MEMORIAL OF SAINT CANUTE IV OF DENMARK, KING AND MARTYR; SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINTS MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX AND ABACHUM, MARTYRS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 19TH 2026

MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 19, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT CANUTE IV OF DENMARK, KING AND MARTYR; SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINTS MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX AND ABACHUM, MARTYRS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 19TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Canute IV, Saint Henry of Uppsala, and Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-19th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 19, 2026 | “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-january-19-2026/

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

As we begin a new week in the Second Week of Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to listen more attentively to the voice of God and to examine the sincerity of our response to His will. Today’s liturgy calls us beyond outward religious observance into a deeper obedience of heart, where faith is lived not merely through ritual, but through trust, integrity, and courageous fidelity to what is right. As we also remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, we are reminded that authentic faith must bear fruit in justice, peace, and love for neighbor. As we reflect on the Word of God, may the Lord reshape our hearts, making us new vessels ready to receive His grace and to live as instruments of truth, renewal, and hope in our world.

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence throughout the year now unfolding. As we embark on this fresh 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 January, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following His example of love, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Name of Jesus, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this new year. 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 January 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 January. 🙏🏽

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day (USA) 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/happy-martin-luther-king-jr-mlk-day-usa-2026/

As we mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, 2026, we pause to honor the enduring legacy of a prophet of peace, justice, and nonviolence. On this day, we lift our hearts in prayer for unity in our families, communities, and nations, and for an end to violence, injustice, racism, war, and unrest across the world. We commend world leaders, past, present, and future, to God’s wisdom and mercy, praying that they may serve with humility, integrity, and a sincere commitment to the common good, becoming instruments of hope and stability in a divided world.

This call to peace finds a powerful echo in the message of Pope Leo XIV for the 59th World Day of Peace, themed “Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace.” The Holy Father invites us to embrace a peace rooted not in fear or force, but in humility, dialogue, and moral responsibility, a peace that disarms hearts and breaks cycles of violence through goodness and mercy. Resonating deeply with the witness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the spirit of the Franciscan Jubilee Year (2026–2027), this vision calls each of us to personal and communal conversion, to simplicity, reconciliation, and active peacemaking, so that we may become true instruments of Christ’s peace in a wounded world.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Second Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time | January 19, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 15:16–23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:8–9, 16bc–17, 21 and 23
Gospel: Mark 2:18–22

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 2:18–22

“Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast,  but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to questions about fasting by revealing something deeper about His mission and the nature of discipleship. He presents Himself as the Bridegroom, whose presence brings joy, renewal, and fulfillment. While fasting has its place, Jesus teaches that relationship comes before ritual. The disciples are not neglecting devotion; rather, they are living in the joy of encountering God made present among them.

Through the images of new cloth and new wine, Jesus invites His listeners to openness and transformation. The newness He brings cannot be contained within old patterns of thinking or rigid religious expectations. Following Christ requires hearts that are flexible, receptive, and willing to be renewed. Without this openness, even good practices can become empty or burdensome rather than life-giving.

The First Reading presents a sobering contrast. Saul believes he has fulfilled God’s command, yet his partial obedience reveals a deeper disobedience. Samuel’s words strike at the heart of authentic worship: “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” God desires not outward gestures alone, but listening hearts that respond fully to His will. Saul’s failure reminds us that selective obedience can distance us from God, even when we appear outwardly faithful.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this truth, challenging hollow religiosity and calling for sincerity of heart. God is not impressed by words spoken without conviction or sacrifices offered without conversion. What pleases Him is a life that walks in integrity and offers praise rooted in obedience. To the upright, He promises the saving power of His presence.

Together, today’s readings invite us to examine our discipleship honestly. Are we open to the newness Christ brings, or do we cling to familiar patterns that resist change? Do we listen deeply to God’s word, allowing it to shape our actions, or do we justify partial obedience? Ordinary Time reminds us that holiness is formed daily, through attentive listening, joyful openness, and faithful response. May we become fresh wineskins for the new wine of the Gospel, ready to receive Christ with humble hearts and to follow Him with sincere obedience. 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You call us into a living relationship with You and invite us to embrace the newness of Your grace. Free our hearts from rigidity and self-deception, and teach us to listen attentively to Your word. May our worship be sincere, our obedience wholehearted, and our lives open to the transforming power of Your presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT CANUTE IV OF DENMARK, KING AND MARTYR; SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA, BISHOP AND MARTYR; AND SAINTS MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX AND ABACHUM, MARTYRS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 19TH: Today, the Church honors several courageous witnesses whose lives reveal the cost and beauty of fidelity to Christ. United by their steadfast faith unto death, Saint Canute IV, Saint Henry of Uppsala, and the holy family of Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum remind us that true discipleship demands obedience, sacrifice, and unwavering trust in God, whether exercised through leadership, missionary service, or family life.

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 19th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Canute IV, Saint Henry of Uppsala, and Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-19th/)

SAINT CANUTE IV OF DENMARK, KING AND MARTYR: Saint Canute IV, also known as Canute the Holy, reigned as King of Denmark from 1080 to 1086 and distinguished himself as a ruler deeply committed to both the welfare of his people and the growth of the Church. A man of prayer, penance, and charity, he sought to strengthen Christian life in his kingdom, often placing him at odds with powerful nobles and popular opinion. His efforts to reform society and uphold justice eventually sparked rebellion. Taking refuge in a church he had founded, Saint Canute prepared for death through confession and Holy Communion before being brutally murdered at the altar. His martyrdom stands as a powerful witness that obedience to God and defense of truth may demand the ultimate sacrifice.

PRAYER: Saint Canute IV, faithful king and martyr, pray for us that we may serve God with courage and integrity. Help us to place obedience to God above human approval and to remain steadfast in faith even amid trials and opposition. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS MARIUS, MARTHA, AUDIFAX AND ABACHUM, MARTYRS: Saints Marius, Martha, and their sons Audifax and Abachum were a holy Persian family who journeyed to Rome out of love for Christ and compassion for persecuted Christians. Renouncing their wealth, they devoted themselves to works of mercy, encouraging imprisoned believers and burying the bodies of martyrs with reverence. Their charity soon drew attention, and they were arrested, tortured, and put to death for refusing to worship idols. Martha courageously exhorted her family to remain faithful before being martyred, followed by her husband and sons. Their witness proclaims the sanctity of family life rooted in faith and the power of Christian charity even in the face of persecution.

PRAYER: Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum, devoted witnesses of Christ, pray for us that our families may be strengthened in faith, courage, and love. Help us to remain steadfast in the truth and generous in charity, even when faith demands sacrifice. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT HENRY OF UPPSALA, BISHOP AND MARTYR: Saint Henry of Uppsala was an English-born bishop who became a tireless missionary in Scandinavia and Finland during the twelfth century. Consecrated as Bishop of Uppsala, he accompanied King Eric of Sweden on a mission to evangelize Finland, bringing many to the Christian faith. Choosing to remain behind to nurture the new converts, Saint Henry fearlessly upheld Christian discipline and justice. His pastoral zeal ultimately led to his martyrdom when he was murdered by a resentful convert. Revered throughout Sweden and Finland, Saint Henry remains a symbol of missionary courage, pastoral fidelity, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

PRAYER: Saint Henry of Uppsala, devoted bishop and martyr, pray for us that we may courageously proclaim the Gospel and remain faithful shepherds in whatever mission God entrusts to us. Strengthen us to witness to Christ with humility, perseverance, and love. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Canute IV, Saint Henry of Uppsala, and Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum — pray for us. 🙏🏽

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of January | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-january-2026/

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/

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 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

PRAYER INTENTIONS: In light of today’s readings and the witness of Saint Canute IV, Saint Henry of Uppsala, and Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum, we bring our prayers before the Lord. We pray for the grace of true obedience, that our worship may be sincere and pleasing to God, not rooted merely in outward actions but in hearts that listen and submit to His will. We pray for leaders in the Church and in society, that like Saint Canute and Saint Henry, they may govern with integrity, courage, and fidelity to God even when obedience demands sacrifice. We pray for families, that inspired by the holy family of martyrs, they may remain steadfast in faith, charity, and mutual support amid trials. We also remember all who suffer persecution for their beliefs, asking God to strengthen them and grant peace to their hearts. Finally, we pray for ourselves, that we may be open to the newness of Christ, allowing Him to renew our hearts and lives according to His will.

LET US PRAY:

Lord God, You teach us that obedience is greater than sacrifice and that true worship flows from hearts attuned to Your word. Through the example of Your faithful servants and martyrs, grant us the grace to surrender our will to Yours with humility and trust. Free us from empty practices and make us living witnesses of Your truth, ready to welcome the new life You offer in Christ. Strengthen us in faith, renew us by Your Spirit, and lead us always in the way that brings salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Canute IV, Saint Henry of Uppsala, and Saints Marius, Martha, Audifax, and Abachum ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

As we step forward into this new year, may this sacred season invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace and steady guidance that flow from walking daily with Christ shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. As we journey through Ordinary Time with hearts open to His continual presence, may God bless all families and loved ones as we embrace the year ahead, and may His light shine brightly in every home. Each day, we pause in gratitude, entrusting our joys and sorrows, successes and shortcomings into God’s merciful hands. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing hope and salvation into our lives and into the world. May this season of faithful discipleship be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence throughout the year to come. 🙏🏽

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/