THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER | THE ELECTION OF THE NEW POPE
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 8, 2025
THE FEAST OF THE APPARITION OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL; SAINT DESIDERATUS, BISHOP; SAINT ARSENIUS, DEACON AND MONK; SAINT ACHATIUS, MARTYR AND SAINT VICTOR MAURUS, MARTYR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Desideratus, Saint Arsenius, Saint Achatius, and Saint Victor Maurus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-8th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the election of the new Pope | EWTN | May 8, 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-65/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Thursday of the Third Week of Easter!
Today, we celebrate the election of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church.
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 their 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 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 🙏🏽
HABEMUS PAPAM! A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
Meet the New Pope: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
As the Papal Conclave to elect the next Roman Pontiff comes to an end, with profound reverence we give thanks to Almighty God for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history. The announcement was made today, May 8, 2025, following the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclusion of the conclave.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American and a member of the Order of St. Augustine is known as Pope Leo XIV. A missionary bishop and former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church faithfully in Chiclayo, Peru, and brings with him a pastoral heart deeply shaped by the Gospel and the spirituality of St. Augustine.
LET US PRAY:
Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him wisdom, courage, and humility as he leads the Church in truth and love. May the Holy Spirit guide his every word and action, and may he be a bridge of unity for all nations. Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, strengthen him in his mission to proclaim Christ to the world. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter. Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern Your will, Courage to fulfill it, And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ. In this time of transition, Bring peace to troubled hearts, Joy to those who suffer, And hope to the despairing. May he be a faithful successor to Peter, A humble servant of Your Word, And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, And to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS: With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. 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 🙏🏽
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/
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 🙏🏽
On this grace-filled day in the Easter season, the Church commemorates a glorious apparition of Saint Michael the Archangel (Patron of soldiers, police officers, and protection against evil), the heavenly protector of God’s people, as well as four remarkable saints: Saint Desideratus (Patron of peace and good government), a bishop and peacemaker of France; Saint Arsenius (Patron of retreats and solitary prayer), a Roman deacon turned desert monk; Saint Achatius (Patron against headaches and at the hour of death), a courageous soldier-martyr; and Saint Victor Maurus (Patron of African Catholics and soldiers), a bold African Christian who laid down his life in Milan. May their heavenly intercession strengthen our faith, encourage our pursuit of holiness, and deepen our trust in God’s providence. Through their prayers and that of our Blessed Mother, we lift up intentions for Pope Francis, bishops, priests, seminarians, religious men and women, the conversion of sinners, and the unity of all Christians. We also pray for the sick and dying, especially those afflicted with terminal illnesses, cancer, chronic pain, or mental distress. As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day in a gew days, (where applicable), we commend all mothers, expectant mothers, and maternal caregivers to the loving care of Our Lady. May God bless all families with peace and grace.
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/
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, Thursday of the Third Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Third Week of Easter | Thursday, May 8, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 8:26-40
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 66:8-9, 16-17, 20
Gospel, John 6:44-51
Gospel Reading ~ John 6:44-51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
“Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus declares both ‘everybody who believes has eternal life’ and ‘anyone who eats this bread will live for ever’. It appears that eating Jesus the bread of life is an image for believing in Jesus. However, when Jesus goes on to say, ‘the bread that I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world’, the term ‘bread’ begins to acquire a Eucharistic meaning. Jesus will go on to speak about the need to eat his flesh and drink His blood, which has even clearer Eucharistic overtones. Yet, eating the bread that is Jesus, in the sense of believing in Jesus, comes before eating His flesh or His body in the Eucharist. The Eucharist, like all the sacraments, presupposes faith. We first come to Jesus in faith before we come to Him in the Eucharist. At every Mass we first have the Liturgy of the Word, and then the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The word nourishes our faith, and it is out of that nourished faith that we come to the Eucharist. The bread of the word prepares us for the bread of the Eucharist. The bread of the word is a necessary first course, as it were, that prepares us to receive the Eucharist well. We find a similar pattern in the first reading. The faith of the Ethiopian is first nurtured by Philip through his proclamation of the word before the Ethiopian comes to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism, like the Sacrament of the Eucharist, also presupposes faith. In the case of infants, it is the faith of the parents and family and the faith of the believing community that is presupposed. Through our Lord, all of us who have received and shared in our partaking of the Eucharist, we have received God Himself in the flesh, in His Most Precious Body and Most Precious Blood, and consequently, all of us who have received Him, have already received the Lord Himself dwelling in our amidst, among us and within us. We have become the Temples of His Holy Presence, and He has extended to us the most perfect form of unity and the most tangible link between us and His heavenly Father, our most loving God and Creator. For He is the perfect manifestation of God and His love in the flesh, such that man is no longer separated from God by our sins. As Jesus declares in the Gospel, that all who come to Him have been drawn to Him by the Father, ‘No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me’. God is always drawing us towards His Son, who says of Himself in the Gospel reading, ‘I am the bread of life’. God draws us towards His Son as the one who can satisfy the deepest spiritual hunger of our heart. God often draws us to His Son in and through other people of faith.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Jesus deepens our understanding of who He is: the Living Bread that came down from heaven. This is not merely a metaphor it is a powerful declaration of the Eucharist, the real and living presence of Jesus among us. He makes it clear that it is the Father who draws hearts to Him, and to accept Him is to receive eternal life. This Bread of Life is greater than the manna given to the Israelites in the wilderness; while they eventually died, those who partake in Christ — the true Bread — will never die but live forever. This teaching points directly to the Eucharist, the sacrament of Jesus’ Body and Blood, given for the life of the world. Through it, He feeds not just our bodies, but our souls, healing our brokenness and giving us a share in His divine life. Jesus also reminds us of the mystery of faith: not all can grasp this truth unless drawn by the Father. But for those who listen, learn, and believe, there is an open invitation to life eternal. The Eucharist is not just spiritual nourishment; it is union with Christ Himself the One who has seen the Father and brings us into communion with Him. In a world full of spiritual hunger, Jesus invites us to a feast that satisfies completely, calling us into deeper trust, faith, and surrender.
In the first reading today, an Ethiopian eunuch who served at the court of the queen of Ethiopia came to Christ. The Ethiopian court official comes to faith in Jesus.The Ethiopian returning home from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem, stops to read the Scriptures and he is very touched by a passage from the prophet Isaiah. It leads him to ask questions which eventually results in his receiving baptism into the church at the hands of Philip. The Holy Spirit had a major role to play in bringing the Ethiopian to Jesus, but Philip the evangelist and the Ethiopian himself had their roles to play as well. It was the Holy Spirit who prompted Philip to meet the Ethiopian. It was presumably the Spirit who prompted the Ethiopian to read the passage of Scripture that so intrigued him. The Ethiopian asked Philip to explain the Scripture he was reading and Philip responded to his request. A little later the Ethiopian asked Philip to baptize him and Philip responded to that request too. Even though the Spirit was at work in all of this process, there was a genuine human element at work too. Without the desire of the Ethiopian and the responsiveness of Philip, the work of the Holy Spirit would not have come to pass. Today’s reading reminds us that we need the Holy Spirit to come to Christ and to grow in our relationship with Him, but the Spirit, in turn, needs our contribution, our own good desires and our willingness to respond to the call of others. We are reminded that an encounter with the Lord in His word is often prior to an encounter with Him in the Sacraments. The word of the Lord nurtures our faith in preparation for our encounter with Him in the Sacraments. Linking to our first reading passage today, in which we heard of the baptism of the Ethiopian official, through that act of baptism and acceptance by the Ethiopian official of the truth that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who has died on the Cross and Risen fromt the dead, is his Lord and Saviour, that Ethiopian official had become part of the Church, just like all of us. Through our own baptism, whether we were baptised as infants or as teenagers or as adults, or even those of us who got baptised in the old age, or at the doors of death, all of us have become partakers and sharers in the New and Eternal Covenant that the Lord Himself has sealed with us and for us. Through baptism we have been made parts and sharers of the Lord’s missions and works in His Church, and all of us are members of His Body, the one united Communion of all the faithful.
Reflecting further on the first reading, Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch beautifully complements the Gospel’s message. Here we see a divine orchestration: an angel sends Philip on a desert road, the Spirit prompts him to approach the eunuch, and the Word of God opens the heart of this foreign official. The eunuch’s hunger for understanding leads to an encounter with Christ through the Scriptures, and ultimately, to baptism. This moment shows how the Word and the Sacrament work together the Word prepares the heart, and the Sacrament seals the gift of salvation. God’s grace reaches even into the most unexpected places a dry road in the desert, a foreign official returning home, and a sudden baptism in passing water. The joy of the eunuch after baptism is a testimony to the transformative power of encountering Christ. He came seeking truth, and he left rejoicing in new life.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm invites all the earth to cry out to God with joy an echo of the eunuch’s joyful departure after his baptism. It praises God for His faithfulness, for listening to prayers, and for preserving life. The psalmist’s words reflect a heart that has tasted the goodness of the Lord and cannot remain silent. This is the joy of salvation that flows from a heart in communion with God.
Are we truly allowing ourselves to be drawn by the Father to Christ? Do we hunger for the Living Bread and trust in the power of the Eucharist? Like the eunuch, do we seek understanding with humility and openness to be taught by God? What is our response when we hear the Word: hesitation or joyful surrender? Let us come to Jesus, the Bread of Life, with faith and longing. Let us seek Him in the Scriptures and receive Him in the Eucharist. And like Philip, let us share this Good News boldly, So that others too may come, believe, and live. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, our calling as the bearers of the Good News and truth of God, as those who truly believe in the truth of Our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, the Living Bread Who came down from Heaven. Let us all be genuine Christians in being joyful and dedicated in our willingness to proclaim the Lord and His truth in the midst of our various communities and places, doing whatever we can so that we may indeed bear forth the light of God’s truth to more and more people. All of us as parts of God’s Church have the same responsibilities and duties in being good role models and inspirations in faith that our every words, actions and deeds, our every interactions and works may become the inspiration and help for many others, such that many more will come to believe in God through us and our good works. May the Risen Lord, our God and Saviour Jesus Christ continue to be with us and guide us always, and may He continue to empower and strengthen us so that we may persevere faithfully and continue to commit ourselves to His path, much as how our early Christian predecessors had done, in their missionary and evangelising zeal. May God be with His Church always, and bless its every works and good efforts. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may He empower and strengthen us to do His will faithfully, at all times and in every place we are at. May our Risen Lord be ever glorified through us. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, Living Bread from Heaven, draw us to Yourself. Feed our deepest hunger with Your presence in the Eucharist, and open our hearts to the truth of Your Word. May we, like the Ethiopian eunuch, receive You with joy and continue on our way rejoicing, living in the light of Your salvation. Amen 🙏🏽
FEAST OF THE APPARITION OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL; SAINT DESIDERATUS, BISHOP; SAINT ARSENIUS, DEACON AND MONK; SAINT ACHATIUS, MARTYR; AND SAINT VICTOR MAURUS, MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 8TH: On this grace-filled day in the Easter season, the Church commemorates a glorious apparition of Saint Michael the Archangel (Patron of soldiers, police officers, and protection against evil), the heavenly protector of God’s people, as well as four remarkable saints: Saint Desideratus (Patron of peace and good government), a bishop and peacemaker of France; Saint Arsenius (Patron of retreats and solitary prayer), a Roman deacon turned desert monk; Saint Achatius (Patron against headaches and at the hour of death), a courageous soldier-martyr; and Saint Victor Maurus (Patron of African Catholics and soldiers), a bold African Christian who laid down his life in Milan. May their heavenly intercession strengthen our faith, encourage our pursuit of holiness, and deepen our trust in God’s providence.
Through their prayers and that of our Blessed Mother, we lift up intentions for bishops, priests, seminarians, religious men and women, the conversion of sinners, and the unity of all Christians. We also pray for the sick and dying, especially those afflicted with terminal illnesses, cancer, chronic pain, or mental distress. As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day in a few days (where applicable), we commend all mothers, expectant mothers, and maternal caregivers to the loving care of Our Lady. May God bless all families with peace and grace.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 8th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Desideratus, Saint Arsenius, Saint Achatius, and Saint Victor Maurus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-8th/)
THE FEAST OF THE APPARITION OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL: This feast commemorates the miraculous appearance of Saint Michael in 493 A.D. on Mount Gargano in southern Italy. He is said to have consecrated a cave on the mountain as a sacred space dedicated to God, declaring, “I am Michael the Archangel, and I have chosen to dwell in that place on earth and to keep it safe.” A sanctuary was later built over the site, becoming a major center of Christian pilgrimage. This apparition reminds us that the angelic hosts are ever-present, defending us against the snares of the devil.
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel: Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT DESIDERATUS, BISHOP (D. 550): A native of Soissons, France, Desideratus was raised in a charitable Christian household. He served as Secretary of State under King Clotaire and was later appointed Bishop of Bourges. Known for his peace-making and miracles, he participated in several Church councils and upheld orthodoxy against heresies such as Nestorianism and Eutychianism. He died on May 8, 550.
PRAYER: O God, You made Saint Desideratus an exemplar of faith and a shepherd of peace. Through his intercession, may we persevere in love and share in his heavenly joy. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT ARSENIUS, DEACON AND MONK (354–c. 445) : Born into a noble Roman family, Arsenius was highly educated and served as a tutor in the imperial court. Seeking greater spiritual depth, he embraced monastic life in Egypt’s desert. God guided him through a voice that said, “Arsenius, flee men, be silent, be still.” These words defined his life of prayer and asceticism.
PRAYER: Lord, You led Saint Arsenius into solitude and silence that he might find You. Through his intercession, draw our hearts away from distractions, and lead us to the stillness where You dwell. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT ACHATIUS, MARTYR (D. 311): Achatius, a Roman soldier from Cappadocia, heard a voice during battle urging him to call upon the God of the Christians. Baptized and zealous, he converted fellow soldiers and refused to worship idols. He suffered brutal tortures and was ultimately beheaded for his faith. He is invoked against headaches and at the hour of death.
PRAYER: O God, who strengthened Saint Achatius in martyrdom, grant that through his intercession we may stand firm in faith, especially at the hour of our death. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT VICTOR MAURUS, MARTYR (D. 303): Also known as Victor the Moor, he was an African-born Christian soldier in the Roman army. When he destroyed a pagan altar, he was imprisoned, tortured with molten lead, and beheaded for refusing to renounce Christ. His body was guarded by wild animals until Christians buried him. His tomb in Milan became a site of miracles.
PRAYER: Saint Victor Maurus, valiant witness of Christ, intercede for us in our trials. May we remain faithful to the end, as you did, and find eternal rest in the presence of our Savior. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Desideratus, Saint Arsenius, Saint Achatius, and Saint Victor Maurus ~ 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, we remember the early Church’s courage and Christ’s promise to be the Bread of Life. Through the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Desideratus, Saint Arsenius, Saint Achatius, and Saint Victor Maurus, we lift up the needs of the Church and the world. May the Church remain steadfast in proclaiming Christ as the source of eternal life, and may all Christians grow in faith and trust in God’s providence, especially during times of trial. We pray for those who defend the faith and for leaders who promote peace and justice. We also remember those suffering, especially the persecuted, and we pray for mothers and families, entrusting them to the care of Our Lady.
May we deepen our hunger for the Eucharist and trust in Christ’s promise of eternal life. Amen. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My Eucharistic Lord, You are truly the Bread of Life, and all those who eat Your Flesh and drink Your Blood will inherit eternal life. I do believe this, dear Lord. I believe that the Most Holy Eucharist is You, Your Soul and Divinity, given to me so that I can share in Your holy life. Give me the grace I need to deepen my faith in the Most Holy Eucharist so that I will be drawn more fully into the joys of Your Eternal Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of the Eucharist, the true Bread of Life, that nourishes our souls and strengthens our faith. As we honor the saints of today Saint Michael the Archangel, protector of the faithful; Saint Desideratus, a peacemaker and shepherd of the Church; Saint Arsenius, a model of silence and prayer; Saint Achatius, a courageous martyr for the faith; and Saint Victor Maurus, a bold witness to Christ we ask for their intercession.
Grant us the strength to stand firm in our faith as they did, especially when we face trials or persecution. May we, like Saint Arsenius, embrace the silence and stillness necessary to hear Your voice, and like Saint Achatius and Saint Victor Maurus, may we have the courage to bear witness to Your truth, even in the face of suffering. Lord, help us to hunger for Your Word and the Eucharist, that we may be filled with the joy and peace of Your presence. Teach us to be instruments of peace like Saint Desideratus, to protect and defend others like Saint Michael, and to serve with love and courage, just as these saints did.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Desideratus, Saint Arsenius, Saint Achatius, and Saint Victor Maurus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, for the gift of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV 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 Thursday 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 Thursday 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 |