MEMORIAL OF SAINT TEILO, BISHOP; SAINT APOLLONIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND BLESSED ANNE CATHERINE EMMERICH, RELIGIOUS: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 9TH 2026

MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 9, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-9th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT TEILO, BISHOP; SAINT APOLLONIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND BLESSED ANNE CATHERINE EMMERICH, RELIGIOUS

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 9, 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-february-9-2026/

NOVENA IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES [Novena Starts: February 2nd; Feastday: February 11th] https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-lourdes/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

On this Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time, the Church draws our attention to the nearness of God and the healing that flows from faith. In the First Reading, the Ark of the Covenant is brought into the Temple and the glory of the Lord fills the sacred space, reminding us that God desires to dwell among His people. This presence is fully revealed in the Gospel, where Jesus moves through towns and marketplaces, and the sick are healed by simply reaching out to Him in trust. We also commemorate Saint Teilo, Bishop; Saint Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr; and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, Religious—faithful witnesses who encountered God in leadership, suffering, and sacrifice. United with their example, we are invited today to recognize Christ’s presence in our own lives and to approach Him with humble faith, confident that His grace remains within reach.

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence as we begin the month of February, we come before Him with hearts open to His continual guidance and grace. This month, traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord, invites us to turn our gaze toward the mystery of Christ’s suffering and self-giving love, offered for the redemption of mankind. As we begin to meditate on His Passion in anticipation of the sacred season of Lent, may the witness of the saints who held a deep devotion to Christ’s suffering, such as Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Bridget of Sweden, and Saint Catherine of Siena inspire us to embrace each day with holiness, humility, and love. Through this devotion, may our hearts grow more attentive to the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and more responsive to His call to follow Him faithfully in our daily lives. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing light, hope, and salvation into our lives and into the world.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time | February 9, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Kings 8:1–7, 9–13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 132:6–7, 8–10
Gospel: Mark 6:53–56

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 6:53–56

“They begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.”

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, we see a powerful picture of faith expressed through urgency, trust, and humility. The people of Gennesaret recognize Jesus immediately, not because of miracles alone, but because hope has learned His face. They bring the sick to Him, believing that even the slightest contact, just the touch of the tassel of His cloak, is enough to bring healing. Their faith does not demand words or signs; it rests completely in who Jesus is. This scene reminds us that true faith does not always shout, it sometimes reaches out quietly, trusting that God is already near.

The Gospel also reveals the compassion of Christ. Jesus does not limit His healing to specific places or people. Whether in villages, towns, or the countryside, He allows Himself to be interrupted by human need. The marketplaces, places of noise, trade, and daily life, become spaces of divine encounter. This teaches us that God’s healing grace is not confined to sacred buildings alone; it meets us right in the middle of our ordinary routines, struggles, and brokenness.

The First Reading from the Book of Kings deepens this message by showing us the moment when the Ark of the Covenant is brought into the Temple. The Ark represents God’s presence among His people, and when it is placed in the Holy of Holies, the glory of the Lord fills the Temple like a cloud. God chooses to dwell among His people, not because the building is magnificent, but because His covenant is alive. This foreshadows Christ Himself, who becomes the true dwelling place of God among humanity. In Jesus, God no longer remains hidden behind curtains and clouds; He walks among the people, allowing even the sick to touch Him.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this longing for God’s presence: “Lord, go up to the place of your rest!” It is a cry of desire for God to dwell among His people permanently. The Psalm reminds us that where God dwells, there is joy, justice, and life. In today’s Gospel, we see this prayer fulfilled—not in a physical Ark, but in the living presence of Christ, who brings rest and healing to all who seek Him with faith.

Taken together, today’s readings invite us to reflect on where and how we seek God’s presence. Do we believe that God is close enough to touch? Or do we keep Him at a distance, reserved only for certain moments? The people in the Gospel teach us that faith can be as simple as reaching out with trust, even when words fail. God’s power flows not from our strength, but from our surrender.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Do I recognize Jesus when He passes through the ordinary moments of my life? Do I believe that even a small act of faith can open the door to God’s healing grace? What part of my life needs to be placed before Him today?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You allow Yourself to be found by those who seek You with sincere hearts. Increase our faith so that we may trust in Your healing presence, even when all we can do is reach out. Dwell within us as You once dwelt among Your people, and transform our ordinary lives into places of encounter with Your grace. May our faith, however small, draw us closer to You each day. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 9TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 9th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Teilo, Saint Apollonia, and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-9th/

SAINT TEILO, BISHOP: Saint Teilo (c. 480–566) was a sixth-century Welsh monk and bishop who shepherded the Church in the Llandaff region of present-day Wales during a time of great trial. A cousin and close companion of Saint David of Wales, he was deeply rooted in prayer, learning, and pastoral care. During a devastating plague, Saint Teilo courageously led his people into exile, guiding them with wisdom and faith until it was safe to return. Revered for his holiness, leadership, and care for both souls and daily life, he is remembered as a faithful shepherd who trusted God even in uncertainty. He is the patron saint of horses and fruit trees.

PRAYER: O God, You strengthened Saint Teilo to lead Your people with courage and faith during times of hardship. Through his intercession, grant us steadfast hearts, wise leadership, and trust in Your providence, especially in moments of trial. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT APOLLONIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Apollonia was a third-century virgin martyr of Alexandria who bore heroic witness to Christ during violent persecution. Despite brutal suffering for her faith, she remained unwavering in her love for the Lord and courageously embraced martyrdom rather than deny Him. Her steadfastness made her one of the most venerated early martyrs of the Church. She is especially invoked by those suffering from toothaches and dental diseases and is honored as the patron saint of dentists.

PRAYER: Lord God, You crowned Saint Apollonia with eternal glory for her fearless witness to Christ. Through her intercession, bring comfort and healing to all who suffer from illness, especially those in pain and near death. Strengthen our faith so that we may remain faithful to You in every trial. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED ANNE CATHERINE EMMERICH, RELIGIOUS: Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824) was a German Augustinian nun and mystic renowned for her deep spiritual life, heroic suffering, and vivid mystical visions of the life and Passion of Christ. Despite poverty, illness, and misunderstanding, she united her sufferings to Christ for the salvation of souls. Her profound love for the Eucharist, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and generous offering of herself for others made her a powerful witness to redemptive suffering. Her recorded visions continue to inspire faith and devotion throughout the Church.

PRAYER: Merciful God, You enriched Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich with deep faith and the grace to share in the sufferings of Christ. Through her intercession, help us to embrace our crosses with love, trust, and perseverance, and to grow in devotion to the Eucharist and Your holy will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Teilo, Saint Apollonia, and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR HEALING, FAITH, AND PERSEVERANCE IN SUFFERING

Through the intercession of Saint Teilo, Bishop (patron saint of horses and fruit trees), Saint Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr (patron saint of dentists and those suffering from toothaches and dental diseases), and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, Religious, let us pray for all who are afflicted by illness, physical pain, and prolonged suffering. May those burdened by sickness and weakness find healing, comfort, and renewed hope, strengthened by the courageous faith of Saint Apollonia, who bore suffering with steadfast love for Christ. May leaders, caregivers, and shepherds of God’s people be granted wisdom and perseverance, inspired by the faithful leadership of Saint Teilo in times of trial. And may those who endure hidden or misunderstood suffering be consoled by the example of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, who united her pain to the Passion of Christ for the salvation of souls. May the Church continue to accompany the suffering with compassion, patience, and unwavering faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/a-prayer-for-peace/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: For children with incurable diseases. Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: MONTH OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD: The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent. In this month, we begin to meditate on the mystery of Jesus’ sufferings which culminated in his death on the Cross for the redemption of mankind. Saints who had a special devotion to Christ’s passion include St. Francis of Assisi, who was the first known saint to receive the stigmata; St. John of the Cross; St. Bridget of Sweden; and St. Catherine of Siena.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=2

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 🙏🏽

As we step forward into this new month, may this Ordinary Time invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace, hope, 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 onward, may God bless our families and loved ones, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. May the days of this new month be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence with us always. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Teilo, Saint Apollonia, and Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich ~ 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/