Daily Readings

David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag.On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage.David asked him, “Where do you come from?”He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the ... read more

Today is the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop and Doctor of the Church. St. Francis' ardent love of God and souls, his great kindliness, rare wisdom and sure teaching made him exceptionally influential in bringing about conversions and in guiding souls in the spiritual life. He won back to the faith more ... read more

Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags.When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to relieve himself.David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave.David's servants said to ... read more

In the United States the Optional Memorial of St. Vincent of Saragossa (d. 304) is transferred from January 22 in the Universal Calendar to January 23. He was one of the greatest deacons of the Church. He was born in Huesca, Spain, suffered martyrdom in Valencia in the persecution under Diocletian. ... read more

When David and Saul approached(on David’s return after slaying the Philistine),women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul,singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums.The women played and sang:“Saul has slain his thousands,and David his ten thousands.”Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought:“They ... read more

January 22 is also the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the day established by the Church of penance for abortion, has been formally named as the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children." On this day (or January 23rd when January 22nd falls on a Sunday) your parish, school or religious ... read more

David spoke to Saul:"Let your majesty not lose courage.I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine."But Saul answered David,"You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him,for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth."David continued:"The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of ... read more

The Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Agnes (c. 304). St. Agnes, like St. Cecilia, is to be numbered among the most famous martyrs of Rome. When the Diocletian persecution was at its height, and when priests as well as laymen were apostatizing from the faith, Agnes, a girl of twelve, freely chose to die ... read more

The LORD said to Samuel:“How long will you grieve for Saul,whom I have rejected as king of Israel?Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way.I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem,for I have chosen my king from among his sons.”But Samuel replied:“How can I go?Saul will hear of it and kill me.”To ... read more

St. Fabian and St. Sebastian have always been paired together, with their names coupled in the ancient martyrologies, and still paired in the Litany of Saints. The Church today celebrates separate Optional Memorials for Sts. Fabian and Sebastian: ... read more

Samuel said to Saul:“Stop! Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.”Saul replied, “Speak!”Samuel then said: “Though little in your own esteem,are you not leader of the tribes of Israel?The LORD anointed you king of Israel and sent you on a mission, saying,‘Go and put the sinful Amalekites under a ban ... read more

The Roman Martyrology commemorates Sts. Marius (Maris), Martha, Audifax, and Abachum (d. 270), a group of Persian martyrs of the third century who died for the faith in Rome. ... read more

Today is Day One of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25. The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 is taken from Ephesians 4:4, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling." ... read more

The Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Anthony, Abbot (251-356) from the 3rd century. St. Anthony, the Father of the monastics, retired to the desert at about the age of eighteen in order to live in perfect solitude. Many heard about his ascetic life and came to join him in his hermitage, He laid the ... read more

The Roman Martyrology commemorates Pope St. Marcellus I (d. 309), who was elected Pope in 308, just at the time when the Emperor Diocletian had spent somewhat his first violence against the Church. In Rome he reorganized the Catholic hierarchy disrupted by the persecution. He was exiled and put to labor. He is considered a ... read more