FEAST OF OUR LADY OF ARGENTEUIL | MEMORIAL OF SAINTS SATURNINUS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS OF ABITINA IN AFRICA; SAINT JULIAN THE HOSPITALLER AND SAINT EULALIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 12TH 2026

THURSDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 12, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-12th/

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF ARGENTEUIL

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS SATURNINUS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS OF ABITINA IN AFRICA; SAINT JULIAN THE HOSPITALLER AND SAINT EULALIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 12, 2026 | “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-february-12-2026/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on this Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time, the Church calls us to examine the direction of our hearts. In the First Reading, Solomon’s divided loyalty leads him away from the Lord, while in the Gospel, the persistent and humble faith of the Syrophoenician woman draws forth Christ’s healing power. These readings remind us that faithfulness requires perseverance and an undivided heart. As we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Argenteuil and honor Saints Saturninus and Companions, Saint Julian the Hospitaller, and Saint Eulalia, we are inspired by their courageous witness, whether through martyrdom, repentance, or heroic charity, to remain steadfast in devotion, unwavering in faith, and wholehearted in our love for Christ. 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence during this month of February, as we come before Him with hearts open to His continual guidance and grace. This month, traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord, invites us to turn our gaze toward the mystery of Christ’s suffering and self-giving love, offered for the redemption of mankind. As we begin to meditate on His Passion in anticipation of the sacred season of Lent, may the witness of the saints who held a deep devotion to Christ’s suffering, such as Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Bridget of Sweden, and Saint Catherine of Siena inspire us to embrace each day with holiness, humility, and love. Through this devotion, may our hearts grow more attentive to the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and more responsive to His call to follow Him faithfully in our daily lives. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing light, hope, and salvation into our lives and into the world.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time | February 12, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Kings 11:4–13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106:3–4, 35–36, 37 and 40
Gospel: Mark 7:24–30

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 7:24–30

“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, we encounter a powerful example of persistent and humble faith. The Syrophoenician woman, though a Gentile and an outsider, approaches Jesus with bold confidence. Despite what seems like a discouraging response, she does not withdraw in pride or anger. Instead, she responds with humility and trust, expressing her firm belief that even a small share in Christ’s mercy is enough to bring healing. Her faith breaks through barriers of culture, religion, and expectation. Jesus, moved by her words, grants her request. This encounter reminds us that God’s grace is not limited by boundaries; it is accessible to all who approach Him with sincere and persevering faith.

The woman teaches us how to pray. She falls at Jesus’ feet. She begs. She does not argue from entitlement but from trust. In moments when our prayers seem unanswered or delayed, we may feel discouraged. Yet this Gospel invites us to remain steadfast. Faith is not proven only when prayers are immediately fulfilled, but when we continue to trust even in silence. Humble perseverance opens the door for miracles.

The First Reading presents a sobering contrast. King Solomon, once renowned for his wisdom, allows his heart to be led astray. Influenced by his foreign wives, he turns to strange gods and builds altars for idols. The man who once asked God for wisdom now compromises his covenant with the Lord. His downfall did not happen overnight; it was the gradual turning of his heart away from total devotion. This reminds us that spiritual decline often begins subtly, when we allow divided loyalties to take root within us.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this warning: “They mingled with the nations and learned their works. They served their idols, which became a snare for them.” Whenever we allow worldly influences to shape our values more than God’s word, we risk falling into similar snares. Yet the psalm also gives us hope: “Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.” Even when we fail, we can cry out for mercy.

Together, today’s readings place before us two paths: the path of divided loyalty and the path of persevering faith. Solomon’s heart drifted, but the Syrophoenician woman’s heart clung firmly to Christ. One turned away; the other drew nearer. The condition of the heart determines the direction of the life.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Is my heart fully devoted to God, or is it divided by competing attachments? Do I persevere in prayer when faced with silence or difficulty? What influences are shaping my decisions and priorities?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, grant us the humble and persistent faith of the Syrophoenician woman. Guard our hearts from divided loyalties and keep us faithful to Your covenant. When we are tempted to drift away, draw us back with Your mercy. Strengthen our trust so that we may cling to You in every circumstance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 12TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 12th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of Argenteuil, Saints Saturninus and Companions, Saint Julian the Hospitaller, and Saint Eulalia | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-12th/

OUR LADY OF ARGENTEUIL: The Feast of Our Lady of Argenteuil honors the venerated relic of the Holy Tunic of Christ preserved in Argenteuil, France. According to tradition, the seamless garment worn by Jesus during His Passion was discovered in the fourth century by Saint Helena and later entrusted to Charlemagne in the year 800. The emperor then gave the sacred relic to the priory of Argenteuil, where it has been carefully preserved and honored through the centuries. The tunic, woven in one piece without seam, recalls the Gospel account in which Christ’s executioners cast lots for His garment. It stands as a silent witness to the Passion of the Lord, reminding the faithful of His suffering, sacrifice, and immeasurable love. Despite wars, revolutions, theft, and attempted destruction, the relic has endured — hidden, restored, and reverently displayed — drawing pilgrims who seek to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s redemptive suffering. The Holy Tunic invites us to reflect deeply on the unity of the Church and the price of our salvation, calling us to clothe ourselves in Christ and live lives worthy of His sacrifice.

PRAYER: O Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Argenteuil, lead us closer to your Son, whose sacred garment reminds us of His Passion and love. Help us to remain faithful amid trials and to honor Christ not only with devotion but with lives transformed by grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS SATURNINUS AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS OF ABITINA IN AFRICA: Saints Saturninus and his companions were among the forty-nine Christians arrested in Abitina, North Africa, in the year 304 during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Ordered to surrender the Sacred Scriptures and forbidden to assemble for Sunday worship, they courageously chose obedience to God over imperial command. Among them were Saturninus and his children, including young Hilarianus, who boldly professed his faith despite threats and torture. When brought before the proconsul, they openly declared that they could not live without celebrating the Lord’s Day and hearing the Word of God. Many endured severe torture; others died from the hardships of imprisonment. Their steadfast witness reminds us of the priceless value of the Eucharist, the Sacred Scriptures, and the communal worship of the Church. They are shining examples of fidelity, courage, and unwavering love for Christ even unto death.

PRAYER: Lord God, You strengthened Saints Saturninus and their companions to remain faithful in persecution. Through their intercession, grant us courage to stand firm in our faith and never take for granted the gift of the Eucharist and Your Word. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT JULIAN THE HOSPITALLER: Saint Julian, often called “the Hospitaller,” is remembered for his life of repentance, charity, and extraordinary hospitality. According to tradition, after unknowingly fulfilling a tragic prophecy involving his parents, he was overcome with sorrow and dedicated his life to penance and service. Together with his wife, he established a hospital and devoted himself to caring for the poor, the sick, and travelers, especially those crossing dangerous waters. Julian became known for his generous hospitality, ferrying travelers across rivers and offering shelter to those in need. His life reflects the Gospel call to mercy and service. He is honored as the patron saint of hospitality workers, ferrymen, travelers, pilgrims, and innkeepers. His story reminds us that sincere repentance, combined with works of mercy, can transform even the deepest sorrow into a life of holiness and grace.

PRAYER: O God, who transformed Saint Julian’s repentance into a life of heroic charity, grant us hearts open to those in need. Help us to practice generous hospitality and sincere conversion, so that our lives may reflect Your mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT EULALIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Eulalia was a young Spanish virgin who courageously suffered martyrdom in the early fourth century during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Though still very young, she boldly confessed her faith in Christ before Roman authorities and refused to renounce Him. Enduring cruel punishments with remarkable serenity, she remained steadfast until her death, offering her life as a testimony of love and fidelity to the Lord. Her purity of heart and fearless witness made her one of the most beloved early martyrs of Spain. Saint Eulalia reminds us that holiness is not measured by age but by the depth of one’s love for Christ. She is invoked as a model of youthful courage and unwavering faith.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You gave Saint Eulalia the courage to witness to Christ even in the face of suffering. Through her intercession, strengthen our faith and grant us boldness to stand firm in truth and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Argenteuil, Saints Saturninus and Companions, Saint Julian the Hospitaller, and Saint Eulalia — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR FIDELITY, PERSEVERANCE, AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY

Through the intercession of Saints Saturninus and Companions, Martyrs of Abitina (witnesses to the primacy of the Eucharist and steadfast faith), Our Lady of Argenteuil (guardian of the Holy Tunic and a sign of devotion to Christ’s Passion), Saint Julian the Hospitaller (patron of hospitality workers, travelers, ferrymen, and caregivers), and Saint Eulalia, Virgin and Martyr (model of youthful courage and purity), let us pray for hearts firmly rooted in Christ. May Christians throughout the world, especially those facing persecution, remain unwavering in their love for the Eucharist and courageous in defending the faith, following the example of Saints Saturninus and their companions. Through Our Lady of Argenteuil, may contemplation of Christ’s suffering deepen our repentance, strengthen the unity of the Church, and renew our gratitude for the price of our salvation. Through Saint Julian, may those who serve the poor, the sick, pilgrims, and travelers practice generous hospitality and tireless charity. Through Saint Eulalia, may young people be strengthened in purity, boldness, and steadfast devotion to Christ despite the pressures of the world. United with their powerful witness, may we remain faithful in trial, sincere in conversion, and abundant in works of mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/a-prayer-for-peace/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: For children with incurable diseases. Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: MONTH OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD: The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent. In this month, we begin to meditate on the mystery of Jesus’ sufferings which culminated in his death on the Cross for the redemption of mankind. Saints who had a special devotion to Christ’s passion include St. Francis of Assisi, who was the first known saint to receive the stigmata; St. John of the Cross; St. Bridget of Sweden; and St. Catherine of Siena.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=2

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
We pray for the repose of the gentle souls of our loved ones and souls of all the faithful departed. 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 🙏🏽

As we continue our spiritual journey, may this Ordinary Time invite us to a renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace, hope, and steady guidance that flow from walking daily with Christ shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. As we journey onward, may God bless our families and loved ones, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. May the days of this new month be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence with us always. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Argenteuil, Saints Saturninus and Companions, Saint Julian the Hospitaller, and Saint Eulalia ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/