Author: Resa

Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Sunday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time!

PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer today as he is in critical condition after prolonged respiratory crisis. We pray for Pope Francis’ speedy recovery and God’s Divine healing and intervention.

Almighty God, we thank you for the loving service of Pope Francis and the hope he has inspired in so many in Your great mercy. Have mercy on him in his illness now, we pray, and guide the medical staff in his care. Grant him peace and healing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽

A Call to Prayer: Pray for Pope Francis | https://www.ncregister.com/features/mfva-pray-for-pope-francis-health

SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 23, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT POLYCARP, BISHOP AND MARTYR | | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | “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/2025/02/23/catholic-daily-mass-daily-tv-mass-february-23-2025/

BLACK HISTORY MONTH | Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025

2025 Theme: African Americans and Labor

The month of February is BLACK HISTORY MONT

Black History Month: A Faith-Based Reflection on Legacy and Justice

February is recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As people of faith, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s call for justice, love, and unity while recognizing the resilience and faith of Black communities throughout history.

Read the Full Article | Black History Month | February 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/16/black-history-month/

DAILY SAINTS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop and Martyr (Patron Saint of Earache sufferers and against dysentery). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Polycarp of  this feast day, we humbly pray for the sick, we particularly pray for the speedy recovery and Divine healing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, all those suffering from hearing disorders, cancers and those who are terminally ill. We continue to pray for those suffering from headaches and sleep disorders and we also pray for those who are physically and mentally suffering from stressful life events at these incredibly challenging times. We also pray for captives, prisoners, persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners and all who have fallen away from the joy of living in God’s loving presence and grace. We pray for the renewal of our spirit and a burning desire to serve God all the days of our lives. We continue to pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. Amen. We pray 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. We continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. May the Saints intercede for our children, children all over the world and us all. Amen 🙏🏽

Keep looking forward in prayer, and persevering in fasting; beseeching in supplications the all-seeing God to lead us away from temptation.”

St. Polycarp, the early Church martyr who was miraculously preserved from burning at the stake…pray for us 🙏🏽

We thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! May the good Lord grant us His grace during this Ordinary Time as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE | Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.

https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025 (See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/.)

We continue to pray for the intentions of our Holy Father. We pray for the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all religious, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits… Amen 🙏🏽

On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of the recent plane crashes and souls of 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 abors 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🙏

PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass | Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) | February 23, 2025*
Reading 1, First Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
Reading 2, First Corinthians 15:45-49
Gospel, Luke 6:27-38

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 6:27–38

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”

“Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches His disciples and us all to ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly’. Jesus is calling on us to be like Him, to be God-like. We can be forgiven for thinking that this is a step too far. How can we be God-like, we who are all too human? How can we be kind to the ungrateful and wicked? How can we love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who treat us badly? Yet, Jesus does not ask us to do the impossible. He knew that, with His help, we can live in this extraordinarily generous way. Indeed, he would have said that we are created to live in this way, to love others unconditionally. Saint Paul had never met Jesus while Jesus was engaged in His public ministry. However, he met the risen Lord, and he had a deep understanding of the life, death, resurrection and message of Jesus. In his letter to the church in Rome, he calls on them, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink… Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good’. This is very much in keeping with the call of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading. We would have a very different world if people took that calling to heart. St. Paul knew, as Jesus did, that it is very tempting to return evil for evil, to give as good as we get, as we say nowadays. Yet, when evil is returned for evil it just increases the measure of evil in the world. When hatred is returned for hatred, the power of hatred grows. Throughout His life, and especially as He hung from the cross, Jesus overcame evil with good. Just as Jesus’ enemies were doing their worst to Him, nailing him to a cross, Jesus was most powerfully revealing God’s unconditional love for all humanity. On the cross, when hatred seemed to have triumphed, love was at its strongest. When Jesus rose from the dead, he poured the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God’s love, upon his disciples and he continues to pour that Spirit upon us all, so that, in the power of the Spirit, we too can overcome evil with good. Overcoming evil with good continues to be the Lord’s work today, in and through all of us who are temples of His Spirit and members of His body. At the end of the day, evil can only ever be overcome by goodness. That is what we are praying for, when we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, ‘Thy kingdom come’.

Reflecting on today’s Gospel reading, we might be tempted to dismiss it as unliveable. How can we possibly love our enemy or do good to those who treat us badly? How can we be compassionate as God is compassionate? As for not judging and not condemning –finding a weakness in someone and then exploiting it mercilessly seems to be more the norm these days. Yet, Jesus preached the message of today’s Gospel because He believed it could be lived. He did not intend it only as a piece of moral teaching to be admired; He presented it as a way of life to be lived. This is the way of life of the heavenly man that St. Paul speaks about. Yet, it is a life that can be lived on earth by those in whom Christ, the heavenly man, is living. We cannot live this way of life by ourselves. Only Christ can live this life in us. Our calling is to keep on growing in our relationship with Christ, allowing Him to grow in us, so that He can live His life in and through us. When that happens, His voice will come to dominate our lives, and we will begin to speak with one voice, the voice of Christ. We will begin to take one path, the path of Christ, regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves, regardless of how people might be treating us. As Christians, we can act out of grace, rather than act out of sin. Although there are those two possibilities, we believe that the power of grace is stronger in our lives than the power of sin. As St. Paul says in his letter to the Romans, ‘where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more’. We are not caught in a kind of pincer movement between sin and grace. Through faith and baptism we are of the heavenly man much more than we are of the earthly man. We live in Christ and Christ lives in us. Christ is always at work in our lives, living out His life in us. We can say with St. Paul, ‘I can do all things in Him who gives me strength’, understanding ‘all things’ as ‘all that God wants’.

Our first reading this Sunday from the First Book of the prophet Samuel details the moment when David, the chosen King of Israel, who was on the run from the efforts of Saul, his predecessor as King of Israel, had a great and perfect chance to destroy the latter and seize the kingship for himself. David and Abishai, his commander encountered Saul and his entourage in his camp in deep sleep, and David could indeed have struck Saul down there and then, and then easily seize the kingship over all of Israel which God had promised to him as the chosen new King to replace Saul. But David refused to do such a thing, and he resisted the temptations and the pressure from his commander Abishai, who encouraged him to strike Saul down. David showed mercy and love towards Saul, and let him to go unharmed, and told Saul that he would not strike at him, even when Saul had repeatedly sought his death. This example of love which King David showed to all of us is one of selfless love and love that endures even through difficulties, challenges and temptations. David chose to love even his enemies, those who have made his life difficult, persecuting him and chasing him away from the comfort of his life in Israel, where he had to wander off in the wilderness as an outlaw with his supporters. And yet, David remained full of love, compassion and mercy to those who have wronged him and attacked him. And this is the exact same kind of love that Christ Himself has also shown us, which He alluded in our Gospel passage this Sunday, as He spoke of how all of us as Christians ought to show love to everyone and not just to those who have loved us back. Our love should be truly unconditional and generous, and be shown to everyone we encounter in our lives. This is of course much easier said than done, and it is indeed difficult for us to love those who have made our lives difficult, those who despised us and hated us. But if we do not show the first step to love them, and grew to hate and despise them instead, then there will be no end to this cycle of hatred and evil, as our hatred will only lead to even more hatred and negativities, which then lead to even more hatred and so on. As Christians, we are all challenged to be loving, compassionate and caring even to those who ignored us, those who refused our love and hated us, those who considered us to be their enemies and those who did not see eye to eye with us. As the Lord Himself had said, that if we only love those who love us back, then what difference that would make us as compared to those unbelievers, and even those who are evil and wicked in their ways, as they also do the same as well in their own lives. Instead, as Christians, we are all challenged to show selfless and universal love, to everyone around us without any exception, much as the Lord Himself had done in His own life and ministry. Christ Himself has shown love and mercy to all, forgiving those who have rejected and hurt Him, those who have persecuted and oppressed Him. Despite having been betrayed and rejected by the very people to whom He had been sent to save, He still carried the Cross willingly for their sake, and when He suffered and died on that same Cross at Calvary, He died to save everyone, including those who have wronged Him and punished Him. He did not mean for His salvation to be kept only for those who are on His side or those who have favoured Him back, but to everyone, especially the last, the lost and the least, and this included those who have made Him to suffer as well.

And through this most loving and selfless sacrifice, our Lord has become the perfect offering for the atonement of our sins, and just as St. Paul in our second reading this Sunday, from the Epistle that he wrote to the Church and the faithful in Corinth, Christ has become the New Adam that negated the old sins of the old Adam, the disobedience and sins that have corrupted our human nature and existence. By His own perfect obedience and perfect love, the most generous, selfless and exemplary love that He has shown especially through His sacrifice and offering on the Cross, by bearing all of our sins and their consequences upon Himself, shouldering the burden and punishments that should have been ours to suffer, so that by His suffering and death all of us may be assured of the eternal life and salvation that God has promised to us from the very beginning. The devil wants us to hate one another and to be angry at our fellow brethren, because if we are divided amongst ourselves due to this, it will be easy for him to strike at us and to drag us down into the path towards damnation. He does not want us to be filled with love, because love will lead us away from this path of darkness, and instead, the evil one is always ever busy in trying to tempt us with all sorts of temptations of the world, with the greed, ego and pride, all of which are the very reasons why we tend to be angry and be at conflict with each other, due to our conflicting wants and desires, and if we do not manage this carefully, we may end up losing our struggle against evil and sin, and fall into the path towards damnation and destruction, away from God, His love and salvation.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures this Sunday, all of us are reminded of the need for all of us to embody in ourselves the most important virtue of love, one that denotes our Christian identity, because God Himself is Love, and as His people and children, it is imperative therefore that we have love in us, love that is truly genuine, generous and overflowing, just as God’s Love has always been shown towards us, without cease and without prejudice. God Himself has also shown us His love manifested perfectly in the flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ, His only Begotten Son, Our Lord and Saviour. Through Him and everything that we have heard in our Scripture readings this Sunday, we are all reminded to be generous in our love, first of all for the Lord, and then for our fellow brothers and sisters around us. We are called to emulate the lives and examples of the Holy men and women, and all the Saints, particularly Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr who we celebrate today. Let us all therefore be good and loving Christians at all times, to be filled with great love and kindness, compassion and mercy towards our fellow brothers and sisters, much as the Lord Himself, King David and many others among our holy predecessors, the holy saints and martyrs had done in their own lives and examples. We too should be truly filled with love in all things, and be generous in sharing our blessings with each other. We should strive to love everyone around us, all whom we encounter in life in each and every moments so that truly by our love and examples, more will come to know the Lord, and also know that we are indeed Christians, by our deeds and actions filled with this same love that God has shown us all. Let us all as His beloved people, continue to love most generously, showing one another how we can be better disciples and followers of God, Who is Love. May the Lord, our most loving God and Creator, our most loving and generous Father and Lord, continue to bless us all and remain with us, guiding us in our every journey and in our every steps. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may He continue to empower and support us all so that we may be ever stronger in our faith in Him and that we will grow ever more worthy in our lives and actions, to be His holy and beloved people, to be those whom He has called and chosen to be His own. May God be with us always, and may He bless our every good efforts, works and endeavours, and fill them with His most wonderful love, now and forevermore. Amen 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT POLYCARP, BISHOP AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 23RD: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop and Martyr (Patron Saint of Earache sufferers and against dysentery). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Polycarp of  this feast day, we humbly pray for the sick, we particularly pray for the speedy recovery and Divine healing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, all those suffering from hearing disorders, cancers and those who are terminally ill.

“Keep looking forward in prayer, and persevering in fasting; beseeching in supplications the all-seeing God to lead us away from temptation.”

St. Polycarp, the early Church martyr who was miraculously preserved from burning at the stake…pray for us🙏

Saint (s) of the Day | February 23rd | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SAINT POLYCARP OF SMYRNA, BISHOP AND MARTYR: St. Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69-155 A.D.) became a Christian in his youth, about the year 80, a disciple of St. John the Evangelist. St. John ordained him Bishop of Smyrna (in modern day Turkey) probably before his own exile to Patmos in 96. From this position St. Polycarp became one of the most illustrious of the Apostolic Fathers. His closeness with the Apostles, and the long life that he lived, enabled him to protect the Church against heresy. Polycarp governed that See for seventy years, and among his disciples were St. Irenaeus and the writer Papias. The former has recorded that his master knew St. John and others who had seen Jesus.

From Eusebius, St. Irenaeus, and St. Jerome we learn that about the year 155 St. Polycarp went to Rome to consult Pope Anicetus regarding the date of the Easter celebration, as there was a difference between the East and the West. It was agreed that both might follow their own custom. In the fourth general persecution, under the Emperor Lucius Versus and Marcus Aurelius, the Saint was apprehended and brought before the proconsul. Refusing to deny Christ, he was condemned to be burned at the stake in the amphitheater of Smyrna and was then taken to a public arena to be killed. He gave an outstanding testimony, declaring that he had served Christ for 86 years.

The account of his martyrdom is well-preserved and is one of the earliest in the Church. Knowing the government was seeking his life, he received a vision while praying that he would be burned alive.The authors of the Act tell that they were witnesses of his execution who saw the flames surround his body without burning it, but formed an arch over his head and that Polycarp began to glow and emit a sweet aroma. This amazed the crowds, and his executioners were then ordered to stab him to death, thereupon, he was pierced with a sword; such a great amount of blood issued from the wound that it extinguished the fire. The death of the Saint occurred about the year 155 on February 23rd. His body was burned, but his bones are preserved in the Church of San Ambrogio in Rome. St. Polycarp has been venerated as a Saint since his death in 155. He’s the Patron Saint of Against ear ache, dysentery.

QUOTE: “For eighty-six years I have served Him and He has never wronged me. How can I renounce the King who has saved me?”~ St. Polycarp

PRAYER: God of all creation, You led St. Polycarp into the company of the Martyrs. Through his intercession we ask that, as we share in Christ’s cup of suffering, we may one day rise to eternal life. Amen🙏

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY FAMILY The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ’s public life the Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation of the Christian family. The Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice.
The Saints that we will focus on this month and try to imitate are:
St. Blaise and St. Ansgar (February 3); St. Agatha (February 5); St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Josephine Bakhita (February 8); St. Scholastica (February 10); Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11); Sts. Cyril and Methodius (February 14); Seven Founders of the Orders of Servites (February 17); St. Peter Damian (February 21); Chair of St. Peter (February 22) and St. Polycarp (February 23). The Optional Memorial of Polycarp (February 23), is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.

From Feast to Fast: Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter). The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save His people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In addition, the faithful may receive in February two of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats. “The Light of Revelation” shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday, falls on March 5, 2025, marking the beginning of the Lenten season and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary. She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son. 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12539

PRAYER INTENTIONS: We thank God for the gift of His Son and pray for His grace as we serve Him in truth and love. During this Ordinary Time, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the Saints we honor today, we pray for the sick and suffering, especially children and those battling epilepsy, strokes, heart disease, cancer, and other terminal illnesses. May God restore them to health and bring them comfort and peace. Every life is a gift.

We pray for the safety of our families and loved ones, for healing in marriages, and for unity in a world divided by violence and conflict. May God deliver us from hopeless situations and impossible causes.

We remember the souls in Purgatory, asking for God’s mercy upon them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

We pray for widows, widowers, and all who are grieving. May the Lord strengthen them in their trials.

We continue to pray for Pope Francis, the Clergy, and all those spreading the Gospel. May God bless vocations to the priesthood and religious life and protect persecuted Christians worldwide. We pray for peace in our families and throughout the world. Amen. 🙏🏽

Let us pray:

Most merciful Lord, You bestow Your abundant goodness upon all people, the good and bad alike. You never cease offering Your love and mercy. May I always be counted among those who fully open themselves to Your grace, and may I always offer this same depth of love to all. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

With gratitude for the gift of this new year, we pray for justice, peace, love, and unity within our families and throughout the world. May God’s Divine Mercy and Grace be upon us all during this Ordinary Time. Wishing us all a blessed, safe, grace-filled Sunday and fruitful week. May God keep us all safe and well. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time!

SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 21, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT SEVERIANUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND BLESSED BROTHER DIDACE PELLETIER | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | “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/2025/02/21/catholic-daily-mass-9/

PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer today. We pray for Pope Francis’ speedy recovery and God’s Divine healing and intervention.

Almighty God, we thank you for the loving service of Pope Francis and the hope he has inspired in so many in Your great mercy. Have mercy on him in his illness now, we pray, and guide the medical staff in his care. Grant him peace and healing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽

A Call to Prayer: Pray for Pope Francis | https://www.ncregister.com/features/mfva-pray-for-pope-francis-health

BLACK HISTORY MONTH | Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025

2025 Theme: African Americans and Labor

The month of February is BLACK HISTORY MONT

Black History Month: A Faith-Based Reflection on Legacy and Justice

February is recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As people of faith, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s call for justice, love, and unity while recognizing the resilience and faith of Black communities throughout history.

Read the Full Article | Black History Month | February 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/16/black-history-month/

DAILY SAINTS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of 

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of St. Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Patron Saint of those with Sleep Disorders, Against Insomnia, Headache Sufferers). In the Traditional Pre Vatican II calendar, we also celebrate Saint Severianus, Bishop and Martyr and Blessed Brother Didace Pelletier. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for those who are sick, we particularly pray for those suffering from headaches and sleep disorders and we also pray for those who are physically and mentally suffering from stressful life events at these incredibly challenging times and for those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, praying for God’s divine healing and intervention. We also pray for captives, prisoners, persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners and all who have fallen away from the joy of living in God’s loving presence and grace. We pray for the renewal of our spirit and a burning desire to serve God all the days of our lives. We continue to pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. Amen. We pray 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. We continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. May the Saints intercede for our children, children all over the world and us all. Amen 🙏🏽

Saint Peter Damian, you urged others to live with heroic virtue by your own examples and Blessed Brother Didace Pelletier ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

We thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! May the good Lord grant us His grace during this Ordinary Time as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE | Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.

https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025 (See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/.)

We continue to pray for the intentions of our Holy Father. We pray for the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all religious, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits… Amen 🙏🏽

On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of the recent plane crashes and souls of 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 abors 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🙏

PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT SEVERIANUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND BLESSED BROTHER DIDACE PELLETIER – FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 21ST: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of St. Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Patron Saint of those with Sleep Disorders, Against Insomnia, Headache Sufferers). In the Traditional Pre Vatican II calendar, we also celebrate Saint Severianus, Bishop and Martyr and Blessed Brother Didace Pelletier. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for those who are sick, we particularly pray for those suffering from headaches and sleep disorders and we also pray for those who are physically and mentally suffering from stressful life events at these incredibly challenging times.

Saint Peter Damian, you urged others to live with heroic virtue by your own examples and Blessed Brother Didace Pelletier ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Saint (s) of the Day | February 21st | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SAINT PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: St. Peter Damian (1007-1072 A.D.) was a Benedictine monk and a devoted collaborator of Pope St. Gregory VII and, like him, a Benedictine, St. Peter Damian was one of the most glorious lights of the Church in the 11th century. St. Peter Damian was born during 1007 in the Italian city of Ravenna, the youngest of a large and noble yet poor family.  He lost both his father and mother early in life. An older brother took the boy into his household, yet treated him poorly. But another of St. Peter’s brothers, a priest, took steps to provide for his education; and the priest’s own name, Damian, became his younger brother’s surname. St. Peter excelled in school while also taking up forms of asceticism, such as fasting, wearing a hair shirt, and spending long hours in prayer with an emphasis on reciting the Psalms. He offered hospitality to the poor as a means of serving Christ, and eventually resolved to embrace voluntary poverty himself through the Order of Saint Benedict. The monks he chose to join, in the hermitage of Fonte Avellana, lived out their devotion to the Cross of Christ through a rigorous rule of life. They lived mainly on bread and water, prayed all 150 Psalms daily, and practiced many physical mortifications. Peter embraced this way of life somewhat excessively at first, which led to a bout with insomnia. Deeply versed in the Bible and the writings of earlier theologians, St. Peter developed his own theological acumen and became a skilled preacher. The leaders of other monasteries sought his help to build up their monks in holiness, and in 1043 he took up a position of leadership as the prior of Fonte Avellana. Five other hermitages were established under his direction. Serious corruption plagued the Church during St. Peter’s lifetime, including the sale of religious offices and immorality among many of the clergy. Through his writings and involvements in controversies of the day, the prior of Fonte Avellana called on members of the hierarchy and religious orders to live out their commitments and strive for holiness. In 1057, Pope Stephen IX became determined to make St. Peter Damian a bishop, a goal he accomplished only by demanding the monk’s obedience under threat of excommunication. Consecrated as the Bishop of Ostia in November of that year, he also joined the College of Cardinals and wrote a letter encouraging its members to set an example for the whole Church.

With Pope Stephen’s death in 1058, and the election of his successor Nicholas II, Peter’s involvement in Church controversies grew. He supported Pope Nicholas against a rival claimant to the papacy, and went to Milan as the Pope’s representative when a crisis broke out over canonical and moral issues. There, he was forced to confront rioters who rejected papal authority. St. Peter, meanwhile, wished to withdraw from these controversies and return to the contemplative life. But Nicholas’ death in 1061 caused another papal succession crisis, which the cardinal-bishop helped to resolve in favor of Alexander II. That Pope kept the Cardinal Bishop of Ostia occupied with a series of journeys and negotiations for the next six years. In 1067, St. Peter Damian was allowed to resign his episcopate and return to the monastery at Fonte Avellana. Two years later, however, Pope Alexander needed his help to prevent the German King Henry IV from divorcing his wife. Peter lived another two years in the monastery before making a pilgrimage to Monte Cassino, the birthplace of the Benedictine order. In 1072, St. Peter returned to his own birthplace of Ravenna, to reconcile the local church with the Pope. The monk’s last illness came upon him during his return from this final task, and he died after a week at a Benedictine monastery in Faenza during February of that year, 1072. He wrote many works on ascetical theology. Never formally canonized, St. Peter Damian was celebrated as a saint after his death in many of the places associated with his life. On September 27, 1828, due to his academic prowess and prolific theological writings, Pope Leo XII placed his feast on the Universal Calendar and made him a Doctor of the Church and extended the observance of his feast day throughout the Western Church. He’s Patron Saint of those with Sleep Disorders, Against Insomnia, Headache Sufferers.

PRAYER: “St. Peter Damian, you were an insomniac for  a long period of time. You understand how difficult it is to function after a sleepless night, how hard it is to be kind, understanding and loving when you are exhausted, how frustrating it is to be tired and unable to do your best. Please intercede for those who are sick, particularly those suffering from sleep disorders or stressful life events, lift them before the throne of God and ask that if it be God’s will that they be able to rest peacefully at night and no longer suffer with insomnia. If it is not God’s will at this time, I ask for them to have the grace to use any sleepless hours as a time of prayer, offering that sleeplessness for the souls who most need God’s love and mercy. St. Peter Damian, thank you for your prayers”…Amen🙏

Almighty God, help us to follow the teachings and example of St. Peter. Placing Christ above all things, may we be ever active in the service of Your Church and attain the joys of eternal light. Amen🙏

QUOTE: “Do not be depressed. Do not let your weakness make you impatient. Instead, let the serenity of your spirit shine through your face. Let the joy of your mind burst forth.” ~ Saint Peter Damian

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Friday, February 21, 2025
Reading 1, Genesis 11:1-9
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15
Gospel, Mark 8:34-9:1

Gospel (USA) Mark 8:34-9:1

“Those who lose their lives for my sake and that of the Gospel, will save them”

“Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” He also said to them, “Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.”

In today’s Gospel reading from the Gospel according to St. Mark the Evangelist, Lord Jesus speaks to His disciples and indirectly also to all of us as His disciples and followers, reminding us that if we want to truly follow Him and commit ourselves to His path, then all of us must make the effort to abandon our worldly attachments, desires and all the other ambitions, desires for pleasures, fame and glory, all the things of the world which can distract and prevent us from truly being able to commit ourselves to God. After all, if we are divided in our focus and attention, between the Lord and our worldly ambitions and desires, how can we truly follow and obey the Lord faithfully as we all should have done? That is why the Lord reminded each and every one of us that we have to make a choice and stand in our faith, to be committed wholeheartedly to Him, and not to allow any kinds of worldly temptations to pull us away from the path of righteousness. It is easy for us to fall into the wrong path otherwise, and the Lord succinctly put it with His words, ‘What good is it to gain the whole world, while destroying your soul?’ reminding us through His disciples at that time that we should always be ready to deny ourselves and our ambitions and desires while making the effort to follow Him, and the fact that no earthly treasures, glory or riches can match the true treasures that we will find only in the Lord alone. There is nothing in this world that can truly satisfy us, or which will last us forever.

Our first reading today from the Book of Genesis details the story of the Tower of Babel, a well-known story of how God confused the language of mankind, resulting in the numerous languages that we have today. In the past, all mankind spoke a common language, which made sense as we all came from the same origin, but our hubris, ambition, pride and greed all had led to us thinking that we can surpass God and have the ambition to reach up to Heaven itself, by building that great Tower of Babel. As such, God punished us and our hubris, ambition and pride by confusing the unity of our language, that gift of unity and understanding which He had given us all through His Holy Spirit, and which, once withdrawn, therefore, we are no longer united in our wicked purpose to attain what is not ours. Through this incident, God wants us all to know that there is nothing that we do that can be possible without God being part of the equation, and without God, we are truly nothing. It is because of God that we have the power, ability and the means to achieve whatever it is we have accomplished throughout history and throughout our human existence and all the civilisation we have all around us. But this punishment is not something that is meant to last forever, as God showed how He can reverse this as He did in sending His Holy Spirit upon His disciples at the event of Pentecost Sunday, fifty years after the Lord’s Resurrection. And from the Pentecost, the exact reverse of what happened at the Tower of Babel occurred, with the disciples being given the gift of tongues, able to perceive, understand and speak various languages even when many of them were uneducated and illiterate prior to this.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded that each and every one of us should not allow the temptations of the world, the temptations of our pride, desire and any other obstacles from preventing us to reach the Lord and His salvation. The reality is such that many of us are often distracted by the temptations of our worldly ambitions, desires and by the many attachments we have to the things around us in this world. This is why we suffer from the consequences of our disobedience, our immersion in the actions that have led us into the path of sin. And unless we repent from those sins, then we may end up losing everything in eternal damnation in Hell. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women and the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, Saint Severianus, Bishop and Martyr and Blessed Brother Didace Pelletier. St. Peter Damian, a renowned servant of God who lived his life in great dedication to God and who has contributed immensely to the Church and to the benefit of the faithful and holy people of God. As we reflect on the life and inspiration of St. Peter Damian, our holy predecessor, we are all reminded to be focused on the Lord at all times, distancing ourselves from worldly ambitions, temptations and all the things that can lead us astray into the wrong path in life. Let us all learn to be humble as our predecessors, especially that of St. Peter Damian and how he had shown this through his life and examples, and be truly committed to the Lord, in doing whatever we can to contribute to the good works of the Church in everything we do. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to believe in the Lord and turn towards Him with heart full of love and contrition. Let us all always be active in contributing our time and effort as always, and do our part to glorify the Lord by our lives. Amen 🙏🏽

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY FAMILY The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ’s public life the Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation of the Christian family. The Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice.
The Saints that we will focus on this month and try to imitate are:
St. Blaise and St. Ansgar (February 3); St. Agatha (February 5); St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Josephine Bakhita (February 8); St. Scholastica (February 10); Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11); Sts. Cyril and Methodius (February 14); Seven Founders of the Orders of Servites (February 17); St. Peter Damian (February 21); Chair of St. Peter (February 22) and St. Polycarp (February 23). The Optional Memorial of Polycarp (February 23), is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.

From Feast to Fast: Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter). The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save His people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In addition, the faithful may receive in February two of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats. “The Light of Revelation” shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday, falls on March 5, 2025, marking the beginning of the Lenten season and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary. She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son. 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12539

PRAYER INTENTIONS: We thank God for the gift of His Son and pray for His grace as we serve Him in truth and love. During this Ordinary Time, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the Saints we honor today, we pray for the sick and suffering, especially children and those battling epilepsy, strokes, heart disease, cancer, and other terminal illnesses. May God restore them to health and bring them comfort and peace. Every life is a gift.

We pray for the safety of our families and loved ones, for healing in marriages, and for unity in a world divided by violence and conflict. May God deliver us from hopeless situations and impossible causes.

We remember the souls in Purgatory, asking for God’s mercy upon them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

We pray for widows, widowers, and all who are grieving. May the Lord strengthen them in their trials.

We continue to pray for Pope Francis, the Clergy, and all those spreading the Gospel. May God bless vocations to the priesthood and religious life and protect persecuted Christians worldwide. We pray for peace in our families and throughout the world. Amen. 🙏🏽

Let us pray:

Lord, You and You alone are the source of fulfillment in life. Please purify my desires so that I ultimately desire only You and Your holy will. Free me from every deception and false enticement in life so that I will find satisfaction only in You. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Peter Damian; Saint Severianus, Bishop and Martyr and Blessed Brother Didace Pelletier ~ Pray for us🙏

With gratitude for the gift of this new year, we pray for justice, peace, love, and unity within our families and throughout the world. May God’s Divine Mercy and Grace be upon us all during this Ordinary Time. Wishing us all a blessed, safe, grace-filled and relaxing weekend. May God keep us all safe and well. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time!

SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 20, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS JACINTA AND FRANCISCO MARTO AND SAINT EUCHERIUS OF ORLEANS, BISHOP | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | “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/2025/02/20/catholic-daily-mass-daily-tv-mass-february-20-2025/

PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer today. We pray for Pope Francis’ speedy recovery and God’s Divine healing and intervention.

Almighty God, we thank you for the loving service of Pope Francis and the hope he has inspired in so many in Your great mercy. Have mercy on him in his illness now, we pray, and guide the medical staff in his care. Grant him peace and healing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽

A Call to Prayer: Pray for Pope Francis | https://www.ncregister.com/features/mfva-pray-for-pope-francis-health

BLACK HISTORY MONTH | Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025

2025 Theme: African Americans and Labor

The month of February is BLACK HISTORY MONT

Black History Month: A Faith-Based Reflection on Legacy and Justice

February is recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As people of faith, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s call for justice, love, and unity while recognizing the resilience and faith of Black communities throughout history.

Read the Full Article | Black History Month | February 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/16/black-history-month/

DAILY SAINTS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of  Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto (Patron Saint of Bodily ills; Portuguese children; Captives; People ridiculed for their piety; Prisoners; Against sickness) and Saint Eucherius of Orleans, Bishop. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these Saints, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, particularly pray for those suffering from hernias, cancers and other terminal diseases, praying for God’s divine healing and intervention. We also pray for captives, prisoners, persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners and all who have fallen away from the joy of living in God’s loving presence and grace. We pray for the renewal of our spirit and a burning desire to serve God all the days of our lives. We continue to pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. Amen. We pray 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. We continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. May the Saints intercede for our children, children all over the world and us all. Amen 🙏🏽

Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto and Saint Eucherius of Orleans, Bishop ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

We thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! May the good Lord grant us His grace during this Ordinary Time as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE | Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.

https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025 (See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/.)

We continue to pray for the intentions of our Holy Father. We pray for the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all religious, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits… Amen 🙏🏽

On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of the recent plane crashes and souls of 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 abors 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🙏

PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINTS JACINTA AND FRANCISCO MARTO AND SAINT EUCHERIUS OF ORLEANS, BISHOP – FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 20TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of  Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto (Patron Saint of Bodily ills; Portuguese children; Captives; People ridiculed for their piety; Prisoners; Against sickness) and Saint Eucherius of Orleans, Bishop. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these Saints, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, particularly pray for those suffering from hernias, cancers and other terminal diseases, praying for God’s divine healing and intervention. We also pray for captives, prisoners, persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners and all who have fallen away from the joy of living in God’s loving presence and grace. And we also pray for peace, love and unity in our families and the world. Amen 🙏🏽

Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto and Saint Eucherius of Orleans, Bishop ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Saint (s) of the Day | February 20th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SAINTS JACINTA AND FRANCISCO MARTO: St. Francisco (1908-1919) and St. Jacinta Marto (1910–1920) were siblings and the youngest of the three shepherd children, who, along with their cousin, Lúcia Santos, witnessed three apparitions of an angel in 1916 and six apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1917 while tending sheep in the countryside of Fatima, Portugal. The apparitions of our Blessed Mother Mary is now commonly known as Our Lady of Fatima. Jacinta and Francisco were entrusted by Our Lady of Fatima with many messages and warnings for the world, and that they were to do penance and pray for the conversion of sinners. During the first apparition, which took place May 13, 1917, Our Lady asked the three children to say the Rosary and to make sacrifices, offering them for the conversion of sinners. Both became prayerful mystics, much wiser than their age, on account of these visits. Although only young children, they faithfully offered up many sacrifices as Our Lady requested, by praying the rosary daily, giving their lunches to the poor and going without food themselves, denying themselves water on hot days, wearing a rough rope next to her skin, calmly facing ridicule on account of the apparitions, they offered up their daily crosses and bravely enduring the suffering that ended in their deaths. One time she said to her mother, “Oh Mama … do you see Our Lady of the Cova da Iria?”

In October 1918, Francisco and Jacinta became seriously ill with the Spanish influenza. Our Blessed Mother appeared to them again and told Francisco and Jacinta that they would die young and that she would soon come to take them to heaven. Jacinta explained: Our Lady came to see us and she said that soon she will come to get Francisco to bring him to heaven. Francisco died first. Bed-ridden, Francisco requested his first Communion. The following day, Francisco died, April 14, 1919. Jacinta the next year suffered a long illness as well with two hospitalizations. She was eventually transferred to a Lisbon hospital and operated for an abscess in her chest, but her health did not improve. She died alone on February 20, 1920, at age 9. Their feast is marked on the anniversary of Jacinta’s death, February 20.

Pope John Paul II beatified Francisco and Jacinta on May 13, 2000, on the 83rd anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima. Pope Francis on May 13, 2017 officially declared Francisco and Jacinta Marto saints of the Catholic Church. They were canonized on the 100th anniversary of the first Apparition of Our Lady of Fátima in front of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims at Fatima, Portugal – teaching us that even young children can become saints. Saints Francisco and Jacinta are the youngest non-martyrs to be canonized in the history of the Church. They are the Patron Saint of Bodily ills; Portuguese children; Captives; People ridiculed for their piety; Prisoners; Against sickness.

Saint Jacinta once said, “Tell everybody that God grants us graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary; that people are to ask her for them; and that the Heart of Jesus wants the Immaculate Heart of Mary to be venerated at His side. Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God entrusted it to her”.

PRAYER: Saints Jacinta and Francisco, pray for us that we will remain committed in our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary for peace in our homes, families and our divided and conflicted world ~Amen🙏

SAINT EUCHERIUS OF ORLEANS, BISHOP: St. Eucherius was born at Orleans of a very illustrious family. St. Eucherius was the nephew of Suavaric, bishop of Auxerre, who was the Bishop of Orléans. At his birth his parents dedicated him to God, for his mother had been advised in a vision that he would some day be Bishop of the city of Orleans. They took great care to form both his mind and his heart. His improvement in virtue kept pace with his progress in learning; he meditated assiduously on the sacred writings. His meditations on the Epistles of St. Paul influenced him to abandon the world, especially on Saint Paul’s manner of speaking on the world and its enjoyments, calling them mere empty shadows which deceive us and vanish away. These reflections at length sank so deeply into his mind that he resolved to leave the world. To put this design in execution, about the year 714 he retired to the abbey of Jumiege in Normandy, the diocese of Rouen and soon acquired a reputation for sanctity, where he spent six or seven years in the practice of penitential austerities and obedience.

When his uncle, Suaveric, the Bishop of Orleans, died, the senate and people with the clergy of that city, begged permission to elect Eucherius to the vacant see. Charles Martel, mayor of the palace, who practically governed France, granted their request, despite his own lack of favor toward the Saint. The Saint entreated his monks to screen him from the honors threatening him; but they preferred the public good to any private inclinations, and resigned him to accept that important charge. Thus, St. Eucherius left his beloved solitude to assume the episcopal dignity and he was consecrated with universal applause in 721.

Saint Eucherius apostolic zeal was tempered with such meekness that he was beloved by all who knew him. Charles Martel, to defray the expenses of his wars and other undertakings, often stripped the churches of their revenues. Saint Eucherius reproved these encroachments with so much zeal that in the year 737, Charles banished him to Cologne. The extraordinary esteem which his virtue procured him in that city caused Charles to have him taken to a fortress in the territory of Liege. The governor of that country was so charmed with his virtue that he made him the distributer of his large alms, and allowed him to retire to the monastery of Sarchinium, or Saint Tron’s. Here prayer and contemplation were his whole employment until the year 743, in which he died, on the 20th of February.

PRAYER: God, Light and Shepherd of souls, You established St. Eucherius as Bishop in Your Church to feed Your flock by his word and form it by his example. Help us through his intercession to keep the Faith he taught by his word and follow the way he showed by his example ~ Amen🙏

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Reading 1, Genesis 9:1-13
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 102:16-18, 19-21, 29, 22-23
Gospel, Mark 8:27-33

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 8:27-33

“You are the Christ. The Son of Man must suffer much”

“Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

In today’s Gospel reading, the first question that Jesus asked His disciples was easy enough to answer. ‘Who do people say I am?’ The disciples knew what people were saying about Jesus; He was John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets. The second question Jesus asked His disciples required a little more thought, ‘But you, who do you say I am?’ The implication of the question was that what people were saying about Jesus didn’t do justice to who He really was. St. Peter answered the question on behalf of the other disciples, ‘You are the Christ’, the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. Jesus did not dispute this title, but it was an ambiguous title that could have different meanings for different people. When Jesus went on to say that He would be a suffering Messiah who would soon be put to death. St. Peter’s very negative reaction to this news showed that this wasn’t the kind of Messiah he had in mind. Jesus’ subsequent rebuke of St. Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan!’, must have shaken St. Peter to the core. St. Peter wanted Jesus to be spared suffering and Jesus probably wanted to be spared suffering too, which is why He experienced St. Peter’s reaction as a strong temptation that he had to firmly reject. St. Peter had a lot to learn still about who Jesus was. The question of Jesus to us, ‘Who do you say I am?’ is one of those questions we never answer fully in this life. When it comes to Jesus we always have more to learn, more to see, and that will be so until that eternal moment when we will come to know Him as well as he now knows us.

Reflecting on the question Jesus asked His disciples in today’s Gospel reading, ‘Who do you say that I am?’, it is a question that is addressed to each one of us and each of us is asked to answer that question for ourselves. It is not just a question that is looking for information, the kind that could be found in a book. It is a question that addresses our heart as well as our head. St. Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question was correct, ‘you are the Christ’. However, His answer was not the whole truth about Jesus. Jesus went on to identify himself as the suffering Son of Man who would be rejected and put to death. This self-revelation of Jesus was not acceptable to Peter. He had still to learn to accept the whole truth about Jesus, to receive Jesus as he was and not as Peter wanted him to be. Peter had a long way to go before he could answer Jesus’ question fully. We are all on that same journey of receiving Jesus as he really is and not just as we want him to be or imagine him to be. We probably all find it easier telling people who we think they are than listening to people tell us who they really are. In particular, we can struggle to hear the story of someone’s brokenness, especially if our picture of them has been one that doesn’t allow for that. As in today’s Gospel reading, St. Peter wasn’t able to hear Jesus talking about Himself as a broken, failed, rejected Messiah. It was really only after the resurrection of Jesus that St. Peter and the disciples were able to come to terms with Jesus’ brokenness and failure. It can be a struggle for us to accept failure and brokenness in others and also to accept our own brokenness. Jesus could accept His own failure, His own brokenness; He was free to speak about it, because He trusted in God as one who would make Him whole. Because He could accept His own failure, His own brokenness, He was at home with the failure and brokenness of others. The broken, the failures of this world, flocked to Him, and in His presence they became whole. We will more easily accept our own brokenness and failures if we know in our heart of hearts that we too can approach the Lord as one who can make us whole. The Eucharist has been described as bread broken for a broken people. The Lord who was broken on the cross for us is present in the Eucharist as our Life-Giver. We approach the Lord in the Eucharist in our own brokenness asking to be made whole, to be healed, and asking also for the grace to be able to sit with others in their brokenness.

Our first reading today is the continuation of the Book of Genesis on the account of the Great Flood during the time of Noah and its aftermath, the Lord made a Covenant with Noah and his descendants, that is all of us living today in this world. This is because the Great Flood had wiped out all of mankind in the whole world and many other living things save those that took refuge in Noah’s Ark, the great ship that God had commanded Noah to build. Noah and his family were in that ship, as well as two each of the different kinds of animals, and all of them were spared the destruction of the Great Flood by God’s grace and mercy. God therefore made a new Covenant with the people whom He loved and had created, establishing with them that firm link and connection through that same Covenant. A Covenant is a solemn pact between two parties and in such a pact, both of those who are involved are expected to fulfil their obligations and duties to the Covenant that had been established between them. And since God had made this Covenant between Himself and all of us mankind, we heard in that reading from the Book of Genesis today of exactly what these obligations, details and other things about this Covenant are. The Lord entrusted this world and all of the things He had created to us, and He will also continue to bless us all and guide us all, giving us all the means to carry out our lives and to enjoy the wonderful graces and blessings that He had granted us, which He has always intended for all of us. After all, God created us all not to suffer hardships or trials in this world but to enjoy the bounty and the fruits of His labours. However, as a Covenant is a two-way process and commitment, we are required to commit ourselves to follow the Law and commandments which God had provided to us, and which God mentioned to Noah as a precursor to this Law that He would later reveal to his descendants. He reminded from Noah and his family, and all of their descendants the respect for the rules and laws He had set, and to obey the manners which He had provided and taught them, respecting the lives of one’s fellow mankind, and how to keep themselves free from corruption, sin and evil. This is important as it was the sins of mankind that had led to the destruction by the Great Flood in the first place, and it was God’s love and mercy that had made Him to spare the righteous ones amongst them. Unfortunately, due to our refusal to obey the words of the Lord, our stubbornness and obstinate behaviour in rejecting God’s most generous love and kindness, His compassion and mercy, love and all the things He has provided us with freely, we have often fallen away from the path of righteousness and ended up in the path of sin again and again. We have not done what is right and proper according to what the Lord had commanded us to do. We frequently kept allowing the temptations of this world, the temptations of worldly pleasures and desires to lead us all astray, embracing our greed and desires, and all the attachments that we may have to the pleasures and comforts of life around us. And that may prevent us from fulfilling our part of the Covenant with God.

As we reflect on the words of the  Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded of the need for us to actively live the part of the Covenant which God has lovingly made with each and every one of us, His beloved children and people, and we have to be courageous in standing up for our faith, in resisting the temptations of the evil one who has always been ever active in trying to lead us all into our downfall and destruction by tempting us with all sorts of falsehoods and lies, all sorts of worldly pleasures, desires and glory, all the things which had prevented so many of us and our predecessors from coming close towards the Lord, towards His love and the eternal life that He has promised to all of us. We are called to emulate the lives and examples of the Holy men and women, and all the Saints, particularly the we celebrate today, Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto and Saint Eucherius of Orleans, Bishop. Let us all therefore remind ourselves today that we should strive to live our lives in each and every moments with faith and trust in the Lord, and following His Law, obeying all His commandments and all the things that He had taught and shown us, fulfilling the part of the responsibilities and obligations required in the Covenant which God had made, established and renewed constantly with us. God has always been faithful to this Covenant that He made with us, and He has always loved us patiently despite our rebelliousness and disobedience. Let us all therefore not take this love and generosity for granted, and instead, appreciate all the opportunities which we have been given. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace to be steadfast in our prayer and may the good Lord continue to help and strengthen us in our journey towards Him, and may He bless us all in our every good works, efforts and endeavours, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY FAMILY The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ’s public life the Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation of the Christian family. The Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice.
The Saints that we will focus on this month and try to imitate are:
St. Blaise and St. Ansgar (February 3); St. Agatha (February 5); St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Josephine Bakhita (February 8); St. Scholastica (February 10); Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11); Sts. Cyril and Methodius (February 14); Seven Founders of the Orders of Servites (February 17); St. Peter Damian (February 21); Chair of St. Peter (February 22) and St. Polycarp (February 23). The Optional Memorial of Polycarp (February 23), is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.

From Feast to Fast: Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter). The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save His people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In addition, the faithful may receive in February two of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats. “The Light of Revelation” shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday, falls on March 5, 2025, marking the beginning of the Lenten season and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary. She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son. 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12539

PRAYER INTENTIONS: We thank God for the gift of His Son and pray for His grace as we serve Him in truth and love. During this Ordinary Time, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the Saints we honor today, we pray for the sick and suffering, especially children and those battling epilepsy, strokes, heart disease, cancer, and other terminal illnesses. May God restore them to health and bring them comfort and peace. Every life is a gift.

We pray for the safety of our families and loved ones, for healing in marriages, and for unity in a world divided by violence and conflict. May God deliver us from hopeless situations and impossible causes.

We remember the souls in Purgatory, asking for God’s mercy upon them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

We pray for widows, widowers, and all who are grieving. May the Lord strengthen them in their trials.

We continue to pray for Pope Francis, the Clergy, and all those spreading the Gospel. May God bless vocations to the priesthood and religious life and protect persecuted Christians worldwide. We pray for peace in our families and throughout the world. Amen. 🙏🏽

Let us pray:

Saving Lord, please open my mind and heart to You more deeply this day and every day of my life. May I continually go deeper in my faith and understanding of You and Your divine mission of salvation. As I do, please transform me more and more so that I will be more fully disposed to receive all that You came to bestow upon me. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto and Saint Eucherius of Orleans, Bishop ~ Pray for us🙏

With gratitude for the gift of this new year, we pray for justice, peace, love, and unity within our families and throughout the world. May God’s Divine Mercy and Grace be upon us all during this Ordinary Time. Wishing us all a blessed, safe, grace-filled and fruitful week. May God keep us all safe and well. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time!

SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 19, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT CONRAD OF PIACENZA; HERMIT; SAINT BARBATUS OF BENEVENTO, BISHOP; SAINT GABINUS, MARTYR AND BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOVA| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | “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/2025/02/19/catholic-daily-mass-8/

PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer today. We pray for Pope Francis’ speedy recovery and God’s Divine healing and intervention.

Almighty God, we thank you for the loving service of Pope Francis and the hope he has inspired in so many in Your great mercy. Have mercy on him in his illness now, we pray, and guide the medical staff in his care. Grant him peace and healing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽

A Call to Prayer: Pray for Pope Francis | https://www.ncregister.com/features/mfva-pray-for-pope-francis-health

BLACK HISTORY MONTH | Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025

2025 Theme: African Americans and Labor

The month of February is BLACK HISTORY MONT

Black History Month: A Faith-Based Reflection on Legacy and Justice

February is recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As people of faith, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s call for justice, love, and unity while recognizing the resilience and faith of Black communities throughout history.

Read the Full Article | Black History Month | February 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/16/black-history-month/

DAILY SAINTS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Conrad of Piacenza, Hermit (Patron Saint for the cure of hernias, Cities and Diocese of Noto and Calendasco, Sicily); Saint Barbatus (Patron Saint of Benevento); Saint Gabinus, Martyr and Blessed Alvarez of Cordova. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these Saints, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, particularly pray for those suffering from hernias, the coronavirus disease, cancers and other terminal diseases, praying for God’s divine healing and intervention. We also pray for persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners and all who have fallen away from the joy of living in God’s loving presence and grace. We pray for the renewal of our spirit and a burning desire to serve God all the days of our lives. We continue to pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. Amen. We pray 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. We continue to pray for peace all over the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, for an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflicts and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. May the Saints intercede for our children, children all over the world and us all. Amen 🙏🏽

Saint Conrad of Piacenza, Hermit; Saint Barbatus; Saint Gabinus, Martyr and Blessed Alvarez of Cordova ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

We thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, may we be saved by the name of our Savior Jesus Christ! May the good Lord grant us His grace during this Ordinary Time as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE | Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.

https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025 (See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/.)

We continue to pray for the intentions of our Holy Father. We pray for the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, all religious, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they may seek to live their baptismal promises more intensely and have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits… Amen 🙏🏽

On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of the recent plane crashes and souls of 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 abors 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🙏

PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

SAINTS OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT CONRAD OF PIACENZA; HERMIT; SAINT BARBATUS OF BENEVENTO, BISHOP; SAINT GABINUS, MARTYR AND BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOVA – FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 19TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Conrad of Piacenza, Hermit (Patron Saint for the cure of hernias, Cities and Diocese of Noto and Calendasco, Sicily); Saint Barbatus (Patron Saint of Benevento); Saint Gabinus, Martyr and Blessed Alvarez of Cordova. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these Saints, we humbly pray for the sick and dying, particularly pray for those suffering from hernias, cancers and other terminal diseases, praying for God’s divine healing and intervention. We also pray for persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners and all who have fallen away from the joy of living in God’s loving presence and grace… Amen 🙏🏽

Saint Conrad of Piacenza, Hermit; Saint Barbatus; Saint Gabinus, Martyr and Blessed Alvarez of Cordova ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Saint (s) of the Day | February 19th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SAINT CONRAD OF PIACENZA, HERMIT: St. Conrad was a Franciscan tertiary and hermit, born into a noble family of Piacenza, Italy, in 1290. St. Conrad married a nobleman’s daughter in his youth. While on a hunting party, he had some brush set afire to flush a quarry; the fire spread and destroyed an entire grain field and a neighboring forest. Unable to put out the flames, Conrad and his men fled to the city, and an innocent peasant was apprehended, tortured, and condemned to death as the perpetrator of the deed. When Conrad saw the doomed man on the way to being executed, he was horrified and publicly confessed his responsibility for the disaster. He and his wife sacrificed their wealth to make restitution. As a result, he had to sell his possessions to pay for the damages.

This event inspired both spouses to enter religious life. Conrad, then twenty-five years old, joined a group of Third Order Franciscan hermits, and his wife entered the Poor Clares. After visiting the holy places in Rome, in quest of more solitude, St. Conrad retired to a hermitage in the Noto Valley near Syracuse, Sicily,  and dwelt for about forty years, he lived a life of prayer and severe penance, spending a great part of his time caring for the sick in a nearby hospital, St. Martin’s Hospital sleeping on the bare ground with a stone for pillow, and with dry bread and raw herbs for food. God rewarded his great virtue by the gift of prophecy and the grace of miracles. He died while praying on his knees in 1351, surrounded by a bright light, in the presence of his confessor, who was unaware for some time of his death because of his position. He was canonized in 1625 by Pope Urban VIII. His cult was approved by Pope Paul III. He’s the Patron Saint for the cure of hernias, Cities and Diocese of Noto and Calendasco, Sicily. Known for his holiness, people sought St. Conrad out for advice and spiritual direction. Through his intercession, we give thanks and pray for all those we turn to for spiritual guidance. 

PRAYER: Almighty God, You attracted Saint Conrad through his zeal for justice to serve You faithfully in the desert. Through his prayers may we live justly and piously, and happily succeed in coming to You. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that as Thou were pacified by the penance of Blessed Conrad, so we may imitate his example and blot out the stains of our sins by crucifying our flesh. Through Christ our Lord… Amen

Heavenly Father, just as St Conrad of Pieacenza, was chosen to be a messenger of Your love and forgiveness, grant we pray, that by his prayers, we too maybe bearers of Your gracious love.  We pray for the assistance of our holy Mother, during our journey to the eternal glory of the kingdom, help us to become like little children and in that new purity, shine with the Light of our Lord and Saviour.  Through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever… Amen🙏

SAINT BARBATUS OF BENEVENTO, BISHOP: Saint Barbatus  (c. 610 – Feb. 19, 682), also known as Barbas, was a bishop of Benevento from 663 to 682, who persuaded the Lombards, and their prince to convert to Christ. He succeeded Ildebrand in this capacity. He assisted in a church council called by Pope Agatho in Rome in 680 and in 681 attended the Third Council of Constantinople against the  Monothelites. St. Barbatus was born in the village of Vandano, near Cerreto Sannita, then part of the Duchy of Benevento, toward the end of the papacy of Gregory the Great. At that time, Benevento had recently (in 590) been captured by Arian Lombards from the Trinitarian Romans.

According to the ninth century vitae, he received a Christian education, and spent a good deal of time studying the Christian scriptures. He took holy orders as soon as allowed to do so, and was immediately employed by the local bishop as a preacher, a task for which he had considerable talent. Shortly thereafter, he was made the curate of St. Basil’s Church in nearby Morcone, where his preaching was not well received by indifferent parishioners only nominally Christian. He continued his calls for reform but eventually returned to Benevento, where he was welcomed back by those who remembered him from earlier. At the time, the people of Benevento still entertained some idolatrous superstitions, including veneration of a golden viper and a local walnut tree. The local Lombard prince, Romuald I son of the Arian Lombard King Grimoald I, was himself involved in these activities. Barbatus regularly preached against them only to be ignored. Later, he warned the people of the city of the great trials they would soon suffer at the hands of the East Roman Emperor Constans II and his army, who shortly thereafter landed in the area and laid siege to Benevento. The people, in their fear, renounced the practices St. Barbatus had criticized. He then cut down the tree the locals had worshipped, and melted the viper into a chalice for use in the church. St. Barbatus himself was responsible for a practical form of resistance to Constans. In 1903 the foundations of the Temple of Isis were discovered close to the Arch of Trajan in Benevento, and many fragments of fine sculptures in both the Egyptian and the Greco-Roman style belonging to it were found. They had apparently been used as the foundation of a portion of the city wall, reconstructed in 663 under the fear of an attack by Constans, the temple having been destroyed by order of St. Barbatus to provide the necessary material.

The presiding bishop of Benevento, Ildebrand, died during the siege, which ended as St. Barbatus had foretold, with the defeat of Constans. After the withdrawal of the invaders, St. Barbatus was made bishop on March 10, 633 and continued his efforts to eliminate superstition. In 673 Duke Romuald placed the grotto of St. Michael at Gargano under the care of St. Barbatus. In 680, he assisted in a council held by Pope Agatho, and took part in the sixth general council held in Constantinople in 681 regarding the Monothelites. He died shortly after the end of the council, on 19 February 682, at about seventy years of age, almost nineteen of which he had spent in the episcopal chair. St. Barbatus is Patron Saint of the city of Benevento, Cicciano, Castelvenere, Casalattico and Valle dell’Angelo.

Saint Barbatus of Benevento, Bishop ~ Pray for us 🙏

SAINT GABINUS, MARTYR: St. Gabinus also known as Gabin, was a member of the imperial Roman nobility, who was ordained in his old age. He was the brother of Saint Caius, the twenty-ninth Pope (283-296) and the father of the beautiful little virgin martyr, Saint Susanna, whose feast is August 11, and who was martyred for her Faith and her purity, because she would not marry the son-in-law of the pagan Emperor Diocletian. Saint Susanna was martyred in 295, and one year later, in 296, her father, Saint Gabinus, shed his blood for the Faith for which his daughter had died.

Though a relative of Emperor Diocletian he suffered martyrdom by beheading for refusing to sacrifice to the pagan gods. He died as a martyr in 296AD. His relics are venerated in Holy Trinity church in Lyon, France, where his feast day is celebrated on 19 February.

PRAYER: God our Father, today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Gabinus, Grant that, following his example, we may serve You with perfect love and rejoice in experiencing Your goodness. Amen🙏

BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOVA: Bl. Alvarez of (Córdoba) Cordova (1350-1430) also known as Albaro of Cordova or Alvaro de Zamora was born to a noble family in Zamora, Spain. He joined the Dominican Order in  1368 and preached throughout Spain. A renowned and well-travelled preacher, well known in Andalusia and Italy. Pilgrim to the Holy Lands. Preached Crusade. Personal confessor, spiritual guide and served at the court of Queen Catherine as political advisor to Queen Catherine. In charge of the education of young King John II. Opposed the Avignon pope Peter de Luna. Reformed many of the practices common at court. He went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and upon his return preached the crusades against the Muslims. He founded the famous priory of Scala Caeli (Ladder of Heaven) at Cordova, a Dominican convent of strict observance, and it is said that angels helped provide its building materials. It became a well known center of piety and learning. Bl. Alvarez lived a life of great austerity and spent his days there preaching, teaching, begging alms in the street, even though he could easily obtain what he needed from the royal court and spending his nights in prayer. In the gardens of the house he set up a series of oratories with images of the Holy Lands in Jerusalem and Passion, similar to modern Stations of the Cross.

Numerous miracles and many wonderful stories are attributed to Bl. Alvarez, which include: Angels are reported to have helped built Escalaceli, moving stone and wooden building materials to the site during the night, placing them where workmen could easily get them during the day;  Once when the entire food stocks for the house consisted of a single head of lettuce, he gathered all the brothers at table, gave thanks for the meal, and sent the porter to the door; the porter found a stanger leading a mule loaded with food. After unloading the mule, the stranger and the animal disappeared;  Alvarez once found a beggar dying alone in the street. He wrapped the poor man in his own cloak, and carried him back to Escalaceli. When he arrived at the house and unwrapped the cloak, instead of man, he found a crucifix. It still hangs in Escalaceli; A bell in the chapel with Alvarez’s relics rings by itself just before the death of anyone in the house. Blessed Alvarez was dedicated to Christ’s Passion and helped spread devotion to the Way of the Cross throughout western Europe. He also successfully led a resistance against the anti-pope and brought Spain under allegiance to the true pope in Rome. He died in c.1430 at Escalaceli near Cordova, Spain of natural causes, and buried there. Attempts were made to move Bl. Alvarez’s relics to Cordova, but each try led to violent storms that kept the travellers bottled up until they gave up their task, leave the bones where they are. Beatified on September 22, 1741, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Papal States by Pope Benedict XIV (cultus confirmed)

PRAYER: God of mercy, you endowed Blessed Alvarez with the gifts of penance and divine love. With the help of his prayers and example may we always bear the suffering of Christ in our bodies and your love in our hearts. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen🙏

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Bible Readings for today, Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Reading 1, Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
Gospel, Mark 8:22-26

Gospel Reflection ~ Mark 8:22-26

“His sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly”

“When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked, “Do you see anything?” Looking up the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking.” Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, “Do not even go into the village.”

Today’s Gospel reading gives an account of how Jesus heals a blind man in stages. There’s a very special and personal encounter between Jesus and the blind man He healed in today’s Gospel reading. When the people of Bethsaida brought the blind man to Jesus, He took the man by the hand and led him out of the village, perhaps in search of a place of greater privacy and quiet where He could heal him. Then, in that quiet place, Jesus places His own spittle on the man’s eyes and lays His hands on him, both very personal and, indeed, intimate, gestures. Without presuming that the man is healed, Jesus asks him, ‘Can you see anything?’, thereby involving the man in his own healing. When the man indicated that he was beginning to see but could not yet see clearly, people looked like trees to him, then, Jesus laid His hands on him again the second time. It was only then that the man could see everything plainly and distinctly. Jesus could now send him home, without the need to take him by the hand. We can see in this healing story an image of how the Lord wishes to relate to us today. He calls each one of us into a personal relationship with himself. To deepen this relationship, he will often lead us by the hand away from the places where we normally congregate to a quiet place where He can speak to our hearts and touch our lives. The Lord needed to touch this man more than once to bring him from darkness to light; the man’s healing was not instantaneous. We need the repeated touch of the Lord’s presence if we are to keep journeying towards ever greater light, the light of the Lord’s life-giving love by which we can see everything clearly. The Lord continues to call us ‘out of the village’ and He looks to us to keep responding to His call.

Reflecting on today’s Gospel reading, this man’s journey from blindness to sight is, in some ways, a reflection of our own journey. We don’t come to see everything in an instant. If we come to see at all, we come to see gradually, in stages. That is especially true of our relationship with the Lord. It is only little by little that we come to know Him, and it is only beyond this life that we will see the Lord clearly, face to face. In this life, the best we can hope for is slow but steady progress in our coming to know the Lord – in our coming to know him not just with our mind but with our heart. The Gospel reading suggests that even though our progress is often slow, the Lord continues to work with us; He continues to lay His hands on us so that we might see Him more clearly and follow Him more fully.

In our first reading today from the Book of Genesis, the Lord ended the Great Flood that He had sent into the world at the time of Noah, allowing him and his family, and all the animals taking shelter in his Ark to gain reprieve from the Flood. Noah obeyed God’s commands and built the Ark over a period of many decades, providing the means by which to survive the great catastrophe sent by the Lord to cleanse the whole world from all the wickedness due to the sins which had come about from the children of Cain and other mankind, who had been totally bereft of good conduct and moral, and which had led to the corruption of the whole world. God truly loved all of His people, as He had created us all out of love, and yet, at the same time, He also despised the sins and the corruption of evil that we have allowed ourselves to be corrupted with. And that was why the Great Flood happened at that time, because in all the whole world, there was no longer any good or virtue among all of mankind, save that which was found in Noah and his family. That was why God chose Noah and his family to save them all from the cleansing Flood that He would send into the world. He did not wish for the righteous to share in the fate of the wicked, those who have consistently and constantly refused to listen to Him and follow His path. He guided and protected them through that storm and flood, which lasted for a whole period of over a year, including the period of rain and when the flood covered the whole world. Today’s first reading gives an account of the time when the Flood finally receded and all the occupants of the Ark could finally walk on the dry land safely once again. After the Flood, Noah made an offering to God on the Altar at Mount Ararat where the Ark landed at, making a Covenant with God between Him and his descendants. God made a solemn vow and promise not to destroy mankind again with the Great Flood, after that Flood had cleansed away the whole world and wiped out all those who were wicked and evil, sparing only Noah and his immediate family. The rainbow, which usually appears after the rain as mentioned, is a reminder of God’s promise to man, that He would remember not to send another world destroying Flood again, a reminder that ultimately, we are all beloved and dear, precious and important to God. Nonetheless, this does not mean that we can then act and live with impunity, disobeying God’s commandments and Law, as it was our wickedness and sins that led to the Great Flood in the first place.

Reflecting on both today’s first and Gospel readings, we find a progression towards a state which is sought after and longed for. In the first reading, Noah lives in hope that the waters of the flood will be dried up from the earth. He sends out a dove and, finding nowhere to perch, it returns to him in the ark. Then he sends out the dove a second and again the dove returns to the ark, however, on this occasion, the dove had a new olive branch in its beak, indicating that the waters were beginning to recede. When Noah sends out the dove the third time, it does not return to the ark, showing that the flood has receded and that creation is being renewed. In the Gospel reading, Jesus works to heal a blind man who had been brought to Him. After Jesus put spittle on the man’s eyes and laid his hands on him, the blind man began to see. He could see people but they looked like trees walking about. When Jesus laid His hands on the man’s eyes again, he could see clearly. Noah needed to be patient, and so did Jesus. In both readings, God’s creative work is afoot, but it happens slowly and gradually. Some processes cannot be rushed. At the beginning of his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul prays that God who has begun His good work in the community would bring it to completion. God’s good work in our lives will only be brought to completion in eternity. Here and now we try to co-operate with God’s ongoing creative work within us and among us, and, at times learning to be patient with its seemingly slow progress in ourselves and in others.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all called to remember the love and kindness, the grace and mercy which God has generously given to us all throughout history, by saving us from certain death and sparing the righteous ones amongst us from destruction. He also provided us all with the means to seek Him and His forgiveness, His mercy and compassion above all else. That He has done all these for our sake proved to us beyond any doubt that we are truly beloved and precious to God, and if we come to seek Him and His mercy, God will surely welcome us all most joyfully, leading us away from the precipice of darkness and destruction into a new life filled with His love and grace. At the same time, we are reminded of how fortunate we are that God, Who is our Lord and Master, great beyond our imagination, is also our loving Father, Who is always ever concerned about us, seeking to be reconciled and reunited with us, ever being patient in leading and guiding us all towards His eternal Kingdom and the salvation which He has repeatedly promised and reassured us. He has given us so many opportunities and paths for us to reach Him, and it is indeed sad to see how many people spurned these opportunities and chances that the Lord has generously provided to them, preferring instead to remain in the state of corruption, in wickedness, darkness and sin. Many among us had fallen into the temptations of worldly pleasures and desires, all of which had distracted us from God and His love, and from everything that He had done for us. We are called to emulate the lives and examples of the Holy men and women and the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, Saint Conrad of Piacenza, Hermit, Saint Barbatus, Saint Gabinus, Martyr and Blessed Alvarez of Cordova. Let us all therefore continue to do our best in living our lives in each and every moments most faithfully and strive to be righteous, worthy and good in our every words, actions and deeds so that we may truly be worthy to be called as Christians, as God’s own beloved and holy people. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may the good Lord bless us in our every good works and endeavours, in our every efforts so that by His blessings and guidance, we may continue to grow ever stronger in our love, faith and dedication to God, and be ever closer to the eternal kingdom of glory, everlasting life and true happiness that God Himself has promised us, distancing ourselves from the taint and corruption of sin that can lead us astray into our downfall and destruction. May God be with us always in our respective journeys. Amen 🙏🏽

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY FAMILY The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family. Between the events which marked Christmas and the beginning of Christ’s public life the Church has seen fit to recall the example of the Holy Family for the emulation of the Christian family. The Feast of the Presentation (February 2) or Candlemas forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but already she is offering Him in sacrifice.
The Saints that we will focus on this month and try to imitate are:
St. Blaise and St. Ansgar (February 3); St. Agatha (February 5); St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Josephine Bakhita (February 8); St. Scholastica (February 10); Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11); Sts. Cyril and Methodius (February 14); Seven Founders of the Orders of Servites (February 17); St. Peter Damian (February 21); Chair of St. Peter (February 22) and St. Polycarp (February 23). The Optional Memorial of Polycarp (February 23), is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.

From Feast to Fast: Though the shortest month of the year, February is rich in Liturgical activity. It contains a feast (Presentation of our Lord) that bridges two other seasons (Christmas and Easter). The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is “the Light of Revelation to the Gentiles who will save His people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be carried in procession this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. In addition, the faithful may receive in February two of the four major public sacramentals that the Church confers during the liturgical year: blessed candles and the blessing of throats. “The Light of Revelation” shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of Ordinary Time, until its magnificence–exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion–propels us into the penitential Season of Lent. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday, falls on March 5, 2025, marking the beginning of the Lenten season and plunge ourselves into anticipating the major exercises of Lent–fasting, prayer, almsgiving–laying our thoughts and prayers on the heart of our Mother Mary. She, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son. 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12539

PRAYER INTENTIONS: We thank God for the gift of His Son and pray for His grace as we serve Him in truth and love. During this Ordinary Time, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the Saints we honor today, we pray for the sick and suffering, especially children and those battling epilepsy, strokes, heart disease, cancer, and other terminal illnesses. May God restore them to health and bring them comfort and peace. Every life is a gift.

We pray for the safety of our families and loved ones, for healing in marriages, and for unity in a world divided by violence and conflict. May God deliver us from hopeless situations and impossible causes.

We remember the souls in Purgatory, asking for God’s mercy upon them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

We pray for widows, widowers, and all who are grieving. May the Lord strengthen them in their trials.

We continue to pray for Pope Francis, the Clergy, and all those spreading the Gospel. May God bless vocations to the priesthood and religious life and protect persecuted Christians worldwide. We pray for peace in our families and throughout the world. Amen. 🙏🏽

Let us pray:

All-powerful Lord, You choose to send forth Your almighty power upon those who have come to faith in You by receiving the Gospel You have sent forth. Please open my ears to hear so that I will choose to convert and believe and, thus, be disposed to be transformed by Your abundant grace. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Conrad of Piacenza; Saint Barbatus; Saint Gabinus and Blessed Alvarez of Cordova ~ Pray for us🙏

With gratitude for the gift of this new year, we pray for justice, peace, love, and unity within our families and throughout the world. May God’s Divine Mercy and Grace be upon us all during this Ordinary Time. Wishing us all a blessed, safe, grace-filled and fruitful week. May God keep us all safe and well. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖