MEMORIAL OF SAINTS EUTYCHIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE; SAINT JULIANA OF MOUNT CORNILLON, RELIGIOUS AND SAINT PHAOLO LE BAO TINH, PRIEST – FEAST DAY: APRIL 6TH 2026

MONDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER | YEAR A | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/monday-in-the-octave-of-easter-year-a/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | April 6, 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-april-6-2026/

Day 4 (Easter Monday): Pray for those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Jesus.

Novena in preparation for DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY. Good Friday is the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena. Novena begins Friday, April 3, 2026, to Saturday, April 11, 2026, leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 12, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/divine-mercy-novena/

DAILY PRAYERS: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer; Angelus Prayer; and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-angelus-prayer-and-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy-prayer/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | APRIL 6, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-6th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS EUTYCHIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE; SAINT JULIANA OF MOUNT CORNILLON, RELIGIOUS AND SAINT PHAOLO LE BAO TINH, PRIEST

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family.

Today is Easter Monday, part of the Easter Octave, an eight-day celebration where we feast on the mystery of the Resurrection as if it were a single, continuous celebration. Having stood at the empty tomb on Sunday, we now begin to see the path of life opening before us. In this first full week of April, the night of our hearts is exhorted by the light of the Risen Christ. We transition from the fear and joy of the holy women to the unwavering boldness of Saint Peter. Though the world may circulate stories and lies to hide the truth, we stand as witnesses that it was impossible for death to hold the Prince of Life. We are accompanied today by a host of Easter witnesses: Saint Eutychius, who defended the reality of Christ’s body; Saint Juliana, who thirsted for the Bread of Life; and Saint Phaolo Le Bao Tinh, who found the fullness of joy even in a prison cell. Like them, let us refuse to be disturbed by the shadows of this world. May our tongues exult, and our flesh dwell in hope, for the The Risen King has conquered the grave and remains with us forever. Amen. 🙏🏽

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Octave of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday in the Octave of Easter | April 6, 2026
Reading I: Acts 2:14, 22–33
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1–2a and 5, 7–8, 9–10, 11
Gospel: Matthew 28:8–15

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 28:8–15

“Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’ And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In the Gospel, we see two radically different responses to the Resurrection. The holy women, though fearful yet overjoyed, run toward the truth. When they encounter the Risen Jesus, they fall at His feet in an act of total homage. Jesus meets their fear with a command to go and tell His brothers, a beautiful term of reconciliation for the men who had abandoned Him. In sharp contrast, the chief priests and elders respond with the old yeast of deceit. They attempt to buy a lie with a large sum of money, echoing the thirty pieces of silver given to Judas. While the women spread the light of the Resurrection, the guards are paid to spread the darkness of a cover-up. This reminds us that the truth of Easter is not just a historical fact to be studied, but a person to be encountered and a reality that demands a choice: will we embrace the joy of the Risen Lord or cling to the convenient lies of the world?

The First Reading shows us the transformation of Peter. On the day of Pentecost, the man who once trembled before a servant girl now stands boldly before the thousands in Jerusalem. He proclaims that it was impossible for death to hold Jesus. Peter uses the words of David to show that Christ is the fulfillment of the ancient promise: His soul was not abandoned to the netherworld, nor did His flesh see corruption. Peter stands as a primary witness to the fact that God has raised this Jesus and exalted Him at His right hand. This is the newness of life in action a life where fear has been replaced by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 16) is a prayer of absolute trust that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Risen Christ. It is the cry of one who takes refuge in God, declaring, Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope. Because the Lord is at our right hand, we shall not be disturbed. The Psalmist rejoices because God will not abandon the soul to the pit. For us, this Psalm is the song of the baptized; we abide in confidence because the path to life has been opened wide by the Resurrection, leading us to the fullness of joys in God’s presence forever.

As we begin this Easter Octave, we are invited to linger in the joy of the Resurrection. We are no longer people of the shroud and napkin, but people of the Living Christ. Reflect today: When the Lord meets you on your way, do you pause to embrace His feet in homage? Are you tempted to listen to the circulating stories of the world that try to explain away God’s power, or do you stand with Peter as a witness to the Truth? This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it!

Let us pray: O God, who give constant increase to your Church by new offspring, grant that your servants may hold fast in their lives to the Sacrament they have received in faith. Fill us with the courage of the holy women and the boldness of Saint Peter. May we never be silenced by the money or the lies of this world, but always announce with joy that Jesus is Lord and that death has been defeated. Guide our feet along the path of life today. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | APRIL 6TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| April 6th http://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Eutychius, Saint Juliana, and Saint Phaolo | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-6th/

SAINT EUTYCHIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE: Saint Eutychius (d. 582) was a vessel of grace who stood as a bold witness to the true nature of Christ. Like Peter standing before the crowds, Eutychius raised his voice against heresy, even when it meant being delivered up to exile by the Emperor. For over twelve years, he remained in his monastery, yet he was not abandoned, becoming a great miracle-worker who healed the sick with holy oil. He proved that it is impossible for the truth to be held captive, eventually returning to his throne in peace to lead his flock toward the paths of life.

PRAYER: Lord God, You made Saint Eutychius an outstanding exemplar of the Faith that conquers the world. Through his intercession, preserve Your Church from all necessity and grant divine healing to the sick, especially those who are terminally ill. May we, like him, persevere in love and become sharers in Your eternal glory. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT JULIANA OF MOUNT CORNILLON, RELIGIOUS: Saint Juliana (d. 1258) was a mystic who set the Lord ever before her, particularly in the Blessed Sacrament. Orphaned young and raised in a convent, she was fearful yet overjoyed by visions of a liturgical feast in honor of the Holy Eucharist. Though she faced anger, vengeance, and lies from those who misunderstood her mission, she never turned back. She died in seclusion, but her soul rejoiced knowing she had prepared the way for the Feast of Corpus Christi, ensuring that the bread of life would be honored by the whole Church.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You revealed Your desire for the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament through the humble Saint Juliana. Through her prayers, increase our devotion to Your Presence in the Eucharist, and help us to treat with “charity and patience” all souls we encounter, even in times of trial and misunderstanding. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT PHAOLO LE BAO TINH, PRIEST: Saint Phaolo (d. 1857) was a martyr of Vietnam who described his prison as a living example of hell, yet he found delights at God’s right hand even in his chains. Initially a hermit living in a cave, he was anointed with power to become a priest and missionary. When the tempest of persecution rose against him, he refused to see corruption in his spirit, writing letters from his cell to encourage others to burst with desire for the Kingdom. He was eventually decapitated, declaring with his final breath that the religion of the Heavenly Master would be victorious over every earthly king.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You gave Saint Phaolo the strength to remain disturbed by nothing while bound in shackles for Your Name. Through his intercession, protect all Christians who face persecution today and grant safety to all those traveling during this Easter season. May his witness inspire us to live as witnesses chosen by God in our own arena of combat. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Eutychius, Saint Juliana, and Saint Phaolo — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK, TRAVELERS, AND THE TRIUMPH OF TRUTH

As we continue through this new month of April and rejoice in the dawning of the Easter Octave, let us ask for the grace to walk as children of the light. As we celebrate the day the Lord has made, we lift our voices in hope for all those in need of the Risen Lord’s touch. Lord, we pray for the Church as we begin this week, may this transition into the Easter season be a time of deep interior joy and witness-bearing devotion. We pray for all the sick, particularly those who are terminally ill, through the intercession of Saint Eutychius (Patron against terminal illness and protector of orthodoxy), grant them His divine healing, intervention, and the peace of the Risen Lord. We lift up all who thirst for Your presence and those facing opposition for their faith; through the prayers of Saint Juliana of Mount Cornillon (Patroness of Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament), grant them a fullness of joy and a heart that finds refuge in the Holy Eucharist. We pray for all Christians facing persecution and for travelers during this season, through the example of Saint Phaolo Le Bao Tinh (Patron of Martyrs and Hermits), may they find an unwavering resolve to stay faithful to the Heavenly Master even in the arena of combat. May our hearts abide in confidence as we declare the works of the Lord, and may we use every gift, including the blessing of technology, to spread the Good News of the empty tomb to the ends of the earth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/a-prayer-for-peace/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL: For Priests Crisis. Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

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

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 always. Amen 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=4

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
We pray for the repose of the gentle souls of our loved ones and souls of all the faithful departed. 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 🙏🏽

Thanking God for His love and the gift of this glorious day, we offer Him a prayer of gratitude for the graces of the past month and entrust the remainder of April to His loving providence. We pray for God’s grace and mercy as we begin this new season of Easter joy. May the Resurrection of Your Son help us to seek You in every moment of our lives. May the peace, hope, and steady guidance that flow from the empty tomb shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in the light of the Risen Christ. As we journey onward into this new month, may God bless our families and loved ones, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. Let us draw closer to God and be renewed through the joy of the Gospel and generosity to the poor. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times. Wishing us all a spiritually enriching, most blessed, and grace-filled Easter Season. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Eutychius, Saint Juliana, and Saint Phaolo ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

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

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings,and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/

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