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

Joyful Mysteries

Fourth Mystery: The Presentation

““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

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 (Joyful Mysteries)

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

Coming up

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
The Epiphany of the LordSun, Jan 3 · Solemnity
The Baptism of the LordSun, Jan 10 · Feast

✝ 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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