Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Optional memorial

December 21

The Church remembers Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church (d. 1597). Today is an optional memorial.

Readings of the day

Joyful Mysteries

Fourth Mystery: The Presentation

In Advent, the Joyful Mysteries are a natural companion any day.

““Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;”Luke 2:29

In obedience to the Law, Mary and Joseph present the Child Jesus in the Temple. The righteous Simeon takes Him in his arms and blesses God, and the prophetess Anna speaks of Him to all awaiting redemption.

Fruit of the mystery: Obedience

“O Dayspring” — the O Antiphon for December 21

O Dayspring, splendor of eternal light and sun of justice: come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

Roman Breviary, Magnificat antiphon (translated for this app)

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A notification each morning with the day’s mysteries, a mystery to meditate on with its scripture, and a short prayer. Free, no account.

This day’s five mysteries (Joyful Mysteries)

The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Nativity
The Presentation
The Finding in the Temple

Coming up

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)Fri, Dec 25 · Solemnity
Saint Stephen, the First MartyrSat, Dec 26 · Feast
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephSun, Dec 27 · Feast
The Holy Innocents, MartyrsMon, Dec 28 · Feast
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of GodFri, Jan 1 · Solemnity

✝ Pray the full Rosary

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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