FRIDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 6, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT NORBERT OF XANTEN, BISHOP AND SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Norbert and Saint Marcellin | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-6th/ )
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/01/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/
FIRST FRIDAYS DEVOTION: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
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 Eight – Friday, June 6, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-novena-to-the-holy-spirit-day-8/
[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 1st Friday, the Seventh Week of Easter!
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 6, 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-94/
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, graduations, and all those marking special milestones in June. May the Lord bless and favor them abundantly, guide their steps, and grant them joy, peace, and good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
May this weekend 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🙏🏽
Today, the first Friday of the month is Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 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 🙏🏽
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 continue to 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 🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽
FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS:
The FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION is a Catholic practice that involves attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying and adoring before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row. The devotion originated in the 17th century after Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke of His Sacred Heart. Jesus promised that those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays of nine consecutive months will receive the grace of final perseverance. The devotion is a way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to atone for sins. The devotion is also known as the Communions of Reparation to the Sacred Heart or the Nine First Fridays Devotion. The Roman Catholic Church fully approved the devotion.
Some elements of the First Fridays Devotion include:
Sacramental Confession: A preparation for the devotion
Holy Communion: Received on the first Friday of each month for nine months in a row
Holy Hour: Spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayer for the Holy Father: A prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father
The devotion is said to offer many spiritual blessings, including:
Increased Grace: The soul is strengthened and intimacy with Christ is deepened through the frequent reception of the Eucharist
Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises can bring comfort in times of trial
Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins can bring peace to the heart and renewal in Christ
Final Perseverance: Those who complete the devotion with love and faith are assured of Christ’s presence at the moment of death
The FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION originated from the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. During these apparitions, Our Lady asked for acts of reparation to be made on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of atoning for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. While the Sacred Heart of Jesus promises abundant blessings, including peace, consolation, and assistance at the hour of death, to those who faithfully observe nine consecutive First Fridays. Similarly, Our Lady extends her maternal protection and the promise of salvation to those who commit to five consecutive First Saturdays in honor of her Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady promises her assistance and graces especially at the hour of death, as well as peace and consolation in families and eventual salvation for those who faithfully practice the First Five Saturdays devotion. It involves attending Mass, receiving communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries on 5 consecutive first Saturdays with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The promises of Mary for the First Five Saturdays devotion:
- On each First Saturday, after receiving communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who make this devotion in reparation to Her Immaculate Heart.
- Our Lady promised to grant peace to families who fulfill this devotion.
- Those who fulfill the devotion will be consoled by Our Lady and will see Her eventually in heaven.
- Our Lady promised to assist in the salvation of those who practice this devotion by the graces of Her Immaculate Heart.
These First Saturday Prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are recommended for those participating in the Five First Saturdays devotion.
Please see below links for both First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions:
First Fridays Devotion: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-fridays-first-saturdays-devotions/
As we continue our journey through the Seventh Week of Easter and the Novena to the Holy Spirit, today Church joyfully honors two great saints: Saint Norbert of Xanten (Patron of peace, invoked for safe childbirth) and Saint Marcellin Champagnat (Founder of the Marist Brothers, Patron of educators). Though centuries apart, both shared a deep love for Christ, humility, and tireless service to the Church. On this memorial, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Norbert and Saint Marcellin, we lift up in prayer all expectant mothers, asking for safe and healthy deliveries. We pray for peace and unity in our families and in the world, for the poor, the sick, and the lonely. We continue to intercede for the Church, for the clergy and religious, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and for all who walk in the light of Christ.
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/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter | Friday, June 6, 2025
Reading 1: Acts 25:13b–21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1–2, 11–12, 19–20ab
Gospel: John 21:15–19
Gospel Reading ~ John 21:15–19
“Feed my lambs, feed my sheep”
“After Jesus had revealed Himself to His disciples and eaten breakfast with them, He said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to Him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
In today’s Gospel reading, it was after the risen Lord had eaten breakfast with His disciples that He asked Peter the question, ‘Do you love me more than these others do?’ The risen Lord first entered into communion with his disciples over a meal. In that way, he was demonstrating his love for them even though they had failed him in the hour of his passion and death. The question that Jesus asked is a very personal question addressed to Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter had denied Jesus publicly three times. Now Jesus publicly asks him three times, ‘Do you love me?’ It is not in any way an accusing question. Rather, it is an inviting question. It is a question that gives Peter the opportunity to make a new beginning in his relationship with Jesus. It is a question that holds out the promise of a renewed friendship between Jesus and Peter. Peter may have denied Jesus, but Jesus now affirms Peter with the question, ‘Do you love me?’ When Peter answered ‘yes’ to Jesus’ question, ‘You know I love you?’, Jesus entrusted Peter with the pastoral care of Jesus’ own disciples, ‘Feed my sheep’. The flock, the church, does not belong to Peter. It belongs to Jesus, ‘my sheep’, but Jesus is entrusting them to Peter’s pastoral care, in spite of Peter’s past failures. With this kind gesture, the Lord was showing Peter, in particular, that he had not broken His loving communion with him, even after Peter had denied Him publicly three times. The Lord’s love of His disciples was not dependent upon their love of Him; His faithfulness to them was not conditional upon their faithfulness to Him. Whenever we fail the Lord, He asks us the same inviting question He asked Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ In our case as in Peter’s, it is a question that holds out the promise of a new beginning. If we can answer that question in the way Peter did, the Lord will entrust us also with some pastoral care of others in the community. The Lord has work for us all to do, but first He needs us to receive the gift of His faithful love and to pledge Him our faithful love in return.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, we witness a profoundly tender and restorative moment between Jesus and Simon Peter. After the betrayal and confusion of the Passion, Jesus appears once more and offers Peter a path of healing through love and mission. By asking Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Jesus invites him to undo his threefold denial and enter into a deeper discipleship rooted in love and service. Each of Peter’s affirmations is followed by a call to action: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” This sequence shows us that love for Christ is not merely a private sentiment but one that demands concrete expressions especially in the care of others. Jesus is not condemning Peter but renewing him. He does not focus on past failures but on present commitment and future mission. This encounter is not only about Peter it is about us. Like Peter, we are invited to affirm our love for Christ in word and deed, even when we have stumbled. We are called to tend to His flock with compassion, humility, and courage. The passage ends with Jesus foretelling the kind of death Peter would endure, yet He does so in the context of glorifying God. Then He simply says, “Follow me.” These words remain the same for every disciple today. No matter our failures, the Lord offers us a new beginning, founded on love, sealed in mission.
In the First Reading from Acts, we continue to follow the trials of Saint Paul. Governor Festus, uncertain of how to judge Paul’s case, consults King Agrippa. Paul’s “offense” centers on the claim of Jesus’ resurrection a mystery that perplexes Roman authorities. Festus admits that the accusations against Paul are not of civil crime but of theological controversy concerning “a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive.” This statement reveals the heart of the Gospel: the Risen Christ. Paul’s unwavering commitment to the truth of the Resurrection drives his witness, even in the face of misunderstanding and legal ambiguity. His appeal to Caesar is not just a legal defense; it is a testament to his resolve to proclaim Christ to the ends of the earth. In Paul, we see an example of enduring faith, courage under trial, and trust in divine providence. He is not deterred by confusion or opposition. His hope is alive because Christ is alive.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven.” Today’s Psalm is a soaring hymn of praise and thanksgiving. It begins with a call to bless the Lord with one’s whole being and continues with a reflection on God’s mercy, justice, and rule. We are reminded that God’s kindness is “as high as the heavens” and that our sins have been removed “as far as the east is from the west.” This psalm beautifully complements the message of the Gospel and the First Reading. It reminds us that God’s mercy restores, His throne rules over all, and His love empowers those who serve Him. When we bless the Lord with all our being, we align ourselves with His will and become instruments of His mercy to others. The psalm assures us that even when we falter, God remains steadfast. He remembers our frailty, lifts us with compassion, and strengthens us to walk in His ways.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, as we prepare to receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we are called to ponder on the Scriptures. Do I recognize how Jesus restores me even after I have fallen? Am I willing to affirm my love for Christ through acts of service and care for others? Like Peter, am I ready to follow Jesus into unknown territory, even when it’s hard? Do I boldly proclaim the truth of the resurrection like Paul, especially in times of misunderstanding or spiritual dryness? Do I take time to praise and bless the Lord, trusting in His mercy and sovereignty? Jesus does not give up on us. He comes to us at the shore of our disappointments, in the courtroom of our challenges, in the silence of our fear and asks, “Do you love me?” May we respond with a sincere heart, not only in word but in our actions. Let us feed His sheep, proclaim the Risen Christ, and bless His name in all we do. Even when others do not understand our faith, like Festus, may we remain unshaken in the hope of the resurrection. The Lord still calls: “Follow me.” Let us rise and follow Him. May God in His infinite grace and mercy grant us the grace to remain faithful and steadfast in our Lord. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You ask me today, “Do you love me?” and in my weakness I say, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Strengthen my love. Heal my fears. Restore my courage. Help me, like Peter, to rise from my failings and embrace the mission You entrust to me. May I feed Your sheep with kindness, tend Your flock with humility, and follow You faithfully even in trials. Lord, bless me with Paul’s boldness and the psalmist’s trust. Let my soul bless You all the days of my life, for You are merciful, just, and true. Amen.🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT NORBERT OF XANTEN, BISHOP AND SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT, RELIGIOUS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 6TH: As we continue our journey through the Seventh Week of Easter and the Novena to the Holy Spirit, today Church joyfully honors two great saints: Saint Norbert of Xanten (Patron of peace, invoked for safe childbirth) and Saint Marcellin Champagnat (Founder of the Marist Brothers, Patron of educators). Though centuries apart, both shared a deep love for Christ, humility, and tireless service to the Church. On this memorial, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Norbert and Saint Marcellin, we lift up in prayer all expectant mothers, asking for safe and healthy deliveries. We pray for peace and unity in our families and in the world, for the poor, the sick, and the lonely. We continue to intercede for the Church, for the clergy and religious, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and for all who walk in the light of Christ.
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 6th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Norbert and Saint Marcellin | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-6th/ )
SAINT NORBERT OF XANTEN, BISHOP: Born around 1080 in Xanten, Rhineland (Germany), Saint Norbert began life as a worldly canon and courtier, indifferent to the spiritual weight of his ecclesiastical office. But a near-death experience a lightning strike that unseated him from his horse shook him to the core. Deeply moved, he underwent a radical conversion, giving up his wealth and honors to embrace a life of penance and poverty. After years of intense spiritual preparation, Norbert was ordained a priest and began to travel throughout Europe preaching reform and penance. In 1120, he founded the Premonstratensian Order (Norbertines), blending monastic discipline with apostolic ministry. In 1126, he was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg, where he battled corruption, revitalized religious life, and promoted Eucharistic devotion with great fervor.
Despite opposition and trials, he remained steadfast, even collaborating with Saint Bernard of Clairvaux to heal the Church during the schism of Antipope Anacletus II. He died on June 6, 1134, and was canonized in 1582. His legacy endures in the Norbertine communities around the world, devoted to liturgical prayer and pastoral service.
PRAYER: O God, who made the Bishop Saint Norbert a zealous servant of your Church and a radiant witness to Eucharistic love, grant that, through his intercession, we may treasure the Blessed Sacrament with deeper devotion and walk always in your truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT, RELIGIOUS: Saint Marcellin Champagnat was born on May 20, 1789, near Lyons, France, just as the French Revolution was erupting. Raised in a humble, devout Catholic family, Marcellin developed a deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, nurtured by an aunt who was a religious. Although he left school at a young age, a strong call to the priesthood led him to overcome academic struggles and eventually be ordained a priest on July 22, 1816. Moved by the ignorance of the faith he witnessed especially among children Marcellin devoted himself to catechesis and education. A pivotal moment came when he ministered to a dying boy who knew nothing of God. This encounter ignited in him the desire to found a religious congregation dedicated to Mary and to the evangelization of youth.
In 1817, he founded the Little Brothers of Mary (now known as the Marist Brothers), beginning with just two companions. Despite extreme poverty and hardship, he built schools for rural children, trained young men in faith and virtue, and made education accessible to the poor by adjusting the academic calendar to match farming seasons and lowering school fees. By the time of his death on June 6, 1840, at age 51, his congregation had grown to nearly 300 Brothers across 48 institutions. In 1999, Pope Saint John Paul II canonized him, praising his “burning heart” for the Gospel and his sensitivity to the spiritual needs of the youth.
“All to Jesus through Mary, and all to Mary for Jesus.” – Saint Marcellin Champagnat
PRAYER: O Lord, you inspired Saint Marcellin Champagnat with deep love for the young and unwavering trust in the maternal care of Mary. Grant that we, too, may imitate his zeal in forming the hearts of the youth in faith, love, and virtue. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Norbert and Saint Marcellin ~ 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: On this memorial of Saint Norbert of Xanten and Saint Marcellin Champagnat, let us unite our prayers with theirs, asking the Lord to rekindle in us a fervent love for the Eucharist and a deep commitment to serving others. We pray for expectant mothers, especially those facing anxiety or hardship, that they may experience safe and joyful deliveries. We pray for educators and youth, that they may grow in faith, wisdom, and love of Christ. We lift up our Church leaders, that like Peter in today’s Gospel, they may respond to Christ’s call with courage and love. We pray for all who feel forgotten or rejected, that the mercy of God “as high as the heavens are above the earth” may heal and restore them.
LET US PRAY
My most holy Father in Heaven, I do join Your Son, Jesus, in lifting my eyes, my heart and my whole life to You in honor, love and respect. May I always be attentive to You and always show You the devotion due Your greatness. My dear Jesus, thank You for Your love of the Father in Heaven. Give me the grace I need to imitate You and Your perfect love in my life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” and called him to shepherd Your flock. Today, we echo that question in our hearts. Kindle in us the same love that moved Saints Norbert and Marcellin to devote their lives to You. Make us instruments of Your peace, teachers of Your truth, and witnesses of Your mercy. Bless all expectant mothers, comfort the sick and sorrowful, guide our clergy and religious, and strengthen all who seek to follow You. May our lives bear the fruit of love, service, and fidelity. Amen🙏🏽
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Norbert and Saint Marcellin ~ 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 weekend be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ is truly risen! Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Friday and joyful Seventh Week of Easter and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽
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 |