SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 17, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PASCHAL BAYLON, RELIGIOUS AND BLESSED ANTONIA MESINA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Paschal Baylon and Blessed Antonia Mesina | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-17th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 17, 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-74/
Greetings and blessings, dear beloved family. Happy of Saturday the Fourth 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 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 rejoicing in the light of the Resurrection, the Church honors today two holy souls who gave their lives entirely to God in different yet profound ways Saint Paschal Baylon (Patron of Eucharistic associations, shepherds, cooks, vocations to the priesthood, and the poor), a humble lay brother of the Franciscan Order known for his intense devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and Blessed Antonia Mesina (Patron of victims of rape and sexual violence, youth, the Diocese of Nuoro, and Orgosolo), a young martyr of purity who died defending her dignity. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and these holy saints, we offer prayers especially for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, particularly for seminarians preparing for ordination. We also remember youths, victims of rape and sexual violence, and all who suffer silently. May their witness strengthen the Church, uplift the brokenhearted, and inspire Christians across the world to seek holiness in daily life.
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 Fourth Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter | May 17, 2025
Reading 1: Acts 13:44–52
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Gospel: John 14:7–14
Gospel Reading ~ John 14:7–14
“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues His heartfelt dialogue with His disciples as He prepares them for His departure. His words reveal the deep unity between Him and the Father. Philip’s request, “Show us the Father,” reflects the longing of every human heart to see God, to know Him personally. Jesus answers with a profound truth: to see Him is to see the Father. In Christ, the invisible God becomes visible. This is a cornerstone of our Christian faith Jesus is the perfect image of the Father, the living revelation of divine love. He is not merely a messenger or a prophet; He is God-with-us.
Jesus also reassures His disciples that belief in Him will empower them to do great things. His promise, “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do,” emphasizes the power of prayer rooted in relationship with Him. It’s not a blank check, but an invitation to pray in harmony with His will and mission to glorify the Father through the Son. Today, we are reminded that Jesus is both our window to the Father and our advocate before Him. We are called not just to admire Him, but to believe in Him deeply, and to live as His instruments in the world.
Reflecting on today’s First Reading from Acts, we see the power of the Gospel to stir hearts and resistance. Paul and Barnabas proclaim the Word of God with boldness in Antioch, and the response is dramatic. While the Gentiles rejoice and embrace the message, some of the Jews react with jealousy, inciting persecution. Paul and Barnabas respond not with fear or bitterness, but with courage and clarity: “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first… we now turn to the Gentiles.” Their mission is rooted in Scripture and in divine mandate “I have made you a light to the Gentiles.” This moment marks a significant shift in the early Church’s outreach and reminds us of our own call to be lights in a world darkened by disbelief and division. The joy of the disciples, even in the face of opposition, reveals the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them. True discipleship may cost us comfort and approval, but it fills us with a deeper joy the joy of knowing we walk in God’s will.
Reflecting on today’s Psalm, we sing with the psalmist: “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” Psalm 98 is a joyful proclamation of God’s mighty deeds and the universal reach of His salvation. The Psalm reminds us that the Gospel is for all nations every land, every people. God’s salvation is not a hidden secret but a revealed truth. His victory is not for a select few but for all who open their hearts to Him. Singing a new song to the Lord, as the Psalm invites us, means embracing the freshness of God’s mercies each day and witnessing to His love with renewed zeal. Even in the face of trials, our lives can sing His praise.
Am I truly recognizing Jesus as the full revelation of the Father, or do I still seek signs beyond what He has already revealed? How can I grow in deeper trust that He is who He says He is? Do I pray in His name with confidence, aligning my will with His mission? How do I respond when I face rejection for my faith with fear or with bold joy like Paul and Barnabas? Am I willing to be a light to others, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone?
Let us rest today in the assurance that to know Jesus is to know the Father. Let us believe more deeply in His promises, pray in His name, and walk with courage as disciples in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let our lives bear witness to the truth that Christ is alive, and His saving power is reaching to the ends of the earth. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PASCHAL BAYLON, RELIGIOUS, AND BLESSED ANTONIA MESINA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 17TH: Still rejoicing in the light of the Resurrection, the Church honors today two holy souls who gave their lives entirely to God in different yet profound ways Saint Paschal Baylon (Patron of Eucharistic associations, shepherds, cooks, vocations to the priesthood, and the poor), a humble lay brother of the Franciscan Order known for his intense devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and Blessed Antonia Mesina (Patron of victims of rape and sexual violence, youth, the Diocese of Nuoro, and Orgosolo), a young martyr of purity who died defending her dignity. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and these holy saints, we offer prayers especially for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, particularly for seminarians preparing for ordination. We also remember youths, victims of rape and sexual violence, and all who suffer silently. May their witness strengthen the Church, uplift the brokenhearted, and inspire Christians across the world to seek holiness in daily life.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 17th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Paschal Baylon and Blessed Antonia Mesina | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-17th/)
SAINT PASCHAL BAYLON, RELIGIOUS (1540–1592): Born on the feast of Pentecost in 1540 in Torre Hermosa, Spain, Saint Paschal Baylon came from a humble shepherd family. Even as a boy, he displayed deep piety, often praying in the fields and seeking to educate himself despite having little access to formal schooling. Drawn to a life of poverty and penance, he eventually joined the Order of Friars Minor as a lay brother, refusing the clerical state out of humility. For twenty-eight years, he lived a life marked by austerity, charity, and profound devotion to the Eucharist.
Saint Paschal was renowned for his mystical experiences, often entering into ecstasies during prayer. On one occasion, while longing for the Eucharist during Mass, he witnessed a miraculous vision of the Host surrounded by angels. He spent many nights in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and is considered one of the great champions of Eucharistic devotion. His humility and compassion attracted many who sought his guidance, and miracles were reported at his tomb following his death on May 17, 1592.
Canonized by Pope Alexander VIII in 1690 and later declared the Patron of Eucharistic congresses and associations by Pope Leo XIII, Saint Paschal reminds us that sanctity is found not only in grand gestures but in humble faithfulness to God’s presence in the Eucharist.
Patron of: Eucharistic associations, shepherds, cooks, vocations to the priesthood, and the poor.
🕊️ “God is as really present in the consecrated Host as He is in the glory of Heaven.” – St. Paschal Baylon
PRAYER: O God, who adorned Saint Paschal with a burning love for the Sacred Mysteries of Your Body and Blood, grant that we too may draw from this Divine Banquet the same spiritual nourishment he received. May our love for the Eucharist deepen, and may we, like him, live lives of humility and reverence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏
BLESSED ANTONIA MESINA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (1919–1935): Blessed Antonia Mesina was born into a large, humble family on June 21, 1919, in Orgosolo, Sardinia, Italy. As the second of ten children, Antonia took on many family responsibilities at a young age, especially after her mother became bedridden. Despite her burdens, she was filled with joy, humility, and devotion, becoming an active member of Catholic Action and encouraging others in her parish to live faithfully.
At just sixteen years old, on May 17, 1935, Antonia was gathering firewood with a friend after Mass when she was violently assaulted by a young man who attempted to rape her. Antonia fiercely resisted, defending her purity and dignity to the end. Her attacker struck her seventy-four times with a stone, ending her life in a brutal act of violence. Her unwavering courage and refusal to submit marked her as a martyr of chastity.
Her sacrifice deeply moved the Church and local community. Pope Pius XI was personally informed of her death by Armida Barelli of Catholic Action, and in 1987, Pope Saint John Paul II beatified her, raising her as a model of purity, courage, and youthful holiness.
Patron of: Victims of rape and sexual violence, youth, the Diocese of Nuoro, Orgosolo.
PRAYER: Lord God, You chose Blessed Antonia Mesina to bear witness to the dignity of the human body and the strength of chastity. Through her courageous martyrdom, inspire young people to embrace holiness, and console those who suffer violence and abuse. Strengthen in us the resolve to protect and uplift the vulnerable, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Paschal Baylon and Blessed Antonia Mesina ~ 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 readings and the lives of Saint Paschal Baylon and Blessed Antonia Mesina, we pray for a deeper love and reverence for the Holy Eucharist in the hearts of all believers, inspired by the devotion of Saint Paschal. We lift up young people around the world, especially those facing peer pressure, temptation, or violence, that they may be strengthened in purity and courage like Blessed Antonia. May seminarians and religious in formation be rooted in humility, service, and Eucharistic love. We pray for all victims of sexual violence and abuse, that they may find healing, justice, and peace through the mercy of God and the support of the Church. For missionaries and evangelizers who face opposition, may they remain steadfast like Paul and Barnabas, proclaiming the Gospel with boldness and joy. We also pray for those struggling with doubt or seeking signs of God’s presence, that they may encounter Christ and know Him as the Way to the Father. May we all grow in faith, believe in the power of prayer, and reflect Christ in all we do.
LET US PRAY
Providential Lord, Your will is perfect and glorious. Please help me to humble myself before You, every day, so that I will understand Your will for my life and choose it always. May I be an instrument of Your saving grace to all whom You wish to touch through me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the visible face of the invisible God, the One who reveals the Father to us. Strengthen our faith so that we may truly believe in Your name and live in the light of Your truth. Through the intercession of Saint Paschal Baylon, inflame our hearts with love for the Holy Eucharist, that we may recognize Your presence in the Blessed Sacrament and find strength for the journey. Through the courageous witness of Blessed Antonia Mesina, inspire us to purity, fortitude, and trust, especially in times of trial. May the power of Your Resurrection give hope to the broken, courage to the faithful, and unity to Your Church. Hear the prayers we offer today and transform our lives into living testimonies of Your saving love. Amen.🙏🏽
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Paschal Baylon and Blessed Antonia Mesina ~ 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 weekend 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 Saturday and joyful Fourth Week of Easter and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽