MEMORIAL OF SAINT VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR AND SAINT ANASTASIUS THE PERSIAN, MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 22ND 2026

THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JANUARY 22, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR AND SAINT ANASTASIUS THE PERSIAN, MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 22ND | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Vincent of Saragossa, and Saint Anastasius the Persian | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-22nd/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | January 22, 2026 | “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-january-22-2026/

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

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, Thursday, January 22nd, the Church observes the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children and commemorates Saint Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon and Martyr, and Saint Anastasius the Persian, Martyr. In a world where innocence is often threatened and truth is challenged, today’s liturgy calls us to reflect on the sacredness of every human life and the cost of faithful witness. Through the courage of the martyrs and the Word of God that assures us of His saving presence, we are invited to trust in the Lord who defends the innocent, strengthens the persecuted, and calls us to stand firmly for life, justice, and truth.

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day and for His faithful presence throughout the year now unfolding. As we embark on this fresh 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 January, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following His example of love, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Name of Jesus, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this new year. 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 January 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 January. 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children | January 22, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 18:6–9; 19:1–7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 56:2–3, 9–10a, 10b–11, 12–13
Gospel: Mark 3:7–12

Gospel Reading ~ Mark 3:7–12

“You are the Son of God.”

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with His disciples, and vast crowds followed Him from every region. Drawn by His healing power, the sick pressed upon Him, longing to touch Him and be made whole. Even the unclean spirits recognized His authority, falling down before Him and declaring Him to be the Son of God. Yet Jesus silenced them, revealing that His mission was not rooted in spectacle or force, but in humble obedience to the Father’s will. This Gospel reveals Christ as the giver and protector of life. His compassion moves Him toward the wounded, the suffering, and the vulnerable. Jesus does not turn away from the crowds or dismiss their need; instead, He creates space to protect life, ordering a boat to be ready so that no one is harmed in the press of the crowd. His actions show that true power is exercised in service, restraint, and care for human dignity.

The Gospel also reminds us that recognizing Jesus is not enough; what matters is how we respond to His presence. The unclean spirits speak the truth about who He is, yet they remain opposed to His mission. Authentic discipleship requires more than words, it demands a life aligned with Christ’s love, especially toward those who cannot defend themselves.

The First Reading from the Book of Samuel presents a sobering contrast. Saul, once chosen by God, allows jealousy and fear to corrupt his heart. Threatened by David’s success, he becomes willing to shed innocent blood to preserve his own power. Yet Jonathan stands as a voice of conscience, courageously defending David and reminding his father that injustice against the innocent is a sin before God. This passage reveals how easily fear can lead to violence, and how essential it is that voices of truth rise to protect life.

The Responsorial Psalm becomes the cry of the vulnerable and the persecuted: “In God I trust; I shall not fear.” The psalmist places every tear, every threat, and every danger into God’s hands. It is a prayer of trust that affirms God’s intimate knowledge of human suffering and His power to rescue from death. This psalm assures us that no life is hidden from God, no suffering unnoticed, no cry unheard.

Together, today’s readings invite us to reflect deeply on the sacredness of human life. They call us to examine whether our choices are shaped by fear or by faith, by self-interest or by love. On this Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, the Word of God reminds us that every life is known, cherished, and defended by God Himself. We are called, like Jonathan, to speak for those without a voice; like the psalmist, to trust God amid danger; and like Christ, to protect life with compassion, humility, and unwavering love.

Lord Jesus, You are the source and defender of all life. Teach us to see every human person as precious in Your sight, especially the most vulnerable. Heal hearts hardened by fear, strengthen those who speak for life, and help us to act always with compassion, courage, and trust in You. May our lives bear witness to Your love, which brings healing, dignity, and hope to the world. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR; AND SAINT ANASTASIUS THE PERSIAN, MARTYR – FEAST DAY ~ JANUARY 22ND: Today, the Church honors two heroic witnesses whose lives proclaim unwavering fidelity to Christ in the face of brutal persecution. Saint Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon and Martyr, and Saint Anastasius the Persian, Martyr, stand as powerful examples of courage, perseverance, and total surrender to God’s will. Though they lived in different times and cultural contexts, both saints bore fearless witness to the Gospel, choosing faithfulness to Christ over comfort, safety, and even life itself. Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon and Martyr, and Saint Anastasius the Persian, Martyr. On this feast day, through the intercession of Saint Vincent (Patron Saint of Lisbon, Valencia, and deacons) and Saint Anastasius (a powerful witness of conversion and perseverance), we humbly pray for all Christians who suffer persecution for their faith, for deacons and ministers of the Word, and for those who struggle to remain faithful amid fear, pressure, or hostility. We also pray that the Church may never grow complacent in times of peace, but remain courageous, vigilant, and steadfast in proclaiming the truth of Christ, even when it demands sacrifice. We ask this through Christ our Lord… Amen. 🙏🏽

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

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Vincent of Saragossa and Saint Anastasius the Persian | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-january-22nd/)

SAINT VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR: Saint Vincent of Saragossa, who died in 304 A.D., is honored as the Protomartyr of Spain and one of the most revered deacons in the early Church. Born near Saragossa, he was ordained a deacon by Saint Valerius, his bishop, and served as his spokesman due to the bishop’s speech impediment. Vincent was known for his eloquence, zeal for the Gospel, and fearless proclamation of the faith. During the persecution under Emperor Diocletian, Vincent and Bishop Valerius were arrested and brought before the Roman governor, Dacian, in Valencia. While Valerius was eventually exiled, Vincent endured savage tortures for refusing to renounce Christ or destroy the Sacred Scriptures. Despite extreme suffering, he remained peaceful and steadfast, astonishing even his jailers and leading one of them to conversion. After his death, Vincent’s body was miraculously preserved, and devotion to him spread rapidly throughout the Church. He is remembered not only for his martyrdom, but for his unwavering courage, purity of conscience, and fidelity to Christ unto death—virtues that continue to inspire the Church today.

PRAYER: Saint Vincent of Saragossa, faithful deacon and fearless martyr, pray for us. Obtain for us the grace to proclaim Christ with courage, to remain steadfast in trial, and to serve God with a pure and undivided heart. May we never fear suffering when truth and faith are at stake. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT ANASTASIUS THE PERSIAN, MARTYR: Saint Anastasius the Persian, martyred in 628, is a striking witness to the transforming power of God’s grace. Born into a pagan family and once known as Magundates, he served as a soldier in the Persian army. His encounter with the mystery of the Holy Cross awakened in him a deep desire to know Christ, leading to his conversion and baptism. After embracing the Christian faith, Anastasius renounced his former life and became a monk, dedicating himself to prayer, asceticism, and spiritual growth. Inspired by the lives of the martyrs, he willingly embraced the call to witness to Christ through suffering. Arrested for his faith, he endured harsh imprisonment and brutal torture but remained unshaken in his confession of Christ. Saint Anastasius was ultimately strangled and beheaded, sealing his witness with martyrdom alongside many other Christians. His life proclaims that no past is beyond redemption and that true freedom is found in total surrender to Christ.

PRAYER: Saint Anastasius the Persian, courageous martyr and witness of conversion, pray for us. Strengthen us to remain faithful to Christ in times of trial and help us to trust completely in God’s saving grace. May we never deny our Lord, but confess Him boldly in word and deed. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Vincent of Saragossa, and Saint Anastasius the Persian — pray for us. 🙏🏽

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

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of January | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-january-2026/

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/

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 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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

MONTH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS: The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,” (sometimes called a Christogram), which is the first three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12538

PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, we lift our hearts to God, asking for the courage and steadfast faith exemplified by Saint Vincent of Saragossa and Saint Anastasius the Persian, who chose fidelity to Christ even in the face of persecution and death. As the Scriptures remind us of David’s innocence amid jealousy and threats, and of Jesus who withdrew not in fear but in wisdom and mercy, we pray for the protection of all innocent and vulnerable lives, especially unborn children whose voices are unheard. We ask that hearts hardened by fear, pride, or power may be softened, that lawmakers and leaders may uphold justice and the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, and that the Church may never grow silent when truth and life are threatened. We also pray for parents facing difficult choices, for those who have suffered the pain of abortion, and for all who work tirelessly to defend life, that they may be strengthened by God’s grace and guided by His truth.

LET US PRAY:

Gracious and merciful God, You are the Author of life and the Defender of the innocent. Through the witness of Saint Vincent of Saragossa and Saint Anastasius the Persian, teach us to remain faithful to You even when standing for truth demands sacrifice. Grant us the courage to protect life, the wisdom to act justly, and the compassion to love without fear. Heal wounded hearts, strengthen those who defend the unborn, and guide our world toward a deeper reverence for every human life You have created. May we never grow weary in doing what is right, but always trust in Your saving power. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Vincent of Saragossa, and Saint Anastasius the Persian ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

As we step forward into this new year, may this sacred season invite us to begin again with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a greater openness to God’s grace. May the peace and steady guidance that flow from walking daily with Christ shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in love and holiness. As we journey through Ordinary Time with hearts open to His continual presence, may God bless all families and loved ones as we embrace the year ahead, and may His light shine brightly in every home. Each day, we pause in gratitude, entrusting our joys and sorrows, successes and shortcomings into God’s merciful hands. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, present with us each day, bringing hope and salvation into our lives and into the world. May this season of faithful discipleship be grace-filled and purposeful, drawing us ever deeper into a lived relationship with the Lord and the quiet assurance of His abiding presence throughout 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/