Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Time After Pentecost

Week

Week 4 of Time After Pentecost

Rank

Feast

Sts. John and Paul, Martyrs, are celebrated within the Time after Pentecost, the long season of the liturgical year when the Church focuses on the growth of Christian life after the coming of the Holy Spirit. In plain terms, this feast is a “Double,” which historically means it has greater liturgical importance than a simple memorial — families can expect fuller prayers, antiphons, and sometimes a more elaborate Mass. There is no octave or vigil indicated here, so the observance is for the single day itself rather than an eight‑day extension or preparatory liturgy.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Ps 33:20-21
Many are the afflictions of the just; but out of them all will the Lord deliver them. The Lord keepeth all their bones, not one of them shall be broken.
Ps 33:2
I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be always in my mouth.
Glory Be to the Father…

We beseech You, almighty God, that on this feast-day we may have the double joy of celebrating blessed John and Paul, true brothers who obtained eternal glory through one faith and one martyrdom.
Through our Lord…

Weekly Prayer

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.

Weekly Formation

Commandment 9

The Ten Commandments

Thou shalt not covet another person’s spouse.
The Ninth Commandment guards purity and marital fidelity within the heart, where deliberate desires begin. It distinguishes an unwanted temptation from a chosen desire and forbids willingly entertaining thoughts that would violate another person or another marriage.

Saint & Feast

Principal celebration

John

Sts. John and Paul, Martyrs

4th-century Christian martyrs

John and Paul are saints who lived during the fourth century in the Roman Empire. They were martyred at Rome on 26 June. The year of their martyrdom is uncertain according to their Acts; it occurred under Julian the Apostate (361–363).

Learn more about John

Commemoration

Nativity of John the Baptist

Third Day of the Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

The Nativity of John the Baptist celebrates the birth of John as narrated in the Gospel of Luke.

The Nativity of John the Baptist celebrates the birth of John as narrated in the Gospel of Luke. The feast is observed on June 24, six months before Christmas in the liturgical calendar.

Customs & Fasting

No traditional fast · Complete abstinence

Traditional Friday complete abstinence.

Today in Church History

Reinstatement of Traditional Papal Election Laws
2007Papal
In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI reinstated the requirement that a candidate for the papacy must receive a two-thirds majority of votes from the cardinal electors. This decision reinforced the traditional practices of the Church and emphasized the importance of consensus in electing the Holy Father, reflecting the Church's commitment to unity and discernment in leadership.
The reinstatement of traditional voting practices calls us to seek unity and consensus in our own communities.
The Council of Pisa and the Election of Pope Alexander V
1409Schism Heresy
In 1409, the Council of Pisa attempted to resolve the Western Schism by electing Pope Alexander V, adding a third claimant to the papacy alongside Gregory XII and Benedict XIII. This event highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the Church during a time of division, ultimately leading to further disputes and the eventual resolution of the schism.
In times of division, the Church's commitment to unity and truth remains paramount.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

In the Catechism, Jesus’ call to conversion is foundational to the proclamation of God’s kingdom: repent and believe in the Gospel. This conversion begins in Baptism, where, through faith in the Gospel, we renounce evil, receive forgiveness of sins, and are given new life. Yet conversion remains an ongoing task for Christians and for the whole Church. It is more than outward observances; it calls for a sincere turning of the heart away from sin and back to God, with trust in his mercy and grace. St. Peter’s tears of repentance remind us of Jesus’ infinite mercy. In our daily family devotion, we can remember that God gives us the strength to begin anew, and that the Holy Spirit brings sin to light while giving our hearts grace for repentance and conversion.

The Catechism teaches that true interior penance is essential for Christians and can be expressed through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, fostering a relationship with oneself, God, and others. Daily conversion involves acts of reconciliation, concern for the marginalized, and accepting suffering, highlighting that taking up our cross daily is a vital part of our spiritual journey. The Eucharist plays a central role in sustaining this conversion, offering forgiveness and strength, while the liturgical seasons, such as Lent, provide special opportunities for deeper spiritual reflection and community charity. The parable of the prodigal son beautifully illustrates this journey of repentance, emphasizing God’s boundless mercy and the joy of returning to Him and the Church, inviting families to embrace these practices as pathways to renewal and deeper faith.

¶ 1433

Since Easter, the Holy Spirit has proved "the world wrong about sin," i.e., proved that the world has not believed in him whom the Father has sent. But this same Spirit who brings sin to light is also the Consoler who gives the human heart grace for repentance and conversion.

Today's Mass Readings

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