THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 4, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT FLORIAN, MARTYR AND THE FORTY MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Florian, and the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-4th/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis | EWTN | May 4, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-61/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Sunday of the Third Week of Easter!

May this new week be filled with peace, joy, and the renewed hope that comes from Christ’s Resurrection. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour in this world. May the Lord bless the work of our hands 🙏🏽

The entire month of May is dedicated to our beloved Mother Mary, the Mother of God. As we continue to rejoice in the victory of Christ’s Resurrection, we give heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the new month of May. May this Easter season renew our strength, deepen our faith, and fill our hearts with the peace of the Risen Lord. May our Mother Mary continue to intercede for us and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Easter. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, blessed start to the month. Amen 🙏🏽

Watch “NINTH NOVENDIAL MASS MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL DOMINIQUE MAMBERTI | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | MAY 4, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/funeral-mass-of-pope-francis/

Novendiales (Nine Days of Mourning) Masses Schedule for Pope Francis (26 April 2025 – 4 May 2025)

Learn more about the Novendiales (Nine days of mourning) in the Papal Interregnum article below:

PAPAL INTERREGNUM (VACANCY OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE) | EWTN | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/papal-interregnum/

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

Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/

PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AND SUCESS OF THE CONCLAVE

With the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:

Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.

Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come – You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. 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 🙏🏽

On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and 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 🙏🏽

As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, today, the Church honors Saint Florian (patron of firefighters, chimney sweeps, and those in life-threatening situations) and the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales (patrons of religious freedom and perseverance under persecution). Their witness reminds us to live our faith with courage and trust in God. Through their intercession, we pray for the safety of firefighters, the sick and dying, caregivers, and those in danger. May the Church be strengthened, and persecuted Christians find comfort. We also remember the poor, the grieving, and the faithful departed. May God bless the clergy, and all who preach the Gospel, and grant us peace, unity, and vocations.

DAILY REFLECTIONS WITH PHILOMENA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/

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/

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/

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

(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/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Third Sunday of Easter | Sunday, May 4, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
Reading 2, Revelation 5:11-14
Gospel, John 21:1-19

Gospel Reading ~ John 21:1–19

“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” … “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

“At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Today’s Gospel reading this Sunday, from the Gospel of St. John givess an ccount of the moment when the Risen Lord appeared to His disciples in Galilee. In that occasion, the Lord appeared to the disciples at the shores of the lake where they had all been out fishing throughout the night without having any success. And when the Lord told the disciples to do as He said, and they immediately caught so many fishes, St. John was the first to recognise the Lord, but St. Peter was the one who immediately went down to the water and swim to seek the Lord. And afterwards, after having witnessed the Risen Lord Himself, and experiencing having eaten with Him, knowing that He was truly risen from the dead, then the Risen Lord had a time with St. Peter and conversed with him. In that conversation, it was evident that this was a reversal of what had happened at the moment of the Lord’s Passion, when St. Peter denied knowing the Lord three times. Despite having been denied by Peter not just once but thrice, this did not stop the Lord from continuing to love him, and that was why He wanted to extend that opportunity for reconciliation and reaffirmation of the love that he has for Him, by asking Peter not just once but also thrice, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter himself must have realised what the Lord had done, and he must have felt guilty and sad hearing those questions, but he courageously confessed his undying love for the Lord, all three times before Him, committing himself wholly to the Lord.

Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, it captures one of the most tender and restorative moments between Jesus and Peter. After the Resurrection, when Jesus appears to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, He calls out to them from the shore, miraculously fills their nets with fish, and invites them to breakfast a quiet yet profound act of communion. But the heart of this today’s Gospel lies in Jesus’ conversation with Peter. Three times, Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” mirroring Peter’s three denials during the Passion. Each question is both a wound and a balm, an invitation to love again and to be entrusted with responsibility. Jesus is not seeking perfect followers; He is seeking faithful ones. In Peter’s humble, even sorrowful, responses “Lord, you know that I love you” we find the grace of restoration. Jesus responds not with rebuke, but with commission: “Feed my sheep.” Love must become action. This Gospel is not only Peter’s story; it is ours. Despite our failings, Christ calls us again to love, to follow, and to serve. He meets us at our own shorelines with breakfast prepared and mercy in His eyes.

Reflecting on today’s first reading, Peter and the apostles stand before the Sanhedrin, boldly declaring, “We must obey God rather than men.” Their courage is rooted not in defiance, but in witness. They speak of the risen Christ, the One whom God exalted as “leader and savior.” Even under threat, they rejoice at being “found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.” This scene reminds us that the Easter message cannot be silenced. True discipleship may lead to rejection or suffering, but joy springs from fidelity to Christ. In a world that often resists the truth, we too are called to speak with the courage of the apostles, knowing that obedience to God is our highest calling.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.” The psalmist’s song is one of deep gratitude. God’s mercy transforms mourning into dancing, despair into joy. Even when darkness surrounds us, the dawn of divine rescue always comes. The psalm echoes the experience of every believer who has been lifted from sin, sorrow, or trial by the gracious hand of God. It’s a call to rejoice, to give thanks, and to remember that God’s favor outlasts every storm.

Reflecting on our Second reading Saint John’s vision lifts us into the heavenly liturgy, where countless angels and all of creation sing praise to the Lamb. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” this is the central hymn of Easter, the cry of redeemed creation. Christ, once crucified, now reigns in glory, and the universe echoes with worship. This vision reminds us that worship is not just an earthly act it is an eternal one. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we join this cosmic chorus. Easter is not a fleeting season but an invitation to live in continual adoration of the Risen Christ, the Lamb who triumphed through sacrifice. Have I heard Jesus asking, “Do you love me?” in my life recently? How do I respond with action, not just words? Am I willing to obey God even when it costs me comfort or approval? Do I live each day in gratitude for the Lamb who was slain? Christ meets us where we are on the shorelines of our failures, in the silence of our fear, and in the hunger of our hearts. He restores, calls, and commissions us. Let us rise with joy, answer His question with love, and follow Him with renewed courage. Amen. 🙏🏽

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures on this Sunday, the Third Sunday of Easter, all of us are reminded of the great faith and courage that the Lord’s Holy Apostles had shown amidst the challenges, oppressions and trials that they were facing, because they truly believed in the Lord and His truth, and having witnessed His great wonders and signs, especially that of the Resurrection, having seen the Risen Lord Himself in person, interacting and spending time with Him, and knowing that everything did indeed happen just as the Lord Himself has predicted it all. That was why, strengthened further by the Holy Spirit, all of them courageously stood up for their faith in the Risen Lord, even amidst the opposition and threats from the members of the Sanhedrin or the Jewish High Council that opposed them. Let us all therefore remind ourselves of the need for each one of us as Christians to be truly committed to the Lord, and to keep our faith and trust in Him, in His Resurrection and all the promises and reassurances that He has provided to us. The Lord has always been loving towards us, forgiving and compassionate, and it is time for us to embrace His love and mercy, to be truly committed to Him in everything that we do in this life. Let us all be ever more faithful and exemplary in how we live our lives each day and every moments so that in our every actions and words, our deeds and interactions with one another we will always show the love of God in all things. May the Risen Lord continue to help and guide us in our journey through life in faith, and may He continue to empower each and every one of us such that we may do our best in every situations in life, in being good and faithful disciples of His, in doing our best to glorify His Name and proclaim His Good News through our own lives and examples. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may He bless us always in everything that we say and do, now and forevermore. Amen 🙏🏽

Risen Lord, You come to us in mercy and love, not with condemnation but with invitation. Help us, like Peter, to respond with humble love and to follow You wherever You lead. Give us the courage of the apostles, the joy of the redeemed, and the heart of a true shepherd. Worthy are You, O Lamb of God receive our lives as a song of praise. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT FLORIAN, MARTYR, AND THE FORTY MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES ~ FEAST DAY – MAY 4TH: As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, today, the Church honors Saint Florian (patron of firefighters, chimney sweeps, and those in life-threatening situations) and the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales (patrons of religious freedom and perseverance under persecution). Their witness reminds us to live our faith with courage and trust in God. Through their intercession, we pray for the safety of firefighters, the sick and dying, caregivers, and those in danger. May the Church be strengthened, and persecuted Christians find comfort. We also remember the poor, the grieving, and the faithful departed. May God bless the clergy, and all who preach the Gospel, and grant us peace, unity, and vocations.

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 4th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Florian, and the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-4th/)

SAINT FLORIAN, MARTYR: Saint Florian (c. 250–304 AD) was a commander in the Roman army stationed in Noricum (modern-day Austria), and he was responsible for leading a firefighting brigade one of the earliest on record. Though he served loyally in the military, Florian was a Christian during a time of harsh persecution under Emperor Diocletian. When he was discovered to be protecting Christians and refusing to enforce anti-Christian laws, he was arrested.

He boldly refused to renounce his faith or worship the Roman gods. Although he was initially sentenced to be burned alive, he is said to have remarked that he would ascend to heaven on the flames. Instead, the executioners tied a heavy stone around his neck and drowned him in the River Enns. His relics were later enshrined in Austria and Poland, where devotion to him flourished.

Saint Florian is invoked against fires, floods, and battles. He is the patron saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps, brewers, soap boilers, drowning victims, and cities such as Kraków, Poland and Linz, Austria.

PRAYER: God of power and mercy, through Your help Saint Florian overcame torture and death to remain faithful to You. Grant us the courage to endure the trials of our own lives with unwavering trust in Your grace. May Saint Florian’s example inspire us to defend truth and live with integrity. Amen.

Prayer for Firefighters:
O Almighty God, whose great power embraces the universe, protect all firefighters. Shield them from harm as they risk their lives to save others and preserve property. Strengthen them with courage and guide them safely back to their loved ones each day. Through the intercession of Saint Florian, grant them protection and peace. Amen. 🙏🏽

THE FORTY MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES: T he Forty Martyrs of England and Wales were a group of courageous Catholic men and women laypersons, priests, and religious who were executed between 1535 and 1679 for remaining faithful to the Church during the turbulent years of the English Reformation. Their deaths were often brutal: most were hanged, drawn, and quartered for crimes of “treason,” simply for professing the Catholic faith or aiding Catholic priests.

Among them were notable figures like St. Edmund Campion, St. Margaret Clitherow, St. Robert Southwell, and St. John Houghton, among others. These martyrs came from various regions, social classes, and vocations, yet they shared a common fidelity to Christ and His Church. They were canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970, following recognition of a miraculous healing attributed to their intercession. This feast now honors not only these 40, but all 284 canonized or beatified martyrs of the English Reformation.

In Wales, this day is observed particularly as a feast of the Six Welsh Martyrs Philip Evans, John Lloyd, John Jones, David Lewis, John Roberts, and Richard Gwyn along with their English companions.

PRAYER: Merciful God, when Your Church on earth was torn apart by division and persecution, You raised up brave men and women in England and Wales who bore witness to their faith with courage and constancy. Grant us the grace to remain faithful to You in all circumstances. May those who are divided on earth be reconciled in heaven, and together enjoy the vision of Your eternal glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Florian, and the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: For Working Conditions ~ Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.

PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ~ POPE FRANCIS: For Working Conditions ~ Jesus, You knew work in this world, and You understand its hardships and joys… Hear our prayer today. Working is a human trait… Work is sacred… The beauty of the earth and the dignity of work were meant to be united… The earth becomes beautiful when man works… Lord, You see that we believe this with conviction, but we desire even more for it to become a reality among us.

We are saddened when people can’t find work and lack the dignity of bringing bread to their home. Give us the light of your Spirit, open our hearts, do not let indifference overcome us.
Help us recover the gift of universal brotherhood. We ask for a heart as big as Jesus’s so we can embrace the call to work to give dignity to people and families.
Amen 🙏🏽

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.

In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: As the Church concludes the Novendiales, the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, we commend his soul to the eternal mercy of God. May he be welcomed into the joy of the Risen Christ whom he served faithfully. We pray for the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect a new Pope may the Holy Spirit guide them in unity, wisdom, and holiness.

Through the intercession of Saint Florian (patron of firefighters and those in peril) and the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales (patrons of religious freedom and perseverance), we pray for all who serve in dangerous occupations and for Christians suffering persecution today.

We also lift up the sick, the dying, and those facing impossible circumstances. May God’s grace strengthen all who care for the vulnerable especially healthcare workers, pharmacists, and first responders. We pray for peace in families, vocations in the Church, and consolation for all who mourn. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY:

My resurrected Lord, You have offered Your grace and mercy to all, but not all have responded. I pray that I will always be among those who continually respond to Your invitation. I repent of my sin, dear Lord. Please help me to stay faithful to Your commands of love and to be daily immersed in Your transforming Spirit. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Risen Lord Jesus, You appeared to Your disciples and restored their hope. Today, we entrust Pope Francis to Your loving embrace. May he share fully in the glory of Your Resurrection. As the Church prepares for new leadership, pour out Your Spirit upon the College of Cardinals to choose a shepherd after Your heart.

Lord Jesus, just as You revealed Yourself to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, open our eyes to recognize You in our daily lives. Strengthen all who face trials for their faith, and grant courage to those who proclaim Your name in hostile places. Watch over all who serve in dangerous roles, especially firefighters and rescue workers. Through the intercession of Saint Florian and the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, renew our resolve to follow You with trust and perseverance. May Your victory over death be our strength in every trial. May we, too, respond to Your call: “Follow Me.” Help us live our Easter faith with joy, boldness, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Florian, and the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection, may our hearts remain open to the peace and hope that flow from His victory over sin and death. During this joyful Easter season, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and draw us closer to the mystery of His Passion, death, and Resurrection. May we walk in the light of His risen life, renewed in spirit and overflowing with grace. Praying for us all and our loved ones today and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling during this Easter season. As we embrace the blessings of this new month, may God’s abundant grace continue to shower upon us, filling our hearts with peace, joy, and hope in His Resurrection. May this new week be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Sunday and joyful Third Week of Easter and month of May 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

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

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

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missons Now Awards |