Project BLACK MAMBA: Octave of the Nativity, Late

'Tis the Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr & Deacon (died circa 36): Martyr-link ūnus, Martyr-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Saint Stephen's Day.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Saint Stephen was one of the first ordained deacons of the Church. He was also the first Christian martyr. He is the patron saint of altar servers, bricklayers, casket makers, & deacons.

Scripture of This Day
Mass Readings—Feast of St. Stephen
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter six, verses eight, nine, & ten & chapter seven, verses fifty-four thru fifty-nine;
Psalm Thirty-one, verses three(c/d) & four, six & eight(a/b), & sixteen(b/c) & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter ten, verses seventeen thru twenty-two.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today we celebrate the martyrdom of St. Stephen. The Gospel tells us to expect persecution. Martyrs like Stephen are witnesses who have given their lives for the faith, participating in the bloody death of Jesus himself. They are part of the great chorus that gives praise to Christ in heaven. The Lamb has become their shepherd, leading them to springs of life-giving water.

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." This is an eschatological hope, one held out for us in God’s definitive future. But a terrible price was paid, and a terrible war was waged. Their robes are washed clean, but in the blood of the Lamb. Please notice the presence of martyrdom up and down the ages, to the present day. The twentieth was the Christian century with the most martyrs ever, in fact more than all the other centuries combined. The most persecuted religion on planet earth today is Christianity. St. Stephen, pray for us!

Video reflection by Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel, S.T.D.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
The Popish Plot—Taco Tuesday: "The Feast of St. Stephen"

'Tis also the festival of Saint Dionysius, Pope (died 268), twenty-fifth Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Zosimus, Pope (died 418), forty-first Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Pontiff.

Saint Quote o' the Day
From "Heroes' Words" in 54-Day Basic Training in Holiness by Father Richard Heilman:

"Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him & if they were to allow His grace to mold them accordingly."
—St. Ignatius of Loyola (31 July)