MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 27TH 2026

TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 27, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Angela Merici | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-27th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 27, 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-27-2026/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin (Patroness of educators, families, and those who have lost parents), a woman of deep faith and prophetic vision who dedicated her life to the Christian formation of souls, especially the young. Through her life of prayer, humility, and courageous service, Saint Angela recognized that renewal in society begins with renewal in families and hearts grounded in God. In today’s Scripture readings, we witness King David rejoicing with abandon before the Lord as the Ark of the Covenant is brought into Jerusalem, and Jesus redefining true kinship as those who do the will of God. Together, these readings remind us that authentic faith is not merely external observance but joyful surrender, obedience, and belonging to the family God forms through love and fidelity. As we reflect on God’s Word today, may the example of Saint Angela Merici inspire us to nurture faith within our homes and communities, to rejoice wholeheartedly in God’s presence, and to live as true members of Christ’s family by doing the will of the Father. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: We join our prayers to the prayers of others for the safety and well-being of all those experiencing major winter storm across Texas and other parts of the United States and the world.

Prayer to Saint Medard: Patron Saint of Bad Storms

Saint Medard, Patron Saint for protection against bad storms, we ask you to intercede for us during the storms of our lives as well as the storms in nature. Protect our families and our homes. We pray for assistance for the victims of snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, especially for the inclement weather we are currently experiencing. Loving God, send in more helpers, and multiply resources and supplies for the aid of those in need. You calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee; deliver us from the storms that are raging around us now. Saint Medard, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Third Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time | January 27, 2026
Reading 1: 2 Samuel 6:12b–15, 17–19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10
Gospel: Mark 3:31–35

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 3:31–35

“For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus redefines the meaning of family in a way that is both challenging and deeply consoling. When His mother and relatives seek Him, He does not reject them; rather, He reveals a deeper truth about belonging in the Kingdom of God. True kinship with Christ is not based on blood or proximity, but on obedience to the will of God. Those who listen to God’s word and live it out are united to Jesus in an intimate and enduring bond. This teaching invites us to see discipleship not as a distant calling, but as a relationship grounded in daily faithfulness and surrender to God’s purpose.

The First Reading from the Second Book of Samuel presents a vivid image of joyful worship. King David dances before the Lord with abandon as the Ark of the Covenant is brought into Jerusalem. His praise is wholehearted, humble, and unrestrained. David’s actions remind us that authentic worship flows from love and reverence for God, not concern for appearances. By placing the Ark at the center of the city and blessing the people, David acknowledges God as the true King dwelling among His people.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this same spirit of reverence and awe: “Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!” The psalm calls upon all creation to open its gates and welcome the Lord of hosts. God is proclaimed as strong, mighty, and victorious, worthy of honor and praise. This psalm becomes both a declaration of faith and an invitation to allow the King of glory to enter not only our places of worship, but our hearts and lives.

Together, today’s readings draw our attention to what it truly means to belong to God. Like David, we are invited to worship the Lord with joy and humility. Like those seated around Jesus, we are called to form a family rooted in obedience to God’s will. Discipleship is lived not only in words, but in faithful action welcoming God’s presence, honoring Him as King, and allowing His will to shape our relationships and daily choices.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Do I make room for God’s presence in my life with joy and reverence? Am I willing to belong to Christ not just by name, but by obedience? How can I more faithfully live as a true member of God’s family?

Lord Jesus Christ, You invite us into the family of God through obedience to the Father’s will. Grant us hearts open to Your word, joyful in worship, and faithful in action. May we welcome You as the King of glory and live each day as true brothers and sisters in Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 27TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 27th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Angela Merici | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-27th/

SAINT ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN: Saint Angela Merici was an Italian virgin and religious educator who dedicated her life to the spiritual and moral formation of young people, especially girls. Orphaned at a young age, she consecrated herself to Christ and grew in holiness through prayer, penance, and works of charity. Recognizing the urgent need for Christian education in her time, she founded the Company of Saint Ursula (Ursulines), the first teaching order for women officially approved by the Church. Through her vision, women were formed not only in knowledge but also in virtue, faith, and family life, believing that strong families were the foundation of a healthy society. Her life was marked by humility, courage, and deep trust in God, and her mission continues today through the countless schools and ministries inspired by her charism of education and service.

PRAYER: Lord God, You called Saint Angela Merici to be a light in the education and formation of souls. Through her intercession, grant us wisdom, courage, and love for the young and the vulnerable. Strengthen families and educators, and help us to build a society rooted in faith, virtue, and charity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Angela Merici — pray for us. 🙏🏽

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 INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR FAMILIES, EDUCATORS, AND THE FORMATION OF YOUNG HEARTS

Through the intercession of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin, let us pray for families, educators, and all those entrusted with the moral and spiritual formation of children and young people. As we celebrate her memorial, we lift up parents, teachers, catechists, caregivers, and mentors, that they may be guided by wisdom, patience, and charity in nurturing faith and good morals. May the Lord bring healing and order to families wounded by division or loss, and raise up educators who teach by example, forming hearts rooted in truth, compassion, and love for Christ. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
We pray for the repose of the gentle souls of our loved ones and souls of all the faithful departed. 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 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Angela Merici ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

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

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/