FRIDAY OF THE THIRTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
KIND REMINDER: Please remember to pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory from November 1st – 8th
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 7, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
FEAST OF ALL DOMINICAN SAINTS AND THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT WILLIBRORD, BISHOP AND SAINT ENGELBERT, MARTYR | NOVEMBER 7TH | Direct link to the detailed history of All Dominican Saints, Saint Willibrord, and Saint Engelbert | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-november-7th/ )
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | November 7, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-november-7-2025/
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/01/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/
FIRST FRIDAYS DEVOTION: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
PURGATORY: WHAT IS PURGATORY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/15/purgatory-and-limbo/
LITANY OF THE SAINTS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/litany-of-the-saints/
THE SAINTS: WHO ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY CANONISED? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-saints-who-are-they-and-how-are-they-canonised/
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
DR. PHILOMENA IKOWE AND HER JOYFUL CATHOLIC WITNESS | LIGHTS, CATHOLIC, ACTION! | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS: We join our prayers to the prayers of others throughout the world, for the victims of natural disasters which have brought destruction and disaster to so many lives. We particularly pray for the victims of the recent Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, for the people of Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and others who are facing the devastation caused by the hurricane. May God grant eternal rest to all those who lost their lives, restore what was lost, and console all those who are grieving, injured, or have lost loved ones. Amen 🙏🏽
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, Friday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time, we joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the new month of November. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones who have gone before us inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of November, dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, invites us to pray fervently for our departed loved ones and for all who await the fullness of heavenly joy. We especially remember those who mourn, that they may find comfort and peace in the promise of resurrection. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God grant eternal rest to the faithful departed, healing to the brokenhearted, and grace to all who seek His mercy. May this new month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen. 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
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🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past month. We entrust the days of November into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of October. 🙏🏽
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
The Jubilee began with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, and will conclude with the closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2026. The Holy Doors at the other major basilicas (St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls) will be closed on Sunday, December 28, 2025
Important notes
The holy doors at the major basilicas in Rome opened on December 24, 2024, and will remain open until the end of the Jubilee Year on January 6, 2026.
Participating in a pilgrimage to a designated holy door can earn a plenary indulgence.
Individuals who cannot travel to Rome can participate in the Jubilee by making a pilgrimage to a local designated site.
Local Pilgrimage Sites
For a complete list of local pilgrimage sites, check with your local diocese.
For those in the US, you can find a list of designated pilgrimage sites for all the Dioceses on their websites. For instance, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the Diocese of Fort Worth, Diocese of Dallas, the Archdiocese of Seattle etc all listed their local pilgrimage sites on their websites.
For example, the Diocese of Fort Worth has assigned the following Parishes as pilgrimage churches with holy doors.
- St. Patrick Cathedral,
- Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish,
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish,
- St. Philip the Apostle Parish,
- Sacred Heart Parish
Plenary Indulgence
In his proclamation of the Jubilee of 2025, Pope Francis announced an indulgence would be available to the faithful during the jubilee year. The indulgence, he explained, would be “a way of discovering the unlimited nature of God’s mercy.”
A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.
“May the Jubilee be a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the ‘door’ (cf. Jn 10:7.9) of our salvation.” ~ Pope Francis
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/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
PURGATORY: WHAT IS PURGATORY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/15/purgatory-and-limbo/
PURGATORY: The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven,” which is experienced by those “who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC 1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031). The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27) and, while we may die with our mortal sins forgiven, there can still be many impurities in us, specifically venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven.
What Happens in Purgatory?: When we die, we undergo what is called the particular, or individual, judgment. Scripture says that “it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27). We are judged instantly and receive our reward, for good or ill. We know at once what our final destiny will be. At the end of time, when Jesus returns, there will come the general judgment to which the Bible refers, for example, in Matthew 25:31-32: “When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. In this general judgment all our sins will be publicly revealed (Luke 12:2–5).
November is a month when we remember our dead in a special way. It is a month when we are prone to reflecting on death, not in a morbid way but in the hopeful way that is rooted in our faith. Please let us remember to pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory this month of November and always.
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion.
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion
Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row
Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:
Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion:
On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion.
Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven.
Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see links below for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time | November 7, 2025
Reading 1: Romans 15:14–21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2–3ab, 3cd–4
Gospel: Luke 16:1–8
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 16:1–8
“For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.”
“Jesus said to His disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest steward, a man who, though guilty of mismanagement, is praised by his master for acting prudently. This story can be puzzling, but Jesus is not commending dishonesty, He is pointing to the foresight and determination the steward shows in preparing for his future. The steward’s character left a lot to be desired and, yet, Jesus suggests that he has something to teach us when it comes to living the life of a disciple. Perhaps, we are being reminded that there is always some good in the worst of us – as well as some bad in the best of us! The steward’s actions challenge the disciples, and us, to live with the same urgency and intentionality when it comes to eternal matters. If people can be so clever and resourceful about worldly gain, how much more should the children of God be wise and purposeful about the treasures that last forever!
The Gospel invites us to reflect on the virtue of spiritual prudence, the ability to act with wisdom in the light of God’s truth. It calls us to examine how we use our gifts, opportunities, and resources. Are we faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us, our time, talents, relationships, and possessions? Jesus teaches that all we have is not truly ours, but God’s, and we are accountable to Him for how we manage it. True prudence lies not in securing comfort or influence, but in aligning every decision with God’s will and preparing for eternity. Christ also urges His followers to be creative and generous in doing good to use worldly means for heavenly purposes. The dishonest steward used his position to gain earthly friends; we are called to use our blessings to gain eternal friends by acts of charity, forgiveness, and evangelization that will echo in heaven. The “children of light” must not live carelessly but wisely, with a heart set on the Kingdom. Just as the master could not but praise his steward for his astuteness, Jesus implies that the children of light, His own followers, have something to learn from this man of the world. We need to put the same ingenuity into serving the Lord as this steward put into looking out for himself. The steward acted decisively in a moment of crisis. We need to do the same in the living out of our faith. We live in a moment of crisis in terms of the faith. We need all the skills and gifts the Lord has given us to respond to this crisis. It is a time to be proactive and not to sit back in a spirit of despondency. If we do what only we can do, the Lord will work through us in ways that will always surprise us.
In the First Reading, Saint Paul expresses his deep joy and confidence in the Christian community of Rome. He recognizes their goodness, knowledge, and ability to build one another up, yet he writes boldly to remind them of their shared mission to bring the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it. Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles as a priestly service, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. His life, consumed with zeal for evangelization, reflects what true stewardship looks like: offering all things to God for the salvation of souls. Like Paul, we are each called to proclaim Christ where He is not yet known, not necessarily across continents, but often in the hidden places of daily life where faith and light are absent.
The Responsorial Psalm joyfully proclaims, “The Lord has revealed to the nations His saving power.” God’s saving work is not confined to one people or nation but extends to all humanity. As the psalmist invites us to “sing joyfully to the Lord,” we are reminded that our faith must be vibrant, expressive, and missionary. Gratitude is the song of good stewardship; it is the melody of those who recognize that all we have and are come from God.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to ask ourselves: How am I using the gifts, opportunities, and resources God has entrusted to me, wisely and responsibly, or for selfish gain? In the example of the shrewd steward, do I recognize that God calls me not to dishonesty, but to prudence and foresight in preparing for eternity? Like Saint Paul, am I motivated by a deep desire to share Christ where He is not yet known, even through my daily witness? Do I rejoice, as the psalm invites, in the marvelous works of the Lord and proclaim His goodness in my actions and relationships? How can I become a more faithful steward of God’s grace today, using my time and talents to build His Kingdom on earth? Today’s readings together form a powerful call to responsible discipleship. The Lord entrusts each of us with a portion of His grace and expects that we use it well, not wastefully or selfishly, but with wisdom and love. To live as faithful stewards is to live with purpose, generosity, and foresight, always keeping eternity before our eyes. The dishonest steward acted out of fear and self-preservation; may we act out of faith and love for God, knowing that true prudence leads not to temporary comfort but to eternal joy. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we remain steadfast in faith and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You have entrusted me with many blessings, my faith, gifts, and opportunities. Teach me to be a faithful and prudent steward, using all that I have for Your glory and the good of others. Help me not to seek worldly gain but to live with heaven in view, investing in what truly lasts: love, mercy, and truth. May my daily choices reflect the wisdom of Your Spirit, and may I never tire of serving You with a joyful heart. Strengthen my zeal, Lord, that I may help reveal Your saving power to others and bring glory to Your name. Amen. 🙏🏾
FEAST OF ALL DOMINICAN SAINTS; AND MEMORIAL OF SAINT WILLIBRORD, BISHOP; AND SAINT ENGELBERT, MARTYR – FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 7TH: Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of All Dominican Saints, together with the Memorial of Saint Willibrord, Bishop (Patron of Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and those suffering from epilepsy and nervous disorders) and Saint Engelbert of Cologne, Martyr (Protector of the oppressed and defender of justice). On this holy day, we give thanks for the countless Dominican saints who have reflected Christ’s light through study, preaching, and holiness, and for the heroic witness of Saints Willibrord and Engelbert, whose lives of courage and faith continue to inspire the Church. May their intercession obtain for us the grace to grow in wisdom, charity, and steadfast devotion to the Gospel. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | November 7th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
( Direct link to the detailed history of All Dominican Saints, Saint Willibrord, and Saint Engelbert | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-november-7th/)
FEAST OF ALL DOMINICAN SAINTS: The Feast of All Saints of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), celebrated on November 7th, honors the vast multitude of holy men and women who have lived and died in the Dominican spirit of truth and love. Founded by Saint Dominic de Guzman in the early 13th century, the Order of Preachers has produced fourteen canonized saints and over two hundred beatified members—friars, nuns, sisters, and laity—whose common mission is to preach the Gospel for the salvation of souls. The Dominican charism unites contemplation and action, seeking to “contemplate and to share the fruits of contemplation.” Among their most renowned saints are Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Martin de Porres, Saint Rose of Lima, Pope Saint Pius V, Saint Vincent Ferrer, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Yet, beyond these great names are thousands of unsung Dominican martyrs who laid down their lives for Christ in every corner of the world.
Today, we honor them all—known and unknown—as radiant witnesses of truth and defenders of the faith. Their legacy reminds us that sanctity is not confined to the cloister but flourishes wherever God’s Word is lived and proclaimed.
All Saints of the Dominican Order ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
SAINT WILLIBRORD, BISHOP: Saint Willibrord (c. 658–739), known as the Apostle to the Frisians, was an English missionary and the first Archbishop of Utrecht. Born near York in Northumbria, he was raised in faith and entered monastic life at an early age under Saint Wilfrid at Ripon. Seeking deeper formation, he spent twelve years at the Abbey of Rath Melsigi in Ireland, a renowned center of learning. In 690, Willibrord set out with twelve companions to evangelize the Frisians (in modern-day Netherlands and Luxembourg). Supported by Pippin II of the Franks and Pope Sergius I, who consecrated him bishop, he tirelessly spread the Gospel across pagan territories, establishing churches and monasteries. Despite persecution and hardship, his zeal never wavered. He founded the Abbey of Echternach, which became a beacon of faith and culture in Europe.
Saint Willibrord died peacefully in 739, leaving behind a Church firmly rooted in Christ. His relics remain at Echternach, where an ancient dance procession continues to honor his intercession—especially for those suffering from nervous disorders.
PRAYER: O God, You strengthened Saint Willibrord with apostolic zeal and courage to bring the light of faith to distant lands. Through his intercession, renew in us the missionary spirit and grant peace and healing to all who suffer in body or mind. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT ENGELBERT, MARTYR: Saint Engelbert of Cologne (1185–1225) was a nobleman who rose to become Archbishop of Cologne, known for his justice, courage, and defense of the Church’s rights. Born into privilege, he was first drawn to worldly pursuits but later experienced conversion and committed himself wholly to God’s service. As Archbishop, Engelbert worked tirelessly to reform ecclesiastical discipline, strengthen monastic life, and defend the oppressed. His governance was marked by fairness and compassion, yet his integrity earned him powerful enemies. In 1225, while traveling to consecrate a church, he was ambushed and murdered by conspirators led by his cousin, Count Frederick of Isenberg—whom he had opposed for exploiting the nuns of Essen. Engelbert died defending the innocent, becoming a true martyr for justice.
He was buried in Cologne Cathedral, where his memory is still honored. Though never formally canonized, he has been venerated as a martyr since the 13th century. His example calls us to courage, fidelity, and protection of the vulnerable.
PRAYER: Lord God, You crowned Saint Engelbert with the glory of martyrdom for defending the rights of Your Church and the dignity of the oppressed. Grant that we may stand firm in truth and charity, seeking justice with courage and faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, All Dominican Saints, Saint Willibrord, and Saint Engelbert ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY (WMS) | OCTOBER 19, 2025 | Pope Leo XIV’s Message | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/world-mission-sunday-october-19-2025/
CANONIZATION OF SEVEN NEW SAINTS BY POPE LEO XIV | OCTOBER 19, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-canonization-of-seven-new-saints-october-19-2025/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of November| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-november/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER: For the prevention of suicide. Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER | MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS: November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, a month of prayerful remembrance for all the faithful departed who await the joy of Heaven. The Church calls us to intercede for them through our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses, trusting in God’s mercy to purify their souls and welcome them into eternal light. These souls, known as the Church Suffering, are united with the Church Triumphant in Heaven and the Church Militant on earth, one communion of love bound together in Christ.
This devotion is beautifully expressed in the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) on November 2, which follows the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1. As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church invites us to reflect on eternity, on the hope of resurrection and the promise of Heaven. Each prayer offered for the departed becomes an act of mercy that brings comfort to their souls and strengthens our own journey toward holiness.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.” 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, as we honor the Feast of All Dominican Saints and remember Saints Willibrord and Engelbert, we give thanks for their zeal in preaching the Gospel, their courage in defending the faith, and their unwavering devotion to truth and charity. May their example inspire us to be wise and faithful stewards of the gifts You have entrusted to us. Strengthen all preachers, missionaries, and teachers who spread the light of Christ to the nations. We pray for courage to act justly and prudently in our daily decisions, using our talents to advance Your kingdom rather than worldly gain. Grant peace to troubled hearts, healing to the sick, and perseverance to all who labor for justice and truth.
LET US PRAY:
My Lord of all riches, You and You alone are the Master of all things created. All that I have and possess are Yours, dear Lord. Help me to believe this and to live my life purely as a steward of the possessions I have. Free me from squandering that which You have entrusted to my care. May I use all for Your glory and only in accord with Your holy will. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, through the intercession of the holy Dominican Saints, Saint Willibrord, and Saint Engelbert, grant us the grace to serve You with wisdom, humility, and zeal. May we, like the shrewd steward in today’s Gospel, use every opportunity to prepare for eternal life, not with deceit, but with prudence, generosity, and faith. Help us to proclaim Your wonders among the nations and live as witnesses of Your mercy and light. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, All Dominican Saints, Saint Willibrord, and Saint Engelbert ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and on this Friday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. As we continue our journey through the month of November, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. May this month, dedicated to praying for the Holy Souls, be filled with hope, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled, and fruitful Friday, and a peaceful continuation of the month of November. 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html