Third Sunday of Lent

Sunday

Every Sunday is a little Easter, the Lord’s Day, when the Church gathers for the Eucharist. Lent is forty days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for Easter.

This year Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred to Monday, March 20, because today falls on a Sunday of Lent.

Readings of the day

Sorrowful Mysteries

Third Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

On the Sundays of Lent the Sorrowful Mysteries are customary in place of the Glorious.

“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)

Get this prayer every morning

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 MaryMon, Mar 20 · Solemnity
The Annunciation of the LordSat, Mar 25 · Solemnity
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the LordSun, Apr 9 · Sunday
Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s SupperThu, Apr 13
Friday of the Passion of the LordFri, Apr 14

✝ 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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