MEMORIAL OF SAINT PONTIAN, POPE AND SAINT HIPPOLYTUS, PRIEST,  MARTYRS; SAINT CASSIAN OF IMOLA, BISHOP; SAINT RADEGUNDE, QUEEN OF FRANCE; SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS, SEMINARIAN AND BLESSED MICHAEL McGIVNEY, PRIEST |

WEDNESDAY OF THE NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: AUGUST 13, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PONTIAN, POPE AND SAINT HIPPOLYTUS, PRIEST,  MARTYRS; SAINT CASSIAN OF IMOLA, BISHOP; SAINT RADEGUNDE, QUEEN OF FRANCE; SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS, SEMINARIAN AND BLESSED MICHAEL McGIVNEY, PRIEST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, Saint Cassian of Imola, Saint Radegunde, Saint John Berchmans, and Blessed Michael McGivney| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-13th/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | August 13, 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-158/

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION: The 2025 Novena for the Assumption of Mary into Heaven is scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 6 and end on August 14th. The novena is a prayer that commemorates the death of Mary and her assumption into Heaven, which is celebrated on August 15. Novena link below: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-the-assumption/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time, we thank the good Lord for the gift of this day! During this month of August, we entrust our lives, our plans, our fears, and our dreams into God’s loving hands. We pray that this month will be filled with divine blessings, new opportunities, and the strength to overcome every challenge that may come our way.

We pray and celebrate with those marking birthdays, anniversaries, new jobs, weddings, and other joyful milestones this August. May this be a month of peace for the anxious, healing for the sick, comfort for the brokenhearted, and provision for the needy. As we walk through the days ahead, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go before us, the love of God surround us, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide every decision we make. May this month bring us closer to holiness, deeper in faith, and stronger in hope. In all things, may God’s name be paised. Amen🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” ~ James 1:5

On this feast day, as our children and children all over the world begin the new school year, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we pray for their safety and well-being, especially those beginning the new school year. May God grant them the ability to accept one another and courage to stand against any form of violence in treating others and courage to face new challenges and wisdom to make good choices. We pray for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and for God’s guidance and protection upon them during this school year and always. We pray for safe travels, to and from school. We also pray for all teachers, staff and parents, and guardians. May the good Lord provide for those in need. And we continue to pray for peace, love, and unity in our families and our world. May God keep us all safe and well. Amen 🙏🏽

May Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Patron Saint of Students intercede for all students. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died, that the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.

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 & the Holy Spirit forever & ever. Amen🙏🏽

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

With special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we continue to humbly pray for the well-being and safety of all parents, grandparents and the elderly. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our divided and conflicted world today. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world. We pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽

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 the Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of August.🙏🏽

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of August | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-august/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB |  https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time | August 13, 2025
Reading 1: Deuteronomy 34:1–12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66:1–3a, 5 and 8, 16–17
Gospel: Matthew 18:15–20

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 18:15–20

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If your brother listens to you, you have won him over….. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

“Jesus said to His disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives His disciples a practical and deeply spiritual guide for dealing with conflict in the community of faith. His approach begins not with public exposure, but with private dialogue a quiet invitation to repentance and reconciliation. If that fails, He calls for the help of witnesses; if that too is refused, the matter is brought before the Church. Only after every step has been exhausted does Jesus say to “treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.” And how did Jesus treat Gentiles and tax collectors? With truth and love never condoning sin, but always extending the hand of mercy. Today’s Gospel teaches us that reconciliation is not optional for Christians it is a reflection of the Father’s heart. The authority to “bind and loose” given to the disciples is not for control or domination, but for healing, restoration, and the safeguarding of the unity of the Body of Christ. It reminds us that God’s presence is especially powerful when believers gather, agree in prayer, and seek His will together: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

In our Gospel today, Jesus declares that where two or three of His followers meet in His name, He shall be there with them. However, Jewish rabbis claimed that when two pious Jews sat together to discuss the words of the Jewish Law, the divine presence was with them. The meeting in His name that Jesus refers to is a meeting for worship, for prayer. As a church we gather not around the words of the Jewish Law but around the words of Jesus, and when we do that Jesus will be among us, and He will be among us as Emmanuel, God-with-us. The first reading portrayed the ‘glory of the Lord’, the presence of God leaving the Jewish temple; the Gospel reading speaks of the presence of God, the presence of Jesus, God-with-us, among the disciples of Jesus. For the Lord to be with us whenever we gather to worship is a great privilege, a great grace. Yet, we are called to live in a way that is worthy of such a grace. The Lord who is present among us when we gather for prayer calls on us to reveal His presence to others when we rise from prayer and go about our daily tasks.

Our first reading from Deuteronomy closes the great story of Moses, the servant of the Lord. Moses, after leading Israel through the wilderness, is allowed to see the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, but not to enter it. Even in this, there is a profound lesson: sometimes our role is to prepare the way for others to complete the work. His death marks the end of an era, but the Spirit-filled leadership of Joshua begins a new chapter. The Israelites mourn Moses for thirty days, recognizing the unique role he played as the prophet who knew the Lord “face to face.” His life, marked by intimacy with God, obedience under trial, and courage in the face of impossible odds, continues to inspire us to faithfulness in our own calling.

The Responsorial Psalm bursts with joy: “Blessed be God who filled my soul with fire!” It calls us to praise the God whose works among His people are “tremendous,” whose presence sets hearts ablaze, and whose deeds invite the world to see His glory.

As we reflect and meditate on today’s readings, we are reminded that life with God is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. He calls us to be people of reconciliation, to deal with sin truthfully but with mercy, to pray together with expectant faith, and to accept the seasons when our task is to prepare the way for others. In our relationships, our prayers, and our service, may we reflect the patience, humility, and love of Christ trusting that He is always in our midst when we gather in His name. Reflecting on today’s readings, we should ask ourselves, am I willing to take the first humble step toward reconciliation when someone has wronged me, seeking to restore rather than to condemn? Do I handle conflict with truth and mercy, following Christ’s pattern of private dialogue, patient steps, and prayerful discernment? When I gather with others in prayer, do I truly believe and live as though Jesus is present in our midst? Like Moses, am I ready to accept my role in God’s plan, even when it means preparing the way for others rather than completing the work myself? Does my life reflect the joy, gratitude, and fire of the Psalmist, so that others can see the tremendous deeds of God through me? May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace to remain faithful and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace and the source of true reconciliation. Teach us to approach those who have wronged us with humility, courage, and love, always seeking to restore rather than condemn. May we live with the awareness that You are in our midst when we gather in prayer and unity. Give us the grace to accept our role in Your plan whether to lead, to follow, or to prepare the way for others. Fill our hearts with the fire of Your Spirit, that our lives may proclaim Your tremendous deeds to all the earth. Amen. 🙏🏾

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PONTIAN, POPE AND SAINT HIPPOLYTUS, PRIEST,  MARTYRS; SAINT CASSIAN OF IMOLA, BISHOP; SAINT RADEGUNDE, QUEEN OF FRANCE; SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS, SEMINARIAN AND BLESSED MICHAEL McGIVNEY, PRIEST  ~ FEAST DAY – AUGUST 13TH: Today, the Church honors a remarkable gathering of saints and blesseds Blessed Michael McGivney (Founder of the Knights of Columbus and Patron of Parish Priests), Saint Radegund (Patroness of difficult marriages, against scabies, and of weavers), Blessed William Freeman (Patron of courage in faith), Saint Cassian of Imola (Patron of teachers, students, and schoolchildren), and Saint Pontian, Pope (Patron of Montaldo Scarampi, Italy) and Saint Hippolytus, Priest (Patron of prison guards) leaders, martyrs, servants, and shepherds who gave their lives in different ways for the glory of God. Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary and all these holy men and women, we lift up our prayers for altar servers and seminarians, asking God’s blessing and guidance upon them. We pray for the safety of children, students, youth, teachers, and staff as a new school year begins. We remember the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancer and terminal illnesses, and we pray for the poor and needy, for peace and unity in our families and world, for our Holy Father and the clergy, for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted Christians, and for the conversion of sinners.

Saint (s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | August 13th |  https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, Saint Cassian of Imola, Saint Radegunde, Saint John Berchmans, and Blessed Michael McGivney| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-13th/)

SAINT PONTIAN, POPE AND SAINT HIPPOLYTUS, PRIEST: St. Pontian served as Pope from 230 to 235 during a time of fierce persecution. He was exiled to the harsh mines of Sardinia by Emperor Maximinus Thrax. Knowing the Church needed a leader in Rome, Pontian humbly resigned before his arrest, paving the way for a successor. He bore suffering with patience and died as a martyr for the faith.

St. Hippolytus, a gifted priest and theologian, was renowned for his eloquence and writings, including the earliest known commentary on Scripture and the Apostolic Tradition. At one point, he allowed zeal to harden into division and became an antipope in opposition to the Church’s leadership. Yet, in exile alongside Pontian, he reconciled with the Church before his death, also becoming a martyr in Sardinia around 236.

PRAYER: Lord, through the witness of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, You teach us humility, reconciliation, and steadfast courage in trial. May we, too, bear hardships with love, seek unity over pride, and cling to the truth of Your Church. Amen.🙏🏾

SAINT CASSIAN OF IMOLA, BISHOP: A bishop of Brescia in the 4th century, St. Cassian fled persecution to Imola, where he taught reading, writing, and the Christian faith. Discovered to be a Christian, he was condemned to a cruel martyrdom tied to a stake and tortured to death by his own pagan students, who pierced him with their iron styli. He is remembered for his dedication to education, faith, and courage in the face of suffering.

PRAYER: O God, You gave St. Cassian the heart of a teacher and the courage of a martyr. Grant that all educators may inspire truth and virtue, and that we may remain faithful to Christ even when it costs us everything. Amen.🙏🏾

SAINT RADEGUNDE, QUEEN OF FRANCE: Born a Thuringian princess in 520, St. Radegunde was taken captive at age 12 and forced to marry King Clothaire I of France. Despite abuse and political turmoil, she lived with humility, serving the poor, ministering to lepers, and founding the Abbey of the Holy Cross in Poitiers. She obtained a relic of the True Cross and fostered a community of prayer, study, and charity. She died in 587, remembered for her compassion, courage, and miracles.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You filled St. Radegunde with charity for the poor and devotion to the Holy Cross. May her example inspire us to serve with humility and to seek the treasures of heaven over the honors of the world. Amen 🙏🏾

SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS, SEMINARIAN: Born in Belgium in 1599, John Berchmans entered the Jesuit novitiate at 17. Known for his joy, purity, and obedience, he excelled in studies and service. Even simple tasks were done with great love. At 22, he died from illness, holding his crucifix, rosary, and Jesuit rule, calling them his “three treasures.” His life reminds us that holiness can be found in faithfulness to daily duties.

PRAYER: God of all goodness, You called St. John Berchmans to holiness in the ordinary and the humble. Through his intercession, may we love You in small things and be faithful in our daily callings. Amen.🙏🏾

BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY, PRIEST: Born in Connecticut in 1852, Michael McGivney worked to support his family after his father’s death before completing seminary studies. As pastor of St. Mary’s in New Haven, he cared deeply for his parishioners, especially struggling immigrant families. In 1882, he founded the Knights of Columbus to provide charitable aid, unity, and fraternal support to Catholic men and their families. He died in 1890 and was beatified in 2020.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You blessed Blessed Michael McGivney with a heart for service and a vision for unity among Your people. May his example inspire us to live in charity, protect the vulnerable, and work for the good of the Church. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, Saint Cassian of Imola, Saint Radegunde, Saint John Berchmans, and Blessed Michael McGivney ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

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/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST: For mutual coexistence. Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF AUGUST | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inviting us to reflect on her pure love, deep sorrow, and unwavering obedience to God. Her heart, aflame with charity and pierced by suffering, mirrors the life of Christ and calls us to follow Him more closely through her example. This month, the Church encourages us to console her sorrowful heart and grow in holiness through prayers like the Rosary, the Litany of the Immaculate Heart, and the First Saturday Devotion. Through Mary’s heart, we are led ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“O Immaculate Heart of Mary, be our refuge and the way that leads us to God.”

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us and draw us into deeper love and trust in your Son. Amen🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we reflect on today’s Gospel call to reconciliation and unity in the Body of Christ, we pray for the Church throughout the world that her leaders and members may seek peace, forgive one another, and work together in love for the glory of God. Through the intercession of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, may all who suffer division find healing and communion in Christ. Through Saint Cassian of Imola, patron of teachers, may all educators form their students in truth and virtue. Through Saint Radegunde, may leaders govern with humility, justice, and compassion for the poor. Through Saint John Berchmans, may young people be strengthened in purity, faith, and perseverance. And through Blessed Michael McGivney, may priests, seminarians, and all who serve in parish life be renewed in zeal, charity, and dedication to the Gospel. May the joy of the Lord be our strength as we walk together toward His Kingdom.

LET US PRAY

My perfect Lord, all that You ask of the Father is granted to You. Please draw me and all the members of Your Church into Your perfect prayer to the Father. May we participate in this prayer especially through the Sacred Liturgy, and also as we gather as two or more. May we pray only with You and in accord with Your perfect will. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, You are near to all who call upon You in truth. Today, as we reflect on Your Word, we remember that You are the One who strengthens leaders like Moses and guides communities to live in unity and reconciliation. Teach us to approach one another with humility and patience, seeking peace over division, and love over resentment. May we be instruments of Your mercy, quick to forgive and slow to judge, always aware that You are present wherever Your children gather in Your Name. Lead us to walk faithfully in Your ways, so that, like Moses, we may finish our journey trusting fully in Your promises. Amen.🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, Saint Cassian of Imola, Saint Radegunde, Saint John Berchmans, and Blessed Michael McGivney ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and as we now enter the gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Wednesday and a fulfilling week 🙏🏽

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 Missions Now Awards |

North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) |  https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html