Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr

Optional memorial

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

Bishop of Smyrna and disciple of the Apostle John, burned at the stake c. 155 at the age of 86.

Readings of the day

Sorrowful Mysteries

Third Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

“Hail, King of the Jews!”Matthew 27:29

The soldiers clothe Jesus in a scarlet cloak, press a crown of thorns upon His head and mock Him as king. He who is truly King of Kings endures their scorn.

Fruit of the mystery: Moral courage

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Do not let me be separated from you. From the malicious enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me, and bid me come to you, that with your saints I may praise you for ever and ever. Amen.

Traditional (14th century)

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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 (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 Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin MaryFri, Mar 19 · Solemnity
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the LordSun, Mar 21 · Sunday
Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s SupperThu, Mar 25
Friday of the Passion of the LordFri, Mar 26
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the LordSun, Mar 28 · 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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