FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C) | POPE LEO XIV’S INAUGURATION MASS
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 18, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN I, POPE AND MARTYR, SAINT VENANTIUS OF CAMERINO, MARTYR AND SAINT FELIX OF CANTALICE, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John I, Saint Venantius, and Saint Felix of Cantalice | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-18th/)
Watch “POPE LEO XIV’S INAUGURATION MASS | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN, ST. PETER’S SQUARE | MAY 18, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-inauguration-mass-live-from-the-vatican/
Live from St. Peter’s Square for the historic Eucharistic Celebration for the Start of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV. At the end of the Holy Mass, the Holy Father prayed the Regina Caeli prayer.
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 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-75/
Greetings and blessings, dear beloved family. Happy Sunday of Fifth Week of Easter!
We thank God for the successful celebration of the Inauguration Holy Mass for Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽
HABEMUS PAPAM! A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
As the Papal Conclave to elect the next Roman Pontiff comes to an end, with profound reverence we give thanks to Almighty God for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, following the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclusion of the conclave.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American and a member of the Order of St. Augustine is known as Pope Leo XIV. A missionary bishop and former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church faithfully in Chiclayo, Peru, and brings with him a pastoral heart deeply shaped by the Gospel and the spirituality of St. Augustine.
LET US PRAY:
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 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
May this new week be filled with peace, joy, and the renewed hope that comes from Christ’s Resurrection. 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 🙏🏽
The entire month of May is dedicated to our beloved Mother Mary, the Mother of God. As we continue to rejoice in the victory of Christ’s Resurrection, we give heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the month of May. May this Easter season renew our strength, deepen our faith, and fill our hearts with the peace of the Risen Lord. May our Mother Mary continue to intercede for us and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Easter. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, blessed start to the month. Amen 🙏🏽
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, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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 🙏🏽
Still rejoicing in the light of the Resurrection, the Church commemorates three great saints who witnessed to Christ in distinct yet powerful ways Saint John I (Patron of prisoners and diplomats), a Pope and martyr; Saint Venantius (Patron of Camerino, youth, and protection against earthquakes), a young and courageous martyr; and Saint Felix of Cantalice (Patron of beggars, the Capuchin Order, and children), a humble Capuchin friar and model of charity. Through their intercession, and under the maternal mantle of our Blessed Mother Mary, we offer prayers for the sick and the dying especially those suffering from terminal illnesses. We lift up the poor and the abandoned, beseeching the Lord’s mercy and protection over them. We pray for the Church and her clergy, for persecuted Christians around the world, for the conversion of sinners, and for the unity of all believers in Christ.
DAILY REFLECTIONS WITH PHILOMENA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
(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/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Sunday of the Fifth Week of Easter (Year C) | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Fifth Sunday of Easter | May 18, 2025
Reading 1: Acts 14:21–27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:8–9, 10–11, 12–13
Reading 2: Revelation 21:1–5a
Gospel: John 13:31–33a, 34–35
Gospel Reading ~ John 13:31–33a, 34–35
“I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you”
“When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of His call to love one another as He has loved us as a new commandment. What is new about this commandment? The call to love our neighbour as ourselves was already present in the Jewish tradition and Jesus quotes that commandment in the Gospels with approval. What is new about the love commandment in today’s Gospel reading is the little phrase, ‘as I have loved you’. The word ‘love’ has come to mean many things. However, it is clear what it means to Jesus. According to John’s Gospel, He gave this new commandment to His disciples immediately after washing their feet. Even though He was their Lord, He got down on His knees and washed their feet as if He was their servant. Included among the feet He washed were the feet of Judas, whom He knew at the time was about to betray Him. By this action of humble, loving, service towards all His disciples, including one who had become His enemy, Jesus was showing us what He meant by love. Actions can speak louder than words. His laying down His garments to wash the feet of His disciples in love pointed ahead to His laying down His life on the following day out of love for the world. He would go on to say at this last supper, ‘No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’, and He had chosen to befriend all of humanity, including those responsible for His death.
Jesus gave Himself, emptied Himself, so that others would have life and have it to the full. This is the love Jesus refers to when he commands us to love one another as he has loved us. We are to give of ourselves in loving service to others so that they may live more fully human lives. He goes on to say, in the Gospel reading, ‘By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples’. Jesus is saying there that his true disciples are those who give expression to his love in their lives. This is how his disciples are to be identified and not in any other way. It is a sobering thought. We all fall short of this commandment of Jesus. Unlike Jesus, we are not God in human form, perfect love in human form. Jesus is well aware of our weaknesses, as he was aware of the weaknesses of the disciples whose feet he washed. Nevertheless, He calls us to love one another as he has loved us. Jesus’ call or commandment to love others presupposes the good news that he has loved and continues to love us. It is only in receiving, in opening ourselves up, to the Lord’s love for us that we can possibly go on to love others as he has loved us. The Lord stands before us today as our loving servant, just as He stood before His disciples as their loving servant at the last supper. If we can open our hearts to the gift of his love, the gift of His Holy Spirit of love, we will be empowered to give expression to His love in our relationship with others, even if only imperfectly.
If Judas betrayed Jesus, Saint Paul persecuted Jesus by persecuting His followers. Yet, on the road to Damascus, he had an overpowering sense of the Lord’s gracious love for him. From that moment on, His life was given over to proclaiming, making present, what He refers to as the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord from which nothing can separate us. This is what we find St Paul, with St. Barnabas, doing in today’s first reading. They were putting ‘fresh heart into the disciples, encouraging them to persevere in the faith’. Whenever we put fresh heart into others, whenever we encourage and build up all that is good in them, we are loving others with the Lord’s love, because so much of His ministry was about putting fresh heart into others and building them up. If together we try to live in this loving way, then, in the words of the second reading, God will make his home among us, and something of the new, heavenly, Jerusalem, will begin to come into being on earth.
Reflecting further on the Gospel reading, as Jesus prepares for His Passion, He leaves His disciples with this commandment that echoes through the ages: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This is not a call to ordinary affection or tolerance it is a radical, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s own love on the Cross. His love is patient, forgiving, merciful, and willing to suffer for the sake of others. In this love, Jesus reveals the true glory of God. The glorification He speaks of is not about earthly triumphs, but about self-giving love that redeems and restores. This commandment is “new” not because love was never commanded before, but because of the measure of love: as I have loved you. This sets the standard for Christian discipleship. Love becomes the badge of authenticity for every believer. Jesus doesn’t say people will know us by our knowledge, our rituals, or our arguments but by our love. Today, we are invited to reflect on how well we embody this love in our homes, churches, communities, and even toward our enemies. Do we love as Jesus loves?
In the First Reading, Sts. Paul and Barnabas return to the cities where they first preached the Gospel, despite the dangers they faced there. Their journey is not marked by comfort, but by perseverance. They exhort the new disciples, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” This truth remains relevant today. The Christian path is not one of ease, but of grace-filled endurance. The apostles also appoint elders to shepherd the young communities, reminding us that leadership in the Church is not about power but about service, prayer, and trust in the Lord. The culmination of their mission is marked by joyful testimony: they report what God has done and how He opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Evangelization is God’s work through willing hearts. This passage calls us to persevere in faith, to support one another, and to boldly witness to the Gospel no matter the obstacles.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist beautifully proclaims God’s character: gracious, merciful, kind, and compassionate. Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise that celebrates the everlasting reign of God and the universality of His kingdom. “Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,” we read, and this ties into the Gospel’s universal call to love. We are reminded that God’s love extends to all His works, and we, His faithful ones, are called to speak of His might and make His deeds known to every generation. This psalm becomes our song of gratitude for a God who not only reigns with justice but rules with tenderness.
In today’s second reading, John the seer shares his vision of the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven. This new Jerusalem is an image of the Church at its best. The new Jerusalem is the community of believers who love one another as Jesus loves us. It is said of this new community in that reading, ‘Here God lives among men and women’. According to the words of the song, ‘Where charity and love are found, there is God’. The fullest revelation of God is a community of believers who love and encourage one another with the Lord’s own love. This is what we, the church, are called to become. St. John’s vision offers hope: a new heaven, a new earth, and a holy city the new Jerusalem. This is the fulfillment of God’s promise not only restoration but total transformation. “God’s dwelling is with the human race” points to the ultimate union between God and humanity. All sorrow, death, and pain will pass away. This reading assures us that love, suffering, and perseverance are not in vain. God is actively “making all things new.” In a world of loss and instability, this vision lifts our eyes to the eternal, urging us to live with joyful hope. The promise of no more tears and a renewed creation is God’s answer to the brokenness we see and endure.
Do I truly live out the commandment to love others as Christ has loved me? Am I willing to love those who have hurt me or whom I find difficult to love? How do I respond to the hardships of Christian life with resignation or with perseverance in faith? In what ways can I speak of God’s kingdom to others, especially those outside the Church? Do people recognize me as a disciple of Jesus by the way I love? Let us go forth today as disciples marked by love the kind of love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. In a world desperate for compassion and truth, let our lives be a living sign of the love of Christ. Let us persevere, encourage one another, and proclaim boldly: “Behold, He makes all things new.” Amen. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You have shown us what love truly means a love that lays down its life, a love that forgives and never fails. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us not just in words but in deeds, not just in comfort but in sacrifice. Strengthen our hearts to persevere through trials, and open our eyes to the ways You are working even in hardship. Help us to be bold witnesses of Your Gospel and humble servants in Your Church. May our love bear the mark of Your cross and the fragrance of Your mercy. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN I, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT VENANTIUS OF CAMERINO, MARTYR; AND SAINT FELIX OF CANTALICE, RELIGIOUS ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 18TH: Still rejoicing in the light of the Resurrection, the Church commemorates three great saints who witnessed to Christ in distinct yet powerful ways Saint John I (Patron of prisoners and diplomats), a Pope and martyr; Saint Venantius (Patron of Camerino, youth, and protection against earthquakes), a young and courageous martyr; and Saint Felix of Cantalice (Patron of beggars, the Capuchin Order, and children), a humble Capuchin friar and model of charity. Through their intercession, and under the maternal mantle of our Blessed Mother Mary, we offer prayers for the sick and the dying especially those suffering from terminal illnesses. We lift up the poor and the abandoned, beseeching the Lord’s mercy and protection over them. We pray for the Church and her clergy, for persecuted Christians around the world, for the conversion of sinners, and for the unity of all believers in Christ.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 18th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John I, Saint Venantius, and Saint Felix of Cantalice| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-18th/)
SAINT JOHN I, POPE AND MARTYR: Pope Saint John I served as the Bishop of Rome from 523 until his death in 526. Born in Tuscany, he began his ecclesial life as an archdeacon and was later elected Pope during a turbulent era. At the time, Italy was ruled by Theodoric the Great, an Ostrogothic king who adhered to Arianism a heresy denying the divinity of Christ.
When Emperor Justin I in Constantinople took action against Arian churches in the East, Theodoric, fearing a threat to his religious allies, sent Pope John to negotiate more lenient treatment for the Arians. Though Pope John was received with great honor in Constantinople crowning the emperor and celebrating Easter at the famed Hagia Sophia he refused to compromise the Catholic faith. His diplomatic efforts were not enough to appease Theodoric, who, upon his return to Italy, accused the Pope of conspiracy. The saintly pontiff was imprisoned in Ravenna and subjected to cruel neglect, ultimately dying of starvation on May 18, 526.
His martyrdom was the fruit of unwavering fidelity to the truth of Christ and the authority of the Church. His relics are venerated in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
PRAYER: O God, who rewarded the faithfulness of Pope Saint John I with the crown of martyrdom, grant that we, persevering in the truth of the Gospel, may be strengthened by his intercession to endure all trials for the sake of Christ. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT VENANTIUS OF CAMERINO, MARTYR: Saint Venantius was a 15-year-old youth from Camerino, Italy, who bravely gave his life for Christ during the persecution under Emperor Decius in the year 250. Arrested for publicly preaching the Gospel, Venantius boldly professed his faith and denounced idolatry before the governor, Antiochus. His young age did not hinder his courage he endured vicious tortures: scourging, burning with torches, attempted suffocation, being thrown into fire, and having his jaws broken. Miraculously, he was delivered repeatedly by divine intervention.
One of the persecutors witnessed an angel extinguish the flames meant to consume the saint, and was converted along with his household. Despite further torments, including being dragged over thorns and stoned, Venantius remained steadfast. Eventually, he and several of his companions were beheaded. His body rests in a church in Camerino, where miracles continued in his name.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in Saint Venantius you gave us a fearless witness to youth and faith. Help us to emulate his strength and purity of heart, and may he intercede for our young people today, that they may remain faithful amidst trials. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT FELIX OF CANTALICE, RELIGIOUS: Saint Felix of Cantalice (1515–1587) was a humble Capuchin friar known for his deep devotion, simplicity, and radiant charity. Born into poverty in Cantalice, Italy, Felix worked as a shepherd and farm laborer before joining the Capuchins as a lay brother. After taking vows in 1545, he was assigned to Rome, where he spent over 40 years as a quaestor, going door-to-door begging alms not for himself, but for the poor and the sick.
Though unlettered, Felix was rich in wisdom and spiritual insight. He walked barefoot through the streets of Rome, clutching his rosary and blessing everyone he met. People affectionately called him “Brother Deo Gratias” because of his constant thanksgiving to God. He was a friend and spiritual companion to saints like Philip Neri and Charles Borromeo.
Saint Felix died on May 18, 1587, and was canonized in 1712. His life reminds us that true holiness lies not in status, but in serving Christ through simplicity and love.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You taught us that the greatest in Your Kingdom are those who serve with humility. By the example and intercession of Saint Felix, teach us to embrace poverty of spirit and to love generously. Amen.🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John I, Saint Venantius, and Saint Felix of Cantalice ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: For Working Conditions ~ Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ~ POPE FRANCIS: For Working Conditions ~ Jesus, You knew work in this world, and You understand its hardships and joys… Hear our prayer today. Working is a human trait… Work is sacred… The beauty of the earth and the dignity of work were meant to be united… The earth becomes beautiful when man works… Lord, You see that we believe this with conviction, but we desire even more for it to become a reality among us.
We are saddened when people can’t find work and lack the dignity of bringing bread to their home. Give us the light of your Spirit, open our hearts, do not let indifference overcome us.
Help us recover the gift of universal brotherhood. We ask for a heart as big as Jesus’s so we can embrace the call to work to give dignity to people and families.
Amen 🙏🏽
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.
In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we celebrate this Fifth Sunday of Easter and honor the memory of Saint John I, Saint Venantius, and Saint Felix of Cantalice, we bring our heartfelt intentions before the Lord. We pray for the Church and her leaders, that they may be steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel with truth and love, even amidst trials, like Saint John I. We lift up the youth of the world, asking for strength and holiness in their journey, inspired by the courage of Saint Venantius. We remember the poor, the abandoned, and the overlooked in society, praying they may be embraced with charity and mercy, as exemplified by Saint Felix. We intercede for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from terminal illnesses, that they may experience God’s healing presence. We pray for all prisoners, especially those unjustly detained, for persecuted Christians around the globe, for the unity of all believers in Christ, and for the transformation of our world through the power of divine love. For the renewal of the world, that all creation may one day share in the fullness of God’s promise where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes”
LET US PRAY
My loving Lord, You transformed death itself into the perfect means by which You gave glory to Your Father and were glorified Yourself. Please help me to enter into Your mind so that I can see my life as You see it and to live for that eternal glory to which I am called. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
God of infinite mercy and eternal love, You call us to reflect Your glory through lives of sacrificial love and service. As we walk in the footsteps of Your saints Saint John I, Saint Venantius, and Saint Felix of Cantalice grant us the grace to remain faithful in trials, joyful in poverty, and courageous in witness. May the command of Your Son to love one another as He has loved us become the rule of our lives. As we await the day when You will make all things new, may we be instruments of Your renewing love in the world today. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.🙏🏽
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John I, Saint Venantius, and Saint Felix of Cantalice ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, for the gift of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection, may our hearts remain open to the peace and hope that flow from His victory over sin and death. During this joyful Easter season, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and draw us closer to the mystery of His Passion, death, and Resurrection. May we walk in the light of His risen life, renewed in spirit and overflowing with grace. Praying for us all and our loved ones today and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling during this Easter season. As we embrace the blessings of this new month, may God’s abundant grace continue to shower upon us, filling our hearts with peace, joy, and hope in His Resurrection. May this new week be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Sunday and joyful Fifth Week of Easter!🙏🏽