MEMORIAL OF SAINT JULIANA OF NICOMEDIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT ONESIMUS, MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ FEBRUARY 16TH 2026

MONDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-16th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JULIANA OF NICOMEDIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT ONESIMUS, MARTYR

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | February 16, 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-february-16-2026/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, we honor the Memorial of Saint Juliana of Nicomedia, Virgin and Martyr, and Saint Onesimus, Martyr, whose courageous witness reminds us that steadfast faith is worth every sacrifice. In the Letter of James, we are encouraged to remain firm in trials, trusting that perseverance brings spiritual maturity and that true riches are found not in the world, but in humble reliance on God. The Psalm proclaims the goodness of the Lord’s law, even when it corrects and refines us, while in the Gospel, Jesus challenges hardened hearts that seek signs instead of faith. As Lent begins in just two days, the Church gently calls us to examine our own hearts are we seeking proof, or are we seeking Christ? May the example of these martyrs inspire us to embrace the coming season with courage, humility, and a renewed trust in God’s transforming grace. 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence during this month of February, as we come before Him with hearts open to His continual guidance and grace. This month, traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord, invites us to turn our gaze toward the mystery of Christ’s suffering and self-giving love, offered for the redemption of mankind. As we begin to meditate on His Passion in anticipation of the sacred season of Lent, may the witness of the saints who held a deep devotion to Christ’s suffering, such as Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Bridget of Sweden, and Saint Catherine of Siena inspire us to embrace each day with holiness, humility, and love. Through this devotion, may our hearts grow more attentive to the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and more responsive to His call to follow Him faithfully in our daily lives. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing light, hope, and salvation into our lives and into the world.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Sixth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time | February 16, 2026
Reading 1: James 1:1–11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76
Gospel: Mark 8:11–13

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 8:11–13

“Why does this generation seek a sign?”

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, we witness a poignant moment of divine frustration. Jesus “sighed from the depth of his spirit.” This isn’t just a sigh of tiredness; it is the grief of a Savior who has already given so much, yet is met with hearts that are closed and demanding. The Pharisees are not looking for truth; they are looking for a performance to “test” Him. They want a spectacular “sign from heaven” to validate what their eyes and their hearts refuse to see in His everyday works of mercy.

Jesus’ refusal to provide a sign is an act of love. He knows that a faith built only on miracles is fragile and superficial. True faith is not a transaction where we demand proof before we give our trust; rather, it is a relationship built on the quiet, steady recognition of God’s presence in our lives. When we demand “signs,” we are often trying to control God rather than follow Him.

The First Reading from the Letter of James provides the spiritual antidote to this demanding spirit. James calls us to “consider it all joy” when we encounter trials. While the Pharisees want an easy sign to remove their doubt, James reminds us that the “testing of your faith produces perseverance.” It is in the struggle, not in the spectacle, that we are made “perfect and complete.” If we lack the perspective to see this, James tells us exactly what to do: ask for wisdom. God gives it generously, provided we ask “in faith, not doubting.”

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this profound shift in perspective. The Psalmist admits, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.” This is a radical statement. It suggests that our difficulties are often the very “signs” we need—not signs of God’s absence, but tools of His grace that trim away our pride and teach us to value His word more than “thousands of gold and silver pieces.”

Together, these readings challenge our “two-minds” or “unstable” nature. The Pharisees represent the heart that demands a sign before it will believe. St. James and the Psalmist represent the heart that believes even when the “scorching heat” of life withers the grass. One heart stays on the shore, arguing; the other gets into the boat with Jesus, trusting Him even when the destination is “the other shore.”

As we reflect today, let us ask: Am I like the Pharisees, waiting for a “big sign” before I fully commit to God’s will? Or can I see the trials I am facing right now as the very place where God is perfecting my faith? Let us stop arguing with the circumstances of our lives and start looking for the wisdom God is trying to give us through them.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we have demanded signs while ignoring the many graces You have already given us. Grant us the wisdom to see our trials as opportunities for growth and the perseverance to trust You without doubt. May we find our security not in visible signs, but in Your unchanging Word. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

LENTEN CALENDAR

In 2026, the Lenten season for Western Christianity runs from Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, through Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026, leading to Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026.

This 40-day period (excluding Sundays) is marked by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, starting with the distribution of ashes to signify repentance and mortality, a powerful reminder of our need for conversion and the mercy of God.

Key 2026 Lenten Dates

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday): February 17, 2026
Ash Wednesday: February 18, 2026
1st Sunday of Lent: February 22, 2026
Laetare Sunday (Mid-Lent): March 15, 2026
Palm Sunday: March 29, 2026
Holy Thursday: April 2, 2026
Good Friday: April 3, 2026
Holy Saturday: April 4, 2026
Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026

Key Observances

Fasting and Abstinence:

Ash Wednesday (February 18) and Good Friday (April 3) are mandatory days of fasting and abstinence from meat for Roman Catholics.

Fridays in Lent:

Abstinence from meat is typically observed on all Fridays during Lent.

May this holy season be a time of sincere repentance, renewed discipline, and deeper trust in the Lord who calls us to return to Him with all our hearts.

SAINTS OF THE DAY | FEBRUARY 16TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| February 16th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Juliana of Nicomedia, and Saint Onesimus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-february-16th/

SAINT JULIANA OF NICOMEDIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Juliana of Nicomedia (c. 270–305) was a young Christian virgin who suffered martyrdom during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Born in Nicomedia, she secretly embraced the Christian faith despite her pagan upbringing. When her father arranged her marriage to a Roman prefect, she refused to consent unless he converted to Christianity. Her steadfast refusal led to severe abuse, imprisonment, and torture. Tradition recounts that even in prison she remained firm in faith, resisting temptations and enduring suffering with remarkable courage. Despite various attempts to break her resolve, she would not renounce Christ. She was eventually condemned to death and beheaded for her faith. Her heroic constancy inspired many conversions. Saint Juliana is venerated as a patron of the sick and those suffering from bodily illness, remembered for her purity, fortitude, and unwavering trust in God.

PRAYER: O God, who gave Saint Juliana the strength to remain faithful amid suffering, grant us courage in trials and steadfastness in our faith. Through her intercession, comfort the sick and strengthen those who endure illness or persecution. May we remain constant in love for You until the end. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT ONESIMUS, MARTYR: Saint Onesimus was a native of Phrygia and the servant of Philemon. After fleeing his master, he encountered Saint Paul while the Apostle was imprisoned in Rome. Through Paul’s preaching, Onesimus embraced the Christian faith and was baptized. Paul then sent him back to Philemon with a heartfelt letter now preserved as the New Testament Letter to Philemon appealing that he be received “no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother in the Lord.” Tradition holds that Onesimus was forgiven, freed, and became a faithful companion in missionary work. He later served the Church as a bishop and courageous preacher of the Gospel. Remaining steadfast in faith, he ultimately suffered martyrdom. Saint Onesimus’ life is a powerful testimony to conversion, reconciliation, and the transforming power of Christian brotherhood.

PRAYER: Almighty and ever-living God, You transformed Saint Onesimus from slave to beloved brother and faithful witness. Grant us hearts open to conversion and reconciliation. May we treat one another with dignity and charity, recognizing each person as a brother or sister in Christ. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Juliana of Nicomedia, and Saint Onesimus — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION FOR THE DAY: FOR PERSEVERANCE IN SUFFERING AND THE GRACE OF CONVERSION AND RECONCILIATION

Through the intercession of Saint Juliana of Nicomedia, Virgin and Martyr (patron of the sick and those suffering bodily illness), and Saint Onesimus, Martyr (witness of conversion and Christian brotherhood), let us pray for steadfast faith in times of trial and for hearts open to transformation. Through Saint Juliana’s courageous witness, may those who suffer from chronic illness, terminal disease, or persecution find strength, patience, and hope in Christ. May they be comforted in their pain and surrounded by compassionate caregivers. May we learn from her purity and fortitude to remain faithful even when tested. Through Saint Onesimus’ journey from slavery to beloved brother and faithful servant of the Gospel, may we be granted the grace of true conversion. May broken relationships be healed, divisions reconciled, and hearts softened by mercy. May we see one another not through the lens of status or past mistakes, but as brothers and sisters redeemed in Christ. United with their example of perseverance and renewal, may we trust God in suffering, embrace the call to repentance, and live in the freedom and dignity of the children of God. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/a-prayer-for-peace/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: For children with incurable diseases. Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: MONTH OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD: The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent. In this month, we begin to meditate on the mystery of Jesus’ sufferings which culminated in his death on the Cross for the redemption of mankind. Saints who had a special devotion to Christ’s passion include St. Francis of Assisi, who was the first known saint to receive the stigmata; St. John of the Cross; St. Bridget of Sweden; and St. Catherine of Siena.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=2

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
We pray for the repose of the gentle souls of our loved ones and souls of all the faithful departed. 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 🙏🏽

As we continue our spiritual journey, may this Ordinary Time invite us to a renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace, hope, 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 onward, may God bless our families and loved ones, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. May the days of this new month be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence with us always. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Juliana of Nicomedia, and Saint Onesimus ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

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

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/