MEMORIAL OF SAINT BATHILDIS, QUEEN OF FRANCE; SAINT MARTINA OF ROME, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT HYACINTHA OF MARISCOTTI, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 30TH 2026

FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 30, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-30th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT BATHILDIS, QUEEN OF FRANCE; SAINT MARTINA OF ROME, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT HYACINTHA OF MARISCOTTI, VIRGIN

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 30, 2026 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-january-30-2026/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Bathildis, Queen of France, alongside Saint Martina of Rome, Virgin and Martyr, and Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti, Virgin, saints whose lives reveal the transforming power of grace across different states of life. Saint Bathildis, raised from slavery to queenship, used her authority not for self-glory but for justice, charity, and humble service, ultimately renouncing royal honors to live a life of prayer and penance. In today’s Scripture readings, we encounter the tragic consequences of King David’s misuse of power and the heartfelt plea for mercy that follows, while Jesus, in the Gospel, teaches that the Kingdom of God grows quietly and faithfully through God’s unseen work. Together, these readings remind us that true greatness lies not in control or status, but in humility, repentance, and trust in God’s transforming grace. As we reflect on God’s Word today, may the example of Saint Bathildis and her fellow saints inspire us to surrender our lives to God’s care, allow Him to bring growth from our weaknesses, and cooperate faithfully with the work of His Kingdom in our hearts and in the world. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: We join our prayers to the prayers of others for the safety and well-being of all those experiencing major winter storm across Texas and other parts of the United States and the world.

Prayer to Saint Medard: Patron Saint of Bad Storms

Saint Medard, Patron Saint for protection against bad storms, we ask you to intercede for us during the storms of our lives as well as the storms in nature. Protect our families and our homes. We pray for assistance for the victims of snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, especially for the inclement weather we are currently experiencing. Loving God, send in more helpers, and multiply resources and supplies for the aid of those in need. You calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee; deliver us from the storms that are raging around us now. Saint Medard, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time | January 30, 2026
Reading 1: 2 Samuel 11:1–4a, 5–10a, 13–17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3–4, 5–6a, 6bcd–7, 10–11
Gospel: Mark 4:26–34

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 4:26–34

“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land.”

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the quiet, mysterious, and powerful growth of the Kingdom of God. Through the parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed, He reveals that God’s work often unfolds beyond human control or understanding. The farmer scatters the seed and waits, trusting that growth will happen in God’s time. In the same way, the Kingdom grows not by force or human effort alone, but by God’s hidden grace at work in receptive hearts. What begins small, unnoticed, and fragile can, in time, become a place of shelter, life, and abundance.

The First Reading from the Second Book of Samuel presents a stark contrast. King David, who was once a man after God’s own heart, allows idleness, desire, and abuse of power to lead him into grave sin. What begins with a moment of neglect and temptation quickly grows into deception, injustice, and the death of an innocent man. David’s fall reminds us that sin, when left unchecked, grows silently but destructively, corrupting both the heart and the community. Unlike the seed of the Kingdom, which bears life, sin bears death when it is allowed to take root.

The Responsorial Psalm gives voice to the sorrow and repentance that follow sin. Psalm 51 is David’s heartfelt cry for mercy, acknowledging personal guilt and total dependence on God’s compassion. “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.” This psalm teaches us that no failure is beyond God’s mercy when met with sincere repentance. While sin can grow quietly, so too can grace restore the broken heart when we turn back to God with humility and truth.

Together, today’s readings present two kinds of growth: the destructive growth of sin when vigilance is lost, and the life-giving growth of God’s Kingdom when we trust His grace. Jesus reminds us that God patiently works within us, even when progress seems slow or invisible. At the same time, the story of David warns us to remain watchful over our hearts, knowing that small compromises can lead to great harm.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: What seeds am I allowing to grow in my heart? Do I trust God’s quiet work in my life, or do I grow impatient and careless? Am I quick to repent when I fall, trusting in God’s mercy, or do I hide in shame and fear? May we choose daily to nurture the seeds of faith, humility, and obedience, allowing God’s Kingdom to take root and flourish within us.

Lord Jesus Christ, You teach us that the Kingdom of God grows through Your grace, often hidden yet powerful. Guard our hearts against sin, teach us vigilance in small choices, and grant us humility to repent when we fall. Help us to trust in Your patient work within us, that our lives may bear fruit for Your glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 30TH:

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

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Bathildis, Saint Martina of Rome, and Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-30th/

SAINT BATHILDIS, QUEEN OF FRANCE: Saint Bathildis (c. 630–680) was a seventh-century queen whose life is a striking witness to humility, charity, and faithful service. Born in England and sold into slavery in Neustria, she later became Queen of France through her marriage to King Clovis II. Despite her rise to royal dignity, she remained deeply prayerful and generous to the poor. As regent for her young son, she governed wisely, abolished the trade in Christian slaves, opposed corruption among the clergy, and founded monasteries and charitable institutions. In her later years, she renounced royal honors to live a life of humility and penance at the Abbey of Chelles, where she served the poor and sick until her death.

PRAYER: Lord God, You lifted Saint Bathildis from bondage to queenship and crowned her life with humility and charity. Through her intercession, grant us hearts detached from pride, devoted to justice, and generous in love for the poor. Help us to serve You faithfully in every state of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT MARTINA OF ROME, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Martina of Rome (d. 228 A.D.) was a noble-born Roman virgin who consecrated her life entirely to Christ. Orphaned at a young age, she gave her inheritance to the poor and devoted herself to prayer during a time of persecution. Arrested under Emperor Alexander Severus, she courageously refused to worship pagan gods and endured severe tortures with unwavering faith. Her steadfast witness led to the conversion of some of her persecutors, and she ultimately gave her life for Christ through martyrdom.

PRAYER: Saint Martina of Rome, courageous virgin and martyr, pray for us. Obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to Christ in trials and to bear joyful witness to the Gospel with courage and love. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT HYACINTHA OF MARISCOTTI, VIRGIN: Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti (1585–1640) was an Italian virgin who entered religious life but initially lived comfortably and without discipline. Through illness and spiritual guidance, she experienced a deep conversion, renouncing worldly comforts and embracing a life of penance, humility, and devotion to the Passion of Christ. Her transformation inspired her community, and her life became a powerful testimony to the grace of repentance and renewed fidelity to God.

PRAYER: Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti, model of conversion and humility, pray for us. Help us to respond generously to God’s call to repentance and to grow in holiness through prayer, sacrifice, and love. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Bathildis, Saint Martina of Rome, and Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti — pray for us. 🙏🏽

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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

MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR LEADERS, RULERS, AND THOSE ENTRUSTED WITH AUTHORITY

Through the intercession of Saint Bathildis, Queen of France, let us pray for all who hold positions of authority in society and governance. As we celebrate her memorial, we lift up national leaders, public servants, judges, policymakers, and all entrusted with power, that they may govern with justice, humility, and compassion, placing the dignity of the human person above personal ambition. May the Lord grant them hearts attentive to the cries of the poor, courage to reject corruption, and wisdom to promote peace and the common good. Inspired by Saint Bathildis’ example of selfless leadership and repentance, may all leaders learn to use their influence in service of truth, mercy, and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

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

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
We pray for the repose of the gentle souls of our loved ones and souls of all the faithful departed. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Bathildis, Saint Martina of Rome, and Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/