MEMORIAL OF JOHN OF MATERA, ABBOT; SAINT SILVERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR; BLESSED JOHN FENWICK AND BLESSED JOHN GAVAN, PRIESTS AND MARTYRS; BLESSED MARGARET EBNER, RELIGIOUS AND BLESSED IRISH CATHOLIC MARTYRS

FRIDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 20, 2025

MEMORIAL OF JOHN OF MATERA, ABBOT; SAINT SILVERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR; BLESSED JOHN FENWICK AND BLESSED JOHN GAVAN, PRIESTS AND MARTYRS; BLESSED MARGARET EBNER, RELIGIOUS AND BLESSED IRISH CATHOLIC MARTYRS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John, Saint Silverius, Blessed John Fenwick and Blessed John Gavan, Blessed Margaret Ebner, and the Blessed Irish Catholic Martyrs | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-20th/)

DAY THREE: NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS | Novena dates: June 18–26, 2025. The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart is June 27, 2025 | Novena links and prayers below | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 20, 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-108/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today is Friday of the Eleventh week in Ordinary Time.

On this special feast day, we pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for justice, peace and love in our 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 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 🙏

We thank God for the gift of life and, we lift up in prayer all who celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all those marking special milestones in June. May the Lord bless and favor them abundantly, guide their steps, and grant them joy, peace, and good health of body and mind. 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 June🙏🏽

AN EFFICACIOUS NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

DAY THREE

Attributed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Saint Padre Pio recited this novena every day for all those who requested his prayers.

This novena can be prayed any time of year or, as did Padre Pio, perpetually throughout the year. However, it is traditionally prayed for nine days prior to the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart.

Pray all prayers below every day during the novena

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Prayer One:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽

Prayer Two:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be To the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽

Prayer Three:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽

Concluding Prayer:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners
and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your tender Mother and ours.

The Hail Holy Queen (The Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O most holy Mother of God, That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.

St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Optional Litany to the Sacred Heart

By St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Hail, Heart of Jesus, save me!
Hail, Heart of my Creator, perfect me!
Hail, Heart of my Savior, deliver me!
Hail, Heart of my Judge, grant me pardon!
Hail, Heart of my Father, govern me!
Hail, Heart of my Spouse, grant me love!
Hail, Heart of my Master, teach me!
Hail, Heart of my King, be my crown!
Hail, Heart of my Benefactor, enrich me!
Hail, Heart of my Shepherd, guard me!
Hail, Heart of my Friend, comfort me!
Hail, Heart of my Brother, stay with me!
Hail, Heart of the Child Jesus, draw me to yourself!
Hail, Heart of Jesus dying on the Cross, redeem me!
Hail, Heart of Jesus in all your states, give yourself to me!
Hail, Heart of incomparable goodness, have mercy on me!
Hail, Heart of splendor, shine within me!
Hail, most loving Heart, inflame me!
Hail, most merciful Heart, work within me!
Hail, most humble Heart, dwell within me!
Hail, most patient Heart, support me!
Hail, most faithful Heart, be my reward!
Hail, most admirable and most worthy Heart, bless me!
Lord Jesus,
let my heart never rest until it finds You,
who are its center, its love, and its happiness.
By the wound in Your heart,
pardon the sins that I have committed
whether out of malice or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart in Your own divine Heart,
continually under Your protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good
and in fleeing evil until my last breath.
Amen 🙏🏽

Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | Friday, June 20, 2025
Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21–30
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2–3, 4–5, 6–7
Gospel: Matthew 6:19–23

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 6:19–23

“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

“Jesus said to His disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus contrasts two kinds of treasures, treasures on earth and treasures in Heaven. He implies that treasures on earth are vulnerable to all kinds of external forces, such as the actions of the thief. In contrast, treasures in heaven are totally secure. Elsewhere in the Gospels, Jesus speaks of being rich in the sight of God, which is equivalent to storing up treasures in Heaven. Jesus is saying that it is not earthly treasures and possessions that make our life secure but being rich in the sight of God. The one person who was supremely rich in the sigh of God was His Son, Jesus, and we are rich in the sight of God to the extent that we are becoming conformed to the image of His Son, in the language of Saint Paul. Jesus shows us what being rich in the sight of God looks like. Rather than storing up treasures for Himself on earth, He emptied Himself in the service of others. He gave Himself away for others and this self-giving reached its completion on the cross. As He hung from the cross, He was supremely poor in the eyes of the world, but supremely rich in the sight of God. Insofar as we allow the risen Lord to live out His self-giving love in our lives, we too will be rich in the sight of God and our lives will be truly secure.

In our Gospel reading, Jesus shifts our focus from earthly possessions to eternal priorities. He reminds us that everything in this world is fragile and fleeting, prone to destruction and theft. Instead of placing our hope in material things, Christ invites us to invest in treasures that endure those stored in Heaven. The passage challenges us to examine the direction of our hearts: what we treasure reveals where our hearts truly dwell. Jesus uses the image of the eye as the lamp of the body to speak about spiritual perception. If our inner vision our perspective is clear and focused on truth, our entire being will radiate with the light of God. But if our spiritual vision is clouded by greed, pride, or worldly desire, our inner life is plunged into darkness. A distorted view of what truly matters leads not only to misplaced values but also to a life disconnected from divine purpose. Today’s Gospel is a call to clarity of vision and purity of heart. It asks: where is your heart? What do you seek? What do you see as lasting and valuable?

In the First Reading, Saint Paul recounts his many trials and sufferings not to glorify himself, but to point out that true discipleship often comes with great cost. He contrasts himself with those who boast in worldly qualifications or appearances. While others may boast in status or strength, Paul says, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” His trials beatings, shipwrecks, dangers, hunger, sleepless nights are a testimony not to his greatness, but to God’s sustaining power. He boasts not in what makes him impressive, but in what makes him dependent on grace. This reversal of worldly boasting reflects the same teaching as the Gospel: true riches lie not in self-glorification, but in surrender. Paul’s suffering becomes his spiritual treasure because it reveals Christ’s strength working in his weakness.

The Responsorial Psalm sings of the God who rescues, uplifts, and restores the lowly. “From all their distress God rescues the just.” This refrain offers hope to those who are weary, anxious, or afraid. The psalmist reminds us that our cries do not go unheard and that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. The humble, not the proud, are radiant with joy; the poor, not the self-sufficient, are heard by God. This reinforces the Gospel’s theme: God’s gaze is on the heart, and He treasures those who treasure Him.

As we reflect and meditate on today’s Sacred Scriptures, we are invited to look inward. What do I truly treasure? Are my eyes fixed on the temporary or the eternal? Am I consumed by the worries and rewards of this world, or am I seeking to be filled with the light of God’s truth? Like Saint Paul, am I willing to boast in weakness, trusting that God’s power is made perfect there? Do I allow suffering and hardship to deepen my dependence on Christ, or do I resist the trials that could purify my heart? May the Lord grant us the grace to store up treasures in heaven to love what is eternal, to see with the clarity of faith, and to live with hearts aligned to His will. May our eyes be sound, our hearts generous, and our lives reflect the light of heaven. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may our boasting always point back to the One who saves, sanctifies, and strengthens us. 🙏🏽

Eternal Father, help me to fix my eyes on what is lasting. Cleanse my heart of attachment to worldly things and teach me to treasure what is eternal Your truth, Your mercy, and Your love. When I feel weak, remind me that You are strong. Let my life shine with Your light, and may I boast only in Your grace. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF JOHN OF MATERA, ABBOT; SAINT SILVERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR; BLESSED JOHN FENWICK AND BLESSED JOHN GAVAN, PRIESTS AND MARTYRS; BLESSED MARGARET EBNER, RELIGIOUS AND BLESSED IRISH CATHOLIC MARTYRS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 20TH: Today, Holy Mother Church honors a remarkable assembly of witnesses who shone with courage, faith, and deep love for Christ: Saint John of Matera, Abbot and reformer of monastic life; Saint Silverius, Pope and martyr who stood firm for truth against imperial pressure; Blessed John Fenwick and Blessed John Gavan, Jesuit priests martyred for the faith during England’s persecution of Catholics; Blessed Margaret Ebner, a Dominican mystic and spiritual writer of profound depth; and the Blessed Irish Catholic Martyrs, who gave their lives rather than betray the Catholic faith during centuries of brutal persecution. Through their powerful intercession, and under the mantle of our Blessed Mother Mary, we lift our prayers today for the persecuted Church and all who suffer for their faith. We pray for the sick and those nearing death, especially those afflicted by cancer or chronic illness. We entrust broken families, divided communities, and struggling clergy to the mercy of God. May their lives inspire us to remain faithful, to pray unceasingly, and to treasure the gift of our Catholic faith even in adversity. Amen. 🙏🏽

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 20th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John, Saint Silverius, Blessed John Fenwick and Blessed John Gavan, Blessed Margaret Ebner, and the Blessed Irish Catholic Martyrs | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-20th/ )

SAINT JOHN OF MATERA:  Saint John of Matera (c. 1070–1139), also known as Giovanni di Matera or John of Pulsano, was a mystic, preacher, and monastic reformer born in southern Italy. Leaving behind the privileges of noble birth, John embraced the monastic life with fervor, but his unwavering observance of the Rule caused tension with fellow monks. He spent years in search of a community aligned with his spiritual zeal, preaching boldly and enduring imprisonment, slander, and false accusations. Eventually, he founded a monastery at Pulsano on Mount Gargano, gathering over sixty disciples. Renowned for his prophetic insight, miraculous gifts, and fiery love for God, he lived a life of humility and deep holiness. He died on June 20, 1139.

PRAYER: Saint John of Matera, help us to remain steadfast in our vocations and burn with zeal for the things of God. May we never waver in truth, no matter the cost. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT SILVERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR: Saint Silverius, son of Pope Hormisdas, became pope in 536 A.D. during a time of great theological and political unrest. He courageously resisted imperial pressure to reinstate a heretical bishop, which led to his exile and eventual martyrdom by starvation on the island of Palmarola. Even in the face of betrayal and false accusations, Silverius remained faithful to the teachings of the Church, refusing to compromise with heresy. His legacy is a powerful witness to the price of fidelity to the faith.

PRAYER: Saint Silverius, strengthen all leaders of the Church with the courage to uphold the truth in love, and to remain faithful even under pressure and persecution. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED JOHN FENWICK AND BLESSED JOHN GAVAN, PRIESTS AND MARTYRS: Blessed John Fenwick and Blessed John Gavan, Jesuit priests in 17th-century England, were falsely accused during the anti-Catholic hysteria of the “Popish Plot.” Though innocent, they were condemned to death for supposed treason and hanged on June 20, 1679. Blessed John Gavan gave a powerful defense of his priesthood and conscience during the trial. Their quiet courage and dignified martyrdom remain a shining example of integrity, truth, and priestly sacrifice.

PRAYER: Blessed John Fenwick and Blessed John Gavan, pray for all priests facing danger or persecution. May they remain steadfast, holy, and brave in proclaiming Christ’s Gospel. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED MARGARET EBNER, RELIGIOUS: Blessed Margaret Ebner (1291–1351) was a German Dominican nun and mystic, known for her deep union with Christ through suffering and contemplation. After a serious illness that left her bedridden for years, she was gifted with spiritual visions and the grace of interior dialogue with God. Her writings reflect a tender love for Jesus and deep trust in divine providence. She became a guiding light for the Rhineland mystics and is remembered for her holiness, wisdom, and love for truth.

PRAYER: Blessed Margaret Ebner, inspire us to seek Christ in our suffering, and may your example lead us into deeper intimacy with God through prayer and stillness. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED IRISH CATHOLIC MARTYRS: The Blessed Irish Catholic Martyrs were men and women from every walk of life bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful who suffered and died for the Catholic faith in Ireland between 1537 and 1681. Refusing to deny the true Church or accept the monarch as its head, they chose death over betrayal of Christ. Among them were shepherds and sailors, mothers and missionaries, all united by a treasure more precious than life itself: their Catholic faith.

PRAYER: Blessed Irish Martyrs, may your steadfast faith inspire us to stand firm in truth and live as bold witnesses to Christ. Strengthen persecuted Christians today with your prayers. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John, Saint Silverius, Blessed John Fenwick and Blessed John Gavan, Blessed Margaret Ebner, and the Blessed Irish Catholic Martyrs ~ 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 JUNE: That the world might grow in compassion. Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JUNE | MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful sign of Christ’s love and mercy. His Heart, pierced and crowned with thorns, burns with compassion for all humanity. This devotion calls us to return love for love to console His Heart and make reparation for sin and indifference. Rooted in the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Church invites us this month to deepen our trust in Jesus, especially through First Friday devotions, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, and acts of consecration. His words echo in our hearts: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).

The Sacred Heart shows us what true love looks like patient, humble, and self-giving. In a world often cold and restless, we find peace and healing in His Heart.

“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.”

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, teach us to love as You love. Fill our hearts with compassion, mercy, and a deep desire to follow You. Amen 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, on this day, we lift our hearts in prayer, inspired by the steadfast witness of Saint John of Matera, Saint Silverius, Blessed John Fenwick and Blessed John Gavan, Blessed Margaret Ebner, and the Blessed Irish Catholic Martyrs. May their lives of holiness, courage, and fidelity strengthen us to seek not treasures on earth, but treasures in heaven. We pray for all those who suffer for their faith today for the persecuted Church, for priests and religious enduring trials, and for those tempted by despair or spiritual fatigue. We pray for those imprisoned or falsely accused, for the sick and dying, especially those without comfort or care. We remember all who long for justice, for peace within families and divided communities, and for a renewal of integrity among leaders in Church and society. May the poor in spirit be consoled, the humble be exalted, and the faithful be strengthened to walk in the light of Christ’s truth and mercy.

LET US PRAY

God of all glory, You and You alone are worthy of all my praise. Your will and Your will alone must become the foundation of all that I choose in life. Give me the spiritual insight I need to look deeply at all that motivates me and all of my most interior intentions in life. May all of my intentions and all of my actions have as their goal Your eternal glory. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord our God, You are our treasure and our light. Cleanse our hearts from all darkness and vanity, that we may see clearly and live for the things that last forever. Through the example and prayers of today’s holy saints and martyrs, help us to walk with humility, forgive with sincerity, and endure hardship with hope. May we seek not the approval of the world, but the joy of belonging to Your Kingdom. Grant us courage like Saint Silverius, perseverance like Blessed Margaret Ebner, and unwavering love like the Irish martyrs who chose Heaven over life itself. Fill us with the spirit of surrender and simplicity taught in today’s Gospel, and let our lives be a reflection of Your eternal glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John, Saint Silverius, Blessed John Fenwick and Blessed John Gavan, Blessed Margaret Ebner, and the Blessed Irish Catholic Martyrs ~ Pray for us🙏🏽

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 week 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 start to Ordinary Time, and a peaceful 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 Missons 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