Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Eastertide

Week

Week 2 of Eastertide

Rank

Simple feast

Septuagesima is the preparatory season before Lent in the older liturgical practice called the divino afflatu calendar. The Saturday Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Sanctæ Mariæ Sabbato) is celebrated on Saturdays during this season as a special devotion honoring Mary’s ongoing role in the Church’s life and in the spiritual formation of Christian households. The rank “Simple” indicates this is a proper devotion of modest liturgical weight: it is observed with particular prayers or antiphons in the Divine Office but does not supersede more important solemnities or Sundays. There is no octave or vigil attached here; this is a recurring weekly observance.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Sedulius
Hail, holy Mother, who in childbirth brought forth the King Who rules heaven and earth world without end.
Ps 44:2
My heart overflows with a goodly theme; as I sing my ode to the King.
Glory Be to the Father…

Grant us, Your servants, O Lord God, we beseech You, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body; and by the intercession of glorious and blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrow and partake to the full of eternal happiness.
Through our Lord…

Weekly Prayer

Act of Charity

O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love.

I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

Weekly Formation

Beatitude 8

The Beatitudes

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’s sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Persecution for justice’s sake is suffering endured because one remains faithful to God, the faith, or virtue. The blessing belongs not to suffering caused by one’s own wrongdoing, but to steadfastness when fidelity brings loss, hostility, or punishment.

Saint & Feast

Principal celebrationCalendar title

Saturday Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.

Today in Church History

Laying of the Cornerstone of St. Peter's Basilica
1506Event
In 1506, Pope Julius II laid the cornerstone for the new St. Peter's Basilica, marking a pivotal moment in the Renaissance and Catholic architecture. This event symbolizes the Church's commitment to beauty and faith, as the basilica became a central place of worship and pilgrimage for Catholics worldwide.
The construction of St. Peter's Basilica reminds us of the importance of sacred spaces in nurturing our faith.
Beatification of Joan of Arc
1909Beatification
In 1909, Joan of Arc was beatified by Pope Pius X, recognizing her as a martyr and a symbol of faith and courage. Her life and legacy continue to inspire Catholics around the world, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance and steadfastness in faith.
Joan's unwavering faith reminds us to trust in God's plan, even in the face of adversity.
Trial of Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms
1521Schism Heresy

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

In the Catechism, we learn that Jesus’ Resurrection is unlike the return to ordinary earthly life experienced by those he raised before Easter. In his risen body, he passes from death to a new life beyond time and space. His body still bears the marks of his Passion, showing that it is truly the same body that was crucified, yet it also has the new properties of a glorious body and is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Resurrection is a real event, witnessed through the empty tomb and the apostles’ encounters with the risen Christ, while still remaining a mystery that transcends history and human senses. Jesus revealed himself to his disciples in ways meant to awaken their faith. As a family, we can prayerfully contemplate Christ’s suffering, death, and risen glory, trusting in the Father’s power revealed in raising his Son.

The Catechism teaches that the Church exists in three states: the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven, all united in Christ. This communion strengthens our spiritual journey, as the saints intercede for us and share their merits, helping us grow in holiness. Families can foster this connection through prayer and remembrance, particularly by praying for the deceased and honoring the saints, which enhances their bond with one another and with God. Ultimately, as members of one family in Christ, we are called to live out our faith together, supporting each other in love and worship.

The Catechism teaches that faith in the forgiveness of sins is closely joined to faith in the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the communion of saints. The risen Christ gave the Holy Spirit to the apostles and entrusted them with the power to forgive sins. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness: it unites us with Christ, cleanses us from sin, and calls us to walk in newness of life. Yet Baptism does not remove every weakness or the ongoing struggle against the inclination toward evil. Through the sacrament of Penance, the baptized can be reconciled with God and with the Church. No offense is beyond the Church’s power to forgive when repentance is honest, for Christ desires the gates of forgiveness to remain open to all who turn away from sin.

Today's Mass Readings

Open the day's Sancta MissaDivinum Officium · Divino Afflatu - 1954View readings

Saturday Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Understanding the Day

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Collect

Weekly Prayer

Act of Charity

Weekly Formation

Beatitude 8

The Beatitudes

Saint & Feast

Saturday Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today in Church History

Laying of the Cornerstone of St. Peter's Basilica

Beatification of Joan of Arc

Trial of Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today's Mass Readings

Baltimore Catechism No. 3