Author: Resa

FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Today, as we pray the novena for life, we pray for the protection of human life. Particularly pray for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children. May the good Lord protect the life of every human person, from conception to natural death. Amen 🙏🏽

We continue to 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🙏

FEAST AND SAINT(S ) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 17, 2025

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PONTMAIN (OUR LADY OF HOPE) 1871

9 DAYS FOR LIFE: 9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. January 16-24, 2025 [Prayer and Novena link below]

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2025: Beginning tomorrow, Saturday, January 18, 2024 and ends Saturday, January 25, 2025 [Prayer link below]

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | January 17, 2025” |

Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 17, 2025 |

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |

Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 17, 2025 |

Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 17, 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: Friday, January 17, 2025
Reading 1, Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 78:3, 4, 6-7, 8
Gospel, Mark 2:1-12

9 DAYS FOR LIFE: PRAY TO PROTECT HUMAN LIFE

9 Days for Life Novena Prayer Link | January 16-24, 2025 | USCCB | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/17/9-days-for-life-novena-usccb/

9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. Praying for the safety and well-being of the unborn and all children 🙏🏽

“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:

Theme for 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an ecumenical Christian observance in the Christian calendar that is celebrated internationally. The purpose of this prayer gathering annually is to fulfill the prayer of Jesus, “that they may be one” (John 17:21). Traditionally, the week of prayer is celebrated between 18-25 January, annually. For the year 2025, the theme is “Do you believe this?” This theme was inspired by Jesus’s dialogue with Martha in the Gospel of John (John 11:26)

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.

2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity |
https://www.weekofprayer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/8-Eight-Days-of-Prayer-Bible-Study-2025.pdf

On this Feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and all 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🙏

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 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” 🙏🏽

FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: OUR LADY OF PONTMAIN (OUR LADY OF HOPE) | MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANTHONY OF EGYPT, ABBOT – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 17TH: Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Pontmain (Our Lady of Hope) and the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot.

OUR LADY OF PONTMAIN (OUR LADY OF HOPE) 1871: In 1871, France was being devastated by the Franco-Prussian war. The Prussians were close to the town of Laval when on the evening of January 17, Eugene Barbedette and his brother Joseph saw an apparition of our Lady. A crowd gathered but only children could see the apparition, not adults. After the town gathered praying and singing, she told them that “God heard their prayers and fears and would answer their needs.” That same day, the Prussians halted their advances when their commander encountered an “invisible Madonna barring the way.” In May that same year, a peace treaty was signed. The local Bishop approved the apparition in 1872 and in 1908 the church was dedicated as a Basilica to Our Lady of Hope of Pontmain. Patron Saint of: Pontmain, France and Hope. Feast Day is January 17th

Our Lady of Hope of Pontmain ~ Pray for us 🙏

SAINT ANTHONY OF EGYPT, ABBOT: St. Anthony of Egypt (251–356 A.D.), founder of Monasticism, also known as St. Anthony the Great and St. Anthony of the Desert, was a leading figure among the Desert Fathers, the early Christian monks who lived in the Egyptian desert in the 3rd and 4th centuries. The story of his life was written by St. Athanasius of Alexandria. Saint Anthony was born in the year 251, in Upper Egypt to wealthy and virtuous Christian parents. After their death St. Anthony desired to conform himself to the manner of life of the Apostles and early Christians. On hearing these words from the Gospel of Matthew in church, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me,” St. Anthony gave away all his vast possessions — staying only to see that his sister’s education was completed — and retired into the desert. He left everything behind to live a life of prayer, fasting, self-denial, and labor. He then begged an aged hermit to teach him the spiritual life, and he also visited various solitaries, undertaking to copy the principal virtue of each. Whenever he heard of other holy people living in this manner, he would visit them to learn from their virtues in order to imitate them. To serve God more perfectly, He eventually removed himself from all society and became the first Christian to live a life of consecrated solitude. St. Anthony immured himself in a ruin, building up the door so that none could enter. Here the devils assaulted him furiously, appearing as various monsters, and even wounding him severely; but his courage never failed, and he overcame them all by confidence in God and by the sign of the cross. One night, while Anthony was in his solitude, many devils scourged him so terribly that he lay as if dead. A friend found him in this condition, and believing him dead carried him home. But when Anthony came to himself he persuaded his friend to take him back, in spite of his wounds, to his solitude. Here, prostrate from weakness, he defied the devils, saying, I fear you not; you cannot separate me from the love of Christ. After more vain assaults the devils fled, and Christ appeared to Anthony in His glory.

Saint Anthony’s only food was bread and water, which he never tasted before sunset, and sometimes only once in two, three, or four days. He wore sackcloth and sheepskin, and he often knelt in prayer from sunset to sunrise. His admirers became so many and so insistent that he was eventually persuaded to found two monasteries for them and to give them a rule of life. In 305, he founded a religious community of cenobites who lived in detached cells. These were the first monasteries ever to be founded, and Saint Anthony is, therefore, the father of cenobites of monks. He occasionally left his hermitage for pressing matters, once to encourage persecuted Christians, and another time to support Pope Athanasius against the heresy of Arius. In 311 he went to Alexandria to take part in the Arian controversy and to comfort those who were being persecuted by Maximinus. This visit lasted for a few days only, after which he retired into a solitude even more remote so that he might cut himself off completely from his admirers. When he was over ninety, he was commanded by God in a vision to search the desert for Saint Paul the Hermit. He is said to have survived until the age of a hundred and five, when he died peacefully in a cave on Mount Kolzim near the Red Sea. In keeping with his instructions, two of his disciples buried his body secretly in an unmarked grave. Saint Athanasius, his biographer, says that the mere knowledge of how Saint Anthony lived is a good guide to virtue. He’ s Patron Saint of Amputees; animals; basket makers/weavers; brushmakers; butchers; gravediggers; cemetery workers; domestic animals; eczema; epilepsy; epileptics; ergotism (Saint Anthony’s fire); erysipelas; gravediggers; hermits; hogs; monks; pigs; relief from pestilence; skin diseases; skin rashes; swine; swineherds. St. Anthony’s feast day is January 17th.

PRAYER: Lord God, You gave St. Anthony the Abbot the grace of serving in the desert in prayer with You. Aided by his intercession, may we practice self-denial and hence always love You above all things. Amen🙏

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today, Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot | Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB| https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 2:1-12

“The Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

In today’s Gospel reading, when Jesus was in a house in Capernaum, probably Peter’s house, preaching the word of God. A paralysed man wanted to get to Jesus but he was completely dependent on others to carry him to Jesus. Fortunately, he had good friends who were determined to bring him to Jesus, to do for him what he could not do for himself. Such was their determination, that they created an opening in the roof of the house where Jesus was preaching so as to lower their friend in front of Him. The paralysed man’s faith in Jesus was matched by their faith in Jesus. Their struggle to get their friend to Jesus was inspired by their faith in Him. The gospel reading shows that Jesus saw their efforts not as an unwelcome disturbance but as a powerful act of faith, ‘Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “My child, your sins are forgiven”’. It was the faith of his friends which allowed this man to meet Jesus personally and to hear Jesus’ very personal and liberating word to him. Even before his physical healing, the paralytic needed reassurance that God loved him unconditionally and had forgiven his sins. It was his friends that made it possible for him to hear this liberating word from God. Each one of us has a role to play in helping others to hear God’s live-giving word, spoken to us through His Son who is with us until the end of time. Reflecting on the Gospel reading, the loving service of those who carried the paralytic brought a blessing not only on the man himself but on many others. It had a ripple effect. We can never underestimate the impact for good of our own efforts to support and carry someone in their hour of need. The Lord will work powerfully through our generosity in ways we could never have foreseen. There are times when we can do very little for ourselves and we are completely dependent on others for health, for life, for safety. There are other times when we might find ourselves in the role of the four friends in the Gospel reading, in a position to help others to their feet, to bring others from darkness to light, from death to life. We are called to carry each other’s burdens. When we are faithful to that calling we align ourselves with Jesus who said, ‘Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest’. The Lord looks to us to help Him to carry the burdens of others and to bring them to a greater fullness of life.

Our first reading today, from the Epistle to the Hebrews, is the continuation of the matter of believing and trusting in the Messiah Whom God had sent into this world, the same Jesus Christ, the One Who had been betrayed by many among His own people, and handed over to the Romans to be crucified, but Whose Resurrection and truth cannot be contained and henceforth, continued to propagate among the Jewish people and many more others among the non-Jews, which became the beginning and foundation of the Church of God. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews in today’s reading again exhorted the people and hence, all of us to continue to keep our faith and trust in the Lord because all those who have stood by their faith in God and remained firmly faithful will indeed be rewarded by God, while all those who refused to listen to the Lord and believe in Him shall be judged and condemned by their own stubborn attitudes and conscious refusal of God’s merciful love and compassion towards all of His beloved ones. We must not take God’s love and mercy for granted as we must not forget that while He is truly a loving and merciful God, but He is also a just and Holy God, in Whose Presence sin and evil cannot stand and survive. This is why as Christians it is important that we should always strive to hold fast to this faith which we have in the Lord, and not to be easily swayed by false ideas and teachings that run contrary to our faith in God. We should also not be swayed easily by our ego and pride, our ambitions and desires, some of which were the reasons why those who have rejected the Lord and refused to believe in Him and His truth had done so. It was the belief in their abilities, intellect and power, as well as pride in their sense of superiority which made many among the Pharisees, the teachers of the Law and the elders of the Jewish community to reject the Lord and harden their hearts and minds against His truth and works in their midst.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded of the Lord’s love, guidance and providence for all of us, in how He cared for us all in our darkest and most difficult moments, and how through Him we shall truly be delivered from the challenges and trials facing us. We are all reminded to remain firm in our faith in the Lord and to obey Him, and not to harden our hearts and minds against Him and His truth, for the Lord has brought unto us His salvation and grace, revealing His love manifested perfectly in the flesh through His Son, Our Lord and Saviour. There were those who believed in Him and embraced His truth, but there were many others who hardened their hearts and refusing to follow Him, or believe in His words and teachings, questioning His authority and legitimacy, just as what we had heard from the action of the teachers of the Law in our Gospel reading today. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women and the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today on y his Feast of Our Lady of Pontmain (Our Lady of Hope) and the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot. Therefore, through the intercession of the Saints, let us all continue to do our part in glorifying God by our lives, and let us all continue to put our faith in Him, our trust and belief that in Him alone lies our hope, the hope for liberation and redemption from the dominion and bondage to sin. Each and every one of us should continue to live our lives worthily as Christians, dedicating ourselves, our time and efforts to direct more and more people towards the Lord, sharing our faith and showing it towards everyone whom we encounter daily in life. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to walk in the way of Jesus so as to give greater priority to the total well being of people than to the laws of the institution. May God be with us all and may He continue to strengthen us all in our efforts and journey, and may He bless us all in everything we say and do, 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.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

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.

https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025

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/

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:

My precious Jesus, fill my heart with charity toward those who need You the most but seem incapable of overcoming the sin in their lives that keep them from You. May my unwavering commitment to them be an act of charity that gives them the hope they need to surrender their life to You. Use me, dear Lord. My life is in Your hands. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Pontmain (Our Lady of Hope) and Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot ~ 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:

DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SIR G.L.I OPIEPE’S HEALTH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION | https://gliopiepehe.org

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door Ushering in the Jubilee of Hope | ‘Hope is Alive’ | Vatican News | December 24, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/25/pope-francis-opens-the-holy-door-ushering-in-the-jubilee-of-hope-hope-is-alive-vatican-news-december-24-2024/

THE JUBILEE PRAYER
Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

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.  Journey mercies for all those traveling during this Christmas season and new year. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous and grace-filled New Year and relaxing weekend! Amen🙏

Blessings and  love always, Philomena💖

FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Happy Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (Nigeria)!

On this day, we humbly pray and honor all fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives for us, and we pray for God’s protection and guidance upon those in active service at home and abroad. We pray for their families and their loved ones. We continue to pray for peace, love, justice, and unity in our families, our marriages, and the world. May God keep us all united in peace, love and faith… Amen🙏

Today, we continue to 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🙏

FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 15, 2025

FEAST OF THE BLACK CHRIST OF ESQUIPULAS AND FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | January 15, 2025” |

Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 15, 2025 |

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |

Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 15, 2025 |

Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 15, 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: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Reading 1, Hebrews 2:14-18
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel, Mark 1:29-39

On this Feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and all 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🙏

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 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” 🙏🏽

FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST OF THE BLACK CHRIST OF ESQUIPULAS AND FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR | MEMORIAL OF SAINT PAUL OF THEBES, THE FIRST HERMIT; SAINT MAURUS OF SUBIACO, ABBOT; SAINT ARNOLD JANSSEN, PRIEST AND SAINT ITA (IDA), VIRGIN – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 15TH: Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Black Christ of Esquipulas; Our Lady of Prompt Succor; Saint Paul of Thebes, the first hermit; Saint Maurus of Subiaco, Abbot; Saint Arnold Janssen, Priest and Saint Ita (Ida), Virgin.

THE BLACK CHRIST OF ESQUIPULAS: The statue of the Black Christ (El Cristo Negro) was commissioned by Spanish conquistadors for a church in Esquipulas. The sculpture of the Black Christ dates back to 1595. The Statue is a darkened wooden image of Christ made of cedar wood. It is enshrined within the Cathedral Basilica of Esquipulas in Esquipulas,  Guatemala. It is one of the famed black Christological images of Latin America. It was carved in 1594 by Quirio Cataño in Antigua and installed in the church on March 9, 1595. Nine years later, in 1603, at least one miracle had been attributed to the icon, and it attracted increasing numbers of pilgrims over the years. The history of the Basilica begins in 1735, when a priest named Father Pedro Pardo de Figueroa experienced a miraculous cure after praying before the statue. When he became Archbishop of Guatemala, he commissioned a beautiful basilica to properly shelter the beloved statue. The Bishop of Guatemala XV and first metropolitan Archbishop Fray Pedro Pardo de Figueroa began the process of the construction of a grand Baroque temple to house the Santo Cristo de Esquipulas. On November 4, 1758, the church was inaugurated, that now shelters the venerated image. It inspires one of the most important Catholic pilgrimages, topped only by the Virgin of Guadeloupe in Mexico.

The main church, which the Vatican upgraded to the category of Basilica in 1968, is the home of the “Cristo Negro de Esquipulas” or “Black Christ of Esquipulas,” in English. It is one of the most popular images of the Catholic faith, because of the many miracles attributed to it, devotees all over the country pray to the Black Christ for personal petitions. The Basilica Esquipulas is the second most important religious site in the Americas, after the Virgin of Guadeloupe in Mexico.

Lord, have mercy on us 🙏

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR: Devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor dates back to 1802, when the Ursuline Order in New Orleans pleaded for help in sustaining the Order with new sisters from France. Their prayers were answered with papal permission for sisters to be transferred from France to New Orleans. In thanksgiving for this favor, the Ursulines dedicated a statue in their convent chapel to Our Lady of Prompt Succor in 1810.

​According to history, Mother Saint Andre Madier – one of seven Ursalines who did not flee Louisiana after the French regained control – sent a request to her cousin, Mother Saint Michel, in France to send more sisters to the New Orleans convent. As France was under the reign of Napoleon and in the midst of the French Revolution, the Bishop felt unable to afford the loss of more sisters and told Mother Saint Michel that the decision to send more sisters would have to be approved by the Holy Father alone. However, the Holy Father was a prisoner of Napoleon, and the chance of him receiving her letter, much less give an affirmative answer, was slim. Mother Saint Michel trusted in the intercession of Our Lady, and prayed before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary saying: “O most Holy Virgin Mary, if you obtain for me a prompt and favorable answer to this letter, I promise to have you honored at New Orleans under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.” Mother received a letter from the Pope nearly a month letter granting her request.

​In thanksgiving, Mother St. Michel commissioned a statue of Our Lady holding the Child Jesus, with her flowing robes so that she would appear to be moving quickly, alluding to her “prompt succor.” When Mother St. Michel arrive in New Orleans, the statue was placed in the convent’s chapel. ​Our Lady continued to show her powerful and quick intercession to the city of New Orleans, in particularly on two separate occasions. The first instance was on Good Friday 1788, when a ravaging fire threatened the city. Residents joined the sisters in the convent chapel to beg Our Lady’s intercession. After placing a small statue in the convent window, within minutes, the wind turned back on itself and the fire burnt out, sparing the convent and the city from destruction. The second well-known intervention of Our Lady of Prompt Succor concerns the Battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815, where Our Lady is credited with bringing about a victory for the out-numbered American troops over the British, keeping American control over the major port of the Mississippi River. During the Battle of New Orleans, the sisters again invoked the assistance of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. As the sound of guns and cannons thundered around the chapel during Mass, the Ursuline Superior, promised Our Lady and they vowed to have a Mass of Thanksgiving sung every year in memory of her saving help to the city on that day if the Americans were victorious. The victory came the day after the vigil Mass. At Communion time, a messenger arrived with the news that Gen. Andrew Jackson’s overmatched army had successfully driven the British from the city. Once again Our Lady had responded promptly.

In 1928, the Holy See approved the selection of Our Lady of Prompt Succor as the Patroness of the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. The Mass of Thanksgiving is offered each January 8 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in New Orleans. Our Lady of Prompt Succor is celebrated in New Orleans on January 8th in memory of the Battle, and nationally on January 15th. We pray that she may continue to protect us and the world from all spiritual and physical, and quickly come to our aid in all that we implore of her. Patron Saint: State of Louisiana; the Archdiocese of New Orleans; City of New Orleans

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen🙏

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR: Our Lady of Prompt Succor, ever Virgin Mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God, you are most powerful against the enemy of our salvation. The divine promise of a Redeemer was announced right after the sin of our first parents; and you, through your Divine Son, crushed the serpent’s head. Hasten, then, to our help and deliver us from the deceits of Satan. Intercede for us with Jesus that we may always accept God’s graces and be found faithful to Him in our particular states of life. As you once saved our beloved city from ravaging flames and our country from an invading army, have pity on us and obtain for us protection from hurricanes and all other disasters. (Silent pause for individual petitions). Assist us in the many trials which beset our path through life. Watch over the Church and the Pope as they uphold with total fidelity the purity of faith and morals against unremitting opposition. Be to us truly Our Lady of Prompt Succor now and especially at the hour of our death, that we may gain everlasting life through the merits of Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us! (Three times) Amen 🙏

PRAYER: Grant, we beseech you, Lord God, that we who have been favored by the prompt succor of the Virgin Mother of your divine Son in war, in disasters, in epidemics and illness, may continue to merit her protection by fidelity to your word and to your law. Amen 🙏

SAINT PAUL OF THEBE, THE FIRST HERMIT: Saint Paul of Thebes’ life of solitude and penance gave inspiration to the monastic movement during its early years. Surviving in the Egyptian desert on a small amount of daily food, St. Paul the Hermit lived in close communion with God. Before the end of his life at age 113, he met with St. Anthony the Great, who led an early community of monks elsewhere in the Egyptian desert.

Born in approximately 230, the future hermit Paul received a solid religious and secular education, but lost his parents at age 15. During the year 250, the Roman Emperor Decius carried out a notorious persecution of the Church, executing clergy and forcing laypersons to prove their loyalty by worshiping idols. The state used torture, as well as the threat of death to coerce believers into making pagan sacrifices. St. Paul went into hiding during the Decian persecution, but became aware of a family member’s plan to betray him to the authorities. The young man retreated to a remote desert location, where he discovered a large abandoned cave that had once been used as a facility for making counterfeit coins. He found that he could survive on water from a spring. A raven brought him half a loaf of bread daily. Forced into the wilderness by circumstance, Paul found he loved the life of prayer and simplicity that it made possible. Thus, he never returned to the outside world, even though he lived well into the era of the Church’s legalization and acceptance by the Roman Empire. Later on, his way of life inspired Catholics who sought a deeper relationship with God through spiritual discipline and isolation from the outside world.

One of these faithful was Anthony of Egypt, born in the vicinity of Cairo around 251, who also lived to an old age after deciding during his youth to live in the desert out of devotion to God. Paul of Thebes is known to posterity because Anthony, around the year 342, was told in a dream about the older hermit’s existence, and went to find him. One day St. Anthony, then ninety, was divinely inspired to visit the hermit Paul. Though they had never met previously, each greeted the other correctly by name. While they were conversing at length on spiritual matters, the raven that had always brought Paul half a loaf of bread, came with a whole loaf. As the raven flew away, Paul said: “See, the Lord, who is truly good and merciful, has sent us food. Every day for sixty years I have received half a loaf, but with your arrival Christ sent His servants a double ration.” Giving thanks, they ate by a spring. After a brief rest, they again gave thanks, as was their custom, and spent the whole night praising God. At daybreak Paul informed Anthony of his approaching death and asked him to fetch the cloak he had received from St. Athanasius, that he might wrap himself in it. Later, as Anthony was returning from his visit, he saw Paul’s soul ascending to heaven escorted by choirs of angels and surrounded by prophets and apostles. Further traditional matter may be found in The Life of Paul the Hermit, written by St. Jerome about the year 376. He’s Patron Saint of Clothing industry; weavers.

SAINT MAURUS OF SUBIACO, ABBOT: St. Maurus of Subiaco, also called St. Maur, was the son of a Roman noble. He was the first disciple of Saint Benedict. In Benedictine history Maurus holds a distinguished place, taught and trained by St. Benedict himself and possibly succeeded him as abbot of Subiaco Abbey in 525. However, the tradition that Maurus later became abbot at Glanfeuil in France lacks historical support. While still very young, about the age of twelve, Maurus and another youth, Placid, were brought by their parents to be reared in monastic life by the Patriarch of Monks.

An incident reveals Maurus’ spirit of childlike obedience. One day Placid was sent to a near-by lake to draw water. Soon he was at the shore, where, boy that he was, he fell victim to his own heedlessness. Eager to fill the vessel quickly, he reached out too far and was dragged in by the rapidly filling jar. He was being borne along by the waves when from his cell St. Benedict realized what had happened. “Hurry, run to the lake! Placid has fallen in!” he called to Maurus. Stopping only for his spiritual father’s blessing, Maurus sped to the lake, seized Placid by the hair and brought him ashore. Imagine his shock and amazement when he realized that he had run some distance on water! His explanation? Such a miracle could not have happened save by virtue of his master’s command! St. Gregory relates the incident in his Second Book of Dialogues along with much other interesting detail from the life of St. Benedict. The Martyrology makes this comment on the miracle: How greatly he advanced in faith under his teacher (St. Benedict) is attested by an occurrence unheard of since the days of St. Peter; for, on one occasion he walked upon water as though it were dry land. He’s Patron Saint Against cold; against gout; against hoarseness; charcoal burners; cobblers; cold; coppersmiths; gout; shoemakers.

Saint Maurus of Subiaco, Abbot ~ Pray for us 🙏

SAINT ARNOLD JANSSEN, PRIEST: St. Arnold Janssen (1837–1909) was born in Germany to a large Catholic family. He was a man of simple faith who studied theology, entered the priesthood, and served as a school teacher. He had a profound devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which awakened in him an increasing desire for missionary work. This led him to found The Little Messenger of the Sacred Heart, a monthly magazine sharing news of the Church’s missionary activities and encouraging German Catholics to do more to help the missions. This was during a time of anti-Catholic persecution in Germany, and many priests were expelled from the country. Arnold suggested that these expelled priests serve in the missions, and for this purpose he founded the Society of the Divine Word, known as the Divine Word Missionaries, a religious congregation of missionary priests and lay brothers. He also founded two Orders of religious sisters associated with this missionary activity. Today more than 6,000 Divine Word Missionaries are active in 63 countries. St. Arnold was canonized in 2003 by Pope St. John Paul II. His feast day is celebrated on January 15.

SAINT ITA (IDA), VIRGIN: St. Ita (Ida) also known as Íte ingen Chinn Fhalad (d. 570) was born at Decies, Waterford, Ireland toward the end of the 6th century. and was reputedly of royal lineage.Though she came from a noble family she decided early in life to dedicate herself to God, refused to be married, and secured her father’s permission to live a virginal life. She moved to Killeedy, Limerick, and founded a community of women dedicated to God. She organized a convent in Killeedy, County Limerick, where she remained all her life, and which became famous as a training school for little boys.

St. Ita’s counsel was sought by bishops and she was instrumental in training two boys who went on to become Saints: Brendan and Mochoemoc. One day Brendan asked her what three things God loved in a special way, and her reply was: “True faith in God with a pure heart, a simple life with a religious spirit, and an open hand inspired by charity.” Asked which three things God especially abhorred, she responded: “A scowling face, obstinacy in wrongdoing, and arrogant trust in the power of money.” Many extravagant miracles were attributed to her (in one of them she is reputed to have reunited the head and body of a man who had been beheaded; in another she lived entirely on food from heaven), and she is widely venerated in Ireland. She is also known as Deirdre and Mida. St. Ita died on January 15, 570, and is known as the second Bridgid. The are the most glorious women Saints of the Celtic Church.

PRAYER: Lord God, You showed heavenly gifts on St. Ita the Virgin. Help us to imitate her virtues during our earthly life and enjoy eternal happiness with her in heaven. Amen🙏
 

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

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

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 1:29-39

“Jesus cured many who were sick with various diseases”

“On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.”

In today’s Gospel reading, there are two quite different activities of Jesus presented to us. The first is the activity of healing and secondly, the activity of prayer. Jesus heals the sick mother-in-law of His disciple Simon, later to be known as St. Peter the Apostle. He healed her in the house of Simon and Andrew by taking her by the hand and lifting her up, and then goes on to heal many sick people who were brought to the door of the house. This healing activity of Jesus is very public and is greatly appreciated by everyone; the whole town came crowding around the door, according to Gospel of Mark. The second activity of Jesus is quite different. It is much more private. In the morning, long before dawn, Jesus goes out by Himself to a lonely place to pray. Whereas Jesus’ public activity of healing the sick was much appreciated by all, this second activity of going off by Himself to pray is not appreciated by others. Even those closest to Him didn’t think much of it. St. Peter, the leading disciple, rebukes Jesus, ‘Everybody is looking for you’, as much as to say, ‘Why are you wasting time out here on your own’. Yet, Jesus knew that the source of His life-giving work was His relationship with God, which is nurtured in His prayer. The activity of prayer was even more important to Him than His activity of healing. Prayer is as necessary for us as it was for Jesus. We need the Lord if we are to live as He desires us to live and if we are to share in some way in His work. In prayer we acknowledge and give expression to our dependence on the Lord; we open ourselves to the Lord’s life-giving presence so as to be channels of that presence to others. Having listened to God in prayer, Jesus knew that He had to go to the neighbouring towns to preach the Gospel there too, rather than go back to Capernaum. Prayer helped Jesus to discern what God was asking of him, which often clashed with what others wanted Him to do, including His own disciples. Our prayer of listening too will help to give us the clarity and the conviction to take the path the Lord is asking us to take today, even when it is not in keeping with what others may expect of us.

In our first reading today, from the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, who is likely St. Luke the Evangelist based on historical evidence, talks about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this world which has become the means by which He has destroyed the chains of sin and death that have dominated over us and kept us ensnared and trapped in the path towards our destruction and damnation. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews explained how the Messiah, the Saviour of all had embraced our human nature for the specific reason of saving each and every one of us from the destruction because of our sins which have corrupted us all and our human nature. This justified the appearance of God in the form of Man, as Christ our Lord has revealed to us. We must first understand that from the very beginning of time, we have been corrupted and made imperfect because of our disobedience against God and our choice of obeying and trusting the words of the evil one, satan, the deceiver rather than to put our faith and trust in God. We allowed ourselves to be swayed by the temptations of worldly desires, ambitions, greed and more such that we defiled our pure and perfect origin, as it had been crafted and designed by God, and we allowed sin to corrupt our nature through disobedience against God, His will, Law and commandments. And hence, in order to undo this corruption of our nature and to remove the darkness that has covered all of us, separating us from the fullness of God’s grace and love, hence God sent unto us His deliverance through His Son. For this Son of God has been incarnate in the flesh, and become one just like us all, assuming our human nature and existence just as mentioned by the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews. And by His total and perfect obedience to the will of His Heavenly Father, He has become the archetype and example of the perfect Man, that had once been lost to us through sin and death. He has indeed become the New Adam, the New Man, breaking us all free from the dominion of sin, which He did by offering Himself as our High Priest, making the perfect supplication and offer on our behalf by the means of His own Most Precious Body and Blood, broken and outpoured for our sake on the Altar of His Cross at Calvary. He can do this because while He has assumed our human flesh, existence and nature, but His humanity is distinct from His Divinity, and yet, both are indivisible and inseparable from each other. That is why, what He is offering is offering of Humanity which is made perfect by His Divinity and by His freedom from any taint of sin. Through Him and all of His works, His most perfect and wonderful sacrifice, in His ever enduring and powerful love for us, Christ has opened the doors of salvation to us, which in our Gospel reading today we have also heard and witnessed His great desire to bring us all back to the light of God’s grace, healing and strengthening us all amidst all the hardships and challenges that we have to face in life.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded once again of the salvation which we have generously received from the hands of the Lord Himself, Who has come into our midst, to reveal His love and mercy, His power and compassion so that by this act of supreme and most perfect, selfless and ever enduring love, God has made available to us the most wonderful grace of His love, reaching out to us through His Son, opening for us all the gates of Heaven. That is why we have to appreciate everything that He has done for us and realise what we have been entrusted with as Christians, in the need for all of us to love Him sincerely and genuinely from our hearts, and to carry out the missions He has given to us. On this Feast of the Black Christ of Esquipulas; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, we are all called to emulate the Holy men and women of God and the Saints, particularly Saint Paul of Thebes, the first hermit; Saint Maurus of Subiaco, Abbot; Saint Arnold Janssen, Priest and Saint Ita (Ida), Virgin. Let us all therefore follow in the examples shown to us by the Lord Himself and also His Saints, like the Saints we celebrate today. Let us all strive to be ever more faithful and committed to the cause of the Lord from now on, doing whatever we can so that our every words, actions and deeds, our every interactions and good works, efforts and in all things, we will inspire many more people to live lives that are truly and wholeheartedly committed to God, as faithful and good Christians, now and always. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to remain faithful and give expression to our faithfulness to the Lord by our faithful love for each other. May God bless us always, and bless our every good works, efforts and endeavours, and inspire us to do more good things in our lives in this world. 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.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

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.

https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025

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/

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:

My precious and all-powerful Lord, I turn to You and You alone as the source of all Truth and the fullness of Truth. May I listen to Your voice alone and reject the many deceptions of the evil one and his demons. In Your precious name, Jesus, I rebuke satan and all evil spirits, their lies and their temptations. I send these spirits to the foot of Your Cross, dear Lord, and open my mind and heart only to You. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Our Savior, Black Christ of Esquipulas, Save Us. Our Mother Mary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor; Saint Paul; Saint Maurus; Saint Arnold Janssen and Saint Ita (Ida) ~ 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:

DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SIR G.L.I OPIEPE’S HEALTH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION | https://gliopiepehe.org

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door Ushering in the Jubilee of Hope | ‘Hope is Alive’ | Vatican News | December 24, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/25/pope-francis-opens-the-holy-door-ushering-in-the-jubilee-of-hope-hope-is-alive-vatican-news-december-24-2024/

THE JUBILEE PRAYER
Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

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.  Journey mercies for all those traveling during this Christmas season and new year. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous and grace-filled New Year and week! Amen🙏

Blessings and  love always, Philomena💖

Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time!

Today, we continue to 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🙏

FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 14, 2025

FEAST OF THE INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025 [Details and links below]

PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF WILDFIRES AND DISASTERS: We dedicate today to pray for the victims of the current wildfires in the United States (Los Angeles, California) 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” 🙏🏽

On this Feast day, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and all 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 school children as they return to school this new year after the Christmas holiday. 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🙏

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN | January 14, 2025” |

Watch “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | January 14, 2025 |

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | LIVE Basilica of St. Mary Major | October 6, 2024 |

Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | January 14, 2025 |

Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| January 14, 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: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Reading 1, Hebrews 2:5-12
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 8:2, 5, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel, Mark 1:21-28

FEAST AND SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST OF THE INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE | MEMORIAL OF SAINT FELIX OF NOLA, RELIGIOUS AND SAINT NINA (NINO), VIRGIN – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 14TH:* Today, we celebrate the feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague and the Memorial of Saint Felix of Nola and Saint Nina (Nino), Virgin. On this special feast of Infant Jesus of Prague with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints, we particularly pray for the sick and dying and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle soul of all the faithful departed. 🙏

FEAST OF THE INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE: The Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation. The original statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague was created as a royal wedding gift from a Spanish Princess to her Austrian royal cousin. Legend has it that the statue was created by a monk who based it on an apparition he once saw of the Infant Jesus, and tradition holds that the original statue was once possessed by St. Teresa of Ávila. It was then given to María Manrique de Lara y Mendoza, a Spanish noblewoman in 1555 who in turn gave it to her daughter Princess Polyexa von Lobkowicz as a wedding gift in 1603. Their daughter, Princess Lobkowicz, gifted the statue to the Discalced Carmelite friars in Prague in 1628 as a loving offering to help the destitute order. She is said to have told the religious that she was giving them her most prized possession and, furthermore, that as long as they venerated the image, they would never be in want. And, sure enough, once the statue was given special devotions at the monastery attached to the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Prague, fortuitous events for the order started taking place.

The Statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague: The statue of the Infant is a slender and beautifully-modeled figure and is carved of wood thinly coated with wax, standing nineteen inches tall, with the left foot barely visable under a long white tunic. In His left hand, the Infant Jesus holds a miniature globe, surmounted by a cross, signifying the world-wide kingship of the Christ Child. The right hand is extended in blessing with the first two fingers being upraised to symbolize the two natures of Christ, Christ’s divine and human nature, while the folded thumb and last two fingers touch each other representing the unity of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit in the mystery of the Blessed Trinity. The face has a strange power of evoking sentiments of deep gratitude of the mystery of God-made-Man. For all His majestic posture and regal attire, the little King of Prague is more striking for His outward expression of human littleness than by the impression of hidden greatness. The wardrobe of the Infant is similar to the priest’s alb: one is of white linen, the other is of lace. Covering these is a dalmatic made of silk or velvet over which is worn a cape. It represents the Infant Jesus dressed in royal robes, wearing a crown. He is King of the Universe.

The home of the Infant Jesus of Prague is in the city of Prague, which is the capital of the Czech Republic. The original statue has been restored and preserved in the Carmelite church of Our Lady of Victory. The Church was returned to the Carmelites after the fall of Communism. According to history, later, the statue had been discarded in war and His hands destroyed. Found by a Carmelite, he fixed the hands and placed the statue in a place of honor in the Carmelite Church in Prague, Czech Republic. In 1637, as Fr. Cyril prayed before the Infant, he was filled with wonder, contemplating the loving God Who became a child for His people. Suddenly, the statue spoke to the stunned Carmelite: “Have mercy on Me and I will have mercy on you. Give Me hands and I will give you peace. The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you.” Many miracles have occurred through intercession to the Divine Infant. During one invasion, all the children of the city were taken to the Church for protection—praying to the Infant, they were all saved. For almost four centuries, this promise of protection and blessing has inspired devotion and love of the Infant Jesus of Prague. The statue provides spiritual uplift for millions of people who have adopted the Holy Infant’s call to humility, simplicity, and sincerity and to become little in order to become great and pleasing before Christ the King.

The Significance of the Infant Jesus of Prague: Devotion to the Miraculous Infant Jesus celebrates the “Child of God”—the great mystery of the Incarnation. The child in all of us believes in the humanity and divinity of Christ and rejoices in God’s caring and protective love for us. The Infant reminds us that God is holding us in the palm of His hand. By depicting Jesus as a child, the tradition of the Infant of Prague also emphasizes His humanity, and how we are children of God because of the salvation that He brings us. As Pope Benedict XVI said: “The figure of the Child Jesus, the tender infant, brings home to us God’s closeness and His love. We come to understand how precious we are in his eyes, because it is through Him that we in our turn have become children of God. Every human being is a child of God and therefore our brother or sister, to be welcomed and respected. May our society grasp this truth! Every human person would then be appreciated not for what he has, but for who he is, since in the face of every human being, without distinction of race or culture, God’s image shines forth.” The effective spiritual meditation is the reason why the Infant Jesus of Prague is so continuously appealing to human hearts all over the world, which he has so firmly in His hands. You can find His statue in almost any church, convent, monastery and house, representing a Divine Protection toward His devotees. He is the Patron Saint of children, family life, missions and those facing financial concerns.

PRAYER TO INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE FOR A SICK PERSON FOR HEALING: O most dear and sweet Infant Jesus, behold me, a poor suffering person who, sustained by a lively faith, invokes your divine aid to cure my infirmity. I put all my trust in you. I know that you can do all things and that you are most merciful, indeed you are yourself Infinite Mercy. O great little Infant, for the sake of your divine virtue and the immense love you bear for all the suffering, the oppressed and the needy, hear me, bless me, help me, console me. Amen🙏

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be (three times).

SAINT FELIX OF NOLA, RELIGIOUS: St. Felix of Nola a helper of the poor lived in the third century. He was the son of Hermias, a Syrian who had been a Roman soldier. He was born on his father’s estate at Nola near Naples, Italy. On the death of his father, St. Felix distributed his inheritance to the poor, was ordained by Bishop St. Maximus of Nola, and became his assistant. When Maximus fled to the desert at the beginning of Decius’ persecution of the Christians in 250, St. Felix was seized in his stead and imprisoned. He was reputedly released from prison by an angel, who directed him to the ailing Maximus, whom he brought back to Nola. Even after Decius’ death in 251, St. Felix was a hunted man but kept well hidden until the persecution ended. When Maximus died, the people unanimously selected Felix as their Bishop, but he declined the honor in favor of Quintus, a senior priest. St. Felix spent the rest of his life on a small piece of land sharing what he had with the poor, and died there on January 14, 260. His tomb soon became famous for the miracles reported there, and when St. Paulinus became bishop of Nola almost a century later (410), he wrote about his predecessor, the source of information about him, adding legendary material that had grown up about St. Felix in the intervening century. St. Paulinus of Nola (feast June 22), who cherished a special devotion toward St. Felix, composed fourteen hymns (carmina natalicia) in his honor. In his day (fifth century) the saint’s tomb was visited by pilgrims from far and wide and was noted for its miraculous cures. St. Felix is the Patron Saint Against eye disease; against eye trouble; against false witness; against lies; against perjury; domestic animals; eyes and a helper of the poor.

Saint Felix of Nola, Religious ~ Pray for us 🙏

SAINT NINA (NINO), VIRGIN: St. Nina (fl. III/IV Century) was a Virgin and the Apostle of Georgia, also listed as Christiana. Christianity was first brought to Georgia, Iberia, at the end of the 3rd century, and ancient tradition attributes this fact to the witness and apostolate of St. Nina. Saint Nina was born in Cappadocia. Tradition says she was a relative of St. George who travelled to Iberia (Georgia) to convert the people to Christianity. Scholars believe she was a slave to whom the name Nino (the Georgian form of Nina) was given; she has also been identified as Christiana. The quiet piety of her life and her preaching converted many people, and she won the respect of many locals with her patience and goodness and by the miracles she supposedly performed by her power to cure diseases in the name of Christ her God. Her prayers obtained the cure of a dying child. Brought to the royal palace, she cured Queen Nana of a seemingly incurable disease and enabled the King—when lost while hunting—to find his way again by calling on Christ. Saint Nina converted the queen and the king. Both rulers received instruction and Baptism from St. Nina. Saint Nina was free to teach and preach and she continued to preach throughout Georgia and she helped to found the Church in Georgia. Under Saint Nina’s direction, a church was erected in such wondrous fashion that the people began to clamor to become Christians also. Hence, the King sent a legate to Emperor Constantine, asking for Bishop and priests to continue and extend St. Nino’s work, and so the Faith came to this region along the Black Sea. St. Nina retired to the life of a hermitess, spending the rest of her life in prayer until her death at Bodke. A church dedicated to the memory of St. George was built on the site of her grave.

PRAYER: God, through St. Nina, Your Virgin, You enabled those without the Faith to pass from darkness to the light of truth. Grant us through her intercession to stand fast in the Faith and remain constant in the hope of the Gospel that she preached. Amen🙏
 
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

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

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 1:21-28

“Jesus taught them as one having authority”

“Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.”

Today’s Gospel reading according to Mark gives an account of the first public action and mission of Jesus after His baptism. Jesus’ first action sets the tone for the whole of His public ministry. He enters the synagogue of Capernaum and releases a man from an unclean spirit, a spirit which would have separated him from the worshipping community and from God. Jesus is confronted by someone who addresses him in very aggressive tones, ‘What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?’ Jesus did not withdraw in the face of such naked aggression but, instead, responded in a way that brought healing to this disturbed person. Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” Just as He will later calm the disturbance of the storm at sea. This is the form that Jesus’ authoritative presence takes, and that caused people to be amazed and astonished at Him. So often in the Gospels, Jesus does not respond in kind to those who are hostile to Him. Even as He hung from the cross, He prayed for those who had put Him there, ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do?’ The Gospels assure us that the Lord does not relate to us as we relate to Him; His way of relating to us is always more generous and loving than our way of relating to Him. In that first public outing in the synagogue of Capernaum Jesus both taught with authority and acted with authority. In the Gospel reading, the people responded to Jesus’ meeting with the disturbed man in the synagogue by expressing amazement at His authority. The people recognized His teaching as different because He taught them with authority, and they further recognized the new authority with which He acted in releasing the possessed man from His demons. The risen Lord is with us in the same authoritative way, standing always ready to bring His own peace to our disturbed spirits, if we come before Him as we are, even if that means in our anger. Jesus had authority from God; God’s authoritative power was at work in and through Him. His was a life-giving authority. Authority may be perceived negatively but, in itself authority is neither good nor bad. It is how it is used that matters. Jesus embodies for us authentic authority, the kind of authority that is the source of life for all who are influenced by it. Jesus exercises His authority by showing love and kindness to those who have no claim on it. In that way He shows us what real authority looks like. We are all called to be authoritative in that sense.  Our calling is to allow the Lord to speak and to work authoritatively through us. We are to be channels of God’s creative and life-giving authority for others.

In our first reading today, from the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author, likely St. Luke the Evangelist, wrote to the Jewish community of his time, both to the Jewish converts to the Christian faith and also those who have not yet believed in Christ, talks about the continuation of the testimony of the truth and reality of the identity of the Messiah or the Saviour of the world, in Jesus Christ, the Divine Word of God and Son of God Incarnate in the flesh, having become the Son of Man. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews spoke of the great power, dominion and sovereignty which God has given to His Son, born into this world through His mother, the ever Blessed Virgin Mary. It was also mentioned how no power, no dominion or greatness can surpass the great things that have been entrusted to this same Man, the Saviour of the world, the Son of God made Man, in Whom all of us Christians believe in and put our trust into. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, God has revealed the fullness of His love and grace, made whole and complete, tangible, real and approachable to us through Christ, and by Whose suffering and death, in uniting His humanity to ours, made us all to also share and partake in His glorious Resurrection, overcoming forever the power and dominion of sin and death, fulfilling what God has promised to our ancestors since the very beginning, that Satan and all the wickedness of sin will eventually be defeated. And this testimony is to highlight to the Jewish people how the One that their leaders had chosen to reject and persecute, oppress and handed over to the Romans to be crucified, was truly the Saviour of the world, and not the False Messiah unlike what those Jewish leaders tried to spread falsely among the people, including the attempt to give a false story regarding the Lord’s Resurrection by saying that the Lord’s disciples had stolen His Body and hid Him. It is also therefore a reminder for all of us Who it is that we truly believe in and put our faith and trust in, Whom we worship, honour and glorify by our lives, in each and every moments we have been given.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded again of the salvation and great grace that we have received from God through His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Our Saviour and Redeemer. For through Him, all of us have been shown the sure and direct path towards eternal life and true joy with God, by all that He had done in offering Himself with the perfect sacrifice and offering of His own Most Precious Body and Blood, as the Paschal Lamb offered on the Altar of His Cross. And as Christians, this is the core tenet of our faith, our belief in the Lord’s ultimate sacrifice and love for all of us sinners, that He has willingly embraced each one of us and loved us all despite us having sinned against Him, disobeyed Him and betrayed Him. Let us all therefore do our best in each and every moments of our lives so that we may truly be empowered to do what we should do as Christians, as God’s holy and beloved people to be the courageous and ever devoted missionaries and servants of God and His cause in our world today. Let us all no longer be hesitant but be more committed than ever to walk ever more faithfully in God’s Holy Presence, now and always. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women and the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today on this Feast of our infant Jesus of Prague, Saint Felix of Nola and Saint Nina (Nino). Let us all therefore renew our faith and commitment to the Lord. Let us all strive to do what is right, virtuous and just according to God’s will at every possible opportunities. Let us all do what God has called us to do in our respective lives, in whatever areas and parts of life, in our various vocations and calling in life, so that our lives may truly be exemplary and good, and be the shining beacons of God’s truth and love, proclaiming Him to everyone all around us at all times. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, bless us all in our every good works, efforts and endeavours, in all that we say and do, 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.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2024: 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.

https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2025

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/

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 the coronavirus, mental illness, stroke, heart diseases, and those suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases. We pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. 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, give me courage and wisdom when I face the activity of the evil one in this world. Give me wisdom to discern his hand at work and give me courage to confront and rebuke him with Your love and authority. May Your authority be alive in my life, Lord Jesus, and may I daily become a better instrument of the coming of Your Kingdom as I confront the evil present in this world. Jesus, I trust in You ~ Amen 🙏

Save Us, Savior of the World, Infant Jesus of Prague, have mercy on us. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Felix of Nola and Saint Nina (Nino) ~ 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:

DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SIR G.L.I OPIEPE’S HEALTH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION | https://gliopiepehe.org

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

OPENING OF THE HOLY DOORS SCHEDULES | JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door Ushering in the Jubilee of Hope | ‘Hope is Alive’ | Vatican News | December 24, 2024 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/25/pope-francis-opens-the-holy-door-ushering-in-the-jubilee-of-hope-hope-is-alive-vatican-news-december-24-2024/

THE JUBILEE PRAYER
Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

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.  Journey mercies for all those traveling during this Christmas season and new year. Wishing all of us a most blessed, safe, healthy, prosperous, and grace-filled New Year and week! Amen🙏

Blessings and  love always, Philomena💖