Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the civil rights leader and activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observed on the third Monday of January each year, the holiday serves as a time for reflection, community service, and the celebration of Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement.

God our Creator, we give thanks to you, who alone have the power to impart the breath of life as you form each of us in our mother’s womb; grant, we pray, that we, whom you have made stewards of creation, may remain faithful to this sacred trust and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life. Amen.

Saint Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, “Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Saint Francis said that it took him 20 years to conquer his quick temper, but no one ever suspected he had that problem, so overflowing with good nature and kindness was his usual way of being. He is the patron saint of authors, deafness, journalists, and writers. Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us!