FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 11, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT STANISLAUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINT GEMMA GALGANI, VIRGIN| Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Greetings and blessings, beloved family, and Happy Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent!

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr (Patron Saint of Poland, Kraków, and moral order) and Saint Gemma Galgani, Virgin (Patron Saint of pharmacists, loss of parents, back illnesses, temptations, and those seeking purity of heart). Through their powerful intercession and the maternal protection of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray for the sick, the suffering, and the faithful who strive for holiness. May the grace of God sustain us in our spiritual journey, and may the example of these two saints inspire us to live lives of virtue, courage, and unwavering faith. Amen. 🙏🏽

We thank God for the  gift of life and for the gift of this day. May this season of Lent bring renewal in faith, deepening our journey through Lent and drawing us closer to Christ. May God’s grace guide and strengthen us every day, and may His grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey. 🙏🏽

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/2025/04/10/catholic-daily-mass-37/

DAY 33: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/11/day-33-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/

DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

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

LENT: | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/lent/

STATIONS OF THE CROSS | A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/stations-of-the-cross/

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

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/

PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS

“Loving God, we thank you for the unwavering faith and leadership of Pope Francis. As he recovers from his hospitalization, we humbly ask for your healing touch upon his body, your peace upon his mind, and your comfort for his spirit. Grant him strength, renewed energy, and a continued ability to serve your flock with compassion and wisdom. We entrust him to your loving care, and we pray that he may soon be restored to good health, if it be your will. Through Christ our Lord, Amen”🙏🏽

On this special feast day, as we continue our Lenten journey, 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 and celebrate their memorial anniversary today. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of 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 🙏🏽

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/

A PRAYER TO WALK HUMBLY THROUGH LENT: Father, In Micah 6:8, You say, “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Today we choose to walk humbly with You. We choose to live by Your Holy Spirit and to follow Your lead. Help us to hear You clearly, for we do not want to walk by pride or self-sufficiency, we want to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen 🙏🏽

God of goodness and mercy, hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you. Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you. Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love. May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you and live forever in your abundant grace. Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father. Give me the strength to commit myself to grow closer to you each day. Amen 🙏🏽

LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE (Lenten Fast and Abstinence regulations from the USCCB): Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.

For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards

Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. 🙏🏽

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT STANISLAUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINT GEMMA GALGANI, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY: APRIL 11TH: Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr (Patron Saint of Poland, Kraków, and moral order) and Saint Gemma Galgani, Virgin (Patron Saint of pharmacists, loss of parents, back illnesses, temptations, and those seeking purity of heart). Through their powerful intercession and the maternal protection of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray for the sick, particularly those suffering from chronic pain, and terminal illnesses, and the faithful who strive for holiness. May the grace of God sustain us in our spiritual journey, and may the example of these two saints inspire us to live lives of virtue, courage, and unwavering faith. Amen. 🙏🏽

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 11th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr and Saint Gemma Galgani, Virgin | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/11/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-11/)

SAINT STANISLAUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR: Saint Stanislaus (1030-1079), Bishop of Kraków, is remembered for his martyrdom at the hands of the Polish King Bolesław II the Generous. Born on July 26, 1030, in Sezepanow, Poland, to devout parents, Stanislaus was educated for the Church and later studied Canon Law and Theology in Paris. After receiving his priestly ordination, he dedicated himself to the pastoral care of his people, preaching and fostering a deep religious renewal.

In 1072, he was elected Bishop of Kraków, where he became known for his holiness and courage, especially in confronting the sinful conduct of King Bolesław II. After the King ignored Stanislaus’ warnings and continued his immoral behavior, the saint excommunicated him. In a fit of rage, the King ordered the Bishop’s murder. On May 8, 1079, while celebrating Mass, Saint Stanislaus was slain by the King himself, and his martyrdom brought an end to Bolesław’s reign.

Saint Stanislaus’ bravery and commitment to the truth made him a model of steadfast faith in the face of tyranny. Canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1253, he remains a powerful intercessor for Poland and for all who seek moral courage in difficult times.

PRAYER: God, who granted Saint Stanislaus the strength to face death with faith and courage, grant that we, too, may stand firm in our beliefs and persevere in our Christian witness, even when confronted with opposition. Amen. 🙏

SAINT GEMMA GALGANI, VIRGIN: Saint Gemma Galgani (1878-1903), born in Camigliano, Italy, is known for her profound devotion to the Passion of Christ. After losing her mother and several siblings to tuberculosis, Gemma herself contracted the disease. Despite her illness, she dedicated herself to a life of prayer and charity, seeking to follow Christ more closely.

At the age of 21, Gemma began experiencing mystical visions, including the stigmata—signs of Christ’s Passion—on her hands and feet. Her life was marked by deep prayer, intense suffering, and a desire to live in union with Christ’s suffering. Her humility, purity of heart, and intense love for Jesus inspired many, and she became a source of strength and healing for those who sought her intercession.

Gemma died on Holy Saturday, April 11, 1903, at the age of 25, after offering her life for the conversion of sinners. She was beatified in 1933 and canonized in 1940. As the Patron Saint of students, pharmacists, and those suffering from back pain, she continues to inspire those seeking purity of heart and a deeper union with Christ.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You made Saint Gemma a living image of Your crucified Son, granting her the grace to unite her suffering with His. Through her prayers, may we learn to bear our own crosses with faith and hope, and share in the glory of the Resurrection. Amen. 🙏

Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, and Saint Gemma Galgani, Virgin ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent | Friday, April 11, 2025
Reading 1, Jeremiah 20:10–13
Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7
Gospel, John 10:31–42

Gospel Reading ~ John 10:31-42

“They wanted to arrest Jesus, but he eluded them”

“The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is strongly opposed by the Jews because of the claims He makes about Himself. ‘You are only a man and you claim to be God’, they said. Jesus goes on to say of Himself, ‘I am the Son of God… the Father is in me and I am in the Father’. Jesus claims to have a unique relationship with God, such that whoever sees Him sees God, the Father. The Gospel of St. John puts it very simply when he writes, the Word who was God became flesh, became enfleshed Word. Jesus, in other words, is God in human form. That conviction is at the core of our Christian faith. Jesus is the revelation of God, and because of that, in the words of the Gospel reading, the good works that He does are the work of the Father. God is doing God’s work through Jesus. God will always be something of a mystery to us, but Jesus has unveiled that mystery to a great extent. Jesus has revealed that the mystery of God is, ultimately, the mystery of Love. In the words of the first letter of Saint John, ‘God is Love’. In the words of the Gospel, ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only Son’. That is the wonderful mystery that we will be remembering and celebrating this coming Holy Week. As we reflect on the passion and death of Jesus this coming Holy Week we will be looking upon not just a broken human being but upon the revelation of God.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading, the opposition Jesus faced in today’s Gospel is intense. Accused of blasphemy, threatened with stoning, and misunderstood even as He performed miraculous works of love and healing, Jesus does not retaliate in anger. Instead, He appeals to reason and to their hearts: “Even if you do not believe me, believe the works.” These words show the humility of a Savior whose identity is deeply rooted in communion with the Father and in a mission of mercy. His actions speak louder than any accusation. In a world quick to condemn, Jesus invites us to reflect not only on His words but on His life—His compassion, truth, and divine authority expressed in love.

In our first reading today from the Book of the prophet Jeremiah describes the time when Jeremiah faced persecutions at the hands of his enemies, which at that time opposed Jeremiah and his works among the people of Judah, calling on all the people to return back towards God with faith. God had sent him to His obstinate and stubborn people to remind them of His ever generous mercy, which He has always made available to them, but which they had frequently ignored and spurned. Jeremiah had to go through a lot of troubles for the sake of the Lord, and yet, he endured all of it patiently, and entrusted himself and his works to the Lord. Of course there were moments when he was exhausted and tired of facing all the oppositions, and which he spoke to the Lord about, but in the end, he believed that God sent him for a good reason, and no matter what, in the end, those who believe in Him and trust in Him will never be disappointed. Jeremiah, just as many other prophets who came before him and those who came after him, might have to endure all those bitterness and hardships, but through their faith and dedication, they had done a lot of good works for the sake of the Lord.

Reflecting on today’s first reading, Jeremiah’s lament echoes the sufferings of Jesus. Surrounded by betrayal and threats, Jeremiah finds strength in one truth: “The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.” Even when persecuted, mocked, or hunted by those who should have supported him, Jeremiah stands firm in faith. His cry becomes our call today—to entrust our cause to God, knowing He is our defender. The courage to speak the truth and live faithfully amidst opposition is never easy, but the Lord, who tests the heart, never abandons His own.

Reflecting on today’s Responsorial Psalm, “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and He heard my voice.” The psalmist gives us a prayer of desperate trust—a cry from the depths that reminds us God’s ears are never deaf to our pain. Whether we feel overwhelmed, surrounded, or shaken, the Lord is our rock and refuge. His response may not always come as we expect, but it always comes with love. When our strength fails, His remains steadfast.

Do I truly believe that the works of Jesus reveal the heart of the Father? When I face opposition or judgment, do I respond with trust in God like Jeremiah, or with fear and anger? How am I living as a witness to Christ’s works in my own life today—through love, mercy, and truth? In times of criticism or trial, remember that the power of faith lies not in defending ourselves but in reflecting Christ through our actions. Like Jesus, let us point the world not to our words, but to the works of love and mercy that flow from God within us.

As we reflect on the Words of the Sacred Scriptures today, the Lord calls us to share in His work, what He calls in today’s Gospel reading, ‘my Father’s work’. Sharing in whatever small way we can in the Lord’s good work, or good works, will not always make for an easy or a simple life. Yet, it is our calling and in trying to be faithful to that calling the Lord will support us; in fact, He will be working in us and through us. God has always stood by His faithful ones like Jeremiah and He would not let those who are dear to Him to suffer and be crushed. Even if they were to suffer, in the end, those who remain faithful to God shall triumph together with Him. Our Scripture readings today continue to prepare us for the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, His suffering, death and resurrection which we will all focus on throughout the Holy Week next week. Now, we have heard all the trials and challenges that the faithful servants of the Lord had to endure in their works of faith, and ultimately, the Lord Himself would face the ultimate trial in His Passion, His crucifixion and death. All of us as Christians must remember the Lord’s words, that He had told us, how if we are to be His disciples, we have to carry our crosses and follow Him. We are called to emulate the Saints, the Holy men and women, particularly those Saints we celebrate today. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace during this season of Lent and may He empower us all to live ever more faithfully in His Presence, now and always. May we all be good inspiration for one another, and be role models of faith, at all times. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You were misunderstood, rejected, and threatened, yet You continued to love and heal. Teach me to believe in Your works, even when I struggle to understand. Help me to walk with courage like Jeremiah and to rest in the assurance that You are my rock and my refuge. May my life reflect Your love so that others may come to believe in You. Amen 🙏🏽

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 this Lenten season and always. Amen 🙏🏽

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

PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray for the courage to follow Christ, even in the face of trials and persecution, just as Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, boldly stood for the truth of the Gospel. May we be granted the strength to speak out against injustice and to defend the faith with unwavering conviction. We also pray for the grace to cultivate a heart of purity and devotion to God, as exemplified by Saint Gemma Galgani, Virgin, who embraced a life of holiness, prayer, and love. May we, like her, grow ever closer to the heart of Jesus, allowing His love to transform us completely. We ask that we may live out the words of today’s scripture, keeping Christ’s word and finding in it eternal life. May all who are persecuted for their faith find the strength to endure, and may we, as a Church, remain a beacon of hope and truth in a world full of darkness. We entrust these intentions to the intercession of Saint Stanislaus and Saint Gemma, that we may, through their prayers, be strengthened in our own journey of faith. Amen. 🙏🏽

LET US PRAY

My Lord Jesus, You are calling me to enter deeper into a relationship of love with You, my divine Lord. Give me the grace I need to say “Yes” to You and to enter into the desert of silence and prayer I need so as to hear Your voice. Draw me to You, my Lord, and help me to more fully believe all that You wish to say. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

O Lord Jesus Christ, You who gave Your life for us, inspire in us the same unwavering faith that Saint Stanislaus demonstrated as he endured persecution for the sake of truth. Just as he stood firm in his love for You, may we also find the courage to face every trial with the same devotion. We ask, too, for the grace of purity and love that animated the life of Saint Gemma Galgani. Help us to embrace a life of prayer, humility, and compassion, ever seeking to be drawn into the love of Your Sacred Heart.

Lord, Your Word brings us eternal life, and we pray that, like the saints before us, we may cling to that Word in every moment, trusting in Your promise. May we keep Your commandments with a joyful heart, following Your example of self-giving love. Free us from fear and doubt, and help us to live boldly, trusting that whoever keeps Your word will never see death.

With the intercession of Saint Stanislaus and Saint Gemma, may we grow in holiness and be ever faithful to Your call, that our lives may reflect the light of Your truth. Through their prayers, may we be strengthened to witness to Your love and salvation in a world that desperately needs You. Jesus, we trust in You. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save us, Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph and Saint Stanislaus, and Saint Gemma Galgani ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the gift of this day and praying for us all during this season of Lent, let us be renewed by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. May this Lenten season deepen our trust in God’s providence and open our hearts to His transforming grace. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times and may this season of Lent bring us all true salvation in Christ as we remain united in peace, love and faith. Have a blessed, safe and grace-filled and fruitful Fifth Week of Lent and relaxing weekend. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

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