WEDNESDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 18, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO, BISHOP OF PADUA AND CARDINAL AND SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, MARTYRS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-18th/ )
DAY ONE: NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS | Novena dates: June 18–26, 2025. The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart is June 27, 2025 | Novena links and prayers below | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 18, 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-106/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is the Wednesday of the Eleventh week in ordinary time.
We thank God for the gift of life and, we lift up in prayer all who celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all those marking special milestones in June. May the Lord bless and favor them abundantly, guide their steps, and grant them joy, peace, and good health of body and mind. 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 June🙏🏽
AN EFFICACIOUS NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
DAY ONE
Attributed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Saint Padre Pio recited this novena every day for all those who requested his prayers.
This novena can be prayed any time of year or, as did Padre Pio, perpetually throughout the year.
However, it is traditionally prayed for nine days prior to the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart.
Pray all prayers below every day during the novena
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Prayer One:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”
Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Prayer Two:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”
Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be To the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Prayer Three:
O my Jesus, you have said:
“Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of… (name your request here)
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen 🙏🏽
Concluding Prayer:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners
and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your tender Mother and ours.
The Hail Holy Queen (The Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O most holy Mother of God, That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Optional Litany to the Sacred Heart
By St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Hail, Heart of Jesus, save me!
Hail, Heart of my Creator, perfect me!
Hail, Heart of my Savior, deliver me!
Hail, Heart of my Judge, grant me pardon!
Hail, Heart of my Father, govern me!
Hail, Heart of my Spouse, grant me love!
Hail, Heart of my Master, teach me!
Hail, Heart of my King, be my crown!
Hail, Heart of my Benefactor, enrich me!
Hail, Heart of my Shepherd, guard me!
Hail, Heart of my Friend, comfort me!
Hail, Heart of my Brother, stay with me!
Hail, Heart of the Child Jesus, draw me to yourself!
Hail, Heart of Jesus dying on the Cross, redeem me!
Hail, Heart of Jesus in all your states, give yourself to me!
Hail, Heart of incomparable goodness, have mercy on me!
Hail, Heart of splendor, shine within me!
Hail, most loving Heart, inflame me!
Hail, most merciful Heart, work within me!
Hail, most humble Heart, dwell within me!
Hail, most patient Heart, support me!
Hail, most faithful Heart, be my reward!
Hail, most admirable and most worthy Heart, bless me!
Lord Jesus,
let my heart never rest until it finds You,
who are its center, its love, and its happiness.
By the wound in Your heart,
pardon the sins that I have committed
whether out of malice or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart in Your own divine Heart,
continually under Your protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good
and in fleeing evil until my last breath.
Amen 🙏🏽
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 9:6–11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1bc–2, 3–4, 9
Gospel: Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18
“Your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father… But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing… When you pray, go to your inner room… And when you fast, anoint your head… so that your fasting may not appear to others. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us against practicing righteousness for public admiration. He invites us to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God one that flourishes not on stages or platforms, but in the quiet of the heart. Whether in giving, prayer, or fasting, the Lord calls us to seek not human approval but divine intimacy. True righteousness does not seek the spotlight. It grows in secret, nourished by sincerity and humility. God is not impressed by theatrics but by a heart that desires only Him. Our faith must be rooted in authenticity. It is easy to fall into the trap of outward religion doing holy things so that others will notice. But Jesus reminds us: the Father sees in secret. He values the hidden sacrifices, the silent prayers, and the quiet fasts offered in love.
Jesus’ words invite us to return to the essence of devotion. When we fast, it is not to appear pious but to reorder our desires toward God. When we give, it is not to win praise but to imitate God’s generosity. When we pray, it is to commune with our Creator. This teaching liberates us from the burden of performance and invites us into a life of hidden holiness a life where God alone is our reward.
In the First Reading, Saint Paul continues his reflection on generosity, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver. He reminds us that what we sow is what we reap, not just in material terms, but spiritually. The more we give freely and joyfully, the more we open our hearts to God’s abundant grace. True generosity flows from a grateful heart, not a reluctant hand. Paul’s encouragement is not merely financial it is a call to a lifestyle of open-handedness and faith. God, who supplies seed to the sower, multiplies not just our resources but the harvest of our righteousness. Every act of love and generosity increases thanksgiving and glory to God. And when we are generous, we become participants in God’s own nature pouring out grace upon the world.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, we hear: “Blessed the man who fears the Lord… His generosity shall endure forever.” The psalm celebrates the upright those who revere God and act justly. These are people whose legacy is not wealth or fame but righteousness and compassion. Their lives shine in the darkness because they reflect God’s light. In a world where so much is self-centered, this Psalm reminds us that the fear of the Lord the awe of His goodness and justice leads to lives of enduring generosity. The truly blessed are not those who have everything, but those who use what they have to serve and lift others.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the message of today’s Scriptures, we are called to examine our motives and the quiet spaces of our hearts. Am I seeking recognition in my acts of faith, or am I content to be known only by God? Do I fast, pray, and give with sincerity or for show? Is my generosity rooted in joy, or burdened by obligation? Do I value God’s hidden rewards more than human applause? Am I content to be seen by Him alone? Let us walk this day in secret holiness, not seeking to impress but to please our heavenly Father. Let our good deeds remain hidden, not to hide them from the world, but to reveal them only to the One who matters most. In our secret places, God is forming saints. May we choose Him over popularity, and intimacy with Him over public display. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may our fasting purify our desires, our prayer deepen our trust, and our giving widen our hearts. Let us pray to become cheerful givers, sincere intercessors, and humble worshippers children of the Father who sees in secret and repays in love. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You who see the hidden things of the heart, help me to live a life of genuine love and service. Purify my intentions and teach me to walk humbly before You. May I seek not the praise of men but the approval of Heaven. Teach me to fast with purpose, to give with joy, and to pray with a heart that longs for You alone. May all I do be done for Your glory, and may my secret acts of love be known only to You, my God and my reward. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO, BISHOP OF PADUA AND CARDINAL AND SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, MARTYRS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 18TH: Today, Holy Mother Church honors faithful witnesses to Christ: Saint Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop of Padua and Cardinal (Patron of educators and diocesan reform), and Saints Mark and Marcellianus, twin brothers and martyrs (Patrons invoked in times of persecution and family division). Through their steadfast devotion to Christ and heroic love for the Church, may we be inspired to seek truth with courage and serve others with compassion. On this memorial, we pray through their intercession and that of our Blessed Mother Mary for the sick and suffering especially those enduring terminal illness or cancer for the lonely, the poor, and the marginalized. We lift up persecuted Christians, the sanctification of our clergy, and the spiritual renewal of families and communities around the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 18th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-18th/ )
SAINT GREGORY BARBARIGO, BISHOP OF PADUA AND CARDINAL: Born in Venice in 1625 to a noble family, Saint Gregory Barbarigo was destined for a life in diplomacy but was drawn instead to the service of the Church. A brilliant scholar with a keen interest in public affairs, he initially pursued a diplomatic career, accompanying the Venetian ambassador to the Peace of Westphalia negotiations. Yet his heart longed for a deeper calling. Encouraged by Cardinal Giovanni Francesco Barbarigo, Gregory left behind politics, earned doctorates in civil and canon law, and was ordained a priest in 1655.
His pastoral compassion quickly became evident. During a plague in Rome, he organized extensive relief efforts for the sick. In 1657, Pope Alexander VII appointed him Bishop of Bergamo, and later, Bishop of Padua. He worked tirelessly to implement the reforms of the Council of Trent, strengthening seminaries, reforming clergy, and expanding libraries. At Padua, he founded a printing press to produce Christian materials for believers under Muslim rule and sought unity with the Eastern Churches.
Elevated to Cardinal in 1660, Gregory was esteemed for his wisdom and integrity, participating in five papal conclaves and even being considered papabile (a likely pope). He remained a humble shepherd, deeply committed to education, charity, and ecclesial renewal. Saint Gregory died in 1697 and was canonized in 1960 by Pope Saint John XXIII.
PRAYER: Saint Gregory Barbarigo, faithful bishop and defender of truth, intercede for our Church leaders, teachers, and all those discerning their vocation. May we, like you, seek holiness through service, truth, and compassion. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINTS MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, MARTYRS: Saints Mark and Marcellianus were twin brothers, deacons in the early Roman Church, and fervent Christians during a time of deadly persecution. Born into a noble Roman family, they were arrested under the brutal reign of Emperor Diocletian around 286 A.D. and sentenced to death unless they renounced their faith and sacrificed to Roman gods.
Though given a thirty-day reprieve to reconsider, they remained resolute, even as their weeping parents, wives, and children pleaded with them to recant. During this time, the Roman officer Saint Sebastian visited and encouraged them daily, strengthening their faith. His witness converted not only their family members but also their jailer, Nicostratus, the judge Chromatius, and many others.
Eventually betrayed by an apostate, the brothers were recaptured and sentenced to die. Bound to pillars with their feet nailed to wood, they spent a full day and night in agony before being pierced with lances. Their fearless witness bore fruit many of their converts would also be martyred for Christ. Their tomb was rediscovered in Rome in 1782, near the resting place of Saint Felix II. In Spain, their intercession is credited with protecting the city of Badajoz from destruction.
PRAYER: Saints Mark and Marcellianus, brave witnesses of the Gospel, pray for those enduring trials for their faith. May your example strengthen us in moments of weakness, and may your prayers bring healing to divided families and persecuted Christians. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Gregory Barbarigo, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS:
Watch “Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Families | Live from the Vatican | June 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/holy-mass-and-regina-caeli/ | Live from St. Peter’s Square: Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly, followed by the Regina Caeli prayer.
We continue to pray for all families, for the safety and well-being of all families, children, parents, grandparents, and the elderly. May the good Lord keep them all in good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FAMILY PRAYER
JESUS , Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.
MARY , Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.
JOSEPH , Foster-father to Jesus, guardian, and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.
HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH , make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR FAMILIES
God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support. Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other. Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures instill forgiveness and peace. May the mutual love and affection of parents set a good example. Instill in children self-respect that they may respect others and grow in mature independence. May the mutual affection and respect of families be a sign of Christian life here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen 🙏🏽
A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him wisdom, courage, and humility as he leads the Church in truth and love. May the Holy Spirit guide his every word and action, and may he be a bridge of unity for all nations. Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, strengthen him in his mission to proclaim Christ to the world. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter. Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern Your will, Courage to fulfill it, And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ. In this time of transition, Bring peace to troubled hearts, Joy to those who suffer, And hope to the despairing. May he be a faithful successor to Peter, A humble servant of Your Word, And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, And to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
May the Holy Spirit guide Pope Leo XIV as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS: With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. 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 🙏🏽
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/
On this special feast day, 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 🙏🏽
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/
Watch ” Pentecost Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Association and New Communities | Live from the Vatican | June 8, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-the-vatican-pope-leo-xivs-pentecost-mass-and-regina-caeli/
Live from St. Peter’s Square, the celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost presided over by Pope Leo XIV, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities. Following the Mass, the Holy Father led the Regina Caeli prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the whole Church as the Easter season concludes.
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/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE: That the world might grow in compassion. Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JUNE | MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful sign of Christ’s love and mercy. His Heart, pierced and crowned with thorns, burns with compassion for all humanity. This devotion calls us to return love for love to console His Heart and make reparation for sin and indifference. Rooted in the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Church invites us this month to deepen our trust in Jesus, especially through First Friday devotions, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, and acts of consecration. His words echo in our hearts: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).
The Sacred Heart shows us what true love looks like patient, humble, and self-giving. In a world often cold and restless, we find peace and healing in His Heart.
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.”
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, teach us to love as You love. Fill our hearts with compassion, mercy, and a deep desire to follow You. Amen. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we reflect on today’s Gospel reminder to give, pray, and fast in secret seeking only the approval of our Heavenly Father we offer our prayers with humble and contrite hearts. Through the intercession of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, zealous bishop and reformer, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus, faithful martyrs who stood firm in persecution, we lift up the Church and her shepherds, that they may lead with wisdom, humility, and pastoral charity. We pray for the grace to give generously and cheerfully, as Saint Paul exhorted, trusting that God will enrich us in every way for all generosity. May the poor be sustained, the sick consoled especially those battling terminal illness and families renewed in faith, peace, and unity. We remember persecuted Christians, silent caregivers, unseen servants of love, and all who labor in hidden faithfulness. May the Lord, who sees in secret, reward them openly.
LET US PRAY
My sacrificial Lord, You denied Yourself of many earthly delights, especially when You fasted for forty days in the desert. Help me to take seriously this obligation to fast and to mortify my appetites. And help me to do so in a hidden way. May my life continually imitate Your perfect sacrifice so that I may become more like You every day. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You search our hearts and see the hidden movements of grace and sacrifice within us. Teach us to live for You alone, seeking not applause but holiness, not recognition but righteousness. Through the example of Saint Gregory Barbarigo, may we serve with wisdom and build up the Body of Christ. Through the courage of Saints Mark and Marcellianus, may we stand firm in our witness even when the world presses in. Grant us the grace to give without measure, to pray without pretense, and to fast without complaint, that our hearts may be purified in secret and our lives reflect Your mercy. May we sow bountifully in faith and reap abundantly in grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Gregory Barbarigo, and Saints Mark and Marcellianus ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
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 week be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled start to Ordinary Time, and a peaceful 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