FEAST OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE | MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 24TH 2026

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 24, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

FEAST OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE

MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady Queen of Peace and Saint Francis de Sales | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-24th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 24, 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-24-2026/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady Queen of Peace (Patroness of Peace) and commemorates Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Patron of Writers, Journalists, and the Catholic Press), two powerful witnesses who reveal that true peace flows from a heart rooted in God’s love. In a world often marked by noise, misunderstanding, and haste, Our Lady gently draws us toward her Son, the Prince of Peace, while Saint Francis de Sales teaches us that holiness is found in patience, gentleness, and faithful perseverance in daily life. As we reflect on today’s Scripture readings, we are invited to trust in God’s quiet yet powerful work in our lives, even when His ways are misunderstood or unrecognized. May this day’s reflection inspire us to embrace peace, charity, and steadfast love as we follow Christ more closely. 🙏🏽

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 safety and well-being of all those experiencing major winter storm across Texas and other parts of the United States. May God protect all from harm and 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 🙏🏽

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales | January 24, 2026
Reading 1: 2 Samuel 1:1–4, 11–12, 19, 23–27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2–3, 5–7
Gospel: Mark 3:20–21

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 3:20–21

“When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’”

“Jesus came with His disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When His relatives heard of this they set out to seize Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.””

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus enters a house with His disciples, yet even there He finds no rest. The crowds press in so intensely that He and His followers couldn’t even eat. What is most striking in this Gospel, however, is not the crowd’s eagerness but the reaction of those closest to Him. His own relatives misunderstand His mission and judge His total self-giving as madness. Their response reveals a painful truth: following God’s will often invites misunderstanding, even from those who know us best.

This passage reminds us that fidelity to God’s call does not always bring affirmation or approval. Jesus remains steadfast, choosing obedience to the Father over comfort, reputation, or acceptance. His life teaches us that holiness is not measured by how well we are understood, but by how faithfully we surrender ourselves to God’s purpose. True discipleship requires perseverance, especially when our commitment to God is questioned or misinterpreted.

In the First Reading from the Second Book of Samuel, David receives devastating news: the death of Saul and Jonathan. Despite Saul’s long pursuit of him and repeated attempts on his life, David does not rejoice. Instead, he mourns deeply, tearing his garments, fasting, and lamenting the fallen king and his beloved friend Jonathan. His lament is filled not with bitterness, but with reverence, gratitude, and love. David’s response reveals a heart purified of resentment. He honors Saul as the Lord’s anointed and grieves sincerely for him, choosing compassion over vindication. In Jonathan, he mourns not only a friend, but a bond marked by loyalty, sacrifice, and selfless love. This moment reveals David’s spiritual maturity: he refuses to allow past wounds to harden his heart. Instead, he entrusts judgment to God and allows mercy to shape his response.

The Responsorial Psalm gives voice to a community in distress, crying out, “Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.” The psalm echoes the sorrow of David’s lament and the quiet suffering of Jesus in the Gospel. It expresses a longing for God’s presence amid tears, confusion, and opposition. The psalm teaches us that when human understanding fails and suffering weighs heavily, our hope remains anchored in God’s saving presence.

Together, today’s readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to misunderstanding, loss, and emotional pain. Like Jesus, we may be misunderstood when we give ourselves fully to God. Like David, we may be called to grieve with mercy rather than triumph over those who wrong us. And like the psalmist, we are reminded to lift our eyes toward God, trusting that His face brings healing and restoration.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, let us ask ourselves: How do I respond when my faith or intentions are misunderstood? Do I allow resentment to shape my heart, or do I choose mercy and trust like David? In moments of sorrow or rejection, do I seek God’s face with perseverance and hope? May these Scriptures teach us gentle strength, compassionate hearts, and unwavering faithfulness to God’s will.

Lord Jesus Christ, You remained faithful to the Father even when misunderstood and rejected. Give us hearts like Yours gentle, obedient, and steadfast in love. Teach us to respond to pain with mercy, to loss with trust, and to misunderstanding with humility. May we always seek Your face and find our salvation in You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 24TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 24th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Our Lady Queen of Peace and Saint Francis de Sales | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-24th/

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE: Our Lady Queen of Peace is a beloved title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, honored especially as the Mother who presents the Prince of Peace to a restless world. This devotion traces its roots to France in the early centuries, where an image of Mary holding an olive branch and the Child Jesus became a powerful symbol of reconciliation and hope. Through times of war, revolution, and unrest, the faithful turned to Our Lady Queen of Peace as a refuge and intercessor. Her patronage spread widely, particularly to Hawaii, where Catholic missionaries placed their mission under her protection, and to nations such as El Salvador, where she became a sign of unity amid conflict. Added to the Litany of Loreto by Pope Benedict XV during World War I, this title reminds the Church that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the fruit of hearts rooted in Christ. In honoring Our Lady Queen of Peace, we entrust our troubled world, families, and hearts to her maternal care, asking her to lead us always to her Son, the source of true and lasting peace.

PRAYER: Queen of Peace, gentle Mother and faithful intercessor, pray for us. Obtain for our world the gift of peace, for our hearts the grace of calm trust in God, and for our lives the courage to become instruments of Christ’s peace. Lead us always to your Son, the Prince of Peace. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: Saint Francis de Sales (1567–1622), Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, stands as one of the Church’s greatest teachers of gentleness, patience, and pastoral charity. Born into a noble family in Savoy, he devoted his remarkable intellect and compassionate heart entirely to God, becoming a tireless priest, missionary, and bishop at a time of intense religious division. Through his missionary work in the Chablais region, he patiently guided thousands back to the Catholic faith—not by force or harsh argument, but by kindness, reason, and love. As bishop, he shepherded his people with humility, spiritual wisdom, and tireless dedication, while founding the Order of the Visitation with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal. His spiritual writings, especially Introduction to a Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God, continue to guide countless souls toward holiness in everyday life. Known for conquering his own fiery temperament through grace and perseverance, Saint Francis de Sales teaches us that sanctity is accessible to all and is best nurtured through love, humility, and trust in God.

PRAYER: Father in heaven, You raised Saint Francis de Sales as a gentle shepherd and wise teacher in Your Church. Through his intercession, teach us to live our faith with patience, kindness, and steadfast love. Help us to sanctify our daily lives and draw others to You through charity and truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Peace, and Saint Francis de Sales — pray for us. 🙏🏽

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 INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR PEACE

Through the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and all the Saints we celebrate today, let us pray for peace in our families and our world. As we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Queen of Peace and the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, we lift our hearts to God with deep trust and humility. We pray for peace in our world, especially in places torn by violence, misunderstanding, and division, that the gentle reign of Christ may heal wounded hearts and reconcile broken relationships. Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady Queen of Peace, may we learn to be instruments of peace, compassion, and faithful service in our daily lives.

PRAYER FOR PEACE BY POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… But our efforts have been in vain.

Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: “Never again war!”; “With war everything is lost”. Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace.

Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. Make us sensitive to the plea of our citizens who entreat us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace, our trepidation into confident trust, and our quarreling into forgiveness.

Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words “division”, “hatred” and “war” be banished from the heart of every man and woman. Lord,
defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be “brother”, and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam! Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the

fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

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 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady Queen of Peace and Saint Francis de Sales ~ 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

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

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/