December 26 – Saint Stephen

Loving God, Saint Stephen was one of the first deacons in the Church.  The Apostles ordained him with six others because they needed ministers who would oversee the needs of the poor and the widowed.  His holiness was so evident that when he preached to his enemies, his face glowed brightly like an angel’s.  I ask him to pray for those who have been called to a life of service as ordained deacons.  O Lord, help them to be a sign of Your love in their parishes and in the world where they live and work.  Bless them with a vision of their ministry that stirs them to passion and tireless effort.  Saint Stephen, pray for us.  Amen.

Quotes for Today

Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe (465-533)
Feast Day January 1
“On the Feast of Saint Stephen”

Yesterday we celebrated the birth in time of our eternal King. Today we celebrate the triumphant suffering of His soldier. Yesterday our king, clothed in his robe of flesh, left His place in the virgin’s womb and graciously visited the world. Today His soldier leaves the tabernacle of his body and goes triumphantly to heaven.”

The prayer above is from Terry Modica’s book Daily Prayers with the Saints.

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