Sts. Cyril & Methodius

On July 7th, the Church celebrates the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two brothers who are revered as the apostles of the Slavs. This celebration, ranked as a third-class feast in the 1962 Roman Missal, highlights their significant contribution to the spread of Christianity in Eastern Europe through their missionary work and the development of the Cyrillic alphabet, which facilitated the translation of sacred texts into Slavonic. Their legacy is a profound reminder of the Church’s mission to evangelize and the importance of cultural adaptation in spreading the Gospel, taking its place in the liturgical calendar during the Time after Pentecost—a season that reflects on the growth of the Church and the call to live out our faith actively.

The readings and prayers for this feast underscore themes of priesthood, mission, and the call to serve. The Introit from Psalm 131 emphasizes the joy and justice that accompany faithful service to God, while the Epistle from Hebrews highlights Christ’s eternal priesthood, contrasting it with the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood. Families can reflect on the Gospel passage from Luke, which speaks of Jesus sending out the seventy-two disciples, reminding us that we too are called to participate in God's mission. As we contemplate these readings, families are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to the Church’s mission in their own communities, fostering a spirit of cooperation and joy as they share their faith and serve others—an essential aspect of living out the Christian life in today’s world.

1. Brief Historical Background and Life Story: Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers born in the 9th century in Thessalonica, Greece. They became renowned missionaries, traveling to the Slavic lands to spread the Gospel and promote literacy, creating the Glagolitic alphabet, which laid the foundation for the Cyrillic script used in many Slavic languages today.

2. Their Main Virtues and Spiritual Contributions: Cyril and Methodius exemplified perseverance and humility, dedicating their lives to serving God and the people of the Slavic nations. Their most significant contribution was their translation of the Bible and liturgical texts into the Slavic language, making the Scriptures accessible to those who had previously been excluded from the richness of Christian teachings.

3. Why They Were Canonized and Their Significance to the Church: Canonized for their tireless evangelization and spiritual leadership, Cyril and Methodius are recognized as the patrons of Europe. Their work not only fostered a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith among the Slavic peoples but also emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity in spreading the Gospel, showing that faith can be expressed in diverse languages and traditions.

4. How Catholic Families Today Can Learn from Their Example: Modern Catholic families can draw inspiration from Cyril and Methodius by embracing the mission of sharing their faith in ways that resonate with their community. By fostering a spirit of inclusivity and promoting understanding among different cultures, families can demonstrate the love of Christ in action, just as the saints did in their time.

5. A Brief Closing Prayer for Their Intercession: Dear Saints Cyril and Methodius, intercede for us as we strive to live out our faith and share God's love with others. May we be inspired by your example to embrace diversity and spread the Gospel joyfully in our families and communities. Amen.

On the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, we are reminded of the powerful themes of mission and service found in today’s readings. In the Gospel of Luke (10:1-9), Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples, urging them to proclaim peace and the coming of God's kingdom. This call to evangelize connects beautifully with the teachings of the Church found in the Catechism. For example, CCC 849 states, “The Church is sent out to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.” Just as Cyril and Methodius dedicated their lives to spreading the faith in new cultures, we, too, are called to share the joy of the Gospel in our communities, reminding us that every family can play a role in this mission.

Moreover, the Epistle from Hebrews (7:23-27) highlights the eternal priesthood of Jesus, contrasting it with the temporary nature of the Levitical priests. This teaching echoes CCC 1544, which explains that the mission of Christ, the eternal high priest, is continued by His Church through the ministerial priesthood. Families can reflect on how they are called to support this priestly mission through their prayers and actions. By actively participating in the life of the Church—whether through service projects, attending Mass together, or simply helping a neighbor—we embody the spirit of Christ and the apostles.

For practical application, families can engage in small acts of service within their community, such as volunteering at local shelters or organizing neighborhood clean-ups, as a way to live out the call to evangelize. They can also make it a family tradition to pray for vocations, remembering the words of Jesus to “pray to the Lord of the harvest” (Luke 10:2) for more laborers. By doing so, families not only contribute to the mission of the Church but also grow in their faith together, fostering a spirit of cooperation and joy that reflects the love of Christ.