MEMORIAL OF SAINT PETRONILLA (PETRONILLE), VIRGIN AND MARTYR~ FEAST DAY: MAY 31ST: Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Mother Mary who was pregnant with our Lord Jesus visited her cousin, Saint Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Let us on this feast day reflect on our Mother Mary’s goodness and humility in serving her cousin Elizabeth. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this special feast day of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we humbly pray for all expectant mothers and those seeking for the fruit of the womb. We pray for the safety and well-being of all mothers, our children and our families. And we continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world.🙏🏽
FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: The Feast of the Visitation celebrates the providential meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, when two of the Church’s greatest prayers were first spoken. After being told by the Archangel Gabriel that she would give birth to the Son of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, in the mountains about six miles west of Jerusalem, who was then pregnant with John the Baptist. In the presence of Jesus in the womb of the Blessed Virgin, Elizabeth exclaimed through the Holy Spirit, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!” ~ Luke 1:42. Mary, overflowing with joy, responded with her Magnificat (Mary’s Song): And Mary said: “My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. ~ Luke 1:46-56
The Mass of today salutes her who in her womb bore the King of heaven and earth, the Creator of the world, the Son of the Eternal Father, the Sun of Justice. It narrates the cleansing of John from original sin in his mother’s womb. Hearing herself addressed by the most lofty title of “Mother of the Lord” and realizing what grace her visit had conferred on John, Mary broke out in that sublime canticle of praise proclaiming prophetically that henceforth she would be venerated down through the centuries. In his great Apostolic Letter on Devotion to Mary, Pope Paul VI summarized this feast as follows: “The Liturgy recalls the Blessed Virgin Mary carrying her Son within her, and visiting Elizabeth to offer charitable assistance and to proclaim the mercy of God the Savior.” “Mary set out and journeyed in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zachariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. But who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? Behold, the moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who believed that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled.’ “Then Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit finds joy in God my Savior’ ” (Luke 1:39-47).
The feast of the Visitation was instituted in 1389 by Urban VI to obtain the end of the Western schism, and it was inserted in the Roman Calendar on July 2, the date on which it had already been celebrated by Franciscans since 1263. The feast has now been assigned to the last day of May, between the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord and the Birth of St. John the Baptist, to conform more closely to the Gospel account. Patronage: St. Elizabeth: Expectant mothers.
PRAYER: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death… Amen🙏🏽
Almighty and eternal God, under Your inspiration the Virgin Mary, pregnant with Your Son, visited St. Elizabeth. Grant that we may follow the guidance of the Spirit and praise You eternally with her in heaven… Amen🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PETRONILLA (PETRONILLE), VIRGIN AND MARTYR: On this special feast day, we also celebrate the Memorial of Saint Petronilla, Virgin and Martyr. St. Aurelia Petronilla, who was guided in the Faith by St. Peter, the first pope. She died three days after refusing to marry a pagan nobleman, Flaccus.
SAINT PETRONILLA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: St. Aurelia Petronilla also known as St. Petronille (1st c.) is an early Christian Saint, venerated as a virgin martyr in the Church in Rome. She is remembered for being beautiful, for refusing marriage to a pagan king due to her vow of chastity, and for suffering martyrdom for her unwavering faith. According to tradition, it is probable that Aurelia Petronilla was of the imperial family of the Flavii and she was connected to St. Peter the Apostle; she may have been either his natural daughter, servant, convert (spiritual daughter), or co-laborer in the faith. She was guided in the Faith by St. Peter, the first pope. It is also a tradition that St. Petronilla was cured of palsy by St. Peter. The early traditions of the Church speak of her as being the spiritual daughter of the Prince of the Apostles; and though she did not, like Domitilla, lay down her life for the faith, she did offer to Jesus that next richest gift, her virginity. According to tradition, a Roman Patrician, by name Flaccus, having asked her in marriage, she requested three days for consideration, during which she confidently besought the aid of her divine Spouse. Flaccus presented himself on the third day, but found the palace in mourning, and her family busy in preparing the funeral obsequies of the young virgin, who had taken her flight to heaven, as a dove that is startled by an intruder’s approach. She died three days after refusing to marry the pagan nobleman, Flaccus.
In the 8th century the chapel containing her relics became the burial place of French kings. This is due to the fact that she was the supposed daughter of St. Peter, and the French kings were considered the “adopted sons” of St. Peter; therefore, St. Petronille was invoked as an intercessor for all treaties between the Holy See and the French crown. Later in the eighth century, the holy Pope Paul I had the body of Petronilla taken from the cemetery of Domitilla, on the Ardeatine Way. Her relics were found in a marble sarcophagus, the lid of which was adorned, at each corner, with a dolphin. The Pope had the relics of St. Petronilla enshrined in a little church, which he built near the south side of the Vatican Basilica. This church was destroyed in the sixteenth century, in consequence of the alterations needed for the building of the new Basilica of St Peter; and the relics of St Petronilla were translated to one of its altars on the west side of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It was but just that she should await her glorious resurrection under the shadow of the great Apostle who had initiated her in the faith, and prepared her for her eternal nuptials with the Lamb. On her feast day Mass at St. Peter’s is offered for France and attended by French residents living in Rome. St. Petronille is the Patron Saint of the dauphins of France; mountain travellers; treaties between Popes and Frankish emperors; invoked against fever. Her feast day is May 31st.
PRAYER: “Thy triumph, O Petronilla, is one of our Easter joys. We lovingly venerate thy blessed memory. Thou didst disdain the pleasures and honors of the world, and thy virginal name is one of the first on the list of the Church of Rome, which was thy mother. Aid her now by thy prayers. Protect those who seek thine intercession, and teach us how to celebrate, with holy enthusiasm, the solemnities that are soon to gladden us”… Amen🙏🏽
Day Two – Friday, May 31, 2025 | 6th Week of Easter Prayed in preparation for Pentecost
Come, Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!
THE GIFT OF FEAR
The Gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. “They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls.”
PRAYER: Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set You, my Lord and God, before my face forever. Help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen. 🙏
Our Father and Hail Mary (once) Glory be to the Father (SEVEN TIMES)
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You, and ask You, by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus, looking at His Five Wounds, trusting in His Precious Blood, and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant heareth.” Amen. 🙏
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPRIT: O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven, promised to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me.
May He perfect in my soul the work of Your grace and love. Grant me:
the Spirit of Wisdom, that I may despise the things of this world and aspire only to eternal things;
the Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten my mind with divine truth;
the Spirit of Counsel, that I may always choose the surest way to please God;
the Spirit of Fortitude, that I may bear my cross with You and overcome all obstacles to salvation;
the Spirit of Knowledge, that I may know God and myself and grow in holiness;
the Spirit of Piety, that I may love God with tender affection;
the Spirit of Fear, that I may be filled with reverence toward God and avoid anything that would displease Him.
Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen. 🙏
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, Who did instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏
[This Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.]
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 30, 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-87/
Greetings beloved family and Happy Friday of the sixth Week of Easter!
We thank God for the gift of life and particularly pray for all those who celebrate their birthdays in the month of May. We also pray for all those graduating during this season. May the good Lord bless and favor them, direct their path and grant them good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
May this 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🙏🏽
The entire month of May is dedicated to our beloved Mother Mary, the Mother of God. As we continue to rejoice in the victory of Christ’s Resurrection, we give heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the month of May. May this Easter season renew our strength, deepen our faith, and fill our hearts with the peace of the Risen Lord. May our Mother Mary continue to intercede for us and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Easter. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, safe and blessed month. 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, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
As we continue our journey in faith, today we honor two remarkable women whose lives bore courageous witness to truth, purity, and divine mission. We remember Saint Joan of Arc (Patroness of France, captives, and soldiers), the courageous young maiden who led armies by divine prompting and died a martyr’s death for her fidelity to God’s call. We also commemorate Saint Dymphna (Patroness of those with mental illness, emotional disorders, and victims of incest), who suffered martyrdom while protecting her purity and standing firm against evil. On this shared memorial, we lift our hearts in prayer for all soldiers and military personnel, for prisoners and the wrongly accused, for the mentally ill, the poor, and the suffering. May these two powerful intercessors bring consolation, healing, and peace to all in need.
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 🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter | Friday, May 30, 2025 Reading 1, Acts 18:9-18 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 Gospel, John 16:20-23
Gospel Reading ~ John 16:20–23
“You will grieve, but your grief will become joy”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gently prepares His disciples for the sorrow that will come with His Passion. He compares their future grief to a woman in labor deep anguish that transforms into overwhelming joy once the child is born. This metaphor not only comforts the disciples but also reveals a profound truth of Christian life: sorrow is never the final word. Pain is not meaningless; it is often the birth canal through which God brings forth new life, deeper faith, and lasting joy. Christ does not sugarcoat the hardships. “You will weep and mourn,” He says plainly. But He also offers hope: “I will see you again.” That promise changes everything. Joy, in this context, is not a temporary emotion it is the unshakable gladness that comes from knowing the risen Christ. It is a joy rooted in eternal love, beyond the reach of the world’s fleeting pleasures and passing sufferings.
In the First Reading, the Lord speaks to Paul in a vision during his mission in Corinth, saying: “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” These words echo the reassurance of Christ in the Gospel. Even when opposition arises and Paul is brought before the tribunal, God’s promise sustains him. Though the Jewish leaders conspire and stir hostility, Paul is not harmed. God raises up unexpected defenders even a Roman official, Gallio, who refuses to condemn Paul over religious disputes. God’s providence works even through secular powers to protect His mission. St. Paul’s courage is also fortified by community: Priscilla and Aquila accompany him, and he remains committed, even taking a vow before departing. Like the laboring woman in Jesus’ parable, Paul endures many trials, yet never loses sight of the joy set before him the growth of the Church and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm bursts forth with exultation: “God is king of all the earth!” It reminds us that even in moments of suffering, God reigns. Our trials may cloud our sight, but they cannot dethrone our King. “Sing praise to our king, sing praise!” becomes not just a call to worship, but a weapon of faith that pierces the darkness with song.
Am I willing to endure temporary sorrow for the sake of lasting joy? When life brings spiritual labor pains suffering, doubt, or loss do I trust that something new is being born in my soul? Do I remember that Jesus sees me, accompanies me, and will return to my heart again and again with the gift of His peace? In my trials, do I ask the Father boldly in Jesus’ name, trusting that He hears me?
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, let it be a reminder that suffering in Christ always leads to transformation. Like St. Paul, remain steadfast. Like the disciples, believe that your sorrow will become joy. As you walk through the trials of life, remember: the Lord sees you, strengthens you, and is with you. Do not be afraid. Praise God through the pain. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we await His joy with faith, and carry His promise into the world with courage and hope. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You know the sorrows that weigh heavily on our hearts. Thank You for reminding us that our pain is not wasted. You transform our grief into joy, just as You turned the Cross into Resurrection. Help us to hold onto Your promises in times of darkness, and to remain confident that You walk with us in every season. May we ask boldly in Your name and praise joyfully, knowing that our joy in You cannot be taken away. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOAN OF ARC, VIRGIN AND SAINT DYMPHNA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 30TH: As we continue our journey in faith, today we honor two remarkable women whose lives bore courageous witness to truth, purity, and divine mission. We remember Saint Joan of Arc (Patroness of France, captives, and soldiers), the courageous young maiden who led armies by divine prompting and died a martyr’s death for her fidelity to God’s call. We also commemorate Saint Dymphna (Patroness of those with mental illness, emotional disorders, and victims of incest), who suffered martyrdom while protecting her purity and standing firm against evil. On this shared memorial, we lift our hearts in prayer for all soldiers and military personnel, for prisoners and the wrongly accused, for the mentally ill, the poor, and the suffering. May these two powerful intercessors bring consolation, healing, and peace to all in need.
SAINT JOAN OF ARC, VIRGIN: Born in 1412 in Domrémy, France, during the turbulent Hundred Years’ War, Joan of Arc, nicknamed “The Maid of Orléans,” was a humble farm girl raised in deep piety. From the age of thirteen, she began receiving visions and heavenly voices from St. Michael the Archangel, St. Margaret of Antioch, and St. Catherine of Alexandria, calling her to support the rightful king and liberate France from English domination.
Despite resistance, Joan courageously sought an audience with Charles VII, and after gaining his trust, she led French forces to significant victories, including the lifting of the siege of Orléans in 1429. Clad in armor but bearing the names Jesus and Mary on her banner, she marched into battle with faith as her shield and became a symbol of hope and national pride. Captured by the Burgundians in 1430 and abandoned by her king, Joan was handed over to the English and subjected to a sham ecclesiastical trial under Bishop Pierre Cauchon. She was falsely accused of heresy, witchcraft, and dressing like a man. Though she remained steadfast in her mission and devotion, Joan was condemned and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, at the age of 19. Her final words were prayers to Jesus, her eyes fixed on a crucifix. In 1456, her trial was annulled, declaring her innocent. She was beatified in 1909 by Pope Pius X and canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. Today, she stands as one of France’s greatest heroines and a radiant model of courage, purity, and trust in divine providence.
Quotes of Saint Joan of Arc:
“About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know that they are just one thing, and we shouldn’t complicate the matter.”
“If I be not in a state of grace, I pray God place me in it; if I be in it, I pray God keep me so.”
PRAYER: O God, who raised up Saint Joan to defend faith and country, grant that through her intercession we may remain steadfast in Your will and always courageous in our witness. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT DYMPHNA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Dymphna lived in 7th-century Ireland, the daughter of a pagan chieftain, Damon, and a devout Christian mother. From a young age, Dymphna consecrated her virginity to Christ and was raised in the light of the Gospel. After her mother’s death, her father’s grief took a tragic turn. In his madness and sin, he resolved to marry Dymphna due to her striking resemblance to her mother. In horror and faith, Dymphna fled with her confessor, Fr. Gerebernus, and companions across the sea to Gheel, Belgium, where they lived in hiding and prayerful simplicity. When her father tracked her down, he executed Fr. Gerebernus and, upon her continued refusal, beheaded Dymphna himself, enraged and possessed by evil. She was only 15 years old and received the crown of martyrdom defending her chastity and faith.
Miracles soon followed at the site of her death. A chapel built in her honor became a place of healing for those suffering from epilepsy, mental illness, and emotional distress. To this day, Gheel remains a center of psychiatric care rooted in Christian charity, where St. Dymphna is invoked as a powerful intercessor.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, You chose St. Dymphna as a witness of purity and a protector of those afflicted in mind and spirit. Through her prayers, bring healing and peace to all who suffer, especially those we name in our hearts. Grant them comfort, courage, and the grace of Your divine will. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Dymphna ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: For Working Conditions ~ Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ~ POPE FRANCIS: For Working Conditions ~ Jesus, You knew work in this world, and You understand its hardships and joys… Hear our prayer today. Working is a human trait… Work is sacred… The beauty of the earth and the dignity of work were meant to be united… The earth becomes beautiful when man works… Lord, You see that we believe this with conviction, but we desire even more for it to become a reality among us.
We are saddened when people can’t find work and lack the dignity of bringing bread to their home. Give us the light of your Spirit, open our hearts, do not let indifference overcome us. Help us recover the gift of universal brotherhood. We ask for a heart as big as Jesus’s so we can embrace the call to work to give dignity to people and families. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.
In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we reflect on today’s Gospel, where Jesus assures us that our sorrow will turn into joy, and as we witness Paul’s perseverance in his mission despite trials, we pray for all those who are facing intense suffering especially those burdened by mental illness, fear, spiritual attacks, or persecution for their beliefs. May they be comforted with divine strength and be filled with hope. Through the courageous intercession of Saint Joan of Arc, who stood firm in her convictions amidst adversity, and Saint Dymphna, the gentle protector of those battling mental and emotional distress, may all who are suffering be granted healing, peace, and unwavering faith in God’s providence.
LET US PRAY
My glorious Lord, You endured Your passion with perfect virtue. You never wavered from fulfilling the will of the Father, and the fruit of Your perseverance was the glory of the Resurrection. Please help me to patiently endure the crosses in my life and give me hope to see that from them You will bring forth the good fruit of eternal joy. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, You who turn mourning into dancing and sorrow into joy, we bring before You all those who are weary in spirit, anxious in heart, or suffering in silence. Through the example of Saint Paul’s bold witness, may we, too, be fearless in proclaiming Your truth. May the valiant courage of Saint Joan of Arc and the compassionate tenderness of Saint Dymphna inspire us to be brave in affliction and tender with those who struggle. Grant us the grace to trust in Your promises and to remain faithful in every trial. Amen. 🙏🏽
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Dymphna ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, for the gift of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection, may our hearts remain open to the peace and hope that flow from His victory over sin and death. During this joyful Easter season, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and draw us closer to the mystery of His Passion, death, and Resurrection. May we walk in the light of His risen life, renewed in spirit and overflowing with grace. Praying for us all and our loved ones today and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling during this Easter season. As we embrace the blessings of this new month, may God’s abundant grace continue to shower upon us, filling our hearts with peace, joy, and hope in His Resurrection. May this Friday be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Friday and joyful Sixth Week of Easter and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽
The Novena to the Holy Spirit 2025:Friday,May 30th to Saturday, June 7th
Today marks the start of the Novena to the Holy Spirit, the oldest novena in the Church, originally prayed by the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
This powerful nine-day prayer prepares our hearts to receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Each day focuses on a different Gift of the Holy Spirit, leading us to Pentecost Sunday.
Let us join together in prayer from May 30th to June 7th, asking the Holy Spirit to renew and strengthen us in faith.
🕊️ “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.”
Day One – Friday, May 30, 2025 | 6th Week of Easter Prayed in preparation for Pentecost
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Only one thing is important—eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared—sin! Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts, He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us.”
PRAYER: Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us Your sevenfold Spirit: the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen. 🙏
Our Father and Hail MaryONCE Glory Be to the FatherSEVEN TIMES
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You, and ask You, by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant heareth.” Amen. 🙏
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven, did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul the work of Your grace and Your love.
Grant me:
The Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the Things that are eternal,
The Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth,
The Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven,
The Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and overcome with courage all obstacles to my salvation,
The Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and myself and grow in holiness,
The Spirit of Piety that I may find joy in serving God lovingly,
And the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that I may be filled with reverence and avoid all that may offend You.
Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen. 🙏
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, Who did instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏
[This Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.]
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 29, 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-86/
Greetings beloved family and Happy Feast of Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
We thank God for the gift of life and particularly pray for all those who celebrate their birthdays in the month of May. We also pray for all those graduating during this season. May the good Lord bless and favor them, direct their path and grant them good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
May this 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🙏🏽
The entire month of May is dedicated to our beloved Mother Mary, the Mother of God. As we continue to rejoice in the victory of Christ’s Resurrection, we give heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the month of May. May this Easter season renew our strength, deepen our faith, and fill our hearts with the peace of the Risen Lord. May our Mother Mary continue to intercede for us and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Easter. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, safe and blessed month. 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, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
As we continue walking in the light of Christ, today we honor four holy men and women whose lives shone brightly with faith, courage, and charity. We remember Saint Paul VI, Pope (Patron of dialogue and peace), who faithfully shepherded the Church through the Second Vatican Council and deepened its mission in the modern world. We also commemorate Saint Maximinus of Trier (Patron against perjury and destructive storms), a bold bishop and defender of Christ’s divinity amid fierce heresies; Saint Ursula (Giulia) Ledóchowska (Patroness of orphans and the Ursuline Sisters of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus), a missionary nun of mercy and service to the poor; and Saint Bona of Pisa (Patroness of travelers and flight attendants), a visionary and tireless pilgrim who led others on holy journeys. Through their powerful intercession and that of our Blessed Mother, Mary, Mother of the Church, we lift up the sick and the suffering especially those battling terminal illness. We pray for the poor, the lonely, and those in spiritual need. May peace, healing, and faith abound in our hearts, our families, and our world. We also remember the Church and her clergy, persecuted Christians, and the conversion of souls around the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (ASCENSION THURSDAY): The Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter Sunday, also called Ascension Thursday. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, and among the oldest and most solemn feasts on the liturgical calendar. The Feast of the Ascension commemorates the Ascension of Christ into heaven, according to Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and Acts 1:2. On this feast day, we remember the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Heaven to the ‘right hand of the Father’. This feast day is important to Christians as the ascension shows that Jesus not only overcame death but that He will live forever. It falls ten days from the end of the Eastertide period, a period which is joyous in tone as Christians celebrate the “glorious risen Christ”. After Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead, He continued to appear to His disciples for a period of 40 days. After this time, with His Apostles gathered around Him on the Mount of Olives, Jesus was taken up bodily into heaven, as recorded in the Gospels. To comfort them in His physical absence, He promised to send them a Consoler and Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with them and to guide them into all truth until the end of the world.
In the Eastern Church this feast was known as analepsis, “the taking up”, and also as the episozomene, the salvation, denoting that by ascending into His glory, Christ completed the work of our redemption. The terms used in the West, ascensio and, occasionally, ascensa, signify that Christ was raised up by His own powers. Tradition designates Mount Olivet near Bethany as the place where Christ left the earth. The feast falls on Thursday. It is one of the Ecumenical feasts ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter and of Pentecost among the most solemn in the calendar. The feast has a vigil and, since the fifteenth century, an octave which is set apart for a novena of preparation for Pentecost, in accordance with the directions of Leo XIII.
Traditionally the Ascension of Our Lord was held 40 days after Easter, falling on a Thursday. In the United States, the ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, and Philadelphia have retained the celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension on the proper Thursday. However in most dioceses in the United States and in many dioceses in the world the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the following Sunday, this year it’s celebrated on June 1, 2025 superseding the 7th Sunday of Easter.
Save Us, Savior of the World 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Please note: There are two reflections today: For those dioceses that celebrate the Ascension today (Refer to Sunday Scripture Reflections ~ The Ascension of the Lord | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052925-Ascension.cfm
Scripture Reflections for Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter is used in those dioceses where the Ascension is transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter (Refer to today’s Scripture Reflections ~ Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord | Thursday, May 29, 2025 Reading 1: Acts 1:1–11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2–3, 6–7, 8–9 Reading 2: Ephesians 1:17–23 or Hebrews 9:24–28; 10:19–23 Gospel: Luke 24:46–53
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 24:46–53 (The Ascension of the Lord)
“As He blessed them He parted from them and was taken up to heaven”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.”
On this Solemnity of the Ascension, we commemorate the glorious moment when Christ, having completed His earthly mission, ascended into heaven, returning to the Father in divine majesty. But this feast is not one of absence it is one of promise. Jesus’ physical departure is not a goodbye, but a commissioning. “You are witnesses of these things,” He tells the disciples. His Ascension is the crowning moment of the Paschal Mystery and the beginning of the Church’s mission in the world. From now on, the Gospel is entrusted to His followers you and me to be proclaimed in every nation and to every heart. Yet He does not leave us orphaned. The promise of the Holy Spirit “power from on high” remains His enduring gift.
The scene is rich with paradox: as Jesus is taken from their sight, the disciples are not left in sorrow but return to Jerusalem with great joy. Why joy? Because they now understand that Christ’s mission is expanding not ending. The same hands that healed, blessed, and were nailed to the cross are raised in benediction as He ascends, assuring them that His presence will endure in a new and powerful way. The Ascension is not a moment of loss but of deepened faith and a call to witness.
In the First Reading from Acts, St. Luke gives us a beautiful account of the Ascension as a transition from Christ’s visible presence to His spiritual reign. Before being lifted up, Jesus commands the apostles to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the Father’s promise the Holy Spirit. He reminds them that the power they will receive is not for personal glory but for mission: “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” The image of the apostles gazing at the sky, stunned, is profoundly human and into that moment step two heavenly messengers who redirect their focus: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” In other words: your mission is here, now. Look not only upward, but outward. Heaven awaits, but earth still needs witnesses.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm resounds with royal joy and triumph: “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.” This image of divine enthronement echoes the Ascension’s glory. God reigns not from a distant place but in the midst of His people, exalted in majesty yet near to us in love. Every shout, every trumpet, every hymn of praise in this psalm mirrors the jubilation of the disciples, and it invites us to celebrate our King who now reigns in heaven, interceding for us and preparing a place for us.
In the Second Reading, whether we hear from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians or the Letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded of the heavenly reality of Christ’s ascension. Paul speaks of “the surpassing greatness of his power” and Christ being seated at God’s right hand “far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion.” The letter to the Hebrews assures us that Jesus, our great High Priest, has entered not a man-made sanctuary, but heaven itself, to appear before God on our behalf. He is our advocate, our intercessor, our eternal hope.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we ask: Are we living as witnesses to the risen and ascended Christ? Are we looking up to heaven in hope, or have we gotten lost in staring without acting? Like the disciples, we are not to stay in the clouds of wonder but to bring the message of salvation to earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we live the joy of the Resurrection and carry the mission of the Ascension knowing Christ is with us always, until the end of time.
Lord Jesus, as You ascended into heaven, You lifted our hearts with You. Grant us the courage to be Your faithful witnesses on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit and filled with the joy of Your presence. Reign in our hearts as King, and guide us always toward our heavenly home. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter | May 29, 2025 Reading 1: Acts 18:1–8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 Gospel: John 16:16–20
Gospel Reading ~ John 16:16–20
“You will grieve, but your grief will become joy”
Jesus said to his disciples: “A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.” So some of his disciples said to one another, “What does this mean that he is saying to us, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” So they said, “What is this ‘little while’ of which he speaks? We do not know what he means.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing with one another what I said, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for a time of absence and uncertainty. He tells them, “A little while and you will not see me; again a little while and you will see me.” This statement puzzles them because they don’t fully understand what He means by “a little while.” Jesus acknowledges the confusion but assures them that although they will experience grief and mourning, their sorrow will transform into joy. This promise of joy amidst suffering reflects the resurrection hope that underpins the Easter season. Jesus invites His followers to trust in His timing and divine plan, even when it feels like a moment of loss or abandonment. Their grief is temporary because it will give way to the joy of seeing Him again, a joy that surpasses worldly happiness and stems from the deep communion with the Father. This reading reminds us that Christian life often involves seasons of waiting and uncertainty, but with faith, we hold onto the promise that God’s presence will return in joy and renewal.
The First Reading recounts Paul’s arrival in Corinth, where he meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers and believers. Paul immediately begins preaching in the synagogue, faithfully witnessing to Jesus as the Christ despite opposition. When rejected by some Jews, Paul boldly declares he will now turn to the Gentiles, illustrating the expanding mission of the Church beyond Israel. This passage highlights perseverance in faith and mission even in the face of rejection. Paul’s example challenges us to be courageous witnesses of Christ in our own lives. Like Paul, we may encounter resistance or feel discouraged, but God calls us to remain steadfast and trust that He is working through our efforts. The story of Crispus and many Corinthians embracing faith shows the power of faithful witness to transform lives and communities.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm calls all creation to sing a new song of praise to the Lord, who has revealed His saving power to the nations. The imagery of God’s “right hand” and “holy arm” victorious reminds us of His mighty acts of salvation that reach beyond Israel to all peoples. As followers of Christ, we are invited to join in this universal song of joy and thanksgiving. The Psalm reassures us that God’s kindness and faithfulness endure forever. Even when we face difficulties, we are called to sing joyfully, trusting that God’s saving work is always at hand and that His justice and mercy extend to the whole world. How do I respond to moments of loss or uncertainty in my life? Am I open to God’s timing and trust in His promise of joy after grief? Like Paul, am I willing to witness boldly to my faith, even when met with opposition? How do I participate in God’s saving work in my community and beyond? Let us live today with patience and hope, trusting that God’s timing is perfect. In every trial, let us remember that sorrow will give way to joy, and our faithfulness in small moments of witness can bring others closer to Christ. May we be courageous in proclaiming the Gospel and joyful in the salvation God reveals to all nations.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures on this great Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, marking the moment when the Lord Jesus Christ, forty days after His glorious Resurrection from the dead, ascended in glory to His heavenly Throne. The Lord Jesus ascended in glory by His own power, leaving behind this world but not abandoning His disciples and followers. He ascended to prepare for us all our places by His side in Heaven, to welcome us all in the end of time, to prove to us that we all truly have something to look forward to in our faithful and dedicated life. Through His Ascension, He returned triumphantly and gloriously to where He had come from, the Throne of God as the only begotten Son of God and the Divine Word Incarnate, and to prepare a place for all of us, His disciples and followers in the world that is to come. Let us all therefore realise well that we are all called to continue the good works that the Lord had begun with His Apostles and our holy predecessors. There are indeed still many opportunities and chances presented to us in our world today, with its unique challenges and difficulties, and with many are still lost to the Lord, or having forgotten His love and truth, in their pursuit of worldly glory, ambition and pleasures. It is up to us then to make good use of the blessings, talents and opportunities that God has given to us so that we may continue to be good role models and inspirations for one another, at all times. Through our lives and examples, we may indeed be the shining beacons of God’s light and truth, proclaiming His Good News to all the people around us and beyond. May the Risen Lord Who had ascended in glory into Heaven, as He takes up His Throne, continue to be with us all His Church, and continue to guide and strengthen us all in our path. May He continue to empower each and every one of us with the strength and courage to see things through and to persevere despite the many challenges and trials that we may have to encounter and endure in our respective paths in life and in our respective vocations and ministries. May the Lord, ascended in glory onto His Throne in Heaven, most excellent and almighty, continue to guide us all His Church and all of us His beloved ones, in our path and way of life so that we may truly be the inspirational and worthy beacons of His light, truth and love. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with us always and may all of us continue to strive to be faithful in all things, and do our best to be good role models and inspiration as the missionaries and disciples of our Lord in our world today, ever inspired, strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, in times of waiting and sorrow, help me to trust Your promise that my grief will turn to joy. Strengthen my faith to persevere in sharing Your love, even when faced with challenges. May Your Spirit guide me to sing new songs of praise and witness to Your saving power every day. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PAUL VI, POPE; SAINT MAXIMINUS OF TRIER, BISHOP; SAINT URSULA (GIULIA) LEDÓCHOWSKA AND SAINT BONA OF PISA, RELIGIOUS ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 29TH: As we continue walking in the light of Christ, today we honor four holy men and women whose lives shone brightly with faith, courage, and charity. We remember Saint Paul VI, Pope (Patron of dialogue and peace), who faithfully shepherded the Church through the Second Vatican Council and deepened its mission in the modern world. We also commemorate Saint Maximinus of Trier (Patron against perjury and destructive storms), a bold bishop and defender of Christ’s divinity amid fierce heresies; Saint Ursula (Giulia) Ledóchowska (Patroness of orphans and the Ursuline Sisters of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus), a missionary nun of mercy and service to the poor; and Saint Bona of Pisa (Patroness of travelers and flight attendants), a visionary and tireless pilgrim who led others on holy journeys. Through their powerful intercession and that of our Blessed Mother, Mary, Mother of the Church, we lift up the sick and the suffering especially those battling terminal illness. We pray for the poor, the lonely, and those in spiritual need. May peace, healing, and faith abound in our hearts, our families, and our world. We also remember the Church and her clergy, persecuted Christians, and the conversion of souls around the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT PAUL VI, POPE: Giovanni Battista Montini, born September 26, 1897, in Concesio, Italy, became Pope Paul VI on June 21, 1963, following the death of Pope John XXIII. Known for his humility, intellect, and courage, Paul VI guided the Church through the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council and oversaw its challenging implementation in a rapidly changing world. As Archbishop of Milan, he was called the “Archbishop of the Workers,” showing great concern for social issues, labor, and Catholic education. He wrote extensively on evangelization, ecumenism, and human life, notably the encyclical Humanae Vitae. His papacy was marked by pastoral sensitivity and a prophetic voice that spoke both truth and compassion. He died on August 6, 1978, and was canonized in 2018.
PRAYER: Saint Paul VI, Pope and shepherd of the universal Church, who courageously led the Church through the transformative years of the Second Vatican Council, calling us to holiness and dialogue with the modern world.
Saint Paul VI, Pope ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
SAINT MAXIMINUS OF TRIER, BISHOP: Born in present-day France, Saint Maximinus became Bishop of Trier around 332 AD. As a fierce defender of the faith, he stood alongside Saint Athanasius in combating the Arian heresy, offering him protection during exile. Maximinus’s courage earned him a reputation as one of the most valiant bishops of his time. He led synods, confronted heresies, and protected the truth of Christ’s divinity at great personal cost. Saint Jerome praised him as a noble, fearless, and miracle-working pastor. Though his writings are lost, his legacy remains as a model of episcopal zeal and orthodoxy. He died around the year 346.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, through the bold witness of Saint Maximinus, may we remain steadfast in truth and unwavering in charity. Grant us the courage to defend our faith and trust in Your protection always. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT URSULA (GIULIA) LEDÓCHOWSKA, RELIGIOUS: Born in 1865 into the noble and deeply devout Ledóchowski family of Austria, Saint Ursula Ledóchowska entered religious life and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus (Gray Ursulines). A tireless missionary, she served in Russia, Finland, and Scandinavia—evangelizing and educating in times of turmoil. Known for her love of the poor, her outreach spanned orphanages, schools, and homes for the suffering. At her canonization in 2003, Pope John Paul II declared that her life “was a mission of mercy for the most deprived.” She died on May 29, 1939, and her incorrupt body rests in Pniewy, Poland.
PRAYER: Saint Ursula (Giulia) Ledóchowska, tireless educator and foundress whose mission of mercy brought hope to the poor, the youth, and the sick;
Saint Ursula Ledóchowska ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
SAINT BONA OF PISA, RELIGIOUS: Born in Pisa, Italy, in 1156, Saint Bona experienced visions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Saint James as a child. At just 14, she began pilgrimages to the Holy Land, enduring great hardships including capture and injury. She became a Third Order Augustinian and was appointed an official guide for pilgrims traveling the Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago). She completed this long pilgrimage nine times often leading large groups and made a tenth journey before falling ill and dying in 1207. Her adventurous and faithful spirit inspires all who seek God in life’s journeys.
PRAYER: and Saint Bona of Pisa, devoted pilgrim and patron of travelers, who embraced hardship with faith and led many safely along the Way of St. James.
Saint Bona of Pisa, Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Holy Saints of God whom we honor today, faithful servants of the Lord in times of challenge, heresy, poverty, and pilgrimage intercede for us. Strengthen us with courage like Saint Maximinus, wisdom like Saint Paul VI, compassion like Saint Ursula, and perseverance like Saint Bona. May your examples lead us closer to Christ and inspire us to live with faith, hope, and love. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Paul VI, Saint Maximinus of Trier, Saint Ursula Ledóchowska, and Saint Bona of Pisa, Religious~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: For Working Conditions ~ Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ~ POPE FRANCIS: For Working Conditions ~ Jesus, You knew work in this world, and You understand its hardships and joys… Hear our prayer today. Working is a human trait… Work is sacred… The beauty of the earth and the dignity of work were meant to be united… The earth becomes beautiful when man works… Lord, You see that we believe this with conviction, but we desire even more for it to become a reality among us.
We are saddened when people can’t find work and lack the dignity of bringing bread to their home. Give us the light of your Spirit, open our hearts, do not let indifference overcome us. Help us recover the gift of universal brotherhood. We ask for a heart as big as Jesus’s so we can embrace the call to work to give dignity to people and families. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.
In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we celebrate the glorious Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, we lift up our hearts in prayer for the Church and the world. We pray for the Church, that she may be renewed in zeal and joy, boldly proclaiming the Gospel to every corner of the earth, just as the apostles were sent forth after witnessing the Ascension. We remember our Holy Father and all bishops, that through the example of Saint Paul VI and Saint Maximinus of Trier, they may shepherd the faithful with wisdom, courage, and humility. Inspired by Saint Ursula Ledóchowska and Saint Bona of Pisa, we pray for all religious women and missionaries, that their lives of sacrifice may continue to inspire holiness in others. We entrust to God all travelers and pilgrims, seeking the intercession of Saint Bona, the patroness of travelers, for their safety and peace. We pray for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and all those who feel abandoned, that they may be lifted by the hope of Christ’s return and the love of those around them. And for those who are burdened by doubt, fear, or discouragement, may the promise of the Holy Spirit and the glory of the Ascended Christ bring them light, comfort, and renewed strength.
LET US PRAY
My ascended Lord, as You entered body and soul into the full and glorious presence of Your Father, You handed on to your disciples the duty of completing Your mission on earth. I hear Your call in my life, dear Lord, and commit myself to the glorious task of continuing that mission on earth. Please use me as You will and fill me with power from on high so that I may help share Your saving Word to the ends of the earth. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, You ascended to the right hand of the Father to intercede for us and to prepare a place for Your faithful. As we rejoice in Your glory, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven while our hearts remain rooted in love and service here on earth. Through the intercession of Saint Paul VI, Saint Maximinus, Saint Ursula, and Saint Bona, grant us the grace to witness boldly, serve humbly, and endure faithfully. Strengthen Your Church in holiness, unite Your people in peace, and pour out Your Spirit upon us as we await Your return in glory. Amen. 🙏🏽
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Paul VI, Saint Maximinus of Trier, Saint Ursula Ledóchowska, and Saint Bona of Pisa, Religious ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, for the gift of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection, may our hearts remain open to the peace and hope that flow from His victory over sin and death. During this joyful Easter season, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and draw us closer to the mystery of His Passion, death, and Resurrection. May we walk in the light of His risen life, renewed in spirit and overflowing with grace. Praying for us all and our loved ones today and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling during this Easter season. As we embrace the blessings of this new month, may God’s abundant grace continue to shower upon us, filling our hearts with peace, joy, and hope in His Resurrection. May this Ascension Thursday be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Ascension Thursday and joyful Sixth Week of Easter🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOAN OF ARC, VIRGIN AND SAINT DYMPHNA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 30TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Joan of Arc, Virgin and Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the safety and well-being of all those in the military, for captives and those in prison. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. We also pray for the sick and dying especially those suffering from cancer and and those with mental illness. 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.🙏🏽
SAINT JOAN OF ARC, VIRGIN: St. Joan of Arc (1412-1431), nicknamed “The Maid of Orléans; La Pucelle,” was born in 1412, at the obscure village of Domrémy-la-Pucelle, France, near the province of Lorraine during the Hundred Years War between France and England. St. Joan was a daughter of poor pious tenant farmers Jacques d’ Arc and his wife, Isabelle Romée. St. Joan learned piety and domestic skills from her mother. Never venturing far from home, St. Joan took care of the animals and became quite skilled as a seamstress. She was a pious child, and from age 13 she received visions of saints, most notably St. Michael the Archangel, St. Margaret of Antioch, and St. Catherine of Alexandria, who became her special Patrons. Through these visions, voices, and other interior promptings, St. Joan understood that she was to go help the King of France regain his throne and reconquer his kingdom from the invading forces of England and Burgundy. In 1428, she traveled to Vaucouleurs and requested to be taken to Charles. Her request to see the king was rejected twice, but she was finally given an escort to meet Charles at Chinon. After their interview, overcoming her own reluctance, and oppositions and convincing members of the court, the military and the Church ecclesiastical authorities, Charles sent St. Joan to the siege of Orléans as part of a relief army, she was given a small army. She arrived at the city on April 29, 1429, and quickly gained prominence during the fighting. She heroically led the French army in battle. She charged into battle bearing a banner which bore the names “Jesus” and “Mary” as well as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. A national heroine of France, at age 17 Joan of Arc led the French army to victory over the English at Orléans. Due to her leadership and trust in God, she was able to raise the siege of Orleans on May 8, 1429. St. Joan and her army went on to win a series of battles, they fought to drive the English out of France and recaptured Orleans and Troyes. Because of her efforts, the king was able to enter Rheims, which allowed Charles VII to be restored to the throne of France, as the French king. He was crowned with St. Joan at his side. All the while she wore the dress of a soldier to protect her virtue and modesty.
The following year, as St. Joan was attempting to relieve Compiegne, she was eventually captured by the forces of Burgundy in May of 1430. When her own king and army did nothing to save her, she was sold to the English. She was imprisoned for a time and then placed on trial under accusation of heresy and witchcraft. Bishop Peter Cauchon of Beauvais presided over her trial. His hope was that in being harsh with St. Joan, the English would help him become archbishop. She was treated unjustly and illegally during her captivity, and her trial became a circus. On May 29, 1431, the tribunal announced St. Joan of Arc was guilty of heresy. On the morning of May 30th, under political pressure she was condemned to death on counts of heresy, witchcraft, and adultery, even though she proved herself to be blameless and fearless in character and faith. She was taken to the marketplace in Rouen, France and burned alive at the stake, before an estimated crowd of 10,000 people. As she burned she kept her eyes on a crucifix and repeatedly called on the name of Jesus. She was 19 years old when she died on May 30, 1431. One legend surrounding the event tells of how her heart survived the fire unaffected. Her ashes were gathered and scattered in the Seine. A second Church trial twenty-five years later nullified the earlier verdict and found her innocent of all charges, paving the way for her veneration as a saint. St. Joan of Arc was Beatified on April 18, 1909, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome by Pope Pius X and Canonized as a Roman Catholic saint more than 500 years after her death, on May 16, 1920, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome by Pope Benedict XV. In 1456, twenty five years after her death, Pope Callixtus III authorized an inquisitorial court to investigate the original trial. The court nullified the trial’s verdict, declaring it was tainted by deceit and procedural errors, and Joan was exonerated. Since her death, Joan has been popularly revered as a martyr. After the French Revolution she became a national symbol of France. St. Joan was declared a secondary patron saint of France in 1922. She is the Patron Saint of France; martyrs; captives; rape victims; military personnel; people ridiculed for their piety; prisoners; soldiers; women who have served in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service); and Women’s Army Corps. Her feast day is May 30th.
QUOTES OF ST. JOAN OF ARC, VIRGIN ☆“About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know, that they are just one thing and we shouldn’t complicate the matter.” ☆“If I be not in a state of grace, I pray God place me in it, if I be in it, I pray God keep me so.”
PRAYER: God, You chose St. Joan, Your virgin, to defend her country against its invader. Through her intercession enable us to work for justice and to live in peace… Amen🙏🏽 Saint Joan of Arc, Virgin ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
SAINT DYMPHNA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: St. Dymphna was born in the 7th or 9th century. Her father, Damon, an Irish chieftain of great wealth and power, was a pagan. Her mother was a very beautiful and devout Christian. St. Dymphna was raised as a Christian, and she consecrated her virginity to Christ at a young age. St. Dymphna was fourteen when her mother died. St. Dymphna’s father loved his wife deeply. When her mother died, Dymphna’s father was so overcome with grief that he became mentally unstable. He sent messengers throughout his own and other lands to find some woman of noble birth, resembling his wife, who would be willing to marry him. When none could be found with equal character and beauty to his first wife, his evil advisere told him to marry his own daughter. He attempted to marry Dymphna due to her close resemblance to her mother. Upon learning of her father’s wicked plan and incestuous interest, Dymphna fled across the sea into Belgium along with her tutor and confessor, Father Gerebernus and two companions. They then built an oratory at Gheel where they lived as hermits. Her father pursued them and eventually discovered their location by tracing the foreign money they used along the way. St. Dymphna’s father search led to Belgium. There an innkeeper refused to accept his money, knowing it was difficult to exchange. This told Damon that his daughter was close – it would be unusual for a village innkeeper to know a lot about foreign currency, and his knowledge indicated that had recently seen it. The king concentrated his search in the area. Tracked down by Dymphna’s father, he found them in Gheel, the two companions and the priest, Fr. Gerebernus were murdered by his men, and Dymphna was beheaded by her father when she refused his plea to return with him to Ireland to be his wife. He cut off her head in a mad rage. She was then only fifteen years of age. St. Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom in defense of her purity.
Many miracles have taken place at her shrine, the Church built on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium, near Antwerp. There have been numerous accounts of those afflicted with epilepsy and mental illness visiting her tomb and receiving miraculous cures through her intercession. Because of this, St. Dympha is the Patron Saint of those suffering from nervous and mental affections; neurological disorders and illnesses, as well as of mental health professionals; against sleepwalking; against epilepsy; against insanity; family happiness; incest victims; loss of parents; martyrs; mental asylums; mental health caregivers; mental hospitals; mentally ill people; nervous disorders; possessed people; princesses; psychiatrists; rape victims; runaways; sleepwalkers; therapists. There is now a well-known institution on the site, and her relics are reported to cure insanity and epilepsy.
PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. DYMPHNA: Lord Jesus Christ, You have willed that St. Dymphna should be invoked by thousands of clients as the patroness of nervous and mental disease and have brought it about that her interest in these patients should be an inspiration to and an ideal of charity throughout the world. Grant that, through the prayers of this youthful martyr of purity, those who suffer from nervous and mental illness everywhere on earth may be helped and consoled. I recommend to You in particular, (name). Be pleased to hear the prayer of St. Dymphna and of your Blessed Mother. Give those whom I recommend the patience to bear their affliction and resignation to do Your divine will. Give them the consolation they need and especially the cure they so much desire, if it be Your will. Through Christ, our Lord… Amen🙏🏽
PRAYER: Hear us, O God, our Savior, as we honor St. Dymphna, Patroness of those afflicted with mental and emotional illness. Help us to be inspired by her example and comforted by her merciful help. Amen🙏🏽
The Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter Sunday, also called Ascension Thursday. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, and among the oldest and most solemn feasts on the liturgical calendar. The Feast of the Ascension commemorates the Ascension of Christ into heaven, according to Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and Acts 1:2. On this feast day, we remember the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Heaven to the ‘right hand of the Father’. This feast day is important to Christians as the ascension shows that Jesus not only overcame death but that He will live forever. It falls ten days from the end of the Eastertide period, a period which is joyous in tone as Christians celebrate the “glorious risen Christ”. After Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead, He continued to appear to His disciples for a period of 40 days. After this time, with His Apostles gathered around Him on the Mount of Olives, Jesus was taken up bodily into heaven, as recorded in the Gospels. To comfort them in His physical absence, He promised to send them a Consoler and Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with them and to guide them into all truth until the end of the world.
In the Eastern Church this feast was known as analepsis, “the taking up”, and also as the episozomene, the salvation, denoting that by ascending into His glory, Christ completed the work of our redemption. The terms used in the West, ascensio and, occasionally, ascensa, signify that Christ was raised up by His own powers. Tradition designates Mount Olivet near Bethany as the place where Christ left the earth. The feast falls on Thursday. It is one of the Ecumenical feasts ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter and of Pentecost among the most solemn in the calendar. The feast has a vigil and, since the fifteenth century, an octave which is set apart for a novena of preparation for Pentecost, in accordance with the directions of Leo XIII.
Traditionally, the Ascension of Our Lord was held 40 days after Easter, falling on a Thursday. In the United States, the ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, and Philadelphia have retained the celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension on the proper Thursday. However in most dioceses in the United States and in many dioceses in the world the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the following Sunday, this year it’s celebrated on June 1, 2025 superseding the 7th Sunday of Easter.
