Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Optional memorial

Monday of the First Week of Advent

The Church remembers Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church (d. c. 749). Today is an optional memorial.

Readings of the day

Joyful Mysteries

Third Mystery: The Nativity

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

“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.”Luke 2:7

In Bethlehem the Son of God is born in poverty. Angels announce the good news to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks, and they come in haste to adore Him.

Fruit of the mystery: Poverty of spirit

The Angelus

V. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary…

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Let it be done to me according to your word. Hail Mary…

V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary…

Pour forth, we pray, O Lord, your grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Traditional (from the 16th 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 (Joyful Mysteries)

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

Coming up

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryFri, Dec 8 · Solemnity
Our Lady of GuadalupeTue, Dec 12 · Feast
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)Mon, Dec 25 · Solemnity
Saint Stephen, the First MartyrTue, Dec 26 · Feast
Saint John, Apostle and EvangelistWed, Dec 27 · 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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