WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 23, 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/wednesday-of-the-twenty-fifth-week-in-ordinary-time-september-23-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-23rd/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA (PADRE PIO), PRIEST; SAINT LINUS, POPE AND MARTYR; SAINT THECLA, FIRST VIRGIN MARTYR AND SAINT CONSTANTIUS

HISTORY OF THE SAINTS SERIES ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL | https://www.youtube.com/@dailyreflectionswithphilomena

👉🏾 Watch the YouTube Video of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Linus, St. Thecla, and St. Constantius Here |

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

NOVENA TO SAINT THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX – THE LITTLE FLOWER: REMINDER – The Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is scheduled to begin on September 22nd, and end on September 30th in preparation for her Feast day on October 1st. | Link to Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux – The Little Flower | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-therese-of-lisieux-the-little-flower/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 23, 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-september-23-2026/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on the Memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), alongside Saint Linus, Saint Thecla, and Saint Constantius, the Church honors extraordinary souls who surrendered their lives entirely to God through mystical suffering, pastoral care, and radical humility. As we also continue the novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, we are reminded to embrace her “little way” of complete trust in God’s love. Today’s Gospel recounts Jesus sending out the Twelve Apostles with nothing for their journey except their faith, commanding them to rely completely on divine providence as they proclaim the Kingdom of God. Supported by the wisdom of Proverbs and the shining example of Padre Pio and his companion saints, let us open our hearts to trust completely in God’s provision today.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest | Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Reading 1: Proverbs 30:5-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163
Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 9:1-6

“Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.”

“Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.’ Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Today’s readings invite us to place our complete trust in God’s providence and to rely on His strength rather than worldly securities. In the Gospel, Jesus sends out the Twelve Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick, commanding them to take nothing for their journey. Stripped of extra provisions, money, and backup resources, the disciples are forced to depend entirely on God and the hospitality of others. By traveling light, they learn that the power of their mission comes not from material wealth or careful preparation, but from the authority and grace of Christ who sends them.

This radical reliance on God is beautifully complemented by the wisdom of the First Reading from Proverbs, which teaches us to seek contentment and distance ourselves from falsehood. The writer prays for neither extreme poverty nor excessive riches, recognizing that too much wealth can lead to self-sufficiency and forgetting God, while extreme want can lead to despair. Instead, we are pointed toward God’s tested word as our ultimate shield. As the Responsorial Psalm joyfully affirms: “Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.” When we treasure God’s law above thousands of gold and silver pieces, we find true security that never fades.

Today, let us reflect on where we place our ultimate trust. Do we rely too heavily on material securities, or do we walk forward in faith trusting God to provide? How can you simplify your life or let go of anxieties today to rely more fully on God’s providence?

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your holy word, which serves as a lamp for our steps and a shield in times of trial. Forgive us for the times we place our security in material possessions, wealth, or our own plans rather than in You. Grant us the grace to embrace simplicity, to trust in Your divine providence, and to step out boldly to proclaim the Good News. Help us to keep our hearts free from falsehood and anchored firmly in Your truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 23RD:

Direct link to the detailed history of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Linus, St. Thecla, and St. Constantius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-23rd/

SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA (PADRE PIO), PRIEST (1887–1968): Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, born Francesco Forgione in Italy, was a Capuchin friar, mystic, and priest renowned for his humility, prayer, and the extraordinary spiritual gifts God bestowed on him. From childhood, he felt drawn to a life of holiness, entering the Capuchins at sixteen and later ordained a priest in 1910. In 1918, he received the visible stigmata, bearing the wounds of Christ for fifty years. Despite suspicion and trials, Padre Pio embraced his suffering as an offering for the salvation of souls.

He was known as a confessor, spiritual director, and miracle worker who read souls and brought countless people back to God through the sacraments. His devotion to the Eucharist and Our Lady inspired thousands to deeper faith. He founded the “Home for the Relief of Suffering,” a hospital that combined spiritual and medical care. Padre Pio died in 1968 with the words “Jesus and Mary” on his lips and was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II in 2002.

PRAYER: Lord, through the intercession of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, grant us the grace to remain faithful in prayer, to embrace suffering with love, and to live in deep union with You. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT LINUS, POPE AND MARTYR (d. ~76 AD): St. Linus, the second pope after St. Peter, served the early Church with courage and faithfulness during a time of persecution. Mentioned in Scripture (2 Timothy 4:21), he led the Christian community in Rome for about nine years. Though little is known of his life, his witness reflects the steadfastness of the early popes who guided the flock in turbulent times.

PRAYER: O God, who gave us St. Linus as a shepherd of Your Church, grant us the grace to remain steadfast in faith and to trust in Your guidance through all trials. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT THECLA, FIRST VIRGIN MARTYR (1st century): St. Thecla, often called the “proto-martyr among women,” was converted through the preaching of St. Paul. Choosing virginity and faith in Christ over marriage, she endured fire, wild beasts, and persecution, yet was miraculously preserved each time. Devoted to spreading the Gospel, she lived as a hermit in Asia Minor until her death at ninety. Her courage and fidelity made her a model for Christian women and all who face trials for the faith.

PRAYER: Almighty God, through the witness of St. Thecla, strengthen us to remain faithful in purity, courage, and love, no matter the cost. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT CONSTANTIUS (5th century): St. Constantius was a humble sacristan at the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Ancona, Italy. Known for his simplicity, humility, and miracles, he served with devotion, even miraculously keeping lamps lit with little oil. His humility was as great as his wonder-working, embracing even insults with love. His example shows that sanctity is found in humble, faithful service to God.

PRAYER: Lord, grant us through the intercession of St. Constantius a spirit of humility and charity, that we may serve You faithfully in the ordinary tasks of life. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Linus, St. Thecla, and St. Constantius ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside St. Pio of Pietrelcina (St. Padre Pio), St. Linus, St. Thecla, and St. Constantius, we also honor: SAINT ADAMNAN, SAINT ANDREW AND COMPANIONS, BLESSED BERNARDINA MARIA JABLONSKA, SAINT CISSA, SAINT IRAIS, BLESSED WILLIAM WAY, AND SAINTS XANTIPPA & POLYXENA. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR TRUST IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE, HUMILITY, AND A ZEAL FOR SOULS

Heavenly Father, You granted Saint Pio of Pietrelcina the grace to share intimately in the sufferings of Christ and to labor endlessly for the salvation of souls in the confessional. Through his intercession, the prayers of Saints Linus, Thecla, and Constantius, and the spiritual companionship of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux during this novena time, grant us the grace to place our absolute trust in Your divine providence rather than in material securities. Help us to walk simply, to cast off all pride and falsehood, and to rely on Your word as a lamp for our feet as we journey forward to proclaim Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Linus, St. Thecla, and St. Constantius, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER: For the care of water. Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER | MONTH OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS: September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting us to unite our hearts with Mary in her profound sharing of Christ’s Passion. As Simeon foretold, “a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35), and throughout her life Mary endured deep sorrows that culminated at Calvary. In her silent strength and unwavering faith, she became the compassionate Mother of all Christians, offering her suffering with Christ for the salvation of the world.

This month, the Church calls us to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary: Simeon’s prophecy, the Flight into Egypt, the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, standing at the foot of the Cross, receiving His lifeless Body, and placing Him in the tomb. By reflecting on these sorrows, we learn patience in trials, compassion for the suffering, and a deeper love for Jesus who suffered for us.

Prayers such as the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, the Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows help us to walk with Mary in her suffering and to discover hope and consolation in her maternal heart.

“Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, teach us to stand with you at the Cross, sharing in Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice.”

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏾

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=9

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 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-2/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org/

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