MONDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 26, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PHILIP NERI, PRIEST AND SAINT ELEUTHERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Philip Neri and Saint Eleutherius| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-26th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 26, 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-83/
Greetings and blessings, dear beloved family. Happy Monday of Sixth Week of Easter and Happy Memorial Day!
On this Memorial Day, we pray for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, we particularly remember, honor and pray for all those in the military who sacrificed their lives to make the world a better place for all of us. 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 🙏🏽
May this new weeek 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 🙏🏽
A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him wisdom, courage, and humility as he leads the Church in truth and love. May the Holy Spirit guide his every word and action, and may he be a bridge of unity for all nations. Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, strengthen him in his mission to proclaim Christ to the world. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter. Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern Your will, Courage to fulfill it, And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ. In this time of transition, Bring peace to troubled hearts, Joy to those who suffer, And hope to the despairing. May he be a faithful successor to Peter, A humble servant of Your Word, And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, And to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
We thank God for the successful celebration of the Inauguration Holy Mass for Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS: With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/
On this special feast day, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
As the Church continues to rejoice in the hope of the Resurrection, today we honor two great pillars of faith: Saint Philip Neri (patron saint of joy, Rome, and the U.S. Army Special Forces), the cheerful Apostle of Rome who rekindled spiritual life through love, humor, and holiness; and Saint Eleutherius (patron saint of the oppressed and defenders of the faith), a courageous Pope and Martyr who helped spread the Gospel even to distant lands. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these holy saints, we pray for the sick, especially those suffering from terminal illnesses. We also remember the poor, the lonely, and those struggling in silence. We lift up families torn by discord, the persecuted Church, and all clergy who shepherd Christ’s flock. We pray for the military, for unity and peace in the world, and for the conversion of sinners. May we all be inspired to live with bold faith and compassionate hearts. 🙏🏽
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 Sixth Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest | May 26, 2025
Reading 1: Acts 16:11–15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149:1b–2, 3–4, 5–6a and 9b
Gospel: John 15:26—16:4a
Gospel Reading ~ John 15:26—16:4a
“The Spirit of truth will testify to me”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus assures His disciples of the coming of the Advocate the Holy Spirit who will testify to the truth of Christ. The Spirit is not only a Comforter in times of trial, but also a bold witness to the truth that the world desperately needs. Jesus speaks these words to prepare His disciples for the cost of that testimony: expulsion, persecution, and even death. Yet He does not leave them helpless. He promises that the Spirit of truth will be with them, guiding, empowering, and strengthening their witness.
Jesus does not sugarcoat the reality of discipleship. He speaks plainly: “The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God.” It is a haunting reminder of how distorted religious zeal can become when divorced from truth and love. But in the midst of this, He reminds His followers of their mission to testify, to remember His words, and to endure with courage. Our faith, rooted in truth and love, is not always welcomed. Still, we must press on, strengthened by the Advocate who speaks not with human power, but divine authority and consolation.
In the First Reading, we encounter the quiet but powerful story of Lydia, a woman of faith whose heart was opened by the Lord to receive the message of salvation. Her response was immediate: baptism and hospitality. Lydia reminds us that evangelization bears fruit in openness and readiness to act. The Gospel was not only preached; it was welcomed, lived, and shared. Her generosity in opening her home mirrors her open heart both were places of welcome for God’s presence. In a world often closed off by skepticism and self-preservation, Lydia invites us to spiritual and practical hospitality: to listen, receive, and then respond generously.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalmist declares with joy: “The Lord takes delight in His people.” This psalm exalts the deep truth that God delights in us not because of our perfection, but because of our belonging. He adorns the lowly with victory, lifts up the humble, and fills the faithful with joy. Our dignity lies not in the world’s applause, but in God’s love. To praise Him is not only a duty but a liberating joy. We are His people, crowned with His favor, called to dance, sing, and live with the freedom of the redeemed.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, are we aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence as we bear witness to Christ in our lives? Do we open our hearts like Lydia, listening deeply and responding actively to God’s Word? When we face misunderstanding or rejection for our faith, do we stand firm in truth with love? Today’s readings call us to a deeper attentiveness to the Spirit, to courageous testimony in a hostile world, and to a joyful embrace of the Gospel. Like Lydia, may we let our hearts and homes become places where Christ is received and shared. To follow Christ is to walk a path that may be misunderstood by the world but is illumined by the Spirit. Our task is to testify not with arguments alone, but with lives transformed by grace. In the quiet act of hospitality, in the boldness of truth-telling, in the patience of suffering we make Christ known. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and let us not grow weary in doing good. The Spirit of truth is with us, and in our fidelity, we glorify the Father. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, send us Your Spirit, the Advocate, to guide us in truth and courage. Strengthen our hearts to bear witness to You with love and conviction. Like Lydia, may we be open to Your Word and generous in our response. Help us to remain faithful in the face of rejection, and joyful in our mission. Let us live as Your chosen ones, delighting in Your love and proclaiming Your name to all. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PHILIP NERI, PRIEST AND SAINT ELEUTHERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 26TH: As the Church continues to rejoice in the hope of the Resurrection, today we honor two great pillars of faith: Saint Philip Neri (patron saint of joy, Rome, and the U.S. Army Special Forces), the cheerful Apostle of Rome who rekindled spiritual life through love, humor, and holiness; and Saint Eleutherius (patron saint of the oppressed and defenders of the faith), a courageous Pope and Martyr who helped spread the Gospel even to distant lands. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these holy saints, we pray for the sick, especially those suffering from terminal illnesses. We also remember the poor, the lonely, and those struggling in silence. We lift up families torn by discord, the persecuted Church, and all clergy who shepherd Christ’s flock. We pray for the military, for unity and peace in the world, and for the conversion of sinners. May we all be inspired to live with bold faith and compassionate hearts. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 26th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Philip Neri and Saint Eleutherius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-26th/)
SAINT PHILIP NERI, PRIEST (1515–1595): Born into a noble family in Florence, Saint Philip Neri was known from childhood for his joyful spirit, gentle obedience, and a heart filled with charity. Though sent to San Germano to apprentice under his wealthy uncle, a profound mystical experience led him to renounce worldly pursuits. He moved to Rome and gave himself entirely to God’s providence, studying philosophy and theology while living in simplicity.
Instead of continuing a formal path to ordination, Philip began working directly with the sick, the poor, and the spiritually lost his cheerful demeanor drawing countless souls to Christ. Ordained at 36, he became a beloved confessor, spiritual director, and founder of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity and later, the Congregation of the Oratory a community of secular priests focused on prayer, preaching, and sacramental life.
St. Philip was a reformer not through stern condemnation, but through joyful holiness. His ability to laugh, love, and lift the weary stood in stark contrast to the indifference and corruption of his time. Known as the “Apostle of Rome,” he rejected titles of honor, including the cardinalate, preferring instead humble service and the confessional. He died on May 27, 1595, and was canonized in 1622. His legacy continues in the Oratorians and in the joyful witness of all who bring light to the Church through love.
PRAYER: O Lord, who filled the heart of Saint Philip Neri with the fire of Your love, grant that we too may rejoice in the Spirit, and bring others to You through gentleness and joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT ELEUTHERIUS, POPE AND MARTYR (DIED C. 189 A.D.): Pope Saint Eleutherius, the thirteenth Bishop of Rome, guided the Church during a time of growth and transition, following the reign of Emperor Commodus. Born in Nicopolis, Greece, he served as a deacon under Pope Anicetus before being elected Pope around 174 A.D. During his 15-year pontificate, the Christian faith spread rapidly and found favor in places far beyond Rome.
A significant moment in his papacy was the legendary request from King Lucius of Britain, who desired to embrace the Christian faith for himself and his people. In response, Eleutherius sent Fugatius and Damian, two holy missionaries, to evangelize the British Isles an act remembered in early Christian history as a symbol of the Gospel’s global mission.
Eleutherius welcomed many notable Church figures, including Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, and maintained peace within the Church while upholding orthodoxy and pastoral care. He is believed to have held multiple ordinations, appointing bishops, priests, and deacons to strengthen the Church’s structure. He died in 189 A.D. and was buried near Saint Peter in the Vatican.
PRAYER: Almighty God, You chose Saint Eleutherius to shepherd Your people with courage and wisdom. Through his intercession, may we remain faithful to the truth and bold in our witness to the Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Philip Neri and Saint Eleutherius ~ 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: As we celebrate the joyful witness of Saint Philip Neri and the steadfast faith of Saint Eleutherius, we lift up our hearts in prayer for the Church and the world. May we, like Lydia in the first reading, open our hearts to the message of the Gospel and respond generously to God’s call. We pray for priests, missionaries, and all who serve the Church, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised as our Advocate and source of truth. May those facing persecution for their faith be strengthened by the example of the martyrs and remain firm in the face of trials. We also pray for all who feel isolated or without purpose, that the joy and humility of Saint Philip Neri may inspire them to find their identity and joy in Christ. May the praises of God always be on our lips, as we seek to live lives of holiness and love.
LET US PRAY
Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Saints Philip Neri and Eleutherius, fill our hearts with joy, courage, and openness to Your Spirit. May we bear witness to Christ with faith and love, remaining firm amid trials and joyful in our service. Strengthen our resolve to follow You daily and help us to recognize Your work in our lives and the lives of others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Philip Neri and Saint Eleutherius ~ 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, joyful Sixth Week of Easter🙏🏽