THE SEVENTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 31, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT SYLVESTER I, POPE AND CONFESSOR | DECEMBER 31ST| Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Sylvester I | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-31st/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 31, 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-december-31-2025/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, on the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas and the final day of the year, the Church invites us to pause in gratitude and reflection as we stand at the threshold between what has been and what lies ahead. As we commemorate the Memorial of Saint Sylvester I, Pope and Confessor, we remember a shepherd who guided the Church through a moment of great transition with faith and peace. In the light of the Word made flesh, proclaimed in today’s Gospel, we look back on the year now ending with honest hearts, giving thanks for God’s abiding presence, seeking mercy for our shortcomings, and renewing our trust in His grace as we prepare to entrust a new year into His loving hands. 🙏🏽
We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for bringing us safely to the end of December. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
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🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of December into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of December. 🙏🏽
SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, The Octave of Christmas | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas | December 31, 2025
Reading 1: 1 John 2:18–21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1–2, 11–12, 13
Gospel: John 1:1–18
Gospel Reading ~ John 1:1–18
“And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; he light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
In today’s Gospel, proclaimed on the final day of the year, the Church brings us back to the very beginning to the mystery of Christ Himself. Saint John does not begin with a manger or shepherds, but with eternity: “In the beginning was the Word.” This Word is not merely spoken by God; the Word is God, through whom all things were created. As the year comes to a close, this Gospel reminds us that Christ stands at the beginning of time, at the heart of creation, and at the center of our lives. He is the Light that shines in the darkness, a Light no darkness, whether sin, fear, or uncertainty, can overcome.
John proclaims the astonishing truth that this eternal Word “became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” God did not remain distant or unreachable; He entered our human story, taking on our weakness, our suffering, and our limitations. In Jesus, God pitched His tent among His people. As we stand at the threshold of a new year, this truth offers deep consolation: we do not step into the unknown alone. Emmanuel, God-with-us, walks with us into every tomorrow, filling our lives with grace upon grace.
The First Reading from the Letter of Saint John speaks with urgency: “Children, it is the last hour.” These words do not inspire fear, but vigilance. The apostle reminds believers to remain rooted in the truth they have received, resisting deception and falsehood. We have been anointed by the Holy One; we know the truth, and the truth sets us free. As this year draws to an end, the reading invites us to examine our fidelity to Christ. Have we remained steadfast in His light, or allowed the voices of the world to draw us away from Him?
The Responsorial Psalm bursts forth in joyful praise: “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!” All creation rejoices because the Lord comes to rule the world with justice and faithfulness. This cosmic joy echoes the hope of Christmas, that God’s reign of truth and mercy is already at work in the world. Even amid trials, the psalm assures us that the Lord is faithful and His coming brings renewal, restoration, and peace.
As we reflect on these sacred readings on the last day of the year, we are invited to entrust everything to Christ, the Eternal Word made flesh. Do I allow His light to guide my choices? Do I remain faithful to the truth I have received? As one year ends and another begins, Christ remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever. May we welcome Him anew into our hearts, our homes, and our future, confident that His light will lead us safely into the year ahead. May God grant us the grace to remain steadfast in truth, joyful in hope, and faithful in love, as we walk with Christ into all that lies ahead. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal Word of the Father, You are the Light that shines in our darkness and the Truth that guides our lives. As we stand at the close of this year, we thank You for dwelling among us and filling our lives with grace upon grace. Keep us faithful to the truth we have received, strengthen us against every falsehood, and help us walk always in Your light. As we enter a new year, remain with us, renew our hearts, and lead us ever closer to You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT SYLVESTER I, POPE AND CONFESSOR – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 31ST:
Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Sylvester I, Pope and Confessor, on the seventh day in the Octave of Christmas. Raised up by God at a pivotal moment in history, Saint Sylvester shepherded the Church during the transition from persecution to peace under Emperor Constantine. His pontificate marked the dawn of a new era for Christianity—an age of public worship, doctrinal clarity, and ecclesial stability. As we honor his memory on the final day of the year, his life invites us to trust God’s providence in times of great change and to remain faithful stewards of the Church in every season. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 31st https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Sylvester I | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-31st/)
SAINT SYLVESTER I, POPE AND CONFESSOR: Saint Sylvester I (c. 250–335) was born in Rome and raised in the Christian faith. Elected Pope in 314 during the reign of Emperor Constantine, he guided the Church through a historic transition from persecution to peace. His pontificate marked the beginning of Christianity’s public freedom and growth within the Roman Empire.
Though not personally present at the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325, Saint Sylvester was represented by papal legates, and the Council’s affirmation of Christ’s divinity shaped the faith of the Church for generations. With Constantine’s support, major basilicas such as Saint John Lateran and Saint Peter’s were built in Rome. Remembered as the first “peace Pope,” Saint Sylvester shepherded the Church with wisdom and fidelity until his death on December 31, 335.
PRAYER: O Lord, You raised up Saint Sylvester I to shepherd Your Church during a time of great transformation and peace. Through his intercession, guide Your people with wisdom and fidelity, that we may remain steadfast in faith amid the changes of our own time. Lead us safely through this present life and grant us the joy of eternal life in Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Sylvester I, Pope and Confessor ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of December | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-december/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
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/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.
This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.
In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we come to the close of this year and celebrate the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas, we lift our hearts to God, grateful for the gift of His Son, the Word made flesh, the true Light that no darkness can overcome. We pray for the Church throughout the world, that, like Saint Sylvester I, she may remain steadfast in truth, guarded against falsehood, and faithful in proclaiming Christ in every age. We pray for unity among believers, that all who have received the anointing of the Holy One may stand firm in faith and love. We entrust to God the past year with its joys and trials, asking healing for wounds, forgiveness for our failures, and wisdom to recognize Christ at work in our lives. As a new year approaches, we pray for peace in our world, strength for families, guidance for leaders, and renewed hope for all who long for light amid uncertainty.
LET US PRAY:
O God, eternal Light and unfailing Truth, You sent Your Son into the world as the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth. As we end this year in the joy of Christ’s birth, strengthen us in the faith we have received, that we may remain in You and reject all that leads us away from Your truth. Through the intercession of Saint Sylvester I, grant that Your Church may walk in unity, peace, and fidelity, and that our lives may reflect the light of Christ in a world still longing for hope. As we step into a new year, renew our hearts with courage, trust, and deeper love for You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
As this year gently comes to its close, we stand before God in stillness, remembering all that has unfolded under His watchful care. In the light of the Word made flesh, we review the moments of grace and the moments of weakness, the joys we embraced and the burdens we carried. Nothing is lost in God’s sight; every prayer whispered, every tear shed, every act of love offered has been held within His mercy. With grateful hearts and humbled spirits, we entrust the year now ending to the Lord, asking that what was imperfect may be healed, what was good may bear lasting fruit, and what remains unfinished may rest in His peace.
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Sylvester I ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for the many graces received throughout the year now drawing to a close, and as we continue our joyful celebration of the Octave of Christmas, may our hearts remain open to the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth, who comes to dwell among us and bring light, hope, and salvation to the world. As we journey through these holy days and stand at the threshold of a new year, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, born for us in humble love. May this sacred season invite us to look back with thanksgiving, seek healing where we have fallen short, and move forward renewed by the peace, joy, and grace that flow from the presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us. Alleluia! May God bless all those gathering with family and friends as the year comes to an end, and may His love shine brightly in every home. May these final days of the Christmas Octave be safe, grace-filled, and joyful, drawing us ever deeper into the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation and the quiet wonder of His abiding presence among us, now and in the year to come. 🙏🏽
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 Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/