and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Prayer for Peace—St. John Paul II
Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are Yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, “Peace to you” – please grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all. Amen.
OCTOBER
The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. The Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on October 7. October falls during the liturgical season known as Tempus per Annum or Ordinary Time (formerly Time After Pentecost), which is represented by the liturgical color green. Green is a symbol of hope, as it is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. The liturgical color green is worn during the praying of Offices and celebration of Masses of Ordinary Time.
The Holy Father’s Intentions for the Month of OCTOBER 2025
For collaboration between different religious traditions: Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity. (See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/)
VIDEO: (Bless yourself with the St. Raphael oil and watch this perpetual video of
Fr. Whalen’s healing and miracle prayers for you) click video below:
Fr.Joseph Whalen, M.S.World Healing Prayer – YouTube
Fr. Joseph Whalen blessed the above video and asked Our Lord Jesus to heal all those who watched it.
Lord of Life, You have shown me that real joy comes not from power, but from knowing I am counted among Your faithful. Like St. Francis, help me rejoice in the small, quiet, simple things the world overlooks. Thank You for revealing Your heart to the humble and letting me see Your glory. Keep my name written in heaven, and my soul grounded in the Father’s love. Amen.
ORDINARY TIME: October 4th
Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, Religious
Other Titles: Il Poverello
St. Francis of Assisi
Francis Bernardone was born in 1181 at Assisi, Umbria, Italy. The son of a wealthy cloth merchant, he lived a lavish and irresponsible life. At the age of twenty, he went to war against Perugia, but was captured and imprisoned. During his imprisonment he experienced a vision from Christ and changed his life completely. He left all his possessions and embraced complete poverty, taking the Gospel as his rule of life.
He wore ragged old clothes, begged for food and preached peace. He began to attract followers, and in 1209 with the papal blessing he founded the Friars Minor (Franciscans). Then in 1212 with St. Clare of Assisi he founded the foundation of the Order of “Poor Ladies,” now known as the “Poor Clares.” He also founded the “Third Order of Penance” (the Third Order) which included lay people. He was the first person (recorded) to receive the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) in 1224. He died on October 4, 1226 at Portiuncula, Italy. He was canonized by Gregory IX less than two years later.
Patronage: against fire; animals; Catholic Action; dying alone; ecology; environment; families; fire; lacemakers; merchants; peace; zoos; Italy; Assisi, Italy; Colorado; Sante Fe, New Mexico; archdiocese of San Francisco, California; archdiocese of Denver, Colorado; archdiocese of Sante Fe, New Mexico; diocese of Salina, Kansas
Symbols and Representation: birds and animals; bag of gold and rich raiment at his feet; winged crucifix with five rays; stigmata; crown of thorns; lighted lamp; fiery chariot; birds; deer; fish; skull; wolf; fire
Highlights and Things to Do:
- Watch (or listen) to the Catholic Culture Podcasts:
- Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast: Stripping St. Francis: Francesco (1989) by Thomas Mirus and James Majewski
- Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast: The Flowers of St. Francis (1950) by Thomas Mirus and James Majewski
- Pray the Canticle of the Sun, which was written by St. Francis.
- For more reading, see the selections from the Catholic Culture Library and the page from the Franciscan Archives contains links about St. Francis of Assisi, including biographies, articles, writings, Orders & Societies, liturgical texts and art.
- To learn more about St. Francis, see:
- Many parishes have a Blessing of animals or pets on this day. See the Prayers column for other alternatives. St. Francis loved all of God’s creatures. Find the stories of the Wolf of Gubbio, the Sermon to the Birds, his Canticle of Creatures to see some illustrations of his honoring God’s creation.
- St. Francis was influential on our present-day Christmas crib or creche. Find out more about this historical event. See the articles in our Activities top bar.
- Although St. Francis is one of the most popular saints of the Church, and his feast is a huge celebration in Assisi, there are no particular foods attached to that festival. Tradition has passed on that on his deathbed he requested Frangipane cream or Moastaccioli (almond biscotti). Fire is a symbol of St. Francis, first of all because his heart was on fire with love of God, but there are other stories in Little Flowers of St. Francis that deal with fire, particularly when he prayed, the surrounding areas would become so bright that people thought the areas were on fire. So a flaming dessert or wine would be an appropriate ending of a wonderful feast. One could also try some Umbrian style recipes, or just have “Italian night” at home, even just simple spaghetti or other pasta and sauces.
- Catholic Cuisine has many ideas for feast day recipes.
- Learn more about the Franciscan Order. The Catholic Encyclopedia has a wonderful entry on St. Francis, including his Rule. And from the Catholic Culture Library you can read a detailed summary of the life of St. Francis and his founding of the Order of Friars Minor.
- What does poverty in our state of life mean? How can I follow the Gospels like Francis?
- Learn more about geography and history of the Umbria area, and how much Francis has impacted that area.
- Study art and photos of Francis. Find out more about the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. Although the earthquake in 1997 damaged the basilica, it reopened in 1999.
- Go here for Saint Francis of Assisi, The Writings of Saint Francis of Assisi, translated by Fr. Paschal Robinson in 1906.
- Read the Catholic Culture commentary on St. Francis of Assisi by Jennifer Gregory Miller:
- St. Francis of Assisi—Setting the Record Straight.
- Read Little Flowers of St. Francis by Brother Ugolino online or purchase a copy. This is a collection of many stories and legends of the life of St. Francis. Of particular note is his Sermon to the Birds,
“My little sisters the birds, ye owe much to God, your Creator, and ye ought to sing his praise at all times and in all places, because he has given you liberty to fly about into all places; and though ye neither spin nor sew, he has given you a twofold and a threefold clothing for yourselves and for your offspring. Two of all your species he sent into the Ark with Noah that you might not be lost to the world; besides which, he feeds you, though ye neither sow nor reap. He has given you fountains and rivers to quench your thirst, mountains and valleys in which to take refuge, and trees in which to build your nests; so that your Creator loves you much, having thus favoured you with such bounties. Beware, my little sisters, of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praise to God.”
MASS READINGS
October 04, 2025 (Readings on USCCB website)
PROPERS [Show]
COLLECT PRAYER
Memorial of St. Francis: O God, by whose gift Saint Francis was conformed to Christ in poverty and humility, grant that, by walking in Francis’ footsteps, we may follow your Son, and, through joyful charity, come to be united with you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2025-10-04
Daily Meditation: Luke 10:17-24
You have revealed [these things] to the childlike. (Luke 10:21)
At the beginning of today’s Gospel, seventy-two disciples return from preaching the kingdom, filled with joy. Why? “Even the demons are subject to us because of your name” (Luke 10:17). At first, Jesus rejoices with them and confirms that they have been given power to tread “upon the full force of the enemy” (10:19). But then he shifts to rejoicing that the “childlike” are entrusted with this kind of authority (10:21).
Doesn’t that seem counterintuitive—and pretty risky? Entrusting authority over demonic forces to the childlike? It seems as if “the wise and the learned” would be better able to handle the responsibility that comes with such spiritual authority (Luke 10:21)! But the ways of the kingdom of God are often surprising. Jesus knows that we are successful in the spiritual life as we acknowledge our dependence on him and place our confidence in his power, not just our own. What we or others might perceive as weakness, Jesus sees as a sure investment.
Just look at St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast is today. When he heard God calling him to “repair my church,” Francis got to work, physically repairing the dilapidated church of St. Damian, stone by stone. It was an act of simple, humble trust in God’s word. He even called himself il Poverello, “the little poor one.” By his preaching and by his humble, childlike example, he inspired thousands of people who also embraced the call to humility and poverty as they preached the gospel from town to town. And wherever they went, people were set free from sin—even demons shuddered at their faith! Within a matter of a few years, the renewal movement that Francis sparked repaired the whole Church.
How can you be childlike in your walk with God today? As you put your confidence in Jesus, you will find that, whatever darkness you may face, he will be with you. You will have all the strength and wisdom you need as you depend on him.
“Jesus, I trust in your ways.”
Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29
Psalm 69:33-37
How to recite the Holy Rosary – New Advent
Miraculous Rosary: FAMOUS ROSARY MIRACLES
For Meditation: to Jesus thru Mary
4th sorrowful mystery in the Domincan rosary Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross.
4th sorrow on the Servite Rosary Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross.
4th Station of the Cross: Jesus meets Mary
Why pray the Rosary today? Certainly, to grow in holiness and in one’s prayer life. The following are a few others reasons why the rosary should be prayed often, even daily:
“Among all the devotions approved by the Church none has been so favored by so many miracles as the devotion of the Most Holy Rosary” (Pope Pius IX).
“Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world” (Our Lady of Fátima).
“There is no surer means of calling down God’s blessings upon the family . . . than the daily recitation of the Rosary” (Pope Pius XII).
“We do not hesitate to affirm again publicly that we put great confidence in the Holy Rosary for the healing of evils of our times” (Pope Pius XII).
“No one can live continually in sin and continue to say the Rosary: either they will give up sin or they will give up the Rosary” (Bishop Hugh Doyle).
“The Rosary is a magnificent and universal prayer for the needs of the Church, the nations and the entire world” (Pope John XXIII).
“The Rosary is the compendium of the entire Gospel” (Pope Paul VI quoting Pope Pius XII).
“Meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary . . . can be an excellent preparation for the celebration of those same mysteries in the liturgical actions [i.e. the Mass] and can also become a continuing echo thereof” (Pope Paul VI).
“My impression is that the Rosary is of the greatest value not only according to the words of Our Lady at Fátima, but according to the effects of the Rosary one sees throughout history. My impression is that Our Lady wanted to give ordinary people, who might not know how to pray, this simple method of getting closer to God” (Sister Lucia, one of the seers of Fátima).
“How beautiful is the family that recites the Rosary every evening” (Pope John Paul II).
Pope John Paul II has called the Rosary his “favorite prayer,” after the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours.
St. Louis de Montfort warns us against both the ignorant and scholars who regard the Rosary as something of little importance…”the Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God.”
Pray for us, O’ Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
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- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. And the Word was made Flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
May the Divine assistance remain always with us and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
When prayed in a group setting a leader recites the verses and everyone recites both the responses and the Hail Mary’s in between each verse, as shown above.
Although the Angelus has been traditionally said three times daily, at 6 am, noon and 6 pm, you can pray it at anytime especially at NOON. It is still accompanied by the ringing of a bell (the Angelus bell) in some places such as Vatican City and parts of Germany and Ireland.
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints.
May the heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen
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PRAYER TO THE INFANT OF PRAGUEO Infant of Prague, who said, “The more you honor me, the more I will bless you,” give us the strength to bear the burden of daily life in this sinful world. Give us a firm purpose of amendment and a resolve to lead a better life. Help us endure our afflictions and sorrows with patience and courage. Finally, O beloved Infant King if it be your will grant my petition (mention petition here). But whatever you choose, give me the strength to submit to your will in all things. Amen.HEALING PRAYERLORD, JESUS CHRIST, I AM DEEPLY SORRY FOR MY SINS. HAVE MERCY ON ME. In Your name, JESUS, I ask You for the grace to forgive myself. I ask your forgiveness for hurting others. I ask for the grace to forgive all those who have hurt me in this life, and especially the one person who has hurt me the most. I renounce forever Satan, ALL the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self Lord JESUS, now and forever, you are my Lord, God, SAVIOR AND REDEEMER. Please heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, mind and spirit for my greater service in Your Kingdom. Allow me to lead other souls to You through my good example. JESUS I trust in you! Come Lord JESUS, cover me with Your most precious blood, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit, I praise You, I thank You, I glorify Your name, JESUS. I love You JESUS WITH MY WHOLE HEART, SOUL, MIND, BODY AND MY WHOLE BEING. O’ Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with Holy Raphael the Archangel and all the holy Angels and Saints, pray for us! Amen
Holy Raphael says in Chapter 12 in the
BOOK OF TOBIT 12:7-10
7 A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be declared and made known. Praise them with due honor. Do good, and evil will not find its way to you.
8 Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than abundance with wickedness. It is better to give alms than to store up gold;
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We must work in the Vineyard and not return to GOD with empty hands!
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THE CORPORAL ACTS
- To feed the hungry;
- To give drink to the thirsty;
- To clothe the naked;
- To visit the imprisoned;
- To visit the sick;
- To shelter the homeless;
- To bury the dead.
- To instruct the ignorant;
- To counsel the doubtful;
- To admonish the sinner;
- To bear wrongs patiently;
- To forgive offences willingly;
- To comfort the sorrowful;
- To pray for the living and the dead.
44 Messianic Prophecies of Jesus | |||
Prophecies of Jesus | Old Testament Scripture |
New Testament Fulfillment |
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1 | Messiah would be born of a woman. | Genesis 3:15 | Matthew 1:20 Galatians 4:4 |
2 | Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. | Micah 5:2 | Matthew 2:1 Luke 2:4-6 |
3 | Messiah would be born of a virgin. | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 1:22-23 Luke 1:26-31 |
4 | Messiah would come from the line ofAbraham. | Genesis 12:3 Genesis 22:18 |
Matthew 1:1 Romans 9:5 |
5 | Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. | Genesis 17:19 Genesis 21:12 |
Luke 3:34 |
6 | Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob. | Numbers 24:17 | Matthew 1:2 |
7 | Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. | Genesis 49:10 | Luke 3:33 Hebrews 7:14 |
8 | Messiah would be heir to King David’s throne. | 2 Samuel 7:12-13 Isaiah 9:7 |
Luke 1:32-33 Romans 1:3 |
9 | Messiah’s throne will be anointed and eternal. | Psalm 45:6-7 Daniel 2:44 |
Luke 1:33 Hebrews 1:8-12 |
10 | Messiah would be called Immanuel. | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 1:23 |
11 | Messiah would spend a season in Egypt. | Hosea 11:1 | Matthew 2:14-15 |
12 | A massacre of children would happen at Messiah’s birthplace. | Jeremiah 31:15 | Matthew 2:16-18 |
13 | A messenger would prepare the way for Messiah | Isaiah 40:3-5 | Luke 3:3-6 |
14 | Messiah would be rejected by his own people. | Psalm 69:8 Isaiah 53:3 |
John 1:11 John 7:5 |
15 | Messiah would be a prophet. | Deuteronomy 18:15 | Acts 3:20-22 |
16 | Messiah would be preceded by Elijah. | Malachi 4:5-6 | Matthew 11:13-14 |
17 | Messiah would be declared the Son of God. | Psalm 2:7 | Matthew 3:16-17 |
18 | Messiah would be called a Nazarene. | Isaiah 11:1 | Matthew 2:23 |
19 | Messiah would bring light to Galilee. | Isaiah 9:1-2 | Matthew 4:13-16 |
20 | Messiah would speak in parables. | Psalm 78:2-4 Isaiah 6:9-10 |
Matthew 13:10-15, 34-35 |
21 | Messiah would be sent to heal the brokenhearted. | Isaiah 61:1-2 | Luke 4:18-19 |
22 | Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek. | Psalm 110:4 | Hebrews 5:5-6 |
23 | Messiah would be called King. | Psalm 2:6 Zechariah 9:9 |
Matthew 27:37 Mark 11:7-11 |
24 | Messiah would be praised by little children. | Psalm 8:2 | Matthew 21:16 |
25 | Messiah would be betrayed. | Psalm 41:9 Zechariah 11:12-13 |
Luke 22:47-48 Matthew 26:14-16 |
26 | Messiah’s price money would be used to buy a potter’s field. | Zechariah 11:12-13 | Matthew 27:9-10 |
27 | Messiah would be falsely accused. | Psalm 35:11 | Mark 14:57-58 |
28 | Messiah would be silent before his accusers. | Isaiah 53:7 | Mark 15:4-5 |
29 | Messiah would be spat upon and struck. | Isaiah 50:6 | Matthew 26:67 |
30 | Messiah would be hated without cause. | Psalm 35:19 Psalm 69:4 |
John 15:24-25 |
31 | Messiah would be crucified with criminals. | Isaiah 53:12 | Matthew 27:38 Mark 15:27-28 |
32 | Messiah would be given vinegar to drink. | Psalm 69:21 | Matthew 27:34 John 19:28-30 |
33 | Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced. | Psalm 22:16 Zechariah 12:10 |
John 20:25-27 |
34 | Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed. | Psalm 22:7-8 | Luke 23:35 |
35 | Soldiers would gamble for Messiah’s garments. | Psalm 22:18 | Luke 23:34 Matthew 27:35-36 |
36 | Messiah’s bones would not be broken. | Exodus 12:46 Psalm 34:20 |
John 19:33-36 |
37 | Messiah would be forsaken by God. | Psalm 22:1 | Matthew 27:46 |
38 | Messiah would pray for his enemies. | Psalm 109:4 | Luke 23:34 |
39 | Soldiers would pierce Messiah’s side. | Zechariah 12:10 | John 19:34 |
40 | Messiah would be buried with the rich. | Isaiah 53:9 | Matthew 27:57-60 |
41 | Messiah would resurrect from the dead. | Psalm 16:10 Psalm 49:15 |
Matthew 28:2-7 Acts 2:22-32 |
42 | Messiah would ascend to heaven. | Psalm 24:7-10 | Mark 16:19 Luke 24:51 |
43 | Messiah would be seated at God’s right hand. | Psalm 68:18 Psalm 110:1 |
Mark 16:19 Matthew 22:44 |
44 | Messiah would be a sacrifice for sin. | Isaiah 53:5-12 | Romans 5:6-8 |
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https://www.thoughtco.com/prophecies-of-jesus-fulfilled-700159
MIRACLES OF JESUS CHRIST
Healing Miracles
Other Miracles
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