MEMORIAL OF SAINT WILLIAM OF BOURGES, BISHOP | JANUARY 10TH 2026

SATURDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 10, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT WILLIAM OF BOURGES, BISHOP | JANUARY 10TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint William of Bourges | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-s-of-the-day-feast-day-january-10th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 10, 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-10-2026/

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint William of Bourges, Bishop (Patron of the University of Paris), whose life was marked by prayer, humility, and devoted care for God’s people. In our readings, Saint John reminds us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He hears our prayers and grants life according to His will. The Psalm praises the Lord for His love and protection, rejoicing in His faithfulness and the joy He brings to the faithful. In the Gospel, John the Baptist humbly points others to Christ, acknowledging that his mission is to prepare the way and rejoice in the Lord’s work: “He must increase; I must decrease”. As we reflect on these readings and the life of Saint William, we are invited to trust in God’s guidance, celebrate His mercy, and place Christ at the center of our hearts, following the example of those who lead others to Him through prayer, service, and humility.

We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the new year. 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, Saturday after Epiphany | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday after Epiphany | January 10, 2026
Reading 1: 1 John 5:14–21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149:1–2, 3–4, 5–6a, 9b
Gospel: John 3:22–30

Gospel Reading ~ John 3:22–30

“No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.”

Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist reminds us of the proper place of humility and the need to recognize Christ as the source of life and truth. Even as John had a significant following, he understood that his mission was preparatory to point others toward Jesus. The passage challenges us to place Christ above all else in our hearts and to rejoice when God’s kingdom grows, even if it means stepping aside from our own ambitions or desires.

John’s words invite us to examine our own priorities. Do we rejoice in the works and successes of others when they serve God’s will, or are we hindered by pride, jealousy, or attachment to recognition? True discipleship calls for a spirit of humility and joy for God’s glory, not our own. When we allow Christ to increase in our hearts, we find authentic peace, joy, and fulfillment. His light and grace are meant to guide us, protect us, and draw us into eternal life.

In the First Reading, Saint John reminds believers that prayer, love, and discernment are rooted in faithfulness to God. Asking according to His will ensures that our petitions align with His plan. We are called to support one another, especially when brothers or sisters stumble, yet recognize the reality of sin and the power of God to bring life. Being “begotten by God” means living under His protection, guided by the Spirit, and shielded from the forces of evil. Faith in Jesus Christ provides the ultimate assurance of eternal life.

Reflection on Responsorial Psalm Reflection, Psalm 149 encourages praise and celebration, reminding us that God delights in His people. The faithful are adorned with victory, and joy becomes the mark of those who honor the Lord. Singing, dancing, and rejoicing in His presence reflects the beauty of communal worship and the life-transforming power of God’s love.

Am I allowing Christ to increase in my life, or do I cling to control and personal recognition? Do I support and rejoice in the spiritual growth of others? How often do I pray according to God’s will, trusting Him to grant what is best?

Lord Jesus Christ, You call us to humility and to place You at the center of our lives. Teach us to rejoice in Your presence and in the work of Your kingdom, even when it surpasses our own accomplishments. May we decrease in pride and increase in love, faith, and devotion, so that Your truth and light may shine through us for the good of all. Strengthen our faith, guide our hearts, and grant us the grace to live always in Your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT WILLIAM OF BOURGES, BISHOP – FEAST DAY: JANUARY 10TH: Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint William of Bourges, Bishop (Patron of the University of Paris). Saint William’s life demonstrates how holiness can flourish in obedience, humility, and zealous service to God and neighbor. From his early calling to the religious life, he pursued learning and spiritual discipline, ultimately guiding the Church as a bishop with charity, courage, and pastoral care. His witness reminds us that sanctity is expressed in both prayerful devotion and the diligent care of those entrusted to us.

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 10th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint William of Bourges | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-s-of-the-day-feast-day-january-10th/)

SAINT WILLIAM OF BOURGES, BISHOP: Saint William of Bourges (1155–1209) was born into a noble French family and, though initially intended for a military career, he followed God’s call to religious life. Educated under the guidance of his maternal uncle, he embraced both knowledge and piety from a young age. William joined the austere Cistercian Order, practicing strict discipline, penance, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. His humility and obedience were evident when he reluctantly accepted the episcopacy of Bourges, only after the Pope and his superiors commanded him to serve.

As bishop, Saint William cared deeply for the poor, sick, and imprisoned, promoted orthodoxy against heretical movements, and maintained a life of personal austerity, including fasting and wearing a hairshirt. His zeal, scholarship, and pastoral example inspired countless conversions and strengthened the faith of his people. Saint William died kneeling in prayer in 1209, leaving a legacy of holiness, charity, and devotion that was recognized in numerous miracles during his life and after his death. He was canonized in 1217.

PRAYER: O God, who raised Saint William to shepherd Your people with wisdom and holiness, grant that we may follow his example of humility, obedience, and charity. Through his intercession, may we serve You faithfully and grow in love for all whom You entrust to our care. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint William of Bourges — 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: Today, we bring before the Lord our prayers for faith and fidelity. We ask for the courage to trust in God’s will, as Saint William of Bourges did, serving others with humility, charity, and zeal. We pray for all leaders, that they may guide their communities with wisdom, justice, and compassion. We lift up those who are struggling with sin, doubt, or fear, asking that God’s love, revealed through Jesus Christ, grant them healing, discernment, and protection from the Evil One. We also pray for scholars, teachers, and students, that the pursuit of knowledge may always be guided by truth and devotion to God. Finally, we remember the sick, the poor, and all who labor unseen for the good of others, that they may experience God’s grace and peace.

LET US PRAY:

Lord Jesus, who grant us confidence in Your mercy and guide us in all truth, hear our prayers. Strengthen us to follow Your will, protect us from evil, and inspire us to serve others faithfully, as Saint William lived in obedience and love. May Your Spirit dwell in our hearts, teaching us to love, forgive, and rejoice in Your presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint William of Bourges — 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 for His faithful presence throughout the year now completed, we begin this new year in the joy of the of Christmas season, with hearts open to the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth. As a new year dawns, we pause to reflect with gratitude on all that has been, 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, born for us in humble love, bringing light, hope, and salvation to the world.

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, joy, and hope that flow from the presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us, guide our steps, shape our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. Alleluia! May God bless all families and loved ones as we welcome the year ahead, and may His light shine brightly in every home. May these last days of the Christmas season be grace-filled and joyful, drawing us ever deeper into the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence with us 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/