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

Sorrowful Mysteries

Fifth Mystery: The Crucifixion

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”Luke 23:46

Jesus is nailed to the Cross between two thieves. He forgives His executioners, promises Paradise to the repentant thief, gives His Mother to the beloved disciple, and dies for our salvation.

Fruit of the mystery: Perseverance

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 (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 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
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of GodMon, Jan 1 · Solemnity
The Most Holy Name of JesusWed, Jan 3 · Optional memorial

✝ 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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