rejoice. God is faithful, His promises endure, and His redemption is near at hand. May He grant us the grace to welcome Him with attentive hearts and lives shaped by obedience, trust, and praise. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You prepare the way for Your coming by refining our hearts and calling us back to You. As You guided Elizabeth, Zechariah, and John according to Your perfect will, guide us also in the path of truth and humility. Purify us of fear, deepen our trust, and open our lips to proclaim Your praise. As we await the birth of Your Son, make our hearts ready to receive Him with faith and joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN OF KANTY, PRIEST; AND SAINT SERVULUS OF ROME, INVALID AND BEGGAR – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 23RD: Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint John of Kanty, Priest, and Saint Servulus of Rome, Invalid and Beggar, two saints whose lives reflect radically different paths, yet converge in profound holiness. One was a learned priest and professor, the other a suffering beggar confined to a bed; yet both lived with heroic virtue, deep humility, and unwavering love for God and neighbor. As Advent draws us ever closer to the Nativity of Christ, their witness reminds us that holiness is not measured by status, strength, or success, but by fidelity, charity, and joyful surrender to God’s will. Through their intercession, may we learn to welcome Christ with humble hearts and lives rooted in love. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 23 https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John of Kanty and Saint Servulus of Rome | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-23rd/)
SAINT JOHN OF KANTY, PRIEST: Saint John of Kanty, also known as Saint John Cantius (1390–1473), was born in the Polish town of Kęty, within the Diocese of Kraków. Raised by virtuous parents, he grew in innocence, discipline, and love for learning. After completing his studies, he became a professor at the University of Kraków, where he distinguished himself not only by intellectual brilliance but also by his deep piety and moral integrity. His teaching went beyond academic formation; he sought to shape hearts according to the Gospel. Ordained to the priesthood, Saint John became known for his pastoral zeal, humility, and charity. As a parish priest, he was severe with himself yet gentle and indulgent toward others, earning the trust and affection of his people. He was deeply troubled by the spiritual indifference of many Christians and responded through prayer, fasting, and tireless service. His love for the poor was especially remarkable—he often gave away his clothing and possessions, lowering his cassock to hide his bare feet after acts of charity.
Saint John lived an austere and penitential life, abstaining from meat for the last thirty years of his life and sleeping little, often on the floor. He made several pilgrimages on foot to Rome and journeyed to the Holy Land, preaching Christ even to hostile audiences. His integrity was legendary, illustrated by the famous incident in which he returned to thieves to give them money he had forgotten to disclose—an act that moved them to repentance. Foreseeing his death, Saint John distributed his remaining belongings to the poor and died peacefully on December 24, 1473, at the University of Kraków. He was canonized in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII. Saint John of Kanty is Patron Saint of Poland, Lithuania, and scholars, especially those pursuing theology.
PRAYER: Almighty God, You adorned Saint John of Kanty with wisdom, humility, and boundless charity. Through his intercession, help us to grow in holiness, compassion, and love for truth. May we serve You faithfully in simplicity of heart and generosity toward others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT SERVULUS OF ROME, INVALID AND BEGGAR: Saint Servulus of Rome (d. c. 590) was a paralyzed beggar who lived a hidden yet heroic life of suffering and prayer near the Church of Saint Clement in Rome. Afflicted from birth with a severe palsy, he was unable to stand, sit, or move without assistance. Deprived of nearly every physical comfort, he nonetheless became a luminous witness of patience, faith, and joyful endurance. Cared for by his devoted mother and brother, Servulus spent his days begging for alms—not for himself alone, but also to share with others in need. Though uneducated, he immersed himself in the Scriptures, especially the Psalms and the Gospels, which were read to him by visitors. Through constant meditation, he learned them by heart and recited them day and night, transforming his bed of suffering into a pulpit of praise.
Saint Gregory the Great recounts that Servulus never complained of his condition, but continually thanked God for uniting him to the sufferings of Christ. Many were converted by his words, patience, and serenity. At the hour of his death, as psalms were being sung, he exclaimed that he could hear heavenly music, and his soul departed peacefully to God. His body, even after death, gave forth a sweet fragrance. Saint Servulus is Patron Saint of the disabled, the physically challenged, and those suffering from cerebral palsy. His life stands as a powerful testimony that sanctity is not hindered by suffering, but often perfected through it.
PRAYER: O God of mercy and compassion, You crowned Saint Servulus with eternal glory through patience and faith amid suffering. Through his intercession, grant comfort and strength to all who are ill, disabled, or forgotten. May we learn to unite our trials with the Cross of Christ and trust fully in Your loving will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John of Kanty, and Saint Servulus of Rome ~ 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 prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we lift our prayers to God who refines, purifies, and prepares His people for salvation. In the spirit of Saint John of Kanty, who lived a life of humility, charity, and self-discipline, and Saint Servulus of Rome, who bore suffering with patience and unwavering trust, we pray for all who endure hardship, illness, poverty, and hidden trials. May those who suffer in body or spirit find strength in God’s mercy and consolation in His abiding presence. We pray for the grace to accept God’s refining work in our own lives, that our hearts may be cleansed of pride, fear, and selfishness, and made ready to welcome the Lord. We also remember families, communities, and nations in need of reconciliation, that hearts may be turned toward one another in love, as the Lord prepares the way of peace and restoration.
LET US PRAY:
Merciful and faithful God, You prepare the way for Your coming by purifying hearts and calling Your people to repentance and trust. As You refined Your servants of old, refine us by Your grace, that we may stand ready to welcome Your Son with joy. Through the intercession of Saint John of Kanty, teach us humility, generosity, and love for the poor. Through Saint Servulus of Rome, grant us patience in suffering and unwavering faith in Your providence. May our lives, like those of John the Baptist and all Your saints, point others to Christ, who comes to save and restore. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John of Kanty, and Saint Servulus of Rome ~ 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 Fourth 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 Tuesday, 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/