Saint Stephen, the First Martyr

Feast

Stephen, one of the first seven deacons, was stoned to death in Jerusalem while praying for his persecutors — the first Christian martyr (Acts 7).

Readings of the day

Sorrowful Mysteries

Fourth Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

“The Place of a Skull”, which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha”John 19:17

Jesus carries His Cross to Calvary. Simon of Cyrene is made to help Him, and along the way He speaks to the women of Jerusalem who weep for Him.

Fruit of the mystery: Patience

A prayer with Saint Stephen

Lord God, you are glorified in your saints. By the prayers of Saint Stephen, help me to follow Christ faithfully today. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace…

A short prayer composed for Rosary Cards

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This day’s five mysteries (Sorrowful Mysteries)

The Agony in the Garden
The Scourging at the Pillar
The Crowning with Thorns
The Carrying of the Cross
The Crucifixion

Coming up

Saint John, Apostle and EvangelistSat, Dec 27 · Feast
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephSun, Dec 28 · Feast
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of GodThu, Jan 1 · Solemnity
The Most Holy Name of JesusSat, Jan 3 · Optional memorial
The Epiphany of the LordSun, Jan 4 · Solemnity

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Liturgical calendar for the dioceses of the USA (General Roman Calendar and U.S. proper), checked against the USCCB liturgical calendar. Readings: citations from the U.S. Lectionary for Mass, text from the Douay-Rheims Bible (public domain).

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