SATURDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 26, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PASCHASIUS RADBERTUS, ABBOT; SAINTS CLETUS AND MARCELLINUS, POPES AND MARTYRS AND SAINT RAFAEL ARNÁIZ BARON, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis | EWTN | April 26, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-53/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN” | “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-53/

Watch “FUNERAL MASS OF POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL GIOVANNI BATTISTA RE | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | APRIL 26, 2025| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/funeral-mass-of-pope-francis/

Let us join us in prayer for the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica. The liturgical celebration presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. At the conclusion of the Mass, the coffin of the Holy Father was taken in procession to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the burial took place. Let us pray together for the eternal rest of our beloved Pope Francis. 🙏🏽

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/

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

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: Novena in preparation for DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY. Good Friday is the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena. Novena begins, Friday, April 18, 2025, to Saturday, April 26, 2025, leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27, 2025 | DAY 9: Link ~ https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/17/divine-mercy-novena/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Easter Saturday in the Octave of Easter!

Today concludes our Divine Mercy Novena. We thank God for the successful completion of our Novena to the Divine Mercy. May God grant us His grace and mercy as we prepare to celebrate the DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY!🙏

As we continue to rejoice and celebrate in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, during these first eight days of the Easter season (Easter octave), which are celebrated as solemnities of the Lord. Each day is another little Easter. The Alleluia verse is repeated throughout the octave: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia!” The Lord has risen from the dead, as He foretold. Let there be happiness and rejoicing for He is our King forever, Alleluia! May God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this Easter season and always. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS

As our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis is laid to rest today, 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, whom You have called from this life to Yourself. We thank You for his faithful and courageous witness to the Gospel, his compassion for the poor and the marginalized, and his tireless devotion to building bridges of peace and unity in Your Church. Receive him into the joy of Your eternal embrace. 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.

O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy forever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽

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 🙏🏽

Day 9 (Easter Saturday): Pray for the souls who have become lukewarm.

Prayer: “Today bring to Me the souls who have become lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.’ For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.”

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls, who like corpses filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen 🙏🏽

On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13

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

Today, as we continue to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel and also we honor the lives and holy witness of Saint Paschasius Radbertus (Patron of Theologians), Abbot; Saints Cletus (Patron of Mariners) and Marcellinus (Patron of Prisoners), Popes and Martyrs; and Saint Rafael Arnáiz Barón (Patron of Diabetics). Through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and these faithful saints, we raise our prayers today: for the sick, especially those suffering from diabetes and terminal illnesses, may they be strengthened and healed by God’s loving mercy; for the Church, and all clergy, may they be renewed in faith and mission; for persecuted Christians and the conversion of sinners, may hope and grace abound; and for the youth of the world, may they find courage and holiness through Christ’s love. Amen. 🙏🏽

DAILY REFLECTIONS WITH PHILOMENA | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/

Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/

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

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

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL: For the use of the new technologies ~ Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.

PRAYER OF THE MONTH ~ POPE FRANCIS: Lord, Good Father, as I look at the world and see men and women working in it and beautifying it, a great “Thank You!” springs from my heart. The action of Your Spirit among us encourages us to grow in the progress of science and technology in the service of human dignity for integral and inclusive human development. Because we know You desire the good of all, from the heart of Your Church, Your Son calls us to ensure that technology does not replace “person-to-person” contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings. Help us develop the ability to live wisely, to think deeply, to love generously, without losing heart, promoting scientific and technological growth that increasingly aligns with human development in responsibility, values, and awareness.
Amen 🙏🏽

(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, Saturday in the Octave of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday in the Octave of Easter | April 26, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 4:13-21
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 118:1, 14-15, 16-18, 19-21
Gospel, Mark 16:9-15

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 16:9–15

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature”

“When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this He appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. But later, as the Eleven were at table, He appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw Him after He had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

In today’s Gospel reading, the first disciples found it very difficult to believe reports that Jesus who had been crucified was now alive. When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and she went and told the disciples what had happened, they were in such deep mourning that they did not believe her. When Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and they went and told the disciples their news, they did not believe them either. It was only when the risen Lord appeared to the group of disciples themselves that they finally believed that Jesus who was crucified was now living with a new quality of life. On that occasion, the risen Lord rebuked them for refusing to believe the witness of those to whom He had appeared. We are asked to do what the original disciples failed to do, to believe that Jesus is risen on the basis of the witness of those to whom the risen Lord appeared. We find this witness in the Gospels and in the letters of Paul. Our belief in the risen Lord is also based on His coming to us personally. He may not appear to us in the way He appeared to the first disciples, but He touches our own lives in a very personal way. We are to belief on the basis of the written testimony of the first eye witnesses, and on the basis of our own personal experience of the risen Lord’s presence in our lives. The risen Lord who comes to us sends us out in the same way He sent out the disciples in today’s Gospel reading, to ‘proclaim the good news (of Easter) to all creation’.

Reflecting on today’s Gospel reading, we are brought into the reality of the Resurrection and the initial struggle of the disciples to believe. Mary Magdalene, who had encountered the Risen Lord, eagerly shared the Good News, but her testimony was met with skepticism. Even when two others experienced the Risen Christ and reported it, disbelief persisted. Only when Jesus appeared personally to the Eleven did He confront their unbelief. Yet, despite their initial hardness of heart, Jesus does not reject them. Instead, He entrusts them with the greatest mission: to go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. His call is a profound reminder that, even when our faith falters, God’s invitation remains. He transforms our doubts into missions of hope and love. The Risen Christ commissions us not because we are perfect, but because His grace is sufficient to work through our weaknesses.

Reflecting further, today’s Gospel highlights the persistent mercy and patience of the Risen Christ. He does not allow the disbelief of His closest followers to derail His plan. Rather, He addresses their weakness directly and then immediately commissions them for the mission ahead. Their failures did not disqualify them; instead, they became witnesses of God’s mercy and the transforming power of the Resurrection. We, too, are called in the midst of our imperfections. Even when we struggle to recognize His presence or believe in His promises, Jesus comes to us, reminding us that our journey of faith is ongoing. He sends us out, not because we are worthy on our own, but because He has made us new by His triumph over death.

In our first reading today, St. Peter and Saint John courageously spoke up and preached about the Risen Lord to all the people who witnessed the miracle and then later on to all the members of the Sanhedrin who opposed the Lord and His Apostles. The Sanhedrin upon listening to the words that St. Peter had spoken courageously before them, revealing the folly and error of their actions in having persecuted the Lord and His disciples. In their discussion and debate with each other, the members of the Sanhedrin could not agree on how to deal with the Apostles and their actions in preaching about the Resurrected Christ and the miracles that they had performed in His Name. They wanted to stop them and to order them not to do it again, but at the same time, they knew that what the Apostles had performed, all the miraculous occasions and healings performed had been witnessed by so many people that it would have been impossible for the Sanhedrin to refute and deny that the miracles had occurred. They should have been the first ones to believe in the Lord and to welcome Him and His disciples. Yet, most of them except some like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea chose to ignore the truth, hardened their hearts and minds, preferring to continue in their prejudices and in their judgmental attitudes towards the Lord. They saw the Lord as a great rival and threat to their power, influence and privileges in the community, and hence, they tried their best to curb the spread of the news and the truth behind the Resurrection, but they could not stop the Apostles and the other disciples from speaking up despite the threats and other efforts they made. And that was because the Lord was with His servants, and His Spirit strengthened them, giving them the courage to go up against even the opposition from the powerful Sanhedrin and others.

Reflecting on our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, we see St. Peter and St. John standing boldly before the Sanhedrin. Just ordinary, “uneducated” men in the eyes of the world, they are filled with divine courage because they have been with Jesus. Despite the threats and warnings of the authorities, they refuse to remain silent about what they have seen and heard. They proclaim, “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” Their courage is not rooted in human strength, but in their personal encounter with the Risen Lord. This reminds us that true Christian witness comes not from theological expertise or eloquence, but from a heart transformed by Christ’s love. When we have truly experienced the Risen Lord, we cannot help but share Him with others, even in the face of resistance or fear.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalm echoes this theme of thanksgiving and victory: “I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.” The Lord has shown His power, not through violence or dominance, but through mercy, salvation, and the victory of life over death. As we continue to journey through this Easter season, may we recognize that the Risen Christ is sending each of us, in our own circumstances, to proclaim His life and love to the world with courage, with joy, and with unwavering trust.

Am I willing to believe even when I do not fully understand? How has fear or doubt prevented me from witnessing to Christ? In what ways can I proclaim the Good News more boldly in my daily life? Do I trust that God can work through my weaknesses to spread His message of love? Today, let us renew our Easter mission. Despite our imperfections and doubts, Christ calls us to be messengers of hope in a world that often trembles in fear and sadness. Let us carry His light wherever we go, trusting not in our strength but in the power of His Resurrection. He is alive and He sends us forth!🙏🏽

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded again of our obligation as Christians, as those who believe in the Lord’s resurrection and triumphant victory over sin and death, to be His witnesses and missionaries in our world today, in proclaiming His truth and love among all the people, continuing the many good works that His Apostles and disciples had begun, in all that we have heard in the past one week of this holy Easter Octave, the works of the Apostles in the Acts of the Apostles. Let us all allow the Lord to work through us and with us, and let us walk faithfully in His path, doing our very best to be good role models for our fellow brothers and sisters, for all those who have not yet seen the Lord’s truth or known about His salvation and grace. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may all of us be the beacons of the Light of our Risen Lord and Saviour, and may He strengthen us all to walk ever more dedicatedly in His presence, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽

Risen Lord Jesus, You who conquered death and called even the doubting to bear witness, strengthen my heart to believe more deeply in Your Resurrection. Remove from me all fear, hesitation, and doubt. Fill me with the boldness of the Spirit so that I may proclaim Your Good News with my life and my words. When I am weak, be my strength; when I falter, lift me up. May my life be a living testimony that You are truly alive, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PASCHASIUS RADBERTUS, ABBOT; SAINTS CLETUS AND MARCELLINUS, POPES AND MARTYRS; AND SAINT RAFAEL ARNÁIZ BARÓN, RELIGIOUS – FEAST DAY: APRIL 26TH: Today, as we continue to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel and also we honor the lives and holy witness of Saint Paschasius Radbertus (Patron of Theologians), Abbot; Saints Cletus (Patron of Mariners) and Marcellinus (Patron of Prisoners), Popes and Martyrs; and Saint Rafael Arnáiz Barón (Patron of Diabetics). Through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and these faithful saints, we raise our prayers today: for the sick, especially those suffering from diabetes and terminal illnesses, may they be strengthened and healed by God’s loving mercy; for the Church, and all clergy, may they be renewed in faith and mission; for persecuted Christians and the conversion of sinners, may hope and grace abound; and for the youth of the world, may they find courage and holiness through Christ’s love. Amen. 🙏🏽

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 26th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

( Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Joseph, Saint Paschasius Radbertus, Saints Cletus and Marcellinus, Saint Rafael Arnáiz Barón| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-26th/ )

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, after a painting said to be miraculous, now found in the thirteenth century Augustinian church at Genazzano, near Rome, Italy. Over the centuries, devotions to Our Lady of Good Counsel grew among saints and Popes, to the extent that a reference to it was added to the Litany of Loreto and the devotion spread throughout the world.

On the Feast of St. Mark, April 25, 1467, at the close of a festival in Genazzano, Italy, a cloud descended upon an ancient 5th-century deteriorated church, dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel. When the cloud disappeared, the festive crowd found a small, fragile image of the Blessed Virgin and Child on a thin sheet of plaster. The painting is said to have hung in mid-air, suspended without support, floating, on a small ledge. This particular fresco is said to date to the time of the Apostles. It had long been venerated in Albania’s capital city, Scutari. Much of the church of Our Lady of Good Counsel was destroyed in World War II, but the image remained intact and in place. The miraculous image is still there today after more than 500 years. Countless miracles have been attributed to the prayerful intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Many pilgrims visit the church in Genazzano, and take part in the annual spring celebration, observed on April 25. Elsewhere in the world, the feast is celebrated April 26. Our Lady of Good Counsel is the Patron Saint of Albania, Missionary Sisters of Saint Peter Claver, Augustinian Province of Midwest US, Parañaque City, Philippines, Mother of Good Counsel Minor Seminary.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

PRAYER: O Holy Virgin, to whose feet we are led by our anxious uncertainty in our search for and attainment of what is true and good, invoking you by the sweet title of Mother of Good Counsel, we beseech you to come to our assistance, when, along the road of this life, the darkness of error and of evil conspires towards our ruin by leading our minds and our hearts astray. O Seat of Wisdom and Star of the Sea, enlighten the doubtful and the erring, that they be not seduced by the false appearances of good; render them steadfast in the face of the hostile and corrupting influences of passion and of sin. O Mother of Good Counsel, obtain for us from your Divine Son a great love of virtue, and, in the hour of uncertainty and trial, the strength to embrace the way that leads to our salvation. If your hand sustains us, we shall walk unmolested along the path indicated to us by the life and words of Jesus, our Redeemer; and having followed freely and securely, even in the midst of this world’s strife, the Sun of Truth and Justice under your maternal Star, we shall come to the enjoyment of full and eternal peace with you in the haven of salvation ~ Amen

SAINT PASCHASIUS RADBERTUS, ABBOT: Saint Paschasius Radbertus (c. 785–865) was left as an orphan on the steps of the convent of Notre-Dame de Soissons, France, where he was raised lovingly by the nuns. Educated among the monks of St. Peter’s, Soissons, and later drawn into monastic life at Corbie Abbey, Paschasius became a scholar deeply devoted to the sacred mysteries. As a monk and later as abbot, he made lasting contributions to the Church’s understanding of the Holy Eucharist, writing the first systematic work on the doctrine of the Real Presence, De Corpore et Sanguine Domini (On the Body and Blood of the Lord). A humble servant of Christ, he spent his later years in retirement at Saint-Riquier Abbey, where he died around 865. His love for the Eucharist reminds us of the beauty of Christ’s abiding presence among us.

PRAYER: O God, who wonderfully raised up Saint Paschasius Radbertus to teach the sacred mysteries of the Eucharist, grant that, nourished by this divine Sacrament, we may grow in the unity of faith and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SAINTS CLETUS AND MARCELLINUS, POPES AND MARTYRS: Saint Cletus and Saint Marcellinus were early Popes who courageously shepherded the Church during fierce persecutions. Saint Cletus (1st century), believed to be a disciple of Saint Peter, served as the third Bishop of Rome during the reigns of Emperors Vespasian and Titus. His fidelity unto martyrdom secured his place among the earliest witnesses to the Faith. Saint Marcellinus (3rd century) served as Bishop of Rome during the brutal persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Despite the Church’s challenges, he remained a pillar of hope and faith until he too gave his life for Christ. Both their names are forever honored in the Roman Canon, their sacrifices a testament to the enduring strength of the Church.

PRAYER: Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyrs Cletus and Marcellinus triumphed over suffering and death, strengthen us by their witness to remain firm in faith and constant in hope. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SAINT RAFAEL ARNÁIZ BARÓN, RELIGIOUS: Saint Rafael Arnáiz Barón (1911–1938) was a Spanish Trappist monk renowned for his deep mystical spirituality. Despite battling severe diabetes, he remained wholly devoted to a life of silence, prayer, and union with God. Rafael’s brief but holy life, filled with suffering and unwavering love for Christ, inspired many through his writings and humble witness. Called “one of the greatest mystics of the 20th century,” he teaches us that sanctity is found in surrender, love, and perseverance through suffering. His intercession is especially powerful for diabetics and young people seeking to live authentic lives of faith.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, you filled Saint Rafael with a profound love for the cross and a longing for union with you. May his prayers inspire us to follow your way of humility and sacrifice, and may all who suffer from illness find strength and peace through your mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Paschasius Radbertus, Saints Cletus and Marcellinus, Saint Rafael Arnáiz Barón – Pray for us. 🙏🏽

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF APRIL | MONTH OF HOLY EUCHARIST: April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity offering Himself as the Bread of Life. This month invites us to deepen our love and reverence for the Eucharist, especially as we approach Holy Week and Easter, celebrating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper when He said, “Take and eat; this is My Body… Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the Covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). In receiving the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and His Church. It is the source of our strength and the culmination of our salvation, as Christ Himself said in John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” As we journey through Lent, we are called to renew our reverence for the Eucharist. During Holy Week, we remember that Christ instituted this sacrament on Holy Thursday, offering us a way to remain in union with Him. Let us take this opportunity to attend Mass regularly, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, and reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

In this season of penance and reflection, may our devotion to the Eucharist strengthen our commitment to living as true disciples of Christ, leading us to the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! Lord Jesus, You have given Yourself to us in the Eucharist. May we receive You with reverence and love, and let Your grace transform us always. Amen 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we continue to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection, we lift our hearts in prayer to the Risen Lord. We pray for the intercession of Saint Paschasius Radbertus, who dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth and holiness, that all theologians and scholars may deepen their understanding of God’s Word and communicate it with clarity and reverence. Through the intercession of Saints Cletus and Marcellinus, Popes and Martyrs, we pray for the courage and fortitude of all leaders in the Church, that they may stand firm in faith amidst trials, bearing witness to Christ’s love and sacrifice. We also pray for the intercession of Saint Rafael Arnáiz Barón, patron of diabetics, for all those suffering from chronic illness, particularly diabetes, that they may experience God’s healing and comfort. We bring before God the leaders of the Church, and all those who labor in service to the Gospel, that they may follow the example of Saint Cletus and Saint Marcellinus in their unwavering devotion to Christ. We pray for all who experience persecution for their faith, that they may receive the strength and courage to endure, just as the martyrs did. We lift up those who are called to evangelize and witness to Christ in our modern world, that they may be emboldened by the Holy Spirit, as the Apostles were after Pentecost. Finally, we pray for all who feel far from Christ, especially those who struggle with doubt, that they may encounter the Risen Lord in the simplest moments of life and experience the joy of His presence. May the hope of Easter and the courage of the saints be with us all. Amen. 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY:

My most merciful God, You love the sinner and hate the sin. You love me in ways that are beyond my understanding. Help me to understand how deeply You love my heart when I completely repent. And help me to see my heart only through Your eyes. I thank You for Your love and mercy, dear Lord. Help me to love You all the more. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus Christ, Risen from the dead, we praise and adore You for the gift of new life that You bring to all of us. Through the intercession of Saint Paschasius Radbertus, may we grow deeper in our knowledge and love of Your sacred mysteries, and may our hearts be open to the truth You reveal through Scripture. Through the prayers of Saints Cletus and Marcellinus, we ask for the strength and courage to stand firm in our faith, just as they did in the face of persecution. May their example inspire us to live boldly for You in all areas of our lives, and to speak Your truth without fear. We also turn to Saint Rafael Arnáiz Barón, asking for his intercession for those suffering from diabetes and chronic illness. May Your healing presence, O Lord, bring comfort and restoration to all those in need.

Lord, as we reflect on the Scripture readings today from Acts and Mark, we are reminded of the boldness and faith of the early Apostles. May we too, like Peter and John, proclaim the Good News with courage and conviction, knowing that there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved. Fill our hearts with the fire of Your love, O Lord, and help us to recognize You in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives. Strengthen us to carry out the mission You have entrusted to us, and may we always be witnesses of Your Resurrection. We ask this in Your Holy Name, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save us, Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Paschasius Radbertus, Saints Cletus and Marcellinus, Saint Rafael Arnáiz Barón – Pray for us. 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and the immeasurable love shown through His Son, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection, may our hearts remain open to the peace and hope that flow from His victory over sin and death. During this joyful Easter season, we pray that our loving Savior will deepen our faith and draw us closer to the mystery of His Passion, death, and Resurrection. May we walk in the light of His risen life, renewed in spirit and overflowing with grace. Praying for us all and our loved ones today and we pray for journey mercies for all those traveling during this Easter season. May this Easter Saturday 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 Easter Saturday and 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 |