MEMORIAL OF SAINT MARCELLUS I, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT HONORATUS, ARCHBISHOP OF ARLES AND BLESSED STEPHANIE QUINZANI, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 16TH 2026

FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 16, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT MARCELLUS I, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT HONORATUS, ARCHBISHOP OF ARLES AND BLESSED STEPHANIE QUINZANI, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 16TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Marcellus I, Saint Honoratus, and Blessed Stephanie Quinzani | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-16th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 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-january-16-2026/

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

As we continue our journey through Ordinary Time, the Church invites us today to reflect on faithfulness, trust, and the healing power of God’s mercy in the ordinary struggles of life. On this 16th day of January, we commemorate the Memorial of Saint Marcellus I, Pope and Martyr; Saint Honoratus, Archbishop of Arles; and Blessed Stephanie Quinzani, Virgin holy witnesses whose lives reveal steadfast obedience to God amid persecution, sacrifice, and hidden suffering. United with the Scriptures proclaimed today, their examples encourage us to recognize Christ alone as our true King, to approach Him with humble faith, and to allow His forgiving and restoring grace to renew our hearts each day. 🙏🏽

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time | January 16, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 8:4–7, 10–22a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:16–17, 18–19
Gospel: Mark 2:1–12

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 2:1–12

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, ‘Child, your sins are forgiven.’”

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way?  He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what  they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, 
and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

This Gospel powerfully reveals that true healing begins from within. The paralytic is brought before Jesus not by his own strength, but by the faith, persistence, and love of others. Jesus responds not only to the man’s physical paralysis, but to his spiritual need, reminding us that sin can bind the human heart even more deeply than illness binds the body. By forgiving his sins first, Jesus teaches that reconciliation with God is the foundation of true restoration.

The reaction of the scribes exposes a struggle many still face today: difficulty recognizing God’s work when it challenges familiar expectations. Jesus reveals His divine authority not through argument, but through mercy and power. By healing the man, He confirms that forgiveness is not empty words, but a transformative act that restores dignity, freedom, and life. The miracle leads not to confusion, but to praise, as the people proclaim, “We have never seen anything like this.”

In the First Reading from the Book of Samuel, Israel demands a king so that they may be like other nations. Though their request appears practical, it reveals a deeper rejection of God’s kingship over them. Despite Samuel’s warning about the consequences of their choice, the people persist, placing their trust in human authority rather than divine guidance. God permits their request, allowing them to experience the cost of choosing worldly security over faithful dependence on Him.

The Responsorial Psalm stands in contrast to this desire for earthly power. It proclaims joyful trust in the Lord, who is the true source of strength and protection. “For to the Lord belongs our shield,” the psalmist declares, reminding us that God alone is our true King. While human leadership may fail or oppress, God’s goodness remains constant, worthy of praise in every season.

Together, today’s readings invite us to examine where we place our trust. Do we seek security in human solutions, recognition, or control, or do we allow Christ to reign fully in our hearts? Like the paralytic, we are called to come before Jesus honestly, aware of our deepest needs. Like his friends, we are invited to carry one another in faith, perseverance, and love. And unlike Israel’s demand for a king, we are challenged to accept God’s rule even when it requires surrender.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: What inner paralysis keeps me from walking freely with Christ? Where am I tempted to rely on human power rather than God’s guidance? Do I trust Jesus enough to let Him forgive, heal, and command my life? May these Scriptures lead us to deeper faith, humble surrender, and joyful praise of the God who alone restores and saves.

Lord Jesus Christ, You see our faith and our struggles even before we speak. Forgive our sins, heal our wounded hearts, and restore us to fullness of life. Help us to trust You as our true King and to surrender every part of our lives to Your authority. Strengthen us to carry one another in love and to glorify God by the way we live. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT MARCELLUS I, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT HONORATUS, ARCHBISHOP OF ARLES; AND BLESSED STEPHANIE QUINZANI, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY: JANUARY 16TH: Today, the Church honors steadfast witnesses of faith whose lives reflect courage, discipline, and deep union with God: Saint Marcellus I, Pope and Martyr (Patron of Popes and Church Leaders), a shepherd who guided the Church through persecution and division; Saint Honoratus, Archbishop of Arles (Patron of Monastic Life and Pastors), a father of monastic life in Gaul whose holiness formed generations of saints; and Blessed Stephanie Quinzani, Virgin (Patron of Mystics and Penitents), a Dominican tertiary whose mystical life, penance, and charity revealed profound intimacy with Christ. Across different centuries and vocations, these holy men and women remind us that fidelity to God often demands sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering trust in divine mercy. 🙏🏾

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

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Marcellus I, Saint Honoratus, and Blessed Stephanie Quinzani | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-16th/)

SAINT MARCELLUS I, POPE AND MARTYR: Saint Marcellus I (c. 255 – January 16, 309) was elected Bishop of Rome after a long vacancy caused by the violent persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. When peace was gradually restored, Marcellus faced the difficult task of reorganizing a Church that had been deeply wounded. Many clergy had been killed or forced into hiding, and numerous Christians had renounced their faith under threat of death.

With pastoral firmness and mercy, Pope Marcellus sought to restore order and discipline, welcoming back repentant apostates while insisting on sincere penance. His refusal to compromise Church discipline angered a faction known as the Lapsi, whose unrest led Emperor Maxentius to exile him. Though later legends embellished his suffering, historical accounts affirm that Marcellus endured harsh conditions in exile, which led to his death. He is venerated as a martyr because he died as a result of these sufferings borne for Christ and His Church. His relics rest today beneath the altar of San Marcello al Corso in Rome.

Prayer: Almighty and eternal God, You entrusted Saint Marcellus I with the care of Your Church in times of trial. Through his intercession, strengthen Your shepherds in faith and courage, and guide Your people along the path of truth and salvation. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT HONORATUS, ARCHBISHOP OF ARLES: Saint Honoratus (c. 350–429) was born into a noble Roman family in Gaul and renounced paganism at a young age, leading his brother Venantius to Christ. Desiring a life wholly dedicated to God, the brothers sought solitude and prayer, but after Venantius’ early death, Honoratus returned to Gaul, where God would unfold his mission.

On the island of Lérins, Honoratus founded one of the most influential monastic communities of the early Church around the year 400. His monastery became a cradle of holiness, producing bishops, theologians, and saints known for humility, charity, and discipline. Against his will, Honoratus was later chosen as Archbishop of Arles, where he served faithfully until his death, exhausting himself in pastoral care and apostolic labor. His life beautifully united contemplation and service to the Church.

Prayer: Saint Honoratus, faithful servant of God and shepherd of souls, teach us to seek holiness through prayer, humility, and loving service to the Church. Pray for us. Amen. 🙏🏾

BLESSED STEPHANIE QUINZANI, VIRGIN: Blessed Stephanie (Stephana) Quinzani (1457–1530) was born into a poor but devout family in Brescia, Italy. From an early age, she displayed extraordinary spiritual gifts, receiving visions and dedicating herself to Christ through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Under Dominican guidance, she became a Third Order Dominican and later founded a community of sisters devoted to prayer, penance, and service to the poor and sick.

Blessed Stephanie was a mystic and stigmatic, deeply united to the Passion of Christ. Though lacking formal education, she possessed profound insight into mystical theology and was sought for counsel by many holy men and women. Her life of severe penance, humility, and charity bore powerful witness to Christ’s redemptive suffering. Her cult was officially confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV in 1740, and her tomb soon became a place of pilgrimage.

Prayer: Blessed Stephanie Quinzani, lover of Christ Crucified, help us to embrace the Cross with faith and humility, and to serve others with generous love. Intercede for us before the Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Marcellus I, Saint Honoratus, and Blessed Stephanie Quinzani — pray for us. 🙏🏾

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

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

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

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

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

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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

MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

PRAYER INTENTIONS: In today’s liturgy, we bring before the Lord our deepest needs and the needs of the whole world. We pray for the Church, that she may always recognize Christ alone as her true King and Shepherd, remaining faithful to His authority rather than conforming to the ways of the world. Through the witness of Saint Marcellus I, may Church leaders be strengthened with courage, wisdom, and perseverance in times of trial and division. We pray for all who feel paralyzed by sin, fear, guilt, or discouragement, that they may encounter the healing mercy of Jesus, who forgives sins and restores dignity. Through the example of Saint Honoratus, we pray for pastors, religious communities, and all seeking a deeper life of prayer and holiness. We also lift up those called to hidden sacrifices and interior suffering, asking, through the intercession of Blessed Stephanie Quinzani, that they may unite their trials to Christ’s saving Passion. Finally, we pray for our own hearts, that we may trust God’s will, walk in obedience, and rise each day renewed by His grace and mercy.

LET US PRAY:

Merciful Father, You alone are our King and our Savior. In Your Son, Jesus Christ, You reveal a love that forgives, heals, and restores what is broken within us. Free us from every false security and teach us to trust fully in Your will. Strengthen us by the example of Saint Marcellus I, Saint Honoratus, and Blessed Stephanie Quinzani, that we may remain faithful in suffering, steadfast in prayer, and generous in love. When we feel weak or burdened, speak Your word of healing over our lives and raise us to walk in newness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Marcellus I, Saint Honoratus, and Blessed Stephanie Quinzani ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

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

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence throughout the year now unfolding, we begin this Ordinary Time with hearts open to His continual guidance and grace. As each day dawns, we pause to reflect with gratitude on all that has been and all that is to come, entrusting our joys and sorrows, successes and shortcomings, into God’s merciful hands. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing light, hope, and salvation into our lives and into the world.

As we step forward into this new year, may this sacred season invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace, 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 through Ordinary Time, may God bless all families and loved ones as we embrace the year ahead, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. May this season of faithful discipleship be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence with us throughout the year to come. 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

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

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

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

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

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