The Third Sunday of Ordinary Time we mark the occasion of the Sunday of the Word of God which was instituted a few years ago, on September 30, 2019 by Pope Francis, our Supreme Pontiff with the purpose of rediscovering our love and zeal for the Lord through the deepening of our knowledge and understanding of the Sacred Scriptures. This observance aims to strengthen Catholics’ connection with Sacred Scripture and emphasize the living nature of God’s word in the Church’s life. The timing of the document is significant: September 30th is the Feast of Saint Jerome, the man who translated most of the Bible into Latin, and who famously said: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ”. St. Jerome died in his Bethlehem monastery in 420 and the year of the institution of the Sunday of the Word of God marked almost 1600 years since his death. It is important that we have to spend some time and effort to get to know more about the Word of God contained within the Scriptures and hence, that is why this Sunday in particular, let us all delve into what we have just heard from the Scripture readings and focus our attention on the truth that the Lord Himself has brought into our midst. “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Lk 24:45).
In a motu proprio entitled Aperuit Illis, the Holy Father, Pope Francis said that the annual date should be “devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God.” This is instituted because of the need for all of us as Christians to deepen our knowledge and understanding, appreciation and immersion in the Word of God found in the Scriptures. It was often said that Catholics do not have a good grasp, knowledge or understanding of the Scriptures, and hence, it is easy for us to be led astray by those who claimed to know the meaning of the Scriptures, and those who twisted and changed the meaning of the Word of God to satisfy their own aim and ambitions, their wicked and unholy purposes, drawing us away from the righteous and holy path of God. This is why we all need to deepen our knowledge and understanding of God’s Words in the Scriptures. How do we then know the Lord better through His Word? There are many things that we can do, but first of all, we must have with us, the Sacred Scriptures, all the Word of God and His revelations as compiled and written by those whom He had inspired, and which the Church and the Church fathers had authoritatively determined to be genuine and true, beneficial and truly the Word of God, as contained in the Holy Bible. Then, we should spend quality time to examine and explore the Word of God with proper guidance through the Church, and find good references that are now easily and readily available, from reliable and good sources that can help us understand and appreciate the meaning of the Scriptures and the Word of God much better. Nonetheless, unless we spend good amount of quality time to focus on the Lord and His Word, then it is unlikely that His Word will have good and firm roots in us.
Today, January 26th marks the 6th Sunday of the Word of God and the Vatican hosts the Jubilee for the World of Communication. The Holy Mass celebration concluded the three-day Jubilee of the World of Communications, which is the first part of the many individual events animating the Jubilee of Hope in 2025. The Holy Mass highlighted the theme for this year’s Sunday of the Word of God, “I Hope in Your Word,” drawn from Psalm 119. In his homily, the Pope reflected on the Gospel passage from Luke, in which Jesus reads the Scriptures at the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth. The celebration was particularly significant as it marked the convergence of the Word of God Sunday with the Jubilee for the World of Communication, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to both preserving and proclaiming the Gospel message in contemporary society. “Let us respond with ardor to the joyful announcement of Christ!” Pope Francis said, encouraging the faithful to bring “good news to the poor, proclaiming release to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, letting the oppressed go free and announcing the year of the Lord’s favor.”
According to Pope Francis, the Word of God brings us joy and light. During his homily, Pope Francis emphasized five key aspects of Christ’s mission that characterize the Gospel message. “The Gospel is a word of joy, summoning us to mutual acceptance and fellowship, as we make our pilgrim journey towards the Kingdom of God,” the pontiff declared. “The Word of God is alive: through the centuries it walks with us and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is at work in history,” Pope Francis said during his homily. “The Lord is always faithful to His promise, which He maintains out of love for humanity.” The Pope noted that while Christ’s salvation is not yet fully realized, as evidenced by ongoing global conflicts, “wars, injustice, pain and death will not have the final word over the peoples of the earth and our history: for the Gospel is a living and certain word that never disappoints.” The Pope closed by reminding the congregation that when Scripture is read, studied, and prayed with, “we do not simply receive information about God; rather, we welcome the Spirit who reminds us of all that Jesus said and did.” During the Holy Mass, the Pope conferred the ministry of Lector on 40 lay people. The newly installed lectors included representatives from Albania (4), Argentina (3), Austria (5), Bolivia (1), Brazil (4), Philippines (5), Iceland (1), Italy (6), Mexico (5), Poland (1), and Slovenia (5).
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time!
Today is day day eight and the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. As we conclude this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and the just concluded 9 Days for Life Novena for the protection of human life, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for the safety, well-being and protection of the life of every human person, from conception to natural death and for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth.
We pray for God’s grace and mercy upon us through this Ordinary Time, and may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth🙏
9 DAYS FOR LIFE: PRAY TO PROTECT HUMAN LIFE | January 16-24, 2025 | USCCB* [Novena and prayer link below]
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: Started Saturday, January 18, 2025 and ends Saturday, January 25, 2025 [Reflections and Prayer links below]
OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]
Holy Mass, as the National Prayer Vigil for Life comes to an end | live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Holy Mass on the eve of the March for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Presided by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |
Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 25, 2025 |
Pray “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries VIRTUAL🌹JOYFUL🌹LUMINOUS🌹SORROWFUL🌹GLORIOUS” oùn YouTube |
Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) |
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday, January 25, 2025 Reading 1, Acts 22:3-16 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 117:1, 2 Gospel, Mark 16:15-18
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLY MASS AND VESPERS: Mass and vespers are both Christian services that involve prayer and community worship. Mass is a Eucharistic celebration that commemorates Jesus’ death and resurrection. Vespers is an evening prayer service that gives thanks for the day and asks for God’s mercy. The name Vespers comes from vesperum which is Latin for evening. It marks the close of one day and the start of a new one since in a day in the Church ends at Sundown. It is not a communion service- that would be called Mass in the Western Tradition and Divine Liturgy in the Eastern.
Purpose:
Mass: A celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection
Vespers: A prayer service that gives thanks for the day and asks for God’s mercy.
Structure:
Mass: Has four parts: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites.
Vespers: Has an introductory verse, hymn, psalmody, responsory, gospel canticle, intercessions, Lord’s Prayer, and concluding prayer.
Each day’s intention for the 9 Days Novena for the protection of human life is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. We continue to pray for the protection of human life. We particularly pray for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children. May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
“Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.” ~ Isaiah 44:2
PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: Lord, Creator of Life, You have blessed us with the privilege of bringing new life into the world. Open our hearts and minds to recognize Your special gift of children and Your great love for each of us created in Your image and likeness. Through love, You sent your Son Jesus to redeem us, and through love, He entered our world as an unborn child in the womb of Mary, His mother. We now turn to Mary for her prayers and intercession as we struggle to protect innocent unborn children from decisions that seek to destroy them. Following Mary’s example as mother and disciple, let us proclaim the truth of our faith, assist those in crisis, and protect those most vulnerable, unwanted, and unloved. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: January 18-25, 2025
Theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
Today is day eight and the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we conclude this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: The Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
On this special Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, as we conclude the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we humbly pray and thank God for blessing us all with the gift of His precious son, our Savior Jesus Christ! For the safety and well-being of all our children and children all over the world. We pray for God’s guidance and protection upon them. We continue to pray for peace all around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine-Russia and other parts of the world. We pray for an end to the wars and conflicts, and for peace in our families and throughout our divided and conflicted World. For the gentle repose of the 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🙏
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 🙏
PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF WILDFIRES AND DISASTERS: We continue to pray for the victims of the current wildfires in the United States (Los Angeles, California and other parts of the country) and victims of natural disasters across the world. We especially pray for those that have lost their lives and their families.
“Most Merciful God, Be “our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress” (Psalm 46:1). You created us and sustain us by Your almighty power. Your mercy knows no bounds. At this time of great suffering, we entrust all victims of the wildfires to You. Comfort them, fill them with Your grace, and provide for their needs. We entrust all who have died to Your merciful Heart. Cleanse them of their sins and welcome them into Your heavenly Kingdom. Give wisdom and prudence to those managing this disaster. Give courage and resolve to those on the front lines. Keep them safe and successful in their efforts. Command the winds and the flames to obey You, Lord, as You once calmed the stormy seas. Pour the water of Your grace upon these destructive fires. Stay them with Your powerful hand. Angels of God, come to the aid of those most in need of God’s mercy. Protect them, guide them, and reveal to them God’s holy will. St. Florian, patron of firefighters, pray for those bravely battling the flames. St. Michael the Archangel, defend them in their peril. Saints in Heaven, we beseech your prayer. Intercede for those most in need. From this tragedy and chaos, bring hope and peace. Turn sorrow into compassion. Turn confusion into faith. Turn despair into divine hope. We place all our trust in You, Most Merciful God, knowing that You will bring forth new life and healing from the ashes of this trial. May Your name be glorified now and forever. Amen” 🙏🏽
SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL, APOSTLE | MEMORIAL OF SAINT DWYNWEN, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 25TH: Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle. We celebrate that extraordinary moment in the life of St. Paul when he was transformed from a fierce persecutor of the church to its great Apostle to the Gentiles. On this day, we also celebrate the Memorial of Saint Dwynwen, Religious.
THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL, APOSTLE: St. Paul, originally named Saul at his circumcision, a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, was born at Tarsus, the capitol of Cilicia. He was a Roman citizen from birth. He was brought up as a strict Jew, and later became a violent persecutor of the Christians. As he was “a young man” at the stoning of St. Stephen and “an old man” when writing to Philemon, about the year 63, he was probably born around the beginning of the Christian era. To complete his schooling, St. Paul was sent to Jerusalem, where he sat at the feet of the learned Gamaliel and was educated in the strict observance of the ancestral Law. Here he also acquired a good knowledge of exegesis and was trained in the practice of disputation. As a zealous Pharisee, he returned to Tarsus before the Public Life of Christ opened in Palestine. Some time after the death of our Lord, St. Paul returned to Palestine. His profound conviction and emotional character made his zeal develop into a religious fanaticism against the infant Church. He took part in the stoning of the First Martyr, St. Stephen, and in the fierce persecution of the Christian that followed.
In the fury of his zeal, he appealed to the high priest and Sanhedrin for a commission to take up all Jews at Damascus who confessed Jesus Christ, and bring them bound to Jerusalem, that they might serve as public examples to incite terror into others. But God was pleased to show forth in Saul his patience and mercy: Saul was almost at the end of his journey to Damascus, when, around noon, he and his company were surrounded by a great light from heaven, and fell to the ground and was struck blind. Then Saul heard a voice, which to him was articulate and distinct, but not understood by the rest: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Saul answered: “Who art thou, Lord?” Christ said: “Jesus of Nazarene whom you are persecuting.(Acts 22:7-8). There was a Christian of distinction in Damascus, Ananias, greatly respected by the Jews for his irreproachable life and great virtue. Christ appeared to this holy disciple, and commanded him to go to Saul, who was at that moment in the house of Judas at prayer. Ananias trembled at the name of Saul, being familiar with the misdeeds he had done in Jerusalem and the errand for which he set out to Damascus. But our Redeemer overruled his fears, and charged him a second time to go, saying: “Go, for he is a vessel of election to carry my name before Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: and I will show him how much he has to suffer for my name. For tribulation is the test and portion of all the true servants of Christ.” Thus a blasphemer and a fierce persecutor was immediately transformed and converted to the Christian Faith. He was baptized, changed his name from Saul to Paul, and became an Apostle. God then used St. Paul and his zeal to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially to the Gentiles. He began travelling and preaching the Faith. He was chosen to be one of the principal instruments of God in the conversion of the world. He made three missionary journeys which brought him to the great centers of Asia Minor and southern Europe, and made many converts. Fourteen of his Epistles are found in the New Testament.
St. Paul was martyred in Rome by beheading in about the year 65 A.D., and his relics are in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls near the Ostian Way. Pope Innocent III commanded this feast to be observed with great solemnity. He’s Patron Saint: Against snakes; authors; Cursillo movement; evangelists; hailstorms; hospital public relations; journalists; lay people; missionary bishops; musicians; poisonous snakes; public relations personnel; public relations work; publishers; reporters; rope braiders; rope makers; saddlemakers; saddlers; snake bites; tent makers; writers; Malta; Rome; Poznan, Poland; newspaper editorial staff Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Diocese of Covington, Kentucky; Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama; Diocese of Las Vegas, Nevada; Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island; Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts.
PRAYER: Lord God, You taught the whole world through the preaching of the Apostle St. Paul. As we celebrate his Conversion grant that, following his example, we may be witnesses to Your truth in this world. Amen🙏
SAINT DWYNWEN, RELIGIOUS: St. Dwynwen translated means ‘she who leads a blessed life’. St. Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and was a princess from Anglesey in Wales, the beautiful and virtuous daughter of King Brychan Brycheiniog. Legend has it that she was one of the prettiest of Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters. According to legend she fell in love with a young Prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but unfortunately her father had already arranged that she should marry someone else. St. Dwynwen was so upset that she could not marry Maelon that she begged God to make her forget him. She refused to marry due to her piety and desire for the religious life. She prayed that her desire for marriage would be removed, and that God would give happiness to all lovers. After falling asleep, St. Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice. God then gave three wishes to St. Dwynwen. Her first wish was that Maelon be thawed; her second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and third, that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, St. Dwynwen devoted herself to God’s service for the rest of her life.
St. Dwynwen became consecrated to God as a nun and founded a convent on Llanddwyn Island, off the west coast of Anglesey. Her church and its ‘holy well’ named after her became a pilgrimage shrine after her death in 465AD from the Middle Ages down to today, especially for lovers. Visitors to the well believed that the sacred fish or eels that lived in the well could foretell whether or not their relationship would be happy and whether love and happiness would be theirs. Remains of Dwynwen’s church can still be seen today. The popularity and celebration of St Dwynwen’s Day has increased considerably in recent years. St Dwynwen is the Welsh Patron Saint of lovers, which makes her the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine.
PRAYER TO SAINT DWYNWEN: Oh Blessed St. Dwynwen, you who knew pain and peace, division and reconciliation. You have promised to aid lovers and you watch over those whose hearts have been broken. As you received three boons from an Angel, intercede for me to receive 3 blessings to obtain my heart’s desire (state request) and if that is not God’s will, a speedy healing from my pain; your guidance and assistance that I may find love with the right person, at the right time, and in a right way; and an unshakeable faith in the boundless kindness and wisdom of God and this I ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏
St. Dwynwen, we beseech thee, comfort lovers whose vision is unclear. Send mending to those with love lost. Protect companions. In your name we seek to do the same. In your name we choose love first. With the love of you, Mary and of Jesus Christ. Amen🙏
PRAYER INTENTIONS: 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 Lord grant us His grace as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady Queen of Peace and the Saints on this feast day, we humbly pray for peace, love and unity in our families, our marriages and our divided and conflicted world. We continue to pray for the safety and protection of all Unborn Children from conception to natural death and all expectant mothers. Every life is a gift. We continue to pray for the sick and dying, especially sick children, those who are mentally and physically ill, strokes, heart diseases, and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. May God restore them to good health and grant them His Divine healing and intervention. May our Mother Mary comfort them, may the Angels and Saints watch over them and may the Holy Spirit guide them in peace and comfort during this challenging time. We pray for an end to wars, political and religious unrest. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and for all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. We pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world… Amen🙏
“Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation”
“Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Our Lord Jesus Christ commissioned His disciples to go forth to the world and proclaim the Good News, He has called on many to follow Him and to be His witnesses, so that many more people may come to believe in Him as well. He calls on all of us to embrace His truth and to show that same truth to others by our own life and dedication. Just as in today’s first reading, St. Paul had committed himself and his life to follow the Lord in this way, in giving his life to serve the Lord and abandoning all the prospects and good life he once had earlier on. He became one of the Lord’s greatest champions and defenders instead of a persecutor. This Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul marks that moment when even such a great sinner and enemy of the Lord and His people could turn away from his wrong path and walk in the path of God’s righteousness. The example of St. Paul the Apostle and his conversion is a classic and very good example that no sinner is truly beyond God’s help and grace, as long as the sinner is willing to make amends and listen to the Lord calling on him or her, and turn back towards Him.
St. Paul in our first reading today, says that before Christ appeared to him he was zealous for God, ‘full of duty towards God’. Yet, this duty towards God expressed itself in a very destructive way. He persecuted a new movement within Judaism that had come to be called the ‘Way’ and, eventually, came to be known as Christianity. It was the appearance of the risen Lord to St. Paul and the Lord’s question, ‘Why do you persecute me?’ that stopped St. Paul in his tracks. From that moment on, he remained full of duty towards the God of Israel, but it found expression in a very different way. Rather than persecuting those whose beliefs were different to his, he proclaimed the good news of God’s unconditional love for all humanity, revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the words of today’s Gospel reading, he went on to proclaim this good news to all creation. As he would write in his letter to the church in Rome, the heart of this good news is nothing ‘in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord’. St. Paul speaks in the first reading of this encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus as an experience of light, ‘a bright light from heaven suddenly shone round me’. He came to see God in a new way. His eyes were opened to the good news that the love in God’s heart was boundless, and in the light of that love he came to see that the love in his own heart had been very narrowly focused, restricted to those who thought and lived like himself. St. Paul’s relationship with God deepened as a result of what happened near Damascus and, as a result, he began to relate to others in the way God relates to them, in the way Jesus related to others during His public ministry and continues to relate to us as risen Lord. St. Paul’s experience teaches us that the more we grow in our relationship with God the Father and His Son Jesus, the more expansive our heart will become and the broader our horizon will become. As we open ourselves more fully to God as God really is, to God as Love, then we will relate to others in ways that bring people together in all their diversity. We will no longer feel threatened by those who are different from us but we will open ourselves to what God can teach us through them, while sharing with them the treasure of the Gospel that brings joy to our lives.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures on this special Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, all of us are reminded that we are all also called by the Lord for the same purpose and mission in our own lives. Each and every one of us as members of the Church are parts of the Church’s works and missions in proclaiming the truth of God and evangelising the whole world. All of us are successors of the works entrusted by the Lord to His Apostles and disciples, the missions that the Lord entrusted to His Church. The works of St. Paul and the other Apostles and disciples of the Lord are still aplenty and ongoing, as there are ever more people out there who have not yet known the Lord and His truth. St. Paul the Apostle showed us the way forward in life, in how we should commit ourselves to God’s mission and works. Let us all therefore strive to renew our faith and lives by our humble obedience to the Lord and the willingness to change ourselves by listening to God’s will and words. Let us all be growing ever stronger in our faith and relationship with the Lord in the way that St. Paul had done himself. Let us be converted in life and draw ever closer to the Lord, and be good role models in our lives and actions, that we may inspire many others to live worthily of the Lord. Let us trust in God’s love that is so great that not even the greatest of sinners are beyond God’s mercy and forgiveness. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to grow in our understanding of God and God’s will for our lives, so that our own zeal for God is directed in a way that really does serve God’s purpose for our world. May God continue to strengthen our faith and may He bless us in our everyday lives and actions. May God bless us in our every endeavours, efforts and good works for His greater glory, now and always. Amen🙏
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY | MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph and told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY – FOR THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION: Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, on this feast day, we humbly pray and 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! And as we begin the Ordinary Time, may the Lord grant us the grace to serve Him in spirit and in truth. We pray for peace, love and unity in our marriages, our families and our world today, as we face these incredibly challenging times. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. We pray for the sick and dying, especially sick children, those who are sick with heart diseases, strokes, mental illness, and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for torture victims, the poor, the needy and the most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. We pray for the souls in Purgatory and the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and for all widows and widowers. And we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishops, the Clergy and all those who preach the Gospel. We pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for the Church, for persecuted christians, for all the innocent who suffer violence due to political or religious unrest, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world… Amen🙏
Let us pray:
Lord, I do love You and desire to be used by You in the way that You choose. Help me to convert my heart more fully to You so that I can be led by Your gentle and powerful hand. I accept whatever mission You give to me and pray that my life will give You true glory and further Your glorious Kingdom on earth. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Mother Mary, Saint Paul the Apostle and Saint Dwynwen ~ Pray for us🙏
*Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines:
Thanking God for the gift of this new year and praying for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world and for God’s Divine Mercy and Grace upon us all as we begin this Ordinary Time. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous and grace-filled New Year and relaxing weekend. Amen🙏
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls Saturday, 25 January 2025
Jesus arrives at the home of his friends Martha and Mary four days after the death of their brother Lazarus. Having apparently lost all hope, Martha’s first words express her grief and her regret that Jesus had arrived too late: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (Jn 11:21). At the same time, however, Jesus’ presence kindles the light of hope in Martha’s heart and leads her to a profession of faith: “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him” (v. 22). It is an attitude of always leaving the door open, never closed! Jesus speaks to her about the resurrection of the dead not only as an event that will take place at the end of time, but as something already present, because he himself is the resurrection and the life. And then he asks her a question: “Do you believe this?” (v. 26). That question is also meant for us, for you, for me: “Do you believe this?
Let us also consider this same question: “Do you believe this?” (v. 26). It is a short but challenging question.
This tender encounter between Jesus and Martha from the Gospel teaches us that even in times of desolation, we are not alone and we can continue to hope. Jesus gives life even when it seems that all hope has vanished. Hope can falter following difficult experiences such as a painful loss, an illness, a bitter disappointment or a sudden betrayal. Although each of us may experience moments of despair or know people who have lost hope, the Gospel tells us that Jesus always restores hope because he raises us up from the ashes of death. Jesus always raises us up and gives us the strength to go on, to begin anew.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us never forget that hope does not disappoint! Hope never disappoints! Hope is like a rope anchored on the shore that we cling to; it never disappoints. This is also important for the life of Christian communities, our churches and our ecumenical relationships. At times, we are overwhelmed by fatigue and discouraged by the results of our labours. It can even seem as if the dialogue and the efforts made on both sides are hopeless, almost doomed to failure. All of this makes us experience the same anguish as Martha, but the Lord comes to us. Do we believe this? Do we believe that he is the resurrection and the life? That he rewards our efforts and always gives us the grace to continue our journey together? Do we believe this?
This message of hope is at the heart of the Jubilee we have begun. The Apostle Paul, whose conversion to Christ we commemorate today, declared to the Christians of Rome, “hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom 5:5). We have all received the same Spirit, all of us, and this is the foundation of our ecumenical journey. The Spirit guides on this journey. There are no practical things that help us understand it better. No, there is the Spirit, and we have to follow the Spirit’s lead.
The Jubilee Year of Hope celebrated by the Catholic Church coincides with an anniversary of great significance for all Christians: the 1700th anniversary of the first great ecumenical council: the Council of Nicaea. This Council sought to preserve the unity of the Church at a very difficult time, and the Council Fathers unanimously approved the Creed that many Christians still recite each Sunday at the celebration of the Eucharist. This Creed is a common profession of faith that transcends all the divisions that have riven the Body of Christ over the centuries. The anniversary of the Council of Nicaea is therefore a year of grace, an opportunity for all Christians who recite the same Creed and believe in the same God. Let us rediscover the common roots of the faith; let us preserve unity! Let us always move forward! May the unity we all are searching for be found. What comes to mind is something that the great Orthodox theologian Ioannis Zizioulas used to say: “I know the date of full communion: the day after the final judgment! In the meantime, we must walk together, work together, pray together, love together. And this is something very beautiful!
Dear brothers and sisters, this faith we share is a precious gift, but it is also a task. The anniversary should be celebrated not only as a “historical memory”, but also as a pledge to bear witness to the growing communion between us. We must take care not to let it slip away, but rather to build solid bonds, cultivate mutual friendship, and be instruments of communion and fraternity.
In this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we can also draw from the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea a call to persevere in the journey towards unity. This year, the celebration of Easter coincides in both the Gregorian and Julian calendars, a circumstance that proves providential as we commemorate the anniversary of the Ecumenical Council. I renew my appeal that this coincidence may serve as an appeal to all Christians to take a decisive step forward towards unity around a common date for Easter (cf. Bull Spes Non Confundit, 17). The Catholic Church is open to accepting the date that everyone wants: a date of unity.
I am grateful to Metropolitan Polycarp, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to Archbishop Ian Ernest, who represents the Anglican Communion and is concluding his valuable service for which I am very appreciative – I wish him the best as he returns to his home country – and to the representatives of other Churches who are participating in this evening sacrifice of praise. It is important to pray together, and your presence here this evening is a source of joy for everyone. I also greet the students supported by the Committee for Cultural Collaboration with the Orthodox and the Oriental Orthodox Churches at the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, the students from the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Institute at Bossey and the many other ecumenical groups and pilgrims who have come to Rome for this celebration. I thank the choir, who provided us with a very beautiful atmosphere for praying. May each of us, like Saint Paul, find our hope in the incarnate Son of God and offer it to others wherever hope has been lost, lives broken or hearts overwhelmed by adversity (cf. Homily Opening of the Holy Door and Midnight Mass, 24 December 2024).
In Jesus, hope is always possible. He also sustains our hope as we journey towards him in unity. And so we return again to the question asked of Martha and asked of us this evening: “do you believe this?”. Do we believe in communion with one another? Do we believe that hope does not disappoint?
Dear sisters, dear brothers, this is the time to confirm our profession of faith in the one God and to find in Christ Jesus the way to unity. As we wait for the Lord to “come again in glory to judge the living and the dead” (Nicene Creed), let us never grow tired of bearing witness, before all peoples, to the only-begotten Son of God, the source of all our hope.
Holy Mass, as the National Prayer Vigil for Life comes to an end | live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Holy Mass on the eve of the March for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Presided by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Each day’s intention for the 9 Days Novena for the protection of human life is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. We continue to pray for the protection of human life. We particularly pray for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children. May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
“Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.” ~ Isaiah 44:2
PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: Lord, Creator of Life, You have blessed us with the privilege of bringing new life into the world. Open our hearts and minds to recognize Your special gift of children and Your great love for each of us created in Your image and likeness. Through love, You sent your Son Jesus to redeem us, and through love, He entered our world as an unborn child in the womb of Mary, His mother. We now turn to Mary for her prayers and intercession as we struggle to protect innocent unborn children from decisions that seek to destroy them. Following Mary’s example as mother and disciple, let us proclaim the truth of our faith, assist those in crisis, and protect those most vulnerable, unwanted, and unloved. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽
Today is day eight and the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we conclude this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Holy Mass, as the National Prayer Vigil for Life comes to an end | live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Holy Mass on the eve of the March for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Presided by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Today is day seven of the week of prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated around the world from January 18th – 25th. As we continue this year’s week of prayer for Christian Unity, we join our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world in praying for peace, love, justice and unity in our divided and conflicted world so we can better build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, look down with pity upon us and keep us all united in peace, love and faith, so that we may all be truly one in Christ…Amen🙏
All Christian Churches and communities worldwide are invited to use the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year.
Material for each day of the Week of Prayer. The texts provided for personal or communal prayer for each of the eight days include two scripture readings and a psalm. The biblical texts for each day highlight in turn key statements of the Nicene Creed.
Day 1: The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe Day 2: Creation as God’s work Day 3: The Incarnation of the Son Day 4: The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Day 5: The Holy Spirit, the giver of life and joy Day 6: The Church: Community of believers Day 7: Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord Day 8: Waiting for the Kingdom and the life to come
Reflections and Prayer Links for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Holy Mass on the eve of the March for Life from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Presided by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Watch “CLOSING MASS OF THE NATIONAL PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE | JANUARY 24, 2025
Holy Mass, as the National Prayer Vigil for Life comes to an end | live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Whoever lives in love in this creation breathes the life coming from God. While yet in this world, he breathes the air of rebirth. In this air the righteous will delight at resurrection. Love is the kingdom whereof our Lord mystically promised the disciples that they would eat in his kingdom: “You shall eat and drink at the table of my kingdom.” What should they eat, if not love? Love is sufficient to nourish a man instead of food and drink. This is the wine that gladdens the heart of man. Blessed is he who drinks of this wine! –Isaac of Nineveh [7th century], First Collection, 43
For reflection:
Love will be the reality of the Kingdom of God. Concrete actions of charity make this Kingdom present in our lives.
Living in expectation of the Kingdom of God, how do we embody signs of the coming Kingdom in the world today?
We are called to be ready for the second coming of the Lord. How do we prepare ourselves for it?
For reflection in the Canadian context: Many question the place of religion in the future in Canada. One study addresses many of these concerns: https://biblesociety.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2023/02/The-Shifting-Landscape-of-Faith-in-Canada-Final.pdf. “We do not propose a roadmap back to the previous role of religion in Canada, but rather suggest that in building a greater, more nuanced understanding of the journey of faith of our congregants, communities, and fellow Canadians, perhaps we can be better prepared in finding our footing as models and ministers of the common good among institutions, government, and society.”
Prayer
R/ Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
O Christ the Lord, who for our sakes became poor and who promise that the poor will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, you fill us with your riches. R/
O Lord Jesus, meek and humble of heart, who reveal a new world to those who trust in you, you give us your fullness. R/
O Christ the Lord, who knelt and prayed with your face to the ground, you who in sadness traced a way of consolation, you are the joy that nothing and no one can take away from us. R/
O Lord Jesus, who cast down rulers and powers and who clothe peacemakers with a glorious robe, you transform us into your image. R/
O Christ the Lord, merciful and compassionate who on the Cross forgave the thief who died with you we beseech you: Remember us when you come into your kingdom. R/
Let us pray.
O Lord, hasten the coming of your great and glorious day!
In our darkness, many men and women no longer dare to hope. Protect the flame of faith in the hearts of the weak and the suffering.
May the Church be a faithful herald of the victory of Christ your Son over death and a beacon of expectation for his return in glory. He is the Living One, with you and with the Holy Spirit. now and forever and ever. AMEN.
Alternative Patristic Readings
From the Greek tradition
You, O Lord, have freed us from the fear of death. You have made the end of this life the beginning for us of true life. You, for a season, let our bodies rest in sleep and awake them again at the last trumpet. You give our earth, which you have fashioned with your hands, to the earth to keep in safety. One day you will take back what you gave, transfiguring with immortality and grace our mortal and unsightly remains … You showed us the way of resurrection, having broken the gates of hell, and brought to nought him who had the power of death. –Gregory of Nyssa [c. 335-395], Life of St Macrina, 24
From the Latin tradition
By hope God breastfeeds us, nourishes us, strengthens us, and give us consolation in this life of toil. In this hope we sing “alleluia”. Just look what joy there is in hope! What can the reality be? You ask: “What can it be?” Listen to what is said: “They shall get drunk on the plenteousness of your house.” That is the reality that hope is about. We are thirsty. We are hungry. It must be that we shall be satisfied. Hunger while on the road, satisfaction when we come home. When shall we be satisfied? “I shall be satisfied when your glory is revealed.” … Then it will be “alleluia” in reality, while now it is just in hope.
–Augustine of Hippo [354-430], Sermons, 255:5
Alternative Canadian Readings Life in the age to come is pictured in the Bible in different ways: an eternal kingdom, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, an unending day, the father’s house, and the joy of God’s presence. God will triumph over all opposition and everything that disrupts creation.[1]
