December 26
The Feast of Saint Stephen the protomartyr, a man full of faith and the holy Spirit, who, being the first of the seven deacons whom the Apostles chose as cooperators in their ministry, was also the first of the Lord’s disciples to shed his blood in Jerusalem, bearing witness to Jesus, whom he claimed to see standing in glory at the Father’s right hand, and he was crushed with stones while praying for his persecutors.
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May Holy Mary and all the saints intercede to the Lord for us, that we may merit to be helped and saved by him who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
V. Precious in the sight of the Lord
R. Is the death of his holy ones.
V. May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. And may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in pace.
R. Amen
[To learn about praying this and other Martyrology entries, see this page.]
