June 18, 2026
A reading from
the holy Gospel according to Matthew 6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
‘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.’
“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
June 18, 2026
Saint Who?
Saints Who Studied Law
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Priest and martyr († 1622) Feast: April 24
Mark Rey was born in Sigmaringen, Germany, and was a gifted student in philosophy and law. He accepted an appointment to serve as tutor to a group of young nobles, whom he accompanied for six years as they traveled through major European cities. Mark also witnessed to them through his devotion, personal mortification, and generosity with the needy.
When he returned to Germany, he completed his legal studies and began working as a lawyer. People called him “the poor man’s lawyer” because of his willingness to stand up for the rights of the poor. His personal integrity and charity in speech raised the standard of behavior in the courts, but he eventually became discouraged by the widespread corruption he saw. He decided to leave the practice of law and become a Capuchin Franciscan.
After taking the name Fidelis, he served as guardian of multiple Franciscan communities and cared for the sick during an epidemic. Because of his gifts as a preacher, his superiors sent him on a preaching mission in Switzerland. Fidelis’ zealous sermons brought about many conversions but also earned him the hatred of Zwinglian Protestants. The bullet shot at him during Mass did not kill him, but an angry mob found him on a road the next day and made him a martyr.
Lord Jesus, show us how to protect the poor
and the defenseless.
Our newsletter for Sunday Mass
Sign up to receive resources every Wednesday to help you prepare for Sunday Mass:
- Insight into the day’s liturgical theme
- The Gospel
- A Meditation
- Suggested Prayer of the Faithful
MEDITATion
Hail Mary: Pondering the Mysteries of Love
Unlock the awesome power of this simple, foundational prayer.
Fathers Hofer and Nolan offer us a personal retreat encouraging meditation on the prayer that draws us closer to our Blessed Mother and serves as the basis for praying the Rosary.
144 p – 8 x 9.75 in – US $19.95
©Image : Christ on the Lake of Galilee, Jacopo Tintoretto (circle, 1518-1594), NGA, Washington D.C., USA. Photo Courtesy NGA Washington.
