The Church’s prayer today
United States Roman Calendar · Year C → Year A at Advent · Cycle II. Liturgical color: white or violet.
Scripture for the liturgy
2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27/Mk 3:20-21 (316) Day of Prayer options: Lectionary 947A-947E or 887-891.
These references follow the annual calendar, including permitted reading choices. Optional memorials ordinarily retain the weekday readings. Daily reading pages for this future year may not yet be published. Use these references with the USCCB Bible, or open the annual calendar.
The United States observes a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children; this observance is not a saint’s memorial. White or violet vestments may be used.
Devotion with a purpose of amendment
I admit that, to be truly devout to the Blessed Virgin, it is not absolutely necessary to be so holy as to avoid all sin, though that were to be wished; but one must at least (let it be well noted what I am about to say): First, be sincerely resolved to avoid at least all mortal sin, which outrages the Mother as well as the Son; Secondly, do violence to oneself to avoid sin; Thirdly, enroll in confraternities, recite the chaplet, the holy rosary, or other prayers, fast on Saturday, etc.
Make this prayer your own
AH my blessed Mother, not one sword only then, but as many swords as have been my sins have I added to your Heart. Ah Lady, no — not to you, who are innocent, but to me, guilty of so many crimes, are the punishments due. But since you have willed to suffer so much for me, ah, by your merits obtain for me a great sorrow for my sins, and patience in bearing the troubles of this life, which will always be light compared with what I deserve, since so many times I have deserved Hell. Amen.
St. Alphonsus de Liguori · The Glories of Mary · The First Sorrow, prayerOne faithful act
Resolve sincerely to avoid mortal sin and pray for the grace of contrition and amendment.
Prepare for ConfessionCalendar scope and local observance
Dates, ranks, and reading references follow the official calendar for the dioceses of the United States, with Ascension on Sunday. Diocesan, parish, patronal, and religious-family calendars may differ. Consult your parish for Mass schedules and obligations. The Marian meditation is a devotional aid accompanying the day.