SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MAY 24, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS DONATIAN AND ROGATIAN, MARTYRS; SAINT SIMEON STYLITES THE YOUNGER AND BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHERIN MOREAU, BISHOP | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Feast of Mary, Help of Christians, Saints Donatian and Rogatian, Saint Simeon and Blessed Louis-Zéphirin | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-24th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | May 24, 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-81/
Greetings and blessings, dear beloved family. Happy Saturday of Fifth Week of Easter!
May this weekend 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 🙏🏽
Still dwelling in the joy of Eastertide, today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of Mary Help of Christians (Patroness of Christians, especially the persecuted, and of the Salesian order), a powerful title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as the memorials of Saints Donatian and Rogatian (Patrons against storms and for protection of cities), Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger (Patron of shepherds and of those with physical afflictions), and Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau (Patron of the Diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe and of the sick). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and these holy witnesses, we lift up our prayers for the Church, for the clergy, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, for peace in our families and our world, and for the poor and needy. Amen. 🙏🏽
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, Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter | May 24, 2025
Reading 1: Acts 16:1–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:1b–2, 3, 5
Gospel: John 15:18–21
Gospel Reading ~ John 15:18–21
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the reality of rejection. His words are sobering yet filled with clarity: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” The cost of discipleship includes a share in Christ’s suffering and rejection. As followers of Jesus, we are not called to conform to the world but to be transformed by grace and truth. Jesus makes it clear that the hostility we face is not about personal failure it is the world’s resistance to God’s presence and love. When we are rejected, misunderstood, or even persecuted for our faith, we are in the company of Christ Himself.
Jesus also offers us a profound identity: we are chosen by Him. We do not belong to the world, and because of this, the world may turn against us. This rejection, however, is not a cause for despair. Rather, it is a confirmation that we walk the path of true discipleship. Just as Jesus was faithful to the Father’s will despite opposition, we too must hold fast to the Gospel even when it costs us comfort, acceptance, or approval. The hatred of the world should never deter us from proclaiming the truth in love. We are not alone in this journey Christ walks with us, and His victory over the world becomes our hope and strength.
In the First Reading from Acts, we see how Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, embarks on a missionary journey that doesn’t go according to human plans. The Spirit prevents them from preaching in certain regions and instead leads them to Macedonia through a vision. What stands out is Paul’s obedience to the Spirit’s redirection, even when it meant abandoning his initial plans. This teaches us an important spiritual lesson: discernment is not about our preferences, but about remaining sensitive to God’s timing and purpose. Sometimes doors close not because we have failed, but because God is guiding us somewhere greater. Paul’s openness to divine redirection resulted in the expansion of the Gospel into new territories—proof that God’s plans are always for our good and for the salvation of others.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm , the Psalm lifts our hearts in joyful praise: “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.” This Psalm reminds us that even amid challenges and uncertainty, the Lord remains good and faithful. We are His people, the flock He tends. Worship and joy are not contingent on favorable conditions but are rooted in the unchanging character of God. In singing praise, we affirm our trust in His goodness and proclaim His love to all generations.
Are we afraid of rejection when standing for our faith, or do we trust in Christ’s strength to endure it? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me, even when it means letting go of my own plans? Do I find joy in belonging to God, even when the world does not understand me? Today, we are invited to rejoice in our identity as chosen disciples. Let us walk confidently with Christ, not seeking the world’s approval, but seeking to remain faithful to Him. Like Paul and Timothy, may we be docile to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, ready to proclaim the Gospel wherever God sends us.
As Christians, we are called not only to endure the world’s rejection but to respond with unwavering love and joyful witness. The call to follow Jesus is not without its crosses, but it is rich with grace. Let us cling to His Word, strengthened by His love, and never be ashamed to bear His name. For in our fidelity, the world will come to see the light of Christ shining through us.
Lord Jesus, strengthen us in times of rejection and opposition. Help us to remain faithful when the world turns away from You. May we never be discouraged, but trust in Your abiding presence. Teach us to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to follow You boldly, and to love sacrificially. Let our hearts rejoice in being chosen by You, and may our lives bear fruit that lasts. Amen.
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS DONATIAN AND ROGATIAN, MARTYRS; SAINT SIMEON STYLITES THE YOUNGER AND BLESSED LOUIS-ZEPHERIN MOREAU, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY: MAY 24TH: Still dwelling in the joy of Eastertide, today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of Mary Help of Christians (Patroness of Christians, especially the persecuted, and of the Salesian order), a powerful title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as the memorials of Saints Donatian and Rogatian (Patrons against storms and for protection of cities), Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger (Patron of shepherds and of those with physical afflictions), and Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau (Patron of the Diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe and of the sick). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and these holy witnesses, we lift up our prayers for the Church, for the clergy, for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, for peace in our families and our world, and for the poor and needy. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | May 24th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Feast of Mary, Help of Christians, Saints Donatian and Rogatian, Saint Simeon and Blessed Louis-Zéphirin | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-may-24th/)
FEAST OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
Throughout history, Mary has responded as a tender and mighty help to the faithful in times of need—defending individuals, families, and entire nations. One of the most powerful devotions to Mary as Help of Christians is through the Holy Rosary, which she entrusted to Saint Dominic in 1214 to combat the Albigensian heresy.
In 1531, Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in Mexico, resulting in over 10 million conversions and an end to child sacrifices. Her image was miraculously imprinted on his tilma a sign of her loving presence. The Battle of Lepanto in 1571 marked another major triumph through Mary’s intercession. As Christian Europe prayed the Rosary, the Holy League achieved a miraculous victory, preserving Christendom. In thanksgiving, Pope Pius V instituted the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. During the siege of Vienna in 1683, Emperor Leopold I entrusted the city to Mary Help of Christians. On the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, the city was liberated once again demonstrating Mary’s powerful help. Later, Pope Pius VII, imprisoned by Napoleon, encouraged the faithful to pray to Mary under this title. On May 24, 1814, he was miraculously freed and returned to Rome. In gratitude, he established this feast on the same date, honoring Mary Help of Christians.
St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians, had prophetic dreams emphasizing Mary’s role in safeguarding the Church. He dedicated the mother church of his congregation in Turin to Mary Help of Christians in 1868, and promoted devotion to both the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady under this title. In 1844, she was named Patroness of the Church in Australia, where devotion to her blossomed amid societal changes and struggles.
Mary continues to appear in our world at Lourdes, Fatima, and many other places always urging prayer, penance, and the daily Rosary for peace.
Patronages: Church in Australia, Andorran security forces, Australian military chaplains, New York, New Zealand.
Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians (St. John Bosco)
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come to your feet imploring your perpetual help. If earthly mothers do not forget their children, how can you, the most loving of all mothers, forget me? Grant me, I implore you, your perpetual help in every need, every sorrow, and especially in every temptation. Help the weak, heal the sick, convert sinners. Grant many vocations through your intercession. O Mary, Help of Christians, may we invoke you on earth and eternally praise you in Heaven. Amen. 🙏🏽
The Memorare: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me ~ Amen🙏🏽
Mary, Help of Christians – Pray for us! 🙏🏽
SAINTS DONATIAN AND ROGATIAN – MARTYRS: Saints Donatian and Rogatian were brothers martyred for their faith in Nantes, Brittany, during the persecution of Emperor Maximian around the year 304. Donatian, the elder, was already a baptized Christian. His powerful example inspired his brother Rogatian to desire baptism. However, the bishop was in hiding, and Rogatian could not receive the sacrament. Despite this, he firmly declared his faith, and both brothers were arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. They spent their final night in prayer and, unwavering in their witness, were executed by beheading.
Rogatian thus received a baptism of blood a martyr’s death that unites one fully to Christ. A church was later built over their tomb, and in 1145 their relics were moved to the Cathedral of Ostia.
PRAYER: Lord, we remember the faithful witness of Saints Donatian and Rogatian. Strengthen us in our trials and grant us the grace to stand firm in faith, even in persecution. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT SIMEON STYLITES THE YOUNGER: Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger was born in 521 AD in Antioch, to devout parents John and Martha. Even from his childhood, he received divine visions and graces. After his father died in an earthquake, Simeon was lost for seven days before being found through divine guidance.
At a young age, he chose a life of asceticism, eventually living on a pillar (stylite) near Antioch. This radical form of prayer and penance drew many followers and pilgrims seeking spiritual advice and healing. Christ Himself appeared to him several times, confirming his holy path. His extraordinary life of solitude, prayer, and miraculous gifts made him one of the most venerated stylite saints in Church history.
PRAYER: O holy Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger, you embraced a life of radical asceticism and unceasing prayer atop your pillar, lifting the needs of the world to God through your sacrifice. Intercede for us, that we may grow in detachment from earthly distractions and seek a deeper union with Christ in prayer and penance. Teach us to offer our sufferings with joy, trusting in the Lord’s grace. May your example inspire us to rise above the noise of the world and find stillness in the presence of God.
Amen. 🙏🏽
BLESSED LOUIS-ZÉPHIRIN MOREAU – BISHOP: Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau (1824–1901) was a Canadian bishop known for his deep humility, pastoral care, and dedication to the poor. Born in Quebec, he became Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe and tirelessly served his flock for over 25 years, founding several religious congregations and supporting Catholic education.
Despite suffering from poor health, he was renowned for his gentleness and spiritual leadership. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1987.
PRAYER: Lord, through the intercession of Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau, inspire us to care for the poor and to serve the Church with humility and love. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Help of Christians; Saints Donatian and Rogatian, Saint Simeon and Blessed Louis-Zéphirin ~ 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 Feast of Mary Help of Christians and the memorials of Saints Donatian and Rogatian, Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger, and Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau, we lift our hearts in prayer for the needs of the Church and the world. We pray for the Church, that under Mary’s maternal protection, she may remain steadfast and faithful amid trials. For missionaries and evangelists, that like Paul and Timothy, they may be led by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel with courage and joy. For those persecuted for their faith, that they may find consolation in Christ’s promise and strength in the witness of today’s martyrs. For bishops and priests, that they may shepherd the flock with wisdom and love, following the example of Blessed Louis-Zéphirin. For contemplatives and those who offer hidden sacrifices like Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger, that their prayers may bear fruit for the Church. For families in distress and nations torn by conflict, that Mary, Help of Christians, may intercede for peace and reconciliation. For the poor, the sick, and the forgotten, that they may know the Lord’s goodness and mercy. And for our own personal intentions, that we may joyfully follow the path God has marked out for us.
LET US PRAY
O God, who call us to serve You with gladness and endure the world’s hatred for the sake of Christ, strengthen us through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians. May the courage of Saints Donatian and Rogatian, the ascetic prayer of Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger, and the gentle leadership of Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau inspire us to remain faithful in word and deed. As You led Paul through visions and opened doors for the Gospel, open our hearts to Your will. Let us rejoice always in Your faithfulness and proclaim Your love to all people. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Donatian and Rogatian, Saint Simeon and Blessed Louis-Zéphirin ~ 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 Weekend 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 Saturday, joyful Fifth Week of Easter, and relaxing weekend 🙏🏽