MEMORIAL OF SAINT FABIAN, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT SEBASTIAN, MARTYR AND  BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI, PRIEST – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 20TH 2026

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 20, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT FABIAN, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT SEBASTIAN, MARTYR AND  BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI, PRIEST – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 20TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Fabian, Saint Sebastian, and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-20th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 20, 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-20-2026/

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

As we gather today, Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to reflect on God’s way of seeing, choosing, and loving, which so often differs from human expectations. In the Scriptures, we encounter a God who looks beyond appearances and rituals into the depths of the human heart, calling forth faith, obedience, and trust. Alongside these readings, we commemorate the faithful witness of Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr; Saint Sebastian, Martyr; and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, Priest, whose lives remind us that true discipleship is shaped by courage, humility, and steadfast devotion to God’s will. As we reflect today, may our hearts be open to God’s voice, ready to respond generously wherever He calls us in the quiet ordinariness of daily life. 🙏🏽

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. 🙏🏽

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: Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time | January 20, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 16:1–13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:20, 21–22, 27–28
Gospel: Mark 2:23–28

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 2:23–28

“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.”

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus confronts a rigid understanding of religious law that prioritizes rules over compassion. The Pharisees are more concerned with technical violations than with the real human need before them. In response, Jesus reminds them that God’s law was given not to burden humanity but to serve life. The sabbath, meant as a gift of rest and renewal, loses its meaning when it becomes an instrument of judgment rather than mercy.

By referring to David’s actions, Jesus highlights a deeper principle: love and necessity are never opposed to God’s will. Human dignity and compassion take precedence over legalism. As Lord of the sabbath, Jesus reveals that true holiness is found not in rigid observance but in a heart that understands the purpose behind God’s commands. Obedience, when divorced from love, can easily become oppressive rather than life-giving.

The First Reading offers a powerful parallel. God sends Samuel to anoint a new king, yet He deliberately overturns human expectations. One by one, Jesse’s sons are presented, each impressive in appearance, but God rejects them all. The Lord’s words are striking: “Not as man sees does God see… the LORD looks into the heart.” David, the youngest and least expected, is chosen not for outward strength but for the disposition of his heart. This moment reminds us that God’s criteria are radically different from our own.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this divine choice with confidence and promise. David is called God’s servant, strengthened by God’s own hand and anointed with holy oil. The psalm affirms that when God chooses, He also sustains. Leadership, vocation, and holiness are not self-made; they are rooted in God’s initiative and faithfulness.

Together, today’s readings invite us to examine how we see, judge, and live our faith. Do we focus more on appearances than on the heart? Do we cling to rules without embracing mercy? God continually calls us beyond surface-level religiosity into a deeper relationship marked by compassion, humility, and trust. Ordinary Time reminds us that God is still at work in the ordinary moments of our lives, shaping hearts that are attentive to His voice and open to His will.

Lord Jesus, You reveal the heart of the Father, who desires mercy more than sacrifice and love more than rigid observance. Teach us to see as You see, to value compassion over judgment, and to place human dignity at the center of our faith. Purify our hearts, deepen our obedience, and help us live Your commandments with sincerity and love. May we remain open to Your grace, allowing You to shape us according to Your will. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT FABIAN, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT SEBASTIAN, MARTYR; AND BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI, PRIEST – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 20TH: Today, the Church honors three powerful witnesses whose lives reflect different yet complementary expressions of fidelity to Christ. United by their courage, faithfulness, and total surrender to God’s will, Saint Fabian, Saint Sebastian, and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi remind us that true discipleship is lived through faithful leadership, courageous witness in persecution, and humble dedication to prayer and service. Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr; Saint Sebastian, Martyr and  Blessed Cyprian Micbael Iwene Tansi, Priest. On this feast day, through the intercession of St. Fabian (Patron Saint of Rome) St.  Sebastian (Patron Saint of athletes, soldiers, and victims of the plague.) and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (Patron of Nigerian priests), we humbly pray for peace and unity in our divided and conflicted world and pray for all places where the Church suffers persecution and for all who face death, danger, or isolation for their faith. Most especially for all who live where the Church is accepted and thrives in peace that this peace will not make their faith flabby and weak, we ask this through Christ our Lord…Amen 🙏🏽

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

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Fabian, Saint Sebastian, and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-20th/)

SAINT FABIAN, POPE AND MARTYR: Saint Fabian served as Pope from 236 to 250, during a time when Christianity was still illegal within the Roman Empire. A simple layman who had come from the countryside to observe the papal election, he was unexpectedly chosen after a dove was said to have descended upon his head, a sign the faithful recognized as the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Once elected, Fabian proved to be a wise and holy shepherd, governing the Church with humility, order, and pastoral care. During a relatively peaceful period, he organized the Church in Rome into districts, appointed deacons to oversee pastoral care, and ensured the preservation of the acts of the martyrs. His leadership strengthened the Church both spiritually and structurally. However, when Emperor Decius launched a fierce persecution against Christians, Pope Fabian was among its first victims. Refusing to renounce his faith, he was martyred in 250 A.D. His life and death testify that true leadership in the Church is rooted in obedience to God and faithfulness unto death.

PRAYER: Saint Fabian, faithful pope and martyr, pray for us. Obtain for us the grace to serve God with integrity, humility, and courage. May we remain obedient to God’s will even when it demands sacrifice. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT SEBASTIAN, MARTYR: Saint Sebastian was born in Gaul to Christian parents and later traveled to Rome, where he joined the Roman army to secretly support persecuted Christians. Using his position as an officer, he encouraged the faithful, strengthened the weak, and brought many to conversion through his words and example. Though he initially concealed his faith, his Christian identity was eventually revealed. Condemned by Emperor Diocletian, Sebastian was tied to a tree and shot with arrows, left for dead. Miraculously, he survived and was nursed back to health by Saint Irene of Rome. Rather than flee, Sebastian courageously returned to confront the emperor, denouncing the injustice done to Christians. For this bold witness, he was beaten to death and his body discarded. His martyrdom stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, courage, and fearless proclamation of the truth.

PRAYER: Saint Sebastian, courageous martyr of Christ, pray for us. Strengthen our faith when we are tempted to fear or compromise. Help us to remain firm in our witness to Christ, even in the face of opposition and suffering. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI, PRIEST: Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi was born in 1903 in Aguleri, Anambra State, Nigeria, to parents who practiced traditional religion. Baptized as a young boy, he embraced the Christian faith with deep conviction and later discerned a call to the priesthood, despite family opposition. Ordained in 1937, he became one of the earliest indigenous priests of his region and served faithfully as a parish priest, teacher, catechist, and spiritual guide. Driven by a deep interior life and love for prayer, Father Tansi later embraced the Trappist monastic life in England, taking the name Cyprian. Whether in active ministry or contemplative silence, his life was marked by humility, charity, discipline, and complete trust in God. He died in 1964 after a brief illness and was beatified by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1998. His words continue to inspire: “If you are going to be a Christian at all, you might as well live entirely for God.”

PRAYER: Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, faithful priest and servant of God, pray for us. Inspire us to live lives rooted in prayer, humility, and total surrender to God’s will. May we serve others generously and remain faithful in both action and contemplation. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Fabian, Saint Sebastian, and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi — 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/

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 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: Trusting in the Lord who looks not at outward appearances but at the heart, we bring before Him our prayers and the needs of the world. Through the intercession of Saint Fabian, Saint Sebastian, and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, we pray for the Church, that her leaders and faithful may remain obedient to God’s will, courageous in witness, and faithful even in times of trial or persecution. We pray for priests, religious, and all pastoral leaders, especially those serving in difficult or hidden circumstances, that they may be strengthened by the Spirit of the Lord and guided by humility, prayer, and integrity. We pray for families, that they may grow in faith, unity, and perseverance, reflecting God’s love through sacrifice and service. We pray for world leaders, that they may govern with justice, compassion, and reverence for human dignity, placing the good of people above rigid laws or selfish ambition. We also pray for all who feel overlooked, underestimated, or forgotten, that they may trust God’s timing and discover their true worth in His loving gaze. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY:

Lord God, You are the One who anoints, calls, and sends. You look into the depths of the human heart and choose according to Your wisdom, not human standards. As You called David from the fields and declared the Sabbath a gift for humanity, teach us to live in freedom, obedience, and trust. Through the witness of Saint Fabian, grant us fidelity in leadership; through Saint Sebastian, courage in suffering; and through Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, a spirit of prayerful surrender and humble service. May Your Spirit rest upon us, shaping our hearts to be attentive to Your voice and responsive to Your will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Fabian, Saint Sebastian, and Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi ~ 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/