Feast day · December 28
The Holy Innocents
Martyrs
“A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children.”
The children of Bethlehem killed by Herod, honored as martyrs who died for Christ before they could speak.
The story
Herod, told by the Magi of a newborn king, ordered every boy in Bethlehem two and under killed (Mt 2:16-18). The Church has honored them since the fifth century as martyrs "not in word but in deed." Their feast has become a day of prayer for the unborn and for children who suffer violence.
What Holy teaches
The world's powers still fear the Child. Every innocent life is precious to God.
Patronage
children, the unborn, foundlings.
Prayer
Holy Innocents, pray for the unborn, for children who suffer, and for the conversion of all who harm the little ones. Amen.
Want to go deeper on The Holy Innocents? Ask AskCatholic