WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 9, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG, PRIEST AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS; SAINT MARIE AMANDINE, RELIGIOUS AND MARTYR; SAINT VERONICA GUILIANI, VIRGIN AND BLESSED ADRIAN FORTESCUE, MARTYR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Blessed Adrian Fortescue | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-9th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 9, 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-123/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time! We give thanks to God for the gift of life and the grace to see a new month. During this month of July, may the Precious Blood of Jesus cover and protect us, heal our wounds, and strengthen our faith. We pray for all those celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, new beginnings, and special moments in this month of July. May God’s blessings overflow in their lives. May this month bring peace to troubled hearts, direction to the lost, comfort to the grieving, and strength to the weary. In all things, may His will be done and His name be glorified. Amen🙏🏽
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 countless lives. We particularly pray for the victims of the recent flooding in Central Texas, may God restore what was lost and console all those who are grieving, injured, or have lost loved ones. Eternal rest grant unto those who lost their lives and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen 🙏🏽
On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we humbly pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our divided and conflicted world today. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world. We pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
We continue to pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of their gentle souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son & the Holy Spirit forever & ever. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of the Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of July.🙏🏽
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of July | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-july/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings for Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time | July 9, 2025
Reading 1: Genesis 41:55–57; 42:5–7a, 17–24a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:2–3, 10–11, 18–19
Gospel: Matthew 10:1–7
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 10:1–7
“Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand”
“Jesus summoned His Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus called twelve to whom He gave authority and power to share in His healing ministry. This twelve disciples were chosen from the larger group Jesus has been gathering since the beginning of His public ministry. The number twelve was significant; it is a reminder of the twelve tribes of Israel. This group of twelve were to symbolize the renewed Israel that Jesus was working to form. Jesus chose these twelve very deliberately. They were to receive intensive training and instruction so as to share in His ministry in a special way. Yet, by the end of the Gospel, everyone of this group had deserted Him, the first mentioned of the group, Peter, had denied Him publicly, and the last mentioned, Judas Iscariot, had betrayed Him to His enemies. In spite of the fact that these twelve had been given special authority and power and had spent more time in His company than others, listening to Him and seeing what He did, they failed Him when the cross came into view. They were not faithful to their calling. In the words of today’s first reading, their hearts were divided. Although Jesus calls people, calls each one of us, He cannot force us to respond to His call. Although He has a purpose for our lives, He is somewhat helpless before our refusal to co-operate with his purpose for us. Yet, in the Gospel story, the failure of the twelve was not the end of their relationship with Jesus. After He rose from the dead, He appeared to them in Galilee and renewed His relationship with them, sending them out to preach the Gospel to all nations. The Lord may be helpless before our failure but He remains faithful to us in spite of our unfaithfulness to Him and He is always at work to bring some good out of our failures. All He asks is that, in the words of today’s first reading, we continue to ‘go seeking the Lord’.
Today’s Gospel recounts a pivotal moment in the public ministry of Jesus His calling and commissioning of the Twelve Apostles. He not only names each of them but also gives them authority to cast out unclean spirits and to heal every disease and illness. This is a powerful moment of trust, mission, and identity. Jesus sends them not to distant nations but to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” emphasizing that the mission begins at home with their own people, their own brokenness, their own spiritual hunger. They are to go and proclaim a message that changes everything: “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This passage reminds us that discipleship is not just about following Jesus it’s also about being sent. Each of us is called by name, uniquely chosen, and entrusted with a portion of God’s mission in the world. Like the Apostles, we are not perfect. One of them—Judas Iscariot would go on to betray Jesus. And yet Jesus still calls, still sends, still trusts. What matters is our willingness to go where He sends us and to proclaim His Kingdom with love, healing, and hope. This mission is still alive today. We, too, are called to go to family, friends, neighbors, and communities. The “lost sheep” are not far away; they are the people around us who feel forgotten, confused, or far from God. Through small acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and moments of witness, we proclaim: God is near. The Kingdom is here.
In the first reading, the story of Joseph continues to unfold in today’s first reading, revealing a powerful moment of mercy, memory, and mystery. Joseph, once sold into slavery by his brothers, now stands as governor over Egypt during a global famine. The very brothers who betrayed him are now unknowingly kneeling before him, seeking food for their survival. Joseph recognizes them but hides his identity, and in the privacy of that moment, he weeps. This reading invites deep reflection on forgiveness and God’s providence. Joseph does not immediately reveal himself, but his heart is clearly moved. Behind the scenes, we see a story of pain being transformed into a path of reconciliation. The famine brought the world to its knees, but it also brought a broken family to the threshold of healing. Joseph’s tears remind us that forgiveness is not always immediate, but it is always possible through grace. Like Joseph, we may have been wronged, forgotten, or wounded by those closest to us. Yet God, in His wisdom, can use even the most painful chapters of our lives to bring about redemption not just for us, but for others as well.
The Responsorial Psalm proclaims: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” Today’s psalm is a hymn of trust in the providence and mercy of God. While human plans fail and nations fall, the plan of the Lord stands forever. The psalmist reminds us that God’s gaze is not distant but attentive He watches over those who fear Him, those who hope in His kindness. In the face of famine, fear, or uncertainty, we are called to place our trust in Him who delivers and sustains.
Reflecting on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to look at our own willingness to follow Jesus. Do I see myself as someone sent by Christ to bring His light to others? In what ways can I begin the mission “at home,” among those closest to me? Have I experienced pain like Joseph’s betrayal, rejection, or injustice and is God inviting me toward forgiveness and reconciliation? Am I placing my trust in God’s mercy today, even when circumstances seem uncertain? How can I proclaim the Kingdom of heaven is at hand in word, in witness, or in love? Today’s readings call us to live as people who are sent—healed by God’s mercy, strengthened by His Word, and ready to serve with compassion. Like Joseph, we may carry wounds from our past, but God can use even our pain for a greater purpose. Like the Apostles, we are chosen not because we are perfect, but because we are willing. Let us go forth with hearts open to God’s mission, eyes attuned to those in need, and a spirit ready to proclaim: The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may our words and actions today echo the mercy, justice, and love of Christ, bringing hope to the weary and food to the hungry both physically and spiritually. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You are the One who sends us out and who sustains us in every step. Like the Apostles, may we hear Your voice and answer Your call. Like Joseph, may we allow our pain to become a path for mercy and healing. In the face of the world’s hunger and confusion, may we proclaim with our lives that the Kingdom is near. Teach us to see with compassion, to act with courage, and to trust in Your plans that are higher than our own. Send us, Lord, and may we go joyfully into the harvest, knowing You are with us always. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG, PRIEST AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS; SAINT MARIE AMANDINE, RELIGIOUS AND MARTYR; SAINT VERONICA GUILIANI, VIRGIN AND BLESSED ADRIAN FORTESCUE, MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 9TH: Today, we honor four heroic witnesses to the faith: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Martyrs (Patrons of China and persecuted Christians), including 120 Chinese and missionary martyrs who gave their lives between 1648 and 1930 for their unwavering commitment to Christ; Saint Marie Amandine, Religious and Martyr (Patroness of nurses, medical missionaries, and joyful endurance), a Belgian Franciscan sister martyred during the Boxer Rebellion for her witness of mercy and radiant charity;
Saint Veronica Giuliani, Virgin (Patroness of mystics, stigmatics, and those devoted to the Sacred Heart), a Capuchin Poor Clare whose life of suffering, mystical union with Christ, and love for the Eucharist made her a spiritual giant; and Blessed Adrian Fortescue, Martyr (Patron of lay Dominicans, Catholic knights, and fidelity in persecution), an English nobleman and knight who gave his life for the Catholic faith under King Henry VIII.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and these holy men and women, we pray today for persecuted Christians and all those living their faith in secrecy or danger; for mystics, contemplatives, and those enduring suffering in silence; for nurses, caregivers, and missionaries who bring healing and joy to others; and for lay faithful, especially those in positions of leadership or public life, to remain courageous and steadfast in the truth. May we draw strength from the boldness of Augustine Zhao Rong, the joy of Saint Marie Amandine, the deep prayer of Saint Veronica Giuliani, and the integrity of Blessed Adrian Fortescue. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 9th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Blessed Adrian Fortescue| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-9th/)
SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong (+1815) was once a Chinese soldier assigned to escort Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse, a Catholic missionary, to his martyrdom. Deeply moved by the bishop’s faith, Augustine converted, was baptized, became a diocesan priest, and later gave his own life for Christ during a wave of brutal persecution. He is one among 120 Chinese martyrs—87 native Chinese and 33 missionaries—who were killed between 1648 and 1930 under various dynasties and regimes hostile to Christianity. These martyrs included clergy, religious, laymen, women, and even children like the young Anna Wang and Chi Zhuzi, who died with courage and joy, refusing to deny their faith. Their heroic witness reveals the depth of Christian conviction even amid terrible suffering. Pope John Paul II canonized all 120 martyrs on October 1, 2000, recognizing the Church’s deep roots and faithful witness in China.
PRAYER: O God of all nations, You called Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and his companions to witness to Your truth in the face of violent persecution. Strengthen all who suffer for their faith today, and may the example of the Chinese martyrs inspire in us a bold and joyful fidelity to Christ. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT MARIE AMANDINE, RELIGIOUS AND MARTYR: Saint Marie Amandine (1872–1900), born Pauline Jeuris in Belgium, was a cheerful Franciscan Missionary of Mary who served as a nurse in China. Known to the locals as “the laughing foreigner,” she cared tenderly for the sick and poor with joy and simplicity. During the violent Boxer Rebellion, when hostility toward Christians and foreigners surged, she and six fellow sisters were martyred for their faith. Rather than retreat in fear, they joyfully embraced martyrdom, singing the Te Deum as they died on July 9, 1900. Saint Marie Amandine’s courage was matched by her contagious joy—showing that holiness radiates even in times of great trial.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You filled Saint Marie Amandine with the joy of the Gospel and strength to serve amid persecution. Through her intercession, grant us cheerful courage in suffering, and bless all who bring healing and care to the sick and forgotten. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT VERONICA GIULIANI, VIRGIN: Saint Veronica Giuliani (1660–1727), born Ursula, was an Italian Capuchin Poor Clare known for her mystical union with Christ and extraordinary spiritual gifts. From an early age, she longed to share in Christ’s suffering and eventually received the stigmata mystical wounds mirroring those of Christ. She endured many trials, both spiritual and physical, but remained obedient and humble, even amid misunderstanding. As novice mistress and later abbess of her convent, she was a guiding light of charity and formation. Her diary, filled with visions, ecstasies, and deep insights, offers a window into the soul of a woman totally united with the crucified Christ. Her incorrupt heart remains a testimony to her sanctity.
PRAYER: Almighty God, You granted Saint Veronica Giuliani a profound share in the Passion of Your Son. May we, through her prayers, embrace the crosses of our lives with faith, and deepen our devotion to Your Sacred Heart. Amen. 🙏🏽
BLESSED ADRIAN FORTESCUE, MARTYR: Blessed Adrian Fortescue (c. 1476–1539) was an English knight, husband, father, and Dominican tertiary. A loyal subject of King Henry VIII, he nonetheless refused to compromise his Catholic faith when the king demanded allegiance to his new church. Despite his noble status and prior royal service, Adrian was arrested and executed without trial under vague accusations of treason his true crime being his fidelity to Rome and the Catholic Church. A man of both prayer and action, he is honored today as a martyr who reminds laypeople that sanctity and courage are also their calling, even in political or public life.
PRAYER: O God, You strengthened Blessed Adrian Fortescue to remain faithful even unto death. Through his intercession, grant us courage to stand for truth in our own time and remain steadfast in the face of opposition. May our daily witness honor You. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Blessed Adrian Fortescue ~ 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 JULY: For formation in discernment. Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JULY | MONTH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS: July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ a profound devotion that honors the redeeming power of Christ’s Blood shed for our salvation. Flowing from His Sacred Heart, this Blood is the price of our redemption, the source of grace in the sacraments, and the seal of the New Covenant. It reminds us that salvation was not won lightly, but through the ultimate sacrifice of love. This month, the Church invites us to meditate on the infinite value of Christ’s Blood poured out during His Passion from Gethsemane to Calvary and in every celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We are called to offer acts of reparation for the sins of the world and to intercede for the conversion of souls. Devotions such as the Litany of the Precious Blood, the Chaplet of the Precious Blood, and daily consecration to the Precious Blood help deepen our union with Christ crucified.
As Saint John Chrysostom once said, “The Precious Blood is the salvation of souls; it purifies, sanctifies, and strengthens.” In our trials, let us take refuge beneath the cross, trusting in the Blood that speaks of mercy, victory, and eternal life.
“Precious Blood of Jesus, save us and the whole world.”
O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, fountain of salvation, we adore You. Wash us clean of sin, protect us from evil, and draw us into deeper love and union with You. Amen. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this day, we lift our hearts to God in thanksgiving for the gift of faith and for the courageous witness of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and his companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Blessed Adrian Fortescue. May their heroic fidelity in the face of persecution inspire us to follow Christ more boldly. We pray for all missionaries and priests, especially those laboring in dangerous or hidden places, and for all Christians suffering for their faith in silence or isolation. May God strengthen persecuted believers around the world, protect the Church in regions of conflict, and raise up new laborers for His harvest. We pray for the healing of the sick, comfort for the dying, and hope for those enduring emotional or spiritual famine. We remember the forgotten, the voiceless, the imprisoned, and those who feel abandoned. May we, like Joseph and the apostles, serve others with wisdom and compassion, and may we, like today’s saints, trust God even when the road leads through darkness.
LET US PRAY
My universal King, You came to establish Your Kingdom in the lives of all people. You call all Your creatures to faith in You. Help me to be among the first who turn to You with my whole heart. Please also use me to become an instrument of Your saving grace to those whom You’ve put into my life. My life is Yours, dear Lord. Use me as You will. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, You sent Your Son to call the lost and empower His disciples to proclaim the nearness of Your Kingdom. Strengthen us today with the same Spirit that filled the hearts of the martyrs we honor. Give us courage to speak Your truth, tenderness to serve those in need, and trust to follow wherever You lead. Teach us to see with compassion, to labor with joy, and to endure with hope, knowing You are always near. May the witness of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Blessed Adrian Fortescue awaken in us a deeper love for You and a firmer resolve to live by Your Word. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Saint Marie Amandine, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Blessed Adrian Fortescue ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and as we now enter the gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, grace-filled and safe Wednesday and fruitful week 🙏🏽
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
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