MEMORIAL OF SAINT FLORIAN, MARTYR AND THE FORTY MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES ~ FEAST DAY: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Florian, Martyr (He is invoked against danger from fire or water) and The Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Florian and all the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for all Firefighters and all those who are faced with life threatening situations, we pray for their protection, safety and well-being. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saints Philip and James, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, especially those who are terminally ill. We pray for all Pharmacists, for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, for all Christians, for the poor and needy and for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and all over the world. Every life is a gift. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the gentle souls of our beloved family members who recently passed away and the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. For all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. For vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for the youths, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners and Christians all over the world. Amen 🙏🏽
SAINT FLORIAN, MARTYR: St. Florian (C. 250-304 A.D.) was born in the third century in what is present day Austria. He became a commander in the Roman army. One of his duties was leading the firefighting brigade. St. Florian was a Christian during a time of persecution of Christians. He served during the reign of Emperor Diocletian about 304, who violently persecuted Christians. St. Florian was secretly a Christian and was known for miraculously saving a town from being destroyed by fire; after praying to God for help, he extinguished a raging fire with a single bucket of water. Word reached the Emperor that Florian was not enforcing the ban against Christianity in his territory. He was put under investigation and was discovered to be a Christian.
St. Florian refused to participate in the persecutions the army was ordered to do. He also refused to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. He was then condemned to be tortured and executed for his Christian faith. When Florian’s beliefs became known it was suggested that he be burned to death as many Christians were during that time. St. Florian stated that he would climb to Heaven on the flames of the funeral pyre which was made for him. The soldiers then decided to use a different method to execute him. Refusing to recant, St. Florian was then flogged and flayed alive, scourged, and martyred. A large stone was tied around his neck and he was set on fire before being thrown into the Ennis River to drown. His body was later recovered, and brought to the Augustinian Abbey of St. Florian near Linz. Later, the body was transferred to Rome. In 1138, Pope Lucius III gave some of the Saint’s relics to King Casimir of Poland and to the Bishop of Krakow. Today his relics are venerated at a church named for him in Kraków, Poland. Devotion to this Saint grew throughout Central Europe. Many miracles of healing are attributed to his intercession, and he is invoked against danger from fire or water. He’s the Patron Saint of Firefighters, brewers, Chimney Sweeps, Soap boilers, protector from fire, floods, battles, drowning victims, Upper Austria, Linz, Austria; Kraków, Poland, Chimneysweeps.
PRAYER: God of power and mercy, through Your help St. Florian has overcome the tortures of his passion. Help us who celebrate his triumph to remain victorious over the wiles of our enemies…Amen 🙏🏽
Prayer to Saint Florian for Firefighters (Recited for Firefighters)
Oh, Almighty God, whose great power and eternal wisdom embraces the universe, watch over all Firefighters. Protect them from harm in the performance of their duty to fight fire, save lives, and preserve property. We pray, help them to keep our homes and all buildings safe day and night. We recommend them to Your loving care because their duty is dangerous. Grant them Your unending strength and courage in their daily assignments. Dear God, protect these brave persons. Grant them Your Almighty protection and unite them safely with their families after duty has ended… Amen 🙏🏽
THE FORTY MARTYRS OF ENGLAND AND WALES: The Forty Martyrs of England and Wales are a group of Catholic, lay and religious, men and women, executed between 1535 and 1679 for treason and related offences under various laws enacted by Parliament during the English Reformation. The individuals listed range from Carthusian monks who in 1535 declined to accept Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy, to seminary priests who were caught up in the alleged Popish Plot against Charles II in 1679. Many were sentenced to death at show trials, or with no trial at all. They are to be differentiated from the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Fifty-four were beatified in 1886; nine were beatified in 1895; and 137 more received beatification in 1929. The first wave of executions came with the reign of King Henry VIII and involved persons who did not support the 1534 Act of Supremacy and dissolution of the monasteries. Carthusian John Houghton and Bridgettine Richard Reynolds died at this time. In 1570 Pope Pius V, in support of various rebellions in England and Ireland, excommunicated Queen Elizabeth, absolving her Catholic subjects of their allegiance to her. The crown responded with more rigorous enforcement of various penal laws already enacted and passed new ones. The made it high treason to affirm that the queen ought not to enjoy the Crown, or to declare her to be a heretic. “An act against Jesuits, seminary priests, and such other like disobedient persons”, the statute under which most of the English martyrs suffered, made it high treason for any Jesuit or any seminary priest to be in England at all, and a felony for any person to harbor or aid them. All but six of the forty had been hanged, drawn and quartered, many of them at Tyburn.
The martyrs are: St. John Almond; St. Edmund Arrowsmith; St. Ambrose Barlow; St. John Boste; St. Alexander Briant; St. Edmund Campion; St. Margaret Clitherow; St. Philip Evans; St. Thomas Garnet; St. Edmund Gennings; St. Richard Gwyn; St. John Houghton; St. Philip Howard; St. John Jones; St. John Kemble; St. Luke Kirby; St. Robert Lawrence; St. David Lewis; St. Anne Line; St. John Lloyd; St. Cuthbert Mayne; St. Henry Morse; St. Nicholas Owen; St. John Payne; St. Polydore Plasden; St. John Plessington; St. Richard Reynolds; St. John Rigby; St. John Roberts; St. Alban Roe; St. Ralph Sherwin; St. Robert Southwell; St. John Southworth; St. John Stone; St.John Wall; St. Henry Walpole; St. Margaret Ward; St. Augustine Webster; St. Swithun Wells; St. Eustace White
Following beatifications between 1886 and 1929, there were already numerous martyrs from England and Wales recognised with the rank of Blessed. The bishops of the province identified a list of 40 further names; reasons given for the choice of those particular names include a spread of social status, religious rank, geographical spread and the pre-existence of popular devotion. The list of names was submitted to Rome in December 1960. In the case of a martyr, a miracle is not required. For a martyr, the Pope has only to make a declaration of martyrdom, which is a certification that the Venerable died voluntarily as a witness of the Faith or in an act of heroic charity for others. The Archbishop of Westminster, then Cardinal William Godfrey, sent a description of 24 seemingly miraculous cases to the Sacred Congregation. Out of 20 candidate cases for recognition as answered prayers, the alleged cure of a young mother from a malignant tumor was selected as the clearest case. In light of the fact that Thomas More and John Fisher, belonging to the same group of Martyrs, had been canonized with a dispensation from miracles, Pope Paul VI, after discussions with the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints, considered that it was possible to proceed with the Canonization on the basis of one miracle. Pope Paul VI granted permission for the whole group of 40 names to be recognised as saints on the strength of this one miracle. The canonization ceremony took place in Rome on October 25, 1970. In England, these martyrs were formerly commemorated within the Catholic Church by a feast day on October 25th, which is also the feast of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, but they are now celebrated together with all the 284 canonized or beatified martyrs of the English Reformation on 4 May. In Wales, the Catholic Church keeps October 25th as the feast of the Six Welsh Martyrs and their companions. The Welsh Martyrs are the priests Philip Evans and John Lloyd, John Jones, David Lewis, John Roberts, and the teacher Richard Gwyn.[9] The companions are the 34 English Martyrs listed above. Wales continues to keep May 4th as a separate feast for the beatified martyrs of England and Wales.
PRAYER: Merciful God, who, when thy Church on earth was torn apart by the ravages of sin, didst raise up men and women in England who witnessed to their faith with courage and constancy: give unto thy Church that peace which is thy will, and grant that those who have been divided on earth may be reconciled in heaven and be partakers together in the vision of thy glory; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen 🙏🏽
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis | EWTN | May 3, 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-60/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy 1st Saturday, Second Week of Easter!
Today, the 1st Saturday of the month of May is Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Our Blessed Mother Mary. 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 new 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. May this weekend be filled with peace, joy, and the renewed hope that comes from Christ’s Resurrection. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, blessed start to the month. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AND SUCCESS OF THE CONCLAVE
With the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:
Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.
Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come – You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.
Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion.
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion
Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row
Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:
Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion: * On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart. * Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion. * Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven. * Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, today, we celebrate the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles (Patrons of the Church of the Twelve Apostles in Rome), two of the Twelve chosen by Christ to spread the Gospel. While their lives differed, their mission was the same: to lead souls to Christ and lay the foundation of the Church through their preaching and martyrdom. Both were martyred in the first century, enduring great sacrifices to proclaim Christ’s truth. Through the intercession of Saints Philip and James, we pray for the sick, the poor, the needy, and for justice and peace in the world. We lift up the souls in purgatory and all the faithful departed, asking that they be welcomed into God’s eternal light. Let us also pray for Pope Francis, all the clergy, and those persecuted for their faith, that they may be sustained by God’s grace.
A PRAYER FOR PEACE : Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles | Saturday, May 3, 2025 Reading 1, First Corinthians 15:1-8 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5 Gospel, John 14:6-14
Gospel Reading ~ John 14:6-14
“Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father”
“Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”
In today’s Gospel reading, the words of Philip to Jesus, ‘Lord, let us see the Father and we shall be satisfied’, might well resonate with us. Perhaps we too sense that we will really only be satisfied when we see God, or, in other words, when we are in Heaven. Yet, Jesus replies to Philip that God the Father whom he longs to see he already sees in Jesus, ‘to have seen me is to have seen the Father’. The Lord told His disciples that He has indeed come from the Father, showing them all the fullness of God’s love and truth to them, and seeing Him is in truth the same as having seen God in His fullness of glory and love. That is because He was indeed the Love of God made manifest and perfect in this world, incarnate in the flesh as the Son of God and as the Son of Man. In those words, Jesus is letting us all know that He has already begun to satisfy our deepest longings, our longing for God. Jesus has shown us the face of God in Himself, in His life, death and resurrection. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus we will already begin to see the face of God and the Heaven for which will become a present reality, to some extent. Jesus is reminding St. Philip and all of us that we have already been given a great deal. What we need to do is to appreciate what we have been given, to experience the presence of God in the person of Jesus who is with us always until the end of time; He is with us in His word, in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and in each other. God has not hold back from us even His own most beloved Son, but sending Him into our midst so that all of us may experience the fullness of God’s love manifested in the flesh, as He appeared before us as the Son of Man, born of His blessed mother Mary, becoming the tangible expression of God’s ever generous love and grace. Through Christ His Son, God wants us all to experience the fullness of His love, and He wants us all to pass that love to more and more people we encounter in our own lives.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, we encounter a powerful dialogue between Jesus and His disciples, particularly Philip. Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” revealing His unique role as the path to the Father. These words are not merely theological statements—they are deeply relational and personal. Jesus is not just a way or a guide; He is the Way. To see Him is to see the Father. When Philip says, “Show us the Father,” Jesus responds with a gentle rebuke: “Have I been with you for so long and still you do not know me?” This moment highlights a truth that is both humbling and reassuring—God is not distant. In Jesus, the fullness of God is revealed. Every word, every action of Christ reflects the heart of the Father. Jesus invites us to believe not just in His words, but in His works. Through His miracles, compassion, and self-giving love, He shows us the Father. And then He adds something astonishing: “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these.” This isn’t about surpassing Jesus but continuing His mission with the help of the Holy Spirit. Faith in Christ unleashes divine possibilities in our lives. As we believe in Him and live in Him, our prayer becomes powerful: “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do.” Today’s Gospel invites us to deepen our intimacy with Christ, to see Him as the full revelation of God, and to walk with courage in the path He has laid before us.
Our first reading today from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, describes the testimony of faith that St. Paul delivered to the faithful in the city of Corinth, reminding them all to pass on the truth, knowledge and the wisdom of God’s truth which they had received from the hands of the Apostles and the other missionaries. St. Paul shared with them how he himself has received the same truth and teachings from the Apostles, who shared and passed on to him the truth about what happened in the Lord’s ministry, in everything that He had done for the sake of the salvation of the whole world. St. Paul himself did not witness everything that had happened but he received the same truth from the hands of the other Apostles and also through the wisdom and inspiration from the Holy Spirit. The Apostles have been called and chosen to bring the Good News of the Lord to the nations, and in the case of St. Paul, while he himself never journeyed together with the Lord and His group, and in fact was an ardent and overzealous persecutor of Christians in his early moments, but this did not prevent the Lord from calling St. Paul and making him to be one of His greatest missionaries, proclaiming the message of His truth to more and more people that had not yet known Him and had not yet heard His words of truth and experienced His love. St. Paul hence shared to the people of God, the faithful in Corinth that each and every one of them ought to be missionary and evangelising as well, in committing their lives and works to the glorification of God and the proclamation of His truth and salvation. St. Paul lists James as one of those to whom the risen Lord appeared and then to all the Apostles. On this feast day, we celebrate and mark the great memories of these two wonderful saints, the Holy Apostles of Our Lord, St. Philip and St. James, we are all called to reflect on ourselves and on our own calling in life. Each one of us as Christians are disciples and followers of the Lord, and we are all called to the same mission that the Lord has entrusted to His Apostles. The Lord has given to us the mission to reach out to more people among the nations, that we may be the genuine witnesses of His truth, love and resurrection among all the people of God. We are the ones to be the beacons of God’s light in our respective communities today.
Reflecting further on today’s first reading, Saint Paul’s words are a powerful summary of the Gospel. He reminds the Corinthians and us all of the foundation of Christian faith: that Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to many, including the Apostles. What Paul proclaims is not mere tradition or secondhand knowledge. It is a testimony rooted in encounter. “I handed on to you what I also received,” he says. This passage highlights the continuity and reliability of the apostolic witness. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a passionate preacher because he too encountered the risen Christ. What stands out is the emphasis on seeing. Jesus appeared to Peter, the Twelve, James, and finally to Paul. This visual, personal encounter with the risen Christ is what transformed fearful followers into bold witnesses. The Feast of Saints Philip and James reminds us that these men did not follow cleverly devised myths. They encountered the risen Lord, gave their lives to proclaim Him, and passed on the Gospel at great cost. Like Paul, we are called to stand firm in the faith we have received, to let it shape how we live and how we witness to others.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “Their message goes out through all the earth.” The psalm today reminds us of the universality of the Gospel. Just as the heavens declare the glory of God without words, so too the message of the Apostles resounds throughout the world. Saints Philip and James, though simple men, became voices of God’s glory. They did not rely on eloquence or prestige but on the power of the Spirit. Their message, like the stars in the sky, quietly but powerfully declares the truth of Christ.
Are we still saying, “Show us the Father,” when Christ is already in our midst through His Word, the Sacraments, and His people? Do we truly believe that in seeing Jesus, we see God? Do we live as those who know the Way, follow the Truth, and receive Life from Christ? And how are we, like the Apostles, passing on what we ourselves have received? As we honor Saints Philip and James today, let us renew our commitment to be witnesses of the risen Lord. May we treasure the faith we have received, live it courageously, and pass it on through our words and actions. Christ is the Way let us walk in Him with joy and conviction. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, each and every one of us are reminded that we should walk in the footsteps of the Holy Apostles. We are all reminded to do our best to serve the Lord by our every contributions, even to the smallest and seemingly least significant actions we do. For it is by our combined works and efforts that God will extend His reach and works ever more gloriously among His people. Let us all spend more time in building up our relationship with God and in deepening our understanding of our faith, so that we may be truly inspirational to all those who witness our lives and works. Let us walk in the path of the Apostles and do whatever we can to proclaim the Lord in each and every moments of our lives. Let us all therefore be inspired by the dedication and examples showed by the Holy Apostles, St. Philip and St. James, and be strengthened and inspired to walk in the same path that they had walked. Let us all turn towards the Lord faithfully and dedicate ourselves to Him thoroughly, doing our very best to be faithful missionaries and evangelisers of our Christian faith, not just through mere words only, but also through genuine actions and works, in doing God’s will and obeying His Law and commandments, becoming true shining beacons of the Light of Christ in the midst of our community. May the Lord continue to be with us always and may He empower each one of us to walk in His presence at all times. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, bless us always and grant us His grace in our every efforts and good works, now and forevermore. St. Philip and St. James, Holy Apostles and devout servants of God, pray for us all. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In You, we see the Father and know His heart. Help us to believe more deeply in Your words and works. Strengthen our faith like that of Saints Philip and James, that we may proclaim You boldly and live out the Gospel faithfully. May our lives echo the message of Your love to the ends of the earth. Amen. 🙏🏽
FEAST OF SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES: MAY 3RD:Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles (Patrons of the Church of the Twelve Apostles in Rome), two of the Twelve chosen by Christ to spread the Gospel. While their lives differed, their mission was the same: to lead souls to Christ and lay the foundation of the Church through their preaching and martyrdom. Both were martyred in the first century, enduring great sacrifices to proclaim Christ’s truth. Through the intercession of Saints Philip and James, we pray for the sick, the poor, the needy, and for justice and peace in the world. We lift up the souls in purgatory and all the faithful departed, asking that they be welcomed into God’s eternal light. Let us also pray for Pope Francis, all the clergy, and those persecuted for their faith, that they may be sustained by God’s grace.
SAINT PHILIP, APOSTLE: Saint Philip was born in Bethsaida in Galilee and was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. His call to follow Christ is noted in the Gospel of John (1:43-44), where Jesus says, “Follow Me,” and Philip immediately responds. After receiving the Holy Spirit, Philip traveled far and wide to preach the Gospel, including areas like Scythia and Phrygia, where he converted many to the faith. He is also credited with bringing his friend Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus, proclaiming, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote” (John 1:45).
Saint Philip, though married with daughters, left everything to follow Christ, exemplifying the sacrifice and commitment required to be a true disciple. His evangelization efforts were marked by both success and hardship, and he ultimately died a martyr’s death in Hierapolis, Phrygia, where he was crucified and stoned.
As the patron of pastry chefs, hatters, jockeys, horsemen, and countries like Uruguay and Luxembourg, Saint Philip is a model of zeal for spreading the Gospel, no matter the personal cost.
PRAYER:O Saint Philip, chosen disciple of the Lord, who brought others to Christ with zeal and fervor, grant us the courage to follow your example by bringing others to the truth of the Gospel. Help us to live with the same zeal, offering ourselves entirely to God’s will. Through your intercession, may we be faithful in spreading His love and truth, no matter the challenges we face. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT JAMES THE LESSER, APOSTLE:Saint James the Lesser, also known as James the Just, was the son of Alpheus and a relative of Jesus. Sometimes called the “brother of the Lord,” he was highly revered in the early Church. As the first Bishop of Jerusalem, James was known for his piety, humility, and commitment to the Christian community. His leadership helped shape the early Church, and he presided over the Council of Jerusalem, where the apostles decided how Gentiles could be incorporated into the faith without having to follow the entire Law of Moses (Acts 15).
James’ austere life as a Nazarite was marked by prayer, fasting, and dedication to God. He is said to have spent so much time in prayer that his knees were as calloused as a camel’s hooves. His martyrdom came when he was thrown from the Temple and then stoned to death by those who opposed his teachings. He is remembered for his prayerful spirit and his call for justice, mercy, and humility.
Saint James is the patron saint of apothecaries, pharmacists, and the dying, as well as of various cities such as Frascati and Monterotondo. His steadfast faith and unwavering commitment to the Church make him a powerful intercessor for all who seek justice and peace.
PRAYER:O Saint James, who lived a life of humility and devotion, pray for us that we may follow your example of prayer, penance, and justice. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, especially in the face of trials, and to always seek the will of God above all else. May we, like you, strive for holiness in all aspects of our lives. Amen. 🙏🏽
Lord God, on this feast day of your holy Apostles, Saints Philip and James, we rejoice in the gifts of faith and courage they imparted to Your Church. Through their intercession, may we grow in our own faith, perseverance, and love for You. Help us to follow their example in proclaiming Your truth and living lives of devotion, justice, and service to others. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Philip and Saint James ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MAY:For Working Conditions ~ Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ~ POPE FRANCIS:For Working Conditions ~ Jesus, You knew work in this world, and You understand its hardships and joys… Hear our prayer today. Working is a human trait… Work is sacred… The beauty of the earth and the dignity of work were meant to be united… The earth becomes beautiful when man works… Lord, You see that we believe this with conviction, but we desire even more for it to become a reality among us.
We are saddened when people can’t find work and lack the dignity of bringing bread to their home. Give us the light of your Spirit, open our hearts, do not let indifference overcome us. Help us recover the gift of universal brotherhood. We ask for a heart as big as Jesus’s so we can embrace the call to work to give dignity to people and families. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues—especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.
In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Today, as we honor Saints Philip and James, Apostles, we also lift up our prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis’ soul. May he rest in the peace of Christ, whose service he dedicated his life to, and may the grace of God be with him as he enters into eternal life. We pray for the College of Cardinals as they embark on the sacred task of electing a new Pope. May the Holy Spirit guide them in this crucial decision, granting them wisdom, discernment, and unity as they choose a successor who will continue to lead the Church with faith, love, and truth. We also pray for the sick, the poor, the marginalized, and all who are in need. May they find comfort and strength in God’s love through the intercession of Saints Philip and James. We lift up our families, that they may grow in faith and unity, and we pray for the souls in purgatory, asking that they be welcomed into the eternal light of God’s Kingdom. Amen. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My divine and personal Lord, it is the deepest desire of Your Sacred Heart to know me and to love me. Fill my heart with this same desire so that I will not only know You, dear Lord, but also the Father in Heaven. Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your perfect love and pray that I may open myself to that love more fully each and every day. Saints Philip and James, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We entrust Pope Francis to Your eternal love, and we ask for Your guidance as the College of Cardinals seeks Your will in choosing a new Pope. Strengthen the Church in this time of transition and help us all to continue living out the Gospel with faith, hope, and love. May the Holy Spirit lead us in this journey, and may the Church remain a beacon of Your light in the world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Philip, and Saint James ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day 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 Saturday 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 Weekend and joyful Second Week of Easter and month of May 🙏🏽
FEAST OF SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLESRD: Today, we celebrate the Feast of two of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, Saints Philip and James, Apostles. Saints Philip and James are linked on this feast because they shared the patronage of an ancient Roman basilica, known today as the Church of the Twelve Apostles in Rome. Both were martyred in the 1st century. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saints Philip and James, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, especially those who are terminally ill. We pray for all Pharmacists, for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, for all Christians, for the poor and needy and for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and all over the world. Every life is a gift. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the gentle souls of our beloved family members who recently passed away and the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. For all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. For vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners and Christians all over the world. Amen 🙏🏽
SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES THE LESSER, APOSTLES: Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of not just one but two of the great Apostles of the Lord, namely that of St. Philip and St. James, two of the Twelve Apostles, part of the innermost circle and closest collaborators of our Lord Jesus Christ’s ministry and work. Both of them like that of the other Apostles and disciples of the Lord, went through many hardships and trials, and went from places to places to proclaim the Good News of the Lord, delivering the truth and love of God to more and more people who have not yet heard of Him or known Him. They laboured for many years in distant lands and in foreign places, among foreigners and others so that many more may come close to the salvation in God. Through their efforts and hard work, many have come close to the Lord and found the path to His grace, and not few followed in the footsteps of the Apostles. Sts. Philip and James are linked on this feast because they shared the patronage of an ancient Roman basilica, known today as the Church of the Twelve Apostles in Rome. Both were martyred in the 1st century.
SAINT PHILIP: St. Philip was born in Bethsaida in Galilee and was one of the 12 Apostles that Jesus called the day after St. Peter and St. Andrew. The Apostle Philip was one of Christ’s first disciples, called soon after his Master’s baptism in the Jordan. The fourth Gospel of St. John gives the following detail: “The next day Jesus was about to leave for Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him: Follow Me. Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him: We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote, Jesus the Son of Joseph of Nazareth. And Nathanael said to him: Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see” (John 1:43ff). After receiving the Holy Spirit, immediately, Philip began to preach the Gospel, in Scythia and Phrygia, converting great numbers to the faith, finding his friend Nathaniel and telling him that Jesus was the one whom Moses and the other prophets had foretold. According to tradition, St. Philip was then a married man, and he had several daughters, three of whom reached eminent sanctity. Like the other Apostles, St. Philip left all things to follow Christ. His name is frequently mentioned in the Holy Gospels.
St. Philip is eighth in the Apostolic list of the Roman Canon; in the Synoptic Gospels he is named after the two groups of brother, Peter and Andrew, James and John (Matt 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14). In St. John (I:43-44), we read that he was called after St. Peter to follow Jesus, and the Gospel adds he was of Bethsaida, as were Andrew and Peter. Philip introduced Nathaniel, who we know as the Apostle Bartholomew to Jesus (cf. St. Bartholomew). This same Gospel of St. John mentions Philip once again (John 14:9), in the passage, read at Mass, which serves also as the Antiphon of the Alleluia and for the Communion: “Philip, he that sees Me sees the Father also”; elsewhere (John 12:21) it tells us that certain Gentiles wishing to see Jesus had recourse to Philip, and in chapter 6 Jesus says to Philip, before the multiplication of the loaves, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” These little incidents, though they tell us nothing about St. Philip’s inner life, show us that in the intimate companionship of the Apostles he played a distinct part. The Breviary story tells us that he evangelized Phyrgia, and that, at Hierapolis, he was fastened to a cross, crucified and then stoned at Hierapolis, in Phrygia. It adds that his relics, with those of St. James, were taken to Rome and placed in the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles. This church was once one of the most venerated in Rome. It corresponds to the famous church of Byzantium called the Apostoleion or Church of the Apostles. St. Julius I (341-352_ erected it, Pelagius I (556-561) rebuilt it, and finally John III (561-574) dedicated it to the memory of all the Apostles, especially SS. Philip and James, whose relics were enshrined therein. St. Philip is the Patron Saint of pastry chefs, Hatters, jockeys and horsemen, Uruguay, Luxembourg.
PRAYER: O Saint Philip, chosen disciple of the Lord, who brought Nathaniel to Christ, who most zealously preached thy Lord, Jesus Christ, and out of love to Him willingly gave thyself to be nailed to the cross, and put to death, obtain, I beseech thee, for me, and for all men, grace with zeal to bring others to the practice of good works, to have a great desire after God and His truths, and, in hope of the eternal blissful contemplation of God, to bear patiently the adversities and miseries of this life…Amen 🙏🏽
SAINT JAMES THE LESSER: James the Lesser is called “Lesser” because he was younger than the other Apostle by the same name, James the Great. St. James was the son of Alpheus (also known as Cleophas), the brother of Saint Jude. St. James the less was related in some way to Jesus, a cousin of Our Lord, whom he is said to have resembled. His mother Mary was either a sister or a close relative of the Blessed Virgin, and for that reason, according to Jewish custom, he was sometimes called the brother of the Lord. After Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, he became the head of the Church in Jerusalem. He was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. Saint Paul tells us that he was favored by a special apparition of Christ after the Resurrection. (I Corinthians 15:7) On the dispersion of the Apostles among the nations, Saint James remained as Bishop of Jerusalem, where the Jews held in such high veneration his purity, mortification, and prayer, that they named him the Just. He governed that church for 30 years before his martyrdom. Hegesippus, the earliest of the Church’s historians, has handed down many traditions of Saint James’s sanctity.
Saint James was a celibate Nazarite consecrated to God; he drank no wine and wore no sandals. He prostrated himself so long and so often in prayer that the skin of his knees was hardened like a camel’s hoof. It is said that the Jews, out of respect, used to touch the hem of his garment. He was indeed a living proof of his own words, The wisdom that is from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, modest, ready to listen, full of mercy and good fruits. (James 3:17) He sat beside Saint Peter and Saint Paul at the Council of Jerusalem. When Saint Paul at a later time escaped the fury of the Jews by appealing to Caesar, the people took vengeance on James. One day, being requested to preach against Christ, he publicly proclaimed Him to be the Messiah, in Whom men were bound to believe, at which the Jewish priests became so enraged and crying out, The just one has erred! stoned him to death. They threw him down from a pinnacle of the temple, cast stones upon him, and finally killed him outright with a fuller’s rod. During his martyrdom he prayed for his persecutors in the same words pronounced by Jesus: Heavenly Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. He was martyred in the year 62. St. James the Lesser is the Patron Saint of Apothecaries; druggists; dying people; Frascati, Italy; fullers; milliners; Monterotondo, Italy; pharmacists; Uruguay.
PRAYER: O Saint James, who lived so temperately and strictly, who, like thy master, prayed so earnestly and constantly for thy tormentors, I beseech thee that thou wouldst procure us from Jesus grace, after thy example, to live sober and peniteptial lives, and to worship God in spirit and in truth. Obtain for us, therefore, the spirit with which thou didst write thine epistle, that we may follow thy doctrine, be diligent in good works, and, like thee, love and pray for our enemies…Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, You give us joy every year on the feast of Your Apostles Sts. Philip and James. Through their prayers let us share in the Passion and the Resurrection of Your only-begotten Son and help us merit the eternal vision of Your glory… Amen 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, Bishop and Saint Antoninus, Bishop. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for the Church, the Clergy, for persecuted christians, for the conversion of sinners, for all Christians, the poor and needy and for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and all over the world. We also pray for the sick and dying, we particularly pray for those who are suffering from cancer and other terminal diseases, we hope the prayers of the Saints can bring them divine healing, comfort and strength from our Lord. Every life is a gift. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the gentle souls of our beloved family members who recently passed away and the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. For all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. For vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners and Christians all over the world. Amen 🙏🏽
SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: St. Athanasius (296-373 A.D.), also called Athanasius the Great, Athanasius the Confessor or Athanasius the Apostolic. A Christian theologian, a Church Father and the great champion of the Faith against Arianism in the Council of Nicaea. He suffered persecution and was exiled for seventeen years for resisting compromise in essentials of the faith. He wrote many works on apologetics. The fourth century bishop is known as “the father of orthodoxy” for his absolute dedication to the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. St. Athanasius was born in Alexandria, Egypt, to noble Christian parents, about the year 296. His parents took great care to have their son educated, and his talents came to the attention of a local priest who was later Bishop of his native city and later canonized as St. Alexander of Alexandria. The priest and future saint tutored St. Athanasius in theology, and eventually appointed him as an assistant. Around the age of 19, St. Athanasius spent a formative period in the Egyptian desert as a disciple of St. Anthony in his monastic community. Returning to Alexandria, he was ordained a deacon in 319, and resumed his assistance to Alexander who had become a bishop. Even in this capacity he was called upon to take an active part against the rising heresy of Arius, an ambitious priest of the Alexandrian Church who denied the Divinity of Christ. This was to be the life struggle of St. Athanasius. The Catholic Church, newly recognized by the Roman Empire, was already encountering a new series of dangers from within.
In 325, St Athanasius assisted his Bishop as participant at the Council of Nicaea, and did much of the theological work which supported the condemnation of the Arian heresy and the formulation of the Nicene Creed. His influence began to be felt. Five months later Alexander died; on his deathbed he recommended St. Athanasius as his successor. In consequence of this Athanasius was unanimously elected Patriarch in 326. St. Athanasius became the Bishop of Alexandria and served in that role for 46 years. He tirelessly and courageously devoted most of his life to defeating the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. When the majority of his fellow bishops were Arian heretics, which threatened the integrity of the whole Church, St. Athansius stood firmly and almost single-handedly against their error using his philosophical knowledge, theological wisdom, rhetorical skill, and strength of spirit. Despite having the support of several popes, refusal to tolerate the Arian heresy was the cause of many trials and persecutions for St. Athanasius. He suffered great trials, scandals, and persecutions at the hands of his doctrinal enemies, and he spent seventeen of forty-six years of his episcopate in exile. After a life of virtue and suffering, this intrepid champion of the Catholic Faith, the greatest man of his time, died in peace on May 2, 373. St. Athanasius is known as one of the greatest champions of Catholic doctrine to have ever lived, earning the title, “Father of Orthodoxy.” St. Athanasius was later declared a Doctor of the Church.
“You will not see anyone who is really striving after his advancement who is not given to spiritual reading. And as to him who neglects it, the fact will soon be observed by his progress.” ~ St. Athanasius of Alexandra
PRAYER: Almighty ever-living God, who raised up the Bishop Saint Athanasius as an outstanding champion of your Son’s divinity, mercifully grant, that rejoicing in his teaching and his protection, we may never cease to grow in knowledge and love of you. Through our Lord… Amen. St. Athanasius of Alexandria ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP: St. Antoninus was born in Florence on March 1, 1389, the only child of Niccolo Pierozzi, a lawyer, and his wife Thomassina. He was baptized Antonius or Antonio, but because of his small size and gentle nature he was called by the diminutive “Antoninus” or “Antonino” all his life. Supposedly a pious child, at age 15 Antoninus applied to Blessed John Dominic for admission to the Dominican Order. In 1404 Bl. John was at the Convent of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, but he was reforming the Dominican priories in the area and organizing a new house at Fiesole. Afraid that the frail Antoninus could not tolerate the vigorous austerities of the new monastery, Bl. John did not turn the boy down directly but told him to go home and memorize the Decretum Gratiani, or Decrees of Gratian, an enormous compilation of Church law. Determined, St. Antoninus returned in a year, the book entirely committed to memory, and was accepted. Along with Fra Angelico and Fra Benedetto (natural brothers: one the famous painter, the other a miniaturist), Antoninus spent his novitiate in Cortona, then returned to Fiesole, where he stayed until 1409. A zealous reformer like Bl. John, St. Antoninus was named vicar of the convent at Foligno in 1414, then subprior and prior of the convent at Cortona. From 1418 to 1428 he served as prior of convents in Naples, Gaeta, Siena and Fiesole, and then was named prior of the convent at Minerva in Rome in 1430. From 1433 to 1446 he was superior of the reformed Tuscan and Neapolitan congregations, in which post he restored the primitive rules of the Dominican order.
St. Antoninus was summoned by Pope Eugene IV to take part in the Council of Florence in 1438, and as prior of San Marco, welcomed many of the prelates and scholars to Florence for the sessions of the council that took place there. It was at this time also that the great library of San Marco was opened to the public. In 1446, much against his will, he was appointed archbishop of Florence but continued to live as a simple Dominican friar. Then, he became a veritable dynamo of activity: he rebuilt churches, visited parishes, preached incessantly, and brought about peace between political factions and religious orders. He was in Rome at the deathbed of Pope Eugene IV and was consulted by succeeding pontiffs in the reform of the papal curia. He was a superb theologian, his writings on moral theology and economics are considered pioneer works in the changing society of his times. Shortly before the death of Antoninus, a plague hit Florence, decimating the city, with many of his friars dying, and the people starving from famine. He sold everything to help the hungry and destitute. When a violent earthquake hit Florence, he helped to rebuild the city, housing some of the victims in his own home. He died on May 2, 1459, and Pope Pius II himself came to attend his funeral. The people of Florence, who loved Antoninus, placed his statue in the Uffizi Palace, the city’s hall of fame. St. Antoninus’s incorrupt body was moved to a new chapel at San Marco in 1559. He’s the Patron Saint of with a fever.
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis | EWTN | May 2, 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-59/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy 1st Friday, Second Week of Easter
Today, the 1st Friday of the month of May is Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 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 new 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 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AND SUCESS OF THE CONCLAVE
With the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:
Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.
Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come – You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.
Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion.
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion
Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row
Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:
Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion: * On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart. * Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion. * Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven. * Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, today the Church commemorates Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (patron of theologians and defenders of the faith) and Saint Antoninus of Florence (patron of archbishops, social justice, and those in financial difficulty). Both were bishops who defended the truth and shepherded the faithful during times of great challenge. Saint Athanasius was a tireless defender of Christ’s divinity against the Arian heresy, enduring exile and persecution to safeguard the faith. Saint Antoninus, known for his simplicity, wisdom, and justice, served the poor of Florence and brought reform and integrity to the clergy and laity alike. In these uncertain days of the papal interregnum, we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus, to help guide the Church with courage, clarity, and charity.
A PRAYER FOR PEACE : Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | Friday, May 2, 2025 Reading 1, Acts 5:34-42 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-14 Gospel, John 6:1-15
Gospel Reading ~ John 6:1-15
“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.” (John 6:11)
“Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised His eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because He Himself knew what He was going to do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, He said to His disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign He had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry Him off to make Him king, He withdrew again to the mountain alone.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus and His disciples found themselves before a situation that seemed beyond their ability to deal with. They were faced with a hungry crowd and little or no means of feeding them. Philip and Andrew were both at a loss. Their inclination was to do nothing because the situation seemed hopeless. Where could food be found to feed such a crowd? In this situation different people reacted in different ways. Philip made a calculation: on the basis of the number of people and the amount of money available to buy food, and decided that nothing could be done. Andrew recognized that one of the crowd had a small amount of food but he dismissed this small resource as of no value. There were two other reactions in the story. There is the reaction of the small boy who willingly gave to Jesus the few pieces of food that he had. This is the reaction of the generous person, of the one who is prepared to give all he or she has, even though it appears to be far less than what is needed. He gave all he had to give. Then there is the reaction of Jesus Himself. Jesus knew that something could be done and He involved His disciples in doing what could be done, calling on them to make the people sit down. Jesus took the few resources that the young boy was generous enough to part with and, having prayed the prayer of thanksgiving to God over these small pieces of food, He somehow fed the enormous crowd. After feeding the crowd, Jesus asked His disciples to collect the pieces that were left over when everyone had eaten. With the Lord’s help what seemed impossible became possible. The Gospel reading suggests that the Lord can work powerfully through meagre resources. Like the disciples, we can feel hopeless before certain situations. We find it very hard to get started. It all seems too much for us. Yet, there is always something we can do, no matter how small. It may seem as small as the two barley loaves and five fish, but the Lord can work powerfully through our efforts, small as they may seem to us. We can always ask the Lord to do what he can with the little that we have and if we do that we may discover, like the disciples, that something wonderful happens. The Gospel teaches us that if we give generously from our resources to others, the Lord will work powerfully through those resources, small as they may seem to us.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Jesus performs one of the most well-known miracles in Scripture—the feeding of the five thousand. This moment of divine providence reveals both the compassion of Jesus and the abundance of God’s grace. It begins with a crowd in need and ends with a miraculous satisfaction of their hunger physical and spiritual. The scene is a prefiguration of the Eucharist: Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives. He feeds the multitude not only out of power but out of deep concern for their well-being. What started as a small offering—a boy’s five barley loaves and two fish—became, in Jesus’ hands, a feast for thousands. This teaches us that nothing is too small when surrendered to Christ. He multiplies our humble gifts for the good of many. The miracle also reveals how Jesus tests His disciples, not to shame them but to deepen their faith. Philip and Andrew’s responses show limited, worldly reasoning. Yet Jesus already knew what He was going to do. This reminds us that God’s plans often exceed our imagination. He sees the needs, knows our limitations, and still invites us into the process. Like the disciples, we are called to trust, even when solutions seem impossible. At the end, Jesus instructs them to gather the fragments so that nothing is wasted. God’s generosity is never careless He values every offering and every soul. This Gospel calls us to live in expectant faith, to offer our small gifts with confidence, and to believe in the God who brings abundance from scarcity.
Our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles details the time when the Sanhedrin, or the Jewish High Council was pondering on what to do with the Apostles who had courageously opposed them and refused to follow their orders not to proclaim and teach in the Name of the Risen Christ, with many of the members of the Sanhedrin were desiring to destroy those Apostles, angry and inflamed as they were with the Apostles who defied them and spoke with great Wisdom and courage, in resisting the pressures and coercions levied against them. But with the rising tension and passionate anger, one figure came forth seeking calm and rationale argument, namely the highly respected Gamaliel, a renowned and highly respected teacher of the faith, an elder Pharisee of great reputation. This Gamaliel told the Sanhedrin members to listen to reason and wisdom, and not persecute the Apostles. The reasons presented by Gamaliel were very compelling, as he brought up the recent so-called False Messiahs, all those who have claimed to be the Messiah or the Saviour sent by God, and how their following and works quickly disappeared and were scattered after their leaders were put to death. Thus, following the same logic and example, Gamaliel convinced the other members of the Sanhedrin to let the Lord’s disciples be, as if their Lord and Master had indeed been a False Messiah like the others before Him, His movement and the works of His disciples would have quickly disappeared and they would be quickly scattered. On the other hand, as what was actually the case, if their Lord and Master was truly the true Messiah, the Saviour of the world, then no matter what efforts or persecutions the Sanhedrin would carry out against them, the works of the Lord would continue and triumph in the end. That is why, all of us are called and reminded to put our trust and faith in the Lord, remembering that He has always been by our side, guiding us and providing for us, protecting and helping us even in ways that we may not realise at first. The Lord has always been with His Church and His disciples, and according to our Gospel reading today, He has provided for us all that we need by His love and compassion towards us.
Reflecting on our first reading, it paints a powerful picture of unwavering faith and the providence of God working even within opposition. The intervention of Gamaliel a wise Pharisee reveals a deep spiritual insight: if the apostles’ mission is of human origin, it will fail on its own; but if it is from God, no force can stop it. This wisdom still holds true today. It reminds us to discern wisely and to avoid rash decisions driven by fear or power. What stands out most is the apostles’ response to persecution. After being flogged and ordered not to speak in Jesus’ name, they rejoice—rejoice!—because they were found worthy to suffer dishonor for Christ. This kind of joyful endurance is a witness to their deep love and conviction.
Despite the threats, pain, and rejection, the apostles remain unwavering. They do not retreat or compromise. Instead, they continue to teach “all day long, both at the temple and in their homes.” What fuels such courage? Their personal encounter with the Risen Christ, and the fire of the Holy Spirit within them. Today, we are reminded that living the Gospel boldly may come with suffering, but such suffering is never in vain. It becomes a badge of honor in the Kingdom of God. Like the apostles, we must be ready to endure discomfort or rejection if it means remaining faithful to Christ.
“One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm is a beautiful cry of trust and longing for God. The Lord is portrayed as light, salvation, and refuge three images of protection, clarity, and strength. In the face of trials, the psalmist seeks only one thing: to live in God’s presence. This single-hearted desire is a challenge to our scattered lives. How often do we make God’s presence our first pursuit? The call to “wait for the Lord with courage” reminds us that trust in God requires both patience and boldness. In times of fear or uncertainty, we are called to stand firm, not in our strength, but in the assurance of God’s faithfulness.
Are we offering what little we have to Jesus in faith, trusting Him to multiply it for His glory? Do we recognize divine abundance in the midst of scarcity? When faced with ridicule or rejection for our beliefs, do we respond with joy and courage like the apostles? Is our deepest longing to dwell in the presence of the Lord? Let us not withhold what we have, no matter how small, from the hands of Christ. When offered with love and trust, He transforms our gifts into blessings for others. Like the apostles, may we rejoice in suffering for His name and never cease to proclaim Him in every space we enter temple, home, or heart. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, all of us are reminded of the love and compassion, the kindness and all of the things which our Lord and Saviour has always shown us, in being present with us and for us, in our every journeys and paths, in all the roads that we are travelling through within our respective lives. God has always been ever present in all of that, and He will not abandon us no matter what. Everything that the Church and the Christian brothers and sisters had done, all have been guided and protected by the Lord. God will not abandon all those who put their trust and faith in Him. His love and kindness have always been shown to us, and none of us will be left without help, in our hour and time of need. For if we depend solely only on our own power, we will likely face defeat and failure, but with God’s help, everything is possible. Let us be inspired by the courage and the hard work shown by all those holy predecessors of ours, in all the trust and faith in the Lord which they had shown us through their lives. Let us all be courageous and committed as they had done in their own lives. Let us all commit ourselves to the Lord and do our best to follow Him in all of our lives, doing whatever we can even in the smallest things, to proclaim and glorify Him by our exemplary lives. May God, our Risen Lord and Saviour in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with us always and may He empower each one of us to live ever more faithfully in His Holy Presence, now, always and forevermore. Amen🙏
Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life who satisfies the hunger of every heart. We thank You for Your abundant love and miraculous power. Teach us to bring our small gifts to You in faith, trusting that You can use them beyond our imagining. Grant us the courage of the apostles to witness boldly to Your name, even in the face of opposition. Help us to long for Your presence above all else, and to wait for You with courage and hope. May we never take for granted the joy of being counted worthy to serve You. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP: MAY 2ND: As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, today the Church commemorates Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (patron of theologians and defenders of the faith) and Saint Antoninus of Florence (patron of archbishops, social justice, and those in financial difficulty). Both were bishops who defended the truth and shepherded the faithful during times of great challenge. Saint Athanasius was a tireless defender of Christ’s divinity against the Arian heresy, enduring exile and persecution to safeguard the faith. Saint Antoninus, known for his simplicity, wisdom, and justice, served the poor of Florence and brought reform and integrity to the clergy and laity alike. In these uncertain days of the papal interregnum, we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus, to help guide the Church with courage, clarity, and charity.
SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: Patron of theologians and defenders of the faith. Born around 296 A.D. in Alexandria, Egypt, Saint Athanasius became one of the Church’s greatest defenders of the faith during the early centuries of Christianity. As a deacon, he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325, where he strongly upheld the doctrine of Christ being consubstantial with the Father a stance that became central to the Nicene Creed.
Athanasius served as Bishop of Alexandria for 46 years, but due to his opposition to Arianism, he was exiled five times, totaling 17 years away from his see. Despite relentless persecution, he remained firm in proclaiming the truth of Christ’s divinity, leaving behind profound theological works like On the Incarnation.
Declared a Doctor of the Church, Athanasius is rightly called the Father of Orthodoxy. His courage and clarity preserved the faith for generations to come.
Saint Gregory of Nazianzus said of him:
“His life and doctrine were a rule of virtue for all.”
PRAYER: Lord God, who gave Your Church Saint Athanasius as a fearless shepherd and brilliant teacher, grant that we may be courageous in defending the truth of the Gospel. Through his intercession, help us to hold fast to the divinity of Christ and to persevere in the faith amid trials. May we, like him, proclaim the truth with love and humility. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT ANTONINUS OF FLORENCE, BISHOP: Patron of archbishops, those in financial hardship, and social justice. Born in Florence in 1389, Saint Antoninus, also known as Antoninus Pierozzi, joined the Dominican Order as a young man. Known for his intelligence and holiness, he was appointed Archbishop of Florence in 1446. Despite his high position, he lived simply, refusing luxury and dedicating himself to the service of the poor and the reform of the clergy.
A gifted administrator and moral theologian, Saint Antoninus authored the Summa Moralis, a guide to Christian ethics and conscience. He founded shelters, hospitals, and relief programs for the poor, and was beloved by his people for his wisdom and compassion.
He died in 1459 and was canonized in 1523. Saint Antoninus remains a powerful intercessor for justice, good governance, and integrity in leadership.
PRAYER: O God of justice and mercy, who called Saint Antoninus to shepherd Your people with humility and wisdom, grant that we may follow his example in caring for the poor, pursuing justice, and living with integrity. Help us to use our positions and gifts to serve rather than be served, and to build communities rooted in compassion and truth. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Athanasius, 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 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues—especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.
In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, on this day, we honor Saint Athanasius, courageous defender of our faith, and Saint Antoninus, compassionate shepherd of the poor. May their intercession strengthen all Church leaders with clarity and charity in preaching the Gospel. We pray for those persecuted for their faith grant them courage and joy, as shown by the apostles in today’s reading from Acts. Be a light to all who struggle with fear or uncertainty, as proclaimed in Psalm 27. For the hungry, the sick, and the poor, may Your mercy provide healing and provision, just as You fed the multitudes in today’s Gospel. In this time of the papal conclave, send forth Your Spirit to guide the cardinals in unity and truth. Amen. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My most generous Lord, You not only give spiritual nourishment to Your people, You give it in superabundance. As I daily seek You out and am filled with Your mercy, help me to never tire of feasting upon the superabundant gift of Your grace. Please do nourish me, dear Lord, and help me to consume Your holy Word. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life who satisfies the deepest hunger of our hearts. As You looked upon the crowd with compassion and fed them abundantly, look upon Your Church today and nourish us with Your grace. Teach us to trust in Your provision and to offer what little we have, knowing You can multiply it for the good of many.
Through the intercession of Saint Athanasius, help us to defend the truth with boldness and fidelity, even when it is unpopular. Through the example of Saint Antoninus, may we act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with You. Let their lives inspire us to live with theological clarity and pastoral charity.
O Divine Shepherd, as the Church awaits a new pope, pour out the Spirit of counsel, wisdom, and discernment upon the conclave. May the one chosen reflect the strength of Athanasius, the gentleness of Antoninus, and the heart of Christ Himself.
We place all our needs into Your Sacred Heart, confident that You hear and respond in love. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, and renew Your Church in holiness. Through the prayers of Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus, may we remain faithful until the end. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection, may our hearts remain open to the peace and hope that flow from His victory over sin and death. During this joyful Easter season, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and draw us closer to the mystery of His Passion, death, and Resurrection. May we walk in the light of His risen life, renewed in spirit and overflowing with grace. Praying for us all and our loved ones today and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling during this Easter season. As we embrace the blessings of this new month, may God’s abundant grace continue to shower upon us, filling our hearts with peace, joy, and hope in His Resurrection. May this Friday be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Friday and joyful Second Week of Easter and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis | EWTN | May 1, 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-58/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Thursday of the Second Week of Easter and Happy Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker!
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 our 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 new 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 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AND SUCESS OF THE CONCLAVE
With the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:
Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.
Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come – You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.
Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, Today, the Church commemorates Saint Joseph the Worker (patron of workers, carpenters, and the universal Church) and Saint Peregrine Laziosi (patron of cancer patients and those suffering from serious illnesses). The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955, highlights the dignity of labor and presents Saint Joseph as a model for all who work with integrity and faith. It serves as a Christian response to secular ideologies that often separate labor from its spiritual dimension. Saint Peregrine, once hostile to the Church, experienced a profound conversion and later joined the Servite Order. Afflicted with cancer in his leg, he was miraculously healed after a vision of Christ, becoming a powerful symbol of hope and endurance for the sick. As we continue the papal interregnum, the Church enters a time of prayerful waiting during the conclave. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, and Saint Peregrine, comforter of the afflicted, may the Lord guide His Church in choosing a shepherd after His own heart.
A PRAYER FOR PEACE : Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Second Week of Easter | May 1, 2025 Reading 1, Acts 5:27-33 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 34:2, 9, 17-18, 19-20 Gospel, John 3:31-36
Gospel Reading ~ John 3:31-36
“The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to Him”
“The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.”
In today’s Gospel reading, John the Baptist says of Jesus, ‘He whom God has sent speaks God’s own words’. Jesus speaks God’s own words because He is the Word of God in human flesh. John the evangelist declared in his opening verses, ‘the Word became flesh and lived among us’. We reflect deeply on all that Jesus said and did, on the whole of His life, on His death, resurrection and ascension, because we know that God has spoken the most powerful and clearest word He could ever speak through Jesus. We are not in the dark about God, wondering who God is and what God is like. In the language of John’s Gospel, it is Jesus, ‘who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made Him known’. Jesus came among us, full of God’s grace and truth, full of God’s gracious love and faithfulness, and we are invited to keep receiving from this fullness of God in Jesus. He has given us so much from His fullness that a life time is not long enough to receive it all. According to our Gospel reading today, God gives the Spirit to Jesus without reserve. God gave all to Jesus without reserve, and what Jesus received from God He has given to us, without reserve. However, there will always be a reserve in our receiving. We struggle to empty ourselves sufficiently to receive all the Lord wants to give us. We spend our lives learning to receive like little children. The greater our capacity to receive from the Lord’s fullness, the greater will be our ability to give as we have received. As Jesus received all from God and gave what He received to us, so Jesus looks to us to receive all from Him and to give what we receive to one another. We are to keep receiving from Jesus all He wishes to give us, His word, His Spirit, His love, so that, like St. Peter in our first reading, we can witness to Him before others.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Jesus offers a profound revelation about His divine origin and authority. He speaks not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the One who “comes from above” and is “above all.” His words are not of earthly origin but heavenly truth. Through Him, we see the full trustworthiness of God revealed, for He speaks the words of God Himself. Jesus emphasizes that those who accept His testimony affirm that God is true, and in doing so, they open themselves to the fullness of the Spirit, which is given without limit. The passage culminates in a clear message: belief in the Son leads to eternal life, while rejection of Him results in spiritual separation from God. This is a stark and sobering reminder that our response to Jesus has eternal consequences. His coming into the world is a gift of divine love and mercy—but it also demands a response. Believing in Jesus is not just acknowledging His existence; it is entrusting our lives to Him, obeying His voice, and receiving His Spirit. The Gospel today challenges us to reflect: Do we recognize Jesus as the One sent from above? Do we allow His words to shape our lives, or are we still too attached to earthly thinking? The Lord invites us to believe in Him deeply, not only intellectually but with our whole hearts so that we may receive the gift of eternal life. He calls us to trust in the full generosity of the Spirit, who is never withheld from those who believe. Let us not take lightly the importance of accepting His testimony and living by it daily.
Our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, details the confrontation between the members of the Sanhedrin or the Jewish High Council and the Apostles. The Sanhedrin, composed of the most powerful and influential members of the Jewish community, including the chief priests, elders, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, many of whom were against the teachings and works of the Lord, had been persecuting the Lord’s disciples ever after the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of the Lord. They had always been jealous and fearful of the popularity and influence of the Lord, and they closely guarded the special influence and privileges they had built up for themselves among the Jewish people, and that was also the reason why they arrested the Lord Jesus and handed Him over to the Romans to be crucified, in order to protect themselves and these privileges. The Sanhedrin was very much against the Apostles and their works, and ordered them all to stop teaching and preaching in the Name of the Lord Jesus. In fact, quite a few among the members of the Sanhedrin wanted to kill the Apostles if not for the timely intervention of Gamaliel, a respected member of the Sanhedrin and a renowned teacher of the Law himself, who according to Christian traditions, was a secret convert to the Christian faith. In the end, the assembly of the Sanhedrin agreed to scourge the Apostles and to let them go with the stern warning against any attempts to proselytise and proclaim the Risen Lord. This was met with great indignation and refusal by the Apostles, who chose to remain firm in their faith and resisted the attempts of those who sought to pressure them into giving up their efforts and works in proclaiming the Risen Lord. They had witnessed the Risen Lord Himself, and received the direct commandment and mission to proclaim His truth and Good News among the nations, and hence, it was inconceivable for them to disregard the Lord’s direct commandment and mission in saving themselves and preventing them from getting into trouble, by obeying the commands of the worldly Sanhedrin, who was mostly concerned more about their own worldly attachments and matters rather than to follow the Lord. After all, the Lord had spent a lot of time and effort, showing and proclaiming Himself and His good works to them, only to be repeatedly rebuffed and rejected because many of them could not resist the temptations of sin and evil, the temptations of worldly glory, fame, ambition and their own ego and pride. Thus, the Apostles and the other disciples of the Lord continued to do what the Lord had commanded them to do despite the oppositions they encountered.
Reflecting on the first reading, in this dramatic scene, the Apostles are again brought before the Sanhedrin and ordered to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Yet Peter boldly responds, “We must obey God rather than men.” His words echo the fearless conviction that filled the early Church: God’s truth must be proclaimed, no matter the cost. Peter does not water down the message; he directly confronts those responsible for Jesus’ death, affirming that God raised Him, exalted Him, and sent the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. The Apostles’ courage reveals a heart deeply anchored in divine truth. Even in the face of death threats, they remain unwavering, driven by their mission to witness to Christ. This passage reminds us that discipleship is not about convenience or comfort. To follow Christ may mean standing firm in truth even when it provokes opposition. Like the Apostles, we must discern whose voice we follow in moments of tension man’s or God’s. The world may silence or reject us, but our witness, like theirs, must be rooted in obedience to the Gospel. The Lord grants His Spirit to those who obey, empowering us to remain faithful.
Reflecting on today’s Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm is a song of comfort and hope: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” We are reminded that God is close to the brokenhearted, He saves those crushed in spirit, and delivers the just from all their troubles. This is the cry of every believer who places their trust in God amidst adversity. The Psalm reassures us that God’s ears are not deaf to our pain. When the righteous cry out, He responds with rescue and healing. In moments of trial, discouragement, or injustice, we can hold onto this promise. The Lord is not distant. He is our refuge, our healer, and our defender. Though the just may suffer many things, God delivers them. This deep truth reinforces the message of today’s readings: obedience to God may bring suffering, but God remains our stronghold.
Are we willing to obey God even when it’s difficult or unpopular? Do we accept Jesus’ words as truth and allow them to transform us from within? Are we living in the light of faith or still clinging to darkness? Do we believe in the power of God to save us and deliver us in times of distress? Let us follow the example of the Apostles and live with bold faith, remembering that belief in Jesus is not passive it is a call to action. Each day we are given the choice to obey God, to share His truth, and to trust in His eternal promise. Let us step into the light of Christ and live in the power of the Spirit.🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded that as Christians, each and every one of us are bearers of the truth of God, in everything that He Himself has revealed to us, through His Church and the holy Spirit. All of us as Christians believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, the Messiah sent by God into this world to save all of us, and that He is the Son of God, the Divine Word incarnate in the flesh, giving us all His own life, so that by doing so, He restored us all to a new life and existence, one that is once again attuned and connected to God, by His triumph and victory over sin and death. That is what we celebrate and are most joyful in during this blessed and glorious season of Easter, a time of celebration and rejoicing indeed. May the Risen Lord, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ continue to guide each and every one of us, and may He empower us all to live ever more faithfully and worthily in His presence. May He continue to bless us and love us in all things, and bless our every good works, efforts and endeavours for His greater glory, at all times. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may He bless our Easter joy and observance, and help us to have a truly blessed and fruitful Easter season. Amen🙏
Lord Jesus, You are the One who comes from above, the source of eternal life and truth. Help us to believe deeply in Your Word and to obey Your voice with courage and trust. Grant us the grace to stand firm in faith even in the face of opposition. May we be filled with Your Spirit, strengthened by Your love, and faithful in our witness. Draw us into Your light and deliver us from the fear that keeps us bound. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI, RELIGIOUS: MAY 1ST: As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, Today, the Church commemorates Saint Joseph the Worker (patron of workers, carpenters, and the universal Church) and Saint Peregrine Laziosi (patron of cancer patients and those suffering from serious illnesses). The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955, highlights the dignity of labor and presents Saint Joseph as a model for all who work with integrity and faith. It serves as a Christian response to secular ideologies that often separate labor from its spiritual dimension. Saint Peregrine, once hostile to the Church, experienced a profound conversion and later joined the Servite Order. Afflicted with cancer in his leg, he was miraculously healed after a vision of Christ, becoming a powerful symbol of hope and endurance for the sick. As we continue the papal interregnum, the Church enters a time of prayerful waiting during the conclave. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, and Saint Peregrine, comforter of the afflicted, may the Lord guide His Church in choosing a shepherd after His own heart.
SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER: Patron of workers, fathers, families, the dying, and the universal Church. Saint Joseph, though silent in Scripture, speaks volumes through his example. A humble carpenter, he labored with integrity, protected the Holy Family with steadfast love, and submitted completely to God’s will. Though descended from King David, he lived simply, working diligently to support Mary and Jesus.
This feast was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955 as a response to the growing influence of Communism and to reaffirm the Church’s vision of the dignity of labor. Celebrated on May 1st, in tandem with secular Labor Day or “May Day,” the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker reminds us that human labor is not only an economic necessity but a participation in God’s creative work. As Genesis tells us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).
Pius XII addressed Catholic workers in Saint Peter’s Square, declaring:
“You have beside you a shepherd, a defender, and a father in Saint Joseph… His intercession is very powerful over the Heart of the Saviour.”
Saint Joseph remains our spiritual protector. He is a patron for countless causes and places around the world, including fathers, laborers, engineers, immigrants, and those seeking a happy death. As Pope Saint John Paul II once said:
“Saint Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith… because he listens in silence to the words of the Living God.”
PRAYER: O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, help us to work conscientiously, with gratitude and joy, offering our daily toil to God. Teach us to work with patience, selflessness, and purity of intention, remembering always that our labor can be a path to holiness. May we, like you, embrace our duties with love and trust in God’s providence. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI, RELIGIOUS: Patron of cancer patients, AIDS patients, and those with incurable diseases. Born in Forlì, Italy around 1265, Saint Peregrine led a rebellious youth and was even involved in anti-Papal movements. In a dramatic moment of conversion, he struck Saint Philip Benizi, a Servite priest sent to preach peace. Deeply remorseful, Peregrine later sought Philip’s forgiveness, eventually entering the Servite Order.
He spent the rest of his life in prayer, penance, and service to the sick. At age 60, Peregrine developed a cancerous lesion on his leg, and doctors advised amputation. The night before the surgery, he prayed before a crucifix—and was miraculously healed. This healing led to his canonization in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII.
Saint Peregrine’s life is a testament to God’s power to transform hearts and heal bodies. He is a beacon of hope for all suffering serious illness.
PRAYER: Saint Peregrine, whom God healed of cancer through prayer, we turn to you now in our affliction. Intercede for all who suffer with terminal illness. Ask the Lord to heal us in body, mind, and spirit, and help us trust in His mercy. May we also imitate your faith, humility, and charity in our own lives. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Peregrine ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: For Working Conditions ~ Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ~ POPE FRANCIS: For Working Conditions ~ Jesus, You knew work in this world, and You understand its hardships and joys… Hear our prayer today. Working is a human trait… Work is sacred… The beauty of the earth and the dignity of work were meant to be united… The earth becomes beautiful when man works… Lord, You see that we believe this with conviction, but we desire even more for it to become a reality among us. We are saddened when people can’t find work and lack the dignity of bringing bread to their home. Give us the light of your Spirit, open our hearts, do not let indifference overcome us. Help us recover the gift of universal brotherhood. We ask for a heart as big as Jesus’s so we can embrace the call to work to give dignity to people and families. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues—especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.
In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of faith and reverence. On this day, as we honor Saint Joseph the Worker, we pray for all who labor those in factories, farms, offices, homes, and streets. May their work be dignified, justly rewarded, and offered in love, following the example of Saint Joseph, who labored silently but faithfully in Your service. We also commend to You those burdened with illness, especially cancer patients and all who suffer in body and spirit. Through the intercession of Saint Peregrine, may they receive strength, consolation, and healing. In light of today’s reading from Acts, we pray for the courage to obey God rather than men, even in the face of adversity. As Psalm 34 assures us, You are close to the brokenhearted be near to all who are crushed by life’s trials. And in this sacred time of the papal conclave, inspired by the Gospel’s reminder that Christ speaks the words of God, we beg You to anoint the Cardinals with wisdom, unity, and discernment as they elect a new shepherd for Your Church. Amen 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My loving Lord, the Father has given all to You, and You, in turn, have given all to the Father. The love You share is infinite and eternal, overflowing into the lives of all Your creatures. Draw me into that divine love, dear Lord, and help me to imitate and share in Your love by fully giving my life to others. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
O Lord, You who sent Your Son from heaven to bear witness to the truth and to pour out the fullness of the Spirit without measure, hear our humble prayers. May our labor, like that of Saint Joseph the Worker, become an offering of love and service to You. May our suffering, like that of Saint Peregrine, be united to the cross and transformed into grace. Sustain us in times of trial with the hope that You are near to the brokenhearted and that Your angels encamp around those who fear You. As the Church waits in prayer for a new Holy Father, guide the conclave with divine light and raise up a leader who will lead with wisdom, humility, and holiness. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Peregrine, may Your Church be renewed in strength and unity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph the Worker and Saint Peregrine ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day 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 Thursday be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Thursday and joyful Second Week of Easter and month of May 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI, RELIGIOUS: Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Peregrine Laziosi, Religious. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph and Saint Peregrine, we humbly pray for all fathers and workers, we pray for their safety and well-being, we particularly pray for those seeking for jobs and those workers experiencing injustice, we pray for better working conditions for them. All workers deserve dignity, fair compensation, and safe work environments that allow them to contribute to the common good. May the Lord bless the work of our hands and provide for all those in need. We also pray for the sick and dying, we particularly pray for those who are suffering from cancer and other terminal diseases, we hope the prayers of the Saints can bring them divine healing, comfort and strength from our Lord. Every life is a gift. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the gentle souls of our beloved family members who recently passed away and the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. For all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. For vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners and Christians all over the world. Amen 🙏🏽
SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER: (flourished 1st century CE, Nazareth, Galilee, region of Palestine; St. Joseph has two feast days on the liturgical calendar. The first is the Principal feast day, March 19th ~ St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary. The second is May 1st ~ St. Joseph, the Worker). Today the Church celebrates the occasion of the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the Patron saint of all workers and all those who labour in this world, in conjunction with the secular celebration of the Labour Day or May Day.
St. Joseph (1st c.) was born in Bethlehem in Judea and later settled in Nazareth. By Divine command St. Joseph was the foster father of God Incarnate, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the chaste spouse of Our Blessed Mother Mary, a carpenter and a virtuous man who was not wealthy. He came from the royal lineage of King David. St. Joseph was a compassionate man, and obedient to the will of God. He was entrusted with the great mission to guard, protect, and provide for the temporal needs of God’s most precious gifts, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, in the role of husband and father within the Holy Family.
This Feast was instituted by the great Pope Pius XII in the year of 1955, during the time when the threat of Communism was rising everywhere in the world, with many Christians and people all around the world oppressed by Communist regimes and governments, and others yet having dangerous Communist movements and uprisings that were aiming to destroy the Christian faith, the Church and the belief in God. The atheistic Communists thought that they could overcome God and His Church, but the Lord showed them through this Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, that their belief and understanding of labour was truly flawed and inadequate, and one that the world should be wary about.
On May 1, 1955, Pope Pius XII granted a public audience to the Catholic Association of Italian Workers, whose members had gathered in Saint Peter’s Square to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their society. They were solemnly renewing, in common, their promise of loyalty to the social doctrine of the Church, and it was on that day that the Pope instituted the liturgical feast of May 1st, in honor of Saint Joseph the Worker. He assured his audience and the working people of the world: “You have beside you a shepherd, a defender and a father in Saint Joseph, the carpenter whom God in His providence chose to be the virginal father of Jesus and the head of the Holy Family. He is silent but has excellent hearing, and his intercession is very powerful over the Heart of the Saviour.” To foster deep devotion to Saint Joseph among Catholics, and in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker in 1955 to emphasize the dignity, meaning, and value of human work in the eyes of God, and to give all laborers a model of virtue as well as a heavenly intercessor and protector. This feast extends the long relationship between St. Joseph and the cause of workers in both Catholic faith and devotion.
Beginning in the Book of Genesis, the dignity of human work has long been celebrated as a participation in the creative work of God. By work, humankind both fulfills the command found in Genesis to care for the earth (Gn 2:15) and to be productive in their labors. Saint Joseph, the carpenter and foster father of Jesus, is but one example of the holiness of human labor. This silent Saint, who was given the noble task of caring and watching over the Virgin Mary and Jesus, now cares for and watches over the Church and models for all the dignity of human work. This feast day helps celebrate the dignity of workers by honoring Saint Joseph, one of the hardest working fathers of all time. St. Joseph’s mission continues from heaven as the Patron Saint of the Catholic Church. He is also the Patron Saint of many causes including fathers, laborers, families, unborn children, immigrants, carpenters, workers, employment, explorer, pilgrims, traveller, engineers, realtors, against doubt and hesitation, social justice and of a happy death, China Belgium, From the State of Ceará and the city of Macapá in Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Korea, Indonesia, Zapotlan in Mexico Vietnam, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Mandaue City, Bailen, Cavite, Cebu Cavite, Cebu, Philippines, Americas; Austria; diocese of Baton Rouge, California; Belgium; diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi; Bohemia; diocese of Buffalo, New York and many others.
According to Pope Saint John Paul (1920 – 2005), “Saint Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith, not because he speaks his own words, but above all because he listens to the words of the Living God. He listens in silence. And his heart ceaselessly perseveres in the readiness to accept the Truth contained in the word of the Living God”.
“Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families.”
SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER PRAYER: O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations, to work with gratitude and joy, in a spirit of penance for the remission of my sins, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor the gifts received from God, to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties, to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, having death always before my eyes and the account that I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thine example, O Patriarch St. Joseph. Such shall be my motto in life and in death… Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER: Lord God, You have created all things, and imposed on man the necessity of work. Grant that, following St. Joseph’s example, and under his protection, we may accomplish the works You give us and obtain the rewards You promise…Amen. St. Joseph, the Worker ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI, RELIGIOUS: St. Peregrine (1265-1345) is an Italian saint of the Servite Order. He was born of a wealthy family to Berengario Laziosi, Flora Aspini at Forli, Italy, in about the year 1265. He was a man of violence and anger when he was young, he turned away from his former way of life and entered the Order of Friar Servants of Mary (Servites) and gave himself to the service of the sick and needy. As a youth St. Peregrine was a fiery and impetuous leader of a faction fostering civil discord and opposition to the Pope. When St. Philip Benizi was sent to mediate peace in the city of Forli, St. Peregrine personally stopped the public appeal by striking St. Philip. Later, feeling remorse, Peregrine went out of the city, found St. Philip and begged his forgiveness and asked his advice.
Heroically, St. Peregrine gave up his companions and devoted his life to penance, prayer and care of the poor and sick. He joined the Servants of Mary, now known as the Servites, an order founded in Florence during Peregrine’s lifetime, and which was devoted to prayer and service. At the age of 60 his leg became infected with cancer and a doctor advised that it be amputated. St. Peregrine crawled to the Servite monastery chapel room, where he prayed to Our Lord. Miraculously his leg was cured. “Because of this miracle wrought by prayer, the church canonized him in 1726, and named him the patron saint of cancer sufferers.” He died in 1345 at the age of 80. St. Peregrine Laziosi was Beatified on April 15, 1609 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Papal States by Pope Paul V and was Canonized on December 27, 1726 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Papal States by Pope Benedict XIII. St. Peregrine is the Patron Saint of cancer patients; AIDS patients; open sores; skin diseases; sick people and those with life threatening diseases.
PRAYRR: St. Peregrine, we come to you confidently to implore your aid with God in our necessity. You were converted instantly from a worldly life by the good example of one holy person. You were cured instantaneously of cancer by God’s grace and unceasing prayer. In your gracious kindness please ask the Lord to heal us also in body, mind and soul. May we then also imitate you in doing His work with renewed vigor and strength… Amen🙏🏽
Graciously hear the prayers which we present O God, to you in honor of St. Peregrine, your beloved servant and patron of those suffering from cancer, AIDS, or other life-threatening disease. Grant that we may receive help in our needs through the intercession of him whose life was so pleasing to you. Hear us in the name of Christ, our Lord… Amen. St. Peregrine Laziosi, Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
