MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 19, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PETER CELESTINE, POPE; SAINT PUDENTIANA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT YVES OF BRITTANY (IVO OF KERMARTIN), PRIEST AND LAWYER | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Peter Celestine, Saint Pudentiana, and Saint Yves of Brittany| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-19th/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 19, 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-76/

Greetings and blessings, dear beloved family. Happy Monday of Fifth Week of Easter!

We thank God for the gift of life and particularly pray for all those who celebrate their birthdays in the month of May. We also pray for all those graduating during this season. May the good Lord bless and favor them, direct their path and grant them good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽

May this new 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 🙏🏽

The entire month of May is dedicated to our beloved Mother Mary, the Mother of God. As we continue to rejoice in the victory of Christ’s Resurrection, we give heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely into the month of May. May this Easter season renew our strength, deepen our faith, and fill our hearts with the peace of the Risen Lord. May our Mother Mary continue to intercede for us and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Easter. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, blessed start to the month. 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 🙏🏽

HABEMUS PAPAM! A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV

MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/

As the Papal Conclave to elect the next Roman Pontiff comes to an end, with profound reverence we give thanks to Almighty God for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history. The announcement was made on May 8, 2025, following the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclusion of the conclave.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American and a member of the Order of St. Augustine is known as Pope Leo XIV. A missionary bishop and former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church faithfully in Chiclayo, Peru, and brings with him a pastoral heart deeply shaped by the Gospel and the spirituality of St. Augustine.

LET US PRAY:

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 🙏🏽

Watch “POPE LEO XIV’S INAUGURATION MASS | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN, ST. PETER’S SQUARE | MAY 18, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-inauguration-mass-live-from-the-vatican/ | Live from St. Peter’s Square for the historic Eucharistic Celebration for the Start of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV. At the end of the Holy Mass, the Holy Father prayed the Regina Caeli prayer.

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 🙏🏽

Still rejoicing in the light of the Resurrection, the Church joyfully celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we also honor three radiant saints whose lives bore powerful witness to faith, service, and self-giving love: Saint Peter Celestine (Patron of bookbinders and those who suffer rejection), a humble pope; Saint Pudentiana (Patroness of the Philippines and Catholic young women), a young virgin and martyr of the early Church; and Saint Yves of Brittany (Patron of lawyers and abandoned children), a priest and lawyer who championed justice for the poor. Through their intercession, and that of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray for a renewal of justice, peace, and love in our world. May all in positions of authority, especially lawyers, judges, and civic leaders, be guided by truth and compassion. We pray for the sick and the dying, especially those suffering from terminal illnesses, and for the safety and well-being of the poor and needy. May the Holy Spirit strengthen the Church, sustain the clergy, comfort persecuted Christians, and draw all sinners to conversion.

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, Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter | May 19, 2025
Reading 1, Acts 14:5-18
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16
Gospel, John 14:21-26

Gospel Reading ~ John 14:21-26

“The Advocate whom the Father will send will teach you everything”

“Jesus said to His disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name – he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

Today’s Gospel reading speaks of our love for Jesus, Jesus’ love for us, and God the Father’s love for us. God the Father expresses his love for us by giving us the Son. Jesus expresses His love for us by laying down His life for us, and by making known to us all He has learnt from the Father. We express our love for Jesus by keeping His word, by living according to His teaching, which, in John’s Gospel, is summed up as ‘love one another as I have loved you’. Jesus offers a powerful truth: authentic love for Him is shown not merely through feelings or words, but through obedience to His commandments. The one who loves Jesus is the one who listens to His word and lives it out. In return, Jesus promises something deeply personal and intimate: He and the Father will come and make their home within that person. This is not merely a future reward, but a present reality an indwelling presence of God in the heart of the faithful. Judas (not Iscariot) asks an honest and relatable question: Why does Jesus reveal Himself to His disciples and not to the world? Jesus’ answer emphasizes the quiet, hidden nature of divine love it’s not about external displays or public proof, but about a relationship rooted in love, obedience, and trust. The world often seeks signs and wonders, but Jesus reveals Himself to those who open their hearts in faith and humility.

Today’s Gospel reading also makes reference to the Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send. This Spirit will not only teach the disciples but also remind them of all that Jesus has said. As the Father expresses His love for us by giving us the Son; the Father and Son together express their love for us by giving us the Holy Spirit. One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to lead us into a deeper understanding of all that Jesus did and said. In that sense, the Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus, just as Jesus leads us to the Father. According to our reading, is to be our teacher, to keep bringing to our minds the teaching, the word, of Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps us to keep Jesus’ word, especially His command to ‘love one another as I have loved you’. It is the Holy Spirit who helps us to hear what Jesus said as a word addressed to us today; the Holy Spirit brings Jesus close to us, makes Him present and brings His word to life for us. That is why as we listen to the Lord’s word it is good to invoke the coming of the Holy Spirit, and to invite the Spirit to bring that word alive for us. The Holy Spirit helps us to listen fruitfully to the Lord’s word; the Holy Spirit enables us also to make a heartfelt response to that word, both in prayer and in how we live. Todays Gospel reading is a whole vision of the Christian life, of God’s relationship with us as Father, Son and Spirit, and of our relationship with each other. As we draw gradually closer to the feast of Pentecost, this reminder is crucial because we are prone to forget, especially when trials arise. The Holy Spirit becomes the divine voice whispering God’s truth to our hearts in moments of fear, doubt, or confusion. Jesus assures us that we are not alone; even when He is no longer physically present, the Spirit will remain to guide, teach, and comfort. We very much need the Holy Spirit; that is why the church encourages us to pray, ‘Come Holy Spirit’ especially in the during these weeks as we prepare for the feast of Pentecost.

The first reading vividly shows the challenges Paul and Barnabas faced while spreading the Good News. Despite attempts on their lives, they continued their mission with courage and fidelity. In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man, and the people, mistaking them for gods, attempt to offer sacrifices to them. But instead of receiving praise, Paul and Barnabas tear their garments and correct the crowd, reminding them they are only human and redirecting all glory to the living God. This moment teaches a profound lesson about humility and authentic witness. In a world obsessed with fame and recognition, the apostles remind us that our mission is not to elevate ourselves, but to point others to Christ. Even when misunderstood or wrongly praised, they remained faithful to their calling to preach the living God who nourishes, sustains, and reveals Himself through creation and mercy. Their rejection of false worship also speaks to modern idols those things we exalt above God, whether they be power, fame, technology, or even people. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to redirect hearts toward the true God.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm,
“Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.” This psalm echoes the humility of the apostles. It reminds us that all good things every blessing, healing, or success come from God alone. It also contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, warning us not to place our trust in what is man-made. The psalmist invites us to bless the Lord, who made heaven and earth and entrusted the earth to humanity. In this entrustment lies both privilege and responsibility: to glorify God in how we live and care for the world He has given us.

Do I love Jesus by keeping His commandments, or do I merely say I love Him without living it out? How open am I to the teaching and reminding presence of the Holy Spirit in my daily life? Do I seek recognition for the good I do, or do I, like Paul and Barnabas, redirect glory to God? Are there idols in my life things I unknowingly revere or prioritize more than God? The Christian life is a journey of obedience rooted in love. Jesus’ promise to dwell with those who keep His word assures us of divine intimacy and strength. The example of Paul and Barnabas reminds us that true discipleship demands humility and courage. As we walk through this Easter season, let us remain attentive to the Spirit’s voice and committed to living the Gospel, so that our lives may glorify God and bring others to faith in Him. Amen. 🙏🏽

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded of the fact that we serve the Lord not for our own glory but for the greater glory of God, and we should always listen to the Lord and keep His commandments and words. We should always strive to proclaim the Lord’s truth, His love and Good News together, to glorify Him with all of our hearts and might at every opportunities provided to us. We must not be easily swayed by the temptations of worldly glory, ambition and all the other things that may easily mislead us down the wrong path in life. We must always be focused on the Lord and do our very best in our every moments in life so that we will always be firmly rooted in our faith and commitment to Him, to live our lives as Christians each day and every moments to the best of our abilities. Let us all therefore continue to put our trust and focus on the Lord, doing our very best to let Him be known to everyone we meet and encounter in life, not just through words but also through our actions in being good role models as faithful disciples and followers of Christ. In everything that we say and do, in all of our interactions, let us all be good and worthy bearers of our Christian faith and examples at all times, being the beacons of God’s light to everyone whom we encounter in our lives, to our communities and in our world today. That is what all of us have been entrusted by God to do as Christians, as those whom He has called and chosen, and entrusted with the truth and commandments that He has given us all through His Son, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may the Risen Lord continue to help and guide us all in our journey in life, and may He continue to strengthen us all in our every good efforts, works and endeavours, doing them for the greater glory of God and for the salvation of more souls. May all of us continue to be blessed with the strength and courage to carry out the missions entrusted to each one of us in our various and unique circumstances and opportunities, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, help me to love You not just in word but in action. Give me a heart that treasures Your commandments and a will that seeks to live them out each day. Teach me through the Holy Spirit and remind me of Your truth when I forget. May I never take glory for myself but always direct it to You, the source of all goodness. Help me to recognize and tear down the idols in my heart so that You alone may reign there. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PETER CELESTINE, POPE; SAINT PUDENTIANA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT YVES OF BRITTANY (IVO OF KERMARTIN), PRIEST AND LAWYER ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 19TH: Still rejoicing in the light of the Resurrection, the Church joyfully celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we also honor three radiant saints whose lives bore powerful witness to faith, service, and self-giving love: Saint Peter Celestine (Patron of bookbinders and those who suffer rejection), a humble pope; Saint Pudentiana (Patroness of the Philippines and Catholic young women), a young virgin and martyr of the early Church; and Saint Yves of Brittany (Patron of lawyers and abandoned children), a priest and lawyer who championed justice for the poor. Through their intercession, and that of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray for a renewal of justice, peace, and love in our world. May all in positions of authority, especially lawyers, judges, and civic leaders, be guided by truth and compassion. We pray for the sick and the dying, especially those suffering from terminal illnesses, and for the safety and well-being of the poor and needy. May the Holy Spirit strengthen the Church, sustain the clergy, comfort persecuted Christians, and draw all sinners to conversion.

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 19th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Peter Celestine, Saint Pudentiana, and Saint Yves of Brittany| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-19th/)

SAINT PETER CELESTINE, POPE: Born Pietro Angelerio around 1221 into a large and humble family in Apulia, Italy, Peter was drawn to solitude and prayer from an early age. After receiving a basic education thanks to his devout mother’s faith in his future sanctity he embraced a life of radical asceticism, inspired by the example of Saint John the Baptist. Living in caves and forests, he wore a hair shirt, fasted rigorously, and spent hours in prayer.

Attracting followers by his holiness, Peter eventually founded a monastic community that became the Celestine branch of the Benedictine Order. Despite his love for solitude, he was unexpectedly elected pope in 1294 after the papacy had been vacant for over two years. Taking the name Celestine V, he humbly accepted the call but struggled with the burden of the office. After just five months, recognizing his limitations, he made the rare and courageous decision to resign an act of humility almost unheard of in papal history.

He lived his final years in seclusion and prayer, experiencing heavenly consolations. On Pentecost Sunday in 1296, he foretold his death and peacefully entered eternal life later that week. He was canonized in 1313.

PRAYER: Saint Peter Celestine, you who embraced humility and silence over power and prestige, intercede for us that we may seek God’s will above our own desires. May we, like you, find peace in surrender and strength in simplicity. Pray for those rejected or burdened by failure, that they may find consolation in God’s embrace. Amen.🙏🏽

SAINT PUDENTIANA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Pudentiana was a second-century Roman virgin and martyr, the daughter of the senator Pudens and sister of Saint Praxedes. Raised in a devout Christian home that welcomed the apostles Peter and Paul, Pudentiana devoted herself wholly to Christ. She distributed her wealth to the poor, assisted in burying the bodies of persecuted Christians, and courageously refused to offer worship to the emperor, choosing instead to remain faithful to Christ.

Tradition holds that she died around the year 160 at the young age of sixteen. Her home became the site of one of Rome’s earliest churches Santa Pudenziana considered among the oldest in Christendom. Though her feast was removed from the Roman Martyrology in 2001 due to uncertainties in early sources, her legacy of charity and courage continues to inspire.

PRAYER: Saint Pudentiana, pure and courageous, you gave your life in steadfast love for Christ and His Church. Inspire in us a youthful zeal and unwavering faith, especially in times of persecution or doubt. Pray for young people around the world to remain rooted in Christ and joyful in their witness. Amen.🙏🏽

SAINT YVES OF BRITTANY (IVO OF KERMARTIN), PRIEST AND LAWYER: Born in 1253 to a noble family in Brittany, France, Saint Yves (also known as Ivo or Ives) is celebrated as the patron of lawyers and advocates for the poor. He studied civil and canon law at Paris and Orléans, excelling in philosophy, theology, and jurisprudence. Upon returning to Brittany, he served as an ecclesiastical judge, known for his integrity, humility, and passionate defense of the poor.

Yves often represented the marginalized at no cost, visiting them in prison and paying their court fees. He worked tirelessly to bring reconciliation and peace between feuding parties, striving to prevent unnecessary litigation. His life was marked by personal austerity, deep prayer, and generous charity. A member of the Franciscan Third Order, he embodied the Gospel through his work, simplicity, and justice.

Saint Yves died in 1303 and was canonized in 1347. He remains a powerful model of how faith and justice can work hand-in-hand.

PRAYER: Saint Yves, defender of truth and friend of the poor, you served with justice and charity in the courts and in the Church. Intercede for all who work in law and governance, that they may uphold the dignity of every person. Teach us to be generous and just, merciful and firm in the truth. Amen.🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Peter Celestine, Saint Pudentiana, and Saint Yves of Brittany ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: For Working Conditions ~ Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.

PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY ~ POPE FRANCIS: For Working Conditions ~ Jesus, You knew work in this world, and You understand its hardships and joys… Hear our prayer today. Working is a human trait… Work is sacred… The beauty of the earth and the dignity of work were meant to be united… The earth becomes beautiful when man works… Lord, You see that we believe this with conviction, but we desire even more for it to become a reality among us.

We are saddened when people can’t find work and lack the dignity of bringing bread to their home. Give us the light of your Spirit, open our hearts, do not let indifference overcome us.
Help us recover the gift of universal brotherhood. We ask for a heart as big as Jesus’s so we can embrace the call to work to give dignity to people and families.
Amen 🙏🏽

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MAY | MONTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother. This month invites the faithful to draw closer to Mary through prayer, reflection, and imitation of her virtues especially her humility, obedience, purity, and unwavering faith. As the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, Mary leads us gently but firmly to her Son. Throughout Church history, May has been a time to honor Mary with special devotions such as the Rosary, May Crownings, Marian processions, and prayers like the Litany of Loreto. The Church teaches that Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, intercedes for us as Queen of Heaven and Mother of the Church. During this month, we are called to renew our relationship with her and seek her maternal care in our joys, sorrows, and needs. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan with total trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her faithful surrender encourages us to say “yes” to God’s will in our own lives. As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and contemplate her role in salvation history, we grow in our love for her and our desire to follow Christ more closely.

In this beautiful month of blooming flowers, may our hearts also blossom with deeper devotion to the Mother of our Savior. Let us bring her our prayers, our homes, and our lives, asking her to accompany us with her love and protection.

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

Hail Mary, full of grace! Teach us to love Jesus as you loved Him. Cover us with your mantle of mercy, and help us to walk always in the light of your Son. Amen 🙏🏽

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

PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray today for the Church throughout the world, that guided by the Holy Spirit, she may remain faithful in proclaiming the living God to all peoples. May those in positions of leadership, especially in law and government, be inspired by Saint Yves of Brittany to act with justice, mercy, and integrity. We entrust to God all young women who strive to live faithfully amid trials, that through the example of Saint Pudentiana, they may remain courageous and steadfast in Christ. May those discerning difficult paths be strengthened by the humility and surrender of Saint Peter Celestine, choosing God’s will above worldly recognition. We remember the poor, the suffering, the sick, and the forgotten may they find hope and healing in the name of Jesus. And for ourselves, we ask for open hearts to love Christ more deeply, to keep His commandments, and to welcome the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.

LET US PRAY

Most glorious Lord Jesus, You promised the disciples and all Your people that the Holy Spirit would be sent to us to remind us of all that You have revealed. Holy Spirit, please continuously descend upon me, teach me and guide me. Help me to never forget the many lessons I have been taught so that I will never let fear lead to confusion. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, You are the true and living God, full of compassion and steadfast love. We praise You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who calls us to love Him by keeping His commandments. Send forth Your Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and guide us in truth. Strengthen us through the intercession of Saint Peter Celestine, that we may walk humbly and choose peace over pride. Inspire us through Saint Pudentiana to remain steadfast in our faith and generous in love. And lead us, like Saint Yves of Brittany, to pursue justice with compassion and serve the poor with joyful charity. Teach us to reject the idols of our time selfishness, pride, indifference and to live only for You, the God of heaven and earth. May we glorify You not only with our lips, but with our lives. Grant that, as we walk the path of Easter joy, we may be ever attentive to Your Spirit, trusting that You are near to all who call upon You in truth.Amen.🙏🏽

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Peter Celestine, Saint Pudentiana, and Saint Yves of Brittany ~ 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 week 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 Monday and joyful Fifth Week of Easter!🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

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

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