MEMORIAL OF SAINT GILDAS THE WISE, ABBOT AND SAINT AQUILINUS OF MILAN, PRIEST AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 29TH 2026

THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 29, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-29th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT GILDAS THE WISE, ABBOT AND SAINT AQUILINUS OF MILAN, PRIEST AND MARTYR

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 29, 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-29-2026/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Gildas the Wise, Abbot (Patron of Welsh historians and bell founders), and Saint Aquilinus of Milan, Priest and Martyr (Patron of hotel porters in Milan), two courageous witnesses who dedicated their lives to truth, holiness, and faithful service in challenging times. Saint Gildas boldly called both rulers and clergy to moral renewal through prayer, asceticism, and fearless proclamation of God’s truth, while Saint Aquilinus humbly rejected positions of honor to serve as a missionary priest, ultimately laying down his life for the integrity of the faith. In today’s Scripture readings, King David humbly acknowledges God’s gracious promises, recognizing that all blessings flow from the Lord’s faithfulness, while Jesus teaches that the light of truth is never meant to be hidden but placed on a lampstand to illuminate all. Together, these readings remind us that authentic faith calls us to humility before God, fidelity to His word, and the courage to let our lives reflect His light. As we reflect on God’s Word today, may the examples of Saint Gildas and Saint Aquilinus inspire us to live with integrity, to stand firm in truth, and to allow God’s light to shine through us for the good of others and the glory of His name. 🙏🏽

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: Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time | January 29, 2026
Reading 1: 2 Samuel 7:18–19, 24–29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 132:1–2, 3–5, 11, 12, 13–14
Gospel: Mark 4:21–25

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 4:21–25

“For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.”

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;  nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about light, responsibility, and attentiveness to God’s Word. The lamp is not meant to be hidden but placed on a stand where it can give light to all. Through this image, Jesus reminds His disciples that the truth of the Kingdom is meant to be received, lived, and shared. Faith is never private in the sense of being concealed; when God’s Word truly takes root in the heart, it naturally shines outward through our words, choices, and actions.

Jesus also issues a solemn warning: “Take care what you hear.” The way we listen to God’s Word matters deeply. Hearing without openness, reflection, or commitment can lead to spiritual loss, while attentive and faithful listening leads to growth and abundance. Discipleship requires intentional listening, allowing the Word to challenge, shape, and transform us. What we do with the light we receive determines whether it grows brighter or fades away.

The First Reading from the Second Book of Samuel presents King David in a posture of humility and gratitude before God. Aware that everything he has comes from the Lord, David marvels at God’s generosity and faithfulness. Rather than claiming credit for his success, he acknowledges that God is the true author of his life, his kingship, and the future of his household. David’s prayer reveals a heart that listens attentively to God and trusts fully in His promises.

The Responsorial Psalm continues this theme of covenant and faithfulness. God’s promise to David is firm and enduring, rooted not in human effort alone but in divine love and fidelity. Zion is chosen as God’s dwelling place, a reminder that God desires to remain close to His people. This covenantal relationship invites trust, obedience, and a willingness to live according to God’s Word.

Together, today’s readings call us to examine how we receive and respond to God’s light in our lives. Like David, we are invited to approach God with humility and gratitude, recognizing His hand at work in our story. Like the disciples, we are challenged to listen carefully, live responsibly, and allow the light of Christ to shine through us without fear or hesitation.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Am I attentive to God’s Word, or do I allow distractions to dull my listening? Do I hide the light of faith out of fear, or do I allow it to shine through my daily life? How can I be more intentional in living and sharing the truth God has entrusted to me?

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true Light that enlightens every heart. Teach us to listen attentively to Your Word, to live it faithfully, and to share it courageously. May we never hide the light You place within us, but allow it to shine for the glory of God and the good of others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JANUARY 29TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 29th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Gildas the Wise, and Saint Aquilinus of Milan | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-29th/

SAINT GILDAS THE WISE, ABBOT: Saint Gildas the Wise (c. 517–570), also known as Gildas Sapiens, was a sixth-century British monk, historian, and spiritual reformer during a time of moral and political decline in Britain following the withdrawal of Roman rule. Born near the River Clyde to a noble family, he was well educated and formed under Saint Illtyd at the monastery of Llanilltud Fawr in Wales. Renowned for his ascetic life, fearless preaching, and deep love for truth, Gildas did not hesitate to rebuke kings and leaders whose moral failures harmed God’s people. His most famous work, De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae, stands as a prophetic call to repentance, warning that societal collapse follows spiritual corruption. A missionary, founder of monasteries, and hermit for many years, Saint Gildas devoted his life to prayer, teaching, and reform. He died peacefully at the monastery he founded in Rhuys, Brittany, leaving a lasting legacy within the Celtic Church. He is honored as the Patron Saint of Welsh historians and bell founders.

PRAYER: Lord God, You raised up Saint Gildas the Wise as a courageous witness to truth and holiness in a troubled age. Through his intercession, grant us hearts rooted in integrity, humility, and fidelity to Your word. Help us to resist moral compromise and to live the Gospel with courage and conviction. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT AQUILINUS OF MILAN, PRIEST AND MARTYR: Saint Aquilinus of Milan (d. c. 1015), also known as Saint Aquilinus of Cologne, was a noble-born priest who chose humble service over positions of honor. Educated in Cologne and ordained to the priesthood, he repeatedly refused offers to become bishop, preferring the demanding life of a missionary preacher. Traveling across Europe, he courageously defended the true faith against heresies such as Arianism, Manichaeism, and Catharism. Gifted with zeal and compassion, he was also known for miracles of healing, particularly during times of plague. Eventually settling in Milan, his preaching so challenged the Arian heretics that he was brutally murdered for the faith and became a martyr for Christ. His relics are venerated in the Cappella di Sant’Aquilino at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Milan. Saint Aquilinus is honored as the Patron Saint of hotel porters (facchini) in Milan, a reminder that holiness flourishes in humble service.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You strengthened Saint Aquilinus of Milan with courage, humility, and zeal for truth. Through his intercession, help us to value faithful service over status, to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, and to follow wherever You lead. Grant us humble hearts and steadfast faith in all circumstances. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Gildas the Wise, and Saint Aquilinus of Milan — 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 HISTORIANS, TEACHERS OF THE FAITH, AND THOSE WHO DEFEND TRUTH

Through the intercession of Saint Gildas the Wise, Abbot, let us pray for all historians, theologians, teachers, writers, and those entrusted with preserving and proclaiming the truth of the Christian faith. As we honor his memorial, we lift up those who courageously call society and the Church to moral integrity, repentance, and fidelity to God’s Word. May the Lord grant them wisdom rooted in holiness, humility in learning, and boldness in speaking truth with charity. Strengthen all who labor quietly for the renewal of faith and conscience, that their witness may guide hearts back to God and help build a society grounded in truth and righteousness. 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 Gildas the Wise, and Saint Aquilinus of Milan ~ 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/