SATURDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: AUGUST 2, 2025
FEAST OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS OF PORTIUNCULA; SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD, PRIEST; SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI, BISHOP; SAINT STEPHEN I, POPE AND MARTYR, SAINT GIUSTINO MARIA RUSSOLILLO, PRIEST AND BLESSED JANE OF AZA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady Queen of Angels, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Saint Eusebius, Saint Stephen I, Saint Giustino Russolillo, and Blessed Jane of Aza| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-2nd/ )
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | August 2, 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-147/
Watch “Jubilee of Youth | Welcome Holy Mass Presided by PopeLeo XIV | LIVE from the Vatican | July 29, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-the-vatican-welcome-mass-jubilee-of-youth-july-29-2025/
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/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time! We thank the Lord for the gift of a brand-new day and a brand-new month. Happy New Month! As we step into the month of August, we entrust our lives, our plans, our fears, and our dreams into God’s loving hands. We pray that this new month will be filled with divine blessings, new opportunities, and the strength to overcome every challenge that may come our way.
We pray and celebrate with those marking birthdays, anniversaries, new jobs, weddings, and other joyful milestones this August. May this be a month of peace for the anxious, healing for the sick, comfort for the brokenhearted, and provision for the needy. As we walk through the days ahead, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go before us, the love of God surround us, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide every decision we make. May this month bring us closer to holiness, deeper in faith, and stronger in hope. In all things, may God’s name be praised. Amen. 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here may their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen🙏🏽
We pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of their gentle souls and 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 through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints” ~ Psalm 116:15
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 & the Holy Spirit forever & ever. Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we continue to humbly pray for the well-being and safety of all parents, grandparents and the elderly. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our divided and conflicted world today. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world. We pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We 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. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour 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 the Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of July.🙏🏽
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of August | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-august/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
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 below links 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, Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time | August 2, 2025
Reading 1: Leviticus 25:1, 8–17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2–3, 5, 7–8
Gospel: Matthew 14:1–12
Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:1–12
“Herod ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison; John’s disciples came and told Jesus”
“Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.”
In today’s Gospel reading, we are presented with the tragic and brutal martyrdom of John the Baptist, a man of truth and integrity, silenced by power and pride. Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, though intrigued by John and recognizing him as a holy man, allowed fear of public opinion and a reckless oath to override his conscience. The scene is a chilling reminder of how righteousness can be persecuted when truth confronts corruption and sin. We can all make rash promises, promises we have very little chance of ever fulfilling. According to the Gospel, Herod Antipas, made a rash promise to his step daughter. ‘He promised on oath to give her anything she asked’. When, prompted by her mother, Herodias, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, Herod could not go back on his promise without losing face. He was not prepared to lose face, even though that meant going against his better instincts. In some distress he ordered the guards to carry out the request of his step daughter. Herod comes across as a man who did not have the courage of his convictions, when his own honour in the eyes of others was at stake. In contrast, the man he had executed, John the Baptist, had the courage of his convictions. He challenged Herod’s marriage to the wife of his brother because it was against the Jewish Law. John the Baptist died for his convictions. He foreshadowed Jesus who also died for his convictions; he was put to death because he proclaimed God’s vision for humanity. Both John and Jesus inspire us to be courageous in the living of our faith, in our bearing witness to the values of the Gospel. It can be tempting to live up to other people’s expectations, which is what Herod did. Yet, our calling is to live in accordance with God’s expectations, even when that means the way of the cross. Such a way is ultimately the way to true and lasting life. John the Baptist’s courage calls us to reflect on how we witness to the truth in our own lives. Do we speak out when something is wrong, or do we stay silent to avoid discomfort? John didn’t tailor his message to please others he remained faithful to God’s call even to the point of death. His martyrdom foreshadows the fate of Jesus Himself and reminds us that true discipleship often comes at a cost.
In the first reading, God commands the Israelites to celebrate the Jubilee year a time of release, restoration, and return. Every fiftieth year, liberty was to be proclaimed throughout the land, slaves set free, debts forgiven, and land returned to its original owners. It was a sacred reminder that everything ultimately belongs to God and that justice, mercy, and equity are foundational to life in covenant with Him. This passage challenges our view of possessions, power, and fairness. Do we cling to what we’ve gained, or are we willing to release and restore where God asks us to? The Jubilee year was a time of radical trust in God’s providence a model for economic justice and social healing.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “O God, let all the nations praise you!” This psalm is a joyful invitation to universal praise. It celebrates God’s justice and blessings not just for Israel but for all nations. It’s a reminder that God’s salvation is not exclusive but expansive, meant to reach the ends of the earth. When we recognize God’s hand in our blessings, our response must be one of gratitude and generosity, drawing others into praise.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, let us examine our own lives: Am I bold enough to stand for truth like John the Baptist? Where do I need to extend forgiveness, freedom, or fairness in my relationships? Is my worship joyful and outward-facing, inviting others into God’s love? Today’s readings weave together a powerful message: truth must be spoken, justice must be lived, and worship must be joyful and universal. The story of John the Baptist warns against compromising integrity, the Jubilee command shows the need for rest and restoration, and the psalm calls all the world to rejoice in God’s goodness. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to strive to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Lord God, you are the God of justice, mercy, and truth. Today, we thank You for the fearless witness of John the Baptist. Help us to live with courage, even when truth is uncomfortable. Teach us to live in the spirit of Jubilee willing to release, restore, and trust in Your provision. May our lives be marked by joyful worship, honest witness, and deep compassion.
Give us the grace to see the sacred in everyday life, and to never hesitate to speak the truth in love. Amen🙏🏾
FEAST OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS OF PORTIUNCULA; SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD, PRIEST; SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI, BISHOP; SAINT STEPHEN I, POPE AND MARTYR, SAINT GIUSTINO MARIA RUSSOLILLO, PRIEST AND BLESSED JANE OF AZA ~ FEAST DAY – AUGUST 2ND: Today, the Church celebrates a tapestry of grace and holiness through six venerable feast days: Our Lady Queen of Angels of Portiuncula (a Marian devotion deeply tied to Franciscan spirituality), Saint Peter Julian Eymard (Apostle of the Eucharist), Saint Eusebius of Vercelli (champion of orthodoxy and unity), Pope Saint Stephen I (martyr of the early Church), Saint Giustino Maria Russolillo (promoter of vocations), and Blessed Jane of Aza (mother of Saint Dominic and woman of prophetic prayer). These holy men and women bore witness to the Gospel through contemplative love, Eucharistic devotion, pastoral courage, and maternal sacrifice. May their intercession bring renewal to the Church, deepen our love for the Blessed Sacrament, inspire fidelity in vocations, and strengthen family life. We especially pray for priests, religious, seminarians, parents, catechists, and all who guide others in faith. 🙏🏽
Saint (s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | August 2nd | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady Queen of Angels, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Saint Eusebius, Saint Stephen I, Saint Giustino Russolillo, and Blessed Jane of Aza| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-2nd/)
OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS OF PORTIUNCULA: This title of Our Lady is tied to the little chapel of Portiuncula, the heart of Franciscan life and where St. Francis of Assisi received his vocation. It was here that the Portiuncula Indulgence originated first granted by Pope Honorius III in 1216 inviting the faithful to seek total forgiveness through Confession, Communion, and prayer. The feast is one of mercy, simplicity, and renewal.
PRAYER: Queen of Angels and Mother of Mercy, lead us ever deeper into the mystery of grace. May we, like Francis, love without measure and trust without fear. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD (1811–1868): A French priest devoted to the Eucharist, Saint Peter Julian founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. He believed that the Eucharist is the key to all renewal, both personal and societal. His work spread the practice of Eucharistic Adoration, encouraging the faithful to make reparation and find healing in the presence of Christ.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, may we find in Your Eucharistic Heart the strength to love, the courage to serve, and the grace to endure. Through Saint Peter Julian, deepen our hunger for You. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI (c. 283–371): As bishop of Vercelli, Eusebius was a fierce defender of the Nicene faith during the Arian crisis. He helped pioneer communal priestly life and suffered exile for upholding Christ’s divinity. He is remembered as a shepherd who fought error without compromising love.
PRAYER: God of Truth, grant us the courage to stand firm like Eusebius in times of confusion. May our words and actions reflect Your eternal Word. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT STEPHEN I, POPE AND MARTYR (d. 257): Pope Stephen I upheld the dignity and unity of the Church during a time of severe persecution. He defended the validity of sacraments administered by heretical ministers and was ultimately martyred while celebrating Mass, seated on his chair in the catacombs.
PRAYER: O Good Shepherd, who gave us Saint Stephen as a model of fearless leadership, grant us the strength to worship even when it costs us everything. May we never take for granted the freedom to believe. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT GIUSTINO MARIA RUSSOLILLO (1891–1955): Founder of the Society of Divine Vocations, Saint Giustino dedicated his life to promoting and guiding vocations, especially among the poor. He believed each person has a divine calling and worked tirelessly to awaken that truth in young hearts.
PRAYER: Jesus, Divine Master, awaken in every heart the call to holiness. Through Saint Giustino, help us recognize and encourage the gifts You’ve placed in others. Amen. 🙏🏾
BLESSED JANE OF AZA (12th century): The mother of Saint Dominic, Jane of Aza is remembered for her visionary dream of a dog with a torch in its mouth symbolizing her son’s future fire of preaching. She surrendered her motherhood to God’s will and raised a saint through prayer, humility, and faith.
PRAYER: Gracious God, we thank You for holy mothers like Blessed Jane. May all parents guide their children toward You with wisdom and grace. Amen 🙏🏾
Our Lady Queen of Angels, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Saint Eusebius, Saint Stephen I, Saint Giustino Russolillo, and Blessed Jane of Aza ~ Pray for us🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
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 AUGUST: For mutual coexistence. Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF AUGUST | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inviting us to reflect on her pure love, deep sorrow, and unwavering obedience to God. Her heart, aflame with charity and pierced by suffering, mirrors the life of Christ and calls us to follow Him more closely through her example. This month, the Church encourages us to console her sorrowful heart and grow in holiness through prayers like the Rosary, the Litany of the Immaculate Heart, and the First Saturday Devotion. Through Mary’s heart, we are led ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“O Immaculate Heart of Mary, be our refuge and the way that leads us to God.”
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us and draw us into deeper love and trust in your Son. Amen🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, on this blessed day, we lift our hearts in prayer through the intercession of Our Lady Queen of Angels of Portiuncula, Saints Peter Julian Eymard, Eusebius of Vercelli, Stephen I, Giustino Maria Russolillo, and Blessed Jane of Aza. May their holy lives inspire us to trust deeply in Your providence, defend the truth with courage, and serve the poor and lowly with compassion. As we reflect on the message of the Jubilee from Leviticus to proclaim liberty and restore justice may we be instruments of peace and reconciliation in a wounded world. Strengthen all who suffer from violence or persecution, like John the Baptist in today’s Gospel, and grant us boldness to stand for righteousness even when it is unpopular. We pray for the Church to flourish in holiness, for our communities to walk in the light of Christ, and for every soul to open their heart to Your saving grace.
LET US PRAY
My merciful Jesus, You desire that all people experience freedom from the sins of the past. You desire to penetrate our hearts and to bring resolution and peace. Please help me to open my mind and heart to You in the areas that still cause pain and regret, and help me to be set free by Your infinite mercy. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
O Lord our God, You are the giver of freedom and the source of all peace. Through the witness of today’s saints, ignite in us a burning love for the truth and a firm trust in Your divine mercy. May we, like John the Baptist, be faithful voices crying out for repentance and renewal. Guide us in this journey of life, that we may respond with courage to Your call and proclaim liberty to the captives of sin and despair. Help us to live in the spirit of the Jubilee restoring, forgiving, and healing until Your kingdom comes in fullness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady Queen of Angels, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Saint Eusebius, Saint Stephen I, Saint Giustino Russolillo, and Blessed Jane of Aza ~ 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 as we now enter the gentle rhythm of 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. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Saturday and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽
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