Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Advent

Week

Week 1 of Advent

Rank

Weekday

Advent is the four-week season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The Monday of Week 1 falls early in Advent, when Christians begin to turn from daily busyness toward expectant watchfulness and charity.

This day is classified as a "Greater Non-Privileged Feria," which in plain language means it is an ordinary weekday of the liturgical year with more importance than a simple feria but without the special observances attached to privileged ferias, solemnities, or feasts. There is no octave or vigil specific to this celebration beyond the regular Advent observances.

Daily Prayer

The Introit for this day has not yet been generated.

Weekly Prayer

Weekly prayer content will appear here once it is scheduled.

Weekly Formation

Obstinacy, Impenitence, and Charity

Sins Against the Theological Virtues

Obstinacy in sin
Obstinacy is the stubborn decision to remain attached to sin despite correction, grace, or clear knowledge of duty. It hardens the will against repentance and makes amendment increasingly difficult by turning a sinful choice into a settled refusal.
Final impenitence—refusal to repent
Final impenitence is perseverance in the refusal to repent until death. It is unforgiven not because God’s mercy is insufficient, but because forgiveness is knowingly rejected to the end and the will closes itself against the remedy God offers.

The Theological Virtues

Charity
Charity is the infused virtue by which God is loved above all things for His own sake and one’s neighbor is loved for God. It gives supernatural life to the other virtues by directing the whole person toward friendship with God and eternal union with Him.

Saint & Feast

Principal celebrationCalendar title

Monday of Week 1 of Advent

A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.

Commemoration

Saturninus

St. Saturninus, Martyr

3rd century founding Bishop of Toulouse

Born: 0300-01-01 · Patras
Died: 0257-00-00 · Tolosa

Saturnin of Toulouse was one of the "Apostles to the Gauls" sent out during the consulate of Decius and Gratus (250–251) to Christianise Gaul after the persecutions under Emperor Decius had all but dissolved the small Christian communities. Fabian sent out seven bishops from Rome to Gaul to preach the Gospel: Gatien to Tours, Trophimus to Arles, Paul to Narbonne, Saturnin to Toulouse, Denis to Paris, Austromoine to Clermont, and Martial to Limoges. His feast day is 29 November.

Today in Church History

No Church history reflection has been prepared for this date yet.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples as they devoted themselves to prayer, and he formed the Church in the life of prayer by teaching her and recalling Christ’s words (CCC 2623). The first Christian community devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers—a pattern of prayer founded on apostolic faith, authenticated by charity, and nourished in the Eucharist (CCC 2624). Our prayer is rooted in Scripture, especially the Psalms fulfilled in Christ, and blessing joins God’s gifts with our grateful response to him (CCC 2625-2627). In adoration, we humbly acknowledge God as our Creator and Savior. In petition, we recognize our need for God, ask forgiveness, and pray in hope as the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness (CCC 2628-2631). As we pray together, let us seek first the coming Kingdom, bring every need to the Father in Christ’s name, and remember that by prayer every baptized person works for the Kingdom’s coming (CCC 2632-2633).

Intercession is a vital aspect of Christian prayer, reflecting Jesus' role as our ultimate intercessor and the Holy Spirit’s advocacy for us before God. Since the time of Abraham, interceding for others demonstrates a heart aligned with God’s mercy, inviting families to pray not just for their own needs but also for the welfare of others, including those who may oppose them. The early Christian communities exemplified this spirit of intercession, emphasizing the importance of praying for all people, regardless of their status or actions. Likewise, thanksgiving should permeate our prayers, as seen in the Eucharist and the writings of St. Paul, encouraging families to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances, recognizing that every moment can be an opportunity to offer thanks to God.

Today's Mass Readings

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