MONDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 22, 2025 |
CHRISTMAS NOVENA | DECEMBER 16TH –24TH | Day 7 | Pray the Christmas Novena for 9 consecutive days, from Tuesday, December 16th. This novena is prayed in conjunction with the “O Antiphons,” of Advent | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/christmas-novena-december-16-24/
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 22, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT CHAEREMON, BISHOP AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS AND SAINT ISCHYRION, MARTYR IN ALEXANDRIA, HOLY MARTYRS | DECEMBER 22ND | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Chaeremon and Companions, and Saint Ischyrion | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-east-day-december-22nd/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 22, 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-22-2025/
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
SAINT ANDREW’S CHRISTMAS NOVENA: [The Saint Andrew’s Christmas Novena prayer below is traditionally prayed 15 times a day from November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew, through Christmas Eve] | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-dayfeast-day-november-30th/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
As we enter December 22, Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent, the Church draws us ever closer to the mystery of Christ’s coming. Today’s liturgy places before us profound examples of surrender, praise, and steadfast faith. In the First Reading, Hannah offers her long-awaited son back to the Lord in trust and gratitude, while the Gospel presents Mary’s Magnificat, a song of humble joy and confident hope in God’s saving mercy. Alongside these scriptures, we commemorate the Memorial of Saint Chaeremon, Bishop and Companions, and Saint Ischyrion, martyrs who bore courageous witness to Christ amid fierce persecution. Together, the Word of God and the testimony of these saints invite us to reflect on what it means to give ourselves wholly to the Lord, to rejoice in His faithfulness, and to remain steadfast in faith as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Savior who comes to dwell among us. 🙏🏽
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. 🙏🏽
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
Advent is the sacred four-week season that opens the Church’s Liturgical Year, inviting us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ and to look forward with hope to His Second Coming. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” reminding us that this season is marked by both joyful expectation and spiritual readiness. Traditionally, Advent is represented by the wreath and its four candles symbols of hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us week by week as we reflect on the unfolding mystery of our salvation.
As we enter this holy season, the Church calls us to step back from the noise and hurry that often fill this time of year. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a grace-filled invitation to renew our relationship with God, deepen our prayer life, and open our hearts to the transforming light of Christ. Through Scripture, quiet reflection, and acts of charity, we are encouraged to grow in faith and to make room for the Lord who desires to dwell within us. This season also reconnects us with the longings of God’s people throughout history, those who waited in hope for the Messiah and trusted in God’s promises even in times of darkness.
As we journey through these weeks, may Advent help us rediscover what truly matters: the gift of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ. May it inspire us to embrace a spirit of watchfulness, simplicity, and gratitude, allowing Christ’s light to shine through our words and actions. And as we prepare to celebrate His birth, may our hearts be renewed with the hope that He who came once in humility will come again in glory.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, during this season of Advent, open our hearts to Your presence and fill us with the hope, peace, joy, and love that only You can give. Teach us to wait for You with faith, to prepare for You with sincerity, and to welcome You with humility and gratitude. May Your light guide our steps and renew our spirits as we journey toward Christmas. Amen 🙏🏾
ADVENT PRAYER – FOURTH WEEK PRAYER: The prayer that follows is to be repeated each day of the fourth week. After the prayer, the father lights all four candles.
LEADER: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy Grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.🙏🏾
(The four candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the fourth week.)
After the fourth week, the penitential season of Advent is over and the time to rejoice is at hand. The Advent wreath is transformed into a Christmas wreath. Ribbon and candles are replaced with red ribbon and long red or white tapers (to be lighted at breakfast on Christmas morning) and, if desired, other festive decorations can be added.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent | December 22, 2025
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 1:24–28
Responsorial Psalm: 1 Samuel 2:1, 4–5, 6–7, 8abcd
Gospel: Luke 1:46–56
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 1:46–56
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”
Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon His lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name. He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation. He has shown the strength of His arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.
In today’s Gospel reading, we are invited into the heart of Mary’s prayer of praise, known as the Magnificat. Standing in the presence of Elizabeth, Mary lifts her voice not to glorify herself, but to magnify the Lord. She recognizes that everything she has received is pure gift—God has looked upon her lowliness and done great things for her. Mary teaches us what true humility looks like: a heart that rejoices, not in its own worthiness, but in God’s mercy. Her song reveals a God who notices the small, the hidden, and the overlooked, and who acts powerfully on their behalf.
Mary’s words also proclaim a great reversal that runs through the whole of Scripture. God scatters the proud, brings down the mighty, lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry, and sends the self-satisfied away empty. This is not merely poetic language; it is a revelation of how God’s kingdom works. Advent reminds us that the coming of Christ unsettles false securities and reorders our priorities. God’s power is not displayed through domination, but through mercy. His greatness is revealed in His closeness to the poor, the humble, and the faithful who trust in Him.
The First Reading presents another powerful example of trust and surrender in the story of Hannah. After years of barrenness and prayer, Hannah receives the gift of a son—not to cling to him, but to offer him back to the Lord. Her act of dedication is an expression of profound faith. She recognizes that Samuel belongs first to God. Like Mary, Hannah understands that blessings are not meant to be possessed, but entrusted. True faith does not ask, “What can I keep?” but rather, “How can I give back what God has placed in my hands?”
The Responsorial Psalm echoes Hannah’s joy and deep confidence in God: “My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.” This prayer celebrates a God who reverses human expectations, who strengthens the weak, raises the poor from the dust, and seats them with princes. Both Hannah’s song and Mary’s Magnificat proclaim the same truth: God is faithful to His promises, attentive to the cries of the humble, and actively at work in history. He is a God who brings life out of barrenness and hope out of waiting.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today as we draw closer to the celebration of Christmas, today’s readings invite us to examine our own hearts. Do we recognize God’s work in the quiet moments of our lives? Are we willing, like Hannah and Mary, to trust God enough to surrender what we hold dear? Advent calls us to joyful expectation, rooted in humility and faith. When we allow God to lift us up in His way and in His time, our lives, too, become a song of praise, proclaiming His greatness to the world. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may our hearts exult in the Lord, our Savior, as we prepare to welcome Christ anew. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things. Like Hannah, teach us to trust You with the deepest desires of our hearts and to offer back to You all that You have first given us. Like Mary, grant us humble and grateful hearts that rejoice in Your saving work, even when Your plans unfold beyond our understanding. As we journey closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth, help us to recognize Your faithfulness in our lives and to praise You with joy and confidence. May our lives proclaim Your greatness and reflect Your mercy to all we meet. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT CHAEREMON, BISHOP AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS; AND SAINT ISCHYRION, MARTYR IN ALEXANDRIA – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 22ND: Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Chaeremon, Bishop and Companions, Martyrs, and Saint Ischyrion, Martyr in Alexandria—faithful witnesses who gave their lives for Christ during one of the most brutal persecutions of the early Church. Living in third-century Egypt under the reign of Emperor Decius, these holy martyrs remained steadfast in their confession of faith despite relentless threats, violence, and death. Their courage stands as a powerful testimony to unwavering fidelity to Christ and reminds us that true discipleship often demands sacrifice. As we draw closer to the celebration of the Lord’s Nativity, their witness calls us to renew our commitment to the Gospel with courage, perseverance, and trust in God’s saving grace. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 22 https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Chaeremon, Bishop and Companions, and Saint Ischyrion, Martyr in Alexandria | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-east-day-december-22nd/)
SAINT CHAEREMON, BISHOP AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS: Saint Chaeremon served as Bishop of Nilopolis in Egypt during a time when the Christian faith was violently opposed by Roman authorities. According to the writings of Saint Dionysius of Alexandria, the persecution intensified after Emperor Decius issued an edict demanding public sacrifice to pagan gods. Christians who refused faced imprisonment, exile, slavery, or death. Many fled into deserts and remote regions, where countless believers perished from hunger, exposure, wild beasts, or attacks by criminals. Saint Chaeremon, already advanced in age, was forced to flee with a companion to the mountains of Arabia to escape persecution. There, they disappeared and were never seen again. Despite extensive searches by fellow Christians, no trace of them was ever found. Their disappearance, endured for the sake of Christ, earned them recognition as martyrs of the Church. Their witness reflects the quiet heroism of those who suffer unseen but remain faithful unto the end.
PRAYER: O God, strength of Your faithful ones, You sustained Saint Chaeremon and his companions in their final witness to Christ. Through their intercession, grant us courage to remain steadfast in faith amid trials and to trust You even when the path is uncertain. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT ISCHYRION, MARTYR IN ALEXANDRIA: Saint Ischyrion was a Christian layman and servant to an Egyptian magistrate, likely in Alexandria. When ordered by his employer to offer sacrifice to pagan gods, Ischyrion refused, knowing such an act would violate the first commandment. Neither threats nor insults could shake his resolve. Enraged by his unwavering faith, the magistrate subjected him to brutal punishment, mutilation, and ultimately death by impalement. Saint Ischyrion’s martyrdom exemplifies fearless obedience to God over human authority. His sacrifice, alongside that of many unnamed martyrs of Egypt, reminds the Church that faithfulness to Christ often requires total self-gift. His testimony continues to inspire believers to choose fidelity to God above comfort, safety, or worldly approval.
PRAYER: Lord God, You crowned Saint Ischyrion with the glory of martyrdom for his fearless witness to the truth. Through his intercession, strengthen us to remain faithful to You in word and deed, even when courage is demanded of us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Chaeremon and Companions, and Saint Ischyrion ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
SAINT ANDREW PRAYER: St. Andrew Christmas Novena begins on the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30th). The following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen”🙏🏾
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 union with the faith and courage of Saint Chaeremon, Saint Ischyrion, and their companion martyrs, we lift our hearts to the Lord, who lifts up the lowly and remains faithful to His promises. We pray for all who suffer persecution, hardship, or injustice because of their faith, that they may find strength and hope in God’s unfailing mercy. We pray for parents and families, that like Hannah, they may entrust their children and loved ones into God’s hands with faith and gratitude. We also pray for the Church throughout the world, that she may continue to magnify the Lord through humble service, courageous witness, and joyful praise. May our lives, like Mary’s song of praise, proclaim the greatness of the Lord and bear witness to His saving power.
LET US PRAY:
Dearest Mother Mary, you rejoiced and proclaimed God’s greatness, not because of any material or passing blessings God gave you but because of the spiritual richness you possessed within your soul. Please pray for me, that I will discover God’s presence in my life as the true source of fulfillment and will hunger for Him with every desire of my soul. Mother Mary, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Faithful and merciful God, You raise the lowly, fill the hungry with good things, and remember Your promises to Your people. As we draw near to the celebration of Your Son’s birth, strengthen our trust in You and deepen our spirit of praise and surrender. Through the intercession of Saint Chaeremon, Saint Ischyrion, and their companion martyrs, grant us the courage to remain faithful in trials and the humility to glorify You in all things. May our lives echo Mary’s Magnificat and Hannah’s offering, giving You thanks and glory forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Chaeremon and Companions, and Saint Ischyrion ~ 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 on this Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. As we begin the month of December, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. In this sacred season of hopeful expectation, may our Advent journey be filled with light, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ, our long-awaited Savior, walks with us always. Alleluia! May God grant journey mercies to all those traveling this week. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Monday, a fruitful season of Advent, a fulfilling week ahead and a peaceful month of December 🙏🏽
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/