Monday, February 23, 2026

Monday of the First Week of Lent

Lent

Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr memorial

Selected Mass Reading

Gospel — Matthew 25:31-46

And when the Son of man shall come in his majesty, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his majesty. And all nations shall be gathered together before him: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. Then shall the king say to them that shall be on his right hand: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me. Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry and fed thee: thirsty and gave thee drink? Or when did we see thee a stranger and took thee in? Or naked and covered thee? Or when did we see thee sick or in prison and came to thee? And the king answering shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me. Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty and you gave me not to drink. I was a stranger and you took me not in: naked and you covered me not: sick and in prison and you did not visit me. Then they also shall answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to thee? Then he shall answer them, saying: Amen: I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me. And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting.

Saints Memorialized Today

Polycarp Bishop of Smyrna, Christian minister, Theologian, Writer, Martyr, Apostolic Father 69–155

Saint Polycarp was born around AD 69, and spent his life in Smyrna in Asia Minor, where he became the faithful bishop of that flourishing Christian community. Ancient witnesses remembered him as a disciple of John the Apostle, a living link to the first generation who had known the Lord, and a steady shepherd in times of trial. His surviving Letter to the Philippians shows a pastor steeped in Scripture, urging believers to perseverance, holiness, and charity. Polycarp also sought peace in the Church: he traveled to Rome and spoke with Pope Anicetus about differing customs for the celebration of Easter. Though they did not adopt the same practice, they maintained full communion, offering a lasting example of unity without bitterness. In his old age, Polycarp sealed his witness with martyrdom, refusing to burn incense to the emperor. Condemned to the stake and finally killed by the sword, he blessed God for the grace to “share the cup of Christ.” He is venerated as a Church Father and martyr, and is honored as patron of Castagnola. His feast day is February 23.

Feast Days

Marta d'Astorga Martyr 300–300

Saint Marta d’Astorga is remembered as a Christian martyr from the third century, closely linked to the city of Astorga, where she was born. Though few details of her earthly life have come down to us, her witness endures in the Church’s memory: in a time when fidelity to Christ could demand everything, Marta offered the ultimate testimony. Tradition places both her birth and death in the year 300, underscoring how brief her life was and how swiftly her love for the Lord was sealed in sacrifice. Honored as a patron of Astorga, she remains a sign of steadfast faith for her people and for all who seek courage in trial. Her feast is kept on February 23.