December 18

Advent weekday

From December 17 the Advent liturgy turns to the immediate preparation for Christmas, with the great “O Antiphons” at Evening Prayer.

Readings of the day

Joyful Mysteries

Second Mystery: The Visitation

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

“She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”Luke 1:42

Mary hastens into the hill country to serve her kinswoman Elizabeth. At Mary’s greeting the infant John leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, and Mary sings her song of praise, the Magnificat.

Fruit of the mystery: Love of neighbor

“O Adonai” — the O Antiphon for December 18

O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arm.

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)Mon, Dec 25 · Solemnity
Saint Stephen, the First MartyrTue, Dec 26 · Feast
Saint John, Apostle and EvangelistWed, Dec 27 · Feast
The Holy Innocents, MartyrsThu, Dec 28 · Feast
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephSun, Dec 31 · 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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