FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PONTMAIN (OUR LADY OF HOPE) 1871 | MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANTHONY OF EGYPT, ABBOT – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 17TH 2026

SATURDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 17, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

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

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANTHONY OF EGYPT, ABBOT – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 17TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of Pontmain and Saint Anthony of Egypt | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-17th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 17, 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-january-17-2026/

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

As we journey through Ordinary Time, the Church invites us today, January 17, to anchor our hearts in hope and attentive obedience to God’s call. We celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Pontmain, Our Lady of Hope, whose gentle message of trust reassured a fearful people of God’s nearness, and we honor Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot, whose radical withdrawal into prayer and ascetic life teaches us the power of silence, discipline, and total reliance on the Lord. United with the Word of God proclaimed today, we are reminded that God chooses and anoints according to His wisdom, and that Christ continues to call sinners to conversion, healing, and new life. In hope and humility, we are invited once more to rise, follow Him, and allow His mercy to shape our daily living. 🙏🏽

We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the new year. As we embark on this fresh 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 inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of January, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following His example of love, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Name of Jesus, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this new year. May this 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 months. We entrust the days of January 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 Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of January. 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot | January 17, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 9:1–4, 17–19; 10:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 21:2–3, 4–5, 6–7
Gospel: Mark 2:13–17

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 2:13–17

“I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

In today’s Gospel, we encounter a striking and deeply consoling scene. Jesus sees Levi, a tax collector whom society despised, judged, and written off, and calls him with two simple words: “Follow me.” There is no interrogation, no list of conditions, no demand for prior repentance. Levi rises immediately and follows Jesus, leaving behind a life marked by compromise and exclusion. This moment reveals the radical freedom of God’s grace, which calls not the perfect, but the willing.

Jesus’ decision to dine with tax collectors and sinners provokes scandal among the scribes and Pharisees. In their eyes, holiness meant separation from those considered unclean. But Jesus reveals a different understanding of holiness, one rooted in mercy rather than exclusion. He declares Himself a physician, one who comes precisely for those who are wounded by sin and burdened by failure. The table becomes a place of healing, reconciliation, and new beginnings. In Christ’s presence, sinners are not shamed; they are restored.

This Gospel challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we believe that God’s mercy is truly for us, especially in our weakness and brokenness? Or do we sometimes feel unworthy of His call? Like Levi, we are invited to rise from whatever holds us captive, fear, guilt, complacency—and follow Jesus with trust. The call of Christ is not reserved for the righteous, but for those who recognize their need for healing.

The First Reading from the Book of Samuel presents the anointing of Saul, a man chosen by God while engaged in the ordinary task of searching for lost animals. Saul does not set out seeking power or kingship; yet God meets him along the way and reveals a greater purpose for his life. Through Samuel, Saul is anointed leader of God’s people, reminding us that divine calling often emerges in unexpected moments. God sees beyond outward appearances and ordinary circumstances, calling individuals according to His plan.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this theme of divine favor and blessing. The king rejoices not in his own strength, but in the strength of the Lord who grants victory, life, and honor. True leadership and fulfillment come from dependence on God, who bestows joy and dignity upon those He chooses. The psalm reminds us that every calling, whether great or hidden, finds its meaning in God’s presence and grace.

On this Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot, these readings take on special significance. Saint Anthony responded to Christ’s call by leaving everything behind to seek God alone in the desert. Like Levi, he rose and followed. Like Saul, he allowed God to lead him beyond what he could have imagined. His life of prayer, renunciation, and trust stands as a powerful witness that true freedom is found in wholehearted surrender to God.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Where is Jesus calling me to follow Him more faithfully? What attachments, fears, or comforts am I being asked to leave behind? Do I allow Christ to heal me where I am weakest, or do I hide behind a false sense of righteousness? May today’s Scriptures open our hearts to God’s mercy, awaken us to His call, and give us the courage to rise and follow wherever He leads.

Lord Jesus, You call us with love and mercy, meeting us in our weakness and inviting us into new life. Heal what is wounded within us and free us from all that holds us back from following You wholeheartedly. Like Levi, help us to rise at Your word; like Saul, teach us to trust Your guidance; and through the example of Saint Anthony, grant us hearts undivided in love for You. Lead us in Your ways and make us instruments of Your mercy each day. Amen. 🙏🏽

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PONTMAIN (OUR LADY OF HOPE) | MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANTHONY OF EGYPT, ABBOT – FEAST DAY: JANUARY 17TH: Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Pontmain, also known as Our Lady of Hope (Patroness of Hope and Pontmain, France), whose maternal presence brought peace and reassurance in a time of war, and the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot (Father of Christian Monasticism; Patron of Hermits, Monks, and Those Suffering from Skin Diseases). United by faith across history, these holy devotions remind us that God never abandons His people and that true hope is born from trust, prayer, and total surrender to Him. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 17th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady of Pontmain and Saint Anthony of Egypt | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-17th/)

OUR LADY OF PONTMAIN (OUR LADY OF HOPE): In 1871, during the devastation of the Franco-Prussian War, the small village of Pontmain in France found itself on the brink of invasion. On the evening of January 17, two young boys, Eugène and Joseph Barbedette, beheld a radiant apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the night sky. Though many gathered to witness the event, only children were able to see Our Lady, while the adults joined fervently in prayer and hymns.

During the apparition, a message gradually appeared beneath the image: “But pray, my children. God will hear you in time. My Son allows Himself to be touched.” That very night, the advancing Prussian army inexplicably halted its progress. Later reports revealed that their commander perceived an unseen presence barring the way forward. Within months, a peace treaty was signed, and Pontmain was spared. The apparition was officially approved by the local bishop in 1872, and in 1908 the shrine was elevated to a basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Hope. To this day, Our Lady of Pontmain stands as a powerful sign of hope, reminding the faithful that prayer opens the heart of God even in the darkest moments.

PRAYER: Our Lady of Hope of Pontmain, gentle Mother, teach us to trust in God’s mercy and to persevere in prayer during times of fear and uncertainty. Strengthen our hope and lead us always to your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT ANTHONY OF EGYPT, ABBOT: Saint Anthony of Egypt (251–356), also known as Saint Anthony the Great, is honored as the Father of Christian Monasticism. Born to wealthy Christian parents in Upper Egypt, he renounced all earthly possessions after hearing the Gospel call: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have, give to the poor, and come, follow me.” Obeying Christ wholeheartedly, Anthony distributed his inheritance and withdrew into the desert to live a life of prayer, fasting, and penance.

In solitude, Saint Anthony endured fierce spiritual battles, facing temptations and assaults from the devil. Armed with faith, prayer, and the sign of the Cross, he emerged victorious, becoming a beacon of holiness and spiritual wisdom. His reputation for sanctity attracted many disciples, leading him to organize communities that would become the earliest monasteries in Christian history. Though he cherished solitude, Anthony left the desert when necessary to defend the faith, encourage persecuted Christians, and support Saint Athanasius against the Arian heresy. After a long life devoted entirely to God, he died peacefully at the age of 105, instructing his disciples to bury him secretly. His life remains a timeless witness that renunciation, prayer, and trust in God lead to true freedom and spiritual power.

PRAYER: Lord God, You called Saint Anthony to serve You in solitude and prayer. Through his intercession, grant us the grace of self-discipline, perseverance, and wholehearted love for You above all things. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Pontmain, and Saint Anthony of Egypt — pray for us. 🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of January | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-january-2026/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

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 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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

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 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

PRAYER INTENTIONS: Trusting in God who sees the heart and calls each person by name, as He chose Saul and called Levi from his place of sin to new life, we lift our prayers to Him. We pray for the Church, that like Saint Anthony of Egypt, she may remain faithful to the Gospel through prayer, humility, and spiritual discipline, and courageously witness to Christ in every age. We pray for all who feel unworthy, lost, or burdened by their past, that they may hear the merciful call of Jesus, who came not for the righteous but for sinners, and respond with renewed hope. Through the loving intercession of Our Lady of Pontmain, Our Lady of Hope, we pray for peace in places of conflict, strength for those facing fear and uncertainty, and deeper trust that God hears the prayers of His children in His perfect time. We also pray for those discerning leadership or vocation, that they may rely not on human strength but on God’s anointing and grace, and faithfully follow wherever He leads.

LET US PRAY:

Gracious and merciful God, You call us from ordinary lives into extraordinary communion with You. Through the example of Saint Anthony of Egypt, teach us to seek You in prayer, simplicity, and wholehearted surrender. Through the gentle reassurance of Our Lady of Pontmain, strengthen our hope and remind us that You are always near, even in times of fear and trial. Like Levi, grant us the courage to rise, leave behind what binds us, and follow Your Son with joyful obedience. May Your mercy heal us, Your grace transform us, and Your love guide us always. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Pontmain, and Saint Anthony of Egypt ~ 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 for His faithful presence throughout the year now unfolding, we begin this Ordinary Time with hearts open to His continual guidance and grace. As each day dawns, we pause to reflect with gratitude on all that has been and all that is to come, entrusting our joys and sorrows, successes and shortcomings, into God’s merciful hands. 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.

As we step forward into this new year, may this sacred season invite us to begin again with 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 through Ordinary Time, may God bless all families and loved ones as we embrace the year ahead, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. May this season of faithful discipleship 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 throughout the year to come. 🙏🏽

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 |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs

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

Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/