FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES | MEMORIAL OF SAINT ABIGAIL, RELIGIOUS AND BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW OF OLMEDO, PRIEST FEBRUARY 11TH, 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 11, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-11th/

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES

34TH WORLD DAY OF THE SICK | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/34th-world-day-of-the-sick-february-11-2026/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ABIGAIL, RELIGIOUS AND BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW OF OLMEDO, PRIEST

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 11, 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-11-2026/

NOVENA IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES [Novena Starts: February 2nd; Feastday: February 11th] https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-lourdes/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and observes the 34th World Day of the Sick, inviting us to reflect on God’s healing grace and the call to interior purity. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that true defilement does not come from external things but from what flows from the heart, urging us toward sincere conversion. As pilgrims continue to journey to Lourdes seeking healing through Mary’s intercession, we are reminded that the greatest miracle is a heart transformed by grace. Together with Saint Abigail, known for her compassionate care of the sick, and Blessed Bartholomew of Olmedo, a missionary priest who defended the vulnerable, we are called to trust deeply in God’s mercy, seek authentic holiness, and become instruments of healing and hope in our world.

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: Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time | February 11, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Kings 10:1–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 37:5–6, 30–31, 39–40
Gospel: Mark 7:14–23

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 7:14–23

“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) “But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shifts the focus of holiness from external observances to the interior life. While the people of His time were deeply concerned with ritual purity, Jesus teaches that true purity is not about what enters the body but about what flows from the heart. Sin does not begin outside of us; it begins within, through thoughts, desires, and intentions that gradually shape our actions. By naming the evils that come from the heart, Jesus invites us to a deeper examination of conscience. Holiness is not merely behavioral compliance; it is interior transformation.

This teaching is both liberating and challenging. It frees us from a faith centered only on appearances, yet it confronts us with responsibility for our inner life. We may not always control external circumstances, but we are called to guard our hearts. What we nurture internally, resentment or forgiveness, envy or gratitude, pride or humility, eventually reveals itself outwardly. True discipleship begins in the hidden places of the soul.

The First Reading presents a striking contrast in the Queen of Sheba’s encounter with Solomon. She comes seeking wisdom and leaves overwhelmed by what she has witnessed. Solomon’s wisdom reflects a heart aligned with God, a life ordered toward justice and righteousness. His words and leadership flow from interior communion with the Lord. The queen recognizes that such wisdom is not merely human achievement but a gift rooted in God’s enduring love.

The Responsorial Psalm reinforces this truth: “The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom… The law of his God is in his heart.” Wisdom and righteousness are not superficial traits; they are the fruit of a heart anchored in God. When the law of the Lord is written within us, our steps do not falter, and even in distress, we find refuge in Him.

Together, today’s readings call us to cultivate a heart shaped by God’s truth. External success, admiration, or religious practice mean little if our interior life is neglected. But when our hearts are purified by grace, our words become wise, our actions become just, and our lives become a testimony to God’s presence.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: What fills my heart? Are there hidden attitudes or thoughts that need purification? Is my speech marked by wisdom and kindness, or by negativity and pride? What would change if I allowed God to truly transform my interior life?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You see not only our actions but the depths of our hearts. Purify us from within and root out anything that distances us from You. Write Your law upon our hearts so that our words may speak wisdom and our lives may reflect Your truth. May we seek interior holiness above all else and take refuge in You in every circumstance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 11TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 11th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Abigail, and Blessed Bartholomew of Olmedo | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-11th/

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Patroness of the Sick and Healing): On February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to fourteen-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in a grotto at Massabielle near Lourdes, France. Over the course of eighteen apparitions, the “Lady in white” called Bernadette to prayer, penance, and conversion, eventually revealing her identity with the words, “I am the Immaculate Conception,” confirming the dogma proclaimed just four years earlier. During one apparition, Mary instructed Bernadette to dig in the ground, where a spring of water began to flow a spring that continues to be a source of healing and pilgrimage for millions. Since then, Lourdes has become one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world, with numerous medically documented miraculous healings. Our Lady of Lourdes reminds us that God’s grace reaches us through humility, prayer, and trust. Her feast is also observed as the World Day of the Sick, established by Pope Saint John Paul II, inviting the Church to pray especially for those suffering in body and spirit.

Prayer for the 34th World Day of the Sick (2026):“Sweet Mother, do not part from me. Turn not your eyes away from me. Walk with me at every moment and never leave me alone. You who always protect me as a true Mother, obtain for me the blessing of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.

Prayer for Healing (Sacred Hearts):“Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, we come before You with faith and trust. Look with compassion on all who are sick, those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Lord Jesus, Divine Healer, touch them with Your merciful hands, restore their health, renew their strength, and fill their hearts with peace”.

Aleteia/Vatican-Related Prayer:“Jesus our Lord, Who by word alone did heal all diseases… We ask you to have mercy on our brothers and sisters who are sick. Give them your strength and love, Grant them health and a complete recovery, And help them to carry their crosses with faith”.

PRAYER: O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, loving Mother and refuge of the sick, intercede for us before your Son. Obtain for us healing according to God’s will, strength in suffering, and unwavering trust in His mercy. Comfort the sick, protect our families, and help us to seek both physical and spiritual healing through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT ABIGAIL (Saint Gobnait), VIRGIN (Patroness of Bees, Beekeepers, and Healing): Saint Abigail, also known as Saint Gobnait, was a sixth-century Irish abbess renowned for her deep faith, charity, and care for the sick. After leaving her home due to family conflict, she followed what she believed to be divine guidance and eventually settled in Ballyvourney, County Cork, where she founded a religious community. Known for her pastoral care and spiritual wisdom, she had a special association with bees and used honey as a remedy for healing. Tradition credits her with miraculous protection of her people, even from plague, and with using bees as instruments of God’s providence. Her life reflects the harmony between faith, nature, and compassionate service. She is honored as patroness of bees, beekeepers, health, and fertility.

PRAYER: O God, who filled Saint Abigail with charity and trust in Your providence, grant us hearts ready to serve the sick and vulnerable. Through her intercession, bless our work, protect our communities, and strengthen our faith in Your healing power. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW OF OLMEDO, PRIEST: Blessed Bartholomew of Olmedo (1485–1524) was a Spanish Mercedarian priest and missionary who became the first priest to set foot on Mexican soil. Serving as chaplain to the expedition of Hernán Cortés, he worked tirelessly to evangelize the native peoples, baptizing thousands and teaching devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mercy. Though living in a time of political and cultural upheaval, he defended the dignity of the indigenous people and sought to restrain injustice and violence. His missionary zeal, courage, and pastoral heart reflect a deep commitment to spreading the Gospel with compassion and truth.

PRAYER: Lord God, You called Blessed Bartholomew of Olmedo to proclaim the Gospel in challenging circumstances. Through his intercession, grant us missionary zeal, courage to defend the vulnerable, and fidelity in sharing our faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Abigail, and Blessed Bartholomew of Olmedo — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR THE DAY: FOR HEALING, HOPE, AND TRUST THROUGH OUR LADY OF LOURDES

On this Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we humbly bring before God all who are sick, suffering, or in need of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. May those burdened by illness, chronic pain, terminal disease, or fear find comfort and hope through her loving intercession. We pray for the elderly, the disabled, and those with mental or emotional struggles, that they may experience God’s mercy and strength. Through Our Lady of Lourdes, may doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who serve the sick be guided with wisdom, compassion, and perseverance. Let her example inspire us to trust fully in God’s providence, accept His healing grace, and grow in faith, hope, and charity, so that all who suffer may encounter His loving presence. 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 Lourdes, Saint Abigail, and Blessed Bartholomew of Olmedo ~ 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/