ASCENSION SUNDAY
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (YEAR C), SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 1, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JUSTIN, MARTYR AND SAINT PAMPHILUS, PRIEST AND MARTYR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Justin and Saint Pamphilus| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-1st/ )
NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: Prayed in preparation for Pentecost. Begins Friday, May 30, 2025 (link below): Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts | EWTN | The novena – May 30- June 7, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-novena-to-the-holy-spirit/
Day Three – Sunday, June 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-novena-to-the-holy-spirit-day-3/
[This Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday]
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Ascension Sunday, the Seventh Sunday Week of Easter!
Watch “Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Families | Live from the Vatican | June 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/holy-mass-and-regina-caeli/
Live from St. Peter’s Square: Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly, followed by the Regina Caeli prayer.
We pray for all families, for the safety and well-being of all families, children, parents, grandparents, and the elderly. May the good Lord keep them all in good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 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-89/
We thank God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the month of June. As we begin this new month, we lift up in prayer all who celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, 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 🙏🏽
May this week be filled with peace, joy, and the renewed hope that comes from Christ’s Resurrection. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Easter🙏🏽
The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful symbol of His boundless love and mercy. As we entrust this month to His Most Sacred Heart, may we be drawn deeper into His compassion, find healing in His love, and strive to reflect His gentleness and humility in our daily lives. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of June. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Amen 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FAMILY PRAYER
JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.
MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.
JOSEPH, Foster-father to Jesus, guardian, and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.
HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR FAMILIES
God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support. Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other. Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures instill forgiveness and peace. May the mutual love and affection of parents set a good example. Instill in children self-respect that they may respect others and grow in mature independence. May the mutual affection and respect of families be a sign of Christian life here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen 🙏🏽
A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him wisdom, courage, and humility as he leads the Church in truth and love. May the Holy Spirit guide his every word and action, and may he be a bridge of unity for all nations. Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, strengthen him in his mission to proclaim Christ to the world. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter. Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern Your will, Courage to fulfill it, And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ. In this time of transition, Bring peace to troubled hearts, Joy to those who suffer, And hope to the despairing. May he be a faithful successor to Peter, A humble servant of Your Word, And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, And to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
We thank God for the successful celebration of the Inauguration Holy Mass for Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS: With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/
On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
As the Church continues to rejoice in the Risen Lord, today we honor two courageous defenders of the Faith: Saint Justin, Martyr (Patron of speakers, philosophers, apologists, and lecturers), a brilliant convert and fearless Christian apologist who laid the intellectual foundations of early Christian theology; and Saint Pamphilus, Priest and Martyr, a humble scholar-priest known for his deep love of Sacred Scripture and his unshakable witness during the Great Persecution. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these two valiant martyrs, we pray today for all who proclaim the Gospel especially teachers, professors, apologists, philosophers, and catechists. We remember the persecuted Church, our clergy, and those who seek truth in the midst of confusion. We lift up the poor, the suffering, and all those enduring hardship for their faith. May we, like Saints Justin and Pamphilus, speak the truth boldly, live with integrity, and remain faithful even in trial. 🙏🏽
DAILY REFLECTIONS WITH PHILOMENA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/
Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽
Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (ASCENSION SUNDAY): The Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter Sunday, also called Ascension Thursday. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, and among the oldest and most solemn feasts on the liturgical calendar. The Feast of the Ascension commemorates the Ascension of Christ into heaven, according to Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and Acts 1:2. On this feast day, we remember the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Heaven to the ‘right hand of the Father’. This feast day is important to Christians as the ascension shows that Jesus not only overcame death but that He will live forever. It falls ten days from the end of the Eastertide period, a period which is joyous in tone as Christians celebrate the “glorious risen Christ”. After Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead, He continued to appear to His disciples for a period of 40 days. After this time, with His Apostles gathered around Him on the Mount of Olives, Jesus was taken up bodily into heaven, as recorded in the Gospels. To comfort them in His physical absence, He promised to send them a Consoler and Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with them and to guide them into all truth until the end of the world.
In the Eastern Church this feast was known as analepsis, “the taking up”, and also as the episozomene, the salvation, denoting that by ascending into His glory, Christ completed the work of our redemption. The terms used in the West, ascensio and, occasionally, ascensa, signify that Christ was raised up by His own powers. Tradition designates Mount Olivet near Bethany as the place where Christ left the earth. The feast falls on Thursday. It is one of the Ecumenical feasts ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter and of Pentecost among the most solemn in the calendar. The feast has a vigil and, since the fifteenth century, an octave which is set apart for a novena of preparation for Pentecost, in accordance with the directions of Leo XIII.
Traditionally the Ascension of Our Lord was held 40 days after Easter, falling on a Thursday. In the United States, the ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, and Philadelphia have retained the celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension on the proper Thursday. However in most dioceses in the United States and in many dioceses in the world the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the following Sunday, this year it’s celebrated on June 1, 2025, superseding the 7th Sunday of Easter.
Save Us, Savior of the World 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
(Reflections for Ascension Sunday, Year C): Please note: There are two reflections today: For those dioceses that celebrate the Ascension today, Ascension Sunday (Refer to Scripture Reflections ~ The Ascension of the Lord | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051318-ascension.cfm
Scripture Reflections for Sunday of the Seventh Week of Easter is used in those dioceses where the Ascension was celebrated on proper Ascension Thursday ~ Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Sunday of the Seventh Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (Year C) | Sunday, June 1, 2025
Reading 1: Acts 1:1–11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2–3, 6–7, 8–9
Reading 2: Ephesians 1:17–23 or Hebrews 9:24–28; 10:19–23
Gospel: Luke 24:46–53
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 24:46–53
(The Ascension of the Lord)
“As He blessed them He parted from them and was taken up to heaven”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then He led them out as far as Bethany, raised His hands, and blessed them. As He blessed them He parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did Him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.”
On this Solemnity of the Ascension, we commemorate the glorious moment when Christ, having completed His earthly mission, ascended into heaven, returning to the Father in divine majesty. But this feast is not one of absence it is one of promise. Jesus’ physical departure is not a goodbye, but a commissioning. “You are witnesses of these things,” He tells the disciples. His Ascension is the crowning moment of the Paschal Mystery and the beginning of the Church’s mission in the world. From now on, the Gospel is entrusted to His followers you and me to be proclaimed in every nation and to every heart. Yet He does not leave us orphaned. The promise of the Holy Spirit “power from on high” remains His enduring gift.
The scene is rich with paradox: as Jesus is taken from their sight, the disciples are not left in sorrow but return to Jerusalem with great joy. Why joy? Because they now understand that Christ’s mission is expanding not ending. The same hands that healed, blessed, and were nailed to the cross are raised in benediction as He ascends, assuring them that His presence will endure in a new and powerful way. The Ascension is not a moment of loss but of deepened faith and a call to witness.
In the First Reading from Acts, St. Luke gives us a beautiful account of the Ascension as a transition from Christ’s visible presence to His spiritual reign. Before being lifted up, Jesus commands the apostles to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the Father’s promise the Holy Spirit. He reminds them that the power they will receive is not for personal glory but for mission: “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” The image of the apostles gazing at the sky, stunned, is profoundly human and into that moment step two heavenly messengers who redirect their focus: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” In other words: your mission is here, now. Look not only upward, but outward. Heaven awaits, but earth still needs witnesses.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm resounds with royal joy and triumph: “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.” This image of divine enthronement echoes the Ascension’s glory. God reigns not from a distant place but in the midst of His people, exalted in majesty yet near to us in love. Every shout, every trumpet, every hymn of praise in this psalm mirrors the jubilation of the disciples, and it invites us to celebrate our King who now reigns in heaven, interceding for us and preparing a place for us.
In the Second Reading, whether we hear from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians or the Letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded of the heavenly reality of Christ’s ascension. Paul speaks of “the surpassing greatness of his power” and Christ being seated at God’s right hand “far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion.” The letter to the Hebrews assures us that Jesus, our great High Priest, has entered not a man-made sanctuary, but heaven itself, to appear before God on our behalf. He is our advocate, our intercessor, our eternal hope.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we ask: Are we living as witnesses to the risen and ascended Christ? Are we looking up to heaven in hope, or have we gotten lost in staring without acting? Like the disciples, we are not to stay in the clouds of wonder but to bring the message of salvation to earth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we live the joy of the Resurrection and carry the mission of the Ascension knowing Christ is with us always, until the end of time.
Lord Jesus, as You ascended into heaven, You lifted our hearts with You. Grant us the courage to be Your faithful witnesses on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit and filled with the joy of Your presence. Reign in our hearts as King, and guide us always toward our heavenly home. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Seventh Sunday of Easter | Sunday, June 1, 2025
Reading 1: Acts 7:55–60
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97:1–2, 6–7, 9
Reading 2: Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20
Gospel: John 17:20–26
Gospel Reading ~ John 17:20–26
“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one”
In today’s Gospel, we are invited into the heart of Jesus’ prayer for unity. As He prepares to return to the Father, Jesus prays not just for His disciples, but for all who would come to believe in Him through their word that includes us. His longing is clear: that we may all be one, united in the same perfect love that exists between the Father and the Son. This unity is not merely institutional or social; it is spiritual, deep, and rooted in divine communion. Jesus wants us to share in His glory, to experience the love the Father has for Him, and to reflect that love to the world. This prayer reveals the intimacy of Jesus’ desire for us. He speaks of the love with which the Father loved Him “before the foundation of the world.” It is this eternal love that He pours into our hearts. He wants us to be with Him, to behold His glory, and to be consumed by the same divine love. This unity is both a gift and a mission. Through it, the world will come to know the truth of Jesus’ divine origin and the saving power of God’s love. Christ’s prayer continues to echo through time, reminding us that unity is a reflection of the very heart of God.
In our first reading, Stephen’s martyrdom is a powerful testament to this unity with Christ. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he sees the heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God a vision that confirms his belonging to Christ. Even as he is being stoned, Stephen mirrors Christ’s own words: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” In his final moments, Stephen becomes a living image of Jesus’ mercy and courage, exemplifying what it means to be united to Christ, even unto death. Stephen’s bold witness challenges us to ask: Do we see ourselves as truly united with Christ? Are we willing to follow Him even in suffering? His death also introduces Saul later Paul into the Christian narrative, a reminder that the seeds of the Church are often sown through the blood of the martyrs and the mercy that forgives even in the face of injustice.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.” This Psalm is a cry of triumph and awe. The heavens proclaim God’s justice, and all creation rejoices. This heavenly kingship is not one of domination, but of righteousness and mercy. It reminds us that no matter what chaos surrounds us, the Lord reigns. Just as Stephen saw heaven open in the midst of violence, we too are called to lift our eyes to God’s enduring justice, trusting in His rule over all the earth.
In our second reading, the closing passage of Revelation offers a beautiful complement to the Gospel. Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming soon,” assuring us that the journey we’re on has a divine destination. He is the Alpha and the Omega the beginning and the end and He brings with Him the reward for each according to their deeds. These words remind us of both accountability and hope. Our choices, our love, our perseverance matter.
The Spirit and the bride that is, the Church echo back: “Come.” It is the cry of longing for Christ, of deep desire to be united with Him forever. And Jesus responds, “Yes, I am coming soon.” This mutual call between heaven and earth reminds us that our faith is a constant reaching out from God to us, and from us to God. This sacred dialogue invites each of us to open our hearts to “the gift of life-giving water” and remain vigilant, hopeful, and rooted in love as we await His return.
Do I live with the same desire for unity that Christ prayed for? Do I forgive as Stephen forgave, even in moments of trial or opposition? Am I ready to welcome Christ’s coming, or do I shy away from accountability? Do I thirst for the living water He offers, and do I invite others to drink of it too? The cry of the Church is “Come, Lord Jesus!” This longing shapes our lives as Christians to live in unity, to endure trials in hope, and to proclaim Christ’s love to the world. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us all His grace and let us allow His prayer for unity to echo in our hearts this week. Let us forgive boldly like Stephen, thirst deeply like the bride in Revelation, and reflect the glory of Christ in every act of love. For He is coming and we are called to meet Him, together as one.
Lord Jesus, You prayed that we may all be one one in love, in faith, and in Your Spirit. Strengthen the bonds that unite us and heal the divisions that separate us. Like Stephen, may we be bold in our witness and forgiving in our hearts. Fill us with the hope of Revelation, longing for Your return and thirsting for the water of life. May our hearts echo with the Church: “Come, Lord Jesus.” Unite us in Your glory, and make us perfect in Your love. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JUSTIN, MARTYR AND SAINT PAMPHILUS, PRIEST AND MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 1ST: As the Church continues to rejoice in the Risen Lord, today we honor two courageous defenders of the Faith: Saint Justin, Martyr (Patron of speakers, philosophers, apologists, and lecturers), a brilliant convert and fearless Christian apologist who laid the intellectual foundations of early Christian theology; and Saint Pamphilus, Priest and Martyr, a humble scholar-priest known for his deep love of Sacred Scripture and his unshakable witness during the Great Persecution. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these two valiant martyrs, we pray today for all who proclaim the Gospel especially teachers, professors, apologists, philosophers, and catechists. We remember the persecuted Church, our clergy, and those who seek truth in the midst of confusion. We lift up the poor, the suffering, and all those enduring hardship for their faith. May we, like Saints Justin and Pamphilus, speak the truth boldly, live with integrity, and remain faithful even in trial. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 1st https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Justin and Saint Pamphilus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-1st/)
SAINT JUSTIN, MARTYR (C. 100–165 A.D.): Born in Samaria into a pagan family, Saint Justin sought truth through the study of Greek philosophy, journeying from Stoicism to Platonism. But it was a mysterious encounter with an elderly Christian man that ultimately led him to Christ. Justin discovered in Christianity the fulfillment of the deepest longings of his soul the true “philosophy” that revealed divine wisdom through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Renouncing paganism, he devoted himself fully to defending the Christian faith. Retaining the robes of a philosopher, he traveled through Asia Minor and Rome, publicly engaging in dialogues, opening a school of Christian philosophy, and writing works that became foundational texts of Christian apologetics. His most famous writings, the First Apology and Second Apology, were addressed to the emperors, defending the moral teachings of Christianity and describing the Eucharist and Baptism with clarity and reverence.
Justin’s courage eventually led to his arrest in Rome under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. When ordered to sacrifice to false gods, he boldly refused, proclaiming, “No one who is rightly minded turns from true belief to false.” He was beheaded with six of his companions, sealing his testimony with his blood. Known as “Justin the Philosopher,” he remains a towering figure in Christian history—a beacon of reason and faith united.
Quotes of St. Justin, Martyr:
“We used to hate and destroy one another… now, because of Christ, we live together and pray for our enemies.”
“Those who are not found living as He taught are not Christians even though they profess with their lips the teaching of Christ.”
“We receive this food, which has been eucharistized… as the flesh and blood of Jesus, who was made flesh.”
PRAYER: O God, who revealed to Saint Justin the lofty wisdom of the Cross, grant that through his intercession we may be courageous in proclaiming our faith and steadfast in defending the truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT PAMPHILUS, PRIEST AND MARTYR (DIED 309 A.D.): Saint Pamphilus was born into wealth and prestige in Berytus (modern-day Beirut) in the latter half of the 3rd century. Trained in the finest pagan and Christian schools including Alexandria under the Christian philosopher Pierius Pamphilus renounced worldly ambition to become a priest and scholar in Caesarea, Palestine.
Dedicated to Scripture, he established a theological school and library of over 30,000 volumes offering free public access to promote scriptural study and orthodoxy. His tireless work included editing and transcribing sacred texts with great precision. More than a scholar, Pamphilus lived in deep humility, giving away his inheritance, treating servants with compassion, and living a life of asceticism and charity.
Under Emperor Maximinus Daia, Pamphilus was arrested for his faith. Despite torture and years in prison, he refused to deny Christ. In 309 A.D., he was executed with nine others, their bodies miraculously preserved from wild beasts until Christian faithful could bury them with honor. His unwavering witness and intellectual contributions fortified the Church in a time of fierce persecution.
PRAYER: Lord God, you strengthened your priest and martyr, Saint Pamphilus, to bear witness to the truth with humility and courage. May we follow his example in our love for Sacred Scripture and our fidelity to your Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Justin and Saint Pamphilus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
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: As we remember Saints Justin and Pamphilus, courageous defenders of the faith who gave their lives for truth, we pray for all those who suffer persecution for their beliefs today. May their steadfast witness inspire Christians to hold fast to the name of Jesus in all circumstances. We lift up those who are marginalized, silenced, or threatened for speaking the truth in love. In light of today’s Gospel, where Jesus prays for unity among all believers, we pray for healing and reconciliation within the Church and among all nations. We also bring before God the needs of our families, communities, and the world—that Christ’s love may be made visible through our unity, and that His Spirit may strengthen those nearing the end of their earthly journey, assuring them of the glory that awaits.
LET US PRAY
My ascended Lord, as You entered body and soul into the full and glorious presence of Your Father, You handed on to your disciples the duty of completing Your mission on earth. I hear Your call in my life, dear Lord, and commit myself to the glorious task of continuing that mission on earth. Please use me as You will and fill me with power from on high so that I may help share Your saving Word to the ends of the earth. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, just as You prayed that we may be one as You and the Father are one, unite us in love and truth. Strengthen those who face trials and persecution, and grant courage to all who bear witness to Your name. May the example of Saints Justin and Pamphilus stir up in us a bold and unwavering faith. Fill our hearts with longing for the water of life, and help us to live in joyful expectation of Your return. Reign in our hearts, O Lord, and let justice, truth, and mercy be the foundation of our lives. Amen.🙏🏽
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Justin and Saint Pamphilus ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, for the gift of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection, may our hearts remain open to the peace and hope that flow from His victory over sin and death. During this joyful Easter season, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and draw us closer to the mystery of His Passion, death, and Resurrection. May we walk in the light of His risen life, renewed in spirit and overflowing with grace. Praying for us all and our loved ones today and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling during this Easter season. As we embrace the blessings of this new month, may God’s abundant grace continue to shower upon us, filling our hearts with peace, joy, and hope in His Resurrection. May this New Month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Sunday and joyful Seventh Week of Easter🙏🏽