SATURDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 7, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER, PRIEST AND ABBOT AND BLESSED ANNE OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Robert and Blessed Anne | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-7th/ )
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/01/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/
NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: Prayed in preparation for Pentecost. Begins Friday, May 30, 2025 (link below): Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts | EWTN | The novena – May 30- June 7, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-novena-to-the-holy-spirit/
Day Nine – Saturday, June 7, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-novena-to-the-holy-spirit-day-9/
[This Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday]
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 7, 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-95/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy 1st Saturday, the Seventh Week of Easter!
We thank God for the successful completion of the Novena to the Holy Spirit, today. We pray for God’s grace and mercy and for the gift of the Holy Spirit as we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday, tomorrow.
Today is Vigil of Pentecost, we’ve almost come to the end and conclusion of the season of Easter, with tomorrow being the Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday, the last day of the fifty glorious days of Easter. We are back to Ordinary Time on Monday. We pray for God’s grace and mercy and for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Almighty ever-living God, who willed the Paschal Mystery to be encompassed as a sign in fifty days, grant that from out of the scattered nations the confusion of many tongues may be gathered by heavenly grace into one great confession of your name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
Today, First Saturday of the month is Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful symbol of His boundless love and mercy. As we entrust this month to His Most Sacred Heart, may we be drawn deeper into His compassion, find healing in His love, and strive to reflect His gentleness and humility in our daily lives. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Amen 🙏🏽
We thank God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the month of June. As we begin this new month, we lift up in prayer all who celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all those marking special milestones in June. May the Lord bless and favor them abundantly, guide their steps, and grant them joy, peace, and good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
May this weekend 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 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, peaceful, and grace-filled month of June🙏🏽
Watch “Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Families | Live from the Vatican | June 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/holy-mass-and-regina-caeli/
Live from St. Peter’s Square: Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly, followed by the Regina Caeli prayer.
We continue to pray for all families, for the safety and well-being of all families, children, parents, grandparents, and the elderly. May the good Lord keep them all in good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FAMILY PRAYER
JESUS , Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.
MARY , Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.
JOSEPH , Foster-father to Jesus, guardian, and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.
HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH , make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR FAMILIES
God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support. Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other. Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures instill forgiveness and peace. May the mutual love and affection of parents set a good example. Instill in children self-respect that they may respect others and grow in mature independence. May the mutual affection and respect of families be a sign of Christian life here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen 🙏🏽
A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
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 🙏🏽
We thank God for the successful celebration of the Inauguration Holy Mass for 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. Amen 🙏🏽
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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 | 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 🙏🏽
FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion:
On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion.
Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven.
Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/
As we continue our journey through the Seventh Week of Easter and the Novena to the Holy Spirit, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Robert of Newminster (Patron of spiritual directors and exorcists) and Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew (Patroness of Antwerp). Both of these holy figures lived lives of profound humility, prayer, and spiritual leadership St. Robert as a Cistercian abbot and spiritual guide, and Bl. Anne as a devoted Carmelite and confidante of Saint Teresa of Avila.On this memorial, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Robert, and Blessed Anne, we lift up in prayer the sick and dying especially those battling cancer, terminal illnesses, and the lingering effects of global pandemics. We pray for peace in war-torn lands, for struggling families, and for all who feel abandoned or forgotten. We also continue to intercede for the Church, for clergy and religious, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and for all who strive to live faithful and holy lives.
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 Seventh Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter | Saturday, June 7, 2025
*Reading 1: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 11:4, 5, 7
Gospel, John 21:20-25
Gospel Reading ~ John 21:20-25
“This is the disciple who has written these things and his testimony is true”
“Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.”
Our Gospel reading today is the conclusion of John’s Gospel, from which we have been reading since Easter Sunday. We heard of the Lord speaking to His disciples after He had risen from the dead and just before He was about to ascend into Heaven in glory. He spoke to them regarding what was to come and what they ought to expect. There are three characters in today’s Gospel reading, Jesus, St. Peter and the beloved disciple. Jesus had just given St. Peter an important role in the church, ‘Feed my lambs, feed my sheep’. St. Peter then asks Jesus about the beloved disciple, ‘What about him, Lord?’ he said. In reply Jesus seems to say, ‘Look I have other plans for him. You follow me, in keeping with the role I have just given you’. St. Peter and the beloved disciple each had their own particular calling, and they were quite different. St. Peter was the chief shepherd of the church who gave his life for Jesus in the city of Rome where he was martyred. The beloved disciple inspired the writing of the fourth Gospel, the Gospel of John and seems to have lived to an old age. The Lord had a different calling for each of them, just as His call to each of us is unique to each of us. There is something each of us can do for the Lord that no one else can do. Rather than looking over our shoulders at others, as St. Peter was inclined to do in today’s Gospel reading, we have to try and discern the particular calling the Lord has given us and then be as faithful and as generous in our response to that call as we can. We cannot be someone else; we can only be ourselves. The Lord wants us to be ourselves because He has a unique role in His work for each one of us. There is some task that we alone can do for the Lord that no one else can. We all have a part to play in that work of the Lord, in accordance with our gifts and our abilities. To each of us, Jesus says what He said to St. Peter in today’s Gospel reading, ‘You are to follow me’.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, it offers us a striking moment of personal direction between Jesus and Peter, one that calls us to examine our focus in the Christian journey. After having been restored and commissioned by Jesus, Peter turns to ask about the beloved disciple. Jesus’ response is firm: “What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” These words hold a timeless message for all disciples. In our walk of faith, it’s easy to become distracted by comparisons who is more faithful, more blessed, or more favored. But Jesus calls us away from distraction and toward singular devotion. The mission He entrusts to each of us is unique. The call to follow Him is deeply personal. It’s not about others’ paths or outcomes. Jesus invites us to trust in His plan for us and walk forward with our eyes fixed on Him. This final passage of John’s Gospel also highlights the humility and mystery of the divine narrative. “There are also many other things that Jesus did…” We are reminded that what we know is only a glimpse of the fullness of Christ’s work in the world. The Gospel is true and trustworthy, yet God’s action is not confined to what has been written. The invitation to “follow me” is rooted not in full understanding but in trust. Whether the path ahead is clear or uncertain, Jesus asks for fidelity, not comparison; obedience, not speculation.
Our first reading today is the conclusion of the Acts of the Apostles from which we have been reading since Easter Sunday. It speaks of the arrival of St. Paul the Apostle in Rome as a prisoner of the Roman authorities. St. Paul went to Rome and continued his ministry even as he was waiting for his appeal to the Roman Emperor for his case. Yet, even while under house arrest, Luke describes him as continuing to do what he had been doing since his meeting with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus, ‘proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ’. He was free to go anywhere and in that way, he ministered to the faithful Christians in Rome, and the Jewish people as well as the Gentiles there who were interested to know more about the Lord Jesus and His teachings and truth. St. Paul continued to work there until he was martyred during the Great Fire of Rome and the intense persecution of Christians after that. In our first reading today, the Lord is calling us all to follow Him, to do the same as His disciples had done all those years ago.
Reflecting further on the First Reading from Acts, we find Paul in Rome, still imprisoned, yet unrestricted in his witness to Christ. Despite being under guard, Paul continues to proclaim the Kingdom of God “with complete assurance and without hindrance.” His words to the Jewish leaders reveal both his fidelity to his heritage and his bold confession of Christ: “It is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.” Paul’s situation speaks to us today: our circumstances may feel limiting, but God’s Word is never chained. Like Paul, we are called to remain faithful witnesses, even when we feel confined by trials, uncertainty, or suffering. The Gospel cannot be silenced when it is lived with conviction and courage.
The Responsorial Psalm sings of God’s justice and holy gaze: “The Lord is in His holy temple… His eyes behold… the upright shall see His face.” These verses remind us that God sees everything not only actions but intentions. The psalmist offers reassurance that while human judgment may falter, the Lord’s justice is perfect. He upholds the just and opposes violence and wickedness. When we struggle with being misunderstood or misjudged, we can rest in the truth that God knows our hearts. The ultimate blessing is not earthly approval but the vision of God: “The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.” This hope anchors us, as it did Paul, in the face of opposition.
As we prepare to celebrate Pentecost, today’s readings call us to renew our discipleship with clarity and courage. Am I comparing my journey with others or am I focusing on Jesus’ call to me? Do I trust the Lord’s plan for my life, even when I don’t understand it? Like Peter, am I willing to let go of distractions and follow Jesus wholeheartedly? Like Paul, can I proclaim Christ in every circumstance even those that feel restrictive or unjust? Do I believe that the Lord sees and rewards the just, even when others don’t? The Lord does not ask us to carry another’s cross or walk another’s path. He simply asks: “You follow me.” May we answer with a firm and faithful “yes,” trusting that wherever He leads, His grace will sustain us. Let us walk forward with our eyes on Jesus, our hearts rooted in hope, and our spirits ready for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded that the works of the Lord and His Apostles are far from being completed, and in fact they are still being done and continuing even to this day, and even beyond to the future. The mission that the Lord has entrusted to each and every one of us still continues through us, the same mission that God told His disciples, to go forth to all the peoples of all the nations, and baptise them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let us all therefore commit ourselves to a new life inspired and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and as we commemorate Pentecost tomorrow, let us all ask for the Holy Spirit to continue to guide us and our path, and give us the courage to step forward and commit ourselves for the benefit and good of all, in obeying the laws and commandments of God, and in being truly faithful and worthy sons and daughters of God, all of us who call ourselves as Christians, who through our common baptism share in the same mission to evangelise the whole world. May the Risen Lord be with us and His Church always, and may the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen us, inflame and encourage us that we may always be firm in our faith and actions, and do our best to reach out to others with exemplary and shining faith in God. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and bless us and may the Holy Spirit lead us and help us to serve God ever more courageously and may all of us be strengthened in all things, now and always, forevermore. Come, Holy Spirit and renew the face of the Earth, and come to bless and strengthen us, give us the courage and desire to continue to do God’s will, at all times. Amen🙏
Lord Jesus, You call me today with the same tender authority You spoke to Peter. Teach me to fix my eyes on You alone. Free me from comparison, envy, and distraction. Help me to trust Your plan for my life and to follow You faithfully, even when the path is unclear. Grant me the boldness of Paul and the purity of heart praised in the psalm. May I be among the just who gaze upon Your face. Lord, make my heart steadfast and my footsteps firm. I follow You now and always. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER, PRIEST AND ABBOT AND BLESSED ANNE OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, RELIGIOUS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 7TH: As we continue our journey through the Seventh Week of Easter and the Novena to the Holy Spirit, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Robert of Newminster (Patron of spiritual directors and exorcists) and Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew (Patroness of Antwerp). Both of these holy figures lived lives of profound humility, prayer, and spiritual leadership St. Robert as a Cistercian abbot and spiritual guide, and Bl. Anne as a devoted Carmelite and confidante of Saint Teresa of Avila.On this memorial, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Robert, and Blessed Anne, we lift up in prayer the sick and dying especially those battling cancer, terminal illnesses, and the lingering effects of global pandemics. We pray for peace in war-torn lands, for struggling families, and for all who feel abandoned or forgotten. We also continue to intercede for the Church, for clergy and religious, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and for all who strive to live faithful and holy lives.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 7th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Robert and Blessed Anne | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-7th/ )
SAINT ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER, PRIEST AND ABBOT: Born around 1100 in Gargrave, Yorkshire, England, Saint Robert was known from a young age for his love of study and the spiritual life. He was educated at the University of Paris and ordained a priest, initially serving his hometown parish before joining the Benedictines at Whitby. His spiritual journey deepened when he embraced the Cistercian reform at Fountains Abbey, eventually becoming one of its founders.
In 1138, he was chosen as the first abbot of the newly founded Newminster Abbey in Northumberland, where he served with gentleness, discipline, and mystical fervor. Saint Robert was renowned for his deep life of prayer, austerity, and charity. He recited the entire 150 Psalms daily and lived a life of constant fasting and penance, especially during Lent. Known for his spiritual writings and deliverance ministry, many believed he was granted divine authority over evil spirits. He is often depicted holding the devil in chains with a crucifix in hand a symbol of his spiritual victories. A close friend of Saint Godric of Finchale, Robert died on June 7, 1159. At the moment of his death, St. Godric is said to have seen his soul rise to Heaven like a ball of fire escorted by angels. Saint Robert’s tomb at Morpeth became a site of pilgrimage, and his memory lives on in the monastic tradition he helped shape.
PRAYER: O God, who called Saint Robert of Newminster to a life of prayer, austerity, and spiritual leadership, grant that through his example and intercession we may grow in holiness and lead others to your peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
BLESSED ANNE OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, RELIGIOUS: Born Ana García Manzanas on October 1, 1549, in Almendral de la Cañada, Spain, Blessed Anne became orphaned at a young age and spent her youth as a humble shepherdess. Despite poverty and loss, she was graced with mystical visions and a deep love for God. At age 21, she entered the Discalced Carmelites and came under the spiritual guidance of Saint Teresa of Avila, who trained her as a secretary and assistant. Over five intense years, Anne traveled alongside Teresa, supporting her mission of reform. It was in Anne’s arms that the great saint died in 1582.
After Teresa’s death, Anne continued to live her mentor’s legacy, becoming a vital figure in spreading Carmelite spirituality beyond Spain. She helped establish new foundations in France and Belgium, often facing personal trials and misunderstanding from superiors. Despite challenges, she became prioress of several convents, her humility and spiritual strength drawing many to Christ. Bl. Anne was credited with miraculous interventions, including saving cities through prayer and protecting soldiers with relics bearing her handwriting. She died in Antwerp on June 7, 1626, and was beatified by Pope Benedict XV on May 6, 1917. Her spiritual legacy remains a beacon of courage, humility, and faithfulness to the Carmelite charism.
PRAYER TO BLESSED ANNE OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW: Father of mercy, You filled Blessed Anne with patient endurance and deep charity, forming her into a faithful witness of the Carmelite spirit. Through her prayers, grant us the grace to carry our crosses with love and to serve You with undivided hearts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Robert and Blessed Anne ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE: That the world might grow in compassion. Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JUNE | MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful sign of Christ’s love and mercy. His Heart, pierced and crowned with thorns, burns with compassion for all humanity. This devotion calls us to return love for love to console His Heart and make reparation for sin and indifference. Rooted in the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Church invites us this month to deepen our trust in Jesus, especially through First Friday devotions, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, and acts of consecration. His words echo in our hearts: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).
The Sacred Heart shows us what true love looks like patient, humble, and self-giving. In a world often cold and restless, we find peace and healing in His Heart.
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.”
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, teach us to love as You love. Fill our hearts with compassion, mercy, and a deep desire to follow You. Amen. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we reflect on the faithful witness of Saint Robert of Newminster and Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew, we lift up our prayers for the Church, for contemplative communities, and for those discerning their vocations. We pray for all who serve in quiet faithfulness, that their hidden sacrifices may bear abundant fruit in the life of the Church. Let us also pray for those who, like Saint Paul in today’s reading, find themselves confined, misunderstood, or facing trials may they have the courage to continue proclaiming the Kingdom of God with boldness. We remember those who feel overshadowed or overlooked like the beloved disciple in the Gospel, and we ask that they find peace in the path Christ has set uniquely for them. May God’s justice, which sees all hearts and rewards the upright, guide our leaders, protect the innocent, and strengthen the weary. May we, like the saints we honor today, walk humbly and confidently in God’s will.
LET US PRAY
Jesus, Messiah, You are truly beyond comprehension in Your beauty, glory and holiness. You are God from God and Light from Light. You are the Great I AM, and all the books in the world could not properly describe the depth of Your greatness. Fill my mind and heart with the gift of deep spiritual insight so that I, like Saint John the Evangelist, will be continually drawn into a holy awe of You. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
O God of justice and mercy, You who dwell in your holy temple and examine both the righteous and the wicked, we thank You for the witness of Saint Robert of Newminster and Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew. In their lives of quiet prayer and steadfast devotion, You have shown us that holiness is often found in the hidden, humble, and obedient heart. Grant us, we pray, the courage of Saint Paul in adversity, the clarity to recognize Your hand in our unique journey as the beloved disciple did,
and the strength to walk faithfully in whatever mission You entrust to us. Teach us to honor the gifts of others without envy, to serve in love without seeking recognition, and to rest in the assurance that Your plans for us are perfect and filled with peace.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Robert and Blessed Anne ~ 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, grace-filled Saturday and joyful Seventh Week of Easter and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽
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 |