MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF HIGH GRACE (OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA); AND SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 21ST 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 21, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF HIGH GRACE (OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA); AND SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 21ST | Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of High Grace and Saint Agnes | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-21st/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 21, 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-21-2026/

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, January 21st, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, and honors Our Lady of High Grace (Our Lady of Altagracia), Patroness of the Dominican Republic. On this day, we are invited to reflect on the beauty of courageous faith, purity of heart, and unwavering trust in God. Through the witness of Saint Agnes and the loving intercession of Our Blessed Mother, today’s liturgy calls us to choose what gives life, to act with mercy rather than fear, and to trust in the Lord who remains our strength and deliverer in every trial.

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: Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 17:32–33, 37, 40–51
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9–10
Gospel: Mark 3:1–6

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 3:1–6

“Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Jesus enters the synagogue and encounters a man with a withered hand. Rather than compassion, He is met with watchful hostility. The Pharisees observe Him closely, not to learn, but to accuse. Knowing their intentions, Jesus places the suffering man at the center and asks a question that exposes the heart of true discipleship: whether God’s law exists to preserve life or to suppress it. Their silence reveals hearts hardened by legalism. Moved by righteous anger and deep grief, Jesus heals the man, restoring not only his hand but affirming the dignity of the human person above all rigid interpretations of the law.

In this moment, Jesus reveals that love and mercy are never violations of God’s will. The sabbath is fulfilled not through inaction, but through acts that restore, heal, and give life. True obedience flows from compassion, not fear. The tragedy of the Gospel lies not in the healing itself, but in the response of those who, unable to rejoice in goodness, begin plotting death in the face of life restored.

The First Reading presents another powerful image of God’s way of acting. David, young and underestimated, steps forward to face Goliath—not with armor or weapons, but with unshakable trust in the Lord. Where Saul and Israel’s army see danger and impossibility, David sees an opportunity for God’s power to be revealed. His confidence is not rooted in himself, but in the God who has already delivered him from the lion and the bear. David’s victory reminds us that “the battle is the Lord’s,” and that faith, not strength, determines the outcome.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this truth with praise and gratitude. God is proclaimed as rock, refuge, and deliverer—the One who trains His servant’s hands for battle and grants victory. It is a song of trust that acknowledges God as the true source of strength, protection, and triumph. When we rely on Him, even our smallest offerings become instruments of His saving power.

Together, today’s readings invite us to examine the posture of our hearts. Do we approach faith with trust or fear, compassion or judgment, openness or resistance? Like David, we are called to step forward in faith, even when we feel small or inadequate. Like Jesus, we are invited to choose mercy over rigidity and life over legalism. And like Saint Agnes, whose witness we honor today, we are reminded that true courage flows from total trust in God. May we allow the Lord to soften our hearts, strengthen our faith, and use our lives as instruments of His healing and love.

Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of life and the healer of wounded hearts. Teach us to trust You as David did, to act with compassion as You do, and to choose what gives life even when it costs us. Heal our hardness of heart, strengthen our faith, and help us live courageously for You each day. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF HIGH GRACE (OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA); AND SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 21ST: Today, the Church celebrates two profound witnesses to God’s grace and holiness: Our Lady of High Grace, Patroness of the Dominican Republic, and Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. Though separated by time and circumstance, both proclaim the beauty of purity, faithful surrender, and unwavering devotion to God. In Mary, we behold the Mother who presents Christ to the world with humble obedience; in Saint Agnes, we encounter a young soul whose courageous fidelity triumphed over fear, persecution, and death. On this feast day, through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Altagracia (Patroness of the Dominican Republic and the Island of Hispaniola) and the prayers of Saint Agnes (Patron Saint of girls, virgins, chastity, and young people), we ask for the grace to remain faithful to Christ in purity of heart, strength of conviction, and courage in witness—especially in a world that often resists holiness.

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 21st https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of High Grace and Saint Agnes | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-21st/)

OUR LADY OF HIGH GRACE (OUR LADY OF ALTAGRACIA): Our Lady of High Grace, also known as Our Lady of Altagracia, has been deeply venerated since the early 16th century. According to tradition, a revered image of the Virgin Mary was brought from Spain to the island of Hispaniola in 1502 by Spanish settlers Alfonso and Antonio de Trejo. The image eventually found its home in Higüey, where devotion to the Virgin flourished among the people. Popular legend recounts how a devout merchant, unable to find an image of “Our Lady of Altagracia” for his daughter, received a mysterious painting from an elderly stranger—who vanished by morning. The image repeatedly moved from the family home to an orange tree outside, a sign interpreted as Mary’s desire to belong not to one household, but to an entire people. This led to her public veneration and the eventual construction of shrines in her honor, culminating in the consecration of the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in 1971.

The image portrays the Nativity: the Christ Child resting in humility, Mary standing in prayer as the central figure bathed in divine light, Saint Joseph offering quiet service, and the star guiding humanity toward salvation. Crowned twice—most notably by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1979—Our Lady of Altagracia is honored as the first evangelizer of the Americas and the loving Mother who presents Christ as the Highest Grace given to humanity.

PRAYER: Most Holy Virgin of Altagracia, loving Mother and Queen, we thank you for your constant protection and maternal care. Teach us to trust in God’s providence, to cherish Christ in our hearts, and to live faithfully according to His will. Remain with us in our trials, strengthen us in our faith, and lead us safely to eternal life. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Agnes of Rome was born around 291 A.D. into a noble family and consecrated her life to Christ at a young age. Her name, meaning “pure” and symbolized by the lamb, reflects the innocence and holiness with which she lived. During the fierce persecution under Emperor Diocletian, Agnes boldly refused to renounce her faith or her vow of virginity, declaring that she belonged entirely to Christ. Despite threats, humiliation, and violence, Agnes remained steadfast. Even when sentenced to death, she courageously accepted martyrdom rather than compromise her devotion to her Heavenly Bridegroom. She was beheaded around the age of thirteen, offering her life as a powerful testimony that true strength lies in fidelity to God.

Saint Agnes has been honored since the early centuries of the Church and is named in the Roman Canon of the Mass. Her witness continues to inspire young people to embrace purity, courage, and unwavering faith in the face of worldly pressure.

PRAYER: Saint Agnes, brave virgin and martyr of Christ, pray for us. Protect the young, strengthen those striving for purity, and help us remain faithful to Christ in every trial. May your example lead us to choose holiness with courage and love. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of High Grace and Saint Agnes — 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: On this Memorial of Our Lady of High Grace and Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, we lift our hearts to God in trust and humility. We pray for the Church, that she may always choose mercy over rigidity, compassion over judgment, and courage over fear, remaining faithful to Christ even in times of opposition. We pray for young people, especially girls and those striving to live lives of purity and integrity, that like Saint Agnes, they may be strengthened to remain faithful to God amid the pressures and confusions of the world. We pray for all who feel small, wounded, or underestimated, that like David, they may trust not in their own strength but in the saving power of the Lord. We pray for those whose hearts have grown hardened by fear, pride, or legalism, that the healing touch of Christ may restore them to compassion and openness. Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of High Grace, we pray for families, nations, and communities, especially those facing conflict or moral confusion, that they may welcome Christ as the source of true life, healing, and peace.

LET US PRAY:

Lord God, our rock and our deliverer, You reveal Your power through hearts that trust You completely. Through the intercession of Our Lady of High Grace and the witness of Saint Agnes, grant us the courage to choose what gives life, the grace to act with mercy, and the faith to stand firm in truth even when it costs us. Heal our wounded hearts, soften our hardness, and make us instruments of Your love and compassion in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of High Grace and Saint Agnes ~ 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/