Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time!
SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 17, 2025
MEMORIAL OF THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER (SERVANTS OF MARY) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | “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/2025/02/17/catholic-daily-mass-daily-tv-mass-february-17-2025/
Today, on this Presidents’ Day (USA), we pray for the president of the USA and all the presidents and leaders of the world, past and present. Praying for their safety and well-being, God’s guidance and protection and may they lead with wisdom and understanding. With special intentions, we pray for the continent of Africa and African leaders, we particularly pray for Nigerian leaders and the people of Nigeria during these very challenging times🙏
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for our leaders. Right now, we pray for leadership guidance. Let every leader not seek to pursue their own interests, but to look at the interests of others. We pray that You help our leaders to identify the needs of Your people through divine wisdom and understanding. Lord, help them to not be ineffective leaders, but to act for the betterment of Your Kingdom. Amen🙏~ Philippians 2:4
We thank God for His love and the gift of this day. Praying for His blessings, grace and mercy upon us as we continue to live our lives virtuously according to what the Lord Himself has taught and told His disciples and us all 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer today. We pray for Pope Francis’ speedy recovery and God’s Divine healing and intervention.
Almighty God, we thank you for the loving service of Pope Francis and the hope he has inspired in so many in Your great mercy. Have mercy on him in his illness now, we pray, and guide the medical staff in his care. Grant him peace and healing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽
A Call to Prayer: Pray for Pope Francis | https://www.ncregister.com/features/mfva-pray-for-pope-francis-health
BLACK HISTORY MONTH | Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025
The month of February is BLACK HISTORY MONT
Black History Month: A Faith-Based Reflection on Legacy and Justice
February is recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As people of faith, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s call for justice, love, and unity while recognizing the resilience and faith of Black communities throughout history.
Read the Full Article | Black History Month | February 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/16/black-history-month/
DAILY SAINTS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Today, we celebrate the Memorial of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order: Saints Bonfilius, Bonajuncta, Manettus, Amadeus, Hugh, Sostene, and Alexis (Invoked to aid in the imitation of the charity and patience of Our Lady of Sorrows). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the renewal of our spirit and a burning desire to serve God all the days of our lives. 🙏🏽
The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order: Saints Bonfilius, Bonajuncta, Manettus, Amadeus, Hugh, Sostene, and Alexis ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order: Saints Bonfilius, Bonajuncta, Manettus, Amadeus, Hugh, Sostene, and Alexis, we humbly pray for those who are sick, particularly those who are gravely ill and dying, especially those who are sick with cancers and other terminal diseases. We continue to pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. Amen. We pray for the Church, for persecuted Christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world. We continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. May the Saints intercede for our children, children all over the world and us all. Amen 🙏🏽
We thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! May the good Lord grant us His grace during this Ordinary Time as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/
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 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE | Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025 (See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/.)
We continue to pray for the intentions of our Holy Father. We pray for the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all religious, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits… Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of the recent plane crashes and souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their abors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
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🙏
PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏
Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/
SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER (SERVANTS OF MARY) ~ FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 17TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order: Saints Bonfilius, Bonajuncta, Manettus, Amadeus, Hugh, Sostene, and Alexis (Invoked to aid in the imitation of the charity and patience of Our Lady of Sorrows). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the renewal of our spirit and a burning desire to serve God all the days of our lives.
The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order: Saints Bonfilius, Bonajuncta, Manettus, Amadeus, Hugh, Sostene, and Alexis ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Saint (s) of the Day | February 17th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
MEMORIAL OF THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER (SERVANTS OF MARY): The Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servites are known as the Servants of Mary. The Seven Holy Founders are Saints Bonfilius, Alexis Falconieri, John Bonagiunta, Benedict dell’Antella, Bartholomew Amidei, Gerard Sostegni, and Ricoverus Uguccione. These seven men were born in Florence, Italy and during the thirteenth century, God called these seven men from the nobility of Florence and they led lives as hermits on Monte Senario. The seven Italian saints founded the Servite order in 1233 when our Lady appeared to the seven men on the feast of the Assumption in 1233, asking them to live a life of seclusion and prayer. They obeyed and lived an austere life for many years. They met and prayed together most fervently. The Blessed Mother appeared to each of them individually and urged them to begin a more perfect life. Disregarding birth and wealth, in sackcloth under shabby and well-worn clothing, they were begging alms from door to door in the streets of Florence, they suddenly heard children’s voices calling to them, “Servants of holy Mary.” Among these children was St. Philip Benizi, then just five months old. Hereafter they were known by this name, first heard from the lips of children. They soon withdrew to a small building in the country so that they might begin to live a more holy life. They had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Servite Order, a community instituted for the special purpose of cultivating the spirit of penance and contemplating the passion of Christ and Mary’s Seven Sorrows. Due to the spirit of humility cherished by the members of the Order, their accomplishments are not too widely known. But in the field of home missions great things are to their credit, and certainly they have benefited millions by arousing devotion to the Mother of Sorrows.
According to 15th–16th-century legends, on April 13, 1240, the hermits received a second vision of Our Mother Mary, she disclosed her wishes that they serve her, wear a black habit, and adopt the Rule of St. Augustine of Hippo; thenceforward they were known as the Servants of St. Mary (or Servites). She held in her hand a black habit, and a nearby angel bore a scroll reading “Servants of Mary.” The Blessed Virgin Mary told them: “You will found a new order, and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine. And here is your distinctive sign: the black scapular, in memory of my sufferings. They accepted the wisdom of Our Lady, wrote a Rule based on Saint Augustine and the Dominican Constitutions, adopted the black habit of an Augustinian monk, and lived as mendicant friars. They returned to Florence, where they built a church called St. Mary of Cafaggio (later, Santissima Annunziata). Bonfilius was chosen superior, and Ardingus approved their community. This order was approved by the Holy See in 1304. The Servites became one of the five original mendicant religious orders. Their special charism is devotion to the Passion of Jesus and the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Only one of the seven founders lived to see the order formally approved by Rome in 1304. It has since spread throughout the world and remains active to this day. One of the seven, Alexis Falconieri, died on this date in 1310. They are venerated on February 17th because it is said to be the day on which Saint Alexis Falconieri died. All seven were beatified December 1, 1717 by Pope Clement XI and canonized in 1887 by Pope Leo XIII.
PRAYER: On your feast day, our thoughts and prayers turn to you, the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order. Help us to find mutual support and assistance in loving God and Mary through a holy alliance with like-minded Christians. Through your intercession and example of group love of God, may our love for Him burn hotter and longer than a single flame”….Amen
Lord, infuse in us the piety of these holy brothers by which they devoutly venerated the Mother of God and led Your people toward You. Amen🙏
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS
Bible Readings for today, Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time | | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time | February 17, 2025
Reading 1, Genesis 4:1-15, 25
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21
Gospel, Mark 8:11-13
Gospel Reading ~ Mark 8:11-13
“Why does this generation seek a sign?”
“The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from Him a sign from heaven to test Him. He sighed from the depth of His spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then He left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.”
In today’s Gospel reading, from the Gospel of St. Mark, the Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. Jesus responded to the Pharisees’ request for a sign from heaven ‘with a sigh that came straight from the heart’. That sigh issued forth in a question, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign?’ We can almost sense the frustration and weariness of Jesus in that phrase, ‘with a sigh that came straight from the heart’. They were asking for Him to show them miraculous and heavenly signs, but the irony and truth is that they had all actually seen plenty of those signs and wonders which they asked for. After all those Pharisees had often followed the Lord and His disciples wherever they went, and they always shadowed Him throughout His ministry and works, and no doubt they had seen many of His miracles and wonders, which were more than enough proof for them for the signs that they kept on asking from the Lord. The religious quest often takes the form of a search for heavenly signs, a longing for the extra-ordinary and unusual. The Jesus of the Gospels, however, will always redirect us towards the ordinary, most often in parables. He speaks of the sower who goes out to sow his field, the woman who looks for her lost coin, the care that a Samaritan traveller gives to a stranger on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, the man who unexpectedly finds treasure in his field, the merchant who finds the pearl he has been seeking, and so on. It is in the ordinary that the mystery of God’s kingdom is to be found, because heaven and earth are full of God’s glory for those who have eyes to see. Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, the kingdom of God is among us.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Jesus is said to be tested by the Pharisees. They demanded a sign from heaven, to test Him. According to the Gospel of St. Mark, Jesus had already been tested several times. He was tested or tempted by Satan during His forty days in the wilderness. Jesus was put to the test, not only at the beginning of His ministry but throughout the course of it. Very often the test or temptation came through other people, mostly through His opponents, but sometimes even through His own disciples. On one occasion, Jesus addressed Peter as Satan, because St. Peter had tempted Him to take a path other than the one He knew He had to take; St. Peter put Him to the test. From the time of His baptism to His death on the cross, Jesus was tested, His faithfulness to God’s way, to God’s purpose, was put to the test; He was tempted. We can expect our own commitment to the Lord’s way to be put to the test also. We too will be tempted. The test will take many different forms in the course of our lives; the temptation will come to us from a variety of directions, sometimes in and through those who are closest to us. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Pray, that you may not enter into temptation’. Jesus was indicating that our prayerful communion with God helps to ensure that we will remain faithful to God’s ways when the test comes our way.
Our first reading today’s from the Book of Genesis gives an account of the first story of murder in the Bible after the downfall of mankind into sin and their exile from the Gardens of Eden. It is the well-known story of the interactions between the two sons of Adam and Eve, namely Cain and Abel, both of whom were born to Eve after both her and Adam had been cast out of the Gardens of Eden for their disobedience and sin against God. Cain became jealous at Abel because his offerings of the first harvests of the land had been rejected by God while the offerings of Abel, the offering of the unblemished lambs that he shepherded was accepted by God. This led to the seeds of jealousy and anger to be sown in Cain’s heart and mind. This resulted in Cain killing his older brother Abel because he was angry and downcast over Abel’s offering being more acceptable to the Lord than his own. Cain initially denied and tried to evade when the Lord came and questioned him about the deed. But eventually, he admitted the wicked deed because the Lord knew everything, and he was punished for his sins. According to the reading, when God asks Cain, ‘Where is your brother, Abel?’ Cain replies, ‘Am I my brother’s guardian or keeper?’ In the light of the Gospels, we know that the answer to that question is ‘Yes’. We are called to guard one another, to look out for one another, which is the opposite of how Cain related to Abel. In the Gospels, Jesus showed Himself to be the guardian of all who came to Him. He healed the broken in body, mind and spirit. He fed the hungry. He brought God’s merciful love to those considered sinners. He befriended the outcasts. He promised rest to the weary and overburdened. In the service of others He let Himself be killed. He underwent His suffering and death out of love for all.
Reflecting on the first reading, Cain in truth disobeyed the Lord’s commandments, when the Lord had cursed the earth that time because of the sins our ancestors committed. And by offering the fruits of the land, he was not offering what the Lord asked of him, and hence, it was for this disobedience and refusal to obey God that Cain’s offering had been rejected. Yet, Cain did not humble himself or admit his mistakes, and instead, he allowed himself to be swayed by the temptations of his pride and ego, and in his growing jealousy and anger, he raised his own hands against his brother, his own flesh and blood. This is an important reminder for us all that if we give in to our ego, greed and other worldly desires we have, it is easy for us to end up being led down this slippery path of sin, and as Cain had done, we may even commit heinous things that is truly unbecoming for us all as Christians, in how we even cause hurt, pain and sufferings for others, like how Cain murdered his own brother out of his jealousy and anger. This is a reminder for all of us that we should always strive to keep ourselves and our hearts, our minds and indeed our whole beings free from the corruptions and temptations of sin. If we allow sin to direct our lives’ paths and directions, then we may end up losing our way to the darkness, and we may never attain the salvation and eternal life in God, to our eternal regret.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded of the need for us to keep our faith in God and to do what is right according to the Law and commandments of God. We should not allow ourselves to be easily tempted and distracted by the various desires of the world around us, all the jealousy and pride in our hearts, all of which can easily lead us down the path towards our downfall. That was what the Scripture readings today had highlighted and warned us with, reminding us that we should be vigilant lest the evil one may tempt us with the allures of worldly glory and ambitions that make us to forget what is the most important thing in our lives, that is our foundation and centrality of our faith in God. We are called to emulate the lives and examples of the Holy men and women, and all the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today on the Feast of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order. These seven Holy Founders of the Servites, namely Bonfilius, Alexis, Manettus, Amideus, Hugh, Sostene and Buonagiunta, all of whom were men from the city of Florence that were called by the Lord and they all bound themselves in strong and lasting spiritual friendship that eventually became the foundation of the Servite Order, in their strong faith in the Lord as well as in the intense devotion which they all had for the Blessed Mother of God. All of them led holy and devout lives, committed wholly to God, and they all became great source of inspiration for their fellow men and women, many of whom were drawn to follow their examples as well. They led a life that is truly centred on God and resisting the temptations of the world, something that is really admirable. We are also called to be inspired by the good examples and the life of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, as well as our many other holy predecessors, let us all therefore commit ourselves from now on to a new life and existence that is truly attuned to the Lord, focusing not on ourselves and on our own personal ambitions and desires, but instead being focused as always on the Lord Himself, so that in everything that we do, we will always seek the greater glory of God and not our own. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with us all and help us as we journey with faith and may the good Lord be with us always, and may He strengthen us all in our resolve and faith, in our commitment to follow Him, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY FAMILY The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ’s public life the Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation of the Christian family. The Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice.
The Saints that we will focus on this month and try to imitate are:
St. Blaise and St. Ansgar (February 3); St. Agatha (February 5); St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Josephine Bakhita (February 8); St. Scholastica (February 10); Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11); Sts. Cyril and Methodius (February 14); Seven Founders of the Orders of Servites (February 17); St. Peter Damian (February 21); Chair of St. Peter (February 22) and St. Polycarp (February 23). The Optional Memorial of Polycarp (February 23), is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.
From Feast to Fast: Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter). The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save His people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In addition, the faithful may receive in February two of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats. “The Light of Revelation” shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday, falls on March 5, 2025, marking the beginning of the Lenten season and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary. She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12539
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We thank God for the gift of His Son and pray for His grace as we serve Him in truth and love. During this Ordinary Time, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the Saints we honor today, we pray for the sick and suffering, especially children and those battling epilepsy, strokes, heart disease, cancer, and other terminal illnesses. May God restore them to health and bring them comfort and peace. Every life is a gift.
We pray for the safety of our families and loved ones, for healing in marriages, and for unity in a world divided by violence and conflict. May God deliver us from hopeless situations and impossible causes.
We remember the souls in Purgatory, asking for God’s mercy upon them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
We pray for widows, widowers, and all who are grieving. May the Lord strengthen them in their trials.
We continue to pray for Pope Francis, the Clergy, and all those spreading the Gospel. May God bless vocations to the priesthood and religious life and protect persecuted Christians worldwide. We pray for peace in our families and throughout the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
Let us pray:
My compassionate Jesus, Your heart was filled with the deepest compassion for the Pharisees. That compassion led You to express a holy sorrow over their stubbornness. Give me Your same heart, dear Lord, and help me to grieve not only over the sins of others, but also over my own sins, especially when I am stubborn of heart. Melt my heart, dear Lord, and help me to also be an instrument of Your holy sorrow to those in need of this grace. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order: Saints Bonfilius, Bonajuncta (Bonagiunta), Manettus, Amadeus, Hugh, Sostene, and Alexis ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
With gratitude for the gift of this new year, we pray for justice, peace, love, and unity within our families and throughout the world. May God’s Divine Mercy and Grace be upon us all during this Ordinary Time. Wishing us all a blessed, safe, grace-filled and fruitful week. May God keep us all safe and well. Amen 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖