MEMORIAL OF SAINT JULIE (JULIA) BILLIART, VIRGIN; SAINT PERPETUUS, BISHOP OF TOURS AND BLESSED MARY ASSUNTA PALLOTTA, FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY – FEAST DAY: APRIL 8TH 2026

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | April 8, 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-8-2026/

Day 6 (Easter Wednesday): Pray for the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children.

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 8, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-8th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JULIE (JULIA) BILLIART, VIRGIN; SAINT PERPETUUS, BISHOP OF TOURS AND BLESSED MARY ASSUNTA PALLOTTA, FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY

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

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family.

Alleluia! The Lord has truly been raised! Today is Easter Wednesday, we leave the garden of Mary Magdalene and join two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Like them, we often walk with downcast faces, blinded by our own disappointments and looking for Jesus in the past tense. But today, the Risen Lord draws near and walks with us. He turns the night of our confusion into a burning heart as He opens the Scriptures, finally making Himself known in the Breaking of the Bread. This is a day of transformation. In the First Reading, we see a man crippled from birth leap up at the Beautiful Gate because he looked to the Lord’s strength rather than for silver or gold. We are joined by Saint Julie Billiart, who spent twenty-two years paralyzed but never lost her joy, and Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta, who carried the fire of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Like the disciples at Emmaus, let us urge the Lord: Stay with us, for when He is our help and our shield, our hearts will never cease to rejoice. Amen. 🙏🏽

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday in the Octave of Easter | April 8, 2026
Reading I: Acts 3:1–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:1–2, 3–4, 6–7, 8–9
Gospel: Luke 24:13–35

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 24:13–35

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In the Gospel, we encounter the disciples on the road to Emmaus, a journey defined by disappointment. They speak of Jesus in the past tense, “we were hoping,” showing that their faith had been crippled by the Crucifixion. Jesus walks with them in their downcast state, not immediately revealing His face but opening their minds to the Scriptures. It is only in the Breaking of the Bread that their eyes are opened. This is the heart of our Eucharistic faith: the Risen Lord is made known to us in the Word and the Sacrament. Their sadness is transformed into a burning heart, propelling them to run back to Jerusalem to share the news. It reminds us that Easter is a journey where Jesus often walks beside us in our confusion, waiting for the moment we invite Him to stay with us.

The First Reading provides a powerful physical sign of the Resurrection’s power. Peter and John, going up to the Temple, encounter a man crippled from birth. While the man expects silver or gold, Peter offers him something far more valuable: the Name of Jesus Christ. By taking him by the hand and commanding him to rise and walk, Peter demonstrates that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now at work in the Church. The man doesn’t just walk; he leaps up and enters the Temple praising God. This Beautiful Gate miracle shows us that the Resurrection is meant to restore what was broken from birth, turning our begging into blessing and our stagnation into a joyful dance.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 105) calls us to rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. Like the disciples on the road and the man at the gate, we are invited to make known among the nations his deeds. The Psalm reminds us that God remembers His covenant forever. Our joy this Easter is rooted in the fact that God’s wondrous deeds are not temporary; they are binding for a thousand generations. When we look to the Lord in his strength, we find the courage to leap and praise Him, just as the crippled man did.

As we reach the midpoint of this Octave, let us reflect: Is your heart burning with the truth of the Gospel, or has the downcast nature of the world cooled your zeal? Are you looking for silver and gold to solve your problems, or are you ready to reach out for the hand of the Risen Lord and rise and walk? This is the day to recognize Him in the breaking of the bread and the service of those who sit at the gates of our lives.

Let us pray: O God, who gladden us year by year with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection, graciously grant that by celebrating these present festivities, we may merit through them to reach eternal joys. Open our eyes on the road of life to see Your Presence, and open our hearts to the fire of Your Word. May we, like the man at the Beautiful Gate, leap with joy and never cease to praise Your holy Name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | APRIL 8TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| April 8th http://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Julie Billiart, Saint Perpetuus, and Blessed Mary Assunta | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-8th/

SAINT JULIE BILLIART, VIRGIN: Saint Julie (1751-1816 ) was a witness chosen by God who proved that no physical limitation can cripple a soul on fire with the Gospel. Paralyzed for twenty-two years after a traumatic attack on her father, she remained a sunflower looking to the sun, teaching catechism from her bed. Like the disciples at Emmaus, her eyes were fully opened to God’s glory when she was miraculously healed at age fifty-three. She leaped up to found the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, dedicating her life to the Beautiful Gate of education for the poor. Her life remains a testament to her favorite mantra: “Oh, how good God is!”

PRAYER: Lord God, You enkindled in Saint Julie a flame of divine love that no hurdle could extinguish. Through her intercession, grant healing to the sick, especially those with heart disease, cancer, or terminal illnesses, and give us the strength to never give in to the difficulties of life. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT PERPETUUS, BISHOP OF TOURS: Saint Perpetuus (d. 494) was a shepherd who rejoiced in seeking the Lord by honoring the saints who went before him. He spent his thirty-year episcopate enlarging the shrine of Saint Martin, ensuring that the wondrous deeds of God were made known to all nations. In his last will, he showed that he held neither silver nor gold in higher esteem than the poor, whom he named as his heirs. He reminds us that the kindness of the Lord is best reflected in our concord, piety, and tireless service to the needy.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You established Saint Perpetuus as a pillar of faith and a lover of the poor. Through his prayers, help us to be trustworthy in our stewardship of Your gifts and grant us a heart that seeks to serve You constantly in the least of our brothers and sisters. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED MARY ASSUNTA PALLOTTA, VIRGIN: Blessed Mary Assunta (1878-1905) was a Franciscan missionary whose soul waited for the Lord with a simple, heroic resolve: I will become a saint! Whether laboring in poverty to support her family or facing a stupendous combat with a severe storm at sea, she remained undisturbed, seeking only that the will of God be accomplished. She died young while serving orphans in China, a victim of love whose incorrupt body testifies to the new life obtained by Christ. She shows us that when we invoke His name, no external occupation can disturb our union with God.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You led Blessed Mary Assunta to the missions to be a help and a shield to the vulnerable. Through her intercession, protect all missionaries and those in foreign lands, and rouse in us a desire for holiness that is fearless and joyful in every circumstance. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Julie Billiart, Saint Perpetuus, and Blessed Mary Assunta — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK, THE POOR, AND BURNING HEARTS

As we continue this Octave of Easter, let us ask the Risen Lord to stay with us as the evening of our trials draws near. Lord, we pray for the Church as we walk the road of this Octave; may our hearts burn within us as You open the Scriptures to our minds. We pray for the sick and the paralyzed, especially those suffering from chronic or terminal conditions; through the intercession of Saint Julie Billiart (Patron of the sick and the poor), grant them Your divine healing and the grace to see Your goodness. We lift up the poor and the marginalized who sit at the gates of our society; through the example of Saint Perpetuus (Patron of the poor and promoter of concord), may they find advocates in those who lead. Finally, we pray for missionaries and those serving in difficult lands; through the prayers of Blessed Mary Assunta Pallotta (Patron of Franciscan Missionaries and the young), grant them safety and the fullness of joy that comes from doing Your will. 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 Julie Billiart, Saint Perpetuus, and Blessed Mary Assunta ~ 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/