October 17, 2025

Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch

All-Powerful and ever-living God, you enable your church with the heroic witness of all who give their lives for Christ. Grant that the victory of St. Ignatius of Antioch may bring us your constant help as it brought him eternal glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

Daily Thought from the Saints

"Our perfection does not consist of doing extraordinary things, but to do the ordinary well."

— St. Gabriel Possenti

Daily Scripture Verse

"Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing."

John 15:4-5

Daily Meditation

"No human motive should lead us to pray: neither routine, nor the habit of doing as others do, nor a thirst for spiritual consolations. No, we should go to prayer to render homage to God. It is not, however, a common-place visit of propriety, nor a conversation without any precise object; we want to obtain from Him some definite spiritual good, such or such progress in the uprooting of some vice, in the acquisition of some virtue. We have, therefore, a purpose upon which we are bent, and all our considerations, affections, petitions, and resolutions should combine for its attainment. God is there, surrounding us and penetrating us; but we were not, perhaps, thinking of this. We must, therefore, withdraw our powers from the things of the earth, gather them together, and fix them upon God; thus it is we place ourselves in His presence. Naturally, we approach Him by saluting Him with a profound and humble act of adoration. In presence of so much greatness and holiness, the soul perceives herself to be little and miserable; she humbles herself, purifies herself by an act of sorrow; apologizes for daring to approach a being of so lofty a majesty. Powerless to pray as she should, she represents her incapacity to God, and begs the Holy Ghost to help her to pray well."

— Rev. Dom Vitalis Lehodey

Day by Day with Mary, the Mother of God

He who is devout to the Virgin Mother will certainly never be lost.

St. Ignatius of Antioch

A Prayer from Notre Dame University

Members of the Holy Cross Novitiate

Lord Jesus, you continually call us to love and conversion. In your challenge to the Pharisees, we hear you challenge us to grow in holiness. May we, in heeding your call, always seek to please you in the good we do, rather than pleasing ourselves. Grant us the trust to accept your call to growth, that we may come to know the fullness of life, which you promise to those who love you. We ask this in your most Holy Name. Amen.