December 26, 2023, Feast of St. Stephen, Holy Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary: Today, on the Second day in the Octave of Christmas, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. His story comes from the Acts of the Apostles. Stoned outside the city wall of Jerusalem two years after the death of Christ, he died like his Master praying for his executioners. He was one of the seven deacons who helped the apostles; he was "filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit," and was "full of grace and strength." With Stephen, the Doctors of the Church emphasize the imitation of Christ even unto the complete gift of self. Stephen is usually pictured in deacon's vestments, holding the symbol of martyrdom, a palm branch. To be a witness is to be a martyr like Christ. By establishing the feast on the day after Christmas the Church draws an even closer comparison between the disciple and the Master. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You! St. Stephen, Pray for Us! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York