Saint Nicholas, Bishop

Optional memorial

Friday of the First Week of Advent

4th-century Bishop of Myra known for secret generosity to the poor; the inspiration for many Christmas customs.

Readings of the day

Sorrowful Mysteries

Fifth Mystery: The Crucifixion

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

“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

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 (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

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryMon, Dec 9 · Solemnity
Our Lady of GuadalupeThu, Dec 12 · Feast
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)Wed, Dec 25 · Solemnity
Saint Stephen, the First MartyrThu, Dec 26 · Feast
Saint John, Apostle and EvangelistFri, 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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