HOLY WEEK OF LENT
SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 14, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN AND MAXIMUS, MARTYRS; SAINT BENEZET; SAINT LIDWINA OF SCHIEDAM, VIRGIN AND BLESSED PETER GONZÁLEZ, PRIEST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
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/2025/04/14/catholic-daily-mass-41/
DAY 35: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/14/day-35-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Monday Holy Week of Lent!
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey and celebrate the Holy Week and Easter Triduum we commemorate the lives of four distinct and inspiring saints whose lives illuminate the path of sacrifice, humble service, redemptive suffering, and spiritual conversion: Saints Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus, Roman martyrs and defenders of the faith; Saint Benezet, the boy shepherd and bridge builder; Saint Lidwina of Schiedam, a mystic and patroness of the chronically ill; and Blessed Peter González, priest and preacher to sailors and the forgotten. Through their intercession and under the loving protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we lift our prayers today for the sick, the oppressed, the poor, travelers, and all seeking healing or spiritual strength. May their stories inspire us to stand firm in faith, to serve joyfully, and to offer our suffering to God with love. 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 final week of our Lenten journey. 🙏🏽
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”🙏🏽
Honoring a Legacy of Service: The 10th Memorial Anniversary of Late Noble (Sir) Gabriel Louis Ihieje Opiepe (KSJI) | https://gliopiepehe.org/2025/04/12/honoring-a-legacy-of-service-the-10th-memorial-anniversary-of-late-noble-sir-gabriel-louis-ihieje-opiepe-ksji/
On this special feast day, as we continue the Holy Week 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 FRANCI S: 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 SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN AND MAXIMUS, MARTYRS; SAINT BENEZET; SAINT LIDWINA OF SCHIEDAM, VIRGIN; AND BLESSED PETER GONZÁLEZ, PRIEST – FEAST DAY: APRIL 14TH: Today, the Church honors a group of saints whose lives, though different in time and circumstance, shine forth with extraordinary faith, humility, and sacrifice. Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus (Roman martyrs and defenders of the faith) bore witness to Christ through martyrdom in ancient Rome. Saint Benezet,(the boy shepherd and bridge builder) a humble shepherd, was called to an unlikely mission of bridge-building in 12th-century France. Saint Lidwina of Schiedam (a mystic and patroness of the chronically ill), who suffered a lifetime of illness with grace and deep spiritual insight, stands as a symbol of redemptive suffering. Blessed Peter González (priest and preacher to sailors and the forgotten), once an ambitious cleric, found conversion and became a devoted preacher to sailors, the poor, and the imprisoned. Their lives speak of fidelity, transformation, and the power of grace in all human conditions.
Through the intercession of these holy men and women and under the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we lift up the sick and suffering, the oppressed and abandoned, those called to unlikely missions, and all who seek redemption and purpose in life. May their examples encourage us to live our vocations with courage, humility, and joy. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 14th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus, Saint Benezet, Saint Lidwina of Schiedam, and Blessed Peter González| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/)
SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN AND MAXIMUS, MARTYRS (3rd Century): These three early Christian martyrs were closely associated with Saint Cecilia, one of the Church’s most beloved virgin-martyrs. Valerian, the noble Roman husband of Cecilia, was converted to Christianity through her witness. He, in turn, helped convert his brother Tiburtius. Together, they refused to worship pagan gods and instead boldly professed their faith in Christ. Their bravery caught the attention of Maximus, a Roman officer assigned to oversee their execution. So moved was he by their peace and courage that he, too, embraced the Christian faith and was promptly arrested and executed for his belief. Their martyrdom, marked by unity in truth and strength in witness, reminds us that conversion often spreads through the courageous example of faithful hearts.
PRAYER: Almighty God, who gave Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus the grace to stand firm in faith and to shed their blood for Christ, grant us the courage to witness to the Gospel in our own lives. Through their intercession, may we remain unshaken in times of persecution. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT BENEZET (1163–1184): Saint Benezet (also known as Benedict the Bridge-Builder) was a poor shepherd boy from the region of Ardèche, France. While tending his flock, he received a divine call to build a bridge over the Rhône River at Avignon a task considered impossible for someone so young and unskilled. Inspired by his obedience and fervent faith, others joined him, and under his leadership, the massive structure was completed. This bridge facilitated pilgrimage, commerce, and connection, standing as a testament to faith in action. Benezet later founded a brotherhood to maintain the bridge and aid travelers. Though he died young at the age of 21, his legacy remains etched in both stone and spirit.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You raised up Saint Benezet to accomplish great things through childlike trust and perseverance. Through his intercession, may we follow Your call with faith, even when the task seems beyond us. Inspire in us a spirit of service and unity. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT LIDWINA OF SCHIEDAM, VIRGIN (Lydwine, Lydwid, Lidwid, Liduina of Schiedam) (1380–1433): Saint Lidwina was born in Schiedam, Holland. At the age of 15, she suffered a severe injury while ice skating, fracturing a rib a wound that never healed. Her body became increasingly frail, and for nearly 40 years, she lived in extreme pain and suffering. Despite her condition, Lidwina became a mystic, receiving visions of Christ and the saints, and uniting her suffering to His Passion. She offered her pain for the conversion of sinners and the relief of souls in purgatory. Though bedridden and disfigured, she was a source of healing, wisdom, and comfort to countless visitors. Her sanctity transformed illness into a fountain of grace, and she is now considered a patroness of the chronically ill and those who suffer.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, who strengthened Saint Lidwina in her long suffering and gave her a heart full of compassion and intercession, grant us the grace to find You in our trials. Through her prayers, may the sick be comforted, and all who suffer be filled with hope and peace. Amen. 🙏🏽
BLESSED PETER GONZÁLEZ, PRIEST (1190–1246): Born in Spain, Blessed Peter González was a brilliant scholar and ambitious cleric who sought fame and admiration. However, after falling from his horse during a grand public entrance, he experienced deep humiliation that led to a profound conversion. He joined the Dominican Order, renounced his worldly aspirations, and committed himself to preaching and a life of poverty. Peter became a beloved preacher, especially ministering to sailors, travelers, prisoners, and the poor. He brought countless souls back to the faith and advocated for humane treatment of captives. Even in his final years, he continued to preach tirelessly, his sermons filled with mercy and truth.
PRAYER: Merciful God, You transformed the pride of Blessed Peter González into humble zeal for the Gospel. Help us, through his intercession, to turn away from vanity and embrace the mission of compassion and truth. May we bring Your light to the forgotten and the lost. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saints Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus, Martyrs; Saint Benezet; Saint Lidwina of Schiedam, Virgin and Blessed Peter González, Priest ~ Pray for us! 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today, Monday of Holy Week | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of Holy Week | Monday, April 14, 2025
Reading 1, Isaiah 42:1-7
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14
Gospel, John 12:1-11
Gospel Reading ~ John 12:1-11
Let her keep this for the day of my burial
“Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, does something extravagant for Jesus, anointing the feet of Jesus with very costly ointment and then wiping them dry with her hair. This was her way of expressing gratitude to Jesus for the service He rendered to her family in raising her brother, Lazarus, to life. Whereas Judas tried to make little of her extravagant gesture, a very negative spin is put on Mary’s action by Judas who interprets it as a waste of good money that could have been given to the poor. Jesus, however, comes to the defence of Mary, interpreting her action as a timely anointing in preparation for His death and burial, which was imminent, and, indeed, which Judas would help to bring about. Jesus graciously received Mary’s generous outpouring of gratitude. We all have something to be grateful for. We have all been graced in some way. The ultimate source of every good gift we receive in life is the Lord. It is to Him, above all, that we express our gratitude. This Holy Week we remember with gratitude how Jesus gave us the greatest gift anyone could give, the gift of His life. ‘No one has greater love than this’, said Jesus, ‘to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’. Jesus gave His life so that we may have life and have it to the full. This Holy Week we allow ourselves to be touched by that great and generous love, and like Mary in today’s Gospel reading, we give expression to our gratitude in our own personal way.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading, as Holy Week begins, we are drawn into an intimate scene in Bethany, where love, betrayal, and divine purpose intertwine. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume was more than generosity—it was a prophetic act of devotion, one that anticipated His burial. In a world where extravagance often seeks applause, Mary’s gesture speaks quietly but powerfully of deep love, sacrifice, and recognition of who Jesus truly is. She understood something even the disciples hadn’t fully grasped: Jesus was the Messiah, about to give His life.Contrast her with Judas, who criticized her act not out of concern for the poor, but from greed. This moment foreshadows the betrayal to come, yet also reveals the different responses to Jesus’ presence adoration or self-interest. Today, we’re asked to examine our own posture: Are we at His feet in loving surrender, or are we clinging to our own desires, even cloaked in good intentions?
In our first reading today, from the Book of the prophet Isaiah, the Lord spoke through Isaiah the prophecy of the Messiah or Saviour that God has promised. It’s a proclamation about a certain Chosen One Whom God had appointed to be the One to bear His salvation and deliverance to the nations. He spoke of how the Messiah would come to bring all of His people back to Him, to proclaim the Good News of the salvation of God, ushering the blessed time of new life with God. The beloved people of God would no longer be separated from Him, and He will gather all of them into His Presence, reconciling each and every one of us to Himself, through none other than the very same Saviour, Jesus Christ, the One Whom Isaiah had spoken about. The Lord revealed His truth to the nations, of His love and compassion towards them, that He has sent into our midst His Servant, the One Who would be crushed and persecuted for us, to suffer and even die for our sake. This is the same Messiah that the prophets and messengers of the Lord have been prophesying about and which they had promised and proclaimed for many ages. The Lord has willingly sent His salvation into our midst, in the form of His own Beloved Son, born into this world and taking up our own human existence such that by His coming into this world, He may reunite us with God, our loving Father and Creator. That is what the Lord has done, by reaching out to us, coming down to dwell among us, so that all of us sinners may find our consolation and help through Him, as we are reminded yet again of His love and faithfulness to the Covenant that He has made and renewed again and again with us. God has never forgotten about His people and He has reached out to them, every time they had faltered and fallen into sin. He reminded them of His ever patient and most generous love, and called on them to reject the path of sin and disobedience. Through His Son, God made us all partakers of a New and Eternal Covenant sealed by the breaking of His own Most Precious Body and by the shedding and outpouring of His own Most Precious Blood, broken and poured out for us and our salvation, as the most worthy offering made on the Altar of the Cross, at Calvary.
Reflecting on today’s first reading, Isaiah’s prophecy introduces the “Servant of the Lord” gentle, just, and Spirit-filled. This Servant is chosen not for violence or noise, but for quiet strength and healing presence. “A bruised reed he shall not break….” This is Christ, who walks gently with the wounded, upholding justice without crushing the weak. As we follow Him through Holy Week, we are reminded that true power lies in compassion, justice, and fidelity to God’s mission even when it leads to suffering.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?” Psalm 27 is a cry of confidence in the midst of surrounding threats. As Jesus approaches the Cross, we too are invited to fix our eyes on the Lord, trusting that even when enemies plot and storms rise, He remains our refuge and strength. Let us wait for the Lord with courage, especially in times of trial.
Do I approach Jesus like Mary, offering Him my love and devotion freely and without reserve? Do I allow distractions, pride, or hidden motives to cloud my judgment, like Judas? Am I willing to be the Lord’s servant gentle, just, and Spirit-led even when it’s difficult or misunderstood? This Holy Week, don’t just observe the events enter into them. Let your heart be stirred by Christ’s quiet, courageous love. Like Mary, pour out your soul in worship. Like Isaiah’s servant, walk gently with others. And like the psalmist, anchor your courage in God’s unfailing light.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, all of us are reminded first of all, of God’s ever enduring and patient love for us, which we should always keep in mind throughout this most solemn week commemorating our Lord’s Passion, His suffering and death. It was for our sake that He has willingly suffered all of that, so that by everything that He had to go through, He might deliver us from our fate of destruction and death, and offer us the sure path to eternal life through Him. Then, we are also reminded of the need for us to listen to the Lord and His patient calling for us to embrace His love and mercy, as we are all called to be humble like Mary, the sister of Lazarus, in realising our sinfulness and unworthiness before God, and in obeying the will of God like the Lord Jesus Himself, Who obeyed the Father’s will so perfectly, for our salvation. Let us also distance ourselves from the dangers of pride and worldly temptations, that we do not fall into the same trap as Judas Iscariot had experienced. May the Lord continue to help us in our journey of faith and life, especially throughout this season of Lent and this most solemn time of the Holy Week. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and continue to strengthen each and every one of us and help us to persevere through the many hardships, trials and challenges that we may have to face daily in life. May God bless each and every one of us and help us all to be ever more faithful and committed in our lives, in following Him at all times. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, as Mary poured out her love, may I offer You my whole heart. Help me to sit at Your feet in gratitude and devotion. Strip away the pride and greed that blind me, and give me the grace to follow You with sincerity. As I walk through this Holy Week, may I stay close to You, comforted by Your mercy and inspired by Your sacrificial love. 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 grace to remain firm in faith, like Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, who chose death over denying Christ. May we be fearless in living out the Gospel, even when it means standing against the crowd or enduring hardship. Through the intercession of Saint Benezet, may we have the courage to embrace God’s calling, even when it seems beyond our strength or understanding. We pray for all who suffer chronic illness, pain, or disability, that they may find comfort and strength through the example of Saint Lidwina of Schiedam, who transformed her suffering into a life of prayer and spiritual fruit. May her intercession bring healing and peace to the sick, the bedridden, and the lonely. We remember those who serve the marginalized sailors, travelers, the imprisoned, and the poor and ask for the intercession of Blessed Peter González, that we may follow his path of conversion and humility, turning away from pride and selfishness to become vessels of mercy and compassion.
As we enter Holy Week, may we draw closer to Jesus, who gave Himself completely for our salvation. May His Passion and Resurrection transform our hearts and renew our lives. We pray for healing in our families, unity in the Church, and peace in our world. May the lives of these holy men and women inspire us to walk the path of truth, love, and sacrificial service. Amen. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY
My glorious Jesus, You are worthy of all praise and honor. You are worthy of our deepest devotion and love. As I enter into this Holy Week, I pray that it will be a time in which I may express my deepest love for You. Help me to pour forth that love in abundance this week so as to show You the glory and praise You deserve. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, as You entered the house of Your friends in Bethany, You accepted the love and devotion of Mary who anointed Your feet in preparation for burial. So too may we pour out our love for You, not in mere words, but through the daily offering of our hearts and lives. Grant us the faith of Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, who refused to deny You. May we never be ashamed of the Gospel but proclaim it boldly in our lives. Like Saint Benezet, help us build bridges of faith, unity, and charity wherever there is division or indifference. Through the example of Saint Lidwina of Schiedam, teach us to find You in our suffering and to unite our pain with Yours for the salvation of souls. And may Blessed Peter González inspire us to serve the forgotten with compassion, humility, and joy.
Jesus, You are our Light and our Salvation whom shall we fear? As we walk with You through this Holy Week, open our eyes like the servant in Isaiah, that we may see the poor, the bruised, and the imprisoned with Your heart. Renew us with Your mercy and make us faithful to the end. Save us, Savior of the world, for by Your Cross and Resurrection You have set us free.
Save us Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, Saint Benezet, Saint Lidwina of Schiedam, and Blessed Peter González ~ 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 Holy Week. Amen 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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