FOURTH WEEK OF LENT
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 4, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH | Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/
STATIONS OF THE CROSS | A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/stations-of-the-cross/
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/ [Please see details and prayer links below]
Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy 1st Friday, Fourth Week of Lent!
Today, the 1st Friday of the month of April is Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The month of April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church.
We thank God for the gift of life and for the gift of the month of April. May this month bring renewal in faith, deepening our journey through Lent and drawing us closer to Christ. May God’s grace guide and strengthen us every day and may His grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey. 🙏🏽
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN” | “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/2025/04/04/catholic-daily-mass-31/
“Watch Holy Mass on the 20th Anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II | Presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 2, 2025” | Life of St. John Paul II | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/02/watch-holy-mass-on-the-20th-anniversary-of-the-death-of-saint-john-paul-ii-presided-over-by-cardinal-pietro-parolin-live-from-st-peters-basilica-in-the-vatican-april-2-2025/
DAY 27: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/04/day-27-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/
DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/
LENT: | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/lent/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/26/world-prayers-for-pope-francis/
PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS
“Loving God, we thank you for the unwavering faith and leadership of Pope Francis. As he recovers from his hospitalization, we humbly ask for your healing touch upon his body, your peace upon his mind, and your comfort for his spirit. Grant him strength, renewed energy, and a continued ability to serve your flock with compassion and wisdom. We entrust him to your loving care, and we pray that he may soon be restored to good health, if it be your will. Through Christ our Lord, Amen”🙏🏽
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion.
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
- Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion
- Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row
- Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
- Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:
- Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
- Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
- Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
- Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion:
* On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart.
* Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion.
* Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven.
* Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/
On this special feast day, as we continue our Lenten journey, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and celebrate their memorial anniversary today. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle 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 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 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL: For the use of the new technologies ~ Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
PRAYER OF THE MONTH ~ POPE FRANCIS: Lord, Good Father, as I look at the world and see men and women working in it and beautifying it, a great “Thank You!” springs from my heart. The action of Your Spirit among us encourages us to grow in the progress of science and technology in the service of human dignity for integral and inclusive human development. Because we know You desire the good of all, from the heart of Your Church, Your Son calls us to ensure that technology does not replace “person-to-person” contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings. Help us develop the ability to live wisely, to think deeply, to love generously, without losing heart, promoting scientific and technological growth that increasingly aligns with human development in responsibility, values, and awareness.
Amen 🙏🏽
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
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/
A PRAYER TO WALK HUMBLY THROUGH LENT: Father, In Micah 6:8, You say, “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Today we choose to walk humbly with You. We choose to live by Your Holy Spirit and to follow Your lead. Help us to hear You clearly, for we do not want to walk by pride or self-sufficiency, we want to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen 🙏🏽
God of goodness and mercy, hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you. Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you. Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love. May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you and live forever in your abundant grace. Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father. Give me the strength to commit myself to grow closer to you each day. Amen 🙏🏽
LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE (Lenten Fast and Abstinence regulations from the USCCB): Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards
Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. 🙏🏽
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – FEAST DAY: APRIL 4TH: Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we honor Saint Isidore of Seville, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, a man of great wisdom, faith, and dedication to the preservation of knowledge. (He is the Patron Saint of schoolchildren, students, scholars, computer technicians, and the internet).
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Isidore of Seville, we pray for all educators, students, and scholars, that they may seek wisdom in truth and use their knowledge for the glory of God. We also pray for those working in technology and communication, that they may use their skills to spread goodness and uphold the dignity of all people. May we, like Saint Isidore, commit ourselves to lifelong learning, faithfulness to the Church, and charity toward those in need.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 4th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Richard of Chichester | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/)
SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (560–636 A.D.): Saint Isidore of Seville was a remarkable scholar, bishop, and teacher who helped preserve the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Church during a time of great transition. Born in Carthagena, Spain, to noble and pious parents, he and his siblings—Saint Leander, Saint Fulgentius, and Saint Florentina—were all canonized as saints. Educated at the cathedral school in Seville, he developed a love for learning that would shape his lifelong mission.
Succeeding his brother as Archbishop of Seville around the year 600, Saint Isidore became a great leader of the Spanish Church, fostering unity and bringing the Visigoths back to the Catholic faith from Arianism. His extensive writings, including the Etymologiae, an encyclopedia used for centuries, played a crucial role in preserving classical and Christian knowledge. He also emphasized the importance of education for clergy and laypeople, requiring seminaries to be built in every diocese.
Saint Isidore was not only an intellectual but also a man of deep charity and humility. He devoted himself to the care of the poor, recognizing that love for God must be expressed in service to others. In his final days, he distributed his wealth to those in need and prepared for his death with prayer and the sacraments. He passed away on April 4, 636, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest scholars and bishops of his time.
In recognition of his contributions to the Church and society, Saint Isidore was canonized in 1722 by Pope Innocent XIII and later proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV. Today, he is honored as the patron saint of students, scholars, and all who work with technology and the internet, as his dedication to preserving knowledge continues to inspire generations.
“Confession heals, Confession justifies, Confession grants pardon of sin, all hope consists in Confession; in Confession, there is a chance for mercy.” ~ Saint Isidore of Seville
PRAYER: O Lord, You raised Saint Isidore of Seville to be a light of wisdom and a defender of the faith. Through his intercession, bless all who seek knowledge, that they may use their understanding for the good of others and the glory of Your name. Grant that, like Saint Isidore, we may always seek truth, serve with humility, and grow in love for You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
Saint Isidore of Seville, Pray for us! 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent | Friday, April 4, 2025
Reading 1, Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 34:17-18, 19-20, 21, 23
Gospel, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Gospel Reading ~ John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
“They tried to arrest Him, but his hour had not yet come”
“Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.” So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.”
In today’s Gospel reading, our Lord Jesus spoke and elaborated about the challenges and persecutions that He Himself would soon face in Jerusalem, as He embarked on the last part of His earthly ministry. He had to face a lot of hardships and rejection, challenges from the Temple authorities, from the Sanhedrin or the Jewish High Council, many of whose members refused to accept the teachings and the works that the Lord had presented to them. They all believed that their way of observing the Law, their beliefs and their practices are superior than everyone else’s and that they could not have been wrong or mistaken, and hence, they treated the Lord as a great rival to them and a dangerous threat to their privileged existence and status in the community. That was why, they would eventually arrest Him and then condemned Him to death on the Cross through the means of the Romans. Our Lord Jesus speaks of Himself as the one whom God has sent. ‘There is one who sent me and I really came from Him’. He goes on to claim that because He came from God, He knows God. ‘I know Him because I have come from Him and it was He who sent me’. It is only Jesus who can make the claim to know God, because it is only Jesus who, according to John’s Gospel, was with God in the beginning, who came from God to earth and who remains close to the Father’s heart while on earth. It is Jesus who is uniquely placed to make God known. ‘No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made Him known’ (Jn. 1:18). It is because Jesus is the only one who can make God fully known that He is at the centre of our faith. We all have a deep desire to see and know God. In John’s Gospel, Philip speaks for us all when he says to Jesus, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied’ (Jn. 14:8). On that occasion, Jesus had to remind Philip, ‘Whoever has seen me has seen the Father’. Jesus shows us the face of God because He is God in human form. If Jesus shows us the face of God, it is above all the Gospels that show us the face of Jesus. The Gospels are our bread of life because there we meet Jesus who reveals the God who alone can satisfy our deepest hungers.
Reflecting on the today’s Gospel, we see how Jesus continues His mission amidst rising hostility. The Jewish leaders seek to kill Him, yet He does not shy away from proclaiming the truth. The people are confused about His identity—some recognize His wisdom and authority, yet others doubt because they “know where He is from.” This passage highlights the struggle between human perception and divine revelation. Jesus affirms His divine origin: “I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.” This statement calls us to reflect on whether we truly know God. Like the people in Jesus’ time, we can sometimes focus too much on what we think we know, rather than opening our hearts to the deeper mystery of faith. The Gospel also reminds us that God’s plan unfolds according to His divine timing: “His hour had not yet come.” Despite the growing threats against Him, Jesus remains secure in the Father’s will. This teaches us to trust in God’s providence, knowing that no matter what trials we face, He is in control.
Our first reading today from the Book of Wisdom, describes the plots that the wicked assembled and planned against the faithful servant of God. Today’s reading is a highlight summarising what God’s servants and prophets had to endure during the time of their ministry among the people of God. The sufferings, persecutions, challenges and difficulties that the servants and prophets of God had to endure throughout their ministry, all because of the stubbornness that the people to whom they had been sent to, their refusal to follow the Law of God and their rebelliousness, through which they had gone ever deeper into the path of sin and evil. The Lord nonetheless still loved them all, and patiently helped and guided them back towards Himself, sending to them those servants and messengers to assist and lead them all in the right path. Yet, they often rejected His offer of love and mercy, and many of them preferred to walk down in their own rebellious path. Thus, they persecuted those servants and messengers, making a mockery of their status as God’s beloved people. They were often hated, rejected and ridiculed against, oppressed and persecuted. They were cast out and treated as how foreigners were treated, and even worse than that. No one would hear them even though they spoke God’s words and truth. Those people had closed themselves against God’s words and truth, and then, the Book of Wisdom also spoke of what would happen in time to come, it was also a prophecy of the Messiah and how the people would treat Him just as they had treated the prophets and messengers of God. This was a prophecy as declared in our Gospel reading today, of what was to happen to our Lord Jesus and what He experienced as He ministered among the people of God. He would be condemned to a shameful death by those who could not stand the sight of Him. The chief priests, the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, as well as members of the Sadducees, all plotted against Him and sought His downfall.
Reflecting on the first reading, the passage from Wisdom describes how the wicked plot against the just man, testing his faithfulness through suffering. It is a prophecy that foreshadows the Passion of Christ. The enemies of the righteous fail to understand God’s ways, assuming that suffering is a sign of weakness rather than a path to glory. This reading reminds us that true discipleship involves trials. When we stand for righteousness, we may face rejection, just as Jesus did. However, our suffering is not in vain, for God sees and rewards those who remain faithful.
Reflecting on our Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm reassures us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” and “delivers the just from all their troubles.” No matter how difficult our circumstances, God remains near, offering comfort and salvation. Like Jesus, we must trust in the Father’s plan, even in times of suffering. Do I allow my human understanding to limit my faith, or do I trust in the mystery of God’s plan? How do I respond when I face opposition for standing up for my beliefs? In times of distress, do I seek comfort in the presence of God, who is close to the brokenhearted?
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, there were indeed lots of tribulations, trials and challenges that the Lord Himself and His servants and messengers had suffered. The same sufferings and trials have also been faced by our predecessors in faith, just as the history of the Church and the story of the many saints and martyrs of the Church can tell us. This is a reminder therefore, that if we want to follow the Lord wholeheartedly and completely as we should, we may have to endure those same sufferings and challenges, trials and difficulties as well. But at the same time, we should not be afraid or fearful because the Lord Himself will be with us, by our side, protecting and guiding us in our respective journeys and paths. In this season of Lent, all of us are given the time, opportunity and choice, and are called to seek the Lord with contrite and open hearts, with minds that are welcoming towards the Lord, and the willingness to listen to Him speaking to us and calling on us to return to Him. In this time of reconciliation and call to repentance, we are all reminded that we are sinners in need of healing and reconciliation with God. May the Lord be with us always, and may He empower each and every one of us to live ever more worthily in His presence, listening to Him and obeying His will in each and every available opportunities. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to be good examples and role models for one another, in how we live our lives as dedicated Christians. May the Lord continue to guide us in our journey of faith towards Him. May He empower each and every one of us so that we may always be strong and firm in our commitment to live our lives worthily of the Lord, at all times. Let us all continue to seek to glorify the Lord by our lives, by each and every one of our works, actions and deeds. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You faced rejection and suffering, yet remained faithful to the Father’s will. Strengthen us in times of trial, that we may stand firm in faith and trust in Your divine timing. Open our hearts to truly know You and the One who sent You. May we never turn away from the truth, but embrace Your wisdom and love. Let us strive to deepen our faith and trust in God’s plan. Even when the world misunderstands or opposes us, we can take refuge in the promise that God is close to those who follow Him. May we remain steadfast in faith, just as Christ did, knowing that His grace sustains us. Amen🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF APRIL | MONTH OF HOLY EUCHARIST: April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity offering Himself as the Bread of Life. This month invites us to deepen our love and reverence for the Eucharist, especially as we approach Holy Week and Easter, celebrating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper when He said, “Take and eat; this is My Body… Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the Covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). In receiving the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and His Church. It is the source of our strength and the culmination of our salvation, as Christ Himself said in John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” As we journey through Lent, we are called to renew our reverence for the Eucharist. During Holy Week, we remember that Christ instituted this sacrament on Holy Thursday, offering us a way to remain in union with Him. Let us take this opportunity to attend Mass regularly, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, and reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
In this season of penance and reflection, may our devotion to the Eucharist strengthen our commitment to living as true disciples of Christ, leading us to the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.
O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! Lord Jesus, You have given Yourself to us in the Eucharist. May we receive You with reverence and love, and let Your grace transform us this Lenten season and always. Amen 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray for bishops and clergy, that they may lead the Church with wisdom and holiness, following the example of Sti Isidore of Seville. May they remain steadfast in their mission, guiding the faithful with love and truth. Through the intercession of St. Isidore of Seville, the Patron Saint of schoolchildren, students, scholars, computer technicians, and the internet, we pray for the intention of our Holy Father on this month of April – For the use of the new technologies. Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times. For those who suffer for righteousness, especially those who are mocked or persecuted for their faith, may they find strength in Christ, who endured opposition yet remained faithful to the Father’s will.
We lift up the brokenhearted and all who carry heavy burdens, that they may experience the Lord’s comforting presence and trust in His divine plan. May those struggling with doubt open their hearts to God’s truth and be filled with His light. Amen 🙏🏽
Thank you 🙏🏽
Let Us Pray:
My hidden Lord, You came to reveal to all people Your burning love and invitation to eternal life. Please come and dwell with me during my journey through life, and open my mind and heart to all that You wish to reveal. May I know You fully and follow You to the Promised Land of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, You sent Your Son to teach us the way of truth, yet He was rejected by those who refused to see beyond their own understanding. Grant us the grace to recognize Your presence in our lives and to trust in Your divine plan, even when we do not fully comprehend it. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith when faced with trials, knowing that You are always near to the brokenhearted and that no suffering goes unseen by You.
Through the intercession of Saint Isidore of Seville, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, inspire us to seek righteousness, defend the faith with courage, and serve others with love. May our lives reflect Your goodness, and may we never be afraid to follow You wholeheartedly. Guide our hearts, Lord, that we may always desire to see You more clearly, love You more dearly, and follow You more nearly, day by day.
Save us Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph and Saint Isidore of Seville, Bishop and Doctor of the Church ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the gift of this day and praying for us all during this season of Lent, let us be renewed by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. May this Lenten season deepen our trust in God’s providence and open our hearts to His transforming grace. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times and may this season of Lent bring us all true salvation in Christ as we remain united in peace, love and faith. Have a blessed, safe and grace-filled and fruitful fourth Week of Lent and relaxing weekend ~ Amen 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
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