SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 10, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DAMIEN JOSEPH DE VEUSTER OF MOLOKAI, PRIEST; SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT SOLANGE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS GORDIANUS AND EPIMACHUS, MARTYRS AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP OF FLORENCE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Damien, Saint John of Ávila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-10th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 10, 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-67/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Saturday of the Third Week of Easter!
We continue to 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 on 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 🙏🏽
Still in the joy-filled light of the Easter season, we commemorate these saints; Saint Damien Joseph de Veuster of Molokai (Patron of People with Leprosy), Saint John of Avila (Patron of Andalusia, Spain, and Spanish Secular Clergy), Saint Solange (Patron of Berry, France), Saints Gordianus and Epimachus (Patrons against sickness and for courage in persecution), and Saint Antoninus of Florence (Patron of Social Justice and Archdiocese of Florence) we are invited to reflect on their heroic virtues and to seek their intercession. Through their prayers, may we grow in justice, compassion, purity, and perseverance. We especially lift up the sick and marginalized, the persecuted Church, the clergy, sinners in need of conversion, the poor and needy, and Christians throughout the world striving to live the Gospel.
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, Saturday of the Third Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Third Week of Easter | Saturday, May 10, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 9:31-42
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Gospel, John 6:60-69
Gospel Reading ~ John 6:60-69
“For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father”
“Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that His disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” As a result of this, many of His disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with Him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
Today’s Gospel reading is the culmination and end of the ‘Bread of Life’ discourse by the Lord in which the Lord Jesus referred to Himself specifically as the Living Bread from Heaven, by which all the life originated from, and without Him, there can be no true life and existence. He spoke of how all those who partake, eat, drink and share from His Body and Blood will live forever, and that He would give Himself to those who believe in Him, being broken and offered on the Altar of His Cross at Calvary, His Precious Body crushed and broken for us, and His Precious Blood poured out and shared for us to drink, coming down from His Cross, as the manifestation of God’s ever enduring love and compassion towards us. Many of the Lord’s disciples and followers left Him behind once He told them about this truth, how He would give them His own Body and Blood to partake. The disciples themselves groaned and complained that this truth was too hard and too difficult for people to accept. However, although many of the Lord’s disciples and followers left Him, His closest collaborators and disciples stayed by His side despite all the discomfort and uneasiness surrounding His revelation of the truth to the people. The Lord Himself also predicted His own suffering, persecution and death to His disciples, which must have also been difficult for quite a few among them to accept or understand, but those who have kept their faith in the Lord shouldered on and kept on going, and remained faithful to Him. Those were the same ones who began the expansion and growth of the Church, led by St. Peter and the other Apostles.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, it continues the Bread of Life discourse and brings us to a moment of crisis. Many of Jesus’ disciples, upon hearing His teaching on eating His Flesh and drinking His Blood, say, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” This moment of decision separates those who follow Jesus out of convenience from those who follow Him in faith. Jesus does not soften His message. Instead, He clarifies that it is the Spirit that gives life, and His words are “Spirit and life.” But many walk away, unwilling to accept this profound mystery. In response, Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks, “Do you also want to leave?” This question pierces the heart of every disciple. Peter’s answer is timeless: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This response captures the core of discipleship not perfect understanding, but perfect trust. Even when we do not fully grasp the mysteries of faith, like the Eucharist, we are invited to remain, to believe, to stay. For faith is not about comprehending everything but about clinging to Christ, who alone has the words that bring life.
Our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, detailed the works of the Apostles, especially that of St. Peter who went from place to place, ministering to the people of God and proclaiming His truth and Good News, speaking to many who were convinced by him to become disciples and followers of the Lord. After the conversion of Saul, who became St. Paul the Apostle, the early Church as mentioned, had reprieve and moment of calm between the persecutions, and the Church rapidly grew as the disciples of the Lord, the missionaries and the faithful went on great journeys and missionary works, spreading the Good News of the Gospels to more and more of the people, to the people in the Jewish diaspora and to the Gentiles or the non-Jewish people alike. More and more people turned to the Lord and believed in His words, thanks to the dedication of the Apostles and the others who had given their all to the service of God. For example, the actions of St. Peter, he helped and ministered to the sick and the dying in the community, as he performed many miracles just like how the Lord used to do when He was still around. This authority and power has been given to St. Peter, to the other Apostles and disciples of the Lord from God Himself, through which God showed forth His might and power, the truth of His words and everything that the Church has proclaimed in His Name. St. Peter healed the paralysed man Aeneas in the Name of the Lord, brought Tabitha, the faithful old woman and servant of God, back to life after a period of illness, and everyone who witnessed all these works, and the dedication which St. Peter had shown must have been really impressed by what they had heard, experienced and seen. St. Peter and the other disciples of the Lord were proclaiming essentially what the Lord Himself had told His disciples, followers and all the people in our Gospel reading today.
Reflecting further on today’s first reading presents two powerful miracles performed through the apostle Peter: the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha (also known as Dorcas). These acts of healing are more than displays of divine power they are signs of the Church’s mission to restore, uplift, and breathe new life into brokenness.Aeneas, bedridden and paralyzed for eight years, is told by Peter, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up.” At once, he rises a sign that Christ, through His Church, still brings strength to the weak and healing to the paralyzed parts of our lives. Tabitha, a generous disciple known for her works of charity, is raised from the dead by Peter’s prayer and command, “Tabitha, rise.” In both cases, the Church is shown not as a distant institution but as a living, healing, Spirit-filled Body acting in the name of Jesus. These stories are reminders that faith is not only about words but about tangible love, service, and resurrection life. God calls us to be like Peter bold in prayer and full of faith and like Tabitha, whose quiet service echoed with power even in death. Through these miracles, many came to believe. May we, too, live in such a way that our lives bear witness to Christ’s healing presence.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” This question from the psalm resonates deeply after reading today’s miracles. How do we respond to a God who heals, restores, and saves? The psalmist gives us the answer: we lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. We fulfill our promises and offer Him thanksgiving. Gratitude is our return. Worship is our reply. When we reflect on all God has done, our hearts overflow in praise and self-offering.
Am I tempted to walk away when God’s ways seem hard to understand or accept? Do I trust in Jesus even when His teachings challenge me? What are the “paralyzed” areas in my life that need healing? In what simple acts of charity can I imitate Tabitha’s legacy? Do I live with a grateful heart, offering daily thanksgiving to God?
Let today’s readings challenge us to remain faithful like Peter, hopeful like Aeneas, and charitable like Tabitha. Even in mystery and suffering, may we say, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Let us not turn away when the teachings of Christ challenge us or seem hard to grasp. Like Peter, let us confess with faith that Jesus is the Holy One of God. May the Eucharist become for us a true encounter with the Risen Lord, transforming our hearts and strengthening our witness. Today, be bold in faith, steadfast in hope, and generous in love for Jesus gives Himself completely to us. Remain in Him, and you will have life to the full.Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, each and every one of us are called to remain firm in our faith as Christians, as those who have been called by the Lord and responded with faith, to follow Him in all things. We are called and reminded to stay by His side no matter what challenges and trials may come our way, just as many of our predecessors can attest to God’s loving providence and His constant presence in their lives and works. We should continue to strive to live our lives worthily as Christians, doing whatever we can in order to proclaim the Risen Lord in our communities and among those whom we encounter daily and regularly in our lives and ministry. As Christians, we are expected to uphold all of our tenets and beliefs, faithfully and sincerely in our every day moments and lives, and to be exemplary in our actions and way of life. 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. Therefore, we should follow the good examples of the Apostles and the many other saints, Holy men and women of God, including the Saints whose feast we celebrate today. May all of us be drawn to love the Lord more and dedicate ourselves to a Holy life and existence much as shown us with great and exemplary life of the Saints. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with His Church always, and bless its every works and good efforts and bless us all in our every good works and endeavours, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, Bread of Life and Light of the world, open my heart to recognize Your Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Increase my faith when I struggle to understand the mysteries of Your love. Heal my blindness, like You did for Saul, and awaken me to the mission You have prepared for me. Give me the courage of Ananias to respond to Your promptings, and the conviction of Peter to say, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” May Your Body and Blood be my strength and my hope, that I may remain in You and bear witness to Your mercy each day. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DAMIEN JOSEPH DE VEUSTER OF MOLOKAI, PRIEST; SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT SOLANGE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS GORDIANUS AND EPIMACHUS, MARTYRS; AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP OF FLORENCE ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 10TH: Still in the joy-filled light of the Easter season, we commemorate these saints; Saint Damien Joseph de Veuster of Molokai (Patron of People with Leprosy), Saint John of Avila (Patron of Andalusia, Spain, and Spanish Secular Clergy), Saint Solange (Patron of Berry, France), Saints Gordianus and Epimachus (Patrons against sickness and for courage in persecution), and Saint Antoninus of Florence (Patron of Social Justice and Archdiocese of Florence) we are invited to reflect on their heroic virtues and to seek their intercession. Through their prayers, may we grow in justice, compassion, purity, and perseverance. We especially lift up the sick and marginalized, the persecuted Church, the clergy, sinners in need of conversion, the poor and needy, and Christians throughout the world striving to live the Gospel.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 10th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Damien, Saint John of Ávila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-10th/)
SAINT DAMIEN JOSEPH DE VEUSTER OF MOLOKAI, PRIEST(1840–1889): Known as the “Apostle to the Lepers,” Saint Damien was a Belgian missionary priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Born Jozef De Veuster in 1840, he dreamed of foreign mission work, much like his patron, Saint Francis Xavier. That dream was realized when he was sent to the Hawaiian Islands, where he volunteered in 1873 to minister to lepers confined to the isolated Kalaupapa settlement on Molokai.
Father Damien’s compassion led him to not only offer the sacraments but to physically build homes, dig graves, bandage wounds, and restore dignity to the suffering. He did not serve from a distance he lived among the afflicted as one of them. In 1885, he contracted leprosy himself but continued his ministry until his death in 1889 at the age of 49. His sacrificial love earned him the title “Martyr of Charity.” He was canonized in 2009 and is the patron of people with leprosy and HIV/AIDS.
PRAYER: O God, who gave Saint Damien the courage and charity to serve those abandoned and forgotten by society, grant that we may imitate his compassion and self-giving love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (1499–1569): Saint John of Ávila was a Spanish priest, mystic, and reformer, revered as the “Apostle of Andalusia.” After renouncing a promising legal career and distributing his inheritance to the poor, he devoted himself to preaching, teaching, and spiritual direction throughout Spain. His eloquence in the pulpit and his holiness of life attracted many to Christ, including future saints like Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, Teresa of Ávila, and John of the Cross.
Though falsely accused and briefly investigated by the Inquisition, he was ultimately vindicated and continued his mission undeterred. He founded schools and was a great promoter of clergy education and spiritual formation. His writings, especially his letters and treatises on divine love, remain a treasure for the Church. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.
Quotes of Saint John of Ávila:
“Turn yourself round like a piece of clay and say to the Lord: I am clay, and You, Lord, the potter. Make of me what You will.”
“Withdraw your heart from the world before God takes your body from it.”
PRAYER: Almighty and eternal God, who enlightened Your Church through the wisdom of Saint John of Ávila, grant that through his intercession we may grow in holiness and remain steadfast in the truths he taught. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT SOLANGE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR(d. 880): A humble shepherdess born in Villemont, France, Solange consecrated her virginity to God at the age of seven and led a life of deep prayer and purity. Known locally for her healing gifts and miracles, she became the object of obsession for a nobleman who, after she refused his advances, kidnapped and eventually beheaded her.
According to tradition, like other cephalophore saints of Gaul, Solange miraculously picked up her severed head, invoked the name of Jesus three times, and carried it to a nearby church. Her martyrdom inspired immediate veneration, and numerous miracles were attributed to her intercession. The church of Sainte-Solange was built at the site, and the region still honors her as its patroness.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You gave Saint Solange strength to preserve her purity and courage to endure martyrdom. May we follow her example in faith and innocence, standing firm in trials and devoted in prayer. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINTS GORDIANUS AND EPIMACHUS, MARTYRS: Saint Epimachus suffered martyrdom in Alexandria around 250 A.D., and his relics were later transferred to Rome. Saint Gordianus, a Roman judge and pagan, was so moved by the holiness associated with Epimachus’ relics that he converted to Christianity. Shortly after his conversion, Gordianus himself was arrested and beheaded for his faith.
These two saints, though from different times and places, are honored together as companions in martyrdom. Their relics were placed in the same tomb, signifying their unity in witness and heavenly glory.
PRAYER: Lord, by the example of Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, grant us courage in the face of adversity and unwavering fidelity to Your name. Strengthen us to bear witness to You in all circumstances. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP OF FLORENCE(1389–1459): Saint Antoninus, a Dominican friar and Archbishop of Florence, was known for his austerity, administrative brilliance, and deep concern for the poor. Despite his frail health, he led his diocese with gentleness, precision, and great moral clarity during a time of political and religious upheaval.
He founded the “Buonomini confraternity” to help families in hidden poverty and established a hospital. As a theologian, his writings contributed to moral theology, and his compassion earned him widespread love. He was canonized in 1523.
PRAYER: O Lord, who called Saint Antoninus to serve as a faithful shepherd of Your people, grant that through his intercession we may be guided in truth and live with compassion toward the needy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Damien, Saint John of Ávila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus ~ 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: On this day, as we reflect on the lives of Saint Damien of Molokai, Saint John of Avila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus of Florence, we turn to the Lord with hearts full of gratitude and need. Let us pray for all who, like Saint Damien, dedicate their lives to caring for the sick and outcast. May their compassion be strengthened, and may the sick find healing and hope. We pray for priests, preachers, and spiritual leaders, that through the intercession of Saint John of Avila, they may be filled with wisdom and zeal to proclaim the truth even when it is difficult. Through the purity and courage of Saint Solange, may young people be inspired to remain steadfast in their faith, even amid peer pressure and trials. As Saints Gordianus and Epimachus endured persecution with unwavering faith, may all who suffer for Christ today be given strength and consolation.
We ask Saint Antoninus of Florence to intercede for those working for social justice, and for leaders to govern with integrity, mercy, and righteousness.
In union with the message of today’s Gospel, we pray for all whose faith is tested. May they, like Peter, be able to say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
LET US PRAY
My glorious Lord, Your teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist is beyond human comprehension. It is a mystery so deep that we will never fully understand this precious gift. Open my eyes, dear Lord, and speak to my mind so that I may listen to Your words and respond with the deepest faith. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You raise up saints in every age to be lights in the darkness and witnesses to Your truth. We thank You for the holy lives of Saint Damien, Saint John of Avila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus. May their examples encourage us to live with charity, courage, and conviction. Grant healing to the sick, strength to the persecuted, wisdom to our priests, and purity to our youth. May our faith not falter when Your Word challenges us, but may we embrace it, knowing that You alone have the words of eternal life. Keep us rooted in Your love and faithful to Your call, so that like the early Church, we too may live in peace, be built up in the fear of the Lord, and walk in the consolation of the Holy Spirit.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Damien, Saint John of Ávila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽