MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN THE ALMSGIVER, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA AND SAINT ILDEFONSUS, BISHOP AND SAINT MARIANNE COPE, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 23RD 2026

FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 23, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN THE ALMSGIVER, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA AND SAINT ILDEFONSUS, BISHOP AND SAINT MARIANNE COPE, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 23RD| Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John the Almsgiver, Saint Ildefonsus, and Saint Marianne Cope | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-23rd/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 23, 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-23-2026/

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God’s Word and to draw inspiration from the lives of Saint John the Almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria; Saint Ildefonsus, Bishop; and Saint Marianne Cope, Religious. The readings of the day call us to examine how we respond to power, suffering, and God’s call in our own lives, whether with mercy or retaliation, fear or trust, self-interest or generous service. As we honor these saints whose lives were marked by charity, fidelity to truth, and self-giving love, we are reminded that true discipleship is revealed not in position or recognition, but in humble obedience to God and compassionate care for others. Today’s reflection invites us to open our hearts to God’s mercy, to trust in His justice, and to respond faithfully when Christ calls us by name.

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence throughout the year now unfolding. As we embark on this fresh journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of January, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following His example of love, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Name of Jesus, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this new year. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of January into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽

Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾

We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.

Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of January. 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Second Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time | January 23, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 24:3–21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 57:2, 3–4, 6, 11
Gospel: Mark 3:13–19

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 3:13–19

“Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.”

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter;  James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Jesus goes up the mountain, a place of prayer, encounter, and divine decision and from there He summons those He desires. The call of the Twelve is not accidental or based on human qualifications, but on Christ’s deliberate choice. Before they are sent to preach or given authority, they are first called to be with Him. This order is essential: discipleship begins with relationship before mission.

The Gospel reminds us that our fruitfulness in God’s work flows from intimacy with Christ. The apostles are ordinary men with distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses—even one who would later betray Him. Yet Jesus still calls, trusts, and commissions them. This reveals a profound truth: God does not wait for perfection before calling us; rather, He forms us through closeness to Him. Authority in the Christian life is rooted not in status, but in faithful companionship with Christ.

In the First Reading from the Book of Samuel, David is given the perfect opportunity to destroy Saul, the king who relentlessly seeks his life. Yet David refuses. Though persecuted and unjustly hunted, he chooses restraint over revenge, mercy over power. David recognizes Saul as “the Lord’s anointed” and entrusts justice entirely to God. His decision reflects deep reverence for God’s authority and a heart shaped by humility and trust. This moment reveals true strength—not the strength to strike back, but the strength to surrender judgment to God. David’s mercy becomes a silent testimony that touches Saul’s heart, leading even his enemy to acknowledge David’s righteousness. In choosing mercy, David mirrors the heart of God, who sees beyond immediate victory and works patiently for lasting conversion.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this posture of trust: “Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.” In the midst of danger, the psalmist seeks refuge not in retaliation or human defense, but under the shadow of God’s wings. God’s mercy and faithfulness rise higher than fear, injustice, or human threats. The psalm teaches us to anchor our hope not in outcomes we control, but in the unchanging character of God.

Together, today’s readings invite us to reflect on the kind of authority we exercise and the way we respond when wronged. Like the apostles, we are first called to be with Jesus before we are sent. Like David, we are challenged to resist the urge to repay evil with evil, trusting that God alone is the just judge. True discipleship is revealed not in dominance, but in mercy, obedience, and faithfulness.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: How do I respond when I am treated unfairly? Do I trust God enough to surrender my desire for revenge or control? Am I allowing Christ to form my heart through closeness to Him, or am I rushing into action without prayer? May these Scriptures teach us patience, humility, and deeper trust in the God who calls, protects, and sends.

Lord Jesus Christ, You call us first to be with You before sending us forth. Teach us to remain close to You in prayer, humility, and trust. Grant us the grace to choose mercy over revenge, obedience over pride, and faith over fear. Like David, help us to entrust all judgment to You, and like the apostles, form our hearts to serve Your mission faithfully. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN THE ALMSGIVER, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA; SAINT ILDEFONSUS, BISHOP; AND SAINT MARIANNE COPE, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 23RD: Today, the Church honors three radiant witnesses whose lives reveal the many faces of Christian charity, fidelity, and holiness across different centuries and vocations. Saint John the Almsgiver, Patriarch of Alexandria; Saint Ildefonsus, Bishop; and Saint Marianne Cope, Religious, each responded generously to God’s call through pastoral leadership, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and heroic service to the most abandoned. Though separated by time and culture, they are united by a shared love for Christ expressed through mercy, doctrinal fidelity, and sacrificial care for the vulnerable. Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint John the Almsgiver (Patron Saint of the poor and charitable works), Saint Ildefonsus (a great Marian theologian and shepherd of souls), and Saint Marianne Cope (Patron Saint of leprosy patients, nurses, and outcasts). Through their intercession, we pray for hearts that reflect God’s mercy, for bishops and pastors entrusted with the care of souls, and for all who serve the sick, the rejected, and the forgotten. May their lives inspire us to live our faith not only in words, but through concrete acts of love and fidelity. We ask this through Christ our Lord… Amen. 🙏🏽

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | January 23rd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John the Almsgiver, Saint Ildefonsus, and Saint Marianne Cope | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-23rd/)

SAINT JOHN THE ALMSGIVER, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA: Saint John the Almsgiver, also known as Saint John the Merciful, was born around 555 in Amathus, Cyprus, and after experiencing the deep sorrow of losing his wife and children, he dedicated his life entirely to God through works of mercy and charity. Appointed Patriarch of Alexandria in 606, he became widely known for his extraordinary love for the poor, whom he called his “lords and masters,” recognizing Christ present in them. He organized care for thousands of needy persons, established hospitals, defended the true faith, and governed the Church with humility, justice, and compassion. His life remains a powerful testimony that authentic Christian leadership is measured not by authority, but by mercy and self-giving love.

PRAYER: Saint John the Almsgiver, merciful shepherd and friend of the poor, pray for us. Teach us to recognize Christ in the needy and to serve with generous and humble hearts. May our charity reflect the mercy of God and draw others closer to His love. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT ILDEFONSUS, BISHOP: Saint Ildefonsus was born around 607 in Toledo, Spain, and from an early age showed a deep desire for religious life, eventually becoming a Benedictine monk and later Archbishop of Toledo. Known for his learning, discipline, and pastoral wisdom, he faithfully guided the Church while defending sound doctrine, especially his profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his theological defense of her perpetual virginity. A gifted teacher and writer, Saint Ildefonsus strengthened Marian devotion within the Church and modeled a life where holiness, humility, and fidelity to truth worked in harmony, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy for generations.

PRAYER: God, Light and Shepherd of souls, You established Saint Ildefonsus as a faithful bishop and teacher in Your Church. Through his intercession, help us to remain steadfast in the faith he proclaimed and to grow in love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we follow his example of humility, devotion, and obedience. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT MARIANNE COPE, RELIGIOUS: Saint Marianne Cope was born in Germany in 1838 and later immigrated to the United States, where she entered the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis and served faithfully as a teacher, administrator, and hospital leader. In 1883, she courageously answered the call to care for those suffering from Hansen’s disease in Hawaii, dedicating the remaining 35 years of her life to the rejected and forgotten on the island of Molokai. With deep compassion, joyful service, and fearless love, she restored dignity to the suffering and became known as a true mother to the outcasts. Her life stands as a radiant witness to Franciscan charity lived with total trust in God.

PRAYER: Saint Marianne Cope, compassionate servant of the suffering and abandoned, pray for us. Teach us to love without fear and to serve Christ in those whom the world forgets. May your example inspire us to live lives of generous self-giving and joyful charity. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John the Almsgiver, Saint Ildefonsus, and Saint Marianne Cope — pray for us. 🙏🏽

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of January | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-january-2026/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 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 INTENTIONS: Today, as we reflect on God’s Word and honor Saint John the Almsgiver, Saint Ildefonsus, and Saint Marianne Cope, we lift up our prayers to the Lord. We pray for hearts formed by mercy rather than revenge, like David who spared Saul, trusting in God’s justice instead of taking matters into his own hands. May we learn from Saint John the Almsgiver to recognize Christ in the poor and vulnerable, from Saint Ildefonsus to remain faithful to truth and sound teaching, and from Saint Marianne Cope to serve the suffering with courage and joyful love. We pray for bishops, priests, and all whom Christ continues to call and appoint, as He did the Twelve, that they may lead with humility, integrity, and compassion. We also entrust to God all who are persecuted, misunderstood, or tempted to respond to injustice with bitterness, asking for the grace to choose forgiveness, peace, and trust in the Lord who sees all things.

LET US PRAY:

Lord God, You are our refuge and our strength, the One who calls, chooses, and sends according to Your loving will. Shape our hearts to reflect Your mercy, teach us to walk in humility and obedience, and help us to serve others with generosity and courage. Through the intercession of Saint John the Almsgiver, Saint Ildefonsus, and Saint Marianne Cope, may we live as true disciples, responding faithfully to Your call and bearing witness to Your love in word and deed. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John the Almsgiver, Saint Ildefonsus, and Saint Marianne Cope ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

As we step forward into this new year, may this sacred season invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace and steady guidance that flow from walking daily with Christ shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. As we journey through Ordinary Time with hearts open to His continual presence, may God bless all families and loved ones as we embrace the year ahead, and may His light shine brightly in every home. Each day, we pause in gratitude, entrusting our joys and sorrows, successes and shortcomings into God’s merciful hands. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing hope and salvation into our lives and into the world. May this season of faithful discipleship be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence throughout the year to come. 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs

North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html

Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/