Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Time After Pentecost

Week

Week 19 of Time After Pentecost

Rank

Feast

St. John Leonard, Confessor is celebrated in Ordinary Time (the season after Pentecost), a liturgical period focused on the growth of the Church in daily life and discipleship. No octave or vigil is prescribed here, so the observance is kept on the single calendar day without an extended eight-day celebration or required vigil liturgy.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Ecclus 42:15-16
At the Lord’s word were His works brought into being. As the rising sun is clear to all, so the glory of the Lord shines upon all His works.
Ps 95:1
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands.
Glory Be to the Father…

Commemoration St. Dionysius and companions
We who have received Your sacrament beseech You, Lord, that through the intercession of Your blessed Martyrs, Dionysius, Rusticus, and Eleutherius, we may profit unto an increase of eternal salvation.
Through our Lord…

Weekly Prayer

Weekly prayer content will appear here once it is scheduled.

Weekly Formation

Avarice or Greed and Generosity

The Way of Darkness

Avarice or Greed
Avarice is an excessive desire to possess or retain wealth and material goods. It makes possessions an end rather than a means, producing hardness toward those in need and tempting the soul toward dishonesty, anxiety, and neglect of spiritual goods.

The Way of Light

Generosity
Generosity readily uses possessions, time, ability, and attention for the good of others and the honor of God. It opposes avarice by keeping created goods in their proper role as means of service rather than objects that possess the heart.

Saint & Feast

Principal celebration

John Leonard

St. John Leonard, Confessor

Founder of the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca

Born: 1541-00-00 · Diecimo
Died: 1609-10-09 · Rome

John Leonardi, OMD was an Italian Catholic priest and the founder of the Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca.

Learn more about John Leonard

Commemoration

Denis

Sts. Denis, Bishop, Rusticus et Eleutherius, Martyrs

3rd-century Bishop of Paris and saint

Customs & Fasting

No traditional fast · Complete abstinence

Traditional Friday complete abstinence.

Today in Church History

Martyrdom of Priests in Zhengding, China (1937)
1937Martyrdom
In 1937, nine Catholic priests in Zhengding, China, were murdered for their courageous defense of the local population against the Japanese army. Their sacrifice exemplifies the commitment of the Church to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice, even at the cost of their lives.
The ultimate sacrifice of these priests inspires us to stand firm in our faith and protect those in need.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

In the journey of faith, family ties are vital but should not overshadow the unique divine calling each child receives from God, urging parents to support their children's spiritual vocations, including a life dedicated to Christ. Embracing discipleship means recognizing that all believers belong to God's family, and parents are encouraged to celebrate when a child feels called to the priesthood or consecrated life. Authority, whether in family or society, should be exercised as a service to others, promoting justice and the common good while respecting individual dignity and rights. By nurturing a spirit of responsibility and harmony, families can foster a culture of mutual respect and support, ultimately guiding each member to fulfill their God-given purpose in love and service.

The Catechism teaches that those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God and stewards of his gifts. Respect for legitimate authority includes loyal collaboration, as well as the right—and at times the duty—to offer just criticism when something harms human dignity or the good of the community (CCC 2238). Citizens are called to contribute to society in truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom, serving the common good through their roles in public life, including paying taxes and exercising the right to vote (CCC 2239-2240). More prosperous nations, to the extent they are able, are obliged to welcome foreigners seeking security and livelihood, while public authorities must respect the guest’s right to protection (CCC 2241). At the same time, conscience obliges citizens not to follow civil directives that contradict the moral order, fundamental human rights, or the Gospel: we must obey God rather than men (CCC 2242). Armed resistance to oppression is only legitimate when every strict condition named by the Catechism is met, including grave and prolonged violations of rights, exhaustion of other remedies, and a well-founded hope of success (CCC 2243). These teachings invite us to pray and reflect on how to serve the common good with respect, courage, justice, and fidelity to God.

Today's Mass Readings

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