Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Octave Of Pentecost

Week

Week 1 of Octave Of Pentecost

Rank

Sunday or semidouble observance

Ember Friday within the Octave of Pentecost falls during the eight-day celebration that follows Pentecost Sunday, a season focused on the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. The rank “Semidouble” indicates that this day has its own proper prayers and readings, and while the octave’s principal feasts retain priority, this celebration is observed with meaningful liturgical elements rather than being entirely superseded. Because it occurs within the Octave of Pentecost, the themes of Pentecost — unity, mission, and the Spirit’s presence — shape the day’s prayer and reflection.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Ps 70:8; 70:23
Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, alleluia: that I may sing, alleluia. My lips shall shout for joy as I sing Your praises, alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 70:1-2
In You, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame, in Your justice rescue me, and deliver me.
Glory Be to the Father…

Grant to Your Church, we beseech You, almighty God, that, united by the Holy Spirit, she may in no way be harmed by any assault of the enemy.
Through our Lord… eiusdem

Weekly Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful
and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

℣ Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
℟ And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.
O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Weekly Formation

Commandment 5

The Ten Commandments

Thou shalt not kill.
The Fifth Commandment protects human life because every person is made by God and belongs ultimately to Him. It forbids unjust killing and deliberate injury, and it also condemns hatred, revenge, and conduct that recklessly endangers oneself or another.

Saint & Feast

Principal celebrationCalendar title

Ember Friday within the Octave of Pentecost

A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.

Commemoration

Mary Magdalen de Pazzi

St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Virgin

Italian Carmelite mystic and saint (1566-1607)

Born: 1566-04-02 · Florence
Died: 1607-05-25 · Florence

Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi, OCarm, was an Italian Carmelite nun and mystic. She has been declared a saint by the Catholic Church.

Learn more about Mary Magdalen de Pazzi

Customs & Fasting

Traditional fast · Complete abstinence

Traditional Pentecost Ember Friday fast and complete abstinence.

Today in Church History

Battle of Monte Porzio (1167)
1167Event
The Battle of Monte Porzio marked a significant conflict during the struggle for papal authority, where Pope Alexander III's forces faced defeat against the imperial army. This event underscored the tensions between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire, shaping the political landscape of the Church in the 12th century.
In times of struggle, the Church's reliance on divine guidance remains paramount.
Coronation of Charles X in Reims Cathedral
1825Event
The coronation of Charles X in 1825 marked the last royal anointing in France, highlighting the historic relationship between the French monarchy and the Catholic Church. This event underscored the Church's role in legitimizing royal authority through sacramental rites.
The intertwining of faith and governance reminds us of the divine authority that guides earthly rulers.
Pope John Paul II's Historic Visit to Canterbury Cathedral
1982Event

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out abundantly, fulfilling Christ's Passover and fully revealing the Holy Trinity. Since that day, the Kingdom announced by Christ has been open to those who believe in him, who already share in the communion of the Trinity through faith. The Spirit’s first gift is God’s love, poured into our hearts; through this love our sins are forgiven and the baptized are restored to the divine likeness lost through sin. In our daily lives, let us receive this gift with gratitude and rely on the Spirit’s power, so that we may bear the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The more we renounce ourselves, the more we walk by the Spirit.

In the Catechism, we learn that the Church is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The mission of Christ and the Holy Spirit is brought to completion in the Church, drawing Christ’s faithful into communion with the Father in the Holy Spirit. The Church does not simply add to Christ’s mission; in her whole being and members, she is sent to announce, bear witness to, make present, and spread the mystery of communion with the Holy Trinity. Through the Church’s sacraments, Christ gives his Holy and sanctifying Spirit to the members of his Body, bringing forth new life in Christ according to the Spirit. As we reflect together, we can give thanks that the Spirit helps us in our weakness, leads us to Christ, and draws us toward deeper communion with God.

¶ 732

On that day, the Holy Trinity is fully revealed. Since that day, the Kingdom announced by Christ has been open to those who believe in him: in the humility of the flesh and in faith, they already share in the communion of the Holy Trinity. By his coming, which never ceases, the Holy Spirit causes the world to enter into the "last days," the time of the Church, the Kingdom already inherited though not yet consummated.

Today's Mass Readings

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

Ember Friday within the Octave of Pentecost

Understanding the Day

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Collect

Weekly Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit

Weekly Formation

Commandment 5

The Ten Commandments

Saint & Feast

Ember Friday within the Octave of Pentecost

Mary Magdalen de Pazzi

Customs & Fasting

Today in Church History

Battle of Monte Porzio (1167)

Coronation of Charles X in Reims Cathedral

Pope John Paul II's Historic Visit to Canterbury Cathedral

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today's Mass Readings

Baltimore Catechism No. 3