Catholic Missal of the day: Sunday, April 26 2026

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts of the Apostles

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: "You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
Therefore let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified."
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, "What are we to do, my brothers?"
Peter (said) to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.
For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call."
He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.

Psalms

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul. 
He guides me in right paths
for His names's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.

First Letter of Peter

But what credit is there if you are patient when beaten for doing wrong? But if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John

Jesus said: "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."
Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came (before me) are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

St. Raphael Arnáiz Barón(Trappist Monk (1911-1938))

SAINT RAPHAEL ARNÁIZ BARÓNTrappist Monk (1911-1938) Raphael Arnáiz Barón was born in Burgos, Spain, on April 9, 1911, to a prominent and devout family. He was baptized and confirmed in Burgos and began his schooling at the city's Jesuit college. In 1919, he received first Holy Communion. Colibacillosis and persistent fevers forced Raphael to postpone his studies. He attributed his recovery to the special intervention of Holy Mother Mary. Therefore, Raphael's father consecrated him to the Virgin of Pilar in Zaragoza. This experience took place in the late summer of 1921 and profoundly affected Raphael. When the family moved to Oviedo, Raphael continued secondary schooling with the Jesuits and obtained a diploma in science. He afterward enrolled at the School of Architecture in Madrid. He adhered to a schedule, which maximized his professional and spiritual life. Raphael possessed a brilliant and eclectic mind, a deep sense of friendship and fine features. He was blessed with a happy and jovial nature, was athletic, artistic and appreciated music and theatre. As he matured, his spiritual experience of Christianity deepened. Despite his demanding schedule, Raphael made daily visits to the Blessed Sacrament at the Chapel of Caballero de Gracia. He even joined the Nocturnal Adoration Association and faithfully stood vigil before the Blessed Sacrament. He was disposed to listening, and thereby discerned God's invitation to religious life. Raphael had been in contact with the Trappist monastery of San Isidro de Dueñas and felt drawn to them. In December of 1933, he suddenly broke off his professional studies. On January 16, 1934, he entered the monastery of San Isidro. The first months of his noviciate was during Lent. He readily embraced all the austerities of Trappist life. Raphael mysteriously participated in the Cross when he was seized by sudden and painful diabetes mellitus. He was forced to leave the monastery and receive medical care. Barely recovered, Raphael returned to the monastery, but his illness forced him to leave for treatment again and again. He faithfully and generously responded to God's call, lovingly accepted the mystery of the Cross and kept a tender and filial devotion to the Virgin Mary. Raphael passed at 27 years old on April 26, 1938. He was buried at the monastery's cemetery, and later at the Abbey church. His life and many spiritual writings were collected and submitted for the causes for saints. He has been described as one of the great mystics of the twentieth century. On August 19, 1989, World Youth Day, Pope John Paul II, proposed Raphael Arnáiz Barón as a model for young people. He beatified Raphael on September 27, 1992.St. Raphael was canonized on October 11, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI. He was presented as a friend and intercessor for young people.

St. Cletus(Pope and Martyr († c. 88))

SAINT CLETUS Pope and Martyr (+ c. 88) Saint Cletus was the third bishop of Rome. He succeeded St. Linus, who was martyred. He was among St. Peter's first disciples. The circumstances of St. Cletus' life hint at his eminent virtue. He presided for twelve years, from 76 to 88. He ordained priests, and the record is one of the earliest manuscripts describing holy orders. The canon of the Roman Mass, Bede and other martyrologists style St. Cletus as a martyr. He was buried near St. Linus in the Vatican; and his relics remain there to this day.

St. Marcellinus(Pope and Martyr († 304))

SAINT MARCELLINUS Pope and Martyr ( 304) St. Marcellinus succeeded St. Coins as bishop of Rome in 296. During that era, Emperor Diocletian claimed he was divine and persecuted the Church. Knowing that confessing Christ meant his end, Pope Marcellinus gave the example of Christian love. According to tradition, he asked St. Joseph for serenity and consecrated himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was martyred one year after the persecution began in 303. Pope Marcellinus sat in St. Peter's chair for eight years, three months and 25 days. He guarded the Church against heresies and persecutions. He is among the first 31 popes, 28 of whom were martyred.

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Category: Mass by Year / Catholic Missal 2026 / Catholic Missal of april 2026