FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 2, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Athanasius and Saint Antoninus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-2nd/ )
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis | EWTN | May 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-59/
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/ [Please see details and prayer links below]
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy 1st Friday, Second Week of Easter
Today, the 1st Friday of the month of May is Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The entire month of May is dedicated to our beloved Mother Mary, the Mother of God. As we continue to rejoice in the victory of Christ’s Resurrection, we give heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the new month of May. May this Easter season renew our strength, deepen our faith, and fill our hearts with the peace of the Risen Lord. May our Mother Mary continue to intercede for us and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Easter. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, blessed start to the month. Amen 🙏🏽
Watch “SEVENTH NOVENDIAL MASS MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL CLAUDIO GUGEROTTI | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | MAY 2, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/funeral-mass-of-pope-francis/
Novendiales (Nine Days of Mourning) Masses Schedule for Pope Francis (26 April 2025 – 4 May 2025)
Learn more about the Novendiales (Nine days of mourning) in the Papal Interregnum article below:
PAPAL INTERREGNUM (VACANCY OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE) | EWTN | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/papal-interregnum/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AND SUCESS OF THE CONCLAVE
With the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:
Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.
Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come – You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.
Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and 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 and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
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 🙏🏽
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/
As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, today the Church commemorates Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (patron of theologians and defenders of the faith) and Saint Antoninus of Florence (patron of archbishops, social justice, and those in financial difficulty). Both were bishops who defended the truth and shepherded the faithful during times of great challenge. Saint Athanasius was a tireless defender of Christ’s divinity against the Arian heresy, enduring exile and persecution to safeguard the faith. Saint Antoninus, known for his simplicity, wisdom, and justice, served the poor of Florence and brought reform and integrity to the clergy and laity alike. In these uncertain days of the papal interregnum, we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus, to help guide the Church with courage, clarity, and charity.
DAILY REFLECTIONS WITH PHILOMENA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/
Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/
WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/26/world-prayers-for-pope-francis/
Honoring a Legacy of Service: The 10th Memorial Anniversary of Late Noble (Sir) Gabriel Louis Ihieje Opiepe (KSJI) | https://gliopiepehe.org/2025/04/12/honoring-a-legacy-of-service-the-10th-memorial-anniversary-of-late-noble-sir-gabriel-louis-ihieje-opiepe-ksji/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/
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/
PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
A PRAYER FOR PEACE : 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/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the Second Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | Friday, May 2, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 5:34-42
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-14
Gospel, John 6:1-15
Gospel Reading ~ John 6:1-15
“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.” (John 6:11)
“Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised His eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because He Himself knew what He was going to do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, He said to His disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign He had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry Him off to make Him king, He withdrew again to the mountain alone.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus and His disciples found themselves before a situation that seemed beyond their ability to deal with. They were faced with a hungry crowd and little or no means of feeding them. Philip and Andrew were both at a loss. Their inclination was to do nothing because the situation seemed hopeless. Where could food be found to feed such a crowd? In this situation different people reacted in different ways. Philip made a calculation: on the basis of the number of people and the amount of money available to buy food, and decided that nothing could be done. Andrew recognized that one of the crowd had a small amount of food but he dismissed this small resource as of no value. There were two other reactions in the story. There is the reaction of the small boy who willingly gave to Jesus the few pieces of food that he had. This is the reaction of the generous person, of the one who is prepared to give all he or she has, even though it appears to be far less than what is needed. He gave all he had to give. Then there is the reaction of Jesus Himself. Jesus knew that something could be done and He involved His disciples in doing what could be done, calling on them to make the people sit down. Jesus took the few resources that the young boy was generous enough to part with and, having prayed the prayer of thanksgiving to God over these small pieces of food, He somehow fed the enormous crowd. After feeding the crowd, Jesus asked His disciples to collect the pieces that were left over when everyone had eaten. With the Lord’s help what seemed impossible became possible. The Gospel reading suggests that the Lord can work powerfully through meagre resources. Like the disciples, we can feel hopeless before certain situations. We find it very hard to get started. It all seems too much for us. Yet, there is always something we can do, no matter how small. It may seem as small as the two barley loaves and five fish, but the Lord can work powerfully through our efforts, small as they may seem to us. We can always ask the Lord to do what he can with the little that we have and if we do that we may discover, like the disciples, that something wonderful happens. The Gospel teaches us that if we give generously from our resources to others, the Lord will work powerfully through those resources, small as they may seem to us.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Jesus performs one of the most well-known miracles in Scripture—the feeding of the five thousand. This moment of divine providence reveals both the compassion of Jesus and the abundance of God’s grace. It begins with a crowd in need and ends with a miraculous satisfaction of their hunger physical and spiritual. The scene is a prefiguration of the Eucharist: Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives. He feeds the multitude not only out of power but out of deep concern for their well-being. What started as a small offering—a boy’s five barley loaves and two fish—became, in Jesus’ hands, a feast for thousands. This teaches us that nothing is too small when surrendered to Christ. He multiplies our humble gifts for the good of many. The miracle also reveals how Jesus tests His disciples, not to shame them but to deepen their faith. Philip and Andrew’s responses show limited, worldly reasoning. Yet Jesus already knew what He was going to do. This reminds us that God’s plans often exceed our imagination. He sees the needs, knows our limitations, and still invites us into the process. Like the disciples, we are called to trust, even when solutions seem impossible. At the end, Jesus instructs them to gather the fragments so that nothing is wasted. God’s generosity is never careless He values every offering and every soul. This Gospel calls us to live in expectant faith, to offer our small gifts with confidence, and to believe in the God who brings abundance from scarcity.
Our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles details the time when the Sanhedrin, or the Jewish High Council was pondering on what to do with the Apostles who had courageously opposed them and refused to follow their orders not to proclaim and teach in the Name of the Risen Christ, with many of the members of the Sanhedrin were desiring to destroy those Apostles, angry and inflamed as they were with the Apostles who defied them and spoke with great Wisdom and courage, in resisting the pressures and coercions levied against them. But with the rising tension and passionate anger, one figure came forth seeking calm and rationale argument, namely the highly respected Gamaliel, a renowned and highly respected teacher of the faith, an elder Pharisee of great reputation. This Gamaliel told the Sanhedrin members to listen to reason and wisdom, and not persecute the Apostles. The reasons presented by Gamaliel were very compelling, as he brought up the recent so-called False Messiahs, all those who have claimed to be the Messiah or the Saviour sent by God, and how their following and works quickly disappeared and were scattered after their leaders were put to death. Thus, following the same logic and example, Gamaliel convinced the other members of the Sanhedrin to let the Lord’s disciples be, as if their Lord and Master had indeed been a False Messiah like the others before Him, His movement and the works of His disciples would have quickly disappeared and they would be quickly scattered. On the other hand, as what was actually the case, if their Lord and Master was truly the true Messiah, the Saviour of the world, then no matter what efforts or persecutions the Sanhedrin would carry out against them, the works of the Lord would continue and triumph in the end. That is why, all of us are called and reminded to put our trust and faith in the Lord, remembering that He has always been by our side, guiding us and providing for us, protecting and helping us even in ways that we may not realise at first. The Lord has always been with His Church and His disciples, and according to our Gospel reading today, He has provided for us all that we need by His love and compassion towards us.
Reflecting on our first reading, it paints a powerful picture of unwavering faith and the providence of God working even within opposition. The intervention of Gamaliel a wise Pharisee reveals a deep spiritual insight: if the apostles’ mission is of human origin, it will fail on its own; but if it is from God, no force can stop it. This wisdom still holds true today. It reminds us to discern wisely and to avoid rash decisions driven by fear or power. What stands out most is the apostles’ response to persecution. After being flogged and ordered not to speak in Jesus’ name, they rejoice—rejoice!—because they were found worthy to suffer dishonor for Christ. This kind of joyful endurance is a witness to their deep love and conviction.
Despite the threats, pain, and rejection, the apostles remain unwavering. They do not retreat or compromise. Instead, they continue to teach “all day long, both at the temple and in their homes.” What fuels such courage? Their personal encounter with the Risen Christ, and the fire of the Holy Spirit within them. Today, we are reminded that living the Gospel boldly may come with suffering, but such suffering is never in vain. It becomes a badge of honor in the Kingdom of God. Like the apostles, we must be ready to endure discomfort or rejection if it means remaining faithful to Christ.
“One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm is a beautiful cry of trust and longing for God. The Lord is portrayed as light, salvation, and refuge three images of protection, clarity, and strength. In the face of trials, the psalmist seeks only one thing: to live in God’s presence. This single-hearted desire is a challenge to our scattered lives. How often do we make God’s presence our first pursuit? The call to “wait for the Lord with courage” reminds us that trust in God requires both patience and boldness. In times of fear or uncertainty, we are called to stand firm, not in our strength, but in the assurance of God’s faithfulness.
Are we offering what little we have to Jesus in faith, trusting Him to multiply it for His glory? Do we recognize divine abundance in the midst of scarcity? When faced with ridicule or rejection for our beliefs, do we respond with joy and courage like the apostles? Is our deepest longing to dwell in the presence of the Lord? Let us not withhold what we have, no matter how small, from the hands of Christ. When offered with love and trust, He transforms our gifts into blessings for others. Like the apostles, may we rejoice in suffering for His name and never cease to proclaim Him in every space we enter temple, home, or heart. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, all of us are reminded of the love and compassion, the kindness and all of the things which our Lord and Saviour has always shown us, in being present with us and for us, in our every journeys and paths, in all the roads that we are travelling through within our respective lives. God has always been ever present in all of that, and He will not abandon us no matter what. Everything that the Church and the Christian brothers and sisters had done, all have been guided and protected by the Lord. God will not abandon all those who put their trust and faith in Him. His love and kindness have always been shown to us, and none of us will be left without help, in our hour and time of need. For if we depend solely only on our own power, we will likely face defeat and failure, but with God’s help, everything is possible. Let us be inspired by the courage and the hard work shown by all those holy predecessors of ours, in all the trust and faith in the Lord which they had shown us through their lives. Let us all be courageous and committed as they had done in their own lives. Let us all commit ourselves to the Lord and do our best to follow Him in all of our lives, doing whatever we can even in the smallest things, to proclaim and glorify Him by our exemplary lives. May God, our Risen Lord and Saviour in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and be with us always and may He empower each one of us to live ever more faithfully in His Holy Presence, now, always and forevermore. Amen🙏
Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life who satisfies the hunger of every heart. We thank You for Your abundant love and miraculous power. Teach us to bring our small gifts to You in faith, trusting that You can use them beyond our imagining. Grant us the courage of the apostles to witness boldly to Your name, even in the face of opposition. Help us to long for Your presence above all else, and to wait for You with courage and hope. May we never take for granted the joy of being counted worthy to serve You. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND SAINT ANTONINUS, BISHOP: MAY 2ND: As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, today the Church commemorates Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (patron of theologians and defenders of the faith) and Saint Antoninus of Florence (patron of archbishops, social justice, and those in financial difficulty). Both were bishops who defended the truth and shepherded the faithful during times of great challenge. Saint Athanasius was a tireless defender of Christ’s divinity against the Arian heresy, enduring exile and persecution to safeguard the faith. Saint Antoninus, known for his simplicity, wisdom, and justice, served the poor of Florence and brought reform and integrity to the clergy and laity alike. In these uncertain days of the papal interregnum, we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus, to help guide the Church with courage, clarity, and charity.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 2nd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Athanasius and Saint Antoninus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-2nd/)
SAINT ATHANASIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: Patron of theologians and defenders of the faith. Born around 296 A.D. in Alexandria, Egypt, Saint Athanasius became one of the Church’s greatest defenders of the faith during the early centuries of Christianity. As a deacon, he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325, where he strongly upheld the doctrine of Christ being consubstantial with the Father a stance that became central to the Nicene Creed.
Athanasius served as Bishop of Alexandria for 46 years, but due to his opposition to Arianism, he was exiled five times, totaling 17 years away from his see. Despite relentless persecution, he remained firm in proclaiming the truth of Christ’s divinity, leaving behind profound theological works like On the Incarnation.
Declared a Doctor of the Church, Athanasius is rightly called the Father of Orthodoxy. His courage and clarity preserved the faith for generations to come.
Saint Gregory of Nazianzus said of him:
“His life and doctrine were a rule of virtue for all.”
PRAYER: Lord God, who gave Your Church Saint Athanasius as a fearless shepherd and brilliant teacher, grant that we may be courageous in defending the truth of the Gospel. Through his intercession, help us to hold fast to the divinity of Christ and to persevere in the faith amid trials. May we, like him, proclaim the truth with love and humility. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT ANTONINUS OF FLORENCE, BISHOP: Patron of archbishops, those in financial hardship, and social justice. Born in Florence in 1389, Saint Antoninus, also known as Antoninus Pierozzi, joined the Dominican Order as a young man. Known for his intelligence and holiness, he was appointed Archbishop of Florence in 1446. Despite his high position, he lived simply, refusing luxury and dedicating himself to the service of the poor and the reform of the clergy.
A gifted administrator and moral theologian, Saint Antoninus authored the Summa Moralis, a guide to Christian ethics and conscience. He founded shelters, hospitals, and relief programs for the poor, and was beloved by his people for his wisdom and compassion.
He died in 1459 and was canonized in 1523. Saint Antoninus remains a powerful intercessor for justice, good governance, and integrity in leadership.
PRAYER: O God of justice and mercy, who called Saint Antoninus to shepherd Your people with humility and wisdom, grant that we may follow his example in caring for the poor, pursuing justice, and living with integrity. Help us to use our positions and gifts to serve rather than be served, and to build communities rooted in compassion and truth. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: For Working Conditions ~ Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ~ POPE FRANCIS: For Working Conditions ~ Jesus, You knew work in this world, and You understand its hardships and joys… Hear our prayer today. Working is a human trait… Work is sacred… The beauty of the earth and the dignity of work were meant to be united… The earth becomes beautiful when man works… Lord, You see that we believe this with conviction, but we desire even more for it to become a reality among us.
We are saddened when people can’t find work and lack the dignity of bringing bread to their home. Give us the light of your Spirit, open our hearts, do not let indifference overcome us.
Help us recover the gift of universal brotherhood. We ask for a heart as big as Jesus’s so we can embrace the call to work to give dignity to people and families.
Amen 🙏🏽
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues—especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.
In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, on this day, we honor Saint Athanasius, courageous defender of our faith, and Saint Antoninus, compassionate shepherd of the poor. May their intercession strengthen all Church leaders with clarity and charity in preaching the Gospel. We pray for those persecuted for their faith grant them courage and joy, as shown by the apostles in today’s reading from Acts. Be a light to all who struggle with fear or uncertainty, as proclaimed in Psalm 27. For the hungry, the sick, and the poor, may Your mercy provide healing and provision, just as You fed the multitudes in today’s Gospel. In this time of the papal conclave, send forth Your Spirit to guide the cardinals in unity and truth. Amen. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My most generous Lord, You not only give spiritual nourishment to Your people, You give it in superabundance. As I daily seek You out and am filled with Your mercy, help me to never tire of feasting upon the superabundant gift of Your grace. Please do nourish me, dear Lord, and help me to consume Your holy Word. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life who satisfies the deepest hunger of our hearts. As You looked upon the crowd with compassion and fed them abundantly, look upon Your Church today and nourish us with Your grace. Teach us to trust in Your provision and to offer what little we have, knowing You can multiply it for the good of many.
Through the intercession of Saint Athanasius, help us to defend the truth with boldness and fidelity, even when it is unpopular. Through the example of Saint Antoninus, may we act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with You. Let their lives inspire us to live with theological clarity and pastoral charity.
O Divine Shepherd, as the Church awaits a new pope, pour out the Spirit of counsel, wisdom, and discernment upon the conclave. May the one chosen reflect the strength of Athanasius, the gentleness of Antoninus, and the heart of Christ Himself.
We place all our needs into Your Sacred Heart, confident that You hear and respond in love. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, and renew Your Church in holiness. Through the prayers of Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus, may we remain faithful until the end. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Athanasius, and Saint Antoninus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection, may our hearts remain open to the peace and hope that flow from His victory over sin and death. During this joyful Easter season, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and draw us closer to the mystery of His Passion, death, and Resurrection. May we walk in the light of His risen life, renewed in spirit and overflowing with grace. Praying for us all and our loved ones today and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling during this Easter season. As we embrace the blessings of this new month, may God’s abundant grace continue to shower upon us, filling our hearts with peace, joy, and hope in His Resurrection. May this Friday be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Friday and joyful Second Week of Easter 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 |