Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 19, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | June 19, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | June 19, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ROMUALD, ABBOT; SAINT JULIANA OF FALCONIERI, RELIGIOUS AND SAINTS GERVASE AND PROTASE, MARTYRS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 19TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of
Saint Romuald, Abbot, Saint Juliana of Falconieri, Virgin and Religious and Saint Gervase and Protase, Martyrs. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this special feast day, we humbly pray for the poor and the needy, for the sick and dying, particularly those who are sick with cancers and other terminal diseases, we pray for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, with special intention for all Priests, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽
SAINT ROMUALD, ABBOT: St. Romuald (956 – 1027) was the Founder of the Camaldolese monks – one of the Italian branches of the Benedictines – in which the eremitical life is combined with life in community. St. Romuald spent about 30 years traversing Italy, founding and reforming monasteries and hermitages.
St. Romuald was born at Ravenna about the year 956 to a a noble family. In spite of an innate desire for virtue and sanctity, his early life was wasted in the service of the world and its pleasures. Then one day, obliged by his father, Sergius, to be present at duel fought by him, he beheld him slay his adversary. The crime made such an impression upon him that he determined to expiate it for forty days, as though it were entirely his own. For this purpose he retired to a Benedictine monastery of San Apollinare, near Ravenna, where he became Abbot (996-999). After founding several monasteries he laid the foundations of the austere Order of Camaldoli in Tuscany.
Like all Saints, Romuald fought a lifelong battle against the assaults of devils and humans. In the beginning of his spiritual life he was strongly assailed by numerous temptations, which he conquered by vigilance and prayer. More than one attempt was made on his life, but Divine Providence enabled him to escape from the danger. Like many servants of God, he also became the victim of calumny, which he bore in patience and silence. In his old age he increased his austerities instead of diminishing them. St. Romuald died in the monastery of Castro, which he founded in Marquisate of Ancona, on June 19, about the year 1027, after a life of prayer and rigorous penance. He was canonized in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII.
PRAYER: O God, who through Saint Romuald renewed the manner of life of hermits in your Church, grant that, denying ourselves and following Christ, we may merit to reach the heavenly realms on high. 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🙏🏽
SAINT JULIANA OF FALCONIERI, RELIGIOUS: Saint Juliana Falconieri, Religious and Virgin (1270-1340) was born in 1270, in answer to prayer to a wealthy Florentine family. Her father was the builder of the splendid church of the Annunziata in Florence, while her uncle, Saint Alexis Falconieri, became one of the seven Founders of the Servite Order. Under his surveillance Juliana grew up more like an angel than a human being, as he said. Her great modesty was remarkable; never during her entire lifetime did she look at her reflection in a mirror. The mere mention of sin made her shudder and tremble, and once, on hearing of a scandal, she fainted. Her devotion to the sorrows of Our Lady drew her to the Servants of Mary or Servite Order, and at the age of fourteen, after refusing an offer of marriage, at the end of 1284, St. Philip Benizi, General of the Servite Order, received her among the Mantellatae, the female branch of the Order. She had a great devotion to the Holy Eucharist and practiced to a rare degree the Servite devotion to the Sorrows of our Lady. Her sanctity attracted many novices, for whose direction she was bidden to draw up a rule, and thus she became foundress of the Mantellate. She was the servant of her Sisters rather than their mistress, while outside her convent she led a life of apostolic charity, converting sinners, reconciling enemies, and healing the sick. She was sometimes rapt for whole days in ecstasy, and her prayers saved the Servite Order when it was in danger of being suppressed.
Saint Juliana in her old age suffered various painful illnesses. She was wasting away through a disease of the stomach which prevented her taking food, and bore her silent agony with constant cheerfulness, grieving only for the privation of Holy Communion. At last, when in her seventieth year she was at the point of death, she begged to be allowed once more to see and adore the Blessed Sacrament. It was brought to her cell and reverently laid on a corporal, which was placed over her heart. At this moment she expired, and the Sacred Host disappeared. After her death the form of the Host was found stamped upon her heart, at the exact spot over which the Blessed Sacrament had been placed. Saint Juliana died in her convent in Florence, Italy on June 19, 1341. Miracles have been frequently effected through her intercession. She was Canonized on June 16, 1737, Rome, Papal States by Pope Clement XII. She’s the Patron Saint of Bodily ills; sick people; sickness.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Juliana Falconieri as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the love of You she showed in choosing to consecrate her life to You”…Amen🙏🏽
SAINTS GERVASE AND PROTASE, MARTYRS: Sts. Gervase and Protase (2nd century) were twin brothers born in the Roman Empire to Christian parents, sons of St. Vitalis and St. Valeria. Their parents were killed for their Christian faith, and the brothers likewise suffered martyrdom. They were imprisoned, scourged, and martyred in Milan, Italy under the brutal persecutions of the Roman Emperor. St. Gervase was beaten to death, and St. Protase, after having been scourged, was beheaded. In the year 386 A.D. St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan discovered their bodies, the location of their relics was revealed in a dream to St. Ambrose, just as he completed the building of the magnificent Milan basilica. He had the sacred relics moved to the new basilica, today called the Basilica of St. Ambrose, for veneration by the faithful. They rest now, with the body of St. Ambrose himself on the altar of the crypt of St. Ambrose church at Milan. The relics established that the brothers were indeed beheaded as tradition had handed down. Many miracles occurred at their finding, confirmed by St. Ambrose and his disciple St. Augustine. Sts. Gervase and Protase are invoked in the Litany of the Saints. They are Patron Saints of discovery of thieves; haymakers; Milan, Italy. Their feast day is June 19.
PRAYER: O God, who year by year dost gladden us by the solemnity of Thy holy martyrs Gervase and Protase, mercifully grant that we, who rejoice in their merits, may be inspired by their examples… Amen🙏🏽
WEDNESDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 18, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO, BISHOP OF PADUA AND CARDINAL AND SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, MARTYRS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-18th/ )
DAY ONE: NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS | Novena dates: June 18–26, 2025. The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart is June 27, 2025 | Novena links and prayers below | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 18, 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-106/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is the Wednesday of the Eleventh week in ordinary time.
We thank God for the gift of life and, 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 🙏🏽
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 June🙏🏽
AN EFFICACIOUS NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
DAY ONE
Attributed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Saint Padre Pio recited this novena every day for all those who requested his prayers.
This novena can be prayed any time of year or, as did Padre Pio, perpetually throughout the year.
However, it is traditionally prayed for nine days prior to the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart.
Pray all prayers below every day during the novena
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Prayer One:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”
Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Prayer Two:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”
Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be To the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Prayer Three:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Concluding Prayer:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners
and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your tender Mother and ours.
The Hail Holy Queen (The Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O most holy Mother of God, That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Optional Litany to the Sacred Heart
By St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Hail, Heart of Jesus, save me!
Hail, Heart of my Creator, perfect me!
Hail, Heart of my Savior, deliver me!
Hail, Heart of my Judge, grant me pardon!
Hail, Heart of my Father, govern me!
Hail, Heart of my Spouse, grant me love!
Hail, Heart of my Master, teach me!
Hail, Heart of my King, be my crown!
Hail, Heart of my Benefactor, enrich me!
Hail, Heart of my Shepherd, guard me!
Hail, Heart of my Friend, comfort me!
Hail, Heart of my Brother, stay with me!
Hail, Heart of the Child Jesus, draw me to yourself!
Hail, Heart of Jesus dying on the Cross, redeem me!
Hail, Heart of Jesus in all your states, give yourself to me!
Hail, Heart of incomparable goodness, have mercy on me!
Hail, Heart of splendor, shine within me!
Hail, most loving Heart, inflame me!
Hail, most merciful Heart, work within me!
Hail, most humble Heart, dwell within me!
Hail, most patient Heart, support me!
Hail, most faithful Heart, be my reward!
Hail, most admirable and most worthy Heart, bless me!
Lord Jesus,
let my heart never rest until it finds You,
who are its center, its love, and its happiness.
By the wound in Your heart,
pardon the sins that I have committed
whether out of malice or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart in Your own divine Heart,
continually under Your protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good
and in fleeing evil until my last breath.
Amen 🙏🏽
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 9:6–11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1bc–2, 3–4, 9
Gospel: Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18
“Your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father… But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing… When you pray, go to your inner room… And when you fast, anoint your head… so that your fasting may not appear to others. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us against practicing righteousness for public admiration. He invites us to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God one that flourishes not on stages or platforms, but in the quiet of the heart. Whether in giving, prayer, or fasting, the Lord calls us to seek not human approval but divine intimacy. True righteousness does not seek the spotlight. It grows in secret, nourished by sincerity and humility. God is not impressed by theatrics but by a heart that desires only Him. Our faith must be rooted in authenticity. It is easy to fall into the trap of outward religion doing holy things so that others will notice. But Jesus reminds us: the Father sees in secret. He values the hidden sacrifices, the silent prayers, and the quiet fasts offered in love.
Jesus’ words invite us to return to the essence of devotion. When we fast, it is not to appear pious but to reorder our desires toward God. When we give, it is not to win praise but to imitate God’s generosity. When we pray, it is to commune with our Creator. This teaching liberates us from the burden of performance and invites us into a life of hidden holiness a life where God alone is our reward.
In the First Reading, Saint Paul continues his reflection on generosity, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver. He reminds us that what we sow is what we reap, not just in material terms, but spiritually. The more we give freely and joyfully, the more we open our hearts to God’s abundant grace. True generosity flows from a grateful heart, not a reluctant hand. Paul’s encouragement is not merely financial it is a call to a lifestyle of open-handedness and faith. God, who supplies seed to the sower, multiplies not just our resources but the harvest of our righteousness. Every act of love and generosity increases thanksgiving and glory to God. And when we are generous, we become participants in God’s own nature pouring out grace upon the world.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, we hear: “Blessed the man who fears the Lord… His generosity shall endure forever.” The psalm celebrates the upright those who revere God and act justly. These are people whose legacy is not wealth or fame but righteousness and compassion. Their lives shine in the darkness because they reflect God’s light. In a world where so much is self-centered, this Psalm reminds us that the fear of the Lord the awe of His goodness and justice leads to lives of enduring generosity. The truly blessed are not those who have everything, but those who use what they have to serve and lift others.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the message of today’s Scriptures, we are called to examine our motives and the quiet spaces of our hearts. Am I seeking recognition in my acts of faith, or am I content to be known only by God? Do I fast, pray, and give with sincerity or for show? Is my generosity rooted in joy, or burdened by obligation? Do I value God’s hidden rewards more than human applause? Am I content to be seen by Him alone? Let us walk this day in secret holiness, not seeking to impress but to please our heavenly Father. Let our good deeds remain hidden, not to hide them from the world, but to reveal them only to the One who matters most. In our secret places, God is forming saints. May we choose Him over popularity, and intimacy with Him over public display. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may our fasting purify our desires, our prayer deepen our trust, and our giving widen our hearts. Let us pray to become cheerful givers, sincere intercessors, and humble worshippers children of the Father who sees in secret and repays in love. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You who see the hidden things of the heart, help me to live a life of genuine love and service. Purify my intentions and teach me to walk humbly before You. May I seek not the praise of men but the approval of Heaven. Teach me to fast with purpose, to give with joy, and to pray with a heart that longs for You alone. May all I do be done for Your glory, and may my secret acts of love be known only to You, my God and my reward. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO, BISHOP OF PADUA AND CARDINAL AND SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, MARTYRS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 18TH: Today, Holy Mother Church honors faithful witnesses to Christ: Saint Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop of Padua and Cardinal (Patron of educators and diocesan reform), and Saints Mark and Marcellianus, twin brothers and martyrs (Patrons invoked in times of persecution and family division). Through their steadfast devotion to Christ and heroic love for the Church, may we be inspired to seek truth with courage and serve others with compassion. On this memorial, we pray through their intercession and that of our Blessed Mother Mary for the sick and suffering especially those enduring terminal illness or cancer for the lonely, the poor, and the marginalized. We lift up persecuted Christians, the sanctification of our clergy, and the spiritual renewal of families and communities around the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 18th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-18th/ )
SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO, BISHOP OF PADUA AND CARDINAL: Born in Venice in 1625 to a noble family, Saint Gregory Barbarigo was destined for a life in diplomacy but was drawn instead to the service of the Church. A brilliant scholar with a keen interest in public affairs, he initially pursued a diplomatic career, accompanying the Venetian ambassador to the Peace of Westphalia negotiations. Yet his heart longed for a deeper calling. Encouraged by Cardinal Giovanni Francesco Barbarigo, Gregory left behind politics, earned doctorates in civil and canon law, and was ordained a priest in 1655.
His pastoral compassion quickly became evident. During a plague in Rome, he organized extensive relief efforts for the sick. In 1657, Pope Alexander VII appointed him Bishop of Bergamo, and later, Bishop of Padua. He worked tirelessly to implement the reforms of the Council of Trent, strengthening seminaries, reforming clergy, and expanding libraries. At Padua, he founded a printing press to produce Christian materials for believers under Muslim rule and sought unity with the Eastern Churches.
Elevated to Cardinal in 1660, Gregory was esteemed for his wisdom and integrity, participating in five papal conclaves and even being considered papabile (a likely pope). He remained a humble shepherd, deeply committed to education, charity, and ecclesial renewal. Saint Gregory died in 1697 and was canonized in 1960 by Pope Saint John XXIII.
PRAYER: Saint Gregory Barbarigo, faithful bishop and defender of truth, intercede for our Church leaders, teachers, and all those discerning their vocation. May we, like you, seek holiness through service, truth, and compassion. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, MARTYRS: Saints Mark and Marcellianus were twin brothers, deacons in the early Roman Church, and fervent Christians during a time of deadly persecution. Born into a noble Roman family, they were arrested under the brutal reign of Emperor Diocletian around 286 A.D. and sentenced to death unless they renounced their faith and sacrificed to Roman gods.
Though given a thirty-day reprieve to reconsider, they remained resolute, even as their weeping parents, wives, and children pleaded with them to recant. During this time, the Roman officer Saint Sebastian visited and encouraged them daily, strengthening their faith. His witness converted not only their family members but also their jailer, Nicostratus, the judge Chromatius, and many others.
Eventually betrayed by an apostate, the brothers were recaptured and sentenced to die. Bound to pillars with their feet nailed to wood, they spent a full day and night in agony before being pierced with lances. Their fearless witness bore fruit many of their converts would also be martyred for Christ. Their tomb was rediscovered in Rome in 1782, near the resting place of Saint Felix II. In Spain, their intercession is credited with protecting the city of Badajoz from destruction.
PRAYER: Saints Mark and Marcellianus, brave witnesses of the Gospel, pray for those enduring trials for their faith. May your example strengthen us in moments of weakness, and may your prayers bring healing to divided families and persecuted Christians. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Gregory Barbarigo, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS:
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 🙏🏽
May the Holy Spirit guide Pope Leo XIV 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/
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, 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 🙏🏽
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/
Watch ” Pentecost Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Association and New Communities | Live from the Vatican | June 8, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-the-vatican-pope-leo-xivs-pentecost-mass-and-regina-caeli/
Live from St. Peter’s Square, the celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost presided over by Pope Leo XIV, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities. Following the Mass, the Holy Father led the Regina Caeli prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the whole Church as the Easter season concludes.
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
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/
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 today’s Gospel reminder to give, pray, and fast in secret seeking only the approval of our Heavenly Father we offer our prayers with humble and contrite hearts. Through the intercession of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, zealous bishop and reformer, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus, faithful martyrs who stood firm in persecution, we lift up the Church and her shepherds, that they may lead with wisdom, humility, and pastoral charity. We pray for the grace to give generously and cheerfully, as Saint Paul exhorted, trusting that God will enrich us in every way for all generosity. May the poor be sustained, the sick consoled especially those battling terminal illness and families renewed in faith, peace, and unity. We remember persecuted Christians, silent caregivers, unseen servants of love, and all who labor in hidden faithfulness. May the Lord, who sees in secret, reward them openly.
LET US PRAY
My sacrificial Lord, You denied Yourself of many earthly delights, especially when You fasted for forty days in the desert. Help me to take seriously this obligation to fast and to mortify my appetites. And help me to do so in a hidden way. May my life continually imitate Your perfect sacrifice so that I may become more like You every day. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You search our hearts and see the hidden movements of grace and sacrifice within us. Teach us to live for You alone, seeking not applause but holiness, not recognition but righteousness. Through the example of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, may we serve with wisdom and build up the Body of Christ. Through the courage of Saints Mark and Marcellianus, may we stand firm in our witness even when the world presses in. Grant us the grace to give without measure, to pray without pretense, and to fast without complaint, that our hearts may be purified in secret and our lives reflect Your mercy. May we sow bountifully in faith and reap abundantly in grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Gregory Barbarigo, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
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 week 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 start to Ordinary Time, and a peaceful and fruitful 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 Missons 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
An Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Attributed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Saint Padre Pio recited this novena every day for all those who requested his prayers.
This novena can be prayed any time of year or, as did Padre Pio, perpetually throughout the year.
However, it is traditionally prayed for nine days prior to the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart.
Pray all prayers below every day during the novena.
+++
Prayer One:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”
Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Prayer Two:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”
Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be To the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Prayer Three:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.”
Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Concluding Prayer:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners
and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your tender Mother and ours.
The Hail Holy Queen (The Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O most holy Mother of God, That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Optional Litany to the Sacred Heart
By St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Hail, Heart of Jesus, save me!
Hail, Heart of my Creator, perfect me!
Hail, Heart of my Savior, deliver me!
Hail, Heart of my Judge, grant me pardon!
Hail, Heart of my Father, govern me!
Hail, Heart of my Spouse, grant me love!
Hail, Heart of my Master, teach me!
Hail, Heart of my King, be my crown!
Hail, Heart of my Benefactor, enrich me!
Hail, Heart of my Shepherd, guard me!
Hail, Heart of my Friend, comfort me!
Hail, Heart of my Brother, stay with me!
Hail, Heart of the Child Jesus, draw me to yourself!
Hail, Heart of Jesus dying on the Cross, redeem me!
Hail, Heart of Jesus in all your states, give yourself to me!
Hail, Heart of incomparable goodness, have mercy on me!
Hail, Heart of splendor, shine within me!
Hail, most loving Heart, inflame me!
Hail, most merciful Heart, work within me!
Hail, most humble Heart, dwell within me!
Hail, most patient Heart, support me!
Hail, most faithful Heart, be my reward!
Hail, most admirable and most worthy Heart, bless me!
Lord Jesus,
let my heart never rest until it finds You,
who are its center, its love, and its happiness.
By the wound in Your heart,
pardon the sins that I have committed
whether out of malice or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart in Your own divine Heart,
continually under Your protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good
and in fleeing evil until my last breath.
Amen 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-prayer-to-the-sacred-heart-311
Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 18, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | June , 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | June , 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
MEMORIAL OF SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO, BISHOP OF PADUA AND CARDINAL AND SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, MARTYRS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 18TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop of Padua and Cardinal and Saints Mark and Marcellianus, Martyrs. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the poor and the needy. We also pray for the sick and dying, particularly those who are sick with cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, with special intention for all Priests, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽
SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO, BISHOP OF PADUA AND CARDINAL: St. Gregory Barbarigo (1625-1697) was the Bishop of Bergamo and of Padua. St. Gregory had all the skills for a successful life in politics, but instead dedicated himself to serving the Church. St. Gregory was noted as a distinguished churchman and leading citizen whose charities were on a princely scale. He worked for unity of the Latin and Orthodox Churches. St. Gregory was born on September 16, 1625, the son of a senator from Venice, Italy and of a very old and distinguished Venetian family and were held in high repute by the people there. He was the fourth son. He was a brilliant student and excelled in his studies at an early age. He became interested in diplomacy and statesmanship and embraced a diplomatic career with well-connected family. He knew Contarini, the Venetian ambassador, and accompanied him on ambassadorial mission and to several important negotiations and traveled extensively. He accompanied Contarini, to the Congress of Munster in 1648. After five years with the ambassador, he returned to Italy to continue his studies and to enter the world of politics. He soon became disillusioned by the political world, however, and sought advice from a cardinal he had met in his travels. St. Gregory was thinking of becoming a hermit, but the cardinal advised him to pursue his doctorate in law, then become a priest. Ten years later, St. Gregory had earned a doctorate in both civil and canon law and was ordained a priest.
After he was ordained a priest in 1655, he organized care for the plague-stricken people of Rome. His skills were valuable to the Church and he soon was named a bishop in 1657. Pope Alexander VII made him the first Bishop of Bergamo. He was a leader in promoting the reforms set forth by the Council of Trent, St. Gregory Barbarigo worked unceasingly in carrying out the reforms. St. Gregory was extremely interested in higher education and worked for the development of seminaries and libraries. He visited parishes, organizing the teaching of Christian doctrine and also worked with seminarians and clergy to raise their standards. Through his efforts the seminaries of both Bergamo and Padua were substantially enlarged. At Padua, he established a library and a printing press that printed pamphlets for Christians under Moslem rule. He was active in laboring to bring about a reunion with the Greek Church and worked hard to carry out the reforms that the Church was encouraging at the time. St. Gregory took part in five papal Conclaves (for the election of the Pope) and was a candidate in three of them. It is recorded that his congregation thought him to be a man filled with wisdom. His work was so respected that in 1660, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal and also given authority over the diocese of Padua, Italy, and he guided his flock with pastoral wisdom and deep understanding. He died in 1697 and was canonized in 1960 by Pope St. John XXIII.
PRAYER: God, You willed that St. Gregory, Your Bishop, should shine forth with pastoral solicitude and compassion for the poor. Help us who celebrate his merits to imitate the example of his charity. Amen🙏🏽
SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, MARTYRS: Sts. Mark (Marcus) and Marcellianus (d. 286 A.D.) were twin brothers who were martyred for their faith in Rome under Emperor Diocletian. Sts. Mark and Marcellianus were twin brothers from a noble Roman family born to Tranquillinus and Martia. They had converted to Christianity when they were young and were now deacons in the Roman Church. Although the boys had converted in their youth, their parents remained unconverted. Sts. Mark and Marcellianus were honorably married, each brother had a wife and children. When Diocletian ascended the imperial throne in 284, the pagans raised persecutions; the brothers were arrested and thrown into prison for being Christians. They were threatened with the loss of their lives, unless they offered sacrifices to the Roman gods and condemned to be beheaded. Their friends intervened and obtained a thirty-day reprieve, the delay of the execution was in the hope of being able to persuade the two brothers to renounce their faith and make the required sacrifices. Their wives and little children, along with their unconverted parents, begged them with tears and pleading, to make the sacrifices to the Roman gods so they could be saved. Although they had been released from the prison on a thirty-day reprieve, they were still kept under guard and basically prisoners in the home of the public registrar Nicostratus. At that same time, St. Sebastian was a Roman officer in the emperor’s household. St. Sebastian visited Mark and Marcellianus every day and gave them encouragement to persevere and stand strong in their faith. St. Sebastian’s exhortation was so persuasive that the parents of Sts. Marcellianus and Mark were converted, along with several friends who were present, as well as the other prisoners.
The issue of the conferences was the happy conversion of the father, mother, and wives, also of Nicostratus, the public stenographer, and soon afterwards of Chromatius, the judge, who set the Saints at liberty and abdicating the magistracy, retired into the country. All of these new Christian converts were eventually martyred alongside Sts. Mark and Marcellianus. Sts. Mark and Marcellianus were concealed by a Christian officer of the imperial household, in his apartments in the palace, but they were betrayed by an apostate and reimprisoned. Fabian, a judge who had succeeded Chromatius, condemned them to be bound to two pillars, their feet nailed to the wood post. In this posture they remained a day and a night, and on the following day were stabbed with lances. Their martyrdom occurred in the year 286. Their tomb and that of their father, Saint Tranquillinus, was found in Rome, in 1782, in the church of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, adjoining that of the martyred pope, Saint Felix II. They are honored particularly in Spain, where the city of Badajoz escaped destruction by their intercession. Their feast day is June 18th.
Saints Marcus and Marcellianus, Martyrs ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 17, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | June 17, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | June 17, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
TUESDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 17, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT HARVEY, ABBOT, SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI; AND SAINT AVITUS, BISHOP AND SAINT EMILY DE VIALAR, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Harvey, Saint Albert, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-17th/ )
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 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-105/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Tuesday of the Eleventh week in ordinary time.
We thank God for the gift of life and, 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 🙏🏽
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 June🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 8:1–9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:2, 5–6ab, 6c–7, 8–9a
Gospel: Matthew 5:43–48
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:43–48
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
In todays Gospel reading, Jesus calls on us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. We would be tempted to say, ‘Surely, it is not humanly possible to love your enemies and to intercede in prayer for those who persecute us’. Jesus rounds off that teaching by calling on us to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Again we would be tempted to ask, ‘how can we be as perfect as God? Surely it is unreasonable to expect that of us?’ We might be so taken aback by the challenging call that we could miss the fact that Jesus is saying something very important about God there. He is saying that God does not discriminate between friend and foe, that God loves those who dishonour him as much as those who honour him. The only human life which fully reflected such divine love was the life of Jesus. Yet, Jesus clearly believes that the lives of His disciples can and must reflect something of that same love of God which makes no distinctions between friend and foe. For that to happen, we need the help of the Holy Spirit, as the feast of Pentecost reminded us. We need to keep on praying, ‘Come, Holy Spirit…’
Reflecting further on the Gospel reading, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount with a radical teaching one that turns conventional wisdom on its head. The call to love one’s neighbor was already well-established in Jewish law, but the common understanding also allowed for hatred toward one’s enemies. Jesus offers a deeper, divine perspective: we are to love even those who oppose us. Why? Because this is the very nature of God. The Father allows His sun to shine and His rain to fall on both the good and the wicked. As His children, we are called to reflect that same boundless mercy and unconditional love. To “love your enemies” is not simply a poetic ideal; it is a command rooted in the heart of God. Jesus is inviting His followers into a new way of being where grace supersedes vengeance, and forgiveness replaces bitterness. Loving those who hurt us does not mean tolerating abuse or injustice, but it does call us to pray for their conversion and to free ourselves from hatred. In doing so, we imitate the perfection of our heavenly Father, whose love is impartial, restorative, and just.
In the First Reading, Saint Paul highlights the incredible generosity of the Macedonian churches, whose deep poverty did not hinder them from giving joyfully and beyond their means. Their secret? They first gave themselves to the Lord. From that surrender flowed a spirit of sacrificial giving. Paul challenges the Corinthians and us to examine the sincerity of our love through our actions, especially in service to others. He reminds us of Christ’s own self-giving: though rich, He became poor for our sake. This passage is a powerful reminder that generosity is not about material abundance, but spiritual abundance. Even in affliction, we can be generous with our time, attention, and love. When our lives are rooted in the grace of God, we find joy in giving, just as Christ gave Himself completely for us. Christian charity is not just about sharing wealth it is about sharing life, faith, and hope with others.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “Praise the Lord, my soul!” this joyful refrain echoes throughout the Psalm as a call to trust in God, who alone is faithful and just. The psalmist beautifully portrays God’s character: He feeds the hungry, frees captives, lifts the lowly, and protects the stranger. The Lord is not distant He is actively involved in restoring dignity, defending the oppressed, and providing for His people. In a world filled with broken promises and human limitations, this Psalm reminds us to place our hope in the Lord. He is not just the Creator of heaven and earth He is the Sustainer of our lives. Praising God is more than a verbal expression; it is a way of life that flows from trust, gratitude, and confidence in His goodness.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all called to ponder on the Scriptures. Am I truly loving only those who are easy to love, or am I accepting Jesus’ challenge to love those who may hurt or misunderstand me? How often do I pray for those who have wronged me? Is my love for others marked by sacrifice, generosity, and grace? Like the Macedonians, do I give of myself first to God, or do I hold back in fear or comfort? In what ways can I mirror God’s impartial love today in my home, community, and even toward strangers? Let us go forth today as true children of our heavenly Father loving not just those who are easy to love, but even those who challenge us. May our generosity reflect the heart of Christ, and may our prayers extend to all, especially our enemies. In doing so, we become living signs of God’s perfect love in a broken world. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, Your love knows no bounds and Your mercy extends to all people. Teach me to love as You love not selectively, but universally, including those who are difficult to love. Grant me the grace to forgive and the strength to serve others generously, even in my own moments of weakness. May I always trust in Your justice and walk humbly in Your ways, reflecting Your perfection in how I live and how I love. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT HARVEY, ABBOT, SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI; AND SAINT AVITUS, BISHOP AND SAINT EMILY DE VIALAR, RELIGIOUS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 17TH: Today, Holy Mother Church commemorates four faithful servants of God whose lives embodied humility, sacrifice, and holy courage: Saint Harvey, Abbot (Patron of the blind, bards, and musicians), Saint Albert Chmielowski, Priest (Patron of painters and the poor), Saint Avitus, Bishop (Protector against heresies and defender of the poor), and Saint Emily de Vialar, Religious (Patron of single women). Through their powerful intercession and the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary, we offer prayers today for the sick and suffering, especially those battling terminal illness or cancer; for the poor and homeless; for peace and unity in our families and communities; for the conversion of sinners; and for the sanctification of the clergy and religious. May their example inspire us to live with deeper faith, charity, and devotion to Christ and His Church. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 17th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Harvey, Saint Albert, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-17th/ )
SAINT HARVEY, ABBOT: Born blind in sixth-century Brittany, Saint Harvey (also known as Hervé or Houarniaule) became one of the most beloved figures in Breton Christian folklore. Raised by holy mentors after his father’s death and his mother’s withdrawal into religious solitude, Harvey grew in wisdom and holiness despite his disability. He chose a life of humility and service first as a hermit and later as an abbot. Renowned for his gift of healing, miraculous compassion for animals, and musical gifts as a bard, he refused ordination, accepting only to be made an exorcist. According to legend, he once preached to a wolf that had eaten his ox, leading the wolf to repentance and service plowing Harvey’s fields. A spiritual father to many, he defended truth, condemned tyranny, and led his community with simplicity and holiness until his death in 556 A.D.
PRAYER: Saint Harvey, gentle minstrel of the Lord and healer of both souls and beasts, intercede for those who live with blindness whether physical or spiritual. May we imitate your trust in God’s providence, your humility, and your joyful surrender. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI, PRIEST: Born Adam Chmielowski in 1845 in Poland, Saint Albert was a gifted artist, a patriotic freedom fighter, and a compassionate soul whose life was forever changed by suffering and divine calling. After losing a leg in an uprising against Russian occupation, he devoted himself to painting, gaining acclaim in European art circles. Yet the plight of the poor stirred his soul more deeply than artistic success. He gave up everything, became a Third Order Franciscan, and founded the Albertine Brothers and Sisters—servants of the destitute. Clothed in humility and love, he fed, sheltered, and cared for the homeless and dying, trusting in divine providence. His life had a profound impact on the young Karol Wojtyla (future Saint Pope John Paul II), who would later canonize him in 1989.
PRAYER: Saint Albert Chmielowski, who saw Christ in the suffering and chose poverty to lift others, pray for us. May we learn to serve selflessly, create beauty with love, and see the face of Jesus in every poor person we meet. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT AVITUS, BISHOP: Saint Avitus of Orleans (d. c. 530 A.D.) was a monk, abbot, and later bishop renowned for his deep charity, wisdom, and miracles. Born into poverty, he entered the monastery of Micy where he lived in great austerity, giving much of his food to the poor. After a time of solitude and prayer, he was called back to serve as abbot and later consecrated bishop. Avitus fiercely opposed the Arian heresy and defended the Church’s teachings with gentleness and conviction. His life was marked by miraculous healings including restoring speech to a mute herdsman and raising a dead monk to life. He confronted kings and urged mercy, and his intercession led to divine justice. After his death, King Childebert built a grand church over his tomb in gratitude.
PRAYER: Saint Avitus, faithful shepherd and defender of truth, pray for our bishops and all who shepherd souls. May we, like you, serve with courage, charity, and unwavering fidelity to Christ. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT EMILY DE VIALAR, RELIGIOUS: Born in post-revolutionary France in 1797, Saint Emily de Vialar grew up with deep faith amidst hostility toward the Church. Baptized in secret, she rejected the comfort of aristocracy to serve the sick, poor, and uneducated. Defying her father’s plans for marriage, she privately consecrated herself to God. After inheriting wealth, she used it to found the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition, whose mission was to serve the sick and teach the young. Emily and her sisters opened over 40 houses across Europe, Asia, and Africa within her lifetime. Despite persecution, slander, and internal trials, she remained steadfast, trusting wholly in God. Four years after her death in 1856, her body was found incorrupt a sign of divine favor and sanctity.
PRAYER: Saint Emily de Vialar, faithful daughter of the Church, courageous servant of the poor, pray for single women, religious, and all who long to serve God’s people. May your life remind us to be bold in charity and persevering in faith. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Harvey, Saint Albert, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS:
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 🙏🏽
May the Holy Spirit guide Pope Leo XIV 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/
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, 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 🙏🏽
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/
Watch ” Pentecost Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Association and New Communities | Live from the Vatican | June 8, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-the-vatican-pope-leo-xivs-pentecost-mass-and-regina-caeli/
Live from St. Peter’s Square, the celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost presided over by Pope Leo XIV, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities. Following the Mass, the Holy Father led the Regina Caeli prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the whole Church as the Easter season concludes.
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
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/
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: On this day, as we honor the lives and virtues of Saint Harvey, Saint Albert Chmielowski, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily de Vialar, we lift up in prayer all those who serve the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. May their example inspire us to love beyond boundaries, forgive generously, and serve humbly. We pray for the blind and visually impaired, for artists and musicians, for the homeless and abandoned, and for all who dedicate their lives to healing, teaching, and acts of mercy. We also remember those suffering from eye diseases, cancer, terminal illnesses, and those nearing death that they may find comfort in God’s presence. We ask for healing and peace in our families and communities, for the strength to love even our enemies, and for the grace to overcome hatred with charity. May persecuted Christians be consoled, sinners be converted, and the hearts of all clergy, especially priests, be renewed with the fire of divine love.
LET US PRAY
My Lord of abundant mercy, Your command to pray for those who persecute me was first lived by You to perfection. You prayed for those who crucified You as You hung upon the Cross. Give me the grace I need to not only forgive but to also pray for those who have and continue to try to inflict harm upon me. Give me a heart so filled with mercy that every sin committed against me is transformed into love and my own holiness of life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, You call us to be perfect as You are perfect, not by our own strength, but by the grace that comes from Christ, who became poor so that we might become rich in Your mercy. As we reflect on the Gospel call to love our enemies and do good without counting the cost, we ask for hearts wide enough to embrace both friend and foe. Through the intercession of Saint Harvey, teach us to trust in Your strength in the face of weakness. Through Saint Albert Chmielowski, inspire us to serve the poor with compassion and creativity. Through Saint Avitus, grant us the courage to uphold the truth and protect the faith. Through Saint Emily de Vialar, ignite in us a fervor for charity and education. May their prayers help us become instruments of Your peace and vessels of Your transforming love. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Harvey, Saint Albert, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
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 week 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 start to Ordinary Time, and a peaceful and fruitful 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 Missons 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
MEMORIAL OF SAINT HARVEY, ABBOT, SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI; AND SAINT AVITUS, BISHOP AND SAINT EMILY DE VIALAR, RELIGIOUS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 17TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Harvey, Abbot, Saint Albert Chmielowski, Priest; Saint Avitus, Bishop and Saint Emily de Vialar, Religious. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the poor and the needy. We also pray for the sick, particularly those who are sick and dying and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, with special intention for all Priests, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽
SAINT HARVEY, ABBOT: St. Harvey (c. 521 – 556 AD), also known Saint Hervé, Herveus Houarniaule, or Huva, was a sixth-century Breton saint. Along with Saint Ives, he is one of the most popular of the Breton Saints and makes up a considerable part of the folklore of that area. According to a biography dating from the late Middle Ages, St. Harvey was the son of a British bard Hyvarnion; born in Brittany during the 6th century, St. Harvey was blind from birth. His father died while the Saint was still an infant, and his mother, Rivanone, became an anchoress, she entrusted him at the age of seven to the care of his uncles and a renowned holy man called Arzian, with whom he stayed until his teenage years and herself retired to a monastery. He lived for a while as a hermit and after learning everything Arzian could teach him, St. Harvey joined his uncle Urzel who had founded a monastic school at Plouvien, France helping him out with the students and the farm. In time, he himself became Abbot of the community at Plouvien and it flourished under his leadership. He became an Abbot at Plouvien.
St. Harvey ultimately migrated with part of his community to found a new house in Lanhouarneau in Finistere and made it famous throughout the country. He was a Singer, Minstrel, Teacher, and Miracle worker. As one of the most popular saints in Brittany, he figures in the area’s folklore. St. Harvey is portrayed as a wandering monk and minstrel, and many popular tales are told about his person. Reported to have a special ministry of healing animals, and to have a domesticated wolf as a companion. Legend says that the wolf killed and ate the ox that Herve used to plow his fields; Herve then preached such a moving sermon the wolf repented his ways, moved to Herve’s hermitage, and ploughed Herve’s fields in place of the ox. He was joined by disciples and was never ordained, refused any ordination or earthly honour, accepting only to be ordained as an exorcist. he performed some of his most outstanding miracles as the result of his order of Exorcist. He also took part in the condemnation of the tyrant Conover in 550. He died in 556 AD and was buried at Lanhouarneau. He is invoked for eye-troubles of all types. He’s Patron Saint of the blind; bards; musicians; invoked against eye problems, eye disease; invoked to cure sick horses
PRAYER: Lord, amid the things of this world, let us be wholeheartedly committed to heavenly things in imitation of the example of evangelical perfection You have given us in St. Harvey the Abbot. Amen🙏🏽
SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI, PRIEST: St. Albert was the Founder of the Albertine Brothers and Sisters, and one of the Saints who inspired the vocation of the young Karol Wojtyla, the future Saint Pope John Paul II. St. Albert was born on August 20, 1845 in (near Kraków) and Christened Adam Hilary Bernard Chmielowski. Born into a wealthy and aristocratic family, Adam was the oldest of four children. Actively involved in politics from his youth, Adam lost a leg fighting in an insurrection against Czar Alexander III at age 18 in 1864 revolt. Adam’s wounds forced the amputation of his left leg. His great talent for painting led to studies in Warsaw, Munich, and Paris and became a polar artist. A kind and compassionate person, Adam was always deeply aware of human suffering, and felt called to help those in need. Realizing that God was calling Him to a life of service, he returned to Krakow in 1874, determined to dedicate his talents to the glory of God. Instead of continuing his work as an artist, he decided to care for the poor and became a Secular Franciscan, taking the name Albert.
In 1887, Albert founded the Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants of the Poor, known as the Albertines or the Gray Brothers. They worked primarily with the homeless, depending completely on alms while serving the needy regardless of age, religion, or politics. Then, in 1891, he founded a community of Albertine sisters, known as the Gray Sisters. The Albertines organized food and shelter for the poor and homeless of any age or religion. Albert preached on the great crisis that results from a refusal to see and aid the suffering individuals in society. In 1949, Pope John Paul II, who was at the time Father Karol Wojtyla, wrote a well-received play about Albert called Our God’s Brother. Pope John Paul II later said that he found great spiritual support for his own vocation in the life of St. Albert, whom he saw as an example of leaving behind a world of art, literature, and theater to make a radical choice for the priesthood. Brother Albert died on Christmas Day, 1916. Pope John Paul II beatified Albert in 1983, and canonized him six years later on November 12, 1989. He’s the Patron Saint of Painters, Servants of the Poor, Sisters Servants of the Poor, Franciscan tertiaries, Soldiers. The Church celebrates St. Albert’s feast day on June 17.
Saint Albert Chmielowski, Priest ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
SAINT AVITUS, BISHOP: St. Avitus was bishop and confessor, whose faith, labors and admirable learning protected France against the ravages of the Arian heresy. St. Avitus was the child of a poor family of Orleans, France. From his youth he desired to consecrate himself to God, and he received the monastic habit at the abbey of Micy or Saint-Maximin in the diocese of Orleans, at that time still very small. Its first Superior, Saint Maximin, remarked the young monk’s virtue when he observed that he deprived himself of a great portion of his food each day in order to nourish the poor. After serving as steward for the monastery, Saint Avitus decided to leave in secret to go and live in solitude in a deserted place. Saint Maximin recognized in this flight a secret design of God and made no attempt to have him return. But when the holy Abbot died, Saint Avitus was chosen to succeed him by the unanimous consent of the religious. He was brought back despite his protestations of unworthiness, and was obliged to receive the episcopal consecration and his investiture from the bishop of Orleans.
He labored at his new duties with great assiduity, but saw with sorrow that the religious were becoming lax. He again thought of flight, considering himself the cause of the difficulties, and did indeed find a solitude in the diocese of Chartres, far from all village life, where he lived several years on fruits growing wild in the forest. One day a poor mute herdsman lost a pig in the forest, and when a severe storm broke out, lost his way until he saw a light in the distance. When he approached, he found himself facing the Saint. The latter not only lit his torch again for him and showed him the way to go, but made the sign of the cross on his mouth and restored to him the use of speech, which he had not had for long years. When this miracle was divulged, the hermit became known everywhere in the region, and the desert was soon transformed, as it were, into a city. The monastery which Saint Avitus built there and governed later bore his name. He left it from time to time to go to the city of Orleans for his works of mercy; his prayers cured many sick and handicapped persons. When he failed to persuade the cruel king Clodomir to liberate Saint Sigismond, king of Burgundy, with his wife and children whom he had captured and held prisoner and was intending to put to death, Saint Avitus told him that if he committed that crime, he himself would perish miserably in the first battle he would undertake. This indeed is what occurred. Saint Avitus one day resurrected one of his brethren who had died during his absence; all the monks saw the dead religious rise from his coffin and begin to sing with the others the infinite mercies of Our Lord. Saint Lubin or Leobin, bishop of Chartres, assured his people in a sermon that he had learned of this fact from the very monk who had been resurrected. Three famous religious, one of them the same Saint Leobin, who at that time was a simple monk, attended our Saint at his blessed death, which happened about the year 530. His body was carried to the church of Saint George in Orleans and interred there with great pomp. Afterwards king Childebert built a magnificent temple over this tomb, out of gratitude for the prayers of Saint Avitus.
Saint Avitus, Bishop ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
SAINT EMILY DE VIALAR, RELIGIOUS: St. Emily de Vialar (1797–1856) was born in Gaillac, France in 1797 to the physician of Louis XVIII, an aristocratic family in the years following the French Revolution. Because the Catholic faith was under severe persecution, she was baptized in secret by her parents and her religious instruction was given at home. She was a devout child who displayed an aptitude for prayer, and she shunned the luxuries of her state in life. After the death of her mother, her father arranged to find her a suitable husband when she reached 15 years of age. Emily, who desired to lead the religious life in service to the poor, resisted her father’s attempts and endured his anger at her refusal. She desired also to repair the harm caused by the Revolution by catechizing the local children. She cared for the children and sick of the town, trying to repair the harm done by the French Revolution, while also caring for her widowed father. Emily remained a virgin and privately consecrated herself to God while living in her father’s home.
When she was 21 she met a priest who helped her set up an out-patient service for the sick in her own home, which heightened her tense relationship with her father. When her grandfather died, Emily inherited a large fortune which allowed her independence in the service of God. She bought a large home in her town and began a religious order in service to the sick and poor, and to the education of children, which quickly flourished. In 1835, St. Emily and 26 women took religious vows, calling themselves the sisters of St. Joseph “of the Apparition.” (referring to The angel Gabriels’ telling St. Joseph to flee to Egypt). By the time Emily died in 1856, in about 40 years her order, called the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition, established 40 houses throughout the world, in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Four years after her death her body was found incorrupt. She’s the Patron Saint of Single women. Saint Emily de Vialar’s feast day is June 17th.
Saint Emily de Vialar, Religious ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 16, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | June 16, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | June 16, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |