MEMORIAL OF SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG, PRIEST AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS; SAINT MARIE AMANDINE, RELIGIOUS AND MARTYR; SAINT VERONICA GUILIANI, VIRGIN AND BLESSED ADRIAN FORTESCUE, MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 9TH 2026

THURSDAY OF THE FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | JULY 9, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/thursday-of-the-fourteenth-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-july-9-2026/

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

MEMORIAL OF SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG, PRIEST AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS; SAINT MARIE AMANDINE, RELIGIOUS AND MARTYR; SAINT VERONICA GUILIANI, VIRGIN AND BLESSED ADRIAN FORTESCUE, MARTYR

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 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-july-9-2026/

DAILY PRAYERS: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer; Angelus Prayer; and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-angelus-prayer-and-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy-prayer-2/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

The Kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the Gospel. Alleluia! Today the Church celebrates the Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, alongside the Memorial of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest and Companions, Martyrs; Saint Marie Amandine, Religious and Martyr; Saint Veronica Giuliani, Virgin; and Blessed Adrian Fortescue, Martyr. Today’s liturgy calls us to radical trust and generous service. In the Gospel, Jesus sends out His Apostles into the world, entrusting them with divine authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, and drive out darkness. Charging them to give freely as they have received without cost, He instructs them to travel light and place their total trust in God’s daily providence rather than material security. This radical reliance is anchored in the First Reading, where the prophet Hosea reveals the tender, fatherly love of God who holds us close and stoops down to heal us. As we step into today’s reflections, let us open our hearts to Christ’s call to carry His peace and freely share His grace with everyone we meet.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time | July 9, 2026
Reading I: Hosea 11:1-4, 8e-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16
Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15

GOSPEL READING ~ MATTHEW 10:7-15

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words– go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In the Gospel, Christ outlines the radical mandates of apostolic mission and total dependence on divine providence, presenting The Mandate of Generous Service and Radical Reliance on God. Expanding on the initial commissioning of the Twelve, Jesus instructs His Apostles to perform miraculous works of healing, restoration, and deliverance, reminding them that having received God’s grace freely, they must extend it without commercialization or personal gain. To prevent them from relying on worldly security or material leverage, He commands them to travel light, taking no extra money, provisions, or clothing, forcing them to trust entirely in God’s daily provision through the hospitality of others. Furthermore, Christ equips them with the spiritual gift of peace to offer households, while establishing a sober principle of spiritual accountability: where the Gospel is stubbornly rejected, they are to shake the dust from their feet and move forward without carrying the weight of bitterness or false guilt.

The First Reading reveals the tender, relentless heart of God in the face of human ingratitude, presenting The Tender Fatherhood of God and the Sovereign Triumph of Mercy. Speaking through the prophet Hosea, the Lord uses poignant, parental imagery to recall how He rescued Israel from Egypt, taught them to walk, held them in His arms, and stooped down to feed them like a loving parent caring for an infant. Yet despite this intimate tenderness, the people turned away to sacrifice to false idols, failing to recognize that God was their true healer and protector. Confronted with their persistent rebellion, God’s divine compassion boils over, declaring that He will not unleash His burning anger or consume them in wrath; for He is God and not man, the Holy One whose mercy ultimately triumphs over judgment to preserve His covenant people.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 80) captures the soul’s desperate cry for this restorative divine presence, praying: “Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.” Recognizing God as the Shepherd of Israel seated upon the cherubim, the psalmist pleads with Him to rouse His power, look down from heaven, and protect the fragile vine that His own right hand has planted.

As we navigate our academic assignments, career obligations, and personal responsibilities on this Thursday, let us reflect on our relationship with God’s unconditional grace. Reflect today: Are you carrying unnecessary “extra tunics” of anxiety, self-reliance, or material security because you struggle to trust that God will provide for your daily needs? When faced with rejection, misunderstandings, or difficult environments, do you harbor toxic resentment, or do you have the spiritual maturity to offer peace and gracefully “shake the dust” from your feet? How often do you pause to recognize God’s tender, parental hand holding you up through life’s challenges, even when you didn’t realize He was healing and guiding you?

Let us pray: Merciful Father, You are the true Shepherd of our lives who brought us out of darkness and held us close when we were too weak to walk on our own. Forgive us for the moments we have taken Your blessings for granted, seeking comfort in false securities instead of trusting in Your loving providence. We thank You for the incredible gift of Your grace, given to us without cost. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit today so that we may freely share Your peace, truth, and love with everyone we meet. Free us from the heavy baggage of worry, fear, and lingering resentment. May Your face shine upon us in our studies, work, and relationships, so that we may live as light-hearted, generous heralds of Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JULY 9TH:

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

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Blessed Adrian Fortescue | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-9th/

SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong (+1815) was once a Chinese soldier assigned to escort Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse, a Catholic missionary, to his martyrdom. Deeply moved by the bishop’s faith, Augustine converted, was baptized, became a diocesan priest, and later gave his own life for Christ during a wave of brutal persecution. He is one among 120 Chinese martyrs—87 native Chinese and 33 missionaries—who were killed between 1648 and 1930 under various dynasties and regimes hostile to Christianity. These martyrs included clergy, religious, laymen, women, and even children like the young Anna Wang and Chi Zhuzi, who died with courage and joy, refusing to deny their faith. Their heroic witness reveals the depth of Christian conviction even amid terrible suffering. Pope John Paul II canonized all 120 martyrs on October 1, 2000, recognizing the Church’s deep roots and faithful witness in China.

PRAYER: O God of all nations, You called Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and his companions to witness to Your truth in the face of violent persecution. Strengthen all who suffer for their faith today, and may the example of the Chinese martyrs inspire in us a bold and joyful fidelity to Christ. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT MARIE AMANDINE, RELIGIOUS AND MARTYR: Saint Marie Amandine (1872–1900), born Pauline Jeuris in Belgium, was a cheerful Franciscan Missionary of Mary who served as a nurse in China. Known to the locals as “the laughing foreigner,” she cared tenderly for the sick and poor with joy and simplicity. During the violent Boxer Rebellion, when hostility toward Christians and foreigners surged, she and six fellow sisters were martyred for their faith. Rather than retreat in fear, they joyfully embraced martyrdom, singing the Te Deum as they died on July 9, 1900. Saint Marie Amandine’s courage was matched by her contagious joy—showing that holiness radiates even in times of great trial.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You filled Saint Marie Amandine with the joy of the Gospel and strength to serve amid persecution. Through her intercession, grant us cheerful courage in suffering, and bless all who bring healing and care to the sick and forgotten. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT VERONICA GIULIANI, VIRGIN: Saint Veronica Giuliani (1660–1727), born Ursula, was an Italian Capuchin Poor Clare known for her mystical union with Christ and extraordinary spiritual gifts. From an early age, she longed to share in Christ’s suffering and eventually received the stigmata mystical wounds mirroring those of Christ. She endured many trials, both spiritual and physical, but remained obedient and humble, even amid misunderstanding. As novice mistress and later abbess of her convent, she was a guiding light of charity and formation. Her diary, filled with visions, ecstasies, and deep insights, offers a window into the soul of a woman totally united with the crucified Christ. Her incorrupt heart remains a testimony to her sanctity.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You granted Saint Veronica Giuliani a profound share in the Passion of Your Son. May we, through her prayers, embrace the crosses of our lives with faith, and deepen our devotion to Your Sacred Heart. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED ADRIAN FORTESCUE, MARTYR: Blessed Adrian Fortescue (c. 1476–1539) was an English knight, husband, father, and Dominican tertiary. A loyal subject of King Henry VIII, he nonetheless refused to compromise his Catholic faith when the king demanded allegiance to his new church. Despite his noble status and prior royal service, Adrian was arrested and executed without trial under vague accusations of treason his true crime being his fidelity to Rome and the Catholic Church. A man of both prayer and action, he is honored today as a martyr who reminds laypeople that sanctity and courage are also their calling, even in political or public life.

PRAYER: O God, You strengthened Blessed Adrian Fortescue to remain faithful even unto death. Through his intercession, grant us courage to stand for truth in our own time and remain steadfast in the face of opposition. May our daily witness honor You. Amen. 🙏🏽

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
As we draw profound inspiration today from the heroic witness of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, the radiant joy and self-sacrifice of Saint Marie Amandine, the mystical, suffering love of Saint Veronica Giuliani, and the steadfast, courageous integrity of Blessed Adrian Fortescue, we also lift our hearts to the entire cloud of witnesses sharing this July 9th feast day. Today, we prayerfully honor and remember SAINT ADRIAN VAN HILVARENBEEK, SAINT AGILULFUS, SAINT ANATOLIA, SAINT ANDREW WOUTERS, SAINT ANTONINO FANTOSATI, SAINT AUGUSTINE TCHAO, SAINT BRICTUS, SAINT CORNELIUS, SAINT ELIA FACCHINI, SAINT EVERILD, SAINT FRANCIS ROD, SAINT GODFREY, SAINT GOLVINUS, SAINT GREGORIO GRASSI, SAINT JAMES LACOP, SAINT JEROME OF WERDEN, SAINT JOHN OF COLOGNE, SAINT JOHN OF OSTERWICK, SAINT JOSEPH ZHANG DAPENG, SAINT JUSTUS OF POLAND, SAINT LEONARD WEGEL, THE MARTYRS OF GORKUM, SAINT MARY HERMINA GRIVOT, SAINT NICASIUS JONSON, SAINT NICHOLAS PIECK, SAINT NICHOLAS POPPEL, SAINT PATERMUTHIUS, SAINT PAULINA, SAINT PETER OF ASCHE, SAINT WILLEHAD OF DENMARK, AND SAINT ZENO. Spanning across generations and continents, from the heroic Martyrs of Gorkum and early Roman martyrs to dedicated Chinese confessors, holy monastic women, and steadfast bishops, their collective lives beautifully reflect the multifaceted grace of God. Remembering them reminds us that we belong to an incredibly vast family of faith, encouraging us to boldly step out and live our own unique call to holiness today.

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, Blessed Adrian Fortescue, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION: PERSEVERANCE IN FAITH, FEARLESS WITNESS, AND TENDER MERCY

Heavenly Father, on this day, we marvel at Your tender mercy and ask for the grace to trust completely in Your divine providence across our daily routines, families, and personal intentions. Through the intercession of the holy witnesses we honor today, we bring our requests before Your throne. By the courageous sacrifice of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions (Martyrs of China and patrons against religious persecution), we pray for persecuted Christians worldwide and the gift of unshakeable faith. Through the cheerful service of Saint Marie Amandine (Franciscan Missionary of Mary and patron of nurses and the sick), we pray for healthcare workers, missionaries, and all who care for the suffering. Through the mystical union of Saint Veronica Giuliani (Capuchin Poor Clare and patron against physical and spiritual trials), we pray for a deeper devotion to the Sacred Heart and the grace to carry our daily crosses. Finally, through the noble witness of Blessed Adrian Fortescue (Dominican Tertiary and patron of the lay faithful and public servants), we pray for all families and civic leaders, that they may defend the truth with unyielding integrity. Lord, free us from fear, heal the sick and dying, and make us generous, joyful heralds of Your Kingdom. Amen. 🙏🏽

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

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JULY: For respect for human life. Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JULY | MONTH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS: July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ a profound devotion that honors the redeeming power of Christ’s Blood shed for our salvation. Flowing from His Sacred Heart, this Blood is the price of our redemption, the source of grace in the sacraments, and the seal of the New Covenant. It reminds us that salvation was not won lightly, but through the ultimate sacrifice of love. This month, the Church invites us to meditate on the infinite value of Christ’s Blood poured out during His Passion from Gethsemane to Calvary and in every celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We are called to offer acts of reparation for the sins of the world and to intercede for the conversion of souls. Devotions such as the Litany of the Precious Blood, the Chaplet of the Precious Blood, and daily consecration to the Precious Blood help deepen our union with Christ crucified.

As Saint John Chrysostom once said, “The Precious Blood is the salvation of souls; it purifies, sanctifies, and strengthens.” In our trials, let us take refuge beneath the cross, trusting in the Blood that speaks of mercy, victory, and eternal life.

“Precious Blood of Jesus, save us and the whole world.”

O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, fountain of salvation, we adore You. Wash us clean of sin, protect us from evil, and draw us into deeper love and union with You. Amen. 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=6

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 🙏🏽

Thanking God for His love and the gift of this glorious day, we offer Him a prayer of gratitude for the graces of the past months and entrust this month of July to His loving providence. We pray for God’s grace and mercy as we anchor ourselves in the steady, life-giving rhythm of Ordinary Time. May the profound mysteries of the Cross, the cleansing power of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, and the enduring fire of the Holy Spirit continue to help us seek You in every moment of our lives. May the peace, hope, and divine communion that flow from the Heart of our Redeemer shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in the light of Christ and the daily guidance of the Advocate. As we journey onward through the rest of this month, may God bless our families and loved ones, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. Let us draw closer to God and be renewed through the joy of the Gospel, the gifts of the Spirit, and generosity to the poor. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times. Wishing us all a spiritually enriching, most blessed, and grace-filled journey ahead. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, Blessed Adrian Fortescue, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ 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/

Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Apostolic Journey to Africa | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-updates-pope-leo-xivs-historic-apostolic-journey-to-africa/

Prayer of the Holy Rosary with Pope Leo XIV for the Closing of the Marian Month of May | May 30, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/prayer-of-the-holy-rosary-with-pope-leo-xiv-for-the-closing-of-the-marian-month-of-may-may-30-2026/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/