FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 12, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JULIUS I, POPE AND SAINT TERESA OF THE ANDES, RELIGIOUS| Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

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/2025/04/12/catholic-daily-mass-39/

DAY 34: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/12/day-34-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family, and Happy Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent!

Today, as we continue our Lenten journey and prepare to celebrate the upcoming Holy Week and Easter Triduum starting tomorrow on Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, we commemorate the Memorial of Saint Julius I, Pope (Defender of Orthodox Faith and Protector of the Church) and Saint Teresa of Jesus of Los Andes, Religious (Patron Saint of young people, illness, and Santiago). Through the intercession of these holy Saints and under the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary, we lift our prayers for the Church and her shepherds, for the youth, the sick, and all who suffer in mind or body. May God grant eternal rest to the faithful departed, and may their souls, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 🙏🏽

Saint Julius I, Pope, and Saint Teresa of Jesus of Los Andes ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

On this special feast day in the celebration of Mass, please let us continue to keep our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and father-in-law, uncle and friend LATE SIR GABRIEL LOUIS IHIEJE OPIEPE, KSJI, in our thoughts and prayers on the 10th anniversary of his passing to eternal glory. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ…Amen 🙏🏽

Honoring a Legacy of Service: The 10th Memorial Anniversary of Late Noble (Sir) Gabriel Louis Ihieje Opiepe (KSJI) | https://gliopiepehe.org/2025/04/12/honoring-a-legacy-of-service-the-10th-memorial-anniversary-of-late-noble-sir-gabriel-louis-ihieje-opiepe-ksji/

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. 🙏🏽

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, for our beloved father, LATE SIR GABRIEL LOUIS IHIEJE OPIEPE, KSJI on the 10th anniversary of his passing to eternal glory. 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 JULIUS I, POPE AND SAINT TERESA OF JESUS OF LOS ANDES, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY: APRIL 12TH: Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we commemorate the Memorial of Saint Julius I, Pope (Defender of Orthodox Faith and Protector of the Church) and Saint Teresa of Jesus of Los Andes, Religious (Patron Saint of young people, illness, and Santiago). Through the intercession of these holy Saints and under the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary, we lift our prayers for the Church and her shepherds, for the youth, the sick, and all who suffer in mind or body. May God grant eternal rest to the faithful departed, and may their souls, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 🙏

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 12th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Julius I, Pope, and Saint Teresa of Jesus of Los Andes | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/12/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-12/)

SAINT JULIUS I, POPE: Saint Julius I (d. 352), a Roman by birth, was elected Bishop of Rome on February 6, 337, succeeding Pope Saint Mark. His pontificate was marked by his courageous stand against the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. He upheld the decisions of the Council of Nicaea and played a critical role in defending the faith and restoring justice to those wrongly accused, especially Saint Athanasius of Alexandria.

When Arian bishops attempted to undermine orthodox belief by accusing Saint Athanasius, Pope Julius gave him a fair hearing, ultimately affirming his innocence. In 341, he convened a synod in Rome, and later, in collaboration with the Emperors Constans and Constantius, supported the Council of Sardica, which reinforced the authority of the Bishop of Rome in Church matters and reasserted Nicene orthodoxy. This council affirmed the right of appeal to the Pope for bishops unjustly deposed—a foundational moment in Church governance.

Pope Julius I is also traditionally credited with formalizing the celebration of Christmas on December 25th, marking the birth of Christ and emphasizing the incarnation of the Son of God. He died on April 12, 352, after shepherding the Church through turbulent times with wisdom, orthodoxy, and pastoral care.

PRAYER: O God, who raised up Saint Julius I to lead and defend Your Church in times of turmoil, grant us, through his intercession, the grace to remain firm in our faith, courageous in truth, and faithful to the apostolic tradition. Amen. 🙏

SAINT TERESA OF JESUS OF LOS ANDES, RELIGIOUS: Saint Teresa of Jesus of Los Andes (1900–1920), born Juana Fernández Solar in Santiago, Chile, was a Discalced Carmelite nun whose short life radiated purity, joy, and deep union with God. Raised in a devout Catholic family, she was a spirited and emotional child who, through prayer and self-discipline, gradually cultivated the virtues of humility, obedience, and love.

At the age of 14, inspired by reading the autobiography of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, she discerned a vocation to the contemplative life. Five years later, she entered the Carmel of Los Andes, where she embraced a life of silence, sacrifice, and intercessory prayer. Her writings reveal a profound spiritual maturity and deep love for Christ. Despite her youth, she had a mystic’s soul and a heart wholly surrendered to God’s will.

Only months after her entrance, she contracted typhoid fever and died at the age of 19 on April 12, 1920 during Holy Week. Before her passing, she was allowed to profess her final vows. Her sanctity and intercession brought about miracles in her native land, leading to her beatification by Pope John Paul II in 1987 and her canonization in 1993. She is the first Chilean saint and the first Discalced Carmelite nun outside of Europe to be canonized.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You called Saint Teresa of Los Andes to Yourself at a young age and filled her heart with Your divine love. Through her intercession, help us to embrace the path of holiness with joy, to persevere in suffering with trust, and to love You with all our hearts. Amen. 🙏🏽

Saint Julius I, Pope, and Saint Teresa of Jesus of Los Andes ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent | Saturday, April 12, 2025
Reading 1, Ezekiel 37:21–28
Responsorial Psalm, Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13
Gospel, John 11:45–56

Gospel Reading ~ John 11:45-56

“To gather together in unity the scattered children of God”

“Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him. So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”

In today’s Gospel reading, as we prepare to celebrate the upcoming Holy Week and Easter Triduum starting tomorrow on Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, a formal decision is taken by the Jewish authorities to have Jesus put to death. As a result, according to our reading, ‘from that day they were determined to kill Him’. The Gospel we have just read immediately follows the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It was this life-giving action of Jesus that sealed His fate, according to John’s Gospel. It was because He gave life to others, in various ways, that He was put to death. Yet, without their being aware of it, those who were responsible for putting Jesus to death enabled Him to continue His life-giving work in an even more powerful way. In the words of our Gospel reading today, Jesus died ‘to gather together in unity the scattered children of God’. In and through His death Jesus was able to reveal God’s life-giving love more fully and more powerfully, and, in so doing, to gather people together around the cross, because they recognize it as the revelation of God’s unconditional love. Today’s Gospel reading declares that Jesus died to gather together in unity not just the people of Israel but the scattered children of God, and that includes both Jews and non-Jews, all of humanity. Jesus died to reveal God’s love for the world, a love that seeks to draw all people together. As Jesus says elsewhere in this Gospel of John, ‘when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself’. In drawing all people to Himself, He wanted to draw all people together around Himself. The risen Lord wants to continue working through all of us to draw all people together in unity. This gathering work of the Lord is being undone by those who are dividing people, who are treating whole nations as their enemy, invading their land, killing innocent civilians. In the face of such divisive aggression, we all have to do what we can to further the Lord’s work of bringing people together in harmony, so that, in the words of today’s responsorial psalm, ‘the young girls will rejoice and dance; the men, young and old will be glad’. This coming Holy Week, we are invited to allow ourselves to be gathered together around the cross in response to the Lord’s great love that flows from the cross and embraces us all.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Many who witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead believed in Him. But not everyone responded with faith. Some ran to the Pharisees, prompting fear and political unrest among the religious leaders. Caiaphas, the high priest, speaks a chilling truth without even realizing it proclaiming that it is better for one man to die than for the whole nation to perish. Yet this pragmatic, politically motivated statement becomes a divine prophecy: Jesus would indeed die, not only for Israel, but to gather the scattered children of God into one people. This passage brings us to a turning point. The Sanhedrin, driven by fear and control, begins plotting Jesus’ death. And Jesus, knowing this, retreats not in fear, but in wisdom preparing for the final stage of His mission. His journey to the Cross is now in motion. As Holy Week draws near, we are reminded that Jesus’ death was not an accident of politics or betrayal; it was the unfolding of God’s saving plan for humanity. In Him, the scattered are gathered. In Him, the broken are made whole.

In our first reading, the Lord, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, promises to gather the people of Israel from everywhere they have been scattered and bring them home to their own soil. They will form one nation on their own soil with one king over them all. Israel and his descendants, the people of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah that had been scattered throughout the nations as they were defeated and conquered by the Assyrians and the Babylonians respectively, and they had been uprooted from the lands of their ancestors, brought off into exile in those far-odd lands where they had to endure the humiliation of losing their homeland and as a people that had brought ruin upon themselves because of their lack of faith in God. God has always been patient with His people, and He has always reached out to them with a lot of love and compassion. However, it has always been us who have resisted His love and kindness. We have always been stubborn, just as the people of Israel and Judah had been stubborn in their rebellious attitude, in their refusal to listen to the prophets and messengers that God had placed in their midst to remind them. The Lord has always patiently reached out to His beloved ones despite of their attitudes, but it is indeed shameful to see the way that many if not most of us have behaved. We are all reminded of what Our Lord has done for us, His constant and enduring love for each one of us sinners.

Reflecting on today’s first reading, The Lord speaks through the prophet Ezekiel of a great restoration bringing back the scattered people of Israel, healing their divisions, cleansing their sins, and making them one under a single shepherd. This is more than a promise of political unity; it is a covenant of peace, a new beginning with God dwelling among His people. It points toward Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who unites not only Israel but all nations under the reign of divine love. God’s sanctuary is no longer a distant temple but a living presence within His people.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.” This psalm offers comfort in the promise that God, our Shepherd, never abandons His people. Even when scattered, sorrowful, or lost, He seeks us out. He gathers us back, turning mourning into joy. In the tenderness of this Psalm, we see the Father-heart of God who restores His people with joy, celebration, and abundance.

Do I truly see Jesus’ death as an act of love for me personally? When I face uncertainty or feel scattered in my spiritual journey, do I remember that Jesus came to gather me into the heart of God? Am I living in a way that unites or divides the people around me? As we near Holy Week, the invitation is clear: to walk with Jesus, the One who dies so that we may live. Let us not merely observe these sacred days but enter into them with hearts open to be gathered, healed, and renewed. In the face of division and despair, Jesus stands as the Shepherd who unites. Let His sacrifice not be distant history but a present call to love.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, there is a focus on unifying people. As we are ready to commemorate Holy Week and the upcoming Easter season with faith and true understanding of their significance for us, we are all reminded of everything that Our Lord has done for us, His constant and enduring love for each one of us sinners. And as long as we are still living and breathing air in this world, we still have the opportunity to make amends and return to Him for forgiveness. Let us all wait no longer and tarry no more, and instead, make the conscious effort to find our way back to the Lord with faith. We are called to emulate the exemplary lives of the Saints, the holy men and women, particularly those we celebrate today. May all of us draw ever closer to God and do our very best to be good examples to one another in how we live our lives, with exemplary actions and good attitude, inspiring each other to be good disciples and followers of our Lord and Saviour. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we prepare for the celebration and commemoration of Our Lord’s Passion, His suffering, death and resurrection. Let us prepare ourselves well, physically, mentally and spiritually for these that we may grow deeper in faith and appreciation of our Christian faith. May the good Lord bless us always and remain with us throughout our journey of life, and may all of us have a blessed and wonderful Holy Week observance starting tomorrow. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You gave Your life to gather us into one family. Help me to stay close to You and to follow the path of unity, mercy, and peace. When fear tempts me to retreat or division creeps into my relationships, let me turn to You, the Good Shepherd. May my life bear witness to the hope and love You offer to all. 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 grace to be gathered into the heart of God through Christ, who gave His life so that we may be united as one people under His loving care. May we recognize His sacrifice not as a distant event, but as a personal act of love that continues to transform and restore us today. We lift up those who feel spiritually lost, scattered, or divided may the Good Shepherd lead them home with tenderness and peace. Through the intercession of Saint Julius I, who defended the unity and truth of the Church during turbulent times, may we remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and work towards reconciliation and healing within our communities. And inspired by Saint Teresa of the Andes, who offered her youth, her joy, and her suffering to Jesus in total love, may we learn to entrust every moment of our lives to God, especially those marked by trial or uncertainty. Let us also pray for a spirit of unity in the Church and in our families, that we may be signs of God’s presence and peace. As we prepare to enter Holy Week, may our hearts be open to follow Jesus closely in His Passion, trusting that in His death, we find new life. We entrust all our intentions to the prayers of Saint Julius and Saint Teresa of the Andes. Amen. 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY

My glorious Lord, You were loved by many but also hated by some. Those with power and authority could not see beyond their worldly ambitions, so they began to plot against You. Give me the grace, dear Lord, to see every act of evil inflicted upon me as an opportunity for You to bring forth good. You are glorious, dear Lord. May You be glorified in all things. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, You gave Your life to gather us into one family. Your love reaches even the most scattered hearts and brings healing where there is brokenness. Help me to recognize the depth of Your sacrifice and to live each day as a response to that love. Lord, when I am tempted by fear or feel distant from You, draw me back into Your presence. Teach me to be a source of unity, not division, in my words, actions, and relationships. May I, like Saint Julius I, stand for truth with courage and humility, and like Saint Teresa of the Andes, surrender my whole life to You in joy and love. 🙏🏽

As Holy Week approaches, lead me to walk with You not from a distance, but side by side into the mystery of Your Passion. Let Your death and resurrection renew my heart and fill me with the hope of eternal life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save us, Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph and Saint Julius I, Pope and Saint Teresa of Jesus of Los Andes, Religious ~ 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 and relaxing weekend. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

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

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