THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 1, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Joseph, and Saint Peregrine | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-1st/ )

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis | EWTN | May 1, 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-58/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Thursday of the Second Week of Easter and Happy Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker!

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 our 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 new 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 🙏🏽

Watch “SIXTH NOVENDIAL MASS MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL VICTOR MANUEL FERNANDEZ | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | MAY 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/funeral-mass-of-pope-francis/

Novendiales (Nine Days of Mourning) Masses Schedule for Pope Francis (26 April 2025 – 4 May 2025)

Learn more about the Novendiales (Nine days of mourning) in the Papal Interregnum article below:

PAPAL INTERREGNUM (VACANCY OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE) | EWTN | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/papal-interregnum/

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

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/

PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AND SUCESS OF THE CONCLAVE

With the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:

Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.

Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come – You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.

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 🙏🏽

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 🙏🏽

As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, Today, the Church commemorates Saint Joseph the Worker (patron of workers, carpenters, and the universal Church) and Saint Peregrine Laziosi (patron of cancer patients and those suffering from serious illnesses). The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955, highlights the dignity of labor and presents Saint Joseph as a model for all who work with integrity and faith. It serves as a Christian response to secular ideologies that often separate labor from its spiritual dimension. Saint Peregrine, once hostile to the Church, experienced a profound conversion and later joined the Servite Order. Afflicted with cancer in his leg, he was miraculously healed after a vision of Christ, becoming a powerful symbol of hope and endurance for the sick. As we continue the papal interregnum, the Church enters a time of prayerful waiting during the conclave. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, and Saint Peregrine, comforter of the afflicted, may the Lord guide His Church in choosing a shepherd after His own heart.

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/

WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/26/world-prayers-for-pope-francis/

Honoring a Legacy of Service: The 10th Memorial Anniversary of Late Noble (Sir) Gabriel Louis Ihieje Opiepe (KSJI) | https://gliopiepehe.org/2025/04/12/honoring-a-legacy-of-service-the-10th-memorial-anniversary-of-late-noble-sir-gabriel-louis-ihieje-opiepe-ksji/

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, Thursday of the Second Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Second Week of Easter | May 1, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 5:27-33
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 34:2, 9, 17-18, 19-20
Gospel, John 3:31-36

Gospel Reading ~ John 3:31-36

“The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to Him”

“The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.”

In today’s Gospel reading, John the Baptist says of Jesus, ‘He whom God has sent speaks God’s own words’. Jesus speaks God’s own words because He is the Word of God in human flesh. John the evangelist declared in his opening verses, ‘the Word became flesh and lived among us’. We reflect deeply on all that Jesus said and did, on the whole of His life, on His death, resurrection and ascension, because we know that God has spoken the most powerful and clearest word He could ever speak through Jesus. We are not in the dark about God, wondering who God is and what God is like. In the language of John’s Gospel, it is Jesus, ‘who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made Him known’. Jesus came among us, full of God’s grace and truth, full of God’s gracious love and faithfulness, and we are invited to keep receiving from this fullness of God in Jesus. He has given us so much from His fullness that a life time is not long enough to receive it all. According to our Gospel reading today, God gives the Spirit to Jesus without reserve. God gave all to Jesus without reserve, and what Jesus received from God He has given to us, without reserve. However, there will always be a reserve in our receiving. We struggle to empty ourselves sufficiently to receive all the Lord wants to give us. We spend our lives learning to receive like little children. The greater our capacity to receive from the Lord’s fullness, the greater will be our ability to give as we have received. As Jesus received all from God and gave what He received to us, so Jesus looks to us to receive all from Him and to give what we receive to one another. We are to keep receiving from Jesus all He wishes to give us, His word, His Spirit, His love, so that, like St. Peter in our first reading, we can witness to Him before others.

Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Jesus offers a profound revelation about His divine origin and authority. He speaks not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the One who “comes from above” and is “above all.” His words are not of earthly origin but heavenly truth. Through Him, we see the full trustworthiness of God revealed, for He speaks the words of God Himself. Jesus emphasizes that those who accept His testimony affirm that God is true, and in doing so, they open themselves to the fullness of the Spirit, which is given without limit. The passage culminates in a clear message: belief in the Son leads to eternal life, while rejection of Him results in spiritual separation from God. This is a stark and sobering reminder that our response to Jesus has eternal consequences. His coming into the world is a gift of divine love and mercy—but it also demands a response. Believing in Jesus is not just acknowledging His existence; it is entrusting our lives to Him, obeying His voice, and receiving His Spirit. The Gospel today challenges us to reflect: Do we recognize Jesus as the One sent from above? Do we allow His words to shape our lives, or are we still too attached to earthly thinking? The Lord invites us to believe in Him deeply, not only intellectually but with our whole hearts so that we may receive the gift of eternal life. He calls us to trust in the full generosity of the Spirit, who is never withheld from those who believe. Let us not take lightly the importance of accepting His testimony and living by it daily.

Our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, details the confrontation between the members of the Sanhedrin or the Jewish High Council and the Apostles. The Sanhedrin, composed of the most powerful and influential members of the Jewish community, including the chief priests, elders, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, many of whom were against the teachings and works of the Lord, had been persecuting the Lord’s disciples ever after the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of the Lord. They had always been jealous and fearful of the popularity and influence of the Lord, and they closely guarded the special influence and privileges they had built up for themselves among the Jewish people, and that was also the reason why they arrested the Lord Jesus and handed Him over to the Romans to be crucified, in order to protect themselves and these privileges. The Sanhedrin was very much against the Apostles and their works, and ordered them all to stop teaching and preaching in the Name of the Lord Jesus. In fact, quite a few among the members of the Sanhedrin wanted to kill the Apostles if not for the timely intervention of Gamaliel, a respected member of the Sanhedrin and a renowned teacher of the Law himself, who according to Christian traditions, was a secret convert to the Christian faith. In the end, the assembly of the Sanhedrin agreed to scourge the Apostles and to let them go with the stern warning against any attempts to proselytise and proclaim the Risen Lord. This was met with great indignation and refusal by the Apostles, who chose to remain firm in their faith and resisted the attempts of those who sought to pressure them into giving up their efforts and works in proclaiming the Risen Lord. They had witnessed the Risen Lord Himself, and received the direct commandment and mission to proclaim His truth and Good News among the nations, and hence, it was inconceivable for them to disregard the Lord’s direct commandment and mission in saving themselves and preventing them from getting into trouble, by obeying the commands of the worldly Sanhedrin, who was mostly concerned more about their own worldly attachments and matters rather than to follow the Lord. After all, the Lord had spent a lot of time and effort, showing and proclaiming Himself and His good works to them, only to be repeatedly rebuffed and rejected because many of them could not resist the temptations of sin and evil, the temptations of worldly glory, fame, ambition and their own ego and pride. Thus, the Apostles and the other disciples of the Lord continued to do what the Lord had commanded them to do despite the oppositions they encountered.

Reflecting on the first reading, in this dramatic scene, the Apostles are again brought before the Sanhedrin and ordered to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Yet Peter boldly responds, “We must obey God rather than men.” His words echo the fearless conviction that filled the early Church: God’s truth must be proclaimed, no matter the cost. Peter does not water down the message; he directly confronts those responsible for Jesus’ death, affirming that God raised Him, exalted Him, and sent the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. The Apostles’ courage reveals a heart deeply anchored in divine truth. Even in the face of death threats, they remain unwavering, driven by their mission to witness to Christ. This passage reminds us that discipleship is not about convenience or comfort. To follow Christ may mean standing firm in truth even when it provokes opposition. Like the Apostles, we must discern whose voice we follow in moments of tension man’s or God’s. The world may silence or reject us, but our witness, like theirs, must be rooted in obedience to the Gospel. The Lord grants His Spirit to those who obey, empowering us to remain faithful.

Reflecting on today’s Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm is a song of comfort and hope: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” We are reminded that God is close to the brokenhearted, He saves those crushed in spirit, and delivers the just from all their troubles. This is the cry of every believer who places their trust in God amidst adversity. The Psalm reassures us that God’s ears are not deaf to our pain. When the righteous cry out, He responds with rescue and healing. In moments of trial, discouragement, or injustice, we can hold onto this promise. The Lord is not distant. He is our refuge, our healer, and our defender. Though the just may suffer many things, God delivers them. This deep truth reinforces the message of today’s readings: obedience to God may bring suffering, but God remains our stronghold.

Are we willing to obey God even when it’s difficult or unpopular? Do we accept Jesus’ words as truth and allow them to transform us from within? Are we living in the light of faith or still clinging to darkness? Do we believe in the power of God to save us and deliver us in times of distress? Let us follow the example of the Apostles and live with bold faith, remembering that belief in Jesus is not passive it is a call to action. Each day we are given the choice to obey God, to share His truth, and to trust in His eternal promise. Let us step into the light of Christ and live in the power of the Spirit.🙏🏽

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded that as Christians, each and every one of us are bearers of the truth of God, in everything that He Himself has revealed to us, through His Church and the holy Spirit. All of us as Christians believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, the Messiah sent by God into this world to save all of us, and that He is the Son of God, the Divine Word incarnate in the flesh, giving us all His own life, so that by doing so, He restored us all to a new life and existence, one that is once again attuned and connected to God, by His triumph and victory over sin and death. That is what we celebrate and are most joyful in during this blessed and glorious season of Easter, a time of celebration and rejoicing indeed. May the Risen Lord, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ continue to guide each and every one of us, and may He empower us all to live ever more faithfully and worthily in His presence. May He continue to bless us and love us in all things, and bless our every good works, efforts and endeavours for His greater glory, at all times. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may He bless our Easter joy and observance, and help us to have a truly blessed and fruitful Easter season. Amen🙏

Lord Jesus, You are the One who comes from above, the source of eternal life and truth. Help us to believe deeply in Your Word and to obey Your voice with courage and trust. Grant us the grace to stand firm in faith even in the face of opposition. May we be filled with Your Spirit, strengthened by Your love, and faithful in our witness. Draw us into Your light and deliver us from the fear that keeps us bound. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI, RELIGIOUS: MAY 1ST: As we continue to rejoice in the glory of Christ’s Resurrection during this Easter season, Today, the Church commemorates Saint Joseph the Worker (patron of workers, carpenters, and the universal Church) and Saint Peregrine Laziosi (patron of cancer patients and those suffering from serious illnesses). The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955, highlights the dignity of labor and presents Saint Joseph as a model for all who work with integrity and faith. It serves as a Christian response to secular ideologies that often separate labor from its spiritual dimension. Saint Peregrine, once hostile to the Church, experienced a profound conversion and later joined the Servite Order. Afflicted with cancer in his leg, he was miraculously healed after a vision of Christ, becoming a powerful symbol of hope and endurance for the sick. As we continue the papal interregnum, the Church enters a time of prayerful waiting during the conclave. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, and Saint Peregrine, comforter of the afflicted, may the Lord guide His Church in choosing a shepherd after His own heart.

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 1st | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Joseph, and Saint Peregrine | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-1st/ )

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER: Patron of workers, fathers, families, the dying, and the universal Church. Saint Joseph, though silent in Scripture, speaks volumes through his example. A humble carpenter, he labored with integrity, protected the Holy Family with steadfast love, and submitted completely to God’s will. Though descended from King David, he lived simply, working diligently to support Mary and Jesus.

This feast was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955 as a response to the growing influence of Communism and to reaffirm the Church’s vision of the dignity of labor. Celebrated on May 1st, in tandem with secular Labor Day or “May Day,” the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker reminds us that human labor is not only an economic necessity but a participation in God’s creative work. As Genesis tells us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).

Pius XII addressed Catholic workers in Saint Peter’s Square, declaring:

“You have beside you a shepherd, a defender, and a father in Saint Joseph… His intercession is very powerful over the Heart of the Saviour.”

Saint Joseph remains our spiritual protector. He is a patron for countless causes and places around the world, including fathers, laborers, engineers, immigrants, and those seeking a happy death. As Pope Saint John Paul II once said:

“Saint Joseph is a man of great spirit. He is great in faith… because he listens in silence to the words of the Living God.”

PRAYER: O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, help us to work conscientiously, with gratitude and joy, offering our daily toil to God. Teach us to work with patience, selflessness, and purity of intention, remembering always that our labor can be a path to holiness. May we, like you, embrace our duties with love and trust in God’s providence. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI, RELIGIOUS: Patron of cancer patients, AIDS patients, and those with incurable diseases. Born in Forlì, Italy around 1265, Saint Peregrine led a rebellious youth and was even involved in anti-Papal movements. In a dramatic moment of conversion, he struck Saint Philip Benizi, a Servite priest sent to preach peace. Deeply remorseful, Peregrine later sought Philip’s forgiveness, eventually entering the Servite Order.

He spent the rest of his life in prayer, penance, and service to the sick. At age 60, Peregrine developed a cancerous lesion on his leg, and doctors advised amputation. The night before the surgery, he prayed before a crucifix—and was miraculously healed. This healing led to his canonization in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII.

Saint Peregrine’s life is a testament to God’s power to transform hearts and heal bodies. He is a beacon of hope for all suffering serious illness.

PRAYER: Saint Peregrine, whom God healed of cancer through prayer, we turn to you now in our affliction. Intercede for all who suffer with terminal illness. Ask the Lord to heal us in body, mind, and spirit, and help us trust in His mercy. May we also imitate your faith, humility, and charity in our own lives. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Peregrine ~ 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: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of faith and reverence. On this day, as we honor Saint Joseph the Worker, we pray for all who labor those in factories, farms, offices, homes, and streets. May their work be dignified, justly rewarded, and offered in love, following the example of Saint Joseph, who labored silently but faithfully in Your service. We also commend to You those burdened with illness, especially cancer patients and all who suffer in body and spirit. Through the intercession of Saint Peregrine, may they receive strength, consolation, and healing. In light of today’s reading from Acts, we pray for the courage to obey God rather than men, even in the face of adversity. As Psalm 34 assures us, You are close to the brokenhearted be near to all who are crushed by life’s trials. And in this sacred time of the papal conclave, inspired by the Gospel’s reminder that Christ speaks the words of God, we beg You to anoint the Cardinals with wisdom, unity, and discernment as they elect a new shepherd for Your Church. Amen 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY:

My loving Lord, the Father has given all to You, and You, in turn, have given all to the Father. The love You share is infinite and eternal, overflowing into the lives of all Your creatures. Draw me into that divine love, dear Lord, and help me to imitate and share in Your love by fully giving my life to others. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

O Lord, You who sent Your Son from heaven to bear witness to the truth and to pour out the fullness of the Spirit without measure, hear our humble prayers. May our labor, like that of Saint Joseph the Worker, become an offering of love and service to You. May our suffering, like that of Saint Peregrine, be united to the cross and transformed into grace. Sustain us in times of trial with the hope that You are near to the brokenhearted and that Your angels encamp around those who fear You. As the Church waits in prayer for a new Holy Father, guide the conclave with divine light and raise up a leader who will lead with wisdom, humility, and holiness. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Peregrine, may Your Church be renewed in strength and unity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph the Worker and Saint Peregrine ~  Pray for us 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day 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 Thursday 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 Thursday and joyful Second Week of Easter and month of May 🙏🏽

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 |