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Saturday, December 26, 2026

Feast · Saint Stephen, the First Martyr

First Light for Saturday, December 26, 2026. You can scroll the whole Hour, or use Prayer space. Light is shorter.

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About today

The day after Christmas the Church keeps Stephen, the first martyr, who saw the heavens opened and prayed for those who stoned him. The octave will not let us separate the crib from the Cross. His feast is 26 December, the first blood after the first night, a deacon’s yes spoken in the street while the Child still sleeps. Ask today for a forgiveness as quick as his, and for a witness that does not wait until the feast is over.

Original – Prayer on Fire.

Saint Stephen, the First Martyr — Choose how you want to pray this hour:

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening

Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Psalm I

Antiphon

Peace on earth — the Most High has taken our flesh.

Psalm 95 (94):1–3

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Psalm

Come, let us exult in the Lord. Let us shout joyfully to God, our Savior. Let us anticipate his presence with confession, and let us sing joyfully to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Antiphon

Peace on earth — the Most High has taken our flesh.

First Reading

Acts 6:8–10; 7:54–59

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Then Stephen, filled with grace and fortitude, wrought great signs and miracles among the people. But certain ones, from the synagogue of the so-called Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those who were from Cilicia and Asia rose up and were disputing with Stephen. But they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then, upon hearing these things, they were deeply wounded in their hearts, and they gnashed their teeth at him. But he, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and gazing intently toward heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” Then they, crying out with a loud voice, blocked their ears and, with one accord, rushed violently toward him. And driving him out, beyond the city, they stoned him. And witnesses placed their garments beside the feet of a youth, who was called Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then, having been brought to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his murder.

Intentions

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Shared by the community

For Mary and Dewey as they prepare for their upcoming wedding, may the Holy Spirit be with them and help grow their love for one another through Holy Matrimony.

R. Lord, have mercy.

For the poor and the forgotten, that Christ’s friends may serve them with joy.

R. Lord, have mercy.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Closing prayer

Father of glory, you raised the lowly and crowned your saints. On this Saint Stephen, the First Martyr, keep us faithful until you gather us into the same joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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