MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH ~ FEAST DAY; JUNE 13TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Anthony of Padua and all the Saints on this special feast day, we humbly pray for the Poor, the needy and those who have suffered a loss. We also pray for the sick and dying, for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. With special intention for all those seeking for life partners. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽
SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), a Franciscan Priest is one of the most popular saints in the Church. Although he is popularly invoked today by those who have trouble finding lost objects, he was known in his own day as the “Hammer of Heretics” due to the powerful witness of his life and preaching. The saint known to the Church as Anthony of Padua was not born in the Italian city of Padua, nor was he originally named Anthony. St. Anthony is called “St. Anthony of Padua” on account of his long residence in that city, he was a native of Lisbon in Portugal, where he was born Fernando de Bouillon in 1195 to a powerful yet pious family, receiving the name of Ferdinand at his Baptism. He’s a son of an army officer named Martin and a virtuous woman named Mary. They had Ferdinand educated by a group of priests, and the young man made his own decision to enter religious life at age 15. His parents placed him at an early age in the community of the Canons of the Cathedral of Lisbon, by whom he was educated. At fifteen he entered the Order of Regular Canons of St. Augustine near Lisbon. He relinquished a life of nobility, wealth, and honor, and chose instead to serve God with the Augustinians. After two years he was sent to the convent of the Holy Cross of the same Order at Coimbra. Ferdinand initially lived in a monastery of the Augustinian order outside of Lisbon. But he disliked the distraction of constant visits from his friends, and moved to a more remote house of the same order. There, he concentrated on reading the Bible and the Church Fathers, while living a life of asceticism and heartfelt devotion to God.
Eight years later, in 1220, Ferdinand learned the news about five Franciscan friars who had recently died for their faith in Morocco. When their bodies were brought to Portugal for veneration, Ferdinand developed a passionate desire to imitate their commitment to the Gospel. When a group of Franciscans visited his monastery, Ferdinand told them he wanted to adopt their poor and humble way of life. Some of the Augustinian monks criticized and mocked Ferdinand’s interest in the Franciscans, which had been established only recently, in 1209. But prayer confirmed his desire to follow the example of St. Francis, who was still living at the time. He eventually obtained permission to leave the Augustinians and join a small Franciscan monastery in 1221. At that time he took the name Anthony, after the fourth-century desert monk St. Anthony of Egypt. St. Anthony wanted to imitate the Franciscan martyrs who had died trying to convert the Muslims of Morocco. He traveled on a ship to Africa for this purpose, but became seriously ill and could not carry out his intention. The ship that was supposed to take him to Spain for treatment was blown off course, and ended up in Italy. Through this series of mishaps, St. Anthony ended up near Assisi, where St. Francis was holding a major meeting for the members of his order. Despite his poor health, St. Anthony resolved to stay in Italy in order to be closer to St. Francis himself. He deliberately concealed his deep knowledge of theology and Scripture, and offered to serve in the kitchen among the brothers. At the time, no one realized that the future “Hammer of Heretics” was anything other than a kitchen assistant and obedient Franciscan priest.
St. Anthony became a preacher by accident. Around 1224, when a scheduled preacher did not show up for an ordination ceremony at Forli, the Franciscan superior told St. Anthony to go into the pulpit. St. Anthony was forced to deliver an improvised speech before an assembly of Dominicans and Franciscans, none of whom had prepared any remarks. His eloquence stunned the crowd, and St. Francis himself soon learned what kind of man the dishwashing priest really was and he was assigned to preach throughout northern Italy. In 1224 St. Francis gave St. Anthony permission to teach theology in the Franciscan order – “provided, however, that as the Rule prescribes, the spirit of prayer and devotion may not be extinguished.” St. Anthony taught theology in several French and Italian cities, while strictly following his Franciscan vows and preaching regularly to the people. Later, he dedicated himself entirely to the work of preaching as a missionary in France, Italy and Spain, teaching an authentic love for God to many people – whether peasants or princes – who had fallen away from Catholic faith and morality. Known for his bold preaching and austere lifestyle, St. Anthony also had a reputation as a worker of miracles, which often came about in the course of his disputes with heretics. Because of his success in converting heretics, he was called the “Hammer of Heretics”. St. Anthony of Padua was such a forceful preacher that shops closed when he came to town, and people stayed all night in church to be present for his sermons. He became associated with Padua because he made this city his residence and the center of his great preaching mission. His biographers mention a horse, which refused to eat for three days, and accepted food only after it had placed itself in adoration before the Eucharist that Anthony brought in his hands. Another miracle involved a poisoned meal, which Anthony ate without any harm after making the sign of the Cross over it. And a final often recounted miracle of St. Anthony’s involved a group of fish, who rose out of the sea to hear his preaching when heretical residents of a city refused to listen.
We may wonder why we always see Saint Anthony with the Child Jesus in his arms. The account of this heavenly visitation was told only after his death, at the official process concerning his virtues and miracles. It was narrated by the man who witnessed the marvel in question; the Saint himself had never spoken of it. Saint Anthony was in the region of Limoges in France, and was offered hospitality, rest and silence by this businessman of the region, in his country manor. He was given a room apart, to permit him to pray in peace; but during the night his host looked toward his lighted window and saw in the brilliance a little Infant of marvelous beauty in the arms of the Saint, with His own around the Friar’s neck. The witness trembled at the sight, and in the morning Saint Anthony, to whom it had been revealed that his host had seen the visitation, called him and enjoined him not to tell it as long as he was alive. The town near Limoges where this occurred remains unknown; the original account of the inquiry does not name it, but says that the man in question narrated it, with tears, after Saint Anthony’s death.
After Lent in 1231, St. Anthony’s health was in decline. Following the example of his patron – the earlier St. Anthony, who had lived as a hermit – he retreated to a remote location, taking two companions to help him. When his worsening health forced him to be carried back to the Franciscan monastery in Padua, crowds of people converged on the group in hopes of paying their homage to the holy priest. The commotion surrounding his transport forced his attendants to stop short of their destination. He did not reach the city but was taken to the Poor Clare convent at Arcella, where he died. After receiving the last rites, St. Anthony prayed the Church’s seven traditional penitential psalms, sung a hymn to the Virgin Mary, and died on June 13, 1231at the age of 36. Though he was denied the grace of Martyr’s death, St. Anthony was a Martyr of the Word, a Martyr of the road, a Martyr of the crowds. So numerous were those who flocked to hear him that often forced to preach in the open air. Pope Gregory IX, who heard him preach, called him during his lifetime the Arca Testamenti, meaning “the living repository of the Holy Scriptures” and Pope Pius XII, when he proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church, declared that he based all that he said on the texts of the Gospels, and could justly be called the Evangelical Doctor. St. Anthony’s well-established holiness, combined with the many miracles he had worked during his lifetime, moved Pope Gregory IX – who knew the saint personally – to canonize him one year after his death and was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946. “St. Anthony, residing now in heaven, is honored on earth by many miracles daily seen at his tomb, of which we are certified by authentic writings,” proclaimed the 13th-century Pope. He is the Patron Saint of those Who have suffered a loss; lost items; lost people; lost souls; the poor; against shipwrecks; against starvation; Custody of the Holy Land; American Indians; amputees; animals; asses; barrenness; boatmen; Brazil; diocese of Beaumont, Texas; diocese of San Antonia, Texas; domestic animals; elderly people; expectant mothers; faith in the Blessed Sacrament; Ferrazzano, Italy; fishermen; harvests; horses; Lisbon, Portugal; lower animals; mail; mariners; oppressed people; Padua, Italy; paupers; poor people; Portugal; pregnant women; invoked by single women seeking for life partners; sailors; sterility; swineherds; Tigua Indians; travel hostesses; travelers; watermen and fishermen. He is renowned as the finder of lost articles. His feast day is June 13.
“Charity is the soul of faith, makes it alive; without love, faith dies.”~St Anthony of Padua
PRAYER: Almighty ever-living God, You gave Your people the extraordinary preacher St. Anthony and made him an intercessor in difficulties. By his aid grand that we may live a truly Christian life and experience Your help in all adversities… Amen🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF POPE SAINT LEO III; SAINT GUY (VIGNOTELLI) OF CORTONA, PRIEST AND SAINT JOHN OF SAHAGUN (OR SAINT FAGONDEZ), PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 12TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Pope Saint Leo III; Saint Guy (Vignotelli) of Cortona, Priest and Saint John of Sahagun (or St. Fagondez), Priest. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this special feast of the Holy Trinity, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, the poor and the needy. We also pray for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽
POPE SAINT LEO III: Pope St. Leo III (d. 816 A.D.) was a Roman cardinal who was unanimously elected pope on the same day his predecessor was buried. He lived during a time of tension between the popes and emperors and their respective rights, powers, and responsibilities. Unlike his predecessor, Leo recognized Charlemagne as the protector of the See of Rome, which won him many enemies among the Roman nobility. As a result, Pope St. Leo III was attacked by a mob who cut out his eyes and tongue so that he could no longer serve in his office. He survived the attack, but was imprisoned by his attackers and deposed from his office under false accusations. Leo’s eyes and tongue were miraculously restored, and he was able to escape his captivity and flee to Charlemagne for protection. Charlemagne in turn took up the Holy Father’s cause, escorted him back to Rome, and put his enemies on trial. A few days later, at the Christmas Mass of 800 A.D., Pope St. Leo III crowned Charlemagne as the Holy Roman Emperor. As the Roman Pontiff, Pope St. Leo III was known for being an effective administrator and for improving the Roman churches. He also paved the way for a more unified Europe, and for greater cooperation across national borders between the Church and the secular European nations to maintain their collective Christian identity. His feast day is June 12.
Pope Saint Leo III ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
SAINT GUY (VIGNOTELLI) OF CORTONA, PRIEST: St. Guy (Vignotelli) of Cortona was a Priest and nothing is known about his birth and early life. He was a devout young Christian of Cortona. He worked with his hands to supplement an inheritance and gave to the poor whatever he did not need for his own use. He provided hospitality in 1211 to St. Francis of Assisi and one of his companions on his first visit to Cortona. At the end of their common meal St. Guy asked to become a member of the followers of the Seraphic Saint. When told that he would have to abandon everything, rising from the table, he immediately arranged for the sale of his possessions; then together with his guests distributed all of his proceeds as alm. He became a Franciscan and occupied a small cell on a bridge over a stream. Since he was a well-educated man, he was ordained to the priesthood. He showed great holiness, powerful eloquence, and extraordinary gifts to his people. He performed miracles – one of which was raising back to life, a girl who had drowned. He died at the age of 60 about 1245, after receiving a vision of St. Francis coming once again to Cortona, this time to lead him to paradise!
PRAYER: Lord God, You alone are holy and no one is good without You. Through the intercession of St. Guy help us to live in such a way that we may not be deprived of a shame in Your glory. Amen. Saint Guy (Vignotelli) of Cortona, Priest ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
SAINT JOHN OF SAHAGUN (OR SAINT FAGONDEZ), PRIEST: Saint John of Sahagun (or St. Fagondez), Confessor, Augustinian (1430-1479), one of the greatest preachers Spain has ever known, Preacher, Social Reformer, Defender of workers. St. John was a peacemaker and worker for justice in society. A sincere and humble man, he was a noted preacher, whose devotion to the Eucharist marked all aspects of his life. He was born Juan González de Castrillo on 1419 at Sahagun (St. Fagondez), Léon, Spain and died on June 11, 1479 at Salamanca, Spain of natural causes. (However, there is a possible alternative cause of his death – he may have been poisoned by a woman whose lover, a nobleman, broke off their relationship after hearing Saint John preach. For this reason, he is sometimes listed as a Martyr.). From his early youth he gave signs of his future sanctity. He was the fruit of the ardent prayers of his pious and respected parents, John Gonzalez de Castrillo and Sancia Martinez after sixteen years of sterility; God blessed them afterwards with several children. St. John, the oldest of seven children. He was entrusted to the Benedictines of the monastery of St. Fagondez and he received his first education from the Benedictines of his native place. According to the custom of the times, his father procured for him the benefice of the neighbouring parish Dornillos, but this caused St. John many qualms of conscience. He was later introduced to Alfonso de Cartagena, Bishop of Burgos (1435-1456) who took a fancy to the bright, high-spirited boy, had him educated at his own residence, gave him several prebends, ordained him priest in 1445, and made him canon at the cathedral. As a young priest he was already regarded as a Saint, so ardent was his devotion at Holy Mass. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine soon after he had bestowed on a poor man half of his clothing, and the following night experienced so great an increase in the love of God, that he referred to this as his conversion. Out of conscientious respect for the laws of the Church, St. John resigned all and retained only the chaplaincy of St. Agatha, where he laboured zealously for the salvation of souls.
He distributed to the poor virtually all the wealth accruing to him from several benefices, while he himself lived in great poverty; but soon he renounced all of these and finding that a more thorough knowledge of theology would be beneficial, he obtained permission from his bishop to enter the University of Salamanca to study theology, he made a four years’ course, and merited his degree in divinity. During this time he exercised the sacred ministry at the chapel of the College of St. Bartholomew (parish of St. Sebastian), and held the position for nine years. He was then obliged to undergo an operation for stone, and during his illness vowed that if his life were spared, he would become a religious. On his recovery in 1463, he applied for admission to the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine, at the church of St. Peter, at Salamanca, and on 28 Aug., 1464, he made his profession.
He made such progress in religious perfection that he was soon appointed master of novices, and in 1471 prior of the community. Great was his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and at Mass he frequently saw the Sacred Host resplendent in glory. He was gifted with special power to penetrate the secrets of conscience, so that it was not easy to deceive him, and sinners were almost forced to make good confessions; he obtained wonderful results in doing away with enmities and feuds. In his sermons he, like another St. John the Baptist, fearlessly preached the word of God and scourged the crimes and vices of the day, though thereby the rich and noble were offended. He soon made many enemies, who even hired assassins, but these, awed by the serenity and angelic sweetness of his countenance, lost courage. Some women of Salamanca, embittered by the saint’s strong sermon against extravagance in dress, openly insulted him in the streets and pelted him with stones until stopped by a patrol of guards. Saint John was also very zealous in denouncing the vices of impurity, and it was in defense of holy purity that he met his death. A lady of noble birth but evil life, whose companion in sin he had converted, her partner broke off their relationship after hearing Saint John preach (for this reason, he is sometimes listed as a Martyr) , contrived to administer a fatal poison to the Saint. After several months of terrible suffering, borne with unvarying patience, Saint John went to his reward on June 11, 1479. This painful death and the cause for which he suffered it, have caused several of his historians and panegyrists to say that he won a martyr’s crown. A great many striking miracles followed at his tomb and elsewhere, even by the simple invocation of his name. Soon after death his veneration spread in Spain. The process of beatification began in 1525, and in 1601 he was declared Blessed. New miracles were wrought at his intercession, and on October 16,1690, Alexander VIII entered his name in the list of canonized saints. Benedict XIII fixed his feast for 12 June. His relics are found in Spain, Belgium, and Peru. His life written by John of Seville towards the end of the fifteenth century with additions in 1605 and 1619, is used by the Bollandists in “Acta SS.”, Jun., III, 112. He’s Patron Saint of the city of Salamanca, Spain, the Diocese of Salamanca, Candon City, Phillipines, Toledo, Spain.
Reflection. All men desire peace, but only those enjoy it who, like Saint John, are completely dead to themselves, and bear all things with love for Christ.
Saint John of Sahagun (or St. Fagondez), Priest ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 12, 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-100/
Greetings beloved family. Happy Thursday of the Tenth 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 🙏🏽
Today, Holy Mother Church commemorates three holy men of faith and virtue: Pope Saint Leo III (Patron of strong Church-State relations), Saint Guy (Vignotelli) of Cortona, Priest (Patron of Franciscan vocations and the poor), and Saint John of Sahagun (Saint Fagondez), Priest (Patron of Salamanca, Spain; preachers; against temptations and impurity).
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🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time | Thursday, June 12, 2025 Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 3:15 – 4:1, 3–6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11–12, 13–14 Gospel: Matthew 5:20–26
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:20–26
“Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment”
“Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus declares that if any of His Jewish contemporaries were bringing their offering to the altar in the Jewish temple and they remember that someone has something against them they should first be reconciled with their brother or sister and only then present their offering. The Lord will always send us out to work to be reconciled with those who have something against us. We may not succeed in our efforts, but the Lord calls on us to be prepared always to make the first move. ‘Go and be reconciled’ Jesus declares. We are not just to wait for others to take the initiative; we have to make the move, even if in doing so we fail. The Lord took the initiative to reconcile us to Himself, through His life, death and resurrection; He calls on us to be as ready as He was to take the same initiative when a relationship needs reconciling.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to a deeper form of righteousness one that goes beyond the external adherence to the law and penetrates the heart. It’s not enough to simply avoid committing murder; the anger, resentment, or hatred that builds within us is already a violation of God’s law. Jesus raises the bar not to burden us, but to free us from the subtle chains that divide us from one another. He reveals that righteousness is not just about external compliance, but about interior conversion and genuine love. True worship cannot be separated from how we treat others. Reconciliation takes precedence even over sacred rituals. God desires hearts that are whole and relationships that are healed. If we truly seek communion with God, we must first seek peace with our brothers and sisters. The Lord invites us to examine our hearts: Are we harboring anger, resentment, or bitterness? Are we quick to reconcile and forgive, or do we hold grudges? The path to holiness, according to Christ, passes through the gateway of mercy and reconciliation.
In the First Reading, Saint Paul describes the veil that lies over hearts until they turn to the Lord. This veil represents spiritual blindness and hardness of heart an inability to see God’s glory in Christ. But when the heart opens to the Lord, that veil is lifted, and we begin to reflect His glory. Paul reminds us that we are being transformed into His likeness “from glory to glory” through the work of the Spirit. This transformation is not self-willed; it is grace, flowing from the mercy God has shown us. That is why we do not lose heart even when others are blind to the Gospel. We are not preaching ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord. God, who once said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has now lit up our hearts with the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ. This passage challenges us to reflect on whether we are radiating Christ’s light. Are we transparent to His grace? Are we carrying the light of His truth to a world covered in shadows?
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.” This beautiful psalm presents a vision of a restored and harmonious world where mercy and truth meet, justice and peace kiss, and salvation walks hand in hand with righteousness. It reminds us that God’s glory is not an abstract idea it is a lived reality among a people who turn to Him with reverent hearts. When we allow His justice and peace to guide our lives, His glory dwells in our midst. The psalm urges us to live lives that reflect these divine attributes: mercy, truth, justice, and peace. In doing so, we make space for God to dwell among us. Our land, our homes, our hearts all are blessed when they are shaped by these virtues.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the Scriptures. Do I seek reconciliation with those I have wronged, or do I allow anger to fester in silence? In my pursuit of righteousness, do I merely follow rules or strive for transformation of the heart? Is my witness centered on Christ or on my own image? When others look at my life, do they see the light of Jesus shining through me? Have I allowed the Holy Spirit to remove the veil from my heart so I can clearly behold the glory of God? Am I promoting peace, justice, and truth in my relationships and community? May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You see beyond appearances and call me to true righteousness one born of love, mercy, and reconciliation. Remove the veil from my heart and fill me with Your Spirit. Let my life reflect Your glory and shine with the light of Your truth. Give me the grace to forgive, to seek peace, and to encourage others toward holiness. May I not be discouraged in the face of rejection or blindness, but stay faithful in proclaiming You, the Light of the World. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF POPE SAINT LEO III; SAINT GUY (VIGNOTELLI) OF CORTONA, PRIEST AND SAINT JOHN OF SAHAGUN (OR SAINT FAGONDEZ), PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 12TH: Today, Holy Mother Church commemorates three holy men of faith and virtue: Pope Saint Leo III (Patron of strong Church-State relations), Saint Guy (Vignotelli) of Cortona, Priest (Patron of Franciscan vocations and the poor), and Saint John of Sahagun (Saint Fagondez), Priest (Patron of Salamanca, Spain; preachers; against temptations and impurity). Through their powerful intercession and the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray today for the unity of the Church and the world, for the poor and marginalized, for priests and religious, for the conversion of sinners, and for persecuted Christians. May these faithful saints inspire us to grow in virtue, charity, and courage in proclaiming the Gospel. Amen. 🙏🏽
POPE SAINT LEO III: Pope Saint Leo III (d. 816 A.D.) was elected the 96th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on the very day his predecessor was buried. In a time marked by deep tension between ecclesiastical and imperial powers, he courageously aligned with Charlemagne, recognizing him as the protector of the Holy See. This provoked jealousy and violent opposition from Roman nobility. In a brutal attack, Leo was seized, his eyes gouged out, and his tongue cut off—yet he miraculously recovered and escaped to Charlemagne for protection. In a powerful moment in Church history, he crowned Charlemagne as the first Holy Roman Emperor during Christmas Mass in 800 A.D., an act that would shape Christian Europe for centuries. Pope Leo was a wise administrator, defender of Church unity, and restorer of churches throughout Rome. His reign laid the groundwork for closer cooperation between the Church and European powers in defense of Christian identity.
PRAYER: O courageous Pope Saint Leo III, you endured violence, injustice, and exile for the sake of Christ and His Church. Strengthen our faith in moments of trial, and guide our Church leaders to uphold truth, unity, and holiness in the face of political division. May your witness remind us that God restores what is broken and brings light out of darkness. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT GUY (VIGNOTELLI) OF CORTONA, PRIEST: Saint Guy was a humble and generous man from Cortona, Italy, who lived during the 13th century. Although little is known of his early life, his charity and hospitality stood out—especially when he welcomed Saint Francis of Assisi and a companion during their visit in 1211. Inspired by their holiness, he immediately gave up all his possessions and joined the Franciscan Order. A man of prayer, learning, and zeal, Guy lived simply in a small cell and served as a priest known for powerful preaching and miraculous signs. One of his most famous miracles was raising a young girl from the dead after drowning. He died around the year 1245, after receiving a vision of Saint Francis welcoming him into eternal life.
PRAYER: Saint Guy of Cortona, your heart was moved by the call to live in radical simplicity for Christ. Teach us to let go of our attachments and serve with open hands. May we, like you, seek joy in poverty, find Christ in the poor, and trust in divine providence above all. Inspire us to live humbly, love generously, and preach the Gospel with our lives. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT JOHN OF SAHAGUN (SAINT FAGONDEZ), PRIEST: Saint John of Sahagun (1419–1479), born Juan González de Castrillo in Sahagún, Spain, was a zealous Augustinian priest, social reformer, and gifted preacher who courageously confronted the sins of his time. From his youth, he exhibited signs of sanctity and a deep love for the Eucharist. After a powerful spiritual conversion, he renounced all personal wealth and entered the Order of Saint Augustine. His preaching attracted crowds and challenged the corrupt practices of the rich and powerful. Despite threats, insults, and even attempts on his life, he remained firm in proclaiming the truth. His courageous stand against impurity may have led to his death: a woman, angry that her lover converted after hearing John’s sermons, allegedly poisoned him. He died after months of suffering, widely venerated as a martyr for purity and truth. Canonized in 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII, Saint John is remembered for his compassion, fierce love of the Eucharist, and fearless defense of Christian virtue.
Reflection: True peace is not found in the absence of conflict but in a heart that dies to self and lives completely for Christ.
PRAYER: Saint John of Sahagun, fearless herald of truth and defender of the poor, pray for us in our struggle against injustice, temptation, and fear. May your example encourage us to speak the truth in love, to walk in holiness with courage, and to uphold the dignity of every human life. Obtain for us purity of heart and the strength to persevere in virtue. Amen.🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Pope Saint Leo III; Saint Guy of Cortona, and Saint John of Sahagun ~ 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 🙏🏽
We thank God for the successful celebration of the Inauguration Holy Mass for Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽
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.
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 🙏🏽
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.
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. 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray today for the Church, that all shepherds may serve with humility, courage, and clarity, following the example of Pope Saint Leo III who defended the truth with steadfast faith. May those in religious life be inspired by Saint Guy of Cortona to live in simplicity, charity, and devotion, and may all who preach the Gospel imitate the zeal and holiness of Saint John of Sahagun. We lift up those struggling with anger, bitterness, or division, asking that Christ, who commands us to be reconciled with one another, would grant us healing and peace. We remember the poor, the abandoned, and all who suffer injustice, that the light of Christ may shine through the darkness of their trials. And for each of us, may the Spirit continue to unveil the glory of God in our hearts and make us faithful reflections of His mercy in the world.
LET US PRAY
My merciful Lord, You call us to perfect freedom from all that burdens us. Anger burdens us. Help me to see the burden that my anger imposes upon me and help me to seek true freedom through the act of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please forgive me, dear Lord, as I forgive all who have hurt me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
O God of mercy and justice, You have revealed the light of Your glory in the face of Christ and called us to live as ministers of reconciliation. Grant us the grace to turn from all anger, hatred, and pride, and to walk humbly with our brothers and sisters. Through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo III, Saint Guy of Cortona, and Saint John of Sahagun, purify our hearts, strengthen our resolve to follow Christ, and make us faithful instruments of peace in a divided world. May our lives reflect Your justice, our words proclaim Your truth, and our hearts remain always open to Your transforming love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Pope Saint Leo III; Saint Guy of Cortona, and Saint John of Sahagun ~ 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 week ahead. 🙏🏽
Greetings beloved family. Happy Wednesday of the Tenth 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 🙏🏽
Today, Holy Mother Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr (Patron of Antioch; Cyprus; against hailstorms; invoked as peacemaker).
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🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle | Tuesday, June 11, 2025 Reading 1: Acts 11:21b–26; 13:1–3 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2–3ab, 3cd–4, 5–6 Gospel: Matthew 5:17–19
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:17–19
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill”
“Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”
In the Gospel reading, Jesus the Jew shows Himself to be respectful of His own Jewish tradition, ‘don’t imagine that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets’. However, He also declares that He has come to complete the Law and the Prophets, to bring their true intention to fulfilment. Jesus valued the good in His religious tradition, but was also open to the ways that God was working to enrich that tradition. We too are called to value the good in our own religious tradition, but also to critique the shadow side to that tradition and to be open and receptive to the ways that the Lord is constantly renewing and enriching that tradition. God is like the potter who takes what is there and reshapes it so that it serves His purposes more fully. God is always ahead of us in that sense; our task is to keep up with what God is trying to do.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, Jesus offers a powerful affirmation of continuity between the Old and the New. He makes it clear that He did not come to do away with the Law or the Prophets, but to bring them to their fullness. Christ is not a revolutionary in the sense of rejecting the past He is the fulfillment of all that the Old Testament promised. The Law was not discarded; it was completed and perfected in love through Christ. His life, death, and resurrection became the lens through which all the commandments find their true purpose. Jesus’ warning is firm: those who neglect even the least of the commandments and lead others astray will be least in the Kingdom. But those who live and teach faithfully will be called great. This reminds us of the importance of our witness not only in our actions but also in how we encourage others. The commandments are not burdens but pathways to love, justice, and freedom. Obedience to them isn’t mere legalism, but a loving response to God’s covenant. In a world that often dismisses moral absolutes, Jesus calls us to fidelity and integrity. The commandments are not outdated relics they are the framework through which our freedom flourishes. True greatness in God’s eyes is found not in worldly success, but in humble obedience and the courage to teach truth with compassion.
Today’s first reading gives us a powerful glimpse into the early Church’s mission and highlights the faithful service of Saint Barnabas. He was a man described as “good, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith,” who was entrusted by the Church in Jerusalem to minister to the rapidly growing Christian community in Antioch. His joy upon witnessing God’s grace in Antioch reflects his spirit of encouragement a quality for which he became known. Indeed, his name means “son of encouragement.” We see a remarkable moment of discernment in this reading: Barnabas, recognizing the magnitude of the mission, goes in search of Saul (later Paul), showing his humility and wisdom in sharing the ministry. For an entire year, they taught together and nurtured the fledgling Christian community. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians” a profound marker of identity rooted in Christ Himself. Later, as the Church fasted and prayed, the Holy Spirit singled out Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. This early moment of commissioning reveals how essential prayer, fasting, and communal discernment were in the Church’s decisions. The laying on of hands symbolizes the unity of the community and the divine empowerment given for mission. Like Barnabas and Paul, we too are called each in our own way to encourage others, to nurture the faith of those around us, and to respond to the Spirit’s call. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or churches, our mission is rooted in Christ and sustained through community and prayer.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.” Psalm 98 is a hymn of joyful praise for the Lord’s wondrous deeds. God’s salvation is not hidden it is proclaimed to all nations. This psalm echoes the missionary theme of today’s readings, reminding us that the Gospel is for everyone, not just a select few. God’s justice, faithfulness, and mercy extend to the ends of the earth. The invitation to “sing joyfully” calls us to praise with our whole being. Whether through the harp, trumpet, or our voices, praise is our response to God’s faithful love. In a world often filled with sorrow or despair, we are called to be a people of joy—joy rooted not in comfort or success, but in salvation and trust in God’s power.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the Scriptures. Am I living out the commandments of God not just in letter but in spirit? Do I sometimes treat God’s law as a burden rather than a gift that guides me toward truth? Like Barnabas, do I encourage others in their faith, or do I focus only on my own growth? Am I attuned to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in my life? What gifts has God placed in me that He is calling me to set apart for His work? The Lord has chosen each of us for a purpose. Like Barnabas, may we be people of encouragement, full of the Spirit and faith. Like Christ, may we not only obey God’s law but lead others by example. And like the psalmist, may our lives echo with joyful praise, declaring God’s salvation to all. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and let us be bold, discerning, and faithful as we live out our unique calling in the Church.
Lord Jesus, You came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Help me to walk in Your truth with a heart rooted in love. Give me the grace to live and teach Your commandments with faithfulness and courage. May I never grow tired of encouraging others in their journey. Holy Spirit, guide me to recognize my mission and respond with trust, as Barnabas and Paul did. Let my life be a song of praise to You, proclaiming Your saving power to all. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT BARNABAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR [SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT] ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 11TH: Today, Holy Mother Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr (Patron of Antioch; Cyprus; against hailstorms; invoked as peacemaker). Through his powerful intercession and the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we lift up in prayer all those who labor to spread the Gospel missionaries, catechists, priests, and evangelists. We also pray for unity in our families and Church, for peace across divided nations, and for the healing of those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. May those who suffer persecution for Christ remain faithful and find courage in the example of Saint Barnabas. We entrust the conversion of sinners and the intentions of all Christians to God’s merciful care. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT BARNABAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR (SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT): Saint Barnabas, born Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus and an early convert to Christianity in Jerusalem. Known for his generosity, he sold his property and gave the proceeds to the Church (Acts 4:36–37). The Apostles named him Barnabas, meaning “Son of Encouragement,” for his consoling spirit and faith-filled witness.
Though not one of the original Twelve, Barnabas is traditionally listed among the Seventy Disciples and played a key role in the early Church. He supported Saint Paul after his conversion, introducing him to the Apostles and helping gain their trust (Acts 9:27). Together, Paul and Barnabas preached to the Gentiles, especially in Antioch, where the term “Christian” was first used (Acts 11:26). He also participated in the Council of Jerusalem, affirming that Gentile converts need not follow the full Mosaic Law (Acts 15).
After parting ways with Paul over a disagreement about John Mark, Barnabas continued his missionary work in Cyprus, where tradition holds he was martyred around 61 A.D. in Salamis. He is remembered as a man “full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24), a reconciler and fearless evangelizer who exemplified encouragement and unity in the Church.
PRAYER: Lord God, You chose Saint Barnabas, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, to bring consolation and encouragement to Your Church and to preach the Gospel among the nations. Through his intercession, grant us the grace to live with courage, to uplift others in their struggles, and to be bold in proclaiming the saving truth of Christ. May we, like him, be generous in service and faithful in love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Barnabas ~ 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 🙏🏽
We thank God for the successful celebration of the Inauguration Holy Mass for Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽
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.
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 🙏🏽
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.
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. 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this memorial of Saint Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” we pray for the Church, that her leaders may be filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaim the Gospel with joy, courage, and unity. We pray for missionaries and evangelizers, especially those facing hardship or rejection, that they may be strengthened by God’s grace and the example of Saint Barnabas. We lift up all who are working to build unity within the Body of Christ, asking for healing where there is division and for hearts open to reconciliation. We remember those discerning their vocations, that they may hear and respond to God’s call with generous and obedient hearts. For all who struggle to live according to God’s commandments, may the teachings of Christ lead them to true freedom and holiness. And for the discouraged, the lonely, and the forgotten, may they be lifted by the compassion and encouragement of those around them. Let us also bring our personal intentions before the Lord, trusting in His mercy and providence.
LET US PRAY
My most glorious Lord, You came to bring our lives to the fullness of grace and holiness. You call us to the heights of Heaven. Help me to see my high calling, dear Lord, and to work diligently to embrace all that You now command by Your New Law of grace and mercy. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, You called Saint Barnabas to be a faithful servant, filled with the Holy Spirit and set apart for the mission of the Gospel. In a world longing for hope and unity, help us, like Barnabas, to be instruments of encouragement and reconciliation. May we live the commandments not as burdens, but as pathways to love and freedom in Christ. Strengthen us in faith, embolden us in witness, and guide us in charity. Where there is division, make us builders of peace. Where there is doubt, let us speak words of hope. Inspire us to live with integrity, trusting in the grace You freely give to those who seek to follow Your will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Barnabas ~ 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 week ahead. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT BARNABAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR [SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT] ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 11TH On this feast, today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Barnabas, the Apostle and Martyr. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Barnabas and all the Saints on this special feast day, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, the poor and the needy. We also pray for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽
SAINT BARNABAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR [SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT]: St. Barnabas (1st c.) was a Jew of the tribe of Levi, but born in Cyprus, where the family settled. He was a Hellenist, that is, a Jew who lived outside of Palestine and spoke the Greek tongue. He was given the name Joseph at birth. The apostle and missionary was among Christ’s earliest followers and was responsible for welcoming St. Paul into the Church. Though not one of the 12 Apostles chosen by our Lord Jesus Christ, he is traditionally regarded as one of the 72 disciples of Christ and most respected man in the first century Church after the Apostles themselves. He is mentioned by name in the New Testament. A convert to the Christian faith in Jerusalem, he sold his property and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles alongside St. Paul the Apostle and St. Mark the Evangelist. His success in preaching prompted the Apostles to change his name of Joseph to that of Barnabas—which means “Son of Exhortation” or “Consolation” or “Son of Encouragement.” He was highly esteemed among the Christian leaders at Jerusalem and Antioch, almost ranked among the twelve Apostles themselves. According to Acts 11:24: “Blessed is this holy man, who was worthy to be numbered among the Apostles, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith.” He also was noted for his generosity in the early Christian community of Jerusalem (Act 4:36-37).
St. Barnabas was born to wealthy Jewish parents on the Greek-speaking island of Cyprus, probably around the time of Christ’s own birth. Traditional accounts hold that his parents sent him to study in Jerusalem, where he studied at the school of Gamaliel (who also taught St. Paul). Later on, when Christ’s public ministry began, Barnabas may have been among those who heard him preach in person. At some point, either during Christ’s ministry or after his death and resurrection, St. Barnabas decided to commit himself in the most radical way to the teachings he had received. He sold the large estate he had inherited, contributed the proceeds entirely to the Church, and joined Christ’s other Apostles in holding all of their possessions in common. It was St. Barnabas who befriended the recently converted and former persecutor of the Church, Saul of tarsus, and set him on the path to becoming the great Apostle Paul by introducing him to the Apostles (Act 9:27). Saul of Tarsus, the future St. Paul, was approached by St. Barnabas after the miraculous events surrounding his conversion, and was first introduced to St. Peter and the other Apostles when everyone was still distrusting the former persecutor. St. Barnabas vouched for the genuineness of St. Paul’s conversion and had him accepted as a Christian by the other Apostles. About five years later, Sts. Barnabas and Paul spent a year in Antioch, building up the Church community whose members were the first to go by the name of “Christians.” When St. Barnabas went to Antioch to consolidate the infant Church there, he asked St. Paul to share his labors. After laboring a year at Antioch, the two Apostles brought the offerings of the community to the famine-stricken poor of the Judean community (Acts 11:27-30). Both Sts. Paul and Barnabas received a calling from God to become the “Apostles of the Gentiles,” although the title is more often associated with St. Paul. The reference to the “laying-on of hands” in Acts, chapter 13, suggests that Sts. Paul and Barnabas may have been consecrated as bishops on this occasion.
Sts. Barnabas and Paul left Antioch along with Barnabas’ cousin John Mark, who would later compose the most concise account of Christ’s life and be canonized as St. Mark. The group’s first forays into the pagan world met with some success, but St. Mark became discouraged and returned to Jerusalem. The question of St. Mark’s dedication to the mission would arise again later, and cause a significant personal disagreement between Sts. Paul and Barnabas. For many years prior to this, however, the two Apostles traveled and preached among the Gentiles, suffering persecution and hardships for the sake of establishing Christianity among those of a non-Jewish background. The remarkable success of St. Barnabas and Paul led to one of the earliest controversies in Church history, regarding the question of whether Christian converts would have to observe Jewish rites. During the landmark Council of Jerusalem, recorded in the book of Acts, the assembled Apostles confirmed St. Peter’s earlier proclamation that the laws of the Old Testament would not be mandatory for Christians. Together with St. Paul, St. Barnabas preached the faith in Cyprus and central Asia (Acts 13-14) and attended the First Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-29). But on their return to Antioch they parted company when St. Barnabas wanted his nephew St. Mark to accompany them on their second missionary journey while St. Paul did not (Acts 15:30-40); accordingly, Sts. Barnabas and Paul finally separated in their ministries, while remaining Apostles of the one Catholic Church, over St. Paul’s insistence that St. Mark not travel with them again. St. Barnabas went back to Cyprus with St. Mark. The subsequent events of the life of St. Barnabas are not know for certain, except that he was known to the Corinthians (1 Cor 9:6). In death, however, the “Apostles to the Gentiles” were reunited. St. Mark is said to have buried St. Barnabas after he was killed by a mob in Cyprus around the year 62. St. Paul and St. Mark were, in turn, reconciled before St. Paul’s martyrdom five years later. He is said to have been stoned to death in Salamis in the year 61. According to tradition he died at Salamis in Cyprus, after being stoned and his body was found at Salamina in 488 A.D. St. Luke described St. Barnabas as ‘a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith’ (Acts 6:24), and he was known for his exceptional kindliness and personal sanctity, and his openness to pagans. St. Barnabas name is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass since ancient times. He’s the Patron Saint of Antioch; Cyprus; against hailstorms; invoked as peacemaker.
PRAYER: God, You commanded that St. Barnabas, who was full of faith and the Holy Spirit, should be set apart to labor for the conversion of the Gentiles. May Christ’s Gospel, which he preached with great ardor, continue to be preached faithfully by word and deed. Amen🙏🏽
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time!
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 10, 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-98/
We thank God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the month of June. We lift up in prayer all who celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all those marking special milestones in June. May the Lord bless and favor them abundantly, guide their steps, and grant them joy, peace, and good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
May this new week be filled with peace, joy, and the renewed hope that comes from Christ’s Resurrection. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Easter. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of June🙏🏽
Today, the Church honors three remarkable witnesses of the faith: Saint Landry (Landericus), Bishop of Paris (Patron of hospitals and caregivers); Saint Olivia of Palermo, Virgin and Martyr (Patroness of Trivigliano, Italy and invoked for peace and purity); and Blessed Bogumilus of Gniezno, Bishop (Patron of the Archdiocese of Gniezno, Poland and model of contemplative life). Through their holy intercession and the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we lift up in prayer all mothers and wives, especially those enduring hardship in their marriages. We pray for victims of verbal and spousal abuse, asking God to grant healing, courage, and peace. May love and unity reign in our homes and throughout the world. We also pray for the sick and the dying especially those battling cancer and other terminal illnesses. May Christ, the Divine Physician, strengthen and console them. We entrust the souls of the faithful departed to God’s eternal mercy. We continue to intercede for the poor, the abandoned, and the suffering. We remember our Church and clergy, persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners, and the sanctification of the faithful across the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time | Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 1:18–22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135 Gospel: Matthew 5:13–16
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:13–16
“You are the light of the world”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Today’s Gospel reading follows on immediately from the Gospel of the beatitudes. Jesus is declaring that it is those who live by the values proclaimed in the beatitudes who are salt of the earth and light of the world. In the time of Jesus, salt had a very positive profile. It was used to preserve and also to flavour food. When Jesus said to His disciples, ‘you are the salt of the earth’, He was reminding them of their identity and of their calling as His disciples. Jesus does not spell out what He means by the image of salt when He applies it to His disciples. He may be implying that as salt enhances the flavour of food, they are to enhance the lives of others by the values that they proclaim and live by. As disciples we are called to be present to our world in a way that helps to preserve what is best there and that adds a dimension, a flavour, that would not otherwise be there. We are called to make a difference for the better. That saying about salt comes immediately after the beatitudes. Jesus seems to be saying that in so far as we are people of the beatitudes, in so far as we live by the values proclaimed in the beatitudes, we will make a difference for the better in our world; we will enhance the lives of those who come within our sphere of influence.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, Jesus uses two powerful images to describe our identity and mission as His disciples: salt and light. Salt is essential it preserves, purifies, and enhances flavor. Light reveals, guides, and dispels darkness. By calling us the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” Jesus entrusts us with a profound responsibility to impact the world with the grace and truth we have received. Salt that loses its flavor becomes useless it cannot fulfill its purpose. Likewise, a disciple who loses his or her zeal, witness, or integrity becomes ineffective. Jesus warns us not to allow our light to be hidden. Our faith is not private it is personal, but not meant to be concealed. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, our lives are to be a visible testimony of God’s presence. When we live faithfully, our good deeds do not glorify us but point others to our Father in heaven. Our vocation is to influence the world with Christ’s love, truth, and mercy. Wherever we are in our homes, schools, work, or communities we are called to season the world with grace and shine forth the light of Christ.
In the First Reading, St. Paul assures the Corinthians of the unwavering faithfulness of God. He emphasizes that in Christ, God’s promises are always “Yes” never contradictory, never shifting. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of every divine promise, and through Him, we say “Amen” to God’s glory. This truth offers us great assurance: God is trustworthy, consistent, and faithful to His Word. Paul reminds us that God has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment. This language echoes baptism and confirmation the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as God’s pledge of eternal life and ongoing presence. When we doubt or feel uncertain, we are invited to return to this truth: our identity is rooted in Christ. God has claimed us, sealed us, and continues to sanctify us through the Spirit. Like Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, we are commissioned not with confusion or inconsistency, but with the certainty that in Christ, all of God’s purposes find their “Yes.”
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “Lord, let your face shine on me.” This refrain captures a beautiful longing for God’s presence. Psalm 119 is a profound meditation on the Word of God His decrees, commands, and revelations. The psalmist is not only obedient but delighted in God’s laws. He hungers for understanding, yearns for divine light, and seeks freedom from the power of sin. The Psalm reminds us that God’s Word is not burdensome but luminous it gives wisdom to the simple, strength to the weary, and hope to the faithful. As we walk through life’s complexities, we echo the psalmist’s prayer: “Steady my footsteps… let your countenance shine upon your servant.” In a world clouded by confusion and moral compromise, we are called to open our hearts to the light of the Word, which gives clarity, joy, and life.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the Scriptures. Am I living in such a way that I am truly “salt” and “light” to the world around me? Have I allowed fear, comfort, or discouragement to hide the light of Christ within me? Do I believe that God’s promises are truly “Yes” in Christ for me that His will is consistent and trustworthy? Have I forgotten the seal of the Spirit in my heart, and the mission it calls me to? What does it look like today to let my good deeds glorify God rather than draw attention to myself? Let us step into today with renewed clarity: we are called to illuminate the world and preserve its goodness. Let your light shine in the classroom, at work, in your family, on the street. Christ’s promises are sure. His Spirit is in you. You were made to glorify the Father by the way you live. So live boldly, walk faithfully, and never forget you are the light of the world.
Lord Jesus, You have called us to be salt of the earth and light of the world. Strengthen our faith, purify our witness, and help us to live boldly for You. May we never be afraid to shine Your light in a darkened world, nor lose the flavor of our discipleship. Remind us daily of Your faithful promises Your “Yes” in Christ and let Your Spirit in our hearts stir us to holiness and mission. Teach us to follow You with joy, and let our lives reflect Your truth, mercy, and love. Amen🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT LANDRY (SAINT LANDERICUS), BISHOP OF PARIS; SAINT OLIVIA OF PALERMO, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND BLESSED BOGUMILUS OF GNIEZNO, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 10TH: Today, the Church honors three remarkable witnesses of the faith: Saint Landry (Landericus), Bishop of Paris (Patron of hospitals and caregivers); Saint Olivia of Palermo, Virgin and Martyr (Patroness of Trivigliano, Italy and invoked for peace and purity); and Blessed Bogumilus of Gniezno, Bishop (Patron of the Archdiocese of Gniezno, Poland and model of contemplative life). Through their holy intercession and the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we lift up in prayer all mothers and wives, especially those enduring hardship in their marriages. We pray for victims of verbal and spousal abuse, asking God to grant healing, courage, and peace. May love and unity reign in our homes and throughout the world. We also pray for the sick and the dying especially those battling cancer and other terminal illnesses. May Christ, the Divine Physician, strengthen and console them. We entrust the souls of the faithful departed to God’s eternal mercy. We continue to intercede for the poor, the abandoned, and the suffering. We remember our Church and clergy, persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners, and the sanctification of the faithful across the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT LANDRY (SAINT LANDERICUS), BISHOP OF PARIS: Saint Landry was the 27th Bishop of Paris, appointed around 650 A.D. during the reign of King Clovis II. A man of deep compassion and tireless charity, he is most remembered for his commitment to the care of the poor and sick. Recognizing the lack of adequate care for the ill, Saint Landry sold his own possessions along with church vessels and furnishings to relieve the suffering of the poor, especially during the famine of 651. His most enduring contribution was the founding of Hôtel-Dieu de Paris, the city’s first hospital, built near the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. Originally dedicated to St. Christopher, this hospital served the sick with dignity and compassion and remains in operation today making it the oldest hospital still functioning in the world.
Saint Landry also played a significant role in supporting religious life. He welcomed Benedictine monks and helped establish the famed Abbey of Saint-Denis. He was among the signatories of the 653 AD foundation charter of the abbey, securing ecclesiastical independence under royal protection. A devout shepherd and wise administrator, he also contributed to church building in Paris, including the church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, which later served as the royal parish. Saint Landry died around 661 and was buried at the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Though much of his relics were lost during the French Revolution, his legacy of mercy and pastoral love continues to inspire.
PRAYER: God of mercy, You inspired Saint Landry with deep compassion for the poor and sick. Through his intercession, grant that we may serve the suffering with joyful hearts and persevere in faith and charity until we share in the glory of Your kingdom. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT OLIVIA OF PALERMO, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Olivia (448–463 A.D.) was a noble maiden from Palermo, Sicily, renowned for her beauty, courage, and unwavering faith. From a young age, she dedicated herself to God as a consecrated virgin and distributed her wealth to the poor. During the invasion of Sicily by the Vandals, Saint Olivia was captured and taken to Tunis in North Africa. Even in captivity, she became a beacon of light, comforting fellow Christian prisoners and performing miracles that led to many conversions. Frustrated by her influence, the local governor banished her to the wilderness, hoping she would perish. Instead, she survived and converted hunters who discovered her.
Her persistent witness angered authorities, and she was brutally tortured scourged, submerged in boiling oil, and finally beheaded. Yet through every ordeal, she remained unharmed in spirit and body, a living sign of God’s power. According to tradition, at her martyrdom, her soul ascended to heaven in the form of a dove. Saint Olivia is honored in both Christian and Muslim traditions. An ancient Christian basilica once stood at her burial site in Tunis; today, a mosque occupies the location but still bears her name a powerful testament to her lasting presence.
PRAYER: O gentle and fearless virgin, Saint Olivia, your steadfast love for Christ bore witness even unto death. Through your prayers, may we be courageous in our faith, strong in adversity, and generous in our love for others. Amen. 🙏🏽
BLESSED BOGUMILUS OF GNIEZNO, BISHOP: Blessed Bogumilus (c. 1135–1204) was a Polish nobleman and twin brother of Boguphalus. Educated in Paris, he returned to Poland and became a parish priest in Dobrow, building the Church of the Holy Trinity with his own hands. His life was marked by humility, devotion to Mary, and a longing for solitude. Appointed Archbishop of Gniezno in 1167, he faced resistance from his clergy due to his rigorous call to discipline and reform. After five years of service, he resigned and embraced the eremitic life, becoming a Camaldolese hermit in Uniedow, Poland. After his holy death in 1204, devotion to Blessed Bogumilus spread rapidly, though his formal beatification came centuries later, in 1925, under Pope Pius XI. Pope St. Paul VI later named him patron of the Archdiocese of Gniezno. His life is a powerful example of humility, spiritual depth, and pastoral zeal.
PRAYER: Lord, You called Blessed Bogumilus to serve You first in the Church’s hierarchy and then in solitary prayer. May we, like him, seek Your will in all things and serve with humility and love. Amen.🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Landry (Landericus), Saint Olivia and Blessed Bogumilus of Gniezno ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Live from St. Peter’s Square: Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly, followed by the Regina Caeli prayer.
We continue to pray for all families, for the safety and well-being of all families, children, parents, grandparents, and the elderly. May the good Lord keep them all in good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FAMILY PRAYER
JESUS , Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.
MARY , Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.
JOSEPH , Foster-father to Jesus, guardian, and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.
HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH , make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR FAMILIES
God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support. Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other. Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures instill forgiveness and peace. May the mutual love and affection of parents set a good example. Instill in children self-respect that they may respect others and grow in mature independence. May the mutual affection and respect of families be a sign of Christian life here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen 🙏🏽
A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him wisdom, courage, and humility as he leads the Church in truth and love. May the Holy Spirit guide his every word and action, and may he be a bridge of unity for all nations. Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, strengthen him in his mission to proclaim Christ to the world. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter. Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern Your will, Courage to fulfill it, And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ. In this time of transition, Bring peace to troubled hearts, Joy to those who suffer, And hope to the despairing. May he be a faithful successor to Peter, A humble servant of Your Word, And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, And to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
We thank God for the successful celebration of the Inauguration Holy Mass for Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽
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/
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 🙏🏽
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.
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. 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we honor the memory of Saint Landry, Saint Olivia of Palermo, and Blessed Bogumilus of Gniezno, we pray for the grace to be true witnesses of Christ in our daily lives. May the Church be blessed with leaders who, like Saint Landry and Blessed Bogumilus, serve with pastoral wisdom and compassion. We remember all who care for the poor, the sick, and the forgotten, especially in hospitals and charitable institutions, that through their work they may bring healing and hope. We pray for the youth of the world, that inspired by the purity and courage of Saint Olivia, they may stand firm in their faith and radiate the light of Christ. Let us ask the Lord to make us salt of the earth and light for the world, so that our lives may bring glory to God and guide others to His truth. May our hearts remain open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, that we may walk daily in God’s grace and live as faithful disciples in all we do.
LET US PRAY
My Jesus, the true Light of the World, please shine brightly in my life so that I will see clearly and will be preserved from the darkness of sin. As You fill me with Your light, please use me as an instrument of Your love and mercy to a world filled with chaos and confusion. Dispel the darkness, dear Lord, and use me as Your instrument as You will. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
You have sealed us with the Holy Spirit and called us to reflect Your light in the world. As we honor Your faithful servants Saint Landry, Saint Olivia, and Blessed Bogumilus grant that we may, like them, live lives of service, courage, and holiness. Strengthen our resolve to be salt in a world that hungers for meaning and light in places shadowed by fear and doubt. May our words and deeds point always to You, our faithful and ever-radiant God. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Landry (Landericus), Saint Olivia and Blessed Bogumilus of Gniezno ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, for the gift of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we 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. Though the Easter season has drawn to a close, its power endures, and we carry forward the fire, peace, and life of the Risen Christ into our daily lives. Today, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and awaken in us a steadfast devotion to His mission. May we walk in the light of His truth, renewed in spirit, overflowing with grace, and led by the same Spirit who descended upon the Church at Pentecost. Praying for us all and our loved ones today, and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling at this time. As we embrace the blessings of this new month and begin this new week in Ordinary Time, may God’s abundant grace continue to shower upon us, filling our hearts with peace, joy, and hope in His enduring presence. May this new 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 week. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT LANDRY (SAINT LANDERICUS), BISHOP OF PARIS; SAINT OLIVIA OF PALERMO, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND BLESSED BOGUMILUS OF GNIEZNO, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 10TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Landry (Saint Landericus), Bishop of Paris; Saint Olivia of Palermo, Virgin and Martyr and Bl. Bogumilus of Gniezno, Bishop. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for all mothers, wives, those going through challenges in their marriages, Victims of verbal and spousal abuse, we pray for peace, love and unity in our families and our world. We also pray for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, for the souls of the faithful departed, may God grant them eternal rest. We pray for the poor and the needy and we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world. Amen🙏🏽
SAINT LANDRY (SAINT LANDERICUS), BISHOP OF PARIS: St. Landry was the twenty seventh bishop of Paris, France. He became bishop of Paris in 650 A.D., in the Frankish kingdom (formally Gaul) during the reign of Clovis II and served as bishop until his death. Saint Landry was a sincere and dedicated servant of God who had great love for the poor and the lowly. He’s known mainly for his work with the sick and the poor. From the time he was consecrated Bishop of Paris in 650 A.D., he devoted himself to their care – founding the city’s first hospital, dedicated to St Christopher, next to Notre Dame Cathedral which later became the Hôtel-Dieu de Paris. He was a very earnest and devout man, distinguished especially by his generosity and great love of the poor and by his charity during the famine of 651 A.D. To relieve the suffering of the poor, St. Landry sold not only his personal possessions but also some of the vessels and furniture of the church. St. Landry became increasingly aware that the sick poor of his diocese were not really cared for. The custom then was to house the sick in little hotels dependent on the inconsistent care from charitable persons. St. Landry had the idea to gather the sick under one roof in order to improve their treatment and reduce the risks of contagion, at a time when epidemics were fairly frequent. This led him to found the city’s first real hospital in 651 dedicated to St. Christopher. It was erected near Notre-Dame on the site of the dwelling place of Erchinoaldus, mayor of the palace In time. After the saint died the name was changed to the now-famous Hotel-Dieu (Hostel of God). This is the oldest hospital in the world still in operation.
Before becoming bishop, St. Landry had acted as referendary at the Merovingian court. It was he who instructed a monk named Marcolfus to write the Formulae, a collection of formulas used for a variety of legal issues. St. Landry was also responsible for the Benedictines’ setup of the Abbey of Saint-Denis. Always on the alert to provide spiritual help for his people, this saintly Bishop welcomed the Benedictines into his diocese and encouraged them to set up the Abbey of Saint Denis. In 653 AD, he signed, along with 24 other bishops, the famous foundation charter granted by King Clovis to the Abbey (Privilege of Clovis III), exempting it from episcopal jurisdiction. Clovis was the husband of Saint Bathilde, who in those years fostered the founding of numerous monasteries. St. Landry is also credited with having built the Parisian church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, which later became the main parish of the royalty of France. St Landry died in 661 and was buried in the church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, then called St Vincent’s, where there is a chapel dedicated to him. His relics, except two bones given to the parish of Saint Landry in 1408, are kept in a silver shrine. He is honored with an office in the new Paris Breviary. Numerous miracles—both during his life and following his death at his tomb—have been reported. During the French Revolution, as happened with the bodies of several other saints, the revolutionary fury caused the dispersion of most of his relics.
PRAYER: God, You made St. Landericus (St. Landry) an outstanding exemplar of Divine love and the Faith that conquers the world, and added him to the roll of saintly pastors. Grand by his intercession that we may persevere in Faith and love, and become shares of his glory. Amen. Saint Landry, Bishop of Paris ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
SAINT OLIVIA OF PALERMO, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: St. Olivia or (Olive, for the olive branch, a symbol of peace, fruitfulness, dignity, and beauty) (448 – 463 A.D.) was the beautiful daughter of a noble family living near Palermo on the island of Sicily. She desired to serve God through her life as a consecrated virgin, and gave her wealth to the poor. At age 13 she was known for her beauty but announced that she wanted to give her life to God and her wealth to the poor and live a consecrated life. But then, the east German Vandal tribe started to expand into the Mediterranean. Vandal King Genseric took Palermo, and many Christians were martyred. St. Olivia was kidnapped and taken to the city of Tunis in Northern Africa. She faced down her captors, strengthened the faith of her fellow Christian prisoners and performed miracles that converted pagan prisoners to the Christian faith. Enraged, but careful about the popular maiden, the city’s governor had her expelled from the city to be a hermitess, where he hoped she would starve or be killed by wild beasts. She was found alive by hunters who at first tried to take advantage of her. She not only stopped them but converted their hearts.
They brought her back to civilization, where she continued to convert pagans. When she was found to have cured and converted many Muslims, the governor tried again. He threw her in prison to try to force her to apostatize. She was tortured in prison. He had her scourged, stripped, and submerged in a cauldron of boiling oil. Her body and her faith remained unscathed. He sentenced her to be burned alive, but that didn’t work, either. After converting her executioner she was burned and finally beheaded. It’s said her soul was seen flying to heaven as the form of a dove. St. Olivia is held in esteem by Christians and Muslims today. In Tunisia there was an ancient Christian basilica dedicated in her honor and built on the site of her tomb; today a mosque rests on the site, yet it retains her name and the memory of her relics. St. Olivia is a virgin martyr venerated especially in Sicily and Tunisia. She’s Patron Saint of Music, Trivigliano, Italy. Her feast day is June 10th.
PRAYER: O Heavenly Patron, in whose name I glory, pray ever to God for me; strengthen me in my faith; establish me in virtue; guard me in the conflict; that I may vanquish the foe malign and attain to glory everlasting. Amen. Saint Olivia, Virgin and Martyr ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
BLESSED BOGUMILUS OF GNIEZNO, BISHOP: Bl. Bogumilus of Gniezno of Poland was Archbishop of Gniezno, Poland for 5 years, until he resigned his see and retired as a Camaldolese hermit. Pope St. Paul VI declared him the patron of the Archdiocese of Gniezno. Bl. Bogumilus was born to the Polish nobility, and the twin brother of Boguphalus. He studied in Paris, France and was ordained a priest. He served at Holy Trinity parish in Dobrow, Poland, a church that he built himself. He had a great dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and loved solitude. His uncle, the Archbishop of Gniezno, made him the chancellor of Gniezno. Bl. Bogumilus later succeededed his uncle as Archbishop of Gniezno in 1167. During his time as archbishop he founded a Cistercian abbey at Koronowo. Through the five years of his episcopacy, he was opposed by his own clergy for his insistence on strict adherance to the clerical discipline and simple lifestyle. He resigned his see in 1172 and became a Camaldolese hermit at Uniedow, Poland for the last decade of his life. He died in 1204. His cult began immediately after his death, especially in eastern Poland, however the formal process of beatification didn’t begin until 1625 and stalled until 1908. Finally, Pope Pius XI beatified Bl. Bogumilus on May 27, 1925. Pope St. Paul VI declared him the patron of the Archdiocese of Gniezno, Poland.
Blessed Bogumilus of Gniezno, Bishop ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
