MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA, PRIEST; SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL, MARTYRS; SAINT ANTHELM, BISHOP; SAINT PELAGIUS OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR AND BLESSED JACQUES GHAZIR HADDAD, PRIEST

THURSDAY OF THE TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 26, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA, PRIEST; SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL, MARTYRS; SAINT ANTHELM, BISHOP; SAINT PELAGIUS OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR AND BLESSED JACQUES GHAZIR HADDAD, PRIEST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed Saint Josemaría, Saints John and Paul, Saint Anthelm, Saint Pelagius and Blessed Jacques | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-26th/)

DAY NINE: 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 26, 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-mass26/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today is Thursday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time.

We thank God for the successful completion of our Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May God grant us His grace and mercy as we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart, tomorrow, June 27, 2025.

On this special feast day, we pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for justice, peace and love in our world today. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world. We 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. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith… Amen 🙏🏽

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 NINE

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, Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time | June 26, 2025
Reading 1: Genesis 16:1–12, 15–16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106:1b–2, 3–4a, 4b–5
Gospel: Matthew 7:21–29

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 7:21–29

“The house built on rock and the house built on sand”

“Jesus said to His disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”

In today’s Gospel reading, the two houses that Jesus describes in the parable looked the same. To the external observer, there would have appeared to be no difference between the two buildings. Yet, there was a crucial difference between them, even though it was not immediately visible. It only became visible when the storm struck. It was only then that it became evident that these two identical houses were resting on very different foundations. One house withstood the storm, and the other collapsed. In the case of these two houses, what was invisible was far more significant than what was visible. The Gospel reading suggests that the same can apply when it comes to our lives. Two lives can look much the same, but, in reality, one can be much more vulnerable than the other. Jesus declares that the surest foundation for our lives consists in the hearing and the doing of His word. He is the rock and if we build our lives on Him, on His values and attitudes as expressed in His word and in His life, then our lives will be solidly rooted and we will come through the storms that inevitable come our way in life.

In our Gospel, Jesus gives us a stark reminder: faith must be lived, not just professed. Calling on the Lord with our lips, even doing mighty deeds in His name, is not enough if we are not living in obedience to His will. The true disciple isn’t just a hearer of the Word but a doer, one who listens and responds in love, humility, and action. Jesus compares obedience to building on solid rock. When the storms of life come and they will a life rooted in Christ stands firm. But those who merely admire Jesus’ words without following them are like those building on sand: all appearance, no foundation. Their lives, though impressive for a while, crumble under pressure.

In the first reading, the story of Hagar is one of sorrow, injustice, and divine encounter. Sarai, in desperation, attempts to fulfill God’s promise through human means, leading to jealousy, mistreatment, and Hagar’s suffering. Hagar flees into the wilderness a symbol of abandonment and despair. Yet, it is precisely there that God meets her. The Lord’s messenger does not simply rescue her; He sees her, speaks to her, and gives her child a name that means “God hears.” Ishmael becomes a sign that even the voiceless and oppressed are never forgotten by God. Hagar, an Egyptian servant woman, becomes the first person in Scripture to receive an annunciation from an angel and the first to give God a name: El Roi, “the God who sees me.” This reading reminds us that God’s faithfulness extends beyond human messiness. He remains present in our wilderness, and His promises are not thwarted by our failures.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 106 is a song of gratitude and repentance. It calls us to remember God’s mighty deeds and mercy, even when we falter. The psalmist praises those who act justly and do what is right not perfectly, but consistently and sincerely. In light of today’s readings, the psalm serves as a prayer of grounding. It reminds us that we are part of a chosen people, and though we may stray, God’s saving help is near to all who call on Him in truth.

Reflecting on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the Scriptures. Am I living my faith in action, or simply professing it with words? When challenges come, is my foundation truly Christ or something else? Like Hagar, do I trust that God sees me even when I feel cast aside? In what areas of my life am I trying to “help” God’s plan instead of trusting His timing? The Word of God today challenges us to examine the foundation of our lives. True discipleship is not about impressive words or outward religious acts, but about doing the will of the Father day by day, moment by moment. When the storms come and they always do only a life built on Christ will endure. Let us not be content with hearing the Word; let us live it, even when it’s hard, even when it costs us. Like Hagar in the wilderness, may we encounter the God who sees and hears us in our struggles. And like the wise builder, may we root our every decision, relationship, and hope on the solid rock of Christ. For in Him alone is our peace, our purpose, and our unshakable foundation. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to strive to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You are the Rock on which I want to build my life. Teach me to listen not only with my ears, but with my heart and to act on Your Word with courage. Like Hagar, help me to know that I am seen, heard, and loved by You. When I am tempted to rely on my own plans, remind me to wait on Your promises. Strengthen my faith, that I may walk in Your will and stand firm in the storms. May Your mercy shape every step I take. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA, PRIEST; SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL, MARTYRS; SAINT ANTHELM, BISHOP; SAINT PELAGIUS OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR AND BLESSED JACQUES GHAZIR HADDAD, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 26TH: Today, the Church honors holy men who each responded radically to God’s call in different ages and vocations: Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Priest (Patron of Ordinary Holiness and Founder of Opus Dei), Saints John and Paul, Martyrs (Patrons of Rome’s Caelian Hill and Models of Steadfast Witness), Saint Anthelm, Bishop (Carthusian Reformer and Shepherd of the Poor), Saint Pelagius of Córdoba, Martyr (Patron of Purity and Youth under Persecution), and Blessed Jacques Ghazir Haddad, Priest (Apostle of Lebanon and Champion of Charity). Their lives remind us that holiness is possible in every state of life from palaces and monasteries to prisons and refugee tents. Through their intercession and under the maternal protection of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray for the sick, especially those suffering from cancer and chronic illness, for persecuted Christians, for peace and justice, and for renewed zeal among bishops, priests, religious, and all the faithful. May we follow their examples and live our daily lives with fidelity, humility, and courage. Amen. 🙏🏽

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 26th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Josemaría, Saints John and Paul, Saint Anthelm, Saint Pelagius and Blessed Jacques | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-26th/ )

SAINT JOSEMARÍA ESCRIVÁ, PRIEST: Saint Josemaría Escrivá (1902–1975) was born in Barbastro, Spain, into a devout Catholic family. Amid personal tragedies and financial hardships, his childhood was shaped by the unwavering faith of his parents. A turning point came in his youth when he saw barefoot Carmelite friars walking in the snow a sign that God was calling him to something greater. Abandoning his aspirations to be an architect, he embraced the priesthood, and in 1925, he was ordained. His most enduring legacy is the founding of Opus Dei, an organization rooted in the radical and beautiful truth that holiness is for everyone, not just priests or religious. Through daily work, family life, and ordinary moments, each person is called to sanctity. His bestselling book The Way continues to inspire millions with simple, profound reflections on the Gospel. Saint Josemaría died on June 26, 1975, after glancing at an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He was canonized in 2002 by Pope Saint John Paul II.

PRAYER: Saint Josemaría, help us to sanctify our daily work and see God in every moment. Teach us to offer each task with joy and faithfulness, and to walk the path of holiness in the ordinary. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL, MARTYRS: Saints John and Paul were Roman military officers who served under Constantine the Great and later under his daughter, Constantia. They became known not only for their distinguished service but also for their deep Christian faith and charitable works. When Emperor Julian the Apostate came to power and sought to revive pagan worship, he summoned them to renounce their faith and offer sacrifice to pagan gods. They refused. Rather than face a public execution which Julian feared would spark outrage he had them secretly executed in their home on the Caelian Hill around 362 A.D. Their names have been included in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) since the 5th century, and their home later became the site of a basilica built in their honor.

PRAYER: Saints John and Paul, grant us your boldness in faith. When the world tempts us with comfort or compromise, may we stand firm in Christ, proclaiming the Gospel with love and truth. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT ANTHELM, BISHOP: Saint Anthelm of Belley (1107–1177) was born in Savoy, France, into nobility. A man of intelligence and worldly success, he eventually left his ecclesiastical position to enter the austere life of the Carthusians. He became Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, where he revitalized monastic discipline, expanded the order, and served as the first Master General. Later appointed Bishop of Belley, Anthelm fearlessly defended Church authority during a time of schism and reform. He advocated for the poor, ministered to lepers, and upheld justice even when it meant challenging powerful nobles or the pope himself. He died on June 26, 1177, having lived a life marked by courage, compassion, and uncompromising faith.

PRAYER: Saint Anthelm, shepherd of reform and mercy, pray for our Church leaders. Inspire us to serve with humility, to speak the truth in love, and to give without counting the cost. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT PELAGIUS OF CÓRDOBA, MARTYR: Saint Pelagius (912–925) was a young Christian boy taken hostage during the Muslim occupation of Spain. At the age of thirteen, he was brought before the Caliph of Córdoba, who offered him freedom, wealth, and honor if he renounced Christ and submitted to immoral advances. Pelagius courageously refused both apostasy and sin.For his defiance, he endured brutal torture and martyrdom. He is remembered as a patron of chastity, purity, and courage in the face of oppression. His witness speaks powerfully to all Christians especially the youth about the value of integrity and the eternal victory of Christ over the world.

PRAYER: Saint Pelagius, brave witness in youth, protect the hearts of young people today. Strengthen them to live with purity and courage, and to love Christ above all else. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED JACQUES GHAZIR HADDAD, PRIEST: Blessed Jacques Ghazir Haddad (1875–1954), known as the “Apostle of Lebanon,” was a Capuchin friar who spent his life preaching and serving the poor in the Middle East. Born in Ghazir, Lebanon, he felt a call to the priesthood while teaching in Egypt. He was ordained in 1901 and traveled tirelessly across Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and Turkey proclaiming the Gospel. Moved by the needs of the sick and poor, he founded the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Cross, an order committed to healthcare and education. His institutions served the abandoned, disabled, elderly, orphans, and those affected by war. Though blind and stricken with leukemia in his final years, he continued to pray and serve with unwavering love until his death on June 26, 1954. He was beatified in 2008.

PRAYER: Blessed Jacques, Apostle of mercy, intercede for those who serve the sick and the poor. Teach us to see Christ in the suffering and to pour ourselves out in love. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Josemaría, Saints John and Paul, Saint Anthelm, Saint Pelagius and Blessed Jacques ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

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

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 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: On this memorial of Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Saints John and Paul, Saint Anthelm, Saint Pelagius of Córdoba, and Blessed Jacques Ghazir Haddad, we bring our intentions before the Lord with trust and hope. We pray for the Church, that she may be built firmly on the rock of Christ and remain faithful in word and deed. We remember our priests, bishops, and all who serve the people of God, that they may be inspired by today’s saints to live lives of holiness, humility, and courage. We lift up those who are suffering in silence those enduring illness, injustice, rejection, or abandonment and ask that they may experience God’s mercy and healing. We pray for the young, especially those facing confusion or pressure, that they may be strengthened to choose purity and truth. We intercede for the poor, the dying, and those living on the margins, that through the love of Christ and the care of His people, they may find dignity and hope. May all of us be given the grace to live not only as hearers of the Word, but as doers, bearing fruits of justice, mercy, and love in our daily lives.

LET US PRAY

My glorious Lawgiver, You taught as One with authority. Today, as Your holy Word is read and proclaimed, You continue to exercise Your new and glorious authority of love and mercy. Please help me to listen to You and to always submit myself to Your authority so that I am governed by Your New Law of grace. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, You are our firm foundation, our rock in times of trial, and the source of all holiness. As we reflect on the call to not only hear Your Word but to live it out, we ask for the grace to build our lives on Christ with steadfast faith and integrity. Inspired by the courage of the martyrs and the witness of the saints we honor today, may we walk humbly, love generously, and persevere in hope even when the road is difficult. Strengthen us to choose truth over convenience, obedience over appearance, and love over pride. Make us instruments of peace in a world often shaken by fear and division, and help us bear fruit that brings glory to You and healing to others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Josemaría, Saints John and Paul, Saint Anthelm, Saint Pelagius and Blessed Jacques ~ 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 and fruitful Thursday and Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time🙏🏽

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