MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA, BISHOP OF VALENCIA; SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION, SOLDIERS AND MARTYRS; SAINT EMMERAMMUS, BISHOP AND SAINT IGNATIUS OF SANTHIA, PRIEST | SEPTEMBER 22ND | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Thomas of Villanova, Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, Saint Emmerammus, and Saint Ignatius of Santhia | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-22nd/ )

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 22, 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-september-22-2025/

NOVENA TO SAINT THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX – THE LITTLE FLOWER: REMINDER – The 2025 Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 22nd, and end on September 30th in preparation for her Feast day on October 1st. | Link to Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux – The Little Flower | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-therese-of-lisieux-the-little-flower/

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

JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family.

Today, Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. We joyfully welcome the gift of this month, September and thank God for the gift of life! Lord Almighty, we thank You for granting us the grace to see this new beginning, and we entrust every day of this month into Your loving hands. May September be a season of renewal, hope, and abundant blessings for us and our families. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of children all over the world, especially those beginning the new school year. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and be near to those who carry heavy burdens in their hearts.

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, 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 🙏🏾

On this feast day, through the intercession of the Saints we celebrate today, we humbly pray for the poor 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 those who fight for truth, peace, justice, love, and unity in our families and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. 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 Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of September. 🙏🏽

We 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.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

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🙏🏽

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 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of September | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-september/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

PRAYER FOR THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/prayer-for-the-beginning-of-a-new-school-year/

MEET THE NEW SAINTS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/canonization-of-carlo-acutis-pier-giorgio-frassati/

SAINT CARLO ACUTIS (1991–2006): a teenager from Milan, passionate about computer science, he used new media to spread the faith and love for the Eucharist. Beatified in 2020, he is a model of digital evangelization. | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-carlo-acutis/

PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI (1901–1925): a young man from Turin, sportsman and mountain enthusiast, he stood out for his charity towards the poor and his joyful witness to the Gospel. Beatified in 1990, he is the patron of young people and students. | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-pier-giorgio-frassati/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time | September 22, 2025
Reading 1: Ezra 1:1–6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1b–2ab, 2cd–3, 4–5, 6
Gospel: Luke 8:16–18

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 8:16–18

*”A lamp is placed on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light; No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed”

“Jesus said to the crowd: No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus uses the image of a lighted lamp which should be placed on a lamp stand so that people may see the light when they enter the room. It is an image which calls on us to allow the light within us to shine on others, the light of Jesus, the light of our faith, hope and love. Jesus teaches us that the light of faith is never meant to be hidden but must shine forth for others to see. Just as a lamp is placed on a stand to illuminate the whole room, our lives as disciples must radiate the truth, mercy, and love of Christ. The Lord reminds us that all secrets will eventually come to light our actions, motives, and faith will be revealed before God. This is both a call to integrity and a warning to guard our hearts. The more we welcome God’s Word with humility and obedience, the more He pours His grace into us. But if we neglect or resist His Word, even the little we think we have may be lost. Faith grows only when it is lived and shared; it diminishes when ignored or hidden.

As Jesus says in the Gospel reading today, it will make no sense if anyone would light a lamp and then cover it with a bowl or put it under a bed. The image suggests that if the lamp of faith is lit in a human life, it is not meant to be covered or hidden; rather we must allow it to shed light. We are called to allow the light of our faith to shine through how we live, what we do and how we do it. If we are to do that, we need to nurture that light of faith. The Gospel reading suggests that one of the ways we nurture the light of faith is by listening to the Lord’s word. Jesus says in the Gospel reading, ‘Take care how you hear, for anyone who has will be given more’. By listening to the Lord’s word, the light of faith will grow more brightly and will shine through how we live our lives. When that happens we are a support to one another on our shared journey of faith. We need to let the light of our faith shine all the more in an environment that is hostile to it, because in doing so we give courage to others. When we let the light of our faith shine, we make it easier for other people of faith to do the same. According to Pope Francis’ first encyclical entitled ‘The light of faith’. He says at the beginning of the encyclical that there is an urgent need to see once again that faith is a light. He goes so far as to say that once the flame of faith dies out, all other lights begin to dim. The light of faith, he says, is unique because it is capable of illuminating every aspect of human existence. He implies that more than ever today we need to nurture that light of faith within ourselves so as to let it shine in our world through our lives because the world needs this light.

Reflection on the first reading, in the Book of Ezra, we hear how the Lord inspired King Cyrus, a foreign ruler, to allow the people of Israel to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. What seemed impossible at the end of exile and the restoration of worship, was accomplished by God’s providence. Through Cyrus, God’s plan was fulfilled, showing that He can work even through unexpected people and circumstances to bring about His will. The exiles responded with generosity and courage, preparing to rebuild God’s house with the help of their neighbors. This reading challenges us to trust that God is always working in the background of our lives, stirring hearts and opening doors for renewal, even when the situation seems hopeless.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord has done marvels for us.” (Psalm 126) The Psalm recalls the joy of Israel’s return from exile a moment so beautiful it felt like a dream. Their mouths were filled with laughter and their hearts overflowed with gratitude for God’s marvelous deeds. Yet the psalm also looks forward with hope, asking God to restore fortunes again, trusting that those who sow in tears will one day reap in joy. This psalm invites us to remember God’s past blessings, rejoice in His present faithfulness, and trust Him with the future. Our tears and sacrifices, when offered to God, become seeds of hope that He will one day transform into a harvest of joy.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are challenged to ask ourselves: Am I letting the light of my faith shine openly, or do I hide it out of fear, shame, or indifference? Do I truly listen to God’s Word with the intention of living it, or do I allow distractions to silence its power in me? Like the exiles, am I willing to trust God’s providence and respond generously when He calls me to rebuild or renew something in my life? Do I hold on to the hope that even my tears and struggles can be turned into joy by the Lord? May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace as we remain steadfast in faith and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the world, and You have placed the light of faith within my heart. Help me never to hide it but to let it shine in my words, choices, and actions. Teach me to listen to Your Word with an open heart and to live it faithfully each day. May I trust in Your providence, remembering the marvels You have done for me, and holding firm to the hope that my tears will one day be turned into joy. Strengthen me to walk in the light of Your truth and to bring others into the radiance of Your love. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA, BISHOP OF VALENCIA; SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION, SOLDIERS AND MARTYRS; SAINT EMMERAMMUS, BISHOP; AND SAINT IGNATIUS OF SANTHIA, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 22ND: Today, the Church honors four powerful witnesses of faith: Saint Thomas of Villanova, Bishop of Valencia (Patron of studies and Villanova University); Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, Soldiers and Martyrs (Patrons of soldiers, weavers, and against arthritis and gout); Saint Emmerammus, Bishop and Martyr (Missionary to Bavaria and steadfast witness of faith); and Saint Ignatius of Santhia, Priest (Capuchin confessor and spiritual guide). Their lives reflect courage, humility, sacrifice, and steadfast service to Christ. Through their intercession, and with the help of our Blessed Mother Mary, we lift our prayers today for the safety and well-being of those in the military; for the sick and dying, especially those suffering from arthritis, cancer, and other terminal illnesses; for widows, widowers, and the poor; for the souls in Purgatory and all the faithful departed. We pray for peace, love, and unity in marriages, families, and throughout the world. We entrust to God our Holy Father, bishops, priests, religious, and all Christians, asking for renewal of faith and perseverance in holiness. Amen. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 22nd | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Thomas of Villanova, Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, Saint Emmerammus, and Saint Ignatius of Santhia | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-22nd/)

SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA, BISHOP OF VALENCIA (1488–1555): St. Thomas of Villanova was a Spanish Augustinian friar and archbishop known for his deep humility, generosity, and pastoral zeal. Born in Castile in 1488, he was raised by devout parents who frequently gave to the poor, instilling in him a lifelong spirit of charity. Intellectually gifted, he studied and later taught philosophy at the University of Alcalá before leaving his academic career to join the Augustinian Order.

Ordained in 1518, Thomas became known as a powerful preacher and spiritual director. Though reluctant to accept positions of honor, he eventually obeyed the Church’s command to serve as Archbishop of Valencia in 1544. True to his vows of poverty, he lived simply, wore a worn habit, and used resources not for himself but for the poor, sick, and prisoners. He repaired hospitals, cared for orphans, and gave his bed to a beggar in need. His preaching drew many back to faith, and his reforms strengthened both clergy and laity. He died in 1555 and was canonized in 1658.

PRAYER: Lord, through the example of St. Thomas of Villanova, inspire us to live in humility, charity, and love for the poor. May we use our gifts for the good of others and seek first Your Kingdom. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT MAURICE AND THE THEBAN LEGION, SOLDIERS AND MARTYRS (3rd century): St. Maurice, an officer in the Roman Theban Legion, and his 6,600 Christian companions gave their lives for Christ when Emperor Maximian ordered them to offer sacrifice to pagan gods. Refusing to compromise their faith, they declared: “We have arms in our hands, but we do not resist because we would rather die innocent than live by sin.” The emperor ordered decimation and eventually the execution of the entire legion at Agaunum (modern-day Saint-Maurice, Switzerland).

Their martyrdom became a shining example of Christian courage and fidelity. Miracles were reported at their burial site, and devotion to them spread widely in Europe. St. Maurice and the Theban Legion are honored as patrons of soldiers, armies, and all who endure trials with faith.

PRAYER: Almighty God, through the witness of St. Maurice and the Theban Legion, strengthen us to remain faithful to You in the face of trials. May we never deny You but stand firm in love and courage. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT EMMERAMMUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR (7th century): St. Emmerammus, originally from France, was a missionary bishop who brought the Gospel to Bavaria. Invited by Duke Theodo of Regensburg, he served there for several years with zeal, converting many to the faith. As he prepared for a pilgrimage to Rome, he became the victim of a tragic misunderstanding: falsely accused and cruelly attacked, he suffered greatly before dying around the year 690.

The Church honors him as a martyr for Christ, recognizing his endurance in suffering and his missionary zeal. His relics rest in Regensburg, where devotion to him continues.

PRAYER: Lord, through the intercession of St. Emmerammus, give us courage to bear trials patiently and to proclaim the Gospel with steadfast faith. May his witness inspire us to trust in You, even in suffering. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT IGNATIUS OF SANTHIA, PRIEST (1686–1770): St. Ignatius of Santhia was born in Italy into a noble family. After serving as a diocesan priest for six years, he surprised many by joining the Capuchin Franciscans, embracing poverty and humility. As a friar, he became a beloved confessor, spiritual director, and retreat preacher, known for his wisdom, gentleness, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Despite poor health later in life, he continued to guide souls from his sickbed, hearing confessions and offering counsel. His holiness drew many to seek God more fervently. He died in 1770 and remains a model of simplicity, devotion, and spiritual fatherhood.

PRAYER: O God, You raised up St. Ignatius of Santhia as a humble guide of souls. Grant that through his intercession, we may walk in simplicity, seek Your will with love, and grow in holiness day by day. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Thomas of Villanova, St. Maurice and the Theban Legion, St. Emmerammus, and St. Ignatius of Santhia ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

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 SEPTEMBER: For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER | MONTH OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS: September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting us to unite our hearts with Mary in her profound sharing of Christ’s Passion. As Simeon foretold, “a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35), and throughout her life Mary endured deep sorrows that culminated at Calvary. In her silent strength and unwavering faith, she became the compassionate Mother of all Christians, offering her suffering with Christ for the salvation of the world.

This month, the Church calls us to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary: Simeon’s prophecy, the Flight into Egypt, the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, standing at the foot of the Cross, receiving His lifeless Body, and placing Him in the tomb. By reflecting on these sorrows, we learn patience in trials, compassion for the suffering, and a deeper love for Jesus who suffered for us.

Prayers such as the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, the Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows help us to walk with Mary in her suffering and to discover hope and consolation in her maternal heart.

“Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, teach us to stand with you at the Cross, sharing in Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice.”

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏾

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

PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, recalling how You stirred the spirit of King Cyrus to rebuild Your Temple and how You call each of us to be builders of Your Kingdom in our time. As we reflect on today’s Gospel, may we never hide the light of Christ within us but shine it through our words and deeds so that others may come to know Your truth. We pray for courage like Saint Thomas of Villanova, who tirelessly served the poor, and for strength like Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, who laid down their lives in fidelity to You. We also remember Saint Emmerammus and Saint Ignatius of Santhia, who bore witness to Christ through their humility and perseverance. Lord, grant us the grace to embrace Your call with faith, to live as vessels of Your mercy, and to be lights in the darkness of our world.

LET US PRAY:

Living Word of God, my Lord and my King, I thank You for the way in which You come to me and all Your children through Your written Word. Fill me with a love for that Word so that I will daily engage my mind in the deep truths revealed within it. May I meet You, dear Lord, and grow in an understanding of Who You are and what You wish to reveal to me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, just as You moved the hearts of Your people in Ezra’s time to rise and rebuild what was sacred, stir our hearts today to rebuild lives through love, hope, and service. As the psalmist sang of joy restored like streams in the desert, renew our spirits so that our tears may be turned into shouts of gladness. May the light of Christ entrusted to us never be hidden under a vessel but set upon a lampstand for all to see. Through the intercession of Saint Thomas of Villanova, Saint Maurice and his companions, Saint Emmerammus, and Saint Ignatius of Santhia, give us the courage to persevere in faith, the generosity to serve with joy, and the wisdom to shine brightly in the world, drawing others to Your truth and eternal love. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Thomas of Villanova, St. Maurice and the Theban Legion, St. Emmerammus, and St. Ignatius of Santhia ~ 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 during this gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, Monday, fruitful week ahead, and a fulfilling month of September🙏🏽

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 |

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