THE SIXTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 30, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANYSIUS, BISHOP OF THESSALONICA; SAINT SABINUS, BISHOP OF SPOLETO AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARYTRS AND SAINT ANYSIA OF SALONIKA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR | DECEMBER 30TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Anysius, Saint Sabinus and his Companions, and Saint Anysia of Salonika | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-30th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 30, 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-december-30-2025/

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church continues the joy of the Christmas Octave as we observe the Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas and commemorate the Memorial of Saint Anysius, Bishop of Thessalonica; Saint Sabinus, Bishop of Spoleto and his Companions, Martyrs; and Saint Anysia of Salonika, Virgin and Martyr. As the Word of God invites us to remain rooted in Christ rather than in the passing attractions of the world, the lives of these holy witnesses remind us that true joy and lasting hope are found in fidelity to God, courageous faith, and steadfast love. In the glow of the Nativity, we are encouraged to grow in wisdom and grace, choosing holiness even in the midst of trial and persecution. 🙏🏾

We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the month of December. As we continue this sacred 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 December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. 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 December 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 December. 🙏🏽

SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, The Octave of Christmas | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas | December 30, 2025
Reading 1: 1 John 2:12–17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:7–8a, 8b–9, 10
Gospel: Luke 2:36–40

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 2:36–40

“There was a prophetess, Anna… who never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.”

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

In today’s Gospel, we encounter Anna the prophetess, a woman of deep faith, perseverance, and hope. Advanced in years and widowed for most of her life, Anna chose not bitterness or withdrawal, but a life wholly dedicated to God. Day and night, she remained in the Temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer, patiently awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promise. When the Child Jesus is brought into the Temple, Anna immediately recognizes Him and gives thanks to God, speaking about the Child to all who were longing for the redemption of Jerusalem. Her quiet faithfulness is finally met with divine fulfillment. Anna reminds us that waiting on the Lord is never wasted; God always keeps His promises, even if fulfillment comes after long years of silence.

Reflecting more deeply on the Gospel, Anna’s life teaches us that holiness often grows in hidden places. She did not preach publicly or perform miracles, yet her steadfast devotion made her one of the first witnesses to the Messiah. Her testimony flowed naturally from a heart formed by prayer. In a world that prizes speed, recognition, and instant results, Anna invites us to rediscover the beauty of patient faith. She shows us that those who remain faithful in prayer will recognize Christ when He comes, even in unexpected ways. Her joy was not loud or dramatic, but it was contagious—she could not keep the Good News to herself.

In the First Reading, Saint John speaks directly to believers at every stage of life—children, young people, and elders—assuring them that their sins are forgiven, that they know God, and that they have conquered the Evil One through the Word of God dwelling within them. Yet John also offers a clear warning: “Do not love the world or the things of the world.” He reminds us that worldly desires—pride, lust, and self-centered ambition—are passing away. True fulfillment comes from doing the will of God, which alone remains forever. In the light of Christmas, this reading calls us to examine our attachments and ask whether our hearts are rooted in God or distracted by what cannot last.

The Responsorial Psalm joyfully proclaims, “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!” All creation is invited to worship the Lord, the true King who governs the world with justice and equity. This psalm echoes the universal joy of Christmas: God has come among His people, not only for Israel, but for all nations. Our worship today is not merely a response to God’s goodness; it is a proclamation to the world that the Lord reigns. Like Anna, we are called to announce His glory by the way we live.

As we reflect on today’s readings, we are invited to ask ourselves: Am I patient in waiting for God’s promises? Do I remain faithful in prayer even when life feels long and uncertain? Where is my heart anchored in the passing attractions of the world or in the eternal will of God? The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas reminds us that the light of Christ continues to grow quietly, steadily, and powerfully in those who remain faithful. Like Anna, may we recognize Christ in our midst; like Saint John urges, may we walk in the light, detached from what fades, and committed to what endures forever. May the Child Jesus, who grew in wisdom and grace, also strengthen us to live faithfully as children of God, now and always. 🙏🏽

O Lord our God, You reveal Your Son to those who wait for You with faithful hearts. Teach us patience in prayer, courage in faith, and wisdom to turn away from what does not lead to You. May Your Word remain in us, strengthening us to do Your will and walk always in the light of Christ. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANYSIUS, BISHOP OF THESSALONICA; SAINT SABINUS, BISHOP OF SPOLETO AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS; AND SAINT ANYSIA OF SALONIKA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 30TH: Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Anysius, Bishop of Thessalonica; Saint Sabinus, Bishop of Spoleto and his Companions, Martyrs; and Saint Anysia of Salonika, Virgin and Martyr. Celebrated on the Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas, this memorial powerfully unites the joy of Christ’s Nativity with the courageous witness of the saints. Their lives marked by faithful shepherding, steadfast defense of the Church, and heroic martyrdom—remind us that the light of Christ shines most brightly in those who remain loyal to Him amid trials and persecution. As we honor them today, we are invited to renew our commitment to live the Gospel with courage, fidelity, and sacrificial love. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 30th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Anysius, Saint Sabinus and Companions, and Saint Anysia of Salonika | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-30th/)

SAINT ANYSIUS, BISHOP OF THESSALONICA: Saint Anysius († c. 407) served as Bishop of Thessalonica, succeeding Saint Ascholius, whose holiness deeply shaped his own pastoral life. Highly esteemed by great saints such as Saint Ambrose, Pope Saint Damasus, and Pope Saint Innocent I, Anysius was appointed Patriarchal Vicar of Illyricum, entrusted with safeguarding Church unity and doctrine. Known for his wisdom, humility, and firm defense of ecclesial justice, he courageously supported Saint John Chrysostom during his unjust exile, appealing repeatedly to Rome on his behalf. Saint Anysius remains a model of faithful episcopal leadership and unwavering loyalty to truth.

PRAYER: O God, Shepherd of Your people, You raised Saint Anysius as a faithful bishop and defender of the Church. Through his intercession, strengthen our faith, guide our pastors in wisdom, and help us remain steadfast in truth and charity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT SABINUS, BISHOP OF SPOLETO AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS: Saint Sabinus († c. 303), Bishop of Spoleto, bore courageous witness to Christ during the brutal Diocletian persecution. Refusing to renounce his faith, he endured imprisonment, torture, and eventual martyrdom, encouraging his deacons and companions to remain faithful even unto death. His charity and holiness shone brightly even in suffering, as he healed the blind and led souls, including his persecutors—to Christ. Alongside his companions, including the widow Serena, Saint Sabinus stands as a powerful testimony to fearless faith and total trust in God.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You crowned Saint Sabinus and his companions with the glory of martyrdom. Grant us, through their intercession, the courage to stand firm in faith and to witness to Christ in every circumstance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT ANYSIA OF SALONIKA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Anysia of Salonika († c. 298) was a young Christian virgin who dedicated her life wholly to Christ through prayer, fasting, and charity to the poor. Living during fierce persecution, she boldly professed her faith when confronted by a Roman soldier and refused to worship false gods. Her fearless confession of Christ led to her martyrdom, earning her the crown of virginity and martyrdom. Saint Anysia’s purity, courage, and unwavering love for Christ continue to inspire the faithful, especially young believers, to remain steadfast in holiness.

PRAYER: O Lord, who strengthened Saint Anysia to confess Christ even unto death, grant us pure hearts and courageous faith. Through her intercession, help us remain faithful witnesses to Your truth in all circumstances. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Anysius, Saint Sabinus and his Companions, and Saint Anysia of Salonika ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

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

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of December | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-december/

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/

KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/

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 DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.

This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.

In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽

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

PRAYER INTENTIONS: In the light of God’s Word today, which calls us to love not the passing things of the world but to remain faithful to the will of the Father, we lift our hearts in prayer. We pray for the Church, that like Saint Anysius, she may remain steadfast in truth, unity, and pastoral courage, especially in times of trial and division. We pray for all bishops, priests, and spiritual leaders, that they may shepherd God’s people with integrity, humility, and unwavering fidelity to the Gospel. We remember all who suffer persecution for their faith, asking that the witness of Saint Sabinus, his Companions, and Saint Anysia may strengthen them with courage and hope. We pray for consecrated virgins, young people, and all who seek holiness of life, that they may grow in wisdom and grace like the child Jesus and remain rooted in love for God above all else. Finally, we pray for our own hearts, that we may let go of worldly attachments and walk daily in the light of Christ.

LET US PRAY:

Heavenly Father, You call us to remain in Your love and to do Your will, which endures forever. As we celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth and honor the witness of Your faithful saints, grant us the grace to live as children of the light. Strengthen us to resist the allure of the world, to grow in wisdom and holiness, and to bear courageous witness to the Gospel in our daily lives. Through the intercession of Saint Anysius, Saint Sabinus and his Companions, and Saint Anysia of Salonika, may we remain faithful until the end. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Anysius, Saint Sabinus and his Companions, and Saint Anysia of Salonika ~ 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 continue our joyful celebration of the Octave of Christmas, may our hearts remain open to the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth, who comes to dwell among us and bring light, hope, and salvation to the world. As we journey through these holy days, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, born for us in humble love. May this sacred season fill our lives with the peace, joy, and grace that flow from the presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us. Alleluia! May God bless all those gathering with family and friends during this blessed time, and may His love shine brightly in every home. May these days of the Christmas Octave be safe, grace-filled, and joyful, drawing us ever deeper into the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation and the quiet wonder of His abiding presence among us. 🙏🏽

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/