Today, the Church commemorates St. Leo the Great, one of the greatest Popes and Doctors of the Church. Known for his wisdom, courage, and deep faith, St. Leo defended the Church against heresies and guided Christians with powerful teachings about Christ’s divinity and humanity.
His leadership strengthened the unity of the Church during times of crisis, and his writings continue to inspire Catholics today.
Let us begin this day by asking for his intercession — that we too may live with the same courage, truth, and love for Christ that he so powerfully demonstrated.
Prayer of the Day
Prayer to St. Leo the Great
O God, who never allows the gates of hell to prevail against your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant her, we pray, that through the intercession of Pope St. Leo the Great,
she may stand firm in your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen
Mass Reading of the Day
Monday, November 10, 2025
Liturgical Color: White
Memorial of St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church
First Reading: Wisdom 1:1–7
Love justice, you who judge the earth;
think of the Lord in goodness
and seek Him in integrity of heart.
Because He is found by those who do not test Him,
and He manifests Himself to those who do not disbelieve Him.
For wisdom is a kindly spirit,
but will not acquit a blasphemer of his words;
because God is witness of his inmost self,
and a sure observer of his heart,
and a listener to his tongue.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1b–3, 4–6, 7–8, 9–10
Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
Gospel Reading: Luke 17:1–6
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur,
but woe to the one through whom they occur.
It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck
and he be thrown into the sea
than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
Be on your guard!
If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.”
Saint of the Day: St. Leo the Great (Pope and Doctor of the Church)
Feast Day: November 10
Born: c. 400 AD, Tuscany, Italy
Died: November 10, 461 AD, Rome
A Great Shepherd in a Time of Chaos
St. Leo the Great was a man born for a crisis. In the 5th century, when the Roman Empire was collapsing and heresies were tearing the Church apart, Leo rose to lead with strength and faith. As Pope, he defended the true teaching that Christ is both fully God and fully man — a truth essential to the faith.
One of the most famous moments of his life was when he personally met Attila the Hun, who was marching on Rome. Armed only with his faith and courage, Leo convinced the invader to turn back — saving the city without a single weapon raised.
He wrote profound letters and sermons that defined Church doctrine for centuries. His words earned him the title “Doctor of the Church” and the name “Leo the Great.”
His leadership, humility, and deep trust in God make him one of the most revered popes in Church history.
10 Facts About St. Leo the Great
- He was the first Pope officially called “the Great.”
- Served as Pope from 440 to 461 AD — one of the longest pontificates of early Christianity.
- Defended the Church against heresies like Pelagianism and Manichaeism.
- Authored the “Tome of Leo,” a defining statement on Christ’s two natures (human and divine).
- His teachings influenced the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD).
- Personally met Attila the Hun to negotiate peace for Rome.
- Strengthened the authority of the Papacy as a unifying force in the Church.
- Known for his eloquence and theological depth in homilies and letters.
- Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1754 by Pope Benedict XIV.
- His feast day, November 10th, celebrates his courage, faith, and defense of truth.
