FIFTH WEEK OF LENT
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 8, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JULIE (JULIA) BILLIART, VIRGIN; SAINT PERPETUUS, BISHOP OF TOURS AND BLESSED MARY ASSUNTA PALLOTTA, FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY | Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family, and Happy Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent!
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we celebrate the lives of three remarkable holy men and women: Saint Julie Billiart, Virgin (Patron Saint of the sick and the poor); Saint Perpetuus, Bishop of Tours (Patron of religious architecture and peace among clergy); and Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta, Franciscan Missionary (Patroness of purity and missionary zeal). May their lives of service, faith, and sacrifice inspire us to live courageously for Christ. Through the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, we humbly pray especially for the sick, those suffering from chronic conditions, cancers and other terminal illnesses, and the burdens of chronic pain and illness. May God’s healing mercy touch them deeply. We also lift up the poor and marginalized of our world, that through compassionate hands and generous hearts, they may encounter God’s loving care. Amen 🙏🏽
We thank God for the gift of life and for the gift of this day. May this season of Lent bring renewal in faith, deepening our journey through Lent and drawing us closer to Christ. May God’s grace guide and strengthen us every day, and may His grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey. 🙏🏽
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/2025/04/08/catholic-daily-mass-35/
DAY 30: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/08/day-30-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/
DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/
LENT: | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/lent/
STATIONS OF THE CROSS | A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/stations-of-the-cross/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/
WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/26/world-prayers-for-pope-francis/
PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS
“Loving God, we thank you for the unwavering faith and leadership of Pope Francis. As he recovers from his hospitalization, we humbly ask for your healing touch upon his body, your peace upon his mind, and your comfort for his spirit. Grant him strength, renewed energy, and a continued ability to serve your flock with compassion and wisdom. We entrust him to your loving care, and we pray that he may soon be restored to good health, if it be your will. Through Christ our Lord, Amen”🙏🏽
On this special feast day, as we continue our Lenten journey, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and celebrate their memorial anniversary today. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle 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 labors 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 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL: For the use of the new technologies ~ Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
PRAYER OF THE MONTH ~ POPE FRANCIS: Lord, Good Father, as I look at the world and see men and women working in it and beautifying it, a great “Thank You!” springs from my heart. The action of Your Spirit among us encourages us to grow in the progress of science and technology in the service of human dignity for integral and inclusive human development. Because we know You desire the good of all, from the heart of Your Church, Your Son calls us to ensure that technology does not replace “person-to-person” contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings. Help us develop the ability to live wisely, to think deeply, to love generously, without losing heart, promoting scientific and technological growth that increasingly aligns with human development in responsibility, values, and awareness.
Amen 🙏🏽
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
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/
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/
A PRAYER TO WALK HUMBLY THROUGH LENT: Father, In Micah 6:8, You say, “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Today we choose to walk humbly with You. We choose to live by Your Holy Spirit and to follow Your lead. Help us to hear You clearly, for we do not want to walk by pride or self-sufficiency, we want to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen 🙏🏽
God of goodness and mercy, hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you. Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you. Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love. May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you and live forever in your abundant grace. Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father. Give me the strength to commit myself to grow closer to you each day. Amen 🙏🏽
LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE (Lenten Fast and Abstinence regulations from the USCCB): Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards
Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. 🙏🏽
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT JULIE (JULIA) BILLIART, VIRGIN; SAINT PERPETUUS, BISHOP OF TOURS AND BLESSED MARY ASSUNTA PALLOTTA, FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY – FEAST DAY: APRIL 8TH: Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we celebrate the lives of three remarkable holy men and women: Saint Julie Billiart, Virgin (Patron Saint of the sick and the poor); Saint Perpetuus, Bishop of Tours (Patron of religious architecture and peace among clergy); and Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta, Franciscan Missionary (Patroness of purity and missionary zeal). May their lives of service, faith, and sacrifice inspire us to live courageously for Christ. Through the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, we humbly pray especially for the sick, those suffering from chronic conditions, cancers and other terminal illnesses, and the burdens of chronic pain and illness. May God’s healing mercy touch them deeply. We also lift up the poor and marginalized of our world, that through compassionate hands and generous hearts, they may encounter God’s loving care. Amen 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 8th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Julie Billiart, Saint Perpetuus, and Franciscan Missionary | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/08/saints-of-the-day-april-8th/ )
SAINT JULIE (JULIA) BILLIART, VIRGIN: Born in 1751 in Cuvilly, France, Julie Billiart grew up with a deep love for God and a passion for catechesis. Even as a child, she memorized the catechism and taught it to her playmates. Despite severe physical suffering—paralysis from a traumatic experience at age 22 that left her bedridden for 22 years—she never ceased her mission of evangelization and education. From her bed, she catechized village children, made altar linens, and lived a life of deep contemplative prayer.
During the French Revolution, Julie bravely aided persecuted priests and later founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, alongside Françoise Blin de Bourdon and Fr. Joseph Varin. The Institute focused on Christian education for girls and the poor. In 1804, after professing vows, Julie was miraculously cured of her paralysis. She spent the rest of her life founding schools and convents, traveling tirelessly for the mission. Her motto was: “Oh, how good God is!” She died on April 8, 1816, and was canonized in 1969 by Pope Paul VI.
PRAYER: Saint Julie, faithful servant of God and tireless educator of the poor, teach us to see goodness in suffering and to respond with joyful hearts to the needs of others. Intercede for all who are sick and burdened today, that they may be healed in body and spirit. May we, like you, proclaim with conviction: “Oh, how good God is!”
Saint Julie Billiart, pray for us. 🙏🏽
SAINT PERPETUUS, BISHOP OF TOURS: Saint Perpetuus served as Bishop of Tours from 461 to 494. He is remembered for his pastoral zeal, powerful sermons, and love for sacred tradition. Deeply devoted to the saints, he enriched their shrines and promoted veneration of relics. Seeing the influx of pilgrims to the tomb of Saint Martin, he expanded the basilica to accommodate them his efforts were so grand they were compared to Solomon’s Temple.
Perpetuus’ legacy included his last will and testament, where he forgave all debts and bequeathed his possessions to the Church and the poor. He also founded a fund for lamps and sacred vessels and urged his clergy and people to live in unity and holiness. He died on April 8, 494, leaving behind a radiant witness of humility, generosity, and ecclesial devotion.
PRAYER: Saint Perpetuus, wise and generous bishop, you built not only temples of stone but the hearts of your flock. Pray for peace and unity among our Church leaders today. May your example inspire us to be faithful stewards and builders of God’s kingdom.
Saint Perpetuus, pray for us. 🙏🏽
BLESSED MARY ASSUNTA PALLOTTA, FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY: Born in 1878 in Force, Italy, Mary Assunta grew up in poverty, helping her mother support the family after her father left. Her love for Christ in the Eucharist was evident from a young age. She later joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, with a firm resolution: “I will become a saint.” She embraced every task with humility, often choosing the lowest place.
In 1904, she journeyed to China as a missionary, where she served in an orphanage. Her life of quiet holiness and deep prayer attracted both Christians and pagans. Less than a year after arriving, she died of typhus at age 27 on April 5, 1905. After her death, her body was found incorrupt. She was beatified by Pope Pius XII in 1954 the first non-martyr missionary sister to be so honored.
PRAYER: Blessed Mary Assunta, young flower of purity and humble laborer in God’s vineyard, help us to love the hidden life and to offer our daily tasks to Jesus with a generous heart. May your missionary zeal inflame our hearts to carry Christ to others, no matter the cost.
Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta, pray for us. 🙏🏽
Saint Julie Billiart, Saint Perpetuus, Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent | Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Reading 1, Numbers 21:4-9
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21
Gospel, John 8:21-30
Gospel Reading ~ John 8:21-30
“When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He”
“Jesus said to the Pharisees: “I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “He is not going to kill himself, is he, because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world.” They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.” Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.”
In today’s Gospel reading, the Pharisees with whom Jesus is in conversation ask Him the question, ‘Who are you?’ It is the question of people who are mystified by this mysterious person and who want to understand Him better. In a sense it is the question of each one of us. We never fully grasp Jesus in this life. We never get a full answer to the question ‘Who are you?’ As a result, we have to keep on asking it. In His response to that question, Jesus goes on to say, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He’. In speaking of His being lifted up, Jesus is looking ahead to the moment when He will be lifted up on the cross, and lifted up in glory. It is then, Jesus seems to be saying, that He will reveal Himself fully. When He appears to be at His weakest on the cross, Jesus will reveal himself as the one in whom God is present and powerfully at work. It is above all when we look upon Jesus crucified, in the light of the resurrection, that we will hear the clearest answer to the question ‘Who are you?’ The answer we hear is, ‘This is God’s love made flesh’. We need the light of Easter to see Jesus clearly. It is only Easter that allows us to see that Jesus’ death was not just one of many examples of an innocent person being put to death by an oppressive power. Easter allows us to see the death of Jesus as the revelation of God’s love for the world, as the triumph of God’s love over human hatred and God’s mercy over human sin, as well as the triumph of God’s life over human death. That is why Easter is the most important feast of the Church’s Liturgical year, and why we spend the seven weeks of Lent preparing to celebrate the seven weeks of Easter. Easter, God’s raising Jesus to new life, lifts much of the veil from Jesus. We believe that the remainder will be lifted in eternity. For now, however, we have the light of Easter by which we can begin to see the true meaning of all that Jesus said and did. Next week is Holy Week. It is a good week to carry in our hearts that question addressed to Jesus ‘Who are you?’ It is a good week to listen to the answer to that question that comes to us as we contemplate the passion and death of Jesus in the light of His resurrection.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals a deep truth about His identity and mission. He confronts the Pharisees with the reality that without belief in Him, they will die in their sins. His words carry both a warning and an invitation. Jesus speaks not out of arrogance but from divine authority—He does nothing on His own but communicates only what the Father has taught Him. This passage brings us face-to-face with the gravity of unbelief and the life-giving power of faith in Christ. The phrase “When you lift up the Son of Man” foreshadows His crucifixion, which paradoxically becomes the moment of greatest revelation. In Jesus, we encounter the One who is not only sent by God but is Himself the great “I AM”—the eternal, divine presence who came to save.
Our first reading today, from the Book of Numbers gives an account of what happened during the time of the Exodus of the Israelites from the land of Egypt where they had been enslaved for centuries towards the land of Canaan, the land promised by the Lord for His people to be their own land and dwelling place. It was there during this journey that the Israelites, having frequently and persistently grumbled and disobeyed the Lord, rebelled and complained against Him, despite all the good things that God had done for their sake. They complained that what they had received were the tasteless manna and they were not keen on journeying through the desert as they had done. Many among them had also grumbled saying that they should have remained in Egypt where they would have good food to eat even though they were enslaved by the Egyptians. For their lack of faith and trust in Him, the Lord sent fiery serpents as we have heard, and how many of the people were struck by those fiery serpents and perished in the desert. This represented and showed to us the consequences of sin, which is death, that has struck upon the rebellious people of Israel. By their rebellion and disobedience against God, they have sinned against Him, and for their refusal to trust in God and to love Him wholeheartedly, therefore, they had to endure separation and sundering from the Lord and Master of all life. Yet, when the people sought forgiveness from God and showed repentance for their many sins, God showed His mercy and love, offering the assurance of new life and salvation, by what He had told Moses to do, in crafting a bronze serpent and putting them on a standard, promising that all those who were bitten and gaze upon the bronze serpent would not perish but live. This raising of the bronze serpent of Moses, later on known as Nehushtan, was in fact a prefigurement of Christ’s sacrifice and offering on Calvary, the moment when He bore all of our many sins upon Himself, on His Cross, and was raised on the Cross high for everyone to see. Just like the bronze serpent of Moses raised up high with the figure of the serpent that brought death to the people of God, representing sin and the punishments for sin, the Cross of Christ with the Lord being nailed on it, showed forth the salvation of God through the sins of mankind that He Himself had borne, endured and persevered through, in all the wounds and stripes that He had to face. Yet, amidst all of these, He showed us all His most wonderful love and desire to be reunited with us, by offering us freely His own Most Holy and Precious Body and Blood, broken and shared for all of us to partake, that we may be saved through Him.
Reflecting on today’s first reading, the Israelites in the wilderness mirror our own spiritual journey. Their frustration, complaints, and sin led to suffering. Yet, even in their punishment, God provided a way of healing. The bronze serpent lifted up on a pole is a profound symbol a prefiguration of Christ lifted up on the cross. Just as those who looked at the serpent were healed, those who turn to Jesus in faith find life. This story reminds us that even in our sinfulness, God’s mercy remains available if we humble ourselves and look toward the Savior.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm is a heartfelt cry for God’s attention in distress. It assures us that God hears the groaning of the afflicted and does not despise the prayer of the brokenhearted. The Lord looks down from His holy place, not to condemn, but to restore. In Lent, this becomes a song of hope—we are not abandoned in our struggle. God’s presence brings comfort and promise to those who feel imprisoned by suffering or sin.
Reflecting on today’s readings, where do I see myself in the story of the Israelites impatient, complaining, needing healing? Have I looked up to Christ lately, recognizing Him as the source of mercy and restoration? What holds me back from fully believing that Jesus is “I AM”? Do I take His words to heart and trust that the Father is always near? As we walk through this final stretch of Lent, may we fix our gaze on the cross, where Christ was lifted up for our healing. Let us respond with faith, humility, and obedience knowing that God is with us and that He hears the cry of our hearts.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, and as we draw ever closer to the beginning of the Holy Week, we are reminded of the important events that we are going to commemorate and focus on during this upcoming Holy Week and Paschal Triduum. We heard of the great love which the Lord has shown us all that He sent us His Son to bring us all into reconciliation with Him, so that by His ultimate show of the most generous and enduring love of God, He might restore hope to all of us sinners, and bringing us all into the justification of those who have been made worthy by God’s grace. We are reminded as we come towards the end of this Lenten season that by God’s most generous mercy, we have the means to reach Him and to be once again fully beloved and worthy of Him. As we heard from our first reading today, this moment of the Crucifixion and its significance as revealed earlier on through the bronze serpent of Moses served as a reminder for all of us of what we are preparing for during this season of Lent. The Lord has reminded us all of everything which He had done for our sake in bearing the massive burden of our many sins, which should have been ours to suffer from. But the Lord in His infinite and ever enduring love for each and every one of us continue to provide for us and reach out to us, desiring our reunion with Him, through our repentance and our willingness to embrace His love and mercy. And thus, as we gaze upon the Lord on His Cross, we should remember just how fortunate and beloved all of us have been, to be shown this most wonderful love of God manifested to us. Let us therefore deepen our relationship with God and learn to focus our attention and efforts particularly as we are about to enter into the more solemn time of Holy Week, and as we are already in this period of Passiontide, where our attentions are brought to focus on the important events and mysteries that we are about to commemorate during that sacred period and time, leading towards the Paschal Triduum, the most important moments in the history of our salvation, when God Himself offered His own life, His own Most Precious Body and Blood to be the perfect and most worthy offering on our behalf, to bring about our certain reconciliation with our loving God and Father, as He promised us all His constant care and love, giving us opportunities one after another to help us to attain this salvation by His grace, love and mercy. In this remaining time of Lent before the important events of Holy Week and Paschal Triduum, let us all therefore make good use of this time that we have been provided with so that we may come to realise the state of our sinfulness and corruption because of the sins which we have committed in life. Let us not tarry or delay any longer, but strive instead to seek God and His forgiveness as soon as possible, that by His grace and love, we may truly be cleansed and freed from the chains of our sins, that being purified and made clean once again, we may be truly worthy of God and His love, no longer separated from Him due to our sins. Let us realise that sin is truly something that can bring us all a lot of danger, as what the Israelites in the past had experienced, and we should hence turn away from the path of sin, embracing once again God’s love in its fullest. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with us always, and may He strengthen and guide us in our journey towards Him. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You are the One who was lifted up to draw all people to Yourself. Help me to turn my eyes toward You when I am discouraged or wounded by sin. Teach me to trust Your voice and follow the way You revealed from the Father. May my heart be open to believe fully in Your divine love and presence. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF APRIL | MONTH OF HOLY EUCHARIST: April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity offering Himself as the Bread of Life. This month invites us to deepen our love and reverence for the Eucharist, especially as we approach Holy Week and Easter, celebrating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper when He said, “Take and eat; this is My Body… Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the Covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). In receiving the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and His Church. It is the source of our strength and the culmination of our salvation, as Christ Himself said in John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” As we journey through Lent, we are called to renew our reverence for the Eucharist. During Holy Week, we remember that Christ instituted this sacrament on Holy Thursday, offering us a way to remain in union with Him. Let us take this opportunity to attend Mass regularly, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, and reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
In this season of penance and reflection, may our devotion to the Eucharist strengthen our commitment to living as true disciples of Christ, leading us to the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.
O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! Lord Jesus, You have given Yourself to us in the Eucharist. May we receive You with reverence and love, and let Your grace transform us this Lenten season and always. Amen 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray for the leaders of the Church, that they may, like Saint Julie Billiart, lead with wisdom, patience, and a love for teaching the truth, especially in times of difficulty. Through her intercession, we ask for strength and guidance for all educators and those who shape the minds of the youth, that their work may inspire hearts and transform lives. We lift up all those who dedicate their lives to education, especially those who teach the poor, that they may be empowered by God’s love and grace. We also pray for those who serve in the Church’s mission of defending the faith, like Saint Perpetuus, that their dedication to preserving the truth may continue to strengthen the Church. May the example of Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta inspire us all to live a life of devotion, humility, and purity, especially in our relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary. We pray for all those who are struggling, that they may find comfort in God’s presence, just as Saint Julie’s prayer led her to healing. May we all walk in the light of Christ, trusting in His protection and truth. Amen 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My mysterious Lord, Your teaching about Who You are is beyond human reason alone. It is deep, mysterious and glorious beyond all understanding. Please give me the gift of faith so that I may come to know Who You are as I ponder the richness of Your holy Word. I believe in You, dear Lord. Help my unbelief. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world, and You call us to walk in Your light. Just as You revealed Your divine authority, help us to live in the truth of Your Word and reflect Your light in every part of our lives. We pray for the courage to stand firm in righteousness, just as Saint Julie Billiart did, trusting in Your justice and mercy. Through the intercession of Saint Perpetuus, may all Church leaders be filled with wisdom and love for the people they serve. Help us to learn from the courage and perseverance of Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta, who served with unwavering devotion. Give us the strength to remain faithful to You, even in times of trial, and to trust in Your light to guide us through the darkness. May our hearts be open to Your truth, and may we bring Your light to all we encounter. Amen 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Julie Billiart, Saint Perpetuus, Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the gift of this day and praying for us all during this season of Lent, let us be renewed by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. May this Lenten season deepen our trust in God’s providence and open our hearts to His transforming grace. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times and may this season of Lent bring us all true salvation in Christ as we remain united in peace, love and faith. Have a blessed, safe and grace-filled and fruitful Fifth Week of Lent. Amen 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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