HOLY WEEK OF LENT
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 16, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS OF LOURDES, VIRGIN; SAINT BENEDICT JOSEPH LABRE AND SAINT ENGRATIA AND THE EIGHTEEN MARTYRS OF SARAGOSSA | 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/2025/04/16/catholic-daily-mass-43/
DAY 37: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/16/day-37-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Wednesday of Holy Week of Lent (Spy Wednesday)!
Wednesday of Holy Week is traditionally known as SPY WEDNESDAY, to commemorate the treachery of Judas, who made a bargain with the high priest to betray Jesus for 30 silver pieces (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6). This ends the official Lenten period; tomorrow, we enter into the Holy Triduum, the three great liturgical days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Holy Triduum begins with liturgy on the evening of Maundy Thursday, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. As we enter into the Easter or Paschal Triduum, let us all do whatever we can to center our lives and focus our attention on the Lord, and grow ever stronger in our connection with Him. [Direct link to the full article: Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/16/spy-wednesday/ ]
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey and celebrate the Holy Week and Easter Triduum we the Church honors three remarkable witnesses to Christ whose lives spanned different centuries, lands, and callings. Saint Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes (visionary of Our Lady and Patron Saint of the sick, shepherds, and those ridiculed for their piety) was a poor and humble girl graced with the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes, where she received the message of prayer, penance, and healing. Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (patron of the homeless, beggars, and mentally ill), known as the “Beggar Saint,” lived a life of radical poverty and pilgrimage, embracing suffering and simplicity to draw nearer to God. Saint Engratia and the Eighteen Martyrs of Saragossa (early Christian martyrs and patrons of Zaragoza, Spain), shed their blood during a fierce Roman persecution, choosing death over denial of Christ. Their witness echoes the enduring courage of the early Church. May their lives and intercession inspire us to embrace humility, persevere in suffering, and boldly witness to our faith in Christ. 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 final week 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”🙏🏽
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/
On this special feast day, as we continue the Holy Week 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 BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS OF LOURDES, VIRGIN; SAINT BENEDICT JOSEPH LABRE; AND SAINT ENGRATIA AND THE EIGHTEEN MARTYRS OF SARAGOSSA – FEAST DAY: APRIL 16TH : Today, the Church honors three remarkable witnesses to Christ whose lives spanned different centuries, lands, and callings. Saint Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes (visionary of Our Lady and patron saint of the sick, shepherds, and those ridiculed for their piety) was a poor and humble girl graced with the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes, where she received the message of prayer, penance, and healing. Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (patron of the homeless, beggars, and mentally ill), known as the “Beggar Saint,” lived a life of radical poverty and pilgrimage, embracing suffering and simplicity to draw nearer to God. Saint Engratia and the Eighteen Martyrs of Saragossa (early Christian martyrs and patrons of Zaragoza, Spain), shed their blood during a fierce Roman persecution, choosing death over denial of Christ. Their witness echoes the enduring courage of the early Church.
May their lives and intercession inspire us to embrace humility, persevere in suffering, and boldly witness to our faith in Christ. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 16th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, and Saint Engratia with the Martyrs of Saragossa| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/)
SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS OF LOURDES, VIRGIN (1844–1879): (Patron Saint of the ill, the poor, shepherds, and those ridiculed for their piety) was a humble French peasant girl who received a series of Marian apparitions in 1858. Though poor, uneducated, and chronically ill, she bore immense pressure from both civil and ecclesiastical authorities with simplicity and faith. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her eighteen times in the grotto at Lourdes, revealing herself as the “Immaculate Conception” and pointing to a miraculous spring whose waters continue to bring healing to countless pilgrims. Bernadette’s life was marked by suffering, yet she offered it all in union with Christ. Entering the Sisters of Charity in Nevers, she lived a hidden life of prayer and service until her death at the age of 35 in 1879. She was canonized in 1933. Her example teaches us that God often chooses the lowly to reveal His glory.
PRAYER: O God of compassion, who chose Saint Bernadette to be a vessel of your grace through the message of Lourdes, grant us her humility and trust. Through her intercession, may we accept our trials with courage and offer them for the conversion of sinners. May the sick be healed in body and soul, and may we always turn to Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, for guidance and peace. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT BENEDICT JOSEPH LABRE (1748–1783): Saint Benedict Joseph Labre was born in France to a well-to-do family, affectionately known as “The Beggar Saint” (Patron of the homeless, beggars, bachelors, and those suffering from mental illness), lived a life of radical detachment from worldly goods. Rejected from multiple monasteries due to poor health, he discerned that his true vocation was as a perpetual pilgrim. With only a few possessions a rosary, a crucifix, and sacred books he journeyed to Europe’s great shrines, living off alms and embracing the poverty of Christ. Mocked and misunderstood by society, he found joy in prayer, penance, and union with the suffering Christ. He died on Holy Week in 1783 in Rome, and his sanctity was confirmed by the many miracles that followed.
PRAYER : Lord Jesus, who revealed Your glory in the hidden life of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, grant us the grace to detach from all that keeps us from You. May we, like him, learn to walk humbly with You, trusting in Your providence and loving the poor with open hearts. Through his intercession, bring comfort to the homeless and peace to the troubled in mind and soul. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT ENGRATIA AND THE EIGHTEEN MARTYRS OF SARAGOSSA (Died c. 304): Saint Engratia, a noble virgin from Braga (modern-day Portugal), was traveling to Gaul when she stopped in Saragossa, Spain, and witnessed the intense persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, courageously spoke out against the brutal persecution of Christians in Spain. Arrested and tortured, she died from her wounds in prison. Her companions including her uncle Lupercius and sixteen noblemen, along with a servant named Julie also declared their faith and were beheaded. Their fearless sacrifice, rooted in love for Christ and compassion for His Church, remains a powerful testament to faith amidst suffering. Their relics continue to be honored, especially in Saragossa, Spain.
Through the intercession of these holy men and women, and under the gentle protection of our Blessed Mother Mary, we lift up the sick, the poor, the homeless, the mentally ill, and all who suffer unjustly. May we, like them, be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and generous in love.
PRAYER: O Lord, who strengthened Saint Engratia and the holy martyrs of Saragossa in their moment of trial, grant us the same courage and fidelity. May we never waver in our love for You, even in the face of difficulty. Through their intercession, protect the persecuted Church and make us bold in proclaiming the Gospel with our lives. Amen. 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of these saints who gave their lives entirely to You in different ways through prayer, poverty, witness, and martyrdom. May their intercession bring comfort to the sick, strength to the poor, peace to the disturbed, and courage to the persecuted. Inspire us, Lord, to imitate their virtues and to carry our crosses with love and perseverance. May we never forget that true greatness lies in surrendering to Your will and trusting in Your providence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏
Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, and Saint Engratia with the Martyrs of Saragossa ~ Pray for us! 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today, Wednesday of Holy Week | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of Holy Week | Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Reading 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 26:14-25
“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me”
“The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed”
“One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”
In today’s Gospel reading, while they were eating, Jesus solemnly announces, ‘one of you is about to betray me?’ As if to highlight the great tragedy of such an act, Jesus further specifies that His betrayer is ‘someone who has dipped His hand into the dish with me’. In sharing the Passover Meal with His disciples, Jesus was entering into communion with them in a very solemn way. Yet, someone who shared in this communion was about to act in a way that would shatter the very communion being celebrated. Indeed, all of the disciples would soon break communion with Jesus, and Peter would do so in a more public way, denying Jesus three times before others. Judas’ act of betraying Jesus to Jesus’ enemies for money was the ultimate breach of communion with Jesus. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, the Lord enters into communion with us and we enter into communion with the Lord. We are sent from the Eucharist to live out of that communion, to live in a way that reflects our communion with the Lord. Like the first disciples, we can fail to live out of that communion, in various ways. Holy Week assures us that the Lord remains in communion with us even when we fall out of communion with Him. If we acknowledge our failure and turn to Him we will discover that the Lord comes to our help, in the words of today’s first reading.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading as the shadow of the Cross grows closer, today’s Gospel plunges us into the heartache of betrayal. Judas, one of the Twelve, secretly arranges to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver. At the Last Supper, Jesus reveals the coming betrayal, stirring confusion and sorrow among the disciples. Each one asks, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” Their question echoes through the centuries, touching the heart of every believer. We, too, are faced with the unsettling reality of how easily love can be wounded by betrayal even from within. Judas called Jesus “Rabbi,” a sign of respect, but his heart was far from love. The moment is steeped in tension and sorrow, yet Jesus remains calm, fully aware of His mission and the suffering to come. This Gospel invites us to examine the sincerity of our own discipleship: Is our following of Christ genuine, or have we, in subtle ways, sold Him for far less than thirty pieces of silver through compromise, indifference, or pride? As Holy Week deepens, we are drawn to gaze upon Jesus not only as the victim of betrayal but as the One who loves even the betrayer and willingly walks the path of suffering for our salvation.
Our first reading today from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, is the continuation of the discourse on the suffering of the Holy Servant of God Whom He had sent into our midst, to bear the brunt of the punishments and the rejection that this One would have to face as He carried out dutifully in obedience to the will of His Heavenly Father. God has sent unto us His Son, incarnate in the flesh and born as the Son of Man, so that by His sufferings, His pains and hardships, and by the wounds and hurts, all of us have received healing and forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation with God, our loving Father and Creator. He has willingly done this because He truly loves each one of us so greatly, as our loving Shepherd, reaching out to us, His lost sheep, so that by laying down His life for us, He may raise us up to eternal life. In our first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the Lord as giving him a disciples’ tongue to reply to the wearied and as waking him every morning to hear, to listen, like a disciple. It is the listening like a disciple that allows him to speak like a disciple. A disciple’s ear makes possible a disciple’s tongue. A disciple was someone who sat at the feet of the Master and listen attentively and then lived accordingly. We are all called to be disciples in that sense. We try to develop a disciple’s ear, a readiness to listen ever more deeply to what the Lord is saying to us through his word. As we grow in our listening ability, we will be enabled to speak like a disciple, to have a disciples’ tongue, and to live like a disciple.
Reflecting on the first reading, Isaiah’s powerful prophecy speaks of the Suffering Servant a figure who listens intently to God and boldly speaks truth to the weary. Though insulted, struck, and spat upon, the Servant does not retreat. Instead, he sets his face “like flint,” unshaken in his divine calling. This passage points directly to Jesus, who would endure all manner of abuse and yet remain steadfast in love. What strength He must have had—not the kind that lashes out, but the strength to forgive, to love in the midst of pain, to remain obedient even unto death. As disciples, we are called to imitate this inner resolve. When life brings trials or rejection, can we still say, “The Lord GOD is my help”? Jesus shows us how to suffer with purpose, trusting that God never abandons us, even when the world does.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “Lord, in your great love, answer me.” Psalm 69 is a lament drenched in sorrow, echoing the anguish of a heart pierced by rejection. “I looked for sympathy, but there was none…” These words find their fulfillment in Christ, abandoned by friends and crushed by our sins. Yet even in this pain, there is hope. The Psalmist continues to praise, to seek God, and to trust that the Lord hears the cry of the lowly. In Holy Week, this Psalm becomes a prayer of our hearts. When we are hurt, misunderstood, or alone, may we remember that Jesus walks with us in our pain and that God’s love, though often hidden in suffering, is always present.
Have I ever, like Judas, betrayed Christ in small or hidden ways? Do I take the time to examine my motives in following Jesus am I truly surrendered or holding something back? How can I grow in faithfulness, especially in moments of difficulty, misunderstanding, or inner struggle? Am I willing to sit with the sorrow of Holy Week, allowing it to purify and prepare my heart for Easter joy? Let us remain close to Jesus in these solemn days. Let us not shy away from the sorrow of His Passion, for it is there that we see the fullness of His love. Like Mary who anointed His feet and Isaiah’s Servant who did not flinch from suffering, may we give ourselves wholly to the One who gave everything for us.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scripture today, we heard of the sufferings that the Lord would receive at the hands of His oppressors, as well as everything that would happen to Him in the moment of His Passion, His suffering and death. He would be abandoned by His disciples, betrayed by one of His closest collaborators, and He would have to endure the punishments and sufferings for mistakes, crimes and sins that He Himself did not commit. Through Christ, our Lord and Saviour, God has willed to redeem us all from our sins, and through Him, He has called us out of the darkness, bringing His light of hope and truth into our midst, as He revealed His perfect and ever-enduring love and kindness, His compassion and mercy through Christ, the manifestation of His love in the flesh. God has become Man so that through this act of supreme love, He can be reconciled with us, and that we may find our way back to Him, and will not perish but have eternal life, as He has always intended for us. May the Lord continue to guide us and help us, so that in everything we do, we will always be exemplary in all things, and be good role models and examples for our fellow men and women. Let us all make good use of our time and the opportunities given to us so that we may be ever better disciples and followers of Our Lord. Let us all not be like Judas Iscariot who easily gave in to temptations and betrayed the Lord for money. As we enter into the Easter or Paschal Triduum, let us all do whatever we can to centre our lives and focus our attention on the Lord, and grow ever stronger in our connection with Him. Let our every actions and observance of the many wondrous things happening during this Easter Triduum help us to grow ever closer to the Lord. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant all of us the grace to be ever closer to God and be ever more reflective of His love and truth in our lives and actions and may the Lord bless us all and may He empower us to remain firmly ever more faithful to Him. May He help us to be ever more committed and courageous in all things, in being good role models and examples, as inspiration for each other in faith. May God bless our every good efforts and endeavours, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, as we walk with You this Holy Week, we are faced with the reality of betrayal not just Judas’, but our own moments of failure. Yet You do not turn away from us. You look upon us with love and invite us to deeper conversion. Give us hearts that listen like the Servant in Isaiah, and courage to follow You to the Cross. When we are weary or afraid, remind us that You are our help and our salvation. 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 listen with the heart of a disciple, like the servant in Isaiah, that we may speak a word of hope to the weary and remain faithful even in trials. Through the intercession of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, may we learn to embrace humility and trust in God’s will, especially when misunderstood or ridiculed for our faith. We lift up all who are sick or suffering in body or spirit, asking for healing and comfort through the same maternal care that Our Lady extended at Lourdes. Through Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, patron of the homeless and mentally ill, we pray for those living on the margins of society, that they may find peace, dignity, and the love of Christ through our compassion and advocacy. May his life of simplicity inspire us to let go of worldly attachments and seek holiness in quiet surrender. We remember Saint Engratia and the Eighteen Martyrs of Saragossa, who bore witness to Christ with unwavering courage. Through their intercession, may we stand firm in our beliefs when faced with fear, rejection, or persecution. We pray for all who are persecuted for their faith today, that they may remain strong in hope and be consoled by God’s unfailing presence. As we enter the most solemn days of Holy Week, may we walk closely with Jesus in His Passion, drawing strength from His suffering and mercy. We pray for healing in our hearts, peace in our world, and unity in our Church. May these holy witnesses inspire us to live and love sacrificially for the glory of God. Amen. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY
My divine Lord, You and You alone must become the focus of my life. You and You alone are of the greatest value in life. Help me to shed all earthly desires in life so that I will not fall into the temptations that lead to empty promises and so that I will embrace the true and fulfilling promises that come from You. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, betrayed by a friend and handed over to suffering, You did not turn away from the path of love. In silence and trust, You bore the weight of the world’s sin and gave Yourself completely for our salvation. Teach us to remain faithful when the road is dark and the cross feels heavy. May we, like the servant in Isaiah, not rebel or draw back, but lean into Your strength and walk the way of the Cross with courage. Jesus, like Saint Bernadette, help us to recognize You in simplicity, to trust even when we do not understand, and to carry our suffering with quiet dignity. Through her intercession, grant healing to the sick and comfort to all who feel small or unseen in this world. Give us the spirit of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, that we may walk humbly and love radically, trusting You with our daily bread and bearing witness through hidden holiness. Help us to see Christ in the homeless, the lonely, and those cast aside, and to offer them Your tenderness through our actions. Grant us the fire of Saint Engratia and her fellow martyrs, that we may never deny You—even in the face of danger or loss. May their blood, sown in faith, bring forth a harvest of new believers and strengthen all who suffer for righteousness’ sake today. Open our eyes, Lord, to see as You see. Open our ears to hear the cry of the poor. Open our hearts to love without fear. And as we journey through this Holy Week, may Your Passion transform our weakness into faith, our sorrow into joy, and our lives into a living sacrifice of praise.
Jesus, Savior of the world, we trust in You.
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Bernadette, Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, Saint Engratia and the Eighteen Martyrs of Saragossa ~ 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 Holy Week. Amen 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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