Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Time After Pentecost

Week

Week 5 of Time After Pentecost

Rank

Sunday or semidouble observance

The Season: This celebration falls in the Time after Pentecost, the long portion of the Church year when we live out the mission of Christ and the growth of the Church. The prayers and readings at Mass during this season often focus on discipleship, the teaching authority of the Church, and Christian life in the world.

The Rank: “Semidouble” is an older liturgical classification still used in traditional calendars. In plain language, it means this feast is more important than a simple local commemoration but not as solemn as a major feast like Easter or Christmas. The Mass and Office have particular propers (texts) for the saint, though the surrounding weekday observances may continue with some elements retained.

Context and Importance: There is no octave or vigil attached here.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Mal 2:6
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with Me in peace, and in equity, and turned many away from iniquity.
Ps 77:1
Hearken, My people, to My teaching; incline your ears to the words of My mouth.
Glory Be to the Father…

O God, Who enabled blessed Irenaeus, Your Martyr and Bishop, to overcome heresy with true doctrine and to establish peace happily in the Church, grant, we beseech You, that Your people may be steadfast in holy religion, and give us Your peace in our times.
Through our Lord…

Weekly Prayer

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in Three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

I believe that Thy Divine Son became Man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.

Weekly Formation

Commandment 10

The Ten Commandments

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.
The Tenth Commandment governs desire for possessions and calls the heart to contentment and justice. It forbids wishing to obtain another’s goods wrongfully or resenting another’s prosperity, while still allowing honest work to improve one’s condition.

Saint & Feast

Principal celebration

Leo II

St. Leo II, Pope and Confessor

Leo II served as bishop of Rome from 682 until his death in 683.

Leo II served as bishop of Rome from 682 until his death in 683. He is venerated as a saint, and the traditional Roman calendar observes his feast on July 3.

Learn more about Leo II

Commemoration

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

Fifth Day Within the Octave of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles

anniversary

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul or Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is a liturgical feast in honor of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which is observed on 29 June. The celebration is of ancient Christian origin, the date selected being the anniversary of either their death or the translation of their relics.

Customs & Fasting

No traditional fast · Complete abstinence

Traditional Friday complete abstinence.

Today in Church History

Restoration of the Papal States (1849)
1849Event
In 1849, France intervened militarily in the Roman Republic, leading to the restoration of the Papal States. This event was significant as it reaffirmed the temporal power of the Pope and the Catholic Church in Italy during a time of rising nationalism and secularism.
The restoration of the Papal States reminds us of the importance of the Church's role in guiding society amidst political turmoil.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

In the Catholic tradition, the sacrament of Penance—also called conversion, confession, or reconciliation—is the sacrament through which forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred. Jesus gave his apostles the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive or retain sins. Through God’s merciful grace, those who have lost communion with God through sin can return to him. This sacrament includes repentance, confession of sins to a priest, the intention to make reparation, and the priest’s absolution. Its spiritual fruits include reconciliation with God and the Church, peace and serenity of conscience, spiritual consolation, and increased strength for the Christian battle. As we reflect together, we can ask God for the gift of conversion for ourselves and for others, trusting in his mercy and seeking to live more faithfully as disciples of Christ.

¶ 1486

The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance, or reconciliation.

¶ 1487

The sinner wounds God's honor and love, his own human dignity as a man called to be a son of God, and the spiritual well-being of the Church, of which each Christian ought to be a living stone.

Today's Mass Readings

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