Catholic Daily Mass – Daily TV Mass – May 12, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | May 12, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | May 12, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS NEREUS AND ACHILLEUS, MARTYRS; SAINT PANCRAS, MARTYR; BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI, VIRGIN; SAINT LEOPOLD MANDIC, PRIEST AND SAINT EPIPHANIUS, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 12: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs; Saint Pancras, Martyr; Blessed Imelda Lambertini, Virgin; Saint Leopold, Priest and Saint Epiphanius, Bishop. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. We also pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, for the sick and dying especially those suffering from cancer, for the poor and needy and Christians all over the world.🙏
SAINTS NEREUS AND ACHILLEUS, MARTYRS: Sts. Nereus and Achilleus were martyrs of the faith during the time of the early Roman Empire. According to Pope St. Damasus, Sts. Nereus and Achilleus were Roman soldiers of the 3rd century who became Christians and refused to remain in the service. They were martyred for courageously standing by their faith and buried in the cemetery of Domitilla on the Via Ardeatina. The bas-relief of Achilleus being stricken is the oldest known representation of martyrdom.
The legendary Acts of these martyrs state on the other hand that they were servant of Flavia Domitilla, a niece of the Emperors Titus and Domitian, who became a Christian. They further relate that she was banished to the island of Pontia and was finally martyred at Terracina together with Nereus and Achilleus. During the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian at that time, Christians went through a period of harsh persecution, and many including St. Nereus and St. Achilleus were martyred, both of them by beheading. This legend probably originated in the fact that the martyrs were buried in what was later known as the cemetery of Domitilla.
PRAYER: Saints Achilleus and Nereus, pray for those in the military and armed forces throughout the world that they may always see God as their authority and obey God’s orders first. Amen. O Lord, we honor Sts. Nereus and Achilleus for their courage in dying to profess their Faith in Christ. May we experience the help of their prayers at the throne of Your mercy. Amen🙏
SAINT PANCRAS, MARTYR: St. Pancras was another martyr of the faith who was only a young boy at the time when he was martyred. Saint Pancras was a Roman citizen who converted to Christianity, and was beheaded for his faith at the age of fourteen, around the year 304. His name is Greek and means “the one that holds everything”. St. Pancras was a Phrygian of noble birth, born to Roman citizens in the region of Phrygia in Asia Minor, his parents passed on early and he was taken care of by a relative. He was baptized at the age of fourteen and proceeded to give all his possessions to the poor. This drew the attention of the authorities to him and ultimately to the fact that he was a Christian. And then during the great persecution of Christians by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, as everyone were forced to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods, St. Pancras resisted and refused to do as ordered with determination. The Emperor, impressed with the young man’s determination, attempted to persuade him with wealth and power, but these were refused to renounce his Christianity and thus St. Pancras was martyred, he was decapitated under Diocletian about 304. He’s Patron Saint against false witness; against perjury; children; cramps; headaches; fidelity to oaths; treaties.
PRAYER: God, give Your Church joy and confidence through the prayers of St. Pancras. Keep us faithful to You and steadfast in Your service. Amen🙏
BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI, VIRGIN: Bl. Imelda Lambertini (1322–1333) was born to a noble and devout family in Bologna, Italy. She was a daughter of Count Egano Lambertini of Bologna and Castora Galuzzi. Her parents doted on her and she was the joy of their lives. As a child she developed a great love for prayer, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and the Holy Eucharist. From the very beginning, prayer was at the centre of her home life. Both parents taught her all they knew about God and the saints, and from a very early age, her holiness and prayerfulness were obvious to those who knew her. She even made a little oratory, that is, a prayer room, for herself in her home and she would often go there to pray. Imelda loved to spend many hours in prayer, talking to her Jesus. She dearly loved to think about the Child Jesus and His life and she then tried to be like Him in all that she did. God rewarded her love for Him and filled her with Divine Grace and He made her into a very spiritual child indeed. She felt drawn to religious life, and planned to become a nun.
She spent much of her time in the Dominican monastery praying with the nuns, and at nine years of age requested to enter there as a postulant. Her parents and the nuns allowed her to enter, however, in that era children her age were not permitted to receive Holy Communion. Bl. Imelda repeatedly pleaded to receive Communion, but each time she was denied. Nevertheless, she developed a close relationship with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. As a student at Dominican Convent of Valdi-Pietra in Bologna, Italy, partly in preparation for religious life, she had a great devotion to Saint Agnes of Rome, of whom she may have had visions, to Mary as Queen of Angels, and to the Holy Eucharist. When the feast of the Ascension approached, Bl. Imelda begged to make her First Holy Communion on this feast. Again, she was denied. On the Vigil of the Feast of the Ascension she was in the chapel praying, as usual, as the other Sisters received Holy Communion. Afterwards a glowing host was seen suspended in the air above the child. The priest understood this as a sign that the child should be permitted to receive, and he ministered the Holy Eucharist to her. Bl. Imelda remained kneeling in prayer in thanksgiving as the nuns left the chapel. When they returned for her, they found her just as they had left her, but her body was lifeless. It was understood that Bl. Imelda died of pure ecstatic joy after receiving Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, as she had so ardently desired. She died in ecstasy of love and joy on May 12, 1333. Bl. Imelda Lambertini is the patron saint of First Communicants. Her feast day is May 12th.
Blessed Imelda Lambertini, Virgin ~ Pray for us🙏
SAINT LEOPOLD MANDIC, PRIEST: St. Leopold, also known as Leopold of Castelnuovo ( May 12, 1866 – July 30, 1942), was a Croatian Capuchin friar and Franciscan priest, who suffered from disabilities that would plague his speech and stature. He spent most of his priestly life in Padua, Italy and developed tremendous spiritual strength in spite of his disabilities and became extremely popular in his ministry as a confessor, often spending 12–15 hours in the confessional. On May 12, 1866, in Dalmatia Croatia, a twelfth child was born to Pietro Mandić and Carolina Zarević (Peter and Caroline Mandic). He was named and baptised Bogdan, ‘the God-given-one’. Although physically frail, from his youth he showed signs of great spiritual strength and integrity. At the age of 16 years, Bogdan left home for Italy to attend the Seraphic School where he was taught by the Capuchins at Udine and was also an aspirant to the order. Life was not easy for him there, since he was physically malformed and still delicate in health. At the age of 18, Bogdan entered the Capuchin Order as a novice at Bassano del Grappa and took the religious name of Brother Leopold. After his Profession of Vows at 23, he embarked on a course of clerical studies first at Padua and then at Venice. Finally, he was ordained in Venice at the age of 28. In the mid-1880s, Bishop Joseph Juraj Strossmayer began an ecumenical movement which focused on unity in diversity, consecrating the cathedral of Djakovo i Srijem (Bosnia) “for the glory of God, church ecumenism, and the peace and love of my people.”Father Leopold dedicated himself to the same end. Refusing to renounce his Croatian nationality during World War I, Leopold was forced to go to southern Italy, where he spent one year in an Italian prison. He wanted to be a missionary in Eastern Europe, torn apart by much religious strife, but was denied by his superiors because of his frailty and general ill-health (In addition to physical deformities, Father Leopold suffered from stomach ailments, poor eyesight, and arthritis.) For 34 years he heard confessions. He was always quick, serene, affable, available for any sacrifice for the good and service of others. Wherever he was assigned over the years, St. Leopold was greatly admired and loved by the people. Father Leopold gave tremendous encouragement to many people, especially those despairing of hope because of an enslavement to sin.
Father Leopold also had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary whom he referred to as “my holy boss”. He was known to pray the rosary quite often, and celebrated the Eucharist daily at the side altar in the Little Office of the Virgin Mary. He would then visit the sick in nursing homes, hospitals and homes all over Padua. He visited the Capuchin infirmary to comfort the sick friars, giving them words of advice and reminding them to have faith. He was an outspoken on issues with children, and being pro-life and especially fond of expectant mothers and young children. He did great work in setting up orphanages for children without parents. Father Leopold suffered from esophageal cancer, which would ultimately lead to his death at age 76. On July 30, 1942, while preparing for the liturgy, he collapsed on the floor. He was then brought to his cell, where he was given the last rites. Friars that had gathered at his bed sang “Salve Regina,” and when they got to the words, “O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary,” St. Leopold died. During the bombing of World War II the church and part of the friary where Leopold lived were demolished, but St. Leopold’s cell and confessional were left unharmed. St. Leopold had predicted this before his death, saying, “The church and the friary will be hit by the bombs, but not this little cell. Here God exercised so much mercy for people, it must remain as a monument to God’s goodness.” Paul VI beatified Leopold on May 2, 1976. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II during the Synod of Bishops on October 16, 1983. St. Leopold is hailed as the “Apostle of Unity.” He is a patron of the Diocese of Phoenix Croation Community that worships at St. Pius X.
“We have in heaven the heart of a mother, The Virgin, our Mother, who at the foot of the Cross suffered as much as possible for a human creature, understands our troubles and consoles us.” ~ St. Leopold
PRAYER: O God, source of life and love, you gave Saint Leopold a tremendous compassion for sinners and a desire for church unity. Through his prayers, grant that we may acknowledge our need of forgiveness, show love to others, and strive to bring about a living unity among Christians. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen🙏
SAINT EPIPHANIUS, BISHOP: Saint Epiphanius of Salamis, an early monk, bishop and Church Father known for his extensive learning and defense of Catholic teachings in the fourth century. During a 2007 visit with the Orthodox Archbishop of Cyprus, Pope Benedict XVI praised Epiphanius as “a good pastor” who “pointed out to the flock entrusted to him by Christ, the truth in which to believe, the way to take and the pitfalls to avoid.” At the beginning of this third millennium, the Pope reflected during the visit, “the Church finds herself facing challenges and problems not at all unlike those which Bishop Epiphanius had to tackle.” Besides the bishop’s primary responsibilities of protecting his flock from those who might lead them astray, St. Epiphanius is also honored for his deep spirituality, and for his almsgiving. No one surpassed him in his tenderness and charity to the poor, and he gave vast sums of money to those in need. St. Epiphanius was born in Palestine around 310 or 315, the son of Greek-speaking Jewish parents. He is said to have been drawn to the Church after seeing a monk give away his clothing to a person in need. Not long after his conversion, he became a monk himself, spending time in the Egyptian deserts. Around 333 he returned to the Holy Land and built a monastery near his birthplace in Judea. St. Epiphanius showed great dedication to the rigors of monasticism, which some of his contemporaries considered excessive, although he insisted he was only seeking to work faithfully for God’s kingdom. The devoted monk was also a man of extraordinary learning, versed in the Hebrew, Egyptian, Syrian, Greek, and Latin languages and literature. For over two decades, until 356, St. Epiphanius was a disciple and close companion of Saint Hilarion the Great, a monk known for his wisdom and miracles. The spiritual bond between them remained unbroken after Hilarion left Palestine around 356. Hilarion’s influence within the Church of Salamis, in present-day Cyprus, led to its choice of Epiphanius as bishop in 367.
During his years in Palestine, St. Epiphanius had frequently offered guidance and help in the Church’s struggle against Arianism, the heresy which denied Jesus’ eternal existence as God. As a bishop, he went on to write several works arguing for orthodox teaching on subjects like the Trinity and the Resurrection. Determined to protect the Church from error, Epiphanius became involved in various controversies and was known as a strong voice for orthodoxy. In some instances, however, his zeal was misguided or uninformed, as when he inadvertently became involved in a plot against Saint John Chrysostom. Likewise, some of St. Epiphanius’ apologetic works are regarded today as inaccurate or flawed on certain points. Nonetheless, he is revered among the early Church Fathers, and his writings – which contain important formulations of orthodox belief – are cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. St. Epiphanius of Salamis died in 403, while returning from Constantinople after distancing himself from the attempt to depose St. John Chrysostom. Sensing the approach of death, he gave his disciples two final pieces of advice: to keep God’s commandments, and guard their thoughts against temptation. He was buried on May 12, 403, after his ship’s return to Salamis. They buried him in a new church which he himself had built. The Seventh Ecumenical Council, in 787, confirmed his reputation as a Church Father worthy of veneration. St. Epiphanius is the Patron Saint of cancer sufferers.
Saint Epiphanius, Bishop ~ Pray for us🙏
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY AND WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS (VOCATIONS SUNDAY) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/good-shepherd-sunday-and-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-2/
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 11, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS DI GIROLAMO, PRIEST AND SAINT MAMMERTUS, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Francis di Girolamo and Saint Mammertus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-11th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 11, 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-68/
Watch “First Regina Caeli prayer with Pope Leo XIV| Live from the Vatican | May 11, 2025 | https://www.youtube.com/live/zJUsFTxDOMk?si=Yzj6iCFL6Au2eHf7
Greetings and blessings, dear beloved family. Happy Good Shepherd and Vocations Sunday, and Happy Mother’s Day to all our beautiful Mothers!
We thank God for the gift of life and for the gift of motherhood. To each and every one of you who are, have been, will be, or act in the capacity of a mother in any manner… Happy Mother’s Day! | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/happy-mothers-day-and-happy-good-shepherd-and-vocations-sunday/
Today, May 11, 2025, is the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This special day, established by Pope Paul VI in 1964, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. It’s a day when Catholics around the world are asked to pray for vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and other forms of ministry. This year’s theme, as reflected in Pope Francis’ message, is “Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life.” The Pope encourages everyone to become pilgrims of hope by offering their lives as a gift, serving those on the periphery, and responding to God’s call. | Read Full Details on the article – https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/good-shepherd-sunday-and-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-2
As we continue to celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, on this God Shepherd and Vocations Sunday, we pray for the Clergy, for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. May Christ, our Risen Shepherd, guide you with His voice, guard you with His love, and lead you ever closer to His heart and May the good Lord continue to guide them and strengthen them all in all their works as they serve in His Vineyard. May God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this Easter season and always 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
We continue to celebrate the election of our Holy Father, 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.
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 🙏🏽
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, blessed start to the month. Amen 🙏🏽
HABEMUS PAPAM! A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
As the Papal Conclave to elect the next Roman Pontiff comes to an end, with profound reverence we give thanks to Almighty God for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, following the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclusion of the conclave.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American and a member of the Order of St. Augustine is known as Pope Leo XIV. A missionary bishop and former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church faithfully in Chiclayo, Peru, and brings with him a pastoral heart deeply shaped by the Gospel and the spirituality of St. Augustine.
LET US PRAY:
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 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS: With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/
On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
Still in the radiant joy of the Easter season, the Church commemorates two holy men of God: Saint Francis di Girolamo (Patron of Naples and preachers), the fiery Jesuit preacher known as the Apostle of Naples, and Saint Mammertus (Patron invoked against earthquakes and natural disasters), the Archbishop of Vienne, who gave the Church the gift of the Rogation Days. Through their faithful witness, the Lord drew countless souls to repentance, renewal, and hope. On this blessed day, we implore their intercession for peace in our world, unity in our Church, protection from natural disasters, and courage for all who preach the Gospel. We also lift up the poor, the sick and dying, those in prison, the persecuted Church, and all in need of conversion.
DAILY REFLECTIONS WITH PHILOMENA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/
Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
A PRAYER FOR PEACE : Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽
Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Sunday of the Fourth Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Fourth Sunday of Easter | Sunday, May 11, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 13:14, 43-52
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 100:1-2, 3, 5
Reading 2, Revelation 7:9, 14-17
Gospel, John 10:27-30
Gospel Reading ~ John 10:27-30
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (John 10:27-30)
Today’s Gospel reading according to St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, it gives the short account of the Lord’s words to His disciples telling them that He is as the Good Shepherd of the Lord’s flock, He knows His sheep well and conversely, His sheep also knows Him. This is a reminder for all of us again of God’s great love and commitment to us, in His ever enduring and present love for us, in His patient guidance and companionship with us as our loving and most dedicated Shepherd. He has come into our midst to find us all, to gather us all from being scattered all throughout this darkened world so that we may once again be reunited with God, and become members of this same flock, this same Church of God, the one united Body of Christ, which He has established in this world.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, it reveals the tender and intimate relationship Jesus shares with His followers. He calls them “my sheep” a beautiful expression of belonging and care. These sheep, in turn, recognize His voice and follow Him. In this short passage, Jesus assures us of three eternal truths: He knows us personally, He grants us eternal life, and He protects us with divine security that no one can take away. His unity with the Father makes this promise even more powerful our salvation is not fragile or uncertain, but anchored in the unshakeable love and authority of God Himself. As we walk through life’s uncertainties, today’s Gospel is a gentle reminder to tune our hearts to the voice of the Good Shepherd. He calls us daily not merely to hear, but to follow, to trust, and to rest in the assurance that we are forever held in His hands.
The first reading paints a vivid picture of the early Church’s struggles and mission. Paul and Barnabas, filled with boldness, proclaim the Word of God to both Jews and Gentiles. But their message, though joyful, brings division. While the Gentiles rejoice and believe, the Jewish leaders become jealous and incite persecution. Yet, in the face of rejection, Paul and Barnabas do not waver they turn to the Gentiles, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that God’s salvation will reach “to the ends of the earth.” Their response, “shaking the dust from their feet,” is a powerful symbol of leaving judgment to God and moving forward in mission. The final line strikes the heart: “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” Despite the trials, they found joy not because of success or comfort, but because they remained faithful. This reading challenges us to persevere in witnessing to Christ, even when our message is rejected or ridiculed. The Gospel will always face resistance, but the joy of the Spirit will strengthen all who carry it forward.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm invites us to worship with gladness and joy. “We are His people, the sheep of His flock” this refrain echoes the Gospel’s Good Shepherd image. The psalmist reminds us that God made us, tends us, and His kindness endures forever. In an age where identity is often confused or fragile, the Psalm grounds us in truth: we belong to God, and His faithfulness spans generations. Worship, then, is not just ritual but a joyful response to who God is our Creator, Shepherd, and eternal refuge.
Our second reading this Sunday from the Book of Revelations of St. John the Apostle, gives an accounts of the heavenly vision of St. John. In that vision, St. John saw the multitudes of people, millions upon millions of people who had been found worthy by the Lord because they had been persecuted, facing difficulties and hardships, trials and challenges, and yet remained faithful to the Lord regardless to the very end. All of those people had washed themselves in the Blood of the Lamb, either in sharing His death through their martyrdom or by patiently enduring those sufferings in all of their various forms. Through this vision, God wanted us all to know through St. John the Apostle that there is hope for all of us and regardless of the sufferings and challenges that we may encounter in our paths in life, we will eventually be triumphant with God and freed from all those troubles.
This powerful vision from Revelation offers a glimpse into the eternal destiny of the faithful. A great multitude, too vast to count, stands before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes—symbols of purity, victory, and grace. These are the ones who have come through the great tribulation. Their robes have been washed not by their own merit, but in the blood of the Lamb—Christ’s sacrifice that brings salvation. In this heavenly scene, we are promised that God will shelter them, and “never again will they hunger or thirst.” The Lamb, once slain, is now the Shepherd who leads His people to springs of living water. This reading ties beautifully with the Gospel, reminding us that the Good Shepherd not only knows and leads us here on earth but also leads us eternally into God’s presence. In the face of earthly trials, this vision gives us hope: our faithfulness, even through suffering, is not in vain. God will wipe away every tear, and our pain will be transformed into everlasting peace.
Have I attuned my heart to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? Do I follow Him in trust, especially when life leads through uncertainty or pain? How do I respond to rejection or hardship in my witness to Christ is it with bitterness or with the joy of the Spirit? Am I helping others to know they belong to God’s flock by the way I serve and love? Let us follow the Good Shepherd with renewed confidence, remembering that no trial or rejection can separate us from His love. In every circumstance, may we echo Peter’s faith and Tabitha’s service, proclaiming by word and action that we belong to Christ and live under His care. The Lord knows His own may we walk faithfully as His sheep, and bring others into the joy of His fold. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures this Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also commonly known as the Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocation Sunday. On this Sunday we remember the Lord as the Good Shepherd, the One Who guides all of the faithful people of God, the sheep of the Lord’s flock to return to God our loving Father and Creator, gathering us all from being scattered all throughout the whole world, so that we are no longer lost to Him. On this Sunday we also keep in mind all those who are discerning their vocation in life, and while we often put a lot of focus and emphasis on those who are being called to the priesthood, this day is in fact also a reminder of our various vocations in life, be it as those called to priesthood or consecrated life, as well as those who are part of the laity, in our diverse callings in life. In our Scripture Reflections Jesus has shown His great love for us through His actions and most selfless love, by accepting on our behalf the punishments due for our sins and wickedness. He took upon Himself the blame and the punishment due for our sins, which He bore upon the Cross that He took on His shoulders. That is what the Good Shepherd has willingly done for His sheep, as He Himself said, that ‘The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.’ Essentially this means that a true and good shepherd will always care for his sheep no matter what, and will even put his life on the line for the ones who are truly precious to him. That is indeed the essence of true and genuine Christian love, love that is truly selfless and beautiful, and which all of us are called to follow in our own lives and examples. As Christians we should embody the selfless love of Christ, our Good Shepherd. It means that we should help one another in journeying towards the Lord and His salvation, and we share the responsibility of the Good Shepherd in being good role models and inspirations for each other in our respective lives. We should remind one another that every actions and words, deeds and interactions which we make in our lives are all very important, in ensuring that our every efforts, good works and endeavours are always focused on the Lord, and that we will continue to do our best to proclaim Him to everyone we encounter in life, in whatever circumstances and opportunities. And as today we also pray for our priests and all those who are discerning their vocations in life, may all of us be truly discerning in what we are planning to do in our lives, and pray that the Lord will guide us in making careful and well-discerned choice in our lives. May God God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and bless us always. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd of our souls, You call us each by name and never let us go. In times of doubt, draw us close to hear Your voice. When we feel rejected, help us to stand firm in Your joy. Give us courage like Paul and Barnabas, compassion like Peter, and a heart open to every soul You seek to gather. Lead us to springs of life-giving water, and keep us always in the embrace of Your unfailing love. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS DI GIROLAMO, PRIEST AND SAINT MAMMERTUS, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 11TH: Still in the radiant joy of the Easter season, the Church commemorates two holy men of God: Saint Francis di Girolamo (Patron of Naples and preachers), the fiery Jesuit preacher known as the Apostle of Naples, and Saint Mammertus (Patron invoked against earthquakes and natural disasters), the Archbishop of Vienne, who gave the Church the gift of the Rogation Days. Through their faithful witness, the Lord drew countless souls to repentance, renewal, and hope. On this blessed day, we implore their intercession for peace in our world, unity in our Church, protection from natural disasters, and courage for all who preach the Gospel. We also lift up the poor, the sick and dying, those in prison, the persecuted Church, and all in need of conversion.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 11th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Francis di Girolamo and Saint Mammertus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-11th/)
SAINT FRANCIS DI GIROLAMO, PRIEST (1642–1716): Saint Francis di Girolamo, also known as Francis de Geronimo, was born in Naples, Italy, the eldest of eleven children raised by devout parents. From an early age, he was drawn to prayer and service. By age 16, he had received the clerical tonsure and went on to study canon and civil law in Naples. Ordained at the unusually young age of 23, he later joined the Jesuits, fully embracing the missionary zeal of his patron, Saint Francis Xavier.
Saint Francis became a renowned street preacher, known for his bold voice, clear doctrine, and relentless pursuit of sinners. Rather than travel to foreign lands, he evangelized the people of Naples with tireless love, preaching in the streets, markets, prisons, brothels, and even aboard ships. He was called a lamb when he spoke, and a lion when he preached. He established charitable initiatives, formed lay associations to assist in missions, and was said to convert up to 400 hardened sinners annually. He also rescued children from degrading conditions and preached the dignity of all human life.
Despite intense physical suffering near the end of his life, Saint Francis remained faithful to his mission until his death on May 11, 1716, after 40 years of apostolic work. He was beatified in 1806 and canonized in 1839. His feast day is celebrated on May 11. He is the patron saint of Grottaglie, Italy.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres when he is tempted, for when he has been proven, he will receive the crown of life.” (James 1:12)
“If we wish to be saved, let us lose our lives to the world as those who have been crucified with Christ. Let us glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — St. Francis di Girolamo
PRAYER: Glorious St. Francis, fearless preacher of truth and friend of the poor, help us to live with apostolic zeal and unwavering charity. May we, like you, seek out the lost and serve them with joyful sacrifice. Through your intercession, may we learn to suffer without complaint and love without measure. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT MAMMERTUS, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE (D. 477): Saint Mammertus was a 5th-century Archbishop of Vienne in Gaul (modern-day France), known for his learning, sanctity, and miracles. In response to earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters interpreted as divine warnings, he instituted days of prayer and fasting known as the Rogation Days a profound ecclesial tradition of supplication observed before Ascension Thursday.
Through the Rogation processions, accompanied by the Litany of the Saints, communities would seek God’s mercy and protection from calamities. His pastoral initiative spread across Gaul, was adopted by the Church in Rome, and is still observed in various forms today.
One Easter night, a catastrophic fire broke out in Vienne. As the people panicked, Saint Mammertus turned to fervent prayer. Miraculously, the flames were extinguished an event that deeply moved the people to repentance and revived their faith. His humility, pastoral wisdom, and leadership during turbulent times brought about spiritual reform and greater trust in divine providence.
He died around the year 477. His body was later transferred to Orleans, France, where it was venerated until the 16th century, when his relics were destroyed by enemies of the Church. Saint Mammertus is recognized as one of the Ice Saints, and his feast day is celebrated on May 11.
PRAYER: Saint Mammertus, holy shepherd and reformer, you turned disaster into opportunity for grace. Help us in our own time to recognize God’s call amid trials and to respond with repentance, hope, and intercession. Through your example and prayers, may we be protected from both physical and spiritual calamities. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Francis di Girolamo and Saint Mammertus ~ 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 🙏🏽
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
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 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we place our petitions before the Lord who calls each of us by name and never lets us be snatched from His hand. Inspired by the missionary zeal of Saint Francis di Girolamo and the intercessory spirit of Saint Mammertus, we pray for all who preach the Gospel with courage and compassion. May the Lord raise up shepherds after His own heart priests, bishops, and lay leaders who will guide the flock with wisdom and holiness. We pray for the conversion of sinners, the protection of the Church from persecution, peace in places torn by war, and consolation for the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the dying. May the cries of the oppressed reach the Lamb who shepherds us and lead us to springs of life-giving water.
LET US PRAY
My revealing Lord, You speak to me day and night, calling me to follow You as my Shepherd. May I learn to perceive Your voice as You speak to me in varied ways so that I can more readily follow You wherever You lead. Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Jesus, Good Shepherd, You know us by name and hold us close to Your heart. Guard us from all harm and lead us through the valleys of sorrow into the pastures of eternal joy. Through the prayers of Saint Francis di Girolamo, inflame in us a love for truth and a zeal for souls. Through the intercession of Saint Mammertus, protect the earth from natural disasters and deepen our trust in Your providence. Draw all people especially the lost, the hardened, and the hopeless into the safety of Your fold. May our lives echo the joy of the Gospel, and may we one day join the multitude who worship before Your throne, where You reign as the Lamb who leads and loves us forever. Amen.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Francis di Girolamo and Saint Mammertus ~ 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 new week 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 Good Shepherd and Vocations Sunday and joyful Mother’s Day and Fourth Week of Easter and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY AND WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS (VOCATIONS SUNDAY): Today, the Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” because the Mass reading (John 10:11-18) features Jesus describing Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Where Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd guiding and guarding his flock to describe His relationship with those He has redeemed: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn. 10:11). The communion antiphon for this Mass reads, “The Good Shepherd is risen! He who laid down his life for his sheep, who died for his flock, he is risen, alleluia.”
Good Shepherd Sunday is also recognized as Vocations Sunday, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations instituted by Pope Paul VI in 1964. This Fourth Sunday of Easter marks the 62nd Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. As we remember and especially pray for all those people who had answered God’s call to be His servants and disciples, to be the ones who live their lives and carry out their actions as the shepherds of the flock of the Lord, in the model of the Good Shepherd Himself, namely our Priests and Bishops, and our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Vocations Sunday reminds us that the more fundamental call we hear in life is the call of the Lord. It is a day when we are asked to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. The faithful pray that God will send them good and Holy Priests who, following the example of Christ, will lay down their lives for His sheep. Each and every one of them had committed themselves to the good works of the Lord, dedicating themselves wholly to the ministry of Priesthood, by which they truly showed the same love and care that our Lord and Good Shepherd had shown us, and this Sunday in particular we pray for all of them that the Lord will continue to guide them and strengthen them all in all their works.
It is also a day when we are asked to reflect on our own baptismal vocation. We all share the one baptismal vocation. Each and every one of us as Christians also have our own unique vocations in life. Vocation in the Church is not just the vocation to Priesthood only, as there are also those who continue to live in the world and living our own respective and diverse ways of life as members of the laity, as people who build up faithful Christian families and societies, as well as all those who also give themselves into consecrated life to God, or those who commit themselves to a life of singlehood and purity, all in the service of God. Each and every one of these vocations are truly important, and we are hence reminded that as Christians we must always be active in living our Christian faith and life at all times.
MEDITATION: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD: We are a precious gift the Father has confided to Jesus. Thine they were: to me Thou gavest them. All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him that comes to me I will not cast out. This is the Father’s will, that I should not lose one of these precious ones He has given to me. This charge which the Father has given me is more precious than anything whatsoever. Jesus sees His own raison d’etre as that of doing the will of the Father, and the will of the Father is precisely that He should care for each one of us and give us eternal life. All that Jesus is, is precisely for me. His care of me never slackens. “The Lord is my shepherd, I can want for nothing.” If I really believed this, how different my life would be! I would never willingly jib at what happens to me since I would everything as at least permitted by Him, knowing He will make everything turn to my good I would stop trying to run my own life, preventing this or that…I would cease to care for the judgements of others, whether they like me or not, whether they think well or ill of me. I would cease wanting to feel sure about everything, above all about my spiritual life: anxious, fearful, discouraged, plagued by guilt feelings… If my faith in the unfailing tender care of my Shepherd is real, how could I allow such self-occupation?
The Shepherd psalm is one Jesus must have prayed a thousand and more times to His Father. “The Lord carried you, as a man carries his child, all along the road you travelled”…at this hour you were led to the cross. Where are the nice green pastures on that stony and painful way? Were the still waters in His burning thirst? Did He feel His head and body were being washed and anointed with oil when the crown of thorns was pressing against His temples?
“He leads me along the right path: he is true to his name…Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life.” Had Jesus not held firmly to this certainty, that whatever it seemed or felt like this was the truth, the real nature of things, then we would not have been redeemed. His faith would have failed. But as it proved, His faith remained steadfast and triumphed. The Good Shepherd is risen. He who laid down His life for the sheep, who died for His flock. He is risen. Alleluia!
As we reflect on this beautiful image of Jesus as our Shepherd, we are also reminded that this year marks the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, first instituted by Pope Saint Paul VI in 1964. Parishes are especially encouraged to include prayers for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in the general intercessions on that day and the homily may focus on vocations. Pope Francis’ messages for each year should be read and taken to heart (link below)
Message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2025 | Pope Francis |
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/vocations/documents/20250319-messaggio-62-gm-vocazioni.html
THEME: PILGRIMS OF HOPE: The Gift of Life
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, May 11, 2025, we also celebrate the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This special day, established by Pope Paul VI in 1964, is celebrated annually on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, coinciding with the feast of the Good Shepherd. It is a day to reflect on God’s call and to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and other forms of ministry. This year, Pope Francis invites us to take to heart the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life”, urging each one of us to offer our lives as a gift in response to God’s call.
Pope Francis’ Message: Pilgrims of Hope
Pope Francis, in his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, invites all especially young people to become pilgrims of hope by embracing their God-given vocations with courage and love. He acknowledges the confusion and fear many feel today, but reminds us that each vocation whether to the priesthood, consecrated life, marriage, or lay mission is a response to God’s hope for humanity.
The Pope emphasizes the importance of prayer, discernment, and community in discovering one’s call. He urges the Church to accompany the young with patience and joy, helping them find meaning and purpose in serving others. In every vocation, we are called to make our lives a gift and a sign of hope in a wounded world.
In a time when young people are overwhelmed by noise, confusion, and pressure from society, discerning God’s call can feel nearly impossible. Pope Francis reminds us that every vocation whether to priesthood, religious life, marriage, or lay service is a gift rooted in hope and love.
But hearing that call requires silence, prayer, and the courage to listen. The Church must become a space where discernment is welcomed, supported, and guided. Vocations do not grow in isolation they flourish in communities of faith, love, and witness.
Let us foster a culture where following Christ is seen not as a burden, but as a source of deep joy and meaning. Every “yes” to God brings light to the world and reminds us that we are truly pilgrims of hope.
“Let us never tire of asking the Lord for new labourers for his harvest.”
Ways to Observe Vocations Sunday
To observe this special day, here are a few ways we can actively participate:
- Prayers for Vocations: Recite prayers such as the Rosary for Vocations, asking God to inspire more young people to listen to His call.
- Family and Parish Activities: Display World Day of Prayer for Vocations banners, hold a Family Holy Hour, or organize prayerful activities to inspire children to consider their own vocational paths.
- Personal Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your own vocation, considering how you can offer yourself more fully in service to God and others.
- Use Resources: Make use of materials from organizations like Vianney Vocations which offer vocation prayers, bulletins, and resources to help in this discernment process.
Let us also take a moment to pray for vocations, offering the following powerful prayers:
- Family Prayer for Vocations: Asking God to increase love and support in families for those discerning a vocation.
- Marian Prayer for Vocations: Seeking the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, for all young people discerning their paths.
- Divine Mercy Vocations Prayer: Praying for priests and religious to be immersed in God’s mercy and grace.
As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, let us remember that each of us is called to be a pilgrim of hope, offering our lives as a gift. By following the example of the Good Shepherd, we embrace the invitation to serve, love, and answer God’s call with faith and courage.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS: “Dear friends, on this day in particular, but also in the ordinary pastoral life of our communities, I ask the Church to continue to promote vocations. May she touch the hearts of the faithful and enable each of them to discover with gratitude God’s call in their lives, to find courage to say ‘yes’ to God.” ~ Pope Francis
GOOD SHEPHERD PRAYER FOR PRIESTS: Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, You offered yourself to the Father on the altar of the Cross and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave Your priestly people a share in Your redeeming sacrifice. Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests. Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood may be ever more conformed to You, the Divine Master. May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience. Let them be shepherds according to Your own Heart, single-minded in service to You and to the Church and shining examples of a holy, simple and joyful life. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother and ours, draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY AND WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/good-shepherd-sunday-and-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-2/
Catholic Daily Mass – Daily TV Mass – May 11, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | May 11, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | May 11, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” ~ Proverbs 31:28-31
Greetings and blessings, dear beloved family. Happy Good Shepherd and Vocations Sunday, and Happy Mother’s Day to all our beautiful Mothers in the house. We thank God for the gift of life and for the gift of motherhood. To each and every one of you who are, have been, will be, or act in the capacity of a mother in any manner… Happy Mother’s Day!
Words are never enough to thank you for all that you do. You deserve much more than a single day to show how much you’re loved and appreciated. Enjoy this special day, and may God bless you and your loved ones! Love you all🌹❤🌹
Mother’s Day is a heartfelt celebration of the women who give us life, love, and strength. Whether biological, spiritual, or maternal in role, mothers reflect the heart of Christ sacrificing, nurturing, and guiding with boundless compassion.
On this special day, we honor your prayers, your patience, and your profound influence on the world around you. May you always know how deeply you are valued.
Blessings and Love from Dr. Philomena Ikowe and family 🙏🏽💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS DI GIROLAMO, PRIEST AND SAINT MAMMERTUS, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE: ~ FEAST DAY MAY 11TH Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Francis di Girolamo, Priest and Saint Mammertus, Archbishop of Vienne. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. We also pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, for the sick and dying, for the poor and needy and Christians all over the world.
SAINT FRANCIS DI GIROLAMO, PRIEST: St. Francis di Girolamo (1642-1716), also known as Francis de Geronimo was the eldest of eleven children born to honorable and virtuous parents in Naples, Italy in 1642. As a child he was drawn to God and a life of prayer. After making his first Communion at the age of 12, he went to live with a community of priests in his town. They could clearly see that he was special, and began to entrust to him greater roles in the congregation, including teaching the catechism and he received the tonsure at 16. He later went to Naples in order to learn canon and civil law and was ordained a priest in 1666, receiving a special dispensation because he was under 24 years old. For four years, St. Francis taught in the Jesuit Collegio dei Nobili; Realizing his vocation to Holy Orders, at the age of 28, he joined the Society of Jesus. After successfully completing a difficult year in the novitiate, his superiors sent him to help the preacher Father Agnello Bruno in his mission work among the peasants of Otranto. After three years of diligent work, St. Francis was recalled to Naples to finish his theological studies and complete his profession as a Jesuit. He became a renowned public preacher due to his distinguished and eloquent voice. His sermons were short and vigorous, and he touched many hearts. He was described as “a lamb when he talks, and a lion when he preaches.” He had a heart for the missions after his patron St. Francis Xavier, but instead of traveling to distant lands he accepted his hometown of Naples, Italy. He is known as the Apostle to Naples because that is where he spent most of his time and energy. He was a successful and effective preacher. He conducted at least 100 missions in the provinces.
St. Francis Di Girolamo went as a missionary priest into country towns and villages for open-air preaching in the streets. He was tireless in working to convert sinners and reaching out to the poor, winning many people to greater faith. He sought to convert sinners wherever they were—in brothels, prisons, hospitals, asylums and galleys of ships — on one Spanish ship, he is said to have converted 20 Turkish prisoners. One of his most notable penitents was a Frenchwoman, Mary Alvira Cassier, who had murdered her father and fled to the Spanish army, impersonating a man. Under St. Francis, she repented and became very devout. He converted a number of Muslim or Moorish and Turkish prisoners of war to the Christian faith, rescued chidren from dangerous and degrading situations, and opened a pawn shop for charity. Organized laymen into a group called Oratio della Missione to help fellow Jesuit missioners. St. Francis de Girolamo relentlessly sought out sinners on their own turf and won many to the faith. The fruit of his labor was abundant. He converted many souls, even hardened sinners, and made them virtuous. He is said to have converted 400 hardened sinners every year. Everyone knew him for his holiness and zeal. St. Francis was credited with many miracles in his lifetime, but he humbly attributed numerous cures to the intercession of Saint Cyrus, to whom he had a special devotion. He also had a reputation for being a miracle worker during his lifetime and after his death. After spending 40 years in apostolic labor in Naples, he died of a painful illness from which he suffered greatly without complaint on May 11, 1716 at the age of 74. His coffin was thronged by the people of Naples during his funeral procession. He was beatified by Pius VII, on the feast of St. Joseph in 1806, and canonized by Gregory XVI, on Trinity Sunday 1839. A few of his letters have survived, but no sermons. He’s the Patron Saint of Grottaglie, Italy. His feast day is May 11th.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres when he is tempted, for when he has been proven he will receive the crown of life.” (Jas 1:12)
“If we wish to be saved, let us lose our lives to the world as those who have been crucified with Christ. Let us glory in the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ.” ~ St Francis
PRAYER: Glorious St Francis, help me to become more selfless so that I may live as one who is given up to Christ, Amen. Almighty, eternal God, You dedicated the joy of this day to the glorification of St. Francis. Mercifully grant that we may always strive to retain and complete by our works that Faith which he continually proclaimed with unwearying zeal… Amen🙏🏽
SAINT MAMMERTUS, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE: St. Mammertus, also known as Mamertius, Mamertus was born near Lyons, France. He was Archbishop of Vienne in Gaul – present day France, during the 5th century. He’s a Theologian and Writer, a prelate renowned for his sanctity, learning, and miracles. He instituted in his diocese the fasts and supplications called the Rogations, during the three days before the Ascension, to remedy the neglect of religion which brought down on ancient Gaul many chastisements. His primary contribution to ecclesiastical practice was the introduction of litanies prior to Ascension Day as an intercession against earthquakes and other disasters, leading to “Rogation Days.” Rogation days are days of prayer and fasting in Western Christianity. They are observed with processions and the Litany of the Saints. The major rogation is held on April 25th, the minor rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday preceding Ascension Thursday. The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning “to ask”, which reflects the beseeching of God for the appeasement of His anger and for protection from calamities. A miracle worker, he is reported to have ended an urban disaster – through prayer he stopped a fire that was destroying the city of Vienne one Easter night.
Almighty God, to punish the sins of the people, had visited them with wars and other public calamities and awakened the city of Vienne in particular from spiritual lethargy by the terrors of earthquakes, fires, and ravenous wild beasts, which were sometimes seen in the very market place. These evils were ascribed by the impious to blind chance, but religious and prudent persons considered them as tokens of the divine anger, which threatened their entire destruction. Amid these scourges, Saint Mammertus received a pledge of the divine mercy. A terrible fire broke out on Easter night in the city of Vienne, which baffled the efforts of men; but by the prayers of the good bishop the fire suddenly went out. This miracle strongly affected the minds of the people. It was on this occasion that the holy prelate conceived the project of restoring the Rogations, which had fallen into oblivion. The Church of Auvergne, where Saint Sidonius Apollonarius was bishop of Clermont, also adopted this pious institution before the year 475, and in a very short time it became a universal practice. His pious reform was received by all the churches of France after the first Council of Orleans under Clovis the Great, and then by the Church of Rome under the authority of Leo III. Saint Mammertus died about the year 477 in Vienne, France of natural causes but his body was transported to Orleans, France and placed in its cathedral. There, until the 16th century, it remained in great veneration, then was burnt by enemies of the Church. Relics burned by Huguenots in the 16th century. His feast day is May 11th, the first of the Ice Saints.
Saint Mammertus, Archbishop of Vienne ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
PRAYER: Saint Mammertus, holy shepherd and reformer, you turned disaster into opportunity for grace. Help us in our own time to recognize God’s call amid trials and to respond with repentance, hope, and intercession. Through your example and prayers, may we be protected from both physical and spiritual calamities. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 10, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DAMIEN JOSEPH DE VEUSTER OF MOLOKAI, PRIEST; SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT SOLANGE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS GORDIANUS AND EPIMACHUS, MARTYRS AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP OF FLORENCE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Damien, Saint John of Ávila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-10th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 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-67/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Saturday of the Third Week of Easter!
We continue to celebrate the election of our Holy Father, 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.
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 🙏🏽
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, blessed start to the month. Amen 🙏🏽
HABEMUS PAPAM! A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
As the Papal Conclave to elect the next Roman Pontiff comes to an end, with profound reverence we give thanks to Almighty God for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, following the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclusion of the conclave.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American and a member of the Order of St. Augustine is known as Pope Leo XIV. A missionary bishop and former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church faithfully in Chiclayo, Peru, and brings with him a pastoral heart deeply shaped by the Gospel and the spirituality of St. Augustine.
LET US PRAY:
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 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS: With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/
On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
Still in the joy-filled light of the Easter season, we commemorate these saints; Saint Damien Joseph de Veuster of Molokai (Patron of People with Leprosy), Saint John of Avila (Patron of Andalusia, Spain, and Spanish Secular Clergy), Saint Solange (Patron of Berry, France), Saints Gordianus and Epimachus (Patrons against sickness and for courage in persecution), and Saint Antoninus of Florence (Patron of Social Justice and Archdiocese of Florence) we are invited to reflect on their heroic virtues and to seek their intercession. Through their prayers, may we grow in justice, compassion, purity, and perseverance. We especially lift up the sick and marginalized, the persecuted Church, the clergy, sinners in need of conversion, the poor and needy, and Christians throughout the world striving to live the Gospel.
DAILY REFLECTIONS WITH PHILOMENA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/
Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
A PRAYER FOR PEACE : Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽
Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Saturday of the Third Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Third Week of Easter | Saturday, May 10, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 9:31-42
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Gospel, John 6:60-69
Gospel Reading ~ John 6:60-69
“For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father”
“Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that His disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” As a result of this, many of His disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with Him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
Today’s Gospel reading is the culmination and end of the ‘Bread of Life’ discourse by the Lord in which the Lord Jesus referred to Himself specifically as the Living Bread from Heaven, by which all the life originated from, and without Him, there can be no true life and existence. He spoke of how all those who partake, eat, drink and share from His Body and Blood will live forever, and that He would give Himself to those who believe in Him, being broken and offered on the Altar of His Cross at Calvary, His Precious Body crushed and broken for us, and His Precious Blood poured out and shared for us to drink, coming down from His Cross, as the manifestation of God’s ever enduring love and compassion towards us. Many of the Lord’s disciples and followers left Him behind once He told them about this truth, how He would give them His own Body and Blood to partake. The disciples themselves groaned and complained that this truth was too hard and too difficult for people to accept. However, although many of the Lord’s disciples and followers left Him, His closest collaborators and disciples stayed by His side despite all the discomfort and uneasiness surrounding His revelation of the truth to the people. The Lord Himself also predicted His own suffering, persecution and death to His disciples, which must have also been difficult for quite a few among them to accept or understand, but those who have kept their faith in the Lord shouldered on and kept on going, and remained faithful to Him. Those were the same ones who began the expansion and growth of the Church, led by St. Peter and the other Apostles.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, it continues the Bread of Life discourse and brings us to a moment of crisis. Many of Jesus’ disciples, upon hearing His teaching on eating His Flesh and drinking His Blood, say, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” This moment of decision separates those who follow Jesus out of convenience from those who follow Him in faith. Jesus does not soften His message. Instead, He clarifies that it is the Spirit that gives life, and His words are “Spirit and life.” But many walk away, unwilling to accept this profound mystery. In response, Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks, “Do you also want to leave?” This question pierces the heart of every disciple. Peter’s answer is timeless: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This response captures the core of discipleship not perfect understanding, but perfect trust. Even when we do not fully grasp the mysteries of faith, like the Eucharist, we are invited to remain, to believe, to stay. For faith is not about comprehending everything but about clinging to Christ, who alone has the words that bring life.
Our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, detailed the works of the Apostles, especially that of St. Peter who went from place to place, ministering to the people of God and proclaiming His truth and Good News, speaking to many who were convinced by him to become disciples and followers of the Lord. After the conversion of Saul, who became St. Paul the Apostle, the early Church as mentioned, had reprieve and moment of calm between the persecutions, and the Church rapidly grew as the disciples of the Lord, the missionaries and the faithful went on great journeys and missionary works, spreading the Good News of the Gospels to more and more of the people, to the people in the Jewish diaspora and to the Gentiles or the non-Jewish people alike. More and more people turned to the Lord and believed in His words, thanks to the dedication of the Apostles and the others who had given their all to the service of God. For example, the actions of St. Peter, he helped and ministered to the sick and the dying in the community, as he performed many miracles just like how the Lord used to do when He was still around. This authority and power has been given to St. Peter, to the other Apostles and disciples of the Lord from God Himself, through which God showed forth His might and power, the truth of His words and everything that the Church has proclaimed in His Name. St. Peter healed the paralysed man Aeneas in the Name of the Lord, brought Tabitha, the faithful old woman and servant of God, back to life after a period of illness, and everyone who witnessed all these works, and the dedication which St. Peter had shown must have been really impressed by what they had heard, experienced and seen. St. Peter and the other disciples of the Lord were proclaiming essentially what the Lord Himself had told His disciples, followers and all the people in our Gospel reading today.
Reflecting further on today’s first reading presents two powerful miracles performed through the apostle Peter: the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha (also known as Dorcas). These acts of healing are more than displays of divine power they are signs of the Church’s mission to restore, uplift, and breathe new life into brokenness.Aeneas, bedridden and paralyzed for eight years, is told by Peter, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up.” At once, he rises a sign that Christ, through His Church, still brings strength to the weak and healing to the paralyzed parts of our lives. Tabitha, a generous disciple known for her works of charity, is raised from the dead by Peter’s prayer and command, “Tabitha, rise.” In both cases, the Church is shown not as a distant institution but as a living, healing, Spirit-filled Body acting in the name of Jesus. These stories are reminders that faith is not only about words but about tangible love, service, and resurrection life. God calls us to be like Peter bold in prayer and full of faith and like Tabitha, whose quiet service echoed with power even in death. Through these miracles, many came to believe. May we, too, live in such a way that our lives bear witness to Christ’s healing presence.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” This question from the psalm resonates deeply after reading today’s miracles. How do we respond to a God who heals, restores, and saves? The psalmist gives us the answer: we lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. We fulfill our promises and offer Him thanksgiving. Gratitude is our return. Worship is our reply. When we reflect on all God has done, our hearts overflow in praise and self-offering.
Am I tempted to walk away when God’s ways seem hard to understand or accept? Do I trust in Jesus even when His teachings challenge me? What are the “paralyzed” areas in my life that need healing? In what simple acts of charity can I imitate Tabitha’s legacy? Do I live with a grateful heart, offering daily thanksgiving to God?
Let today’s readings challenge us to remain faithful like Peter, hopeful like Aeneas, and charitable like Tabitha. Even in mystery and suffering, may we say, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Let us not turn away when the teachings of Christ challenge us or seem hard to grasp. Like Peter, let us confess with faith that Jesus is the Holy One of God. May the Eucharist become for us a true encounter with the Risen Lord, transforming our hearts and strengthening our witness. Today, be bold in faith, steadfast in hope, and generous in love for Jesus gives Himself completely to us. Remain in Him, and you will have life to the full.Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, each and every one of us are called to remain firm in our faith as Christians, as those who have been called by the Lord and responded with faith, to follow Him in all things. We are called and reminded to stay by His side no matter what challenges and trials may come our way, just as many of our predecessors can attest to God’s loving providence and His constant presence in their lives and works. We should continue to strive to live our lives worthily as Christians, doing whatever we can in order to proclaim the Risen Lord in our communities and among those whom we encounter daily and regularly in our lives and ministry. As Christians, we are expected to uphold all of our tenets and beliefs, faithfully and sincerely in our every day moments and lives, and to be exemplary in our actions and way of life. May the Risen Lord, our God and Saviour Jesus Christ continue to be with us and guide us always, and may He continue to empower and strengthen us so that we may persevere faithfully and continue to commit ourselves to His path, much as how our early Christian predecessors had done, in their missionary and evangelising zeal. Therefore, we should follow the good examples of the Apostles and the many other saints, Holy men and women of God, including the Saints whose feast we celebrate today. May all of us be drawn to love the Lord more and dedicate ourselves to a Holy life and existence much as shown us with great and exemplary life of the Saints. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with His Church always, and bless its every works and good efforts and bless us all in our every good works and endeavours, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, Bread of Life and Light of the world, open my heart to recognize Your Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Increase my faith when I struggle to understand the mysteries of Your love. Heal my blindness, like You did for Saul, and awaken me to the mission You have prepared for me. Give me the courage of Ananias to respond to Your promptings, and the conviction of Peter to say, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” May Your Body and Blood be my strength and my hope, that I may remain in You and bear witness to Your mercy each day. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DAMIEN JOSEPH DE VEUSTER OF MOLOKAI, PRIEST; SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT SOLANGE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS GORDIANUS AND EPIMACHUS, MARTYRS; AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP OF FLORENCE ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 10TH: Still in the joy-filled light of the Easter season, we commemorate these saints; Saint Damien Joseph de Veuster of Molokai (Patron of People with Leprosy), Saint John of Avila (Patron of Andalusia, Spain, and Spanish Secular Clergy), Saint Solange (Patron of Berry, France), Saints Gordianus and Epimachus (Patrons against sickness and for courage in persecution), and Saint Antoninus of Florence (Patron of Social Justice and Archdiocese of Florence) we are invited to reflect on their heroic virtues and to seek their intercession. Through their prayers, may we grow in justice, compassion, purity, and perseverance. We especially lift up the sick and marginalized, the persecuted Church, the clergy, sinners in need of conversion, the poor and needy, and Christians throughout the world striving to live the Gospel.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 10th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Damien, Saint John of Ávila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-10th/)
SAINT DAMIEN JOSEPH DE VEUSTER OF MOLOKAI, PRIEST(1840–1889): Known as the “Apostle to the Lepers,” Saint Damien was a Belgian missionary priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Born Jozef De Veuster in 1840, he dreamed of foreign mission work, much like his patron, Saint Francis Xavier. That dream was realized when he was sent to the Hawaiian Islands, where he volunteered in 1873 to minister to lepers confined to the isolated Kalaupapa settlement on Molokai.
Father Damien’s compassion led him to not only offer the sacraments but to physically build homes, dig graves, bandage wounds, and restore dignity to the suffering. He did not serve from a distance he lived among the afflicted as one of them. In 1885, he contracted leprosy himself but continued his ministry until his death in 1889 at the age of 49. His sacrificial love earned him the title “Martyr of Charity.” He was canonized in 2009 and is the patron of people with leprosy and HIV/AIDS.
PRAYER: O God, who gave Saint Damien the courage and charity to serve those abandoned and forgotten by society, grant that we may imitate his compassion and self-giving love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (1499–1569): Saint John of Ávila was a Spanish priest, mystic, and reformer, revered as the “Apostle of Andalusia.” After renouncing a promising legal career and distributing his inheritance to the poor, he devoted himself to preaching, teaching, and spiritual direction throughout Spain. His eloquence in the pulpit and his holiness of life attracted many to Christ, including future saints like Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, Teresa of Ávila, and John of the Cross.
Though falsely accused and briefly investigated by the Inquisition, he was ultimately vindicated and continued his mission undeterred. He founded schools and was a great promoter of clergy education and spiritual formation. His writings, especially his letters and treatises on divine love, remain a treasure for the Church. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.
Quotes of Saint John of Ávila:
“Turn yourself round like a piece of clay and say to the Lord: I am clay, and You, Lord, the potter. Make of me what You will.”
“Withdraw your heart from the world before God takes your body from it.”
PRAYER: Almighty and eternal God, who enlightened Your Church through the wisdom of Saint John of Ávila, grant that through his intercession we may grow in holiness and remain steadfast in the truths he taught. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT SOLANGE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR(d. 880): A humble shepherdess born in Villemont, France, Solange consecrated her virginity to God at the age of seven and led a life of deep prayer and purity. Known locally for her healing gifts and miracles, she became the object of obsession for a nobleman who, after she refused his advances, kidnapped and eventually beheaded her.
According to tradition, like other cephalophore saints of Gaul, Solange miraculously picked up her severed head, invoked the name of Jesus three times, and carried it to a nearby church. Her martyrdom inspired immediate veneration, and numerous miracles were attributed to her intercession. The church of Sainte-Solange was built at the site, and the region still honors her as its patroness.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You gave Saint Solange strength to preserve her purity and courage to endure martyrdom. May we follow her example in faith and innocence, standing firm in trials and devoted in prayer. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINTS GORDIANUS AND EPIMACHUS, MARTYRS: Saint Epimachus suffered martyrdom in Alexandria around 250 A.D., and his relics were later transferred to Rome. Saint Gordianus, a Roman judge and pagan, was so moved by the holiness associated with Epimachus’ relics that he converted to Christianity. Shortly after his conversion, Gordianus himself was arrested and beheaded for his faith.
These two saints, though from different times and places, are honored together as companions in martyrdom. Their relics were placed in the same tomb, signifying their unity in witness and heavenly glory.
PRAYER: Lord, by the example of Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, grant us courage in the face of adversity and unwavering fidelity to Your name. Strengthen us to bear witness to You in all circumstances. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP OF FLORENCE(1389–1459): Saint Antoninus, a Dominican friar and Archbishop of Florence, was known for his austerity, administrative brilliance, and deep concern for the poor. Despite his frail health, he led his diocese with gentleness, precision, and great moral clarity during a time of political and religious upheaval.
He founded the “Buonomini confraternity” to help families in hidden poverty and established a hospital. As a theologian, his writings contributed to moral theology, and his compassion earned him widespread love. He was canonized in 1523.
PRAYER: O Lord, who called Saint Antoninus to serve as a faithful shepherd of Your people, grant that through his intercession we may be guided in truth and live with compassion toward the needy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Damien, Saint John of Ávila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus ~ 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 🙏🏽
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
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 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this day, as we reflect on the lives of Saint Damien of Molokai, Saint John of Avila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus of Florence, we turn to the Lord with hearts full of gratitude and need. Let us pray for all who, like Saint Damien, dedicate their lives to caring for the sick and outcast. May their compassion be strengthened, and may the sick find healing and hope. We pray for priests, preachers, and spiritual leaders, that through the intercession of Saint John of Avila, they may be filled with wisdom and zeal to proclaim the truth even when it is difficult. Through the purity and courage of Saint Solange, may young people be inspired to remain steadfast in their faith, even amid peer pressure and trials. As Saints Gordianus and Epimachus endured persecution with unwavering faith, may all who suffer for Christ today be given strength and consolation.
We ask Saint Antoninus of Florence to intercede for those working for social justice, and for leaders to govern with integrity, mercy, and righteousness.
In union with the message of today’s Gospel, we pray for all whose faith is tested. May they, like Peter, be able to say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
LET US PRAY
My glorious Lord, Your teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist is beyond human comprehension. It is a mystery so deep that we will never fully understand this precious gift. Open my eyes, dear Lord, and speak to my mind so that I may listen to Your words and respond with the deepest faith. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You raise up saints in every age to be lights in the darkness and witnesses to Your truth. We thank You for the holy lives of Saint Damien, Saint John of Avila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus. May their examples encourage us to live with charity, courage, and conviction. Grant healing to the sick, strength to the persecuted, wisdom to our priests, and purity to our youth. May our faith not falter when Your Word challenges us, but may we embrace it, knowing that You alone have the words of eternal life. Keep us rooted in Your love and faithful to Your call, so that like the early Church, we too may live in peace, be built up in the fear of the Lord, and walk in the consolation of the Holy Spirit.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Damien, Saint John of Ávila, Saint Solange, Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, and Saint Antoninus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Catholic Daily Mass – Daily TV Mass – May 10, 2025
Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | May 10, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | May 10, 2025 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” |
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DAMIEN JOSEPH DE VEUSTER OF MOLOKAI, PRIEST; SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT SOLANGE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR; SAINTS GORDIANUS AND EPIMACHUS, MARTYRS AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP OF FLORENCE ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 10TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Damien Joseph de Veuster of Molokai, Priest; Saint John of Avila, Priest and Doctor of the Church; Saint Solange, Virgin and Martyr; St. Antoninus, Bishop of Florence and Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, Martyrs. Through the intercession of the Saints, we humbly pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. We also pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, for the sick and dying, for the poor and needy and Christians all over the world.
SAINT DAMIEN JOSEPH DE VEUSTER OF MOLOKAI, PRIEST: St. Damien de Veuster (1840–1889), also known as St. Damien of Molokai. He was born Jozef De Veuster on January 3, 1840. St. Damien was a Roman Catholic Priest from Belgium belonging to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, a missionary religious institute. He was recognized for his ministry, which he led from 1873 until his death in 1889, in the Kingdom of Hawaii for people with leprosy (Hansen’s disease), who lived in government-mandated medical quarantine in a settlement on the Kalaupapa Peninsula of Molokai. St. Damien had a special devotion to St. Francis Xavier and desired, like him, to be a missionary. His desire was fulfilled when he was sent to minister in Hawaii in place of his brother, a religious of the same congregation, who was assigned to go but was unable due to illness. The island was suffering from an influx of unknown diseases brought by foreigners, among them Hansen’s disease (leprosy). The island of Molokai became quarantined as a leper colony, and all lepers were forcibly exiled there. The local bishop believed that the people living on the island, numbering over 800 at the time, needed a priest. Yet, the bishop knew that ministering to a people of this contagious and deadly disease would be a death sentence for the priest who went. The bishop asked for priests to volunteer to serve in Molokai. After serving in Hawaii for nine years, Fr. Damien was the first to volunteer. He began his ministry to the lepers in 1873. He built a church on the island and did much to improve the morale and joy among the people. The young priest worked hard to better the living conditions of the people both physically and spiritually. He administered basic medical care to them and built shelters, dug graves, erected a water supply, created a village, and built a primitive hospital.
St. Damien insisted that the lepers should be accorded the same respect, kindness, and courtesy that was due to all God’s children. And he treated each of them with respect, diligently, washing and bandaging them. St. Damien lived and ministered at the Kalaupapa leper colony for 15 years, fully knowing that this decision would eventually cause him to contract and die of the horribly mutilating disease. In 1885, the saintly man contracted leprosy, but he did not let that interfere with his working habits. He continued to aid the sick in their needs and changed forever the manner in which those with leprosy were viewed. St. Damian died of leprosy on April 15, 1889 at the age of 49. At the time of his death St. Damien was aided in his work by three priests and three Franciscan sisters. He became known as a “martyr of charity” and the “Apostle to the Lepers.” He’s the Patron Saint of People with Leprosy. He was beatified on June 4, 1995, by Pope John Paul II, who called him a “Servant of Humanity.” Father Damien was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009 during the Year of Priests. He’s the Patron Saint of People with Leprosy. His feast day is May 10th.
PRAYER: God, light and Shepherd of souls, you established Blessed Damien as Priest in Your Church to feed Your flock by his word and form it by his example. Help us through his intercession to keep the Faith he taught by his word and follow the way he showed by his example. Amen. Saint Damien de Veuster of Molokai
SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: St. John of Avila (1499 – 1569) was a Spanish priest, preacher, scholastic author, and religious mystic. He is called the “Apostle of Andalusia”, for his extensive ministry in that region. St. John of Avila was born on January 6, 1499 at Almodóvar del Campo, Kingdom of Toledo, Crown of Castile in Spain. St. John was sent at the age of 14 to the University of Salamanca to study law. He later moved to Alcala, where he studied philosophy and theology before his ordination as a diocesan priest. After John’s parents died and left him as their sole heir to a considerable fortune, he distributed his money to the poor. In 1527, he traveled to Seville, hoping to become a missionary in Mexico. The archbishop of that city persuaded him to stay and spread the faith in Andalusia. During nine years of work there, he developed a reputation as an engaging preacher, a perceptive spiritual director, and a wise confessor. Because John was not afraid to denounce vice in high places, he was investigated by the Inquisition but was cleared in 1533. He later worked in Cordoba and then in Granada, where he organized the University of Baeza, the first of several colleges run by diocesan priests who dedicated themselves to teaching and giving spiritual direction to young people.
St. John of Avila was friends with and influenced Saints Francis Borgia, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, Teresa of Avila and Ven. Louis of Granada. St. John of Avila worked closely with members of the Society of Jesus and helped their growth within Spain and its colonies. St. John’s mystical writings have been translated into several languages. He died on May 10, 1569 (aged 70) at Montilla, Kingdom of Córdoba, Crown of Castile. He was Beatified on November 12, 1893 by Pope Leo XIII and Canonized on May 31, 1970 by Pope Paul VI. He was declared a doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012. He’s the Patron Saint of Andalusia, Spain, Spanish Secular Clergy St. John of Avila’s liturgical feast is celebrated on May 10th
QUOTES OF SAINT JOHN OF AVILA:
“Turn yourself round like a piece of clay and say to the Lord: I am clay, and You, Lord, the potter. Make of me what You will.”
“Withdraw your heart from the world before God takes your body from it.”
PRAYER: Almighty and eternal God, who gave your holy Church blessed John of Avila as Doctor, grant that what he taught when moved by the divine Spirit may always stay firm in our hearts; and, as by your gift we embrace him as our patron, may we also have him as our defender to entreat your mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. St. John of Avila ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
SAINT SOLANGE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: St. Solange (died May 10, 880) was a Frankish shepherdess born to poor vineyard workers, but devout family in the town of Villemont, near Bourges, France. She was a locally venerated Christian Saint and cephalophore, whose cult is restricted to Sainte-Solange, Cher. Saint Solange was the patron of the traditional Province of Berry, of which Cher is a part. St. Solange consecrated her virginity at the age of seven, the young virgin shepherdess took a personal vow of chastity, devoting herself to God alone. When she said her prayers in the field, a star shone over her head. Reported to have the gift of healing, especially of animals, according to some, her mere presence cured the sick and exorcised devils.
Her beauty attracted the lustful attention of a noble in Poitiers, Bernard, son of the Count of Poitiers, who was her landlord. He murdered her for resisting his sexual advances. The son of the count of Poitiers was highly taken with the beauty and popularity of St. Solange and approached her when she was tending to her sheep, but she rejected his suit. He argued with her to no avail, and so he decided to abduct her. At night, he came and kidnapped St. Solange, but she struggled so violently that she fell from his horse while he was crossing a stream. Her abductor grew enraged, pursued her and beheaded her with his sword. According to the fully-developed legend, St. Solange’s severed head invoked three times the Holy Name of Jesus, and like Saint Denis and other saints in Gaulish territories, St. Solange picked up her head in her own hands and walked with it as far as the church of Saint-Martin in the village of Saint-Martin-du-Crot (which now bears the name of Sainte-Solange, the only commune in France to bear this name), and the head preaching to the people, only dropping truly dead there. Immediately, a cult surrounding her grew up. Many miraculous cures were attributed to her intercession. In 1281, an altar was erected in her honor at that church, and it preserved her severed head as a relic and began to call itself the church of St. Solange, while a nearby field where she had prayed began to be referred to as the “Field of St. Solange”. It was a habit of the locals, in times of great stress, to form a procession through Bourges with the reliquary head before them and to invoke her against drought. St. Solange is the Patron Saint of Berry, France; Bourges, France; children; drought relief; for rain; rape victims; shepherdesses and shepherds. St. Solange’s feast day is May 10th
PRAYER: God, You showed heavenly gifts on St. Solange. Help us to imitate her virtues during our earthly life and enjoy eternal happiness with her in heaven… Amen. Saint Solange, Virgin and Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
SAINTS GORDIANUS AND EPIMACHUS, MARTYRS: Sts. Gordianus (also known as Gordian) and Epimachus were Roman Martyrs. St. Gordianus was a Roman judge who converted to Christianity by a Holy Priest, whom Julian The Apostate would have liked him to condemn. He was tortured and finally beheaded. Saint Gordian was Martyred towards 360 A.D., and was buried in the Crypt on the Via Latina where already lay the remains of the Martyr Saint Epimachus (+ 250 A.D), brought from Alexandria. The two saints gave their name to the cemetery of Sts. Gordianus and Epimachus. They are jointly Venerated by The Catholic Church with a Feast Day of May 10th in The Tridentine Calendar. There are Churches Dedicated to the Saints in: Aitrach, Germany; Legau, Germany; Merazhofen, Germany; Pleß, Germany; Stöttwang, Germany; Unterroth, Germany; Blevio, Italy. Relics of both Saints were owned by Kempten Abbey in Bavaria.
Saints Gordianus and Epimachus, Martyrs ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP OF FLORENCE: Original name Antonino Pierozzi, or Antonino de’ Forciglioni, Antonino also spelled Antonio, (born March 1, 1389, Florence – died May 2, 1459, Florence; canonized 1523; feast day May 10 – please refer to May 2nd Saint post for details). An archbishop of Florence who is regarded as one of the founders of modern moral theology and Christian social ethics. He was a member of the Dominican Order. In the exercise of his pastoral charge he showed great charity. He died in 1459.
PRAYER: Eternal God, you blessed Saint Antoninus with a marvelous gift of counsel. By the help of his prayers, while we walk in the darkness of this life, may we learn from the light of Christ all that we ought to do. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽