Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Time After Pentecost

Week

Week 19 of Time After Pentecost

Rank

Sunday or semidouble observance

This day falls in the Time after Pentecost, the long season of ordinary growth in the Church’s life after Easter. The celebration is ranked as a semidouble. In plain terms, that means it is a local or particular feast of importance but not among the highest solemnities; it is observed with special prayers, readings, and often a Mass or family devotion, while the regular weekday or Sunday cycle remains respected. There is no octave or vigil attached here, so the observance is contained to the day itself.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Ps 36:30-31
The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom, and his tongue utters what is right. The law of his God is in his heart. (Alléluia, alléluia.)
Ps 36:1
Be not vexed over evildoers, nor jealous of those who do wrong.
Glory Be to the Father…

O Lord Jesus Christ, model of true humility and its reward, we beseech Thee, that as Thou made blessed Francis one of Thy glorious imitators by his contempt for earthly honors, grant us to follow his example and to share in his glory.
Who livest…

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

Francis Borgia

St. Francis Borgia, Confessor

Grandee of Spain and Jesuit priest (1510–1572)

Born: 1510-10-28 · Gandia
Died: 1572-09-30 · Camere di San Ignazio

Francis Borgia was a Spanish Jesuit priest. The great-grandson of both Pope Alexander VI and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, he was Duke of Gandía and a grandee of Spain. After the death of his wife, Borgia renounced his titles and became a priest in the Society of Jesus, later serving as its third superior general. He was canonized on 20 June 1670 by Pope Clement X.

Learn more about Francis Borgia

Today in Church History

Council of Constantinople III Begins
680Council
The Third Council of Constantinople, the sixth ecumenical council, began on October 10, 680. It addressed the heresy of Monothelitism, affirming the doctrine of two wills in Christ.
The council's affirmation of Christ's two wills underscores the mystery of the Incarnation, inviting deeper reflection on the unity of Christ's divine and human natures.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

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.

The Catechism emphasizes the deep interconnection between faith, family, and society, highlighting that every institution is shaped by its understanding of humanity's purpose and destiny. While the Church does not align itself with political authority, it serves as a vital reminder of the dignity of the human person, urging political leaders to reflect on divine truth in their decisions. Within families, parents hold the sacred duty to educate their children in faith, fostering respect and obedience that cultivate harmony, while children are called to honor their parents in gratitude and support. Ultimately, both families and citizens are encouraged to advocate for justice and truth, recognizing that a society's health depends on its moral foundation rooted in respect for God and one another.

Today's Mass Readings

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