GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY AND WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS (VOCATIONS SUNDAY) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/good-shepherd-sunday-and-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-2/
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 11, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS DI GIROLAMO, PRIEST AND SAINT MAMMERTUS, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Francis di Girolamo and Saint Mammertus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-11th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 11, 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-68/
Watch “First Regina Caeli prayer with Pope Leo XIV| Live from the Vatican | May 11, 2025 | https://www.youtube.com/live/zJUsFTxDOMk?si=Yzj6iCFL6Au2eHf7
Greetings and blessings, dear beloved family. Happy Good Shepherd and Vocations Sunday, and Happy Mother’s Day to all our beautiful Mothers!
We thank God for the gift of life and for the gift of motherhood. To each and every one of you who are, have been, will be, or act in the capacity of a mother in any manner… Happy Mother’s Day! | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/happy-mothers-day-and-happy-good-shepherd-and-vocations-sunday/
Today, May 11, 2025, is the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This special day, established by Pope Paul VI in 1964, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. It’s a day when Catholics around the world are asked to pray for vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and other forms of ministry. This year’s theme, as reflected in Pope Francis’ message, is “Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life.” The Pope encourages everyone to become pilgrims of hope by offering their lives as a gift, serving those on the periphery, and responding to God’s call. | Read Full Details on the article – https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/good-shepherd-sunday-and-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-2
As we continue to celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, on this God Shepherd and Vocations Sunday, we pray for the Clergy, for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. May Christ, our Risen Shepherd, guide you with His voice, guard you with His love, and lead you ever closer to His heart and May the good Lord continue to guide them and strengthen them all in all their works as they serve in His Vineyard. May God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this Easter season and always 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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 new week be filled with peace, joy, and the renewed hope that comes from Christ’s Resurrection. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour in this world. May the Lord bless the work of 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 radiant joy of the Easter season, the Church commemorates two holy men of God: Saint Francis di Girolamo (Patron of Naples and preachers), the fiery Jesuit preacher known as the Apostle of Naples, and Saint Mammertus (Patron invoked against earthquakes and natural disasters), the Archbishop of Vienne, who gave the Church the gift of the Rogation Days. Through their faithful witness, the Lord drew countless souls to repentance, renewal, and hope. On this blessed day, we implore their intercession for peace in our world, unity in our Church, protection from natural disasters, and courage for all who preach the Gospel. We also lift up the poor, the sick and dying, those in prison, the persecuted Church, and all in need of conversion.
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, Sunday of the Fourth Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Fourth Sunday of Easter | Sunday, May 11, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 13:14, 43-52
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 100:1-2, 3, 5
Reading 2, Revelation 7:9, 14-17
Gospel, John 10:27-30
Gospel Reading ~ John 10:27-30
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (John 10:27-30)
Today’s Gospel reading according to St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, it gives the short account of the Lord’s words to His disciples telling them that He is as the Good Shepherd of the Lord’s flock, He knows His sheep well and conversely, His sheep also knows Him. This is a reminder for all of us again of God’s great love and commitment to us, in His ever enduring and present love for us, in His patient guidance and companionship with us as our loving and most dedicated Shepherd. He has come into our midst to find us all, to gather us all from being scattered all throughout this darkened world so that we may once again be reunited with God, and become members of this same flock, this same Church of God, the one united Body of Christ, which He has established in this world.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, it reveals the tender and intimate relationship Jesus shares with His followers. He calls them “my sheep” a beautiful expression of belonging and care. These sheep, in turn, recognize His voice and follow Him. In this short passage, Jesus assures us of three eternal truths: He knows us personally, He grants us eternal life, and He protects us with divine security that no one can take away. His unity with the Father makes this promise even more powerful our salvation is not fragile or uncertain, but anchored in the unshakeable love and authority of God Himself. As we walk through life’s uncertainties, today’s Gospel is a gentle reminder to tune our hearts to the voice of the Good Shepherd. He calls us daily not merely to hear, but to follow, to trust, and to rest in the assurance that we are forever held in His hands.
The first reading paints a vivid picture of the early Church’s struggles and mission. Paul and Barnabas, filled with boldness, proclaim the Word of God to both Jews and Gentiles. But their message, though joyful, brings division. While the Gentiles rejoice and believe, the Jewish leaders become jealous and incite persecution. Yet, in the face of rejection, Paul and Barnabas do not waver they turn to the Gentiles, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that God’s salvation will reach “to the ends of the earth.” Their response, “shaking the dust from their feet,” is a powerful symbol of leaving judgment to God and moving forward in mission. The final line strikes the heart: “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” Despite the trials, they found joy not because of success or comfort, but because they remained faithful. This reading challenges us to persevere in witnessing to Christ, even when our message is rejected or ridiculed. The Gospel will always face resistance, but the joy of the Spirit will strengthen all who carry it forward.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm invites us to worship with gladness and joy. “We are His people, the sheep of His flock” this refrain echoes the Gospel’s Good Shepherd image. The psalmist reminds us that God made us, tends us, and His kindness endures forever. In an age where identity is often confused or fragile, the Psalm grounds us in truth: we belong to God, and His faithfulness spans generations. Worship, then, is not just ritual but a joyful response to who God is our Creator, Shepherd, and eternal refuge.
Our second reading this Sunday from the Book of Revelations of St. John the Apostle, gives an accounts of the heavenly vision of St. John. In that vision, St. John saw the multitudes of people, millions upon millions of people who had been found worthy by the Lord because they had been persecuted, facing difficulties and hardships, trials and challenges, and yet remained faithful to the Lord regardless to the very end. All of those people had washed themselves in the Blood of the Lamb, either in sharing His death through their martyrdom or by patiently enduring those sufferings in all of their various forms. Through this vision, God wanted us all to know through St. John the Apostle that there is hope for all of us and regardless of the sufferings and challenges that we may encounter in our paths in life, we will eventually be triumphant with God and freed from all those troubles.
This powerful vision from Revelation offers a glimpse into the eternal destiny of the faithful. A great multitude, too vast to count, stands before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes—symbols of purity, victory, and grace. These are the ones who have come through the great tribulation. Their robes have been washed not by their own merit, but in the blood of the Lamb—Christ’s sacrifice that brings salvation. In this heavenly scene, we are promised that God will shelter them, and “never again will they hunger or thirst.” The Lamb, once slain, is now the Shepherd who leads His people to springs of living water. This reading ties beautifully with the Gospel, reminding us that the Good Shepherd not only knows and leads us here on earth but also leads us eternally into God’s presence. In the face of earthly trials, this vision gives us hope: our faithfulness, even through suffering, is not in vain. God will wipe away every tear, and our pain will be transformed into everlasting peace.
Have I attuned my heart to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? Do I follow Him in trust, especially when life leads through uncertainty or pain? How do I respond to rejection or hardship in my witness to Christ is it with bitterness or with the joy of the Spirit? Am I helping others to know they belong to God’s flock by the way I serve and love? Let us follow the Good Shepherd with renewed confidence, remembering that no trial or rejection can separate us from His love. In every circumstance, may we echo Peter’s faith and Tabitha’s service, proclaiming by word and action that we belong to Christ and live under His care. The Lord knows His own may we walk faithfully as His sheep, and bring others into the joy of His fold. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures this Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also commonly known as the Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocation Sunday. On this Sunday we remember the Lord as the Good Shepherd, the One Who guides all of the faithful people of God, the sheep of the Lord’s flock to return to God our loving Father and Creator, gathering us all from being scattered all throughout the whole world, so that we are no longer lost to Him. On this Sunday we also keep in mind all those who are discerning their vocation in life, and while we often put a lot of focus and emphasis on those who are being called to the priesthood, this day is in fact also a reminder of our various vocations in life, be it as those called to priesthood or consecrated life, as well as those who are part of the laity, in our diverse callings in life. In our Scripture Reflections Jesus has shown His great love for us through His actions and most selfless love, by accepting on our behalf the punishments due for our sins and wickedness. He took upon Himself the blame and the punishment due for our sins, which He bore upon the Cross that He took on His shoulders. That is what the Good Shepherd has willingly done for His sheep, as He Himself said, that ‘The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.’ Essentially this means that a true and good shepherd will always care for his sheep no matter what, and will even put his life on the line for the ones who are truly precious to him. That is indeed the essence of true and genuine Christian love, love that is truly selfless and beautiful, and which all of us are called to follow in our own lives and examples. As Christians we should embody the selfless love of Christ, our Good Shepherd. It means that we should help one another in journeying towards the Lord and His salvation, and we share the responsibility of the Good Shepherd in being good role models and inspirations for each other in our respective lives. We should remind one another that every actions and words, deeds and interactions which we make in our lives are all very important, in ensuring that our every efforts, good works and endeavours are always focused on the Lord, and that we will continue to do our best to proclaim Him to everyone we encounter in life, in whatever circumstances and opportunities. And as today we also pray for our priests and all those who are discerning their vocations in life, may all of us be truly discerning in what we are planning to do in our lives, and pray that the Lord will guide us in making careful and well-discerned choice in our lives. May God God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and bless us always. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd of our souls, You call us each by name and never let us go. In times of doubt, draw us close to hear Your voice. When we feel rejected, help us to stand firm in Your joy. Give us courage like Paul and Barnabas, compassion like Peter, and a heart open to every soul You seek to gather. Lead us to springs of life-giving water, and keep us always in the embrace of Your unfailing love. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS DI GIROLAMO, PRIEST AND SAINT MAMMERTUS, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 11TH: Still in the radiant joy of the Easter season, the Church commemorates two holy men of God: Saint Francis di Girolamo (Patron of Naples and preachers), the fiery Jesuit preacher known as the Apostle of Naples, and Saint Mammertus (Patron invoked against earthquakes and natural disasters), the Archbishop of Vienne, who gave the Church the gift of the Rogation Days. Through their faithful witness, the Lord drew countless souls to repentance, renewal, and hope. On this blessed day, we implore their intercession for peace in our world, unity in our Church, protection from natural disasters, and courage for all who preach the Gospel. We also lift up the poor, the sick and dying, those in prison, the persecuted Church, and all in need of conversion.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 11th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Francis di Girolamo and Saint Mammertus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-11th/)
SAINT FRANCIS DI GIROLAMO, PRIEST (1642–1716): Saint Francis di Girolamo, also known as Francis de Geronimo, was born in Naples, Italy, the eldest of eleven children raised by devout parents. From an early age, he was drawn to prayer and service. By age 16, he had received the clerical tonsure and went on to study canon and civil law in Naples. Ordained at the unusually young age of 23, he later joined the Jesuits, fully embracing the missionary zeal of his patron, Saint Francis Xavier.
Saint Francis became a renowned street preacher, known for his bold voice, clear doctrine, and relentless pursuit of sinners. Rather than travel to foreign lands, he evangelized the people of Naples with tireless love, preaching in the streets, markets, prisons, brothels, and even aboard ships. He was called a lamb when he spoke, and a lion when he preached. He established charitable initiatives, formed lay associations to assist in missions, and was said to convert up to 400 hardened sinners annually. He also rescued children from degrading conditions and preached the dignity of all human life.
Despite intense physical suffering near the end of his life, Saint Francis remained faithful to his mission until his death on May 11, 1716, after 40 years of apostolic work. He was beatified in 1806 and canonized in 1839. His feast day is celebrated on May 11. He is the patron saint of Grottaglie, Italy.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres when he is tempted, for when he has been proven, he will receive the crown of life.” (James 1:12)
“If we wish to be saved, let us lose our lives to the world as those who have been crucified with Christ. Let us glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — St. Francis di Girolamo
PRAYER: Glorious St. Francis, fearless preacher of truth and friend of the poor, help us to live with apostolic zeal and unwavering charity. May we, like you, seek out the lost and serve them with joyful sacrifice. Through your intercession, may we learn to suffer without complaint and love without measure. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT MAMMERTUS, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE (D. 477): Saint Mammertus was a 5th-century Archbishop of Vienne in Gaul (modern-day France), known for his learning, sanctity, and miracles. In response to earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters interpreted as divine warnings, he instituted days of prayer and fasting known as the Rogation Days a profound ecclesial tradition of supplication observed before Ascension Thursday.
Through the Rogation processions, accompanied by the Litany of the Saints, communities would seek God’s mercy and protection from calamities. His pastoral initiative spread across Gaul, was adopted by the Church in Rome, and is still observed in various forms today.
One Easter night, a catastrophic fire broke out in Vienne. As the people panicked, Saint Mammertus turned to fervent prayer. Miraculously, the flames were extinguished an event that deeply moved the people to repentance and revived their faith. His humility, pastoral wisdom, and leadership during turbulent times brought about spiritual reform and greater trust in divine providence.
He died around the year 477. His body was later transferred to Orleans, France, where it was venerated until the 16th century, when his relics were destroyed by enemies of the Church. Saint Mammertus is recognized as one of the Ice Saints, and his feast day is celebrated on May 11.
PRAYER: Saint Mammertus, holy shepherd and reformer, you turned disaster into opportunity for grace. Help us in our own time to recognize God’s call amid trials and to respond with repentance, hope, and intercession. Through your example and prayers, may we be protected from both physical and spiritual calamities. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Francis di Girolamo and Saint Mammertus ~ 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 celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we place our petitions before the Lord who calls each of us by name and never lets us be snatched from His hand. Inspired by the missionary zeal of Saint Francis di Girolamo and the intercessory spirit of Saint Mammertus, we pray for all who preach the Gospel with courage and compassion. May the Lord raise up shepherds after His own heart priests, bishops, and lay leaders who will guide the flock with wisdom and holiness. We pray for the conversion of sinners, the protection of the Church from persecution, peace in places torn by war, and consolation for the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the dying. May the cries of the oppressed reach the Lamb who shepherds us and lead us to springs of life-giving water.
LET US PRAY
My revealing Lord, You speak to me day and night, calling me to follow You as my Shepherd. May I learn to perceive Your voice as You speak to me in varied ways so that I can more readily follow You wherever You lead. Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Jesus, Good Shepherd, You know us by name and hold us close to Your heart. Guard us from all harm and lead us through the valleys of sorrow into the pastures of eternal joy. Through the prayers of Saint Francis di Girolamo, inflame in us a love for truth and a zeal for souls. Through the intercession of Saint Mammertus, protect the earth from natural disasters and deepen our trust in Your providence. Draw all people especially the lost, the hardened, and the hopeless into the safety of Your fold. May our lives echo the joy of the Gospel, and may we one day join the multitude who worship before Your throne, where You reign as the Lamb who leads and loves us forever. Amen.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Francis di Girolamo and Saint Mammertus ~ 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 new week be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Good Shepherd and Vocations Sunday and joyful Mother’s Day and Fourth Week of Easter and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽