SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 6, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN BEFORE THE LATIN GATE; SAINT EVODIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP; SAINT DOMINIC SAVIO, CONFESSOR; SAINT PETER NOLASCO, FOUNDER AND BLESSED EDWARD JONES AND ANTHONY MIDDLETON, MARTYRS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John, Saint Evodius, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Peter Nolasco, and Your holy martyrs Edward and Anthony | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-6th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the Upcoming Conclave | EWTN | May 6, 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-63/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter!
May this 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 🙏🏽
NOVENDIALES MASSES FOR POPE FRANCIS | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/funeral-mass-of-pope-francis/
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 journey through the radiant days of the Easter season, today we commemorate four holy souls Saint Gothard (patron of travelers and builders), Saint Judith of Prussia (patroness of widows and contemplatives), Saint Angelus of Jerusalem (patron of Palermo and invoked against evil spirits), and Blessed Caterina Cittadini (patroness of orphaned children and Christian educators). Each, in their unique vocation, bore witness to Christ through devotion, sacrifice, and fidelity to the Gospel.Through their intercession, we pray for all widows and orphans, travelers, priests, teachers, and those discerning a deeper call to prayer and service. May God bless all who spread the Good News and protect those who suffer for their faith.
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, Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter | Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Reading 1: Acts 7:51—8:1a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab
Gospel: John 6:30–35
Gospel Reading ~ John 6:30–35
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” ~ John 6:35
“The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
In today’s Gospel reading, people asked Jesus, ‘What sign will you give to show us that we should believe in you? What work will you do?’ This is immediately after Jesus had done the work of feeding a large crowd with five barley loaves and two fish. Here was a work that was a sign for those with eyes to see. This work pointed beyond itself to Jesus’ true identity. His feeding of the crowd with bread and fish was a sign that Jesus was ‘the bread of life’ in the language of today’s Gospel reading. The real significance of Jesus’ miraculous work of the crowd lay in what it has to say about who Jesus is for all those who believe in Him. The crowd who were fed would become hungry again, however, Jesus remains the bread of life for all who come to him, not just during His public ministry, but for all future generations who will come to Him as risen Lord. Jesus is our Bread of Life today. The promise He makes in today’s Gospel reading is made to each one of us, ‘those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never thirst’. The risen Lord promises to satisfy the deepest hungers and thirsts in our heart, the hunger and thirst for love, for forgiveness, for justice, for peace, for communion, for life to the full. There is a sense in which those deeper hungers and thirsts will only be fully satisfied at the heavenly banquet in the kingdom of God. However, Jesus’ promises pertains not just to the ultimate future but also to the present. Here and now, in our own place and time, He is bread of life for all who believe in Him and for all who come to Him. We encounter the Lord as Bread of Life in a special way at the Eucharist, yet the Lord’s invitation to come to Him as Bread of Life is not limited to the Eucharist. He is our daily bread of life, in every place and time.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, the people demand a sign from Jesus so they might believe in Him, recalling the manna their ancestors received in the desert. Jesus responds by shifting their focus from Moses to the Father, who now offers the true bread from heaven—Himself. “I am the bread of life,” He declares, revealing that belief in Him is what truly satisfies our deepest hunger and thirst. His words pierce through our worldly expectations and direct us toward eternal realities. What the people longed for physically, Jesus fulfills spiritually. The Bread of Life is not about temporary satisfaction but enduring nourishment that gives life to the world. In Him, we are invited into communion with God, sustained not just for a moment, but forever. He feeds the longing of our souls with His presence, His truth, and His love.
Our first reading today is a continuation of the martyrdom of St. Stephen, after he had spoken courageously and fearlessly before all the assembled people who were all against him. Those people had hardened and closed their hearts and minds against the Lord and His words, and even though St. Stephen had spoken with great wisdom and eloquence, explaining to them in vain about the works of the Lord in His salvation of the whole world. St. Stephen spoke at length about how God had been with His people, guiding and empowering them, despite their many rebellions and refusals to follow Him faithfully. God continued to patiently lead them by hand through His many prophets, messengers and appointed leaders, who helped them all to remain faithful to Him, and which culminated in the sending and arrival of His own Beloved Son, the One to be the Saviour of all. Yet, as St. Stephen pointed out, the people had rejected the great grace of God, His patient love and salvation, persecuting the very One Whom God had sent to help and save them. They crucified the Lord, persecuted His servants and disciples, and tried to stop the works of God being done, harassing the disciples at every turn of the way, like what they had done with St. Stephen himself. Yet, the Lord was still being patient with the people, and through St. Stephen, despite seemingly futile, He was still trying to reach out to them and convince them to believe in Him. This did not happen though, and those people persecuted St. Stephen, whom they punished and stoned to death, a punishment that was reserved for blasphemers and sinners. Yet, despite being the righteous one, St. Stephen, like that of the Lord Himself before him, forgave all of his persecutors and murderers. According to the Gospel, St. Stephen is stoned to death by those who found his preaching offensive. St. Stephen’s way of dying is portrayed in a manner that would call to mind how Jesus died. As Jesus on the cross prayed, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit’, St. Stephen prays to the risen Jesus, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’. As Jesus on the cross prayed, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’, St. Stephen prays to the risen Jesus, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’. In other words, Luke presents Stephen as having the same relationship with Jesus that Jesus has with his heavenly Father. We are all called to have the same relationship with Jesus that Jesus has with His Father. Jesus’ intimate relationship with God His Father is to be the model of our relationship with Jesus.
Reflecting on today’s first reading, it recounts the martyrdom of St. Stephen, the Church’s first martyr, who boldly proclaims the truth despite fierce opposition. His words are firm, unflinching, and Spirit-filled, challenging the people for resisting God. Yet amid violence and rejection, Stephen remains focused on heaven, beholding the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand. Even as stones strike him down, Stephen utters words of forgiveness mirroring Christ’s mercy from the Cross. His death is not a defeat but a witness of divine love, courage, and fidelity to the Gospel. Saul, who consented to the execution, would later become Paul the great Apostle showing how even Stephen’s martyrdom bore fruit for the Church. Today, we are reminded that witnessing to Christ may come with suffering, but grace and glory await those who persevere.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm today echoes Stephen’s final prayer: “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” These words, spoken by both the Psalmist and later Jesus on the Cross, become a prayer of surrender and trust in God’s faithfulness. In times of danger, betrayal, or fear, God is our refuge and safety. The psalmist rejoices in God’s mercy, finding joy not in circumstances, but in God’s constant, protective presence. It reminds us to entrust our lives to the Lord fully, especially when we face injustice or trials for the sake of our faith.
What kind of “bread” am I seeking from Jesus physical comforts or eternal nourishment? Do I truly believe that Christ alone can satisfy my soul? How do I respond when God’s truth challenges my way of thinking? Am I willing to speak the truth like Stephen, even when it costs me? How can I, like the Psalmist, entrust my life more completely into God’s hands? As followers of Christ, let us not chase after signs or worldly assurances, but believe in the One whom God has sent. Let us receive the Bread of Life with faith, trusting that Jesus alone can sustain us in life and in death. Like Stephen, may we shine with the light of Christ even when surrounded by darkness, always forgiving, always trusting, always looking heavenward. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all presented with the continuation of the story of the martyrdom of the very first martyr of the Church, namely that of St. Stephen the protomartyr. This faithful man of God had to endure the persecutions, stubborn rejection and refusal by all the enemies of the Lord in hardening their hearts and in stubbornly refusing to embrace God’s truth and Good News in the person of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. We are also reminded of the Lord Who is our Bread of Life, the One and only Source of our Hope and Life, the One Whom we should focus our attention and efforts upon. This reminds us that as long as we centre our lives upon the Lord, then we shall have nothing to worry about, and we should not be concerned about how we will turn out to be, because the Lord Himself is with us, guiding us and strengthening us. We are also reminded that we have to be ever courageous and committed as the holy people of God, not to be easily swayed by the temptations of the world, by the many pressures, trials and challenges present all around us. All those things may lead us to give up on our efforts and struggles to do God’s will, but as St. Stephen has shown us, through his fearless efforts and his perseverance despite the many trials and oppositions he faced, all of us should also be strengthened and encouraged in our own lives and dedication as Christians, as God’s holy and beloved people. We cannot be idle and ignorant of our calling and missions as those whom God had called and chosen. To each one of us God has entrusted the responsibilities and the missions to proclaim His truth and salvation to the nations. The question now is, what are we then going to do in fulfilling our missions and calling in life? Are we going to embrace God’s call and follow Him in His path, doing what He has called on us to do, so that in each and every moments of our lives we will continue to live our lives with the right actions and convictions, with the strong and enduring desire to walk in God’s path without losing focus and hope on His promises and truth. Let us all ever be worthy of God in all things, and do our best so that our every actions, words and deeds, our whole lives may glorify the Lord, now and always. May God in His infinite grace and mercy be with us all and may He grant us His grace and bless our actions and strengthen each and every one of us so that we may always ever be courageous to do His will, and be His witnesses wherever we are, and in whatever opportunities we receive. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. Feed the hunger of my heart and quench the thirst of my soul with Your presence. Teach me to seek not what perishes, but what endures faith, love, and union with You. Strengthen me to bear witness to You, as St. Stephen did, with courage and forgiveness in my heart. In times of trial, be my rock and my refuge. Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Amen. 🙏🏽
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN BEFORE THE LATIN GATE; SAINT EVODIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP; SAINT DOMINIC SAVIO, CONFESSOR; SAINT PETER NOLASCO, FOUNDER; BLESSED EDWARD JONES AND BLESSED ANTHONY MIDDLETON, MARTYRS – MAY 6TH: Today, Holy Mother Church honors multiple saints whose lives radiate courage, holiness, and unwavering love for God. We celebrate the Feast of Saint John Before the Latin Gate (Patron of art dealers and printers), and the memorials of Saint Evodius of Antioch (One of the first successors of Saint Peter as bishop), Saint Dominic Savio (Patron of choirboys, falsely accused persons, and juvenile delinquents), Saint Peter Nolasco (Patron of prisoners, captive Christians, and those seeking mercy), and Blessed Edward Jones and Blessed Anthony Middleton (Martyrs and patrons of persecuted Catholics). Through their intercession, we lift our hearts in prayer for the Church, the clergy, persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners, and especially for children, youths, and the vulnerable across the world. May God protect and guide them all.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 6th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John, Saint Evodius, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Peter Nolasco, and Your holy martyrs Edward and Anthony | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-6th/)
SAINT JOHN BEFORE THE LATIN GATE: According to ancient tradition recorded by Saint Jerome, Saint John the Apostle was brought to Rome around the year 95 AD during the reign of Emperor Domitian. There, he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil near the Latin Gate. Miraculously, he emerged unscathed, invigorated rather than harmed. This event, seen as a form of “living martyrdom,” is commemorated by the dedication of the church of San Giovanni a Porta Latina.
Though Domitian was unmoved by the miracle, he banished John to the island of Patmos, where the beloved Apostle received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. After the emperor’s death, Saint John returned to Ephesus and continued shepherding the early Church.
Saint John’s martyrdom teaches us that true love for Christ makes even suffering a joy. Like him, may we stand faithfully at the foot of the Cross and find meaning in our trials.
PRAYER: Lord, as You preserved Saint John in the midst of deadly trial, preserve us in faith amid all adversity.
SAINT EVODIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP: Saint Evodius was one of the seventy-two disciples of Christ and succeeded Saint Peter as the first bishop of Antioch. He is credited with coining the term “Christian” to describe the followers of Jesus. Though little is known about his life, his role in shaping the early Church was pivotal. He is believed to have died as a martyr around the year 66 AD.
PRAYER: O God, who raised up Saint Evodius as a shepherd for Your flock, grant that through his intercession, we may be called Christians not only in name but in truth.
SAINT DOMINIC SAVIO, CONFESSOR: Saint Dominic Savio (1842–1857) was a youthful saint known for his profound holiness and joyful spirit. A student of Saint John Bosco, Dominic founded the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception to assist in the Oratory’s apostolate. His motto, “Death rather than sin,” defined his pure and fervent life. He died peacefully at the age of fifteen, exclaiming, “Oh, what a beautiful sight I see!”
He is the patron saint of choirboys, the falsely accused, and juvenile delinquents. Though young in age, he was mature in virtue and became a shining model of sanctity for all youth.
PRAYER: Lord, You inspired Saint Dominic Savio to seek holiness in youth. Help us to embrace virtue with joy and strive for sanctity in our daily lives.
SAINT PETER NOLASCO, FOUNDER: Saint Peter Nolasco (1189–1256) was moved by compassion for Christians enslaved by the Moors. Using his wealth, he ransomed captives and later founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians), devoted to this mission of deliverance. Members of the order even took a fourth vow to offer themselves as hostages if necessary for the liberation of others. Peter lived a life of intense prayer, charity, and sacrifice.
PRAYER: Merciful Father, through the example of Saint Peter Nolasco, ignite in us a burning love for those in bondage and a zeal to set others free through acts of charity and faith.
BLESSED EDWARD JONES AND ANTHONY MIDDLETON, MARTYRS: Blessed Edward Jones and Blessed Anthony Middleton were English priests martyred in 1590 under Queen Elizabeth I. Amid anti-Catholic persecution, they remained steadfast in their faith, ministering in secret to Catholics and offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They were arrested, tried, and executed for treason simply because of their priesthood. Their martyrdom reflects the heroic fidelity of many English Catholics during the Reformation.
PRAYER: O God, who glorified Your servants Edward and Anthony with the crown of martyrdom, grant that we may remain faithful witnesses of the Gospel even in the face of persecution.
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John, Saint Evodius, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Peter Nolasco, and Your holy martyrs Edward and Anthony ~ 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 we reflect on today’s scripture readings, we remember Saint Stephen’s bold witness before his persecutors and Christ’s promise to be the Bread of Life for all who come to Him. Through the intercession of the saints we honor today—Saint John Before the Latin Gate, Saint Evodius of Antioch, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Peter Nolasco, and Blessed Edward Jones and Blessed Anthony Middleton—we pray for the needs of the Church and the world. May the Church remain steadfast in proclaiming Christ as the Bread of Life, and may all clergy and religious be strengthened in holiness, especially in places of persecution or spiritual dryness. We pray for all youth, particularly those struggling with temptation or lacking guidance, that through the intercession of Saint Dominic Savio, they may grow in purity, faith, and love for God. We also lift up all who are imprisoned, oppressed, or abandoned, that through the prayers of Saint Peter Nolasco, they may find hope and liberation. May persecuted Christians everywhere be filled with courage, and may all children and the vulnerable be protected from harm. We ask for the grace to hunger more deeply for Christ in the Eucharist and to boldly proclaim His truth in both word and deed.Amen. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My Eucharistic Lord, You are the Bread of Life. You are all that I desire in life. Give me the grace of understanding, dear Lord, so that I can come to believe all that You have revealed about the Most Holy Eucharist. I do believe, my God. Help my unbelief. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Loving Father, You gave us Your Son as the true Bread of Life to satisfy our deepest hunger, and You strengthened Your servant Stephen to bear witness even to the point of death. As we honor today’s saints those who preached, served, defended, and even died for the faith we ask for their heavenly intercession. May we be courageous like Saint John, faithful like Saint Evodius, pure like Saint Dominic Savio, merciful like Saint Peter Nolasco, and unshakable in faith like Blessed Edward Jones and Blessed Anthony Middleton. Strengthen us to follow Christ without fear, to defend the vulnerable, and to serve with love. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Save us Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John, Saint Evodius, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Peter Nolasco, and Your holy martyrs Edward and Anthony ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽